bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Viewing education differently: A novel educational approach using virtual tumor board cases.
Authors: Ogden John R , Agarwal Mohit Shiv , Chiec Lauren , Shonkwiler Erin , Chaby Michael , Dempsey Naomi , Pishvaian Michael J. , Klempner Samuel J , Benson Al Bowen , Lieu Christopher Hanyoung , Jahanzeb Mohammad
Published: January 2022

653

Background: Caring for patients with cancer requires the expertise of specialists from pathology, radiology, surgical, radiation and medical oncology. Cancer centers discuss complicated cases at multidisciplinary tumor boards, where these experts collaborate on the optimal management strategies. Tumor boards present an opportunity for oncology providers to learn current guidelines and manage complex cases. Unfortunately, these opportunities occur infrequently and are limited to individual cancer centers. Virtual tumor board case scenarios could provide a valuable educational resource for professionals in all areas of oncology looking to enhance their knowledge and understanding of complex patient management. Methods: Well-renowned gastrointestinal oncology faculty conducted virtual tumor board panels via an online platform to discuss challenging cases submitted by community oncology providers and trainees. The panel consisted of specialists from radiology, medical, surgical, and radiation oncology. The case discussions were then formatted into individual scenario videos with case-based questions asked at the beginning and end of the discussions. These videos were viewed by trainees and practitioners in various fields of oncology. A survey was conducted to assess the educational value of these videos. Results: 10 unique gastrointestinal scenario videos were created from expert panel case discussions. These were viewed by 12 unique viewers, who were surveyed on their experience. Responders included Fellows/Residents (83%) and advanced practice providers (APPs) (17%). These included trainees/APPs from medical oncology (50%), radiation oncology (42%) and radiology (8%). All 12 responders felt the videos were a valuable educational resource that they would continue to use in the future. Of the responders, 7/12 (58%) felt these virtual scenarios were more educational than their own institutional tumor boards, while the remaining 5/12 (42%) felt they were equally educational. Responders to the survey indicated they would use these videos for a variety of purposes, as indicated below. Conclusions: Scenario videos created from virtual tumor boards conducted by expert panelists can provide a novel and valuable educational resource for trainees across all fields of oncology. It is a convenient way for viewers to stay up to date on current guidelines and apply the knowledge gained to their own practice. Additionally, it allows viewers a unique opportunity to hear from renowned experts in various oncology fields. Expansion and continued production of these scenario videos could enhance the education and practice of professionals in the field of oncology. Further assessment and evaluation of the impacts of these videos will be necessary.[Table: see text]
Clinical features and outcomes of tumor lysis syndrome in patients with gastrointestinal cancers.
Authors: Kelkar Neil , Wang Jue
Published: January 2022

655

Background: In recent years, tumor lysis syndrome (TLS), an oncologic emergency typically associated with cytotoxic therapies, has been increasingly reported across a spectrum of cancer types including GI cancers. The objective of this study was to investigate the clinical characteristics and outcomes of TLS in GI cancers. Methods: Systematic review of the literature and pooled analysis of published cases of TLS in solid tumors. Two additional cases treated in our intuition are also included. Results: A total of 246 patients with TLS in solid tumors were included in this study. The median age was 56 years (7 months -94 years). The male: female ratio was 1.3. The most common sites were gastrointestinal (29%), followed by genitourinary (24%), lung (12%), melanoma (10%), breast cancer (8.1%), and GYN tumors (7.8%). Liver metastasis was documented in 70% of patients. TLS occurred after various cancer-directed therapies in 69% of subjects, and spontaneously in 31% of subjects. Older age and liver metastasis predict high mortality. The clinical features, treatment, and outcomes of TLS in 74 cases of GI cancers including HCC (n = 27), colorectal (n = 22), gastric (n = 8), cholangiocarcinoma (n = 6), pancreatic cancer (n = 4), GIST (n = 3), and PNET (n = 2) were compared. The mortality rate of TLS in this cohort was 100% in pancreases and cholangiocarcinoma, 66.7% in GIST, 57.7% in HCC, 54.5% in CRC, 50% in Gastric cancer. Conclusions: Documented across different sites consistently, TLS in GI cancers is associated with very high mortality. The development of a wider range of novel therapies and the application of more intensive therapy for the treatment of GI cancers likely contributed to the increased risk of TLS.[Table: see text]
BREAKWATER: Randomized phase 3 study of encorafenib (enco) + cetuximab (cet) ± chemotherapy for first-line treatment (tx) of BRAF V600E-mutant (BRAFV600) metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC).
Authors: Kopetz Scott , Grothey Axel , Yaeger Rona , Ciardiello Fortunato , Desai Jayesh , Kim Tae Won , Maughan Tim , Van Cutsem Eric , Wasan Harpreet Singh , Yoshino Takayuki , Edwards Michelle L. , Golden Adele , Gollerkeri Ashwin , Tabernero Josep
Published: January 2022

TPS211

Background: Approximately 10% of patients (pts) with mCRC have BRAF mutations (mostly V600E). First-line tx options for BRAFV600E mCRC are limited to cytotoxic chemotherapy ± anti-VEGF or anti-EGFR; or immune checkpoint inhibitors in pts with MSI-H tumors. In Europe, Japan, and USA, the combination of BRAF inhibitor enco + EGFR inhibitor cet is approved for tx of BRAFV600E mCRC after prior therapy. In BEACON CRC, enco + cet resulted in a median overall survival (OS) of 9.3 months (95% confidence interval [CI]: 8.0–11.3) and an objective response rate (ORR) of 19.5% (95% CI: 14.5%–25.4%) in previously treated pts with BRAFV600E mCRC (median follow-up: 12.8 months); 57.4% of pts had grade 3/4 adverse events (AEs), and 9% discontinued due to AEs. Given the poor prognosis of pts with BRAFV600E mCRC and based on the efficacy and tolerability of enco + cet from BEACON CRC, the BREAKWATER study will evaluate the efficacy and safety of enco + cet ± chemotherapy in tx-naive pts with BRAFV600E mCRC. Methods: BREAKWATER is an open-label, global, multicenter, randomized, phase 3 study with a safety lead-in (SLI). Approximately 60 and 870 pts will be enrolled in the SLI and phase 3 parts of the study, respectively. Pts must have mCRC with BRAF V600E-mutation (determined using tumor tissue or blood); ECOG performance status 0/1; and adequate bone marrow, hepatic, and renal function. Pts in the SLI must have evaluable disease (RECIST v1.1) and have received ≤ 1 prior tx regimen; those previously treated with a BRAF or EGFR inhibitor, or both oxaliplatin and irinotecan, will be excluded. Pts in the phase 3 study must have measurable disease and be tx naive for metastatic disease. Study tx and endpoints are shown in the table. Enrollment began on 06-Jan-2021. Clinical trial information: NCT04607421. [Table: see text]
NRG-GI004/SWOG-S1610: Colorectal cancer metastatic dMMR immuno-therapy (COMMIT) study—A randomized phase III study of atezolizumab (atezo) monotherapy versus mFOLFOX6/bevacizumab/atezo in the first-line treatment of patients (pts) with deficient DNA mismatch repair (dMMR) or microsatellite instability high (MSI-H) metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC).
Authors: Rocha Lima Caio Max Sao Pedro , Yothers Greg , Jacobs Samuel A. , Sanoff Hanna Kelly , Cohen Deirdre Jill , Guthrie Katherine A , Henry Norah Lynn , Ganz Patricia A. , Kopetz Scott , Lucas Peter C. , Blanke Charles David , Wolmark Norman , Hochster Howard S. , George Thomas J. , Overman Michael J.
Published: January 2022

TPS232

Background: Despite the superiority in progression-free survival (PFS) of inhibition of programmed cell death-1 (PD-1) pathway in dMMR/MSI-H as compared to chemotherapy with either anti-vascular endothelial growth factor receptor (VEGFr) or anti-epithelial growth factor receptor (EGFr) antibodies in mCRC, more pts had progressive disease as the best response in the anti-PD1 monotherapy arm (29.4% vs. 12.3%) with mean PFS of 13.7 months ( N Engl J Med 2020; 383:2207). We hypothesize that the dMMR/MSI-H mCRC pts may be more effectively treated by the combination of PD-1 pathway blockade and mFOLFOX6/bevacizumab (bev) rather than with anti-PD-1 therapy (atezo) alone. Preclinical work demonstrated synergistic effects between anti-PD-1/anti-VEGF and between oxaliplatin/anti-PD-1 in murine CRC models and phase II data showed activity of anti-PD-1/anti-VEGF in chemotherapy refractory colon cancer. Additionally, in other solid tumor malignancies, anti-PD1 plus anti-VEGFr (i.e., HCC and RCC) as well as anti-PD1 plus chemotherapy (i.e., gastric and esophageal cancers) combinations are standard first-line treatments. Methods: The redesigned COMMIT study was reactivated on 1/29/2021 as a two-arm prospective phase III open-label trial randomizing (1:1) mCRC dMMR/MSI-H (211 pts) to atezo monotherapy versus mFOLFOX6/bev+atezo combination. Assuming our control arm, atezo monotherapy, 48% PFS at 24 months, as assessed by site investigator, we have 80% power to detect a hazard ratio of 0.6 (equivalent to 64.4% PFS at 24 months) with alpha 0.025 one-sided. Stratification factors include BRAFV600E status, metastatic site, and prior adjuvant CRC therapy. Secondary endpoints include OS, objective response rate, safety profile, disease control rate, duration of response, and centrally-reviewed PFS. Health-related quality of life is an exploratory objective. Archived tumor tissue and blood samples will be collected for correlative studies. Key inclusion criteria are: mCRC without prior chemotherapy for advanced disease; dMMR tumor determined by local CLIA-certified IHC assay (MLH1/MSH2/MSH6/PMS2) or MSI-H by local CLIA-certified PCR or NGS panel; and measurable disease per RECIST. Enrollment actively continues to the target accrual of 211 patients randomized between the two immunotherapy arms. Support: U10CA180868, -180822, -180888, UG1CA189867, U24CA196067; Genentech, Inc. Clinical trial information: NCT02997228.
AdvanTIG-203: A randomized phase 2 study comparing anti-TIGIT ociperlimab plus tislelizumab versus tislelizumab plus placebo as second-line treatment in patients with advanced or recurrent esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) expressing programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1).
Authors: Xu Rui-hua , Kim Sung-Bae , Tougeron David , Zuo Yunxia , Yang Haiyuan , Zhang Juan , Shi Jingwen , Van Cutsem Eric
Published: January 2022

TPS370

Background: The programmed death-1 (PD-1)/PD-L1 pathway plays an important role in tumor induced immunosuppression. PD-L1 overexpression is observed in approximately 30–60% of esophageal cancers and is associated with poor prognosis. Anti-PD-1 agents demonstrate moderate efficacy in PD-L1-positive esophageal cancer in terms of response rate and overall survival, however, long-term outcomes remain poor due to primary and secondary resistance driven by tumor immune escape. The T-cell immunoglobulin and immunoreceptor tyrosine-based inhibitory motif domain (TIGIT) is upregulated on T-cells and natural killer cells in multiple solid tumors, which can inhibit anticancer immune responses. Ociperlimab (BGB-A1217) is a novel, humanized, monoclonal antibody that binds TIGIT with high specificity and affinity, blocking the interaction with its ligands on tumor cells. Preclinical and clinical studies suggest that dual targeting with anti-TIGIT and anti-PD-1 antibodies produces synergistic immune cell activation and enhanced antitumor activity. Methods: AdvanTIG-203 is a Phase 2, global, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study (NCT04732494) of patients with unresectable, locally advanced, recurrent or metastatic ESCC, who progressed on or after 1st line systemic therapy and whose tumors express PD-L1 (visually-estimated combined positive score ≥ 10%). After stratification by Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status (0 or 1), number of metastatic sites (≤ 1 or ≥ 2) and region (Asian or non-Asian), 280 patients will be randomized (1:1) to either ociperlimab 900 mg intravenous (IV) plus tislelizumab 200 mg IV every 3 weeks (Q3W), or tislelizumab plus placebo Q3W, until disease progression (per RECIST v1.1), unacceptable toxicity, death or withdrawal of consent. Co-primary endpoints are investigator-assessed overall response rate (ORR) and overall survival (OS) in the intention-to-treat population. A sample size of 280 patients was estimated to provide approximately 94.8% power to detect a 20% difference in ORR at a one-sided significance level of 0.025. With 198 deaths, the study was estimated to provide approximately 86% power to detect a hazard ratio of 0.65 for OS. Secondary endpoints are ORR by independent review, progression-free survival, duration of response, disease control rate, and clinical benefit rate per investigator and independent assessment, cancer-specific health-related quality of life (HRQoL), and safety. Exploratory endpoints include but are not limited to expression of TIGIT, CD226, CD155, CD112, and PD-L1, pharmacokinetics, immunogenicity, and generic HRQoL measures. Clinical trial information: NCT04732494.
Optimizing pancreatic cancer management with next generation imaging and liquid biopsy (CHANGE-PDAC).
Authors: Tsang Erica S , Collisson Eric Andrew , Wang Zhen J. , Piawah Sorbarikor , Sanchez Taylor , Tempero Margaret A. , Ko Andrew H.
Published: January 2022

TPS640

Background: Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is anticipated to become the second-leading cause of cancer-related deaths by 2030. Systemic therapy remains the mainstay of treatment for those with unresectable/metastatic disease. There is an urgent need for biomarkers to rapidly assess treatment response to spare patients from the significant toxicities and costs of an ineffective regimen, and to guide decision-making for a therapeutic switch with a higher chance of efficacy. Circulating tumor (ct)DNA and PET/MRI represent promising emerging biomarkers for early response prediction. This is a prospective non-randomized study examining the role of ctDNA and PET/MRI in adjudicating early treatment response among patients with unresectable locally advanced or metastatic PDAC receiving systemic therapy. Methods: Approximately 158 patients with advanced PDAC will be recruited at the time of initiation of a new line of treatment in either the first or later-line setting. Patients receiving both standard of care and/or experimental therapies are permitted to enroll. Research blood samples will be collected at pre-treatment, 48 hours, two weeks, one month, and two months after treatment start for analysis of mutant ctDNA (using the FoundationOne/Natera platform). PET/MRI will be performed at pre-treatment and 4 weeks post treatment. All patients must have an ECOG performance status of 0-2 and have radiographically measurable disease. Clinical data will be collected prospectively, including demographics, ECOG performance status, CA 19-9 levels, chemotherapy type and dose intensity, and clinical and radiographic assessment of treatment response using RECIST 1.1 criteria. Enrollment began in August 2021. The primary endpoint is the correlation between change in tumor-derived ctDNA with radiographic progression, as measured by the change in tumor size. The Wilcoxon rank sum test will be used to compare the change in ctDNA with treatment between response vs. resistance. Cox proportional hazard regression modelling will be used to correlate the change in ctDNA with progression-free survival and overall survival. Secondary endpoints include defining thresholds for early chemotherapy switch using dynamic and quantitative changes in ctDNA and PET/MRI biomarkers for use in future prospective trials, establishing the relationship between early changes in PET/MRI and treatment response/resistance, and developing a multivariable model combining ctDNA and PET/MRI biomarkers to predict treatment response/resistance.
Finite size effect on the Fermi arc surface states in Weyl semimetal
Authors: Chang Mingqi , Sheng Li
Published: January 2022

A hallmark of the Weyl semimetal is the presence of two gapless Fermi arc surface states between two Weyl nodes. The Fermi arc surface states give rise to quantum anomalous Hall effect. Through analytically solving a finite size Weyl semimetal slab, we find that the two surface states can couple together producing a gap in the spectrum of Fermi arc surface states. Due to the finite size effect, the quantum anomalous Hall effect of Fermi arc states will be modified. This effect is anticipated to be measurable in experiment.
Marketing Opioids to Veterans and Older Adults: A Content Analysis of Internal Industry Documents Released from State of Oklahoma v. Purdue Pharma LP, et al.
Authors: Yakubi Hanna , Gac Brian , Apollonio Dorie E.
Published: January 2022

Context: From 1999 to 2018 the opioid epidemic claimed more than 500,000 lives in the United States. Military veterans and older adults were particularly affected; veterans' deaths attributed to opioid use increased by 65% from 2010 to 2016, while opioid prescriptions for older adults increased ninefold between 1995 and 2010.

Methods: We reviewed internal pharmaceutical industry documents released in legal discovery to determine how companies targeted these groups to increase prescribing and sales. This review included an analysis of corporate goals and plans identified through internal emails, sales pitches, and presentations.

Findings: These policy and advertising campaigns focused on (a) lobbying policy makers, (b) undertaking unbranded campaigns promoting opioid use, and (c) promoting opioid use in research and the popular media. Opioid manufacturers claimed that opioids could resolve preexisting concerns identified among military veterans and older adults and that the use of opioids would improve quality of life. These campaigns were positioned as public health initiatives and efforts to increase disease awareness.

Conclusions: The findings suggest a need for regulatory reform and transparency related to lobbying, advocacy group relationships with industry, and pharmaceutical advertising.
Brain Stimulation Using Responsive Neurostimulation Improves Verbal Memory: A Crossover Case–Control Study
Authors: Haneef Zulfi , Gavvala Jay R. , Combs Hannah L. , Han Albert , Ali Irfan , Sheth Sameer A. , Stinson Jennifer M.
Published: January 2022

BACKGROUND:

The effects of brain stimulation on memory formation in humans have shown conflicting results in previous studies. We hypothesized that direct cortical stimulation using an implanted responsive neurostimulation (RNS) system will improve memory.

OBJECTIVE:

To evaluate whether direct cortical stimulation using RNS improves memory as measured with recall scores of a list-learning task.

METHODS:

During outpatient visits, a list-learning task (Hopkins Verbal Learning Test-Revised) was administered to 17 patients with RNS implants. Patients were read a list of 12 semantically related words and asked to recall the list after 3 different learning trials. True or sham stimulations were performed for every third word presented for immediate recall. Most patients had frontotemporal network stimulation—one patient each had insular and parietal stimulations. After a 20-min delay, they were asked to recall the list again, first freely and then through a “yes/no” recognition paradigm. A crossover design was used in which half the patients had true stimulation during the initial visit and half had sham stimulation—followed by crossover to the other group at the next visit.

RESULTS:

The Hopkins Verbal Learning Test–Revised delayed recall raw score was higher for the stimulation condition compared with the nonstimulation condition (paired t-test, P = .04, effect size d = 0.627).

CONCLUSION:

Verbal memory improves by direct cortical stimulation during a list-learning task. The RNS system can be effectively used in memory research using direct cortical stimulation. This study has implications in the development of neurostimulation devices for cognitive enhancement in conditions such as epilepsy, dementia, and traumatic brain injury.
Aberrant RET expression affects normal mammary gland post-lactation transition, enhancing cancer potential
Authors: Vallone Sabrina A. , García Solá Martín , Schere-Levy Carolina , Meiss Roberto P. , Hermida Gladys N. , Chodosh Lewis A. , Kordon Edith C. , Hynes Nancy E. , Gattelli Albana
Published: January 2022

RET is a receptor tyrosine kinase with oncogenic potential in the mammary epithelium. Several receptors with oncogenic activity in the breast are known to participate in specific developmental stages. We found that RET is differentially expressed during mouse mammary gland development: RET is present in lactation and its expression dramatically decreases in involution, the period during which the lactating gland returns to a quiescent state after weaning. Based on epidemiological and pre-clinical findings, involution has been described as tumor promoting. Using the Ret/MTB doxycycline-inducible mouse transgenic system, we show that sustained expression of RET in the mammary epithelium during the post-lactation transition to involution is accompanied by alterations in tissue remodeling and an enhancement of cancer potential. Following constitutive Ret expression, we observed a significant increase in neoplastic lesions in the post-involuting versus the virgin mammary gland. Furthermore, we show that abnormal RET overexpression during lactation promotes factors that prime involution, including premature activation of Stat3 signaling and, using RNA sequencing, an acute-phase inflammatory signature. Our results demonstrate that RET overexpression negatively affects the normal post-lactation transition.
Correlation of predisposing factors and Esophageal Malignancy in high risk population of Baluchistan
Authors: Ishaque Syed Muhammad , Achackzai Muhammad Sadiq , Din Zia Ud , Pervez Shahid
Published: January 2022

Objectives: To determine frequency of esophageal malignancy in Balochistan and to evaluate its correlation with predisposing and dietary factors.

Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted from Jan 2019 to Dec 2020, at two tertiary care hospital of Quetta which caters to the entire population of province. The total number of 207 cases of esophageal biopsies were received and morphological diagnosis done by H&E staining.

Results: Out of 207 (N) esophageal biopsies cases, malignancy were observed in 65%, chronic esophagitis in 19%, benign esophageal lesion in 1% and other esophageal lesions were observed in less than 4% of samples. Association with aggravating factors included tea 80.5%, use of drugs 64%, spicy food 57%, salted food 53%, quid & tobacco taken orally and through nose 44% and cigarette smoking 21.5%. The protective factors include fresh fruit 90%, fish 64% and milk 55% which were never or occasionally taken, meat chicken and beef intake was 63% & 53% and vegetable intake was 52%, but 72.5% of cases never used alcohol and mutton meat was not used by 50%.

Conclusion: Esophageal cancer was associated in those groups of people which may regard as having high risk factors. These include increased intake of spicy/salted food, hot beverages, drugs, quid and smoked tobacco, coupled with low intake of fruits and vegetables, lack of awareness and low socioeconomic status.

doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.38.3.4612

How to cite this:Ishaque SM, Achakzai MS, Ziauddin, Pervez S. Correlation of predisposing factors and Esophageal Malignancy in high risk population of Baluchistan. Pak J Med Sci. 2022;38(3):---------. doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.38.3.4612

This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
Κατασκευή σύνθετων πορωδών βιοϋλικών μεταλλικής μήτρας τιτανίου με ενίσχυση υδροξυαπατίτη για χρήση τους ως ιατρικά εμφυτεύματα και μελέτη των μηχανικών και βιολογικών τους ιδιοτήτων
Authors: Παπαργύρη Σοφία
Published: January 2022

Σήμερα, υλικά όπως οι αφροί γίνονται ολοένα και πιο γνωστά. Αυτά τα υλικά αποτελούν μια τάξη υλικών των οποίων η σύσταση και η μικροδομή αποτελείται από συμπαγή μέρη ανάμεσα στα οποία παρεμβάλλονται κενοί πόροι σε σχηματισμό πλέγματος ή δικτύου.Η ανάπτυξη τέτοιων υλικών ξεκίνησε με την ανάγκη για νέα υλικά που θα χρησιμοποιούνταν στα αεροσκάφη ως υλικά ανθεκτικά στις υψηλές θερμοκρασίες και σαν δομικά υλικά που θα άντεχαν στο θερμαινόμενο περιβάλλον κατά την είσοδο και έξοδο του σκάφους στο διάστημα. Τα υλικά αυτά ικανοποιούσαν τις παραπάνω ανάγκες με την εξαιρετική τους θερμική αντίσταση και τις πολύ καλές μηχανικές ιδιότητες.Σήμερα η επιστήμη των υλικών ασχολείται με την ανάπτυξη πορωδών υλικών για την χρησιμοποίηση τους ως ιατρικά εμφυτεύματα. Τέτοια υλικά θα πρέπει να έχουν τις ιδανικές μηχανικές και βιολογικές ιδιότητες που θα τους επιτρέπουν ναλειτουργούν στο εχθρικό περιβάλλον μέσα στο ανθρώπινο σώμα. Τα υλικά που χρησιμοποιούνται ως βιοϋλικά φέρουν συγκεκριμένα χαρακτηριστικά όπως καλή μηχανική αντοχή, βιοσυμβατότητα και βιοενεργότητα.Το τιτάνιο και τα κράματα του χρησιμοποιούνται εδώ και 10-15 χρόνια, στον τομέα της ορθοπεδικής χειρουργικής και της γναθοχειρουργικής. Το τιτάνιο, όπως και τα κράματα του, έχουν πολύ καλές μηχανικές ιδιότητες, αντίσταση στη διάβρωση και εμφανίζουν βιοσυμβατότητα. Τα μειονεκτήματά του είναι η φθορά τριβής τριών σωμάτων και το φαινόμενο της προστασίας της τάσης (stress protection). Η προσθήκη του υδροξυαπατίτη, ένα ορυκτό υλικό που φέρει τα χαρακτηριστικά του φυσικού οστού, πιστεύεται ότι θα βελτιώσει τις ιδιότητες του τιτανίου.Στην παρούσα έρευνα θα μελετηθεί η συμπεριφορά πορώδους υλικού μεταλλικής μήτρας τιτανίου με ενίσχυση κόκκων υδροξυαπατίτη το οποίο κατασκευάστηκε με την μέθοδο της κονιομεταλλουργίας. Έτσι χρησιμοποιήθηκαν αρχικά μέθοδοι παρασκευής όπως φαρμακευτική ανάδευση, μηχανική ανάδευση, ανάδευση σε ελεγχόμενη ατμόσφαιρα. Στο στάδιο αυτό πραγματοποιήθηκε χαρακτηρισμός των ενδιάμεσων προϊόντων πριν την ψυχρή συμπίεση με SEM-EDS, XRD, DTA-TG, ανάλυση πορώδους, ανάλυση δομής με υπερήχους και κοκκομετρική ανάλυση.Στην συνέχεια προστέθηκε παράγοντας αφροποίησης, και πραγματοποιήθηκε ψυχρή συμπίεση, πυροσυσσωμάτωση σε ελεγχόμενες συνθήκες καθώς και χαρακτηρισμός των τελικών υλικών με SEM-EDS, XRD, DTA-TG, οπτική μικροσκοπία, ανάλυση πορώδους, ανάλυση δομής με υπερήχους, και δοκιμασία μηχανικής αντοχής συμπίεσης.Τέλος, έγινε έλεγχος βιοσυμβατότητας σε υγρά SBF και Ringer, και χαρακτηρισμός των δοκιμίων αυτών με μέτρηση ΡΗ, SEM-EDS, XRD, DTA-TG, ανάλυση δομής με υπερήχους, οπτική μικροσκοπία, δοκιμασία μηχανικής αντοχής συμπίεσης και ανάλυση FTIR.Τα αποτελέσματα είναι πλέον ενθαρρυντικά και δείχνουν ότι τα πορώδη βιοϋλικά τιτανίου και υδροξυπατίτη μπορούν κάλλιστα να χρησιμοποιηθούν σαν εμφυτεύματα οστού, αφού οι φυσικές, χημικές και μηχανικές ιδιότητές τους πληρούν τις προϋποθέσεις για τέτοιες εφαρμογές στον ανθρώπινο οργανισμό.
Differential enrichment of yeast DNA in SARS-CoV-2 and related genomes supports synthetic origin hypothesis
Authors: Lisewski Andreas Martin
Published: January 2022

Background: Knowledge about the origin of SARS-CoV-2 is necessary for both a biological and epidemiological understanding of the COVID-19 pandemic. Evidence suggests that a proximal evolutionary ancestor of SARS-CoV-2 belongs to the bat coronavirus family. However, as further evidence for a direct zoonosis remains limited, alternative modes of SARS-CoV-2 biogenesis should be considered.   

Results: Here we show that the genomes from SARS-CoV-2 and from SARS-CoV-1 are differentially enriched with short chromosomal sequences from the yeast S. cerevisiae at focal positions that are known to be critical for host cell invasion, virus replication, and host immune response. For SARS-CoV-1, we identify two sites: one at the start of the RNA dependent RNA polymerase gene, and the other at the start of the spike protein’s receptor binding domain; for SARS-CoV-2, one at the start of the viral replicase domain, and the other toward the end of the spike gene past its critical domain junction. At this junction, we detect a highly specific stretch of yeast DNA encoding for the critical furin cleavage site insert PRRA, which has not been seen in other lineage b betacoronaviruses. As yeast is not a natural host for this virus family, we propose a passage model for viral constructs in yeast cells based on co-transformation of virus DNA plasmids carrying yeast selectable genetic markers followed by intra-chromosomal homologous recombination through gene conversion. Highly differential sequence homology data across yeast chromosomes congruent with chromosomes harboring specific auxotrophic markers further support this passage model.

Conclusions: These results provide evidence that among SARS-like coronaviruses only the genomes of SARS-CoV-1 and SARS-CoV-2 contain information that points to a synthetic passage in genetically modified yeast cells. Our data specifically allow the identification of the yeast S. cerevisiae as a potential recombination donor for the critical furin cleavage site in SARS-CoV-2.
Effectiveness of low-dose radiation therapy in COVID-19 patients globally: A systematic review
Authors: Pandey Sirish Raj , Adhikari Yadav Saroj , Gautam Swotantra , Giri Kalpana , Devkota Anirudra , Shrestha Shipra , Bhandari Shreya , Baniya Santosh , Adhikari Bibhuti , Adhikari Bibek , Neupane Shila , Bhandari Jenish
Published: January 2022

Background: Novel Corona Virus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) can affect multiple organs, including the lungs, resulting in pneumonia. Apart from steroids, other anti-COVID drugs that have been studied appear to have little or no effect on COVID-19 pneumonia. There is a well-known history of inflammatory disease, including pneumonia, treated with low-dose radiation therapy (LDRT). It reduces the production of proinflammatory cytokines, Interleukin-1a (IL-1a), and leukocyte recruitment.  

Methods: A comprehensive literature search was conducted using PubMed, Scopus, Embase, CINAHL, and Google Scholar, with keywords such as “radiotherapy,” “low-dose radiation therapy,” “low-dose irradiation,” “covid-19 pneumonia,” “SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia,” and “covid pneumonia.” with additional filters for human studies and customized articles in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses. We reviewed randomized controlled trials, quasi-experimental studies, cohort, case-control, and cross-sectional studies with a clearly defined intervention, including low-dose radiotherapy alone or in combination with any therapy to treat COVID-19 pneumonia from December 2019 to May 2021. Patients receiving standard or high-dose radiotherapy, including for other diseases, were excluded. Zotero software was used to collect and organize research from various databases, remove duplicates, extract relevant data, and record decisions. Participants’ demographics and baseline status were obtained from the full-text articles along with the intervention’s outcome/effect on patient status. 

Results: Four studies with 61 participants that met the inclusion criteria were included. One was a double-blind randomized controlled trial, one a non-randomized trial, while the other two were single-arm clinical trials. Low-dose radiation therapy did not show any significant improvement in COVID-19 patients. 

Conclusion: Only two studies included in this review demonstrated an improvement in inflammatory markers; however, patients were also given steroids or other drugs. Therefore, the confounding effects must be considered before drawing conclusions. This systematic review does not support mortality benefit, clinical course improvement, or imaging changes with LDRT.
The improvement of inflammatory markers and disease progression among moderate, severe, and critical COVID-19 patients: a cross-sectional study from two second referral hospitals in Surabaya, Indonesia
Authors: Romadhon Pradana Zaky , Bintoro Siprianus Ugroseno Yudho , Suryantoro Satriyo Dwi , Savitri Merlyna , Amrita Putu Niken Ayu , Diansyah Muhammad Noor , Prayoga Ami Ashariati , Windradi Choirina , Mahdi Bagus Aulia , Widiyastuti Krisnina Nurul , Novendrianto Dwiki , Agustin Esthiningrum Dewi , Alkaff Firas Farisi , Prahasanti Kartika , Dewanto Didi Darmahadi
Published: January 2022

Background: To date, coronavirus diseases 2019 (COVID-19) has no definitive treatment. Thrombosis and hypercoagulation may occur in the advanced stage. Further study on how to use anticoagulants is still required to promote the best prognosis.

Methods: A cross-sectional study of 110 moderate, 140 severe, and 81 critical patients receiving unfractioned heparin (UFH), low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH), and fondaparinux was conducted. Data were collected from March 15th to August 31st 2020 at Universitas Airlangga and Husada Utama Hospital. A comparative study of white blood cell (WBC), neutrophils, lymphocytes, neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), c-reactive protein (CRP), procalcitonin (PCT), D-dimer, all-cause mortality rate, length of stay, and days of death among three severities of COVID-19 was done. Univariate and multivariate analysis were used to determine the correlation between inflammatory state after anti-coagulant with patients’ mortality.

Results: Two deaths occurred in moderate cases, 36 deaths in severe cases, and 70 deaths in critical cases on ventilators. On day 13, moderate and severe groups showed decreased WBC, neutrophils, NLR, CRP, and D-dimer (p < 0.05). NLR, CRP, and D-dimer (p<0.05) in critically ill and ventilated patients decreased. Day-13 evaluation revealed 32.73% decrease of inflammatory markers in moderate group; 32.86% in severe patients; and 16.05% in critically ill, ventilated patients. A significant correlation between day 13 inflammatory status with mortality was seen in moderate and critical cases with a ventilator (r=0.337; p< 0.05 and r=0.25; p 0.05). Inflammatory profile on day 6 (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 2.36; p < 0.05) and day 13 ([aOR] = 4.15; p < 0.05) was associated with patients’ mortality.

Conclusions: Anticoagulants in COVID-19 patients lower inflammation markers. Evaluating inflammatory status is essential to predict the mortality. Inflammatory markers on day 13, based on the severity of COVID-19 and comorbidities, were associated with mortality in moderate and critical cases.
„Dzieci naznaczone śmiercią”, czyli o dziecięcej tożsamości (tragicznie) zerwanej w świetle koncepcji zniewolonego dzieciństwa
Authors: Szczepska-Pustkowska Maria
Published: January 2022

Adina Blady-Szwajger stwierdziła w swoim pamiętniku, że pisać o dzieciach jest najtrudniej, ponieważ trudno znaleźć słowa, które „krzyczą”, oraz że pisać o dzieciach w czasie wojny oznacza przywoływać ich cierpienie, pracę ponad siły i śmierć1. Prezentowany tekst ma na celu – po pierwsze – przypomnienie ludzkich historii – historii dzieci Holocaustu, o których nie należy zapominać. Po drugie – jest próbą odczytania w ich kontekście dzieciństwa zniewolonego. Pierwszy ze wskazanych celów dotyczy analizy wybranych dziecięcych świadectw diarystycznych z okresu II wojny światowej, związanych z zerwaniem pierwotnej tożsamości i „(w)socjalizowaniem” w nową tożsamość (polską – katolicką). Wspomniane źródła traktuję jako przyczynek do próby zrozumienia procesu wykorzeniania dziecka żydowskiego z jego dotychczasowej tożsamości, konstruowania na jej miejsce nowego wzoru, a w rezultacie pedagogicznie znaczącego biograficznego doświadczenia zerwania ciągłości tożsamości / rozdwojenia tożsamości. Drugi ze sformułowanych celów jest związany z osadzeniem tej problematyki na tle refleksji pedagogicznej, dla której jedną ze znaczących kategorii jest przemoc symboliczna, ukierunkowana na zmianę ludzkiej tożsamości.
The role of computed tomography in the diagnosis of lung cancer - a case report
Authors: Cabaj Justyna , Bargieł Julia , Chmielewska Izabela , Milanowski Janusz
Published: January 2022

Introduction

Lung cancer has been the main oncological problem in the world for years. It is extremely important to use appropriate diagnostic methods that enable its detection and implementation of appropriate treatment.

Aim

The presented case shows the advantage of computed tomography over chest X-ray (X-ray) in visualizing neoplastic changes in the lungs.

Case Study

The paper presents a description of a patient diagnosed with centrally located advanced lung adenocarcinoma with a strong expression of PD-L1 qualified for treatment with pembrolizumab.

Results and Discussion

Presented case confirms that X-ray is less sensitive, especially in the case of centrally located tumors. Therefore, the emergence of a new cough in a smoker or ex-smoker should raise concerns related to lung cancer despite a normal X-ray image. The central location of the tumor may cause dramatic course of the symptoms. In the presented case, a sudden significant deterioration of the condition was observed due to atelectasis of the entire lung. Haemoptysis observed during hospitalization was another symptom of centraly located tumor mass.

Conclusions

In conclusion, the history of cigarette smoking, presence of typical symptoms should provide an in-depth diagnosis of lung cancer, despite normal X-ray. Diagnostic procedures include computed tomography in the first place. The course of centrally localized disease may change rapidly during on first cycle of treatment. Due to the possibility of serious complications of the ongoing neoplastic disease, the patient should be under constant medical supervision.
Philosophy at the Evangelical College in Prešov in the Contexts of European Intellectual Development
Authors: Dupkala Rudolf
Published: January 2022

The leitmotif of the paper is an analysis and interpretation of philosophy at the Evangelical College in Prešov, Slovakia, in the contexts of European intellectual development from the 17th to the 20th century. The research focuses on the response to and reception of Francis Bacon’s philosophy in the work of his Prešov follower – Ján Bayer, reflections on Kant’s aesthetics in the work of the Prešov professor Michal Greguš and the explanation of Nietzsche’s immoralism in the work of Jaromír Červenka. The paper emphasises that philosophy at the Evangelical College contributed to the development of spiritual culture in Slovakia and became part of its cultural heritage. According to the author of the paper, the value of philosophy at the Evangelical College in Prešov lies precisely (and above all) in its ability to creatively reinterpret and apply the key concepts of European philosophy into the philosophical systems of Bayer, Greguš and Červenka.
Regulating Native Advertising
Authors: Wu Yue , Gal-Or Esther , Geylani Tansev
Published: January 2022

Native advertising is not fully transparent to consumers because it bears similarity to editorial content. Increasing the opaqueness of native ads can raise publishers’ click-through rate, but can also negatively affect consumers’ quality perception of the publishers’ editorial content and lead to lower profitability. In this paper, we develop a game-theoretical model of native ads to investigate the economic implications of regulation. Our model considers two types of publishers, who differ in the quality of their editorial content. We show that publishers have incentives to self-regulate native ads through lower opaqueness in order to signal their high quality to the market. We find that stricter regulation can make native ads more opaque, on average, because it can eliminate the incentives of high-quality publishers to distinguish themselves from low-quality publishers. Consequently, strengthening regulation can yield lower consumer surplus and social welfare.

This paper was accepted by Duncan Simester, marketing.

Supplemental Material: The online appendix is available at https://doi.org/10.1287/mnsc.2021.4242 .
The Contractual Governance of Transactions Within Firms
Authors: Magelssen Catherine , Rich Beverly , Mayer Kyle
Published: January 2022

A central theoretical premise is that firms internalize transactions that are not suited for formal contracting. Yet, there is growing evidence that firms rely on formal contracts to govern some of their transactions within the firm. This paper discusses why firms use formal contracts between units within the firm and develops propositions for when formal contracts arise. Internalization does not eliminate transactional problems, and informal agreements for transactions between units often suffer from problems in understanding what the other unit will do and whether it will do what it promises. We argue that many of the features that make formal contracts valuable tools for market exchange are beneficial within firms, even if court enforcement of the contract is not possible. We suggest that formal contracts between units serve as communication and commitment devices that address coordination and incentive problems within the firm by providing clarity and credibility on the rights allocated to the units in the transaction.

Funding: Support for this research comes from the London Business School.

Supplemental Material: The online appendix is available at https://doi.org/10.1287/orsc.2021.1536 .
Orthodontic extractions: history and current trends
Authors: Oliver Graham , Robinson Stephen , Ireland Anthony
Published: January 2022

This article discusses the trends in orthodontic extractions since the birth of the speciality in the early 1900s to the present day. It explores reasons for these changing trends and seeks to place apparent reasoning for current practice.

CPD/Clinical Relevance: Understanding the historical trends and reasoning for extractions in orthodontics helps explain some of the current thinking and justification for orthodontic extractions
Observed Quality of Formative Peer and Self-Assessment in Everyday Mathematics Teaching and its Effects on Student Performance
Authors: Zulliger Sandra , Buholzer Alois , Ruelmann Merle
Published: January 2022

The positive effect of peer assessment and self-assessment strategies on learners' performance has been widely confirmed in experimental or quasi-experimental studies. However, whether peer and self-assessment within everyday mathematics teaching affect student learning and achievement, has rarely been studied. This study aimed to determine with what quality peer and self-assessment occur in everyday mathematics instruction and whether and which students benefit from it in terms of achievement and the learning process. Two lessons on division were video-recorded and rated to determine the quality of peer and self-assessment. Six hundred thirty-four students of fourth-grade primary school classes in German-speaking Switzerland participated in the study and completed a performance test on division. Multilevel analyses showed no general effect of the quality of peer or self-assessment on performance. However, high-quality self-assessment was beneficial for lower-performing students, who used a larger repertoire of calculation strategies, which helped them perform better. In conclusion, peer and self-assessment in real-life settings only have a small effect on the student performance in this Swiss study.
Short Communication: Phytochemical screening and toxicity of ethanol extract of Sauropus androgynus
Authors: AWALUDIN AWALUDIN , KARTINA KARTINA , MAULIANAWATI DIANA , MANALU WASMEN , ANDRIYANTO ANDRIYANTO , SEPTIANA RIKA , ARFANDI AGUS , LALANG YUBAL
Published: January 2022

Abstract. Awaludin, Kartina, Maulianawati D, Manalu W, Andriyanto, Septiana R, Arfandi A, Lalang Y. 2020. Short Communication: Phytochemical screening and toxicity of ethanol extract of Sauropus androgynus. Biodiversitas 21: 2966-2970. Katuk (Sauropus androgynus L.) (SAL) is a plant used to increase the production of breast milk for nursing mothers and lactating mammalian animals because this plant contains high sterols. Phytosterols are plant sterols known to play a role in the synthesis and secretion of progesterone and estradiol.  Progesterone and estradiol are hormones that are involved in controlling the reproduction and mammary gland growth and development in mammalian animals. Estradiol also stimulates vitellogenin synthesis in oviparous animals such as avian and fish.  The study was designed to determine the phytochemical contents and the level of toxicity of the SAL ethanol extract. The research was conducted in 4 phases i.e., (i) extraction of SAL samples using ethanol 70%, (ii) the analysis of phytochemical content of SAL extract using GCMS, (iii) toxicity test of SAL extract in giant tiger shrimp larvae, and (iv) data analysis. The results of GCMS analysis showed that the SAL extract was dominated by the fatty acid group (62.92%), phenol (15.3%), and terpenoids (4.03%). These compounds have roles in animal reproduction and production. The mortality data of giant tiger shrimp larvae were analyzed using probit analysis to determine the LC50 of ethanol extract of SAL. The results of toxicity test for 24 hours showed that the LC50 of the ethanol extract of SAL was 552.208 mg/L. The phytochemical analysis showed that SAL extract has dominant concentrations of fatty acid, phenol, and terpenoid that could be used to improve the reproduction and production of fish.
Genetic diversity of Coffea canephora Pierre ex A. Froehner in Temanggung District, Indonesia based on molecular marker RAPD
Authors: Pangestika Intan Widya , Susilowati Ari , Purwanto Edi
Published: January 2022

Abstract. Authors. 2021. Genetic diversity of Coffea canephora Pierre ex A. Froehner in Temanggung District, Indonesia based on molecular marker RAPD. Biodiversitas 22: 4775-4783. Temanggung District in Central Java Province, Indonesia is one of robusta coffee production centers. The condition of coffee plantations in Temanggung shows variations in some morphological traits. Variations in coffee phenotypes are considered less profitable for farmers because they produce yields of undesirable quality in the global market. This study aimed to evaluate the genetic diversity of robusta coffee in Temanggung. The coffee plants were derived from six villages located at two levels of altitude. The morphological traits were observed from canopy width, trunk diameter, plant height, cherry volume, and bean volume, while the biochemical compositions were determined by caffeine content and brew’s pH value. The molecular assays were performed using PCR-RAPD with ten primers and species identification was based on the ITS rDNA. Our finding showed a variation in all morphological characters and biochemical compositions based on the LSD test 5%. The molecular marker RAPD revealed the genetic diversity by showing the DNA polymorphism levels of 95%, with the genetic similarity coefficient ranged from 0.35 to 0.86. The species identification also demonstrated that our robusta coffee was 97.11-99.70% similar to robusta coffee MK615737.1 from Philippines and robusta coffee DQ153593.1 from Cameroon. Thus, genetic diversity on six populations of robusta coffee was found, along with its variations on phenotypes which might lead the coffee yield quality to become uneven.