bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Potential PET tracers for imaging of tumor-associated macrophages
Authors: Fernandes Bruna , Feltes Paula Kopschina , Luft Carolina , Nazario Luiza Reali , Jeckel Cristina Maria Moriguchi , Antunes Ines F. , Elsinga Philip H. , de Vries Erik F. J.
Published: May 2022

The increasing incidence of cancer over the years is one of the most challenging problems in healthcare. As cancer progresses, the recruitment of several immune cells is triggered. Infiltration of tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) is correlated with poor patient prognosis. Since TAMs constitute a big portion of the tumor mass, targeting these cells seems to be an attractive approach for cancer immunotherapy. Additionally, TAM assessment using non-invasive imaging techniques, such as positron emission tomography (PET), might provide a better understanding of the role of TAMs in cancer, and a means for tumor profile characterization, patient selection for individualized immunotherapy and treatment monitoring. Imaging of TAMs using PET tracers is still in its infancy. TAMs have several characteristics that could be exploited as potential targets for imaging. Various PET tracers for these TAM biomarkers have been developed, although often in the context of (neuro)inflammatory diseases rather than cancer. Since macrophages in inflammatory diseases express similar biomarkers as TAMs, these PET tracers could potentially also be applied for the assessment of TAMs in the tumor microenvironment. Therefore, the present review provides an overview of the TAM biomarkers, for which potential PET tracers are available and discusses the status of these tracers.
Association of the rs4646994 in ACE gene with susceptibility to tuberculosis in a region of the Brazilian Amazon
Authors: Porchera Débora C. R. F. , Leal Diana F. V. B. , Braga Ana C. O. , Pinto Pablo D. C. , Santana da Silva Mayara N. , Bezerra Santos Lucas C. , Braga da Silva Cintia H. , da Costa Giovana E. , Barros Maria Clara da C. , Athayde Aidalucy do S. C. de , de N Cohen-Paes Amanda , da Silva Cleonardo A. , de Assumpção Paulo P. , Ribeiro-dos-Santos Ândrea K. C. , dos Santos Sidney E. B. , Fernandes Marianne R. , dos Santos Ney P. C.
Published: May 2022

Background

Tuberculosis (TB) is an infectious disease caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium tuberculosis and represents an important global public health issue. Single-nucleotide polymorphisms and INDELs are common genetic variations that can be located in genes associated with immune response and, therefore, they may have direct implications over the phenotype of susceptibility to infections like tuberculosis. This study aimed to investigate the association between the 17 genetic polymorphisms and susceptibility to tuberculosis in a Brazilian population.

Methods

This case-control study enrolled 283 individuals with active tuberculosis and 145 health care workers. Four INDELs and 13 single nucleotide polymorphisms and were genotyped using Multiplex PCR method and TaqMan SNP Genotyping Assays. Group comparisons for categorical variables were performed using the chi-squared test, whilst the t-Student test was used to analyze the continuous variables. Multiple logistic regression analyses were performed to estimate the odds ratio (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI). Deviation from Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium was assessed using chi-squared tests with Bonferroni correction. The results were analyzed comparing the genotypic distributions adopting the dominant model and the estimated values ​​of p corrected for multiple tests through FDR (False Discovery Rate) test.

Results

The HWE test confirmed that the genotypic frequencies for polymorphisms were balanced. The frequency of Del allele was 73 and 75%, in cases and controls respectively. Frequency of Del allele was significantly higher in the control group than TB group. The homozygous Del/Del genotype was present in 51.6% of cases and 58.6% of controls. The rare Ins/Ins genotype was present in only 7.6% of controls and 6% of cases. The ACE Del/Del genotype was significantly higher in the cases than in controls revealing significant protection for TB in the domain model (OR = 0.465; p < 0.005).

Conclusions

The Del/Del genotype of the rs4646994 in ACE gene was associated with susceptibility to tuberculosis. The identification of genetic variants responsible for susceptibility to tuberculosis will allow the development of new diagnostic tools for tuberculosis infection. These studies will help improve control and the future eradication of this disease.
Tactile information affects alternating visual percepts during binocular rivalry using naturalistic objects
Authors: Ono Mikoto , Hirose Nobuyuki , Mori Shuji
Published: May 2022

Introduction

Past studies have provided evidence that the effects of tactile stimulation on binocular rivalry are mediated by primitive features (orientation and spatial frequency) common in vision and touch. In this study, we examined whether such effects on binocular rivalry can be obtained through the roughness of naturalistic objects. In three experiments, the total dominant time of visual percepts of two objects was measured under binocular rivalry when participants touched one of the objects.

Result

In Experiment 1, the total dominant time for the image of artificial turf and bathmat was prolonged by congruent tactile stimulation and shortened by incongruent tactile stimulation. In Experiment 2, we used the same stimuli but rotated their visual images in opposite directions. The dominant time for either image was prolonged by congruent tactile stimulation. In Experiment 3, we used different types of stimuli, smooth marble and rough fabric, and noted significant effects of the congruent and incongruent tactile stimulation on the dominant time of visual percepts.

Conclusion

These three experiments demonstrated that visuo-tactile interaction on binocular rivalry can be mediated by roughness.
Evidence for validity of the Swedish self-rated 36-item version of the World Health Organization Disability Assessment Schedule 2.0 (WHODAS 2.0) in patients with mental disorders: a multi-centre cross-sectional study using Rasch analysis
Authors: Svanborg Cecilia , Amer Ahmed , Nordenskjöld Axel , Ramklint Mia , Söderberg Per , Tungström Stefan , Ginsberg Ylva , Hermansson Liselotte
Published: May 2022

Background

The World Health Organization Disability Assessment Schedule 2.0 (WHODAS 2.0) is a generic instrument for the assessment of functioning in six domains, resulting in a total health-related disability score. The aim of this study was to investigate the psychometric properties of the Swedish-language version of the self-rated 36-item version in psychiatric outpatients with various common psychiatric diagnoses using Rasch analysis. A secondary aim was to explore the correlation between two methods of calculating overall scores to guide clinical practice: the WHODAS simple (summative) model and the WHODAS complex (weighted) model.

Methods

Cross-sectional data from 780 Swedish patients with various mental disorders were evaluated by Rasch analysis according to the partial credit model. Bivariate Pearson correlations between the two methods of calculating overall scores were explored.

Results

Of the 36 items, 97% (35 items) were within the recommended range of infit mean square; only item D4.5 (Sexual activities) indicated misfit (infit mean square 1.54 logits). Rating scale analysis showed a short distance between severity levels and disordered thresholds. The two methods of calculating overall scores were highly correlated (0.89–0.99).

Conclusions

The self-administered WHODAS 2.0 fulfilled several aspects of validity according to Rasch analysis and has the potential to be a useful tool for the assessment of functioning in psychiatric outpatients. The internal structure of the instrument was satisfactorily valid and reliable at the level of the total score but demonstrated problems at the domain level. We suggest rephrasing the item Sexual activities and revising the rating scale categories. The WHODAS simple model is easier to use in clinical practice and our results indicate that it can differentiate function among patients with moderate psychiatric disability, whereas Rasch scaled scores are psychometrically more precise even at low disability levels. Further investigations of different scoring models are warranted.
Sleep quality and mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic in patients with severe obstructive sleep apnea
Authors: Spicuzza Lucia , Mancuso Salvatore , Campisi Raffaele , Vancheri Carlo
Published: May 2022

Background

The first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic has produced remarkable effects on the sleep quality and mental status of the general population and more dramatic effects on patients with chronic illness. Patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), already suffering from disordered sleep, might be more susceptible to the effect of the pandemic on their sleep quality and mental health. We therefore performed a case–control study to compare sleep quality, depression and anxiety symptoms reported by patients with severe OSA and age-matched healthy subjects during the first wave of the COVID-19. In June–July 2020 we enrolled a total of 222 patients with severe OSA, all treated with continuous positive airway pressure, and 164 healthy controls. Self-reported sleep quality was assessed using the Pittsburg Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). Symptoms of depression were assessed using the Patient Health Questionnaire module 9 (PHQ-9), while the specific “Coronavirus Anxiety Scale” (CAS) evaluated the level of anxiety.

Results

Patients with OSA (61% males, 65 ± 9.6 years old, BMI 30.5 ± 3.6) and healthy controls had similar characteristics except for BMI slightly lower in controls. The perceived quality of sleep, referred to the pre-pandemic period, was significantly worse in patients with OSA than in controls. During the pandemic the rate of reported sleep disturbance increased from 54 to 66% in patients with OSA and from 29 to 40% in controls. A high percentage of patients and controls reported symptoms of depression (61% OSA and 65% controls), whereas lower levels of anxiety, similar in the two groups, were observed. In patients with OSA the PSQI score significantly positively correlated with the PHQ-9 score (r2 = 0.81) and the CAS score (r2 = 0.65).

Conclusion

The rate of reported sleep disturbance in patients with OSA during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic is one of the highest evidenced in literature so far. As for the general population, in these patients there is a strict link between the perceived sleep quality and the psychological distress caused by the pandemic. A further deterioration of sleep quality is a fearsome event in the life of these patients who face life-long sleep problems.
Coding joint: kappa-deleting recombination excision circle ratio and B cell activating factor level: predicting juvenile dermatomyositis rituximab response, a proof-of-concept study
Authors: Ochfeld Elisa , Hans Victoria , Marin Wil , Ahsan Najah , Morgan Gabrielle , Pachman Lauren M. , Khojah Amer
Published: May 2022

Background

This pilot study’s primary aim was to determine if oligoclonal B cell expansion in children with Juvenile Dermatomyositis (JDM) predicts response to Rituximab therapy. We evaluated: (1) tissue B cell depletion efficacy by measuring the ratio of Coding joint (CJ) to Kappa-deleting recombination excision circle (KREC) DNA, and (2) serum BAFF level upon B cell recovery.

Methods

CJ and KREC values were measured via qPCR assessment of serial PBMC stored (− 80 °C) in the CureJM Center’s BioRepository. Serum BAFF was quantitated by Mesoscale® technology. Oligoclonal B cell expansion was defined as a CJ:KREC ≥ 8 prior to Rituximab therapy. Detection of a CJ:KREC ratio ≤ 2.5 in the first sample after Rituximab was designated as adequate B cell depletion. A significant clinical response to therapy was defined as improvement in Disease Activity Score (DAS) by at least 2 points on consecutive visits within the first 12 months of therapy.

Results

Six out of nine children with JDM showed oligoclonal B cell expansion prior to Rituximab (CJ:KREC ≥ 8). Of those 6 patients, 4 had evidence of effective B cell depletion after Rituximab (CJ:KREC ≤ 2.5), and all 4 of those subjects displayed a significant clinical response to Rituximab. Serum BAFF level increased in 8/9 children after Rituximab.

Conclusions

In this proof-of-concept study, JDM patients with oligoclonal B cell expansion prior to Rituximab have more favorable clinical outcomes after Rituximab. We speculate: (1) B cell depletion post-Rituximab predicts JDM clinical response; (2) increased BAFF post-Rituximab may contribute to disease flare.
Nutritive evaluations of laboratory-reared edible field cricket Coiblemmus compactus Chopard, 1928 (Orthoptera: Gryllidae), for utilising them as an alternate protein source
Authors: Lokeshkumar Venugopal , Daniel B. A. , Jayanthi J. , Ragunathan M. G.
Published: May 2022

Background

The increasing world population has made researchers to explore and validate alternate food sources for the future; in that regard, due to the attractive nutritive profile, edible insects ensure the food and feed security in some developing countries. Crickets are orthopteran edible insects widely eaten around the world not as an emergency food but as a delicacy. This present study aims to stabilise a mass rearing technique of field cricket Coiblemmus compactus using cost-effective rearing medium and feed materials.

Results

The reared adult crickets were processed and analysed for its proximate, mineral, amino acid, fatty acid and energy contents. The cost-effective rearing methods were standardised for the cricket species, and the obtained nutritive values were comparatively higher than other edible meat sources. The cricket Coiblemmus compactus had 50.2 ± 0.37, 26.50 ± 0.80, 8.20 ± 1.61, 5.50 ± 0.48, 10.93 ± 0.19 and 5.40 ± 0.16 g/100 g of crude protein, crude fat, carbohydrate, crude fibre, moisture and ash contents, respectively. The cricket also possessed higher amounts of potassium (897.83 ± 1.55 mg/100 g) and phosphorous elements (604.66 ± 4.11 mg/100 g) with 458.30 ± 0.29 kcal/100 g of energy content. The chromatography studies showed the abundance of amino acid and fatty acid contents in the reared edible cricket.

Conclusions

The attractive and high-protein nutritive profile of edible cricket Coiblemmus compcatus makes itself an alternate food and feed material to elevate food crisis in developing countries.
Association between vitamin B12 level and clinical peripheral neuropathy in type 2 diabetic patients on metformin therapy
Authors: Fakkar Nouran Fakkar Hammam , Marzouk Diaa , Allam Mohamed Farouk , Fouad Mohamed Mahmoud , Aboromia Maram Maher , Gadallah Mohsen
Published: May 2022

Background

Vitamin B12 malabsorption is one of the side effects of long-term metformin intake. Prolonged vitamin B12 deficiency can lead to irreversible nervous system damage. So, the current study aimed to determine the association between serum vitamin B12 level and clinical peripheral neuropathy among type 2 DM patients who are on metformin in comparison to those not taking it. It is a cross-sectional study that was conducted in Egypt and recruited 100 type 2 diabetic patients who were divided into 2 groups: metformin treated, and non-metformin treated (50 subjects per group). The collected data included personal history, medical history, dietetic history that included frequency of eating food rich in vitamin B12 and clinical peripheral neuropathy assessment by Toronto Clinical Scoring System (TCSS). Blood samples were collected for assessment of HbA1c and vitamin B12 level.

Results

Vitamin B12 deficiency was present in 4% of metformin group and 2% of non-metformin group. The mean value of vitamin B12 between metformin users (624.3 ± 364.1 pg/ml) and non-metformin users (991.0 ± 489.9 pg/ml) showed a high significant difference, p value < 0.001. There was a significant difference between study groups regarding HbA1c level (p value = 0.03). Peripheral neuropathy was significantly associated with HbA1c (p value = 0.04) and female gender (p value = 0.001).

Conclusions

Vitamin B12 level was lower in type 2 diabetic patients on metformin compared to those on other oral anti-diabetic drugs, but without significant deficiency. Peripheral neuropathy was significantly associated with poor glycemic control and female gender, but was not associated with vitamin B12 deficiency.
An Egyptian patient story: multilingual role in post-stroke aphasia recovery
Authors: Jomaa Iman Muhammad Ahmad , Wahba Wafaa Batran , Moustafa Ramez Reda , Roushdy Tamer
Published: May 2022

Background

Ischemic strokes are common neurological disease and unless being managed fast enough within hours of onset a permanent deficit usually results. Such deficit impairs the patient independency to a great extent. Aphasia affects more than a quarter of acute stroke cases. Initially it is more prominent and with time its severity may subside, yet to which degree and what factors play a role in this severity reduction still needs further studies and is under postulations.

Case presentation

Multilingual role in post-stroke aphasia recovery is presented in this case report where a trilingual female who acquired a foreign accent and who involuntarily uses code switching between Arabic, French and English in order to linguistically communicate; thus overcoming post-stroke language communication problems. The neurolinguistics data are taken from the results of the application of the Western Aphasia Battery-Revised scale in Cairene Dialect, in addition to extra language exercises including repetition, picture description and conversation with the patient. Linguistic analysis includes the investigation of morph syntactic constructions, phonetic deviations and semantic paraphasia. Linguistic analysis also revealed that the patient’s aphasia disorder is of the conduction type and that she resorts to her second language (L2) namely French or her third language (L3) namely English if she finds it difficult to produce the Arabic word.

Conclusion

Cognitive reserve and multilingualism may have a role in post-stroke aphasia recovery.
Retroperitoneal hamartoma mimicking angiomyolipoma: a case report and review of literature
Authors: Huang Lesheng , Liu Tianzhu , Peng Se , Peng Hui , Chen Jun , Jiang Jinghua , Zhang Wanchun , Tang Huijia , Li Hongyi
Published: May 2022

Background

Hamartoma refers to the excessive focal growth of cells and tissues in organs, which is between malformation and benign tumor. Hamartomas are commonly seen in the lung, but rare in the retroperitoneum.

Main text

Angiomyolipoma was also called hamartoma in the early years. Hamartoma was not separated from the concept of angiomyolipoma until perivascular epithelioid cells were found in angiomyolipoma. We reported a case of retroperitoneal hamartoma, which was suspected to be angiomyolipoma in the initial imaging findings and pathological frozen section, but the paraffin section was finally diagnosed as hamartoma. Due to the fusion of the tumor with the right psoas major muscle, it may need to be cut off for complete resection of tumor, which may damage the sacrococcygeal nerve and affect the postoperative activity function, so the tumor was just partially removed. After 6 and 22 months of follow-up, the patient was in good condition. CT re-examinations showed that the epibiotic right retroperitoneal mass size was 40 × 42 × 72 mm3 (6 months, length × width × height) and 40 × 45 × 81 mm3 (22 months, length × width × height). We describe this case and review the literature.

Conclusions

In conclusion, retroperitoneal hamartoma is rare and difficult to differentiate from angiomyolipoma, in which perivascular epithelial cells could be found on pathological paraffin sections.
Reference range of serum uric acid and prevalence of hyperuricemia: a cross-sectional study from baseline data of ELSA-Brasil cohort
Authors: Dório Murillo , Benseñor Isabela M. , Lotufo Paulo , Santos Itamar S. , Fuller Ricardo
Published: May 2022

Background

Most of the few studies that have established reference ranges for serum uric acid (SUA) have not taken into account factors which may interfere with its levels and followed rigorous laboratory quality standards. The aim of this study was to establish reference ranges for SUA and determine the prevalence of hyperuricemia.

Method

Cross-sectional study including 15,100 participants (all sample) aged 35 to 74 years from baseline data of the Brazilian Longitudinal Study of Adult Health (ELSA-Brasil), a multicentric cohort of volunteer civil servants from five universities and one research institute located in different regions of Brazil. It was established a reference sample excluding participants with factors that directly influence SUA levels: glomerular filtration rate lower than 60 ml/min, excessive alcohol intake, use of diuretics, aspirin, estrogen or urate-lowering therapy. SUA was measured using the uricase method and following rigorous international quality standards. Reference ranges were defined as values between percentiles 2.5 (P2.5) and 97.5 (P97.5) of SUA distribution in the reference sample, stratified by sex. Hyperuricemia was defined as SUA ≥ 7 mg/100 ml in the all sample.

Results

The reference sample was composed of 10,340 individuals (55.3% women, median age 50 years). Reference ranges (P2.5 to P97.5) for SUA were: 4.0 to 9.2 mg/100 ml for men and 2.8 to 6.9 mg/100 ml for women. Sex was a major determinant for SUA levels (median [IQR], mg/100 ml: 6.1 [5.3–7.0] for men versus 4.5 [3.9–5.3] for women, p < 0.001). Higher levels of SUA were found in patients with higher BMI. Higher age had (a modest) influence only for women. The prevalence of hyperuricemia for all sample (N = 15,100) was 31.9% (95% confidence interval [CI] 30.8–33.0%) in men and 4.8% (95% CI 4.3–5.3%) in women.

Conclusion

SUA reference ranges were 4.0 to 9.2 mg/100 ml for men and 2.8 to 6.9 mg/100 ml for women. Prevalence of hyperuricemia was 31.9% in men and 4.8% in women. Updated SUA reference ranges and prevalence of hyperuricemia are higher nowadays and might be used to guide laboratories and the screening for diseases related to SUA.
Chitosan@TiO2 composites for the adsorption of copper(II) and antibacterial applications
Authors: Su Chien , Berekute Abiyu Kerebo , Yu Kuo-Pin
Published: May 2022

Chitosan (CS) is a biopolymer that is well known for its ubiquity, biodegradability, lack of toxicity, low cost, antibacterial activity, and excellent heavy metal adsorption ability. We synthesized CS and CS@TiO2 composites (CST) with different concentrations of glutaraldehyde (crosslinking agent) solution by a simple method involving a crosslinking process (using glutaraldehyde as the crosslinking agent), a freeze-drying technique, and exchange with ammonia solution. The interaction mechanisms of the as-synthesized samples were systematically characterized by scanning electron microscopy, electron dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, and the Brunauer-Emmett-Teller method. Among the as-synthesized samples, 3%CS-V (CS composites synthesized using 3% glutaraldehyde for crosslinking and exchanged with ammonia solution) at an initial concentration of 300 ppm exhibited a preferable adsorption capacity for copper ions (Cu2+), with a maximum adsorption capacity of 31 mg g− 1. Sorption equilibrium isotherms fit the Freundlich model. Compared to CS, 7%CST-V (CST composite synthesized using 7% glutaraldehyde for crosslinking and exchanged with ammonia solution) exhibited higher antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus epidermidis due to a synergistic effect. The antimicrobial efficacy against Escherichia coli was more affected by copper ions than TiO2 addition and glutaraldehyde concentration, whereas the antimicrobial efficacy against S. epidermidis was more affected by TiO2 addition and exchange with ammonia solution.
Developing decision model and sustainable mapping to screen the efficiency of brownfield redevelopment based on socioeconomic open data
Authors: Chen I-Chun , Yang Bo-Chieh
Published: May 2022

The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), adopted by the United Nations in 2015, comprise 17 goals developed to balance social, economic, and environmental sustainability. Regional sustainable development can be considered an important part of investment to redevelop brownfields. With breakthroughs in information technology, Taiwan has established a number of open databases. This study uses open datasets of regional socioeconomic and environmental geo-information to develop a regional SDG map and screen suitable brownfield locations for redevelopment. In addition, this study has designed a Brownfield Redevelopment Query model that combines socioeconomic geographic information obtained from big data with sustainable potentiality for evaluating benefit-cost ratios (BCRs). Land stakeholders can obtain useful information prior to brownfield investment. The flexible user interface is useful for exploring the outcomes of the BCRs (consolidation, internalities, and externalities) for four land-use scenarios (residential, industrial, commercial, and other and public land with renewable energy facilities) of brownfield redevelopment. The brownfield redevelopment BCR is positively dominated by operating profits in the reuse stage for two sites. In addition, the externalities BCR value of the studied cases is positive, particularly in converting the residential land if the site is located at Level 4 or Level 5 of the SDG map. Consequently, this study uses a large quantity of transparent information and a flexible user interface to develop a useful evaluation tool and reduce the possible pitfalls associated with brownfield redevelopment for land stakeholders.
The genetic influence of PD-1/PD-L1 axis single nucleotide polymorphisms on the incidence of type 1 diabetes mellitus in pediatric Egyptian patients
Authors: Mohamed Rabab Afifi , Morgan Dalia Saber , Hodeib Mahmoud , Radwan Asmaa , Ali Hany Fawzy
Published: May 2022

Background

The increasing prevalence of diabetes mellitus (DM) is one of the most challenging public health issues. The destruction of insulin-producing cells in the islets of Langerhans is the hallmark of type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) as an autoimmune disease. In the current case–control study, the role of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) was investigated within the programmed death-1 (PD-1)/programmed death ligand-1 (PD-L1) inhibitory axis and their association with T1DM susceptibility in a sample of Egyptian pediatric patients. The study included 80 T1DM pediatric patients and 76 healthy control subjects. The patients were recruited from Beni-Suef University Hospital’s Pediatric Endocrinology Outpatient Clinic. Genotyping of PD-1 SNP (rs 34819629) and PD-L1 SNPs (rs 2297137 and rs 4143815) was performed by TaqMan allelic discrimination technique via real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). The patients were subjected to a thorough clinical examination and history taking.

Result

Genotyping of PD-1 (rs 34819629) revealed that all of the enrolled patients and the control group inherited the same genotype (GG genotype). With regard to PDL-1 rs4143815 SNP and the risk of T1DM occurrence, our comparison did not reveal the presence of an association between the different genetic models (general, dominant, and recessive) of the SNP and the risk of T1DM (p = 0.078 andp = 0.055; for the general genetic model,p = 0.061 andp = 0.169 for the dominant and the recessive types, respectively). Regarding PDL-1 rs2297137 SNP, the results of this study demonstrated that the risk of T1DM was significantly associated with the recessive genetic model (p = 0.007) as the diabetic group’s predominant G allele was higher compared to the control group.

Conclusion

The findings obtained supported the hypothesis that the predominant G allele of PD-L1 rs2297137 is associated with the development of T1DM. Chronic hyperglycemia and long-standing diabetes problems are linked to both PD-L1 SNPs (rs4143815 and rs2297137). Future studies with a more significant number of patients are required to support our results.
Intrathoracic mass in a 5-month-old infant: fetus in fetu—a case report
Authors: Bata Abdel-Kémal Bori , Akodjènou Joseph , Bognon Gilles Modeste Alain , Azonbakin Simon Azandegbe , Takin Romulus , Alao Jules Marouf , Gbenou Antoine Seraphin , Fiogbe Armand Michel , Mehinto Delphin Kuassi
Published: May 2022

Background

The fetu in fetu (FIF) is an extremely rare congenital condition characterized by a 2nd fetus that grows into the body of the healthy twin. Its thoracic location is more exceptional.

Case presentation

We report a case of intrathoracic mass in a 5-month-old female infant, diagnosed after an assessment for respiratory distress. She underwent an emergency left thoracotomy which allowed for the removal of a large thoraco-mediastinal mass inside a membranous sac containing a clear liquid mixed with vernix caseosa. The mass was completely covered with normal skin, three lobes similar to rudimentary outline of the head and limb. It was attached to a single large vascular pedicle. The pathological examination concluded that there was a high possibility of FIF. The postoperative follow-up was uncomplicated, and the child is still in good clinical condition after the 5-month follow-up.

Conclusion

The assessment of the respiratory distress in an infant with a mass centered by an axial skeleton on the chest x-ray and thoracic CT scan may suggest a diagnosis of intrathoracic FIF.
Post-translational modifications in liquid-liquid phase separation: a comprehensive review
Authors: Li Jingxian , Zhang Mengdi , Ma Weirui , Yang Bing , Lu Huasong , Zhou Fangfang , Zhang Long
Published: May 2022

Liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS) has received significant attention in recent biological studies. It refers to a phenomenon that biomolecule exceeds the solubility, condensates and separates itself from solution in liquid like droplets formation. Our understanding of it has also changed from memebraneless organelles to compartmentalization, muti-functional crucibles, and reaction regulators. Although this phenomenon has been employed for a variety of biological processes, recent studies mainly focus on its physiological significance, and the comprehensive research of the underlying physical mechanism is limited. The characteristics of side chains of amino acids and the interaction tendency of proteins function importantly in regulating LLPS thus should be pay more attention on. In addition, the importance of post-translational modifications (PTMs) has been underestimated, despite their abundance and crucial functions in maintaining the electrostatic balance. In this review, we first introduce the driving forces and protein secondary structures involved in LLPS and their different physical functions in cell life processes. Subsequently, we summarize the existing reports on PTM regulation related to LLPS and analyze the underlying basic principles, hoping to find some common relations between LLPS and PTM. Finally, we speculate several unreported PTMs that may have a significant impact on phase separation basing on the findings.
The genome sequencing and comparative analysis of a wild kiwifruit Actinidia eriantha
Authors: Yao Xiaohong , Wang Shuaibin , Wang Zupeng , Li Dawei , Jiang Quan , Zhang Qiong , Gao Lei , Zhong Caihong , Huang Hongwen , Liu Yifei
Published: May 2022

The current kiwifruit industry is mainly based on the cultivars derived from the species Actinidia chinensis (Ac) which may bring risks such as canker disease. Introgression of desired traits from wild relatives is an important method for improving kiwifruit cultivars. Actinidia eriantha (Ae) is a particularly important taxon used for hybridization or introgressive breeding of new kiwifruit cultivars because of its valued species-specific traits. Here, we assembled a chromosome-scale high-quality genome of a Ae sample which was directly collected from its wild populations. Our analysis revealed that 41.3% of the genome consists of repetitive elements, comparable to the percentage in Ac and Ae cultivar “White” genomes. The genomic structural variation, including the presence/absence-variation (PAV) of genes, is distinct between Ae and Ac, despite both sharing the same two kiwifruit-specific whole genome duplication (WGD) events. This suggests that a post-WGD divergence mechanism occurred during their evolution. We further investigated genes involved in ascorbic acid biosynthesis and disease-resistance of Ae, and we found introgressive genome could contribute to the complex relationship between Ae and other representative kiwifruit taxa. Collectively, the Ae genome offers valuable genetic resource to accelerate kiwifruit breeding applications.
Complete Response of a Patient With a Mismatch Repair Deficient Aggressive Pituitary Adenoma to Immune Checkpoint Inhibitor Therapy: A Case Report
Authors: Shah Sanjit , Manzoor Saima , Rothman Yehudit , Hagen Matthew , Pater Luke , Golnik Karl , Mahammedi Abdelkader , Lin Andrew L. , Bhabhra Ruchi , Forbes Jonathan A. , Sengupta Soma
Published: May 2022

BACKGROUND AND IMPORTANCE:

Aggressive pituitary adenomas (APAs) are pituitary tumors that are refractory to standard treatments and carry a poor prognosis. Current treatment guidelines are not standardized but combine surgical resection, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy. Temozolomide is the only chemotherapeutic agent with documented effectiveness and is recommended for APA in European Society of Endocrinology clinical guidelines.

CLINICAL PRESENTATION:

A 57-year-old man presented with visual deterioration and bitemporal hemianopsia. MRI of the brain demonstrated a sellar mass suspected to be pituitary macroadenoma with displacement of the stalk and optic nerve impingement. The patient underwent stereotactic endoscopic transsphenoidal resection of the mass. Postoperative MRI demonstrated gross total resection. Pathology revealed a sparsely granulated corticotroph adenoma with malignant transformation. Immunohistochemistry showed loss of expression of MLH1 and PMS2 in the tumor cells. Proton therapy was recommended given an elevated Ki67 index and p53 positivity. Before radiotherapy, there was no radiographic evidence of residual tumor. Temozolomide therapy was initiated after surveillance MRI showed recurrence at 16 months postoperatively. However, MRI demonstrated marked progression after 3 cycles. Next-generation sequencing using the MSK-IMPACT platform identified somatic mutations in MLH1 Y548lfs*9 and TP53 R337C. Immunotherapy with ipilimumab/nivolumab was initiated, and MRI demonstrated no residual tumor burden 34 months postoperatively.

CONCLUSION:

APA is a tumor with frequent recurrence and a short median expected length of survival. Here, we demonstrate the utility of immunotherapy in a single case report of APA, with complete resolution of recurrent APA and improved survival compared with life expectancy.
Dehydrogenative Three-component Coupling of CO with Methylarenes Forming Dibenzyl Ketones
Authors: Ishida Naoki , Shinoya Hiroki , Kamino Yuka , Kawasaki Tairin , Murakami Masahiro
Published: May 2022

Herein reported is a photoinduced dehydrogenative three-component coupling reaction of carbon monoxide with two molecules of methylarenes forming dibenzyl ketones. A gaseous dihydrogen molecule evolves as the byproduct, and neither oxidants nor hydrogen acceptors are required.
Γαληνός, περί ηθών και αριστοτελική ηθική φιλοσοφία
Authors: Πανδέρη Αλεξάνδρα
Published: May 2022

Ο Γαληνός υπήρξε ο μεγαλύτερος γιατρός της αρχαιότητας μετά τον Ιπποκράτη και ο σπουδαιότερος γιατρός της αυτοκρατορικής περιόδου. Αντικείμενο ωστόσο της παρούσης διατριβής δεν αποτέλεσαν τα ιατρικά έργα του Γαληνού, αλλά η δεύτερη μεγάλη κατηγορία των έργων του, τα φιλοσοφικά, και πιο συγκεκριμένα η σχέση τους με τη φιλοσοφία του Αριστοτέλη. Πράγματι ένα μεγάλο ερώτημα των γαληνικών σπουδών σχετίζεται με τον βαθμό, την επιτυχία και τον τρόπο με τον οποίο τα ποικίλα φιλοσοφικά έργα του Γαληνού αφομοιώνονται στην ιατρική-επιστημονική του σκέψη. To κύριο πλαίσιο, μάλιστα, στο οποίο αναδύεται η φιλοσοφία του Γαληνού στο έργο του, είναι α. η λογική και επιστημονική του μέθοδος και β. η ψυχή, με τη μελέτη της οποίας ασχολούνται τα λεγόμενα «ψυχολογικά» του έργα. Μετά από τις βιογραφικές πληροφορίες ακολουθεί το κυρίως μέρος της διατριβής, το οποίο διαρθρώνεται σε τρία κεφάλαια. Στο πρώτο, που τιτλοφορείται Ο Γαληνός ως φιλόσοφος, εξετάζεται η φιλοσοφική διάσταση της πνευματικής συγκρότησης του Γαληνού, όπως αυτή διαμορφώθηκε από τις φιλοσοφικές τάσεις που επικρατούσαν την εποχή που έζησε, από τη σχέση του με τους συγχρόνους του γιατρούς και φιλοσόφους και από το πνευματικό κίνημα της Δεύτερης Σοφιστικής. Στο δεύτερο κεφάλαιο, που τιτλοφορείται Ηθικές και ψυχολογικές πραγματείες, καταγράφονται πληροφορίες για το εκτενές έργο του Γαληνού και γίνεται προσπάθεια κατάταξης των έργων του, όπως ο ίδιος ο Περγαμηνός γιατρός το κάνει. Από τα έργα του Γαληνού μας απασχόλησε η δεύτερη μεγάλη κατηγορία των έργων του, τα φιλοσοφικά, και ακόμη ειδικότερα τα ηθικά που σχετίζονται με την αριστοτελική ηθική διδασκαλία. Στο τρίτο κεφάλαιο αναζητήθηκαν και καταγράφηκαν μοτίβα της αριστοτελικής ηθικής διδασκαλίας στα σωζόμενα ηθικά και ψυχολογικά έργα του Γαληνού, για να καταδειχθεί ο βαθμός στον οποίο η επιρροή της αριστοτελικής ηθικής διδασκαλίας διαμόρφωσε την ηθική διδασκαλία του Γαληνού εν γένει. Η κατάκτηση της αρετής δεν είναι κάτι εύκολο, αλλά απαιτείται μακρόχρονη προσπάθεια και διά βίου άσκηση σε αυτήν. Μόνο έτσι ο άνθρωπος θα καταφέρει να τελειοποιηθεί, να φτάσει στον στόχο για τον οποίο είναι προορισμένος από τη φύση και να νιώσει την ευδαιμονία, που μόνο μέσα από την κατάκτηση των τεσσάρων θεμελιωδών αρετών, της δικαιοσύνης, της εγκράτειας, της ανδρείας και της σωφροσύνης μπορεί να το πετύχει.
Lattice-based cryptography
Authors: Παπαχρηστούδης Δημήτριος
Published: May 2022

Η κρυπτογραφία µε βάση τα δικτυώµατα ξεκίνησε µε τη ρηξικέλευθη εργασία του M. Ajtai [14] κατά τη δεκαετία του '90 και έκτοτε έχει εδραιωθεί ως µία από τις πλέον πολύπλευρες προσεγγίσεις για την κατασκευή αποδεδειγµένα ασφαλών, αποδοτικών και παραλληλοποιήσιµων κρυπτογραφικών εργαλείων τα οποία µπορούν να ανθίστανται επιθέσεις ακόµη και από κβαντικούς υπολογιστές. Εκτός τούτου, η κρυπτογραφία µε βάση τα δικτυώµατα παρέχει το µοναδικό χαρακτηριστικό ότι επιτρέπει αναγωγές χείριστης σε µέση περίπτωση, το οποίο απαιτείται για κρυπτογραφικές εφαρµογές καθώς η απλή ύπαρξη ενός στιγµιοτύπου ενός δύσκολου υπολογιστικά προβλήµατος στη χείριστη περίπτωση εγγυάται την ασφάλεια στη µέση πεϱίπτωση. Το γεγονός αυτό όχι µόνο επιτρέπει την αξιοποίηση της δυσκολίας προβληµάτων χείριστης περίπτωσης σε δικτυώµατα, αλλά τυπικά απλοποιεί και την επιλογή κλειδιών.Μολονότι κάποια από τα πλέον διαδεδοµένα κρυπτογραφικά εργαλεία όπως οι ψηφιακές υπογραφές έχουν ερευνηθεί εκτενώς τις τελευταίες δύο δεκαετίες, σηµαντικά µικρότερη πρόοδος έχει γίνει µε τα πιο προηγµένα εργαλεία τα οποία διαθέτουν επιπλέον χαρακτηριστικά, παρά τη σηµασία τους για πληθώρα πραγµατικών εφαρµογών που εστιάζουν στη διατήρηση της ιδιωτικότητας όπως: το ψηφιακό χρήµα, οι ψηφιακές εκλογές, οι ψηφιακές δηµοπρασίες, οι τυφλά υπογεγραµµένες συµβάσεις (χρησιµοποιούνται στα κρυπτονοµίσµατα), τα δίκτυα ασύρµατων αισθητήρων και τα ανώνυµα διαπιστευτήρια (χρησιµοποιούνται στην τεχνολογία U-Prove της Microsoft).Εµφορούµενοι από αυτή τη σχετική έλλειψη αποτελεσµάτων, καθώς και από το πολυποίκιλο και υποδειγµατικό φάσµα των σεναρίων εφαρµογής, η παρούσα διατριβή στοχεύει όχι απλώς στο να επιτρέψει τέτοιου είδους φιλικές προς την ιδιωτικότητα εφαρμογές βασισµένες σε προβλήµατα δικτυωµάτων, αλλά και στο να τα καταστήσουµε πρακτικά και αποδοτικά. Πιστεύουµε πως οι τεχνικές µας µπορούν να µεταφερθούν και σεάλλα σενάρια εφαρµογών.
Διδακτική της Λογοτεχνίας
Authors: Αναστασάκη Μαρία
Published: May 2022

Αντικείμενο της έρευνας είναι η Διδακτική της Λογοτεχνίας μέσα από τη διδακτική πρακτική των εκπαιδευτικών και, ειδικότερα, η κριτική διερεύνηση της διδασκαλίας των ανθρωπίνων αξιών μέσω του μαθήματος της Νεοελληνικής Λογοτεχνίας στο Γυμνάσιο. Το θεωρητικό μέρος αναφέρεται σε μια σύντομη επισκόπηση της φιλοσοφικής και ψυχολογικής σημασίας των αξιών, ενώ η μεταμοντέρνα κριτική εκπαιδευτική σκέψη χρησιμοποιείται για να δώσει ερμηνευτική κατεύθυνση και νόημα στην ηθική εκπαίδευση ως εκπαιδευτική επιδίωξη. Η έρευνα πεδίου, η οποία διήρκεσε ένα σχολικό έτος σε δύο τμήματα της πρώτης τάξης, υιοθέτησε α) τη συμμετοχική παρατήρηση και την εθνογραφική περιγραφή των μαθημάτων διδασκαλίας ως βάση για την ανάλυση των διδακτικών πρακτικών και β) την έρευνα δράσης ως συνεργατική διδακτική παρέμβαση σε μια προσπάθεια να δοκιμαστούν και να εκτιμηθούν πρακτικές διδασκαλίας με επίκεντρο τους μαθητές οι οποίες αναμένεται να ευνοούν τη διδασκαλία των ανθρωπίνων αξιών. Ιδιαίτερη έμφαση δόθηκε στις μεθόδους διδασκαλίας και στην αναστοχαστική διαδικασία του εκπαιδευτικού. Η διδακτική πρακτική επιδιώκει να διαχειριστεί κριτικά τις αξίες του περιεχομένου των λογοτεχνικών κειμένων και να τονίσει την ηθική και χειραφετική τους δύναμη. Η ανάλυση επικεντρώνεται στην κατανόηση της βαθιάς επίδρασης του Προγράμματος Σπουδών και του «κρυμμένου» Προγράμματος Σπουδών στη διαμόρφωση των σχολικών πρακτικών και του σχολικού ήθους, καθώς και στην κατανόηση της αναστοχαστικής διαδικασίας των εκπαιδευτικών η οποία αποτελεί την καρδιά της διδασκαλίας των αξιών.
Detection of pathogens associated with early-onset neonatal sepsis in cord blood at birth using quantitative PCR
Authors: Obiero Christina W. , Gumbi Wilson , Mwakio Stella , Mwangudzah Hope , Seale Anna C. , Taniuchi Mami , Liu Jie , Houpt Eric , Berkley James A.
Published: May 2022

Background: Early onset neonatal sepsis (EONS) typically begins prior to, during or soon after birth and may be rapidly fatal. There is paucity of data on the aetiology of EONS in sub-Saharan Africa due to limited diagnostic capacity in this region, despite the associated significant mortality and long-term neurological impairment.

Methods: We compared pathogens detected in cord blood samples between neonates admitted to hospital with possible serious bacterial infection (pSBI) in the first 48 hours of life (cases) and neonates remaining well (controls). Cord blood was systematically collected at Kilifi County Hospital (KCH) from 2011-2016, and later tested for 21 bacterial, viral and protozoal targets using multiplex PCR via TaqMan Array Cards (TAC).

Results: Among 603 cases (101 [17%] of whom died), 179 (30%) tested positive for ≥1 target and 37 (6.1%) tested positive for multiple targets. Klebsiella oxytoca, Escherichia coli/Shigella spp., Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Streptococcus pyogenes were commonest. Among 300 controls, 79 (26%) tested positive for ≥1 target, 11 (3.7%) were positive for multiple targets, and K. oxytoca and P. aeruginosa were most common. Cumulative odds ratios across controls: cases (survived): cases (died) were E. coli/Shigella spp. 2.6 (95%CI 1.6-4.4); E. faecalis 4.0 (95%CI 1.1-15); S. agalactiae 4.5 (95%CI 1.6-13); Ureaplasma spp. 2.9 (95%CI 1.3-6.4); Enterovirus 9.1 (95%CI 2.3-37); and Plasmodium spp. 2.9 (95%CI 1.4-6.2). Excluding K. oxytoca and P. aeruginosa as likely contaminants, aetiology was attributed in 9.4% (95%CI 5.1-13) cases using TAC. Leading pathogen attributions by TAC were E. coli/Shigella spp. (3.5% (95%CI 1.7-5.3)) and Ureaplasma spp. (1.7% (95%CI 0.5-3.0)).

Conclusions: Cord blood sample may be useful in describing EONS pathogens at birth, but more specific tests are needed for individual diagnosis. Careful sampling of cord blood using aseptic techniques is crucial to minimize contamination. In addition to culturable bacteria, Ureaplasma and Enterovirus were causes of EONS.
Ateizm oraz jego konsekwencje: Relatywizm i nihilizm
Authors: Rożdżeński Roman
Published: May 2022

CZYM JEST ATEIZM? Wszystko wskazuje na to, że to swoista, stanowcza wiara w nieistnienie Boga. Ateizm jest wiarą tego rodzaju, ponieważ ateiści nie są w stanie wykazać słuszności swojego stanowiska w sposób niebudzący żadnych racjonalnie uzasadnionych zastrzeżeń. Wskutek tego nie mają oni podstaw, by stanowczo utrzymywać: „Skoro Boga nie ma, to wszystko nam wolno – wszystko jest nam dozwolone”. Natomiast racjonalnie uzasadnione byłoby stwierdzenie warunkowe, które brzmi: „Jeśli Boga nie ma, to wszystko wolno – wszystko jest nam dozwolone”. Uważne przemyślenie tego warunkowego stwierdzenia prowadzi jednakże do wniosku, że stanowi ono jedynie pierwszą połowę złożonego warunkowego stwierdzenia, które głosi: „Jeśli Boga nie ma, to wszystko wolno – wszystko jest nam dozwolone; jeśli jednak Bóg istnieje, to nie wszystko wolno – nie wszystko jest nam dozwolone”. Otóż wszelkie próby rozstrzygnięcia tej podstawowej alternatywy, o którą chodzi w tym złożonym warunkowym stwierdzeniu, zawsze mają charakter wiary: bądź to „wiary pozytywnej”, czyli afirmującej istnienie Boga, bądź też „wiary negatywnej”, czyli zaprzeczającej Jego istnieniu. Z tego zaś złożonego stanu rzeczy, o który chodzi w owym warunkowym stwierdzeniu, zdaje się wypływać – między innymi – podstawowa zasada ogólnoludzkiego humanitaryzmu, która głosi: Skoro każdy światopogląd opiera się na jakiejś określonej wierze, to nikogo nie wolno przymuszać – przemocą fizyczną, presją psychiczną bądź zwodniczą propagandą – by wyrzekł się przyjętego przez siebie sposobu rozstrzygnięcia kwestii istnienia bądź nieistnienia Boga.
When More Can Be Less: The Effect of Add-On Insurance on the Consumption of Professional Services
Authors: Li Hongfei , Peng Jing , Li Xinxin , Stallaert Jan
Published: May 2022

The emergence of online platforms for professional services (e.g., cosmetic procedures) represents a natural progression of e-commerce from search and experience goods to credence goods. Because of the deeply consequential nature of professional services and the large information asymmetries between customers and service providers, designing effective risk-reduction strategies is crucial for facilitating digital transactions of professional services. This paper studies whether and how the introduction of a novel risk-reduction strategy, the add-on insurance covering the potential cost of negative consequences (e.g., complications and unsatisfactory outcomes), affects the demand for professional services in online platforms. We leverage a policy change in an online platform for cosmetic procedures, which started to offer the add-on insurance for a subset of procedures in 2016. Our empirical analysis shows that the introduction of insurance increases the sales of low-risk procedures, but not those of high-risk ones. More importantly, the insurance has a negative spillover effect on uninsured competitors, regardless of their risk levels. The negative spillover effect on high-risk procedures is noteworthy because it hurts the sales of their uninsured competitors without increasing their own sales, reducing the overall demand. Our findings have important implications for platforms to design, deploy, and evaluate their risk-reduction strategies.