Current Classification System Research Articles

Spatial genomic, biochemical and cellular mechanisms underlying meningioma heterogeneity and evolution.

Intratumor heterogeneity underlies cancer evolution and treatment resistance, but targetable mechanisms driving intratumor heterogeneity are poorly understood. Meningiomas are the most common primary intracranial tumors and are resistant to all medical therapies, and high-grade meningiomas have significant intratumor heterogeneity. Here we use spatial approaches to identify genomic, biochemical and cellular mechanisms linking intratumor heterogeneity to the molecular, temporal and spatial evolution of high-grade meningiomas. We show that divergent intratumor gene and protein expression programs distinguish high-grade meningiomas that are otherwise grouped together by current classification systems. Analyses of matched pairs of primary and recurrent meningiomas reveal spatial expansion of subclonal copy number variants associated with treatment resistance. Multiplexed sequential immunofluorescence and deconvolution of meningioma spatial transcriptomes using cell types from single-cell RNA sequencing show decreased immune infiltration, decreased MAPK signaling, increased PI3K-AKT signaling and increased cell proliferation, which are associated with meningioma recurrence. To translate these findings to preclinical models, we use CRISPR interference and lineage tracing approaches to identify combination therapies that target intratumor heterogeneity in meningioma cell co-cultures.

A BEST classification system of large to giant congenital melanocytic nevi based on expert consensus and distribution characteristics.

Large to giant congenital melanocytic nevi (LGCMN) significantly decrease patients' quality of life, but the inaccuracy of current classification system makes their clinical management challenging. To improve and extend the existing LGCMN 6B/7B classification systems by developing a novel LGCMN classification system based on a new phenotypic approach to clinical tool development. Three hundred and sixty-one LGCMN cases were categorized into four subtypes based on anatomic site: bonce (25.48%), extremity (17.73%), shawl (19.67%) and trunks (37.12%) LGCMN. A 'BEST' classification system of LGCMN was established and validated by a support vector machine classifier combined with the 7B system. The most common LGCMN distributions were on bonce and trunks (bathing trunk), whereas breast/belly and body LGCMN were exceptionally rare. Sexual dimorphism characterized distribution, with females showing a wider range of lesions in the genital area. Nearly half of the patients with bathing trunk LGCMN exhibited a butterfly-like distribution. Approximately half of the LGCMN with chest involvement did not have nipple-areola complex involvement. Abdomen, back and buttock involvement was associated with the presence of satellite nevi (r = 0.558), and back and buttock involvement was associated with the presence of nodules (r = 0.364). The effective quantification of a standardized anatomical site provides data support for the accuracy of the 6B/7B classification systems. The simplified BEST classification system can help establish a LGCMN clinical database for exploration of LGCMN aetiology, disease management and prognosis prediction.

Predictability of the neurodevelopmental assessment based on the Kyoto Scale of Psychological Development 2001 at 18–24 months of corrected age and 3 years of age in identifying cognitive impairment at 6 years of age in very preterm infants: A retrospective study at a Japanese tertiary center

BackgroundIt is unknown how accurately the current Japanese classification system for neurodevelopmental delay based on the assessment with the Kyoto Scale of Psychological Development (KSPD) at toddlerhood and pre-school periods predicts cognitive impairment at school age. MethodsThis single-center retrospective cohort study enrolled infants born at 22–29 weeks of gestational age. At 18–24 months of corrected age and 3 years of age, the patients were categorized according to the current Japanese criteria for neurodevelopmental delay based on their overall developmental quotient calculated using the KSPD-2001. Cognitive impairment at 6 years of age was classified according to the calculated or estimated full-scale intelligence quotient. The predictability of the current Japanese classification of neurodevelopmental delay for cognitive impairment at 6 years of age was investigated. ResultsOf 566 eligible patients, 364 (64 %) completed the protocol. The current classification for the neurodevelopmental delay showed significant agreement with the severity of cognitive impairment at 6 years of age. The sensitivity and specificity of the KSPD-2001-based assessment for any cognitive impairment at 6 years of age were 0.64 and 0.74 at 18–24 months of corrected age and 0.83 and 0.70 at 3 years of age. The corresponding sensitivity and specificity for moderate/severe cognitive impairment were 0.51 and 0.96 at 18–24 months of corrected age and 0.68 and 0.95 at 3 years of age. ConclusionThe KSPD-2001 is a useful tool to predict the severity of cognitive impairment at school age.

Classification of postoperative complications in plastic and reconstructive surgery: a systematic review

"Introduction: Postoperative complications are an integral aspect of the surgical audit, being a surrogate marker of surgical quality. Despite demonstrated efficacy in most specialties, there is scarce validation of current systems in plastic and reconstructive surgery, let alone a system unique to the specialty. This review aims to establish the efficacy of current systems in plastic and reconstructive surgery and formulate a classification unique to our specialty. Methods: A PUBMED literature search was performed in January 2023 encompassing all available literature. Search terms included ‘classification’, ‘grading’, ‘postoperative complications’ and ‘adverse events’. Further additions through bibliographic linkage generated a total of 363 articles. Results: Twenty-four papers were related to PRS. Sixteen used current systems to describe postoperative complications, whereas eight papers used a system designed uniquely for PRS. The downfall of conventional systems is the simplicity of return to the operating theatre, constituting a single grade in the Clavien-Dindo Classification. Return to theatre has a broad scope for heterogeneity in plastic and reconstructive surgery, particularly in reconstructive patients. A modification of the Clavien-Dindo Classification is proposed. Conclusion: There is limited efficacy of current classification systems for postoperative complications in plastic and reconstructive surgery nor a well-validated system unique to the specialty. A modified system with a detailed emphasis on return to the theatre will be of value to plastic and reconstructive surgery and ideally correlate with important outcomes. This will be validated in a retrospective review of the complication audit from the developing institution."

Three Stages on Magnetic Resonance Imaging of Lumbar Degenerative Spine

PurposesTo propose a new lumbar degenerative staging system using the current radiological classification system. MethodsA cross-sectional analysis of retrospective databases between January 2018 and December 2022 was performed. 410 Patients for Modic changes, paravertebral muscle fat infiltration, disc degeneration, articular process degeneration, vertebral endplate degeneration and other structures and disc displacement, Spondylolisthesis, and Stenosis, and grouped patients according to stage were assessed. Visual analogue scale (VAS), Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA), and Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) scores were used to assess LBP strength, neurological function, and quality of life, respectively. ResultsThe lumbar degeneration staging system consists of 8 variables, which can be divided into three steps: early, middle and late, and the correlation between each variable is strong (p<0.05). The later the staging, the worse the JOA, VAS and ODI scores. ConclusionsPatients with later stages have worse clinical scores. This staging system recommends a uniform classification to assess lumbar degeneration.

Application of the United Nations Framework Classification to assessment of the prospective resources of hydrocarbons in Azerbaijan

The oil and gas industry plays an important role in Azerbaijan's economy, contributing significantly to GDP and government revenues. However, the existing classification of hydrocarbon reserves and resources is outdated and does not reflect the economic efficiency of extraction. In this regard, the United Nations Framework Classification for Resources (UNFC) helps to determine the feasibility, technical viability, and maturity of resource development projects. This paper examines the assessment of hydrocarbon resource categories by comparing the current classification system for oil and gas reserves and resources in Azerbaijan with the UNFC. The objective of this work is to conduct a comparative analysis of prospective resource categories and thus provide a basis for the preparation of a bridge document describing the relationship between the United Nations Framework Classification and the existing 1984 classification used in Azerbaijan. To conduct this research, a hypothetical field called «Structure C» was used in which resource assessments were conducted at various times in 1984, 1988, 1993, 2001, and 2011 based on the 1984 classification of the former Soviet Union. Keywords: prospective resources of hydrocarbons; UN framework classification; case study.

Expert consensus on classification and performance in Paralympic powerlifting: a Delphi study.

In Paralympic sports, classification ensures fair competition by grouping athletes based on their impairments. The International Paralympic Committee has provided scientific principles to guide evidence-based classification procedures. In Paralympic Powerlifting (PPO), athletes compete in one class, divided by sex and bodyweight categories, overlooking impairment impact on performance. This study aimed to establish a consensus among international PPO experts regarding classification and performance issues to guide future research. A two-round Delphi study was conducted involving 26 experts. The study sought to identify the adequacy of the current classification and competition systems, explore the impact of various impairments, and lay the initial groundwork for a performance determinants model. Experts agreed that existing classification and competition systems in PPO do not align with Paralympic standards. Impairments from neurological conditions and those causing anthropometric changes were suggested to have opposing performance impacts. Initial directions for a performance determinants model were outlined, focusing on arm and bar kinematics, anthropometry, and body composition. This study underscores the need for comprehensive research in PPO, revealing critical discrepancies between current classification system and Paralympic standards. Insights into the multifaceted relationship between impairments and performance are provided to shape the future of PPO research.

The International Classification of Functioning Disability and Health Framework (ICF): a new approach to enhance sport and physical activity participation among people with disabilities in Scotland.

This research provides a pilot study of the International Classification of Functioning Disability and Health Framework (ICF) involving persons with disabilities (PWD) with and without lived experience of sport participation in Scotland. National surveys in Scotland provide limited information on the nature of individual disability restricting the understanding of the relationship between disability and sport and physical activity participation. The ICF is a framework that aims to describe and classify functioning and thus can be used as a tool to provide a more detailed description of impairment for PWDs beyond their clinical condition. This knowledge has the potential to enhance the development of policies to increase the participation levels in this group. The ICF has also been used to inform the current IPC classification system at a competitive and elite level. As part of a larger study, 450 participants aged between 12 and 70 years completed an online questionnaire examining attitudes to, and participation in, sport and physical activity as well as completing the structural and functional components of the ICF. Subsequently, 18 people participated in focus groups aged between 13 and 61 years. The focus groups examined four meta-theme areas: physical, social, psychological, and sport-specific factors. The results confirm that the ICF provided a more detailed indicator of the key impairments that could have an impact on sport and physical activity participation. There was a clear lack of awareness of the links between the ICF and the classification system for competitive parasport. We concluded that a modified ICF-based assessment tool, incorporating social and environmental factors, has the potential to predict the likelihood of participation and offers a more comprehensive picture of both individual and national disability characteristics. This allows for the development of targeted policies and strategies to assist those with a disability to participate in sport. The overall framework presents a shift in thinking, in policy terms, for those in public health and in sport governance and delivery. The significance of this work is especially concerned with public health and wellbeing and sport development policy as pathways from recreational sport user to elite athlete parasport classification and performance.

Proposal (36) to conserve the name Philonotidion seriatae Hinterlang 1992 for the species-poor, bryophyte-dominated, non-calcareous arctic-alpine spring vegetation of Europe

According to the International Code of Phytosociological Nomenclature, a younger name of a syntaxon may be conserved against its older name to improve the stability of the nomenclature and avoid misunderstandings in scientific communication. Here, we propose conserving the name Philonotidion seriataeHinterlang 1992 for arctic-alpine, bryophyte-dominated, non-calcareous spring vegetation against the names Cardamino-MontionBraun-Blanquet 1925, Cardamino-MontionBraun-Blanquet 1926, and MontionMaas 1959. In current vegetation classification systems, the two name-giving taxa of Cardamino-Montion no longer indicate the character of the vegetation corresponding to the nomenclatural type of this alliance and are instead characteristic of other currently distinguished alliances. Maintaining the oldest name Cardamino-Montion in strict adherence to the Code would be a source of errors. In the current vegetation classification systems, two similar but counter-intuitive names would then have to be used: Cardamino-Montion for arctic-alpine springs (although the name-giving taxa are more indicative of montane springs) and Epilobio nutantis-Montion for montane springs (although the name-giving taxon Epilobium nutans is indicative of arctic-alpine vegetation). Hence, there is a risk that the name Cardamino-Montion may gradually become ambiguous. We also propose conserving the name Philonotidion seriatae against Mniobryo-Epilobion hornemanniiNordhagen 1943 to prevent confusion in case of a merger of these alliances. (36) Philonotidion seriataeHinterlang 1992 Typus: Cratoneuro-PhilonotidetumGeissler 1976 (holotypus) (=) Cardamino-MontionBraun-Blanquet 1925 Typus: Bryetum schleicheriBraun-Blanquet 1925 [≡ Montio fontanae-Bryetum schleicheriBraun-Blanquet 1925 nom. corr. et invers. (alternative name)] (holotypus) (=) Cardamino-MontionBraun-Blanquet 1926 nom. superfl. [≡ Cardamino-MontionBraun-Blanquet 1925] (=) Mniobryo-Epilobion hornemanniiNordhagen 1943 Typus: Mniobryo-Epilobietum hornemanniiNordhagen 1943 (lectotypus selected by Zechmeister &amp; Mucina 1994) (=) MontionMaas 1959 nom. superfl. [≡ Cardamino-MontionBraun-Blanquet 1925] Taxonomic reference: Euro+Med PlantBase (http://europlusmed.org; accessed 4 January 2024)

Abstract PR002: Proteomic profiling of endometrial carcinomas

Abstract While endometrial cancer (EC) has an overall favorable prognosis, some patients do poorly and may benefit from refinements of current classification systems. The TCGA-inspired pragmatic molecular classification tool Proactive Molecular Risk Classifier for Endometrial Cancer (ProMisE) has been integrated into international guidelines for EC risk stratification and management. ProMisE stratifies ECs into four prognostic groups: POLEmut, NSMP (no specific molecular profile), MMRd (mismatch repair deficient), and p53abn, where POLEmut has the best prognosis and p53abn has the worst prognosis. Our objective was to determine if proteomic profiling could provide additional prognostic or predictive information for EC patients, across or within ProMisE molecular subtypes. Global proteome profiling of FFPE samples, that had clinicopathologic and outcome data, was performed on 184 ECs encompassing all four ProMisE subtypes, including replicate samples of the same tumor, and both biopsy and final hysterectomy specimens. To ensure representation of each subtype, we aimed for an approximately equal distribution; 40 (27 %) MMRd, 33 (22 %) POLEmut, 42 (28 %) NSMP and 33 (22 %) p53abn, rather than the population-based distributions. There was high reproducibility in the proteomic profiles of intra-tumor replicate samples, and between matched biopsy and hysterectomy tumor samples (Pearson’s correlation &amp;gt;0.9). Consensus clustering generated four clusters, named ‘Adhesion’, ‘Immune’, ‘Proliferation’, and ‘Metabolic’ based on proteins enriched in each cluster. The Proliferation Cluster had the worst outcomes and the highest proportion of stage III/IV, serous, and p53abn tumors than the other clusters. The Immune Cluster had the most favorable outcomes, despite having a relatively substantial proportion of stage III/IV, serous, and p53abn tumors. We correlated protein expression with common mutations, including ARID1A mutations that cause loss of ARID1A protein expression, found in up to 60% ECs. ARID1A positive tumors also express proteins in the retinoic acid signaling pathway, while ARID1A-deficient tumors express proteins indicative of neutrophil infiltration. Comparing molecular subtypes, we found p53abn ECs were enriched in proteins associated with poor outcomes in many tumor types, such as GRB7. We validated elevated GRB7 expression in p53abn tumors using immunohistochemistry and found an association with worse disease specific survival (DSS) across the whole cohort (HR=2.39). Nucleolin expression was associated with worse prognosis in the NSMP subtype (DSS HR=9.88), while BABAM1 expression was associated with better prognosis within p53abn tumors (DSS HR=2.43). Knockout of BABAM1 (part of the BRCA complex) in cell lines resulted in increased sensitivity to PARP inhibition. Proteomic analysis of EC identifies candidate prognostic markers that may further refine current molecular classification and help guide treatment decisions. New therapeutic interventions could be developed to target proteins and pathways identified by EC proteomic profiling. Citation Format: Dawn R. Cochrane, Gian Luca Negri, Jutta Huvila, Juliana Sobral de Barros, Forouh Kalantari, Nissreen Mohammad, David Farnell, Emily Thompson, Amy Lum, Sandra E. Spencer, Amy Jamieson, Samuel Leung, Derek Chiu, Martin Koebel, Stefan Kommoss, Friedrich Kommoss, Blake Gilks, Lien Hoang, David Huntsman, Gregg B. Morin, Jessica N. McAlpine. Proteomic profiling of endometrial carcinomas [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Special Conference on Endometrial Cancer: Transforming Care through Science; 2023 Nov 16-18; Boston, Massachusetts. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Clin Cancer Res 2024;30(5_Suppl):Abstract nr PR002.

A Systematic Literature Review of Racial Disproportionality in Autism in the U.S.

In recent years, the Autism and Developmental Disabilities Monitoring Network has observed a shift in racial disparities in autism. To delineate the historical shift of racial disproportionality in US autism prevalence, our literature review examines three key topics: publication trends concerning racial disproportionality in autism, discernible national and state-level patterns, and underlying factors contributing to the disproportionality. Using the PRISMA framework, we synthesized 24 empirical studies on racial disproportionality in autism and its change over time. These studies explored national patterns and spatiotemporal variations to provide a comprehensive understanding of racial disparities in autism. Studies indicated similar national patterns for Black and Asian racial groups; both groups had had mixed results around the turn of the millennium. By 2007, the Asian group was overrepresented again. Hispanic and Native American groups have consistently been underrepresented. However, significant spatiotemporal variations were found, suggesting that these disparities might reflect inherent inequalities within the current identification and classification system. The patterns of racial disproportionality in autism seem to be influenced by numerous factors. These include varying state definitions of autism, disparities in resource distribution, differences in symptom recognition across cultures, service preferences, cultural mismatches between professionals and families, and prevailing biases and stigmas, as revealed by the reviewed studies. These findings prompt a closer look into the causes and implications of these disparities, offering the underlying issues within the current diagnostic system and highlighting the need for further research to ensure equal educational opportunities regardless of disabilities and race/ethnicity.

Idiopathic multicentric Castleman disease (iMCD)-idiopathic plasmacytic lymphadenopathy: A distinct subtype of iMCD-not otherwise specified with different clinical features and better survival.

Idiopathic multicentric Castleman disease (iMCD) is subclassified into iMCD-thrombocytopenia, anasarca, reticulin fibrosis, renal dysfunction, organomegaly (TAFRO) and iMCD-not otherwise specified (NOS) according to the Castleman Disease Collaborative Network (CDCN) consensus criteria. With a deeper understanding of iMCD, a group of patients with iMCD-NOS characterised by polyclonal hypergammaglobulinaemia, plasmacytic/mixed-type lymph node histopathology and thrombocytosis has attracted attention. This group of patients has been previously described as having idiopathic plasmacytic lymphadenopathy (IPL). Whether these patients should be excluded from the current classification system lacks sufficient evidence. This retrospective analysis of 228 patients with iMCD-NOS identified 103 (45.2%) patients with iMCD-IPL. The clinical features and outcomes of patients with iMCD-IPL and iMCD-NOS without IPL were compared. Patients with iMCD-IPL showed a significantly higher inflammatory state but longer overall survival. No significant difference in overall survival was observed between severe and non-severe patients in the iMCD-IPL group according to the CDCN severity classification. Compared with lymphoma-like treatments, multiple myeloma-like and IL-6-blocking treatment approaches in the iMCD-IPL group resulted in significantly higher response rates and longer time to the next treatment. These findings highlight the particularities of iMCD-IPL and suggest that it should be considered a new subtype of iMCD-NOS.

Pediatric spinal ependymoma with chromothripsis of chromosome 6: a case report and review of the literature

BackgroundEpendymomas are the third most common central nervous system tumor in the pediatric population; however, spinal ependymomas in children are rare. Ependymomas affecting the spinal cord most frequently occur in adults of 20–40 years of age. The current World Health Organization classification system for ependymomas is now composed of ten different entities based on histopathology, location, and molecular studies, with evidence that the new classification system more accurately predicts clinical outcomes.Case presentationWe present the case of a 16-year-old Caucasian female patient with a history of type 2 neurofibromatosis with multiple schwannomas, meningioma, and spinal ependymoma. Chromosome analysis of the harvested spinal ependymoma tumor sample revealed a 46,XX,−6,+7,−22,+mar[16]/46,XX[4] karyotype. Subsequent OncoScan microarray analysis of the formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tumor sample confirmed + 7, −22 and clarified that the marker chromosome represents chromothripsis of the entire chromosome 6 with more than 100 breakpoints. Fluorescent in situ hybridization and microarray analysis showed no evidence of MYCN amplification. The final integrated pathology diagnosis was spinal ependymoma (central nervous system World Health Organization grade 2 with no MYCN amplification.ConclusionThis case adds to the existing literature of pediatric patients with spinal ependymomas and expands the cytogenetic findings that may be seen in patients with this tumor type. This case also highlights the value of cytogenetics and microarray analysis in solid tumors to provide a more accurate molecular diagnosis.

Phylogenetic and Recombination Analysis of Clinical Vitreous Humor-Derived Adenovirus Isolates Reveals Discordance Between Serotype and Phylogeny.

To sequence, identify, and perform phylogenetic and recombination analysis on three clinical adenovirus samples taken from the vitreous humor at the Bascom Palmer Eye Institute. The PacBio Sequel II was used to sequence the genomes of the three clinical adenovirus isolates. To identify the isolates, a full genome-based multiple sequence alignment (MSA) of 722 mastadenoviruses was generated using multiple alignment using fast Fourier transform (MAFFT). MAFFT was also used to generate genome-based human adenovirus B (HAdV-B) MSAs, as well as HAdV-B fiber, hexon, and penton protein-based MSAs. To examine recombination within HAdV-B, RF-Net 2 and Bootscan software programs were used. In the course of classifying three new atypical ocular adenovirus samples, taken from the vitreous humor, we found that all three isolates were HAdV-B species. The three Bascom Palmer HAdV-B genomes were then combined with over 300 HAdV-B genome sequences, including nine ocular HAdV-B genome sequences. Attempts to categorize the penton, hexon, and fiber serotypes using phylogeny of the three Bascom Palmer samples were inconclusive due to incongruence between serotype and phylogeny in the dataset. Recombination analysis using a subset of HAdV-B strains to generate a hybridization network detected recombination between nonhuman primate and human-derived strains, recombination between one HAdV-B strain and the HAdV-E outgroup, and limited recombination between the B1 and B2 clades. The discordance between serotype and phylogeny detected in this study suggests that the current classification system does not accurately describe the natural history and phylogenetic relationships among adenoviruses.

A New Arthroscopic Classification for Chondrolabral Disease in Patients Undergoing Surgery for Developmental Dysplasia of the Hip.

Current classification systems for intra-articular pathology intraoperatively have been described for patients with femoroacetabular impingement rather than dysplasia. To (1) describe intra-articular findings in dysplastic hips undergoing combined hip arthroscopy and periacetabular osteotomy (PAO); (2) propose a new chondrolabral classification system for dysplastic hips based on these findings; and (3) correlate patient-reported outcome measures (PROM) with the newly proposed classification. Case series; Level of evidence, 4. A total of 46 hips underwent combined hip arthroscopy and PAO at our institution between September 2013 and December 2014, irrespective of symptoms or radiographic findings. PROMs were evaluated preoperatively and at 2 years postoperatively. At the time of hip arthroscopy, the chondrolabral junction was classified as normal without tear (1 hip, type 1); hypertrophic labrum without chondrolabral disruption (19 hips, type 2); chondrolabral disruption on the articular side, not extending into the capsular side (16 hips, type 3A); chondrolabral disruption extending through the capsular side (3 hips, type 3B); and exposed acetabular subchondral bone (7 hips, type 4). There was a significant difference in postoperative modified Harris Hip Score (mHHS) (P = .020), Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) pain scores (P = .037), and WOMAC total scores (P = .049) between chondrolabral junction types. Post hoc analyses demonstrated significant differences between type 2 (84.9 ± 12.9) and type 3A (67.8 ± 20.7; P = .198), and between type 2 and type 4 (59.3 ± 24.3; P = .011) in postoperative mHHS scores; and between type 2 (83.9 ± 12.9) and type 3A (68.9 ± 23.7; P = .045) in postoperative WOMAC total scores. In multivariate analysis, chondrolabral type 3 or type 4, age >35 years, and previous surgery were significantly correlated with worse mHHS scores at 2 years. This new chondrolabral classification is proposed to describe intra-articular pathology seen during combined hip arthroscopy and PAO, specifically in dysplastic hips. More advanced chondrolabral disease was associated with worse PROMs at 2 years.

Considering the role of speech processing in cleft-related speech sound disorders: Implications for causal pathways and classification systems.

Classification systems in healthcare support shared understanding of conditions for clinical communication, service monitoring and development, and research. Children born with cleft palate with or without cleft lip (CP+/-L) are at high risk of developing cleft-related speech sound disorder (SSD). The way cleft-related SSD is represented and described in SSD classification systems varies. Reflecting on the potential causal pathways for different cleft-related speech features, including the role of speech processing skills, may inform how cleft-related SSD is represented in classification systems. To explore and reflect on how cleft-related SSD is represented in current SSD classification systems in the context of considering how speech processing skills and other factors may be involved in causal pathways of cleft speech characteristics (CSCs). Variation in the representation of cleft-related SSD in classification systems is described. Potential causal pathways for passive cleft- related speech features and different active CSCs are explored. The factors involved in the development and/or persistence of different active CSCs may vary. Some factors may be specific to children born with CP+/-L, but if speech processing skills are also involved, this is an overlap with other SSD subtypes. Current evidence regarding relationships between different speech processing skills and active CSCs is limited. Implications for the representation of cleft-related SSD in SSD classification systems are discussed. There are different categories of cleft-related speech features which are essential to understand and identify in children with cleft-related SSD to ensure appropriate management. Representation of these feature categories in classification systems could support understanding of speech in this population. Speech processing skills could be involved in the development and/or persistence of different active CSCs in individual children. Reflection and discussion on how cleft-related SSD is represented in classification systems in relation to other SSD subtypes may inform future iterations of these systems. Further work is needed to understand factors influencing the development and/or persistence of active CSCs, including speech processing skills. What is already known on the subject Cleft-related speech sound disorder (SSD) is commonly described as being of known origin. The features of cleft-related SSD have been described extensively and several authors have also examined factors which may contribute to speech development and outcomes in children born with cleft palate +/- lip. There is limited evidence regarding the role of speech processing in the development and persistence of cleft-related SSD. What this study adds This paper reflects on how cleft-related SSD is represented in SSD classification systems in relation to key feature categories of cleft-related SSD and possible causal pathways for passive features and active cleft speech characteristics (CSCs). The role of cognitive speech processing skills is specifically considered alongside other factors that may contribute to the development of active CSCs. What are the clinical implications of this work? Causal pathways for different features of cleft-related SSD may vary, particularly between passive and active features, abut also between different active CSCs. Speech and language therapists (SLTs) need to differentially diagnose passive speech features and active CSCs. Consideration of the role of different speech processing skills and interactions with other potentially influencing factors in relation to active CSCs may inform clinical hypotheses and speech and language therapy (SLT) intervention. Representing key features of cleft-related SSD in classification systems may support understanding of cleft-related SSD in relation to other SSD subtypes.

A novel production profile classification system for incoming calves that predicts feedlot growth performance

Context Mitigating financial risk in the feedlot environment is an ongoing occurrence, and good production is a key risk mitigator. However, production protocols are based on historic averages because of the inability to predict growth potential of incoming calves. Production profiling of individual incoming feeder calves could address these limitations. Aims The aim of this study was to establish criteria for optimal sorting of incoming feeder calves into various cattle groups in a feedlot that maximises feedlot profit. Methods South African feeder calves (n = 436) were classified into four production-profile (PP) categories according to a predetermined set of phenotypic traits: PP 3 (n = 72) representing feeder calves with the poorest feedlot growth potential, PP 2− (n = 191) with below-average potential, PP 2+ (n = 139) with above-average potential and PP 1 (n = 34) with above-average feedlot growth potential. After combining the data of PP 2− and PP 2+ into PP 2, mixed modelling of economically important feedlot growth traits (average daily gain (ADG), carcass ADG, and carcass exit weight) was performed to evaluate the effect of PP classification (PP 1 and PP 3), while adjusting for potential confounding effects such as starting weight (entry weight) and gender. Key results Carcass weights for calves with a PP classification of 3 and 1 were 15.54 kg less (P &lt; 0.000), and 11.34 kg more (P = 0.007) respectively, than those with a PP classification of 2 (261.27 kg, 95% CI 257.94–264.57), after adjusting for entry weight, calf gender and the random effect of the feeding pen. Similar to carcass weight, calves with a PP 3 classification were outperformed by other classifications in all the measured traits (P &lt; 0.05). Conclusions This is the first report demonstrating the ability of subjective production-profile classification to predict growth performance of individual feeder calves. Implications The opportunity of the PP classification system lies in value-based procurement of incoming feeder calves based on their growth potential at the start of the feeding period, and then to use technology to improve and finalise the current subjective PP classification system.

Ідентифікація рівня спорідненості наукових спеціальностей на основі даних системи Dimensions

Knowledge about research specialties’ kinship level is needed for solving such problems as: improving current research classification system; detecting similar scientific and educational institutions to set up cooperative relations or perform their reorganization; automatic reviewer assignment for peer reviewing PhD-thesis, papers, grant proposals etc. In this paper research specialties’ kinship level is identified according to Australian and New Zealand standard research classification ANZC-RC-2020. The identification is done using information system Dimensions by analyzing 33.8 million publications for 2019-2023. The level of kinship is assessed by Jaccard index as the ratio of two specialties common publications’ number to the total number of publications in these specialties. It is found, that from 14535 possible pairs of specialties only 131 pairs have significant kinship with Jaccard index greater than 0.05. For 20 pairs among them the kinship level is high, and for 61 pairs – average.

Is Periodontal Disease a Risk Factor for Premature Birth and Low Birth Weight

Aim: Premature birth or low birth weight has an important place in neonatal mortality and morbidity. Today, there are still cases whose etiology has not been fully elucidated. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of periodontal diseases on adverse pregnancy outcomes by using the current classification system accepted at the 2017 World Workshop. Materials and Methods: This study was carried out on 172 women who were followed up and delivered in the department of obstetrics and gynecology of our university’s medical faculty hospital. Demographic characteristics of all individuals were recorded and laboratory values were examined. While those with a gestational age &lt;37 weeks and/or baby birth weight &lt; 2500 g were constituted to the case group (n=85), those with a gestational age ≥ 37 weeks and/or baby birth weight ≥ 2500 g constituted the control group (n=87). Clinical periodontal and radiographic evaluations including plaque index (PI), gingival index (GI), bleeding on probing (BOP %), probing pocket depth (PPD) and clinical attachment level (CAL) values were performed for all individuals, and the diagnoses were made by the applied classification system. Analyzes were performed between the two groups to examine the relationship between periodontal disease and adverse pregnancy. Results: PI, GI, BOP %, and PPD values in the case group were significantly higher compared to the control group (p&lt;0.001). Although the CAL value was higher in the case group, the difference was not significant (p=0.058). WBC (p=0.020) and PLT (p&lt;0.001) values were significantly higher in the case group. Conclusion: According to the results of this study, periodontal diseases are associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes independent of other risk factors. Women should pay attention to their oral hygiene and dental examinations before and during pregnancy.

Genetic Discrimination of Grade 3 and Grade 4 Gliomas by Artificial Neural Network.

Gliomas, including anaplastic gliomas (AG; grade 3) and glioblastomas (GBM; grade 4), are malignant brain tumors associated with poor prognosis and low survival rates. Current classification systems based on histopathology have limitations due to intratumoral heterogeneity. The treatment and prognosis are distinctly different between grade 3 and grade 4 gliomas patients. Therefore, there is a need for molecular markers to differentiate these tumors accurately. In this study, we aimed to identify a gene expression signature using an artificial neural network (ANN) in application to microarray and serial analysis of gene expression (SAGE) data for grade 3 (AG) and grade 4 (GBM) gliomas discrimination. We acquired gene expression data from publicly available datasets on glial tumors of grades 3 and 4-a total of 93 grade 3 gliomas and 224 grade 4 gliomas. To select genes for classification, we implemented an artificial neural network-based method using a combination of self-organized maps (SOM) and perceptron. In general, we implemented a multi-stage procedure that involved multiple runs of a genetic algorithm to identify genes that provided optimal clusterization on the SOM. We performed this procedure multiple times, resulting in different sets of genes each time. Eventually, we selected several genes that appeared most frequently in the reduced sets and performed classification using them. Our analysis identified a set of seven genes (BCAS4, GLUD2, KCNJ10, KCND2, AKR7A2, FOLR1, and KIAA0319). The classification accuracy using this gene set was 87.5%. These findings suggest the potential of this gene set as a molecular marker for distinguishing grade 3 (AG) from grade 4 (GBM) gliomas.