bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Clinicopathological role and prognostic significance of intermedin expression in malignant pleural mesothelioma: a meta-analysis
Authors: Cheng Yongbo , Lin Deqing , Yu Sanjiu , Liu Xin , Yan Chaojun , Cheng Wei
Published: September 2023

Objective
To study the clinicopathological role and prognostic significance of intermedin expression in malignant pleural mesothelioma.
Methods
Pubmed, EMBASE, CNKI and Wanfang databases were searched for articles published from January 2006 to the present. The key words used in Chinese search were malignant pleural mesothelioma and mesothelin, and the key words used in English search were malignant mesothelioma and mesothelin. A summary of the relevant literature was read, and the journal literature related to this study was screened out. Three investigators screened and extracted the literature data, conducted statistical analysis, recorded the search results and evaluated the quality, and analyzed the relationship between the high expression of mesothelin and the clinicopathological effect and prognostic significance of patients with malignant pleural mesothelioma.
Results
A total of 605 patients with malignant pleural mesothelioma were involved in the 7 literatures. According to the actual reference interval of the indicators, the cut-off value of serum mesothelin level was selected as 1.65nM, ≥ 1.65nM was recorded as high expression of mesothelin, < 1.65nM was recorded as low expression of mesothelin. High expression of mesothelin was associated with TNM stage (OR = 0.42, 95%CI: 0.26–0.66, P < 0.01), tumor invasion extent (OR = 0.58, 95%CI: 0.36–0.93, P < 0.05), and overall survival time (OR = 2.31, 95%CI: 1.47–3.65, P < 0.01).
Conclusions
The high expression of intermedin in malignant pleural mesothelioma has high clinicopathological and prognostic significance, which is worthy of clinical attention.
Sex differences in problematic pornography use among adolescents: a network analysis
Authors: Villena-Moya Alejandro , Potenza Marc N. , Roser Granero , Paiva Úrsula , Arrondo Gonzalo , Chiclana-Actis Carlos , Fernández-Aranda Fernando , Jiménez-Murcia Susana , Normand Enrique , Ballester Lluís , Mestre-Bach Gemma
Published: September 2023

Pornography use is a common practice in adolescents and has been observed to be more prevalent in boys. There are different consequences associated with pornography use and problematic use that may present differently among boys and girls. This study presents a network analysis to understand relationships among different variables associated with pornography use (victimization, sexual double standard, loneliness, family relationships and sexual risk behaviors) and differences between boys and girls in a Spanish sample of N = 650 adolescents. The results show a higher frequency of problematic use of pornography in boys and more conservative models of sexuality. Girls show higher levels of online victimization and loneliness associated with pornography use. Some clinical implications of the study are discussed.
Blood count changes in malaria patients according to Blood Groups (ABO/Rh) and Sickle Cell Trait
Authors: Sacomboio Euclides , Zua Santo Doqui , Tchivango Adelino , Pululu António , Caumba Adilson , Paciência Adelina , Sati Danilson , Agostinho Sabina , Agostinho Yolanda , Mazanga Fernando , Sebastião Cruz , Paixão Joana Paula , Morais Joana
Published: September 2023

Introduction:
Malaria continues to be the main cause of hospitalization and death in Angola, a sub-Saharan African country. In 2023, in the first quarter, 2,744,682 cases were registered, and of these 2,673 patients died due to the malaria disease. Previous studies showed that the ABO blood group can affect the progression of malaria to serious situations after P. falciparum infection while the sickle cell gene offers relative protection.
Objective:
We investigated changes in the blood count according to blood groups (ABO/Rh) and sickle cell trait in patients with malaria in Luanda, the capital city of Angola.
Methodology:
This was a longitudinal, prospective, and observational study with 198 patients hospitalized for malaria.
Results:
of the 198 patients studied, 13(6.6%) were ABRh(+), 4(2.0%) were ARh(-), 49(24.7%) were ARh(+), 42(21,2%) were BRh(+), 5(2.5%) were ORh(-), and 85(42.9%) were ORh(+). For sickle cell trait, 145(73.2%) were AA, 37(18.7%) were AS and 16(8.1%) were SS. No statistical relationship was observed between age group, sex, parasitemia, clinical picture, hematocrit, MCV, MCH, MCHC, WCB, NEUT, LINF, and PTL values with blood groups (p<0.05), but showed a relationship between hemoglobin values and ABO/Rh blood groups (p>0.05). There was no relationship between age, parasitemia, clinical condition, MCV, MCH and MCHC, WCB, NEUT, and LINF values with sickle cell trait (p<0.05), but there was a relationship between sex, hemoglobin and PTL values and sickle cell trait sickle cell (p>0.05).
Conclusion:
It is very important to differentiate patients with malaria based on blood groups and sickle cell trait, taking into account mainly the blood count parameters that demonstrate that there are patients who, depending on their blood group or sickle cell trait, may react weakly to the infection by malaria regardless of the degree of parasitemia and medical prognosis.
Diagnosis of Clostridium difficile: a wrong algorithm and an improvement in immunoassays
Authors: Recio Juan Luis
Published: September 2023

We compared the 2-step and 3-step algorithms for diagnosis of Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) in clinical cases between October and December 2023. We observed in 3-step algorithm 22 false positives (FP) among the 62 positives (35%), compared to 40 positives without FP in 2-step algorithm. All FP are positive for glutamate dehydrogenase (GDH) and Toxin A and/or B immunochromatography (IC), and negative for toxigenic C.difficile PCR. When processing the samples with a solution of leukocidins and Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) the FP to GDH are negative, as well as FP from different immunoassays. The cause of FP is an interspecies cross-reaction between human leukocytes and mouse immunoglobulins, a method-dependent error (immunoassay) that increases the probability of FP in the 3-step algorithm. Modified algorithms and sample processing with MRSA and leukocidins allow equivalent results to the 2-step algorithm, with a reduction in the total number of molecular tests required (47-61%).
Protocol for Metadata and Image Collection at Diabetic Foot Ulcer Clinics: Enabling Research in Wound Analytics and Deep Learning
Authors: Basiri Reza , Manji Karim , LeLievre Philip M. , Toole John , Kim Faith , Khan Shehroz S. , Popovic Milos R.
Published: September 2023

Background: The escalating impact of diabetes and its complications, including diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs), presents global challenges in quality of life, economics, and resources, affecting around half a billion people. DFU healing is hindered by hyperglycemia-related issues and diverse diabetes-related physiological changes, necessitating ongoing personalized care. Artificial intelligence and clinical research strive to address these challenges by facilitating early detection and efficient treatments despite resource constraints. This study establishes a standardized framework for DFU data collection, introducing a dedicated case report form and a comprehensive dataset named Zivot.
Results: Following this protocol, we created the Zivot dataset consisting of 269 patients with active DFUs, and about 3,700 RGB images and corresponding thermal and depth maps for the DFUs. The effectiveness of collecting a consistent and clean dataset was demonstrated using a bounding box prediction deep learning network that was constructed with EfficientNet as the feature extractor and UNet architecture. The network was trained on the Zivot dataset and the evaluation metrics showed promising values of 0.79 and 0.86 for F1-score and mAP segmentation metrics.
Conclusions: This work and the Zivot database offer a foundation for further exploration of holistic and multi-modal approaches to DFU research.
Minimum Supervision Levels Required for Pediatric Cardiology Fellowship Graduation by Pediatric Cardiology Program Directors
Authors: Karnik Ruchika , Robinson Bradley , Glickstein Julie , Schwartz Alan , Mink Richard , Neal Ashley E. , Frank Lowell H , McMahon Colin J. , Kim Michael , Turner David A. , Srivast Shubhika
Published: September 2023

Background: Entrustable Professional Activities (EPAs) are observable, essential tasks that subspecialists are expected to perform for safe and effective patient care. Pediatric Cardiology (PC) specific EPAs have been developed, but their general use in assessment for PC fellows for graduation requirements has yet to be studied.
Objective: To determine the minimum level of supervision (LOS) required for PC fellows to graduate and compare it with the minimum LOS expected for safe and effective practice for the 6 PC EPAs, from the perspective of PC fellowship program directors (FPD). Method: Six PC EPAs and their LOS scales were developed by medical educators in PC using a modified Delphi process and reviewed by the Subspecialty Pediatrics Investigator Network (SPIN). All FPDs of ACGME-accredited PC fellowships were surveyed through SPIN between April 2017 and August 2017. For each of the PC EPAs, the FPDs were asked to indicate the minimum LOS expected for graduation, whether they would allow a fellow to graduate if this level was not achieved. The minimum LOS expected for a practicing pediatric cardiologist to provide safe and effective patient care. The minimum level of supervision (LOS) was defined as the LOS for which no more than 20% of FPDs would want a lower level.
Results: The survey response rate was 80% (47/59). The majority of the FPDs did not require a minimum LOS of 5 corresponding to unsupervised practice in any of the 6 PC EPAs at graduation. For EPAs related to imaging, arrhythmia management, and management of cardiac problems, the minimum LOS for graduation was 3, corresponding to being “trusted to perform a task with indirect supervision for most simple and a few complex cases.” For the EPAs related to interventional cardiology, heart failure pulmonary hypertension, and cardiac intensive care, the minimum LOS for graduation was 2, corresponding to being “trusted to perform a task only with direct supervision and coaching.” The minimum LOS considered necessary for safe and effective practice for all but one EPA was 3. For the EPA related to the management of cardiac problems, the minimum LOS for safe practice was 4, corresponding to being “trusted to execute tasks independently except for few complex and critical cases.”
Conclusion: Most PC FPDs reported they would not require fellows to achieve the highest entrustment level for any of the 6 PC EPAs for graduation. It is crucial that educational programs evolve to address these essential activities during training better and that stakeholders ensure that graduating PC fellows have adequate resources and infrastructure to continue professional development as early-career pediatric cardiologists.
Symptom Patterns and Progression of Complications in Sickle Cell Anemia and Sickle Cell Trait: Implications for Enhanced Medical Care and Education
Authors: portilla Elizabeth , Suarez Andrés , Moreno Tulio , Hernández Enio , Fong Cristian
Published: September 2023

Background. Sickle cell anemia and sickle cell trait are two conditions characterized by the presence of hemoglobin S. However, sickle cell anemia is a disorder with wide clinical variability, and the sickle cell trait is considered an asymptomatic condition. Careful medical attention and educational programs about the disease have been successful in decreasing the mortality rate in patients with sickle cell anemia. A lack of these measures could increase the severity in patients with sickle cell disease and even in individuals with sickle cell trait who without adequate information may not take appropriate precautions. This study was conducted to establish the distribution of symptoms in patients with sickle cell anemia in Colombia and to determine whether there is an increase in the frequency of symptoms in sickle cell trait individuals in the context of Colombian medical care. Methods. We examined 109 patients with sickle cell anemia and 99 individuals with sickle cell trait. Symptom information was collected from the patients for both conditions. Pearson’s chi-square and Student’s t-test were used to identify differences between sickle cell anemia and sickle cell trait in clinical variables. To identify whether any clinical variable was associated with any condition, a correspondence analysis was performed. Results. The most frequent symptom was pain crisis, followed by dactylitis and pneumonia. Blood transfusion was required in 46% of this population. The frequency of pain crises and pneumonia was higher in patients with sickle cell anemia than in patients with sickle cell trait. However, 68.6% of patients with sickle cell trait suffered pain crises. Patients with sickle cell anemia also showed a 31-fold higher probability of receiving a blood transfusion than patients with sickle cell trait. Splenomegaly, pneumonia, and cardiac problems appeared to be interrelated symptoms in this population, suggesting an axis of progressive complications in patients with sickle cell anemia. Conclusions. These results show that the population with sickle cell anemia and sickle cell trait present clinical conditions that increase the severity of both conditions. Therefore, it is necessary to improve medical care and design educational campaigns to reduce the risk of complications.
Histopathological characterization of transient and nestling birds affected by the 2020 spill of diesel fuel in the Russian Arctic
Authors: Kireeva Anna V. , Kolenchukova Oksana A. , Esimbekova Elena N. , Savchenko Alexander P. , Temerova Victoria L. , Emelyanov Vladimir I.
Published: September 2023

Environmental pollution caused by spills of petroleum oil and its products poses a hazard to the health of wild birds. The purpose of the present study was to investigate morphological changes in the transient and nestling birds inhabiting the area affected by the spill of diesel fuel. Two groups of birds were studied: 1 – transient birds (Anas acuta and Mareca penelope); 2 – nestling birds (Aythya fuligula L. and Mergus serrator L.), which inhabit this ecotope. These species are all Anseriformes of the Anatidae family. Birds were caught along the Ambarnaya River in July and August 2022. Birds were captured, organs were removed (liver, lungs and heart) and examined using histological methods. Organ sections were stained with Hematoxylin & Eosin in automatic mode (AFOMK-16-26, Russia). The specimens were examined and scored under light microscope and with digital camera (Carl Zeiss, Germany). Histology of organs and tissues of breeding and migratory birds did not reveal any significant differences between the two groups. More pronounced pathologies were observed in breeding birds. All species had brown foreign particles distributed in blood and showed destructive changes in organs and tissues leading to pronounced dysfunction of the organs. In some bird species, neoplastic processes were observed.
Effect of exercise-induced muscle fatigue on reaction times under postural perturbation conditions in individuals with and without chronic low back pain
Authors: Xiao Wenwu , Peng Jiahui , Xie Hao , Xie Haoyu , Hao Zengming , Li Zifeng , Yang Huaichun , Mao Haian , Wang Chuhuai
Published: September 2023

Background: Total reaction time (TRT), composed of premotor time (PMT) and electromechanical delay (EMD), is susceptible to muscle fatigue and can be affected by pain. However, the muscle fatigue effects of chronic low back pain(cLBP) in postural perturbation conditions have not been adequately reported. This study aimed to examine the impact of pain and muscle fatigue on reaction time, so as to gain insights into the neuromuscular control strategy changes associated with muscle fatigue effect of cLBP.
Methods: Twenty-five subjects with cLBP (cLBP group) and twenty-three healthy individuals (HC group) were tested by Biering-Sorensen Test to generate exhaustive muscle fatigue. TRT, PMT and EMD were recorded by surface electromyography during the arm raising task with visual cues prior to and following muscle fatigue. The mean difference (MD) of reaction time was calculated before and after muscle fatigue, denoted as MDTRT, MDPMT, and MDEMD, respectively. Besides, the fear avoidance beliefs questionnaire (FABQ) and visual angle scores (VAS) was evaluated before muscle fatigue in cLBP group.
Results：The TRT and PMT were significantly prolonged after muscle fatigue in the cLBP group compared with before muscle fatigue (Z=-3.371, P=0.001; Z=-3.286, P=0.001, respectively). Meanwhile, the cLBP group had significantly shorter TRT and PMT before muscle fatigue than HC group (Z=-3.299, P=0.001; Z=-3.256, P=0.001, respectively). Additionally, the correlation analysis manifested that MDPMT and MDTRT were positively correlated with FABQ (r=0.422, P=0.040; r=0.418, P=0.042) and VAS (r=0.546, P=0.006; r=0.564, P=0.004) separately.
Conclusions：The reaction time would be altered by chronic pain in neuromuscular control processes, and muscle fatigue could further induce it delay. Besides, this reaction time delay was positively correlated with pain level and fear-avoidance beliefs. These findings highlight the importance of the muscle fatigue effects with cLBP, such as avoiding exhaustive muscle fatigue and paying more attention to fear-beliefs and pain during rehabilitation.
Trial registration: This trial is registered at chictr.org.cn, number ChiCTR2300074348. Registered August 4, 2023.
Invasive stratified mucin-producing carcinoma of the colorectum: Expanding the morphologic spectrum of large bowel cancer
Authors: Auld Finn Morgan , Moyana Terence N.
Published: September 2023

Background:
Invasive stratified mucin-producing carcinoma is a recently recognized adenocarcinoma with distinctive features. Morphologically, it is characterized by solid groups of tumor cells containing variable amounts of intracytoplasmic mucin stratified throughout the thickness of lesional epithelium. It was first described in the cervix but similar tumors have since been reported in the penis, anus and prostate, with or without an association with human papilloma virus. In the gastrointestinal tract, the phenomenon of epithelial stratification has an interesting embryologic morphogenesis. Gastrointestinal mucosa starts off as nascent columnar epithelium that is subsequently patterned to confer regional specific functions along the cephalocaudal axis. However, in disease states, normal architectural patterning can be disrupted by aberrant differentiation. Given this background and the phenotypic plasticity of neoplastic cells, we were interested in ascertaining whether invasive stratified mucin-producing carcinoma occurs in the colorectum.
Methods
This was a retrospective study of all 584 cases of colorectal carcinoma accessioned at our institution over a 2-year period (January 2021- December 2022). Cases were analyzed to determine which fulfilled the criteria for invasive stratified mucin-producing carcinoma.
Results
There were 9 cases of colorectal invasive stratified mucin-producing carcinoma - one pure form and 8 mixed. They showed the classic colorectal (CK20+, CDX2+, CK7-) immunostaining profile but, based on various morphologic criteria, they could be distinguished from conventional adenocarcinoma NOS, mucinous, signet ring cell, medullary, goblet cell and undifferentiated carcinomas. About half the cases were MLH1/PMS2 deficient and BRAF &/or PIK3CA mutated, which aligns with the hypermutated phenotype.
Conclusions
Colorectal invasive stratified mucin-producing carcinoma appears to be a real entity, best recognized in its early stages. It appears to be a high-grade carcinoma. With tumor progression, it evolves into a mucinous adenocarcinoma with a proclivity towards signet ring cells. In summary, the study of this tumor, particularly in its early stages, provides useful clues to further understanding the biology and progression of large bowel cancer. Further studies are required to learn more about this tumor.
Screening Optimal Candidates with Operable, Early-Stage Triple-Negative Breast Cancer Benefitting from Capecitabine Maintenance: A Post-Hoc Analysis of the SYSUCC-001 Study
Authors: Duan Fangfang , Hua Xin , Bi Xiwen , Wang Shusen , Shi Yanxia , Xu Fei , Wang Li , Huang Jiajia , Yuan Zhongyu , Huang Yuanyuan
Published: September 2023

Background
Recent clinical trials and meta-analyses suggest that addition of capecitabine to standard chemotherapy could be beneficial in early-stage triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). We aimed to develop an individualized prediction model to quantify the clinical benefit of capecitabine maintenance in TNBC.
Methods
Data of patients from the SYSUCC-001 trial (NCT01112826), randomized to standard treatment with or without metronomic capecitabine maintenance, were analyzed. Candidate covariates included age, menstrual status, type of surgery, postoperative chemotherapy regimen, Ki-67 percentage, histologic grade, primary tumor size, lymphovascular invasion, node status, and capecitabine medication. The primary endpoint was disease-free survival (DFS). The nonlinear effects of continuous covariates were modeled by restricted cubic spline. A survival prediction model was constructed using Cox proportional hazards regression analysis.
Results
The data of 434 patients (306 in the development cohort and 128 in the validation cohort) were analyzed. The estimated 5-year DFS in the development cohort and validation cohort were 77.8% (95% CI, 72.9%-82.7%) and 78.2% (95% CI, 70.9%-85.5%), respectively. Age and node status had significant nonlinear effects on DFS. The prediction model constructed using four covariates (node status, lymphovascular invasion, capecitabine maintenance, and age) demonstrated satisfactory calibration and fair discrimination ability, with C-index of 0.722 (95% CI, 0.662–0.781) and 0.764 (95% CI, 0.668–0.859) in the development cohort and validation cohort, respectively. An easy-to-use online calculator for predicting benefit of capecitabine maintenance was also designed.
Conclusions
The evidence-based prediction model may help identify patients most likely to benefit from metronomic capecitabine maintenance and thus help in decision making in daily clinical practice.
Altered Cortical Activity During a Finger Tap in People with Stroke
Authors: Balasubramanian Priya , Snyder Dylan B. , Beardsley Scott A. , Hyngstrom Allison S. , Schmit Brian D.
Published: September 2023

This study describes temporal patterns of cortical activity during a simple finger movement in people with stroke to understand how temporal patterns of cortical activation and network connectivity align with prolonged muscle contraction at the end of a task. We investigated changes in the EEG temporal patterns in the beta band (13-26Hz) of people with chronic stroke (N = 10, 7F/3M) and controls (N = 10, 7F/3M), during and after a cued movement of the index finger. We quantified the change in beta band EEG power relative to baseline as activation at each electrode and the change in beta band task-based coherence (tbCoh) relative to baseline coherence as connectivity between EEG electrodes. Contrary to controls, finger tap cortical activity in the stroke group was spatially distributed bilaterally, and measurements from the post task period lacked a positive change in beta power relative to baseline, which has been described as event-related synchronization in controls. In addition, the stroke group exhibited no discernible reduction in tbCoh between the ipsilesional sensorimotor and frontal regions of the cortex during the post task period, which was a notable feature of tbCoh in controls. Our results suggest that divergent cortical activation patterns coupled with changes in connectivity between the sensorimotor and frontal cortices in the stroke group might explain clinical observations of prolonged muscle activation in people with stroke. This prolonged activation might be attributed to the combination of cortical reorganization and changes to sensory feedback post-stroke.
Neuromuscular Blocking Agent during Targeted Temperature Management for Out-of-Hospital Cardiac Arrest Patients: A Multicenter Prospective Observational Study (SOS-KANTO 2017 study)
Authors: Kawauchi Akira , Aoki Makoto , Kitamura Nobuya , Tagami Takashi , Hayashida Kei , Aso Shotaro , Yasunaga Hideo , Nakamura Mitsunobu
Published: September 2023

Background
Neuromuscular blocking agents (NMBAs) can control shivering during targeted temperature management (TTM) of patients with cardiac arrest. However, the effectiveness of NMBA use during TTM on neurologic outcomes remains unclear. We aimed to evaluate the association between NMBA use during TTM and favorable neurologic outcomes after out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA).
Methods
This was a multicenter prospective observational cohort study of OHCA patients from 2019 to 2021 (SOS-KANTO 2017 Study database). A total of forty-two emergency hospitals participated in this study. The study included adult OHCA patients who received TTM after hospitalization and excluded patients with missing data on NMBA use. After multiple imputations for missing data, we conducted overlap weight based on propensity-score analyses to compare outcomes between those with and without NMBA use during TTM. A favorable neurological outcome was defined as a cerebral performance category of 1 or 2 at discharge. Subgroup analyses were conducted according to initial monitored rhythm, findings of brain computed tomography (hypoxic encephalopathy and reduced gray-to-white-matter ratio), and each targeted temperature.
Results
Of the 516 eligible patients, 337 received NMBAs during TTM. The propensity score analysis showed a higher proportion of favorable neurologic outcomes in the NMBA group than in the non-NMBA group (32.7% vs. 20.9%; risk difference (RD), 11.8%; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.2–22.3%). Subgroup analyses showed higher proportions of favorable neurologic outcome in the NMBA users among those with initial shockable rhythm (46.2% vs. 26.6%; RD, 19.6%; 95% CI, 3.5–35.6%), no hypoxic encephalopathy (48.3% vs. 27.9%; RD, 20.4%; 95% CI, 6.1–34.7%), and no reduced gray-to-white-matter ratio (36.2% vs. 20.5%; RD, 15.7%; 95% CI, 3.9–27.5%).
Conclusions
The use of NMBAs during TTM was significantly associated with favorable neurologic outcomes at hospital discharge for OHCA patients. NMBAs may have benefits in selected populations of patients with initial shockable rhythm and no poor prognostic computed tomography findings.
A Hybrid Deep Learning Framework for Skin Cancer Classification using Dermoscopy Images and Metadata
Authors: Mohamed Ensaf Hussein , Abubakr Ashraf Faroug , Abdu Nada , Khalil Mostafa , Kamal Hossam , Youssef Mohamed , Mohamed Heba , ElSayed Mai
Published: September 2023

Skin exposed to the sun is more likely to have skin cancer, which is an unnatural growth of skin cells. However, skin that isn’t frequently exposed to sunlight might potentially develop this prevalent type of cancer. This study attempts to detect and categorize six different types of skin cancer using clinical images accurately. The proposed approach used both clinical images and Metadata to feed into a hybrid model that benefits from deep learning in feature extraction and machine learning in classification. Many experiments have been applied to the PAD-UFES-20 dataset. Seven distinct algorithms of machine learning are applied with ten different pre-trained deep learning models. The hybrid model consists of MobileNetV2 as a feature extractor and logistic regression as a classifier for images, and random forest as a classi-fier for metadata has proved its superiority. The accuracy was 95.6%, precision 96.8%, recall 95.6%, F1-Score 95.7%. The evaluation process shows that metadata has an effective role in improving accuracy compared to previous studies that depend on images only in classification.
Increased AID Results in Mutations at the CRLF2 Locus Implicated in Latin American ALL Health Disparities
Authors: Pannunzio Nicholas , Rangel Valeria , Sterrenberg Jason , Garawi Aya , Mezcord Vyanka , Folkerts Melissa , Caulderon Sabrina , Wang Jinglong , Soyfer Eli , Eng Oliver , Valerin Jennifer , Tanjasiri Sora , Quintero-Rivera Fabiola , Masri Selma , Seldin Marcus , Frock Richard , Fleischman Angela
Published: September 2023

Activation-induced cytidine deaminase (AID) is a B cell-specific base editor required during class switch recombination and somatic hypermutation for B cell maturation and antibody diversification. However, it has also been implicated as a factor in the etiology of several B cell malignancies. Evaluating the AID-induced mutation load in patients at-risk for certain types of blood cancers is critical in assessing disease severity and treatment options. Here, we have developed a digital PCR (dPCR) assay that allows us to track the mutational landscape resulting from AID modification or DNA double-strand break (DSB) formation and repair at sites known to be prone to DSBs. Implementation of this new assay showed that increased AID levels in immature B cells increases genome instability at loci linked to translocation formation. This included the CRLF2 locus that is often involved in chromosomal translocations associated with a subtype of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) that disproportionately affects Latin Americans (LAs). To support this LA-specific identification of AID mutation signatures, we characterized DNA from immature B cells isolated from the bone marrow of ALL patients. Our ability to detect and quantify these mutation signatures will potentiate future risk identification, early detection of cancers, and reduction of associated cancer health disparities.
The prognostic value of CD39+CD8+ T cells as a potential surrogate marker of tumor-specific T cells in Asian triple-negative breast cancer
Authors: MENG JIA , Tira Tan Jing Ying , Joseph Craig Ryan , Ye Jiangfeng , Lim Jeffrey Chun Tatt , Goh Denise , Yuezhen Xue , Lim Xinru , Koh Valerie Cui Yun , Wee Felicia , Tay Timothy Kwang Yong , Chan Jason Yongsheng , Ng Cedric Chuan Young , Iqbal Jabed , Lau Mai Chan , Elaine Lim Hsuen , Chong Toh Han , Teh Bin Tean , Dent Rebecca Alexandra , Tan Puay Hoon , Sheng Joe Yeong Poh
Published: September 2023

Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is a highly aggressive breast cancer subtype that is generally associated with poor prognosis in affected patients. Unfortunately, recently approved immune checkpoint inhibitors are efficacious in only a subset of patients. A surrogate marker for tumor-specific CD8+ T cells is urgently required to clarify the mechanisms of antitumor immune responses and help prognosticate TNBC patients. Here, we conducted a comparative interrogation of TNBC to evaluate the potential of CD39 as a surrogate marker of tumor-specific T cells. We first used flow cytometry to study more than 12,000 tumor-specific CD8+ T cells within both peripheral blood mononuclear cells and tumor-infiltrating lymphocyte populations in a mouse TNBC model and found that more than 99% of tumor-specific CD8+ T cells were present in the CD39+ subset. Multiplex immunohistochemistry/immunofluorescence staining demonstrated that the proportion of CD39+CD8+ T cells in human TNBC tumors correlated with improved overall survival. The frequencies of other CD39+ immune infiltrates, such as CD39+CD68+ macrophages, also correlated with improved OS. Thus CD39+CD8+ T cells might help predict prognosis in patients with TNBC.
Poly-γ-glutamic acid affects NH3 volatilization, soil nitrogen content, and soybean seedling growth
Authors: Liu Lu , Shi Wenjuan
Published: September 2023

Poly-γ-glutamic acid (γ-PGA) is a soil amendment that has been shown to enhance soil water retention capacity. However, the effects of γ-PGA on soil NH3 volatilization, soil nitrogen pool, and crop growth have been rarely studied. This study aimed to investigate the effect of γ-PGA on NH3 volatilization, soil mineral nitrogen content, and soybean seed productivity. We conducted an incubation experiment and a pot experiment using two different textured soils (sandy soil and sandy loam soil) with four γ-PGA application rates (0, 0.1, 0.3, and 0.5%, w/w). The results showed that the application of γ-PGA decreased the peak value of NH3 volatilization and cumulative NH3 emission through the incubation experiment. Cumulative NH3 volatilization decreased with increasing γ-PGA application amount. The addition of γ-PGA to sandy soil and sandy loam soil increased soil N content by 17–63% and 7–33%, respectively. Based on pot experimental results and principal component analysis, we recommend the optimal rates of γ-PGA application were 0.3% (w/w) in sandy soil and 0.1% (w/w) in sandy loam soil. This study provides a theoretical basis for the addition of γ-PGA as a promising strategy to reduce NH3 volatilization and increase soil nitrogen content.
Global Warming, Air Pollution and Health
Authors: Attfield Robin
Published: September 2023

A new field of biomedical ethics is opening up, concerning what should be done to reduce the direct and indirect impacts of greenhouse gas emissions on human health. Some of these impacts could be described as ‘direct’, in the form of fatalities and illnesses due to the increasingly frequent heatwaves in many countries of recent years, ascribable to anthropogenic climate change. Other impacts are mediated through the air pollution that results from emissions from vehicles in the form of a cocktail of carbon oxides including carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide and particulates. Most of the world’s cities have streets with unsafe pollution levels, and one child’s death in Britain has been officially ascribed to air pollution (BBC 2020).  This presentation aims to validate the above claims about the impacts of emissions on health, and to suggest remedies. The early phasing out of vehicles powered by internal combustion engines is the ultimate remedy for the latter set of impacts, while the urgent replacement of energy generated from fossil-fuel sources with renewable energy is the best way to remediate the former set. More immediate remedies for air pollution include restricting the use of roads and streets in urbanised areas by vehicles to bicycles and light vehicles with small engines. Medical and nursing education should include the diagnosis and treatment of pulmonary conditions resulting from increased levels of carbon oxides, nitrogen oxides and particulates. Medical and nursing practice should focus on the early identification of vulnerable adults and children at risk from air pollution, and warnings against walking, running or cycling along the most polluted thoroughfares.
Expansão e internacionalização da educação superior na Coreia do Sul e nos BRIC
Authors: Chaves Gérlia Maria Nogueira , Rocha Neto Ivan
Published: September 2023

Este artigo apresenta uma análise da expansão da educação superior na Coreia do Sul e nos países que constituem os BRIC, destacando um dos elementos em comum desse processo: a internacionalização. O objetivo deste trabalho é entender o desenvolvimento desses aspectos no Brasil, ao situar o País no contexto de países que muito ampliaram suas educações superiores e suas economias. O estudo utiliza abordagens qualitativa e quantitativa, com pesquisa documental, bibliográfica e de dados estatísticos sobre a temática abordada. Por meio da discussão e da análise comparativa dos dados, compreende-se que apesar dos contextos históricos e culturais diversos, esses processos no Brasil sofreram influências semelhantes e seguiram em geral os mesmos padrões dos demais países pesquisados. O Brasil tem pela frente desafios análogos aos da Índia e da China na educação superior em relação ao baixo percentual de conclusão e a baixa qualidade. Apenas na China foi localizado programa de internacionalização aproximado ao modelo do Ciência sem Fronteiras, o qual se recomenda ter seus presentes efeitos avaliados.
The Effect of Expressing Emotions on the Psychological Well-Being of
Individuals Suffering From Chronic Musculoskeletal Diseases
Authors: Demirel Yüksel , Gülşen Mustafa
Published: September 2023

Background and Objective:

This study examines the effect of expressing emotions on the psychological well-being of individuals who have musculoskeletal disorders.

Methods:

This descriptive study was conducted with 111 individuals suffering from musculoskeletal diseases who were undergoing treatment in a university hospital in a metropolitan city in Turkey. Personal information forms, the Emotion Expression Scale, and Psychological Well-Being Scale were utilized in the research questionnaire.

Results:

A significant positive relationship was detected between expressing emotions and psychological well-being scores, and it was determined that expressing emotions positively influenced psychological well-being. Emotion expression accounted for 15.8 percent of psychological well-being (F=21.668, p<0.001). It was also unearthed that there was a significant difference between the groups according to the variables of level of education, gender, marital status, family structure, personal history, and whether there was a history of illness in the family. The model explained 34.7% of the variance in psychological well-being (F=12.708, p<0.001). In order of importance, expressing closeness (β=0.470; p<0.001), a higher education level (β=0.249; p<0.05), and expressing negative emotion (β=0.178, p<0.05) variables positively predict psychological well-being. However, single marital status (β=-0.239, p<0.05) predicts psychological well-being negatively.

Conclusion:

It has been observed that expressing emotions in musculoskeletal disorders contributes, albeit limited, to the level of psychological well-being. Accordingly, it is believed that encouraging individuals with musculoskeletal diseases to communicate their feelings with others or to express their feelings in various ways, providing supportive and reliable environments, and conducting therapeutic studies to increase their behaviors to express their feelings will contribute to patient care
Phytochemical, Pharmacological Profile and Biotechnology Approaches in the
Production of Coriandrum sativum Linn.
Authors: Singh Sonia , Sharma Khushi , Goswami Manisha , Sharma Himanshu
Published: September 2023

The plant coriander, family umbelliferae, has applications in both the culinary and
traditional medical fields. It has a wide variety of phytochemicals, including polyphenols,
vitamins, and many phytosterols. These phytoconstituents are responsible for the pharmacological
activities of coriander, which include anticancer, anti-inflammatory, anti-diabetic, and
analgesic actions. The following online resources were utilised to conduct an electronic
search of the available literature: PubMed, Scopus, Google Scholar and ScienceDirect. Studies
in traditional breeding techniques resulted in the production of new species over time. In
this light, it is of the utmost need to carry out fundamental research on contemporary breeding
programmes to ascertain coriander's quantity and quality performance. Through the use of
genome sequencing technology and various molecular markers, researchers were able to examine
the genetic diversity and population structure of the coriander plant. As a result of these studies, coriander
breeding made some significant strides forward. The objective of this manuscript is to provide attention on the significant
role that advances in biotechnology play in the breeding of coriander and to further evaluate and discuss
the effectiveness of C. sativum in the treatment of several diseases. In addition to this, the manuscript includes a
discussion of the phytoconstituents that may be found in coriander seed and that have been collected from all over
the world. In light of this information, the application of biotechnological methods has the potential to improve
coriander breeding.
A Review of Magnetically Recyclable Nanocatalysts for the Synthesis of Quinazoline
and its Derivatives
Authors: Mishra Shweta , Sahu Adarsh
Published: September 2023

The utility of quinazoline scaffolds as intermediates in new medicinal drug development
and discovery has grown in recent decades. The quinazoline framework is a valuable
pharmacophore, intermediate, and interesting building block with a wide range of pharmacological
activities that has piqued the interest of researchers in developing novel synthetic
strategies in medicinal chemistry. In contrast to time-, solvent-, and energy-consuming separation
approaches, magnetic separation is an effective method for the quick separation of catalysts
from reaction media. Nowadays, magnetically separable nanoparticles have recently
gained much interest from chemist in recent research due to their remarkable catalytic activity
in various chemical transformations. Many research articles have been published for the synthesis
of quinazoline derivatives based on utilizing nanoparticles as a catalyst because of the
significant role that biological quinazoline plays in medicinal chemistry. In the present review study, we summarize
the surface functionalization of mesoporous silica, metal organocatalysts, ionic liquids, and polymer-supported
magnetic nanoparticles and their applications as magnetically recoverable nanocatalysts in the efficient synthetic
methods of biologically active quinazoline and its derivatives.
Extracellular Vesicles from Stromal Vascular Fraction of Human Adipose
Tissue in the Development of Non-antibiotic Therapy
Authors: Srinivasa V.M.H. , Kumar B.M. , Patil Prakash , Shetty Nikhil , Shetty A.V.
Published: September 2023

Background:

Antibiotic-resistant microorganisms (ARMS) are the leading cause of socio-
economic loss in the world, with historical evidence linking them to increased mortality and
morbidity.

Methodology:

In this systematic review, we highlight a new treatment approach for antibiotic-resistant
infections using 'Extracellular vesicle (EVs)-based therapy,' also known as cell- and drug-free
therapy. Here, we categorize and summarize studies on EVs derived from various human sources,
such as tissues, bodily fluids, or their condition media, emphasizing their anti-infective properties
in the treatment of various infections. In addition, we contend that human adipose tissue (HAT) is a
superior source of antimicrobial EVs (aEVs) and investigate the distinct antimicrobial properties of
aEVs derived from a stromal vascular fraction (SVF) of human adipose tissue. In light of this, we
described the limited literature and research gaps that are essential for using SVF-aEVs as personalized
precision medicine.

Result and Discussion:

The notion behind adipose-derived SVF-EVs is supported by extensive literature
searches that demonstrate growing trends in EV-based medical treatments as well as the
larger therapeutic potential of HAT because of its extensive history of usage in regenerative
medicine.

Conclusion:

Additionally, the underlying science that explains how the inflammatory process aids
in the clearance of infections and the restoration of homeostasis after the host immune system successfully
defends against foreign pathogens, as well as the fact that adipose-derived SVF is a noninvasive,
cost-effective source of a variety of parent immune cells that produces a good yield of
EVs with the same genetic make-up as their parent cells, make this concept worthwhile. This research
may thereby increase survival rates and survival quality in cases of resistant infections.

Vocabulary:

Drug- and cell-free therapy = Nano molecules (extracellular vesicles) used as a therapeutic
source without the need for chemical drugs or cell transplantation. Anti-infection EVs
(aEVs) = Nature’s own anti-infection powered EVs (unmodified).
Neurodegenerative Diseases: New Hopes and Perspectives
Authors: Bhat Mohammad Aadil , Dhaneshwar Suneela
Published: September 2023

Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis,
Huntington's disease, and Friedrich ataxia are all incurable neurodegenerative diseases
defined by the continuous progressive loss of distinct neuronal subtypes. Despite their
rising prevalence among the world's ageing population, fewer advances have been
made in the concurrent massive efforts to develop newer drugs. Recently, there has
been a shift in research focus towards the discovery of new therapeutic agents for
neurodegenerative diseases. In this review, we have summarized the recently
developed therapies and their status in the management of neurodegenerative diseases.
Role of Vitamins in Cardiovascular Health: Know Your Facts-Part 2
Authors: Manolis Antonis A. , Manolis Theodora A. , Melita Helen , Manolis Antonis S.
Published: September 2023

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a major cause of morbidity/mortality world-wide, hence
preventive interventions are crucial. Observational data showing beneficial CV effects of vitamin supplements,
promoted by self-proclaimed experts, have led to ~50% of Americans using multivitamins;
this practice has culminated into a multi-billion-dollar business. However, robust evidence is lacking,
and certain vitamins might incur harm. This two-part review focuses on the attributes or concerns about
specific vitamin consumption on CVD. The evidence for indiscriminate use of multivitamins indicates
no consistent CVD benefit. Specific vitamins and/or combinations are suggested, but further supportive
evidence is needed. Data presented in Part 1 indicated that folic acid and certain B-vitamins may decrease
stroke, whereas niacin might raise mortality; beta-carotene mediates pro-oxidant effects, which
may abate the benefits from other vitamins. In Part 2, data favor the anti-oxidant effects of vitamin C
and the anti-atherogenic effects of vitamins C and E, but clinical evidence is inconsistent. Vitamin D
may provide CV protection, but data are conflicting. Vitamin K appears neutral. Thus, there are favorable
CV effects of individual vitamins (C/D), but randomized/controlled data are lacking. An important
caveat regards the potential toxicity of increased doses of fat-soluble vitamins (A/D/E/K). As emphasized
in Part 1, vitamins might benefit subjects who are antioxidant-deficient or exposed to high levels
of oxidative-stress (e.g., diabetics, smokers, and elderly), stressing the importance of targeting certain
subgroups for optimal results. Finally, by promoting CV-healthy balanced-diets, we could acquire essential
vitamins and nutrients and use supplements only for specific indications.