bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Multicultural Education in the Cultural Arts Festival at Sahabat Alam Palangka Raya School
Authors: Sunarno Ali , Hutagalung Cyndi , Ansa Faulus Dandi , Fitri  , Wahyu Andriana I Wayan , Indrawati Lala , Melin  , Hapipah Nor , Zai Syukur Setia
Published: October 2023

This research is motivate by one fact that cannot be denied for Indonesia, namely a multicultural society. A multicultural society has the potential to become a capital for the nation’s progress, but it does not rule out the possibility that it will become a gap and an opportunity for turmoil to arise, such as social conflict, intolerance, and even division. Providing education in the form of instilling the value of multicultural education from an early age is a form of strategic alternative efforts to suppress and prevent destructive social conflicts. Multicultural education is an attempt to build a person’s mindset to appreaciate diversity within a framework of equality in order to develop social skills. One of the formal education that implements and internalizes multicultural education through special programs in order to realize student’s understanding of the urgency of multicultural education is Sekolah Sahabat Alam. Sekolah Sahabat Alam holds an arts and culture festival at the end of each semester. The cultural festival functions as a concept to provide understanding to students so that they live with mutual respect, appreciation, and tolerance. The problem formulation of this research is how to apply multicultural education in cultural festivals at Sekolah Sahabat Alam in Palangka Raya. This research method was used descriptive research intended to describe the context of multicultural education in the cultural arts festival at Sekolah Sahabat Alam in Palangka Raya. Multicultural education is used as a concrete first step planting good things, this planting can be seen from several activities implemented by Sekolah Sahabat Alam; 1) Cultural festivals as tool for cultural encounters and seeds for seeding multicultural awareness 2) Multicultural education in the creativity of cultural festivals.
Keywords: Multicultural Education, Cultural Arts Festival, Sekolah Sahabat Alam
Mikro aşınma ve beslenme ilişkisi
Authors: SÖNMEZ SÖZER Çilem
Published: October 2023

Geçmişten günümüze yaşayan her canlının hayatta kalabilmek için ihtiyaç duyduğu ve mücadele ettiği en önemli şey hiç şüphesiz ki yiyecektir. Hayatta kalmak dışında, vücut fonksiyonların sorunsuz bir şekilde yerine getirilmesi içinde beslenmenin önemi büyüktür. Antropolojinin en temel materyali olan ve antik toplumlar hakkında bilgi edinmemizi sağlayan iskelet materyaller ve dişler bizlere incelediğimiz toplum hakkında birçok bilgi vermektedir. Özellikle dişler yapıları gereği zorlu koşullar altında bile çoğunlukla bütünlüklerini koruyabildikleri için bu alanda yapılan çalışmalarda en çok tercih edilen malzemelerdir. Günümüzde gelişen tıp alanında kullanılan teknolojilerin gelişmesi ile birlikte çoğu hastalığın beslenme rejimiyle doğrudan bağlantılı olduğu yapılan çalışmalarda gösterilmektedir. Bu nedenle beslenme üzerine yapılan çalışmalar artmaktadır. Özellikle teknolojinin ilerlemesi ile birlikte yeni çalışma yöntemleri de ortaya çıkmaktadır ve bunlar içerisinde en çok tercih edilenlerinden biriside mikro aşınma yöntemidir. Antik toplumların beslenme rejiminin ortaya çıkarılması için yapılan çalışmalar sadece diyet hakkında bilgi vermekle kalmayıp aynı zamanda incelenen toplum ya da toplumların sağlık durumu, sosyo-kültürel yapısı ve yaşam tarzı hakkında da önemli veriler sağlamaktadır. Aynı zamanda beslenme ile ilgili yapılan çalışmalardan elde edilen veriler sayesinde incelenen toplum ya da toplumların aralarındaki benzerlik ve farklılıklar ile birlikte, yetiştirdikleri ürünler, iklim koşulları, göçler, dönemsel değişiklikler hakkında bilgiler edinmek de mümkündür.
Structural Comparison, Transfers and Unequal Power Relations: Field Theory as a Conceptual and Methodological Tool
Authors: Sapiro Gisèle
Published: October 2023

This paper proposes a comparative approach theoretically and methodologically based in the sociology of literature, and more specifically on field theory, which takes into account circulation and transfers, as well as international power relations between centers and peripheries. As developed in the first section, this approach combines Bourdieu's field theory, Casanova's analysis of the world republic of letters, Even-Zohar's polysystem theory, Moretti's quantitative methods, and the author's own work on the circulation of literary texts and forms. Exemplified by case studies borrowed from the existing literature (including the author's research), the methodological framework developed in the following sections addresses authorities (publishers, prizes, festivals) and writer's strategies.
Comparability and Translatability in the Making of Historical Narratives: Alba de Céspedes’ Comparative Method
Authors: Segnini Elisa
Published: October 2023

This article examines the comparative method used by Italian writer Alba de Céspedes in relation to questions of translatability, and in connection to the role of censorship in the production of historical narratives. It draws on two case studies: an article written on the Cuban Revolution for the magazine Epoca in 1959, and a series of poems portraying the Parisian May 1968, and it examines the history of translation of these poems in the Italian and Cuban contexts. Two types of comparisons emerge from the analysis of these texts: ‘vertical comparisons’, that is, comparisons that establish a relation between events positioned at different historical times, and ‘horizontal comparisons’, which connect contemporary, geographically distant events. While horizontal comparisons are necessarily transnational, vertical comparison can involve comparanda based within or beyond the nation. In de Céspedes’ works, transnational comparisons issue a desire for translation, but at the same time prevent the translation from taking place, due, in part, to the contentious relationship between comparison and censorship evoked by the text in the target context. In fact, it is precisely the hyper-comparability of the poems themselves that limits their circulation in translation. In turn, untranslatability makes such texts significant for the comparatist precisely because it prompts a reflection on the socio-political factors that limit comparability.
Comp Lit’s Other Half: In Defense of Literature, with Lao She
Authors: Mangalagiri Adhira
Published: October 2023

How might we now make sense of Comp Lit’s ‘literature’ half amid a contemporary mediascape in which literature no longer possesses the cultural centrality it once enjoyed? To probe this question, I turn to scholarly efforts from a century ago to make a case for reading literature within the university classroom by formulating ‘criticism’ as a field of study. I focus on the eminent Chinese writer Lao She 老舍 (1899–1966), who taught in both Chinese and British classrooms, and who unexpectedly sparked the introduction of ‘criticism’ in the Chinese academy through his translation of a little-known textbook for criticism by the American professor Elizabeth Nitchie (1889–1960). Drawing upon Lao She’s conviction in the critical capacity of literature, I argue that returning to ‘criticism’ – as Lao She articulates it in his pedagogical lectures and his profound yet overlooked short story ‘Filling a Prescription’ ( Zhuayao 抓药, 1934) – can help build a justification for the continued importance of teaching literature’s reading. Amid institutional pressures to ‘rebrand’ Comparative Literature, this article ultimately suggests that there may be reason yet for the discipline not to abandon its focus on literature too hastily.
Two distinct forms of human BLT2: long-form and short-form BLT2
Authors: Wei Jun-Dong , Kim Jae-Hong
Published: October 2023

BLT2 is a low-affinity leukotriene B4 receptor that plays an essential role in the pathogenesis of various inflammatory diseases, including asthma and cancer. BLT2 is minimally expressed in a normal internal environment but is overexpressed in a stress-induced inflammatory environment. Recent research indicated that human BLT2 has two distinct forms. Although their functions are likely to be different, very few studies investigated these differences. Therefore, this paper will discuss about the two distinct forms of human BLT2; the short-form of BLT2 and the long-form of BLT2.
Matching method between nanoparticle displacement agent size and pore throat in low permeability reservoir
Authors: Wu Tianjiang , Zhao Yanhong , Zhang Yichi , Li Zhixiao , Su Junwei
Published: October 2023

Nano-particles possess desirable attributes such as small particle size, excellent injectivity, and migration performance, making them highly compatible and adaptable for addressing the water flooding requirements of the low-permeability oil reservoir. When selecting an oil displacement agent for enhancing water flooding and improving oil recovery, factors such as injectivity and migration need to be carefully considered. In this study, through a comprehensive analysis of the mechanism and technical characteristics of nano-particle oil displacement agents, the plugging and profile control mechanisms recognized by the mainstream of nano-particles are elucidated. By examining various elements including outcrop fractures, natural micro-fractures, artificial support fractures, and dynamic monitoring data, a reevaluation of the dominant channel scale governing water drive in low permeability reservoirs is conducted, thereby defining the target entities for profile control and flooding operations. Drawing upon Darcy’s percolation law and leveraging enhanced oil recovery techniques based on the classical Kozeny equation, a profile control and flooding mechanism is proposed that focuses on increasing the specific surface area of polymer particles while simultaneously reducing reservoir permeability. This innovative approach establishes a novel matching method between nano-polymer particles and the diverse media found within the reservoir. Lastly, the application of nanoparticle flooding technology in Changqing Oilfield is presented, highlighting its practical implementation and benefits.
Influence of blade leading-edge form on the performance and internal flow pattern of a mixed-flow pump
Authors: Huo Zhenggang , Zha Xiaoting
Published: October 2023

In this article, a typical mixed-flow pump was adopted as the research object to investigate the influence of the inlet structure within the impeller on the performance and internal flow patterns of the mixed-flow pump. First, three different blade inlet structure cases, which are forward bending, straight, and backward bending, were proposed and modeled separately. Second, the performance of mixed-flow pumps featuring different cases was carefully compared and analyzed. The results show that the inlet structure of the blades has a small impact on the head of the mixed-flow pump. However, it has a significant impact on the efficiency and shaft power of the pump at the rated flow condition. Among them, the performance of the straight and backward bending cases is significantly better than that of the front bending case. At the same time, the accuracy of the numerical results was verified by the experimental results. Finally, the internal flow and hydraulic loss laws with different inlet structures were deeply studied. It is found that the case of forward bending will cause the media to strike the middle of the inlet edge of the blade first and then generate a secondary flow along the inlet edge. The secondary flow will induce stronger media crowding at the inlet side near the shroud and hub. Due to the large curvature of the shroud and hub at the position of intersection with the inlet side of the blade, media crowding induces flow interference of the media on each span of the impeller channel. This ultimately leads to increased flow losses within the impeller and diffuser, reducing the hydraulic performance of the mixed-flow pump. This finding clarifies the influence mechanism of the inlet side geometry of the inlet blade on the performance and internal flow of the mixed-flow pump, which can provide a theoretical basis for improving the performance of the mixed-flow pump.
A cascade ensemble-learning model for the deployment at the edge: case on missing IoT data recovery in environmental monitoring systems
Authors: Izonin Ivan , Tkachenko Roman , Krak Iurii , Berezsky Oleh , Shevchuk Ihor , Shandilya Shishir Kumar
Published: October 2023

In recent years, more and more applied industries have relied on data collection by IoT devices. Various IoT devices generate vast volumes of data that require efficient processing. Usually, the intellectual analysis of such data takes place in data centers in cloud environments. However, the problems of transferring large volumes of data and the long wait for a response from the data center for further corrective actions in the system led to the search for new processing methods. One possible option is Edge computing. Intelligent data analysis in the places of their collection eliminates the disadvantages mentioned above, revealing many advantages of using such an approach in practice. However, the Edge computing approach is challenging to implement when different IoT devices collect the independent attributes required for classification/regression. In order to overcome this limitation, the authors developed a new cascade ensemble-learning model for the deployment at the Edge. It is based on the principles of cascading machine learning methods, where each IoT device that collects data performs its analysis based on the attributes it contains. The results of its work are transmitted to the next IoT device, which analyzes the attributes it collects, taking into account the output of the previous device. All independent at-tributes are taken into account in this way. Because of this, the proposed approach provides: 1) The possibility of effective implementation of Edge computing for intelligent data analysis, that is, even before their transmission to the data center; 2) increasing, and in some cases maintaining, classification/regression accuracy at the same level that can be achieved in the data center; 3) significantly reducing the duration of training procedures due to the processing of a smaller number of attributes by each of the IoT devices. The simulation of the proposed approach was performed on a real-world set of IoT data. The missing data recovery task in the atmospheric air state data was solved. The authors selected the optimal parameters of the proposed approach. It was established that the developed model provides a slight increase in prediction accuracy while significantly reducing the duration of the training procedure. However, in this case, the main advantage is that all this happens within the bounds of Edge computing, which opens up several benefits of using the developed model in practice.
Memory regulatory T cells in pregnancy
Authors: Chen Zeyang , Zhang Yanan , Kwak-Kim Joanne , Wang Wenjuan
Published: October 2023

Pregnancy requires the process of maternal immune tolerance to semi-allogeneic embryos. In contrast, an overreactive maternal immune system to embryo-specific antigens is likely to result in the rejection of embryos while damaging the invading placenta, such that the likelihood of adverse pregnancy outcomes can be increased. Regulatory T cells (Tregs) are capable of suppressing excessive immune responses and regulating immune homeostasis. When stimulating Tregs, specific antigens will differentiate into memory Tregs with long-term survival and rapid and powerful immune regulatory ability. Immunomodulatory effects mediated by memory Tregs at the maternal-fetal interface take on critical significance in a successful pregnancy. The impaired function of memory Tregs shows a correlation with various pregnancy complications (e.g., preeclampsia, gestational diabetes mellitus, and recurrent pregnancy losses). However, the differentiation process and characteristics of memory Tregs, especially their role in pregnancy, remain unclear. In this study, a review is presented in terms of memory Tregs differentiation and activation, the characteristics of memory Tregs and their role in pregnancy, and the correlation between memory Tregs and pregnancy complications. Furthermore, several potential therapeutic methods are investigated to restore the function of memory Tregs in accordance with immunopathologies arising from memory Tregs abnormalities and provide novel targets for diagnosing and treating pregnancy-associated diseases.
SARS-CoV-2 pre-exposure prophylaxis with tixagevimab/cilgavimab (AZD7442) provides protection in inborn errors of immunity with antibody defects: a real-world experience
Authors: Pulvirenti Federica , Garzi Giulia , Milito Cinzia , Sculco Eleonora , Sciannamea Maddalena , Napoli Anna , Cinti Lilia , Roberto Piergiorgio , Punziano Alessandra , Carrabba Maria , Piano Mortari Eva , Carsetti Rita , Antonelli Guido , Quinti Isabella
Published: October 2023

Background

Preventive strategies against severe COVID-19 in Inborn Errors of Immunity (IEI) include bivalent vaccines, treatment with SARS-CoV-2 monoclonal antibodies (mAbs), early antiviral therapies, and pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP).

Objective

To assess the effectiveness of the PrEP with tixagevimab/cilgavimab (AZD7442) in IEI with primary antibody defects during the COVID-19 Omicron wave.

Methods

A six-month prospective study evaluated the SARS-CoV-2 infection rate and the COVID-19 severity in the AZD7442 group, in the no-AZD7442 group, and in a group of patients with a recent SARS-CoV-2 infection (< three months). Spike-specific IgG levels were measured at regular intervals.

Results

Six out of thirty-three patients (18%) and 54/170 patients (32%) became infected in the AZD7442 group and in the no-AZD7442 group, respectively. Within 90 days post-administration, the AZD7442 group was 85% less likely to be infected and 82% less likely to have a symptomatic disease than the no-AZD7442 group. This effect was lost thereafter. In the entire cohort, no mortality/hospitalisation was observed. The control group of 35 recently infected patients was 88% and 92% less likely to be infected than the AZD7442 and no-AZD7442 groups. Serum anti-Spike IgG reached the highest peak seven days post-AZD7442 PrEP then decreased, remaining over 1000 BAU/mL 180 days thereafter.

Conclusion

In patients with IEI and antibody defects, AZD7442 prophylaxis had a transient protective effect, possibly lost possibly because of the appearance of new variants. However, PrEP with newer mAbs might still represent a feasible preventive strategy in the future in this population.
Glycosylation of bacterial antigens changes epitope patterns
Authors: Kern Karolin , Delaroque Nicolas , Boysen Anders , Puder Marcus , Wendt Ralph , Kölsch Andreas , Ehrentreich-Förster Eva , Stærk Kristian , Andersen Thomas Emil , Andersen Karin , Lund Lars , Szardenings Michael
Published: October 2023

Introduction

Unlike glycosylation of proteins expressed in mammalian systems, bacterial glycosylation is often neglected in the development of recombinant vaccines.

Methods

Here, we compared the effects of glycosylation of YghJ, an Escherichia coli protein important for mucus attachment of bacteria causing in urinary tract infections (UTIs). A novel method based on statistical evaluation of phage display for the identification and comparison of epitopes and mimotopes of anti-YghJ antibodies in the sera was used. This is the first time that the effect of glycosylation of a recombinant bacterial antigen has been studied at the peptide epitope level.

Results

The study identifies differences in the immune response for (non)-glycosylated antigens in rabbits and pigs and compares them to a large group of patients with UTI, which have been diagnosed as positive for various bacterial pathogens. We identified glycosylation-specific peptide epitopes, a large immunological similarity between different UTI pathogens, and a broad peptide epitope pattern in patients and animals, which could result in a variable response in patients upon vaccination.

Discussion

This epitope analysis indicates that the vaccination of rabbits and pigs raises antibodies that translate well into the human immune system. This study underlines the importance of glycosylation in bacterial vaccines and provides detailed immune diagnostic methods to understand individual immune responses to vaccines.
Functional evaluation of complement factor I variants by immunoassays and SDS-PAGE
Authors: Gerogianni Alexandra , Baas Laura M. , Sjöström Dick J. , van de Kar Nicole C. A. J. , Pullen Marit , van de Peppel Siem J. , Nilsson Per H. , van den Heuvel Lambertus P.
Published: October 2023

Factor I (FI) is an essential regulator of the complement system. Together with co-factors, FI degrades C3b, which inhibits further complement activation. Genetic mutations in FI are associated with pathological conditions like age-related macular degeneration and atypical hemolytic uremic syndome. Here, we evaluated eight recombinant FI genetic variants found in patients. We assessed FI’s co-factor activity in the presence of two co-factors; Factor H and soluble CR1. Different analytical assays were employed; SDS-PAGE to evaluate the degradation of C3b, ELISA to measure the generation of fluid phase iC3b and the degradation of surface-bound C3b using a novel Luminex bead-based assay. We demonstrate that mutations in the FIMAC and SP domains of FI led to significantly reduced protease activity, whereas the two analyzed mutations in the LDLRA2 domain did not result in any profound changes in FI’s function. The different assays employed displayed a strong positive correlation, but differences in the activity of the genetic variants Ile55Phe and Gly261Asp could only be observed by combining different methods and co-factors for evaluating FI activity. In conclusion, our results provide a new perspective regarding available diagnostic tools for assessing the impact of mutations in FI.
Differences of airborne and mural microorganisms in a 1,500-year-old Xu Xianxiu’s Tomb, Taiyuan, China
Authors: Liu Jiangyun , Wu Fasi , Xiang Ting , Ma Wenxia , He Dongpeng , Zhang Qi , Wang Wanfu , Duan Yulong , Tian Tian , Feng Huyuan
Published: October 2023

Background

Microbial colonization represents one of the main threats to the conservation of subterranean cultural heritage sites. Recently, the microbial colonization on murals in tombs has gradually attracted attention.

Methods

In this study, a total of 33 samples, including 27 aerosol samples and 6 mural painting samples, were collected from different sites of Xu Xianxiu’s Tomb and analyzed using culture-dependent methods. We compared the diversities of culturable bacteria and fungi isolated from the air and murals and explored the potential impacts of microorganisms on the biodeterioration of the murals.

Results

Phylogenetic analyses revealed that the culturable bacteria belonged to Bacillus, Microbacterium, Lysobacter and Arthrobacter. And the most of fungal belonged to the Penicillium, Cladosporium and Aspergillus genera. The composition and structure of airborne bacteria and fungi outside the tomb were both significantly different from that inside the tomb. The variation trends of airborne bacterial and fungal concentrations at different sampling sites were remarkably similar. Bacillus frigoritolerans, Bacillus halotolerans, Bacillus safensis, Exiguobacterium mexicanum, Microbacterium trichothecenolyticum, and Micrococcus yunnanensis were bacterial species commonly isolated from both the mural and air environments. Fungal species commonly isolated from aerosol samples and mural painting samples were Alternaria alternata, Cladosporium cladosporioides, Penicillium brevicompactum, and Peyronellaea glomerata. The prediction of the ecological functions of the bacteria revealed that chemoheterotrophy or aerobic_chemoheterotrophy accounted for substantial relative proportions in all sample types.

Conclusion

These results suggest that the aerosol circulation between the inside and outside environments of the tomb was weak and that the outside environment had yet to have an impact on the air microbial community inside the tomb. Selective colonization of microorganisms, which is mediated by interaction between microorganisms and special microenvironmental factors, is an important reason for the biodeterioration of murals.
Crosspteryx fibrifuga leaf extract enhances host resistance to Trypanosoma congolense infection in mice by regulating host immune response and disrupting the activity of parasite superoxide dismutase enzyme
Authors: Ikeogu Nnamdi , Olayinka-Adefemi Folayemi , Edechi Chidalu , Onyilagha Chukwunonso , Jia Ping , Marshall Aaron , Ode Julius , Uzonna Jude
Published: October 2023

African trypanosomiasis, a neglected tropical disease, is caused by diverse species of the protozoan parasite belonging to the genus Trypanosoma. Although anti-trypanosomal medications exist, the increase in drug resistance and persistent antigenic variation has necessitated the development of newer and more efficacious therapeutic agents which are selectively toxic to the parasite. In this study, we assessed the trypanocidal efficacy of Crosspteryx fibrifuga leaf extract (C.f/L-extract) in vitro. Following treatment of T. congolense parasites with C.f/L-extract, we observed a significant decrease in parasite number and an elevation in the expression of the apoptotic markers, Annexin V and 7-Aminoactinomycin D (7AAD). Interestingly, at the same concentration (50 μg/mL), C.f/L-extract was not cytotoxic to murine whole splenocytes. We also observed a significant increase in pro-inflammatory cytokines and nitric oxide secretion by bone marrow derived macrophages following treatment with C.f/L-extract (10 μg/mL and 50 μg/mL) compared to PBS treated controls, suggesting that the extract possesses an immune regulatory effect. Treatment of T. congolense infected mice with C.f/L-extract led to significant decrease in parasite numbers and a modest increase in mouse survival compared to PBS treated controls. In addition, there was a significant increase in CD4+IFN-γ+ T cells and a decrease in CD4+IL-10+ T cells in the spleens of T. congolense infected mice treated with C.f/L-extract. Interestingly, C.f/L-extract treatment decreased the activity of superoxide dismutase (an enzyme that protects unicellular organisms from oxidative stress) in T. congolense parasites but not in splenocytes. Collectively, our study has identified C.f/L-extract as a potential anti-trypanosomal agent that warrant further investigation and possibly explored as a treatment option for T. congolense infection.
Cognitive impairment in long-living adults: a genome-wide association study, polygenic risk score model and molecular modeling of the APOE protein
Authors: Kashtanova D. A. , Mamchur A. A. , Dzhumaniyazova I. H. , Ivanov M. V. , Erema V. V. , Zelenova E. A. , Yakovchik A. Y. , Gusakova M. S. , Rumyantseva A. M. , Terekhov M. V. , Matkava L. R. , Akopyan A. A. , Strazhesko I. D. , Yudin V. S. , Makarov V. V. , Kraevoy S. A. , Tkacheva O. N. , Yudin S. M.
Published: October 2023

Background

Cognitive impairment is an irreversible, aging-associated condition that robs people of their independence. The purpose of this study was to investigate possible causes of this condition and propose preventive options.

Methods

We assessed cognitive status in long-living adults aged 90+ (n = 2,559) and performed a genome wide association study using two sets of variables: Mini-Mental State Examination scores as a continuous variable (linear regression) and cognitive status as a binary variable (> 24, no cognitive impairment; <10, impairment) (logistic regression).

Results

Both variations yielded the same polymorphisms, including a well-known marker of dementia, rs429358in the APOE gene. Molecular dynamics simulations showed that this polymorphism leads to changes in the structure of alpha helices and the mobility of the lipid-binding domain in the APOE protein.

Conclusion

These changes, along with higher LDL and total cholesterol levels, could be the mechanism underlying the development of cognitive impairment in older adults. However, this polymorphism is not the only determining factor in cognitive impairment. The polygenic risk score model included 45 polymorphisms (ROC AUC 69%), further confirming the multifactorial nature of this condition. Our findings, particularly the results of PRS modeling, could contribute to the development of early detection strategies for predisposition to cognitive impairment in older adults.
Cerebral venous thrombosis caused by spontaneous intracranial hypotension due to spontaneous spinal cerebrospinal fluid leakage in the high cervical region: a case report
Authors: Li Man , Li Yi , Tai Liwen , Li Hui , Wang Li Qing , Zou Yue Li , Feng Wen Feng , Liu Yue , Liu Xiaopeng , He Jun Ying
Published: October 2023

Spontaneous intracranial hypotension (SIH) may lead to cerebral venous thrombosis (CVT). This case report describes the diagnostic and treatment processes used for a patient with CVT caused by SIH due to spontaneous spinal cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leakage in the high cervical region. Clinical data were collected from a 37-year-old man with an initial symptom of spontaneous posterior cervical pain. The diagnostic and treatment processes of SIH-induced CVT were described. A magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) study showed superior sagittal sinus thrombosis, and a lumbar puncture revealed a low initial CSF pressure of less than 60 mmH2O. The patient underwent anticoagulation and fluid rehydration therapies. No abnormalities were observed in the thoracic MRI scan, but a cervical MRI scan revealed a spontaneous CSF leak. An epidural blood patch with autologous blood was performed, and symptoms completely resolved 3 days after the procedure. This report proposes a diagnostic procedure for detecting rare cases of SIH-induced CVT, thereby preventing future misdiagnoses and delayed treatment. When a patient presenting with CVT in conjunction with intracranial hypotension has no history of trauma or piercing, SIH caused by spontaneous spinal CSF leakage should be considered as a potential cause of secondary low intracranial pressure. For detection of CSF leaks at rare sites, an MRI of the whole spine rather than a localized MRI of the spine needs to be performed to avoid misdiagnosis. An epidural blood patch should be performed as soon as possible as it may shorten the length of hospitalization and improve prognosis.
Case report: First treatment of acute ischaemic stroke in a patient on active rivaroxaban therapy using andexanet alfa and rtPA combined with early complete recovery
Authors: Karaszewski Bartosz , Szczyrba Sebastian , Jabłoński Bartosz , Gąsecki Dariusz , Kraszewski Piotr , Wyszomirski Adam , Kowalski Robert , Kaliszan Wioletta , Dąbrowska Małgorzata
Published: October 2023

Patients with non-large vessel occlusion acute ischemic stroke (NL-AIS) on oral anticoagulants (OAC) constitute the biggest portion among those who cannot receive any potential-reperfusion treatment even if they appear early in the hospital. We present the first case of therapy for NL-AIS in a patient with active anti-Xa anticoagulation, combining andexanet alfa and rtPA, who was recruited for STRoke On AntiCoagulants for Thrombolysis (acronym: STROACT), an ongoing therapeutic trial for non-LVO ischemic stroke on a DOAC. This is also the first report of the use of andexanet alfa-rtPA for AIS in a patient on rivaroxaban, which is the most frequently used non-vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulant. The patient received the intravenous bolus of 800 mg of andexanet (contralateral arm), followed by a bolus of rtPA (10% of the calculated dose; ipsilateral arm), then a continuous infusion of andexanet at 8 mg/min for 120 min (contralateral arm), and rtPA (90% of the calculated dose; ipsilateral arm)—both stopped after completion of 38.9 and 74% of infusion dose, respectively, due to the severe adverse event related to the administration of rtPA. In this schema, both infusions are ongoing concurrently for approximately 60 min, and then andexanet is administered alone until the completion of the dose (altogether lasting approximately 3 h). The therapy was spectacularly effective, with early and complete improvement in NIHSS from 8 to 0 points in 70 min from the initiation of the therapy; mRS = 0. Obviously, a single case cannot drive any standard therapeutic decisions, but the experience we share in this article may help manage selected special clinical problems, especially when a patient's expected outcome is poor and there is no other way to help than experimentally. Additionally, it seems a valuable addition to recent meta-data on thrombolysis in anticoagulated patients.

Trial registration

https://www.clinicaltrialsregister.eu. Identifier: 2020-004898-41. Date of registration: March 31, 2021.
Women in science: myth, harsh reality, or advantage
Authors: Feldman Ruth
Published: October 2023

To initiate discussion on women in science, we begin with Gerald Edelman’s definition: “Science is imagination in the service of the verifiable truth,” which underscores “verifiability,” truth reached by evidence, as the pathway science charts to Truth. “Verifiability” is named after the Roman Goddess Veritas, the daughter of Cronos and the mother of Virtus, suggesting that mythology viewed science as embodied by a female, embedded in its historical time, and aimed to breed values. We contemplate three perspectives on the topic and discuss their potential risks. The Veracity (Veritas) Perspective holds that science is impartial to the gender, race, political camp, or religious affiliation of its practitioner and from this perspective “women in sciences” is an oxymoron; science is, essentially, genderless. We argue that this perspective is misleading. Becoming a scientist requires education, resources, encouragement, training, role models, time, and funding, and the lack of such provisions banned women from the gates of Truth. The Harsh Reality perspective brings data presenting a grim picture. From 1902 to 2022 only 3.6% of Nobel Prizes in sciences were awarded to women and percentages of women in top academic positions are a third or lower across the US and Europe despite earning about 50% of PhDs in sciences. We contemplate internal and external reasons for this reality. Finally, the Potential Advantage position asks whether women may have unique sensitivities in the road to cumulative knowledge. We base our discussion on 20th century philosophical models that call to move from the metaphysical and abstract to the daily and contextual in the acquisition of knowledge and on research describing the distinct neural pathways to motherhood and fatherhood. We conclude by highlighting our unique historical time and the emergence of novel topics in neuroscience through the work of female and male scientists; interaction synchrony, inter-brain communication, and social and affiliative neuroscience.
Face processing and early event-related potentials: replications and novel findings
Authors: Brunet Nicolas M.
Published: October 2023

This research explores early Event-Related Potentials (ERPs) sensitivity to facial stimuli, investigating various facial features aimed to unveil underlying neural mechanisms. Two experiments, each involving 15 undergraduate students, utilized a multidimensional stimulus set incorporating race, gender, age, emotional expression, face masks, and stimulus orientation. Findings highlight significant modulations in N170 and P200 amplitudes and latencies for specific attributes, replicating prior research and revealing novel insights. Notably, age-related facial feature variations, facial inversion, and the presence of face masks significantly impact neural responses. Several speculative explanations are proposed to elucidate these results: First, the findings lend support to the idea that the increased N170 amplitude observed with facial inversion is closely tied to the activation of object-sensitive neurons. This is further bolstered by a similar amplitude increase noted when masks (effective objects) are added to faces. Second, the absence of an additional amplitude increase, when inverting face images with face masks suggests that neural populations may have reached a saturation point, limiting further enhancement. Third, the study reveals that the latency deficit in N170 induced by facial inversion is even more pronounced in the subsequent ERP component, the P200, indicating that face inversion may impact multiple stages of face processing. Lastly, the significant increase in P200 amplitude, typically associated with face typicality, for masked faces in this study aligns with previous research that demonstrated elevated P200 amplitudes for scrambled faces. This suggests that obscured faces may be processed as typical, potentially representing a default state in face processing.
Automatic planning of MR-guided transcranial focused ultrasound treatment for essential tremor
Authors: Klein Jan , Gerken Annika , Agethen Niklas , Rothlübbers Sven , Upadhyay Neeraj , Purrer Veronika , Schmeel Carsten , Borger Valeri , Kovalevsky Maya , Rachmilevitch Itay , Shapira Yeruham , Wüllner Ullrich , Jenne Jürgen
Published: October 2023

Introduction

Transcranial focused ultrasound therapy (tcFUS) offers precise thermal ablation for treating Parkinson's disease and essential tremor. However, the manual fine-tuning of fiber tracking and segmentation required for accurate treatment planning is time-consuming and demands expert knowledge of complex neuroimaging tools. This raises the question of whether a fully automated pipeline is feasible or if manual intervention remains necessary.

Methods

We investigate the dependence on fiber tractography algorithms, segmentation approaches, and degrees of automation, specifically for essential tremor therapy planning. For that purpose, we compare an automatic pipeline with a manual approach that requires the manual definition of the target point and is based on FMRIB software library (FSL) and other open-source tools.

Results

Our findings demonstrate the high feasibility of automatic fiber tracking and the automated determination of standard treatment coordinates. Employing an automatic fiber tracking approach and deep learning (DL)–supported standard coordinate calculation, we achieve anatomically meaningful results comparable to a manually performed FSL-based pipeline. Individual cases may still exhibit variations, often stemming from differences in region of interest (ROI) segmentation. Notably, the DL-based approach outperforms registration-based methods in producing accurate segmentations. Precise ROI segmentation proves crucial, surpassing the importance of fine-tuning parameters or selecting algorithms. Correct thalamus and red nucleus segmentation play vital roles in ensuring accurate pathway computation.

Conclusion

This study highlights the potential for automation in fiber tracking algorithms for tcFUS therapy, but acknowledges the ongoing need for expert verification and integration of anatomical expertise in treatment planning.
Sensation seeking correlates with increased white matter integrity of structures associated with visuospatial processing in healthy adults
Authors: Escelsior Andrea , Inuggi Alberto , Amadeo Maria Bianca , Engel-Yeger Batya , Trabucco Alice , Esposito Davide , Campus Claudio , Bovio Anna , Comparini Sara , Pereira da Silva Beatriz , Serafini Gianluca , Gori Monica , Amore Mario
Published: October 2023

Introduction

The ability to process sensory information is an essential adaptive function, and hyper- or hypo-sensitive maladaptive profiles of responses to environmental stimuli generate sensory processing disorders linked to cognitive, affective, and behavioral alterations. Consequently, assessing sensory processing profiles might help research the vulnerability and resilience to mental disorders. The research on neuroradiological correlates of the sensory processing profiles is mainly limited to the young-age population or neurodevelopmental disorders. So, this study aims to examine the structural MRI correlates of sensory profiles in a sample of typically developed adults.

Methods

We investigated structural cortical thickness (CT) and white matter integrity, through Diffusion Tensor Imaging (DTI), correlates of Adolescent/Adult Sensory Profile (AASP) questionnaire subscales in 57 typical developing subjects (34F; mean age: 32.7 ± 9.3).

Results

We found significant results only for the sensation seeking (STS) subscale. Positive and negative correlations emerged with fractional anisotropy (FA) and radial diffusivity (RD) in anterior thalamic radiation, optic radiation, superior longitudinal fasciculus, corpus callosum, and the cingulum bundle. No correlation between sensation seeking and whole brain cortical thickness was found.

Discussion

Overall, our results suggest a positive correlation between sensation seeking and higher white matter structural integrity in those tracts mainly involved in visuospatial processing but no correlation with gray matter structure. The enhanced structural integrity associated with sensation seeking may reflect a neurobiological substrate linked to active research of sensory stimuli and resilience to major psychiatric disorders like schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and depression.
Open-labeled, multicenter phase II study of prophylactic administration of pegylated granulocyte colony-stimulating factor in relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma who received pomalidomide-based regimens (KMM170)
Authors: Song Ga-Young , Lee Je-Jung , Moon Joon Ho , Kim Dajung , Kim Min Kyoung , Kim Hyo Jung , Mun Yeung-Chul , Lee Won-Sik , Do Young Rok , Lee Jae Hoon , Jung Sung-Hoon , Kim Jin Seok
Published: October 2023

Introduction

Pegylated granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) has been widely used for preventing febrile neutropenia in various types of cancer treatment. In the present study, we prospectively evaluated the safety and efficacy of pegfilgrastim as a primary prophylaxis of febrile neutropenia and infection among patients with relapsed refractory multiple myeloma (RRMM) treated with pomalidomide-based regimens.

Methods

Thirty-three patients with RRMM who received pomalidomide and dexamethasone (Pd) with or without cyclophosphamide (PCd) were enrolled in this study. Twenty-eight patients were treated with PCd and 5 patients were treated with Pd. All patients were given pegfilgrastim subcutaneously with a single administration performed on the first day of each cycle as primary prophylaxis until the fourth cycle.

Results

The median age of the patients was 75 (range 56-85), and the median prior line of therapy was 2 (range 2-6). Seventeen patients (51.5%) had any grade of neutropenia and 20 (60.6%) had any grade of thrombocytopenia before starting pomalidomide treatment. During the 4 cycles of treatment, grade 3 or more neutropenia occurred in 17 patients (51.5%), and 4 (12.1%) experienced grade 3 or more febrile neutropenia. Grade 3 or more infections occurred in 5 patients (15.2%). Interestingly, the patients with markedly increased ANC of more than 2 x 109/L compared to baseline ANC after 7 days of pegfilgrastim at 1st cycle of treatment showed a significantly lower incidence of grade 3-4 neutropenia. The most common adverse event of pegfilgrastim was fatigue, and all the adverse events caused by pegfilgrastim were grade 1 or 2. And there was no significant change in the immune cell population and cytokines during the administration of pegfilgrastim.

Discussion

Considering that this study included elderly patients with baseline neutropenia, pegylated G-CSF could be helpful to prevent severe neutropenia, febrile neutropenia, or infection in patients with RRMM.
Gastric adenocarcinoma in Situs inversus totalis: a case study and literature review
Authors: Sun Bo , Xu Ping , Kong Pengfei , Fang Yantian , Fu Hong
Published: October 2023

Background

Situs inversus totalis (SIT) is an uncommon disorder characterized by mirror-image anatomy, which can present unique challenges and potential vascular anomalies in surgical interventions, particularly in gastric cancer patients.

Aims

We aim to delineate a rare case of gastric adenocarcinoma in a SIT patient and conduct a thorough review of the existing literature concerning surgical strategies, vascular anomalies, and outcomes observed across varied geographic locales and technological approaches.

Methods

A thorough examination of a case involving a 39-year-old male SIT patient who underwent a successful distal gastrectomy with D2 lymph node dissection is presented alongside an expansive literature review. The review encompasses 47 articles, collating data on surgical approaches and vascular anomalies across 49 patients diagnosed with SIT and gastric cancer.

Results

The patient underwent curative distal gastrectomy and Billroth II with Braun anastomosis within 95 minutes, incurring minimal intraoperative blood loss (100ml). Postoperative pathology confirmed moderately to poorly differentiated gastric adenocarcinoma (pT3N0M0), with no signs of recurrence or metastasis after 6 months of S-1 adjuvant chemotherapy. The literature review revealed vascular anomalies in approximately 20% of reported cases, accentuating its surgical significance. Noteworthy variations in surgical strategies, operative times, blood loss, and complications across different surgical modalities were observed, providing a comprehensive view into the practical management of such cases.

Conclusion

Despite the inherent challenges associated with SIT, various surgical techniques can be successfully applied with meticulous preoperative planning and understanding vascular anomalies. This compilation of diverse surgical experiences across numerous documented cases seeks to provide a consolidated resource for refining surgical strategies and enhancing postoperative outcomes for gastric cancer patients with SIT, underscoring the imperativeness of further research in this niche domain.
Habitat-based radiomics enhances the ability to predict lymphovascular space invasion in cervical cancer: a multi-center study
Authors: Wang Shuxing , Liu Xiaowen , Wu Yu , Jiang Changsi , Luo Yan , Tang Xue , Wang Rui , Zhang Xiaochun , Gong Jingshan
Published: October 2023

Introduction

Lymphovascular space invasion (LVSI) is associated with lymph node metastasis and poor prognosis in cervical cancer. In this study, we investigated the potential of radiomics, derived from magnetic resonance (MR) images using habitat analysis, as a non-invasive surrogate biomarker for predicting LVSI in cervical cancer.

Methods

This retrospective study included 300 patients with cervical cancer who underwent surgical treatment at two centres (centre 1 = 198 and centre 2 = 102). Using the k-means clustering method, contrast-enhanced T1-weighted imaging (CE-T1WI) images were segmented based on voxel and entropy values, creating sub-regions within the volume ofinterest. Radiomics features were extracted from these sub-regions. Pearson correlation coefficient and least absolute shrinkage and selection operator LASSO) regression methods were used to select features associated with LVSI in cervical cancer. Support vector machine (SVM) model was developed based on the radiomics features extracted from each sub-region in the training cohort.

Results

The voxels and entropy values of the CE-T1WI images were clustered into three sub-regions. In the training cohort, the AUCs of the SVM models based on radiomics features derived from the whole tumour, habitat 1, habitat 2, and habitat 3 models were 0.805 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.745–0.864), 0.873(95% CI: 0.824–0.922), 0.869 (95% CI: 0.821–0.917), and 0.870 (95% CI: 0.821–0.920), respectively. Compared with whole tumour model, the predictive performances of habitat 3 model was the highest in the external test cohort (0.780 [95% CI: 0.692–0.869]).

Conclusions

The radiomics model based on the tumour sub-regional habitat demonstrated superior predictive performance for an LVSI in cervical cancer than that of radiomics model derived from the whole tumour.