Laboratory Data Research Articles

Unveiling the ice and gas nature of active centaur (2060) Chiron using the James Webb Space Telescope

Context. (2060) Chiron is a large centaur that has been reported active on multiple occasions at relatively large heliocentric distances, including during aphelion passage. Studies of Chiron’s coma during active periods have resulted in the detection of C≡N and CO outgassing. Additionally, Chiron is surrounded by a disk of debris that varies with time. Significant work remains to be undertaken to comprehend the activation mechanisms on Chiron and the parent molecules of the gas phases detected. Aims. This work reports the study of the ices on Chiron’s surface and coma and seeks spectral indicators of volatiles associated with the activity. Additionally, we discuss how these detections could be related to the activation mechanism for Chiron and, potentially, other centaurs. Methods. In July 2023, the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) observed Chiron when it was active near its aphelion. We present JWST/NIRSpec spectra from 0.97 to 5.27 μm with a resolving power of ∼1000, and compare them with laboratory data for identification of the spectral bands. Results We report the first detections on Chiron of absorption bands of several volatile ices, including CO2, CO, C2H6, C3H8, and C2H2. We also confirm the presence of water ice in its amorphous state. A key discovery arising from these data is the detection of fluorescence emissions of CH4, revealing the presence of a gas coma rich in this hyper-volatile molecule, which we also identify to be in non-local thermal equilibrium (non-LTE). CO2 gas emission is also detected in the fundamental stretching band at 4.27 μm. We argue that the presence of CH4 emission is the first proof of the desorption of CH4 due to a density phase transition of amorphous water ice at low temperature in agreement with the estimated temperature of Chiron during the JWST observations (61 K). Detection of photolytic and proton irradiation products of CH4 and CO2 on the surface, in the coma ice grains, or in the ring material is also detected via a forest of absorption features from 3.5 to 5.3 μm.

In situ static elastic properties assessment and validation with pressuremeter testing using a formation tester tool

Pressuremeter testing (PMT) is a formation test that consists of inflating a cylindrical packer inside a borehole while measuring the radial deformation or injected fluid volume as a function of packer pressure. Provided that the stiffness of the packer measuring system is known and large enough compared to that of the formation, changes in packer pressure associated with changes in injected fluid volume provide a direct measurement of formation stiffness. In turn, the in situ static shear modulus is obtained from the formation stiffness at a length scale similar to that of the packer. Here, we report on the first field-scale campaign of PMTs in deep boreholes performed using a wireline formation tester (WFT) tool. We carried out PMT measurements as part of the characterization and appraisal of potential sites for a deep geological repository for radioactive waste in Switzerland. We performed multiple PMT inflation cycles to infer in situ static shear moduli at six stations spread across four boreholes. PMT-derived static shear moduli results were consistent with static shear moduli derived from sonic logs using independent dynamic-to-static elastic moduli transformations. PMT-derived static shear moduli and laboratory-derived static elastic moduli using samples from coring performed at the depths of the PMT stations were consistent, with slightly lower laboratory values. Furthermore, we report dynamic-to-static shear moduli transformations by using laboratory-scale data obtained on cores and field-scale derived from sonic logs and PMT. We observed differences between static and dynamic shear moduli derived from laboratory scale using cores and field scale using sonic logs and PMT. We report linear trend slopes of about 0.5 for the laboratory data and 0.7 for the field data. These first results show the viability of in situ PMT in deep boreholes with a WFT tool, as it can be performed at multiple depths in a single run, in a time-efficient manner, and in combination with micro-hydraulic and sleeve fracturing stress tests for an integral approach to in situ geomechanical assessment.

The value of quantitative muscle ultrasound in monitoring muscle and fascia inflammatory activity in juvenile dermatomyositis patients.

Currently, the activity of juvenile dermatomyositis (JDM) is mainly assessed based on clinical manifestations, creatine kinase (CK) level, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), but certain limitations arise in these approaches for children. Thus, this cross-sectional study aimed to explore the value of ultrasound in evaluating muscle inflammation via the dynamic analysis of muscle ultrasound characteristics in children with active or stable JDM. The data of a group of children who were diagnosed with JDM and admitted to the Rheumatology and Immunology Department of the Capital Pediatric Research Institute Children's Hospital between June 2022 and November 2023, and a normal control group were collected. The clinical, ultrasound, and laboratory data of the children with active and stable JDM were collected and compared with those of a normal control group. Muscle thickness (MT), fascia thickness (FT), muscle echo intensity (EI), muscle microvascular flow imaging (MVFI) distribution, and the blood flow resistance index (RI) were measured via ultrasound for the comparative analysis. A Spearman correlation analysis was conducted to assess the correlation between the ultrasound parameters in the JDM patients, and muscle scores and laboratory indicators of disease activity. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were generated for the ultrasound parameters. Five active JDM children were dynamically followed up. The data of 26 children with active JDM, 29 with stable JDM, and 31 normal control children were collected. The patients with active JDM had significantly greater EI (median 68.9 vs. 47.4, P<0.01), increased FT (median 0.25 vs. 0.15, P<0.01), and an increased MVFI distribution (P<0.01). The Spearman correlation analysis revealed a negative correlation between increased EI, FT, and MVFI distribution, and the Childhood Myositis Assessment Scale (CMAS) score (R=-0.662, -0.673, -0.667, all P<0.05). There was a statistically significant difference in EI between the stable JDM children and healthy children (median 47.4 vs. 39.0, P<0.05). During the follow-up period, two children with slow fasciitis resolution developed soft tissue calcification. EI, FT, and MVFI distribution can be used to assess the activity status of individuals with JDM, and are correlated with clinical activity indices. EI may be abnormal even in children with a stable clinical condition, which suggests that ultrasound may more accurately reflect muscle status. Children with long-term unresolved fasciitis may be at risk of developing calcification.

A Case Series Examining Clinic, Laboratory, and Physical Function After Administration of Nusinersen in Adults With Spinal Muscular Atrophy, a Single-Center Study.

Spinal muscular atrophy is an incurable inherited disease caused by lower motor neuron death from mutations of the survival motor neuron genes. Intrathecal therapy with the antisense oligonucleotide, nusinersen, has been demonstrated to be beneficial in children with this disease, but the experience in adults, particularly ambulatory patients, is limited. We present a prospective observational case series from a single center using nusinersen therapy where we categorize 6 adult patients with spinal muscular atrophy into 2 functional categories: ambulatory (n = 3) or nonambulatory (n = 3). All received therapy that was administered intrathecally every 4 months. We monitored the course and laboratory data for 1 year and observed for side effects. There was no significant deterioration for 1 year. There was some minor improvement particularly in subjective changes. The benefit seems to decrease after 3 months. No significant complications were observed.

Optimization of surface water microfiltration with hydraulic and chemically enhanced backwashing

Short-term microfiltration (MF) fouling is commonly abated by periodically reversing the flow to remove foulants that weakly adhered to the membrane. Strong oxidants (i.e., chlorine) can be added to hydraulic backwash water to augment its efficacy—a process called chemically enhanced backwashing (CEB). Herein, we report a rigorous mathematical model for constant flux MF incorporating hydraulic backwashing and CEB, and validated with laboratory data obtained using untreated and alum-coagulated water from the Foss Reservoir in Oklahoma, USA. We implemented an optimal control procedure and used it to predict MF behavior long past experimental timescales. We identified a frequency threshold beyond which the necessary transmembrane pressure (TMP) reached an asymptotic value, indicating a pseudo steady-state, periodic solution to the model when coupling hydraulic backwashing with CEB. We report differences in TMP saturation values and timescales by simulating transient MF of untreated and pretreated water. Numerical simulations revealed that the operating flux could be increased 10-fold after pretreatment (compared with raw water) before reaching the maximum manufacturer-recommended pressure for the experimental hollow-fibers. The predicted higher flux and extended duration between cleaning-in-place demonstrated advantages of coagulation pretreatment under hydraulic backwashing and CEB. Model observations could guide decision making for CEB timing and frequency.

Guidance for reporting 2024 laboratory data on avian influenza

Abstract This technical report aims at guiding the reporting of data on analytical test results, and related metadata, to EFSA in the context of the activities for the surveillance of avian influenza. The objective is to explain in detail the individual data elements that are included in the EFSA Standard Sample Description version 2 (SSD2) data model. The guidance is intended to support the reporting countries in data transmission using eXtensible Markup Language (XML) data file transfer through the Data Collection Framework (DCF) according to the protocol described in the EFSA Guidance on Data Exchange version 2 (GDE2). The data elements are explained, including information about data type, list of allowed terms and associated business rules. Instructions about how to report common sampling schemes are also provided to ensure harmonised reporting among countries.

Seismic performance and failure mechanisms evaluation of multi-story elliptic and mega-elliptic bracing frames: Experimental and numerical investigation

In recent decades, researchers have evaluated the seismic performance of the innovative Elliptic-Braced Resisting Frames (ELBRFs) only in single-story single-span configurations. Although numerical studies have investigated the behavior of multi-story ELBRF configurations, the lack of laboratory data has cast doubt on the reliability of these numerical results. To address this gap in knowledge, this article evaluates the seismic performance and failure mechanisms of multi-story ELBRFs through a laboratory program and compares them with a developed type of this bracing system known as Mega Elliptic-Braced Resisting Frames (MELBRF). The key contribution of this research is the provision of laboratory test data for multi-story ELBRF and MELBRF systems, which can be utilized to validate numerical models and investigate their seismic characteristics. In this study, laboratory tests are used to examine the cyclic behavior and to calculate parameters such as strength, ductility, stiffness, energy dissipation, seismic performance, and failure modes in multi-story specimens. To this end, an experimental test of a 1/6 scale single-span four-story ELBRF specimen and a two-span four-story MELBRF specimen under cyclic quasi-static loading was conducted. Next, the seismic behavior of the proposed specimens is compared with other types of bracing systems such as X-, V-, Inverted-V, Two-Story X-, and Two-tiered diagonal braced frames in a story-base model under cyclic quasi-static loading through nonlinear FEM analyses. The results indicated that the yielding of elliptic braces would delay the failure mode of adjacent elliptic columns and thus help tolerate significant nonlinear deformation to the point of ultimate failure. The response modification factor in ELBRF and MELBRF is 7.3 and 6.5, respectively. Symmetrical behavior, high energy absorption, appropriate stiffness, and high ductility in comparison with conventional systems are some of the advantages of the proposed systems.

Assessing the Value of New Antimicrobials: Evaluations of Cefiderocol and Ceftazidime-Avibactam to Inform Delinked Payments by the NHS in England.

The UK has recently established subscription-payment agreements for two antimicrobials: cefiderocol and ceftazidime-avibactam. This article summarises the novel value assessments that informed this process and lessons learned for future pricing and funding decisions. The evaluations used decision modelling to predict population incremental net health effects (INHEs), informed by systematic reviews, evidence syntheses, national surveillance data and structured expert elicitation. Significant challenges faced during the development of the evaluations led to profound uncertainty in the estimates of INHEs. The value assessment required definition of the population expected to receive the new antimicrobials; estimating value within this heterogenous population; assessing comparative efficacy using antimicrobial susceptibility data due to the absence of relevant clinical data; and predicting population-level benefits despite poor data on current numbers of drug-resistant infections and uncertainties around emerging resistance. Though both antimicrobials offer the potential to treat multi-drug resistant infections, the benefits estimated were modest due to the rarity of true pan-resistance, low life expectancy of the patient population and difficulty of identifying and quantifying additional sources of value. Assessing the population INHEs of new antimicrobials was complex and resource intensive. Future evaluations should continue to assemble evidence relating to areas of expected usage, patient numbers over time and comparative effectiveness and safety. Projections of patient numbers could be greatly enhanced by the development of national level linked clinical, prescribing and laboratory data. A practical approach to synthesising these data would be to combine expert assessments of key parameters with a simple generic decision model.

Changing epidemiology and treatment responses in autoimmune liver diseases: a 14-year retrospective analysis from a tertiary care center

AimThis study aimed to retrospectively evaluate the epidemiological and clinical characteristics of patients diagnosed with autoimmune liver diseases (AILDs) over a 14-year period in a tertiary center. Additionally, we assessed factors influencing treatment response and relapse, with a particular focus on the rising incidence rates and gender distribution trends.Materials and methodsA total of 120 patients diagnosed with autoimmune liver diseases between January 2005 and December 2018 were included in this single-center study. Demographic, clinical, and laboratory data were retrospectively analyzed. Treatment responses were evaluated based on established criteria for autoimmune hepatitis (AIH), primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC), and primary biliary cholangitis (PBC).ResultsThe study revealed an increasing trend in AIH diagnoses, particularly among males, over across the two 7-year periods analyzed (2005–2011 vs 2012–2018). Despite standard treatment, a notable proportion of patients experienced treatment failure or relapse. Cirrhosis at diagnosis and delayed diagnosis were associated with poorer treatment responses. Furthermore, portal plasma cell infiltration on liver biopsy was significantly associated with relapse.Discussion and conclusionOur findings indicate an increasing prevalence of AIH, particularly among males, highlighting the need for early diagnosis and improved predictive markers for treatment response. The significant association between portal plasma cell infiltration and relapse warrants further investigation. Although limited by the study’s retrospective design and sample size, these results suggest that multicenter studies could provide valuable insights into the management of AILDs.

Outcomes of Liver Transplantation in Infants: A Retrospective Cohort Study

ObjectiveLiver transplantation (LT) is a crucial treatment for infants with end-stage liver disease, yet specific data on LT outcomes in infants under 12 months old remain limited. This study aims to present the clinical course and outcomes of infants who underwent LT, assessing the impact of demographic and etiological differences on mortality and survival. MethodsA retrospective analysis was conducted on 64 infants (<12 months) who underwent LT between January 2019 and March 2024. Demographic, clinical, and laboratory data were collected from medical records. LT-specific details, postoperative complications, and survival data were analyzed. ResultsThe median age of the infants was 157 days, with 37 males (57.8%) and 27 females (42.2%). Biliary atresia was the most common diagnosis (85.9%), and seven infants had undergone a previous Kasai procedure. The median PELD score was 15.5. Left lateral segmentectomy was the predominant graft type (60.9%). The median PICU and hospital stays were 5 and 21 days, respectively. Complications occurred in 20 infants (31.3%), with vascular and biliary complication rates both at 12.5%. The overall mortality rate was 17.2%, with early (30-day) and late mortality rates of 6.3% and 10.9%, respectively. The median OS was 204.5 days, and the one-year survival rate was 32.8%. Kaplan-Meier and Log Rank analyses showed no significant impact of sex, age, diagnostic groups, graft type, or surgical complications on OS (p>0.05). ConclusionLT in infants can be performed with acceptable morbidity and mortality rates, particularly with increased experience and standardized protocols.

Association between serum folate and sleep duration in American adults: A cross-sectional analysis of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2005 to 2010.

Folate is a vitamin that is exclusively derived from diet sources. Low folate levels are typically associated with cardiovascular disease, cognitive impairment, and cancer risk. However, few studies have examined the direct relationship between serum folate levels and sleep duration. Accordingly, we aimed to examine the relationship between serum folate levels and sleep duration. Using data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), we examined the association between serum folate levels and sleep duration. We used laboratory data to obtain independent serum folate, and covariate data, including total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein, blood glucose, and glycated hemoglobin; dependent variable sleep duration and covariate data including race, family income, marital status, education, and country of birth from questionnaire data; and other covariate data such as systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, waist circumference, and body mass index data from the measured data. Data was primarily analyzed using multiple regression analysis, stratified analysis with interactions, restricted cubic splines (RCS), and threshold effect analysis. A total of 14,072 participants over 19 years of age were enrolled, comprising 6923 (49.2%) males and 7149 (50.8%) females, with a median age of 48 years. The association between serum folate levels and sleep duration exhibited an inverted L-shaped curve (P = .033) in RCS. In the threshold analysis, for participants with serum folate of <32.208 nmol/L (β = 0.608, 95% CI: (0.275, 0.942), P < .001), the sleep duration was significantly increased by 0.608 minutes, with every 1 nmol/L in serum folate increased. At serum folate of ≥32.208 nmol/L, no significant association between serum folate and sleep duration was detected [β = 5.686, 95% CI: (-1.508, 12.88), P = .118]. Our findings revealed an inverted L-shaped relationship and saturation effects between serum folate levels and sleep duration in adults in the United States.

Upadacitinib for Induction of Remission in Pediatric Ulcerative Colitis: An International Multi‑center Study.

Data on upadacitinib therapy in children with ulcerative colitis (UC) or unclassified inflammatory bowel disease (IBD-U) are scarce. We aimed to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of upadacitinib as an induction therapy in pediatric UC or IBD-U. In this multicenter retrospective study, children treated with upadacitinib for induction of remission of active UC or IBD-U from 30 centers worldwide were enrolled. Demographic, clinical and laboratory data as well as adverse events (AEs) were recorded at week 8 post induction. One hundred children were included (90 UC and 10 IBD-U, median age 15.6 [interquartile range 13.3-17.1] years). Ninety-eight were previously treated with biologic therapies, and 76 were treated with ≥2 biologics. At the end of the 8-week induction period, clinical response, clinical remission, and corticosteroid-free clinical remission (CFR) were observed in 84%, 62%, and 56% of the children, respectively. Normal C-reactive protein and fecal calprotectin (FC) <150 mcg/g were achieved in 75% and 50%, respectively. Combined CFR and FC remission was observed in 18/46 (39%) children with available data at 8 weeks. AEs were recorded in 37 children, including one serious AE of an appendiceal neuroendocrine tumor. The most frequent AEs were hyperlipidemia (n=13), acne (n=12), and infections (n=10, five of whom with herpes viruses). Upadacitinib is an effective induction therapy for refractory pediatric UC and IBD-U. Efficacy should be weighed against the potential risks of AEs.

Acute Kidney Injury after Hypoxic Ischemic Encephalopathy in Neonates Treated with Passive Versus Active Total Body Cooling.

Hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) affects 1-2 per 1000 term live births, often resulting in severe long-term disabilities. Therapeutic hypothermia (TH) is the standard care in developed countries, but high costs of modern cooling devices necessitate low-cost alternatives. This study compares passive cooling with active machine cooling regarding short-term renal outcomes, specifically acute kidney injury (AKI), in neonates with HIE. This retrospective study was conducted at Dr. Soliman Fakeeh Hospital's neonatal intensive care unit from 2019 to 2023. The study analyzed patient demographics, clinical outcomes, and laboratory data (sodium, potassium, urea, and creatinine) to assess AKI. Treatment involved whole-body cooling at 33.5-34.5°C for 72 hours, followed by gradual rewarming. A total of 39 neonates were included in the study. Both cooling methods showed similar short-term renal outcomes, with no statistically significant differences in creatinine levels between the groups at baseline, 24 hours, 72 hours, or discharge. A trend of higher creatinine levels in the passive cooling group was observed, but it did not reach statistical significance. The median length of hospital stay was longer in the passive cooling group, though this difference was marginally nonsignificant. Long-term follow-up revealed no significant differences in chronic kidney disease incidence or neurodevelopmental outcomes between the groups. This study found no significant differences in both short-term renal outcomes and long-term effects between passive and active cooling methods in neonates with HIE. However, the trend of higher creatinine levels in the passive cooling group suggests the need for further investigation with larger sample sizes and extended follow-up to clarify the long-term effects of cooling methods on renal and neurodevelopmental outcomes in neonates with HIE.

The anticholinergic burden in patients with chronic kidney disease: Patterns, risk factors, and the link with cognitive impairment.

People with chronic kidney disease (CKD) have an elevated risk of cognitive impairment (CI). Medications with anticholinergic activity are recognized for their adverse reactions on central nervous system. The putative association between the anticholinergic burden and CI has not previously been evaluated in patients with CKD. The study aimed to (i) describe prescriptions of medications with anticholinergic activity, (ii) analyze factors associated with these prescriptions, and (iii) evaluate the anticholinergic burden's association with cognitive performance. CKD-REIN, a prospective cohort study, enrolled nephrology outpatients with a confirmed diagnosis of CKD (eGFR <60 mL/min/1.73m2). Drug prescriptions were recorded prospectively during the 5-year follow-up. Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE) was assessed at baseline and CI was defined as an MMSE score <24/30. For each patient, the anticholinergic burden was determined by summing the Anticholinergic Cognitive Burden (ACB) scores of all prescription drugs at baseline. Multinomial logistic regression was used to analyze factors associated with the ACB score. Logistic regression was used to evaluate the association between the cognitive impairment and the anticholinergic burden at baseline. At baseline, 3007 patients (median age [IQR], 69[60-76]; 65% men) had MMSE data and were included. 1549 (52%) of these patients were taking at least one drug with anticholinergic properties. Most (1092; 70%) had a low anticholinergic burden, 294 (19%) had a moderate anticholinergic burden, and 163 (11%) had a high anticholinergic burden. A history of neurological/psychiatric disorders and a higher number of daily drugs were associated with a greater probability of having a high anticholinergic burden (odds ratio (OR) [95% confidence interval (95% CI)] = 1.88[1.29;2.74] and 1.53[1.45;1.61], respectively). Patients with a high anticholinergic burden had a significantly higher probability of presenting cognitive impairment, compared with patients without an anticholinergic burden (OR[95% CI] = 1.76[1.12;2.75]) after adjustment for sociodemographic factors, comorbidities, laboratory data, and the number of medications taken daily. The results of our study emphasize the need for caution in the prescription of drugs with anticholinergic properties to patients with CKD.

Childhood acute flaccid myelitis, including the first confirmed cases of enterovirus D68 myelitis, in Singapore and Southeast Asia.

We report the epidemiology, treatment and outcomes of acute flaccid myelitis (AFM), including the first two cases of enterovirus (EV) D68 myelitis, in Singapore. Retrospective observational study from a paediatric hospital in Singapore, from January 2012 to December 2022. Clinical, laboratory, neuroimaging and outcome data were analysed. Eight patients were identified (all male). Median age at presentation was 3 (interquartile range (IQR) 2.2-10.0) years. Seven (87.5%) patients were clustered in two time periods (July 2018-January 2019 and April-August 2022). Presenting features were a preceding febrile respiratory illness (n = 6) or hand-foot-and-mouth disease (n = 2), upper limb weakness (n = 5, 62.5%) and neurogenic bladder (3, 37.5%), while the spinal cord lesions were predominantly in the cervical region (7, 87.5%). Five (62.5%) and six (75.0%) patients had elevated cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) white cells (median 7.5/mm3 (IQR 2.8-40.3)) and protein (median 0.6 g/L (IQR 0.4-0.7)), respectively. CSF was negative for pathogens. Two (50%) of four patients with EV detected in respiratory/rectal swabs had EVD68 (2022 cluster). All received intravenous methylprednisolone, six (75%) had additional intravenous immunoglobulin and either plasma exchange therapy (n = 1) or intravenous tocilizumab (n = 1). Median modified Rankin Scale (mRS) at acute illness was 4 (IQR grades 3-5), with an improvement (median 2 (IQR 1.8-2.3) mRS grades) on follow-up (median duration 3.7 (IQR 1.4-4.1) years). One patient (12.5%) had a full recovery and seven (87.5%) have moderate disability (mRS 2-3). Disability risk in AFM is high despite aggressive immunotherapy. We report the first two confirmed cases of EV D68 AFM in Singapore and Southeast Asia.

Analysis of four long non-coding RNAs for hepatocellular carcinoma screening and prognosis by the aid of machine learning techniques

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) represents a significant health burden in Egypt, largely attributable to the endemic prevalence of hepatitis B and C viruses. Early identification of HCC remains a challenge due to the lack of widespread screening among at-risk populations. The objective of this study was to assess the utility of machine learning in predicting HCC by analyzing the combined expression of lncRNAs and conventional laboratory biomarkers. Plasma levels of four lncRNAs (LINC00152, LINC00853, UCA1, and GAS5) were quantified in a cohort of 52 HCC patients and 30 age-matched controls. The individual diagnostic performance of each lncRNA was assessed using ROC curve analysis. Subsequently, a machine learning model was constructed using Python’s Scikit-learn platform to integrate these lncRNAs with additional clinical laboratory parameters for HCC diagnosis. Individual lncRNAs exhibited moderate diagnostic accuracy, with sensitivity and specificity ranging from 60 to 83% and 53–67%, respectively. In contrast, the machine learning model demonstrated superior performance, achieving 100% sensitivity and 97% specificity. Notably, a higher LINC00152 to GAS5 expression ratio significantly correlated with increased mortality risk. The integration of lncRNA biomarkers with conventional laboratory data within a machine learning framework demonstrates significant potential for developing a precise and cost-effective diagnostic tool for HCC. To enhance the model’s robustness and prognostic capabilities, future studies should incorporate larger cohorts and explore a wider array of lncRNAs.

Establishment and evaluation of nomogram for predicting acute respiratory distress syndrome in meconium-stained amniotic fluid neonates.

To delineate risk factors and develop a predictive nomogram for acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) in neonates exposed to meconium-stained amniotic fluid (MSAF). We conducted a comprehensive retrospective analysis of neonates with MSAF, classifying them into ARDS and non-ARDS groups based on the onset of ARDS within the first week after birth. Clinical and laboratory data are collected to screen the risk factors for ARDS in MSAF neonates, multivariate logistic regression was performed to identify independent predictors and establish a nomogram to predict the occurrence of neonatal ARDS. We recognized five variables as independent risk factors for ARDS with MSAF neonates via logistic regression analysis, consisting of 1-min Apgar score (Apgar 1 min), white blood cell (WBC), platelet (PLT), red cell distribution width (RDW) and serum calcium (Ca). These predictors were integrated into a nomogram designed to estimate the individual risk of ARDS development in neonates. The predictive model achieved a C-index of 0.942 (95% CI: 0.915-0.970), indicating high predictive accuracy. Additionally, the nomogram was internally validated, demonstrating excellent calibration and practical utility for clinical decision-making. The validated nomogram, based on five pivotal factors, provides clinicians with a reliable tool for early identification and management of ARDS in MSAF neonates, potentially improving outcomes by facilitating timely and appropriate therapeutic interventions.

Advanced KPI framework for IVF pregnancy prediction models in IVF protocols

The utilization of neural networks in assisted reproductive technology is essential due to their ability to process complex and multidimensional data inherent in IVF procedures, offering opportunities for clinical outcome prediction, personalized treatment implementation, and overall advancement in fertility treatment. The aim of this study was to develop a novel approach to IVF laboratory data analysis, employing deep neural networks to predict the likelihood of clinical pregnancy occurrence within an individual treatment cycle, integrating both key performance indicators and clinical data. We conducted a retrospective analysis spanning 11 years, encompassing 8732 treatment cycles, to extract the most relevant features to our goal and train the model. Internal validation was performed on 1600 preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidy embryo transfers, while external was conducted across two independent clinics (over 10,000 cases). Leveraging recurrent neural networks, our model demonstrates high accuracy in predicting the likelihood of clinical pregnancy within specific IVF treatment cycles (AUC = 0.68–0.86; test accuracy = 0.78, F1 score = 0.71, sensitivity = 0.62; specificity = 0.86) comparable to time-lapse system but with a simpler approach. Our model facilitates both retrospective analysis of outcomes and prospective evaluation of clinical pregnancy chances, thus presenting a promising avenue for quality management programs and promotes their realization in medical centers.

Analysis of the clinical characteristics of patients with Kawasaki disease complicated with cholestasis

BackgroundTo explore the clinical characteristics, related factors, and prognosis of Kawasaki disease (KD) combined with acute febrile cholestasis and improve the understanding of the liver complications of KD to avoid misdiagnosis and missed diagnosis.MethodsWe retrospectively analyzed the demographic, clinical, and laboratory data of 1803 patients with KD between January 2019 and July 2023 in our hospital. Based on the presence of cholestasis, patients were divided into the cholestatic and control groups. Logistic regression analysis was performed for the statistically significant indicators between the two groups to examine the risk factors for KD with coronary artery abnormalities (CAA) and intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) unresponsiveness. Additionally, patients with KD and cholestasis were compared with patients with acute febrile cholestasis due to other causes during the same period.ResultsCompared to the control group (n = 1720), patients in the cholestatic group (n = 83) were older, had higher levels of white blood cell count (WBC), C-reactive protein (CRP), D-dimer, N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP), a shorter fever duration, and high incidences of IVIG unresponsiveness and CAA. KD was the leading cause of acute febrile cholestasis in children (72.6%). In the multivariate logistic regression analysis, younger age, cholestasis, hypoalbuminemia, and a high NT-proBNP level were risk factors for IVIG unresponsiveness, whereas male sex, longer fever duration before treatment, and high alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and CRP levels were risk factors for CAA.ConclusionKD with cholestasis was associated with a higher risk of IVIG unresponsiveness and coronary artery abnormalities. KD was the leading cause of acute febrile cholestasis in children. Attention to the possibility of KD is warranted in children with acute febrile cholestatic jaundice, especially if associated with elevated WBC, CRP, and D-dimer levels, or hypoalbuminemia.

Seamless Science: Lifting Experimental Mechanical Testing Lab Data to an Interoperable Semantic Representation

The scientific landscape is undergoing rapid transformations with the advent of the digital age which revolutionizes research methodologies. In materials science and engineering, an adoption of modern data management techniques is desirable to maximize the efficiency and accessibility of research efforts. Traditional practices in testing laboratories are usually inadequate for efficient data acquisition and utilization as they lead to local storage and difficulty in publication and correlation with other results. Electronic laboratory notebooks (ELNs) are promising prospects in this respect. Semantic concepts and ontologies enhance interoperability by standardizing experimental data representation. An in‐laboratory pipeline seamlessly integrating an ELN with transformation scripts to convert experimental into interoperable data in a machine‐actionable format is created in this study as a proof of concept. Tensile test results and the corresponding tensile test ontology are used exemplary. Linking ELN data to semantic concepts enriches the stored information while improving interpretability and reusability. Involving undergraduate students builds a bridge between theory and practice during their training and promotes their digital skills. This study underscores the potential of ELNs and knowledge representations as beneficial means toward improved data management practices that enhance collaborative research and education while ensuring compatibility with evolving standards and technologies.