bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Radiation recall reaction induced by gemcitabine/docetaxel in children: A retrospective study on risk factors and outcomes
Authors: Larrosa Cristina , Mico Soraya , Ramos Mónica , Perez‐Jaume Sara , Sánchez Mónica , Castañeda Alicia , Garraus Moira , Mora Jaume
Published: August 2024

Introduction

Radiation recall reaction (RRR) is a rare inflammatory reaction developing in a previously irradiated field after a triggering agent. In pediatric patients, it is poorly understood and deficiently studied. Gemcitabine–docetaxel (G/D) in childhood cancer is mainly used as a salvage regimen for sarcomas. We aim to describe RRR triggered by G/D in children.

Patients and methods

Retrospective review of 21 patients receiving G/D along with radiotherapy at two hospitals from 2010 until 2022. RRR was considered as any toxicity occurring after G/D administration in a previously irradiated field. RRR features were described. Fisher's and Mann–Whitney tests were utilized to analyze the risk factors involved.

Results

Sixteen episodes of RRR developed in 16 (76.2%) patients. RRR mainly involved deep layers of the skin (58%) and occurred predominantly after two G/D cycles. The mean time between radiotherapy and chemotherapy was 28.5 days (0–1359 days), and the mean radiation volume 391 mL (157–1810 mL) for RRR. RRR treatment was mainly systemic steroids, with partial responses in six of 11 (58%) patients. Re‐exposure to G/D was associated with a high rate of recurrence in nine of 15 (56.2%), prompting drug discontinuation. The major risk factors for RRR after G/D include, without statistical significance, a larger volume of the irradiated field and a shorter interval between chemotherapy and radiotherapy.

Conclusions

The incidence of RRR after G/D in the pediatric population is higher than previously reported. Drug re‐exposure is usually followed by recurrence. Higher irradiated volumes and a shorter time to the start of chemotherapy could be related with an increased risk of RRR.
Reliability, usability, and efficiency of video versus print instructions to teach parents a procedural task: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Mancini Athena , Wong Gina , Bastas Denise , Dong Larry , Brandão Leonardo R. , Mukaj Sindi , Vincelli Jennifer , Amiri Nour , Avila M. Laura
Published: August 2024

Objective

To compare the reliability, usability, and efficiency of video versus print instructions to teach parents a procedural measurement task. We hypothesized that videos would outperform print in all outcomes.

Study design

This cross‐sectional study included parents/caregivers of children aged 0–18 years with deep vein thrombosis attending the Thrombosis Clinic at The Hospital for Sick Children for post‐thrombotic syndrome (PTS) assessment. Participants were randomly assigned to three instruction types: (i) video, which followed the technique used by clinicians; (ii) long pamphlet, which also followed the clinicians’ technique; and (iii) short pamphlet, which explained a simplified technique. After measuring their children's arms or legs using the randomly assigned material, participants completed a usability questionnaire. The reliability of the instructions was estimated by comparing parents/caregivers versus clinicians’ measurements using the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). Reliability, usability, and efficiency (time to task completion) were compared among the three instruction types.

Results

In total, 92 participants were randomized to video (n = 31), long pamphlet (n = 31), and short pamphlet (n = 30). While the video had the highest usability, the short pamphlet was the most reliable and efficient. ICCs were .17 (95% confidence interval [CI]: .00–.39) for the video, .53 (95% CI: .30–.72) for the long pamphlet, and .70 (95% CI: .50–.81) for the short pamphlet.

Conclusion

Although the video had higher usability, the short/simplified print instruction was more reliable and efficient. However, the reliability of the short pamphlet was only moderate/good, suggesting that whenever possible, measurements should still be obtained by trained clinicians.
Data acquisition approaches for single cell proteomics
Authors: Ghosh Gautam , Shannon Ariana E. , Searle Brian C.
Published: August 2024

Single‐cell proteomics (SCP) aims to characterize the proteome of individual cells, providing insights into complex biological systems. It reveals subtle differences in distinct cellular populations that bulk proteome analysis may overlook, which is essential for understanding disease mechanisms and developing targeted therapies. Mass spectrometry (MS) methods in SCP allow the identification and quantification of thousands of proteins from individual cells. Two major challenges in SCP are the limited material in single‐cell samples necessitating highly sensitive analytical techniques and the efficient processing of samples, as each biological sample requires thousands of single cell measurements. This review discusses MS advancements to mitigate these challenges using data‐dependent acquisition (DDA) and data‐independent acquisition (DIA). Additionally, we examine the use of short liquid chromatography gradients and sample multiplexing methods that increase the sample throughput and scalability of SCP experiments. We believe these methods will pave the way for improving our understanding of cellular heterogeneity and its implications for systems biology.
Torsional influences on cross‐conjugated thieno[3,4‐b]thiophene photochromes
Authors: Adams Nicholas P. , Tovar John D.
Published: August 2024

Photoresponsive conjugated polymers are a promising target for modern organic electronics. Numerous photoswitchable repeat units have been included covalently within polymeric structures to enable responsive chromic materials, most commonly through side‐chain appendages or through formal conjugation along a π‐conjugated backbone. We recently disclosed a new design whereby the photoswitch elements are cross conjugated to a conjugated polymer main chain. In this case, we found that the extent of photoconversion was dictated in part by competitive main chain light absorption, which could be suppressed by using a photoswitching motif that carried most of the frontier molecular orbital densities. Here, we report the modeling and synthesis of a series of thieno[3,4‐b]thiophene (TT)‐based photochromes with various aromatic flankers imparting varying degrees of steric bulk and π‐conjugation in order to elucidate the balancing act between steric and electronic factors to promote photochromism. These model systems provide a better understanding of the behavior of photochromic units within extended oligomeric and polymeric π‐conjugated materials.
Automated Poisson regression exposure–response analysis for binary outcomes with PoissonERM
Authors: Wang Yuchen , Fostvedt Luke , Wojciechowski Jessica , Irby Donald , Nicholas Timothy
Published: August 2024

PoissonERM is an R package used to conduct exposure–response (ER) analysis on binary outcomes for establishing the relationship between exposure and the occurrence of adverse events (AE). While Poisson regression could be implemented with glm(), PoissonERM provides a simple way to semi‐automate the entire analysis and generate an abbreviated report as an R markdown (Rmd) file that includes the essential analysis details with brief conclusions. PoissonERM processes the provided data set using the information from the user's control script and generates summary tables/figures for the exposure metrics, covariates, and event counts of each endpoint (each type of AE). After checking the incidence rate of each AE, the correlation, and missing values in each covariate, an exposure–response model is developed for each endpoint based on the provided specifications. PoissonERM has the flexibility to incorporate and compare multiple scale transformations in its modeling. The best exposure metric is selected based on a univariate model's p‐value or deviance () as specified. If a covariate search is specified in the control script, the final model is developed using backward elimination. PoissonERM identifies and avoids highly correlated covariates in the final model development of each endpoint. Predicting event incidence rates using external (simulated) exposure metric data is an additional functionality in PoissonERM, which is useful to understand the event occurrence associated with certain dose regimens. The summary outputs of the cleaned data, model developments, and predictions are saved in the working folder and can be compiled into a HTML report using Rmd.
Improving inland precipitation forecast in China through data assimilation of microwave temperature sounding data from a three‐orbit constellation
Authors: Huang Yu , Qin Zhengkun , Li Juan , Mao Jiali
Published: August 2024

Microwave temperature sounders onboard polar‐orbiting satellites can provide global observation data twice a day, supplying a large amount of temperature information for global data assimilation and serving as a crucial instrument to improve operational numerical forecasts. However, regional numerical forecasts are still subject to a lack of polar‐orbiting satellite data within regional model domains, and even multiple polar‐orbiting satellites may simultaneously miss measurements. Establishing a three‐orbit observation system of polar‐orbiting satellites is crucial to improve the spatiotemporal coverage of polar‐orbiting satellite data. In this study, we investigate the impact of assimilating microwave temperature sounding data from a three‐orbit constellation on precipitation forecasts in inland China based on the data from the US afternoon‐orbit satellite NOAA‐19, the European morning‐orbit satellite Meteorological Operational satellite‐A and the Chinese early‐morning‐orbit satellite Fengyun‐3E (FY‐3E) launched recently. The research results indicate that there are data gaps at 0600 and 1800 UTC in the East Asian region only for the morning‐orbit and afternoon‐orbit satellite observations. The FY‐3E satellite can provide additional microwave temperature sounding observations over the eastern region of China, thus partially compensating for the gap in polar‐orbiting satellite data in China. Moreover, the additional assimilation of the FY‐3E data can further improve numerical forecasts, effectively adjusting the spatial structure and eastward movement of the weather system, thereby considerably increasing the prediction accuracy of rainfall location and intensity. Rolling‐prediction results show that the data from the three‐orbit constellation provide a stable and notable improvement in precipitation forecasts in inland China, especially for forecasts longer than nine hours and amounts of rainfall below 10 mm. These research findings provide valuable insights for optimizing the assimilation application of polar‐orbiting satellite data in regional numerical forecasts.
A Sporadic Diffuse Multiple Cutaneous Leiomyomatosis Mimicking Plexiform Neurofibromatosis: A Surgical Challenge
Authors: Antakanavar Gajanand M. , Sahoo Bijaylaxmi , Kaur Aneet , Ghiloria Ishu , Jangid Ajay , Shetty Bhavishya
Published: August 2024

A 32-year-old male presented with diffuse plaques accompanied by multiple large, painful swellings predominantly distributed over the trunk, face and both upper and lower extremities for 11 years. There was no family history of similar complaints. The histopathological examination (HPE), supplemented with special stains confirmed the diagnosis of cutaneous leiomyoma (CL). The immunohistochemical analysis showed a strong expression of smooth muscle actin. The final diagnosis of sporadic diffuse multiple cutaneous leiomyomatosis was made. This presentation of CL is uncommon and resembled plexiform neurofibroma. The clinical diagnosis of this presentation was challenging. Therefore, HPE combined with special stains aided in confirming this surgically challenging rare tumour. In resource-poor settings regular screening is required for early detection of renal cancer and other associated complications.
Daily external stress, internal stress, dyadic coping, and relationship functioning of Turkish couples during the COVID‐19: A daily diary study
Authors: Tepeli Temiz Zahide , Bilican F. Isil
Published: August 2024

Stressors arising from the current COVID‐19 pandemic have pernicious effects on relational functioning. However, the systemic transactional model (STM) addresses the buffering role of dyadic coping in couples' relationships. Therefore, the current study aimed to examine the possible buffering role of dyadic coping and investigate the negative consequences of external stressors related to the COVID‐19 pandemic and internal stressors on relationship satisfaction and intimacy on within‐ and between‐person levels. Data were collected from 100 couples through daily diary questions over 14 consecutive days. The mean age for females was 32.45 years (SD = 8.11), and for males, it was 34.79 years (SD = 8.79). The findings showed several significant within‐person moderation effects. Specifically, simple slope analysis revealed that the associations between internal stress and relationship satisfaction, and intimacy were positive for both partners who reported particularly more dyadic coping on a given day. Conversely, interaction effect of dyadic coping with external stress has not been found significant on within‐person level. Between‐person effects revealed that dyadic coping buffers the negative association between external stress and relational outcomes and the negative effect of internal stress. The current study expanded the literature of the STM of dyadic coping within the context of an acute external crisis. In line with STM predictions, couples may benefit from interventions focused on enhancing coping strategies to navigate major and minor stressors, especially during significant life challenges, thereby maintaining high relationship quality.
Tailored Magnetic Spatial Confinement with Enhanced Polarization and Magnetic Response for Electromagnetic Wave Absorption
Authors: Li Lixin , Pan Fei , Guo Hongtao , Jiang Haojie , Wang Xiao , Yao Kai , Yang Yang , Yuan Bin , Abdalla Ibrahim , Che Renchao , Lu Wei
Published: August 2024

For materials with coexisting phases, the transition from a random to an ordered distribution of materials often generates new mechanisms. Although the magnetic confinement effect has improved the electromagnetic (EM) performance, the transition from random to ordered magnetic confinement positions remains a synthetic challenge, and the underlying mechanisms are still unclear. Herein, precise control of magnetic nanoparticles is achieved through a spatial confinement growth strategy, preparing five different modalities of magnetic confined carbon fiber materials, effectively inhibiting magnetic agglomeration. Systematic studies have shown that the magnetic confinement network can refine CoNi NPs size and enhance strong magnetic coupling interactions. Compared to CoNi@HCNFs on the hollow carbon fibers (HCNFs) outer surface, HCNFs@CoNi constructed on the inner surface induce stronger spatial charge polarization relaxation at the interface and exhibit stronger magnetic coupling interactions at the inner surface due to the high‐density magnetic coupling units at the micro/nanoscale, thereby respectively enhancing dielectric and magnetic losses. Remarkably, they achieve a minimum reflection loss (RLmin) of −64.54 dB and an absorption bandwidth of 5.60 GHz at a thickness of 1.77 mm. This work reveals the microscale mechanism of magnetic confinement‐induced different polarization relaxation and magnetic response, providing a new strategy for designing magnetic materials.
Upscaling Osteoclast Generation by Enhancing Macrophage Aggregation Using Hollow Microgels
Authors: Husch Johanna F.A. , Araújo‐Gomes Nuno , Willemen Niels G.A. , Cofiño‐Fabrés Carla , van Creij Nils , Passier Robert , Leijten Jeroen , van den Beucken Jeroen J. J. P.
Published: August 2024

Osteoclasts, the bone resorbing cells of hematopoietic origin formed by macrophage fusion, are essential in bone health and disease. However, in vitro research on osteoclasts remains challenging due to heterogeneous cultures that only contain a few multinucleated osteoclasts. Indeed, a strategy to generate homogeneous populations of multinucleated osteoclasts in a scalable manner has remained elusive. Here, the investigation focuses on whether microencapsulation of human macrophages in microfluidically generated hollow, sacrificial tyramine‐conjugated dextran (Dex‐TA) microgels could facilitate macrophage precursor aggregation and formation of multinucleated osteoclasts. Therefore, human mononuclear cells are isolated from buffy coats and differentiated toward macrophages. Macrophages are encapsulated in microgels using flow focus microfluidics and outside‐in enzymatic oxidative phenolic crosslinking, and differentiated toward osteoclasts. Morphology, viability, and osteoclast fusion of microencapsulated cells are assessed. Furthermore, microgels are degraded to allow cell sorting of released cells based on osteoclastic marker expression. The successful encapsulation and osteoclast formation of human macrophages in Dex‐TA microgels are reported for the first time using high‐throughput droplet microfluidics. Intriguingly, osteoclast formation within these 3D microenvironments occurs at a significantly higher level compared to the conventional 2D culture system. Furthermore, the feasibility of establishing a pure osteoclast culture from cell transfer and release from degradable microgels is demonstrated.
Effect of high‐range water reducer and W/C ratio on the fresh and mechanical properties of fiber‐reinforced natural zeolite SCC
Authors: K. Pour Arash , Shirkhani Amir , Noroozinejad Farsangi Ehsan
Published: August 2024

The present study aims to investigate how the use of high‐range water reducer (HRWR) and variations in water/cement (W/C) ratio affect the properties of self‐consolidating concrete (SCC) while taking into account different proportions of polypropylene fibers (PF) and natural zeolite (NZ). A total of 28 samples were cast and analyzed. PF fractions ranging from 0% to 1.5% by weight were added, along with a substitution of 10% NZ for cement (50 kg/m3). Four W/C ratios (0.30, 0.35, 0.40, and 0.45) were tested, in addition to seven HRWR contents ranging from 5 to 6.5 kg/m3. Various tests were conducted to assess slump, T500, V‐funnel, L‐box, modulus of elasticity, and compressive, tensile, and flexural strengths. Novel models were developed to predict the properties of hardened concrete based on W/C, HRWR, PF, and NZ content. Findings indicated that optimal performance of PF‐reinforced SCC with NZ was achieved when up to 0.75% PF was combined with an HRWR content equivalent to 1.25% of the cement fraction and NZ ratio. Furthermore, the proposed models offer accurate predictions of both fresh and hardened‐state properties of PF‐reinforced SCC with NZ based on W/C and HRWR ratios.
Accelerated external sulfate attack: Improved laboratory methods, considering physical and chemical processes
Authors: Biook Aghazadeh Arian , Mirvalad Sajjad
Published: August 2024

The most common and well‐known method for evaluating the sulfate resistance of cement blends is ASTM C1012 procedure. It takes at least 12–18 months to evaluate the results, considering this standard. The present research proposes two supplementary methods to accelerate the sulfate ions penetration into the mortar bars used in ASTM C1012. Both of these two supplementary methods were evaluated by studying mortar samples' expansion, mass change, visual condition, compressive strength, ultrasonic pulse velocity, and XRD. In the first method, a developed device provided an electrical conduction environment for mortar bars made of three cement blends. The results showed that this method produced between 8 and 16 times more expansion considering different studied cement blends. In the second method, mortar bars of seven cement blends were exposed to a devised prior condition under vacuum. Considering the results, this method produced between 2.5 and 9 times more expansion in relation to each cement blend and approach. Additionally, an excellent polynomial correlation was observed between the expansion of new accelerated methods and ASTM C1012 results. It can be concluded that using these accelerated methods as complementary to ASTM C1012 can help to evaluate the sulfate resistance of cement blends in a shorter time period.
“From surviving to thriving” next steps for international graduate students: A call to action
Authors: Koo Katie , Bista Krishna , Al‐Sharif Mary Ann Bodine
Published: August 2024

This article discusses various ways for student affairs professionals, faculty, educators, and policymakers to contribute to the personal, academic, and professional development of international graduate students in the U.S. higher education within their functional areas and their expertise. By highlighting the culturally sensitive support and method in which diverse professionals can provide support for various dimensions of international graduate students’ experiences, this article offers practical insights for staff and educators working on college campuses in the current globalized era.
Diagnostic study on major honeybee disease, pests and predators in North Western Ethiopia
Authors: Shitaneh Esubalew , Arega Habtie , Bezabeh Amssalu
Published: August 2024

Background

The study was conducted in Pawe district from Benishangul‐Gumuz and Jawi and Fagita Lekoma districts from the Amhara region to investigate major honeybee pests, predators and diseases.

Methods

Using a purposive sampling technique, 183 households were interviewed, and 240 samples were collected for laboratory analysis of bee disease; data were analysed using descriptive statistics.

Results

The share of hive types owned by sampled respondents was 88.6%; overall, 1.1% and 10.3% were traditional, transitional and modern beehives, respectively. About 92% of the sample respondents acquired their base colonies by catching swarm bees on the apex of trees. The majority of beekeepers executed external inspections of their colony, whereas only 50% carried out internal inspections. Based on the responses of beekeepers, around 48.9%, 56.3% and 23.1% of colonies absconded every year from Pawe, Jawi and Fagita Lekoma districts, respectively. Ants, wax moths, bee lice, beetles, spiders, birds, monkeys and honey badgers were the major honeybee pests and predators discovered in study areas in decreasing order. Concerning the incidence of Varroa mites, Nosema apis and amoeba disease, 27.5%, 60% and 71.6% of samples showed positive results in study locations, respectively.

Conclusions

From this result, we observed that ants, wax moths, bee lice, beetles, spiders, birds, monkeys and honey badgers were the major honeybee pests and predators. The prevalence of amoeba disease was comparatively higher in highland areas and in the summer season. This finding suggests the need for the alertness of beekeepers in controlling bee disease and pests and strengthening bee colonies through seasonal colony management. There should be a strict quarantine, and check‐up undertaken when a new colony is purchased from one region to another is essential.
Study on Smoke Control of Tunnel Fire Under the Synergistic Effect of Longitudinal Ventilation and Top Exhaust System
Authors: Yao Guanghui , Liang Chenchen , Xu Mengyi , Yuan Zhongyuan
Published: August 2024

In order to establish a smoke-free and secure evacuation environment in long tunnels during fire incidents, while ensuring efficient utilization of fan equipment. We focus on the critical situation where smoke is just able to be completely discharged from the vent under the combined system of longitudinal ventilation and top exhaust. We establish a full-scale three-dimensional numerical computational model using FDS to investigate the impact of various factors on the critical complete exhaust volumetric flow rate of the exhaust system, including the heat release rate (HRR), the location of the longitudinal fire source, and the length of the exhaust vent. The findings indicate that an increase in heat release rate leads to a higher critical complete exhaust volumetric flow rate. Additionally, as the fire source moves away from the vent, there is a decrease in critical exhaust rate. Moreover, increasing the length of the smoke vent tends to initially increase and then decrease the critical exhaust rate. This study aims to provide guidance on determining the appropriate design values for exhaust volumetric flow rate in combined exhaust systems within long tunnels.
Experimental Study on the Influence of Expansion Agents and Fibers on the Dry Shrinkage Performance of Concrete
Authors: Ge Tao , Wu Han
Published: August 2024

In order to study the influence of expansion agents and fibers on the dry shrinkage of concrete, this paper designed and implemented dry shrinkage tests on plain concrete and various fiber reinforced concrete after adding expansion agents, as well as dry shrinkage tests on concrete with different lengths and types of fibers added. The mechanism of the influence of fibers and expansion agents on the dry shrinkage performance of concrete was revealed. The experimental results show that expansion agents have an improvement effect on the dry shrinkage performance of various types of concrete, while fibers have varying effects on the dry shrinkage of concrete due to their length and equivalent diameter. The research results have guiding significance on how to improve the dry shrinkage performance of concrete.
Comparative Study on Chinese and Foreign Earth Pressure Calculation Methods for Pipe-Sheet Composite Wharf Structure
Authors: Chen Hongwei , Zhang Jinghong , Mei Taotao , Niu Fei
Published: August 2024

Pipe-sheet combination structure is a novel form of wharf structure, which utilizes steel pipe piles with better performance as the main stress components to withstand lateral pressures such as water pressure and earth pressure, and low-cost steel sheet piles as the linking structure to form a pipe-sheet combination wall, which to a certain extent can take into account both the performance and the cost issues, but whether the pipe-sheet combination structure can be adapted to the design and use of the large-scale berths of the wharf under the deep-water environment has always been a controversial issue in the engineering field. However, it has been controversial in the engineering community. Therefore, it is necessary to analyze and research more deeply the actual force situation of the pipe-sheet combination structure and the applicable calculation method. In this paper, based on the field measurement data, the active earth pressure calculation of the back side of the pipe-sheet composite pile is compared and analyzed, and the results show that the earth pressure calculation formulas used in China and the United States for the sheet pile structure are much closer to the actual results compared to the calculation method of the Japanese specification in the calculation of the earth pressure of the back side of the pipe-sheet composite structure; the numerical simulation can be used to set up the pipe-sheet composite pile structure into an equivalent cross-section of the sheet pile module, which can effectively avoid the data of the sheet pile module, and can also be used in the numerical simulation. When numerical simulation is used, the pipe-sheet composite structure can be set up as a plate pile module with equivalent cross-section, which can effectively avoid the problems of aberration and stress concentration in the data calculation, and the calculation results can better respond to the actual stress situation in the field.
Quantifying Uncertainties in Model Updating Following Bayesian Approach Using a Parameter Space-Search Algorithm
Authors: Yang Jiahua , Zheng Yi
Published: August 2024

Model updating aims to provide accurate models to reveal possible structural damage information for structural health monitoring (SHM). Uncertainties always exist in model updating due to incomplete information in measurement and modeling. These uncertainties usually cause the problem of non-uniqueness, i.e., multiple equivalent models can fit the experimental data the same well. Locating all these equivalent models and including them for representing structural dynamics is a challenging task. This work employs a Bayesian probabilistic framework for model updating, so that the uncertainties can be quantified, and thus all of the multiple equivalent models can be considered naturally. A parameter space-search algorithm is proposed to systematically locate all the equivalent models. A transmission tower under laboratory conditions with limited modal parameters was used to valid the proposed method.
Dissipative fracton superfluids
Authors: Głódkowski Aleksander , Peña-Benítez Francisco , Surówka Piotr
Published: August 2024

Abstract

We present a comprehensive study of hydrodynamic theories for superfluids with dipole symmetry. Taking diffusion as an example, we systematically construct a hydrodynamic framework that incorporates an intrinsic dipole degree of freedom in analogy to spin density in micropolar (spinful) fluids. Subsequently, we study a dipole condensed phase and propose a model that captures the spontaneous breaking of the U(1) charge. The theory explains the role of the inverse Higgs constraint for this class of theories, and naturally generates the gapless field. Next, we introduce finite temperature theory using the Hamiltonian formalism and study the hydrodynamics of ideal fracton superfluids. Finally, we postulate a derivative counting scheme and incorporate dissipative effects using the method of irreversible thermodynamics. We verify the consistency of the dispersion relations and argue that our counting is systematic.
The Current Evidence and How-To on Combined Sacrocolpopexy and Rectopexy
Authors: Gee Amy D. , Lee Sunny Kairi , Ban Kristen , Paraiso Marie Fidela R.
Published: August 2024

Introduction and Hypothesis

Multicompartment prolapse is a complex pelvic floor condition that can involve coordination of both urogynecologists and colorectal surgeons.

Methods

Concomitant sacrocolpopexy and ventral rectopexy is a safe and effective approach to treating this condition.

Results

The combined procedure has high rates of patient satisfaction and symptom improvement, including defecatory dysfunction, sexual health, and overall increased quality of life.

Conclusion

Concomitant sacrocolpopexy with ventral rectopexy is safe and improves overall outcomes.
Mapping small metabolite changes after traumatic brain injury using AP-MALDI MSI
Authors: Siciliano Angela Marika , Moro Federico , De Simone Giulia , Pischiutta Francesca , Morabito Aurelia , Pastorelli Roberta , Brunelli Laura , Zanier Elisa R. , Davoli Enrico
Published: August 2024

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is an alteration of brain function caused by a sudden transmission of an external force to the head. The biomechanical impact induces acute and chronic metabolic changes that highly contribute to injury evolution and outcome. TBI heterogeneity calls for approaches allowing the mapping of regional molecular and metabolic changes underpinning disease progression, with mass spectrometry imaging (MSI) as an efficient tool to study the spatial distribution of small metabolites. In this study, we applied an innovative targeted atmospheric pressure-MALDI mass spectrometry imaging (AP-MALDI MSI) approach, starting from an extensive list of metabolites, representative of different metabolic pathways, individually validated on the tissue under analysis with original standards using 2,5-dihydroxybenzoic acid (DHB), to characterize the impact of TBI on regional changes to small metabolites in the brain. Brains from sham and TBI mice obtained 21 days post-injury were analyzed to examine the spatial metabolic profile of small metabolites belonging to different metabolic pathways. By a whole brain analysis, we identified four metabolites (alanine, lysine, histidine, and inosine) with higher abundance in TBI than sham mice. Within the TBI group, lysine, histidine, and inosine were higher in the hemisphere ipsilateral to the biomechanical impact vs. the contralateral one. Images showed a major involvement of the ipsilateral thalamus characterized by the increase of arginine, lysine, histidine, and inosine and a significant reduction of glutamic acid, and N-acetylaspartic acid compared to the contralateral thalamus. These findings indicate high-resolution imaging mass spectrometry as a powerful tool to identify region-specific changes after a TBI to understand the metabolic changes underlying brain injury evolution.
Evaluation of treatment response with serial CT in patients with non-tuberculous mycobacterial pulmonary disease
Authors: Dettmer Sabine , Heiß-Neumann Marion , Wege Sabine , Maske Hannah , Ringshausen Felix C. , Joean Oana , Theissig Nicole , Ewen Raphael , Wacker Frank , Rademacher Jessica
Published: August 2024

Objectives

In patients with non-tuberculous mycobacterial pulmonary disease (NTM-PD), the response to treatment is evaluated based on microbiological, clinical, and radiological data. However, little is known about the dynamics of CT findings. The aim of this study was to evaluate CT changes in NTM-PD in order to define radiological criteria for treatment success.

Methods

Retrospective multicenter study (Hannover, Heidelberg, Gauting). Sixty patients with NTM-PD and at least two consecutive CT scans were included. Scoring for NTM-PD was performed by evaluating variables of bronchiectasis, mucus plugging, bronchiolitis, cavities, nodules, and consolidations on an ordinal scale from 0 to 3. Differences between baseline and follow-up were calculated, and patients with/without cultural conversion were compared using the Mann–Whitney U-test. For paired comparison of the two consecutive CT scans the Wilcoxon test was used.

Results

Comparing patients with and without culture conversion, there were significant differences in temporal changes of bronchiectasis (p < 0.001), cavities (p = 0.006), bronchiolitis (p < 0.001), consolidations (p = 0.004), and total score (p < 0.001). Nodules showed no significant differences between groups (p = 0.060). The Wilcoxon test showed significant differences between both CTs in patients with a microbiological cure for the total score (p < 0.001), cavities (p = 0.005), bronchiolitis (p < 0.001), and consolidations (p = 0.021) with a decrease after microbiological cure, whereas bronchiectasis (p = 0.102) and nodules (p = 0.18) stayed stable. In the case of persistently positive cultures, there was an increase in the total score (p = 0.010) which was attributable to progressive bronchiectasis (p < 0.001).

Conclusion

Cavities, consolidations, and bronchiolitis are useful to assess treatment response, whereas bronchiectasis and nodules may remain stable despite successful treatment.

Clinical relevance statement

Cavities, consolidations, and bronchiolitis can assess treatment response whereas bronchiectasis and nodules may remain stable despite successful treatment. In persistently positive cultures, bronchiectasis showed an increase over time indicating that NTM-PD is a progressive chronic disease.

Key Points

Little is known about CT changes in nontuberculous mycobacteria pulmonary disease (NTM-PD) and criteria to evaluate treatment response.

In the case of culture conversion, cavities and bronchiolitis decreased whereas bronchiectasis and nodules remained stable.

Cavities and bronchiolitis can evaluate treatment response in NTM, but bronchiectasis and nodules may persist despite successful treatment.
Evaluation of RegCM simulation ensemble using different parameterization scheme combinations: a case study for an extremely wet year in the Carpathian region
Authors: Kalmár Tímea , Pongrácz Rita , Pieczka Ildikó , Hollós Roland
Published: August 2024

Due to its high influence on agriculture, infrastructure, water management, and other areas, precipitation is one of the most important climate factors. However, it is still challenging for climate models to realistically reproduce regional patterns, temporal variability, and precipitation intensity. This is especially true for extreme conditions and terrains with heterogeneous orography, like the Carpathian region.

For the sake of quantifying the uncertainty and improving the accuracy of the precipitation simulations of the RegCM4.7 regional climate model over the Carpathian region, we evaluate the performance of different options at 10 km horizontal resolution, using ERA-Interim reanalysis data as initial and boundary conditions. Altogether 24 simulations were carried out by using various combinations of the physical schemes (2 land surface, 2 microphysics, 3 cumulus convection and 2 planetary boundary layer (PBL) schemes) for the year 2010, which was the wettest year in the Carpathian region (especially in Hungary) since 1901. Different parameterization combinations lead to different simulated climates, so their variance can serve as an estimate of model uncertainty due to the representation of unresolved phenomena.

The results show that RegCM is sensitive to the choice of scheme combinations. The analysis of the RegCM4.7 ensemble indicates systematic precipitation biases, which are linked to different physical mechanisms in the summer and winter seasons. Based on the results, RegCM4.7 is the most sensitive to the applied convection scheme, but the interactions with the other schemes (e.g., land surface and microphysics) affect the convective and large-scale precipitation in addition to the total precipitation.
Feasibility of a tailored operative strategy from organ preservation to pelvic exenteration for cT4 rectal cancer depending on neoadjuvant response
Authors: Fleming Christina , Harji Deena , Fernandez Benjamin , François Marc-Olivier , Assenat Vincent , Gilles Pasticier , Clément Michiels , Robert Grégoire , Denost Quentin
Published: August 2024

Purpose

Improvements in neoadjuvant therapy for locally advanced cT4 rectal cancer have led to improved tumour response and thus a variety of suitable management strategies. The aim of this study was to report management and outcomes of patients with cT4 rectal cancer undergoing a spectrum of treatment strategies from organ preservation (OP) to pelvic exenteration (PE).

Methods

Patients who underwent elective treatment for cT4 rectal cancer between 2016 and 2021 were included. All patients were treated with curative intent. Surgical management was adapted to tumour response. Kaplan–Meier curves were generated to compare 3-year overall survival (3y-OS), local recurrence (3y-LR) and distant metastases (3y-DM) between different strategies.

Results

Among 152 patients included, 13 (8%) underwent OP, 71 (47%) TME and 68 (45%) APR/PE. The median follow-up was 31.3 months. Patients undergoing OP had a lower tumour pretreatment (p < 0.001). Compared to patients with TME, those with APR/PE had a higher rate of ypT4 (p = 0.001) with a lower R0 rate (p = 0.044). The 3y-OS and 3y-DM were 78% and 15.1%, respectively, without significant differences. The 3y-LR was 6.6%, and patients with OP had a significantly worse 3y-local regrowth compared to 3y-LR in patients with TME and APR/PE (30.2% vs. 5.4% vs. 2%, p = 0.008).

Conclusion

cT4 tumours may be suitable for the full spectrum of rectal cancer management from organ preservation to pelvic exenteration depending on tumour response to neoadjuvant therapy. However, careful attention is required in OP as local regrowth in up to 30% of cases reinforces the need for sustained active surveillance in Watch&Wait programmes.
The parkin V380L variant is a genetic modifier of Machado–Joseph disease with impact on mitophagy
Authors: Weber Jonasz J. , Czisch Leah , Pereira Sena Priscila , Fath Florian , Huridou Chrisovalantou , Schwarz Natasa , Incebacak Eltemur Rana D. , Würth Anna , Weishäupl Daniel , Döcker Miriam , Blumenstock Gunnar , Martins Sandra , Sequeiros Jorge , Rouleau Guy A. , Jardim Laura Bannach , Saraiva-Pereira Maria-Luiza , França Marcondes C. , Gordon Carlos R. , Zaltzman Roy , Cornejo-Olivas Mario R. , van de Warrenburg Bart P. C. , Durr Alexandra , Brice Alexis , Bauer Peter , Klockgether Thomas , Schöls Ludger , Riess Olaf ,   The EUROSCA Network, Bauer Peter , Berciano José , Boesch Sylvia , Brice Alexis , Durr Alexandra , Forlani Sylvie , Giunti Paola , Jacobi Heike , Klockgether Thomas , Melegh Bela , Pandolfo Massimo , Riess Olaf , Schmitz-Hübsch Tanja , Schöls Ludger , Schulz Jörg B. , Stevanin Giovanni , Szymanski Sandra , Tezenas du Montcel Sophie , Timmann Dagmar , van de Warrenburg Bart P. C. , Schmidt Thorsten
Published: August 2024

Machado–Joseph disease (MJD) is an autosomal dominant neurodegenerative spinocerebellar ataxia caused by a polyglutamine-coding CAG repeat expansion in the ATXN3 gene. While the CAG length correlates negatively with the age at onset, it accounts for approximately 50% of its variability only. Despite larger efforts in identifying contributing genetic factors, candidate genes with a robust and plausible impact on the molecular pathogenesis of MJD are scarce. Therefore, we analysed missense single nucleotide polymorphism variants in the PRKN gene encoding the Parkinson's disease-associated E3 ubiquitin ligase parkin, which is a well-described interaction partner of the MJD protein ataxin-3, a deubiquitinase. By performing a correlation analysis in the to-date largest MJD cohort of more than 900 individuals, we identified the V380L variant as a relevant factor, decreasing the age at onset by 3 years in homozygous carriers. Functional analysis in an MJD cell model demonstrated that parkin V380L did not modulate soluble or aggregate levels of ataxin-3 but reduced the interaction of the two proteins. Moreover, the presence of parkin V380L interfered with the execution of mitophagy—the autophagic removal of surplus or damaged mitochondria—thereby compromising cell viability. In summary, we identified the V380L variant in parkin as a genetic modifier of MJD, with negative repercussions on its molecular pathogenesis and disease age at onset.
Impact of response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy on surgical modality in patients with T1-2N0-1M0 triple-negative breast cancer
Authors: Chang Lidan , Liu Dandan , Hao Qian , Ren Xueting , Liu Peinan , Liu Xingyu , Wei Yumeng , Lin Shuai , Ma Xiaobin , Wu Hao , Kang Huafeng , Wang Meng
Published: August 2024

Purpose

Many T1-2N0-1M0 triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) patients who undergo neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) do not receive breast-conserving therapy (BCT) due to concerns about non-pCR or lymph node metastasis presence.

Methods

T1-2N0-1M0 TNBC patients who underwent NAC between 2010 and 2017 were collected from the SEER database. Factors affecting surgical modalities were analyzed by multinomial logistic regression. The overall survival (OS) and breast cancer-specific survival (BCSS) were evaluated by Kaplan-Meier curves and Cox proportional hazards models. Further stratified subgroup analyses were performed based on the response to NAC and N-stage. Adjusted-hazard ratios were also calculated to exclude potential bias.

Results

A total of 1112 patients were enrolled (median follow-up: 81 months), 58.5% received BCT, 23.6% received reconstruction and 17.9% received mastectomy. Response to NAC and N-stage not only influenced the choice of surgical modality but also were independent predictors for OS and BCSS. The surgery-induced survival differences mainly affect OS. Survival analyses demonstrated that the 10-year OS of BCT was superior or equal to that of mastectomy even in patients with partial response (PR) (77.4% vs. 64.1%, P = 0.013), no response (NR) (44.9% vs. 64.2%, P = 0.33), or N1 stage (75.7% vs. 57.4%, P = 0.0021). In the N1-PR cohort, mastectomy may lead to worse OS (P = 0.0012). Besides, between reconstruction and BCT, there was no statistical difference in OS or BCSS (P > 0.05).

Conclusion

Our study reveals the necessity of breast surgical de-escalation. Besides, physicians should actively recommend reconstruction for individuals who strongly desire mastectomy.
Deep multi-metric training: the need of multi-metric curve evaluation to avoid weak learning
Authors: Mamalakis Michail , Banerjee Abhirup , Ray Surajit , Wilkie Craig , Clayton Richard H. , Swift Andrew J. , Panoutsos George , Vorselaars Bart
Published: August 2024

The development and application of artificial intelligence-based computer vision systems in medicine, environment, and industry are playing an increasingly prominent role. Hence, the need for optimal and efficient hyperparameter tuning strategies is more than crucial to deliver the highest performance of the deep learning networks in large and demanding datasets. In our study, we have developed and evaluated a new training methodology named deep multi-metric training (DMMT) for enhanced training performance. The DMMT delivers a state of robust learning for deep networks using a new important criterion of multi-metric performance evaluation. We have tested the DMMT methodology in multi-class (three, four, and ten), multi-vendors (different X-ray imaging devices), and multi-size (large, medium, and small) datasets. The validity of the DMMT methodology has been tested in three different classification problems: (i) medical disease classification, (ii) environmental classification, and (iii) ecological classification. For disease classification, we have used two large COVID-19 chest X-rays datasets, namely the BIMCV COVID-19+ and Sheffield hospital datasets. The environmental application is related to the classification of weather images in cloudy, rainy, shine or sunrise conditions. The ecological classification task involves a classification of three animal species (cat, dog, wild) and a classification of ten animals and transportation vehicles categories (CIFAR-10). We have used state-of-the-art networks of DenseNet-121, ResNet-50, VGG-16, VGG-19, and DenResCov-19 (DenRes-131) to verify that our novel methodology is applicable in a variety of different deep learning networks. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first work that proposes a training methodology to deliver robust learning, over a variety of deep learning networks and multi-field classification problems.