bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Transcriptome sequencing and miRNA-mRNA network construction in exosome of macrophage M2 in stomach adenocarcinoma
Authors: Pan Dun , Li Zhipeng , Lin Xin , Li Liangqing
Published: June 2023

Background

Stomach adenocarcinoma (STAD) is the most common histological type of gastric cancer (GC). Macrophages are an essential part of the tumor microenvironment. We attempted to search for potential molecular markers associated with macrophages, which might be helpful for STAD diagnosis and treatment.

Methods

Firstly, exosome in macrophages was extracted for RNA sequencing to identify differentially expressed microRNAs (miRNAs) (DEmiRNAs). Then, DEmiRNAs and differentially expressed mRNAs (DEmRNAs) were screened in the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database. The miRNAs related to macrophage M2 polarization were obtained by intersecting the DEmiRNAs obtained from the sequencing data and TCGA data. Using the Pearson correlation coefficient method, the mRNAs significantly related to macrophage M2 were screened out, followed by construction of the macrophage M2-miRNA-mRNA network. Subsequently, real-time-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and online datasets were applied to validate the expression of DEmiRNAs and DEmRNAs.

Results

A total of 6 DEmiRNAs were identified in RNA sequencing; 59 DEmiRNAs and 1838 DEmRNAs were identified in TCGA database. Among which, a common miRNA (hsa-miR-133a-3p) associated with the M2 polarization of macrophages was identified. Fifteen common mRNAs were obtained between DEmRNAs and mRNAs targeted by DEmiRNAs. Eventually, a core macrophage M2-1 down-regulated miRNA-7 and up-regulated mRNAs network was constructed, including hsa-miR-133a-3p, SLC39A1, TTYH3, HAVCR2, TPM3, XPO1, POU2F1, and MMP14. The expression of miRNA and mRNAs was in line with the validation results of RT-PCR and online datasets.

Conclusion

In this study, the screening of biomarkers in exosome of macrophage M2 may contribute to the prognosis of STAD patients.
Genetic characterization of HIV-1 viruses among cases with antiretroviral therapy failure in Suzhou City, China
Authors: Dong Zefeng , Xu Zhihui , Zhou Ying , Tian Runfang , Zhou Kai , Wang Di , Ya Xuerong , Shen Qiang
Published: June 2023

Background

This retrospective study aimed to characterize the distribution of HIV-1 genotypes and the prevalence of drug resistance mutations in people with antiretroviral treatment (ART) failure in Suzhou City, China.

Methods

Pol gene of HIV-1 viruses in blood samples of EDTA anticoagulants from 398 patients with failed antiviral treatment was successfully amplified by using an in-house assay. Drug resistance mutations were analyzed by using the Stanford HIV Drug Resistance Database system (https://hivdb.stanford.edu/hivdb/by-mutations/). HIV-1 genotypes were determined by the REGA HIV subtyping tool (version 3.46, https://www.genomedetective.com/app/typingtool/hiv). Near full-length genomes (NFLG) of HIV-1 viruses were obtained by next generation sequencing method.

Results

Sequences analysis of the pol gene revealed that CRF 01_AE (57.29%, 228/398) was the dominant subtype circulating in Suzhou City, followed by CRF 07_BC (17.34%, 69/398), subtype B (7.54%, 30/398), CRF 08_BC (6.53%, 26/398), CRF 67_01B (3.02%, 12/398) and CRF55_01B (2.51%, 10/398). The overall prevalence of drug-resistant mutations in cases with ART failure was 64.57% (257/398), including 45.48% (181/398) for nucleotide reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs) mutations, 63.32% (252/398) for non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NNRTIs) mutations, and 3.02% (12/398) for protease inhibitors (PIs) mutations. Ten near full-length genomes (NFLG) of HIV-1 viruses were identified, including six recombinants of CRF 01_AE and subtype B, two recombinants of CRF 01_AE, subtype B and subtype C sequences, one recombinant of CRF 01_AE and subtype C and one recombinant of CRF 01_AE, subtype A1 and subtype C.

Conclusions

The high prevalence of drug-resistant HIV-1 viruses was a serious challenge for HIV prevention and treatment of people with HIV infection. Treatment regimens for ART failure patients should be adjusted over time based on the outcome of drug resistance tests. NFLG sequencing facilitates the identification of new recombinants of HIV-1.
Gender differences in prevalence and associated factors of metabolic syndrome in first-treatment and drug-naïve schizophrenia patients
Authors: Zeng Kuan , Wang Shuo , Zhang Lin , Zhang Yanting , Ma Jun
Published: June 2023

Background

Metabolic syndromes (MetS) are clinical syndromes involving multiple pathological states with distinct gender-specific clinical patterns. As a serious disorder associated with psychiatric conditions, the prevalence of MetS is significantly higher in the population with schizophrenia (Sch). The aim of this paper is to report gender differences in the prevalence, associated factors and severity-related factors of MetS in first-treatment and drug-naïve (FTDN) patients with Sch.

Methods

A total of 668 patients with FTDN Sch were included in this study. We collected socio-demographic and general clinical information on the target population, measured and evaluated common metabolic parameters and routine biochemical indicators, and assessed the severity of psychiatric symptoms using Positive and Negative Symptom Scale (PANSS).

Results

In the target group, the prevalence of MetS was significantly higher in women (13.44%, 57/424) than in men (6.56%, 16/244). In the males, waist circumference (WC), fasting blood glucose (FBG), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), and triglycerides (TG) were risk factors for MetS, while systolic blood pressure (SBP), TG, total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), and platelet (PLT) were risk factors for the females. More importantly, for the females, we found that age, LDL-C, PANSS scores and blood creatinine (CRE) were risk factors for higher MetS scores, while onset age and hemoglobin (HGB) were protective factors.

Conclusion

There are significant gender differences in the prevalence of MetS and its factors among patients with FTDN Sch. The prevalence of MetS is higher and the factors that influence MetS are more numerous and extensive in females. The mechanisms of this difference need further research and clinical intervention strategies should be formulated with gender differences.
Human-centered visualization technologies for patient monitoring are the future: a narrative review
Authors: Gasciauskaite Greta , Lunkiewicz Justyna , Roche Tadzio R. , Spahn Donat R. , Nöthiger Christoph B. , Tscholl David W.
Published: June 2023

Medical technology innovation has improved patient monitoring in perioperative and intensive care medicine and continuous improvement in the technology is now a central focus in this field. Because data density increases with the number of parameters captured by patient-monitoring devices, its interpretation has become more challenging. Therefore, it is necessary to support clinicians in managing information overload while improving their awareness and understanding about the patient’s health status. Patient monitoring has almost exclusively operated on the single-sensor–single-indicator principle—a technology-centered way of presenting data in which specific parameters are measured and displayed individually as separate numbers and waves. An alternative is user-centered medical visualization technology, which integrates multiple pieces of information (e.g., vital signs), derived from multiple sensors into a single indicator—an avatar-based visualization—that is a meaningful representation of the real-world situation. Data are presented as changing shapes, colors, and animation frequencies, which can be perceived, integrated, and interpreted much more efficiently than other formats (e.g., numbers). The beneficial effects of these technologies have been confirmed in computer-based simulation studies; visualization technologies improved clinicians’ situation awareness by helping them effectively perceive and verbalize the underlying medical issue, while improving diagnostic confidence and reducing workload. This review presents an overview of the scientific results and the evidence for the validity of these technologies.
Noninvasive imaging signatures of HER2 and HR using ADC in invasive breast cancer: repeatability, reproducibility, and association with pathological complete response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy
Authors: Teng Xinzhi , Zhang Jiang , Zhang Xinyu , Fan Xinyu , Zhou Ta , Huang Yu-hua , Wang Lu , Lee Elaine Yuen Phin , Yang Ruijie , Cai Jing
Published: June 2023

Background

The immunohistochemical test (IHC) of HER2 and HR can provide prognostic information and treatment guidance for invasive breast cancer patients. We aimed to develop noninvasive image signatures ISHER2 and ISHR of HER2 and HR, respectively. We independently evaluate their repeatability, reproducibility, and association with pathological complete response (pCR) to neoadjuvant chemotherapy.

Methods

Pre-treatment DWI, IHC receptor status HER2/HR, and pCR to neoadjuvant chemotherapy of 222 patients from the multi-institutional ACRIN 6698 trial were retrospectively collected. They were pre-separated for development, independent validation, and test–retest. 1316 image features were extracted from DWI-derived ADC maps within manual tumor segmentations. ISHER2 and ISHR were developed by RIDGE logistic regression using non-redundant and test–retest reproducible features relevant to IHC receptor status. We evaluated their association with pCR using area under receiver operating curve (AUC) and odds ratio (OR) after binarization. Their reproducibility was further evaluated using the test–retest set with intra-class coefficient of correlation (ICC).

Results

A 5-feature ISHER2 targeting HER2 was developed (AUC = 0.70, 95% CI 0.59 to 0.82) and validated (AUC = 0.72, 95% CI 0.58 to 0.86) with high perturbation repeatability (ICC = 0.92) and test–retest reproducibility (ICC = 0.83). ISHR was developed using 5 features with higher association with HR during development (AUC = 0.75, 95% CI 0.66 to 0.84) and validation (AUC = 0.74, 95% CI 0.61 to 0.86) and similar repeatability (ICC = 0.91) and reproducibility (ICC = 0.82). Both image signatures showed significant associations with pCR with AUC of 0.65 (95% CI 0.50 to 0.80) for ISHER2 and 0.64 (95% CI 0.50 to 0.78) for ISHER2 in the validation cohort. Patients with high ISHER2 were more likely to achieve pCR to neoadjuvant chemotherapy with validation OR of 4.73 (95% CI 1.64 to 13.65, P value = 0.006). Low ISHR patients had higher pCR with OR = 0.29 (95% CI 0.10 to 0.81, P value = 0.021). Molecular subtypes derived from the image signatures showed comparable pCR prediction values to IHC-based molecular subtypes (P value > 0.05).

Conclusion

Robust ADC-based image signatures were developed and validated for noninvasive evaluation of IHC receptors HER2 and HR. We also confirmed their value in predicting treatment response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy. Further evaluations in treatment guidance are warranted to fully validate their potential as IHC surrogates.
Primary breast lymphoma: a case series and review of the literature
Authors: Sakhri S. , Aloui M. , Bouhani M. , Bouaziz H. , Kamoun S. , Slimene M. , Ben Dhieb T.
Published: June 2023

Background

Primary breast lymphoma (PBL) is a very rare form of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL), defined as a malignant primary lymphoma occurring in the breast in the absence of previously detected lymphoma localizations. Our study aims to retrospectively evaluate the epidemiological, clinical, and imaging findings and therapeutic features of breast lymphomas in patients with primary lymphoma of the breast.

Materials and methods

This is a retrospective study including 13 patients with primary non-Hodgkin's lymphoma of the breast treated at the Salah Azaiez Institute of Oncology from 2000 to 2019. This sample includes 1 case of follicular lymphoma, 2 cases of large T-cell lymphoma, and 10 cases of large B-cell lymphoma.

Results

Patients included in the study were aged between 17 and 89 years (average age of 52.6 years). All patients were referred because of a lump in the breast, and only one patient consulted with inflammatory signs in the breast. The average clinical size of the tumor was 7.2 cm, with a maximum of 15 cm. Mammography showed an oval mass with circumscribed margins in the majority of cases. Ultrasound showed in most cases a hypoechoic irregular mass or multilobulated mass with irregular margins and hypervascular on color Doppler. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was performed on only three patients and showed a spiculated lesion with polycyclic limits. Eight patients underwent surgery. In our study breast lymphomas involved 10 cases of large B-cell lymphoma, one case of follicular lymphoma, and two cases of large T-cell lymphoma. In this series, 11 patients had localized stages (I + II) at diagnosis, and 2 patients had disseminated stages (stage III) of primary breast lymphoma. Seven patients underwent chemotherapy treatment alone, and five had chemotherapy with radiotherapy. The median follow-up of our patients was 53 months, ranging from 1 to 177 months. Overall survival was 71% at 3 years and 51% at 5 years.

Conclusion

Primary breast lymphoma is an uncommon type of breast malignancy. The optimal treatment modality is still in question because of the rarity of this disease. However, the use of combination therapy produces the most favorable results. Surgery is not yet recommended.
Effect of blockchain technology in innovating accountants’ skills: a multimethodology study in the industrial companies listed on the Amman Stock Exchange
Authors: Zayed Lena M. M. , Othman Othman Hussein
Published: June 2023

This study aimed at analyzing the effect of blockchain technology in innovating accountants’ skills as a multimethodology study in the industrial companies listed on the Amman Stock Exchange. For achieving this goal, the researchers adopted the multimethodology approach using mixed methods between quantitative and qualitative research methodologies by conducting interviews with accountants, auditors, and financial managers forming a study sample of 50 individuals. Results show that the highest remarkable indication concerning the phenomenon of analyzing the effect of Blockchain technology in innovating accountants’ skills is (Increasing performance efficiency) as an emerging theme. Then followed by (Blockchain technology will work on innovating accountants’ skills) as the second emerging theme. And then followed by (Enhancing accountants’ skills) as the third emerging theme. And these results reflect the convictions and expectations of the study sample of accountants, auditors, and financial managers that the impact of implementing blockchain technology will innovate accountants’ skills.
Learning-oriented assessment and its effects on the perceptions and argumentative writing performance of impulsive vs. reflective learners
Authors: Estaji Masoomeh , Safari Fatemeh
Published: June 2023

Learning-oriented assessment (LOA) is becoming increasingly popular in language education. The rationale for this popularity is the belief that LOA not only provides teachers with the necessary information for regular and ongoing evaluation but also it effectively assists learners in their learning process. This study attempted to examine the effectiveness of LOA in the argumentative writing skills of reflective and impulsive EFL learners. To this end, the study explored the learners’ perceptions of LOA through a survey questionnaire. To collect data, 116 English learners at an intermediate level of proficiency participated in the study and responded to Barrat’s BIS 11 learning style questionnaire (Journal of Clinical Psychology 51:768–774, 1995). Based on their responses, the participants were divided into two groups of impulsive (N = 59) and reflective (N = 57) learners, with four missing participants. Each group was further divided into two sub-groups, in one of which pseudo-integrative argumentative writing was taught and in the other the learners were involved in learning refutation argumentative writing. Other than the type of writing, both groups were provided with regular feedback on their diagnosed writing problems and performance within 16 sessions. They were also involved in self- and peer assessment. Analysis of the results revealed that LOA significantly improved the students’ writing performance. Moreover, while the type of the writing task did not have any significant effect, the reflective learners outperformed the impulsive ones in their writing performance at the end of the treatment. The results also revealed that the leaners generally had positive perceptions about the use of the LOA approach. In particular, they acknowledged the contributions of the teacher’s feedback, peer assessment, and classroom discussion to their writing development throughout the course. However, the reflective learners showed more appreciation of the tasks when it came to developing competence and demanding critical thinking. Hence, the conclusion is that LOA can be effectively used as a learning approach to promote Iranian EFL learners’ writing performance and landscape.
The oral repellent – science fiction or common sense? Insects, vector-borne diseases, failing strategies, and a bold proposition
Authors: Bauer Irmgard L.
Published: June 2023

Over the last decades, unimaginable amounts of money have gone into research and development of vector control measures, repellents, treatment, and vaccines for vector borne diseases. Technological progress and scientific breakthroughs allowed for ever more sophisticated and futuristic strategies. Yet, each year, millions of people still die or suffer from potentially serious consequences of malaria or dengue to more recent infections, such as zika or chikungunya, or of debilitating consequences of neglected tropical diseases. This does not seem value for money. In addition, all current vector control strategies and personal protection methods have shortcomings, some serious, that are either destructive to non-target species or unsatisfactory in their effectiveness. On the other hand, the rapid decline in insect populations and their predators reflects decades-long aggressive and indiscriminate vector control. This major disruption of biodiversity has an impact on human life not anticipated by the well-meaning killing of invertebrates. The objective of this paper is to re-examine current control methods, their effectiveness, their impact on biodiversity, human and animal health, and to call for scientific courage in the pursuit of fresh ideas. This paper brings together topics that are usually presented in isolation, thereby missing important links that offer potential solutions to long-standing problems in global health. First, it serves as a reminder of the importance of insects to human life and discusses the few that play a role in transmitting disease. Next, it examines critically the many currently employed vector control strategies and personal protection methods. Finally, based on new insights into insect chemo-sensation and attractants, this perspective makes a case for revisiting a previously abandoned idea, the oral repellent, and its use via currently successful methods of mass-application. The call is out for focused research to provide a powerful tool for public health, tropical medicine, and travel medicine.
Vibrating toothbrush, ice, or topical anesthetic agent to reduce pain of local anesthetic injection in 5- to 12-year-old children undergoing dental procedures — a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Mittal Meenu , Kumar Ashok , Chopra Radhika , Kaur Gurvinder , Sharma Sarang
Published: June 2023

Background

Application of topical anesthetic agent prior to injection is the most commonly used method to control initial needle penetration pain of local anesthetic injection. Ice and vibration stimulus application are other nonpharmacologic methods used to reduce painful sensations of injection. The present study aims to verify and compare topical anesthetic, ice pretreatment, and electric toothbrush as a vibratory device, to reduce the pain of local anesthetic injections.

The study was conducted on children aged 5–12 years, requiring extraction of a maxillary primary tooth. A randomized control trial design was used wherein each child was randomly assigned by permuted block randomization design method to receive either lignocaine 5% as topical anesthetic or ice pretreatment or motorized toothbrush as a vibratory device during local anesthetic injections. Sound, eye, and motor (SEM) scale was used for objective evaluation of pain during injection, and Faces Pain Scale (FPS) was used for subjective evaluation. For statistical analysis, nonparametric test — Kruskal Wallis/ANOVA test for three groups and between two groups Mann–Whitney U-test, was used to compare SEM and FPS values. Level of significance chosen was p < 0.05.

Results

SEM (palatal) and FPS (palatal) scores were slightly higher in topical anesthetic group as compared to ice pretreatment or vibration group, but the differences were not statistically significant. There were no statistically significant differences among SEM (buccal) and FPS (buccal) scores in all the three groups.

Conclusions

Ice cooling and electric toothbrush-induced vibration were as effective as topical anesthetic for reduction in pain due to injection.

Trial registration

The CTRI number of the trial is CTRI/2021/03/032046.
Therapeutic efficacy of voltage-gated sodium channel inhibitors in epilepsy
Authors: Agbo John , Ibrahim Zainab G. , Magaji Shehu Y. , Mutalub Yahkub Babatunde , Mshelia Philemon Paul , Mhya Daniel H.
Published: June 2023

Epilepsy is a neurological disease characterized by excessive and abnormal hyper-synchrony of electrical discharges of the brain and a predisposition to generate epileptic seizures resulting in a broad spectrum of neurobiological insults, imposing psychological, cognitive, social and also economic burdens to the sufferer. Voltage-gated sodium channels (VGSCs) are essential for the generation and propagation of action potentials throughout the central nervous system. Dysfunction of these channels has been implicated in the pathogenesis of epilepsy. VGSC inhibitors have been demonstrated to act as anticonvulsants to suppress the abnormal neuronal firing underlying epileptic seizures, and are used for the management and treatment of both genetic-idiopathic and acquired epilepsies. We discuss the forms of idiopathic and acquired epilepsies caused by VGSC mutations and the therapeutic efficacy of VGSC blockers in idiopathic, acquired and pharmacoresistant forms of epilepsy in this review. We conclude that there is a need for better alternative therapies that can be used alone or in combination with VGSC inhibitors in the management of epilepsies. The current anti-seizure medications (ASMs) especially for pharmacoresistant epilepsies and some other types of epilepsy have not yielded expected therapeutic efficacy partly because they do not show subtype-selectivity in blocking sodium channels while also bringing side effects. Therefore, there is a need to develop novel drug cocktails with enhanced selectivity for specific VGSC isoforms, to achieve better treatment of pharmacoresistant epilepsies and other types of epileptic seizures.
Validation of Fuscoporia (Hymenochaetales, Basidiomycota) ITS sequences and five new species based on multi-marker phylogenetic and morphological analyses
Authors: Cho Yoonhee , Kim Dohye , Lee Yoongil , Jeong Juhwan , Hussain Shahid , Lim Young Woon
Published: June 2023

Although there is a continuous increase in available molecular data, not all sequence identities in public databases are always properly verified and managed. Here, the sequences available in GenBank for Fuscoporia (Hymenochaetales) were validated. Many morphological characters of Fuscoporia overlap among the species, emphasizing the role of molecular identification for accuracy. The identities of 658 Fuscoporia GenBank internal transcribed spacer (ITS) sequences were assessed using ITS phylogeny, revealing 109 (16.6%) misidentified and 196 (29.8%) unspecified sequences. They were validated and re-identified based on the research articles they were published in and, if unpublished, based on sequences from the type, type locality-derived sequences, or otherwise reliable sequences. To enhance the resolution of species delimitation, a phylogenetic assessment of a multi-marker dataset (ITS + nrLSU + rpb2 + tef1) was conducted. The multi-marker phylogeny resolved five of the twelve species complexes found in the ITS phylogeny and uncovered five new Fuscoporia species: F. dolichoseta, F. gilvoides, F. koreana, F. reticulata, and F. semicephala. The validated ITS sequences in this study may prevent further accumulation of misidentified sequences in public databases and contribute to a more accurate taxonomic evaluation of Fuscoporia species.
Outcome of direct-acting antiviral treatment in patients with hepatitis C virus/hepatitis B virus coinfection
Authors: Shalaby El-Araby Mohamed Ibrahim , Abdelsameea Eman , Naguib Mary , Gomaa Asmaa , Waked Imam
Published: June 2023

Background

Oral direct-acting antiviral (DAA) regimens for chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection have greatly improved treatment efficacy, with sustained virological response (SVR) rates of > 95% for HCV monoinfected patients. However, hepatitis B virus (HBV)/HCV coinfection is more complex than monoinfection with HBV or HCV alone. We evaluated the SVR rate at 12 weeks post-treatment with DAAs in patients with HCV/HBV and evaluated the rate of HBV reactivation during and 6 months after treatment.

Results

Among the included patients, 191 (95.5%) achieved SVR. Older age, low platelet count, high serum creatinine, and higher liver stiffness value measured by fibroscan were predictors of failure to achieve SVR. The 16 patients (8%) with HBV reactivation patients had significantly higher ALT and serum creatinine and a high HCV RNA viral load at baseline compared with that of those without HBV reactivation.

Conclusion

Patients who received DAAs to treat HCV/HBV coinfection showed a high SVR. However, it is important to be aware of the potential risk for HBV reactivation during and after treatment with DAAs.
Structural system yielding minimum differences between ordinary and staged analyses
Authors: Elansary Ahmed A. , Metwally Mohamed I. , El-Attar Adel G.
Published: June 2023

Structural engineers should appropriately design concrete structures to resist lateral loads. Determining the adequate system for resisting the expected lateral loads is important to control the building drift. Choosing the appropriate system is usually conducted assuming the predicted forces are applied to completed concrete buildings at one step which is commonly known as ordinary analysis (OA). Nevertheless, these structures are constructed sequentially which requires using staged analysis (SA) instead of OA. In this paper, a comprehensive numerical model for SA of concrete buildings, which accounts for time dependent effects, is utilized using a well-validated commercial software. Six reinforced concrete buildings with 10 and 20 storeys are analyzed using the developed model. Three various structural systems are considered (Rigid Frame (RF), Shear Wall (SW), and Wall Frame (WF). A comparison is conducted between the displacements and internal forces in beams and slabs obtained from the SA and OA. For a 10-storeys RF building, maximum bending moment from SA is 29.9% higher than that from OA. The same conclusion was observed for the maximum shearing force with a percentage of 19.6%. Moreover, maximum bending moments and shearing forces from SA for the 20-storeys RF building are, respectively, 35.0% and 23.5% larger than those from OA. The RF and WF systems provided the minimum difference in differential displacement between the OA and SA analyses. The RF system produced the least differences in internal forces from OA and SA for all studied buildings.
Gilteritinib in Combination With Induction and Consolidation Chemotherapy and as Maintenance Therapy: A Phase IB Study in Patients With Newly Diagnosed AML
Authors: Pratz Keith W. , Cherry Mohamad , Altman Jessica K. , Cooper Brenda W. , Podoltsev Nikolai A. , Cruz Jose Carlos , Lin Tara L. , Schiller Gary J. , Jurcic Joseph G. , Asch Adam , Wu Ruishan , Hill Jason E. , Gill Stanley C. , James Angela J. , Rich Elizabeth Shima , Hasabou Nahla , Perl Alexander E. , Levis Mark J.
Published: June 2023

PURPOSE

Gilteritinib is a type 1 FLT3 inhibitor active as monotherapy for relapsed or refractory FLT3-mutated AML. We investigated the safety, tolerability, and efficacy of gilteritinib incorporated into intensive induction and consolidation chemotherapy, and as maintenance therapy for adult patients with newly diagnosed, non–favorable-risk AML.

METHODS

In this phase IB study (2215-CL-0103; ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT02236013 ), 103 participants were screened and 80 were allocated to treatment. The study was divided into four parts: dose escalation, dose expansion, investigation of alternate anthracycline and gilteritinib schedule, and continuous gilteritinib during consolidation.

RESULTS

After dose escalation, 120 mg gilteritinib once daily was chosen for further study. There were 58 participants evaluable for response at this dose, 36 of whom harbored FLT3 mutations. For participants with FLT3-mutated AML, the composite complete response (CRc) rate was 89% (83% were conventional complete responses), all achieved after a single induction cycle. The median overall survival time was 46.1 months. Gilteritinib was well-tolerated in this context although the median time to count recovery during induction was approximately 40 days. Longer time-to-count recovery was associated with higher trough levels of gilteritinib, which, in turn, were associated with azole use. The recommended regimen is gilteritinib at a dose of 120 mg once daily from days 4 to 17 or 8 to 21 of a 7 + 3 induction with either idarubicin or daunorubicin and from day 1 continuously with high-dose cytarabine consolidation. Maintenance therapy with gilteritinib was well-tolerated.

CONCLUSION

These results demonstrated the safety and tolerability of gilteritinib incorporated into an induction and consolidation chemotherapy regimen, and as single-agent maintenance therapy for patients with newly diagnosed FLT3-mutant AML. The data herein provide an important framework for the design of randomized trials comparing gilteritinib with other FLT3 inhibitors.
FOLFIRI Followed by FOLFOX6 or the Reverse Sequence in Advanced Colorectal Cancer: A Randomized GERCOR Study
Authors: Tournigand Christophe , André Thierry , Achille Emmanuel , Lledo Gérard , Flesh Michel , Mery-Mignard Dominique , Quinaux Emmanuel , Couteau Corinne , Buyse Marc , Ganem Gérard , Landi Bruno , Colin Philippe , Louvet Christophe , de Gramont Aimery
Published: June 2023

PURPOSE

In metastatic colorectal cancer, phase III studies have demonstrated the superiority of fluorouracil (FU) with leucovorin (LV) in combination with irinotecan or oxaliplatin over FU + LV alone. This phase III study investigated two sequences: folinic acid, FU, and irinotecan (FOLFIRI) followed by folinic acid, FU, and oxaliplatin (FOLFOX6; arm A), and FOLFOX6 followed by FOLFIRI (arm B).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Previously untreated patients with assessable disease were randomly assigned to receive a 2-hour infusion of l-LV 200 mg/m2 or dl-LV 400 mg/m2 followed by a FU bolus 400 mg/m2 and 46-hour infusion 2,400 to 3,000 mg/m2 every 46 hours every 2 weeks, either with irinotecan 180 mg/m2 or with oxaliplatin 100 mg/m2 as a 2-hour infusion on day 1. At progression, irinotecan was replaced by oxaliplatin (arm A), or oxaliplatin by irinotecan (arm B).

RESULTS

Median survival was 21.5 months in 109 patients allocated to FOLFIRI then FOLFOX6 versus 20.6 months in 111 patients allocated to FOLFOX6 then FOLFIRI ( P = .99). Median second progression-free survival (PFS) was 14.2 months in arm A versus 10.9 in arm B ( P = .64). In first-line therapy, FOLFIRI achieved 56% response rate (RR) and 8.5 months median PFS, versus FOLFOX6 which achieved 54% RR and 8.0 months median PFS ( P = .26). Second-line FOLFIRI achieved 4% RR and 2.5 months median PFS, versus FOLFOX6 which achieved 15% RR and 4.2 months PFS. In first-line therapy, National Cancer Institute Common Toxicity Criteria grade 3/4 mucositis, nausea/vomiting, and grade 2 alopecia were more frequent with FOLFIRI, and grade 3/4 neutropenia and neurosensory toxicity were more frequent with FOLFOX6.

CONCLUSION

Both sequences achieved a prolonged survival and similar efficacy. The toxicity profiles were different.
Evolution of the Oncologist Clinician Educator
Authors: Brondfield Sam , Kiel Lauren , Florez Narjust
Published: June 2023

Today’s oncologist clinician educator must promote DEI, well-being, and educational scholarship.
When Do Politicians Appeal Broadly? The Economic Consequences of Electoral Rules in Brazil
Authors: Chin Moya
Published: June 2023

Electoral rules determine how voters’ preferences are aggregated and translated into political representation. Using a regression discontinuity design, I contrast single- and two-round elections in Brazil. In two-round elections, the eventual winner must obtain at least 50 percent of the vote. I show that two-round elections provide incentives for candidates to secure a broader base of support and provide public goods more broadly. Candidates represent a more geographically diverse group of voters, public schools have more resources, and there is less variation in resources across schools. Effects appear to be driven by strategic responses of candidates rather than differential entry into races. (JEL D72, H41, H75, I21, I28, O15, O17)
Ειδικά θέματα Φωτογραμμετρίας για animation.
Authors: Αναστασία  , ΣΙΑΚΑΣ Σπύρος
Published: June 2023

Η εργασία αυτή αφορά στην αξιοποίηση της Φωτογραμμετρίας στο χώρο του animation. Τόσο στην περίπτωση των ταινιών όσο και στην περίπτωση των gamification εφαρμογών. Μελετώνται οι εξελίξεις στο χώρο της Φωτογραμμετρίας από θέμα λογισμικών και μέσων λήψης αλλά και οι  ανάγκες σε τρισδιάστατα μοντέλα σε μια παραγωγή animation για ταινία ή gamification εφαρμογή. Γίνεται μια κατηγοριοποίηση όσον αφορά στο θέμα της λήψης μέσα σε στούντιο ειδικά διαμορφωμένο, σε Μουσείο  ή σε εξωτερικό χώρο. Επίσης επιχειρείται κατηγοριοποίηση και  ως προς το μέγεθος των προς αποτύπωση μοντέλων. Διερευνώνται και καταγράφονται σημαντικοί παράγοντες επιτυχίας της διαδικασίας αλλά και περιπτώσεις δυσκολίας με αποτυχημένο αποτέλεσμα. Σημαντικές εργασίες που αξιοποιούνται για παρατήρηση είναι η διαδραστική έκθεση « Μορφές Ελευθερίας», η 3D animation ταινία «Ανοιχτά φτερά» αλλά και Φωτογραμμετρία που έγινε σε πολλά Λαογραφικά Μουσεία. Τα συμπεράσματα σκοπό έχουν να συντελέσουν στην επιτυχημένη και συστηματική αξιοποίηση της Φωτογραμμετρίας σε παραγωγή τρισδιάστατων μοντέλων για αξιοποίηση στο χώρο του animation σε όλες τις εκδοχές του.
Μια συγκριτική μελέτη σπουδών κινηματογραφικής εκπαίδευσης στην Ελλάδα
Authors: Τριβέλλα Λαμπρινή , Ζερεφός Στυλιανός , ΣΙΑΚΑΣ Σπυρίδων , Βλαβιανού Αντιγόνη , Σακαρίδης Ιωάννης
Published: June 2023

Η παρούσα εργασία περιγράφει το πλαίσιο ανάπτυξης ενός ανοικτού προγράμματος κινηματογραφικών σπουδών σε περιβάλλον εξ αποστάσεως εκπαίδευσης σε ανώτατα εκπαιδευτικά ιδρύματα, με βάση συγκεκριμένες προδιαγραφές και αρχές μάθησης, ενώ επιχειρεί τη συγκριτική ανάλυσή του με υφιστάμενα αντίστοιχα συμβατικά προγράμματα σπουδών.

Αρχικά, προσδιορίζονται οι βασικές αρχές ανάπτυξης προγραμμάτων σπουδών με βάση τα διεθνή πρότυπα, όπως  ορίζονται από την UNESCO, EUA, σε συνδυασμό με αρχές ενεργητικής και φοιτητοκεντρικής μάθησης στην εξ Αποστάσεως Εκπαίδευση (εξΑΕ).

Με βάση αυτό το θεωρητικό πλαίσιο, μελετάται η περίπτωση του εν λειτουργία προπτυχιακού προγράμματος σπουδών «Σπουδές Κινηματογραφικής Γραφής, Πρακτικής και Έρευνας (ΣΚΙ)»  του Ελληνικού Ανοικτού Πανεπιστημίου (ΕΑΠ), συγκριτικά με τα αντίστοιχα προγράμματα προπτυχιακών σπουδών στην Ελλάδα.
Αιμοδυναμική μελέτη του ανευρυσματικού σάκου μετά την ενδαγγειακή αποκατάσταση ανευρύσματος με σύγχρονες τεχνικές ιατρικής απεικόνισης
Authors: Χαραλάμπους Σταύρος
Published: June 2023

Η ενδοδιαφυγή αποτελεί την Αχίλλειο πτέρνα της ενδαγγειακής αποκατάστασης ανευρύσματος κοιλιακής αορτής, με την ενδοδιαφυγή τύπου ΙΙ να αφορά στην συχνότερη αλλά ταυτόχρονα στην πλέον αμφιλεγόμενη μορφή της ως προς την διαχείριση.Σκοπός της παρούσας διδακτορικής διατριβής είναι να μελετήσει τα αιμοδυναμικά χαρακτηριστικά της ενδοδιαφυγής τύπου ΙΙ με την βοήθεια σύγχρονων τεχνικών ιατρικής απεικόνισης με στόχο να απομονώσει τις υψηλού κινδύνου ενδοδιαφυγές τύπου ΙΙ για αύξηση των διαστάσεων του ανευρυσματικού σάκου. Για τον σκοπό αυτό χρησιμοποιήθηκαν οι ακόλουθες τεχνικές : Α. Αξονική τομογραφία διπλής ενέργειας, Β. Απεικόνιση αιμάτωσης και Γ. Ραδιομική ανάλυση και αλγόριθμοι τεχνητής νοημοσύνης.Τα τελικά συμπεράσματα της μελέτης είναι ενθαρρυντικά και δείχνουν ότι η λειτουργική απεικόνιση με την ποσοτική αξιολόγηση της ενδοδιαφυγής τύπου ΙΙ είναι προ των πυλών. Οι τεχνικές που αναλύθηκαν αντιπροσωπεύουν πολύ υποσχόμενα διαγνωστικά εργαλεία στην αξιολόγηση των ασθενών με ενδοδιαφυγή τύπου ΙΙ μετά από ενδαγγειακή αποκατάσταση ανευρύσματος κοιλιακής αορτής που θα μπορούσαν αφενός να βοηθήσουν στην διαχείριση των ασθενών υποδεικνύοντας την ανάγκη για επανεπέμβαση και αφετέρου στην βελτιστοποίηση των πρωτοκόλλων παρακολούθησης.
A literature survey on healthcare supply chain management
Authors: Mittal Amit , Mantri Archana
Published: June 2023

Supply Chain Management (SCM) is a practice that has rapidly spread across industries. SCM may boost output while simultaneously satisfying customers. Despite SCM's recognition as a key factor in enhancing healthcare efficiency, widespread adoption remains in its infancy. Hospitals, a crucial element of the healthcare supply chain (HSC), have failed to fulfill the primary goals of lowering costs and providing high-quality treatment due to their inadequate knowledge of supply chain management (SCM). This research was conducted to fill in the blanks in the current HSC literature. Achieving the healthcare supply chain's goal of reducing costs will be greatly aided by the thorough literature study completed for this report. This review of healthcare supply chain management can quantify the benefits of supply chain initiatives and identify opportunities for improvement. Healthcare institutions can make informed decisions on optimizing their supply chains by understanding customer and supplier needs. This includes making strategic decisions on how to improve inventory management, streamline processes and reduce costs. The focus of this study is on the relationship between supply chain practices, the efficiency of supply chain performance, and the financial outcomes for healthcare organizations. By highlighting certain key research issues that are shared by supply chain management and healthcare management, this article contributes to the literature in both areas.
How to link organizational resilience to transformational entrepreneurship behavior as theoretical framework gap – A systematic literature review
Authors: Gunawan Michael , Soetjipto Budi , Sudhartio Lily
Published: June 2023

Background: Numerous enterprises face great challenges during uncertain economic conditions. This is particularly true for micro, small, and medium-scale companies, which are slumped against disruption from the COVID-19 pandemic—owing to lockdowns, decreased demand, and a disrupted supply chain. This has impacted the economy worldwide but also the social community and the environment that forms its ecosystem. Organizational resilience allows for socio-economic growth and enterprises to build environmental sustainability and balanced community development. Therefore, the behavior of companies must be transformed in building entrepreneurship to encourage socio-economic growth.

Methods: We conducted an advanced search on Business Source Premier, ABI/INFORM (ProQuest), Emerald Insight, and Web of Science database between March and June 2022. We screened the bibliographies of the articles from the database search using a set of inclusion criteria such as studies with quantitative design with unit analysis population sample based microfinance institutions and cooperative-based microfinance institutions, MSEs, and MSMEs as well as other industries such as travel agents, property, restaurants, food and beverages, manufacturing and plantations; exploration of transformational entrepreneurship behavior and organizational resilience determinant factors and conceptual manuscripts written in English; and published between 2005 till 2019 for transformational entrepreneurship and 1997 till 2000 for organizational resilience.  

Results: This study reviewed 22 articles focusing on the role and influence of organizational resilience on transformational entrepreneurship behavior from a lens that posits the importance of organizational resilience in the face of uncertain economic turbulence. The orientation of entrepreneurship behavior has been neglected in research so far. This systematic literature review study reveals important research gaps, such as the influence of organizational resilience in promoting the development of transformational entrepreneurship behavior and the determinants that build organizational resilience.

Conclusions: Research related to a company’s transformational entrepreneurship behavior offers a broad area of ​​scientific research; hence, encouraging further investigation is necessary.
Secondary polycythemia and venous thromboembolism: a systematic review
Authors: Panjwani Amelia , Burle Venkata Sathya , Raj Rhea , Thomas Sneha , Gorantla Vasavi
Published: June 2023

Background

Secondary polycythemia is an acquired condition characterized by an elevation in red blood cell (RBC) mass either in response to tissue hypoxia or inappropriate erythropoietin (EPO) secretion. It is proposed that the elevation of RBC mass in secondary polycythemia can lead to hyperviscosity and VTE. This systematic review aims to assess the relationship between secondary polycythemia and venous thromboembolism and discuss diagnostic strategies and management of secondary polycythemia and VTE.

Methods

This systematic review was conducted on September 2, 2022, and followed PRISMA guidelines to select and analyze relevant articles using the following databases: PubMed, ScienceDirect, and CINAHL. The queries used were  “secondary polycythemia AND venous thromboembolism,” “secondary polycythemia AND deep vein thrombosis,” “secondary polycythemia AND pulmonary embolism,” “chronic obstructive pulmonary disease AND venous thromboembolism,” “chronic obstructive pulmonary disease AND deep vein thrombosis,” “chronic obstructive pulmonary disease AND pulmonary embolism,” “high altitude AND venous thromboembolism,” “high altitude AND deep vein thrombosis,” “high altitude AND pulmonary embolism,” “smoking AND venous thromboembolism,” “smoking AND deep vein thrombosis”, “smoking AND pulmonary embolism”, “hypoventilation AND venous thromboembolism”, “hypoventilation AND deep vein thrombosis”, “hypoventilation AND pulmonary embolism”, “testosterone AND venous thromboembolism”, “testosterone AND deep vein thrombosis”, and “testosterone AND pulmonary embolism.” The search duration was set from 2012–2022. Relevant publications were selected based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria.

Results

The initial search generated 5,946 articles. After narrowing the search based on inclusion and exclusion criteria, 30 articles were selected for this systematic review.

Conclusion

We found evidence to support the relationship between secondary polycythemia and VTE. Therapies targeting the factors that lead to secondary polycythemia can correct it and prevent VTE progression. If VTE occurs as a result of secondary polycythemia, anticoagulation therapy is recommended or inferior vena cava filters if contraindicated.
Krzemień jurajski podkrakowski w neolicie ziemi chełmińskiej
Authors: Małecka-Kukawka Jolanta
Published: June 2023

Artykuł prezentuje dane dotyczące materiałów  krzemiennych z surowca jurajskiego podkrakowskiego w inwentarzach kultury ceramiki wstęgowej rytej, kultury późnej ceramiki wstęgowej i kultury pucharów lejkowatych. Dotychczasowe studia nad krzemieniarstwem neolitycznym wykazały, że obszar ten był włączony w dalekosiężną wymianę surowców ze skał krzemionkowych pochodzących z południa – z krzemienionośnego obrzeżenia Gór Świętokrzyskich (krzemień jurajski podkrakowski, krzemień świeciechowski, krzemienie czekoladowe) i południowego wschodu – Wyżyny Ukraińskiej (surowce „wołyńskie”).
Nieznane materiały z epok brązu i żelaza z Wabcza, pow. chełmiński, w zbiorach Muzeum im. ks. dr. Władysława Łęgi w Grudziądzu
Authors: Kurzyńska Małgorzata
Published: June 2023

W artykule przedstawiono historię odkryć grobów skrzynkowych kultury pomorskiej i grobu kloszowego, cmentarzyska kultury wielbarskiej, dokonanych w pierwszej ćwierci XX w. (1912 r., 1926 r.) na terenie majątków Wabcz i Łyniec (do 1945 r.), a po II wojnie światowej w 1955 roku na terenie znacjonalizowanych majątków w tych miejscowościach, przekształconych w Państwowe Gospodarstwa Rolne oraz zabytków ruchomych z tych badań, które częściowo w latach 50. XX wieku trafiły do zbiorów Muzeum w Grudziądzu, obecnie Muzeum im. ks. dr. Władysława Łęgi w Grudziądzu.
A review of the possibilities of gene doping in sports focused on the advantages and disadvantages
Authors: Bara Sebastian , Barczuk Patryk , Gałajda Elżbieta , Antonik Jacek , Barczak Iga , Barć Jan , Kochan Robert , Bączek Kacper , Dzięgielewski Jędrzej , Bondos Borys
Published: June 2023

Introduction and purpose: Gene therapy can be defined as a modification of gene expression in a patient's body. There are two main strategies: the abuse of "classical" gene therapy and strategies of RNA interference with gene transfer. The aim of the study is to analyze scientific literature on gene doping, with a focus on the advantages and disadvantages of using genes related to sports.

Materials and methods: The literature available on PubMed was reviewed using the words “gene therapy”, “sport”.

Description of the state of knowledge: 

The potential modification of genes such as EPO, IGF1/GH, HIF-1, PPAR have been identified as having beneficial effects for athletes. Modifying the EPO gene could lead to an increase in red blood cells and oxygen in the blood, which could increase muscle endurance. Modification of the IGF1/GH gene can lead to muscle hypertrophy, block muscle atrophy. The HIF-1 gene codes proteins involved in the hypoxia process and can increase endurance by facilitating the adaptation of cells to low oxygen conditions. Modifying the PPAR gene can impact carbohydrate and lipid metabolism, regulating body mass. Gene therapy could provide a potential cure for diseases such as acute anemia and muscular dystrophy. However, it is important to consider the ethical and health implications of gene doping.

Summary: "Gene doping" is a practice that can lead to improved athletic performance but also to serious health problems. The introduction of regulations and doping tests detecting changes in the genome would exclude this practice among athletes who take risky and morally incorrect actions. Increasing the expression of genes such as EPO, IGF-1, HIF-1, PCK1 results in increased muscle endurance and performance. Further research is needed to understand the exact mechanisms and effects of gene therapy. Genetic modification has the potential to bring benefits such as treating diseases such as acute anemia resulting from kidney failure.