bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Low m6A modification-mediated upregulation of PLAC8 promotes trophoblast cell invasion and migration in preeclampsia
Authors: Zhang Yajuan , Guo Xiaoguang , Chen Zhimin , Guo Ruixia
Published: October 2023

Background

The main symptoms of preeclampsia (PE), a specific ailment that develops during pregnancy, are proteinuria and hypertension. The pathological root of the onset and progression of PE is widely regarded as abnormal placental trophoblast cell function. This study aimed to look into the character and mechanism of Placenta-specific 8 (PLAC8) in trophoblast cell invasion and migration.

Methods

Expressions of PLAC8 and AlkB homologue 5 (ALKBH5) were examined by western blot and quantitative real-time PCR. The m6A level of PLAC8 mRNA was detected by methylated RNA Immunoprecipitation. Using Transwell experiments, cell invasion and migration were examined. The enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was utilized to analyze the MMP-2 and MMP-9 secretion levels. RNA pull-down and RNA immunoprecipitation were conducted to detect the binding between ALKBH5 and PLAC8.

Results

In PE tissue and hypoxia-treated HTR-8/SVneo cells, levels of ALKBH5 and PLAC8 were increased, and PLAC8 m6A methylation levels were decreased. There was a positive correlation between PLAC8 and ALKBH5 expression in clinical tissues. In addition, overexpressing PLAC8 promoted HTR-8/SVneo cell migration and invasion, and so as the levels of MMP-2 and MMP-9; while interference with PLAC8 reduced the migration and invasion of hypoxia-treated HTR-8/SVneo cells, and so as the levels of MMP-2 and MMP-9. Moreover, the PLAC8 mRNA’s m6A modification site was GAACU (Position 1449, Site 2). Increased levels of MMP-2 and MMP-9, as well as migration and invasion of HTR-8/SVneo cells exposed to hypoxia, were all facilitated by the m6A Site2 mutation. Furthermore, ALKBH5 could bind to PLAC8, reduce its m6A modification, and promote its expression.

Conclusion

High-expressed ALKBH5 inhibits the m6A level of PLAC8 mRNA and promotes PLAC8 expression, while PLAC8 overexpression can promote hypoxia-induced invasion and migration of HTR-8/Svneo cells, indicating its potential protective function in PE.
The prognostic role of γδ T cells in colorectal cancer based on nomogram
Authors: Ma Rulan , Gong Meijun , Sun Tuanhe , Su Lin , Li Kang
Published: October 2023

Objective

The aim of the present study was to explore the prognostic role of γδ T cells in colorectal cancer, and establish a nomogram for predicting the survival of the patients.

Methods

Immunohistochemistry was performed to analyze the infiltration degree of γδ T cells in tumor and normal tissues of colorectal cancer. The relationship between γδ T cells infiltration in tumor tissues and the prognosis of patients with colorectal cancer were determined by Cox regression analysis and survival analysis. R software was used to establish and verify a nomogram for predicting the prognosis of patients with colorectal cancer.

Results

The degree of γδ T cell infiltration in tumor tissues and normal tissues of CRC was not different (t = 0.35, P = 0.73). However, the infiltration of γδ T cell was related to the survival status of the patients (x2 = 4.88, P = 0.03). Besides, the infiltrating degree of γδ T cells in tumor tissue was obviously related to the prognostic improvement of the patients with colorectal cancer (log-rank P = 0.02) and could reflect the benefit of adjuvant chemotherapy. The nomogram based on tumor diameter, tumor location, AJCC stage, chemotherapy, serum CEA level and γδ T cell infiltration was established and could provide a reference for predicting the survival of colorectal cancer patients.

Conclusion

γδ T cell infiltration degree in tumor tissue was an important factor to improve the outcome of patients with colorectal cancer, and can predict the benefit of adjuvant chemotherapy.
Departmental conditions for professional learning of instructors in vocational and professional education
Authors: Hoekstra Annemarieke
Published: October 2023

Background

For vocational and professional education to remain relevant, instructors need to keep developing themselves and their practices. Much of instructor learning happens on-the-job. Drawing on literature on teacher learning in the workplace, this article explores how structural and cultural conditions shape professional learning of instructors in departments for post-secondary vocational and professional education in western Canada.

Methods

A multiple case study approach was used to explore how instructors perceive departmental conditions as enhancing or inhibiting professional learning. Interview data, meeting observations, and program documentation was collected from 27 instructors from 5 departments in three institutes for post-secondary vocational and professional education. The educational programming in the five departments cover four industry sectors: two healthcare departments, one building trades, one business, and one social services department.

Results

Structural conditions reported to facilitate instructor professional learning at the department level include student feedback, job-rotation, coordinating work-placements, and whether participation in continuing professional development is a licensing requirement of the profession. Heavy workload and the way teaching is scheduled are most often reported as conditions inhibiting learning. Considering cultural conditions, three in-depth case descriptions illustrate how instructors draw on beliefs and practices prevalent in their original trade/profession when shaping their departmental culture as a learning environment.

Conclusions

The concept of sense-making proved useful to describe how instructors draw on elements of the occupational culture taught in the program when shaping their workplace as a learning environment. This influence of occupational culture could help explain previously observed differences in how instructors from various industry sectors engage in professional learning. Organizational support is warranted for facilitating organizational conditions for instructor learning including the development of departmental leaders’ capacity to influence workplace conditions for professional learning.
Incorporation of patient and public involvement in statistical methodology research: a survey assessing current practices and attitudes of researchers
Authors: Abell Lucy , Maher Francesca , Begum Samina , Booth Sarah , Broomfield Jonathan , Lee Sangyu , Smith Ellesha , Stannard Rachael , Teece Lucy , Vounzoulaki Elpida , Worboys Hannah , Gray Laura J.
Published: October 2023

Background

Patient and public involvement (PPI) ensures that research is designed and conducted in a manner that is most beneficial to the individuals whom it will impact. It has an undisputed place in applied research and is required by many funding bodies. However, PPI in statistical methodology research is more challenging and work is needed to identify where and how patients and the public can meaningfully input in this area.

Methods

A descriptive cross-sectional research study was conducted using an online questionnaire, which asked statistical methodologists about themselves and their experience conducting PPI, either to inform a grant application or during a funded statistical methodology project. The survey included both closed-text responses, which were reported using summary statistics, and open-ended questions for which common themes were identified.

Results

119 complete responses were recorded. Individuals who completed the survey displayed an even range of ages, career lengths and positions, with the majority working in academia. 40.3% of participants reported undertaking PPI to inform a grant application and the majority reported that the inclusion of PPI was received positively by the funder. Only 21.0% of participants reported undertaking PPI during a methodological project. 31.0% of individuals thought that PPI was “very” or “extremely” relevant to statistical methodology research, with 45.5% responding “somewhat” and 24.4% answering “not at all” or “not very”. Arguments for including PPI were that it can provide the motivation for research and shape the research question. Negative opinions included that it is too technical for the public to understand, so they cannot have a meaningful impact.

Conclusions

This survey found that the views of statistical methodologists on the inclusion of PPI in their research are varied, with some individuals having particularly strong opinions, both positive and negative. Whilst this is clearly a divisive topic, one commonly identified theme was that many researchers are willing to try and incorporate meaningful PPI into their research but would feel more confident if they had access to resources such as specialised training, guidelines, and case studies.
The reliability and validity of the Temptations to Try Smoking Scale in a group of Chinese adolescents
Authors: Xie Weishi , Wang Linya , Liu Difei
Published: October 2023

Objective

To provide a scientifc tool, the Temptations to Try Smoking Scale (TTSS) is introduced to evaluate its reliability and validity in preventing and intervening Chinese adolescents from smoking temptations.

Methods

A questionnaire, including the TTSS, the Chinese version of the Decisional Balance Scale (CDBS), the Adolescent Smoking Curiosity Scale (ASCOS), and the Sensation-Seeking Scale (SSS), is used to test 1195 Chinese adolescent volunteers (214 of them are retested after 1 month). If all six items in the TTSS are retained, the exploratory factor analysis (EFA) reveals that the TTSS exhibits a structure of two factors: positive social and curiosity/stress.

Results

The confrmatory factor analysis (CFA) shows that the two-factor model of the TTSS has the ftting indices χ2/df = 2.35, RMSEA = 0.06, and CFI = 0.99, which are better than those of its single-factor model. The total scores of the TTSS, positive social, and curiosity/stress are positively correlated with the scores of Pros, ASCOS, TAS, and Dis of SSS but negatively correlated with the Cons, hereby exhibiting good criterion-related validity. The internal consistency coefcient of the TTSS is 0.89, and the retest reliability is 0.90.

Conclusion

Therefore, the TTSS has good reliability and validity for Chinese adolescents and can be used as an efective tool to evaluate adolescents’ smoking temptations in China.
Highlight selection of radiochemistry and radiopharmacy developments by editorial board
Authors: DaSilva Jean , Decristoforo Clemens , Mach Robert H. , Bormans Guy , Carlucci Giuseppe , Al-Qahtani Mohammed , Duatti Adriano , Gee Antony D. , Szymanski Wiktor , Rubow Sietske , Hendrikx Jeroen , Yang Xing , Jia Hongmei , Zhang Junbo , Caravan Peter , Yang Hua , Zeevaart Jan Rijn , Rodriquez Miguel Avila , Oliveira Ralph Santos , Zubillaga Marcela , Sakr Tamer , Spreckelmeyer Sarah
Published: October 2023

Background

The Editorial Board of EJNMMI Radiopharmacy and Chemistry releases a biannual highlight commentary to update the readership on trends in the field of radiopharmaceutical development.

Main body

This selection of highlights provides commentary on 21 different topics selected by each coauthoring Editorial Board member addressing a variety of aspects ranging from novel radiochemistry to first-in-human application of novel radiopharmaceuticals.

Conclusion

Trends in radiochemistry and radiopharmacy are highlighted. Hot topics cover the entire scope of EJNMMI Radiopharmacy and Chemistry, demonstrating the progress in the research field in many aspects.
Degradation state analysis of the IGBT module based on apparent junction temperature
Authors: Xu Guoqing , Shao Lingfeng , Xu Xiaoyan , Li Shen
Published: October 2023

The multi-chip parallel insulated gate bipolar transistor (IGBT) is the core device in large-capacity power electronic equipment, but its operational reliability is of considerable concern to industry. The application of IGBT online degradation state analysis technology can be beneficial to the improvement of system reliability. The failure mechanism of IGBT devices is discussed in this paper, and a technique for analyzing the degradation state of IGBT based on apparent junction temperature is proposed. First, the distortion consistency of the voltage rise time in various failures is discussed, and the junction temperature dependence of the voltage rise time is then demonstrated. Subsequently, an apparent junction temperature model based on the voltage rise time is established (the fitting accuracy is as high as 94.3%). From the high-frequency model in the switching process of the device, an online extraction technology of key parameters (e.g., voltage rise time) is developed. Finally, an experimental platform for IGBT degradation state estimation is established, and the feasibility of IGBT degradation state estimation based on apparent junction temperature is proved, especially the degradation of bonding-wire and the gate-oxide-layer. The experimental results show that the proposed IGBT degradation state estimation technique based on apparent junction temperature is a reliable online estimation method with non-contact, high accuracy, and comprehensiveness.
Implementation evaluation of a teledermatology virtual clinic at an academic medical center
Authors: Kheterpal Meenal K. , Borre Ethan D. , Cheema Udeyvir , Nicholas Matilda W. , Cooner Edward W. , Phinney Donna , Gagnon Kelly , Zullig Leah L. , King Heather A. , Malcolm Elizabeth J. , Chen Suephy C.
Published: October 2023

Background

Teledermatology (TD) is an evidence-based practice that may increase access to dermatologic care. We sought to use the Exploration, Preparation, Implementation, and Sustainment (EPIS) and the Reach, Efficacy, Adoption, Implementation, and Maintenance (RE-AIM) frameworks to evaluate implementation of TD at Duke.

Methods

The EPIS and RE-AIM frameworks were deployed to design and implement a TD program that leveraged the strengths of the Duke University Health System and addressed previously reported barriers to implementation of store-and-forward and synchronous TD models. In the resultant hybrid TD model, trained primary care providers (PCPs) sent e-comm referrals with clinical and dermatoscopic images to dermatology. These e-consults were reviewed asynchronously and patients were scheduled for a synchronous video visit with dermatology within days. Dermatologists managed the patient plan. This hybrid TD model was piloted at four primary care clinics. Pertinent outcomes from a TD-adapted RE-AIM framework were tracked using electronic health record data. Patient satisfaction was assessed using a post-video visit survey (n = 18). Implementation barriers and facilitators were also collected through provider surveys (n = 24 PCPs, n = 10 dermatologists, n = 10 dermatology residents).

Results

At four PCP clinics throughout 9/1/2021–4/30/2022, there were 218 TD referrals. Video visits occurred on average 7.5 ± 0.5 days after referral and 18/18 patients completing the post-visit survey were satisfied. Adoption varied between clinics, with one placing 22% of all dermatology referrals as TD and another placing 2%. The primary PCP barriers to TD were time burdens, lack of fit in clinic flow, and discomfort with image taking. Top-endorsed potential facilitating interventions included allowing for rash referrals without dermoscopy and assurance for clinical evaluation within 3 days.

Conclusions

The use of implementation science frameworks allowed for identification of system and contextual strengths which informed the hybrid TD pilot. Barriers and facilitating interventions will provide guidance for expansion and ongoing maintenance of TD.
Chip-to-chip optical multimode communication with universal mode processors
Authors: Wu Bo , Zhang Wenkai , Zhou Hailong , Dong Jianji , Huang Dongmei , Wai P. K. A. , Zhang Xinliang
Published: October 2023

The increasing amount of data exchange requires higher-capacity optical communication links. Mode division multiplexing (MDM) is considered as a promising technology to support the higher data throughput. In an MDM system, the mode generator and sorter are the backbone. However, most of the current schemes lack the programmability and universality, which makes the MDM link susceptible to the mode crosstalk and environmental disturbances. In this paper, we propose an intelligent multimode optical communication link using universal mode processing (generation and sorting) chips. The mode processor consists of a programmable 4 × 4 Mach Zehnder interferometer (MZI) network and can be intelligently configured to generate or sort both quasi linearly polarized (LP) modes and orbital angular momentum (OAM) modes in any desired routing state. We experimentally establish a chip-to-chip MDM communication system. The mode basis can be freely switched between four LP modes and four OAM modes. We also demonstrate the multimode optical communication capability at a data rate of 25 Gbit/s. The proposed scheme shows significant advantages in terms of universality, intelligence, programmability and resistance to mode crosstalk, environmental disturbances, and fabrication errors, demonstrating that the MZI-based reconfigurable mode processor chip has great potential in long-distance chip-to-chip multimode optical communication systems.
A case of Aspergillus empyema successfully treated by a single-stage cavernostomy and a covering procedure using both fat pad and muscle flap
Authors: Cong Yue , Nagano Masaaki , Sato Masaaki
Published: October 2023

Background

Aspergillus empyema due to rupture of a pulmonary cavity including an aspergilloma is a serious condition especially in immunocompromised patients with various co-morbidities. Open window thoracotomy is usually performed to control infection, followed by secondary myoplasty. However, such a two-stage strategy requires long treatment period and accompanies the invasiveness of multiple operations. On the other hand, single-stage surgery is minimally invasive, and patients’ activities of daily living are less impaired. We present a single-stage surgery consisting of cavernostomy and a covering procedure using both fat pad and muscle flap.

Case presentation

A 28-year-old man taking 20 mg of prednisone for rheumatoid arthritis presented with right-sided chest pain. A chest computed tomography and thoracoscopy showed a perforated pulmonary cavity including an aspergilloma in the right apex of the lung. Antifungal medication was started, but the thoracic and pulmonary cavities persisted. Therefore, surgical intervention was indicated, and considering the patient’s general condition and anticipated length of treatment period, we decided to conduct a single-stage operation. A cavernostomy was performed on the ruptured cavity. To reliably close the air leak and to occlude the air space to prevent recurrence of infection, a subcutaneous free fat pad was harvested and filled into the cavity. A pedicled latissimus dorsi muscle flap was further introduced into the thoracic space to cover the fat pad. There was no postoperative air leak and the patient was discharged on postoperative day 20 with no adverse events and no limitation of movement in the arm. A series of post-operative CT showed that the pedicled latissimus dorsi muscle flap and free fat pad gradually shrank with lung re-expansion, but they were still present and filled the thoracic and pulmonary cavities 10 months after surgery.

Conclusion

A single-stage surgery consisting of cavernostomy and a covering procedure using both a fat pad and muscle flap was effective in sealing air leaks, filling the air space, and preventing recurrence of infection. The fat pad and muscle flap appear to have worked in a complementary way.
Real-world (RW) use of niraparib (Nir) monotherapy (mono) as first-line (1L) switch maintenance (1LSM) therapy following chemotherapy (CT) plus bevacizumab (bev) induction treatment in patients (pts) with epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) in the SW1TCH study.
Authors: Rimel BJ , Boyle Tirza Areli Calderón , Perhanidis Jessica , Burns Sara , Lim Jonathan , Hartman John , Kalilani Linda , Schilder Jeanne M. , Hurteau Jean A. , Golembesky Amanda
Published: October 2023

536

Background: In the RW CHAR1ZMA study, 414 pts with EOC treated with 1L platinum-based CT (pbCT) and receiving 1L maintenance (1LM) nir mono had a median time to next treatment (TTNT) from end of 1L, a proxy for RW progression-free survival, of 13.3 mo (95% CI, 12.0–15.8 mo).1 Limited data exist on RW outcomes in pts with EOC who receive nir mono as 1LSM after 1L pbCT + bev treatment. The SW1TCH study describes nir mono use and outcomes as 1LSM therapy after 1L pbCT + bev treatment in a US RW setting. Methods: Using the nationwide Flatiron Health electronic health record–derived deidentified database, this retrospective observational study included pts ≥18 y of age at initial EOC diagnosis who received 1L pbCT + bev treatment followed by nir 1LM mono, initiated between Jan 1, 2017, and Sep 2, 2022. The index date was the initiation of nir 1LM. Pts were followed until the earliest of date of death, last activity, or end of study (Nov 30, 2022). Time to treatment discontinuation (TTD) and TTNT were estimated with Kaplan-Meier methods. Results: Of 93 pts selected, median age at index was 67 y (IQR, 60–72 y). Most pts had an Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance score of 0–1 (75.3%) and stage III/IV disease at diagnosis (89.2%). Overall, 86.0% of pts had BRCA wild-type EOC. 19.4% and 22.6% of pts had evidence of homologous recombination (HR)-deficient and HR-proficient EOC, respectively, whereas HR deficiency status was unknown for 58.1%. Median duration of 1L therapy was 4.8 mo (IQR, 3.6–6.0 mo), and median time from end of 1L pbCT to start of 1LM was 1.2 mo (IQR, 0.8–1.8 mo). Reasons for nir discontinuation are shown in the Table. Median TTD from index was 9.3 mo (95% CI, 6.0–11.3 mo). Median TTNT from end of 1L was 12.9 mo (95% CI, 11.5–19.0 mo). Conclusions: Observed results are consistent with CHAR1ZMA,1 suggesting the RW benefit of nir mono in 1LM regardless of bev use with1L pbCT. This RW study demonstrates that nir mono as 1LSM therapy is a viable treatment option for pts with advanced EOC. References: 1. Coleman RL, et al. ESMO Open. 2023;8(1):100823. doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.esmoop.2023.100823.[Table: see text]
Intronic Germline DICER1 Variants in Patients With Sertoli-Leydig Cell Tumor
Authors: Fraire Claudette R. , Mallinger Paige R. , Hatton Jessica N. , Kim Jung , Dickens David S. , Argenta Peter A. , Milanovich Samuel , Hartshorne Taylor , Carey David J. , Haley Jeremy S. , Urban Gretchen , Lee Jeon , Hill D. Ashley , Stewart Douglas R. , Schultz Kris Ann P. , Chen Kenneth S.
Published: October 2023

Sequencing introns in cancer predisposition genes detects novel loss-of-function variants.
Robot-Assisted Minimally Invasive Asleep Single-Stage Deep Brain Stimulation Surgery: Operative Technique and Systematic Review
Authors: Fayed Islam , Smit Rupert D. , Vinjamuri Shreya , Kang KiChang , Sathe Anish , Sharan Ashwini , Wu Chengyuan
Published: October 2023

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES:

Robotic assistance has garnered increased use in neurosurgery. Recently, this has expanded to include deep brain stimulation (DBS). Several studies have reported increased accuracy and improved efficiency with robotic assistance, but these are limited to individual robotic platforms with smaller sample sizes or are broader studies on robotics not specific to DBS. Our objectives are to report our technique for robot-assisted, minimally invasive, asleep, single-stage DBS surgery and to perform a meta-analysis comparing techniques from previous studies.

METHODS:

We performed a single-center retrospective review of DBS procedures using a floor-mounted robot with a frameless transient fiducial array registration. We compiled accuracy data (radial entry error, radial target error, and 3-dimensional target error) and efficiency data (operative time, setup time, and total procedure time). We then performed a meta-analysis of previous studies and compared these metrics.

RESULTS:

We analyzed 315 electrodes implanted in 160 patients. The mean radial target error was 0.9 ± 0.5 mm, mean target 3-dimensional error was 1.3 ± 0.7 mm, and mean radial entry error was 1.1 ± 0.8 mm. The mean procedure time (including pulse generator placement) was 182.4 ± 47.8 minutes, and the mean setup time was 132.9 ± 32.0 minutes. The overall complication rate was 8.8% (2.5% hemorrhagic/ischemic, 2.5% infectious, and 0.6% revision). Our meta-analysis showed increased accuracy with floor-mounted over skull-mounted robotic platforms and with fiducial-based registrations over optical registrations.

CONCLUSION:

Our technique for robot-assisted, minimally invasive, asleep, single-stage DBS surgery is safe, accurate, and efficient. Our data, combined with a meta-analysis of previous studies, demonstrate that robotic assistance can provide similar or increased accuracy and improved efficiency compared with traditional frame-based techniques. Our analysis also suggests that floor-mounted robots and fiducial-based registration methods may be more accurate.
Cell-type-specific interacting proteins collaborate to regulate the timing of Cyclin B protein expression in male meiotic prophase
Authors: Baker Catherine C. , Gallicchio Lorenzo , Matias Neuza R. , Porter Douglas F. , Parsanian Lucineh , Taing Emily , Tam Cheuk , Fuller Margaret T.
Published: October 2023

During meiosis, germ cell and stage-specific components impose additional layers of regulation on the core cell cycle machinery to set up an extended G2 period termed meiotic prophase. In Drosophila males, meiotic prophase lasts 3.5 days, during which spermatocytes upregulate over 1800 genes and grow 25-fold. Previous work has shown that the cell cycle regulator Cyclin B (CycB) is subject to translational repression in immature spermatocytes, mediated by the RNA-binding protein Rbp4 and its partner Fest. Here, we show that the spermatocyte-specific protein Lut is required for translational repression of cycB in an 8-h window just before spermatocytes are fully mature. In males mutant for rbp4 or lut, spermatocytes enter and exit meiotic division 6-8 h earlier than in wild type. In addition, spermatocyte-specific isoforms of Syncrip (Syp) are required for expression of CycB protein in mature spermatocytes and normal entry into the meiotic divisions. Lut and Syp interact with Fest independent of RNA. Thus, a set of spermatocyte-specific regulators choreograph the timing of expression of CycB protein during male meiotic prophase.
Monopolistic Competition and Efficiency under Firm Heterogeneity and Nonadditive Preferences
Authors: Bagwell Kyle , Lee Seung Hoon
Published: October 2023

We consider the single-sector version of the Melitz-Ottaviano model of monopolistic competition with heterogeneous firms. We characterize the first-best and market allocations. We find that the market provides the first-best level of entry but too little selection; hence, the market provides too many varieties and too little aggregate quantity, and allocates too little (much) production to low (high) cost realizations. Allowing for a broad family of quantity allocation functions, we establish sufficient conditions for the global optimality of the first-best solution. Several important extensions are also examined. (JEL D21, D43, D50, D60)
Value of preoperative controlling nutritional status score in prognosis of patients with high-risk factors for early-stage cervical cancer
Authors: Tan FuYan , Xia RuMin , Zeng Lanjuan , Xie Huan , Long Xiaolu , Peng Caijiao
Published: October 2023

Objective: To investigate whether the preoperative controlling nutritional status (COUNT) score is a prognostic factor of patients with high-risk factors for early-stage cervical cancer after surgery and concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CCRT).

Methods: This was a retrospective study. From July 2017 to March 2021, a total of 354 patients with histologically confirmed FIGO stage IB-IIA cervical cancer undergoing surgery and postoperative CCRT were included at Hunan University of Medicine General Hospital, China. According to receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis, the patients were divided into a low CONUT score (< 3) group and a high CONUT score (≥ 3) group. Overall survival (OS) was used as the primary outcome measure and disease-free survival (DFS) as the secondary outcome measure.

Results: Among the 354 patients, 239(67.5%) were included in the low CONUT score group and 115 (32.5%) in the high CONUT score group. The 3, 5 and 10-year OS rates in the low CONUT score group and high CONUT score group were respectively presenting statistically significant differences (p<0.001). The 3, 5 and 10-year DFS rates in the low CONUT score group and in the high CONUT score group were respectively with statistically significant differences (p<0.001). Multivariate Cox regression analysis showed that CONUT score, histological type, PNI and lymph node metastasis were all independent predictors for OS and DFS (all p<0.05).

Conclusion: High preoperative CONUT score indicates poor prognosis of patients with high-risk factors for early-stage cervical cancer after surgery and postoperative CCRT. In clinical practice, consolidation chemotherapy is recommended for patients with high CONUT scores.

doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.40.1.7406

How to cite this: Tan F, Xia R, Zeng L, Xie H, Long X, Peng C. Value of preoperative controlling nutritional status score in prognosis of patients with high-risk factors for early-stage cervical cancer. Pak J Med Sci. 2024;40(1):---------. doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.40.1.7406

This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
Steroid efficacy in Meralgia Paresthetica: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Jawaid Wajid , Haider Samna , Shoaib Navaira , Azhar Naveen , Siddiqui Aroma Shaukat
Published: October 2023

Objective: To determine the efficacy of steroid injections for pain relief in patients with meralgia paresthetica (MP).

Methods: All the literature published until March 2023 was explored from several databases, including EBSCO, PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, Google Scholar, and Scopus. Articles investigating the change in pain status of MP patients after steroid injection were included. The primary outcomes were complete pain relief, pain scores at 15 days and one month after intervention. When compared to the baseline, the secondary outcomes for the steroid group included pain scores at the end of treatment and quality of life, which were further evaluated by two factors, namely mental and physical health.

Results: The analysis of the studies validated that steroids were significantly successful in providing complete pain relief (p-value = 0.00001), and in reducing the pain score of patients with meralgia paresthetica at 15 days (p-value = 0.02), but not at one month (p-value = 0.79) as compared to the control group. The analysis did not reveal any significant subgroup differences among various steroids (P = 0.52; CI: 0.01 - 0.10; RR: 0.04; I2 = 0%). Mental health (MD = 4.23; 95% CI = 0.42 to 8.03; p = 0.03, I2 = 0%) was significantly improved in the steroid group when compared with baseline.

Conclusion: Steroids injections can play an important role in improving symptoms and complications of meralgia paresthetica, especially in the short term.

doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.40.1.8162

How to cite this: Jawaid W, Haider S, Shoaib N, Azhar N, Siddiqui AS. Steroid efficacy in Meralgia Paresthetica: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Pak J Med Sci. 2024;40(1):---------. doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.40.1.8162

This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
Radiofrequency ablation for the treatment of multifocal or large-scale high-grade intraepithelial neoplasia of the esophagus: A safe & effective approach
Authors: Yang Yang , Liang Liu  , Jingyu Zhu
Published: October 2023

doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.40.1.8927

How to cite this: Yang Y, Liu L, Zhu J. Radiofrequency ablation for the treatment of multifocal or large-scale high-grade intraepithelial neoplasia of the esophagus: A safe and effective approach. Pak J Med Sci. 2024;40(1):---------. doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.40.1.8927
Case Report: an unusual orbital tumor
Authors: Mahmoud Anis , Touil Hager , Hann Fadima , Messaoud Riadh
Published: October 2023

Introduction Orbital lipoma is an extremely rare tumor, representing less than 1% of all orbital tumors. We review the literature and describe the presentation, the differential diagnosis and the management of this tumor. Case report We report the case of a 63-year-old patient who was referred for a diplopia with recent hemi-cranial headache. Physical examination showed no exophthalmos nor decrease in visual acuity. The patient complained of diplopia on elevation and oculomotricity examination showed limited elevation of the right eye. The Hess Lancaster test was in favor of a limited course of the right inferior rectus muscle. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed a fusiform tissue process in the right inferior rectus muscle with a fatty signal. A complete excision of the tumor was performed by a trasncunjonctival approach. Cytopathological examination was consistent with a pleomorphic lipoma. The postoperative period was uneventful. The definitive histopathologic diagnosis was a lipoma. The postoperative Magnetic resonance imaging showed the complete disappearance of the lesion. With 3 years of follow up, there is no sign of recurrence or ocular motility trouble. Conclusion: Lipomas are rare tumors in the orbit. The clinic is variable depending on the size and the site. The clinical diagnosis is difficult to make. Only histology allows the final diagnosis.
Politeness when native Japanese speakers and Uzbek Japanese learners give warnings about prohibited acts: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Ninomiya Takashi , Ono Masaki , Umarova Munojot
Published: October 2023

Background Based on singns prohibitiing certain action, people warn othersusing imperative forms of the verb or give a soft warning Based on signs prohibiting certain actions, people warn others using imperative forms of the verb or give a soft warning using politeness strategies. This study investigates actual situations in which native Japanese speakers and Uzbek learners of Japanese give warnings about prohibitions. Methods This study compared warnings given by native Japanese speakers and Uzbek Japanese learners regarding prohibited acts. After clarifying the difference between prohibition and warning of prohibitions, we proposed a classification scheme for the latter speech act in terms of politeness. Data were elicited using a discourse completion task. Results The results showed that the Japanese speakers tended to mitigate warnings by implementing two politeness strategies: expression in hedged forms and positioning the warning as a rule. The Japanese speakers used expressions such as “It is prohibited” to indicate that they warned as a rule. Such expressions may cause the hearer to feel that the speaker is an overbearing person who wields authority. To avoid this risk, the Japanese speakers used hedges, such as “Looks like it’s prohibited,” or “It says it’s prohibited,” to make it clear that the right to forbid is not with them but with the public authority. In contrast, the Uzbek learners of Japanese tended to implement their politeness strategy as an apology to compensate for the explicit warning. They tended to apologize in situations where the Japanese speakers would not. Conclusions The present study presented a framework for categorizing warning of prohibitions. This framework can be applied to languages other than Japanese, Uzbek, and Japanese by Uzbek learners.
An open-source natural language processing toolkit to support software development: addressing automatic bug detection, code summarisation and code search
Authors: Robledo Cristian , Sallicati Francesca , de Chalendar Gaël , Fernández Marcos , de Castro Pablo , Martín Eduardo , Gutiérrez Javier , Bouachera Yannis
Published: October 2023

This paper aims to introduce the innovative work carried out in the Horizon 2020 DECODER project – acronym for “DEveloper COmpanion for Documented and annotatEd code Reference” – (Grant Agreement no. 824231) by linking the fields of natural language processing (NLP) and software engineering. The project as a whole addresses the development of a framework, namely the Persistent Knowledge Monitor (PKM), that acts as a central infrastructure to store, access, and trace all the data, information and knowledge related to a given software or ecosystem. This meta-model defines the knowledge base that can be queried and analysed by all the tools integrated and developed in DECODER. Besides, the DECODER project offers a friendly user interface where each of the predefined three roles (i.e., developers, maintainers and reviewers) can access and query the PKM with their personal accounts. The paper focuses on the NLP tools developed and integrated in the PKM, namely the deep learning models developed to perform variable misuse, code summarisation and semantic parsing. These were developed under a common work package – “Activities for the developer” – intended to precisely target developers, who can perform tasks such as detection of bugs, automatic generation of documentation for source code and generation of code snippets from natural languages instructions, among the multiple functionalities that DECODER offers. These tools assist and help the developers in the daily work, by increasing their productivity and avoiding loss of time in tedious tasks such as manual bug detection. Training and validation were conducted for four use cases in Java, C and C++ programming languages in order to evaluate the performance, suitability, usability, etc. of the developed tools.
Frontiers: The Interplay of User-Generated Content, Content Industry Revenues, and Platform Regulation: Quasi-Experimental Evidence from YouTube
Authors: Wlömert Nils , Papies Dominik , Clement Michel , Spann Martin
Published: October 2023

A large quasi-experiment in Germany shows that user generated video streaming helps the niche but hurts big artists total music industry revenues.
Diversifikasi Olahan Ikan Asap Iwak Obong: Pemberdayaan Wanita Pesisir Berdaya Saing Tinggi pada Masa New-normal
Authors: Atok R. Mohamad , Soehardjoepri Soehardjoepri , Widiana Muslichah Erma , Widyaningrum Mahmudah Enny , Widyaswari Meidyta Sinantryana
Published: October 2023

Sebagai negara kepulauan, Indonesia memiliki berbagai jenis hasil laut yang seharusnya bisa dinikmati oleh seluruh penduduk di Indonesia. Mantan Menteri Kelautan penduduk Indonesia seringkali menyampaikan untuk senantiasa mengkonsumsi ikan laut. Kecamatan Bulak termasuk wilayah Surabaya Utara yang memproduksi olahan ikan asap dengan berbagai macam olahan hasil laut seperti ikan pari, ikan cikalan dan ikan lainnya yang masih memakai alat seadanya sehingga proses pengukusan, penggorengan olahan ikan asap tidak dapat maksimal dan pemasaran belum efisien. Pada kesempatan ini tim pengabdian mengidentifikasi permasalahan tersebut dan UKM Bunda diberikan solusi agar dapat meningkatkan perekonomian. Metode yang dilakukan dengan cara studi pustaka, observasi, pendampingan, pelatihan, monitoring dan evaluasi di lapangan pada UKM Bunda produksi olahan ikan asap hasil laut. Penggunaan alat Frying Pan dan Steamer berteknologi sebagai proses produksi olahan ikan asap yang efisien, dan efektif serta produk tetap higienis dan berkualitas. Selanjutnya memberikan pelatihan kreatifitas dan berinovasi dalam pembuatan produk olahan ikan asap serta pemasaran secara e-marketing kepada mitra satu dan dua. Inovasi dan kreatifitas harus dilakukan untuk mengantisipasi kejenuhan konsumen, sehingga kegiatan pemasaran e-commerce agar produk dikenal di Jawa Timur maupun luar pulau. Dengan adanya program pengabdian ini, UKM Bunda berkontribusi dengan aktif mengikuti pelatihan dan pendampingan kegiatan tersebut dilakukan sesuai dengan prokes pada masa new normal.
Aplikasi Adsorpsi Fotokatalitik TiO2 dan Panel Surya dalam Degradasi Limbah Pewarna Sintetik UMKM Batik Pelangi Desa Klampar, Kecamatan Proppo, Pamekasan
Authors: Purnomo Adi Setyo , Nurhadi Hendro , Hakim Muhammad Lukman , Alkas Taufiq Rinda , Asranudin Asranudin , Rohmah Alya Awinatul , Moyo Djohana Tri Lois , Rizky Karina Harley Aulia , Hidayah Novia Nurul , Firdausa Yunita Alfiyati , Salsabila Zahra
Published: October 2023

Industri batik di Desa Klampar, Kecamatan Proppo, Kabupaten Pamekasan tengah mendapat perhatian dari pemerintah setempat sejak ditetapkannya Desa Klampar sebagai Kampung Batik pada tahun 2009 melalui surat keputusan Bupati Pamekasan karena telah menjadi desa dengan pengrajin batik terbanyak sejak belasan tahun yang lalu. Untuk mendapatkan warna dan motif dengan ciri Madura yang khas, para pengrajin batik di Desa Klampar umumnya menggunakan pewarna sintetik jenis Remazol dan Naptol. Kurang lebih selama 15 tahun, kedua zat pewarna tersebut digunakan secara massif, namun limbah zat sisanya belum pernah diolah dengan baik. Oleh karena itu, tim pengabdian ITS menghibahkan reaktor degradasi pewarna sintetik yang berbasis adsorpsi fotokatalitik yang merupakan hasil riset laboratorium kimia. Setelah dilakukan beberapa kali evaluasi dan pengembangan, reaktor fotokatalitik ini terdiri atas tandon dengan penambahan lampu UV yang dihubungkan dengan 3 kolom yang masing-masing berisi silika, manganese, dan karbon aktif. Proses penjernihan air ini dioptimalisasi dengan penambahan klorin dan fotokatali-sator TiO2. Sistem ini dapat menjernihkan limbah hingga ke tingkat yang aman untuk dibuang ke lingkungan. Tim pengabdian masyarakat ITS telah menyerahkan 1 unit reaktor kepada UMKM Batik Pelangi di Desa Klampar dengan penambahan solar cell sebagai sumber energinya.
Faunal Drink Dispenser (FDD): Pemanfaatan Semen Reject untuk Pembuatan Kolam Minum Fauna di Karst Rembang
Authors: Muzaki Farid Kamal , Kuswandi Kuswandi , Fadhlillah Ajiditya Putro , Drianto Endar , Prasetyo Prasetyo , Lestari Yeni Indah , Tawakkal Refer Iqbal , Lutvianti Iswatul Diah , Novitasari Dwi , Trisnawati Indah , Saptarini Dian , Aunurohim Aunurohim , Desmawati Iska , Muryono Mukhammad
Published: October 2023

Meskipun berada pada kawasan dengan curah hujan tinggi dan memiliki banyak sungai bawah tanah, namun porositas lahan yang tinggi menyebabkan air sangat mudah masuk kedalam tanah melalui rekahan, retakan atau celah di permukaan tanah; sehingga pada kawasan karst umumnya sangat sulit dijumpai adanya aliran air permukaan. Hal ini menyebabkan sedikitnya sumber air minum bagi fauna khususnya pada saat musim kering. Oleh karena itu, dengan tujuan untuk mempercepat penyediaan fungsi habitat bagi fauna, PT. Semen Gresik Pabrik Rembang berinisiatif membuat kolam-kolam kecil yang berfungsi sebagai sumber air minum bagi fauna khususnya mamalia, reptil dan fauna burung. Kolam dimaksud dibuat dengan memanfaatkan semen reject dari proses produksi dan distribusi semen. Desain kolam dibuat sedemikian rupa sehingga tampak alami dan dapat menjadi atraktan kehadiran fauna. Pembuatan kolam FDD telah menunjukkan hasilnya untuk fungsi habitat bagi fauna, ditunjukkan melalui kehadiran spesies fauna yang sebelumnya tidak ada saat sebelum adanya kolam FDD. Selain itu, terjadi peningkatan jumlah spesies, kelimpahan dan nilai indeks keanekaragaman Shannon-Wiener (H’) komunitas fauna pasca pembuatan kolam FDD.
TTG Pembuatan Virgin Coconut Oil (VCO) untuk Peningkatan Ekonomi Masyarakat Desa Nogosari Kabupaten Jember
Authors: Palupi Bekti , Rahmawati Istiqomah , Fitri Rizkiana Meta , Udroto Firsta Retnaningtyas , Krisna Abdullah Lailatul , Haezer Ariel Seanhan , Andriani Nanda Ayudiyah
Published: October 2023

Indonesia merupakan produsen kelapa terbesar dunia setelah Filipina, India, dan Brazil. Kabupaten Jember, Provinsi Jawa Timur adalah salah satu sentra penghasil kelapa dengan produksi sebesar 13.601 ton/tahun. Komoditas kelapa tersebut diantaranya terdapat di Desa Nogosari, Kecamatan Rambipuji, Kabupaten Jember. Desa Nogosari merupakan desa terluas di Kecamatan Rambipuji dengan luas sekitar 1580 Ha. Permasalahan yang dihadapi masyarakat Desa Nogosari yaitu belum teroptimalkannya pemanfaatan kelapa karena masih dikonsumsi sendiri untuk kebutuhan rumah tangga atau dijual secara langsung. Dengan melimpahnya produksi kelapa di Desa Nogosari, maka hal tersebut berpotensi menjadi sumber daya alam yang dapat dioptimalkan oleh penduduk setempat. Hal ini yang mendasari tim pengabdian dari Program Studi Teknik Kimia Universitas Jember untuk melakukan sosialisasi dan pelatihan serta pendampingan tentang pengolahan kelapa menjadi Virgin Coconut Oil (VCO). Hasil sosialisasi dan pelatihan menunjukkan bahwa masyarakat Desa Nogosari Kabupaten Jember mampu mengolah buah kelapa menjadi Virgin Coconut Oil. Produk VCO yang dihasilkan diharapkan dapat meningkatkan kemandirian masyarakat secara ekonomi atau sosial.
Introducing some BANN members
Authors: Derbyshire Julie
Published: October 2023

Julie Derbyshire introduces Annette Hand and Emily Ashcroft, detailing their clinical experience and neuroscience background. Both exceptional individuals and advocates for neuroscience nursing, it is fantastic to see the breadth of clinical and academic expertise represented both on the British Association of Neuroscience Nurses (BANN) committee and within its membership.
Rewilding the night sky: Mitigating the costs of light pollution for bats and insects
Authors: Barber Jesse R. , Cole Hunter J.
Published: October 2023

Altering the LED street lighting regime in Colter Bay, Grand Teton National Park from warm white to red, in short-term blocks (3-7 days per color) substantially reduces attraction of nocturnal arthropods but has little influence on bat space use. We recommend research on long-term application of this mitigation approach and investigation of lower intensity levels.
 
Featured photo taken from Figure 2 of the report.
Lost and found : Alan Deyermond y "The Lost Literature of Medieval Spain"
Authors: Conde Juan-Carlos
Published: October 2023

Abstract: Alan Deyermond published in 1977 in the pages of La corónica "The Lost Literature of Medieval Spain: Excerpts from a Tentative Catalogue," a groundbreaking article in which he offered a glimpse of a work in progress. The present article provides an analysis of that piece, puts it in the wide context of Deyermond's research production on that particular topic, examines the trajectory of that research line in Deyermond's wider research, and offers some information and conjectures about the ending of that particular research line.
Beached Whales and Roaring Mice: Additional Remarks on Hispano-Arabic Strophic Poetry
Authors: Armistead Samuel G. , Monroe James T.
Published: October 2023

Abstract: This is one of several articles that figured in a debate about the nature of the jarchas and muwashshaḥāt . Samuel G. Armistead and James T. Monroe argue, in response to Alan Jones, that the jarchas are verses that contain words in the Romance dialect of the peninsula and that the proper interpretation of the jarchas requires not only a knowledge of Arabic but also of the vernacular poetic tradition.
The Relics of Menéndez Pidal: Mourning and Melancholiain in Hispanomedieval Studies
Authors: Brown Catherine
Published: October 2023

Abstract: Catherine Brown considers Ramón Menéndez Pidal's theory of the origins of the Spanish epic as fragments of a complete, lost text. Brown compares Pidal's theory to that of medieval reliquaries. To become a relic, an object must be torn from its context (body or grave), encased in text, and renarratized. Such is the operation of Pidal's work, Reliquias de la poesía épica española , which, according to Brown's analysis, exhumes, reorders, and reconstructs the Castilian epic corpus from the fragments buried in the chronicles.