bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The role of conventional echocardiographic parameters on detecting subclinical anthracycline therapy related cardiac dysfunction—The SATRACD study
Authors: Zhang Wanzhu , Azibani Feriel , Libhaber Elena , Nankabirwa Joaniter , Okello Emmy , Kayima James , Ssinabulya Isaac , Sliwa Karen 
Published: November 2022

BackgroundSubclinical anthracycline therapy related cardiac dysfunction (ATRCD) can be detected with speckle tracking echocardiographic image (STE), which is not widely available in Uganda. We aimed to investigate the role of the two conventional echocardiographic parameters [mitral annular plane systolic excursion (MAPSE) and mitral annular peak systolic tissue Doppler velocity (S’)] on diagnosing subclinical ATRCD.Method and results207 cancer patients who underwent anthracycline based chemotherapy were recruited at baseline and followed up until 6 months after ending anthracycline therapy. Comprehensive echocardiographic data were collected at each visit. Global longitudinal strain (GLS) by STE was used as the gold standard diagnostic test to define the case of subclinical ATRCD. Data of the 200 patients who had no evidence of clinical ATRCD were analyzed. One hundred and seventy-two (86.0%) were female, with a median age of 42 years and 47 (23.5%) patients were diagnosed with subclinical ATRCD at the end of anthracycline therapy by GLS criteria. The area under the curve (AUC), cutoff point, sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), and negative predictive value (NPV) of reduction of MAPSE (ΔMAPSE) were 0.6736 (95% CI: 0.5885, 0.7587), ≥ 2 mm, 74.5% (95% CI: 59.7%, 86.1%), 54.9% (95% CI: 46.7%, 63.0%), 33.7% (95% CI: 24.7%, 43.6%), and 87.5% (95% CI: 79.2%, 93.4%). The AUC, cutoff point, sensitivity, specificity, PPV, and NPV of reduction of S’ (ΔS’) were 0.6018 (95% CI: 0.5084, 0.6953), ≥ 0.5 cm/s, 61.7% (95% CI: 46.4%, 75.5%), 52.7% (95% CI: 44.4%, 60.9%), 29.0% (95% CI: 20.4%, 38.9%), and 76.1% (95% CI: 72.4%, 88.6%). When ΔMAPSE and ΔS’ are used as parallel test, the net sensitivity and specificity is 89.4% and 28.8%, respectively, the net PPV and NPV is 27.8% and 90.0%, respectively.ConclusionThe ΔMAPSE and ΔS’ showed fairly good accuracy, sensitivity and NPV to detect subclinical ATRCD in Ugandan cancer patients. These conventional echocardiographic parameters may serve as screening tools for detecting subclinical ATRCD in resource limited settings.
Personalised depression forecasting using mobile sensor data and ecological momentary assessment
Authors: Kathan Alexander , Harrer Mathias , Küster Ludwig , Triantafyllopoulos Andreas , He Xiangheng , Milling Manuel , Gerczuk Maurice , Yan Tianhao , Rajamani Srividya Tirunellai , Heber Elena , Grossmann Inga , Ebert David D. , Schuller Björn W. 
Published: November 2022

IntroductionDigital health interventions are an effective way to treat depression, but it is still largely unclear how patients’ individual symptoms evolve dynamically during such treatments. Data-driven forecasts of depressive symptoms would allow to greatly improve the personalisation of treatments. In current forecasting approaches, models are often trained on an entire population, resulting in a general model that works overall, but does not translate well to each individual in clinically heterogeneous, real-world populations. Model fairness across patient subgroups is also frequently overlooked. Personalised models tailored to the individual patient may therefore be promising.MethodsWe investigate different personalisation strategies using transfer learning, subgroup models, as well as subject-dependent standardisation on a newly-collected, longitudinal dataset of depression patients undergoing treatment with a digital intervention (N=65 patients recruited). Both passive mobile sensor data as well as ecological momentary assessments were available for modelling. We evaluated the models’ ability to predict symptoms of depression (Patient Health Questionnaire-2; PHQ-2) at the end of each day, and to forecast symptoms of the next day.ResultsIn our experiments, we achieve a best mean-absolute-error (MAE) of 0.801 (25% improvement) for predicting PHQ-2 values at the end of the day with subject-dependent standardisation compared to a non-personalised baseline (MAE=1.062). For one day ahead-forecasting, we can improve the baseline of 1.539 by 12% to a MAE of 1.349 using a transfer learning approach with shared common layers. In addition, personalisation leads to fairer models at group-level.DiscussionOur results suggest that personalisation using subject-dependent standardisation and transfer learning can improve predictions and forecasts, respectively, of depressive symptoms in participants of a digital depression intervention. We discuss technical and clinical limitations of this approach, avenues for future investigations, and how personalised machine learning architectures may be implemented to improve existing digital interventions for depression.
Treatment patterns and unmet needs in adults with classic congenital adrenal hyperplasia: A modified Delphi consensus study
Authors: Auchus Richard J. , Courtillot Carine , Dobs Adrian , El-Maouche Diala , Falhammar Henrik , Lacroix Andre , Farrar Mallory , O’Donoghue Conor , Anatchkova Milena , Cutts Katelyn , Taylor Natalie , Yonan Chuck , Lamotte Mark , Touraine Philippe 
Published: November 2022

BackgroundClassic congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) due to 21-hydroxylase deficiency is a rare autosomal recessive condition characterized by cortisol deficiency and excess androgen production. The current standard of care is glucocorticoid (GC) therapy, and sometimes mineralocorticoids, to replace endogenous cortisol deficiency; however, supraphysiologic GC doses are usually needed to reduce excess androgen production. Monitoring/titrating GC treatment remains a major challenge, and there is no agreement on assessment of treatment adequacy. This study surveyed expert opinions on current treatment practices and unmet needs in adults with classic CAH.MethodsA modified two-round Delphi process with adult endocrinologists was conducted via online questionnaire. Survey questions were organized into three categories: practice characteristics/CAH experience, GC management, and unmet needs/complications. Anonymized aggregate data from Round 1 were provided as feedback for Round 2. Responses from both rounds were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Consensus was defined a priori as: full consensus (100%, n=9/9); near consensus (78% to &lt;100%, n=7/9 or 8/9); no consensus (&lt;78%, n&lt;7/9).ResultsThe same nine panelists participated in both survey rounds; five (56%) were based in North America and four (44%) in Europe. Most panelists (78%) used hydrocortisone in the majority of patients, but two (22%) preferred prednisone/prednisolone. Panelists agreed (89%) that adequate control is best evaluated using a balance of clinical presentation and androgen/precursor laboratory values; no consensus was reached on optimal timing of collecting samples for androgen testing or laboratory values indicating good control. Despite lack of consensus on many aspects of CAH management, panelists agreed on the importance of many disease- and GC-related complications, and that there is a large unmet need for new treatments. With currently available treatments, panelists reported that 46% of classic CAH patients did not have optimized androgen levels, regardless of GC dose.ConclusionsThe limited areas of consensus obtained in this study reflect the variability in treatment practices for adults with classic CAH, even among clinicians with expertise in treating this population. However, all panelists agreed on the need for new treatments for classic CAH and the importance of many disease- and GC-related complications, which are difficult to manage with currently available treatments.
Including phylogenetic conservatism of shortgrass prairie restoration species does not improve species germinability prediction
Authors: Chen Yanni , Schwilk Dylan W. , Cox Robert D. , Johnson Matthew G. 
Published: November 2022

PremiseWe investigated whether phylogenetic conservatism can improve the performance of seed germinability prediction models. Previous studies in tallgrass prairie and alpine meadow revealed that seed morphological traits demonstrate phylogenetic conservatism. We hypothesized that phylogenetic conservatism in seed traits could help predict the seed germinability, under the assumption that seed traits contain phylogenetic signals.MethodsWe measured seed germination percentage and seed morphological traits (seed mass, seed height, and seed surface area) on 34 native species from shortgrass prairie in North America. We supplemented these data with similar data from the literature on 11 more species. We calculated the robustness of the phylogenetic signal of each trait to the number of species sampled. We also compressed the phylogenetic distance matrix to a two-dimensional space, and applied the Akaike information criterion to evaluate the effects of phylogeny on seed germinability prediction models.Key resultsWe found weak but significant phylogenetic signals in seed mass and seed height in the full data set. These phylogenetic signals were not able to improve seed germinability prediction model performance among shortgrass prairie species. Our robustness tests of phylogenetic signals using random sub-sampling showed that the detection rate of phylogenetic signals in seed mass was increased along with the expansion of species pool, and nearly 100% at 40 species. However, the detection rate of phylogenetic signals in seed height was constantly low, around 20%.ConclusionWhen the phylogenetic signals are weak, the phylogenetic position does not improve germinability prediction model performance. Therefore, phylogenetic signals detected during a single species pool calculation may not accurately reflect the phylogenetic conservatism of the trait in a plant community. We suggest testing for robustness of phylogenetic signals using random sub-sampling tests.
Temporal transcriptome of tomato elucidates the signaling pathways of induced systemic resistance and systemic acquired resistance activated by Chaetomium globosum
Authors: Singh Jagmohan , Aggarwal Rashmi , Bashyal Bishnu Maya , Darshan K. , Meena Bharat Raj , Yadav Jagdish , Saharan M. S. , Hussain Zakir 
Published: November 2022

C. globosum is an endophytic fungus, which is recorded effective against several fungal and bacterial diseases in plants. The exclusively induce defense as mechanism of biocontrol for C. globosum against phyto-pathogens is reported. Our pervious study states the effectiveness of induced defense by C. globosum (Cg), in tomato against Alternaria solani. In this study the temporal transcriptome analysis of tomato plants after treatment with C. globosum was performed for time points at 0 hpCi, 12 hpCi, 24 hpCi and 96 phCi. The temporal expression analysis of genes belonging to defense signaling pathways indicates the maximum expression of genes at 12 h post Cg inoculation. The sequential progression in JA signaling pathway is marked by upregulation of downstream genes (Solyc10g011660, Solyc01g005440) of JA signaling at 24 hpCi and continued to express at same level upto 96 hpCi. However, the NPR1 (Solyc07g040690), the key regulator of SA signaling is activated at 12 h and repressed in later stages. The sequential expression of phenylpropanoid pathway genes (Solyc09g007920, Solyc12g011330, Solyc05g047530) marks the activation of pathway with course of time after Cg treatment that results in lignin formation. The plant defense signaling progresses in sequential manner with time course after Cg treatment. The results revealed the involvement of signaling pathways of ISR and SAR in systemic resistance induced by Cg in tomato, but with temporal variation.
Immune mechanism of low bone mineral density caused by ankylosing spondylitis based on bioinformatics and machine learning
Authors: Zhang Ding , Liu Jia , Gao Bing , Zong Yuan , Guan Xiaoqing , Zhang Fengyi , Shen Zhubin , Lv Shijie , Guo Li , Yin Fei 
Published: November 2022

Background and Objective: This study aims to find the key immune genes and mechanisms of low bone mineral density (LBMD) in ankylosing spondylitis (AS) patients.Methods: AS and LBMD datasets were downloaded from the GEO database, and differential expression gene analysis was performed to obtain DEGs. Immune-related genes (IRGs) were obtained from ImmPort. Overlapping DEGs and IRGs got I-DEGs. Pearson coefficients were used to calculate DEGs and IRGs correlations in the AS and LBMD datasets. Louvain community discovery was used to cluster the co-expression network to get gene modules. The module most related to the immune module was defined as the key module. Metascape was used for enrichment analysis of key modules. Further, I-DEGs with the same trend in AS and LBMD were considered key I-DEGs. Multiple machine learning methods were used to construct diagnostic models based on key I-DEGs. IID database was used to find the context of I-DEGs, especially in the skeletal system. Gene–biological process and gene-pathway networks were constructed based on key I-DEGs. In addition, immune infiltration was analyzed on the AS dataset using the CIBERSORT algorithm.Results: A total of 19 genes were identified I-DEGs, of which IFNAR1, PIK3CG, PTGER2, TNF, and CCL3 were considered the key I-DEGs. These key I-DEGs had a good relationship with the hub genes of key modules. Multiple machine learning showed that key I-DEGs, as a signature, had an excellent diagnostic performance in both AS and LBMD, and the SVM model had the highest AUC value. Key I-DEGs were closely linked through bridge genes, especially in the skeletal system. Pathway analysis showed that PIK3CG, IFNAR1, CCL3, and TNF participated in NETs formation through pathways such as the MAPK signaling pathway. Immune infiltration analysis showed neutrophils had the most significant differences between case and control groups and a good correlation with key I-DEG.Conclusion: The key I-DEGs, TNF, CCL3, PIK3CG, PTGER2, and IFNAR1, can be utilized as biomarkers to determine the risk of LBMD in AS patients. They may affect neutrophil infiltration and NETs formation to influence the bone remodeling process in AS.
Abnormal expression of TSG-6 disturbs extracellular matrix homeostasis in chondrocytes from endemic osteoarthritis
Authors: Ning Yujie , Zhang Pan , Zhang Feiyu , Chen Sijie , Liu Yanli , Chen Feihong , Wu Yifan , Li Shujin , Wang Chaowei , Gong Yi , Hu Minhan , Huang Ruitian , Zhao Hongmou , Guo Xiong , Wang Xi , Yang Lei 
Published: November 2022

Background and aims: Kashin-Beck disease (KBD) is a unique endemic osteochondropathy with unclear pathogenesis in China. T-2 toxin exposure has been identified as a significant risk factor of KBD. However, the mechanism of articular cartilage damage induced by T-2 toxin is a conundrum. We explored the role of the extracellular matrix-related gene TSG-6 in the articular chondrocyte damage process under the exposure of HT-2 toxin.Methods: TSG-6 was identified as a candidate gene by mining our previous gene expression profiling of KBD and verified by qRT-PCR and immunohistochemistry. Then, TSG-6 was silenced by RNA interference technology and overexpressed induction by TNF-α. Gradient concentrations of HT-2 toxin were added to intervene with C28/I2 chondrocytes. MTT was used to observe the proliferation and cell viability of chondrocytes, and qRT-PCR was utilized to detect the expression changes of MMP1, MMP3, MMP13, COL2A1, and proteoglycan before and after treatments for verification.Results: TSG-6 was upregulated in KBD chondrocytes at the mRNA level and upregulated in the superficial, middle, and deep zones of KBD cartilage. After TSG-6 silencing, the expression of MMP1, MMP3, MMP13, and proteoglycan was significantly decreased while COL2A1 expression was significantly increased, which was reversed after the overexpression of TSG-6 induced by TNF-α (p &lt; 0.05). The survival rate of chondrocytes was correspondingly reduced with an increase in the HT-2 toxin concentration. Compared with the blank control group, the expression of MMPs was increased in the intervention group of HT-2 toxin, while the expression of proteoglycan and COL2A1 decreased (p &lt; 0.05).Conclusion: The upregulation of the TSG-6 gene may play a role in promoting the damage and degradation of the extracellular matrix in KBD chondrocytes under the exposure of HT-2 toxin.
Regulation of differentiation and generation of osteoclasts in rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Niu Qing , Gao Jinfang , Wang Lei , Liu Jiaxi , Zhang Liyun 
Published: November 2022

IntroductionRheumatoid arthritis (RA), which affects nearly 1% of the world’s population, is a debilitating autoimmune disease. Bone erosion caused by periarticular osteopenia and synovial pannus formation is the most destructive pathological changes of RA, also leads to joint deformity and loss of function,and ultimately affects the quality of life of patients. Osteoclasts (OCs) are the only known bone resorption cells and their abnormal differentiation and production play an important role in the occurrence and development of RA bone destruction; this remains the main culprit behind RA.MethodBased on the latest published literature and research progress at home and abroad, this paper reviews the abnormal regulation mechanism of OC generation and differentiation in RA and the possible targeted therapy.ResultOC-mediated bone destruction is achieved through the regulation of a variety of cytokines and cell-to-cell interactions, including gene transcription, epigenetics and environmental factors. At present, most methods for the treatment of RA are based on the regulation of inflammation, the inhibition of bone injury and joint deformities remains unexplored.DiscussionThis article will review the mechanism of abnormal differentiation of OC in RA, and summarise the current treatment oftargeting cytokines in the process of OC generation and differentiation to reduce bone destruction in patients with RA, which isexpected to become a valuable treatment choice to inhibit bone destruction in RA.
The effect of the intratumoral microbiome on tumor occurrence, progression, prognosis and treatment
Authors: Gao Feng , Yu Bo , Rao Benchen , Sun Ying , Yu Jia , Wang Daming , Cui Guangying , Ren Zhigang 
Published: November 2022

In the past few decades, great progress has been achieved in the understanding of microbiome-cancer interactions. However, most of the studies have focused on the gut microbiome, ignoring how other microbiomes interact with tumors. Emerging evidence suggests that in many types of cancers, such as lung cancer, pancreatic cancer, and colorectal cancer, the intratumoral microbiome plays a significant role. In addition, accumulating evidence suggests that intratumoral microbes have multiple effects on the biological behavior of tumors, for example, regulating tumor initiation and progression and altering the tumor response to chemotherapy and immunotherapy. However, to fully understand the role of the intratumoral microbiome in cancer, further investigation of the effects and mechanisms is still needed. This review discusses the role of intratumoral bacteria in tumorigenesis and tumor progression, recurrence and metastasis, as well as their effect on cancer prognosis and treatment outcome, and summarizes the relevant mechanisms.
Remote constraint induced therapy of the upper extremity (ReCITE): A feasibility study protocol
Authors: Christie Lauren J. , Fearn Nicola , McCluskey Annie , Lannin Natasha A. , Shiner Christine T. , Kilkenny Anna , Boydell Jessamy , Meharg Annie , Howes Ella , Churilov Leonid , Faux Steven , Doussoulin Arlette , Middleton Sandy 
Published: November 2022

BackgroundDifficulty using the upper extremity in everyday activities is common after stroke. Constraint-induced movement therapy (CIMT) has been shown to be effective in both sub-acute and chronic phases of stroke recovery and is recommended in clinical practice guidelines for stroke internationally. Despite reports of equivalence of outcome when stroke rehabilitation interventions are delivered using telehealth, there has been limited evaluation of CIMT when using this mode of delivery. ReCITE will (a) evaluate the feasibility and acceptability of CIMT when delivered via telehealth to stroke survivors (TeleCIMT) and (b) explore therapists' experiences and use of an online support package inclusive of training, mentoring and resources to support TeleCIMT delivery in clinical practice.MethodsA prospective single-group, single blinded, study design with embedded process evaluation will be conducted. The study will be conducted at three outpatient services in Sydney, Australia. A multi-faceted therapist support package, informed by the Capabilities, Opportunity, Motivation- Behaviour model (COM-B), will be used to support occupational therapists to implement TeleCIMT as part of routine care to stroke survivors. Each service will recruit 10 stroke survivor participants (n = 30) with mild to moderate upper extremity impairment. Upper extremity and quality of life outcomes of stroke survivor participants will be collected at baseline, post-intervention and at a 4 week follow-up appointment. Feasibility of TeleCIMT will be evaluated by assessing the number of stroke participants who complete 80% of intensive arm practice prescribed during their 3 week program (i.e., at least 24 h of intensive arm practice). Acceptability will be investigated through qualitative interviews and surveys with stroke survivors, supporter surveys and therapist focus groups. Qualitative interviews with therapists will provide additional data to explore their experiences and use of the online support package.DiscussionThe COVID-19 pandemic resulted in a rapid transition to delivering telehealth. The proposed study will investigate the feasibility and acceptability of delivering a complex intervention via telehealth to stroke survivors at home, and the support that therapists and patients require for delivery. The findings of the study will be used to inform whether a larger, randomized controlled trial is feasible.
Occlusion type and posterior communicating artery patency may predict favorable outcome after endovascular thrombectomy in selective basilar top occlusion
Authors: Park Jung Soo , Im Yong-Jin , Shin Byoung-Soo , Kang Hyun Goo 
Published: November 2022

IntroductionThe top of the basilar artery is a five-branched junction, consisting of two superior cerebellar arteries (SCAs), two posterior cerebellar arteries (PCAs), and the basilar artery itself. This study aimed to investigate prognostic factors in patients with selective acute basilar top occlusion managed with mechanical thrombectomy, focusing on occlusion type and posterior communicating artery (PCoA) patency.MethodsEligible patients who underwent endovascular treatment (EVT) for acute basilar top occlusion were reviewed. Patterns of basilar top occlusion were categorized as types I–III according to whether the SCA and PCA were visible on angiography. The PCoA was categorized as hypoplastic or non-visible (type I), normal patency but non-visible PCA through PCoA flow (type II), and fetal type (type III).ResultsGood outcomes were observed in 50% (21/42) and mortality in 11.9% (5/42) of the cases at 90 days. Patients with good outcomes showed lower baseline National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score (P = 0.001) and a higher proportion of type III basilar top occlusion (P = 0.004) and type III PCoA (P = 0.001). Multivariable logistic analysis showed that baseline NIHSS score [odds ratio (OR), 0.84; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.73–0.97; P = 0.017) and type III PCoA (OR, 21.54, 95% CI, 1.33–347.97; P = 0.031) were independent predictors of good functional outcomes.ConclusionA low initial NIHSS score and good PCoA patency were independent predictors of favorable clinical outcomes after EVT in patients with acute basilar top occlusion. Furthermore, the favorable outcome group showed a high proportion of type III basilar top occlusions.