bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Enhancing Bone Cancer Diagnosis Through Image Extraction and Machine Learning: A State-of-the-Art Approach
Authors: Shrivastava Abhishek , Nag Mukesh Kumar
Published: December 2023

Background: Bone cancer is a severe condition often leading to patient mortality. Diagnosis relies on X-rays, MRIs, or CT scans, which require time-consuming manual review by experts. Thus, developing an automated system is crucial for accurate classification of malignant and healthy bone.

Methods: Differentiating between them poses a challenge as they may exhibit similar physical characteristics. The initial step is selecting the optimal edge detection method. Two feature sets are then generated: one with the histogram of oriented gradients (HOG) and one without. Performance evaluation involves two machine learning models: Support Vector Machine (SVM) and Random Forest.

Results: Including HOG consistently yields superior results. The SVM model with HOG achieves an F-1 score of 0.92, outperforming the Random Forest model’s .77. This study aims to develop reliable methods for bone cancer classification. The proposed automated method assists surgeons in accurately detecting malignant bone regions using modern image analysis techniques and machine learning models. Incorporating HOG significantly enhances performance, improving differentiation between malignant and healthy bone.

Conclusion: Ultimately, this approach supports precise diagnoses and informed treatment decisions for bone cancer patients.
Complications and Burden of 2-Stage Tissue Expander to Implant-Based Reconstructive Surgery: A Single-Center Retrospective Study
Authors: Churchill Isabella F. , Gallo Lucas , Dunn Emily , Leveille Cameron F. , McRae Mark H. , Avram Ronen , Voineskos Sophocles H. , Coroneos Christopher J.
Published: December 2023

Introduction: Two-stage reconstruction with a tissue expander/implant (TE/I) technique remains the most common breast reconstructive approach following mastectomy. This study analyzes the post-operative complications and burden associated with 2-stage TE/I reconstruction independent of acellular dermal matrix (ADM). Methods: A retrospective chart review identified patients that underwent 2-stage, reconstruction with TE/I without ADM. Demographics, implant characteristics, tissue expansion information, and complications were recorded. Patients were followed for 3 months post-implant exchange. Logistic regression analysis was used to determine which variables were predictors for complications. Results: Ninety-one TE/I reconstructions without ADM were performed in 55 patients. The incidence of complications was 45% (n = 25). Mean complications per patient was 0.84 ± 1.2, with the most common being infection with the TE (n = 15, 24.2%). Mean number of fill appointments was 3.6 ± 1.7 (range: 1-8). Univariate linear regression showed for every increase in BMI, there was a 14.8 cc increase in implant volume, on average ( P < .001). Multivariable logistic regression model identified radiation history ( P = .036) and increasing BMI ( P = .049) as significant predictors for complications. Conclusion: Infection remains to be the leading cause of short-term complications in TE/I breast reconstruction patients. BMI and radiation are significant predictors. Larger, multicenter observational study data may elicit nuanced variation among different population demographics.
pyComBat, a Python tool for batch effects correction in high-throughput molecular data using empirical Bayes methods
Authors: Behdenna Abdelkader , Colange Maximilien , Haziza Julien , Gema Aryo , Appé Guillaume , Azencott Chloé-Agathe , Nordor Akpéli
Published: December 2023

Background

Variability in datasets is not only the product of biological processes: they are also the product of technical biases. ComBat and ComBat-Seq are among the most widely used tools for correcting those technical biases, called batch effects, in, respectively, microarray and RNA-Seq expression data.

Results

In this technical note, we present a new Python implementation of ComBat and ComBat-Seq. While the mathematical framework is strictly the same, we show here that our implementations: (i) have similar results in terms of batch effects correction; (ii) are as fast or faster than the original implementations in R and; (iii) offer new tools for the bioinformatics community to participate in its development. pyComBat is implemented in the Python language and is distributed under GPL-3.0 (https://www.gnu.org/licenses/gpl-3.0.en.html) license as a module of the inmoose package. Source code is available at https://github.com/epigenelabs/inmoose and Python package at https://pypi.org/project/inmoose.

Conclusions

We present a new Python implementation of state-of-the-art tools ComBat and ComBat-Seq for the correction of batch effects in microarray and RNA-Seq data. This new implementation, based on the same mathematical frameworks as ComBat and ComBat-Seq, offers similar power for batch effect correction, at reduced computational cost.
Lokatt: a hybrid DNA nanopore basecaller with an explicit duration hidden Markov model and a residual LSTM network
Authors: Xu Xuechun , Bhalla Nayanika , Ståhl Patrik , Jaldén Joakim
Published: December 2023

Background

Basecalling long DNA sequences is a crucial step in nanopore-based DNA sequencing protocols. In recent years, the CTC-RNN model has become the leading basecalling model, supplanting preceding hidden Markov models (HMMs) that relied on pre-segmenting ion current measurements. However, the CTC-RNN model operates independently of prior biological and physical insights.

Results

We present a novel basecaller named Lokatt: explicit duration Markov model and residual-LSTM network. It leverages an explicit duration HMM (EDHMM) designed to model the nanopore sequencing processes. Trained on a newly generated library with methylation-free Ecoli samples and MinION R9.4.1 chemistry, the Lokatt basecaller achieves basecalling performances with a median single read identity score of 0.930, a genome coverage ratio of 99.750%, on par with existing state-of-the-art structure when trained on the same datasets.

Conclusion

Our research underlines the potential of incorporating prior knowledge into the basecalling processes, particularly through integrating HMMs and recurrent neural networks. The Lokatt basecaller showcases the efficacy of a hybrid approach, emphasizing its capacity to achieve high-quality basecalling performance while accommodating the nuances of nanopore sequencing. These outcomes pave the way for advanced basecalling methodologies, with potential implications for enhancing the accuracy and efficiency of nanopore-based DNA sequencing protocols.
Genome-wide identification of RNA recognition motif (RRM1) in Brassica rapa and functional analysis of RNA-binding protein (BrRBP) under low-temperature stress
Authors: Ma Li , Tao Xiaolei , Wang Wangtian , Jiao Jintang , Pu Yuanyuan , Yang Gang , Liu Lijun , Fang Yan , Wu Junyan , Sun Wancang
Published: December 2023

Background

The RNA recognition motif (RRM) is primarily engaged in the processing of mRNA and rRNA following gene transcription as well as the regulation of RNA transport; it is critical in preserving RNA stability.

Results

In this study, we identified 102 members of the RRM1 gene family in Brassica rapa, which were dispersed across 10 chromosomes with the ninth chromosome being the most extensively distributed. The RRM1 gene family members of Brassica rapa and Arabidopsis thaliana were grouped into 14 subclades (I–XIV) using phylogenetic analysis. Moreover, the results of transcriptome analysis and RT-qPCR indicated that the expression of Brapa05T000840 was upregulated in the cultivars ‘Longyou 7’ and ‘Longyou 99’ following exposure to cold stress at a temperature of 4 °C for 24 h. The levels of expression in the leaves and growth cones of the ‘Longyou 7’ variety were found to be significantly higher than those observed in the ‘Longyou 99’ variety under conditions of low temperature and NaCl stress. It illustrates the involvement of the RRM1 gene in the physiological response to both low temperature and salt stress. In addition, it was observed that the survival rate of transgenic BrRBP (Brapa05T000840) Arabidopsis thaliana plants was notably higher compared to that of wild-type plants when subjected to varying durations of low temperature treatment. Furthermore, the expression of the BrRBP gene in transgenic plants exhibited an upward trend as the duration of low temperature treatment increased, reaching its peak at 24 h. The in-vivo enzymatic activity of reactive oxygen species-scavenging enzymes were found to be significantly elevated in comparison to wild-type plants, suggesting that the BrRBP gene may enhance the cold tolerance of Arabidopsis thaliana.

Conclusions

This study offers a significant foundation for comprehending the regulation mechanism of the RRM1 gene family in winter Brassica rapa subjected to cold stress, as well as for finding key genes associated with cold resistance.
Solitary atrial Rhabdomyoma in an infant with tuberous sclerosis: a case report and review of the literature
Authors: Jawad Ali , Hannouneh Zein Alabdin , Salame Hadi , Jaber Rida , Eid Nader
Published: December 2023

Background

Despite its rare incidence of 1/40,000, fetal cardiac rhabdomyoma (CR) represents the prevailing type of benign cardiac fetal tumors, which commonly affects the ventricles. Fetal CRs rarely occur in the right atrium. Thus, the presentation of atrial fibrillation and premature atrial contractions (PAC) due to a solitary cardiac rhabdomyoma is an extremely rare scenario. Our literature review found that only 2% (1 out of 61) of rhabdomyoma cases were found in the right atrium. The majority of fetal cardiac rhabdomyomas are associated with tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC).

Case presentation

A 7-day-old male neonate presented with arrhythmias and an atrial mass for further evaluation. Echocardiography revealed a hyperechoic, round, uniform right atrial mass (25 mm). An abdominal and testicular ultrasound showed multiple thin-walled cortical cysts in both kidneys and a scrotal hydrocele, respectively. His laboratory workup was insignificant except for hypomagnesemia. Electrocardiography revealed junctional rhythm and PACs with wave distortions. A brain magnetic resonance imaging scan revealed multiple subependymal lesions on the frontal and occipital horns of the lateral ventricles. These findings (Fig. 1), along with a family history of TSC, confirmed the diagnosis of TSC with associated CR. The patient was treated symptomatically with an anti-convulsant and monitored with regular follow-ups. Surgical resection was not required.

Conclusion

Despite CR’s predominance in the ventricles, a diagnosis of rhabdomyoma should be kept in mind in the presence of a solitary atrial mass and PACs. Physicians should evaluate systemic findings related to TSC and provide appropriate follow-up and family screening. Surgical resection is not always required, and symptom management can be achieved through medical treatment alone.
On the use of multiple imputation to address data missing by design as well as unintended missing data in case-cohort studies with a binary endpoint
Authors: Middleton Melissa , Nguyen Cattram , Carlin John B. , Moreno-Betancur Margarita , Lee Katherine J.
Published: December 2023

Background

Case-cohort studies are conducted within cohort studies, with the defining feature that collection of exposure data is limited to a subset of the cohort, leading to a large proportion of missing data by design. Standard analysis uses inverse probability weighting (IPW) to address this intended missing data, but little research has been conducted into how best to perform analysis when there is also unintended missingness. Multiple imputation (MI) has become a default standard for handling unintended missingness and is typically used in combination with IPW to handle the intended missingness due to the case-control sampling. Alternatively, MI could be used to handle both the intended and unintended missingness. While the performance of an MI-only approach has been investigated in the context of a case-cohort study with a time-to-event outcome, it is unclear how this approach performs with a binary outcome.

Methods

We conducted a simulation study to assess and compare the performance of approaches using only MI, only IPW, and a combination of MI and IPW, for handling intended and unintended missingness in the case-cohort setting. We also applied the approaches to a case study.

Results

Our results show that the combined approach is approximately unbiased for estimation of the exposure effect when the sample size is large, and was the least biased with small sample sizes, while MI-only and IPW-only exhibited larger biases in both sample size settings.

Conclusions

These findings suggest that a combined MI/IPW approach should be preferred to handle intended and unintended missing data in case-cohort studies with binary outcomes.
Prevalence of obesity, hypertension and diabetes among people living with HIV in South Africa: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Gizamba Jacob M. , Davies Jess , Africa Chad , Choo-Kang Candice , Goedecke Julia H. , Madlala Hlengiwe , Lambert Estelle V. , Rae Dale E. , Myer Landon , Luke Amy , Dugas Lara R.
Published: December 2023

Background

HIV has become a manageable chronic condition due to the success and scale-up of antiretroviral therapy (ART). Globally, South Africa has the highest number of people living with HIV (PLHIV) and research evidence indicates that countries with the highest burden of PLHIV have a substantial burden of obesity, hypertension (HPT) and type 2 diabetes (T2D). We sought to summarize the burden of these three common NCDs among PLHIV in South Africa.

Methods

In this systematic review, multiple databases were searched for articles reporting on the prevalence of obesity, HPT, and T2D among PLHIV in South Africa published since journal inception until March 2022. A meta-analysis was conducted using random-effects models to obtain pooled prevalence estimates of the three NCDs. Heterogeneity was assessed using X2 test on Cochran’s Q statistic.

Results

We included 32 studies, with 19, 22 and 18 studies reporting the prevalence of obesity, HPT, and T2D among PLHIV, respectively. The overall prevalence of obesity, HPT, and T2D was 23.2% [95% CI 17.6; 29.9], 25.5% [95% CI 15.6; 38.7], and 6.1% [95% CI 3.8; 9.7] respectively. The prevalence of obesity was significantly higher among women (P = 0.034) compared to men, however the prevalence of HPT and T2D did not differ by sex. The prevalence of each of the three NCDs did not differ significantly between rural, urban, and peri-urban areas. The prevalence of obesity and T2D was higher in studies conducted between 2013 and 2022 compared to studies conducted between 2000 and 2012, while the prevalence of HPT was higher between 2000 and 2012 compared to between 2013 and 2022.

Conclusions

These findings suggest that South Africa is experiencing a syndemic of NCDs among people PLHIV highlighting the need to increase cost-effective interventions and management strategies that involve integrated HIV and NCD care in the South African setting.
Associations of Wnt5a expression with liver injury in chronic hepatitis B virus infection
Authors: Ji Xiang-Fen , Zhou Qi , Wang Jing-Wei , Sun Fei , Gao Shuai , Wang Kai
Published: December 2023

Background

Aberrant Wnt5a expression contributes to immunity, inflammation and tissue damage. However, it remains unknown whether Wnt5a is associated with liver injury in chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. We aimed to explore the potential role of Wnt5a expression in liver injury caused by chronic HBV infection.

Methods

Wnt5a mRNA levels in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were analyzed in 31 acute-on-chronic hepatitis B liver failure (ACHBLF) patients, 82 chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients, and 20 healthy controls using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. Intrahepatic Wnt5a protein expression from 32 chronic HBV infection patients and 6 normal controls was evaluated by immunohistochemical staining.

Results

Wnt5a mRNA expression was increased in CHB patients and ACHBLF patients compared to healthy controls and correlated positively with liver injury markers. Additionally, there was a significant correlation between Wnt5a mRNA expression and HBV DNA load in all patients and CHB patients but not in ACHBLF patients. Furthermore, intrahepatic Wnt5a protein expression was elevated in chronic HBV infection patients compared to that in normal controls. Moreover, chronic HBV infection patients with higher hepatic inflammatory grades had increased intrahepatic Wnt5a protein expression compared with lower hepatic inflammatory grades. In addition, the cut-off value of 12.59 for Wnt5a mRNA level was a strong indicator in predicting ACHBLF in CHB patients.

Conclusions

We found that Wnt5a expression was associated with liver injury in chronic HBV infection patients. Wnt5a might be involved in exacerbation of chronic HBV infection.
Luteibacter jiangsuensis blood stream infection: a first case report
Authors: Horiguchi Takanori , Sumiyoshi Makoto , Nagatomo Eri , Sakamoto Kazuki , Ogawa Souichiro , Ichinari Naoki , Yamada Akiteru , Rikitake Yuki , Iwao Chihiro , Kawaguchi Takeshi , Umekita Kunihiko , Takajo Ichiro , Yamamoto Shojiro , Miyazaki Taiga
Published: December 2023

Background

Luteibacter jiangsuensis is a gram-negative aerobic bacillus that was first isolated from soil samples at a pesticide factory in China and reported in 2011. Here, we describe the first case of L. jiangsuensis infection in human.

Case presentation

A 59-year-old Japanese woman undergoing treatment for Crohn’s disease was admitted to our hospital with fever. Clinical examination indicated catheter-related bloodstream infection. The catheter was removed and meropenem was initiated. Morphologically identical glucose non-fermentative gram-negative bacilli were detected from two sets of aerobic blood culture and catheter-tip cultures. MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry failed to identify the bacterium, which was later identified as L. jiangsuensis by 16 S rRNA gene sequencing. Antimicrobial susceptibility test revealed that the isolate was resistant to carbapenem, therefore meropenem was switched to intravenous levofloxacin (500 mg/day). After 14 days of treatment with levofloxacin, the patient was discharged.

Conclusions

This is the first case of L. jiangsuensis infection in human. The strain was identified by 16 S rRNA gene sequence analysis.
Validation of the phenol red thread test in a Chinese population
Authors: Hao Yiran , Jin Tao , Zhu Lei , Zhao Mengnan , Wang Silu , Li Zhongying , Tian Lei , Jie Ying
Published: December 2023

Background

To investigate the validation of phenol red thread (PRT) test in a Chinese population by evaluating the intraobserver repeatability and interobserver reproducibility, determining correlations between the PRT test and other dry eye disease (DED) parameters including tear meniscus height (TMH) and Schirmer I test, and testing the accuracy of diagnosing DED when using the PRT test alone.

Methods

A total of 108 eyes were involved in this prospective and diagnostic study, and were divided into two groups (with and without DED). Each subject underwent a series of ocular surface examinations, including Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI) questionnaire, non-invasive tear breakup time (NIBUT), tear meniscus height (TMH) assessment, PRT test, fluorescein tear breakup time (FBUT), corneal fluorescein staining and Schirmer I test.

Results

In the experimental group and the control group, the intra-class correlation coefficients (ICCs) of the repeatability were 0.747 and 0.723, respectively (all P < 0.05). The ICCs of the reproducibility in both groups were 0.588 and 0.610, respectively (all P < 0.05). The PRT test correlated weakly with the Schirmer I test and the tear meniscus height, with Spearman coefficients of 0.385 and 0.306, respectively (all P < 0.05). The PRT test is available to diagnose DED, with an area under the curve of 0.806 and a Youden index of 0.556 at the cutoff point of 8.83 mm.

Conclusions

The PRT test can provide patients a comfortable, timesaving and less irritating approach to screening and diagnosing DED compared to Schirmer I test.
Age and sex-related comparison of referral-based telemedicine service utilization during the COVID-19 pandemic in Ontario: a retrospective analysis
Authors: Wong Hubert , Razvi Yasmeen , Hamid Muhammad Akhter , Mistry Niraj , Filler Guido
Published: December 2023

Background

The COVID-19 pandemic has led to increased utilization of telemedicine services.

Methods

A retrospective analysis of all referral-based ambulatory telemedicine services in Ontario from November 2019 to June 2021 was collected from the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) billing database. Only fee-for-service billings were included in the present analysis. Coincident COVID-19 cases were obtained from Public Health Ontario. Comparisons were made based on age bracket, sex, telemedicine and in-person care.

Results

Billings for telemedicine services in Ontario increased from $1.7 million CAD in November 2019 to $64 million CAD in April 2020 and the proportions reached a mean peak of 72% in April 2020 and declined to 46% in June 2021. A positive correlation was found between the use of telemedicine and COVID-19 cases (p = 0.05). The age group with the highest proportion of telemedicine use was the 10–20-year-olds, followed by the 20–50-year-olds (61 ± 9.0%, 55 ± 7.3%, p = 0.01). Both age groups remained above 50% telemedicine services at the end of the study period. There seemed to be higher utilization by females (females 54.2 ± 8.0%, males 47.9 ± 7.7%, ANCOVA p = 0.05) for all specialties, however, after adjusting for male to female ratio m:f of 0.952:1.0 according to the 2016 census, this was no longer significant.

Conclusions

The use of telemedicine services remained at a high level across groups, particularly the 10–50-year-olds. There were clear age preferences for using telemedicine. Studying these differences may provide insights into how the delivery of non-hospital-based medicine has changed during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Comprehensive characterization of adipogenesis-related genes in colorectal cancer for clinical significance and immunogenomic landscape analyses
Authors: Han Jing , Li Shangshang , Zhan Qiong , Hu Yuchao , Zhong Chaoxiang , Yang Jie , Qiu Zhengcai
Published: December 2023

Objective

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a major global health concern, necessitating the identification of biomarkers and molecular subtypes for improved clinical management. This study aims to evaluate the clinical value of adipogenesis-related genes and molecular subtypes in CRC.

Methods

A comprehensive analysis of adipogenesis-related genes in CRC was performed using publicly available datasets (TCGA and GEO database) and bioinformatics tools. Unsupervised cluster analysis was employed to identify the molecular subtypes of CRC, while LASSO regression analysis was utilized to develop a risk prognostic model. The immunogenomic patterns and immunotherapy analysis were used to predict patient response to immunotherapy. Furthermore, qPCR analysis was conducted to confirm the expression of the identified key genes in vitro.

Results

Through the analysis of RNAseq data from normal and tumor tissues, we identified 50 differentially expressed genes. Unsupervised cluster analysis identified two subtypes (Cluster A and Cluster B) with significantly different survival outcomes. Cluster A and B displayed differential immune cell compositions and enrichment in specific biological pathways, providing insights into potential therapeutic targets. A risk-scoring model was developed using five ARGs, which successfully classified patients into high and low-risk groups, showing distinct survival outcomes. The model was validated and showed robust predictive performance. High-risk patients exhibited altered immune cell proportions and gene expression patterns compared to low-risk patients. In qPCR validation, four out of the five key genes were consistent with the results of bioinformatics analysis.

Conclusion

Overall, the findings of our investigation offer valuable understanding regarding the clinical relevance of ARGs and molecular subtypes in CRC, laying the groundwork for improved precision medicine applications and personalized treatment modalities.
Systematic comparison of nonviral gene delivery strategies for efficient co-expression of two transgenes in human mesenchymal stem cells
Authors: Kozisek Tyler , Samuelson Luke , Hamann Andrew , Pannier Angela K.
Published: December 2023

Background

Human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) are being researched for cell-based therapies due to a host of unique properties, however, genetic modification of hMSCs, accomplished through nonviral gene delivery, could greatly advance their therapeutic potential. Furthermore, expression of multiple transgenes in hMSCs could greatly advance their clinical significance for treatment of multifaceted diseases, as individual transgenes could be expressed that target separate pathogenic drivers of complex diseases. Expressing multiple transgenes can be accomplished by delivering multiple DNA vectors encoding for each transgene, or by delivering a single poly-cistronic vector that encodes for each transgene and accomplishes expression through either use of multiple promoters, an internal ribosome entry site (IRES), or a 2A peptide sequence. These different transgene expression strategies have been used to express multiple transgenes in various mammalian cells, however, they have not been fully evaluated in difficult-to-transfect primary cells, like hMSCs. This study systematically compared four transgene expression and delivery strategies for expression of two reporter transgenes in four donors of hMSCs from two tissue sources using lipid- and polymer-mediate transfection, as follows: (i) delivery of separate DNA vectors in separate nanoparticles; (ii) delivery of separate DNA vectors combined in the same nanoparticle; (iii) delivery of a bi-cistronic DNA vector with an IRES sequence via nanoparticles; and (iv) delivery of a bi-cistronic DNA vector with a dual 2A peptide sequence via nanoparticles.

Results

Our results indicate that expression of two transgenes in hMSCs, independent of expression or delivery strategy, is inefficient compared to expressing a single transgene. However, delivery of separate DNA vectors complexed in the same nanoparticle, or delivery of a bi-cistronic DNA vector with a dual 2A peptide sequence, significantly increased the number of hMSCs expressing both transgenes compared to other conditions tested.

Conclusion

Separate DNA vectors delivered in the same nanoparticle and bi-cistronic DNA vectors with dual 2A peptide sequences are highly efficient at simultaneously expressing two transgenes in multiple donors of hMSCs from different tissue sources. The data presented in this work can guide the development of hMSC transfection systems for delivery of multiple transgenes, with the goal of producing clinically relevant, genetically modified hMSCs.
Eight-year chronic wound caused by Tarlov’s cyst: a case report
Authors: Huang Ya-Ning , Chang I-Wei , Li Sung-Tse , Lei Wei-Te
Published: December 2023

Background

Tarlov’s cyst is often underdiagnosed since it is difficult to identify without imaging assistance. Herein, we report the case of a young girl who presented with an 8-year history of chronic osteomyelitis of bilateral proximal phalanges and metatarsal bones caused by a Tarlov’s cyst that did not contain a nerve root. The chronic wound in the forefoot is an unusual presentation and resulted from the Tarlov’s cyst accompanied with tethered conus syndrome.

Case presentation

A 10-year-old Asian girl presented with an 8-year history of chronic osteomyelitis of bilateral proximal phalanges and metatarsal bones. She received sequestrectomy five times, however the immune function tests were all normal. A neurological examination revealed diminished sensation and a slapping gait pattern. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) demonstrated a lobulated cyst at the right aspect of the sacrum (S) 1 to sacrum (S) 3 canal near the dorsal root ganglion. Tethered conus syndrome was highly suspected. She received laminectomy of lumbar (L) 5 and S1–S2, which led to the diagnosis of a right S1–S3 epidural cyst. The final diagnosis from the histopathological examination was a right sacral Tarlov’s cyst. The clinical conditions of diminished sensation and slapping gait pattern greatly improved after successful surgical treatment.

Conclusion

In children who present with a recalcitrant chronic wound in the forefoot accompanied with a slapping gait pattern and foot hypoesthesia to pain, aggressive imaging examinations such as spine MRI should be arranged for further evaluation, especially in immunocompetent children.
Omission of Radiotherapy After Breast-Conserving Surgery for Women With Breast Cancer With Low Clinical and Genomic Risk: 5-Year Outcomes of IDEA
Authors: Jagsi Reshma , Griffith Kent A. , Harris Eleanor E. , Wright Jean L. , Recht Abram , Taghian Alphonse G. , Lee Lucille , Moran Meena S. , Small William , Johnstone Candice , Rahimi Asal , Freedman Gary , Muzaffar Mahvish , Haffty Bruce , Horst Kathleen , Powell Simon N. , Sharp Jody , Sabel Michael , Schott Anne , El-Tamer Mahmoud
Published: December 2023

PURPOSE

Multiple studies have shown a low risk of ipsilateral breast events (IBEs) or other recurrences for selected patients age 65-70 years or older with stage I breast cancers treated with breast-conserving surgery (BCS) and endocrine therapy (ET) without adjuvant radiotherapy. We sought to evaluate whether younger postmenopausal patients could also be successfully treated without radiation therapy, adding a genomic assay to classic selection factors.

METHODS

Postmenopausal patients age 50-69 years with pT1N0 unifocal invasive breast cancer with margins ≥2 mm after BCS whose tumors were estrogen receptor–positive, progesterone receptor–positive, and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2–negative with Oncotype DX 21-gene recurrence score ≤18 were prospectively enrolled in a single-arm trial of radiotherapy omission if they consented to take at least 5 years of ET. The primary end point was the rate of locoregional recurrence 5 years after BCS.

RESULTS

Between June 2015 and October 2018, 200 eligible patients were enrolled. Among the 186 patients with clinical follow-up of at least 56 months, overall and breast cancer–specific survival rates at 5 years were both 100%. The 5-year freedom from any recurrence was 99% (95% CI, 96 to 100). Crude rates of IBEs for the entire follow-up period for patients age 50-59 years and age 60-69 years were 3.3% (2/60) and 3.6% (5/140), respectively; crude rates of overall recurrence were 5.0% (3/60) and 3.6% (5/140), respectively.

CONCLUSION

This trial achieved a very low risk of recurrence using a genomic assay in combination with classic clinical and biologic features for treatment selection, including postmenopausal patients younger than 60 years. Long-term follow-up of this trial and others will help determine whether the option of avoiding initial radiotherapy can be offered to a broader group of women than current guidelines recommend.
Sztuczna inteligencja w procesach kształcenia i wychowania
Authors: Jaskuła Sylwia
Published: December 2023

Artificial intelligence is increasingly perceived as a central element of digital and social transformation and digitalisation of many sectors. Education can be the most important area in all fields of life, which will be under the influence of artificial intelligence. AI has the potential to meet some of the greatest challenges of today’s education, for example, to introduce innovations in teaching and learning practices, and ultimately to accelerate progress in these areas. Artificial intelligence, currently developed, can significantly change the present models of modern education both in teaching and educational processes, which – despite stable but insignificant evolution – still remain static in character, referring to old patterns which are no longer very relevant. In a particular way AI can support, among other things, the change of the mass education system in the direction of its individualisation. On the other hand, it is education that can play a substantial role in minimising threats which already accompany the development of artificial intelligence. It can educate not only in technical skills, but primarily educate to responsibly and ethically shape an artificial intelligence culture which has an increasing number of revealed disadvantages in addition to its advantages.
Explaining Canada’s Unsurprising Response to Russia’s Invasion of Ukraine, 2022–2023
Authors: Ettinger Aaron
Published: December 2023

This study argues that Canada’s foreign policy behavior has remained predictably unchanged in the face of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022. Historically, Canada’s foreign policy has been directed by external considerations, specifically a liberal international order, multilateralism, key allies, and the United States. These orientations have determined Canadian foreign policy for generations. They guide Canada’s foreign policy decision-making but are sometimes contradictory. In the case of Ukraine in 2022, however, these orientations aligned perfectly, allowing the Justin Trudeau government to participate in international efforts to support Ukraine without controversy. This paper surveys four major external orientations and one domestic orientation before describing the country’s contributions to international efforts to support Ukraine. It concludes with a discussion about the troubling implications of a foreign policy that is tightly linked to external consideration: the costs of exit and the fundamental purpose of Canada’s foreign policy in the first place.
The Iterates of the Frank–Wolfe Algorithm May Not Converge
Authors: Bolte Jérôme , Combettes Cyrille W. , Pauwels Edouard
Published: December 2023

The Frank–Wolfe algorithm is a popular method for minimizing a smooth convex function f over a compact convex set [Formula: see text]. Whereas many convergence results have been derived in terms of function values, almost nothing is known about the convergence behavior of the sequence of iterates [Formula: see text]. Under the usual assumptions, we design several counterexamples to the convergence of [Formula: see text], where f is d-time continuously differentiable, [Formula: see text], and [Formula: see text]. Our counterexamples cover the cases of open-loop, closed-loop, and line-search step-size strategies and work for any choice of the linear minimization oracle, thus demonstrating the fundamental pathologies in the convergence behavior of [Formula: see text].

Funding: The authors acknowledge the support of the AI Interdisciplinary Institute ANITI funding through the French “Investments for the Future – PIA3” program under the Agence Nationale de la Recherche (ANR) agreement [Grant ANR-19-PI3A0004], the Air Force Office of Scientific Research, Air Force Material Command, U.S. Air Force [Grants FA866-22-1-7012 and ANR MaSDOL 19-CE23-0017-0], ANR Chess [Grant ANR-17-EURE-0010], ANR Regulia, and Centre Lagrange.
Telenutrição no atendimento de adultos e idosos na Atenção Primária à Saúde durante a pandemia de Covid-19
Authors: Pinto Pereira Francielle Veloso , Da Silva Gabriela Tassoni , Schuch Ilaine
Published: December 2023

Introdução: Frente às recomendações de distanciamento social adotadas durante a pandemia de Covid-19, a assistência nutricional passou a incluir a modalidade de telenutrição na rotina da Atenção Primária à Saúde. Objetivo: Avaliar o teleatendimento de nutrição realizado na Atenção Primária à Saúde durante a pandemia de Covid-19, nas dimensões das orientações de cuidado e manejo de tecnologias. Métodos: Estudo descritivo com usuários adultos e idosos em teleatendimento nutricional de uma Unidade Básica de Saúde no Sul do Brasil, no período entre março de 2020 e março de 2021. Os dados foram coletados dos registros de prontuários eletrônicos e de entrevistas por chamada telefônica. Foram analisadas as características socioeconômicas dos participantes, bem como a avaliação da teleconsulta de nutrição e mudanças alimentares e de estilo de vida resultantes do acompanhamento nutricional, sendo os dados antropométricos obtidos por autorrelato. Utilizou-se estatística descritiva com cálculo de frequência absoluta e relativa, média e desvio padrão. Resultados: Total de 100 usuários entrevistados, sendo 53,0% adultos, a maioria mulheres (72,0%), de cor da pele branca (85,9%) e ensino médio completo (44,0%). O excesso de peso atingiu 78,6% das pessoas. A maioria negou dificuldades para compreender as orientações nutricionais (91,0%) ou necessitar de ajuda para utilizar as tecnologias (81,0%). A avaliação do usuário acerca do atendimento por meio remoto foi positiva, apontando melhora da qualidade da alimentação (79,7%),nos aspectos comportamentais (46,8%) e na prática de atividade física (53,2%). Conclusão: Usuários apresentaram avaliação positiva e boa adaptação ao método de atendimento remoto.
The plants in my street
Authors: Mountain Julie
Published: December 2023

For the last in the series, Julie Mountain rounds up a host of activity ideas using nature's resources – from tree bathing to mushroom spore printing and making wisteria cordial
Testing Housing Price Drivers in Santiago de Chile: A Hedonic Price Approach
Authors: Vergara-Perucich Francisco
Published: December 2023

Hedonic modelling is an empirical analysis technique that is widely used to review the housing market and unpack the main determinants of price. A correct determination of housing price drivers allows a weighted prediction of the value of each dwelling for sale or rent. This paper reviews the fundamental determinants of housing prices that have been published in the literature to see which ones have a better predictive fit for the case of the housing market in the city of Santiago, Chile. From a record of 456,000 property transactions, a dataset composed of 11 explanatory variables is elaborated. Through a semi-logarithmic regression, 4 variables that contribute to explaining the formation of housing prices in Santiago, Chile, are identified. The results indicate that the socioeconomic characterisation of urban areas where housing is traded, the price of copper on the London Metal Exchange, the mortgage interest rate, the age of residential buildings are the main drivers for the main drivers of prices in Santiago. Given the crisis of access to housing in Chile, the article provides relevant information for decision-makers in housing policy.
Prediction and simulation of a potential barrier block in Van der Waals heterojunction photodetectors
Authors: Liu Yangjun , Liang Haifeng , Li Yang
Published: December 2023

The pBp structure can effectively suppress the dark current of a photodetector by blocking the majority of carriers. However, it is a big challenge to carry out large-scale simulation optimization for two-dimensional (2D) pBp heterojunction photodetectors due to a lack of the device models. Here, a numerical simulation model of the 2D pBp heterojunction was established based on the finite element method to solve this problem. Using this model, the spatial distribution of the energy band is clarified for each layer. The concentration of nonuniformly distributed electrons, induced by the incident light and bias voltage, is obtained by solving the diffusion and drift equations. The characteristics of the photocurrent and the dark current could be presented and the quantum efficiency could be calculated by counting the ratio of the number of carriers collected at the terminals and the carriers photogenerated. The material parameters could be modified for the optimization of the simulation and prediction. In using our model, a BP/MoS2/graphene photodetector was constructed, and the simulation results show that it works effectively under a reverse bias ranging from −0.3 to 0 V. The external quantum efficiency is 18%, while the internal efficiency approaches 85%. The doping in the barrier region definitely does not affect the dark current and the photocurrent. These results are similar to experimental results published earlier. In addition, with the BP bandgap width of 0.8 eV and incident wavelength of 1.7 µm, the dark current density predicted by the model could reach 3.3×10−8A/cm2, which is two orders lower than the reported 2D photodetectors at room temperature. This proposed model provides a way to design 2D pBp heterojunction photodetectors.
Dynamic model for the strain-modulated spectral reflectance of the human skin in vivo
Authors: Huo Zongze , Wang Shibin , Wei Huixin , Cheng Xuanshi , Li Linan , Li Chuanwei , Wang Zhiyong
Published: December 2023

Hyperspectral imaging (HSI) offers a wealth of information regarding human skin. In this study, we established a dynamic skin spectral reflectance model (DSSR) relating the reflectance to skin surface strain, considering multi physiological and physical parameters of the skin. Experimentally, by HSI, we measured the reflectance variance of the forearm skin in vivo caused by the surface strain, and assessed these key parameters. For the human skin in vivo, within the strain range covered in this paper, stretching increases spectral reflectance, while compression decreases it. Our proposed model provides a possibility for non-contact strain measurement and health monitoring on the skin in vivo based on HSI.
Bragg gratings with novel waveguide models fabricated in bulk glass via fs-laser writing and their slow-light effects
Authors: Chen Qingtao , Boisvert Jean-Sébastien , Sharawi Mohammad S. , Kashyap Raman
Published: December 2023

We present the experimental realization of an innovative parallel partially overlapping waveguides (PO-WGs) model grounded in the thermal accumulated regime and fabricated using femtosecond (fs) laser direct-writing within low-iron bulk glass. The 75mm long novel PO-WGs model was made by partially overlapping the shell parts of two core-shell types of waveguides via a back-and-forth single pass fs-laser inscription. The detailed evolution of the PO-WGs model from inception to completion was offered, accompanying by a thorough characterization, which unveils a substantial refractive index (RI) change, on the order of 10−3, alongside low propagation loss (0.2 dB/cm) and distinctive features associated with the single mode and shell-guided light. Notably, the unsaturated performance of PO-WGs model after the primary inscription paves the way for potential applications in the successful creation of two distinctive types of Bragg gratings: first-order dot-Bragg grating and second-order line-Bragg grating. The 75 mm long dot-Bragg grating was written by a periodic dot array with a height of 6 µm atop the PO-WGs, and the birefringence was measured of 1.5 × 10−5 with a 16 pm birefringence-induced wavelength difference. The line-Bragg grating, which was inscribed with dual PO-WGs extending the line grating part to 40 mm in length along its period for increasing the transmission dip, exhibits a pronounced polarization dependence showcasing an effective birefringence of 4.2 × 10−4 at the birefringence-induced wavelength difference of 0.45 nm. We delved into the slow-light effects of the two Bragg gratings thoroughly, which the theoretical analysis revealed an effective group delay of 0.58 ns (group index 2.3) for the dot-Bragg grating. Similarly, the line-Bragg grating exhibited an effective group delay of 0.3 ns (group index 2.3), in good agreement with experimental measurements. These findings underscore the exciting potential of our gratings for creating optical slow-wave structures, particularly for future on-chip applications.
Parameters estimation-based calibration method for rotational axis of line-structured light 3D reconstruction
Authors: Li Tianyu , Duan Fajie , Liu Changwen , Fu Xiao , Chen AnQi , Liang Chunjiang , Li Jiaxin , Zheng Hao , Guo Guanghui
Published: December 2023

Rotation is a critical component in 3D reconstruction systems, where accurate calibration of rotation axis parameters is essential for 3D stitching. In this study, what we believe to be a novel parameters estimation-based method for calibrating rotation axis parameters using 2D planar targets is proposed. Compared to traditional circle fitting methods, this method takes both orientation and position information into account, resulting in better precision performance. By leveraging the transmission of spatial pose relationships, the parameters estimation-based calibration method also effectively mitigates the impact of noise for more accurate calibration of rotation axis parameters. Error validation and 3D reconstruction experiments proved the superior performance of the proposed method. The experiment results demonstrate the effectiveness and applicability of the approach in enhancing the calibration of rotation axis parameters for 3D reconstruction systems.
From roads to biobanks: Roadkill animals as a valuable source of genetic data
Authors: Coba-Males Manuel Alejandro , Medrano-Vizcaíno Pablo , Enríquez Sandra , Brito-Zapata David , Martin-Solano Sarah , Ocaña-Mayorga Sofía , Carrillo-Bilbao Gabriel Alberto , Narváez Wilmer , Salas Jaime Antonio , Arrivillaga-Henríquez Jazzmín , González-Suárez Manuela , Poveda Ana
Published: December 2023

To protect biodiversity we must understand its structure and composition including the bacteria and microparasites associated with wildlife, which may pose risks to human health. However, acquiring this knowledge often presents challenges, particularly in areas of high biodiversity where there are many undescribed and poorly studied species and funding resources can be limited. A solution to fill this knowledge gap is sampling roadkill (animals that die on roads as a result of collisions with circulating vehicles). These specimens can help characterize local wildlife and their associated parasites with fewer ethical and logistical challenges compared to traditional specimen collection. Here we test this approach by analyzing 817 tissue samples obtained from 590 roadkill vertebrate specimens (Amphibia, Reptilia, Aves and Mammalia) collected in roads within the Tropical Andes of Ecuador. First, we tested if the quantity and quality of recovered DNA varied across roadkill specimens collected at different times since death, exploring if decomposition affected the potential to identify vertebrate species and associated microorganisms. Second, we compared DNA stability across taxa and tissues to identify potential limitations and offer recommendations for future work. Finally, we illustrate how these samples can aid in taxonomic identification and parasite detection. Our study shows that sampling roadkill can help study biodiversity. DNA was recovered and amplified (allowing species identification and parasite detection) from roadkill even 120 hours after death, although risk of degradation increased overtime. DNA was extracted from all vertebrate classes but in smaller quantities and with lower quality from amphibians. We recommend sampling liver if possible as it produced the highest amounts of DNA (muscle produced the lowest). Additional testing of this approach in areas with different environmental and traffic conditions is needed, but our results show that sampling roadkill specimens can help detect and potentially monitor biodiversity and could be a valuable approach to create biobanks and preserve genetic data.