bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Multi-Sequence MRI Based Radiomics Nomogram for Prediction Expression of Programmed Death Ligand 1 in Thymic Epithelial Tumor
Authors: Shen Jie , Li Shuke , Zhang Lantian , Mu Xiaofei , Wu Feiyun , Zhang Wei , Yu Yue , He Jing , Gao Wen 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Immunotherapy is increasingly being utilized in the management of thymic epithelial tumors (TET). High expression levels of programmed death receptor 1 (PD-1) and its ligand 1 (PD-L1) have been observed in TET, suggesting their potential as prognostic indicators for disease progression and the effectiveness of immunotherapy in TET. We propose that the utilization of quantitative imaging biomarkers could potentially serve as an alternative surrogate for predicting the PD-L1 expression status in clinical decision-making assistance. A total of 124 patients with pathologically confirmed TET (57 PD-L1 positive, 67 PD-L1 negative) were retrospectively enrolled and allocated into training and validation cohorts in a ratio of 7:3. Radiomics features were extracted from T1-weighted, T2-weighted fat suppression, and apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) map images to establish a radiomics signature in the training cohort. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was conducted to develop a combined radiomics nomogram that incorporated clinical, conventional MR features, or ADC model for evaluation purposes. The performance of each model was compared using receiver operating characteristics analysis, while discrimination, calibration, and clinical efficiency of the combined radiomics nomogram were assessed. The radiomics signature, consisting of four features, demonstrated a favorable ability to predict and differentiate between PD-L1 positive and negative TET patients. The combined radiomics nomogram, which incorporates the peri-cardial invasion sign, ADC value, WHO classification, and radiomics signature, showed excellent performance (training cohort: area under the curve [AUC] = 0.903; validation cohorts: AUC = 0.894). The calibration curve and decision curve analysis further confirmed the clinical usefulness of this combined model. The decision curve analysis demonstrated the clinical utility of the integrated radiomics nomogram. The radiomics signature serves as a valuable tool for predicting the PD-L1 status of TET patients. Furthermore, the integration of radiomics nomogram enhances the personalized prediction capability.
Effect of immediate initiation of invasive ventilation on mortality in acute hypoxemic respiratory failure: a target trial emulation
Authors: Mellado-Artigas Ricard , Borrat Xavier , Ferreyro Bruno L , Yarnell Christopher , Hao Sicheng , Wanis Kerollos N , Barbeta Enric , Torres Antoni , Ferrando Carlos , Brochard Laurent 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Purpose:
Invasive ventilation is a fundamental treatment in intensive care but its precise timing is difficult to determine. This study aims at assessing the effect of initiating invasive ventilation versus waiting, in patients with hypoxemic respiratory failure without immediate reason for intubation on one-year mortality.
Methods:
Emulation of a target trial to estimate the benefit of immediately initiating invasive ventilation in hypoxemic respiratory failure, versus waiting, among patients within the first 48-hours of hypoxemia. The eligible population included non-intubated patients with SpO2/FiO2 ≤ 200 and SpO2 ≤97%. The target trial was emulated using the MIMIC-IV database which contains granular information about clinical status. The hourly probability to receive mechanical ventilation was continuously estimated. The hazard ratios for the primary outcome, one-year mortality, and the secondary outcome, 30-day mortality, were estimated using weighted Cox models with stabilized inverse probability weights used to adjust for measured confounding.
Results:
2996 patients fulfilled the inclusion criteria of whom 792 were intubated within 48 hours. Among the non-invasive support devices, the use of oxygen through facemask was the most common (75%). Compared to patients with the same probability of intubation but who were not intubated, intubation decreased the hazard of dying for the first year after ICU admission (HR 0.81 (95% CI 0.68–0.96, p = 0.018). Intubation was associated with a 30-day mortality HR of 0.80 (95% CI 0.64–0.99, p = 0.046).
Conclusion:
The initiation of mechanical ventilation in patients with acute hypoxemic respiratory failure reduced the hazard of dying in this emulation of a target trial.
Transcriptome analysis of Chinese cabbage at the initial stage of Plasmodiophora brassicae infection
Authors: Wang Huihui , Zhang Jing , Wang Yilian , Fang Bing , Ji Ruiqin , Ge Wenjie , Wang Xinlei , Zou Jiawei 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Clubroot disease is a widespread disease in China caused by the infection of Plasmodiophora brassicae (P. brassicae), which significantly reduces the yield of Chinese cabbage (Brassica rapa L. ssp. pekinensis). However, the molecular mechanism of Chinese cabbage’s resistance to clubroot dis-ease is still unclear. So, it is important to study the differentially expressed genes at the initial stage of P. brassicaeinfection. In this study, it was found that zoospores were firstly invaded hair roots on the 8th day after inoculating with 1×107 spores/mL P. brassicae. Transcriptome analysis found that the early interaction between Chinese cabbage and P. brassicae caused significant expression change of some genes, such as NBS-LRRs, pathogenesis-related protein, etc, which was verified by quantitative reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). Among them, we also found that peroxidase (POD), salicylic acid (SA) and jasmonic acid (JA) may be important signal molecules in the resistance to P. brassicaeinfection in Chinese cabbage. This study provides important clues for understanding the molecular mechanism of resistance to clubroot disease in Chinese cabbage.
­Decametric-scale buffering of climate extremes in forest understory within a riparian microrefugia: the key role of microtopography
Authors: Ogee Jerome , Walbott Marion , Barbeta Adrià , Corcket Emmanuel , Brunet Yves 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Riparian corridors often act as low-land climate refugia for temperate tree species in their southern distribution range. A plausible mechanism is the buffering of regional climate extremes by local physiographic and biotic factors. We tested this idea using a 3-year-long microclimate dataset collected along the Ciron river, a refugia for European beech (Fagus sylvatica) in southwestern France. Across the whole network, canopy gap fraction was the main predictor for spatial microclimatic variations, together with two other landscape features (elevation above the river and woodland fraction within a 300m radius). However, within the riparian forest only (canopy gap fraction < 25%, distance to the river < 150m), variations of up to -4°C and + 15% in summertime daily maximum air temperature and minimum relative humidity, respectively, were still found from the plateau to the cooler, moister river banks, only ~ 5-10m below. Elevation above the river was then identified as the main predictor, and explained the marked variations from the plateau to the banks much better than canopy gap fraction. The microclimate measured near the river is as cool but moister than the macroclimate encountered at 700-1000m asl further east in F. sylvatica's main distribution range. Indeed, at all locations, we found that air relative humidity was higher than expected from a temperature-only effect, suggesting that extra moisture is brought by the river. Our results explain well why beech trees in this climate refugium are restricted to the river gorges where microtopographic variations are the strongest and canopy gaps are rare.
Laser Sealing of Retinal Tear for the Treatment of Rhegmatogenous Retinal Detachment: a case report
Authors: Chen Sisi , Zhai Ming , Meng Bo , Wang Shaowei 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Background:The treatment of asymptomatic rhegmatogenous retinal detachment in clinical practice has not yet reached a consensus. We report here a successful case of asymptomatic rhegmatogenous retinal detachment treated with a single retinal laser directly acting around the retinal hole.
Case presentation:
An 18-year-old Chinese male was diagnosed with asymptomatic rhegmatogenous
retinal detachment(RRD). Physical examination revealed a small atrophic hole in the upper temporal periphery of the left retina. Shallow retinal detachment can be seen at the around 2-5 o'clock region near the hole but not in the macular area.Unlike traditional demarcation laser photocoagulation(DLP), we chose to directly focus laser light on the edge of the retinal hole. After a single laser treatment, the patient's retinal hole is closed and the retina was gradually reattached.
Conclusions:We report a novel treatment method for asymptomatic rhegmatogenous retinal detachment.In similar cases of this RRD, laser sealing of retinal tear is shown to be effective and necessary to determine its indications.
Identifying Clinical Screening for Major Depressive Disorder in Patients with Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension and the Role of SESTD1 in Pathogenic Process: Mendelian Randomization and Bioinformatics Analyses
Authors: luo lingyun , Li Zhi , Luo Xuelian , He Zhen , Tang Wanqiu 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Interpretation: Our findings enhance the understanding of the causal link between PAH and ten major mental illnesses, firmly establishing PAH as a distinct risk factor for MDD. Furthermore, our study highlights the potential pivotal role of SESTD1 in this pathophysiological process, offering valuable insights for drug intervention targets.

Background: Evidence from clinical studies suggests that pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is associated with psychiatric disorders. However, the causal association between PAH and major psychiatric disorders (MPD) remains unknown. Therefore, we aimed to elucidate the causal relationship between PAH and MPD from a genetic perspective.
Method: We used summary data about PAH, MPD, eQTL from genome-wide association studies (GWAS) of mostly European adults from Psychiatric Genomics Consortium, GWAS catalog and IEU OpenGWAS. We conducted bidirectional mendelian randomization (MR) analyses to explore whether PAH could be causally associated with ten MPD which include attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, Tourette syndrome, Alzheimer’s disease, anxiety disorder, autism spectrum disorder, bipolar disorder, eating disorders, major depressive disorder (MDD), post-traumatic stress disorder, and schizophrenia. We conducted sensitivity analyses to examine the MR assumptions. Bonferroni correction was also adopted to account for multiple comparisons. We obtained differentially expressed genes (DEGs) of PAH and conduct enrichment analyses from GSE113439 and GSE117261. We performed MR between DEGs of PAH and MDD.
Findings: Our study identified PAH as a risk factor for MDD (OR=1.003; 95% CI, 1.001-0.005; P=0.021), showing a consistent association without horizontal pleiotropy and heterogeneity. Additionally, we found that SESTD1, upregulated in the context of PAH, acts as a risk gene for MDD (OR=1.002; 95% CI, 1.000-1.004; P=0.03). Gene set enrichment analysis revealed enrichment in steroid biosynthesis, a hallmark of MDD.
Modification of risk for all-cause and cardiovascular disease-related mortality with changes in the body mass index in older individuals: A population-based cohort study
Authors: Chen Mei-Ju , Lai Yun-Ju , Chen Chu-Chieh , Yen Yung-Feng 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Background: Existing evidence evaluating the impact of change in body mass index (BMI) on the risk of all-cause and cardiovascular disease (CVD)-related mortality in older people is limited and inconsistent. This population-based cohort study evaluated the association of changes in BMI over time with all-cause and CVD-related mortality in older adults.
Methods: We recruited 55,351 adults aged over 65 years between 2006-2011 from Taipei Elderly Health Examination Program who underwentrepeated annual health examinations at 3.2 year-intervals and were followed-up for mortality over 5.5 years. Cox proportional hazard and Fine-Gray sub-distribution hazard models with death from non-CVD causes as the competing risk were used to determine the impact of changes in BMI status on the risk of all-cause or CVD-related mortality, respectively.
Results: Over 227,967 person-years of follow-up, 4,054 participants died, including 940 (23.2%) CVD-related deaths. After adjusting for other covariates, >10% decrease of BMI was significantly associated with a higher risk of all-cause (adjusted hazard ratio [AHR]= 1.93; 95%CI: 1.74-2.13) and CVD-related mortality (AHR= 1.96; 95%CI: 1.60-2.40), compared with stable BMI. Sensitivity analysis showed that a >10% decrease in BMI was significantly associated with a high risk of all-cause and CVD-related mortality in participants with normal weight, underweight, overweight, or obesity at baseline.
Conclusion: Older adults with >10% decrease in BMI are at high risk of all-cause and CVD-related mortality. Our findings suggest that older individuals experiencing a substantial reduction in BMI should undergo a thorough evaluation and seek treatment to minimize the risks associated with mortality.
Programmed cell death ligand 1 (PD-L1) inhibitors versus programmed cell death 1 (PD-1) inhibitors for the first-line therapy of extensive-stage small cell lung cancer: a propensity score-matched study
Authors: Tian Yaru , Lu Shuangqing , Sun Yulan , Tang Xiaoyong , Sun Zhuoran , Zhao Ke , Du Guochang , Li Wanjing , Zhu Hui 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Background
The clinical efficacy and safety differences between PD-L1 inhibitors and PD-1 inhibitors remain controversial for ES-SCLC. We conduct the retrospective study and propensity score-matched analysis to explore the potential differences between them.
Methods
Patients diagnosed with ES-SCLC and treated by EP plus PD-L1 or PD-1 inhibitors at Shandong Cancer Hospital between March 2019 and November 2022 were reviewed retrospectively. According to PD-L1 or PD-1 inhibitors, they were divided into two groups. Propensity score matching (PSM, 1:1) was performed to balance the baseline characteristics of the two groups. The primary endpoints were OS and PFS.
Results
As a result, 264 patients received PD-L1 inhibitors plus EP and 184 received PD-1 inhibitors plus EP. Before PSM, the median OS was 20.1 months in PD-L1 inhibitor plus EP group and 20.7 months in PD-1 inhibitor plus EP group, respectively (HR 1.043, 95%CI 0.776–1.401; p = 0.781). The median PFS was 7.6 and 8.5 months in the two groups (HR 1.099, 95%CI 0.886–1.364; p = 0.390). After PSM, the median OS and PFS were 20.4 and 7.8 months in PD-L1 inhibitor plus EP group, and those were 20.1 and 8.6 months in PD-1 inhibitor plus EP group. There was no significant difference in OS and PFS between the two groups in the matched population (HR 1.104; p = 0.578 and HR 1.072; p = 0.602, respectively). The overall adverse events were comparable in the two groups.
Conclusions
In conclusion, the overall efficacy and safety profile was similar between PD-L1 inhibitors and PD-1 inhibitors for the first-line treatment of ES-SCLC.
Syndromic case definitions for Lower Respiratory Tract Infection (LRTI) are less sensitive in older age: an analysis of symptoms among hospitalised adults
Authors: Kwiatkowska Rachel , Chatzilena Anastasia , King Jade , Clout Madeleine , McGuinness Serena , Maskell Nick , Oliver Jennifer , Challen Robert , Hickman Matthew , Finn Adam , Hyams Catherine , Danon Leon 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Background
Lower Respiratory Tract Infections (LRTI) pose a serious threat to older adults but may be underdiagnosed due to atypical presentations. Here we assess LRTI symptom profiles and syndromic (symptom-based) case ascertainment in older (≥65y) as compared to younger adults (<65y).
Methods
We included adults (≥18y) with confirmed LRTI admitted to two acute care Trusts in Bristol, UK from 1st August 2020- 31st July 2022. Logistic regression was used to assess whether age ≥65y reduced the probability of meeting syndromic LRTI case definitions, using patients’ symptoms at admission. We also calculated relative symptom frequencies (log-odds ratios) and evaluated how symptoms were clustered across different age groups.
Results
Of 17,620 clinically confirmed LRTI cases, 8,487 (48.1%) had symptoms meeting the case definition. Compared to those not meeting the definition these cases were younger, had less severe illness and were less likely to have received a SARS-CoV-2 vaccination or to have active SARS-CoV-2 infection. Prevalence of dementia/cognitive impairment and levels of comorbidity were lower in this group.
After controlling for sex, dementia and comorbidities, age ≥65y significantly reduced the probability of meeting the case definition (aOR=0.67, 95% CI:0.63-0.71). Cases aged ≥65y were less likely to present with fever and LRTI-specific symptoms (e.g., pleurisy, sputum) than younger cases, and those aged ≥85y were characterised by lack of cough but frequent confusion and falls.
Conclusions
LRTI symptom profiles changed considerably with age in this hospitalised cohort. Standard screening protocols may fail to detect older and frailer cases of LRTI based on their symptoms.
Wetland roots as soil reducers – Insights from a Wadden Sea salt-marsh study
Authors: Mittmann-Goetsch Julian , Wilson Monica , Jensen Kai , Mueller Peter 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

The redox potential in wetland soils exerts strong control over microbial decomposition and consequently carbon cycling. Wetland plants influence redox by supplying both terminal electron acceptors (i.e. oxygen) and electron donors (i.e. organic matter) to the soil. However, quantitative insight into plant effects on wetland soil redox are scarce. We investigated plant effects on soil reduction using IRIS (Indicator of Reduction in Soils) sticks. Vegetated and unvegetated treatments were created along salt-marsh flooding gradients both in a mesocosm facility and in situ. We show that the presence of plants resulted in both increased and decreased soil reduction compared to non-vegetated controls in the mesocosm study and that the direction of the plant effect (i.e. reducing versus oxidizing) depended on the background redox conditions observed in non-vegetated controls. When background soil reduction was high, plants tended to act as net oxidizers, whereas under more oxidizing conditions plants acted as net reducers of the soil. High-resolution oxygen profiling via planar optode imaging further supported these findings. Plant effects on soil reduction in the field study were negative across all elevational zones. We attribute this effect to the comparably well aerated soils of Wadden Sea salt marshes. Reduction correlated positively with belowground biomass, indicating that a higher availability of plant-derived electron donors increased soil reduction. Challenging the dominant paradigm that wetland plants primarily act as soil oxidizers, our study reveals their potential to exert a net reducing effect.
Heterarchical modelling of comminution for rotary mills: Part II --- Particle crushing with segregation and mixing
Authors: Bisht Mukesh Singh , Guillard François , Shelley Paul , Marks Benjy , Einav Itai 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

In granular media, the crushing of individual particles is influenced by the number of contacts with neighbouring particles. This well-known phenomenon of ''cushioning'' shields the individual particles from crushing when the number of contacts is high. However, in open systems that involve extensive granular flow and bulk motion, like those found in industrial mills, the neighbouring particles continually exchange positions due to segregation and mixing, thereby altering the number of neighbouring contacts and their sizes, affecting the crushing of individual particles. Therefore, a critical challenge for properly modelling comminution in such systems lies in tracking the fluxes of the various particle size classes. Here, we explore the physics that governs the mechanisms of segregation and mixing within the multiscale heterarchical modelling paradigm. Building upon the framework developed in Part I, which integrated the heterarchical aspects of the physics of crushing along streamlines, we further account for segregation and mixing, and demonstrate their impact on the comminution efficiency of autogenous grinding mills. In particular, segregation is shown to greatly enhance the extent of particle crushing within the mill. Accordingly, we posit that this mechanism cannot be ignored. In summary, the new model sheds light on previously obscured dynamics within industrial mills, as well as enables the field to predict the time evolution of the particle size distribution at any point in the mill domain. This modelling capability opens the doors to new developments for estimating and improving milling efficiencies.
Assessing the Preparedness of Nurses Against the Possible Outbreak of Pandemic Diseases: An Exploratory Study
Authors: Minehmorad Milad , Nemati-Vakilabad Reza , Badpeyma Mohammad , Mirzaei Alireza 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Background and purpose:Nurses play a critical role in managing pandemics. They require adequate training, proper equipment, and organizational support to be well-prepared. This research study aims to explore the level of preparedness of Iranian nurses in dealing with pandemics. Additionally, the study will identify ways to improve and strengthen their preparedness.Method:From July to September 2023, a study was conducted in Ardabil, Iran. The study involved 233 nurses from five different hospitals. A paper-based form was used to collect data, which included demographic characteristics and the level of pandemic preparedness in health services. Descriptive statistics were used to examine the demographic characteristics and pandemic preparedness levels. Pearson's test was conducted to determine the relationship between the dimensions of pandemic preparedness.Results:Most participants relied on clinical measures and supported using HR and environmental methods to curb the transmission of a pandemic. They felt assured in their ability to explain the preventive measures against the pandemic. However, fewer respondents had access to healthcare improvement programs, and only a few worked remotely from home.Conclusion:To improve nurses' readiness for pandemics, training should focus on raising awareness of the learning environment, developing a professional attitude, effective evaluations, constructive feedback, autonomous learning, appropriate educational methods, and satisfactory clinical professors. These measures enhance preparedness and improve patient care.