bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Abstract P57: A Transcriptome-Wide Meta-Analysis Reveals Lack Of Cancer-Cell Intrinsic Determinants Of Response To Immune Checkpoint Blockade
Authors: Guo Yu Amanda , Kulshrestha Tanmay , Chang Mei Mei , Kassam Irfahan , Revkov Egor , Rizzetto Simone , Tan Aaron C. , Tan Daniel S.W. , Tan Iain Beehuat , Skanderup Anders Jacobsen
Published: April 2024

Immune-checkpoint blockade therapy (ICB) has conferred significant and durable clinical benefit to some cancer patients. However, most patients do not respond to ICB, and reliable biomarkers of ICB response are needed to improve patient stratification. Current FDA-approved biomarkers for ICB include PD-L1 expression, microsatellite instability (MSI), and high tumor mutation burden (TMB) of >10mutations/Mb. In addition, gene expression signatures of tumor immune phenotypes have been proposed to predict for ICB response. Despite these efforts, there is a lack of large-scale transcriptome-wide studies to identify and characterize potential biomarkers of ICB response conserved across cancer types in a cell type specific manner. Here, we performed a transcriptome-wide meta-analysis across 1,486 tumors from ICB-treated patients and tumors with expected ICB outcomes based on microsatellite status. Using a robust transcriptome deconvolution approach, we inferred cancer and stroma-specific gene expression differences and identified cell-type specific features of ICB response across cancer types. We identified 59 stroma-specific differentially expressed genes associated with ICB-response, which were strongly enriched in immune-related pathways and processes. Stromal expression of CXCL9, CXCL13, IFNG, and CD274 were among the top positive determinants of ICB response, consistent with current knowledge. Interestingly, we also identified a group of potential immune-suppressive genes, including FCER1A, associated with poor response to ICB. Surprisingly, the unbiased transcriptome-wide analysis failed to identify cancer-cell intrinsic features of ICB response conserved across tumor types. Overall, our results suggest that cancer cells lack tissue-agnostic molecular determinants of ICB response, which has implications for the development of improved ICB diagnostics and treatments.

Citation Format: Yu Amanda Guo, Tanmay Kulshrestha, Mei Mei Chang, Irfahan Kassam, Egor Revkov, Simone Rizzetto, Aaron C. Tan, Daniel S.W. Tan, Iain Beehuat Tan, Anders Jacobsen Skanderup. A Transcriptome-Wide Meta-Analysis Reveals Lack Of Cancer-Cell Intrinsic Determinants Of Response To Immune Checkpoint Blockade [abstract]. In: Proceedings of Frontiers in Cancer Science; 2023 Nov 6-8; Singapore. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2024;84(8_Suppl):Abstract nr P57.
Abstract P64: Adipose-enriched Peri-tumoral Stroma Prognosticates Poorer Survival in Breast Cancers
Authors: Lau Hannah Si Hui , Tan Veronique Kiak Mien , Tan Benita Kiat Tee , Sim Yirong , Quist Jelmar , Thike Aye Aye , Tan Puay Hoon , Pervaiz Shazib , Grigoriadis Anita , Sabapathy Kanaga
Published: April 2024

Background: Breast cancers display a large degree of diversity between and within tumors. Intra-tumoral heterogeneity is contributed by variations in tumor cells and non-malignant stromal and immune cells of the tumor microenvironment (TME). So far, studies on the TME have focused on intra-tumoral stroma, whereas little attention has been given to the peri-tumoral microenvironment, extending beyond the tumor margins into the surrounding histologically normal-appearing tissues. Here, we hypothesized that intrinsic intra-tumoral heterogeneity impacts the more distal peri-tumoral stroma, which may in turn affect tumor growth and development.

Methods: A systematic, multi-regional transcriptomic profiling analysis of the tumor and peri-tumoral regions from 8 ER+/PR+/HER2− invasive breast carcinomas was performed using the human Clariom™ S Assay. For each patient, 5 spatially distinct tumor samples were obtained, while peri-tumoral samples were collected from 4 different sides and at varying distances up to 7 cm from tumor margins. Pathway enrichment analyses and cellular deconvolution were performed to determine their molecular characteristics and cell type compositions. Gene expression signatures identified from peri-tumoral samples were applied to tumor-adjacent normal RNA-seq samples from 50 TCGA ER+/PR+/HER2− breast cancer patients to determine their prognostic value.

Results: The 8 tumors displayed varying levels of spatial diversity in their biological properties, including 3 tumors with basal-classified regions. Four peri-tumoral clusters with distinct pathway activities and cell compositions were identified, but were independent of distance and location to the tumor. Two clusters reflect the major breast peri-tumoral states – a pro-inflammatory, adipose-enriched phenotype which was significantly associated with poorer overall survival (HR=4.28, p-value=0.02), and an adaptive immune cell- and myofibroblast-enriched phenotype.

Conclusion: This suggests that the peri-tumoral stroma may be an important determinant in cancer progression. Moreover, independent of spatially-defined patterns, the peri-tumoral phenotype appears to be driven by inter-individual variations in the proportion of fibroglandular and fat tissue of the breast.

Citation Format: Hannah Si Hui Lau, Veronique Kiak Mien Tan, Benita Kiat Tee Tan, Yirong Sim, Jelmar Quist, Aye Aye Thike, Puay Hoon Tan, Shazib Pervaiz, Anita Grigoriadis, Kanaga Sabapathy. Adipose-enriched Peri-tumoral Stroma Prognosticates Poorer Survival in Breast Cancers [abstract]. In: Proceedings of Frontiers in Cancer Science; 2023 Nov 6-8; Singapore. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2024;84(8_Suppl):Abstract nr P64.
Figure S7 from The Cross-talk Between Intestinal Microbiota and MDSCs Fuels Colitis-associated Cancer Development
Authors: Ashkenazi-Preiser Hadas , Reuven Or , Uzan-Yulzari Atara , Komisarov Sharon , Cirkin Roy , Turjeman Sondra , Even Carmel , Twaik Nira , Ben-Meir Kerem , Mikula Ivan , Cohen-Daniel Leonor , Meirow Yaron , Pikarsky Eli , Louzoun Yoram , Koren Omry , Baniyash Michal
Published: April 2024

Supplementary Figure S7 shows that some cytokine levels in colon punch biopsies, which are elevated in CAC vs. control mice are unaffected by ABX treatment.
Figure S6 from The Cross-talk Between Intestinal Microbiota and MDSCs Fuels Colitis-associated Cancer Development
Authors: Ashkenazi-Preiser Hadas , Reuven Or , Uzan-Yulzari Atara , Komisarov Sharon , Cirkin Roy , Turjeman Sondra , Even Carmel , Twaik Nira , Ben-Meir Kerem , Mikula Ivan , Cohen-Daniel Leonor , Meirow Yaron , Pikarsky Eli , Louzoun Yoram , Koren Omry , Baniyash Michal
Published: April 2024

Supplementary Figure S6 shows the positive effects of ABX treatment on dysbiosis in CAC mice, leading to reduced levels of bacteria associated with CAC. This is accompanied by a significant reduction in colonic invading bacteria compared to non-ABX treated CAC mice.
Figure S2 from The Cross-talk Between Intestinal Microbiota and MDSCs Fuels Colitis-associated Cancer Development
Authors: Ashkenazi-Preiser Hadas , Reuven Or , Uzan-Yulzari Atara , Komisarov Sharon , Cirkin Roy , Turjeman Sondra , Even Carmel , Twaik Nira , Ben-Meir Kerem , Mikula Ivan , Cohen-Daniel Leonor , Meirow Yaron , Pikarsky Eli , Louzoun Yoram , Koren Omry , Baniyash Michal
Published: April 2024

Supplementary Figure S2 shows a pronounced inflammation in CAC vs. control mice as indicated by elevated cytokine levels in colon punch biopsies and the recruitment of MDSCs in colonic tissues.
FIGURE 7 from The Cross-talk Between Intestinal Microbiota and MDSCs Fuels Colitis-associated Cancer Development
Authors: Ashkenazi-Preiser Hadas , Reuven Or , Uzan-Yulzari Atara , Komisarov Sharon , Cirkin Roy , Turjeman Sondra , Even Carmel , Twaik Nira , Ben-Meir Kerem , Mikula Ivan , Cohen-Daniel Leonor , Meirow Yaron , Pikarsky Eli , Louzoun Yoram , Koren Omry , Baniyash Michal
Published: April 2024

MDSC–bacteria interactions enhance the cells’ suppressive features and functions. A, FISH staining of bacterial 16S rRNA (red) combined with immunofluorescence staining of CD3ε+ T cells (green) and ly6C+ M-MDSCs (yellow) were performed on colon sections of CAC-bearing mice. Arrows indicate interactions between M-MDSCs and bacteria (n = 2–3 per group). Magnification: 20x, Scale bar, 50 µm. B, FISH staining of bacterial 16S rRNA (red) combined with immunofluorescence staining of Ly6G+ PMN-MDSCs (green) and ly6C+ M-MDSCs (yellow) was performed on colon sections of CAC-bearing mice. Arrows indicate interactions between MDSCs and bacteria (n = 2–3 per group). Magnification: 20x, Scale bar, 50 µm. Representative images of ImageStream analysis of PMN-MDSCs (C) and M-MDSCs (D) incubated with or without bacteria isolated from fecal samples of CAC mice at ratio of 1:50 (MDSC:bacteria; n = 4–6). E, Intracellular ROS production by isolated PMN-MDSCs following incubation with or without bacteria, measured by DCFDA MFI using flow cytometry (n = 4–6). F, Secretion of NO by isolated M-MDSCs following incubation with or without bacteria, measured by Griess reagent (n = 6). G, Arginase activity of isolated M-MDSCs following incubation with or without bacteria (n = 3–6). H, IL6, TNFα, IL10, MCP-1, IL27, IL23, IL1β, IFNβ, IL1α, IFNγ, IL17A, GMCSF, and IL12p70 levels in the supernatants of M-MDSCs following incubation with or without bacteria (n = 4–5). I, Proliferation of activated T cells cocultured with M-MDSCs that were preincubated with or without bacteria at ratio of 1:100, or T cells cocultured with bacteria at the same ratio. Representative histograms are shown (left), and proliferation index is summarized (right; n = 4–6). J, Expression levels of PDL-1 in M-MDSCs following incubation with or without bacteria (n = 6). Representative data of one out of two independent experiments. Results are represented as mean ± SEM; *, P < 0.05; **, P < 0.01; ****, P < 0.0001.
FIGURE 5 from The Cross-talk Between Intestinal Microbiota and MDSCs Fuels Colitis-associated Cancer Development
Authors: Ashkenazi-Preiser Hadas , Reuven Or , Uzan-Yulzari Atara , Komisarov Sharon , Cirkin Roy , Turjeman Sondra , Even Carmel , Twaik Nira , Ben-Meir Kerem , Mikula Ivan , Cohen-Daniel Leonor , Meirow Yaron , Pikarsky Eli , Louzoun Yoram , Koren Omry , Baniyash Michal
Published: April 2024

Microbiota depletion in CAC-bearing mice reduces colon inflammation and tumor load. A, Schematic presentation of CAC/ABX experiment and fecal sample collection. Created with BioRender.com. B, Weight change of control, CAC, and ABX-treated CAC mice during disease progression normalized to mice weight at the start point (n = 6). Statistical analysis was performed comparing between CAC and ABX-treated CAC mice from day 51 to day 65. C, Representative images of colons. Tumor load is summarized (right; n = 6). D, Representative H&E-stained colon section. Magnification: 10x, Scale bars: 200 µm. E, FITC-dextran fluorescence intensity in serum normalized to control mice (n = 5–6). F, Spleen weights (n = 6). Levels of TNFα (G), IL6 (H), IL1β (I), IL1α (J), and IL10 (K) in supernatants of cultured colon punch biopsies (n = 6–8). Data representing two independent experiments. Results are represented as mean ± SEM; *, P < 0.05; **, P < 0.01; ***, P < 0.001.
FIGURE 4 from The Cross-talk Between Intestinal Microbiota and MDSCs Fuels Colitis-associated Cancer Development
Authors: Ashkenazi-Preiser Hadas , Reuven Or , Uzan-Yulzari Atara , Komisarov Sharon , Cirkin Roy , Turjeman Sondra , Even Carmel , Twaik Nira , Ben-Meir Kerem , Mikula Ivan , Cohen-Daniel Leonor , Meirow Yaron , Pikarsky Eli , Louzoun Yoram , Koren Omry , Baniyash Michal
Published: April 2024

Initial microbiota composition correlates with tumor load and predicts tumor development. A, Taxonomy tree of bacteria correlated with high tumor load. Blue points are significant positive correlations, red points are significant negative correlations and black points are bacteria in the sample uncorrelated with the tumor load. B, ROC curve of tumor load prediction. The input was the microbiome at T0 and the prediction was whether the final tumor load was below or above the median. C, ROC curve of tumor load prediction in CAC-induced samples of control-FMT and CAC-FMT mice together. The input was the microbiome at T15, the prediction was whether the final tumor load was below or above the median. D, Taxonomy tree of bacteria correlated with high tumor load in control-FMT and CAC-FMT mice. Blue points are significant positive correlations, red points are significant negative correlations, and black points are bacteria in the sample uncorrelated with the tumor load.
FIGURE 3 from The Cross-talk Between Intestinal Microbiota and MDSCs Fuels Colitis-associated Cancer Development
Authors: Ashkenazi-Preiser Hadas , Reuven Or , Uzan-Yulzari Atara , Komisarov Sharon , Cirkin Roy , Turjeman Sondra , Even Carmel , Twaik Nira , Ben-Meir Kerem , Mikula Ivan , Cohen-Daniel Leonor , Meirow Yaron , Pikarsky Eli , Louzoun Yoram , Koren Omry , Baniyash Michal
Published: April 2024

CAC-associated microbiota promotes tumor development. A, Schematic presentation of CAC/FMT experiment and fecal sample collection. Created with BioRender.com. B, Weight change in CAC-induced mice during disease progression (n = 7–9). Weights are normalized to the starting point. C, Representative images of colons (left) and summarized tumor load (right). Black arrowheads represent macroscopic tumors. D, Representative H&E staining of colon sections. E, Spleen weights. Flow cytometry data showing the percentages of PMN-MDSCs (F) and M-MDSCs (G) in the spleens (n = 7–9). H, PCoA plots showing microbiota composition of control (n = 2) and CAC (n = 3) donor samples (pools) and fecal samples of recipient mice 14 days after microbiota transfer (T1). I, PCoA plots showing microbiota composition analysis of control and CAC-induced control-FMT and CAC-FMT mice at all timepoints (T1–T5) during the course of the experiment. Results are presented as mean ± SEM; *, P < 0.05; **, P < 0.01.
Corneal Deposits: A Presentation of Arthrobacter Keratitis
Authors: Saade Joanna S. , Noureddine Baha' N. , Ibrahim Hanadi A.
Published: April 2024

Introduction: Infectious keratitis, an inflammatory condition of the cornea, poses a significant public health concern globally. Bacterial keratitis, the most common type, primarily involves Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Timely diagnosis and treatment are crucial to prevent vision loss. Case Presentation: This case report presents a 78-year-old male patient with a burning sensation persisting for 1 week. The patient was diagnosed with keratitis caused by Arthrobacter, a Gram-positive coccobacillus commonly found in the environment. While the literature reports a few cases of Arthrobacter species keratitis, limited data exist regarding its clinical course and outcomes. Treatment with ciprofloxacin eye drops resulted in complete resolution of symptoms and a clear cornea upon final follow-up. Conclusion: Arthrobacter, a rare causative agent of keratitis, requires early suspicion for accurate diagnosis and treatment. Despite the limited literature on Arthrobacter keratitis, this case highlights the importance of considering uncommon pathogens in corneal infections. Further research is necessary to understand the prevalence and clinical course of Arthrobacter keratitis.
Katarina Trbović, medicinska sestra Malena – je li uistinu bila malena?
Authors: Sladić Maja , Brozović Branka , Gerić Iva , Vuković Lucija , Gospočić Tomislava
Published: April 2024

Uvod: U Općoj bolnici Karlovac poslove anestetičara ili narkotizera obavljali su kirurzi i ginekolozi sve do dolaska prvih anesteziologa. Polovicom 60-ih godina prošlog stoljeća formira se tim od dva anesteziologa i jedne medicinske sestre koji su bili osposobljeni za provođenje anestezije. S obzirom na nedostatno sustavno prikupljanje podataka o djelokrugu rada anestezioloških tehničara u Karlovcu, posebice u počecima razvoja Odsjeka za anesteziju, učinila se rekonstrukcija osobnog i profesionalnog puta medicinske sestre Katarine Trbović. Metode: Rad se temelji na usmenom svjedočanstvu Katarine Trbović i njezinih suradnika Milice Basara i Darka Jerinića, dokumentima pohranjenima u pismohrani Opće bolnice Karlovac te dokumentima u privatnom vlasništvu. Kao dopuna izvorima korišteni su do sada objavljeni radovi. Rezultati: Katarina Trbović osnovnu je školu završila u Karlovcu 1959. godine. Nakon završenog prvog razreda opće gimnazije upisuje Školu za medicinske sestre u Karlovcu koju završava 1964. godine. Višu školu za medicinske sestre i tehničare u Zagrebu završava 1980. godine. Cijeli radni vijek radila je na poslovima glavne anesteziološke tehničarke u Karlovcu. Bila je prva, i duže vremena jedina, anesteziološka tehničarka na Odsjeku za anesteziju te prva medicinska sestra u ambulanti za bol. Kao dio medicinsko-tehničkog tima radila je u Ratnoj bolnici Topusko. Zaključak: Rekonstrukcijom osobnog i profesionalnog puta Katarine Trbović dobiven je uvid u djelokrug rada anestezioloških tehničara od šezdesetih godina prošlog stoljeća do početka 21. stoljeća u Općoj bolnici Karlovac. Katarina Trbović s dva anesteziologa činila je tim stručnjaka koji je primjenjivao anesteziju i time oslobodio kirurge od poslova narkotizera što je doprinijelo boljoj organizaciji i kvaliteti rada. Njezino bogato radno iskustvo obilježilo je rad mnogih liječnika i anestezioloških tehničara u Općoj bolnici Karlovac.
Exploring an EM-algorithm for banded regression in computational neuroscience
Authors: Fuglsang Søren A. , Madsen Kristoffer H. , Puonti Oula , Siebner Hartwig R. , Hjortkjær Jens
Published: April 2024

Regression is a principal tool for relating brain responses to stimuli or tasks in computational neuroscience. This often involves fitting linear models with predictors that can be divided into groups, such as distinct stimulus feature subsets in encoding models or features of different neural response channels in decoding models. When fitting such models, it can be relevant to allow differential shrinkage of the different groups of regression weights. Here, we explore a framework that allows for straightforward definition and estimation of such models. We present an expectation-maximization algorithm for tuning hyperparameters that control shrinkage of groups of weights. We highlight properties, limitations, and potential use-cases of the model using simulated data. Next, we explore the model in the context of a BOLD fMRI encoding analysis and an EEG decoding analysis. Finally, we discuss cases where the model can be useful and scenarios where regularization procedures complicate model interpretation.
Striving for Difficulty as a Type of Perception of Life Situations
Authors: Bityutskaya Ekaterina V. , Kunashenko Marina I.
Published: April 2024

Background. Studying the types of perception of difficult life situations is a demanded task, since knowledge about the subject’s perception of ongoing events allows us to predict the characteristics of his interaction with the situation. The article presents a classification of the perception of difficult life tasks — situations that involve achieving a significant difficult goal. The basis for identifying types is the subject’s focus on approaching a difficult situation or avoiding it. Objectives. Objective is an analysis of the desire for difficulty associated with the experience of drive, as a type of perception of difficult life task. Study Participants. The study involved 611 respondents (Mage = 25; SD = 5.8; 427 women), students and specialists of various professions. The type describing the desire for difficulty was identified in 11 % of cases. Methods. To collect data, we used the Structured Description of the Situation Technique (allowing us to obtain qualitative data) in combination with the “Types of Orientations in Difficult Situations” questionnaire. Based on the profile of the respondent on the questionnaire and the characteristics significant for the type, each description of the difficult life task was assigned to one of five types. The data processing procedure included content analysis and mathematical processing (Mann — Whitney U test, frequency analysis). Results. The features of striving for difficulty as a type of perception of difficult life tasks are highlighted based on the analysis of categories characterizing the content of the situation, emotions, energy, appraisals of life tasks, coping, goals, possibilities and restrictions, worst-case scenario and best-case scenario. It is shown that this type involves the experience of positive emotions, fullness of energy and possibilities, the desire to achieve the best results, and goals of self-development. This is associated with a positive appraisal and reappraisal, approach coping, a sense of control over the situation. At the same time, a characteristic feature of the desire for difficulty is an ambivalent attitude towards a difficult task. Conclusions. The study demonstrated a number of signs that reliably distinguish the desire for difficulty from other types of perception of difficult life tasks, which gives grounds to consider it a separate type.
Malevolent Creativity and Personal Features of Young People in Different Socio-Political Conditions: Relationship and Interaction
Authors: Meshkova Natalya V. , Bochkova Margarita N. , Kravtsov Oleg E.
Published: April 2024

Background. The relevance of the study is associated with the activation of malevolent creativity at the macro level in the form of information wars and isolation of Russia, which create threatening socio-political conditions, against the background of the special military operation in Ukraine. Objectives. Objective of the study was to find out whether there are differences at the micro-level in different socio-political conditions in malevolent creativity as well as to identify its connections with personal characteristics: hostility, the trait of “Agreeableness”, and moral identity. The following hypotheses were formulated: 1. The level of antisocial creativity varies in different contexts and will be higher in threatening socio-political conditions and 2. the relationship between such personal characteristics as hostility, Agreeableness, moral identity, and malevolent creativity will be different in different socio-political conditions. Study Participants. The study is a cross-sectional one. The first stage was carried out in 2019 with the participation of 81 young students from one of Moscow universities (mean age 19.2, SD = 1.2). 152 young students of the same Moscow university took part at the second stage in 2023 (mean age 19.1, SD = 1.29). Methods. Participants filled out forms with the questionnaires “NEO-FFI” (a shortened version of the questionnaire “NEO PI-R”), BRAQ-24, moral identity questionnaire, “Behavioral features of antisocial creativity”. Results. It is shown that there are differences in variables at the microsystem level in different sociopolitical conditions: MC and hostility are significantly lower, and moral identity and cooperation are significantly higher in the sample of 2023. The predictors of MC in the sample of 2023 were the traits of Agreeableness and hostility. In the sample of 2019, the trait of Agreeableness alone predicted MC. Differences in the strength of the relationship between the variables were revealed: in the sample of 2023, the relationship of hostility with antisocial creativity and the trait of Cooperation was significantly stronger than in the sample of 2019. Conclusions. In threatening socio-political conditions, young people with high hostility and low level on the “Agreeableness” trait fall into the risk group, due to the high probability of the realization of creativity in behavior that harms other people, while realization of MC in behavior may be restrained through actualizing moral identity. In a calm and peaceful period, moral identity and hostility are less relevant for the implementation of MC in harmful behavior, since the development of “Agreeableness” is important in this case.
Subjective Semantics of Representations of Creativity in Psychology Cadets
Authors: Korneva Oksana G. , Abdullaeva Mehirban M. , Barabanshchikova Valentina V.
Published: April 2024

Background. The necessity of studying perceptions of creativity in psychology cadets is conditioned by the fact that the “soft” skill of creativity is associated with the ability to go beyond the given conditions and to act effectively in uncertain situations, and also by the fact that the successful adaptation of a young specialist to work depends on whether his perceptions of his activity coincide with its real content. Objectives. The research is meant to identify the peculiarities of representations of creativity in psychology cadets at the adept stage. Study Participants. A total of 201 people (122 men and 79 women) participated in the study, including representatives of different professions: working professionals and trainees, students and cadets. The average age of the sample was 31 years. Methods. Psychosemantic methods were used in the study: group associative experiment and card sorting method. They allow to construct a subjective semantic space reflecting the peculiarities of perceptions of creativity. Results. As a result of the associative experiment, a list of 86 frequent words describing professional activity was obtained. Sorting of the obtained 86 words by cadet psychologists, psychology students, and psychologists of the scientific platoon revealed significant differences in the content and structure of representations of creativity. Comparison of the semantics of creativity in psychologists at the adept stage shows that university students have a more complex structure of representations in comparison with cadets, connected with the allocation of a separate cluster “hobby, interest, development” and at the same time similar in content to the representations of working psychologists on the proximity of “labor, work” with creativity. At the same time, the similarity of clusters in the description of creativity by students and cadets indicates that the ideas about it are laid down at the early stages of professional training. Conclusions. Reconstruction of subjective semantics of creativity by the method of semantic spaces in psychology cadets is a promising qualitative description method for specific characteristics of professional activity.
Salvia josetta (Nepetoideae; Lamiaceae), a new species from Lebanon
Authors: ZEIN HICHAM EL , BOTTCHER LISA
Published: April 2024

Salvia josetta, a new species of Lamiaceae, is described and illustrated. The species was discovered in 2018 from the district of Danniye, North Lebanon. We collected samples each year and prepared herbarium specimens. By comparing our samples with the already known taxa in the genus Salvia, through morphological descriptions and herbarium specimens, we established that they belong to a species new to science. This new species grows in openings within pine woodlands on brown soil developed from limestone and sandy bedrocks. Following the guidelines and criteria of the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN), it is assessed as critically endangered, based on its limited distribution area (0.02 km²) and the threats impacting the site where it was found, namely illegal logging, forest fires, and quarrying. The morphological characters are compared with two similar species, Salvia fayruziana from Lebanon and Salvia veneris from Cyprus.
A molecular phylogeny of Garuleum (Calenduleae, Asteraceae) in southern Africa
Authors: JACKSON MARIËTTE , VAN ZYL JUANITA , FRYLINCK MAGDIL , JOUBERT LIZE
Published: April 2024

We present the first complete molecular phylogeny for the genus Garuleum (Calenduleae, Asteraceae), which is endemic to South Africa and Namibia. To investigate the phylogenetic relationships, sequence data from plastid trnL-trnF and nuclear ITS were analysed with Parsimony and Bayesian Inference approaches. The genus is resolved as monophyletic and G. bipinnatum is shown as the first species to diverge from the group. Four well to moderately supported subclades were identified where the species distribution ranges within a subclade were distinct. The wide distribution of G. bipinnatum was ascribed to its heterocarpic fruit, and the distribution of the genus was possibly influenced by water availability and elevation. These results confirmed the previous molecular work in which some Garuleum species were included.
Staurastrum antarcticum: a new desmid species from a lake in Oasis Larsemann Hills (East Antarctica)
Authors: ANISSIMOVA OLGA V. , KUTUZOVA IRINA A.
Published: April 2024

A new, small-sized, smooth-walled species of the genus Staurastrum is described from a lake in the Oasis Larsemann Hills, East Antarctica. It was studied by light and scanning electron microscopy. The species in question, one of the smallest species known in the genus Staurastrum, is compared with some morphologically similar species.
Two new species of planktonic Caligus O.F. Müller 1785 (Copepoda: Caligidae) from Türkiye with an updated review and checklist of planktonic caligids
Authors: ÖZAK ARGUN AKIF , KURT TUBA TERBIYIK , KAMANLI SEYIT ALI , AKBULUT GÜRKAN , YANAR ALPER , BOXSHALL GEOFFREY A.
Published: April 2024

Two new species of caligid sea lice, Caligus izmiriensis sp. nov., and Caligus sarosensis sp. nov. are described, based on specimens collected from the zooplankton in the Gulf of Sığacık and the Gulf of Saros off the Aegean Sea coast of Türkiye. Detailed examination of the morphology of these two new species and comparisons with other closely related caligid species, especially Metacaligus yucatanensis Suárez-Morales, Kim & Escamilla, 2012, resulted in the recognition of the genus Metacaligus Thomsen 1949 as a junior synonym of Caligus O.F. Müller, 1785. Based on this proposed synonymy, all species of the genus Metacaligus are here transferred to Caligus: Metacaligus trichiuri (Krøyer, 1863), M. rufus (Wilson, 1908), and M. unguidentatus (Rangnekar & Murti, 1950) all return to their original combinations as Caligus trichiuri Krøyer, 1863, Caligus rufus Wilson, 1908, and Caligus unguidentatus Rangnekar & Murti, 1950, respectively; Metacaligus yucatanensis Suárez-Morales, Kim& Escamilla, 2012, becomes Caligus yucatanensis (Suárez-Morales, Kim & Escamilla, 2012) comb. nov.; transferring Metacaligus latus Ho & Lin, 2002 would create a secondary homonym of Caligus latus Byrnes 1987, so a replacement name is proposed as Caligus cultellus nom. nov. We recognise C. yucatanensis as a member of the C. undulatus-group. The four other species previously placed in Metacaligus form a cluster which represents a new species group, the Caligus trichiuri-group. An updated list of planktonic caligids is presented, together with keys to species of the C. undulatus-group and of the newly proposed C. trichiuri-group. The subgenus Subcaligus Heegaard, 1943 was originally proposed to accommodate Caligus (Subcaligus) bocki Heegaard, 1943, and was characterised by its unusual stylet-like sternal furca. This subgenus has not been treated as valid by subsequent authors and we here formally propose to treat Subcaligus Heegaard 1943 as a junior synonym of Caligus.
A new species of the genus Gomphocerus Thunberg, 1815 (Orthoptera: Acridoidea: Gomphocerinae) from Ningxia, China
Authors: LI MING-YANG , QIN GUO-QING , LI XIN-JIANG
Published: April 2024

N/A
A new bot fly species of Cuterebra (Diptera: Oestridae) from Ecuador
Authors: LETANA SOCRATES , MENGUAL XIMO , PAPE THOMAS
Published: April 2024

A new species of cuterebrine rodent bot fly, Cuterebra yanayacui sp. nov., is described from the cloud forest of Ecuador, and it is argued that the species mimics a range of aculeate hymenopterans, including euglossine orchid bees of the genera Eufriesea Cockerell and Eulaema Lepeletier and bumble bees of the subgenus Cullumanobombus Vogt. Montemyia bureni Dalmat, 1942 is proposed as a junior synonym of Cuterebra ornata Bau, 1928, syn. nov., and an updated identification key to the species of the Metacuterebra species group within Cuterebra Clark is provided. The 5’-end of the Cytochrome c oxidase subunit I gene is sequenced for the new species and compared with published Cuterebra sequences.
A lesser giant millipede from Tanzania (Diplopoda, Spirostreptida, Spirostreptidae)
Authors: ENGHOFF HENRIK
Published: April 2024

Archispirostreptus microgigas sp. nov. is described, based on a specimen from Tanzania, and compared with its congeners, especially A. gigas (Peters, 1855) and A. divergens Krabbe & Enghoff, 1978 which may be the closest relatives of the new species, based on a potential synapomorphy (a rounded lobe on the gonopod telopodite).
Taxonomic review of Palearctic Eurypogon Motschulsky (Coleoptera: Artematopodidae), with a redescription of the only European species and descriptions of three new species from China
Authors: PACKOVA GABRIELA , HÁJEK JIŘÍ , GEISER MICHAEL , KUNDRATA ROBIN
Published: April 2024

Eurypogon Motschulsky, 1860 is a small genus in the beetle family Artematopodidae distributed in the Holarctic region. Here, we review the Palearctic members of this genus, with main emphasis on the dark-colored species. We redescribe E. cribratus (Hampe, 1867) from Italy and describe three new species from China: E. pubescens sp. nov. from Shaanxi province, E. ruzickai sp. nov. from Yunnan province, and E. turnai sp. nov. from Hubei province. This brings the total number of Eurypogon species to 16. Additionally, we provide morphological diagnoses and photographs of selected characters for all previously described East Palearctic species as well as an updated identification key for the species of mainland China. We discuss the variability of main diagnostic characters, including the shape of pronotum, the surface and punctation of elytra, and the shape of male genitalia.
3. Verbal morphology
Authors: Gębski Wiktor
Published: April 2024

This chapter aims to evaluate the similarities and differences between the verbal systems of the Jewish dialect of Gabes and other Maghrebi dialects. Notably, both Jewish Gabes and Jewish Djerba exhibit gender distinction in the 2FS forms marked by the /-i/ suffix, a feature absent in Jewish Tunis, where masculine forms are also used for the feminine. The study affirms the sedentary nature of Jewish Gabes, indicated by the /-āw/ suffix in verbs with a weak third radical in stem I, in contrast to the /u/ found in Bedouin dialects. Regarding the vowel distribution of stem I verbal forms, Jewish Gabes shares similarities with neighbouring Jewish dialects, particularly in the basic theme vowel being /ə/ or /a/ in proximity to gutturals. In contrast, Muslim dialects and Jewish Wad-Souf demonstrate a broader array of vowel qualities. Additionally, the analysis reveals that Jewish Gabes has developed an alternative method for expressing the passive voice, a bipartite construction involving an active verb with a personal object pronoun.
7.	Syntax of pronouns
Authors: Gębski Wiktor
Published: April 2024

This chapter offers an overview of the syntactic constructions involving pronouns in Jewish Gabes. Based on pragmatic analysis of data, it demonstrates the syntactic distribution of proximal and distal demonstratives, as well as unstressed distal demonstratives. A concise comparative study with other North African dialects is provided.
Understanding stunting risk factors in Kampar Regency: Insights from mothers with stunted children (qualitative study)
Authors: Suyanto Suyanto , Wahyuni Sri , Zulharman Zulharman , Restila Ridha , Irfansya Raffhy , Aprillianty Erfa Natasya , Adraf Natasha Widya
Published: April 2024

Objective:

To assess the perceptions of mothers with stunted children regarding the factors contributing to stunting in Kampar Regency, Riau Province, Indonesia.

Introduction:

Stunting is intricately linked to underlying risk factors, and understanding these factors is crucial for preventing its recurrence, particularly for mothers who play a central role in caring for stunted children.

Methods:

The research sample consisted of mothers referred by the Perhentian Raja Community Health Center with stunted children. Purposive sampling was employed to select informants and thematic analysis was used for data analysis.

Results:

A total of 15 informants were interviewed, leading to the identification of five themes related to stunting risks: (1) before pregnancy, (2) during pregnancy, (3) postnatal, (4) infectious disease factors, and (5) socio-demographic factors.

Conclusion:

The study indicates that mothers hold diverse opinions about factors contributing to stunting, with their views being shaped by health programs and personal experiences, specifically focusing on aspects like breastfeeding and weaning foods. Additionally, it underscores that education and economic challenges introduce complexity to understanding how mothers perceive the risk factors associated with stunting.
From symptom onset to ED departure: understanding the acute care chain for patients with undifferentiated complaints: a prospective observational study
Authors: Claassen Lieke , Ritter Laura Magdalena , Latten Gideon Hubertus Petrus , Zelis Noortje , Cals Jochen Willo Lennert , Stassen Patricia Maria
Published: April 2024

Background

For most acute conditions, the phase prior to emergency department (ED) arrival is largely unexplored. However, this prehospital phase has proven an important part of the acute care chain (ACC) for specific time-sensitive conditions, such as stroke and myocardial infarction. For patients with undifferentiated complaints, exploration of the prehospital phase of the ACC may also offer a window of opportunity for improvement of care. This study aims to explore the ACC of ED patients with undifferentiated complaints, with specific emphasis on time in ACC and patient experience.

Methods

This Dutch prospective observational study, included all adult (≥ 18 years) ED patients with undifferentiated complaints over a 4-week period. We investigated the patients’ journey through the ACC, focusing on time in ACC and patient experience. Additionally, a multivariable linear regression analysis was employed to identify factors independently associated with time in ACC.

Results

Among the 286 ED patients with undifferentiated complaints, the median symptom duration prior to ED visit was 6 days (IQR 2–10), during which 58.6% of patients had contact with a healthcare provider before referral. General Practitioners (GPs) referred 80.4% of the patients, with the predominant patient journey (51.7%) involving GP referral followed by self-transportation to the ED. The median time in ACC was 5.5 (IQR 4.0-8.4) hours of which 40% was spent before the ED visit. GP referral and referral to pulmonology were associated with a longer time in ACC, while referral during evenings was associated with a shorter time in ACC. Patients scored both quality and duration of the provided care an 8/10.

Conclusion

Dutch ED patients with undifferentiated complaints consulted a healthcare provider in over half of the cases before their ED visit. The median time in ACC is 5.5 h of which 40% is spent in the prehospital phase. Those referred by a GP and to pulmonology had a longer, and those in the evening a shorter time in ACC. The acute care journey starts hours before patients arrive at the ED and 6 days of complaints precede this journey. This timeframe could serve as a window of opportunity to optimise care.
The prevalence of accessory renal arteries in sudanese population in Khartoum State: a cross-sectional CT study from 2017 to 2020
Authors: Mohammed Safaa. , AbdAlla Eltayeb. , Elhag Amal. , El-Mardi Abdelmoniem.
Published: April 2024

Background

Renal artery variations are clinically significant due to their implications for surgical procedures and renal function. However, data on these variations in Sudanese populations are limited. This study aimed to determine the prevalence and characteristics of renal artery variations in a Sudanese population.

Methods

A cross-sectional retrospective study was conducted in Khartoum state from October 2017 to October 2020. A total of 400 Sudanese participants who underwent abdominal CT scans were included. Data on demographic characteristics, kidney measurements, and renal vasculature were collected and analyzed using descriptive statistics and inferential tests.

Results

The mean age of participants was 46.7 ± 18 years, with a nearly equal gender distribution. Overall, renal artery variations were present in 11% of participants, with accessory renal arteries observed in 6% of the study population. Among those with accessory vessels, 50% were on the right side, 29.2% on the left, and 20.8% bilateral, distributed across hilar 29.2%, lower polar 29.2%, and upper polar 41.7% regions. No significant associations were found between accessory renal arteries and age or gender (p-value > 0.05). However, participants with accessory renal arteries exhibited significantly narrower width 5.0 ± 1.4 than those with no with accessory renal arteries 5.8 ± 1.1 (p-value 0.002) Early dividing renal arteries were found in 5% of participants, with nearly half being bilateral. No significant associations were found between the presence of early dividing renal arteries and demographic or renal measurements (p-value > 0.05).

Conclusion

This study provides valuable insights into the prevalence and characteristics of renal artery variations in a Sudanese population. The findings contribute to our understanding of renal anatomy in this demographic and can inform clinical practice and surgical planning, particularly in renal transplantation and other renal procedures.
Impact of hepatic inflammation and fibrosis on the recurrence and long-term survival of hepatitis B virus-related hepatocellular carcinoma patients after hepatectomy
Authors: Hao Xiangyong , Xu Liangliang , Lan Xiang , Li Bo , Cai Hui
Published: April 2024

Background

Underlying liver disease is correlated with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) development in patients with hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. However, the impact of hepatic inflammation and fibrosis on the patients’ prognoses remains unclear.

Methods

The clinicopathological data of 638 HBV-infected patients with early-stage HCC between 2017 and 2019 were prospectively collected. Hepatic inflammation and fibrosis were evaluated by experienced pathologists using the Scheuer score system. Survival analysis was analyzed using the Kaplan–Meier analysis.

Results

Application of the Scheuer scoring system revealed that 50 (7.9%), 274 (42.9%), and 314 (49.2%) patients had minor, intermediate, and severe hepatic inflammation, respectively, and 125 (15.6%), 150 (23.5%), and 363 (56.9%) patients had minor fibrosis, advanced fibrosis, and cirrhosis, respectively. Patients with severe hepatitis tended to have a higher rate of HBeAg positivity, higher HBV-DNA load, elevated alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels, and a lower proportion of capsule invasion (all Pp < 0.05). There were no significant differences in the recurrence-free and overall survival among the three groups (P = 0.52 and P = 0.66, respectively). Patients with advanced fibrosis or cirrhosis had a higher proportion of HBeAg positivity and thrombocytopenia, higher FIB-4, and larger tumor size compared to those with minor fibrosis (all P < 0.05). Patients with minor, advanced fibrosis, and cirrhosis had similar prognoses after hepatectomy (P = 0.48 and P = 0.70). The multivariate analysis results indicated that neither hepatic inflammation nor fibrosis was an independent predictor associated with prognosis.

Conclusions

For HBV-related HCC patients receiving antiviral therapy, hepatic inflammation and fibrosis had little impact on the post-hepatectomy prognosis.
Survival analysis of Sudanese oral squamous cell carcinoma patients with field of cancerization
Authors: Eltohami Yousif , Suleiman Ahmed
Published: April 2024

Background

The late presentation and diagnosis of OSCC account for the large number of patients with the advanced form of the disease. In Sudan, cases with delayed presentation, particularly those with risk factors such as Toombak dipping and alcohol consumption, frequently present with extensive lesions and a wide area of Field cancerization which characterized by the presence of genetic and epigenetic changes in histologically normal-appearing tissues, and have increased risk for recurrent and second primary tumors. This necessitates more aggressive treatment and is usually associated with poorer outcomes. The present study aims to investigate the survival of oral squamous cell carcinoma patients with a wide field of cancerization.

Methods

This prospective longitudinal study includes ninety-three oral cancer patients with extensive fields of cancerization who underwent surgical treatment at Khartoum Teaching Dental Hospital (KTDH) conducted from 2019 to 2023. These patients were regularly assessed for clinical changes such as recurrence, the development of second primary tumours, and overall survival over a period of one year.

Results

Out of the 93 patients, 57 (61.3%) were males, and 36 (38.7%) were females. The majority of the patients (82%) had stage IV tumours, and 62.3% had nodal metastasis. Twenty-eight (30%) patients developed recurrences, and 14 (15%) developed second primary tumours. The overall one-year survival rate was 89%, and all deceased patients passed away within 12 months. The survival rate for patients with different types of recurrences varied, with patients who had regional, local, and locoregional recurrences having survival rates of 87%, 74%, and 72%, respectively. Patients who did not experience a recurrence had a one-year survival rate of 92%. Patients who developed second primary tumours had an 86% survival rate. The survival rates for OSCC patients at stages III, IVa, and IVb were 90%, 90%, and 71%, respectively.

Conclusion

In this study, 62% of patients had nodal metastasis, 30% developed recurrence, and 15% developed second primary tumours. The overall one-year survival rate was 89%, although the development of recurrences and second primary tumours had a negative impact on the survival rate.
Relevance of blood tumor markers in inpatients with significant involuntary weight loss and elevated levels of inflammation biomarkers
Authors: Gronnier Morgane , Hedhli Kaies , Sauzay Chloé , Salle Valéry , Duhaut Pierre , Schmidt Jean , Dernoncourt Amandine
Published: April 2024

Purpose

To assess the diagnostic performance of a panel of standard tumor markers (TMs) in patients hospitalized with significant involuntary weight loss (IWL) and elevated levels of inflammation biomarkers, and a combination of the TM panel and the finding of the computed tomography (CT) scan.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective study in the internal medicine department at Amiens-Picardie University Medical Center (Amiens, France) between January 1st, 2015, and November 1st, 2021. The inclusion criteria were age 18 or over, significant IWL (≥ 5 kg over 6 months), elevated inflammation biomarkers (e.g. C-reactive protein), and assay data on two or more standard TMs (carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), carbohydrate antigen (CA) 19 − 9, CA 15 − 3, CA 125, neuron-specific enolase (NSE), alpha-fetoprotein (AFP), calcitonin, and prostate-specific antigen (PSA)). The result of each TM assay was interpreted qualitatively (as positive or negative), according to our central laboratory’s usual thresholds.

Results

Cancer was diagnosed in 50 (37.0%) of the 135 patients included. Positivity for one or more TMs had a positive predictive value (PPV) of 0.55 [0.43–0.66], and a negative predictive value (NPV) of 0.84 [0.75–0.93] for cancer diagnosis. When combined with the presence of suspicious CT findings (e.g. a mass, enlarged lymph nodes and/or effusion), positivity for one or more TMs had a PPV of 0.92 [0.08–0.30]. In the absence of suspicious CT findings, a fully negative TM panel had an NPV of 0.96 [0.89-1.00].

Conclusion

A negative TM panel argues against the presence of a cancer, especially in the absence of suspicious CT findings.