bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Seasonal Flooding Impact on Land Surface Temperature(LST) in Response to Vegetation Index Using Spectral Radiance Model in Kirkuk, Iraq
Authors: Atta Husham AbdMunaf
Published: October 2023

Change detection of land use is essential in management and planning decisions. Land Surface Temperature (LST) has a significant importance in many geoscience aspects, such as heat transportation between land and atmosphere, state of corps, heat flux, greenhouse effect both locally and regionally, surface moisture and surface energy budget estimation, the monitoring of urban heat island, evapotranspiration and environmental biogeochemistry process simulation. A geographic information system was efficiently utilized to observe the changes in land use different categories and to map annual and seasonal LST variations. In this study, Land sat 5 and 8 images for the years 2010, 2017 and 2019 were used to study the flooding imact on the LST. The Mono-Window algorithm and sepectral rediance model on Landsat-5 TM and OLI were used to estimate LST. Taking 2010 as a reference, an empirical study shows that the No-vegetation category percentage was 9.28 % and 11.03% in the 2017 and 2019 summer seasons, respectively, while it was -1.48% and -0.46% in winter. Vegetation change was -60.9% and -50.04% in the 2017 and 2019 summer seasons, respectively, while it was 28.28% and -6.11% in winter. Water area change was -65.8% and 84.1% in the 2017 and 2019 summer seasons, respectively, while it was -38.5% and 59.89% in winter. The results indicate that the water area had greatly decreased during 2017 which led to increase the LST and the floods in 2019 led to decrease the LST by 5-8 degrees. The temperature trend analysis reveals a definite negative association between LST and flooded area, representing this study’s significant finding.
IoT-based compensation and control of power theft in weak distribution system
Authors: Rahman Md Atiqur , Choudhary Jayanti
Published: October 2023

This paper presents a prototype model of real-time rampant power theft detection and compensating the required power current components through switching of distribution static compensator (DSTATCOM) using IoT (Internet of Things) based microcontroller via the GSM module. In this case study, an Internet of Things (IoT) application is used to wirelessly transmit data of the difference of smart meters through intelligent current sensors with ESP8266 module. Transmitted pulse sequences find out the derivatives of functions at discrete points through weight function. A weighting function includes power theft detection information in the pulse sequence series form. It computes the unknown sample of pulse in the line that identified the power theft and the quality of the power supply. The sequence error of the of energy meter units communicates microcontroller through the IoT. Microcontroller communicate to μ-PMU to addressed power quality error with a GPS receiver in the line. Based on weight function an algorithm has been developed for switching DSTATCOM for compensation of power quality. The reference and feedback quantities’ resultant errors are sampled within a time rate of the weight function. This control approach is applied with dynamic load to analyze the power quality issues. The results are implemented in MATLAB Simulink and validated experimentally for power theft detection and its compensation in low voltage distribution system.
A geometric approach to second-order differentiability of convex functions
Authors: Azagra Daniel , Cappello Anthony , Hajłasz Piotr
Published: October 2023

We show a new, elementary and geometric proof of the classical Alexandrov theorem about the second order differentiability of convex functions. We also show new proofs of recent results about Lusin approximation of convex functions and convex bodies by

C

1
,
1

C^{1,1}

convex functions and convex bodies.
Cbl and Cbl-b independently regulate EGFR through distinct receptor interaction modes
Authors: Pinilla-Macua Itziar , Sorkin Alexander
Published: October 2023

Highly homologous E3 ubiquitin ligases, Cbl and Cbl-b, mediate ubiquitination of EGF receptor (EGFR), leading to its endocytosis and lysosomal degradation. Cbl and Cbl-b, are thought to function in a redundant manner by binding directly to phosphorylated Y1045 (pY1045) of EGFR and indirectly via the Grb2 adaptor. Unexpectedly, we found that inducible expression of Cbl or Cbl-b mutants lacking the E3 ligase activity but fully capable of EGFR binding does not significantly affect EGFR ubiquitination and endocytosis in human oral squamous cell carcinoma (HSC3) cells which endogenously express Cbl-b at a relatively high level. Each endogenous Cbl species remained associated with ligand-activated EGFR in the presence of an overexpressed counterpart species or its mutant, although Cbl-b overexpression partially decreased Cbl association with EGFR. Binding to pY1045 was the preferential mode for Cbl-b:EGFR interaction, whereas Cbl relied mainly on the Grb2-dependent mechanism. Overexpression of the E3-dead mutant of Cbl-b slowed down EGF-induced degradation of active EGFR, while this mutant and a similar mutant of Cbl did not significantly affect MAPK/ERK1/2 activity. EGF-guided chemotaxis migration of HSC3 cells was diminished by overexpression of the E3-dead Cbl-b mutant but was not significantly affected by the E3-dead Cbl mutant. By contrast, the inhibitory effect of the same Cbl mutant on the migration of OSC-19 cells expressing low Cbl-b levels was substantially stronger than that of the Cbl-b mutant. Altogether, our data demonstrate that Cbl and Cbl-b may operate independently through different modes of EGFR binding to jointly control receptor ubiquitination, endocytic trafficking, and signaling.
Cortical tension promotes Kibra degradation via Par-1
Authors: Tokamov Sherzod A. , Buiter Stephan , Ullyot Anne , Scepanovic Gordana , Williams Audrey Miller , Fernandez-Gonzalez Rodrigo , Horne-Badovinac Sally , Fehon Richard G.
Published: October 2023

The Hippo pathway is an evolutionarily conserved regulator of tissue growth. Multiple Hippo signaling components are regulated via proteolytic degradation. However, how these degradation mechanisms are themselves modulated remains unexplored. Kibra is a key upstream pathway activator that promotes its own ubiquitin-mediated degradation upon assembling a Hippo signaling complex. Here, we demonstrate that Hippo complex-dependent Kibra degradation is modulated by cortical tension. Using classical genetic, osmotic, and pharmacological manipulations of myosin activity and cortical tension, we show that increasing cortical tension leads to Kibra degradation, whereas decreasing cortical tension increases Kibra abundance. Our study also implicates Par-1 in regulating Kib abundance downstream of cortical tension. We demonstrate that Par-1 promotes ubiquitin-mediated Kib degradation in a Hippo complex-dependent manner and is required for tension-induced Kib degradation. Collectively, our results reveal a previously unknown molecular mechanism by which cortical tension affects Hippo signaling and provide novel insights into the role of mechanical forces in growth control.
Preexisting tissue mechanical hypertension at adherens junctions disrupts apoptotic extrusion in epithelia
Authors: Mann Zoya , Lim Fayth , Verma Suzie , Nanavati Bageshri N. , Davies Julie M. , Begun Jakob , Hardeman Edna C. , Gunning Peter W. , Subramanyam Deepa , Yap Alpha S. , Duszyc Kinga
Published: October 2023

Apical extrusion is a tissue-intrinsic process that allows epithelia to eliminate unfit or surplus cells. This is exemplified by the early extrusion of apoptotic cells, which is critical to maintain the epithelial barrier and prevent inflammation. Apoptotic extrusion is an active mechanical process, which involves mechanotransduction between apoptotic cells and their neighbors, as well as local changes in tissue mechanics. Here we report that the preexisting mechanical tension at adherens junctions (AJs) conditions the efficacy of apoptotic extrusion. Specifically, increasing baseline mechanical tension by overexpression of a phosphomimetic Myosin II regulatory light chain (MRLC) compromises apoptotic extrusion. This occurs when tension is increased in either the apoptotic cell or its surrounding epithelium. Further, we find that the proinflammatory cytokine, TNFα, stimulates Myosin II and increases baseline AJ tension to disrupt apical extrusion, causing apoptotic cells to be retained in monolayers. Importantly, reversal of mechanical tension with an inhibitory MRLC mutant or tropomyosin inhibitors is sufficient to restore apoptotic extrusion in TNFα-treated monolayers. Together, these findings demonstrate that baseline levels of tissue tension are important determinants of apoptotic extrusion, which can potentially be coopted by pathogenetic factors to disrupt the homeostatic response of epithelia to apoptosis.
VISN: virus instance segmentation network for TEM images using deep attention transformer
Authors: Xiao Chi , Wang Jun , Yang Shenrong , Heng Minxin , Su Junyi , Xiao Hao , Song Jingdong , Li Weifu
Published: October 2023

The identification of viruses from negative staining transmission electron microscopy (TEM) images has mainly depended on experienced experts. Recent advances in artificial intelligence have enabled virus recognition using deep learning techniques. However, most of the existing methods only perform virus classification or semantic segmentation, and few studies have addressed the challenge of virus instance segmentation in TEM images. In this paper, we focus on the instance segmentation of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus type 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and other respiratory viruses and provide experts with more effective information about viruses. We propose an effective virus instance segmentation network based on the You Only Look At CoefficienTs backbone, which integrates the Swin Transformer, dense connections and the coordinate-spatial attention mechanism, to identify SARS-CoV-2, H1N1 influenza virus, respiratory syncytial virus, Herpes simplex virus-1, Human adenovirus type 5 and Vaccinia virus. We also provide a public TEM virus dataset and conduct extensive comparative experiments. Our method achieves a mean average precision score of 83.8 and F1 score of 0.920, outperforming other state-of-the-art instance segmentation algorithms. The proposed automated method provides virologists with an effective approach for recognizing and identifying SARS-CoV-2 and assisting in the diagnosis of viruses. Our dataset and code are accessible at https://github.com/xiaochiHNU/Virus-Instance-Segmentation-Transformer-Network.
scMultiGAN: cell-specific imputation for single-cell transcriptomes with multiple deep generative adversarial networks
Authors: Wang Tao , Zhao Hui , Xu Yungang , Wang Yongtian , Shang Xuequn , Peng Jiajie , Xiao Bing
Published: October 2023

The emergence of single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) technology has revolutionized the identification of cell types and the study of cellular states at a single-cell level. Despite its significant potential, scRNA-seq data analysis is plagued by the issue of missing values. Many existing imputation methods rely on simplistic data distribution assumptions while ignoring the intrinsic gene expression distribution specific to cells. This work presents a novel deep-learning model, named scMultiGAN, for scRNA-seq imputation, which utilizes multiple collaborative generative adversarial networks (GAN). Unlike traditional GAN-based imputation methods that generate missing values based on random noises, scMultiGAN employs a two-stage training process and utilizes multiple GANs to achieve cell-specific imputation. Experimental results show the efficacy of scMultiGAN in imputation accuracy, cell clustering, differential gene expression analysis and trajectory analysis, significantly outperforming existing state-of-the-art techniques. Additionally, scMultiGAN is scalable to large scRNA-seq datasets and consistently performs well across sequencing platforms. The scMultiGAN code is freely available at https://github.com/Galaxy8172/scMultiGAN.
How to recognize and manage skin toxicities associated with immune checkpoint inhibitors: a practical approach
Authors: Kawsar Anusuya , Hussain Khawar , Muinonen-Martin Andrew James , Fearfield Louise
Published: October 2023

Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have revolutionized treatment strategies in the field of oncology. Their favourable outcomes in terms of efficacy and side-effect profile can be thwarted by the development of immune-related adverse events (irAEs). Cutaneous irAEs are relatively common in patients undergoing immunotherapy and include common inflammatory dermatoses (e.g. eczematous, psoriasiform and lichenoid phenotypes), maculopapular eruptions, pruritus and immunobullous disorders. Most of these reactions can be managed without ICIs having to be stopped completely; however, there are some life-threatening toxicities that dermatologists and oncologists should be aware of. In this review, we focus on how to recognize the commonly associated cutaneous irAEs, touching upon rarer reactions and red flags; finally, we provide guidance on their management.
In vitro comparison of human plasma-based and self-assembled tissue-engineered skin substitutes: two different manufacturing processes for the treatment of deep and difficult to heal injuries
Authors: Sierra-Sánchez Álvaro , Magne Brice , Savard Etienne , Martel Christian , Ferland Karel , Barbier Martin A , Demers Anabelle , Larouche Danielle , Arias-Santiago Salvador , Germain Lucie
Published: October 2023

Background

The aim of this in vitro study was to compare side-by-side two models of human bilayered tissue-engineered skin substitutes (hbTESSs) designed for the treatment of severely burned patients. These are the scaffold-free self-assembled skin substitute (SASS) and the human plasma-based skin substitute (HPSS).

Methods

Fibroblasts and keratinocytes from three humans were extracted from skin biopsies (N = 3) and cells from the same donor were used to produce both hbTESS models. For SASS manufacture, keratinocytes were seeded over three self-assembled dermal sheets comprising fibroblasts and the extracellular matrix they produced (n = 12), while for HPSS production, keratinocytes were cultured over hydrogels composed of fibroblasts embedded in either plasma as unique biomaterial (Fibrin), plasma combined with hyaluronic acid (Fibrin-HA) or plasma combined with collagen (Fibrin-Col) (n/biomaterial = 9). The production time was 46–55 days for SASSs and 32–39 days for HPSSs. Substitutes were characterized by histology, mechanical testing, PrestoBlue™-assay, immunofluorescence (Ki67, Keratin (K) 10, K15, K19, Loricrin, type IV collagen) and Western blot (type I and IV collagens).

Results

The SASSs were more resistant to tensile forces (p-value < 0.01) but less elastic (p-value < 0.001) compared to HPSSs. A higher number of proliferative Ki67+ cells were found in SASSs although their metabolic activity was lower. After epidermal differentiation, no significant difference was observed in the expression of K10, K15, K19 and Loricrin. Overall, the production of type I and type IV collagens and the adhesive strength of the dermal-epidermal junction was higher in SASSs.

Conclusions

This study demonstrates, for the first time, that both hbTESS models present similar in vitro biological characteristics. However, mechanical properties differ and future in vivo experiments will aim to compare their wound healing potential.
Measurement and optimization of perioperative risk among patients undergoing surgery for esophageal cancer
Authors: Elliott Jessie A , Guinan Emer , Reynolds John V
Published: October 2023

Esophagectomy is an exemplar of complex oncological surgery and is associated with a relatively high risk of major morbidity and mortality. In the modern era, where specific complications are targeted in prevention and treatment pathways, and where the principles of enhanced recovery after surgery are espoused, optimum outcomes are targeted via a number of approaches. These include comprehensive clinical and physiological risk assessment, specialist perioperative care by a high-volume team, and multimodal inputs throughout the patient journey that aim to preserve or restore nutritional deficits, muscle mass and function.
Identifying heterogeneous flexibility of dairy farms using a panel smooth transition regression approach
Authors: Letort Elodie , Femenia Fabienne
Published: October 2023

Our objective is to identify the individual flexibility of dairy farms, which may be the result of heterogeneous input adjustment costs, based on their observed short-run responses to price variations. For this purpose, we propose an analytical framework based on the panel smooth transition regression model with farm-specific threshold parameters. Our model is estimated using data from a sample of French dairy farms over the period 2007–2018. Our empirical results reveal heterogeneous levels of flexibility for these farms, with the most flexible farms appearing to be more autonomous both financially and in terms of animal feed.
Tainted Love: a Systematic Literature Review of Online Romance Scam Research
Authors: Bilz Alexander , Shepherd Lynsay A , Johnson Graham I
Published: October 2023

Romance scams involve cybercriminals engineering a romantic relationship on online dating platforms for monetary gain. It is a cruel form of cybercrime whereby victims are left heartbroken, often facing financial ruin. We characterize the literary landscape on romance scams, advancing the understanding of researchers and practitioners by systematically reviewing and synthesizing contemporary qualitative and quantitative evidence. The systematic review establishes influencing factors of victimhood and explores countermeasures for mitigating romance scams. We searched 10 scholarly databases and websites using terms related to romance scams. The methodology followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA) guidelines: a total of 279 papers were screened. One hundred seven papers were assessed for eligibility, and 53 were included in the final analysis. Three main contributions were identified: common profile features and techniques used by romance scammers, countermeasures for mitigating romance scams and factors predisposing an individual to become a scammer or a victim. Despite a growing corpus of literature, the total number of empirical or experimental examinations remained limited. The paper concludes with avenues for future research and victimhood intervention strategies for practitioners, law enforcement and the industry.
Dietary supplementation with nano-composite of copper and carbon on growth performance, immunity, and antioxidant ability of yellow-feathered broilers
Authors: Liu Jing , Lin Shiying , Wu Shuqin , Lin Qingjie , Fan Zitao , Wang Changkang , Ye Dingcheng , Guo Pingting
Published: October 2023

New feed additives as antibiotics substitutes are in urgent need in poultry production. Nano-composite of copper and carbon (NCCC), a novel copper donor with stronger antibacterial properties, is expected to promote broiler growth and diminish the negative effects of excess copper (Cu). Hence, the purpose of this study is to investigate the effects of NCCC on growth performance, immunity, and antioxidant ability of yellow-feathered broilers. A total of 240 1-d-old male yellow-feathered broilers were selected and randomly divided into four groups, with five replications per group and 12 birds per replication. The CON group was fed corn-soybean basal diets, while the N50, N100, and N200 groups were supplemented with 50, 100, and 200 mg/kg of NCCC in basal diets, respectively. The trial lasted for 63 d. The results demonstrated that only 200 mg/kg NCCC addition significantly increased the Cu content in serum and feces, and liver Cu content linearly increased with NCCC dosage increment (P < 0.05). Meanwhile, NCCC supplementation did not alter the growth performance, slaughter performance, immune organ indexes, and liver antioxidant ability of broilers (P > 0.05), but optimized the serum cytokine pattern by elevating the level of serum IL-10 (P < 0.05), and there were linear and quadratic increases in serum IL-4 with NCCC dosage increment (P < 0.05). On the whole, in spite of no impact on growth performance, 50 mg/kg NCCC was optimal to supplement in chicken diets due to the rise of serum IL-10 level and no extra environmental pollution and tissue residues.
Characteristics of possible mpox reinfection cases: literature review
Authors: Musumeci Stefano , Laflamme Jérôme , Kaiser Laurent , Segeral Olivier , Calmy Alexandra
Published: October 2023

While mpox infection is anticipated to confer long-term immunity and the global outbreak is in decline, new cases continue to emerge worldwide, with reports of reinfections since January 2023. In this context, we aim to present cases of potential mpox reinfection described in the medical literature, emphasizing pertinent characteristics.
Modification of the Zancolli Lasso Procedure for Simultaneous Correction of Wartenberg’s Sign
Authors: Hathaway Brynn A. , Burch Samantha J. , Krasnoff Chloe C. , Zeiderman Matthew R. , Solomon Joel S.
Published: October 2023

Ulnar nerve injury initiates an imbalance between the intrinsic muscles and extrinsic extensors of the ring and small fingers, which leads to the characteristic hyperextension of the metacarpophalangeal (MP) joints and flexion of the proximal interphalangeal joints of these 2 digits—commonly referred to as the ulnar claw hand. In addition to these changes in the static posture of the hand, ulnar nerve palsy severely impairs grasp due to deficient active MP joint flexion. In most cases, motor balance can be restored by preventing MP joint hyperextension and augmenting MP joint flexion using the Zancolli lasso procedure (ZLP). Ulnar neuropathy can cause a second motor imbalance between the ulnar intrinsics and the extensor digit minimi leading to an abduction deformity of the small finger known as Wartenberg’s sign. The inability to adduct the small finger can be a great source of frustration to patients. Using a cadaveric biomechanical model, we have developed a simple modification of the Zancolli lasso procedure that simultaneously corrects claw deformity and Wartenberg’s sign and we report its efficacy in 2 clinical cases.
“We Aren’t Meant to Go Through the Hardest Parts of Our Lives Alone”: Family Experience With Restricted PICU Presence During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Lee Laurie A. , Foster Jennifer R. , Nikitovic Dejana , Garros Daniel , Ryan Molly J. , Moghadam Neda , Slumkoski Corey , Walls Martha , Curran Janet A. , Seabrook Jamie A. , Burgess Stacy , Betts Laura , Barclay Amanda , Choong Karen , Fontela Patricia , Murthy Srinivas , Nicoll Jessica , O’Hearn Katie , Sehgal Anupam , Tijssen Janice ,   for the Canadian Critical Care Trials Group
Published: October 2023

CONTEXT:

PICUs across Canada restricted family presence (RFP) in response to the COVID-19 pandemic from allowing two or more family members to often only one family member at the bedside. The objective of this study was to describe the experiences and impact of RFP on families of critically ill children to inform future policy and practice.

HYPOTHESIS:

RFP policies negatively impacted families of PICU patients and caused moral distress.

METHODS AND MODELS:

National, cross-sectional, online, self-administered survey. Family members of children admitted to a Canadian PICU between March 2020 and February 2021 were invited to complete the survey. RFP-attributable distress was measured with a modified distress thermometer (0–10). Closed-ended questions were reported with descriptive statistics and multivariable linear regression assessed factors associated with RFP-attributable distress. Open-ended questions were analyzed using inductive content analysis.

RESULTS:

Of 250 respondents who experienced RFP, 124 (49.6%) were restricted to one family member at the bedside. The median amount of distress that families attributed to RFP policies was 6 (range: 0–10). Families described isolation, removal of supports, and perception of trauma related to RFP. Most families (183, 73.2%) felt that policies were enforced in a way that made them feel valued by PICU clinicians, which was associated with less RFP-attributable distress. Differential impact was seen where families with lower household income indicated higher RFP-attributable distress score (2.35; 95% CI, 0.53–4.17; p = 0.03). Most respondents suggested that future policies should allow at least two family members at the bedside.

INTERPRETATIONS AND CONCLUSIONS:

Families of children admitted to PICUs during the COVID-19 pandemic described increased distress, trauma, and removal of supports due to RFP policies. Vulnerable families showed an increased odds of higher distress. Healthcare professionals played an important role in mitigating distress. Allowance of at least two family members at the bedside should be considered for future policy.
The First Alveolar Bone Graft Simulator
Authors: Shen Jerry , Fisher David M. , Yasabala Branavan , Wong Riff Karen W.Y. , Podolsky Dale J.
Published: October 2023

Alveolar bone graft (ABG) surgery in cleft patients is technically challenging. The procedure requires design, dissection and release of soft tissue flaps to create a seal around the bone graft. In addition, visualization during the procedure is challenging within the confines of the cleft. These features make ABG surgery difficult to learn and teach, and it is, therefore, a suitable procedure for the use of a simulator. A high-fidelity cleft ABG simulator was developed using three-dimensional printing, polymer, and adhesive techniques. Simulated ABG surgery was performed by two expert cleft surgeons for a total of five simulation sessions to test the simulator’s features and the ability to perform the critical steps of an ABG. ABG surgery was successfully performed on the simulator. The simulations involved interacting with realistic dissection planes as well as multi-layered synthetic soft (periosteum, mucosa, gingiva, adipose tissue) and hard (teeth, bone) tissue. The simulator allowed performance of cleft marginal incisions, dissection, and elevation of a muco-gingival-periosteal flap, creation of nasal upturned and palatal downturned flaps, nasal and palatal side closure, insertion of simulated bone graft material, and advancement of the muco-gingival-periosteal flap for closure of the anterior wall of the cleft. The ABG simulator allowed performance of the critical steps of ABG surgery. This is the first ABG simulator developed, which incorporates the features necessary to practice the procedure from start to finish.
Adherence to pharmacotherapy: sine qua non for reducing cumulative risk of premature coronary disease in familial hypercholesterolemia
Authors: Pang Jing , Sanfilippo Frank M. , Chan Dick C. , Watts Gerald F.
Published: October 2023

Purpose of review

Familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) is a dominant and highly penetrant monogenic disorder present from birth that markedly elevates plasma low-density lipoprotein (LDL)-cholesterol concentration and, if untreated, leads to atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD). The risk of ASCVD can be substantially reduced with lipid-lowering treatment (LLT). However, adherence to LLT remains a major challenge in FH patients and an under-recognized issue. We review several barriers to treatment adherence and implementation strategies for improving adherence in patients with FH.

Recent findings

Barriers that negatively affect patient adherence to treatment include the misunderstanding of perceived and actual risk of FH and the benefits of LLT, inadequate knowledge, lack of standardization of treatment, insufficient monitoring of LDL-cholesterol level, and inequalities in healthcare resources. Education of patients, carers and healthcare providers, guideline-directed treatment goals, regular monitoring, medication regimen simplification and greater access to established and new drugs are crucial enablers for improving adherence to treatment. However, given FH is present from birth, strategies for life-long adherence from childhood or young adulthood is critically important and requires further study. To be effective, strategies should be multifaceted, targeted and patient-centred involving a multidisciplinary-team with support from family, communities and peer groups.

FH confers a significant risk for ASCVD from a young age. Achieving better medication adherence is foundational for improving clinical outcomes and reducing the burden of atherosclerosis over a lifetime. Identification of key barriers and enablers are critical for implementing better adherence to treatment across the life-course of patients with FH.
Assessment of infant gonadal dose irradiated from urine-contaminated diapers during diuretic renal scintigraphy
Authors: Lu Yonggang , Kumbhar Sachin , Liu Yu , Vo Nghia (Jack) , Lu Jerry , Baker Marjorie , Qi Jing
Published: October 2023

Objective

To estimate the gonadal doses irradiated from urine- contaminated diapers during diuretic renal scintigraphy.

Methods

Images of 31 patients (18 males and 13 females) with urine-contaminated diapers during 99mTc-MAG3 renal scintigraphy were analyzed. The count rate of the diapers was converted into a time-activity curve based on the calibrated factor of the gamma camera system. The cumulative activity was determined from the area under the curve. By incorporating dose per unit cumulative activity pre-calculated from Monte Carlo simulation with 0-year phantom, the gonadal dose irradiated from diaper was calculated. To assess the degree of this additionally introduced dose from diapers, the calculated gonadal dose was compared to the internal gonadal dose from injected radiotracer activity.

Results

The cumulative activities irradiated from urine-contaminated diapers were 1.12 E04 ± 1.29E04 MBq.s in male infants, which was nearly half of the 1.94 E04 ± 1.80E04 MBq.s (P = 0.15) in female infants. However, the absorbed doses for testes in male infants were 7.37E-01 ± 8.50E-01 mGy, which was approximately 10 times the 6.38E-02 ± 5.94E-02 mGy for ovaries in female infants (P < 0.01). The diaper-introduced dose for testes and ovaries was 91.7% and 3.9% of the gonadal doses from the injected activity in patients with normal renal function, and 99.0% and 4.3% of those in patients with abnormal renal function.

Conclusion

Urine-contaminated diapers introduced additional radiation doses to infant patients during 99mTc-MAG3 renal scintigraphy. The gonadal doses were of significance in male infants who had nearly double the absorbed dose for the testes.
Vortex-assisted resin y90 delivery via 175 cm Truselect microcatheter: case factors for high residual despite double-flush protocol
Authors: Sag Alan Alper , Agritelley Ethan , Ronald James , Young Shamar J. , Kim Charles Y.
Published: October 2023

Purpose

To report efficiency of resin y90 delivery using SIROS via 175 cm TruSelect microcatheter with double-flush protocol (40 ml dextrose total).

Methods

IRB-approved retrospective review of all patients undergoing SIROS injection of y90 Sir-Spheres via TruSelect from 2019 through 2022 at one quaternary-care academic institution, including medical records.

Results

Included were 48 infusions in 25 patients across 11 cancer histologies. Mean planned, delivered, and residual activities were 28 ± 17, 27 ± 17, 1.1 ± 0.56 mCi respectively (mean residual 4.9% ± 2.8%) across flex-dosing precalibrations including 1-day, 2-day, and 3-day SIROS (4/51, 16/51, and 28/51). Mean liver treatment volume was 483 ± 306 ml with target dose mean of 128 ± 26 Gy in non-segmentectomy cases; Radiation segmentectomy was performed in 15/48 (31%). Arterial stasis was documented in 9/48 (19%) of cases. Use of a 3-day precalibrated SIROS dose, use of activity <10 mCi, treatment of smaller liver volumes (<200 ml) and documentation of stasis were associated with higher residual activity (P = 0.025, P = 0.0007, P = 0.0177, and P = 0.049, respectively) were associated with higher residuals.

Conclusion

Combining the new technologies of SIROS and the Truselect microcatheter with a double-flush protocol yielded <10% residual in 94% of y90 infusions. Future studies may clarify if the predictors of high residual dose seen here may warrant microcatheter-specific considerations for dosimetry or dose preparation at the Radiopharmacy level.
Sigmoid colon cancer presenting as a left inguinal hernia: a case report
Authors: Al Mohtasib Mohammad E. , Emar Mohammad N. , Al-jabari Anan I. , Aljabari Taima M. , Karajeh Islam H. , Al Jawabrah Qutaiba Y. , Dghaish Raghad M. , Jubran Fahmi , Ruzayqat Shadi
Published: October 2023

Introduction:

Inguinal hernias are common and typically include a portion of abdominal organs. However, there have been reports of additional peculiar content.

Case presentation:

The authors present the case of a 68-year-old man with sigmoid colon cancer presenting as a left inguinal hernia.

Discussion:

Colorectal cancer is a unique component that can be identified within inguinal hernias and is a prevalent problem among affected individuals because such a presentation is unusual.

Conclusion:

Surgeons should be aware of this risk when operating on inguinal hernias in order to prevent ineffective care. The best course of action may be appropriate exploration and oncological excision when underlying colon cancer is suspected after a hernial procedure.
Disseminated cysticercosis with tongue involvement: a rare case report from Nepal
Authors: Poudel Bipin , Shrestha Shubham , Bhattarai Bishuddha , Khatri Bishal , Acharya Anusha , Maharjan Bunu , Pandey Rabindra R. , Batajoo Ashim , Khadka Kishor , Thapa Suman , Koirala Janak ,   ABIM board certification in Internal Medicine (1996); ABIM board certification in Infectious Diseases (1999)
Published: October 2023

Introduction and importance:

Cysticercosis is a condition in which humans are infected by the larval form of the pork tapeworm Tenia solium. Cysticercosis in humans is common in the cerebral tissue but rare in the tongue.

Case presentation:

Here, the authors report a rare case of a 38-year-old male with neurocysticercosis and cysticercosis of the tongue. The patient presented with a complaint of loss of consciousness for 4–5 min. Local examination of his oral cavity revealed a swelling of ~2×2 cm on the tongue. An MRI of the brain showed various stages of neurocysticercosis involving the neuroparenchyma and tongue. For this, he was started on low-dose prednisolone of 50 mg tapered over 6 weeks and levetiracetam of 500 mg BD continued for his seizure episodes. He is responding well with the medications and is planned to start antiparasitic agent only after the perilesional edema decreases.

Clinical discussion:

Cysticercosis may involve the central nervous system, muscle, heart, lungs, peritoneum, eye, and subcutaneous tissue. Oral cavity and perioral involvement by cysticercous larva is rare in humans. Radiologic imaging, serology, and tissue biopsy can be used to confirm a diagnosis of cysticercosis. The most common locations for oral cysticercosis are the tongue, buccal mucosa, lower lip, and upper lip.

Only 102 cases of oral cysticercosis have been reported based on a PubMed English-language literature search.

Conclusion:

Oral cysticercosis is a rare event, and it represents a difficulty in clinical diagnosis. But a patient with a mass in the tongue should be considered as a possible case of cysticercosis especially in endemic regions like Nepal.
A decade in focus: mixed germ cell tumors with choriocarcinoma components
Authors: Al-Khayal Abdullah , Noureldin Yasser , Alghafees Mohammad , Shafqat Areez , Sabbah Belal Nedal , Elhossiny Asem H. , Bakir Mohamad , Omar Mohammed Ali , Arabi Tarek Ziad , Abdul Rab Saleha , Alsaikhan Bader , Aldhalaan Reema , Alquirnas Muhannad , Alrabeeah Khalid
Published: October 2023

Introduction:

This 10-year registry review aimed to investigate the clinical behaviour and outcomes of mixed germ cell tumours with choriocarcinoma components, a rare and aggressive subtype of testicular cancer, in Saudi Arabia. The study explores the demographic characteristics of affected patients, tumour profiles, and the mortality rate associated with this malignancy.

Methods:

Utilizing data from the Saudi Cancer Registry, the authors identified 33 cases of mixed germ cell tumours with choriocarcinoma components among 1001 testicular cancer cases recorded between 2008 and 2017. Demographic information, including age, marital status, region of residency, year of diagnosis, and 10-year survival status, were collected. Tumour factors, such as the basis of diagnosis, origin site, behaviour, grade, extension, and laterality, were also analyzed.

Results:

The majority of cases (78.8%) occurred in the young age group (18–45 years), and most tumours (97%) originated in normally descended testes. Grade IV (undifferentiated anaplastic) tumours and distant metastasis were present in 45.5% of patients. All cases exhibited malignant tumour behaviour. The overall mortality rate was 15%, with a mean time from diagnosis to death of 7.72 months (range: 0.5–21.5 months).

Conclusion:

Mixed germ cell tumours with choriocarcinoma components are rare and tend to affect younger populations. These tumours demonstrate aggressive clinical behaviour, with a significant proportion presenting with high-grade lesions and metastasis at diagnosis. The observed mortality rate underscores the poor prognosis associated with this malignancy. Our study provides essential insights into the clinical characteristics of this rare tumour subtype in the Saudi Arabian population, emphasizing the need for further research to identify prognostic factors and optimize management strategies for affected patients.
Guillain–Barré syndrome following varicella–zoster virus infection: a case report and systematic review
Authors: Nerabani Yaman , Atli Abd Alazeez , Hamdan Ola , Hajjar Mwaffak Abdulkader , haj Hammadh Noor al hoda , Marstawi Hiba , Hora Soma , Alabd Nouri
Published: October 2023

Background:

Guillain–Barré syndrome (GBS) is an acute inflammatory disease of the peripheral nervous system, rarely following Varicella–zoster virus (VZV) infection. The authors aimed to review all cases in the English literature of GBS that occurred after primary VZV infection to investigate the clinical features, diagnostic workup, treatment, and outcome of patients with GBS following VZV.

Methods:

PubMed, Scopus, and Embase are systematically searched from their inception to 9 May 2022 to collect all cases of GBS following varicella–zoster infection. Patients with GBS following VZV reactivation were excluded.

Results:

Among the 29 patients, the age of presentation ranged from 1.5 to 70 years with a median of 37, with a yield for males (81.5%). Most of the patients presented with sensory-motor symptoms (65.4%) and suffered from tetraparesis (81.5%). Cranial nerve palsy was present in (84%) of patients, and the seventh cranial nerve was the most commonly affected nerve (75%). Lumbar puncture showed albuminocytological dissociation in (80%) of patients. The dominant nerve conduction study subtype was acute inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (65.3%). in addition, the magnetic resonance imaging showed pathological findings in only (47.5%) of the patients. Intravenous immunoglobulin is now the drug of choice for all cases of GBS following VZV infection.

Conclusion:

GBS is a rare neurological complication of primary infection with VZV. However, the authors should suspect this syndrome when a patient develops ascending weakness, regardless of the absence of areflexia and albuminocytological dissociation. Drug therapy with IIVIg ensures a gradual improvement for the patient over a period of weeks to several months.
Identification of Core Symptom Cluster in Patients With Digestive Cancer
Authors: Wang Ke , Diao Min , Yang Zhaoxia , Salvador Jordan Tovera , Zhang Yihong
Published: October 2023

Background

A lack of identified core symptom clusters in digestive cancer patients hinders achieving precision symptom intervention. There are few studies on identifying digestive cancer symptom clusters based on network analysis.

Objectives

The aims of this study were to construct the symptom network of digestive cancer patients and identify the core symptom cluster.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted among 202 digestive cancer patients. The Chinese version of the MD Anderson Symptom Inventory for gastrointestinal cancer scale was used to assess the symptoms by convenience sampling. R software was used to construct a symptom network and identify core symptom clusters. Edge weight and centrality difference tests were used to test the accuracy of core symptom cluster identification.

Results

The most common symptoms were distress, poor appetite, and sadness. The most serious symptoms were poor appetite, disturbed sleep, and fatigue. The core symptom cluster of the psychoemotional symptom group was distress, sadness, and numbness. The centrality index showed that the top 3 in strength were distress (Rs = 1.11), fatigue (Rs = 1.09), and sadness (Rs = 1.04). The edge weight difference test showed that the psychoemotional symptom group had high stability.

Conclusions

The psychoemotional symptoms of digestive cancer patients should be given priority for intervention. Network analysis must be extended to the symptom research of cancer patients as soon as possible to provide a scientific basis for symptom management.

Implications for Practice

Nurses must perform comprehensive psychological and emotional assessments, initiate referrals for psychoemotional symptom management and psychological services, and administer pharmacologic and nonpharmacologic interventions to improve appetite loss in digestive cancer patients.
Concurrent PTEN and PDGFRB Alterations Characterize Storiform Collagenoma
Authors: Pakyari Mohammadreza , Mahadevan Navin R. , Russell-Goldman Eleanor
Published: October 2023

Storiform collagenoma is a rare mesenchymal skin tumor that is composed of thickened collagen bundles arranged in a characteristic storiform pattern with a relatively hypocellular CD34-positive spindle cell component. Storiform collagenoma is most often sporadic, but multiple lesions can occur in Cowden syndrome, which is characterized by germline alterations in PTEN (phosphatase and tensin homolog) on chromosome 10. Here, we investigated the molecular pathogenesis of storiform collagenoma using a targeted next-generation DNA sequencing platform, including 5 sporadic cases and one case associated with Cowden syndrome. Recurrent PTEN alterations were identified in all cases, with biallelic PTEN inactivation observed in the case associated with Cowden syndrome and one sporadic case. Unexpectedly, we also identified recurrent activating mutations in the platelet-derived growth factor receptor beta (PDGFRB) gene. This included a missense substitution in the D5 Ig-like domain of PDGFRB in the Cowden syndrome-associated case. In addition, we report missense alterations in the juxtamembrane domain of PDGFRB in 4 of 5 (80%) sporadic cases, including mutations that have been previously described in sporadic myofibroma and myopericytoma. Therefore, we confirm the neoplastic nature of storiform collagenoma, we expand the spectrum of reported PDGFRB alterations in mesenchymal tumors and we suggest a possible collaborative role for PTEN and PDGFRB in the pathogenesis of storiform collagenoma.
Renal Transplantation in Patients With Tuberculosis: A Single-center Experience From an Endemic Region
Authors: Gadde Ashwini B. , Jha Pranaw Kumar , Bansal Shyam B. , Rana Abhyudaysingh , Jain Manish , Bansal Dinesh , Yadav Dinesh Kumar , Mahapatra Amit Kumar , Sethi Sidharth Kumar , Kher Vijay
Published: October 2023

Background.

Despite being a common infection in end-stage kidney disease patients, there are no evidence-based guidelines to suggest the ideal time of transplantation in patients on antitubercular therapy (ATT). This study aimed to examine the outcome of transplantation in patients while on ATT compared with those without tuberculosis (TB).

Methods.

This was a retrospective study. Renal transplant recipients transplanted while on ATT were compared with a 1:1 matched group (for age, sex, diabetic status, and type of induction agent) of patients without TB at the time of transplant. Patient outcomes included relapse of TB and graft and patient survival.

Results.

There were 71 patients in each group. The mean duration for which ATT was given pretransplant was 3.8 ± 2.47 mo. The average total duration of ATT received was 12.27 ± 1.25 mo. Mortality in both the groups was similar (8.4% in the TB group versus 4.5% in the non-TB group; P = 0.49). None of the surviving patients had recurrence of TB during the follow-up. Death-censored graft survival (98.5% in the TB group versus 97% in the non-TB group; P = 1) and biopsy-proven acute rejection rates (9.86% in the TB group versus 8.45% in the non-TB group; P = 1) were also similar in both the groups.

Conclusions.

Successful transplantation in patients with end-stage kidney disease on ATT is possible without any deleterious effect on patient and graft survival and no risk of disease recurrence. Multicentric prospective studies are needed.
Global abundance patterns, diversity, and ecology of Patescibacteria in wastewater treatment plants
Authors: Hu Huifeng , Kristensen Jannie Munk , Herbold Craig William , Pjevac Petra , Kitzinger Katharina , Hausmann Bela , Dueholm Morten Kam Dahl , Nielsen Per Halkjaer , Wagner Michael
Published: October 2023

Background

Microorganisms are responsible for nutrient removal and resource recovery in wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs), and their diversity is often studied by 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing. However, this approach underestimates the abundance and diversity of Patescibacteria due to the low coverage of commonly used PCR primers for this highly divergent bacterial phylum. Therefore, our current understanding of the global diversity, distribution, and ecological role of Patescibacteria in WWTPs is very incomplete. This is particularly relevant as Patescibacteria are considered to be associated with microbial host cells and can therefore influence the abundance and temporal variability of other microbial groups that are important for WWTP functioning.

Results

Here, we evaluated thein silicocoverage of widely used 16S rRNA gene-targeted primer pairs and redesigned a primer pair targeting the V4 region of bacterial and archaeal 16S rRNA genes to expand its coverage for Patescibacteria. We then experimentally evaluated and compared the performance of the original and modified V4-targeted primers on 565 WWTP samples from the MiDAS global sample collection. Using the modified primer pair, the percentage of ASVs classified as Patescibacteria increased from 5.9% to 23.8%, and the number of detected patescibacterial genera increased from 560 to 1,576, while the detected diversity of the remaining microbial community remained similar. Due to this significantly improved coverage of Patescibacteria, we identified 23 core genera of Patescibacteria in WWTPs and described the global distribution pattern of these unusual microbes in these systems. Finally, correlation network analysis revealed potential host organisms that might be associated with Patescibacteria in WWTPs. Interestingly, strong indications were found for an association between Patescibacteria of the Saccharimonadia and globally abundant polyphosphate-accumulating organisms of the genusCa.Phosporibacter.

Conclusions

Our study (i) provides an improved 16S rRNA gene V4 region-targeted amplicon primer pair inclusive of Patescibacteria with little impact on the detection of other taxa, (ii) reveals the diversity and distribution patterns of Patescibacteria in WWTPs on a global scale, and (iii) provides new insights into the ecological role and potential hosts of Patescibacteria in WWTPs.