Hierarchical skin lesion image classification with prototypical decision tree.

Traditional disease classification models often disregard the clinical significance of misclassifications and lack interpretability. To overcome these challenges, we propose a hierarchical prototypical decision tree (HPDT) for skin lesion classification. HPDT combines prototypical networks and decision trees, leveraging a class hierarchy to guide interpretable predictions from general to specific categories.

Homologous recombination promotes non-immunogenic mitotic cell death upon DNA damage.

Double-strand breaks (DSBs) can initiate mitotic catastrophe, a complex oncosuppressive phenomenon characterized by cell death during or after cell division. Here we unveil how cell cycle-regulated DSB repair guides disparate cell death outcomes through single-cell analysis of extended live imaging. Following DSB induction in S or G2, passage of unresolved homologous recombination intermediates into mitosis promotes non-immunogenic intrinsic apoptosis in the immediate attempt at cell division.

Dysregulated autoantibodies targeting AGTR1 are associated with the accumulation of COVID-19 symptoms.

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) presents a wide spectrum of symptoms, the causes of which remain poorly understood. This study explored the associations between autoantibodies (AABs), particularly those targeting G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) and renin‒angiotensin system (RAS) molecules, and the clinical manifestations of COVID-19. Using a cross-sectional analysis of 244 individuals, we applied multivariate analysis of variance, principal component analysis, and multinomial regression to examine the relationships between AAB levels and key symptoms.

Differential bone and vessel type formation at superior and dura periosteum during cranial bone defect repair.

The cranial mesenchyme, originating from both neural crest and mesoderm, imparts remarkable regional specificity and complexity to postnatal calvarial tissue. While the distinct embryonic origins of the superior and dura periosteum of the cranial parietal bone have been described, the extent of their respective contributions to bone and vessel formation during adult bone defect repair remains superficially explored. Utilizing transgenic mouse models in conjunction with high-resolution multiphoton laser scanning microscopy (MPLSM), we have separately evaluated bone and vessel formation in the superior and dura periosteum before and after injury, as well as following intermittent treatment of recombinant peptide of human parathyroid hormone (rhPTH), Teriparatide.

Glucagon-Like Peptide 1 Receptor Agonists and Chronic Lower Respiratory Disease Among Type 2 Diabetes Patients: Replication and Reliability Assessment Across a Research Network.

Introduction: The aim of this study is to use observational methods to evaluate reliability of evidence generated by a study of the effect of glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RA) on chronic lower respiratory disease (CLRD) outcomes among Type-2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients.

Research Design And Methods: We independently reproduced a study comparing effects of GLP-1RA versus dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitors (DPP4-i) on CLRD outcomes among patients with T2DM and prior CLRD. We reproduced inputs and outputs using the original study data (national administrative claims) and evaluated the robustness of results in comparison to alternate design/analysis decisions.

A Method for Imaging the Ischemic Penumbra with MRI using IVIM.

Background And Purpose: In acute ischemic stroke, the amount of "local" CBF distal to the occlusion, i.e. all blood flow within a region whether supplied antegrade or delayed and dispersed through the collateral network, may contain valuable information regarding infarct growth rate and treatment response.

Validity of the Diabetic Wound Assessment Learning Tool.

Purpose: The development of the Diabetic Wound Assessment Learning Tool (DiWALT) has previously been described. However, an examination of its application to a larger, more heterogeneous group of participants is lacking. In order to allow for a more robust assessment of the psychometric properties of the DiWALT, we applied it to a broader group of participants.

Patterns of use of heated tobacco products: a comprehensive systematic review.

Introduction: Relative or absolute safety of heated tobacco products (HTP) remains unknown, while independent literature suggests that these products do not favour tobacco control. We conducted a comprehensive systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate HTP usage patterns and the effect of HTP use on conventional tobacco smoking (use transitions).

Methods: We used Pubmed/MEDLINE, Embase and the Cochrane Library to identify all articles published up to February 2022 on HTP use.

Inter-Network Effective Connectivity During Emotional Working Memory Task in two independent samples of young adults.

Background: Effective connectivity (EC) analysis provides valuable insights into the directionality of neural interactions, crucial for understanding the mechanisms underlying cognitive and emotional regulation in depressive and anxiety disorders. This study examined EC within key neural networks during working memory (WM) and emotional regulation (ER) tasks in young adults, both healthy and seeking help from mental health professionals for emotional distress.

Methods: Dynamic Causal Modeling (DCM) was employed to analyze EC in two independent samples (n=97 and n=94).

Local effective connectivity changes after transcranial direct current stimulation in obsessive-compulsive disorder patients.

Aim: This study investigates the effects of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) on brain network connectivity in individuals with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).

Methods: In a randomized, double-blind, sham-controlled experimental design anodal tDCS (vs. sham) was applied in a total of 43 right-handed patients with OCD, targeting the right pre-supplementary motor area (pre-SMA).

The Optimal Dosage and Duration of Omega-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acid Supplementation in Heart Failure Management: Evidence from a Network Meta-Analysis.

Heart failure is a progressive condition associated with a high mortality rate. Despite advancements in treatment, many patients continue to experience less-than-ideal outcomes. Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFAs) have been studied as a potential supplementary therapy for heart failure, but the optimal dosage and duration of supplementation remain unclear.

A systematic review of deep learning in MRI-based cerebral vascular occlusion-based brain diseases.

Neurological disorders, including cerebral vascular occlusions and strokes, present a major global health challenge due to their high mortality rates and long-term disabilities. Early diagnosis, particularly within the first hours, is crucial for preventing irreversible damage and improving patient outcomes. Although neuroimaging techniques like magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) have advanced significantly, traditional methods often fail to fully capture the complexity of brain lesions.

Intraspecific genetic variation in the lymphatic filariasis vector Mansonia dives (Diptera: Culicidae) in Thailand: Hidden species or genetically divergent populations?

Mansonia dives is recognized as a vector for brugian filariasis in Thailand. A recent study analyzing the cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) gene revealed two distinct clades within the Ma. dives population in Thailand.

Worldwide Policy, Surveillance, and Research on Physical Education and School-Based Physical Activity: The Global Observatory for Physical Education (GoPE!) Conceptual Framework and Research Protocol.

Introduction: The Global Observatory for Physical Education (GoPE!) builds on the Global Observatory for Physical Activity (GoPA!) to address gaps in surveillance, policy, and research on physical education (PE) and activity (PA). GoPE! is a worldwide surveillance system of quality PE and school-based PA that informs policy and interventions and allows comparative analysis so that each country and region can check their status and progress. This paper presents GoPE!'s conceptual framework and describes the research protocol as a cross-continental and evidence-based surveillance system.

MAZ-mediated tumor progression and immune evasion in hormone receptor-positive breast cancer: Targeting tumor microenvironment and PCLAF+ subtype-specific therapy.

Background: Breast cancer had been the most frequently diagnosed cancer among women, making up nearly one-third of all female cancers. Hormone receptor-positive breast cancer (HR+BC) was the most prevalent subtype of breast cancer and exhibited significant heterogeneity. Despite advancements in endocrine therapies, patients with advanced HR+BC often faced poor outcomes due to the development of resistance to treatment.

Assembly of soil multitrophic community regulates multifunctionality via multifaceted biotic factors in subtropical ecosystems.

Soil biodiversity underpins multiple ecosystem functions and services essential for human well-being. Understanding the determinants of biodiversity-ecosystem function relationships (BEFr) is critical for the conservation and management of soil ecosystems. Community assembly processes determine community diversity and structure.

Trends, challenges, and research pathways in emerging contaminants: a comprehensive bibliometric analysis.

The growing concern over environmental pollution has spurred extensive research into various contaminants impacting ecosystems and human health. Emerging contaminants (ECs), including pharmaceuticals, personal care products, endocrine-disrupting chemicals, nanomaterials, and microplastics, have garnered significant attention due to their persistence, bioaccumulation, and toxicity. This study presents a comprehensive bibliometric analysis of EC research, aiming to detail the research landscape, highlight significant contributions, and identify influential researchers and pivotal studies.

Chimeric Antigen Receptor-T Cells in Colorectal Cancer: Pioneering New Avenues in Solid Tumor Immunotherapy.

Colorectal cancer (CRC) remains a major global health burden, being one of the most prevalent cancers with high mortality rates. Despite advances in conventional treatment modalities, patients with metastatic CRC often face limited options and poor outcomes. Chimeric antigen receptor-T (CAR-T) cell therapy, initially successful in hematologic malignancies, presents a promising avenue for treating solid tumors, including CRC.

Comparative glucocorticoid receptor agonism: In silico, in vitro, and in vivo and identification of potential biomarkers for synthetic glucocorticoid exposure.

The glucocorticoid receptor (GR) is present in almost every vertebrate cell and is utilized in many biological processes. Despite an abundance of mammalian data, the structural conservation of the receptor and cross-species susceptibility, particularly for aquatic species, has not been well defined. Efforts to reduce, refine, and/or replace animal testing have increased, driving the impetus to advance development of new approach methodologies (NAMs).

Dialogue mechanisms between astrocytic and neuronal networks: A whole-brain modelling approach.

Astrocytes critically shape whole-brain structure and function by forming extensive gap junctional networks that intimately and actively interact with neurons. Despite their importance, existing computational models of whole-brain activity ignore the roles of astrocytes while primarily focusing on neurons. Addressing this oversight, we introduce a biophysical neural mass network model, designed to capture the dynamic interplay between astrocytes and neurons via glutamatergic and GABAergic transmission pathways.

Sprouting sideways: queer temporalities and kinship in donor conception.

Temporal constructs are central to reproduction and kinship, as epitomised by the pervasive concept of the biological clock within public imaginaries. While queer scholarship has problematised linear models of kinship and reproductive temporality, the specific temporalities associated with donor-conceived families have received less scholarly attention, despite the increasing prevalence of these family structures. In this article, we explore the question: how does donor conception reconfigure temporal logics.

Medicaid and the Promise for Cure.

Importance: Cell and gene therapies are revolutionizing the treatment landscape for children and adults with rare diseases and can be life-changing for patients and their families. Successful implementation of these new therapies into clinical practice depends on their accessibility and affordability, particularly through publicly funded Medicaid agencies, which cover many children and adults with rare diseases.

Objective: To provide a framework to broadly assess cell and gene therapies, evaluate payment options, and ensure equitable access through the lens of publicly funded Medicaid programs.