bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Advanced immunotherapies for glioblastoma: tumor neoantigen vaccines in combination with immunomodulators
Authors: Segura-Collar Berta , Hiller-Vallina Sara , de Dios Olaya , Caamaño-Moreno Marta , Mondejar-Ruescas Lucia , Sepulveda-Sanchez Juan M. , Gargini Ricardo
Published: May 2023

Glial-origin brain tumors, including glioblastomas (GBM), have one of the worst prognoses due to their rapid and fatal progression. From an oncological point of view, advances in complete surgical resection fail to eliminate the entire tumor and the remaining cells allow a rapid recurrence, which does not respond to traditional therapeutic treatments. Here, we have reviewed new immunotherapy strategies in association with the knowledge of the immune micro-environment. To understand the best lines for the future, we address the advances in the design of neoantigen vaccines and possible new immune modulators. Recently, the efficacy and availability of vaccine development with different formulations, especially liposome plus mRNA vaccines, has been observed. We believe that the application of new strategies used with mRNA vaccines in combination with personalized medicine (guided by different omic’s strategies) could give good results in glioma therapy. In addition, a large part of the possible advances in new immunotherapy strategies focused on GBM may be key improving current therapies of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI), given the fact that this type of tumor has been highly refractory to ICI.
Severe CTE and TDP-43 pathology in a former professional soccer player with dementia: a clinicopathological case report and review of the literature
Authors: van Amerongen Suzan , Kamps Suzie , Kaijser Kyra K. M. , Pijnenburg Yolande A. L. , Scheltens Philip , Teunissen Charlotte E. , Barkhof Frederik , Ossenkoppele Rik , Rozemuller Annemieke J. M. , Stern Robert A. , Hoozemans Jeroen J. M. , Vijverberg Everard G. B.
Published: May 2023

In the last decades, numerous post-mortem case series have documented chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) in former contact-sport athletes, though reports of CTE pathology in former soccer players are scarce. This study presents a clinicopathological case of a former professional soccer player with young-onset dementia. The patient experienced early onset progressive cognitive decline and developed dementia in his mid-50 s, after playing soccer for 12 years at a professional level. While the clinical picture mimicked Alzheimer’s disease, amyloid PET imaging did not provide evidence of elevated beta-amyloid plaque density. After he died in his mid-60 s, brain autopsy showed severe phosphorylated tau (p-tau) abnormalities fulfilling the neuropathological criteria for high-stage CTE, as well as astrocytic and oligodendroglial tau pathology in terms of tufted astrocytes, thorn-shaped astrocytes, and coiled bodies. Additionally, there were TAR DNA-binding protein 43 (TDP-43) positive cytoplasmic inclusions in the frontal lobe and hippocampus, and Amyloid Precursor Protein (APP) positivity in the axons of the white matter. A systematic review of the literature revealed only 13 other soccer players with postmortem diagnosis of CTE. Our report illustrates the complex clinicopathological correlation of CTE and the need for disease-specific biomarkers.
Comparison of the efficacy and comfort of high-flow nasal cannula with different initial flow settings in patients with acute hypoxemic respiratory failure: a systematic review and network meta-analysis
Authors: He Yuewen , Zhuang Xuhui , Liu Hao , Ma Wuhua
Published: May 2023

Background

High-flow nasal cannula (HFNC) has been proven effective in improving patients with acute hypoxemic respiratory failure (AHRF), but a discussion of its use for initial flow settings still need to be provided. We aimed to compare the effectiveness and comfort evaluation of HFNC with different initial flow settings in patients with AHRF.

Methods

Studies published by October 10, 2022, were searched exhaustively in PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Cochrane Library (CENTRAL), and the China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) database. Network meta-analysis (NMA) was performed with STATA 17.0 and R software (version 4.2.1). A Bayesian framework was applied for this NMA. Comparisons of competing models based on the deviance information criterion (DIC) were used to select the best model for NMA. The primary outcome is the intubation at day 28. Secondary outcomes included short-term and long-term mortality, comfort score, length of ICU or hospital stay, and 24-h PaO2/FiO2.

Results

This NMA included 23 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) with 5774 patients. With NIV as the control, the HFNC_high group was significantly associated with lower intubation rates (odds ratio [OR] 0.72 95% credible interval [CrI] 0.56 to 0.93; moderate quality evidence) and short-term mortality (OR 0.81 95% CrI 0.69 to 0.96; moderate quality evidence). Using HFNC_Moderate (Mod) group (mean difference [MD] − 1.98 95% CrI -3.98 to 0.01; very low quality evidence) as a comparator, the HFNC_Low group had a slight advantage in comfort scores but no statistically significant difference. Of all possible interventions, the HFNC_High group had the highest probability of being the best in reducing intubation rates (73.04%), short-term (82.74%) and long-term mortality (67.08%). While surface under the cumulative ranking curve value (SUCRA) indicated that the HFNC_Low group had the highest probability of being the best in terms of comfort scores.

Conclusions

The high initial flow settings (50–60 L/min) performed better in decreasing the occurrence of intubation and mortality, albeit with poor comfort scores. Treatment of HFNC for AHRF patients ought to be initiated from moderate flow rates (30–40 L/min), and individualized flow settings can make HFNC more sensible in clinical practice.
Response to the impact of COVID-19 by health professions education institutions in Africa: a case study on preparedness for remote learning and teaching
Authors: Chipamaunga Shalote , Nyoni Champion Nestai , Kagawa Mike Nantamu , Wessels Quenton , Kafumukache Elliot , Gwini Rudo , Kandawasvika Gwendoline , Katowa-Mukwato Patricia , Masanganise Rangarirai , Nyamakura Rudo , Nyawata Idah , Pretorius Louise , Dithole Kefalotse , Marimo Clemence , Mubuuke Aloysius Gonzaga , Mbalinda Scovia Nalugo , van der Merwe Lynette Jean , Prozesky Detlef
Published: May 2023

Background

Africa, like other parts of the world, continuously strives to deliver quality health professions education. These efforts are influenced to a larger extent by the socio-economic and cultural context of the region, but also by what happens globally. The global disruption caused by the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 necessitated the implementation of emergency remote teaching to continue delivering on the mandate of educating future health professionals. The purpose of this research was to describe the response of selected health professions education institutions in Southern Africa to the impact of COVID-19 and their preparedness for remote learning and teaching.

Methods

A case study design was applied using an adapted ADKAR model as a conceptual framework for data interpretation. The purposively selected study population consisted of educators, students, and administrators in undergraduate medical and nursing programmes from six institutions in five countries.

Results

A total of 1307 respondents provided data for the study. Many of the institutions were caught off-guard when most educators and almost all students were required to leave their universities and go home. Stakeholders immediately became aware of the need to adopt online approaches as an emergency measure. In all programmes, educators, students, and administrators agreed that change was desired, and students realised that they had to take charge of their own learning independently. Overall educators reported confidence in the ability to use of standard Microsoft software, while knowledge of learning management systems proved more challenging for both educators and students. Many stakeholders, especially students and administrators, reported uncertainty about their ability to function in the new reality. Conducive family dynamics, a quiet space to study, good connectivity, a reliable electricity supply and appropriate devices were reported to reinforce learning and teaching.

Conclusions

The findings highlight the need for higher education institutions to prepare for alternative modes to face-to-face learning and teaching approaches with the ultimate aim of transitioning to full online learning more expeditiously. This requires scaling up educational infrastructure, prioritising strategic directives driving continuous professional development of educators and fostering co-constructivist approaches towards student centered education.
Research utility and limitations of textual data in the National Violent Death Reporting System: a scoping review and recommendations
Authors: Dang Linh N. , Kahsay Eskira T. , James LaTeesa N. , Johns Lily J. , Rios Isabella E. , Mezuk Briana
Published: May 2023

Background

Many studies of injury deaths rely on mortality data that contain limited contextual information about decedents. The National Violent Death Reporting System (NVDRS) is unique among such data systems in that each observation includes both quantitative variables and qualitative texts (called “narratives”) abstracted from original source documents. These narratives provide rich data regarding salient circumstances that can be used to inform prevention efforts. This review provides a comprehensive summary of peer-reviewed research using NVDRS narratives over the past 20 years, including the limitations of these texts and provides recommendations on utilizing and improving narrative quality for researchers and practitioners.

Main body

Studies that used narratives to examine deaths related to suicide, homicide, undetermined intent, accidental firearm, or legal intervention were identified by a title/abstract screening, followed by a full-text review. The search was conducted on English-language, peer-reviewed literature and government reports published from 2002 to 2022 in PubMed, PsycInfo, Scopus, and Google Scholar. Abstracted elements focused on the methodologies used to analyze the narratives, including approaches to explore potential biases in these texts. Articles were abstracted independently by two reviewers, with disagreements resolved through consensus discussion. During the 20-year period, 111 articles used narratives. Two-thirds studied suicide (n = 48, 43%) and homicides (n = 25, 23%). Most studies analyzed the narratives using manual review (n = 81, 73%) and keyword searches (n = 9, 8%), with only 6 (5%) using machine learning tools. Narratives were mainly used for case finding (n = 49, 44%) and characterization of circumstances around deaths (n = 38, 34%). Common challenges included variability in the narratives and lack of relevant circumstantial details for case characterization.

Conclusion

Although the use of narratives has increased over time, these efforts would be enhanced by detailed abstraction of circumstances with greater salience to injury research and prevention. Moreover, researchers and practitioners would benefit from guidance on integrating narratives with quantitative variables and standardized approaches to address variability in the completeness and length of narratives. Such efforts will increase the reliability of findings and set the stage for more widespread applications of data science methods to these texts.
Acquired hemophilia A developing in the perioperative period of pancreatoduodenectomy: a report of two cases
Authors: Kubo Hidemasa , Ashida Ryo , Ohgi Katsuhisa , Fukaya Masafumi , Umezaki Naoki , Yamada Mihoko , Otsuka Shimpei , Uesaka Katsuhiko , Sugiura Teiichi
Published: May 2023

Background

Acquired hemophilia A (AHA) is a rare disease characterized by a prolonged activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) and the production of coagulation factor VIII inhibitors. We encountered two cases of AHA in the perioperative period of pancreatoduodenectomy (PD).

Case presentation

Case 1: A 76-year-old woman with intraductal papillary mucinous carcinoma developed acute cholecystitis 5 days before PD. Despite immediate improvement in her acute cholecystitis with biliary drainage and antibiotics, her aPTT level was prolonged (55.9 s). PD was performed as scheduled. On postoperative day (POD) 2, she developed intra-abdominal hemorrhaging that required reoperation. However, intra-abdominal bleeding and concomitant anemia persisted after reoperation. On POD 13, she was diagnosed with AHA based on the detection of an inhibitor of coagulation factor VIII. Despite hemostatic and immunosuppressive treatment, including massive blood transfusion, her general condition gradually worsened due to continuous bleeding and secondary infections. She ultimately died of multiple organ failure on POD 71.Case 2: An 82-year-old man received PD for distal cholangiocarcinoma. On POD 3, a small amount of blood via abdominal drainage was observed. On POD 4, his aPTT level was prolonged (61.5 s). On POD 8, subcutaneous hemorrhaging of the median wound was observed, and corticosteroids were administered under suspicion of AHA on POD 9. On POD 15, an inhibitor of FVIII was detected, and he was diagnosed with AHA. On POD 17, the aPTT level had normalized, and an inhibitor of FVIII was undetectable. On POD 41, he was discharged without any serious hemorrhagic events.

Conclusions

AHA may be more frequent than previously reported. When unexplained prolonged aPTT or bleeding symptoms are observed, it is important to keep AHA in mind during the perioperative period of invasive surgery.
Vegetation as a key driver of the distribution of microbial generalists that in turn shapes the overall microbial community structure in the low Arctic tundra
Authors: Wong Shu-Kuan , Cui Yingshun , Chun Seong-Jun , Kaneko Ryo , Masumoto Shota , Kitagawa Ryo , Mori Akira S. , Lim An Suk , Uchida Masaki
Published: May 2023

Understanding the variability of microbial niches and their interaction with abiotic and biotic factors in the Arctic can provide valuable insights into microbial adaptations to extreme environments. This study investigates the structure and diversity of soil bacterial communities obtained from sites with varying vegetation coverage and soil biogeochemical properties in the low Arctic tundra and explores how bacteria interact under different environmental parameters. Our findings reveal differences in bacterial composition and abundance among three bacterial niche breadths (specialists, common taxa, and generalists). Co-occurrence network analysis revealed Rhizobiales and Ktedonobacterales as keystone taxa that connect and support other microbes in the habitat. Low-elevation indicators, such as vascular plants and moisture content, were correlated with two out of three generalist modular hubs and were linked to a large proportion of generalists’ distribution (18%). Structural equation modeling revealed that generalists’ distribution, which influenced the remaining microbial communities, was mainly regulated by vegetation coverage as well as other abiotic and biotic factors. These results suggest that elevation-dependent environmental factors directly influence microbial community structure and module formation through the regulation of generalists’ distribution. Furthermore, the distribution of generalists was mainly affected by macroenvironment filtering, whereas the distribution of specialists was mainly affected by microenvironment filtering (species-engineered microbial niche construction). In summary, our findings highlight the strong top–down control exerted by vegetation on generalists’ distribution, which in turn shapes the overall microbial community structure in the low Arctic tundra.
Membership intermediaries: a study of pluri-generational mixed-status families in Italy and France
Authors: Bonizzoni Paola , Fresnoza-Flot Asuncion
Published: May 2023

Insider family citizens—that is, people who, according to their nationality/legal status and the possession of crucial resources for the settlement of their relatives in a foreign context—occupy an especially important place within a wide and diversified set of family relationships. Drawing on qualitative interviews with migrant women and children in mixed-status families in Italy and France, we argue that they can act as ‘membership intermediaries’ towards migrant spouses and a wider set of kin. First, facilitating non-citizen relatives’ formal incorporation in receiving countries through the provision of specially privileged forms of legality. Second, providing various resources for migrants’ informal incorporation, including housing ownership, additional income, emotional, and cultural capital. Nonetheless, the ambivalent dependencies these processes trigger can become sources of contention, heightening gender and intergenerational power imbalances in the household.
Different muscle strategy during head/knee level of functional reaching-transporting task to decrease falling probability in postmenopausal women with osteoporosis
Authors: Hatami Marzie , Torkaman Giti , Ashtiani Mohammad Najafi , Mohebi Sanaz
Published: May 2023

Background

The reaching-transporting task as an essential daily activity impacts balance control and falling in older women. This study investigated the different muscle strategies during the head/knee level of the functional reaching-transporting task in postmenopausal women with osteoporosis.

Methods

24 postmenopausal volunteers were classified into two groups based on the lumbar T-score: osteoporosis (≤ -2.5, n = 12) and non-osteoporosis (> –1, n = 12). Using a custom-designed device, participants randomly performed 12 reaching-transporting tasks at the head and knee levels. Electromyography signals were collected while reaching and transporting phases with a wireless system. The peak of the root means square (PRMS) and time to PRMS (TPRMS) were measured. In addition, the isometric muscle strength and the fear of falling were assessed.

Results

The isometric muscle strength in the osteoporotic group was significantly lower than in the non-osteoporotic group (P < 0.05), except for vastus lateralis (VL). The PRMS of VL, (P = 0.010) during the reaching phase and VL (P = 0.002) and gastrocnemius lateralis (GL) (P < 0.001) during transporting phase was greater than the non-osteoporotic group. The PRMS value of the muscles was greater for reaching-transporting at the knee level than the head level; this increase was significant just for VL and biceps femoris during the transporting phase (P = 0.036 and P = 0.004, respectively).

Conclusion

Osteoporotic women have more muscle activities during the reaching-transporting task, especially at the knee level, compared to the head level. Their muscle weakness may lead to insufficient stability during the task and cause disturbance and falling, which requires further investigation.
Development and validation of fear of hypoglycemia screener: results from the T1D exchange registry
Authors: Liu Jingwen , Poon Jiat-Ling , Bispham Jeoffrey , Perez-Nieves Magaly , Hughes Allyson , Chapman Katherine , Mitchell Beth , Hood Korey , Snoek Frank , Fisher Lawrence
Published: May 2023

Background

Fear of Hypoglycemia (FoH) in people with diabetes has a significant impact on their quality of life, psychological well-being, and self-management of disease. There are a few questionnaires assessing FoH in people living with diabetes, but they are more often used in research than clinical practice. This study aimed to develop and validate a short and actionable FoH screener for adults living with type 1 diabetes (T1D) for use in routine clinical practice.

Methods

We developed an initial screener based on literature review and, interviews with healthcare providers (HCPs) and people with T1D. We developed a cross-sectional web-based survey, which was then conducted to examine the reliability and validity of the screener. Adults (aged ≥ 18 years) with diagnosis of T1D for ≥ 1 year were recruited from the T1D Exchange Registry (August–September 2020). The validation analyses were conducted using exploratory factor analyses, correlation, and multivariable regression models for predicting cut-off scores for the final screener.

Results

The final FoH screener comprised nine items assessing two domains, “worry” (6-items) and “avoidance behavior” (three items), in 592 participants. The FoH screener showed good internal consistency (Cronbach’s α = 0.88). The screener also demonstrated high correlations (r = 0.71–0.75) with the Hypoglycemia Fear Survey and moderate correlations with depression, anxiety, and diabetes distress scales (r = 0.44–0.66). Multivariable regression analysis showed that higher FoH screener scores were significantly associated with higher glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) (b = 0.04) and number of comorbidities (b = 0.03).

Conclusions

This short FoH screener demonstrated good reliability and validity. Further research is planned to assess clinical usability to identify patients with FoH and assist effective HCP-patient conversations.
Estimation of stature in a quilombola community in northeastern Brazil using anthropometric measurements of the hands
Authors: Aragão José Aderval , do Sacramento Erick Mendonça , Marcelo Israel Santos , Aragão Iapunira Catarina Sant’Anna , Aragão Felipe Matheus Sant’Anna , Reis Francisco Prado
Published: May 2023

Background

Estimating or predicting stature, using fragments of the body or components of the human skeleton, for this purpose, originates from the idea of proportionality between the different parts of the body. The aim of this study is to estimate stature from anthropometric measurements of the hands (length and width). The sample consisted of 300 individuals from a quilombola community in northeastern Brazil, 150 males and 150 females. All people from the quilombola community, enjoying good general health, were included, and those people who presented deformities of the hand, spine, and lower limbs were excluded.

Result

The correlation coefficients between stature and hand length values were positive and moderate. As for females, the correlation between stature and lengths of the right and left hands were respectively 0.574 (p < 0.0001) and 0.612 (p < 0.0001).

Conclusion

The measure that best correlated with stature in the quilombola community in northeastern Brazil was hand length for both sexes, with the highest correlation for females.
Machine learning based GNSS signal classification and weighting scheme design in the built environment: a comparative experiment
Authors: Li Lintong , Elhajj Mireille , Feng Yuxiang , Ochieng Washington Yotto
Published: May 2023

None-Line-of-Sight (NLOS) signals denote Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) signals received indirectly from satellites and could result in unacceptable positioning errors. To meet the high mission-critical transportation and logistics demand, NLOS signals received in the built environment should be detected, corrected, and excluded. This paper proposes a cost-effective NLOS impact mitigation approach using only GNSS receivers. By exploiting more signal Quality Indicators (QIs), such as the standard deviation of pseudorange, Carrier-to-Noise Ratio (C/N0), elevation and azimuth angle, this paper compares machine-learning-based classification algorithms to detect and exclude NLOS signals in the pre-processing step. The probability of the presence of NLOS is predicted using regression algorithms. With a pre-defined threshold, the signals can be classified as Line-of-Sight (LOS) or NLOS. The probability of the occurrence of NLOS is also used for signal subset selection and specification of a novel weighting scheme. The novel weighting scheme consists of both C/N0and elevation angle and NLOS probability. Experimental results show that the best LOS/NLOS classification algorithm is the random forest. The best QI set for NLOS classification is the first three QIs mentioned above and the difference of azimuth angle. The classification accuracy obtained from this proposed algorithm can reach 93.430%, with 2.810% false positives. The proposed signal classifier and weighting scheme improved the positioning accuracy by 69.000% and 40.700% in the horizontal direction, 79.361% and 75.322% in the vertical direction, and 75.963% and 67.824% in the 3D direction.
Precursor B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia presenting with isolated skin relapse: a pediatric case report
Authors: Düzenli Kar Yeter , Özdemir Zeynep Canan , Töret Ersin , Yılmaz Evrim , Bör Özcan
Published: May 2023

Background

In childhood acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL), relapse is most commonly seen in the bone marrow (10–20%), followed by the central nervous system (3–8%). Isolated skin relapse is very rare in ALL. We report an 8-year-old child presented with isolated skin relapse.

Case presentation

An eight-year-old female patient presented with swelling on the scalp 3 months after the completion of the ALLIC-BFM 2009 chemotherapy protocol administered due to the diagnosis of precursor B-cell (pre-B) ALL. Physical examination revealed a hard, painless, hyperemic, nodule-shaped lesion measuring 2 × 1 cm on the right parietal bone. Atypical hematopoietic cells with the prominent nucleolus, narrow cytoplasm, and immunohistochemically stained with CD 10, 19, 22, 79-a, and TdT were observed in the histopathological examination of the skin lesion. There was no blast in the bone marrow aspiration smear and cerebrospinal fluid. The patient was diagnosed with aleukemic leukemia cutis (LC) and pre-B ALL, presenting as an isolated relapse.

Conclusion

Aleukemic LC is a very rare finding after leukemia treatment. It may present with various cutaneous lesions, such as a papule, macule, plaque, nodule, palpable purpura, and ulcerative lesions. Leukemia cutis should be considered in the differential diagnosis of skin lesions developing during or after treatment in children with leukemia.
Radiomics reproducibility challenge in computed tomography imaging as a nuisance to clinical generalization: a mini-review
Authors: Jahanshahi Amirreza , Soleymani Yunus , Fazel Ghaziani Mona , Khezerloo Davood
Published: May 2023

Background

Radiomics has demonstrated striking potential in accurate cancer diagnosis but still needs strengthening of validity and standardization to achieve reproducible and generalizable results. Despite the advantages of radiomics, inter-scanner and intra-scanner variations of computed tomography (CT) scanning parameters can affect the reproducibility of its results. Accordingly, this article aims to review the impact of CT scanning parameters on the reproducibility of radiomics results.

Main body of the abstract

In general, radiomics results are sensitive to changes in the noise level; therefore, any parameter that affects image noise, such as kilovoltage (kVp), tube current (mAs), slice thickness, spatial resolution, image reconstruction algorithm, etc., can affect radiomics results. Also, region of interest (ROI) segmentation is another fundamental challenge in reducing radiomics reproducibility. Studies showed that almost all scanning parameters affect the reproducibility of radiomics. However, some robust features are reproducible.

Short conclusion

One of the solutions to overcome the radiomics reproducibility challenge is the standardization of imaging protocols according to noise level (not scanning protocols). The second solution is to list reproducible features according to the type of complication and anatomical region. Resampling may also overcome feature instability.
The additive value of diffusion tensor imaging in the determination of perianal fistula activity
Authors: Mohsen Mohamed , Elmansy Mostafa , Gad Mona A. , Mahmoud Mohamed Mostafa , Elhawary Mohammed A.
Published: May 2023

Background

Although the activity of the perianal fistula has been evaluated before by MRI in the literature, limited diffusion tensor magnetic resonance imaging (DT-MRI) studies are reported to date. Our study aimed to elucidate the role of DT-MRI in evaluating the activity state of the perianal fistula and the prediction of postoperative complications. We reviewed the data of 30 patients diagnosed with perianal fistula and referred them for an MRI diffusion study before the surgical intervention. Apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) and fractional anisotropy (FA) were calculated for the fistulous area and the normal surrounding puborectalis as a control area.

Results

According to the presence of pus intraoperatively, patients were allocated into two groups: the active group (10 patients) and the inactive group (20 patients). FA and ADC measurements showed a significant decrease in association with the active disease when measured at the fistula site, and this was not observed in the normal surrounding tissues. The area under the curve (AUC) was 0.985 and 0.730 for the ADC and FA, respectively, when cutoff values of 1 × 10–3 mm2/s and 0.621 were applied, respectively. Adding the FA to the ADC increased the DT-MRI specificity to 95% in the determination of the active fistula. The combination between both FA and ADC increased the AUC to 0.785 with a sensitivity of 73.7% and specificity of 63.6% in the detection of postoperative complications.

Conclusions

DT-MRI could be used as a reliable diagnostic tool to differentiate patients with active perianal fistula disease from inactive ones and to predict the postoperative outcome.
Modelling and analysis of three-phase grid-tied photovoltaic systems
Authors: Dandoussou Abraham , Kenfack Pierre
Published: May 2023

The global warming of the planet is as a result of human activities. Fossil fuel depletion and its high prices have caused a worldwide economic instability; governments around the world turn to alternative energy sources that are pollution-free. Solar photovoltaic system is one of the biggest renewable energy resources to generate electrical power and the fastest growing power generation in the world. The objectives of this work are: to ensure the maximum power point tracking (MPPT) in the side of the PV panels, to ensure the DC–DC boost converter boosts DC voltage by using the MPPT algorithm and pulse width modulation (PWM) technique, to invert the boosted DC voltage to three-phase AC voltages by using sine PWM technique to five-level VSI, to synchronize the PV-generated power to the grid power aided by the synchronous reference frame (SRF) controller. The step of modelling the photovoltaic system with MATLAB/Simulink was performed with RL-load and L-load and %THD got through FFT analysis. The results show that the DC voltage generated by the PVA produces an AC current sinusoidal at the output of the inverter. The contribution of the PV system to the grid consequently reduces the power fluctuation of the grid.
A deep learning-based brain-computer interaction system for speech and motor impairment
Authors: Mohamed Nader A. Rahman
Published: May 2023

Some people may experience accidents, strokes, or diseases that lead to both motor and speech disabilities, making it difficult to communicate with others. Those with paralysis face daily challenges in meeting their basic needs, particularly if they have difficulty speaking. Individuals with dysarthria, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, and similar conditions may find it challenging to understand speech.

The proposed system for automatic recognition of daily basic needs aims to improve the quality of life for individuals suffering from dysarthria and quadriplegic paralysis. The system achieves this by recognizing and analyzing brain signals and converting them to either audible voice commands or texts that can be sent to a healthcare provider's mobile phone based on the system settings.

The proposed system uses a convolutional neural network (CNN) model to detect event-related potentials (ERPs) within the EEG signal to select one of six basic daily needs while displaying their images randomly. Ten volunteers participated in this study, contributing to the creation of the dataset used for training, testing, and validation. The proposed approach achieved an accuracy of 78.41%.
Colorectal Cancer Screening in the Middle East: What, Why, Who, When, and How?
Authors: Shamseddine Ali , Chehade Laudy , Al Mahmasani Layal , Charafeddine Maya
Published: May 2023

The incidence of colorectal cancer (CRC) in the Middle East is increasing, especially among those younger than 50 years. Risk factors including obesity, sedentary lifestyle, and dietary changes are associated with the epidemiologic shift and are a result of socioeconomic changes happening in the region. Worldwide, CRC screening is associated with decreased incidence and mortality of CRC, but screening uptake is still low in the Middle East because of cultural barriers and lack of awareness; in addition, most countries do not have national screening programs. Knowledge of CRC screening and participation rates vary among different countries, but overall they are low. Both primary and secondary prevention approaches are needed in the Middle East, and cost-effectiveness is important in choosing screening modalities. Although colonoscopy is considered the most robust screening method, stool-based testing may be an acceptable screening strategy in resource-limited settings, and focusing on high-risk individuals such as those with hereditary CRC might be the most cost-effective strategy. In addition to financial limitations in many countries in the Middle East, human displacement places an extra toll on cancer control strategies in the region.
The Maine Cancer Genomics Initiative: Implementing a Community Cancer Genomics Program Across an Entire Rural State
Authors: Rueter Jens , Anderson Eric C. , Graham Leah C. , Antov Andrey , Helbig Petra , Gaitor Lory , Bourne Jennifer , Edelman Emily , Reed E. Kate , Reddi Honey V. , Mockus Susan , DiPalazzo John , Lu-Emerson Christine , Inhorn Roger , Sinclair Sarah J. , Thomas Christian A. , Brooks Philip L. , Rasmussen Karen , Han Paul , Liu Edison T. ,   MCGI Working Group
Published: May 2023

PURPOSE

The Maine Cancer Genomics Initiative (MCGI) aimed to overcome patient- and provider-level barriers to using genomic tumor testing (GTT) in rural practices by providing genomic tumor boards (GTBs), clinician education, and access to comprehensive large-panel next-generation sequencing to all patients with cancer in Maine. This paper describes the successful implementation of the initiative and three key services made operative between 2016 and 2020.

METHODS

A community-inclusive, hub-and-spoke approach was taken to implement the three program components: (1) a centralized GTB program; (2) a modular online education program, designed using an iterative approach with broad clinical stakeholders; and (3) GTT free of charge to clinicians and patients. Implementation timelines, participation metrics, and survey data were used to describe the rollout.

RESULTS

The MCGI was launched over an 18-month period at all 19 oncology practices in the State. Seventy-nine physicians (66 medical oncologists, 5 gynecologic oncologists, 1 neuro-oncologist, and 7 pediatric oncologists) enrolled on the study, representing 100% of all practicing oncologists in Maine. Between July 2017 and September 2020, 1610 patients were enrolled. A total of 515 cases were discussed by 47 (73%) clinicians in 196 GTBs. Clinicians who participated in the GTBs enrolled significantly more patients on the study, stayed in Maine, and reported less time spent in clinical patient care.

CONCLUSION

The MCGI was able to engage geographically and culturally disparate cancer care practices in a precision oncology program using a hub-and-spoke model. By facilitating access to GTT, structured education, and GTBs, we narrowed the gap in the implementation of precision oncology in one of the most rural states in the country.
Unravelling the nonlinear ideal density response of many-body systems
Authors: Tolias Panagiotis , Dornheim Tobias , Moldabekov Zhandos A. , Vorberger Jan
Published: May 2023

Nonlinear density response theory is revisited focusing on the harmonically perturbed finite temperature uniform electron gas. Within the non-interacting limit, brute force quantum kinetic theory calculations for the quadratic, cubic, quartic and quintic responses reveal a deep connection with the linear response. Careful analysis of the static long wavelength limit led us to conjecture a canonical non-interacting form that expresses arbitrary order nonlinear responses as the weighted sum of the linear responses evaluated at all multiple harmonics. This harmonic expansion is successfully validated against ab initio path integral Monte Carlo simulations.
Ultrasound-Guided Glossopharyngeal Nerve Block for an Awake Intubation in a Patient Predicted to Have a Difficult Airway: A Case Report
Authors: Wada Nozomi , Furutani Akiko , Tokumine Joho , Nakazawa Harumasa , Shimazu Keisuke , Yorozu Tomoko
Published: May 2023

A peripheral nerve block may be used to improve patient tolerance of awake intubation. During an awake intubation, the glossopharyngeal, superior laryngeal, and recurrent laryngeal nerves can mediate discomfort, pain, cough, glottic closure, and gag reflexes. We describe the use of ultrasound-guided superior laryngeal, recurrent laryngeal, and glossopharyngeal nerve blocks to facilitate awake intubation in a patient predicted to have a difficult airway. The glossopharyngeal nerve block was performed via the parapharyngeal space approach targeting the distal glossopharyngeal nerve. This procedure resulted in an uneventful awake intubation.
Political Plants
Authors: Chatterjee Sria
Published: May 2023

This essay considers a series of examples of contemporary and early twentieth-century artistic projects done in collaboration and conversation with plant scientists around the theme of plant sentience. In particular, it zooms in on the work of the Indian biophysicist Jadagish Chandra Bose and the Indian artist Gaganendranath Tagore in the 1920s and the Italian plant scientist Stephano Mancuso and German artist Carsten Höller in the 2020s. The essay has four interconnected aims. The first is to investigate how and why plant sentience is visually and spatially represented by artists. The second is to show through two broad examples how plant science can be and has been co-opted to serve different political, economic, and ideological positions. The third and broader aim of this essay is to counter a widespread ethical assertion in environmental humanities and animal studies that destabilizing human-nonhuman binaries intrinsically lends itself to projects of environmental justice by encouraging humans to coexist more equitably with other species. In other words, we should not assume that artistic production is spontaneously aligned to ethics of multispecies justice. The fourth and concluding aim is to make the related argument that plant sentience and other ways of knowing and relating across species need to be understood within the context of colonial and extractive histories.
Can MRI biomarkers for hearing loss in enlarged vestibular aqueduct be measured reproducibly?
Authors: Saeed Haroon S , Rajai Azita , Dixon Rachel , Kapadia Tejas , Bruce Iain A , Stivaros Stavros
Published: May 2023

Objective:

Morphological features of an enlarged endolymphatic duct (ED) and sac (ES) are imaging biomarkers for genotype and hearing loss phenotype. We determine which biomarkers can be measured in a reproducible manner, facilitating further clinical prediction studies in enlarged vestibular aqueduct hearing loss.

Methods:

A rater reproducibility study. Three consultant radiologists independently measured previously reported MRI ED & ES biomarkers (ED midpoint width, maximal ED diameter closest to the vestibule, ES length, ES width and presence of ES signal heterogeneity) and presence of incomplete partition Type 2 from 80 ears (T2 weighted axial MRI). Interclass correlation coefficients (ICC) and Gwet’s Agreement Coefficients (AC) were generated to give a measure of reproducibility for both continuous and categorical feature measures respectively.

Results:

ES length, width and sac signal heterogeneity showed adequate reproducibility (ICC 95% confidence intervals 0.77–0.95, Gwet’s AC for sac heterogeneity 0.64). When determining ED midpoint width, measurements from multiple raters are required for “good” reliability (ICC 95% CI 0.75–0.89). Agreement on the presence of incomplete partition Type 2 ranged from “moderate” to “substantial”.

Conclusions:

Regarding MR imaging, the opinion of multiple expert raters should be sought when determining the presence of an enlarged ED defined by midpoint width. ED midpoint, ES length, width and signal heterogeneity have adequate reproducibility to be further explored as clinical predictors for audiological phenotype.

Advances in knowledge:

We report which ED & ES biomarkers are reproducibly measured. Researchers can confidently utilise these specific biomarkers when modelling progressive hearing loss associated with enlarged vestibular aqueduct.
Molecular technologies ending with ‘omics’: The driving force toward sustainable plant production and protection
Authors: Dikobe Tshegofatso , Masenya Kedibone , Manganyi Madira C
Published: May 2023

As the global population is surging, the agricultural industry is required to meet the food demand while simultaneously providing eco-friendly sustainable crops that can withstand numerous abiotic and biotic stresses. The current era requires high-throughput biotechnology approaches to alleviate the current plant production and protection crisis. Omics approaches are regarded as a collection of high throughput technologies ending with “omics” such as genomics, proteomics, transcriptomics, metabolomics, phenomics and epigenomics. Furthermore, omics provide the best tactic to increase high quality crop production yield. A body of evidence has shown that microbial diversity, abundance, composition, functional gene patterns, and metabolic pathways at the genome level could also assist in understanding the contributions of the microbial community towards plant growth and protection. In addition, the link between plant genomes and phenotypes under physiological and environmental settings is highlighted by the integration of functional genomics with other omics. However, application of single omics technologies results in one disciplinary solution while raising multiple questions without answers. To address these challenges, we need to find new age solutions. For instance, omics technologies focusing on plant production and protection. Multi-layered information gathered from systems biology provides a comprehensive understanding of molecular regulator networks for improving plant growth and protection, which is supported by large-scale omics datasets. The conclusion drawn from the in-depth information is the holistic integration of multi-disciplinary omics approaches to pave the way towards eco-friendly, sustainable, agricultural productivity.
The genome sequence of the Streak, Chesias legatella (Denis & Schiffermüller, 1775)
Authors: Lees David ,   Natural History Museum Genome Acquisition Lab,   Darwin Tree of Life Barcoding collective,   Wellcome Sanger Institute Tree of Life programme,   Wellcome Sanger Institute Scientific Operations: DNA Pipelines collective,   Tree of Life Core Informatics collective,   Darwin Tree of Life Consortium
Published: May 2023

We present a genome assembly from an individual male Chesias legatella (the Streak; Arthropoda; Insecta; Lepidoptera; Geometridae). The genome sequence is 310.3 megabases in span. Most of the assembly is scaffolded into 31 chromosomal pseudomolecules, including the Z sex chromosome. The mitochondrial genome has also been assembled and is 20.1 kilobases in length.
The genome sequence of the Small Square-spot, Diarsia rubi (Vieweg, 1790)
Authors: Boyes Douglas , Holland Peter W.H. ,   University of Oxford and Wytham Woods Genome Acquisition Lab,   Darwin Tree of Life Barcoding collective,   Wellcome Sanger Institute Tree of Life programme,   Wellcome Sanger Institute Scientific Operations: DNA Pipelines collective,   Tree of Life Core Informatics collective,   Darwin Tree of Life Consortium
Published: May 2023

We present a genome assembly from an individual female Diarsia rubi (the Small Square-spot; Arthropoda; Insecta; Lepidoptera; Noctuidae). The genome sequence is 624.9 megabases in span. Most of the assembly is scaffolded into 32 chromosomal pseudomolecules, including the Z and W sex chromosomes. The mitochondrial genome has also been assembled and is 15.3 kilobases in length. Gene annotation of this assembly on Ensembl identified 19,173 protein coding genes.
The genome sequence of the Brindled Green, Dryobotodes eremita (Fabricius, 1775)
Authors: Boyes Douglas , Holland Peter W.H. ,   University of Oxford and Wytham Woods Genome Acquisition Lab,   Darwin Tree of Life Barcoding collective,   Wellcome Sanger Institute Tree of Life programme,   Wellcome Sanger Institute Scientific Operations: DNA Pipelines collective,   Tree of Life Core Informatics collective,   Darwin Tree of Life Consortium
Published: May 2023

We present a genome assembly from an individual female Dryobotodes eremita (the Brindled Green; Arthropoda; Insecta; Lepidoptera; Noctuidae). The genome sequence is 709.8 megabases in span. Most of the assembly is scaffolded into 32 chromosomal pseudomolecules including the Z and W sex chromosomes. The mitochondrial genome has also been assembled and is 15.5 kilobases in length. Gene annotation of this assembly on Ensembl identified 19,706 protein coding genes.
ADAPTABILITY AS A CHARACTERISTIC OF MILITARY CULTURE
Authors: Ivanov Vladimir N.
Published: May 2023

Such characteristic of military culture as adaptability is analyzed.
Surgical site infections – an updated review of guidelines in the light of new scientific data
Authors: Lechowski Sebastian , Kułakowska Aleksandra , Kłakowicz Philip , Lepczyński Bartłomiej , Siedlak Agnieszka
Published: May 2023

Surgical site infections are important and still more growing burden in 2023. WHO estimated that SSIs are one of the most common and frequent healthcare associated infections (HAI), and in the world’s perspective, it can occur up to 10% after surgeries [1]. The knowledge about preliminary and novel ways of diagnosis and treatment and prevention of this disease are important in improving outcomes. Reducing the amount of complications after surgeries is crucial in helping with the recovery and it is an outcome of both proper prehabilitation and safe surgical protocols . Especially focus on the preventive measures for SSI, early diagnosis and aggressive treatment can really improve overall survival, lower the incidence of further complications (including sepsis), and improve patients recovery. This paper summarizes the current guidelines indications as well as their reflection in novel published data.