bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Arrhythmias and cardiac MRI associations in patients with established cardiac dystrophinopathy
Authors: Bourke John , Tynan Margaret , Stevenson Hannah , Bremner Leslie , Gonzalez-Fernandez Oscar , McDiarmid Adam K
Published: April 2024

Aims

Some patients with cardiac dystrophinopathy die suddenly. Whether such deaths are preventable by specific antiarrhythmic management or simply indicate heart failure overwhelming medical therapies is uncertain. The aim of this prospective, cohort study was to describe the occurrence and nature of cardiac arrhythmias recorded during prolonged continuous ECG rhythm surveillance in patients with established cardiac dystrophinopathy and relate them to abnormalities on cardiac MRI.

Methods and results

A cohort of 10 patients (36.3 years; 3 female) with LVEF<40% due to Duchenne (3) or Becker muscular (4) dystrophy or Duchenne muscular dystrophy-gene carrying effects in females (3) were recruited, had cardiac MRI, ECG signal-averaging and ECG loop-recorder implants. All were on standard of care heart medications and none had prior history of arrhythmias.

No deaths or brady arrhythmias occurred during median follow-up 30 months (range 13–35). Self-limiting episodes of asymptomatic tachyarrhythmia (range 1–29) were confirmed in 8 (80%) patients (ventricular only 2; ventricular and atrial 6). Higher ventricular arrhythmia burden correlated with extent of myocardial fibrosis (extracellular volume%, p=0.029; native T1, p=0.49; late gadolinium enhancement, p=0.49), but not with LVEF% (p=1.0) on MRI and atrial arrhythmias with left atrial dilatation. Features of VT episodes suggested various underlying arrhythmia mechanisms.

Conclusions

The overall prevalence of arrhythmias was low. Even in such a small sample size, higher arrhythmia counts occurred in those with larger scar burden and greater ventricular volume, suggesting key roles for myocardial stretch as well as disease progression in arrhythmogenesis. These features overlap with the stage of left ventricular dysfunction when heart failure also becomes overt. The findings of this pilot study should help inform the design of a definitive study of specific antiarrhythmic management in dystrophinopathy.

Trial registration number

ISRCTN15622536.
The role of dietary intake of live microbes in the association between leisure-time physical activity and depressive symptoms: a population-based study
Authors: You Yanwei , Wang Rui , Li Jinwei , Cao Fei , Zhang Yang , Ma Xindong
Published: April 2024

Current research has shown promising associations between factors such as diet, total physical activity, and mental health outcomes, acknowledging the intricate interplay between these variables. However, the role of dietary intake of live microbes, coupled with leisure-time physical activity (LTPA), in their relationship to depressive symptoms necessitates further exploration. The present study examined a cohort of 25 747 individuals who participated in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey between the years 2007 and 2018. Patient’s Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) was employed, whereby individuals scoring ≥ 10 were classified as exhibiting symptoms of depression. LTPA status was reported by the Global Physical Activity Questionnaire and calculated by metabolic equivalent-minutes/week. Foods consumed by participants were evaluated by live microbes per gram, which were categorized into three groups: low, medium, and high. After controlling for all covariates, findings indicated that LTPA was negatively associated with depressive symptoms (OR (95% confidence interval (CI): 0.983 (0.976, 0.990), p < 0.001). Participating in more LTPA was positively correlated with consuming all three levels of dietary live microbes (low, β (95% CI): 0.086 (0.063, 0.109); medium, β (95% CI): 0.009 (0.007, 0.012); high, β (95% CI): 0.002 (0.001, 0.002)). Moreover, taking more foods with medium live microbes was associated with lower depressive likelihood (OR (95% CI): 0.931(0.882, 0.982), p = 0.010). Intake of medium and high levels of live microbes mediated the association between LTPA and depressive symptoms by 4.15% and 0.83%, respectively. Dietary intake of foods containing medium and high levels of live microbes may be a mediator of LTPA’s negative association with depressive symptoms.
Dirac–Bergmann analysis and degrees of freedom of coincident f(Q)-gravity
Authors: Tomonari Kyosuke , Bahamonde Sebastian
Published: April 2024

We investigate the propagating degrees of freedom off(Q)-gravity in a 4-dimensional space-time under the imposition of the coincident gauge by performing the Dirac–Bergmann analysis. In this work, we start with a top-down reconstruction of the metric-affine gauge theory of gravity based only on the concept of a vector bundle. Then, the so-called geometrical trinity of gravity is introduced and the role of the coincident GR is clarified. After that, we reveal relationships between the boundary terms in the variational principle and the symplectic structure of the theory in order to confirm the validity of the analysis for our studied theories. Then, as examples, we revisit the analysis of GR and its$$f({\mathop {R}\limits ^{\circ }})$$f(R∘)-extensions. Finally, after reviewing the Dirac–Bergmann analysis of the coincident GR and that off(T)-gravity, we perform the analysis of coincidentf(Q)-gravity. Under the imposition of appropriate spatial boundary conditions, we find that, as a generic case, the theory has five primary, three secondary, and two tertiary constraint densities and all these constraint densities are classified into second-class constraint density; the number six is the propagating degrees of freedom of the theory and there are no longer any remaining gauge degrees of freedom. We also discuss the condition of providing seven pDoF as a generic case. The violation of diffeomorphism invariance of coincidentf(Q)-gravity make it possible to emerge such several sectors.
A quantum moving target segmentation algorithm for grayscale video based on background difference method
Authors: Wang Lu , Liu Yuxiang , Meng Fanxu , Liu Wenjie , Zhang Zaichen , Yu Xutao
Published: April 2024

The classical moving target segmentation (MTS) algorithm in a video can segment the moving targets out by calculating frame by frame, but the algorithm encounters a real-time problem as the data increases. Recently, the benefits of quantum computing in video processing have been demonstrated, but it is still scarce for MTS. In this paper, a quantum moving target segmentation algorithm for grayscale video based on background difference method is proposed, which can simultaneously model the background of all frames and perform background difference to segment the moving targets. In addition, a feasible quantum subtractor is designed to perform the background difference operation. Then, several quantum units, including quantum cyclic shift transformation, quantum background modeling, quantum background difference, and quantum binarization, are designed in detail to establish the complete quantum circuit. For a video containing $2^{m}$

2
m

frames (every frame is a $2^{n} \times 2^{n}$

2
n

×

2
n

image with q grayscale levels), the complexity of our algorithm is O$(n+q)$
(
n
+
q
)
. This is an exponential speedup over the classical algorithm and also outperforms the existing quantum algorithms. Finally, the experiment on IBM Q demonstrates the feasibility of our algorithm in this noisy intermediate-scale quantum (NISQ) era.
The transport of self-propelled ellipsoidal particles confined in 2D smooth corrugated channel
Authors: Wang Bing , Wu Wenfei
Published: April 2024

Directed transport of self-propelled ellipsoidal particles confined in a smooth corrugated channel with asymmetric potential and Gaussian colored noise is investigated. Effects of the channel, potential and colored noise on the system are discussed. Large noise intensity in the x-axis direction inhibits the transport in [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] directions. The directed transport speed [Formula: see text] has a maximum with increasing noise intensity in the y-axis direction. Proper size of the bottleneck is good for the directed transport of the ellipsoidal particles, but large or small size of bottleneck inhibits this directed transport. The transport reverse phenomenon appears with increasing load and self-propelled speed. Confined spherical particle is easier to produce directed transport than confined needlelike ellipsoid particle.
Women and Software Engineering
Authors: Jaccheri Letizia
Published: April 2024

My goal with this text is to provide some concepts and questions that can help the reader to reflect on and elevate the discussion about Women and Software Engineering by providing historical data and some reflection points for the future. Feminism constitutes both a theoretical perspective and a social movement aiming to diminish and ultimately eliminate gender-based inequality and oppression. Data feminism merges data science with feminist principles to examine and address biases and power dynamics in data and technology. Studies at the intersection between gender and software engineering cover gender representation, barriers, and experiences. The main questions I propose for future reflections in the community are: What are the benefits that women bring to software engineering? How does the career and the life of female software engineers unfold? How should software engineering research change so that feminist principles are incorporated? How can feminist knowledge and processes help to examine power structure in software engineering?
Report from the 14th International Workshop on Automating Test Case Design, Selection, and Evaluation (A-TEST 2023)
Authors: Pascoal Faria João , Verbeek Freek , Rita Fasolino Anna
Published: April 2024

For the past fourteen years, the Workshop on Automating Test Case Design, Selection and Evaluation (A-TEST)1 has provided a venue for researchers and industry members alike to exchange and discuss trending views, ideas, state-of-the-art, work-in-progress, and scientific results on automated testing. The previous thirteen editions of A-TEST were co-located with several conferences over time: CISTI2 (first two editions), FEDCSIS 3 (three editions), and ESEC/FSE4 (seven editions). The 14th edition took place on September 15, 2023, in Kirchberg, Luxembourg, co-located with ASE 2023 (38th IEEE/ACM International Conference on Automated Software Engineering5). The A-TEST 2023 program featured an enlightening keynote on quantum software testing, followed by three technical sessions in which the authors of 6 full papers and 4 short papers dived into various aspects of automated testing, from neuroevolution and fuzzing techniques to GUI-based software testing and test case recommendations. This short report summarizes the keynote and paper presentations at A-TEST 2023.
Applying Trust for Operational States of ICT-Enabled Power Grid Services
Authors: Brand Michael , Narayan Anand , Lehnhoff Sebastian
Published: April 2024

Digitalization enables the automation required to operate modern cyber-physical energy systems (CPESs), leading to a shift from hierarchical to organic systems. However, digitalization increases the number of factors affecting the state of a CPES (e.g., software bugs and cyber threats). In addition to established factors like functional correctness, others like security become relevant but are yet to be integrated into an operational viewpoint, i.e., a holistic perspective on the system state. Trust in organic computing is an approach to gain a holistic view of the state of systems. It consists of several facets (e.g., functional correctness, security, and reliability), which can be used to assess the state of CPES. Therefore, a trust assessment on all levels can contribute to a coherent state assessment. This article focuses on the trust in ICT-enabled grid services in a CPES. These are essential for operating the CPES, and their performance relies on various data aspects like availability, timeliness, and correctness. This article proposes to assess the trust in involved components and data to estimate data correctness, which is crucial for grid services. The assessment is presented considering two exemplary grid services, namely state estimation and coordinated voltage control. Furthermore, the interpretation of different trust facets is also discussed.
Dual Dynamic Threshold Adjustment Strategy
Authors: Jiang XiRuo , Yao Yazhou , Liu Sheng , Shen Fumin , Nie Liqiang , Hua Xian-Sheng
Published: April 2024

Loss functions and sample mining strategies are essential components in deep metric learning algorithms. However, the existing loss function or mining strategy often necessitates the incorporation of additional hyperparameters, notably the threshold, which defines whether the sample pair is informative. The threshold provides a stable numerical standard for determining whether to retain the pairs. It is a vital parameter to reduce the redundant sample pairs participating in training. Nonetheless, finding the optimal threshold can be a time-consuming endeavor, often requiring extensive grid searches. Because the threshold cannot be dynamically adjusted in the training stage, we should conduct plenty of repeated experiments to determine the threshold. Therefore, we introduce a novel approach for adjusting the thresholds associated with both the loss function and the sample mining strategy. We design a static Asymmetric Sample Mining Strategy (ASMS) and its dynamic version, the Adaptive Tolerance ASMS (AT-ASMS), tailored for sample mining methods. ASMS utilizes differentiated thresholds to address the problems (too few positive pairs and too many redundant negative pairs) caused by only applying a single threshold to filter samples. The AT-ASMS can adaptively regulate the ratio of positive and negative pairs during training according to the ratio of the currently mined positive and negative pairs. This meta-learning-based threshold generation algorithm utilizes a single-step gradient descent to obtain new thresholds. We combine these two threshold adjustment algorithms to form the Dual Dynamic Threshold Adjustment Strategy (DDTAS). Experimental results show that our algorithm achieves competitive performance on the CUB200, Cars196, and SOP datasets. Our codes are available at
https://github.com/NUST-Machine-Intelligence-Laboratory/DDTAS
.
Horizontal Federated Recommender System: A Survey
Authors: Wang Lingyun , Zhou Hanlin , Bao Yinwei , Yan Xiaoran , Shen Guojiang , Kong Xiangjie
Published: April 2024

Due to underlying privacy-sensitive information in user-item interaction data, the risk of privacy leakage exists in the centralized-training recommender system (RecSys). To this issue, federated learning, a privacy-oriented distributed computing paradigm, is introduced and promotes the crossing field “Federated Recommender System (FedRec).” Regarding data distribution characteristics, there are horizontal, vertical, and transfer variants, where horizontal FedRec (HFedRec) occupies a dominant position. User devices can personally participate in the horizontal federated architecture, making user-level privacy feasible. Therefore, we target the horizontal point and summarize existing works more elaborately than existing FedRec surveys. First, from the model perspective, we group them into different learning paradigms (e.g., deep learning and meta learning). Second, from the privacy perspective, privacy-preserving techniques are systematically organized (e.g., homomorphic encryption and differential privacy). Third, from the federated perspective, fundamental issues (e.g., communication and fairness) are discussed. Fourth, each perspective has detailed subcategories, and we specifically state their unique challenges with the observation of current progress. Finally, we figure out potential issues and promising directions for future research.
Meta-Learning Enhanced Trade Forecasting: A Neural Framework Leveraging Efficient Multicommodity STL Decomposition
Authors: Ma Bohan , Xue Yushan , Chen Jing , Sun Fangfang
Published: April 2024

In the dynamic global trade environment, accurately predicting trade values of diverse commodities is challenged by unpredictable economic and political changes. This study introduces the Meta-TFSTL framework, an innovative neural model that integrates Meta-Learning Enhanced Trade Forecasting with efficient multicommodity STL decomposition to adeptly navigate the complexities of forecasting. Our approach begins with STL decomposition to partition trade value sequences into seasonal, trend, and residual elements, identifying a potential 10-month economic cycle through the Ljung–Box test. The model employs a dual-channel spatiotemporal encoder for processing these components, ensuring a comprehensive grasp of temporal correlations. By constructing spatial and temporal graphs leveraging correlation matrices and graph embeddings and introducing fused attention and multitasking strategies at the decoding phase, Meta-TFSTL surpasses benchmark models in performance. Additionally, integrating meta-learning and fine-tuning techniques enhances shared knowledge across import and export trade predictions. Ultimately, our research significantly advances the precision and efficiency of trade forecasting in a volatile global economic scenario.
Custom Network Quantization Method for Lightweight CNN Acceleration on FPGAs
Authors: Yi Lingjie , Xie Xianzhong , Wan Yi , Jiang Bo , Chen Junfan
Published: April 2024

The low-bit quantization can effectively reduce the deep neural network storage as well as the computation costs. Existing quantization methods have yielded unsatisfactory results when being applied to lightweight networks. Additionally, following network quantization, the differences in data types between the operators can cause issues when deploying networks on Field Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs). Moreover, some operators cannot be accelerated heterogeneously on FPGAs, resulting in frequent switching between the Advanced RISC Machine (ARM) and FPGA environments for computation tasks. To address these problems, this paper proposes a custom network quantization approach. Firstly, an improved PArameterized Clipping Activation (PACT) method is employed during the quantization aware training to restrict the value range of neural network parameters and reduce the loss of precision arising from quantization. Secondly, the Consecutive Execution Of Convolution Operators (CEOCO) strategy is utilized to mitigate the resource consumption caused by the frequent environment switching. The proposed approach is validated on Xilinx Zynq Ultrascale+MPSoC 3EG and Virtex UltraScale+XCVU13P platforms. The MobileNetv1, MobileNetv3, PPLCNet, and PPLCNetv2 networks were utilized as testbeds for the validation. Moreover, experimental results are on the miniImageNet, CIFAR-10, and OxFord 102 Flowers public datasets. In comparison to the original model, the proposed optimization methods result in an average decrease of 1.2% in accuracy. Compared to conventional quantization method, the accuracy remains almost unchanged, while the frames per second (FPS) on FPGAs improves by an average of 2.1 times.
Bilateral Subacromial‐Subdeltoid Rice Bodies in the Shoulder: A Surgical Case Report
Authors: Rush Caroline , Jochl Olivia , Lowenstein Natalie , Mazzocca Jillian , Matzkin Elizabeth
Published: April 2024

Introduction. Rice bodies (RBs) are pale and glossy appearing small fibrinous nodules that form due to synovial or tenosynovial joint inflammation. RBs are significant as they are common in orthopedic practices causing nonspecific symptoms such as pain, swelling, range of motion limitations, crepitus, and catching sensations. These loose bodies occur often within the bursa as a symptom of chronic bursitis and are commonly associated with rheumatoid, inflammatory, or tuberculous arthritis. Reports on RBs are present; however, few bilateral cases within the shoulder appear in the literature. Case Presentation. This case demonstrates an unusual bilateral, subacromial‐subdeltoid presentation of rice bodies (RBs) in a 41‐year‐old Caucasian female patient with a history of rheumatoid arthritis. We describe treatment with right shoulder arthroscopy to remove the loose bodies. One‐year postoperative patient‐reported outcomes (PROMs) show improvement in symptoms, pain, and overall function. Conclusion. Formation of RBs occurs as a symptom of an inflammatory response in synovial joints. This provokes multiple small fibrin aggregates to collect within synovial bursae and occasionally tendon sheaths. RBs are rarely seen bilaterally. Arthroscopic removal of RBs is an appropriate treatment method for symptom improvement.
Prepubertal Female Bartholin’s Gland Abscess: A Comprehensive Case Report Study
Authors: Alsayed Ahmed Salh , Elkadi Tarek Talaat Harb , Alshamari Mohammed Suliman , Attallah Azza Tawfik
Published: April 2024

Introduction. Bartholin’s gland abscesses are rare in pediatric patients, with limited documented cases. This case report aims to contribute valuable insights into managing this uncommon condition in children. Methods. A thorough examination and diagnostic workup were conducted on a 4‐month‐old female infant presenting with labial swelling. Clinical assessment strongly suggested the presence of a Bartholin’s gland abscess. A culture of purulent discharge revealed the presence of Escherichia coli and Gram‐negative Klebsiella pneumoniae. Antibiotic susceptibility testing guided the choice of treatment. Case Presentation. Despite initial treatment with oral antibiotics and sitz baths, there was limited therapeutic response. Close surveillance under the guidance of a pediatric surgeon continued for two months. Subsequently, surgical excision of the Bartholin gland was performed, and the specimen was sent for pathological examination. Results. Pathological analysis revealed signs of ulceration and granulation tissue, indicative of a mixed inflammatory response. An eight‐month follow‐up demonstrated marked improvement and overall well‐being in the patient. Conclusion. This case report underscores the importance of considering Bartholin’s gland abscess in diagnosing labial swelling in pediatric patients. The successful outcome achieved through surgical excision and appropriate antibiotic therapy provides valuable insights for potential treatment approaches in similar cases. Continued research and comprehensive studies are essential for establishing optimal treatment protocols for this patient demographic.
Broad-Purpose Solutions of N-Chlorotaurine: A Convenient Synthetic Approach and Comparative Evaluation of Stability and Antimicrobial Activity
Authors: Murashevych Bohdan , Girenko Dmitry , Koshova Iryna , Maslak Ganna , Burmistrov Konstantin , Stepanskyi Dmytro
Published: April 2024

Solutions of N-chlorotaurine (NCT) are effective microbiocidal agents with a broad spectrum of pharmacological activity and outstanding tolerability. The main problem limiting their medical use is their instability, which is generally inherent in solutions of all chlorine-active compounds. In this work, we developed a new synthetic approach to the synthesis of such solutions, which consists in the activation of granular and fibrous polymeric materials with immobilized N-chlorosulfonamide groups, which act here as a chlorinating agent. It was shown that when such polymers are added to taurine solutions, NCT solutions with a chemical composition suitable for immediate medical use can be obtained. The stability of such solutions under various conditions was analyzed in comparison with NCTs obtained by the classical method from sodium hypochlorite. It was confirmed that the process of decomposition of all studied solutions obeys the kinetic laws of the first-order reaction. It was proven that solutions obtained from granular polymers are more stable both in terms of active chlorine concentration and in terms of pH, and their additional buffering is not needed. The stability of solutions decreases when they are stored in the presence of polymers used, with an increase in the excess of taurine and with acidification. The high sensitivity of all obtained solutions to UV radiation was also noted. The antimicrobial properties of NCT solutions obtained from polymers are not inferior to those obtained from sodium hypochlorite at the same concentration of active chlorine. Considering the stability and compactness of the initial chlorine-active polymers, as well as the possibility of their multiple regeneration, the developed method can form the basis of the technology for obtaining multifunctional NCT solutions for medical purposes with the desired physical and chemical properties without using special equipment or specific reagents.
White Blood Cell Count, Neutrophil-to-Lymphocyte Ratio, and Incident Cancer in the UK Biobank
Authors: Song Minkyo , Graubard Barry I. , Loftfield Erikka , Rabkin Charles S. , Engels Eric A.
Published: April 2024

Background:

The peripheral white blood cell (WBC) and neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) reflect levels of inflammation and adaptive immunity. They are associated with cancer prognosis, but their associations with cancer incidence are not established.

Methods:

We evaluated 443,540 cancer-free adults in the UK Biobank with data on total WBC and its subsets, follow-up starting one year after baseline. Cox regression was used to estimate hazard ratios (HR) per quartile of WBC or NLR for incidence of 73 cancer types.

Results:

22,747 incident cancers were diagnosed during a median of 6.9 years of follow-up. WBC was associated with risk of cancer overall [HR, 1.05; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.03–1.06], chronic lymphocytic leukemia/small lymphocytic leukemia (CLL/SLL, 2.79; 95% CI, 2.45–3.18), lung cancer (1.14, 95% CI, 1.08–1.20), and breast cancer (95% CI, 1.05–1.02–1.08). NLR was positively associated with cancer overall (HR, 1.03; 95% CI, 1.02–1.04, per quartile) and kidney cancer (1.16; 95% CI, 1.07–1.25), and inversely with CLL/SLL (0.38; 95% CI, 0.33–0.42).

Conclusions:

High WBC or NLR may reflect excessive inflammatory status, promoting development of some cancers. Conversely, low NLR indicates a relative rise in lymphocytes, which could reflect an increase in circulating premalignant cells before CLL/SLL diagnosis. Peripheral WBC and NLR, in combination with other clinical information or biomarkers, may be useful tools for cancer risk stratification.

Impact:

Elevated levels of WBCs or an increased NLR may indicate an overly active inflammatory response, potentially contributing to the eventual onset of certain types of cancer.
Geospatial Science for the Environmental Epidemiology of Cancer in the Exposome Era
Authors: VoPham Trang , White Alexandra J. , Jones Rena R.
Published: April 2024

Geospatial science is the science of location or place that harnesses geospatial tools, such as geographic information systems (GIS), to understand the features of the environment according to their locations. Geospatial science has been transformative for cancer epidemiologic studies through enabling large-scale environmental exposure assessments. As the research paradigm for the exposome, or the totality of environmental exposures across the life course, continues to evolve, geospatial science will serve a critical role in determining optimal practices for how to measure the environment as part of the external exposome. The objectives of this article are to provide a summary of key concepts, present a conceptual framework that illustrates how geospatial science is applied to environmental epidemiology in practice and through the lens of the exposome, and discuss the following opportunities for advancing geospatial science in cancer epidemiologic research: enhancing spatial and temporal resolutions and extents for geospatial data; geospatial methodologies to measure climate change factors; approaches facilitating the use of patient addresses in epidemiologic studies; combining internal exposome data and geospatial exposure models of the external exposome to provide insights into biological pathways for environment–disease relationships; and incorporation of geospatial data into personalized cancer screening policies and clinical decision making.
Assessing the Causal Relationship between Waterpipe Smoking and Bladder Cancer
Authors: Rosser Charles J.
Published: April 2024

Rates of waterpipe use increase with very little data reporting any potential health consequences. The current study, a large case–control study, of 4,194 patients from Iran denotes an elevated risk of bladder cancer in exclusive waterpipe smokers compared with non-users. Additional studies are needed to further understand the risk waterpipe smoking has on bladder cancer.

See related article by Hadji et al., p. 509
Data from Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial of MUC1 Peptide Vaccine for Prevention of Recurrent Colorectal Adenoma
Authors: Schoen Robert E. , Boardman Lisa A. , Cruz-Correa Marcia , Bansal Ajay , Kastenberg David , Hur Chin , Dzubinski Lynda , Kaufman Sharon F. , Rodriguez Luz M. , Richmond Ellen , Umar Asad , Szabo Eva , Salazar Andres , McKolanis John , Beatty Pamela , Pai Reetesh K. , Singhi Aatur D. , Jacqueline Camille M. , Bao Riyue , Diergaarde Brenda , McMurray Ryan P. , Strand Carrie , Foster Nathan R. , Zahrieh David M. , Limburg Paul J. , Finn Olivera J.
Published: April 2024

AbstractPurpose:
To assess whether MUC1 peptide vaccine produces an immune response and prevents subsequent colon adenoma formation.
Patients and Methods:
Multicenter, double-blind, placebo-controlled randomized trial in individuals age 40 to 70 with diagnosis of an advanced adenoma ≤1 year from randomization. Vaccine was administered at 0, 2, and 10 weeks with a booster injection at week 53. Adenoma recurrence was assessed ≥1 year from randomization. The primary endpoint was vaccine immunogenicity at 12 weeks defined by anti-MUC1 ratio ≥2.0.
Results:
Fifty-three participants received the MUC1 vaccine and 50 placebo. Thirteen of 52 (25%) MUC1 vaccine recipients had a ≥2-fold increase in MUC1 IgG (range, 2.9–17.3) at week 12 versus 0/50 placebo recipients (one-sided Fisher exact P < 0.0001). Of 13 responders at week 12, 11 (84.6%) responded to a booster injection at week 52 with a ≥2-fold increase in MUC1 IgG measured at week 55. Recurrent adenoma was observed in 31 of 47 (66.0%) in the placebo group versus 27 of 48 (56.3%) in the MUC1 group [adjusted relative risk (aRR), 0.83; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.60–1.14; P = 0.25]. Adenoma recurrence occurred in 3/11 (27.3%) immune responders at week 12 and week 55 (aRR, 0.41; 95% CI, 0.15–1.11; P = 0.08 compared with placebo). There was no difference in serious adverse events.
Conclusions:
An immune response was observed only in vaccine recipients. Adenoma recurrence was not different than placebo, but a 38% absolute reduction in adenoma recurrence compared with placebo was observed in participants who had an immune response at week 12 and with the booster injection.
KLRG1, Another Opportunity for a Breakthrough in MTCL
Authors: Varma Gaurav , Diefenbach Catherine S.
Published: April 2024

Outcomes in mature T-cell lymphomas remain poor, with previous attempts at developing mAbs compromised by limited efficacy and significant immunocompromise. Anti–killer cell lectin-like receptor G1 mAbs may have greater selectivity and specificity for malignant T cells and avoid the toxicity concerns with previous agents.

See related article by Assatova et al., p. 2514
Interactions between MDSCs and the Autonomic Nervous System: Opportunities and Challenges in Cancer Neuroscience
Authors: Shu Lin-Zhen , Ding Yi-Dan , Zhang Jin-Yao , He Rui-Shan , Xiao Li , Pan Bing-Xing , Deng Huan
Published: April 2024

Myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSC) are a population of heterogeneous immune cells that are involved in precancerous conditions and neoplasms. The autonomic nervous system (ANS), which is composed of the sympathetic nervous system and the parasympathetic nervous system, is an important component of the tumor microenvironment that responds to changes in the internal and external environment mainly through adrenergic and cholinergic signaling. An abnormal increase of autonomic nerve density has been associated with cancer progression. As we discuss in this review, growing evidence indicates that sympathetic and parasympathetic signals directly affect the expansion, mobilization, and redistribution of MDSCs. Dysregulated autonomic signaling recruits MDSCs to form an immunosuppressive microenvironment in chronically inflamed tissues, resulting in abnormal proliferation and differentiation of adult stem cells. The two components of the ANS may also be responsible for the seemingly contradictory behaviors of MDSCs. Elucidating the underlying mechanisms has the potential to provide more insights into the complex roles of MDSCs in tumor development and lay the foundation for the development of novel MDSC-targeted anticancer strategies.
Stressing the Role of CCL3 in Reversing the Immunosuppressive Microenvironment in Gliomas
Authors: Cui Xiaoteng , Kang Chunsheng
Published: April 2024

Patients with gliomas often experience mental health problems, such as depression and anxiety, that lead to worsening tumor progression and shortened survival. In this issue, Wang and colleagues report a novel mechanism underlying this, finding that chronic stress reduces secretion of the chemokine CCL3, which leads to an immunosuppressive glioma microenvironment. CCL3 administration enhances the infiltration of antitumor immune cells, providing rationale for a potential new therapeutic approach.

See related article by Wang et al., p. 516 (4).
Treatment of chronic heart failure in advanced chronic kidney disease: the HAKA multicenter retrospective real-world study
Authors: Quiroga Borja , Ortiz Alberto , Núñez Sara , Kislikova Maria , González Sanchidrián Silvia , Broseta José Jesús , Albines Zoila Stany , Escamilla Cabrera Beatriz , Rivero Viera Yaiza , Rodriguez Santarelli David , Salanova Villanueva Laura , Lopez Rodriguez Francisca , Cancho Castellano Barbara , Ibáñez Cerezon María , Gutierrez Rivas Carmen Patricia , Aresté Nuria , Campos Gutiérrez Belén , Ródenas Gálvez Ana , Glucksmann Pizá Maria Constanza , Balda Manzanos Sagrario , Soldevila Amparo , Rodríguez Gayo Lucía , Moral Berrio Esperanza , Ortega Diaz Mayra , Beltrán Catalán Sandra , Puente García Adriana , Ángel Rojas Miguel , Sosa Barrios R. Haridian , Santana Zapatero Henar , Rangel Hidalgo Gema , Martinez Canet Ana Maria , Díez Javier ,   Cardiorrenal Medicine Group (CaReSEN) of the Spanish Society of Nephrology
Published: April 2024

Introduction. Chronic heart failure (HF) has high rates of mortality and hospitalization in patients with advanced chronic kidney disease (aCKD). However, randomized clinical trials have systematically excluded aCKD population. We have investigated current HF therapy in patients receiving clinical care in specialized aCKD units.
Methods. The Heart And Kidney Audit (HAKA) was a cross-sectional and retrospective real-world study including outpatients with aCKD and HF from 29 Spanish centers. The objective was to evaluate how the treatment of HF in patients with aCKD complied with the recommendations of the European Society of Cardiology Guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of HF, especially regarding the foundational drugs: renin-angiotensin system inhibitors (RASi), angiotensin receptor blocker/neprilysin inhibitors (ARNI), beta-blockers (BB), mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists (MRA), and sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors (SGLT2i).
Results. Among 5012 aCKD patients, 532 (13%) had a diagnosis of HF. Of them, 20% had reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF), 13% mildly reduced EF (HFmrEF), and 67% preserved EF (HFpEF). Only 9.3% of patients with HFrEF were receiving quadruple therapy with RASi/ARNI, BB, MRA and SGLT2i, but the majority were not on the maximum recommended doses. None of the patients with HFrEF and CKD G5 received quadruple therapy. Among HFmrEF patients, approximately half and two-thirds were receiving RASi and/or BB, respectively, while less than 15% received ARNI, MRA or SGLT2i. Less than 10% of patients with HFpEF were receiving SGLT2i.
Conclusions. Under real-world conditions, HF in aCKD patients is sub-optimally treated. Increased awareness of current guidelines and pragmatic trials specifically enrolling these patients represent unmet medical needs.
ЗАХВОРЮВАНІСТЬ НА ЗЛОЯКІСНІ НОВОУТВОРЕННЯ, СМЕРТНІСТЬ ВІД НИХ ТА СТАН ОНКОЛОГІЧНОЇ ДОПОМОГИ В УМОВАХ ПАНДЕМІЇ COVID-19
Authors: Жеро С. В. , Слабкий Г. О. , Шень Ю. М.
Published: April 2024

Мета: проаналізувати динаміку захворюваності на злоякісні новоутворення та смертності від них у Закарпатській області (2019–2021), зіставити дані із показниками захворюваності та смертності від COVID-19. Оцінити динаміку та інформативність інтегрального показника якості надання онкологічної допомоги – співвідношення смертність/захворюваність за 2020–2021 рр. Оцінити вплив карантинних обмежень на доступність спеціалізованої онкологічної допомоги та охоплення онкологічних хворих спеціальним лікуванням.

Матеріали і методи. Проведений аналіз даних державної статистичної звітності за матеріалами Національного канцер-реєстру України, локальними звітами онкологічної служби Закарпатської області та міста Ужгорода щодо динаміки захворюваності, смертності та охоплення спеціальним лікуванням онкологічних хворих за 2019–2021 рр., аналогічних показників ураженості населення регіону пандемією COVID-19 у 2020–2021 рр.

Результати. В умовах пандемії COVID-19 зберігалася орієнтація зусиль медичної служби на розв’язання нагальних протиепідемічних завдань. У 2021 р. рівень смертності від COVID-19 у місті Ужгороді зрівнявся та перевищив такий від злоякісних новоутворень (250,0 проти 173,7 на 100 000 населення). В 2020–2021 рр. стабілізувалися інтенсивні показники смертності від злоякісних новоутворень – 182,6 та 173,7 на 100 000 міського населення (по Закарпатській області – зросли з 102,6 до 131,9 на 100 000 населення відповідно). В умовах карантинних обмежень на Закарпатті вдалося утримати достатній рівень консультативної та лікувальної допомоги хворим на злоякісні новоутворення.

Висновки. Захворюваність на злоякісні новоутворення у регіоні (2020), порівняно з даними до початку пандемії COVID-19 (2019), демонструвала зниження показника, що, вірогідно, пов᾿язано із «недообліком» нових випадків через зменшення кількості звернень до закладів охорони здоров’я в умовах карантинних обмежень. Охоплення первинних онкологічних хворих у Закарпатській області та обласному центрі спеціальним лікуванням в 2020–2021 рр. становило від 66 до 73 %, що відбиває вплив карантинних обмежень на доступність спеціалізованої онкологічної допомоги. Незважаючи на обмеження через пандемію SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19), більшість пацієнтів із уперше встановленим діагнозом злоякісних новоутворень одержала адекватне протипухлинне лікування.
ВПЛИВ ПАНДЕМІЇ COVID-19 НА ТЕНДЕНЦІЇ ВИЯВЛЕННЯ ХВОРИХ НА АКТИВНИЙ ТУБЕРКУЛЬОЗ
Authors: Теренда Н. О. , Ружицький М. М. , Бевзюк І. Ю. , Литвинова О. Н.
Published: April 2024

Мета: проаналізувати тенденції чисельності хворих на туберкульоз серед населення України за пʼятирічний період із 2018 по 2022 р.

Матеріали і методи. У дослідженні використано інформаційну базу даних Центру громадського здоровʼя МОЗ України про чисельність хворих з уперше в житті встановленим діагнозом активного туберкульозу за період 2018–2022 рр. (форма 33 «Звіт про хворих на туберкульоз»). Використано статистичний метод дослідження та метод системного аналізу.

Результати. Встановлено, що чисельність хворих з уперше в житті встановленим діагнозом активного туберкульозу за період 2018–2022 рр. зменшилася на 29,4 %, найбільше зменшення відбулося у 2020 р. (на 32,9 %). Зменшення відбулося як серед дорослого населення, так і серед дітей. Значне зниження цього показника у 2020 р. повʼязане із карантинними обмеженнями внаслідок пандемії COVID-19, що зумовили обмеження доступу до медичної допомоги.

У 2022 р. дещо покращилася ситуація з виявленням хворих на активний туберкульоз. Проте у Кіровоградській області виявлено зростання числа дітей з уперше в житті встановленим діагнозом активного туберкульозу у 5,6 раза, що свідчить про несприятливу епідеміологічну ситуацію щодо активного туберкульозу в цьому регіоні.

В умовах повномасштабної війни залишаються несприятливі умови доступу до медичної допомоги, які пов’язані з міграційними процесами, руйнуванням закладів охорони здоров’я, порушеннями комунікацій із сімейними лікарями.

Висновки. Встановлено істотне зниження виявлення чисельності хворих з уперше в житті встановленим діагнозом активного туберкульозу у 2020 р., що пов’язано з пандемією COVID-19. Тривалі карантинні заходи, спричинені пандемією COVID-19, зумовили обмеження в доступі до первинної та спеціалізованої медичної допомоги. Така ситуація потенційно може призвести до накопичення недіагностованих та латентних випадків туберкульозу, які можуть бути виявлені на більш пізніх стадіях та у більш тяжких формах.
АНАЛІЗ ОСОБЛИВОСТЕЙ ПОШИРЕНОСТІ ТА ЗАХВОРЮВАНОСТІ ХВОРОБ ОРГАНІВ ТРАВЛЕННЯ СЕРЕД ДІТЕЙ
Authors: Литвинова О. Н. , Крилова Г. О.
Published: April 2024

Мета: проаналізувати поширеність та захворюваність хвороб органів травлення серед дітей задля формування політики охорони здоров’я дитячого населення.

Матеріали і методи. Для аналізу використано статистичні дані Центру медичної статистики МОЗ України та Головного управління статистики в Тернопільській області. При проведенні дослідження були використані загальнонаукові й спеціальні методи дослідження, зокрема аналіз і синтез, порівняння, узагальнення, системно-структурний аналіз та аналітичний метод.

Результати. Проаналізовано захворюваність та поширеність хвороб органів травлення серед дітей. Показано тенденції динаміки цих показників, враховуючи індекси DALY та YLD. Зокрема, хронічні захворювання печінки становили 0,68 % (ДІ 0,53–0,84) від DALY усіх країн світу, хвороби верхньої травної системи – 0,23 % (ДІ 0,18–0,29), хвороби жовчного міхура і жовчних проток – 0,1 % (ДІ 0,076–0,14) та інші захворювання органів травлення – 0,01 % (ДІ 0,077–0,12).

Визначені фактори ризику виникнення даних захворювань. Особливий акцент зроблено на обґрунтуванні необхідності формування політики охорони здоров’я дитячого населення.

Висновки. Продемонстровано, що поширеність та захворюваність хвороб органів травлення серед дітей мають тенденцію до зростання у всьому світі, а Україна займає в цій негативній ситуації лідируючі позиції. Аналіз впливаючих чинників на захворювання травного тракту серед дітей показав нагальну необхідність формування політики охорони здоров’я дитячого населення в Україні.
ДЕЯКІ АСПЕКТИ БЕЗПЕКИ ПАЦІЄНТІВ У МЕДИЧНІЙ ПРАКТИЦІ
Authors: Панчишин Н. Я. , Хархаліс Ю. Ю. , Галицька-Хархаліс О. Я.
Published: April 2024

Мета: провести аналіз сучасної літератури та узагальнити найновіші вітчизняні та світові досягнення щодо питання безпеки пацієнтів як глобального пріоритету охорони здоровʼя та показників якості безпеки пацієнтів.

Матеріали і методи. Проведено аналіз наукових джерел інформації (електронна база PubMed) щодо безпеки пацієнтів із використанням бібліосемантичного та аналітичного методів.

Результати. Отримані у ході дослідження результати підтвердили, що проблема забезпечення безпеки пацієнтів і медичної допомоги є однією з найбільш обговорюваних у колах наукової медичної та правової спільноти. Кожна складова в процесі надання медичної допомоги містить елементи небезпеки та загрози.

Індикатори безпеки пацієнта ‒ це конкретні мірила або оцінки, які використовуються для визначення та моніторингу рівня безпеки у наданні медичних послуг. Вони вказують на якість й ефективність систем та процесів у медичних установах з метою захисту пацієнтів від можливих ризиків й уникнення помилок у лікуванні. Ці індикатори використовуються для постійного вдосконалення систем охорони здоровʼя, зменшення ризиків та забезпечення найвищого рівня безпеки пацієнтів.

Запобігання медичним помилкам та недосконалостям у медичній практиці є важливим завданням, що вимагає злагодженої дії всіх учасників системи охорони здоровʼя.

Висновки. Безпека пацієнтів є невідʼємною частиною системи громадського здоровʼя, і вона вимагає постійного вдосконалення та покращення. Запровадження стратегій профілактики медичних помилок, розвиток ефективного спілкування між медичним персоналом та пацієнтами, впровадження сучасних технологій і постійне навчання медичних працівників ‒ це ключові шляхи до забезпечення безпеки та надійного медичного обслуговування.
ВПЛИВ КИШКОВОЇ МIКРОБIОТИ НA РОЗВИТОК I ПEРEБIГ ХВОРОБИ ПAРКIНСОНA
Authors: Куляндa О. О. , Зaрeмбa Р. I. , Бiловус О. С. , Дeнeфiль О. В. , Дмухaльськa Є. Б.
Published: April 2024

Мeтa: оцiнити вплив дисбiозу нa розвиток, тяжкiсть пeрeбiгу хвороби Пaркiнсонa.

Мaтeрiaли i мeтоди. Провeдeно пoрiвняльний i систeмний aнaлiз лiтeрaтурних джeрeл із бaзи PubMed, якi стосуються знaчeння кишкової мiкробiоти у пaтогeнeзi хвороби Пaркiнсонa.

Рeзультaти. Однією із пaтогeнeтичних лaнок виникнeння хвороби Пaркiнсонa (ХП) є дисбiоз кишкової мiкрофлори зi змeншeнням рiзномaнiтностi мiкрооргaнiзмiв тa змiнaми у мeтaболiзмi кишкової мiкробiоти; пошкоджeння слизової оболонки кишечникa тa збiльшeння її проникностi; aктивaцiя iмунної вiдповiдi з нaслiдкaми систeмного тa нeйрогeнного зaпaлeння; порушeння мeхaнiзмiв пeрeдaчi сигнaлiв мiж кишечником i мозком, включaючи нeрвовi, eндокриннi тa мeтaболiчнi шляхи. Спeцифiчнi змiни у склaдi тa мeтaболiчнiй aктивностi кишкової мiкробiоти можуть бути використaнi як бiомaркeри aбо додaтковi критeрiї для профiлaктики хвороби Пaркiнсонa. Лiкувaльнi мeтоди, спрямовaнi нa корeкцiю склaду тa мeтaболiчної aктивностi кишкової мiкробiоти, тaкi як фeкaльнa трaнсплaнтaцiя, зaстосувaння психобiотикiв тa нeйроaктивних похiдних пробiотичних бaктeрiй, приносять позитивнi рeзультaти.

Висновки. Дослiджeння мeхaнiзмiв впливу мiкрооргaнiзмiв тa їхнiх продуктiв нa функцiонaльну aктивнiсть цeнтрaльної нeрвової систeми вимaгaють подaльшого розвитку. Вaжливо розглядaти кишковий мiкробiом як ключовий обʼєкт у дiaгностицi тa тeрaпiї нeрвово-психiчних розлaдiв i зaхворювaнь. Пiдхiд, спрямовaний нa корeкцiю склaду тa функцiонaльної aктивностi кишкової мiкробiоти, є пeрспeктивною стрaтeгiєю для пiдвищeння eфeктивностi лiкувaння психонeврологiчних пaтологiй. Використaння мiкробiомного пiдходу дозволяє рaнiшe виявляти цi зaхворювaння тa пeрeдбaчaти їхнiй пeрeбiг.
СИНТЕЗ ТА ОЦІНКА ПРОТИПУХЛОВОЇ АКТИВНОСТІ 2-АМІНОІЗОІНДОЛ ТІАЗОЛІДИНОНОВИХ ГІБРИДІВ
Authors: Fedusevych O.-M. V. , Yushyn I. M. , Demchuk I.L. , Lesyk R. B.
Published: April 2024

Мета роботи. Синтез похідних 2-аміноізоіндол тіазолідинону шляхом реакції [2+3]-циклоконденсації шляхом використання різноманітних еквівалентів діелектрофільного синтону [C2]2+ та скринінг протипухлинної активності синтезованих сполук in vitro.

Матеріали і методи. Органічний синтез, ЯМР спектроскопія, фармакологічний скринінг in vitro.

Результати й обговорення. Шляхом реакції [2+3]-циклоконденсації 1-(1,3-діоксоізоіндолін-2-іл)тіосечовини з монохлороцтвою кислотою, N-арилмалеімідами and β-ароїлакриловими кислотами в середовищі льодяної оцтової кислоти було одержано 5-заміщені 2-аміноізоіндол тіазолідинонові гібриди. Синтез індолвмісних 2-аміноізоіндол тіазолідинонів було здійснено  одностадійною трикомпонентною реакцією of 1-(1,3-діоксоізоіндолін-2-іл)тіосечовини, відповідного ізатину та монохлороцтової кислоти. Протиракова активність синтезованих сполук була вивчена в концентрації 10-5 M на панелі з 60 ракових клітин відповідно до стандартних протоколів Національного Інститут Раку (NCI, Bethesda, MD, USA) Developmental Therapeutic Program (DTP).

Висновки. Досліджено ефективний метод синтезу нових ізоіндолтіазолідинонів. Індолвмісний 2-аміноізоіндолтизолідинон, продемонстрував помірний рівень протипухлинної активності з впливом на клітинні лінії меланоми, раку нирок і молочної залози.