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Brain Research Bulletin May 2024Electroencephalogram (EEG) represents an effective, non-invasive technology to study mental workload. However, volume conduction, a common EEG artifact, influences...
Electroencephalogram (EEG) represents an effective, non-invasive technology to study mental workload. However, volume conduction, a common EEG artifact, influences functional connectivity analysis of EEG data. EEG coherence has been used traditionally to investigate functional connectivity between brain areas associated with mental workload, while weighted Phase Lag Index (wPLI) is a measure that improves on coherence by reducing susceptibility to volume conduction, a common EEG artifact. The goal of this study was to compare two methods of functional connectivity analysis, wPLI and coherence, in the context of mental workload evaluation. The study involved model development for mental workload domains and comparing their performance using coherence-based features, wPLI-based features, and a combination of both. Generalized linear mixed-effects model (GLMM) with the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) feature selection method was used for model development. Results indicated that the model developed using a combination of both feature types demonstrated improved predictive performance across all mental workload domains, compared to models that used each feature type individually. The R values were 0.82 for perceived task complexity, 0.71 for distraction, 0.91 for mental demand, 0.85 for physical demand, 0.74 for situational stress, and 0.74 for temporal demand. Furthermore, task complexity and functional connectivity patterns in different brain areas were identified as significant contributors to perceived mental workload (p-value<0.05). Findings showed the potential of using EEG data for mental workload evaluation which suggests that combination of coherence and wPLI can improve the accuracy of mental workload domains prediction. Future research should aim to validate these results on larger, diverse datasets to confirm their generalizability and refine the predictive models.
PubMed: 38825253
DOI: 10.1016/j.brainresbull.2024.110992 -
Journal of Cardiovascular Magnetic... May 2024Coronary artery wall contrast enhancement (CE) has been applied to non-invasive visualization of changes to the coronary artery wall in systemic lupus erythematosus...
BACKGROUND
Coronary artery wall contrast enhancement (CE) has been applied to non-invasive visualization of changes to the coronary artery wall in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). This study investigated the feasibility of quantifying CE to detect coronary involvement in IgG4-related disease (IgG4-RD), as well as the influence on disease activity assessment.
METHODS
A total of 93 subjects (31 IgG4-RD; 29 SLE; 33 controls) were recruited in the study. Coronary artery wall imaging was performed in a 3.0T MRI scanner. Serological markers and IgG4-RD Responder Index (IgG4-RD-RI) scores were collected for correlation analysis.
RESULTS
Coronary wall CE was observed in 29 (94%) IgG4-RD patients and 22 (76%) SLE patients. Contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) and total CE area were significantly higher in patient groups compared to controls (CNR: 6.1 ± 2.7 [IgG4-RD] v. 4.2 ± 2.3 [SLE] v. 1.9 ± 1.5 [control], P < 0.001; Total CE area: 3.0 [3.0-6.6] v. 1.7 [1.5-2.6] v. 0.3 [0.3-0.9], P < 0.001). In the IgG4-RD group, CNR and total CE area were correlated with the RI (CNR: r =0.55, P =0.002; total CE area: r = 0.39, P = 0.031). RI´ scored considering coronary involvement by CE, differed significantly from RI scored without consideration of CE (RI v. RI´: 15 ± 6v. 16 ± 6, P < 0.001).
CONCLUSIONS
Visualization and quantification of CMR coronary CE by CNR and total CE area could be utilized to detect subclinical and clinical coronary wall involvement, which is prevalent in IgG4-RD. The potential inclusion of small and medium-sized vessel involvements in the assessment of disease activity in IgG4-RD is worthy of further investigation.
PubMed: 38825155
DOI: 10.1016/j.jocmr.2024.101047 -
Annals of Physical and Rehabilitation... Jun 2024Percutaneous needle tenotomies constitute a promising approach that enables direct access to tendons through minimally invasive interventions. They can be performed... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Percutaneous needle tenotomies constitute a promising approach that enables direct access to tendons through minimally invasive interventions. They can be performed rapidly without need for large incisions or general anaesthesia. However, the reported procedures are heterogeneous and currently conducted without guidelines.
OBJECTIVES
We aimed to determine the indications for percutaneous needle tenotomies described in the current literature. Our secondary aim was to identify the different procedures reported, as well as their efficacy and their safety.
METHODS
A systematic review following PRISMA guidelines was conducted to identify original articles that mentioned percutaneous needle tenotomy in humans and reported its application, description, effectiveness or adverse events. Non-percutaneous tendinous surgical procedures and ineligible designs were excluded. The Downs and Black checklist was used to assess the risk of bias.
RESULTS
A total of 540 studies were identified from the MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane Library, and PEDro databases. Fourteen clinical studies met the inclusion criteria and were found to have an acceptable quality (674 individuals, 1664 tenotomies). Our results indicated a wide variety of indications for percutaneous needle tenotomies in children and in adults. We highlighted 24 tendons as eligible targets in the upper and lower limbs. Tenotomies were performed with either 16- or 18-Ga needles, lasted from 1 to 30 min, and were performed using various procedures. Their efficacy was mainly assessed through clinical outcomes highlighting tendon discontinuity on palpation after the procedure. Passive range-of-motion gains after tenotomy were reported for both upper and lower limbs with an estimated 5 % complication rate.
CONCLUSION
This is the first review to systematically synthesize all the available evidence on the indications, procedures, efficacy and safety of percutaneous tenotomies exclusively performed with needles. Current evidence suggests that procedures are safe and effective for treating various deformities.
PROSPERO REGISTRATION
CRD42022350571.
PubMed: 38824898
DOI: 10.1016/j.rehab.2024.101839 -
Journal of Orthopaedic Surgery and... Jun 2024In the past decade, Minimally invasive transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (MIS-TLIF) with a microscopic tubular technique has become a surgical procedure that... (Comparative Study)
Comparative Study
BACKGROUND
In the past decade, Minimally invasive transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (MIS-TLIF) with a microscopic tubular technique has become a surgical procedure that reduces surgical-related morbidity, shortens hospital stays, and expedites early rehabilitation in the treatment of lumbar degenerative diseases (LDD). Unilateral biportal endoscopic transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (Endo-TLIF) has emerged as a novel surgical technique. The present study aims to compare the clinical outcomes and postoperative complications of MIS-TLIF and Endo-TLIF for treating LDD.
METHODS
A retrospective analysis of LLD patients undergoing either Endo-TLIF or MIS-TLIF was performed. Patient demographics, operative data (operation time, estimated blood loss, length of hospitalization), and complications were recorded. The visual analog scale (VAS) score for leg and back pain and the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) score were used to evaluate the clinical outcomes.
RESULTS
This study involved 80 patients, 56 in the MIS-TLIF group and 34 in the Endo-TLIF group. The Endo-TLIF group showed a more substantial improvement in the VAS for back pain at 3 weeks post-surgery compared to the MIS-TLIF group. However, at the 1-year mark after surgery, there were no significant differences between the groups in the mean VAS for back pain and VAS for leg pain. Interestingly, the ODI at one year demonstrated a significant improvement in the Endo-TLIF group compared to the MIS-TLIF group. Additionally, the MIS-TLIF group exhibited a shorter operative time than the Endo-TLIF group, with no notable differences in estimated blood loss, length of hospitalization, and complications between the two groups.
CONCLUSION
Endo-TLIF and MIS-TLIF are both safe and effective for LDD. In surgical decision-making, clinicians may consider nuances revealed in this study, such as lower early postoperative back pain with Endo-TLIF and shorter operative time with MIS-TLIF.
Topics: Humans; Spinal Fusion; Retrospective Studies; Female; Male; Middle Aged; Lumbar Vertebrae; Endoscopy; Intervertebral Disc Degeneration; Aged; Treatment Outcome; Adult; Postoperative Complications; Operative Time; Microsurgery
PubMed: 38824551
DOI: 10.1186/s13018-024-04813-w -
BMC Cancer Jun 2024An accurate and non-invasive approach is urgently needed to distinguish tuberculosis granulomas from lung adenocarcinomas. This study aimed to develop and validate a...
Development and validation of a preoperative CT‑based radiomics nomogram to differentiate tuberculosis granulomas from lung adenocarcinomas: an external validation study.
BACKGROUND
An accurate and non-invasive approach is urgently needed to distinguish tuberculosis granulomas from lung adenocarcinomas. This study aimed to develop and validate a nomogram based on contrast enhanced-compute tomography (CE-CT) to preoperatively differentiate tuberculosis granuloma from lung adenocarcinoma appearing as solitary pulmonary solid nodules (SPSN).
METHODS
This retrospective study analyzed 143 patients with lung adenocarcinoma (mean age: 62.4 ± 6.5 years; 54.5% female) and 137 patients with tuberculosis granulomas (mean age: 54.7 ± 8.2 years; 29.2% female) from two centers between March 2015 and June 2020. The training and internal validation cohorts included 161 and 69 patients (7:3 ratio) from center No.1, respectively. The external testing cohort included 50 patients from center No.2. Clinical factors and conventional radiological characteristics were analyzed to build independent predictors. Radiomics features were extracted from each CT-volume of interest (VOI). Feature selection was performed using univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis, as well as the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) method. A clinical model was constructed with clinical factors and radiological findings. Individualized radiomics nomograms incorporating clinical data and radiomics signature were established to validate the clinical usefulness. The diagnostic performance was assessed using the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis with the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC).
RESULTS
One clinical factor (CA125), one radiological characteristic (enhanced-CT value) and nine radiomics features were found to be independent predictors, which were used to establish the radiomics nomogram. The nomogram demonstrated better diagnostic efficacy than any single model, with respective AUC, accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity of 0.903, 0.857, 0.901, and 0.807 in the training cohort; 0.933, 0.884, 0.893, and 0.892 in the internal validation cohort; 0.914, 0.800, 0.937, and 0.735 in the external test cohort. The calibration curve showed a good agreement between prediction probability and actual clinical findings.
CONCLUSION
The nomogram incorporating clinical factors, radiological characteristics and radiomics signature provides additional value in distinguishing tuberculosis granuloma from lung adenocarcinoma in patients with a SPSN, potentially serving as a robust diagnostic strategy in clinical practice.
Topics: Humans; Female; Middle Aged; Nomograms; Male; Tomography, X-Ray Computed; Retrospective Studies; Adenocarcinoma of Lung; Lung Neoplasms; Diagnosis, Differential; Granuloma; Aged; Tuberculosis, Pulmonary; Preoperative Period; Radiomics
PubMed: 38824514
DOI: 10.1186/s12885-024-12422-3 -
BMC Cancer Jun 2024Gastrointestinal cancers represent one of the most prevalent diseases worldwide. Strikingly, the incidence of Early Onset Gastrointestinal Cancer (EOGIC) has been rising...
BACKGROUND
Gastrointestinal cancers represent one of the most prevalent diseases worldwide. Strikingly, the incidence of Early Onset Gastrointestinal Cancer (EOGIC) has been rising during the last decades and changes in lifestyle and environmental exposure seem to play a role. EOGIC has been defined as a different entity compared to on-average gastrointestinal cancer, with distinct clinical and molecular characteristics. Inherent to the particularities of younger age, there is an unmet need for a tailored approach for the management of these patients. The TEOGIC proposes a comprehensive study to characterize EOGIC patients in the northern of Spain.
METHODS
Patients with histologically confirmed new diagnosis of colorectal, gastroesophageal and pancreatic adenocarcinoma will be considered for two cohorts: EOGIC (≤ 50 years old) and non-EOGIC (60-75 years old), with a ratio of 1:2. Two hundred and forty patients will be recruited in 4 Public Hospitals from northern Spain. After receiving unified informed consent, demographic and clinical data of the patients will be collected in a REDCap database. Lifestyle related data will be obtained in questionnaires assessing diet, physical activity and the general quality of life of the patients before diagnosis. Biological samples prior to any onco-specific treatment will be obtained for the analyses of circulating inflammatory proteins, gut microbiota, and the proteome of the tumor microenvironment. Histologic characteristics and routine biomarkers will be also collected. Thereafter, data will be integrated and analyzed to assess tumor specific, pan-tumor and sex-associated differential characteristics of EOGIC.
DISCUSSION
The underlying risk factors and differential characteristics of EOGIC remain poorly studied, particularly in our geographical area. Although limited by the exploratory nature and the small sample size estimated to be recruited, TEOGIC represents the first attempt to comprehensively characterize these young patients, and thus attend to their special needs. Findings derived from this study could contribute to raise awareness and preventive behaviors in the population. In parallel, molecular studies could lead to the identification of potential novel non-invasive biomarkers and therapeutic targets that would help in the development of the tailored clinical management of these patients, focusing on screening programs for early diagnosis and precision medicine.
Topics: Humans; Spain; Middle Aged; Male; Female; Aged; Gastrointestinal Neoplasms; Adult; Age of Onset; Life Style; Adenocarcinoma; Tumor Microenvironment; Quality of Life; Incidence; Biomarkers, Tumor; Esophageal Neoplasms; Pancreatic Neoplasms
PubMed: 38824512
DOI: 10.1186/s12885-024-12454-9 -
Scientific Reports Jun 2024This study aimed to identify factors that affect lymphovascular space invasion (LVSI) in endometrial cancer (EC) using machine learning technology, and to build a...
Construction and validation of a clinical risk model based on machine learning for screening characteristic factors of lymphovascular space invasion in endometrial cancer.
This study aimed to identify factors that affect lymphovascular space invasion (LVSI) in endometrial cancer (EC) using machine learning technology, and to build a clinical risk assessment model based on these factors. Samples were collected from May 2017 to March 2022, including 312 EC patients who received treatment at Xuzhou Medical University Affiliated Hospital of Lianyungang. Of these, 219 cases were collected for the training group and 93 for the validation group. Clinical data and laboratory indicators were analyzed. Logistic regression and least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regression were used to analyze risk factors and construct risk models. The LVSI and non-LVSI groups showed statistical significance in clinical data and laboratory indicators (P < 0.05). Multivariable logistic regression analysis identified independent risk factors for LVSI in EC, which were myometrial infiltration depth, cervical stromal invasion, lymphocyte count (LYM), monocyte count (MONO), albumin (ALB), and fibrinogen (FIB) (P < 0.05). LASSO regression identified 19 key feature factors for model construction. In the training and validation groups, the risk scores for the logistic and LASSO models were significantly higher in the LVSI group compared with that in the non-LVSI group (P < 0.001). The model was built based on machine learning and can effectively predict LVSI in EC and enhance preoperative decision-making. The reliability of the model was demonstrated by the significant difference in risk scores between LVSI and non-LVSI patients in both the training and validation groups.
Topics: Humans; Female; Machine Learning; Endometrial Neoplasms; Middle Aged; Risk Factors; Neoplasm Invasiveness; Risk Assessment; Aged; Lymphatic Metastasis; Logistic Models
PubMed: 38824215
DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-63436-7 -
The Journal of Biological Chemistry May 2024Lysozyme is a β-1,4-glycosidase that hydrolyzes the polysaccharide backbone of bacterial cell walls. With an additional bactericidal function mediated by a separate...
BACKGROUND & AIMS
Lysozyme is a β-1,4-glycosidase that hydrolyzes the polysaccharide backbone of bacterial cell walls. With an additional bactericidal function mediated by a separate protein domain, lysozyme is considered as a uniquely important antimicrobial molecule contributing to the host's innate immune response to infection. Elevated lysozyme production is found in various inflammatory conditions while patients with genetic risks for inflammatory bowel diseases demonstrate abnormal lysozyme expression, granule packaging, and secretion in Paneth cells. However, it remains unclear how a gain- or loss-of-function in host lysozyme may impact the host inflammatory responses to pathogenic infection.
METHODS
We challenged Lyz1 and ectopic Lyz1-expressing (Villin-Lyz1) mice with S. Typhimurium then comprehensively assessed the inflammatory disease progression. We conducted proteomics analysis to identify molecules derived from human lysozyme-mediated processing of live Salmonella. We examined the barrier-impairing effects of these identified molecules in human intestinal epithelial cell monolayer and enteroids.
RESULTS
Lyz1 mice are protected from infection in terms of morbidity, mortality, and barrier integrity, whereas Villin-Lyz1 mice demonstrate exacerbated infection and inflammation. The growth and invasion of Salmonella in vitro are not affected by human or chicken lysozyme, whereas lysozyme encountering of live Salmonella stimulates the release of barrier-disrupting factors, InvE-sipC and Lpp1, which directly or indirectly impair the tight junctions.
CONCLUSION
The direct engagement of host intestinal lysozyme with an enteric pathogen such as Salmonella promotes the release of virulence factors that are barrier-impairing and pro-inflammatory. Controlling lysozyme function may help alleviate the inflammatory progression.
PubMed: 38823640
DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2024.107424 -
Lancet (London, England) May 2024Coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA) is the first line investigation for chest pain, and it is used to guide revascularisation. However, the widespread...
BACKGROUND
Coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA) is the first line investigation for chest pain, and it is used to guide revascularisation. However, the widespread adoption of CCTA has revealed a large group of individuals without obstructive coronary artery disease (CAD), with unclear prognosis and management. Measurement of coronary inflammation from CCTA using the perivascular fat attenuation index (FAI) Score could enable cardiovascular risk prediction and guide the management of individuals without obstructive CAD. The Oxford Risk Factors And Non-invasive imaging (ORFAN) study aimed to evaluate the risk profile and event rates among patients undergoing CCTA as part of routine clinical care in the UK National Health Service (NHS); to test the hypothesis that coronary arterial inflammation drives cardiac mortality or major adverse cardiac events (MACE) in patients with or without CAD; and to externally validate the performance of the previously trained artificial intelligence (AI)-Risk prognostic algorithm and the related AI-Risk classification system in a UK population.
METHODS
This multicentre, longitudinal cohort study included 40 091 consecutive patients undergoing clinically indicated CCTA in eight UK hospitals, who were followed up for MACE (ie, myocardial infarction, new onset heart failure, or cardiac death) for a median of 2·7 years (IQR 1·4-5·3). The prognostic value of FAI Score in the presence and absence of obstructive CAD was evaluated in 3393 consecutive patients from the two hospitals with the longest follow-up (7·7 years [6·4-9·1]). An AI-enhanced cardiac risk prediction algorithm, which integrates FAI Score, coronary plaque metrics, and clinical risk factors, was then evaluated in this population.
FINDINGS
In the 2·7 year median follow-up period, patients without obstructive CAD (32 533 [81·1%] of 40 091) accounted for 2857 (66·3%) of the 4307 total MACE and 1118 (63·7%) of the 1754 total cardiac deaths in the whole of Cohort A. Increased FAI Score in all the three coronary arteries had an additive impact on the risk for cardiac mortality (hazard ratio [HR] 29·8 [95% CI 13·9-63·9], p<0·001) or MACE (12·6 [8·5-18·6], p<0·001) comparing three vessels with an FAI Score in the top versus bottom quartile for each artery. FAI Score in any coronary artery predicted cardiac mortality and MACE independently from cardiovascular risk factors and the presence or extent of CAD. The AI-Risk classification was positively associated with cardiac mortality (6·75 [5·17-8·82], p<0·001, for very high risk vs low or medium risk) and MACE (4·68 [3·93-5·57], p<0·001 for very high risk vs low or medium risk). Finally, the AI-Risk model was well calibrated against true events.
INTERPRETATION
The FAI Score captures inflammatory risk beyond the current clinical risk stratification and CCTA interpretation, particularly among patients without obstructive CAD. The AI-Risk integrates this information in a prognostic algorithm, which could be used as an alternative to traditional risk factor-based risk calculators.
FUNDING
British Heart Foundation, NHS-AI award, Innovate UK, National Institute for Health and Care Research, and the Oxford Biomedical Research Centre.
PubMed: 38823406
DOI: 10.1016/S0140-6736(24)00596-8 -
Translational Oncology May 2024STIL is an important cell cycle-regulating protein specifically recruited to the mitotic centrosome to promote the replication of centrioles in dividing cells. However,...
BACKGROUND
STIL is an important cell cycle-regulating protein specifically recruited to the mitotic centrosome to promote the replication of centrioles in dividing cells. However, the potential role of STIL in the regulation of the biological functions of triple-negative breast cancer remains still unclear.
METHODS
We screened for differentially expressed STIL in the Cancer Genome Atlas database. The expression of STIL protein in 10 pairs of breast cancer tissues and adjacent normal tissues was further assessed by western blotting. Functionally, the knockdown and overexpression of STIL have been used to explore the effects of STIL on breast cancer cell proliferation, migration, and invasion. Mechanistically, RNA-seq, dual-luciferase reporter assay, chromatin immunoprecipitation assay, mass spectrometry, immunoprecipitation assay, and DNA pull-down assay were performed.
RESULTS
Breast cancer tissues and cells have higher STIL expression than normal tissues and cells. STIL knockdown impairs breast cancer cell growth, migration, and invasion, whereas STIL overexpression accelerates these processes. STIL promotes breast cancer progression by regulating FANCD2 expression, and exploration of its molecular mechanism demonstrated that STIL interacts with KLF16 to regulate the expression of FANCD2.
CONCLUSIONS
Collectively, our findings identified STIL as a critical promoter of breast cancer progression that interacts with KLF16 to regulate Fanconi anemia pathway protein FANCD2. In summary, STIL is a potential novel biomarker and therapeutic target for breast cancer.
PubMed: 38823260
DOI: 10.1016/j.tranon.2024.102010