bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Synthesis of novel carbazole hydrazine-carbothioamide scaffold as potent antioxidant, anticancer and antimicrobial agents
Authors: Çapan İrfan , Hawash Mohammed , Qaoud Mohammed T. , Gülüm Levent , Tunoglu Ezgi Nurdan Yenilmez , Çifci Kezban Uçar , Çevrimli Bekir Sıtkı , Sert Yusuf , Servi Süleyman , Koca İrfan , Tutar Yusuf
Published: May 2024

Background

Carbazole-based molecules containing thiosemicarbazide functional groups are recognized for their diverse biological activities, particularly in enhancing therapeutic anticancer effects through inhibiting crucial pathways. These derivatives also exhibit noteworthy antioxidant properties.

Objectives

This study aims to synthesize, characterize, and evaluate the antioxidant and anticancer activities of 18 novel carbazole derivatives.

Methods

The radical scavenging capabilities of the compounds were assessed using the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl assay. Antiproliferative activities were evaluated on MCF-7 cancer cell lines through viability assays. Additionally, the modulation of the PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway, apoptosis/necrosis induction, and cell cycle analysis were conducted for the most promising anticancer agents.

Results

nine compounds showed potent antioxidant activities with IC50 values lower than the positive control acarbose, with compounds 4 h and 4y exhibiting the highest potency (IC50 values of 0.73 and 0.38 µM, respectively). Furthermore, compounds 4o and 4r displayed significant anticancer effects, with IC50 values of 2.02 and 4.99 µM, respectively. Compound 4o, in particular, exhibited promising activity by targeting the PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway, inhibiting tumor survival, inducing apoptosis, and causing cell cycle arrest in MCF-7 cell lines. Furthermore, compound 4o was showed significant antimicrobial activities against S. aureus and E. coli, and antifungal effect against C. albicans. Its potential to overcome drug resistance through this pathway inhibition highlights its promise as an anticancer agent. Molecular docking simulations supported these findings, revealing favorable binding profiles and interactions within the active sites of the enzymes PI3K, AKT1, and mTOR. Moreover, assessing the druggability of the newly synthesized thiosemicarbazide derivatives demonstrated optimal physicochemical properties, further endorsing their potential as drug candidates.
Semimethylation is a feature of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, and subgroups with poor prognosis are characterized by global hypomethylation and short telomere length
Authors: Carlund Olivia , Thörn Elina , Osterman Pia , Fors Maja , Dernstedt Andy , Forsell Mattias N. E. , Erlanson Martin , Landfors Mattias , Degerman Sofie , Hultdin Magnus
Published: May 2024

Background

Large B-cell lymphoma (LBCL) is the most common lymphoma and is known to be a biologically heterogeneous disease regarding genetic, phenotypic, and clinical features. Although the prognosis is good, one-third has a primary refractory or relapsing disease which underscores the importance of developing predictive biological markers capable of identifying high- and low-risk patients. DNA methylation (DNAm) and telomere maintenance alterations are hallmarks of cancer and aging. Both these alterations may contribute to the heterogeneity of the disease, and potentially influence the prognosis of LBCL.

Results

We studied the DNAm profiles (Infinium MethylationEPIC BeadChip) and relative telomere lengths (RTL) with qPCR of 93 LBCL cases: Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma not otherwise specified (DLBCL, n = 66), High-grade B-cell lymphoma (n = 7), Primary CNS lymphoma (n = 8), and transformation of indolent B-cell lymphoma (n = 12). There was a substantial methylation heterogeneity in DLBCL and other LBCL entities compared to normal cells and other B-cell neoplasms. LBCL cases had a particularly aberrant semimethylated pattern (0.15 ≤ β ≤ 0.8) with large intertumor variation and overall low hypermethylation (β > 0.8). DNAm patterns could not be used to distinguish between germinal center B-cell-like (GC) and non-GC DLBCL cases. In cases treated with R-CHOP-like regimens, a high percentage of global hypomethylation (β < 0.15) was in multivariable analysis associated with worse disease-specific survival (DSS) (HR 6.920, 95% CI 1.499–31.943) and progression-free survival (PFS) (HR 4.923, 95% CI 1.286–18.849) in DLBCL and with worse DSS (HR 5.147, 95% CI 1.239–21.388) in LBCL. These cases with a high percentage of global hypomethylation also had a higher degree of CpG island methylation, including islands in promoter-associated regions, than the cases with less hypomethylation. Additionally, telomere length was heterogenous in LBCL, with a subset of the DLBCL-GC cases accounting for the longest RTL. Short RTL was independently associated with worse DSS (HR 6.011, 95% CI 1.319–27.397) and PFS (HR 4.689, 95% CI 1.102–19.963) in LBCL treated with R-CHOP-like regimens.

Conclusion

We hypothesize that subclones with high global hypomethylation and hypermethylated CpG islands could have advantages in tumor progression, e.g. by inactivating tumor suppressor genes or promoting treatment resistance. Our findings suggest that cases with high global hypomethylation and thus poor prognosis could be candidates for alternative treatment regimens including hypomethylating drugs.
CaMKIIβ deregulation contributes to neuromuscular junction destabilization in Myotonic Dystrophy type I
Authors: Falcetta Denis , Quirim Sandrine , Cocchiararo Ilaria , Chabry Florent , Théodore Marine , Stiefvater Adeline , Lin Shuo , Tintignac Lionel , Ivanek Robert , Kinter Jochen , Rüegg Markus A. , Sinnreich Michael , Castets Perrine
Published: May 2024

Background

Myotonic Dystrophy type I (DM1) is the most common muscular dystrophy in adults. Previous reports have highlighted that neuromuscular junctions (NMJs) deteriorate in skeletal muscle from DM1 patients and mouse models thereof. However, the underlying pathomechanisms and their contribution to muscle dysfunction remain unknown.

Methods

We compared changes in NMJs and activity-dependent signalling pathways in HSALR and Mbnl1ΔE3/ΔE3 mice, two established mouse models of DM1.

Results

Muscle from DM1 mouse models showed major deregulation of calcium/calmodulin-dependent protein kinases II (CaMKIIs), which are key activity sensors regulating synaptic gene expression and acetylcholine receptor (AChR) recycling at the NMJ. Both mouse models exhibited increased fragmentation of the endplate, which preceded muscle degeneration. Endplate fragmentation was not accompanied by changes in AChR turnover at the NMJ. However, the expression of synaptic genes was up-regulated in mutant innervated muscle, together with an abnormal accumulation of histone deacetylase 4 (HDAC4), a known target of CaMKII. Interestingly, denervation-induced increase in synaptic gene expression and AChR turnover was hampered in DM1 muscle. Importantly, CaMKIIβ/βM overexpression normalized endplate fragmentation and synaptic gene expression in innervated Mbnl1ΔE3/ΔE3 muscle, but it did not restore denervation-induced synaptic gene up-regulation.

Conclusions

Our results indicate that CaMKIIβ-dependent and -independent mechanisms perturb synaptic gene regulation and muscle response to denervation in DM1 mouse models. Changes in these signalling pathways may contribute to NMJ destabilization and muscle dysfunction in DM1 patients.
Whole-genome screening for near-diagnostic genetic markers for four western European white oak species identification
Authors: Kremer Antoine , Delcamp Adline , Lesur Isabelle , Wagner Stefanie , Rellstab Christian , Guichoux Erwan , Leroy Thibault
Published: May 2024

Key message

Mining genome-wide DNA sequences enabled the discovery of near-diagnostic markers for species assignment in four European white oaks (Quercus petraea (Matt.) Liebl., Quercus pubescens Willd., Quercus pyrenaica Willd., and Quercus robur L.) despite their low interspecific differentiation. Near-diagnostic markers are almost fully fixed in one species and absent in the three others. As a result, only a handful of markers are needed for species identification, making this genetic assay a very promising operational taxonomic assignment procedure in research and forestry.

Context

Identifying species in the European white oak complex has been a long-standing concern in taxonomy, evolution, forest research, and management. Quercus petraea (Matt.) Liebl., Q. robur L., Q. pubescens Willd., and Q. pyrenaica Willd. are part of this species complex in western temperate Europe and hybridize in mixed stands, challenging species identification.

Aims

Our aim was to identify near-diagnostic single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) for each of the four species that are suitable for routine use and rapid diagnosis in research and applied forestry.

Methods

We first scanned existing whole-genome and target-capture data sets in a reduced number of samples (training set) to identify candidate diagnostic SNPs, i.e., genomic positions being characterized by a reference allele in one species and by the alternative allele in all other species. Allele frequencies of the candidates SNPs were then explored in a larger, range-wide sample of populations in each species (validation step).

Results

We found a subset of 38 SNPs (10 for Q. petraea, 7 for Q. pubescens, 9 for Q. pyrenaica, and 12 for Q. robur) that showed near-diagnostic features across their species distribution ranges with Q. pyrenaica and Q. pubescens exhibiting the highest (0.876) and lowest (0.747) diagnosticity, respectively.

Conclusions

We provide a new, efficient, and reliable molecular tool for the identification of the species Q. petraea, Q. robur, Q. pubescens, and Q. pyrenaica, which can be used as a routine tool in forest research and management. This study highlights the resolution offered by whole-genome sequencing data to design near-diagnostic marker sets for taxonomic assignment, even for species complexes with relatively low differentiation.
The relationship between food selectivity and stature in pediatric patients with avoidant-restrictive food intake disorder – an electronic medical record review
Authors: Proctor Kaitlin B. , Mansoura Maryam , Rodrick Eugene , Volkert Valerie , Sharp William G. , Kindler Joseph M.
Published: May 2024

Background

We aimed to characterize stature in pediatric patients with avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID), including associations between body size and nutrient intake and height.

Methods

We conducted a secondary analysis of pre-treatment data from 60 patients diagnosed with ARFID that were collected from the electronic medical record. Anthropometric measurements were converted to age- and sex-specific Z-scores using pediatric CDC growth charts. Spearman correlations were performed to test the relationship between height and weight/BMI Z-scores as well as height Z-score and diet variables.

Results

On average, height (-0.35 ± 1.38), weight (-0.58 ± 1.56), and BMI (-0.56 ± 1.48) Z-scores tended to be lower than what would be expected in a generally healthy pediatric population. Percent of individuals with height, weight, or BMI Z-score < -2.0 was 8%, 20%, and 17%, respectively. BMI (P < 0.05) and weight (P < 0.05) were positively associated with height Z-score. Further, intake of some nutrients (e.g., calcium, vitamin D) correlated positively with height Z-score (all P < 0.05).

Conclusions

The cross-sectional relationships reported in this study suggest that in children with ARFID, body weight and consumption of bone-augmenting nutrients such as calcium and vitamin D correlated with height. A thorough understanding of the clinical manifestations of malnutrition and longitudinal effects of restrictive eating in patients with ARFID is critical.
Body evaluation in men: the role of body weight dissatisfaction in appearance evaluation, eating, and muscle dysmorphia psychopathology
Authors: Dal Brun David , Pescarini Elena , Calonaci Sofia , Bonello Elisa , Meneguzzo Paolo
Published: May 2024

Background

Body image dissatisfaction is a significant concern among men, influencing appearance evaluation, eating behaviors, and muscle dysmorphia psychopathology. However, research on these correlations is notably deficient in men, largely because body image concerns are unevenly distributed between genders. Therefore, this study aims to assess the various dimensions of concerns about body image in men and explore their associations with characteristics such as sexual orientation.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted with 251 adult men from fitness centers in the Veneto Region, Italy. Participants completed self-report questionnaires, including the Eating Attitudes Test (EAT-26), the Appearance Schemas Inventory-Revised (ASI-R), and the Muscle Dysmorphic Disorder Inventory (MDDI). Body weight perception and dissatisfaction were evaluated using a Figure Rating Scale (FRS) with 12 male biometric silhouettes.

Results

Participants were divided into three subgroups based on the experienced levels of body weight dissatisfaction: those who rated a smaller body (BWsmaller), those who rated a larger body (BWlarger) more highly relative to their own estimated body size, and those who reported implicit neutrality with their current weight (BWneu). BWsmaller participants reported higher levels of eating-related concern, while BWlarger participants exhibited higher levels of muscle dysmorphia. Additionally, the BWlarger group showed the highest degree of quantitative perceptual underestimation of their body weight. Sexual orientation was found to have an impact on body weight dissatisfaction, with bisexual men more likely to desire an increase in weight and gay men more likely to desire a decrease.

Conclusions

Body weight dissatisfaction significantly impacts appearance evaluation, eating behaviors, and muscle dysmorphia psychopathology in males. Tailored interventions that consider individual differences can support the well-being of men. The study provides useful insight into male body image issues, warranting further exploration to inform effective interventions and promote positive body image and mental health in this population.
Study methodology impacts density-dependent dispersal observations: a systematic review
Authors: Jreidini Nathalie , Green David M.
Published: May 2024

The relationship between animal dispersal and conspecific density has been explored in various study systems but results in terms of both the magnitude and the direction of density dependence are inconsistent. We conducted a thorough review of the literature (2000–2023) and found k = 97 empirical studies of birds, fishes, herpetofauna (amphibians and reptiles), invertebrates, or mammals that had tested for a correlation between conspecific density and animal dispersal. We extracted categorical variables for taxonomic group, sex, age, migratory behavior, study design, dispersal metric, density metric and variable type, as well as temporal and spatial scale, to test each of their correlation with the effect of density on dispersal (Pearson’s r) using linear regressions and multilevel mixed-effect modelling. We found certain biases in the published literature, highlighting that the impact of conspecific density on dispersal is not as widespread as it is thought to be. We also found no predominant trend for density-dependent dispersal across taxonomic groups. Instead, results show that the scale and metrics of empirical observations significantly affected analytical results, and heterogeneity measures were high within taxonomic groups. Therefore, the direction and magnitude of the interaction between density and dispersal in empirical studies could partially be attributed to the data collection method involved. We suggest that the contradictory observations for density-dependent dispersal could be explained by dispersal-dependent density, where density is driven by movement instead, and urge researchers to either test this interaction when applicable or consider this perspective when reporting results.
HCA-DAN: hierarchical class-aware domain adaptive network for gastric tumor segmentation in 3D CT images
Authors: Yuan Ning , Zhang Yongtao , Lv Kuan , Liu Yiyao , Yang Aocai , Hu Pianpian , Yu Hongwei , Han Xiaowei , Guo Xing , Li Junfeng , Wang Tianfu , Lei Baiying , Ma Guolin
Published: May 2024

Background

Accurate segmentation of gastric tumors from CT scans provides useful image information for guiding the diagnosis and treatment of gastric cancer. However, automated gastric tumor segmentation from 3D CT images faces several challenges. The large variation of anisotropic spatial resolution limits the ability of 3D convolutional neural networks (CNNs) to learn features from different views. The background texture of gastric tumor is complex, and its size, shape and intensity distribution are highly variable, which makes it more difficult for deep learning methods to capture the boundary. In particular, while multi-center datasets increase sample size and representation ability, they suffer from inter-center heterogeneity.

Methods

In this study, we propose a new cross-center 3D tumor segmentation method named Hierarchical Class-Aware Domain Adaptive Network (HCA-DAN), which includes a new 3D neural network that efficiently bridges an Anisotropic neural network and a Transformer (AsTr) for extracting multi-scale context features from the CT images with anisotropic resolution, and a hierarchical class-aware domain alignment (HCADA) module for adaptively aligning multi-scale context features across two domains by integrating a class attention map with class-specific information. We evaluate the proposed method on an in-house CT image dataset collected from four medical centers and validate its segmentation performance in both in-center and cross-center test scenarios.

Results

Our baseline segmentation network (i.e., AsTr) achieves best results compared to other 3D segmentation models, with a mean dice similarity coefficient (DSC) of 59.26%, 55.97%, 48.83% and 67.28% in four in-center test tasks, and with a DSC of 56.42%, 55.94%, 46.54% and 60.62% in four cross-center test tasks. In addition, the proposed cross-center segmentation network (i.e., HCA-DAN) obtains excellent results compared to other unsupervised domain adaptation methods, with a DSC of 58.36%, 56.72%, 49.25%, and 62.20% in four cross-center test tasks.

Conclusions

Comprehensive experimental results demonstrate that the proposed method outperforms compared methods on this multi-center database and is promising for routine clinical workflows.
PReoperative very low-Energy diets for obese PAtients undergoing non-bariatric surgery Randomized Evaluation (PREPARE): a protocol for a pilot randomized controlled trial
Authors: McKechnie Tyler , Ramji Karim , Saddik Maisa , Leitch Jordan , Farooq Ameer , Patel Sunil , Doumouras Aristithes , Parpia Sameer , Eskicioglu Cagla , Bhandari Mohit
Published: May 2024

Background

Patients with obesity presenting in need of surgical intervention are at 2-to-sixfold higher risk of prolonged hospitalization, infectious morbidity, venous thromboembolism, and more. To mitigate some of these concerns, prescribed preoperative weight loss via very low-energy diets (VLEDs) has become a standard of care for patients with obesity undergoing bariatric surgery. While VLEDs have become standard prior to bariatric surgery, their application in other surgical settings remains limited. A large, definitive trial is required to resolve the uncertainty surrounding their use in these patients. Prior to a definitive trial to compare the efficacy of VLEDs in patients with obesity undergoing major non-bariatric surgery, we require a pilot trial. We argue a pilot trial will provide the following critical feasibility insights: (1) assessment of recruitment ability, (2) evaluation of adherence to VLED regimens, and (3) assessment of our ability follow patients completely.

Methods

The proposed trial will be a multi-center, surgeon, outcome assessor, and data-analyst blinded, parallel pilot randomized controlled trial (RCT). Patients older than 18 years of age with a body mass index (BMI) of greater than 30 kg/m2 undergoing major elective non-bariatric surgery will be eligible for inclusion. Consecutive patients will be allocated 1:1 according to a computer-generated randomization schedule. Randomization will be stratified by center and will employ randomly permutated blocks. All patients in the intervention group will receive standard patient counseling on weight loss and an active VLED protocol. The preoperative VLED protocol will utilize commercially available weight loss products for three weeks preoperatively. The primary outcomes (randomization percentage, recruitment rate, intervention adherence, follow-up completion, network development) will assess feasibility. Descriptive statistics will be used to characterize the study sample.

Discussion

The PREPARE pilot RCT will aim to provide feasibility and safety data that will allow for the successful completion of the definitive PREPARE trial that has the potential to provide practice changing data pertaining to the regular use of VLEDs as a means of pre-habilitation for patients with obesity undergoing major non-bariatric surgery.

Trial registration

This study was registered on ClinicalTrials.gov (reference #NCT05918471) on June 23, 2023.
Survival and inferential analysis in patients with locally advanced breast cancer treated with neoadjuvant chemotherapy and subsequent sentinel lymph node biopsy: prospective single-center study
Authors: Espejo Niño Johanna Marcela
Published: May 2024

Background

The lymph node staging is the major prognostic factor in breast cancer patients. Sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) allows an exactly axillar staging in patients with early disease, but not in locally advance breast cancer (LABC). Our aim was to study, the feasibility and accuracy of the SLNB technique with and without axillar lymphadenectomy (LDN) and with lymph node clipping after neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC), in patients with LABC.

Patients and methods

Patients diagnosed with LABC, scheduled for NAC and subsequent surgery and SLNB. Subsequently the patients were scheduled for adjuvant chemotherapy/hormonotherapy and radiotherapy according with the postsurgical results. Main end points were overall survival (OS) disease-free survival (DFS), mortality, SLNB identification rate (IR), sensitivity, false negative rate (FNR) of SLNB versus LDN, negative predictive value (NPV) and overall accuracy.

Results

Our IR with different techniques was between 89.9 and 100%. OS was between 89 and 97%. DFS was between 89.8 and 96.8%. Sensitivity was between 75 and 100%. NPV was between 89.6 and 100%. FNR was between 0 and 25%; and accuracy was between 66 and 72%. We found that survival was lower (p < 0.05) in patients with triple negative and Luminal B/HER2 intrinsic subtype; with progression or major partial response in Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) results at the end of NAC and in patients with BRCA1/2 mutation.

Conclusions

Our study presents excellent results of SLNB alone in patients with LABC with complete nodal response with an OS and DFS > 95%. The FNR is very high in partial responders, so we cannot recommend the SLNB alone in LABC. We recommend, in cN+ patients, axillar clipping, SLNB and LDN because in more than 50% of the patients with axillar clipping, this was not found, and because in 36% of the patients with negative LDN, the SLN (Sentinel Lymph Node) obtained was the only positive node, so these techniques together decrease the FNR and improve the node staging, OS and DFS. This study is the first prospective study that assess OS and DFS in patients with LABC, all submitted to SLNB.
Transarterial embolization to treat a massive hemothorax during mechanical circulatory support via puncturing of the extracorporeal membrane oxygenation circuit
Authors: Tsushima Ryota , Maruhashi Takaaki , Kurihara Yutaro , Hashikata Takehiro , Asari Yasushi
Published: May 2024

Background

Current guidelines recommend the use of mechanical circulatory support (MCS) for patients with cardiogenic shock that is refractory to medical therapy. Bleeding is the most common complication of MCS. Transarterial embolization (TAE) is often performed to treat this complication, because it is a less invasive hemostatic procedure. However, the TAE option needs to be carefully considered during MCS, as the access route may be limited during MCS.

Case presentation

A man in his 70 s was diagnosed with acute myocardial infarction and underwent percutaneous coronary intervention via venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA-ECMO) and Impella. During treatment in the intensive care unit, he suffered damage to a branch of the internal thoracic artery during a cardiac drainage procedure, which was subsequently treated via emergency TAE.

An ECMO return cannula and an Impella sheath were inserted into the patient’s right and left femoral arteries, respectively. An approach from the left brachial artery was selected, and the left internal thoracic artery was embolized. Subsequently, the patient required re-intervention to treat re-bleeding from another artery. Because it was difficult to target the target artery from the brachial one, owing to interference from the Impella catheter, the ECMO circuit near the return cannula was punctured and a guiding sheath was inserted. The ECMO flow and the patient’s blood pressure decreased following placement of this guiding sheath. We were thus able to maintain the patient’s blood pressure by increasing the infusion fluids and Impella flow, and embolize the target artery using a gelatin sponge to achieve hemostasis.

Conclusion

When TAE is difficult to perform during MCS using an approach from the upper extremities, a lower extremity approach with a sheath inserted into the ECMO circuit may represent a viable alternative.
CO2 laser in benign vocal fold lesions: an observational study
Authors: Showkat Showkat Ahmad , Jallu Aleena Shafi , Bhat Mohd Shafi , Malik Bashir Ahmad
Published: May 2024

Background

To evaluate the clinical and functional outcome of patients having benign vocal fold lesions who were treated with carbon dioxide laser.

Methods

For this Study a total of 41 Patients who had hoarseness of voice and satisfied the inclusion criteria were included. A detailed medical history and a thorough ENT examination was performed. Voice evaluation was done using (G)rade, (R)oughness, (B)reathiness, (A)sthenia….weakness (S)train (GRBAS), voice handicap index (VHI), and maximum phonation time scores.

Results

All 41 patients reported hoarseness of voice as their primary complaint, and most of them developed their symptoms gradually. The following causes seem to have contributed to the presence of hoarseness of voice: LPR in 8 patients, smoking in 25 patients, voice abuse in 14 patients, and irritation exposure in 6 patients. The most frequent lesion in 25 (60.97 percent) of the subjects was a vocal polyp. This study showed majority of patients 35 (85.4%) had posterior phonatory gap and six (14.6%) had anterior gap preoperatively. All patients had incomplete glottic closure preoperatively, whereas glottic closure was complete at first follow-up postoperatively. The mean preoperative GRBAS score in study subjects was 10.972 with an SD (standard deviation) of 2.1724 and a median of 10.000. The mean postoperative GRBAS score at six months was 0.268 with an SD of 0.4486, median 0.000, Z score − 5.618, and p value < 0.001 which is statistically significant.

Conclusion

Precision, hemostasis, and minimal postoperative edema are benefits of using carbon dioxide laser. This research therefore supports the idea that benign vocal fold lesions might be successfully treated with the super-pulsed microspot carbon dioxide laser, which offers good voice outcomes.
Culinary practices of the Bidayuhs in Sarawak, Malaysia: a qualitative study
Authors: Sageng Christopher Wan , Quee-Ling Leong , Mikal Ivy Irvine , Sandhu Mukvinder Kaur , Pudun Joseph Martin , Umadi Muhammad Fikri Bin
Published: May 2024

The Bidayuh cuisines and culinary practices epitomize an inherent part of the cultural profile of the Sarawak community. This indigenous group (Bidayuh) is the second-largest group contributing to the Sarawak’s distinctive identity after the Iban. The distribution of the Bidayuh community is predominantly across the districts of Lundu, Bau, Kuching and Serian in Sarawak. There are concerns that the Bidayuh traditional culinary culture will gradually beset by modernization. Many prefer convenience over the hassle of cooking using the traditional manner, hence diluting the traditional culinary knowledge among the younger generations. Therefore, ethnomethodology, a qualitative research approach, was utilized to explore the traditional culinary practices and the connotation of food among the Bidayuh indigenous group in Sarawak, Malaysia. The data were collected from nine informants [Kampong Gumbang in Bau District (n = 5) and Kampung Mongkos in Serian District (n = 4)] who had voluntarily participated in this study. Through the ethnomethodological lens, this study documented eight traditional Bidayuh recipes and the collective development of the gastronomic culture of this community that are still remembered and practiced today.
The proximate composition of Nappi and its marketing methods in Bangladesh
Authors: Monwar Md. Mostafa , Islam Md. Royhanur , Nirjar Sawmor Dey , Khan Mohammed Ashraful Azam , Alam Mohammed Shahidul , Ali Ataher , Ahmed Istiak
Published: May 2024

Nappi, fermented shrimp, is a traditional diet that is widely consumed by the ethnic communities of Southeast Asian countries, especially in Bangladesh. The present study was carried out to determine the proximate composition of Nappi collected from two different places, i.e., the Moheshkhali and Chaufaldandi areas of Cox’s Bazar district, Bangladesh. Traditional methods were used to prepare Nappi, and the standard procedure was followed to determine the proximate composition. The proximate composition of Nappi varied from place to place depending on the raw materials, preparation techniques, and surrounding conditions of the formulation places. Associated statistical analysis was conducted by r-programming (version 4.2.3). Proximate composition includes moisture, protein, ash, fat, and carbohydrate contents, amounting to 37.66 ± 1.51%, 34.34 ± 0.68%, 17.49 ± 0.46%, 8.53 ± 0.45%, and 1.39 ± 0.10%, respectively, for the Moheshkhali sample and 35.44 ± 1.37%, 37.23 ± 1.78%, 18.46 ± 0.59%, 6.00 ± 0.40%, and 2.66 ± 0.21%, respectively, for the Chaufaldandi sample. The study showed that moisture and fat content were significantly higher (ANOVA, p < 0.05) in the Moheshkhali sample. In contrast, protein, carbohydrate, and ash content were substantially higher (ANOVA, p < 0.05) in the Chaufaldandi sample. Nappi’s marketing strategy, supply channel, and value chain were also analyzed. The study’s findings revealed that the quality of Nappi relied on fresh raw materials, the hygienic condition of the processing places, and suitable techniques. Moreover, good-quality Nappi has a significant market demand among the local ethnic communities in Bangladesh and the ethnic communities living abroad. So, it is recommended that interventions be provided on proper preparation techniques and marketing channels for Nappi.
Identification of plasma and urinary inflammatory markers in severe knee osteoarthritis: Relations with synovial fluid markers
Authors: Shin Ji-Sun , Lee Hyobeom , Kim Seong Hyeon , Noh Kyu-Cheol , Kim Sung Jae , Kim Hyong Nyun , Choi Jae‑Young , Song Si Young
Published: May 2024

Background

This study aimed to identify plasma and urinary cytokines as potential biomarkers for severe knee osteoarthritis (OA). It also investigated associations between these cytokines and cartilage markers, as well as their connections with synovial fluid (SF) markers.

Methods

Samples of plasma, urine, and SF were obtained from patients (n = 40) undergoing total knee arthroplasty (TKA) or unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA) due to severe knee OA. Control samples of plasma and urine were collected from non-OA individuals (n = 15). We used a Luminex immunoassay for the simultaneous measurement of 19 cytokines, MMP-1, and MMP-3 levels. COMP, CTX-II, and hyaluronan (HA) levels were quantified using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kits. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were utilized to analyze each biomarker’s performance. Correlations among these biomarkers were evaluated via Spearman’s correlation.

Results

The levels of plasma (p)CCL11, pCXCL16, pIL-8, pIL-15, pHA, urinary (u)CCL2, uCCL11, uCCL19, uCXCL16, uIL-1β, uIL-6, uIL-8, uIL-12p70, uIL-15, uIL-33, uMMP-3, uHA, uCTX-II, and uCOMP were significantly elevated in individuals with severe knee OA. Notably, specific correlations were observed between the plasma/urine biomarkers and SF biomarkers: pCCL11 with sfHA (r = 0.56) and sfTNF-α (r = 0.58), pIL-15 with sfCCL19 (r = 0.43) and sfCCL20 (r = 0.44), and uCCL19 with sfCCL11 (r = 0.45) and sfIL-33 (r = 0.51). Positive correlations were also observed between uCCL11 and its corresponding sfCCL11(r = 0.49), as well as between sfCCL11 and other cytokines, namely sfCCL4, sfCCL19, sfCCL20, sfIL-33, and sfTNF-α (r = 0.46–0.63).

Conclusion

This study provides an extensive profile of systemic inflammatory mediators in plasma of knee OA and identified four inflammatory markers (pCCL11, pIL-15, uCCL11, and uCCL19) reflecting joint inflammation.
Left and right ventricular strain-volume/area loops: a narrative review of current physiological understanding and potential clinical value
Authors: Kerstens Thijs P , Donker Stijn CM , Kleinnibbelink Geert , van Dijk Arie PJ , Oxborough David , Thijssen Dick H.J.
Published: May 2024

Traditionally, echocardiography is used for volumetric measurements to aid in assessment of cardiac function. Multiple echocardiographic-based assessment techniques have been developed, such as Doppler ultrasound and deformation imaging (e.g., peak global longitudinal strain (GLS)), which have shown to be clinically relevant. Volumetric changes across the cardiac cycle can be related to deformation, resulting in the Ventricular Strain-Volume/Area Loop. These Loops allow assessment of the dynamic relationship between longitudinal strain change and volumetric change across both systole and diastole. This integrated approach to both systolic and diastolic function assessment may offer additional information in conjunction with traditional, static, measures of cardiac function or structure. The aim of this review is to summarize our current understanding of the Ventricular Strain-Volume/Area Loop, describe how acute and chronic exposure to hemodynamic stimuli alter Loop characteristics, and, finally, to outline the potential clinical value of these Loops in patients with cardiovascular disease. In summary, several studies observed Loop changes in different hemodynamic loading conditions and various (patho)physiological conditions. The diagnostic and prognostic value, and physiological interpretation remain largely unclear and have been addressed only to a limited extent.
A Road Map for Planning Course Transformation Using Learning Objectives
Authors: Orr Rebecca B. , Gormally Cara , Brickman Peggy
Published: May 2024

In this essay, we present a roadmap to help faculty who wish to learn how to use LOs to transform courses. We highlight the challenges faced when planning and undergoing a course transformation and present the lessons learned and common roadblocks that are reported in the literature.
Advancements in Urothelial Cancer Care: Optimizing Treatment for Your Patient
Authors: Hemenway Gregory , Anker Jonathan F. , Riviere Paul , Rose Brent S. , Galsky Matthew D. , Ghatalia Pooja
Published: May 2024

The standard treatment paradigm for muscle invasive bladder cancer has been neoadjuvant cisplatin-based chemotherapy followed by radical cystectomy. However, efforts are ongoing to personalize treatment by incorporating biomarkers to better guide treatment selection. In addition, bladder preservation strategies are aimed at avoiding cystectomy in well-selected patients. Similarly, in the metastatic urothelial cancer space, the standard frontline treatment option of platinum-based chemotherapy has changed with the availability of data from EV-302 trial, making the combination of enfortumab vedotin (EV) and pembrolizumab the preferred first-line treatment option. Here, we examine the optimization of treatment intensity and sequencing, focusing on the challenges and opportunities associated with EV/pembrolizumab therapy, including managing toxicities and exploring alternative dosing approaches. Together, these articles provide a comprehensive overview of contemporary strategies in bladder cancer management, highlighting the importance of individualized treatment approaches, ongoing research, and multidisciplinary collaboration to improve patient outcomes in this complex disease landscape.
Bankruptcy mechanism based on accumulated payoff and age promotes cooperation in coevolutionary games
Authors: Lu Junbiao , Zhang Liming , Li Haihong , Dai Qionglin , Yang Junzhong
Published: May 2024

When individuals or companies are unable to meet their financial obligations, they may undergo the process of bankruptcy and go out of business. At the same time, new companies may arise. In this work, we propose a coevolutionary game model incorporated with bankruptcy. In the model, each agent represents a company. Two factors, accumulated payoff and age, are taken into account to determine its bankrupt probability. We assume two possible bankrupt mechanisms, procedural bankruptcy and age-dependent bankruptcy. Through numerical simulations, we show that the bankruptcy can effectively promote cooperation. Moreover, we find the non-monotonic behavior of the cooperation level with the increase of noise intensity in procedural bankruptcy. By investigating the strategy patterns and the distributions of the bankruptcy probabilities for cooperators and defectors, we provide explanations for the promotion of cooperation and the optimization of the cooperation level. This work highlights the positive effects of bankruptcy mechanism on cooperation in the real business world.
Perturbation theoretical approach to determine optomechanical entanglement in mirror-field systems
Authors: Chiangga S. , Sunpatanon T. , Frank T. D.
Published: May 2024

An analytical method is developed that can be applied to a large variety of optomechanical systems to study entanglement between two subsystems of interest. The method is based on a system parameter that can be considered as perturbation parameter. It is shown that the method allows researchers to draw both qualitative and quantitative conclusions about the perturbation parameter at hand. First, the conclusion can be drawn whether or not the parameter when scaled up slightly induces entanglement between the subsystems. Second, physical insights into the role of model parameters for the emergence of entanglement can be obtained based on the perturbation theoretical analytical expressions. Third, quantitative predictions of numerical simulations that so far dominate the literature in the field of optomechanical entanglement can be validated at least in the limit of the vanishing perturbation parameter.
Focal Seizures in a Patient With Chronic Basal Ganglia Calcifications Secondary to Idiopathic Primary Hypoparathyroidism
Authors: Zhang Jennifer , Van Karen , Carney Patrick , Gilfillan Christopher , Grossmann Mathis
Published: May 2024

Patients with hypoparathyroidism can present with concurrent basal ganglia calcifications (BGCs). The exact pathogenesis is unknown, although it is thought to relate to calcium-phosphate deposition from chronic hypocalcemia and hyperphosphatemia. We present the case of a 65-year-old man with known idiopathic primary hypoparathyroidism and concurrent extensive BGC. Thirty years after diagnosis, he presented with focal seizures despite a decade of stable intracranial calcifications on imaging. Serum calcium, phosphate, 25-hydroxyvitamin D, and parathyroid hormone levels were well controlled during this period. He was commenced on lifelong levetiracetam with subsequent seizure remission. Given the scarcity of literature surrounding focal seizures and BGC, it is essential to raise awareness in this area.
The Venezuelan Humanitarian Crisis, Out-Migration, and Household Change Among Venezuelans in Venezuela and Abroad
Authors: Weitzman Abigail , Huss Katarina
Published: May 2024

International migration is increasingly characterized by the need to evade threats to survival. Nevertheless, demographic understandings of how families—rather than individuals alone—decide to migrate or separate in response to threats remain limited. Focusing on the recent humanitarian crisis in Venezuela, we analyze 2012–2016 data on Venezuelans in Venezuela and 2018–2020 data on UNHCR (United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees)-registered Venezuelans in nine receiving countries to illuminate the evolution of threats Venezuelans sought to evade, how threat evasion transformed households away from previous norms, the selection of migrants into different receiving countries and household structures, and demographic disparities in migrants’ odds of reporting changes to their household because of specific migration-related processes (e.g., leaving someone in Venezuela, leaving someone in another country). Results underscore a simultaneous escalation of economic, safety, and political concerns that informed Venezuelans’ increasing intentions to out-migrate. Where Venezuelans migrated and who ended up in their households abroad varied by demographic background and migration experiences. Among UNHCR-registered Venezuelans, 43% left family members in Venezuela, and more than 10% left or were left behind by members in another country. Such household separations, however, were unevenly distributed across factors such as age, gender, and country of reception.
Dear Program Director: An Evaluation of Implicit Bias in Letters of Recommendation for Neurosurgery Residency
Authors: Coyle Anne , Graves Erin K. M. , Hannah Theodore C. , Yong Valeda , Rostmeyer Kaleb , Erkmen Cherie P. , Erkmen Kadir
Published: May 2024

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES:

Despite comprising half of medical students, women represent only 29.6% of neurosurgery applicants and 17% of residents, suggesting a “leak” in the career pipeline for women neurosurgeons. Surveys persistently show that neurosurgery programs identify United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE®) Step 1 score and letters of recommendation (LORs) as the most important factors in selecting applicants to interview. A previous study in neurosurgery found no differences in LORs. However, multiple studies in other specialties have demonstrated implicit gender bias in LORs, which may influence resident selection. Our objective is to evaluate neurosurgery residency LORs for evidence of implicit gender bias.

METHODS:

Retrospective analysis of LORs for interviewed neurosurgery applicants at a single institution during the 2014 to 2020 National Residency Matching Program (NRMP®) match cycles. Letters were evaluated using Linguistic Inquiry & Word Count (LIWC) software (Pennebaker Conglomerates), and additional applicant data were obtained from candidate applications. LIWC (Pennebaker Conglomerates) output data included custom dictionary categories and terms that were analyzed using Prism 10 and Rstudio.

RESULTS:

Two hundred eighteen applications were reviewed for a total of 827 letters. LIWC (Pennebaker Conglomerates) analysis showed significant differences in word count (331 vs 297, difference = 34, 95% CI: 9-61, P = .008). LORs for applicants who were men were more likely to mention Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society (1.17 vs 0.778, difference = 0.4, 95% CI: 0.13-0.67, P = .023). USMLE® Step 1 scores were significantly lower for women (241 vs 247, difference = 6, 95% CI: 2-10, P = .004). There was no significant difference between letters for men and women for all categories evaluated in the linguistic evaluation.

CONCLUSION:

LORs are vital to the neurosurgical residency application process. The data exhibit some differences between the men and women applicants but few differences in their LORs, consistent with the results of the previous neurosurgical study.
Extended Endoscopic Endonasal Approach for Giant Pediatric Craniopharyngiomas: Technical Note and Case Series
Authors: Bao YouYuan , Pan LaiSheng , Fu Jun , Wu Xiao , Xie ShenHao , Tang Bin , Hong Tao
Published: May 2024

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES:

Giant pediatric craniopharyngiomas are rare tumors whose clinical and surgical management is extremely challenging. A variety of open transcranial approaches has been used to resect these lesions. Although there has been an increasing acceptance of the endoscopic endonasal approach (EEA) for the resection of pediatric craniopharyngiomas in recent years, many surgeons continue to recommend against the use of the EEA for giant pediatric craniopharyngiomas. This study aimed to evaluate the feasibility of extended EEA for giant craniopharyngiomas in the pediatric population.

METHODS:

All consecutive pediatric patients with giant craniopharyngiomas (diameter >4 cm) who underwent endoscopic endonasal surgery at our institution were retrospectively reviewed. Data on demographic information, preoperative assessment, imaging features, surgical results, complications, and recurrences were recorded and analyzed.

RESULTS:

A total of 16 pediatric patients with an average age of 12 years were identified. The mean maximum diameter and volume of the tumors were 4.35 cm and 24.1 cm3, respectively. Gross total resection was achieved in 13 patients (81.3%) and subtotal resection in 3 patients (18.7%). Postoperatively, partial or complete anterior pituitary insufficiency occurred in 100% of patients, and 62.5% developed new-onset diabetes insipidus. Visual function improved in 9 patients (56.3%) and remained stable in 7 patients (43.7%). Postoperative cerebrospinal fluid leakage occurred in 2 patients and was successfully repaired through the EEA. During a mean follow-up of 44.3 months, 18.8% of patients had a >9% increase in body mass index, and 93.8% of patients successfully returned to school or work. Two patients (12.5%) suffered a recurrence. Disease control was achieved in 16 patients (100%) at final follow-up.

CONCLUSION:

The extended EEA allows adequate access to this challenging tumor and enables complete resection and visual improvement with a reasonable approach-related complication rate.