bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
HPV self-sampling versus healthcare provider collection on the effect of cervical cancer screening uptake and costs in LMIC: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Mekuria Selamawit F. , Timmermans Sydney , Borgfeldt Christer , Jerkeman Mats , Johansson Pia , Linde Ditte Søndergaard
Published: June 2023

Background

Cervical cancer is a major global health issue, with 89% of cases occurring in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Human papillomavirus (HPV) self-sampling tests have been suggested as an innovative way to improve cervical cancer screening uptake and reduce the burden of disease. The objective of this review was to examine the effect of HPV self-sampling on screening uptake compared to any healthcare provider sampling in LMICs. The secondary objective was to estimate the associated costs of the various screening methods.

Method

Studies were retrieved from PubMed, Embase, CINAHL, CENTRAL (by Cochrane), Web of Science, and ClinicalTrials.gov up until April 14, 2022, and a total of six trials were included in the review.

Meta-analyses were performed mainly using the inverse variance method, by pooling effect estimates of the proportion of women who accepted the screening method offered. Subgroup analyses were done comparing low- and middle-income countries, as well as low- and high-risk bias studies. Heterogeneity of the data was assessed using I2. Cost data was collected for analysis from articles and correspondence with authors.

Results

We found a small but significant difference in screening uptake in our primary analysis: RR 1.11 (95% CI: 1.10–1.11; I2 = 97%; 6 trials; 29,018 participants). Our sensitivity analysis, which excluded one trial that measured screening uptake differently than the other trials, resulted in a clearer effect in screening uptake: RR: 1.82 (95% CI: 1.67–1.99; I2 = 42%; 5 trials; 9590 participants). Two trials reported costs; thus, it was not possible to make a direct comparison of costs. One found self-sampling more cost-effective than the provider-required visual inspection with acetic acid method, despite the test and running costs being higher for HPV self-sampling.

Conclusion

Our review indicates that self-sampling improves screening uptake, particularly in low-income countries; however, to this date, there remain few trials and associated cost data. We recommend further studies with proper cost data be conducted to guide the incorporation of HPV self-sampling into national cervical cancer screening guidelines in low- and middle-income countries.

Systematic review registration

PROSPERO CRD42020218504.
Generalized contraction mappings in double controlled metric type space and related fixed point theorems
Authors: Azmi Fatima M.
Published: June 2023

In this article, we introduce two new types of generalized contraction mappings in double controlled metric type spaces: Θ-double controlled contraction mapping and Ćirić-Reich-Rus-type-Θ-double controlled contraction mapping. For each contraction mapping, we establish the existence and uniqueness of the fixed point theorems on the complete double controlled metric type space and provide examples. We present an application of our results and demonstrate how our results generalize several existing fixed point theorems in the literature.
Regional vulnerability of brain white matter in vanishing white matter
Authors: Man Jodie H.K. , van Gelder Charlotte A.G.H. , Breur Marjolein , Molenaar Douwe , Abbink Truus , Altelaar Maarten , Bugiani Marianna , van der Knaap Marjo S.
Published: June 2023

Vanishing white matter (VWM) is a leukodystrophy that primarily manifests in young children. In this disease, the brain white matter is differentially affected in a predictable pattern with telencephalic brain areas being most severely affected, while others remain allegedly completely spared. Using high-resolution mass spectrometry-based proteomics, we investigated the proteome patterns of the white matter in the severely affected frontal lobe and normal appearing pons in VWM and control cases to identify molecular bases underlying regional vulnerability. By comparing VWM patients to controls, we identified disease-specific proteome patterns. We showed substantial changes in both the VWM frontal and pons white matter at the protein level. Side-by-side comparison of brain region-specific proteome patterns further revealed regional differences. We found that different cell types were affected in the VWM frontal white matter than in the pons. Gene ontology and pathway analyses identified involvement of region specific biological processes, of which pathways involved in cellular respiratory metabolism were overarching features. In the VWM frontal white matter, proteins involved in glycolysis/gluconeogenesis and metabolism of various amino acids were decreased compared to controls. By contrast, in the VWM pons white matter, we found a decrease in proteins involved in oxidative phosphorylation. Taken together, our data show that brain regions are affected in parallel in VWM, but to different degrees. We found region-specific involvement of different cell types and discovered that cellular respiratory metabolism is likely to be differentially affected across white matter regions in VWM. These region-specific changes help explain regional vulnerability to pathology in VWM.
An approach to automatic classification of hate speech in sports domain on social media
Authors: Vujičić Stanković Staša , Mladenović Miljana
Published: June 2023

Hate Speech encompasses different forms of trolling, bullying, harassment, and threats directed against specific individuals or groups. This phenomena is mainly expressed on Social Networks. For sports players, Social Media is a means of communication with the widest part of their fans and a way to face different cyber-aggression forms. These virtual attacks can harm players, distress them, cause them to feel bad for a long time, or even escalate into physical violence. To date, athletes were not observed as a vulnerable group, so they were not a subject of automatic Hate Speech detection and recognition from content published on Social Media. This paper explores whether a model trained on the dataset from one Social Media and not related to any specific domain can be efficient for the Hate Speech binary classification of test sets regarding the sports domain. The experiments deal with Hate Speech detection in Serbian. BiLSTM deep neural network was learned with different parameters, and the results showed high Precision of detecting Hate Speech in sports domain (96% and 97%) and pretty low Recall.
Soil factors that contribute to the abundance and structure of the diazotrophic community and soybean growth, yield, and quality under biochar amendment
Authors: Wang Weihua , Shi Fenfen , Du Jianqiang , Li Liangbin , Bai Ting , Xing Xuguang
Published: June 2023

Background

A 2-year field trial was conducted to test the effect of biochar addition (0, 15, 30, and 45 t hm−2) on soil properties, nutrients, diazotrophic community diversity, abundance, and structure, and soybean growth, yield, and quality. Furthermore, we aimed to explore the responses of diazotrophs, grain yield, and quality to nine soil environmental factors. Rhizosphere soil and plant samples were collected after harvest.

Results

Biochar application resulted in a lower soil bulk density (γd) but higher total organic carbon (TOC), effective phosphorus (AP) and total nitrogen (TN). Compared with untreated soil, the diversity index of diazotrophic bacteria in biochar-amended soil decreased, but the abundance of diazotrophic bacteria increased. The microbial community remained stable when a small amount of biochar was applied but changed as biochar amount increased. Furthermore, biochar reduced the proportion of unique nitrogen-fixing bacteria, but did not affect that of common nitrogen-fixing bacteria between biochar-amended and untreated soils, and increased the relative abundance of Bradyrhizobium (B9 vs. B0) and Sinorhizobium (B18 or B21 vs. B0) involved in symbiotic nitrogen fixation. The main components and content of fatty acids (except for stearic acid) and the content of protein and soybean oil remained stable under biochar application. The low biochar treatment (15 t hm−2) promoted soybean growth and yield. Redundancy analysis suggested that TN greatly influenced the diazotrophic community structure at the phylum and genus levels, and that pH, TOC, and NO3−-N greatly influenced grain yield and quality.

Conclusions

Soil diazotroph environment can be improved by targeted farmland implementation based on changes in soil physicochemical properties, which would benefit biological N fixation in agricultural soils and further increase economic benefit.

Graphical Abstract
The solid component within part-solid nodules: 3-dimensional quantification, correlation with the malignant grade of nonmucinous pulmonary adenocarcinomas, and comparisons with 2-dimentional measures and semantic features in low-dose computed tomography
Authors: Liu Jieke , Xie Chaolian , Li Yong , Xu Hao , He Changjiu , Qing Haomiao , Zhou Peng
Published: June 2023

Background

There is no consensus on 3-dimensional (3D) quantification method for solid component within part-solid nodules (PSNs). This study aimed to find the optimal attenuation threshold for the 3D solid component proportion in low-dose computed tomography (LDCT), namely the consolidation/tumor ratio of volume (CTRV), basing on its correlation with the malignant grade of nonmucinous pulmonary adenocarcinomas (PAs) according to the 5th edition of World Health Organization classification. Then we tested the ability of CTRV to predict high-risk nonmucinous PAs in PSNs, and compare its performance with 2-dimensional (2D) measures and semantic features.

Methods

A total of 313 consecutive patients with 326 PSNs, who underwent LDCT within one month before surgery and were pathologically diagnosed with nonmucinous PAs, were retrospectively enrolled and were divided into training and testing cohorts according to scanners. The CTRV were automatically generated by setting a series of attenuation thresholds from − 400 to 50 HU with an interval of 50 HU. The Spearman’s correlation was used to evaluate the correlation between the malignant grade of nonmucinous PAs and semantic, 2D, and 3D features in the training cohort. The semantic, 2D, and 3D models to predict high-risk nonmucinous PAs were constructed using multivariable logistic regression and validated in the testing cohort. The diagnostic performance of these models was evaluated by the area under curve (AUC) of receiver operating characteristic curve.

Results

The CTRV at attenuation threshold of -250 HU (CTRV− 250HU) showed the highest correlation coefficient among all attenuation thresholds (r = 0.655, P < 0.001), which was significantly higher than semantic, 2D, and other 3D features (all P < 0.001). The AUCs of CTRV− 250HU to predict high-risk nonmucinous PAs were 0.890 (0.843–0.927) in the training cohort and 0.832 (0.737–0.904) in the testing cohort, which outperformed 2D and semantic models (all P < 0.05).

Conclusions

The optimal attenuation threshold was − 250 HU for solid component volumetry in LDCT, and the derived CTRV− 250HU might be valuable for the risk stratification and management of PSNs in lung cancer screening.
Effect of initial failure geometry on the progress of a retrogressive seepage-induced landslide
Authors: Rajabian Ahmad
Published: June 2023

Natural and man-made slopes can undergo a retrogressive landslide when subjected to seepage. Studying the mechanism of retrogressive landslides contributes greatly to the employment of effective mitigation approaches. A multi-stage limit equilibrium-based study was performed to explore how the geometry of initial failure affects the progress of a retrogressive, multiple-rotational landslide caused by seepage flow. Seepage-stability analyses were carried out on two silty sand slopes which were previously found to experience successive rotational failures upon raising the water table in centrifuge tests. Analyzed in prototype dimensions were the slope models with the height of 24 cm and inclinations of 45° (1V:1H) and 63.4° (2V:1H) tested at different centrifugal accelerations. According to the tests, the initial shallow failures were assumed to be circular initiating from the face and emerging from the toe of the slopes in the stability analyses. The impact of curvature and length of the initial failure surface (referred to as IFS) as well as the height of the scarp shaped at each failure episode were investigated. The results show that the landslide continues until the slope profile finds a stable curvature. For the landslides that occur in the 45° inclined slope, when the initial failure initiates at a higher elevation on the slope face, the landslide retrogresses further. In addition, with an increase in the length or curvature of IFS, the final retrogression distance decreases. Further, it was observed that the progress of landslides depends on the height of the scarp exposed at each failure episode.
Colostomy fistula caused by segmental absence of intestinal musculature: a case report
Authors: Shibata Jumpei , Inagaki Kota
Published: June 2023

Background

Segmental Absence of Intestinal Musculature (SAIM) is a rare condition associated with intestinal obstruction and perforation. Colostomy fistula as a presentation of SAIM and their association with anastomotic failure have not been previously reported. This case report aimed to raise awareness of this unique manifestation and its potential implications.

Case presentation

A 58-year-old male with a history of type 2 diabetes, hypertension, and lumbar hernia presented with diarrhea. Lower gastrointestinal endoscopy revealed a tumor in the rectum, for which he was diagnosed with a well-differentiated adenocarcinoma. The patient underwent a laparoscopic Hartmann operation. After the operation, an entero-entero-fistula was identified at the sigmoid colostomy site. Subsequently, laparoscopic reconstruction of the colostomy was performed, and the patient had a favorable postoperative course without complications. Histopathological examination confirmed the localized absence of the muscularis propria in the resected colon, with fibrosis and nearby ganglion cells.

Conclusions

This case highlights the rarity of a colostomy fistula as a manifestation of SAIM and emphasizes the need to consider SAIM in the differential diagnosis for such cases. The presence of SAIM-affected lesions poses a risk of anastomotic failure, underscoring the importance of assessing the risk of complications during future surgeries. Surgeons should be aware of the etiology and potential implications of SAIM to ensure appropriate management and minimize postoperative morbidity. Further studies are warranted to explore the underlying mechanisms and optimize surgical strategies for patients with SAIM and its associated complications. Increased awareness among clinicians is crucial for timely diagnoses and tailored interventions to improve patient outcomes.
NK cells encapsulated in micro/macropore-forming hydrogels via 3D bioprinting for tumor immunotherapy
Authors: Kim Dahong , Jo Seona , Lee Dongjin , Kim Seok-Min , Seok Ji Min , Yeo Seon Ju , Lee Jun Hee , Lee Jae Jong , Lee Kangwon , Kim Tae-Don , Park Su A
Published: June 2023

Background

Patients face a serious threat if a solid tumor leaves behind partial residuals or cannot be completely removed after surgical resection. Immunotherapy has attracted attention as a method to prevent this condition. However, the conventional immunotherapy method targeting solid tumors, that is, intravenous injection, has limitations in homing in on the tumor and in vivo expansion and has not shown effective clinical results.

Method

To overcome these limitations, NK cells (Natural killer cells) were encapsulated in micro/macropore-forming hydrogels using 3D bioprinting to target solid tumors. Sodium alginate and gelatin were used to prepare micro-macroporous hydrogels. The gelatin contained in the alginate hydrogel was removed because of the thermal sensitivity of the gelatin, which can generate interconnected micropores where the gelatin was released. Therefore, macropores can be formed through bioprinting and micropores can be formed using thermally sensitive gelatin to make macroporous hydrogels.

Results

It was confirmed that intentionally formed micropores could help NK cells to aggregate easily, which enhances cell viability, lysis activity, and cytokine release. Macropores can be formed using 3D bioprinting, which enables NK cells to receive the essential elements. We also characterized the functionality of NK 92 and zEGFR-CAR-NK cells in the pore-forming hydrogel. The antitumor effects on leukemia and solid tumors were investigated using an in vitro model.

Conclusion

We demonstrated that the hydrogel encapsulating NK cells created an appropriate micro–macro environment for clinical applications of NK cell therapy for both leukemia and solid tumors via 3D bioprinting. 3D bioprinting makes macro-scale clinical applications possible, and the automatic process shows potential for development as an off-the-shelf immunotherapy product. This immunotherapy system could provide a clinical option for preventing tumor relapse and metastasis after tumor resection.

Graphical Abstract

Micro/macropore-forming hydrogel with NK cells fabricated by 3D bioprinting and implanted into the tumor site.
Retinal OCT findings in acute central retinal artery occlusion of varying severity at different disease stages – a retrospective, observational study
Authors: Mangla Rubble , Venkatesh Ramesh , Sangoram Rohini , Acharya Isha , Parmar Yash , Prabhu Vishma , Yadav Naresh Kumar , Chhablani Jay
Published: June 2023

Purpose

To study the optical coherence tomography (OCT) changes in eyes with acute central retinal artery occlusion (CRAO) of different severity and at different disease stages.

Methods

The study included acute CRAO cases of < 7 days duration, imaged on OCT at various time points. Based on the OCT findings at presentation, cases were classified into three severity groups: mild, moderate, and severe. OCT scans were evaluated and classified into four-time intervals based on symptom duration.

Results

There were 39 eyes from 38 patients with acute CRAO who underwent 96 OCT scans. At presentation, the study had 11, 16, and 12 cases of mild, moderate, and severe CRAO, respectively. Middle retinal layer opacification was more common in mild CRAO cases, which caused inner retinal layer thinning over time. Moderate CRAO cases had total inner retinal layer opacification, which resulted in retinal thinning over time. Prominent middle limiting membrane (p-MLM) sign was seen in mild and moderate CRAO eyes while were not visualised in severe CRAO. This sign gradually faded out over time. Other OCT findings in higher grades of CRAO included inner retinal fluid, neurosensory detachment, internal limiting membrane detachment, hyperreflective foci, and posterior vitreous opacities. Regardless of the CRAO grade, the final end-point seen was inner retinal layer thinning over time.

Conclusion

OCT in CRAO is a useful for determining the severity of retinal ischemia, disease stage, tissue damage mechanism, and final visual outcome. More prospective studies analysing a larger number of cases at fixed time points will be required in the future.

Trial Registration

Trial Registration Number: Not applicable.
Effect of tranexamic acid administration on intraoperative blood loss during peritonectomy: a single-center retrospective observational study
Authors: Shirasu Daiki , Tsuchiya Masahiko , Oomae Noriaki , Shirasaka Wataru , Iino Tatsuhiko , Hirano Daisuke , Satani Makoto
Published: June 2023

Background

The efficacy of tranexamic acid in elective major invasive abdominal surgeries has not yet been established. We investigated the effect of tranexamic acid administration on intraoperative blood loss during peritoneal resection of pseudomucinoma and cancerous peritoneal dissemination.

Methods

Patients aged ≥ 20 years old who underwent peritoneal resection for pseudomucinoma or cancerous peritoneal dissemination at the Kishiwada Tokushukai Hospital were included in this single-center retrospective observational study. The tranexamic acid group received 1000 mg of tranexamic acid at the start of the operation, while the control group received the same intraoperative management as the tranexamic acid group, except for the tranexamic acid administration. The primary endpoint was intraoperative blood loss, and a multivariate analysis of the contributing factors was performed.

Results

The median volume of intraoperative blood loss was 1372 [interquartile range, 842 − 1877] mL and 907 [516 − 1537] mL in the control and tranexamic acid groups, respectively (p < 0.01). The total volume of blood transfusion during the operation was 2040 [1480 − 2380] mL and 1560 [1000 − 2120] mL in the control and tranexamic acid groups, respectively (p = 0.02). Postoperative blood test results revealed D-dimer values of 7.5 [4.1 − 10.7] µg/mL and 1.8 [1.0 − 3.3] µg/mL in the control and tranexamic acid groups, respectively (p < 0.01). Multivariate analysis showed that tranexamic acid administration was significantly associated with decreased intraoperative blood loss (p = 0.02).

Conclusion

Tranexamic acid administration may be useful in reducing intraoperative blood loss and blood transfusion volume during highly-invasive surgeries such as peritoneal resection of pseudomucinoma and cancerous peritoneal dissemination.
Enhancer-driven transcription of MCM8 by E2F4 promotes ATR pathway activation and glioma stem cell characteristics
Authors: Sun Yu-meng , Zhang Yi-meng , Shi Hai-liang , Yang Song , Zhao Yin-long , Liu Hong-jiang , Li Chen , Liu Hong-lei , Yang Ji-peng , Song Jian , Sun Guo-zhu , Yang Jian-kai
Published: June 2023

Background

Glioma stem cells (GSCs) are responsible for glioma recurrence and drug resistance, yet the mechanisms underlying their maintenance remains unclear. This study aimed to identify enhancer-controlled genes involved in GSCs maintenance and elucidate the mechanisms underlying their regulation.

Methods

We analyzed RNA-seq data and H3K27ac ChIP-seq data from GSE119776 to identify differentially expressed genes and enhancers, respectively. Gene Ontology analysis was performed for functional enrichment. Transcription factors were predicted using the Toolkit for Cistrome Data Browser. Prognostic analysis and gene expression correlation was conducted using the Chinese Glioma Genome Atlas (CGGA) data. Two GSC cell lines, GSC-A172 and GSC-U138MG, were isolated from A172 and U138MG cell lines. qRT-PCR was used to detect gene transcription levels. ChIP-qPCR was used to detect H3K27ac of enhancers, and binding of E2F4 to target gene enhancers. Western blot was used to analyze protein levels of p-ATR and γH2AX. Sphere formation, limiting dilution and cell growth assays were used to analyze GSCs growth and self-renewal.

Results

We found that upregulated genes in GSCs were associated with ataxia-telangiectasia-mutated-and-Rad3-related kinase (ATR) pathway activation, and that seven enhancer-controlled genes related to ATR pathway activation (LIN9, MCM8, CEP72, POLA1, DBF4, NDE1, and CDKN2C) were identified. Expression of these genes corresponded to poor prognosis in glioma patients. E2F4 was identified as a transcription factor that regulates enhancer-controlled genes related to the ATR pathway activation, with MCM8 having the highest hazard ratio among genes positively correlated with E2F4 expression. E2F4 bound to MCM8 enhancers to promote its transcription. Overexpression of MCM8 partially restored the inhibition of GSCs self-renewal, cell growth, and the ATR pathway activation caused by E2F4 knockdown.

Conclusion

Our study demonstrated that E2F4-mediated enhancer activation of MCM8 promotes the ATR pathway activation and GSCs characteristics. These findings offer promising targets for the development of new therapies for gliomas.
Determinants of health-related quality of life among patients with systemic lupus erythematosus in Hanoi, Vietnam
Authors: Mizukami Aya , Trinh Minh Trang , Hoang Thi Phuong , Shibanuma Akira , Ong Ken Ing Cherng , Jimba Masamine
Published: June 2023

Background

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic autoimmune disease which impacts patients’ lives. Many studies in high-income countries have focused on their health-related quality of life (HRQoL). However, evidence of awareness of SLE and HRQoL in low- and middle-income countries is lacking. Therefore, this study aimed to identify the determinants of HRQoL of SLE patients in Vietnam, a lower-middle income country.

Methods

This cross-sectional study was conducted at the National Hospital of Dermatology and Venereology in 2019. A pre-tested structured questionnaire was used to collect data. It consisted of Short Form-36 to assess HRQoL which comprised physical and mental component summaries, Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support, Satisfaction with Life Scale, and Mental Adjustment to SLE. Multiple linear regression was used to identify the determinants of HRQoL.

Results

One hundred thirty four patients with SLE participated in this study. The majority of the patients were women (n = 126, 94.0%). The mean age of all participants was 37.9 years old (standard deviation [SD] 12.5). Of 134 participants, 104 (77.6%) were married. Older patients were more likely to have a lower score of mental component summary (B=-0.45, 95% CI -0.73, -0.17). Patients with more children were more likely to have a lower score of physical component summary (B=-5.14, 95% CI -9.27, -1.00). Patients who felt more helplessness or hopelessness were more likely to have lower scores of physical and mental component summaries (B=-1.85, 95% CI -2.80, -0.90; B=-1.69, 95% CI -2.57, -0.81). Also, patients who felt more anxious were more likely to have a lower score of mental component summary (B=-1.04, 95% CI -1.77, -0.32). Patients who were more satisfied with their lives were more likely to have higher scores of physical and mental component summaries (B = 1.07, 95% CI 0.50, 1.64; B = 1.08, 95% CI 0.55, 1.61).

Conclusion

Factors associated with lower HRQoL in Vietnam were feelings of helplessness or hopelessness, and burdens of parenting roles. However, social support can contribute to a higher HRQoL, such as information support, self-support groups, and daycare services provided at the community level.
NIV failure in respiratory failure: an analysis
Authors: Abraham Sujith Varghese , Azeez Ameer Karavathukudy , Padmanabhan Arjun
Published: June 2023

Objective

Noninvasive ventilation (NIV) has become an increasingly accepted mode of treatment for acute respiratory failure. Concept of NIV has revolutionized the treatment of acute respiratory failure in terms of the spectrum of diseases that can be successfully managed, the locations of its application, and achievable goals. The study was aimed at analyzing various aspects of NIV failure.

Material and methods

In this prospective observational study, all patients who underwent NIV therapy for acute respiratory failure from September 2019 to June 2020 were recruited. The clinical, radiological, laboratory and other relevant data from patients satisfying inclusion criteria were collected and analyzed using appropriate statistical tools.

Results

Out of the 96 NIV applications, 19 (19.8%) failed NIV application in the form of intubation in 12 and in-hospital mortality in 8 (8.3% of the total group). A total of 73.7% (14/19) had an early failure, and 26.3% (5/19) had late failure. The median length of hospital stay was significantly higher in NIV failure group compared to NIV success group (p < 0.001). NIV outcomes like failure rate, in-hospital mortality, and length of hospital stay did not have any difference between type 1 and type 2 ARF (p > 0.05). NIV failure and in-hospital mortality were found to be higher in patients with pneumonia and ILD group, respectively (p < 0.05). A baseline respiratory rate of more than 37 per minute, pH < 7.28, and pCO2 > 77 mm Hg measured 1–2 h after NIV initiation, hyponatremia, and prior NIV failure history were identified as the independent predictors of NIV failure. Using NIV as a treatment modality in respiratory failure secondary to pneumonia has more chances of failure (p < 0.05).

Conclusion

Though NIV is the preferred initial tool in the management of respiratory failure, it should be judiciously used when risk factors for failure are present. Early escalation or upfront use of invasive mechanical ventilation should be considered in such scenario to prevent undue mortality and morbidity in respiratory failure patients.

Main points

• Key point behind successful expansion of NIV is its capacity to achieve the same clinical outcomes as invasive ventilation with the avoidance of the complications associated with it.

• Delay in identifying the patients who are likely to fail NIV can cause undue delay in intubation; this can lead to clinical deterioration and increased morbidity and mortality.

• Predictors of NIV failure deciphered from this study are prior history of invasive mechanical ventilation following NIV failure, higher baseline respiratory rate, hyponatremia, low pH, and hypercapnia despite 1–2 h of NIV.
Pesticide susceptibility monitoring of fall armyworms (Spodoptera frugiperda (J.E. Smith)): a simple methodology for information-sharing among Southeast Asian countries
Authors: Thirawut Supangkana , Sutjaritthammajariyangkun Woravit , Rukkasikorn Artit , Punyawattoe Pruetthichat , Noonart Uraporn , Kobori Youichi
Published: June 2023

Background

The fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda, is a destructive moth pest. It is highly migratory and was first detected in Southeast Asia in 2018, rapidly becoming a major pest of corn production in this region. Monitoring the susceptibility of S. frugiperda populations is important for efficient insecticide resistance management. Because of the high mobility of this pest, information-sharing of susceptibility levels among neighboring countries is required for insecticide resistance management. To this end, we developed simple standard methods for pesticide susceptibility monitoring of S. frugiperda to contribute to information-sharing among Southeast Asian countries.

Methods

The developed methods included mass rearing of larvae using an artificial diet and bioassay by diet overlay. The lethal concentrations for 50% and 95% mortality (LC50 and LC95) and resistance coefficient values were calculated. We tested the susceptibilities of samples of S. frugiperda collected from the six major corn planting areas in Thailand to emamectin benzoate, spinetoram, chlorantraniliprole, indoxacarb, chlorfenapyr, and lufenuron using the developed methods.

Results

The mortality of artificial diet-fed larvae was higher than those fed corn leaves, especially in the early instars. However, more than half of the specimens reared on the artificial diet became pupae. In the case of three of the six pesticides, emamectin benzoate, indoxacarb, and chlorfenapyr, the LC50 values of the samples collected in 2021 and 2022 were significantly higher than those collected in 2019, indicating increasing resistance to those three pesticides. According to the resistance coefficient values, only samples from one area exhibited low resistance to lufenuron.

Conclusions

We developed a simple standardized methodology for Southeast Asian countries to compare insecticide susceptibility. The calculated LC50 and resistance coefficient values can be used as a baseline for monitoring the development of pesticide resistance in the region. The LC50 values of several pesticides have increased significantly over the years. However, the resistance coefficient values indicated that S. frugiperda developed low resistance to only one pesticide (lufenuron). This study offers helpful information for insecticide selection and improved resistance management of fall armyworms in Thailand.
Cancer patients in the emergency department or intensive care unit: a 20-year bibliometric analysis of research progress and prospects
Authors: Shen Jinge , Xing Qian , Xu Qi , Qian Jie
Published: June 2023

Background

An increasing number of cancer patients may require emergency and intensive care at diagnosis and throughout their disease course. This study aimed to explore the progress, prospects, collaboration and network of research in the field of emergency and intensive care for cancer patients using bibliometric analysis.

Methods

A search of the Web of Science (WOS) database was conducted to identify relevant articles in English published between 2000 and 2022. Bibliometric analysis platform and R-studio software were used for data analysis, which included cluster analysis, word cloud matrix, trend topics, and thematic maps based on author keywords and keywords plus.

Results

A total of 630 articles were included, with an average annual growth rate of 17.1%. The most active country in terms of productivity and collaboration was the United States. Trend topics evolved over time, with COVID-19 and epidemiology among the most recent hot topics. General topics such as palliative care, intensive care, emergency department, chemotherapy, management, and outcomes were identified, as well as specialized topics relating to the most common cancer types, and cancer- or treatment-related complications such as brain metastasis, hyperviscosity syndrome, spinal cord compression, pericardial tamponade, hemorrhage, respiratory failure, septic shock, venous thromboembolism, and malnutrition.

Conclusion

There has been a increasing and evolving interest in emergency and intensive care for cancer patients over time.
Health Services Needs Assessment for Retinoblastoma in Ethiopia
Authors: Sherief Sadik Taju , Wu Fran , O'Banion Jacquelyn , Teshome Tiliksew , Dimaras Helen
Published: June 2023

PURPOSE

The aim of this study was to document the available resources and needs for the detection, diagnosis, and treatment of retinoblastoma (RB) in Ethiopia.

METHODS

A health services needs assessment focused on RB care in Ethiopia was conducted. Information was obtained through a web-based survey and field visits. Facilities offering RB service delivery were categorized into three tiers, on the basis of the ability to detect (tier 1) and manage simple (tier 2) or complex (tier 3) patients with RB. Descriptive statistics were performed to quantify human and material resources available at each facility.

RESULTS

The web survey received 29 responses from ophthalmologists at 19 health care facilities. Of the 19 units surveyed, seven (36.8%) had an ophthalmologist dedicated to RB treatment, classifying them as either a tier 2 or 3 facility. All tier 3 facilities had an affiliated health facility offering access to off-site pediatric oncology and pathology services. Of the focal therapies offered at tier 3 facilities, none included local chemotherapy or brachytherapy. Enucleation was offered at all tier 2 facilities, but availability of orbital implants and ocular prostheses was variable. None of the health facilities offered genetics services.

CONCLUSION

This study demonstrated that the human and material resources needed for RB care in Ethiopia are constrained. Tier 3 RB facilities are rare and concentrated in urban areas, which could make it difficult for many patients to access. With focused capacity-building efforts, it is possible to increase the efficiency of RB therapy.
Preliminary antitumor activity of the combination of COM701 + BMS-986207 + nivolumab in patients with recurrent, metastatic MSS endometrial cancer.
Authors: Rasco Drew W. , Vaena Daniel A. , Fleming Gini F. , Dumbrava Ecaterina Elena , Yeku Oladapo O. , Sharma Manish , Papadopoulos Kyriakos P. , Sullivan Ryan J. , Gaillard Stephanie , Adewoye Adeboye H. , Moroney John William
Published: June 2023

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Background: There is a high unmet medical need for the treatment of patients [pts] with microsatellite stable [MSS], recurrent, metastatic, endometrial cancer [EC]. We reported encouraging preliminary antitumor activity with the triple combination of COM701 + BMS-986207 + nivolumab in patients with platinum resistant epithelial ovarian cancer [1]. COM701 is a novel, 1st-in-class immune checkpoint inhibitor [ICI] that binds to PVRIG, a DNAM-1 axis member, leading to activation of T-and NK-cells; BMS-986207 is an ICI of TIGIT. Nivolumab is an ICI of PD-1. We hypothesized that in pts with EC, the triple combination would demonstrate antitumor activity with a favorable safety and tolerability profile. We present encouraging preliminary results. Methods: As part of an expansion cohort, we enrolled 9 patients [pts] with EC. All pts received COM701 20 mg/kg + BMS-986207 480 mg + nivolumab 480 mg all IV Q4W. Primary objectives were safety/tolerability, with secondary objective of antitumor activity in pts with EC. Key inclusion criteria: Age ≥ 18 yrs, measurable disease, MSS by IHC or genomic testing, ≤2 prior systemic cytotoxic therapies, prior PD-1/PD-L1 permissible. Key exclusion criteria: prior receipt of anti-PVRIG, anti-TIGIT. Investigator assessed responses were per RECIST v1.1, safety per CTCAE v5.0. Results: Median age 71yrs, median of 2 prior lines of therapy, prior PD-1/PD-L1 3/9 [33%]. All pts received prior cytotoxic therapy. Objective response rate (ORR) 2/9 [22%] pts; 2 pts with SD. Disease control rate [CR + PR + SD] 4/9 [44%]. There were 2 pts with confirmed PR; 1 of these pts was refractory to prior receipt of lenvatinib + pembrolizumab [best response assessment of progressive disease]. Treatment related AEs were reported in 6/9 [67%] pts, the majority 4/6 [67%] were Grade 1 [1 pt each with chills, pyrexia, back pain and pruritus, lipase increased]. No new safety signals are reported. Conclusions: The combination of COM701 + BMS-986207 + nivolumab demonstrates encouraging preliminary signal of antitumor activity in pts with EC including in a pt refractory to prior exposure to lenvatinib + pembrolizumab. The triplet combination has a favorable safety/tolerability profile. Additional data analyses and pt follow up are ongoing and will be presented at the conference. Data extract 01/24/2023. 1. Moroney JW, Yeku O et al. Triple blockade of the DNAM-axis with COM701 + BMS-986207 + nivolumab demonstrates preliminary antitumor activity in patients with platinum resistant OVCA. Annals of Oncology (2022) 16 (suppl_1): 100104-100104. 10.1016/iotech/iotech100104. Clinical trial information: NCT04570839 .
Seven-Year Follow-Up of the Phase III KEYNOTE-006 Study: Pembrolizumab Versus Ipilimumab in Advanced Melanoma
Authors: Robert Caroline , Carlino Matteo S. , McNeil Catriona , Ribas Antoni , Grob Jean-Jacques , Schachter Jacob , Nyakas Marta , Kee Damien , Petrella Teresa M. , Blaustein Arnold , Lotem Michal , Arance Ana , Daud Adil I. , Hamid Omid , Larkin James , Anderson James , Krepler Clemens , Grebennik Dmitri , Long Georgina V.
Published: June 2023

Clinical trials frequently include multiple end points that mature at different times. The initial report, typically based on the primary end point, may be published when key planned co-primary or secondary analyses are not yet available. Clinical Trial Updates provide an opportunity to disseminate additional results from studies, published in JCO or elsewhere, for which the primary end point has already been reported.

Immune checkpoint inhibitors have led to unprecedented prolongation of overall survival (OS) for patients with advanced melanoma. Five-year follow-up of KEYNOTE-006 showed pembrolizumab prolonged survival versus ipilimumab. Efficacy results with 7-year follow-up are presented. At data cutoff (April 19, 2021), median follow-up was 85.3 months (range, 0.03-90.8 months). Median OS was 32.7 months for pembrolizumab versus 15.9 months for ipilimumab (hazard ratio [HR], 0.70; 95% CI, 0.58 to 0.83); 7-year OS was 37.8% and 25.3%, respectively. OS HRs favored pembrolizumab regardless of BRAF status or prior BRAF/MEK-inhibitor treatment and prognostic characteristics (elevated lactate dehydrogenase, large tumor size, and brain metastasis). Median modified progression-free survival (mPFS) was 9.4 months for pembrolizumab versus 3.8 months for ipilimumab; 7-year mPFS was 23.8% and 13.3%, respectively. In patients who completed ≥94 weeks of pembrolizumab, the 5-year OS was 92.9% and the 5-year mPFS was 70.1%. The objective response rate with second-course pembrolizumab (n = 16) was 56% (95% CI, 30 to 80) and the 2-year mPFS was 62.5%. These findings confirm that pembrolizumab provides long-term survival benefit in advanced melanoma.
Those Were the Days and Then
Authors: Clough Patricia Ticineto
Published: June 2023

Remembering Stanley Aronowitz brings the author to reflect on the intersection of the personal and the political in academic departments and academic friendships. This intersection can become difficult, especially when colleagues are on the margins, politically and pedagogically, of a department and a discipline. The result can be the rupturing of friendships and the weakening of political alliances that had supported a critical stance toward the discipline and the department.
Natural antisense transcription of presenilin in sea urchin reveals a possible role for natural antisense transcription in the general control of gene expression during development
Authors: Bronchain Odile , Ducos Bertrand , Putzer Harald , Delagrange Marine , Laalami Soumaya , Philippe-Caraty Laetitia , Saroul Krystel , Ciapa Brigitte
Published: June 2023

One presenilin gene (PSEN) is expressed in the sea urchin embryo, in the vegetal pole of the gastrula and then mainly in cilia cells located around the digestive system of the pluteus, as we recently have reported. PSEN expression must be accurately regulated for correct execution of these two steps of development. While investigating PSEN expression changes in embryos after expansion of endoderm with LiCl or of ectoderm with Zn2+ by whole-mount in situ hybridization (WISH) and quantitative PCR (qPCR), we detected natural antisense transcription of PSEN. We then found that Endo16 and Wnt5, markers of endo-mesoderm, and of Hnf6 and Gsc, markers of ectoderm, are also sense and antisense transcribed. We discuss that general gene expression could depend on both sense and antisense transcription. This mechanism, together with the PSEN gene, should be included in gene regulatory networks (GRNs) that theorize diverse processes in this species. We suggest that it would also be relevant to investigate natural antisense transcription of PSEN in the field of Alzheimer's disease (AD) where the role of human PSEN1 and PSEN2 is well known.
Dynamics and energetics of bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus) fluke-and-glide gait
Authors: Zhang Ding , Wang Yifan , Gabaldon Joaquin , Lauderdale Lisa K. , Miller Lance J. , Barton Kira , Shorter Kenneth Alex
Published: June 2023

Intermittent locomotion composed of periods of active flapping/stroking followed by inactive gliding has been observed with species that inhabit both aerial and marine environments. However, studies on the energetic benefits of a fluke-and-glide (FG) gait during horizontal locomotion are limited for dolphins. This work presents a physics-based model of FG gait and an analysis of the associated cost of transport for bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus). New gliding drag coefficients for the model were estimated using measured data from free-swimming bottlenose dolphins. The data-driven approach used kinematic measurement from 84 h of biologging tag data collected from three animals to estimate the coefficients. A set of 532 qualifying gliding events were automatically extracted for estimation of the gliding drag coefficient. Next, data from 783 FG bouts were parameterized and used with the model-based dynamic analysis to investigate the cost benefits of FG gait. Experimental results indicate that FG gait was preferred at speeds of ∼2.2–2.7 m s−1. Observed FG bouts had an average duty factor of 0.45 and a gliding duration of 5 s. The average associated metabolic cost of transport (COT) and mechanical cost of transport (MECOT) of FG gait are 2.53 and 0.35 J m−1 kg−1, respectively, at the preferred speeds. This corresponded to a respective 18.9% and 27.1% reduction in cost when compared with model predictions of continuous fluking gait at the same average bout speed. Average thrust was positively correlated with fluking frequency and amplitude as animals accelerated during the FG bouts, whereas fluking frequency and amplitude were negatively correlated for a given thrust range. These results suggest that FG gait enhances the horizontal swimming efficiency of bottlenose dolphins and provides new insights into the gait dynamics of these animals.
Deep dives and high tissue density increase mean dive costs in California sea lions (Zalophus californianus)
Authors: Cole Mason R. , Ware Colin , McHuron Elizabeth A. , Costa Daniel P. , Ponganis Paul J. , McDonald Birgitte I.
Published: June 2023

Diving is central to the foraging strategies of many marine mammals and seabirds. Still, the effect of dive depth on foraging cost remains elusive because energy expenditure is difficult to measure at fine temporal scales in wild animals. We used depth and acceleration data from eight lactating California sea lions (Zalophus californianus) to model body density and investigate the effect of dive depth and tissue density on rates of energy expenditure. We calculated body density in 5 s intervals from the rate of gliding descent. We modeled body density across depth in each dive, revealing high tissue densities and diving lung volumes (DLVs). DLV increased with dive depth in four individuals. We used the buoyancy calculated from dive-specific body-density models and drag calculated from swim speed to estimate metabolic power and cost of transport in 5 s intervals during descents and ascents. Deeper dives required greater mean power for round-trip vertical transit, especially in individuals with higher tissue density. These trends likely follow from increased mean swim speed and buoyant hinderance that increasingly outweighs buoyant aid in deeper dives. This suggests that deep diving is either a ‘high-cost, high-reward’ strategy or an energetically expensive option to access prey when prey in shallow waters are limited, and that poor body condition may increase the energetic costs of deep diving. These results add to our mechanistic understanding of how foraging strategy and body condition affect energy expenditure in wild breath-hold divers.
Μισέλ Φουκώ
Authors: Παπανικολάου Παναγιώτα
Published: June 2023

Το κύριο ζήτημα που θέτει η παρούσα διατριβή είναι η αναζήτηση της σχέσης την οποία η κατά Φουκώ γνώση ως πειθαρχία μπορεί να έχει με την κανονικοποίηση του υποκειμένου στην εκπαίδευση. Αρχικά, τίθενται οι βασικές πτυχές των μεθοδολογικών παραδοχών του φιλοσόφου, προκειμένου να προσεγγιστεί η σύλληψη του υποκειμένου ως μέριμνα εαυτού. Στη συνέχεια, εξετάζεται η θέση που το αδιαίρετο ζεύγμα της εξουσίας-γνώσης καταλαμβάνει στις Επιστήμες του Ανθρώπου, για να αναζητηθεί ο ρυθμιστικός ρόλος των συναφών καθεστώτων αλήθειας στη συγκρότηση του υποκειμένου. Ακολούθως, σκιαγραφείται η έννοια της υποκειμενοποίησης μέσω συγκεκριμένων τεχνικών του εαυτού, στο πλαίσιο των Επιστημών της Αγωγής ως συμπλέγματος εξουσίας-γνώσης, η άσκηση των οποίων κάνει το παιδαγωγικό υποκείμενο να γίνεται αυτό που είναι. Η διατριβή ολοκληρώνεται με αναφορά στην έκτακτη συνθήκη της τρέχουσας πανδημίας covid-19, ως παραδειγματικής περίπτωσης άσκησης βιοεξουσίας στον θεσμό του σχολείου. Τέλος, η παρούσα οπτική αποσκοπεί να συμβάλει στον γόνιμο διάλογο που η φουκωική σκέψη διανοίγει με την εκπαιδευτική πραγματικότητα, ως μια απόπειρα εύρεσης ορισμένων ορατών και μη ορατών πτυχώσεων και δυνατοτήτων της ανάσχεσης των σχέσεων εξουσίας στην εκπαίδευση.