Welcome to PsychiatryAI.com: [PubMed] - Psychiatry AI Latest

Personality

A selective CutMix approach improves generalizability of deep learning-based grading and risk assessment of prostate cancer
Patkar S, Harmon S, Sesterhenn I, Lis R, Merino M, Young D, Brown GT, Greenfield KM, McGeeney JD, Elsamanoudi S, Tan SH, Schafer C, Jiang J, Petrovics G, Dobi A, Rentas FJ, Pinto PA, Chesnut GT, Choyke P, Turkbey B and Moncur JT
The Gleason score is an important predictor of prognosis in prostate cancer. However, its subjective nature can result in over- or under-grading. Our objective was to train an artificial intelligence (AI)-based algorithm to grade prostate cancer in specimens from patients who underwent radical prostatectomy (RP) and to assess the correlation of AI-estimated proportions of different Gleason patterns with biochemical recurrence-free survival (RFS), metastasis-free survival (MFS), and overall survival (OS). Training and validation of algorithms for cancer detection and grading were completed with three large datasets containing a total of 580 whole-mount prostate slides from 191 RP patients at two centers and 6218 annotated needle biopsy slides from the publicly available Prostate Cancer Grading Assessment dataset. A cancer detection model was trained using MobileNetV3 on 0.5 mm × 0.5 mm cancer areas (tiles) captured at 10× magnification. For cancer grading, a Gleason pattern detector was trained on tiles using a ResNet50 convolutional neural network and a selective CutMix training strategy involving a mixture of real and artificial examples. This strategy resulted in improved model generalizability in the test set compared with three different control experiments when evaluated on both needle biopsy slides and whole-mount prostate slides from different centers. In an additional test cohort of RP patients who were clinically followed over 30 years, quantitative Gleason pattern AI estimates achieved concordance indexes of 0.69, 0.72, and 0.64 for predicting RFS, MFS, and OS times, outperforming the control experiments and International Society of Urological Pathology system (ISUP) grading by pathologists. Finally, unsupervised clustering of test RP patient specimens into low-, medium-, and high-risk groups based on AI-estimated proportions of each Gleason pattern resulted in significantly improved RFS and MFS stratification compared with ISUP grading. In summary, deep learning-based quantitative Gleason scoring using a selective CutMix training strategy may improve prognostication after prostate cancer surgery.
Predictive genetic panel for adult asthma using machine learning methods
Gomes LGDS, Cruz ÁASD, de Santana MBR, Pinheiro GP, Santana CVN, Santos CBS, Boorgula MP, Campbell M, Machado AS, Veiga RV, Barnes KC, Costa RDS and Figueiredo CA
Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disease of the airways that is heterogeneous and multifactorial, making its accurate characterization a complex process. Therefore, identifying the genetic variations associated with asthma and discovering the molecular interactions between the omics that confer risk of developing this disease will help us to unravel the biological pathways involved in its pathogenesis.
A hybrid endovascular and open approach to rare thyrocervical trunk and subclavian pseudoaneurysms complicated by embolic brachial artery occlusion
Jou K, Adler LSF, Choinski KN, Myers BP, Zickler WP and Tadros RO
Subclavian and thyrocervical trunk pseudoaneurysms are rare pathologies and even more so when they occur simultaneously. Treatment of these vascular injuries can be done endovascularly or with open surgery. We present a novel two-stage, hybrid open and endovascular approach to the management of a healthy 41-year-old man with no personal or family history of connective tissue disorders, who presented with subclavian branch and thyrocervical trunk pseudoaneurysms complicated by brachial artery occlusion. The pseudoaneurysms were treated with microvascular plug deployment, followed by subclavian artery covered stenting, with treatment of the brachial occlusion via open thrombectomy with patch angioplasty. The patient recovered without any complications.
The meaning of health to persons aging with longstanding multiple sclerosis
Stuifbergen AK, Becker H and Kim N
Understanding how persons aging with a chronic condition view their health is essential for planning and delivering person-centered care. The purpose of this study was to explore how persons aging with the chronic and disabling condition multiple sclerosis (MS) describe their health and how this has changed over time using data from Years 1 to 26 of an ongoing longitudinal survey study of health promotion and quality of life for persons with MS. The survey included measures of perceived meaning of health, self-rated health, health behaviors and quality of life outcomes. The sample included 168 persons with MS who returned the survey at Time 1 (1996) and again at Time 26 (2022). In 2022, participants had a mean age of 70.13 (SD = 8.19) and had been diagnosed with MS for an average of 34.47 years (SD = 6.27). Sixty percent of participants rated their overall health as good or excellent. Decreases in health self-ratings over time were not significant. Participants consistently agreed more strongly with items reflecting a wellness-oriented view of health than those reflecting a more clinical/biomedical model. At both time points, clinical definitions of health were negatively related and wellness definitions were positively related to reported frequency of health behaviors. Findings suggest that persons aging with the chronic condition of MS may be more responsive to health messages that emphasize function in daily living, carrying out normal responsibilities, and adjusting to changes in environment and demands. Patient or Public Contribution: Persons with MS provided study data, input on design, and construct measurement.
Comparison of COVID-19 Hospitalization and Death Between Solid Organ Transplant Recipients and the General Population in Canada, 2020-2022
Naylor KL, Knoll GA, Treleaven D, Kang Y, Garg AX, Stirling K and Kim SJ
Solid organ transplant recipients have a high risk of severe outcomes from SARS-CoV-2 infection. A comprehensive understanding of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic across multiple waves in the solid organ transplant population and how this compares to the general population is limited. We conducted a population-based cohort study using linked administrative healthcare databases from Ontario, Canada to answer this question.
Mental health service use of young people in child welfare services in Quebec, Canada
MacDonald K, Desrosiers L, Laporte L and Iyer SN
Youth involved in child welfare have high rates of mental health problems and are known to receive mental health services from multiple settings. Still, gaps remain in our understanding of service use patterns across settings over the course of youth's involvement with child welfare.
Sodium bicarbonate and beta-alanine supplementation: Is combining both better than either alone? A systematic review and meta-analysis
Curran-Bowen T, Guedes da Silva A, Barreto G, Buckley J and Saunders B
This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to determine the effect of combined beta-alanine (BA) and sodium bicarbonate (SB) supplementation on exercise capacity and performance. Four databases (PubMed, SPORTDiscus, Web Of Science and MEDLINE) were searched using relevant terms for studies involving healthy (e.g. no chronic diseases or conditions) male or female adults of any training status (athletes, physically active and non-athletes) and that investigated BA and SB in isolation and combination at any dose on an exercise outcome. Ten studies, totalling 243 individuals, met the criteria with 12 outcomes for each nutritional supplement. No ergogenic effect was detected in this meta-analysis for BA (SMD = 0.18, 95% CI: -0.06; 0.43, p = 0.13, tau = 0, tau = 0, I = 0.0%) or SB (SMD = 0.17, 95% CI: -0.08; 0.41, p = 0.16, tau = 0, tau = 0, I = 0.0%) in isolation. However, there was a beneficial effect for the combination of BA and SB (SMD = 0.32, 95% CI: 0.07; 0.57, p = 0.02, tau = 0, tau = 0, I = 0.0%). Meta-regression identified no differences between supplementing with BA or SB separately (F = 0.58; p = 0.57). Combining BA and SB improved exercise performance, however, there was no benefit in taking these supplements individually.
Us Them, or One Profession?
Lawson T
High fees are your problem but not your fault
Osborne D
A retrospective analysis of surgical outcome in sutureless glueless scleral fixation of foldable intraocular lens
Kannan NB, Dey Sarkar A and Vallinayagam M
Cataract surgery constitutes one of the highest volume surgeries performed worldwide approximating 10 million annually, varying from 100 to 6000 per million population. Implantation of scleral fixated intra-ocular lens (SFIOL) is getting popular in managing difficult situations like aphakia, subluxated lens, and dislocated cataracts.
Veterinary Medical Ethics
Learning from people with dementia what works well for well-being: interviews and focus groups
Kloos N, Bielderman A and Gerritsen D
Previous research has tended to prioritize the condition of dementia when investigating positive lived experiences, while there is no evidence that well-being becomes fundamentally different when living with dementia. The current exploratory qualitative study examined how people living with dementia describe how they realize their well-being, without treating dementia as a central concern, and specifically addressed people who are successful in maintaining their well-being.
Concerns and observations on "Association of central serous chorioretinopathy with type of personality, anxiety and depression"
Brar MK and Brar AS
[Intestinal Mantle Cell Lymphoma Complicated With Ileocecal Intussusception in Adults:Report of One Case]
Lu ZR and Wang T
Intestinal mantle cell lymphoma complicated with intussusception is rare in clinical practice,lacking specific clinical manifestations.CT and colonoscopy are helpful for the diagnosis of this disease,which need to be distinguished from colorectal cancer,Crohn's disease,and other pathological subtypes of lymphoma.The diagnosis still needs to be confirmed by pathological examination.This paper reports a case of intestinal mantle cell lymphoma complicated with ileocecal intussusception in an adult,aiming to improve the clinical and imaging doctors' understanding of this disease.
[Progress in Surgical Treatment of Upper Urinary Tract Stones in Children]
Chen ZX, Zhang Y and Xia M
The incidence of urinary calculi in children has been increasing annually,and most of the cases are upper urinary tract stones.At present,surgery is the main way to treat upper urinary tract stones in children.With the gradual development of minimally invasive techniques in surgery,percutaneous nephrolithotomy,retrograde intrarenal surgery,and extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy have become the main methods for treating upper urinary tract stones in children.We reviewed the current progress in surgical treatment of upper urinary tract stones in children and provided prospects for future treatment options.
[Diagnostic Value of Ultrasound for Thyroid Nodules With a Spoke-Wheel Blood Flow Pattern]
Li X, Lin Y, Cheng YM, Zhao XY, Gou TH and Zhang Y
Objective To explore the diagnostic value of ultrasound for thyroid nodules with a spoke-wheel blood flow pattern.Methods The clinical data of the patients with thyroid nodules presenting a spoke-wheel blood flow pattern examined by ultrasound were collected,and the gray-scale ultrasound features of the nodules were recorded.The diagnostic performance of the Thyroid Imaging Reporting and Data System by American College of Radiology (ACR TI-RADS),Chinese Thyroid Imaging Reporting and Data System (C-TIRADS),and combined specific indicators for the thyroid nodules with a spoke-wheel blood flow pattern was evaluated by comparison with the pathological results,which was regarded as the gold standard.Results A total of 64 patients with thyroid nodules were finally included,including 47 patients with malignant nodules and 17 patients with benign nodules.In addition to the general ultrasound features,central scar mostly appeared in malignant nodules (=5.968,=0.015),while central coarse calcification was more common in benign nodules (=10.899,=0.001).After the combination of central scar and central gross calcification,the diagnostic performance of ACR TI-RADS and C-TIRADS was improved (both <0.001).Conclusions When the thyroid nodule shows a spoke-wheel blood flow pattern,one should be cautious of the possibility of malignancy.Combining central scar and central coarse calcification can improve the accuracy of ultrasonic diagnosis.
[Effects of Questionnaire-Based Psychological Survey Methods on the Evaluation Results in a Patient Cohort]
Xu YY, Chen WW, Li L, Yuan L, Huang MX, Qu YY, Song H and Zhu JW
Objective To assess the influences of self-and interviewer-administered methods on the scores of anxiety and depression questionnaires among the patients with sports injuries.Methods A total of 532 participants with sports injuries treated in the Sports Medicine Center of West China Hospital,Sichuan University from November 2022 to May 2023 were included.They were randomly assigned to either the interviewer-administered group (=270) or the self-administered group (=262) to complete the generalized anxiety disorder (GAD-7) and the patient health questionnaire (PHQ-9) scales.The total scores and prevalence rates of anxiety and depression were compared between the two groups.Results There was no statistically significant difference in gender,occupation,or surgical site between the two groups (all >0.05).The self-administered group had higher scores of GAD-7 and PHQ-9 scales than the interviewer-administered group (<0.001,<0.001).A greater proportion of participants in the self-administered group than in the interview-administered group met the criteria for mild to moderate anxiety and depression (<0.001,=0.002).The prevalence rates of moderate to severe anxiety (GAD-7≥10) and depression (PHQ-9≥10) showed no statistically significant difference between the two groups (=0.761,=0.086).Conclusion This study demonstrates that the participants in the self-administered group are more likely to report mild to moderate symptoms of anxiety and depression than those in the interviewer-administered group.
[Value of SOX1 and PAX1 Gene Methylation Detection in Secondary Triage of High-Grade Cervical Lesions]
Guo YP, Yang Q, Wang SR, Li SM, Yu BY and Yang XF
Objective To evaluate the value of SOX1 and PAX1 gene methylation detection in the secondary triage of high-grade cervical lesions.Methods Exfoliated cervical cells were collected from 122 patients tested positive for human papilloma virus (HPV) and subjected to thin-prep cytologic test (TCT) and SOX1/PAX1 gene methylation tests.Results The HPV test combined with TCT showed the sensitivity of 95.24% and the specificity of 23.75% for detecting cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) grade 2 and above (CIN2+).After the addition of the SOX1/PAX1 gene methylation detection in secondary triage,the sensitivity for detecting CIN2+ was 83.33%,which had no statistically significant difference from the sensitivity of TCT combined with HPV test (=0.078).However,the specificity reached 77.50%,which was significantly higher than that of HPV test combined with TCT (<0.001).The SOX1/PAX1 gene methylation level in the CIN2+ group was higher than those in the normal cervical tissue and the CIN1 group(<0.001).The cut-off values of SOX1 and PAX1 gene methylation for CIN2+ detection were -11.81 and -11.98,respectively.Conclusion Adding the detection of SOX1/PAX1 gene methylation in secondary triage significantly improves the efficiency and accuracy of CIN2+ detection.
[Correlations Between the Expression of MicroRNA-155 and Suppressor of Cytokine Signaling 1 in Colonic Mucosal Tissue and Disease Severity in Patients With Ulcerative Colitis]
Zhang X, Jia HY, Song WX and Zhao HQ
Objective To explore the relationship between the expression levels of microRNA-155 (miR-155) and suppressor of cytokine signaling 1 (SOCS1) in the colonic mucosal tissue of patients with ulcerative colitis (UC) and the severity of the disease.Methods A total of 130 UC patients admitted to the Second Affiliated Hospital of Hebei North University from September 2021 to June 2023 were selected.According to the modified Mayo score system,the patients were assigned into an active stage group (=85) and a remission stage group (=45).According to the modified Truelove and Witts classification criteria,the UC patients at the active stage were assigned into a mild group (=35),a moderate group (=30),and a severe group (=20).A total of 90 healthy individuals who underwent colonoscopy for physical examination or those who had normal colonoscopy results after single polypectomy and excluded other diseases were selected as the control group.The colonic mucosal tissues of UC patients with obvious lesions and the colonic mucosal tissue 20 cm away from the anus of the control group were collected.The levels of miR-155 and SOCS1 mRNA in tissues were determined by fluorescence quantitative PCR,and the expression of SOCS1 protein in tissues was determined by immunohistochemistry.The correlations of the levels of miR-155 and SOCS1 mRNA in the colonic mucosal tissue with the modified Mayo score of UC patients were analyzed.The values of the levels of miR-155 and SOCS1 mRNA in predicting the occurrence of severe illness in the UC patients at the active stage were evaluated.Results Compared with the control group and the remission stage group,the active stage group showed up-regulated expression level of miR-155,down-regulated level of SOCS1 mRNA,and decreased positive rate of SOCS1 protein in the colonic mucosal tissue (all <0.001).The expression level of miR-155 and modified Mayo score in colonic mucosal tissues of UC patients at the active stage increased,while the mRNA level of SOCS1 was down-regulated as the disease evolved from being mild to severe (all <0.001).The modified Mayo score was positively correlated with the miR-155 level and negative correlated with the mRNA level of SOCS1 in colonic mucosal tissues of UC patients (all <0.001).The high miR-155 level (=2.762,95%=1.284-5.944,=0.009),low mRNA level of SOCS1 (=2.617,95%=1.302-5.258,=0.007),and modified Mayo score≥12 points (=3.232,95%=1.450-7.204,=0.004) were all risk factors for severe disease in the UC patients at the active stage.The area under curve of miR-155 combined with SOCS1 mRNA in predicting severe illness in the UC patients at the active stage was 0.920.Conclusions The expression levels of miR-155 and SOCS1 mRNA were correlated with the disease severity in the UC patients at the active stage.The combination of the two indicators demonstrates good performance in predicting the occurrence of severe illness in UC patients at the active stage.
[Construction and Evaluation of a Prognostic Risk Prediction Model of Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma Based on Immune-Related Genes]
Zhang Y, Ren RP, Wan P and He XL
Objective To construct a risk prediction model by integrating the molecular subtypes of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) and immune-related genes.Methods With GSE71729 data set (=145) as the training set,the differentially expressed genes and differential immune-related genes between the squamous and non-squamous subtypes of PDAC were integrated to construct a regulatory network,on the basis of which five immune marker genes regulating the squamous subtype were screened out.An integrated immune score (IIS) model was constructed based on patient survival information and immune marker genes to predict the clinical prognosis of PDAC patients,and its predictive performance was tested with 5 validation sets (=758).Results PDAC patients were assigned into high risk and low risk groups according to the IIS.In both training and validation sets,the overall survival of patients in the high risk group was shorter than that in the low risk group (both <0.001).The multivariable Cox regression showed that IIS was an independent prognostic factor for PDAC (=2.16,95%=1.50-3.10,<0.001).Conclusion IIS can be used for risk stratification of PDAC patients and may become a potential prognostic marker for PDAC.
Real-World Data on the Effectiveness and Safety of Filgotinib for Ulcerative Colitis in Japanese Patients: A Single-Center Experience
Toba T, Karashima R, Fujii K, Inoue K, Inoue N, Ogawa Y, Hojo A, Fujimoto A and Matsuda T
Introduction Filgotinib is a JAK-1 selective inhibitor approved for ulcerative colitis (UC) treatment in Japan. Its effectiveness has been confirmed but remains unknown in actual clinical practice. Therefore, we aimed to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of filgotinib and identify suitable patients in the Japanese population. Methods We retrospectively reviewed the background, clinical course, and laboratory data of patients treated with filgotinib 200 mg for UC between May 2022 and December 2023. Results The median observation period for the 25 patients was 232 days (interquartile ranges (IQR) 102-405). The median age of the patients was 43 years (IQR 29-55), disease duration was nine years (IQR 2-12), and 36% (9/25) of patients were biologic or small molecule naïve. The median patient-reported outcome (PRO2) and partial Mayo (pMayo) scores at agent initiation were 3 (IQR 1-4) and 4.5 (IQR 3-6), respectively. The PRO2 and pMayo scores improved significantly two weeks after treatment initiation (p < 0.05). Clinical remission rates at 24 weeks after treatment initiation were 60% (15/25) for PRO2 ≤ 1 and 52% (13/25) for pMayo ≤ 1. The Mayo endoscopic subscore significantly improved after filgotinib initiation (p=0.04), and the endoscopic remission rate was 47% (8/17). At 24 weeks, patients in clinical remission, compared to those not in remission, had significantly lower baseline PRO2 and pMayo scores and longer disease duration (p=0.03, p=0.03, and p=0.04, respectively). The filgotinib persistence rate was 68% (17/25), with no discontinuation because of adverse events. Patients who continued treatment had significantly lower PRO2, pMayo scores, and blood neutrophil counts at initiation than those who discontinued (p=0.02, p=0.03, and p=0.02, respectively). Conclusion Filgotinib appears to be effective and safe in Japanese patients with UC. Effectiveness and persistence were high in patients whose PRO2 and pMayo scores were low at the time of treatment initiation.
Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia in Children: The Relationship between Plasma Renin Activity and Hypertension
Lubis SM, Soesanti F, Hidayati EL and Aap BT
Children with Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia (CAH) have a higher chance of hypertension. The likelihood of hypertension is higher in CAH children who get fludrocortisone medication and have an over-suppression. Plasma renin activity (PRA) is a sensitive indicator when the fludrocortisone dose is insufficient. The objective of this study is to assess the relationship between plasma renin activity with hypertension in 21-hydroxylase-deficient (21-OHD) CAH children.
[Intraspinal Metastasis of Thymic Carcinoma:Report of One Case]
Pan ZS, Zhang Y, Song L and Jin ZY
Intraspinal metastasis from malignant carcinomas in other body parts is rarely reported.Intraspinal metastases are often epidural,with primary tumors mostly from the lung and prostate.The extramedullary subdural metastasis of thymic carcinoma is particularly rare and prone to misdiagnosis due to overlapping imaging features with primary intraspinal tumors.This article reports one case of intraspinal metastasis of thymic carcinoma,with the main diagnostic clues including a history of thymic carcinoma,fast growth rate,and irregular shape.
[Tumor-Like Primary Central Nervous System Vasculitis With Spina Involvement:Report of One Case]
Zhang L, Sun H, Zhang SM, Gao S, Wu L and Huang DH
Primary central nervous system vasculitis (PACNS) is a vasculitic disorder affecting small to medium-sized blood vessels primarily in the central nervous system,involving the brain,spinal cord,and meninges.Tumor-like PNCAS,a rare subtype of PACNS,is often misdiagnosed as intracranial malignancy,and that with spinal cord involvement is even more uncommon.The lack of specific clinical symptoms and imaging manifestations poses a challenge to the diagnosis of PACNS.This report presents a case of tumor-like PACNS with spinal cord involvement based on the pathological evidence,aiming to enrich the knowledge about this condition.
Gaming Disorder: The role of a gamers flow profile
Footitt T, Christofi N, Poulus DR, Colder Carras M and Stavropoulos V
Digital games are widely popular and integral to contemporary entertainment. Nevertheless, a proportion of users present with disordered/excessive gaming behaviours, provisionally classified as Internet Gaming Disorder (IGD). Previous literature suggests examining the contribution of an individual's profile of immersive engagement with their gaming activity, known as online flow, for disordered gaming behaviours. Therefore, the main goals of this study were (1) to categorise gamers into distinct profiles based on their online flow experiences and (2) to investigate the differences in disordered gaming among these different flow profiles. A sample of 565 gamers (12-68 years, Mage = 29.3 years) was assessed twice over six months with the Online Flow Questionnaire (OFQ), the Internet Gaming Disorder Scale-Short-Form (IGDS9-SF), and the Gaming Disorder Test (GDT). Latent profile analysis (LPA) identified five distinct profiles encompassing 'High-Flow with High Loss of Control' (HF-HLOC; 14.0 %), 'Low Flow with Low Enjoyment' (LF-LE; 11.9 %), 'Average Flow with Low Enjoyment' (AF-LE; 17.5 %), 'Low Flow with High Enjoyment' (LF-HE; 20.2 %), and 'High Loss of Sense of Time with Low Loss of Control' groups (HLOT-LLOC; 36.5 %). As hypothesised, individuals across varying profiles evidenced differences in their concurrent and longitudinal disordered gaming behaviours. Overall, findings suggest that 'loss of sense of time' may be the most pivotal factor in differentiating flow states and profiles during gaming, advocating its consideration in disordered gaming assessment and treatment.
To protect healthcare as an affordable and valued service, we need to segment as much of the pathway as possible into products
Roberts DMV
Maintaining care quality and affordability, in the face of increasing demand, complexity and resource constraints, is becoming more and more challenging. A mindset shift towards how we approach healthcare services is needed. I propose we segment much of the healthcare pathway into products, harnessing the capabilities of software and hardware, including judicious yet ambitious application of emerging artificial intelligence capabilities. In this future, digital tools and capabilities that enhance a greater proportion of self-care and signposting will do more of the heavy lifting of healthcare, vitally freeing up healthcare staff including doctors to do the higher-value relational, technical, and leadership and assurance tasks needed in this future landscape.
Urine metabolic profile in rats with arterial hypertension of different genesis
Sorokoumova AA, Seryapina AA, Polityko YK, Yanshole LV, Tsentalovich YP, Gilinsky МА and Markel АL
The diversity of pathogenetic mechanisms underlying arterial hypertension leads to the necessity to devise a personalized approach to the diagnosis and treatment of the disease. Metabolomics is one of the promising methods for personalized medicine, as it provides a comprehensive understanding of the physiological processes occurring in the body. The metabolome is a set of low-molecular substances available for detection in a sample and representing intermediate and final products of cell metabolism. Changes in the content and ratio of metabolites in the sample mark the corresponding pathogenetic mechanisms by highlighting them, which is especially important for such a multifactorial disease as arterial hypertension. To identify metabolomic markers for hypertensive conditions of different origins, three forms of arterial hypertension (AH) were studied: rats with hereditary AH (ISIAH rat strain); rats with AH induced by L-NAME administration (a model of endothelial dysfunction with impaired NO production); rats with AH caused by the administration of deoxycorticosterone in combination with salt loading (hormone-dependent form - DOCA-salt AH). WAG rats were used as normotensive controls. 24-hour urine samples were collected from all animals and analyzed by quantitative NMR spectroscopy for metabolic profiling. Then, potential metabolomic markers for the studied forms of hypertensive conditions were identified using multivariate statistics. Analysis of the data obtained showed that hereditary stress-induced arterial hypertension in ISIAH rats was characterized by a decrease in the following urine metabolites: nicotinamide and 1-methylnicotinamide (markers of inflammatory processes), N- acetylglutamate (nitric oxide cycle), isobutyrate and methyl acetoacetate (gut microbiota). Pharmacologically induced forms of hypertension (the L-NAME and DOCA+NaCl groups) do not share metabolomic markers with hereditary AH. They are differentiated by N,N-dimethylglycine (both groups), choline (the L-NAME group) and 1-methylnicotinamide (the group of rats with DOCA-salt hypertension).
Optimization of silver nanoparticles synthesis Plackett-Burman experimental design: assessment of their efficacy against oxidative stress-induced disorders
Fazil MM, Gul A and Jawed H
Nanoparticles possess remarkable biological activities owing to their small size and large surface-to-volume ratio. Given the increasing adoption of environmentally sustainable practices in silver nanoparticle (AgNP) fabrication, this study presents a simple lab-scale green synthesis of AgNPs using banana peels. Large amounts of banana peels are disposed off in Pakistan every day. As the fruit is available throughout the year and contains many active components with potent biological activities, we aimed to synthesize silver nanoparticles using its peel, through an energy-efficient and inexpensive route. The synthesis was optimized according to the Plackett-Burman design (PDB) of experiments, which helped identify significant factors and saved time and resources. For characterization, UV-Vis spectroscopy and SEM-EDX analysis were performed, revealing spherical particles in the 45-65 nm size range. To investigate functional groups, FT-IR analysis was performed, revealing the presence of N-C[double bond, length as m-dash]O amide I bonds of proteins, C-H bonds of tannins and C-O bonds involved in the capping and stabilization of nanoparticles. The free radical scavenging property of banana peel-mediated silver nanoparticles (BP-AgNPs) was studied against 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), and the antioxidant potential was found to be 79% at 500 μg mL concentration. The efficacy of BP-AgNPs with respect to certain biological activities were studied through anti-inflammatory assays, which demonstrated better results compared to a standard drug, and an anti-glycation assay, wherein only 4% of AGEs were formed, demonstrating 96% of AGE inhibition The findings not only demonstrated the effectiveness of the PBD approach but also highlighted the potent property of BP-AgNPs against disorders associated with oxidative stress.
Clinical Findings, Bacterial Agents, and Antibiotic Resistance in Children with Spontaneous Peritonitis in Southern Iran: An Academic Tertiary Referral Center's Experience
Salehi S, Honar N, Pouladfar G, Davoodi M, Reihani H, Haghighat M, Imanieh MH, Dehghani SM, Ataollahi M, Ansari-Charsoughi N, Shahramian I and Abbasian A
Spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP) is a fatal complication of ascites fluid infection. The causes of SBP in children differ from those in adults, and these bacteria are frequently resistant to antibiotics. Therefore, this study investigated the clinical findings, bacterial etiology, and antimicrobial resistance in children with SBP.
Intra-operative Risk Factors Affecting Mortality after Heart Transplantation: A Referral Center Experience in Iran
Sadeghpour Tabaei A and Hashemi P
Heart transplantation is the preferred treatment for end-stage heart failure. This study investigated the intra-operative risk factors affecting post-transplantation mortality.
Exchange Transfusion Trends and Risk Factors for Extreme Neonatal Hyperbilirubinemia over 10 Years in Shiraz, Iran
Hemmati F, Mahini SM, Bushehri M, Asadi AH and Barzegar H
Exchange transfusion (ET) is an effective treatment for acute bilirubin encephalopathy and extreme neonatal hyperbilirubinemia (ENH). It can reduce mortality and morbidity. This study aimed to investigate the trends and risk factors of ENH requiring ET in hospitalized neonates in Iran.
The Comparison of Irisin, Subfatin, and Adropin in Normal-Weight and Obese Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Patients
Majeed AA, Al-Qaisi AHJ and Ahmed WA
A combination of genetic and environmental factors contribute to the highly common, complex, and varied endocrine condition known as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) in women. PCOS primarily affects women between the ages of 15 and 35 who are in the early to late stages of pregnancy. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate the serum levels of irisin, subfatin, and adropin in PCOS with and without obesity compared to the control group.
Pulmonary Capillary Hemangiomatosis as a Rare Underlying Cause of Primary Pulmonary Hypertension: A Case Report in an Adolescent
Mahdavi M, Shahzadi H, Ghasemnezhad M and Hoseinzadeh Moghadam S
Despite its rarity, pulmonary capillary hemangiomatosis (PCH) presents a significant diagnostic challenge. Due to its similarity to other pulmonary vascular diseases, such as pulmonary veno-occlusive disease, it is characterized by abnormal pulmonary capillary proliferation, which is a rare cause of primary pulmonary hypertension. This case was the first reported instance of PCH in Shahid Rajaee Heart Hospital in Tehran, Iran, in 2023, which was confirmed by genetic testing. It highlighted the importance of considering PCH among the differential diagnoses for pulmonary hypertension, even in adolescent patients. The 13-year-old patient's main complaints were progressive exertional dyspnea and chest pain. He had no previous medical history and had not taken any pharmaceutical or herbal medications. Critical clinical findings included a heart murmur, an electrocardiogram revealing right ventricular hypertrophy, and echocardiogram evidence of pulmonary hypertension. The main diagnosis was PCH, as shown by CT findings of pulmonary artery dilatation and diffuse nodular ground glass opacities. Genetic tests indicated pathogenic EIF2AK4 mutations and suspicion of PCH. Therapeutic intervention included vasodilator therapy, which exacerbated the patient's condition. This case emphasized the importance of maintaining a high index of suspicion for rare causes of pulmonary hypertension, such as PCH. The outcome was to prepare the patient for lung transplantation. To differentiate PCH from other pulmonary vascular diseases, a combination of clinical presentation, radiologic studies, genetic analysis, and response to treatment is required to determine appropriate management, particularly lung transplantation.
Proton beam therapy and dentofacial development in paediatric cancer patients: A scoping review
Foster-Thomas E, Aznar M, Brennan B and O'Malley L
It is known that radiation to dentofacial structures during childhood can lead to developmental disturbances. However, this appears to be a relatively subordinated research subject. For this reason, this review aims to establish the current evidence base on the effect of PBT on dentofacial development in paediatric patients treated for cancer in the head and neck region.
Evaluation of Antimicrobial Susceptibility and Resistance Patterns of Treponema denticola Isolated From Periodontal Disease: An In Vitro Study
Pawar AR, Ramamurthy J and Girija ASS
Background Periodontal disease poses a significant oral health challenge, involving inflammatory conditions impacting tooth-supporting structures. Treponema denticola, a "red complex" organism, plays a crucial role in periodontal pathogenesis, forming biofilms in subgingival environments and contributing to dysbiosis. Antimicrobial therapy is pivotal in managing periodontal disease, requiring a nuanced understanding of susceptibility patterns exhibited by key pathogens like T. denticola Aims and objectives This study aims to investigate the antimicrobial susceptibility and resistance profiles of Treponema denticola, a prominent bacterium in periodontal disease, by examining its responses to various antimicrobial agents commonly used in periodontal therapy. Methodology Plaque samples were meticulously collected from individuals diagnosed with periodontal disease to ensure a diverse representation of the oral microbiome. All the samples were cultured, and red complex bacteria were isolated under anaerobic culture. Treponema denticola isolates were cultured from these samples under anaerobic conditions, and molecular techniques were employed for species identification. A comprehensive panel of antimicrobial agents was selected to assess the response of Treponema denticola. In vitro antimicrobial susceptibility testing (AST) was conducted using the antimicrobial gradient method, employing a hybrid approach combining elements of disk-diffusion and dilution methods. Results Treponema denticola had exhibited resistance to metronidazole, a commonly used antibiotic effective against anaerobic bacteria, emphasizing limitations in its applicability. However, the bacterium displayed sensitivity to tetracycline, imipenem, cefoperazone, chloramphenicol, clindamycin, and moxifloxacin, offering diverse therapeutic options. The antimicrobial gradient strip test provided detailed minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values, contributing to a nuanced understanding of susceptibility and resistance patterns. Conclusion This study significantly advances our understanding of Treponema denticola's antimicrobial susceptibility and resistance profiles in the context of periodontal disease. The findings underscore the importance of tailored treatment strategies and contribute to broader efforts in antimicrobial stewardship, aligning with global initiatives to combat antibiotic resistance. This research lays the foundation for more effective and personalized approaches to periodontal care, emphasizing the intricate microbial dynamics associated with periodontal health and disease.
A Comparative Analysis of Follicular Diameter Assessment Versus Doppler Ultrasound in Predicting Ovulation Timing for the Infertility Treatment: Insights From a Prospective Study
Revathi R, Chandrasekaran A, Pookanraj D and Moorthy J
Background Infertility remains a significant challenge affecting millions of couples worldwide, with ovulation abnormalities being a common underlying cause. Pharmacological methods, such as clomiphene citrate, are often used to stimulate ovulation. However, the optimal timing for sexual intercourse during ovulation induction remains contentious. Objectives This study aimed to compare the efficacy of transvaginal ultrasonography (TVS) for measuring follicle size with Doppler ultrasound for assessing changes in blood flow to predict the timing of ovulation. Methods We conducted a comparative analysis involving 64 women undergoing infertility therapy. Participants were evaluated using both TVS to measure follicle diameter and Doppler ultrasound to assess perifollicular blood flow dynamics. The primary outcomes measured included ovulation rates, resistive index (RI) values, peak systolic velocity (PSV) values, and conception rates. Results The analysis showed comparable age distributions between the TVS and Doppler groups. There was no significant correlation between follicle diameter and ovulation when assessed by TVS. However, Doppler ultrasound revealed a substantial association between perifollicular blood flow dynamics and ovulation. Higher ovulation rates were linked to lower RI values and higher PSV values, indicating their potential as predictors of ovulation. Additionally, higher conception rates were positively correlated with increased vascularity in Zone 4 of the endometrium. Conclusion Doppler ultrasonography indices, particularly RI and PSV values, provide critical insights into perifollicular blood flow dynamics and endometrial vascularity, which can enhance the effectiveness of fertility treatments. While these findings highlight the potential of Doppler ultrasound in predicting ovulation and improving treatment outcomes, further research is required to understand the underlying mechanisms and validate these results for personalised treatment strategies.
A genetic condition that spans both extremes of the nutritional spectrum
Johnson LM
Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS) is a complex genetic disorder caused by lack of expression of genes on the paternally inherited chromosome 15q11.2-q13 region, known as the Prader Willi critical region. Nutritional clinical manifestations change with age and are described in four different phases. The phases span both extremes of the nutritional spectrum, beginning with an infant with poor sucking reflexes and failure to thrive then progressing to an adolescent who may have hyperphagia and be at risk for obesity. The phenotype is likely due to hypothalamic dysfunction due to genetic changes in the Prader Willi critical region. Researchers are examining the pathological mechanisms that determine the disease course.
Quantitative Angiography: The Dawn of a New Era in Cardiovascular Medicine
Sawant R, Acharya S, Kumar S and Chaudhari P
This comprehensive review explores the transformative role of quantitative angiography in the landscape of cardiovascular medicine. Tracing the historical evolution of cardiovascular diagnostics, we emphasize the significance of angiography in diagnosis and treatment. The primary focus on quantitative angiography reveals its capacity to move beyond qualitative assessments, providing clinicians with precise measurements and objective parameters. This paradigm shift enhances diagnostic accuracy, promising far-reaching implications for the future of cardiovascular medicine. The ability to tailor interventions based on meticulous measurements optimizes therapeutic strategies and positions the field on the brink of a new era where personalized approaches become the norm. However, challenges such as image quality, radiation exposure, and interpretation variability persist, necessitating a collective call to action for continued research and development. As we confront these issues, collaborative efforts across disciplines are essential to refine existing technologies and usher in innovative solutions. This review concludes with a resounding call for ongoing research initiatives, large-scale clinical studies, and collective commitment to propel quantitative angiography into a universally accepted standard, ensuring its full realization in enhancing patient care and outcomes in cardiovascular medicine.
A Mixed-Method Analytical Cross-Sectional Research of Person-Centered Learning Behaviors Among Adolescent and Adult Learners
Bhise N, Mishra V, Pisulkar S, Nimonkar S, Belkhode V and Dahihandekar C
Background In their academic lives, students progress from the stage of primary learning to the stage of adolescent learning and then to the stage of adult learning. At every step of learning, learners display particular learning habits, which must be mapped out to maximize learning. Objectives The objective of the present study is to evaluate the person-centered behaviors that influence learning among learners in adolescent and adult age groups by employing a learning behavior questionnaire that has been previously validated. Material and methods A cross-sectional study in which 944 participants were enrolled, including 456 adolescents from English-medium schools (aged 11 to 16 years) and 488 adults from a health professional institute (aged 18 to 23 years). The validated learning behavior questionnaire, which study participants rated on a scale of 0, 1, and 2, served as the study's quantitative component. The focus group discussion that was held for a group of adult and teenage students comprised the study's qualitative component. Using STATA-14 software (StataCorp LLC, College Station, USA), all of the responses were tallied and statistically examined. Results  The mean scores of person-centered learning behaviors were significantly higher for learners in the adult age group than for learners in the adolescent age group. The findings of the component, which was qualitative in nature, were consistent with the findings of the learning behavior questionnaire analysis. For both adults and adolescents, the difference in mean person-centered learning scores was statistically negligible at a 5% level of significance (p=0.415 and p=0.368, respectively). Conclusion The study's checklist, which is self-monitoring in nature, may aid in the evaluation of learning behaviors and make it simpler for adult and adolescent learners to establish excellent learning habits.
Emicizumab as first-line therapy in acquired hemophilia A
Iarossi M and Hermans C
Acquired hemophilia A (AHA) is a rare autoimmune disease resulting from the development of autoantibodies directed against endogenous factor (F)VIII, leading to bleeding manifestations that can be life-threatening. The current standard hemostatic treatment involves the use of bypassing agents that circumvent FVIII (recombinant activated FVII, activated prothrombin complex concentrate, and recombinant porcine FVIII) that must be administered intravenously and possess a short half-life. These limitations and the risk of potentially fatal bleeding complications justify the early initiation of immunosuppressive treatment (IST) aimed at promptly eradicating the autoantibodies. IST is not without side effects, sometimes severe and possibly fatal, especially in persons with AHA who are generally older and have multiple comorbidities. Emicizumab, a bispecific antibody that mimics the action of FVIII, has emerged as an effective hemostatic therapy among persons with congenital hemophilia, whether complicated by the presence of anti-FVIII antibodies or not. Numerous arguments from recent clinical experiences suggest positioning emicizumab as a first-line treatment for AHA. This strategy has the potential to reduce bleeding complications and, importantly, the side effects associated with IST, which can be delayed and tailored to each patient.
Turn Up the Heat: A Case Report of Malignant Hyperthermia During Ambulatory Surgery
Luong A, Relli-Dempsey V, Johnson E, Price D, Gable A and Franzen MJ
Malignant hyperthermia is a rare complication of general anesthesia involving the uncontrolled release of calcium when exposed to triggers such as depolarizing muscle relaxants or volatile anesthetics. It presents as a hypercatabolic skeletal muscle syndrome that results in tachycardia, hyperthermia, hypercapnia, muscle rigidity, acidosis, rhabdomyolysis, and hyperkalemia. This report presents the case of a 67-year-old female without a personal or family history of complications with anesthesia who experienced malignant hyperthermia during an elective hysterectomy. The patient was given multiple doses of dantrolene, with the ultimate resolution of her symptoms several days after surgery. She was discharged one week after surgery.
Food addiction and the physical and mental health status of adults with overweight and obesity
Zielińska M, Łuszczki E, Szymańska A and Dereń K
Overweight and obesity now affect more than a third of the world's population. They are strongly associated with somatic diseases, in particular increasing the risk of many metabolic and cardiovascular diseases, but also with mental disorders. In particular, there is a strong association between obesity and depression. As a result, more attention is paid to the neurobiological, behavioural, and psychological mechanisms involved in eating. One of these is food addiction (FA). Research comparing lifestyle elements, physical and mental health problems of excess body weight and individuals with FA is limited and has focused on younger people, mainly students. There is also a lack of studies that relate actual metabolic parameters to FA. To better understand the problem of FA also in older adults, it is important to understand the specific relationships between these variables.
Systemic inflammation biomarkers during angioedema attacks in hereditary angioedema
Gil-Serrano J, Labrador-Horrillo M, Galvan-Blasco P, Sala-Cunill A, Bigas P, Pereira-González J, Luengo O, Cardona V and Guilarte M
Hereditary angioedema (HAE) is a rare disease characterized by localized and self-limited angioedema (AE) attacks. A local increase of bradykinin (BK) mediates AE attacks in HAE, however the role of inflammation in HAE has been poorly explored We aim to analyze the role of inflammatory mediators in HAE patients during AE attacks.
JointTracker: Real-time inertial kinematic chain tracking with joint position estimation
Taetz B, Lorenz M, Miezal M, Stricker D and Bleser-Taetz G
In-field human motion capture (HMC) is drawing increasing attention due to the multitude of application areas. Plenty of research is currently invested in camera-based (markerless) HMC, with the advantage of no infrastructure being required on the body, and additional context information being available from the surroundings. However, the inherent drawbacks of camera-based approaches are the limited field of view and occlusions. In contrast, inertial HMC (IHMC) does not suffer from occlusions, thus being a promising approach for capturing human motion outside the laboratory. However, one major challenge of such methods is the necessity of spatial registration. Typically, during a predefined calibration sequence, the orientation and location of each inertial sensor are registered with respect to the underlying skeleton model. This work contributes to calibration-free IHMC, as it proposes a recursive estimator for the simultaneous online estimation of all sensor poses and joint positions of a kinematic chain model like the human skeleton. The full derivation from an optimization objective is provided. The approach can directly be applied to a synchronized data stream from a body-mounted inertial sensor network. Successful evaluations are demonstrated on noisy simulated data from a three-link chain, real lower-body walking data from 25 young, healthy persons, and walking data captured from a humanoid robot. The estimated and derived quantities, global and relative sensor orientations, joint positions, and segment lengths can be exploited for human motion analysis and anthropometric measurements, as well as in the context of hybrid markerless visual-inertial HMC.
CD161CD127CD8 T cell subsets can predict the efficacy of anti-PD-1 immunotherapy in non-small cell lung cancer with diabetes mellitus
Qu J, Li Y, Wu B, Shen Q, Chen L, Sun W, Wang B, Ying L, Wu L, Zhou H, Zhou J and Zhou J
The role of CD161CD127CD8 T cells in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients with diabetes remains unexplored. This study determined the prevalence, phenotype, and function of CD8 T cell subsets in NSCLC with diabetes. We recruited NSCLC patients ( = 436) treated with anti-PD-1 immunotherapy as first-line treatment. The progression-free survival (PFS), overall survival (OS), T cells infiltration, and peripheral blood immunological characteristics were analyzed in NSCLC patients with or without diabetes. NSCLC patients with diabetes exhibited shorter PFS and OS ( = 0.0069 and  = 0.012, respectively) and significantly lower CD8 T cells infiltration. Mass cytometry by time-of-flight (CyTOF) showed a higher percentage of CD161CD127CD8 T cells among CD8T cells in NSCLC with diabetes before anti-PD-1 treatment ( = 0.0071) than that in NSCLC without diabetes and this trend continued after anti-PD-1 treatment ( = 0.0393). Flow cytometry and multiple-immunofluorescence confirmed that NSCLC with diabetes had significantly higher CD161CD127CD8 T cells to CD8T cells ratios than NSCLC patients without diabetes. The RNA-sequencing analysis revealed immune-cytotoxic genes were reduced in the CD161CD127CD8 T cell subset compared to CD161CD127CD8 T cells in NSCLC with diabetes. CD161CD127CD8 T cells exhibited more T cell-exhausted phenotypes in NSCLC with diabetes. NSCLC patients with diabetes with ≥ 6.3% CD161CD127CD8 T cells to CD8T cells ratios showed worse PFS. These findings indicate that diabetes is a risk factor for NSCLC patients who undergo anti-PD-1 immunotherapy.CD161CD127CD8 T cells could be a key indicator of a poor prognosis in NSCLC with diabetes. Our findings would help in advancing anti-PD-1 therapy in NSCLC patients with diabetes.
Diversity of spp., spp. and spp. in vampire bats
de Mello VVC, de Oliveira LB, Coelho TFSB, Lee DAB, das Neves LF, Franco EO, Mongruel ACB, Machado RZ and André MR
Although bats (Mammalia: Chiroptera) act as natural reservoirs for many zoonotic pathogens around the world, few studies have investigated the occurrence of agents in bats, especially vampire bats. The family (order Rickettsiales) encompasses obligate intracellular bacteria of the genera , , , , , and . The present study aimed to investigate, using molecular techniques, the presence of species of , , and in vampire bats sampled in northern Brazil. Between 2017 and 2019, spleen samples were collected from vampire bats belonging to two species, ( 228) from the states of Pará ( = 207), Amazonas ( = 1), Roraima ( = 18) and Amapá ( = 3), and ( = 1) from Pará. Positivity rates of 5.2% (12/229), 3% (7/229), and 10.9% (25/229) were found in PCR assays for spp. (16S rRNA gene), a spp. ( gene) and spp. (16S rRNA gene), respectively. The present study revealed, for the first time, the occurrence of spp. and different genotypes of spp. in vampire bats from Brazil. While phylogenetic analyses based on the and genes of and 16S rRNA of spp. revealed phylogenetic proximity of the genotypes detected in vampire bats with agents associated with domestic ruminants, phylogenetic inferences based on the and genes evidenced the occurrence of genotypes apparently exclusive to bats. sp. phylogenetically associated with was also detected in vampire bats sampled in northern Brazil.
Construction of PARI public health education programs for Chinese undergraduates: a Delphi study
Kong Y, Xu H, Li C, Yang Y, Zhu X and Zuo Y
The objective of this study is to develop a consensus among experts on a comprehensive and scientifically sound physical activity-related injuries (PARI) public health education program specifically tailored for undergraduates.
Tiny patients, huge impact: a call to action
Wells J, Shah A, Gillis H, Gustafson S, Powell C, Krasaelap A, Hanna S, Hoefert JA, Bigelow A, Sherwin J, Lewis EC and Bline KE
The continuation of high-quality care is under threat for the over 70 million children in the United States. Inequities between Medicaid and Medicare payments and the current procedural-based reimbursement model have resulted in the undervaluing of pediatric medical care and lack of prioritization of children's health by institutions. The number of pediatricians, including pediatric subspecialists, and pediatric healthcare centers are declining due to mounting financial obstacles and this crucial healthcare supply is no longer able to keep up with demand. The reasons contributing to these inequities are clear and rational: Medicaid has significantly lower rates of reimbursement compared to Medicare, yet Medicaid covers almost half of children in the United States and creates the natural incentive for medical institutions to prioritize the care of adults. Additionally, certain aspects of children's healthcare are unique from adults and are not adequately covered in the current payment model. The result of decades of devaluing children's healthcare has led to a substantial decrease in the availability of services, medications, and equipment needed to provide healthcare to children across the nation. Fortunately, the solution is just as clear as the problem: we must value the healthcare of children as much as that of adults by increasing Medicaid funding to be on par with Medicare and appreciate the complexities of care beyond procedures. If these changes are not made, the high-quality care for children in the US will continue to decline and increase strain on the overall healthcare system as these children age into adulthood.
The effect of a spinal thrust manipulation's audible pop on brain wave activity: a quasi-experimental repeated measure design
Sillevis R, Unum J, Weiss V, Shamus E and Selva-Sarzo F
High velocity thrust manipulation is commonly used when managing joint dysfunctions. Often, these thrust maneuvers will elicit an audible pop. It has been unclear what conclusively causes this audible sound and its clinical meaningfulness. This study sought to identify the effect of the audible pop on brainwave activity directly following a prone T7 thrust manipulation in asymptomatic/healthy subjects.
Acute myeloid leukemia with a novel fusion transformed from essential thrombocythemia: A case report and mini review
Sahin Y, Pei J, Baldwin DA, Mansoor N, Koslosky L, Abdelmessieh P, Wang YL, Nejati R and Testa JR
Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a heterogeneous hematological malignancy associated with various combinations of gene mutations, epigenetic abnormalities, and chromosome rearrangement-related gene fusions. Despite the significant degree of heterogeneity in its pathogenesis, many gene fusions and point mutations are recurrent in AML and have been employed in risk stratification over the last several decades. Gene fusions have long been recognized for understanding tumorigenesis and their proven roles in clinical diagnosis and targeted therapies. Advances in DNA sequencing technologies and computational biology have contributed significantly to the detection of known fusion genes as well as for the discovery of novel ones. Several recurring gene fusions in AML have been linked to prognosis, treatment response, and disease progression. In this report, we present a case with a long history of essential thrombocythemia and hallmark mutation transforming to AML characterized by a previously unreported fusion gene. We propose mechanisms by which this fusion may contribute to the pathogenesis of AML and its potential as a molecular target for tyrosine kinase inhibitors.
Functional variation among mesenchymal stem cells derived from different tissue sources
Yi N, Zeng Q, Zheng C, Li S, Lv B, Wang C, Li C, Jiang W, Liu Y, Yang Y, Yan T, Xue J and Xue Z
Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are increasingly recognized for their regenerative potential. However, their clinical application is hindered by their inherent variability, which is influenced by various factors, such as the tissue source, culture conditions, and passage number.
Creatine kinase mitochondrial 2 promotes the growth and progression of colorectal cancer enhancing Warburg effect through lactate dehydrogenase B
Cai S, Xia Q, Duan D, Fu J, Wu Z, Yang Z and Yu C
Mitochondrial creatine kinase (MtCK) plays a pivotal role in cellular energy metabolism, exhibiting enhanced expression in various tumors, including colorectal cancer (CRC). Creatine kinase mitochondrial 2 (CKMT2) is a subtype of MtCK; however, its clinical significance, biological functions, and underlying molecular mechanisms in CRC remain elusive.
Positive peritoneal lavage fluid cytology based on isolation by size of epithelial tumor cells indicates a high risk of peritoneal metastasis
Xuan Y, Gao Q, Wang C and Cai D
Peritoneal metastasis (PM) is the most prevalent type of metastasis in patients with gastric cancer (GC) and has an extremely poor prognosis. The detection of free cancer cells (FCCs) in the peritoneal cavity has been demonstrated to be one of the worst prognostic factors for GC. However, there is a lack of sensitive detection methods for FCCs in the peritoneal cavity. This study aimed to use a new peritoneal lavage fluid cytology examination to detect FCCs in patients with GC, and to explore its clinical significance on diagnosing of occult peritoneal metastasis (OPM) and prognosis.
Prevalence of type 2 diabetes mellitus and hypertension in patient's visiting the conservative dentistry and endodontics department: a cross-sectional study in Surabaya City
Manihar M, Wahjuningrum DA, Manihar S, Pawar AM, Atram J, Banga K, Luke AM and Elmsmari F
This descriptive cross-sectional study focuses on the prevalence of hypertension (HTN) and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) amongst patients who visited the Conservative Dentistry and Endodontics department. Recognizing these incidence statistics is critical for improving endodontic therapy delivery and assuring high-quality dental care with positive treatment outcomes.
Comparative bond failure rate of orthodontic brackets when bracket base is treated with micro-abrasive blasting . acid etching: eighteen month randomized control trial and scanning electron microscope study
Durrani OK, Raja UB, Chaudhary FA, Hamid U, Javed MQ, Atique S and Habib SR
The aim of this study was threefold. Firstly, it aimed to introduce and detail a novel method for chemically etching the bases of stainless-steel orthodontic brackets. Secondly, the study sought to investigate the structural alterations within the brackets' microstructure following chemical etching compared to those with sandblasted bases, using electron microscopy analysis. Lastly, the study aimed to evaluate and compare the long-term durability and survivability of orthodontic brackets with chemically etched bases those with sandblasted bases, both bonded using the conventional acid etch technique with Transbond XT adhesive, over an 18-month follow-up period.
Network analysis of occupational stress and job satisfaction among radiologists
Ji J, He B, Gong S, Sheng M and Ruan X
Occupational stress and job satisfaction significantly impact the well-being and performance of healthcare professionals, including radiologists. Understanding the complex interplay between these factors through network analysis can provide valuable insights into intervention strategies to enhance workplace satisfaction and productivity.
Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the self-care and health condition of the older adults. CUIDAMOS+75. A mixed methods study protocol
Rico-Blazquez M, Esteban-Sepúlveda S, Sánchez-Ruano R, Aritztegui-Echenique AM, Artigues-Barbera EM, Brito-Brito PR, Casado-Ramirez E, Cidoncha-Moreno MÁ, Fabregat-Julve MI, Feria-Raposo I, Hernandez-Pascual M, Lozano-Hernández C, Moreno-Casbas MT, Otones-Reyes P, Palmar-Santos AM, Pedraz-Marcos A, Romero-Rodriguez EM, Solé-Agustí MC, Taltavull-Aparicio JM, Vidal-Thomas MC, Gonzalez-Chorda VM and
To assess the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the health condition of people ≥75 years of age and on their family caregivers in Spain.
Effect of COVID-19 on Continuing Education Activities and Learner Interactions: Report from Six Accreditation Systems
Regnier K, Smith A, Natali JP, Berthe S, Griebenow R, Schaefer R, Stein J, Elsayed E and Smith M
The COVID-19 pandemic has had disruptive effects on all parts of the health-care system, including the continuing education (CE) landscape. This report documents, what has happened in six different CE accreditation systems to CE activities as well as learners. Complete lockdown periods in the first part of the COVID-19 pandemic have inevitably led to reductions in numbers of the then predominant format of education, i.e. onsite in-person meetings. However, with impressive speed CE providers have switched to online educational formats. With regard to learner interactions this has compensated, and in some systems even overcompensated, the loss of in-person educational opportunities. Thus, our data convincingly demonstrate the resilience of CPD in times of a global health crisis and offer important insights in how CPD might become more effective in the future.
Sex, environment, and death rate in a dementia cohort: a seven-years Bayesian survival analysis using medications data from a contaminated area in Italy
Mincuzzi A, Lodeserto P, Zollino J, Sardone R, Bisceglia L, Addabbo F, Minerba S, Colacicco VG and Giannico OV
Studies have analyzed the effects of industrial installations on the environment and human health in Taranto, Southern Italy. Literature documented associations between different variables and dementia mortality among both women and men. The present study aims to investigate the associations between sex, environment, age, disease duration, pandemic years, anti-dementia drugs, and death rate.
Internet addiction among adolescents during the COVID-19 pandemic: Associations with sociodemographic and psychological distress
Md Bukhori AB and Ja'afar MH
The COVID-19 pandemic has had tremendous implications for billions of adolescents worldwide due to school closures, forcing students to embrace internet usage for daily tasks. Uncontrolled use of the internet among adolescents makes them vulnerable to internet addiction (IA). This study aims to determine the prevalence of IA among adolescents and assess its association with sociodemographic factors, smartphone use, and psychological distress during the pandemic.
Motivation of Marathon and Ultra-Marathon Runners. A Narrative Review
Partyka A and Waśkiewicz Z
This narrative review study seeks to consolidate the existing knowledge on motivational factors that influence marathon and ultramarathon runners. The primary aim is to collect and summarize the understanding of the factors that drive both marathon and ultramarathon runners. Furthermore the review seeks to explore how variables like gender, age and experience impact motivational drivers within these running communities to highlight the intricate nature of factors, in endurance running and stress the significance of tailored training approaches and community backing to enhance participation and achievement. The study aimed to thoroughly review research papers using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) framework. After the evaluation of 302 publications that could potentially be relevant, 61 papers were selected for inclusion in the review. The investigation uncovers unique motivating patterns within these endurance sports communities. The desire for good health, physical fitness, and social interaction drives marathon runners. Their motivations develop as they train and become more involved in the running community. On the other hand, ultramarathon runners are motivated by internal psychological variables like self-esteem and personal exploration, which are significantly shaped by the ultramarathon community's impact on their identity and running approach. Additional research indicates that gender, age, and experience affect the motivational elements in both groups differently. Specifically, experienced ultramarathon runners prioritize personal achievements and health more than time. This review underscores the intricacy of motivating elements in endurance running, highlighting the necessity for tailored methodologies in training and communal assistance to cultivate involvement and achievement.
The Prevalence and Impact of Low Back Pain Among Anaesthesia Care Providers in South-South, Nigeria
Akolokwu AS, Hart F and Mato CN
Low back pain (LBP) is a common musculoskeletal disorder, that significantly impedes productivity. This study aims to ascertain the risk factors responsible for developing low back pain and the impact on personal workplace service delivery among Anesthetist's practicing in Rivers and Bayelsa States of Nigeria.
Advanced Nanomedicine Approaches for Myocardial Infarction Treatment
Song L, Jia K, Yang F and Wang J
Myocardial infarction, usually caused by the rupture of atherosclerotic plaque, leads to irreversible ischemic cardiomyocyte death within hours followed by impaired cardiac performance or even heart failure. Current interventional reperfusion strategies for myocardial infarction still face high mortality with the development of heart failure. Nanomaterial-based therapy has made great progress in reducing infarct size and promoting cardiac repair after MI, although most studies are preclinical trials. This review focuses primarily on recent progress (2016-now) in the development of various nanomedicines in the treatment of myocardial infarction. We summarize these applications with the strategy of mechanism including anti-cardiomyocyte death strategy, activation of neovascularization, antioxidants strategy, immunomodulation, anti-cardiac remodeling, and cardiac repair.
Sociodemographic Factors Associated with Depression Among Persons with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus in The Family Medicine Clinic of a Tertiary Hospital in Southern Nigeria
Imarhiagbe CO, Dickson CI, Owen TP, Soroye MO, Okocha AN and Dienye PO
Diabetes Mellitus (DM) is a chronic Non-Communicable Disease (NCD) with rising prevalence worldwide. DM increases the risk for depression as the prevalence of depression has been reported to be three times more in diabetics than in non-diabetics. Though depressive symptoms are more common in diabetes, they are not usually recognized and treated. Little is known about the predictors of depression in this group of people, especially among the Nigerian population. This study explored the sociodemographic factors associated with depression in patients with type 2 DM without prior psychiatric history.
Establishment and validation of a bad outcomes prediction model based on EEG and clinical parameters in prolonged disorder of consciousness
Liu W, Guo Y, Xie J, Wu Y, Zhao D, Xing Z, Fu X, Zhou S, Zhang H and Wang X
This study aimed to explore the electroencephalogram (EEG) indicators and clinical factors that may lead to poor prognosis in patients with prolonged disorder of consciousness (pDOC), and establish and verify a clinical predictive model based on these factors.
Perception of Alcohol Use and Alcohol Use Disorder among Persons Involved in Road Accidents at an Emergency Department: A Cross-Sectional Study
Dordoye EK, Affram K, Dziwornu E, Danso AF, Djankpa F and Adjenti SK
Alcohol plays a significant role in road traffic accidents in Ghana. However, little is known about the perspectives of victims who suffer road traffic accidents, RTAs, and the extent to which alcohol use disorder is involved.
Clinical features in antiglycine receptor antibody-related disease: a case report and update literature review
Wu X, Zhang H, Shi M and Fang S
Antiglycine receptor (anti-GlyR) antibody mediates multiple immune-related diseases. This study aimed to summarize the clinical features to enhance our understanding of anti-GlyR antibody-related disease.
An Analysis of Optic Disc Parameters in Patients with Peripheral Retinal Tears Following Acute Posterior Vitreous Detachment: A Cross-Sectional Study
Batistic D, Kreso A, Vrdoljak J, Batistic J, Paladin I, Mizdrak I and Glumac S
To investigate association between optic disc parameters analyzed by optical coherence tomography (OCT) and occurrence of peripheral retinal tears in patients with symptomatic posterior vitreous detachment (PVD).
Functional autoantibodies against G protein-coupled receptors in hepatic and pulmonary hypertensions in human schistosomiasis
Botoni FA, Lambertucci JR, Santos RAS, Müller J, Talvani A and Wallukat G
Schistosomiasis (SM) is a parasitic disease caused by . SM causes chronic inflammation induced by parasitic eggs, with collagen/fibrosis deposition in the granuloma process in the liver, spleen, central nervous system, kidneys, and lungs. Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a clinical manifestation characterized by high pressure in the pulmonary circulation and right ventricular overload. This study investigated the production of functional autoantibodies (fAABs) against the second loop of the G-protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) in the presence of hepatic and PAH forms of human SM.
Effects of weight-bearing dance aerobics on lower limb muscle morphology, strength and functional fitness in older women
Peng X, Zhou T, Wu H, Li Y, Liu J, Huang H, He C, Guo S, Huan M, Shi L, Chen P and Quan M
To investigate the effects of 12-week weight-bearing dance aerobics (WBDA) on muscle morphology, strength and functional fitness in older women.
Research on the correlation between clinical nurses' self-efficacy, future time perspective, and occupational burnout
Xie D, Zhu X, Zhang X, Jiang Z, Wang X and Liu T
The number of clinical nurses in China experiencing professional burnout is increasing yearly, posing a serious challenge to the public health sector. Implementing effective intervention strategies is key to reducing the level of occupational burnout. At present, training aimed at alleviating occupational burnout among clinical nurses is very limited, with common training programs focusing on addressing external factors of occupational burnout rather than the internal cognitive issues of clinical nurses. Self-efficacy and future time perspective are both aspects of an individual's internal self-cognition. Meanwhile, the relationship between clinical nurses' self-efficacy, future time perspective, and occupational burnout is not clear, and further research is needed to verify this.
Transforming Growth Factor-β-Activated Kinase 1 (TAK1) Alleviates Inflammatory Joint Pain in Osteoarthritis and Gouty Arthritis Preclinical Models
Freeze R, Hughes P, Haystead T and Scarneo S
Joint pain is one of the most commonly reported pain types in the United States. In the case of patients suffering from inflammatory diseases such as osteoarthritis (OA) and gout, persistent inflammation due to long-term overexpression of several key cytokines has been linked to neuronal hypersensitivity and damage within the joints. Ultimately, a subset of patients develop chronic pain. Pharmacologic treatment of joint pain involves the use of analgesics such as acetaminophen, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), opioids, antidepressants, as well as intra-articular injections of corticosteroids and hyaluronic acid. However, NSAIDs are short-acting and fail to alleviate severe pain, opioids are generally ineffective at managing chronic pain, and all therapeutic options involve increased risks of serious side effects.
Exploring how stay-at-home orders during the COVID-19 pandemic impedes engagement along the HIV/AIDS care continuum in public hospitals of Southwest Ethiopia: a qualitative study
Gizaw AT and Abayneh M
COVID-19 has rapidly spread across the world. In March 2020, shortly after the first confirmed case of COVID-19 in Ethiopia in March 2020, the government of Ethiopia took several measures.
Husband's intention to support during pregnancy for the use of maternity waiting home in Jimma Zone, Southwest, Ethiopia: a community-based cross-sectional study
Aman M, Bekele A, Abamecha F, Lemu YK and Gizaw AT
Husbands are the primary decision-makers about the place of childbirth. Lack of husbands' support for maternal health care is associated with low maternal waiting home utilization and less is known about the husbands' intention to support their wife's use of maternal waiting homes (MWHs) and underlying beliefs in Ethiopia. This community-based cross-sectional survey aimed to study husbands' intention to support during pregnancy through the use of maternity waiting homes in Jimma Zone, Southwest Ethiopia.
Active aging and health among older adults in China: a perspective based on downward intergenerational economic support
Yuanfeng L and Xu Z
In China, the rapid progression of population aging presents significant challenges to society and the economy, drawing widespread attention to the health conditions of older adults. While aging is often seen as a societal burden, the phenomenon of intergenerational economic support reveals the potential for older adults to continue playing an active role within their families. This study delves into how older parents' financial support to their children can reciprocally influence their own health, exploring the potential non-linear relationships involved.
Perspective: the evolution of hormones and person perception-a quantitative genetic framework
Gurguis CI, Kimm TS and Pigott TA
Evolutionary biology provides a unifying theory for testing hypotheses about the relationship between hormones and person perception. Person perception usually receives attention from the perspective of sexual selection. However, because person perception is one trait in a suite regulated by hormones, univariate approaches are insufficient. In this Perspectives article, quantitative genetics is presented as an important but underutilized framework for testing evolutionary hypotheses within this literature. We note tacit assumptions within the current literature on psychiatric genetics, which imperil the interpretation of findings thus far. As regulators of a diverse manifold of traits, hormones mediate tradeoffs among an array of functions. Hormonal pleiotropy also provides the basis of correlational selection, a process whereby selection on one trait in a hormone-mediated suite generates selection on the others. This architecture provides the basis for conflicts between sexual and natural selection within hormone-mediated suites. Due to its role in person perception, psychiatric disorders, and reproductive physiology, the sex hormone estrogen is highlighted as an exemplar here. The implications of this framework for the evolution of person perception are discussed. Empirical quantification of selection on traits within hormone-mediated suites remains an important gap in this literature with great potential to illuminate the fundamental nature of psychiatric disorders.
Association of diet and outdoor time with inflammatory bowel disease: a multicenter case-control study using propensity matching analysis in China
Chu X, Chen X, Zhang H, Wang Y, Guo H, Chen Y, Liu X, Zhu Z, He Y, Ding X, Wang Q, Zheng C, Cao X, Yang H and Qian J
To investigate the association between dietary and some other environmental factors and the risk of inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) in Chinese population.
Role of sexuality in women with chronic pain: Results from an Italian cross-sectional study on chronic headache, fibromyalgia, and vulvodynia
Nimbi FM, Mesce M, Limoncin E, Renzi A and Galli F
To compare sexual functioning, genital pain, and satisfaction among women diagnosed with various Chronic pain (CP) conditions. Additionally, it seeks to explore the role of sexual factors in predicting levels of central sensitization (indicative of CP-related mental and physical distress), physical, and mental quality of life (QoL) for each condition individually.
Clinical and virological characteristics of coexistent hepatitis B surface antigen and antibody in treatment-naive children with chronic hepatitis B virus infection
Xu Y, Li S, OuYang W, Yao Z, Lai X, Gu Y, Yang M, Ye L, Li S and Peng S
Serological pattern of simultaneous positivity for hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) and antibody against HBsAg (anti-HBs) is considered a specific and atypical phenomenon among patients with chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection, especially in pediatric patients. Unfortunately, there is limited understanding of the clinical and virological characteristics among children having chronic HBV infection and the coexistence of HBsAg and anti-HBs. Hence, our objective was to determine the prevalence of coexistent HBsAg and anti-HBs and to explore the associated clinical and virological features in this patient population. The researchers conducted a retrospective cohort study on the 413 pediatric patients with chronic HBV infection from December 2011 to June 2022. The patients were stratified into two groups based on their anti-HBs status. Demographic, serum biochemical and virological parameters of two group were compared. Of the total 413 enrolled subjects, 94 (22.8%) were tested positive for both HBsAg and anti-HBs. Patients with anti-HBs were younger and demonstrated significantly higher ratio of albumin to globulin (A/G), elevated serum levels of alanine transaminase (ALT), lower ratio of aspartate transaminase (AST)/ALT (AST/ALT) and reduced serum levels of globulin, HBsAg and HBV DNA, Additionally, these patients were more likely to show coexistent HBeAg and anti-HBe when compared to patients without anti-HBs. The results of multivariate logistical analysis revealed that AST/ALT, serum levels of globulin and HBsAg were negatively associated with coexistence of HBsAg and anti-HBs. Our data demonstrated a considerable prevalence of coexisting HBsAg and anti-HBs in pediatric patients. Children with this specific serological pattern were commonly of a younger age, seemly predisposing them to early liver impairment and lower HBV replication activity.
Narrative identity in addictive disorders: a conceptual review
Deriu V, Altavilla D, Adornetti I, Chiera A and Ferretti F
Narrative identity allows individuals to integrate their personal experiences into a coherent and meaningful life story. Addictive disorders appear to be associated with a disturbed sense of self, reflected in problematic and disorganized self-narratives. In recent literature, a growing body of research has highlighted how narrative approaches can make a dual contribution to the understanding of addiction: on the one hand, by revealing crucial aspects of self structure, and, on the other, by supporting the idea that addiction is a disorder related to unintegrated self-states in which dissociative phenomena and the resulting sense of 'loss of self' are maladaptive strategies for coping with distress. This conceptual review identified the main measures of narrative identity, i.e., narrative coherence and complexity, agency, and emotions, and critically examines 9 quantitative and qualitative studies (out of 18 identified in literature), that have investigated the narrative dimension in people with an addictive disorder in order to provide a synthesis of the relationship between self, narrative and addiction. These studies revealed a difficulty in the organization of narrative identity of people with an addictive disorder, which is reflected in less coherent and less complex autobiographical narratives, in a prevalence of passivity and negative emotions, and in a widespread presence of themes related to a lack of self-efficacy. This review points out important conceptual, methodological and clinical implications encouraging further investigation of narrative dimension in addiction.
A case report of Japanese encephalitis in Paracelis, Mountain Province, the Philippines
Mapangdol FS, Ventura RJC, Blanco MZC, Racelis-Andrada S, Pamintuan RP, Magpantay RL and Lonogan KB
On 12 September 2022, a 10-year-old female in Paracelis municipality, Mountain Province, the Philippines, without travel history outside the municipality, experienced acute onset of fever and a change in mental status with disorientation, an altered level of consciousness and new onset of seizures. She was hospitalized at the district hospital from 1 to 3 October 2022, before being transferred to the regional hospital. As diphtheria was originally suspected, the investigation team reviewed records and reports and interviewed key informants to gather additional information and organize case finding and contact tracing. The patient's condition was laboratory-confirmed for Japanese encephalitis virus infection. An environmental survey was carried out at the patient's residence to check for the presence of vectors and contributing factors. Exemplifying inadequate vaccination coverage for Japanese encephalitis virus in Mountain Province, the patient had not been vaccinated against the disease. It is recommended that vaccination campaigns be immediately implemented in the affected area and the surveillance system be strengthened for early detection and prompt response to the emergence of cases and outbreaks. Overall, the investigation highlighted the importance of strong surveillance and response systems for early detection and control of diseases, such as Japanese encephalitis virus. It also underscores the need for comprehensive vaccination programmes to prevent outbreaks and protect vulnerable populations.
Individualized epidemic spreading models predict epilepsy surgery outcomes: A pseudo-prospective study
Millán AP, van Straaten ECW, Stam CJ, Nissen IA, Idema S, Van Mieghem P and Hillebrand A
Epilepsy surgery is the treatment of choice for drug-resistant epilepsy patients, but up to 50% of patients continue to have seizures one year after the resection. In order to aid presurgical planning and predict postsurgical outcome on a patient-by-patient basis, we developed a framework of individualized computational models that combines epidemic spreading with patient-specific connectivity and epileptogeneity maps: the Epidemic Spreading Seizure and Epilepsy Surgery framework (ESSES). ESSES parameters were fitted in a retrospective study ( = 15) to reproduce invasive electroencephalography (iEEG)-recorded seizures. ESSES reproduced the iEEG-recorded seizures, and significantly better so for patients with good (seizure-free, SF) than bad (nonseizure-free, NSF) outcome. We illustrate here the clinical applicability of ESSES with a ( = 34) with a blind setting (to the resection strategy and surgical outcome) that emulated presurgical conditions. By setting the model parameters in the retrospective study, ESSES could be applied also to patients without iEEG data. ESSES could predict the chances of good outcome after resection by finding patient-specific model-based optimal resection strategies, which we found to be smaller for SF than NSF patients, suggesting an intrinsic difference in the network organization or presurgical evaluation results of NSF patients. The actual surgical plan overlapped more with the model-based optimal resection, and had a larger effect in decreasing modeled seizure propagation, for SF patients than for NSF patients. Overall, ESSES could correctly predict 75% of NSF and 80.8% of SF cases pseudo-prospectively. Our results show that individualised computational models may inform surgical planning by suggesting alternative resections and providing information on the likelihood of a good outcome after a proposed resection. This is the first time that such a model is validated with a fully independent cohort and without the need for iEEG recordings.
Perceived Family Functioning of Adolescents with Affective Disorders: A Multicentric Cross-Sectional Study
Wang H, Xie X, Li Z, Xue L and Liao Q
This study aims to investigate the status of family functioning and dissatisfaction of family function from the perception of adolescents with affective disorders and explore associated factors.
A complex case with generalized epilepsy, probable focal seizures, and functional seizures
Elshetihy A, Nergiz L, Cloppenborg T, Woermann FG, Müffelmann B and Bien CG
In this patient, now 42 years old, genetic generalized epilepsy (juvenile myoclonic epilepsy) manifested itself at the age of 13. At the age of 39, she experienced a status episode with prolonged ICU treatment. She was left with a left-sided hippocampal sclerosis and probably focal seizures. In addition, since the age of 24, the patient also experiences functional seizures on the background of a borderline personality disorder. While generalized epileptic seizures could be controlled with antiseizure medication (ASM), the patient was multiple times admitted to Emergency Departments for her functional seizures with subsequent intensive care treatments, including intubation. As a complication, the patient developed critical illness polyneuropathy and myopathy, resulting in wheelchair dependence. Additionally, she acquired a complex regional pain syndrome after extravasation of ASM. The report demonstrates the uncommon development of hippocampal sclerosis after a generalized tonic-clonic status epilepticus and the poor treatability of functional seizures as compared to generalized and focal seizures.
A baseline epidemiological survey for malaria and schistosomiasis reveals an alarming burden in primary schools despite ongoing control in Chikwawa District, southern Malawi
Chiepa B, Mbewe R, Stanton MC, Kapumba B, Kambewa E, Kaunga L, Chiphwanya J, Mzilahowa T, Jones CM and Stothard JR
Our study rationale was to establish contemporary epidemiological data on malaria and schistosomiasis among school-going children in Chikwawa District before future environmental changes associated with the Shire Valley Transformation Programme occurred. Our cross-sectional surveys tested 1134 children from 21 government-owned primary schools (approximately 50 children per school); rapid diagnostic tests for malaria (Humasis Pf/PAN) and intestinal schistosomiasis (urine-Circulating Cathodic Antigen) were used, with urine reagents strips and egg-filtration with microscopy for urogenital schistosomiasis. All infected children were treated with an appropriate dose of Lonart® (for malaria) and/or Cesol® (for schistosomiasis). Across 21 schools the overall prevalence was 9.7% (95% CI: 8.8-10.6%) for malaria, 1.9% (95% CI: 1.4-2.3%) for intestinal schistosomiasis, and 35.0% (95% CI: 33.6-36.5%) for egg-patent urogenital schistosomiasis. The prevalence of co-infection of malaria with urogenital schistosomiasis was 5.5% (95% CI: 4.8-6.2%). In a third of the schools, the prevalence of malaria and urogenital schistosomiasis was above national averages of 10.5% and 40-50%, respectively, with two schools having maxima of 36.8% and 84.5%, respectively. Set against a background of ongoing control, our study has revealed an alarming burden of malaria and schistosomiasis in southern Malawi. These findings call for an immediate mitigating response that significantly bolsters current control interventions to better safeguard children's future health.
Epileptologists' attitudes toward physical exercise and sports for persons with epilepsy in China
Liao W, Lu L, Xiong W, Mu J and Zhou D
We undertook a survey among epileptologists in China to explore their attitudes toward physical exercise and sports for persons with epilepsy (PWEs). A total of 288 epileptologists participated. Most recognized the potential benefits of physical exercise and sports for PWEs, including improved cognitive function (74.6 %), alleviation of mental disorders (73.2 %), and enhanced quality of life (83.8 %). Epileptologists overwhelmingly agreed on the importance of discussing and encouraging physical exercise and sports for PWEs (97.4 % and 95.2 %, respectively). Before engagement in physical exercise and sports, most epileptologists considered that the duration of seizure-free status could be shorter if the seizures were typically focal, non-motor, or without impaired awareness (p < 0.05). There was consensus (99.1 %) on the need to grade the risk of related activities. Opinions were divided regarding the use of health certificates for restricting PWEs (favored by 63.2 %). The majority (93.9 %) called for an expert consensus or clinical guidelines in China. In conclusion, epileptologists in China generally demonstrate a positive attitude toward physical exercise and sports for PWEs. Both benefits and risks of these activities have generally been acknowledged. It is recommended to prioritize activities with lower risks and higher benefits. However, the recommendations for PWEs with a lower likelihood of recurrence and less risky seizure types can be more liberal. Urgent development of normative guidance from governmental and professional bodies is warranted.
Candidate tumor-specific CD8 T cell subsets identified in the malignant pleural effusion of advanced lung cancer patients by single-cell analysis
Sugita Y, Muraoka D, Demachi-Okamura A, Komuro H, Masago K, Sasaki E, Fukushima Y, Matsui T, Shinohara S, Takahashi Y, Nishida R, Takashima C, Yamaguchi T, Horio Y, Hashimoto K, Tanaka I, Hamana H, Kishi H, Miura D, Tanaka Y, Onoue K, Onoguchi K, Yamashita Y, Stratford R, Clancy T, Yamaguchi R, Kuroda H, Ishibashi H, Okubo K and Matsushita H
Isolation of tumor-specific T cells and their antigen receptors (TCRs) from malignant pleural effusions (MPE) may facilitate the development of TCR-transduced adoptive cellular immunotherapy products for advanced lung cancer patients. However, the characteristics and markers of tumor-specific T-cells in MPE are largely undefined. To this end, to establish the phenotypes and antigen specificities of CD8 T cells, we performed single-cell RNA and TCR sequencing of samples from three advanced lung cancer patients. Dimensionality reduction on a total of 4,983 CD8 T cells revealed 10 clusters including naïve, memory, and exhausted phenotypes. We focused particularly on exhausted T cell clusters and tested their TCR reactivity against neoantigens predicted from autologous cancer cell lines. Four different TCRs specific for the same neoantigen and one orphan TCR specific for the autologous cell line were identified from one of the patients. Differential gene expression analysis in tumor-specific T cells relative to the other T cells identified , as a candidate gene expressed by tumor-specific T cells. In addition to expressing , tumor-specific T cells were present in a higher proportion of T cells co-expressing (PD-1)/(4-1BB). Furthermore, flow cytometric analyses in advanced lung cancer patients with MPE documented that those with high PD-1/4-1BB expression have a better prognosis in the subset of 57 adenocarcinoma patients ( = .039). These data suggest that PD-1/4-1BB co-expression might identify tumor-specific CD8 T cells in MPE, which are associated with patients' prognosis. (233 words).
Functional neurological disorder, physical activity and exercise: What we know and what we can learn from comorbid disorders
Boylan KA, Dworetzky BA, Baslet G, Polich G, Angela O'Neal M and Reinsberger C
Functional neurological disorder (FND) is a common neurologic disorder associated with many comorbid symptoms including fatigue, pain, headache, and orthostasis. These concurrent symptoms lead patients to accumulate multiple diagnoses comorbid with FND, including fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome, postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome, persistent post-concussive symptoms, and chronic pain. The role of physical activity and exercise has not been evaluated in FND populations, though has been studied in certain comorbid conditions. In this traditional narrative literature review, we highlight some existing literature on physical activity in FND, then look to comorbid disorders to highlight the therapeutic potential of physical activity. We then consider abnormalities in the autonomic nervous system (ANS) as a potential pathophysiological explanation for symptoms in FND and comorbid disorders and postulate how physical activity and exercise may provide benefit via autonomic regulation.
Complete response of metastatic microsatellite-stable V600E colorectal cancer to first-line oxaliplatin-based chemotherapy and immune checkpoint blockade
Ree AH, Høye E, Esbensen Y, Beitnes AR, Negård A, Bernklev L, Tetlie LK, Fretland ÅA, Hamre HM, Kersten C, Hofsli E, Guren MG, Sorbye H, Nilsen HL, Flatmark K and Meltzer S
The randomized METIMMOX trial (NCT03388190) examined if patients with previously untreated, unresectable abdominal metastases from microsatellite-stable (MSS) colorectal cancer (CRC) might benefit from potentially immunogenic, short-course oxaliplatin-based chemotherapy alternating with immune checkpoint blockade (ICB). Three of 38 patients assigned to this experimental treatment had metastases from -mutant MSS-CRC, in general a poor-prognostic subgroup explored here. The ≥70-year-old females presented with ascending colon adenocarcinomas with intermediate tumor mutational burden (6.2-11.8 mutations per megabase). All experienced early disappearance of the primary tumor followed by complete response of all overt metastatic disease, resulting in progression-free survival as long as 20-35 months. However, they encountered recurrence at previously unaffected sites and ultimately sanctuary organs, or as intrahepatic tumor evolution reflected in the terminal loss of initially induced T-cell clonality in liver metastases. Yet, the remarkable first-line responses to short-course oxaliplatin-based chemotherapy alternating with ICB may offer a novel therapeutic option to a particularly hard-to-treat MSS-CRC subgroup.
Open optimism as an "embodied-health" ethic for the information era
Naidoo M
This article forms part of a series on "openness," "non-linearity," and "embodied-health" in the post-physical, informational (virtual) era of society. This is vital given that the threats posed by advances in artificial intelligence call for a holistic, embodied approach. Typically, health is separated into different categories, for example, (psycho)mental health, biological/bodily health, genetic health, environmental health, or reproductive health. However, this separation only serves to undermine health; there can be no separation of health into subgroups (psychosomatics, for example). Embodied health contains no false divisions and relies on "optimism" as the key framing value. Optimism is only achieved through the mechanism/enabling condition of . Openness is vital to secure the embodied health for individuals . Optimism demands that persons become active participants within their own lives and are not mere blank slates, painted in the colors of physical determinism (thus a move away from nihilism-which is the of freedom/autonomy/quality). To build an account of embodied health, the following themes/aims are analyzed, built, and validated: (1) a modern re-interpretation and validation of German idealism (the crux of many legal-ethical systems) and Freud; (2) ascertaining the bounded rationality and conceptual semantics of openness (which underlies thermodynamics, psychosocial relations, individual autonomy, ethics, and as being a central constitutional governmental value for many regulatory systems); (3) the link between openness and societal/individual embodied health, freedom, and autonomy; (4) securing the role of individualism/subjectivity in constituting openness; (5) the vital role of nonlinear dynamics in securing optimism and embodied health; (6) validation of arguments using the methodological scientific value of (generalization value) by drawing evidence from (i) information and computer sciences, (ii) quantum theory, and (iii) bio-genetic evolutionary evidence; and (7) a validation and promotion of the inalienable role of in constituting embodied health, and how modern society denigrates embodied health, by misconstruing and undermining theoretics. Thus, this paper provides and defends an up-to-date non-physical account of embodied health by creating a psycho-physical-biological-computational-philosophical construction. Thus, this paper also brings invaluable coherence to legal and ethical debates on points of technicality from the empirical sciences, demonstrating that each field is saying the same thing.
The rapidly changing field of predictive biomarkers of non-small cell lung cancer
Tóth LJ, Mokánszki A and Méhes G
Lung cancer is a leading cause of cancer-related death worldwide in both men and women, however mortality in the US and EU are recently declining in parallel with the gradual cut of smoking prevalence. Consequently, the relative frequency of adenocarcinoma increased while that of squamous and small cell carcinomas declined. During the last two decades a plethora of targeted drug therapies have appeared for the treatment of metastasizing non-small cell lung carcinomas (NSCLC). Personalized oncology aims to precisely match patients to treatments with the highest potential of success. Extensive research is done to introduce biomarkers which can predict the effectiveness of a specific targeted therapeutic approach. The EGFR signaling pathway includes several sufficient targets for the treatment of human cancers including NSCLC. Lung adenocarcinoma may harbor both activating and resistance mutations of the EGFR gene, and further, mutations of KRAS and BRAF oncogenes. Less frequent but targetable genetic alterations include ALK, ROS1, RET gene rearrangements, and various alterations of MET proto-oncogene. In addition, the importance of anti-tumor immunity and of tumor microenvironment has become evident recently. Accumulation of mutations generally trigger tumor specific immune defense, but immune protection may be upregulated as an aggressive feature. The blockade of immune checkpoints results in potential reactivation of tumor cell killing and induces significant tumor regression in various tumor types, such as lung carcinoma. Therapeutic responses to anti PD1-PD-L1 treatment may correlate with the expression of PD-L1 by tumor cells. Due to the wide range of diagnostic and predictive features in lung cancer a plenty of tests are required from a single small biopsy or cytology specimen, which is challenged by major issues of sample quantity and quality. Thus, the efficacy of biomarker testing should be warranted by standardized policy and optimal material usage. In this review we aim to discuss major targeted therapy-related biomarkers in NSCLC and testing possibilities comprehensively.
Awareness and preparedness level of medical workers for radiation and nuclear emergency response
Xu X, Xie Y, Li H, Wang X, Shi S, Yang Z, Lan Y, Han J and Liu Y
Radiological science and nuclear technology have made great strides in the twenty-first century, with wide-ranging applications in various fields, including energy, medicine, and industry. However, those developments have been accompanied by the inherent risks of exposure to nuclear radiation, which is a source of concern owing to its potentially adverse effects on human health and safety and which is of particular relevance to medical personnel who may be exposed to certain cancers associated with low-dose radiation in their working environment. While medical radiation workers have seen a decrease in their occupational exposure since the 1950s thanks to improved measures for radiation protection, a concerning lack of understanding and awareness persists among medical professionals regarding these potential hazards and the required safety precautions. This issue is further compounded by insufficient capabilities in emergency response. This highlights the urgent need to strengthen radiation safety education and training to ensure the well-being of medical staff who play a critical role in radiological and nuclear emergencies. This review examines the health hazards of nuclear radiation to healthcare workers and the awareness and willingness and education of healthcare workers on radiation protection, calling for improved training programs and emergency response skills to mitigate the risks of radiation exposure in the occupational environment, providing a catalyst for future enhancement of radiation safety protocols and fostering of a culture of safety in the medical community.
Unveiling early stage autoimmune gastritis: novel endoscopic insights from two case reports
Yu Y, Shangguan X, Yu R, Wu Y, Xu E and Tan C
The predominant characteristic of autoimmune gastritis (AIG) is corpus-dominant advanced atrophy, which is mostly observed in the middle to late stages. More reports are needed on the endoscopic features of the early stage. In this report, we present two cases of early-stage AIG in which endoscopic examinations showed no atrophy of the gastric mucosa but displayed a transition of collecting venules from a regular to an irregular arrangement. In addition, yellowish-white cobblestone-like elevations were observed in the fundic gland region. Histologically, the observed manifestations included pseudohypertrophy and protrusion of parietal cells into the lumen, possibly along with hyperplasia of G cells, lymphocytic infiltration and potentially pseudopyloric gland metaplasia. Serologically, the anti-parietal cell antibody returned positive results, whereas the anti-intrinsic factor antibody yielded negative results. In this study, we summarized some endoscopic features of two patients, aiming to provide clues for endoscopists to detect early-stage AIG.
Influence of anxious attachment on the relationship between primary emotions and substance-related addictive behaviors
Fuchshuber J, Andres D, Prandstätter T, Roithmeier L, Schmautz B, Schwerdtfeger A and Unterrainer HF
To date there is no universally accepted model that describes the development of substance related addictive behavior. In order to address this gap, the study sought to examine whether the association between primary emotions and the inclination toward addictive behavior is mediated by an anxious attachment style.
Peripheral PD-1NK cells could predict the 28-day mortality in sepsis patients
Tang J, Shang C, Chang Y, Jiang W, Xu J, Zhang L, Lu L, Chen L, Liu X, Zeng Q, Cao W and Li T
Unbalanced inflammatory response is a critical feature of sepsis, a life-threatening condition with significant global health burdens. Immune dysfunction, particularly that involving different immune cells in peripheral blood, plays a crucial pathophysiological role and shows early warning signs in sepsis. The objective is to explore the relationship between sepsis and immune subpopulations in peripheral blood, and to identify patients with a higher risk of 28-day mortality based on immunological subtypes with machine-learning (ML) model.
Systematic review and meta-analysis on prevalence, pattern, and factors associated with ocular protection practices among welders in sub-Saharan Africa
Atalay YA, Gebeyehu NA and Gelaw KA
Due to hazardous working conditions, welders are more likely to be exposed to mild to severe eye issues during the welding process. Globally, this issue is a major contributor to vision loss and blindness. One of the most frequent causes of unilateral blindness in the globe is ocular injury.
Icanbelimod (CBP-307), a next-generation Sphingosine-1-phosphate receptor modulator, in healthy men: pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, safety, and tolerability in a randomized trial in Australia
Lickliter J, Yang X, Guo J, Pan W and Wei Z
Icanbelimod (formerly CBP-307) is a next-generation S1PR modulator, targeting S1PR. In this first-in-human study, icanbelimod was investigated in healthy men in Australia.
Clinical investigation of former workers exposed to asbestos: the health surveillance experience of an Italian University Hospital
De Maria L, Pentimone F, Cavone D, Caputi A, Sponselli S, Fragassi F, Dicataldo F, Luisi V, Delvecchio G, Giannelli G, Cafaro F, Sole S, Ronghi C, Zagaria S, Loiacono G, Sifanno G, Ferri GM and Vimercati L
The need for health surveillance of former workers exposed to asbestos was provided by law in Italy after the asbestos ban in 1992.
In the I of the beholder: an attempt to capture the implicit self-concept regarding psychopathy
Krüppel J, Yoon D, Zerres K, Brunner F and Mokros A
This article explores the implicit self-concept pertaining to psychopathy. Two online studies showed inconsistent results, with Study 1 ( = 243) suggesting that psychopathy is linked to an implicit self-concept marked by low empathy and Study 2 ( = 230) implying no such relationship. In a sample of offenders and community controls (Study 3a,  = 166), higher scores on the (PCL-R) were related to an implicit self-concept of being less rather than more antisocial, and the implicit self-concept showed incremental validity compared to the explicit self-concept. The retesting of an offender subsample (Study 3b,  = 47) yielded no evidence for temporal stability or convergent validity. The implicit self-concept of highly psychopathic individuals thus appears to vary, depending on the social context. Future studies should replicate these results in different samples, using additional external correlates.
Dragon boat exercise reshapes the temporal-spatial dynamics of the brain
Jiang H, Zhao S, Wu Q, Cao Y, Zhou W, Gong Y, Shao C and Chi A
Although exercise training has been shown to enhance neurological function, there is a shortage of research on how exercise training affects the temporal-spatial synchronization properties of functional networks, which are crucial to the neurological system. This study recruited 23 professional and 24 amateur dragon boat racers to perform simulated paddling on ergometers while recording EEG. The spatiotemporal dynamics of the brain were analyzed using microstates and omega complexity. Temporal dynamics results showed that microstate D, which is associated with attentional networks, appeared significantly altered, with significantly higher duration, occurrence, and coverage in the professional group than in the amateur group. The transition probabilities of microstate D exhibited a similar pattern. The spatial dynamics results showed the professional group had lower brain complexity than the amateur group, with a significant decrease in omega complexity in the α (8-12 Hz) and β (13-30 Hz) bands. Dragon boat training may strengthen the attentive network and reduce the complexity of the brain. This study provides evidence that dragon boat exercise improves the efficiency of the cerebral functional networks on a spatiotemporal scale.
close chatgpt icon
ChatGPT

Enter your request.

Psychiatry AI RAISR 4D System Psychiatry + Mental Health