bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Oscillatory Potential-based Characterization of the Human Light-adapted Electroretinogram Using Discrete Wavelet Transform
Authors: Gao Min , Barboni Mirella Telles Salgueiro , Szabó Viktória , Nagy Zoltán Zsolt , Zobor Ditta , Nagy Balázs Vince
Published: July 2024

Purpose: Our aim was to apply multiple discrete wavelet transformation (DWT) types to healthy light-adapted (cone) electroretinogram (ERG) signals in order to optimize DWT analysy in ERG. Oscillatory potentials (OP) were individually extracted from the signals and used to calculate an indicator for ERG analysis.Methods: Light-adapted (LA) 3.0 cd.s/m2 ISCEV standard ERGs were recorded from both eyes of 15 healthy volunteers (mean age: 36.9 ± 13.0 years old; 13 females). LA ERG signal components, such as b-wave and OPs, were analyzed using the discrete wavelet transformation (DWT). An index (%OPi) was proposed to estimate the individual oscillatory potentials (OP1-OP5) by calculating the coefficient ratio of the OP to b-wave. Multiple mother wavelet functions (i.e., Daubechies, Symlet, and Coiflet) with five orders were applied and compared statistically using Wilcoxon tests and paired t-test comparisons with Bonferroni posthoc analyses (p < 0.005). Results: OP4 shows the most energy at both low and high-frequency bands (80Hz and 160Hz), while OP2 has lower energy at the low-frequency band (80Hz) and higher energy at the high-frequency band (160Hz). The %OP2 is the largest among the five individual OPs. %OPs obtained with different wavelet functions differ from each other. Db2 and sym2 seem to be the optimal wavelets for analyzing light-adapted ERG components.Conclusion: Individual OPs of the light-adapted ERG obtained with the DWT analysis may characterize different levels of retinal dysfunction. The %OPi may serve as an indicator in ERG analysis.
A new species to the genus Neopheosia Matsumura, 1920 (Lepidoptera, Notodontidae) from India
Authors: Kaleka Amritpal Singh , Kumar Rishi
Published: July 2024

A new species of notodontid moth, Neopheosia melaniata sp. nov. is described with illustration. This new species is closely allied to N. fasciata Moore, 1888 (type species) and completely conforms to the characterization of genus Neopheosia Matsumura. The wing coloration, distinct discal spot on forewing and genitalic features make it distinct. The taxonomic account of N. fasicata Moore is included.
THE ANALYSIS OF NEGATIVE INFLUENCE FACTORS FOR THE IMPLEMENTATION OF OPERATIONAL AND SERVICEACTIVITIES IN THE AREAS OF THE STATE BORDER WITH AN AGGRAVATED MILITARY-POLITICAL SITUATION
Authors: Kyrylenko Volodymyr ,   Bohdan Khmelnytskyi National Academy of the State Border Guard Service of Ukraine, Burnatnyi Vitalii ,   State Border Guard Service of Ukraine
Published: July 2024

The article analyses the factors that negatively affect the implementation of operational and service activities in the areas of the state border with an aggravated military-political situation. It is noted that during the period of sharp aggravation of the military-political situation in the areas of responsibility of border guard detachments, the enemy massively used sabotage and reconnaissance groups. The main tasks of these groups are presented. The authors reveal the discrepancy between the need to counteract sabotage and terrorist threats in the areas of responsibility of border guard detachments in the context of a sharp aggravation of the military-political situation and the lack of a specific methodological apparatus. Certain peculiarities of organization of operational and service activities in the context of a sharp aggravation of the military-political situation in the areas of responsibility of border guard detachments were analyzed. The main factors of negative impact on the effectiveness of operational and service activities in the areas of the State border with an aggravated military-political situation are formed, as well as the scale of data significance for threat assessment and risk analysis in the area of responsibility of the border guard detachment.
Sexual Developmental Characteristics of Intellectually Disabled Adolescents in Türkiye: A Cross-Sectional Analysis
Authors: Kırbaş Zila Özlem , Odabaşı Aktaş Elif
Published: July 2024

Purpose: This study aimed to examine the sexual development characteristics of adolescents with intellectual disability in terms of several variables. The data were collected with the Personal Information Form and the Sexual Development Characteristics Scale of Children with Adolescent Mental Disabilities. Method: Independent samples tests, one-way ANOVA tests, and Bonferroni post hoc analyses were conducted to compare the descriptive characteristics of the adolescents and parents with their scale scores. Multiple linear regression analysis was employed to examine the relationships between the dependent and independent variables. Significant differences were identified between certain subdimensions of the scale and the variables. Findings: The sexual arousal subdimension of the scale accounts for 12% of the variance in the dependent variable, the knowledge about physical development subdimension accounts for 10% of the variance in the dependent variable, the sexual satisfaction subdimension accounts for 6% of the variance in the dependent variable, and the sexual self-care subdimension accounts for 11% of the variance in the dependent variable. This difference was explained by the independent variables (R2 adjusted= .12, .10, .06, .11, respectively). Conclusion: In this study, it was found that the sexual development characteristics of adolescents with intellectual disability were affected by the educational status of the mother, the place of residence of the family, the help of the spouse in childcare, the gender of the child, the verbal communication status of the child, the degree of inadequacy of the child, and the ability to meet the personal needs of the child.
Investigation of Burnout Levels of Special Education Teacher Candidates
Authors: Karaca M. Abdulbaki
Published: July 2024

The current research is to examine the burnout levels of special education teacher candidates. This study used a correlational survey design. 311 teacher candidates studying in the special education department in Turkiye in the 2023-2024 academic year participated in the research. The research data were collected through the Maslach Burnout Inventory-Student Form (MTE-Student Form). The analysis of the obtained data was carried out through the statistical package program. Independent groups t-test was used to reveal the differences in variables related to the gender of the teacher candidates, their satisfaction with the special education teaching department they studied in, and their interaction with individuals with special needs in the past. One-way analysis of variance ANOVA was used to determine the differentiation in terms of variables related to the grade level of education. In cases where differentiation was understood, the Tukey test was used to reveal the reason for the differentiation and to control the difference between the means. As a result of the research, it is revealed that there is a significant difference (p˂0.05) between the gender, grade level, satisfaction with the special education department and interaction with individuals with special needs in the past and burnout levels of pre-service teachers. In order to reduce burnout in pre-service special education teachers, personal achievement and skills of these individuals should be developed, activities that encourage learning should be included and group work should be included.
Upaya Peningkatan Motivasi Belajar Bahasa Inggris Siswa melalui Penerapan Team Games Tournament
Authors: Tahang Heriyanti , Tri Westi Iriandini  , Irna Rusani  , Faida Musa’ad  , Isnaeni Wahab
Published: July 2024

Untuk meningkatkan semangat belajar bahasa Inggris siswa di kelas VIII SMP Negeri 1 Kota Sorong, kegiatan Pengabdian Masyarakat (PkM) ini akan mengadakan Team Games Turnament melalui permainan Kertas Estafet dan Pos Tantangan. Dengan menggunakan praktik langsung dengan siswa, ini menjadi pengalaman belajar bagi siswa. Mereka akan menerima pelajaran ini dalam ingatan dan pengalaman mereka. Melakukan wawancara dengan siswa untuk mendapatkan informasi tentang pengajaran dapat menghasilkan tanggapan yang positif dan dapat meningkatkan keinginan mereka untuk belajar bahasa Inggris lebih lanjut. Hasil tes lisan menunjukkan bahwa 80% siswa sangat senang dan termotivasi untuk belajar bahasa Inggris saat berpartisipasi dalam permanian, yang terdiri dari permainan estafet kertas dan tantangan. Hal ini menunjukkan bahwa siswa menyukai permainan yang disediakan. Permainan adalah salah satu metode pembelajaran alternatif yang dapat meningkatkan motivasi siswa untuk belajar bahasa Inggris. Oleh karena itu, guru dapat memilih permainan sebagai salah satu opsi mereka untuk mengajar siswa bahasa Inggris.
Technological and Social Impact on Hong Kong’s Young Consumers’ Online Shopping Behavior for Fashion and Casual Apparel: A Statistical Analysis
Authors: Sarkar Manas Kumar
Published: July 2024

The increasing use of innovative mobile technology and cheaper data has increased online shopping, including fashion and textile products. As a result, sellers are moving towards online platforms along with traditional selling and deploying new technologies to attract buyers. This study aimed to examine the impact of online shopping on Hong Kong consumers and how technology, society, and store qualities have influenced their purchases. The survey of 550 young people in Hong Kong found that over 80% of respondents buy apparel products from online stores along with conventional ones. The majority of respondents prefer online shopping if virtual try-on technologies are more prevalent. Results show that price is the utmost deciding factor for product selection, discounts and convenience attract consumers to online shopping.
‘Unhinged Women’: Violence and Gender in Rachilde’s La Marquise de Sade (1887) and Eliza Clark’s Boy Parts (2020)
Authors: Martine Marie
Published: July 2024

In the last decade, representations of ‘female rage’ has taken over our social media, cinema, and literature. The fictional depiction of women’s use of violence is not as radically new as it seems, as the 1887 French novel La Marquise de Sade, by Rachilde, reflects. This paper will compare it to a more recent text, Boy Parts (2020) by Eliza Clark, to uncover how our current literary production shares similar concerns with nineteenth-century society, particularly our ambivalent responses to violence enacted by women. Both authors portray sadistic female protagonists who take pleasure in dominating and torturing men in a society that dismisses the possibility of women acting violently and attempting to reverse gender power dynamics. However, both authors challenge any fictional idealisation of ‘female rage’ by showing how their protagonists act out because of their traumatic past and are ultimately unable to bring about systemic change.
O brincar na natureza e as possibilidades para a Educação Infantil
Authors: Rodrigues Polli Bianca , Camargo Daiana
Published: July 2024

Este artigo apresenta alguns resultados da pesquisa de Iniciação Científica desenvolvida junto ao curso de Pedagogia, da Universidade Estadual de Ponta Grossa (UEPG), sobre a relevância e influência do brincar na natureza, bem como das possibilidades para a Educação Infantil. Como objetivo, visa apresentar o brincar na natureza como vivências indispensáveis para a mudança do atual cenário, realizando a reflexão sobre o brincar na natureza na educação infantil. Para tanto, nos propusemos a verificar quais os estudos já realizados sobre o brincar da criança em contexto de natureza. O estudo foi construído por meio de pesquisa bibliográfica qualitativa, utilizando como referencial teórico os Indicadores da Qualidade na Educação Infantil (BRASIL, 2009), Tiriba (2010, 2018), os escritos de Brito (2018), e Zanon (2018). Para a ampliação das discussões, nos dedicamos ao levantamento dos estudos sobre o brincar da criança na natureza, realizados do ano de 2018 à 2023, tendo como base de dados os anais dos eventos regionais (sul) e nacionais da Associação Nacional de Pós-Graduação e Pesquisa em Educação (ANPEd). Podemos concluir que brincar na natureza é uma temática emergente, contudo, mesmo dada a relevância do tema, dentro do recorte temporal indicado, localizamos um número reduzido de estudos publicados por pesquisadores/instituições da região sul do país.
“LA MANO QUE MUEVE LA CUNA ES LA MANO QUE MUEVE AL MUNDO”
Authors: ERAZO CORTÉS MARÍA ISABEL
Published: July 2024

A la filósofa Sophie Scholl (1940) se le atribuye la frase que titula el presente texto. Ella, fue una mujer alemana, que además de filósofa era bióloga, y encarnó una fuerte resistencia al régimen nacional socialista, razón por la cual fue ejecutada por los nazis en 1943. Fue una mujer activa políticamente en un momento y escenario histórico profundamente sensible, interpeló una estructura dominante, reflexionó sobre ella para poder transformar la realidad imperante, así el costo sobre esta lucha, fuese la muerte.
Investigating the Total Phenolic Contents, In-Vitro Antioxidant Activities and Elemental Contents of Annona Muricata, Bryophyllum Pinnatum and Syzygium Aromaticum in South-West Nigeria
Authors: Bukunola Oluyemisi Adegbesan , Esther Nkechi Ezima , Adefemi Oluwasegun Adefuye , Josiah Simeon Johnson , Adebusola Basirat Oguntimehin , Halimat Oluwadamilola Abdulrasaq , Ifabunmi Oduyemi Osonuga
Published: July 2024

Based on the existence of phytochemicals including alkaloids, flavonoids, saponins, tannins, carotenoids, phenols and steroids that are highly effective antioxidants helpful in medicinal plants, they are useful in disease control and management. Thus, medicinal plants are used as natural remedies for treating conditions like cancer, diabetes, hypertension, and other cardiovascular diseases. However, the actual ways of involvement of these herbs and plants remain unclear, but the presence of certain mineral elements has also been connected to the pharmacological efficacy of medicinal plants in addition to their phytochemicals. Exploring the precise pathways of involvement of these herbs in the management and control of various diseases may be a useful direction in developing pharmacologically active phytomedicines. This study was designed to investigate the phytochemical contents, total phenolic contents, antioxidant potentials and concentrations of mineral elements including selenium (Se), iron (Fe), zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), potassium (K), magnesium (Mg) and chemical elements, “lead (Pb) and cadmium (Cd)” in the ethanolic extracts of Annona muricata (Soursop fruits), Bryophyllum pinnatum (miracle leaf) and Syzygium aromaticum (cloves). The Total phenolic content was determined by the use of the Folin-Ciocalteu assay, whereas antioxidant analysis of the three extracts was conducted via the Ferric Reducing Antioxidant Potential (FRAP) and 2,2-diphenyl-1- picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay to determine their efficacy in preventing, controlling and managing health challenges. The elemental assessment was done by employing atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS). Every test was conducted in triplicates and results were analyzed. Our results showed that ethanolic extracts of Annona muricata (Soursop fruits), Bryophyllum pinnatum (miracle leaf) and Syzygium aromaticum (clove) exhibit outstanding antioxidant activities, showed the presence of dominant and helpful elements as well as phytochemicals in varying degrees. The extract of Syzygium aromaticum among the three tested extracts exhibits the highest phenolic content of 111.3 mg GAE/g, the highest DPPH scavenging efficiency of 81.3% and the highest Ferric ion reducing antioxidant potential (FRAP) of 77.9%. These results suggest that the pharmacological efficacies of the selected herbs may be a function of the presence of notable elements, phytochemicals and antioxidant activities observed in their ethanolic extracts.
Polarization Potential Influence on Positron-Magnesium Elastic Scattering in Distorted Wave Calculations
Authors: Elvick Onyancha , John Okumu , Chandra Shekhar Singh
Published: July 2024

The effects of polarisation potential in scattering of positrons by magnesium is investigated by performing elastic scattering calculations using the distorted wave method. The two potential formalism is employed in which the residual interaction may include or exclude polarisation potential. Differential cross sections as well as integral elastic cross sections have been calculated at incident energies between 10 eV and 200 eV for both cases. Results show that low energy cross sections are more sensitive to the polarisation potential. It is shown that the polarisation potential has a significant influence on differential cross sections at small angles.
Harnessing the Potential of Feather Keratin: Valorization of a Wasted Biomass
Authors: Wambui Kihonge Ashley
Published: July 2024

Dependence on the finite resource, fossil fuel, to obtain petroleum-based materials has
 
caused adverse environmental decline both in the acquisition and disposal of the materials. To remedy this, a sustainable raw material stream is needed that is both eco-friendly and biodegradable. Feathers, a byproduct of poultry processing, emerge as a sustainable and renewable resource. Feathers have high keratin content and are biocompatible, non-toxic, and biodegradable. The current uses of the feathers are limited leading to a majority of the feathers being disposed of in an environmentally detrimental manner. To obtain the keratin, numerous extraction techniques are employed and consequentially the extracted keratin can be utilized in the creation of valorized products. This paper aims to review various keratin extraction techniques and provide a brief overview of current applications of extracted feather keratin.
Fertilizer management practices in potato cultivation: a baseline study for the introduction of GE potato in Bangladesh
Authors: Nahiyan Abu Shamim Mohammad , Islam Saiful , Islam Aparna , Rahman Mohammad Ataur , Hasan Mohammad Mahmood , Eusufzai Tasnin Khan , Afreen Mohsina , Ansarey Fareyzul Haque , Khan Tahmina , Uddin A. F. M. Jamal
Published: July 2024

Genetically engineered (GE) crops have the potential to contribute to agricultural sustainability, food security, and nutritional enrichment. However, these crops cannot be released for commercial cultivation without undergoing environmental risk assessments (ERA), thus biosafety evaluation. ERA assessments are performed comparatively with their natural non-GE counterparts. As Bangladesh is progressing with GE potato research, the present study aims to collect baseline information on non-GE potato cultivation with an emphasis on current agronomic practices focusing on fertilizer management and farmers’ knowledge base. The survey had three parts, including information on the farmers, information on potato cultivation practices, especially fertilizer use, and lastly, the farmer’s view on GE potato. From 2020 to 2021, data were collected through interviews with experienced growers in four potato-growing regions, the Central and Mid-East, North-West, Mid-West, and South-East regions (n = 1757) of the country. The study revealed that farmers of all regions used more than the recommended amounts of fertilizer; for instance, 67.1% more nitrogen fertilizer was applied as an extra dose during potato cultivation in Munshiganj (Central and Mid-East) than in the Dinajpur region (North-West). This overuse of nitrogen fertilizer can enhance plant vigor but makes the plants more susceptible to insect attraction and allows pests easier access to the plants. As a result, the excess dose of nitrogen fertilizer in Munshiganj may act as a catalyst to increase the probability of late blight. The findings also showed that 73.6% of farmers observed unexpected flowering in certain potato cultivars, which corresponded to the higher application of phosphate and potassium fertilizers aimed at late blight control. Furthermore, this study reported infestations of Solanaceous weeds, specifically Solanum torvum and Physalis heterophylla, in potato fields. Finally, our findings demonstrated that more than 68.7% of the potato growers intend to adopt disease-resistant GE potato as that may reduce the need for excess fertilizer use and thus reduce cultivation costs.
Three-dimensional dynamic homogenous modeling: The biomechanical influences of leg tissue stiffness on pressure performance of compression biomedical therapeutic textiles
Authors: Shi Yu , Ye Chongyang , Liu Rong
Published: July 2024

Patient compliance and therapeutic precision of compression textiles (CTs) are frequently limited by the inaccurate pressure distributions along biological bodies in physical-based compression therapy. Therefore, the biomechanical influences of physiological tissue material characteristics of lower extremities on compression generations of CTs need to be explored systematically to improve pressure management efficacy. In this study, we developed three-dimensional (3D) homogenous finite element (FE) CT-leg systems to qualitatively compare the pressure diversities along lower limbs with different biomaterial tissue properties under each external compression level. Simultaneously, through the obtained leg circumferential displacement, a contact analysis model was applied to quantitatively explore the impact mechanisms of soft leg indentations on the pressure performance of CTs. Based on the experimental validation study, the proposed FE systems could be efficiently utilized for compression performance prediction (error ratio: 7.45%). Through the biomechanical simulation and theoretical calculations, the tissue stiffness characteristics of applied bodies showed significant correlations (p < 0.05) with the body circumferential displacements but no correlations (p > 0.05) with pressure delivery differences of CTs. This study facilitates the pressure fit design principle and leg mannequin material selection guidance for the development and experimental assessment of CTs. It also provides effective simulation methods for pressure prediction and property parametric optimization of compression materials.
Artificial intelligence-enabled atrial fibrillation detection using smartwatches: current status and future perspectives
Authors: Papalamprakopoulou Zoi , Stavropoulos Dimitrios , Moustakidis Serafeim , Avgerinos Dimitrios , Efremidis Michael , Kampaktsis Polydoros N.
Published: July 2024

Atrial fibrillation (AF) significantly increases the risk of stroke and heart failure, but is frequently asymptomatic and intermittent; therefore, its timely diagnosis poses challenges. Early detection in selected patients may aid in stroke prevention and mitigate structural heart complications through prompt intervention. Smartwatches, coupled with powerful artificial intelligence (AI)-enabled algorithms, offer a promising tool for early detection due to their widespread use, easiness of use, and potential cost-effectiveness. Commercially available smartwatches have gained clearance from the FDA to detect AF and are becoming increasingly popular. Despite their promise, the evolving landscape of AI-enabled smartwatch-based AF detection raises questions about the clinical value of this technology. Following the ongoing digital transformation of healthcare, clinicians should familiarize themselves with how AI-enabled smartwatches function in AF detection and navigate their role in clinical settings to deliver optimal patient care. In this review, we provide a concise overview of the characteristics of AI-enabled smartwatch algorithms, their diagnostic performance, clinical value, limitations, and discuss future perspectives in AF diagnosis.
Cryoglobulinemic vasculitis triggered by Staphylococcus aureus endocarditis with chronic hepatitis C virus co-infection: a case report and literature review
Authors: Reinberg Céline , Vingerhoets Sébastien , Pavlova Olesya , Guenova Emmanuella , Papadimitriou-Olivgeris Matthaios , Comte Denis
Published: July 2024

Infective endocarditis is a rare but life-threatening condition, occasionally linked to diverse immunologic manifestations, including mixed cryoglobulinemia. This can lead to cryoglobulinemic vasculitis, which has the potential for widespread organ damage. Although some cases have highlighted the relationship between infective endocarditis and cryoglobulinemic vasculitis, no comprehensive epidemiological evaluation or optimal treatment strategies have been advanced for such a combination. We present a case of methicillin-sensitive Staphylococcus aureus infective endocarditis associated with cryoglobulinemic vasculitis and conduct a literature review to compare management and outcomes in similar cases. Our patient presented with classical Meltzer’s triad and mild renal involvement. Cryoimmunofixation confirmed type III cryoglobulinemia, and serum cytokines showed elevated IL-6 levels. The differential diagnosis included infective endocarditis and chronic active hepatitis C virus infection. Rapid symptom resolution after antibiotic treatment identified infective endocarditis as the likely cause of cryoglobulinemic vasculitis. Our case and review of the literature highlight that early identification of the cause of cryoglobulinemic vasculitis is crucial for selecting appropriate treatment and preventing recurrence or morbidity.
Unraveling the influence of TTF-1 expression on immunotherapy outcomes in PD-L1-high non-squamous NSCLC: a retrospective multicenter study
Authors: Nishioka Naoya , Kawachi Hayato , Yamada Tadaaki , Tamiya Motohiro , Negi Yoshiki , Goto Yasuhiro , Nakao Akira , Shiotsu Shinsuke , Tanimura Keiko , Takeda Takayuki , Okada Asuka , Harada Taishi , Date Koji , Chihara Yusuke , Hasegawa Isao , Tamiya Nobuyo , Masui Taiki , Sai Natsuki , Ishida Masaki , Katayama Yuki , Morimoto Kenji , Iwasaku Masahiro , Tokuda Shinsaku , Kijima Takashi , Takayama Koichi
Published: July 2024

Introduction

Several studies explored the association between thyroid transcription factor-1 (TTF-1) and the therapeutic efficacy of immunotherapy. However, the effect of TTF-1 on the therapeutic efficacy of programmed death-1 (PD-1) inhibitor/chemoimmunotherapy in patients with non-squamous non-small cell lung cancer (non-Sq NSCLC) with a programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) tumor proportion score of 50% or more who are highly susceptible to immunotherapy remains unresolved. Therefore, we evaluated whether TTF-1 has a clinical impact on this population.

Methods

Patients with non-Sq NSCLC and high PD-L1 expression who received PD-1 inhibitor monotherapy or chemoimmunotherapy between May 2017 and December 2020 were retrospectively enrolled. Treatment efficacy was compared after adjusting for baseline differences using propensity score matching.

Results

Among the 446 patients with NSCLC with high PD-L1 expression, 266 patients with non-Sq NSCLC were analyzed. No significant differences in therapeutic efficacy were observed between the TTF-1-positive and -negative groups in the overall and propensity score-matched populations. Of chemoimmunotherapy, pemetrexed containing regimen significantly prolonged progression-free survival compared to chemoimmunotherapy without pemetrexed, regardless of TTF-1 expression (TTF1 positive; HR: 0.46 (95% Confidence interval: 0.26-0.81), p<0.01, TTF-1 negative; HR: 0.29 (95% Confidence interval: 0.09-0.93), p=0.02).

Discussion

TTF-1 expression did not affect the efficacy of PD-1 inhibitor monotherapy or chemoimmunotherapy in patients with non-Sq NSCLC with high PD-L1 expression. In this population, pemetrexed-containing chemoimmunotherapy demonstrated superior anti-tumor efficacy, irrespective of TTF-1 expression.
Case report: Characterization of the immunologic and molecular landscape in a unique presentation of invasive lobular carcinoma with concurrent uterine carcinosarcoma treated with immunotherapy
Authors: Riedinger Courtney J. , Eisele Caprice D. , Esnakula Ashwini , Stover Daniel G. , Freud Aharon G. , Cosgrove Casey M.
Published: July 2024

Invasive lobular breast cancer (ILC) is characterized by a relatively high risk for late recurrence and a unique metastatic pattern with an increased risk for metastasis to gynecologic organs and peritoneum. We present a unique case of recurrent ILC with metastasis to the abdominal peritoneum as well as the uterine myometrium and cervix. Treatment was complicated by the discovery of concomitant uterine carcinosarcoma. This patient was effectively treated with a combination of hormonal therapy for her metastatic ILC and a combination of chemotherapy and immunotherapy for uterine carcinosarcoma. Molecular evaluation revealed a characteristic CDH1 mutation within the ILC and a PI3KCA mutation within the uterine carcinosarcoma, both of which have been linked to epithelial-to-mesenchymal transitions. Examination of the tumor immune microenvironment revealed proportionally more cytotoxic NK cells. This robust immune infiltration may be an indicator of the response to immunotherapy observed in this tumor or a result of the metastatic breast cancer within the uterus. This report provides a characterization of the molecular and immunologic landscape in this case with metastatic ILC and uterine carcinosarcoma.
Causal links between serum micronutrients and epilepsy: a Mendelian randomization analysis
Authors: Chen Haohao , Zheng Zequn , Cai Xiaorui , Gao Fenfei
Published: July 2024

Background

Micronutrient levels play a critical role in epilepsy. This study investigates the impact of micronutrient levels on epilepsy via Mendelian randomization (MR).

Methods

A two-sample MR framework evaluated the genetic association between 15 serum micronutrients and epilepsy phenotypes. The analysis included calcium, iron, zinc, selenium, copper, magnesium, potassium, folate, vitamins B6, B12, C, D, E, retinol, and carotene against all epilepsy, generalized epilepsy, childhood absence epilepsy (CAE), juvenile absence epilepsy (JAE), juvenile myoclonic epilepsy (JME), generalized tonic–clonic seizures alone and with spike–wave electroencephalography (GTCS), and various focal epilepsy phenotypes [with hippocampal sclerosis (HS), lesions other than HS, lesion-negative]. The random-effects inverse-variance weighted (IVW) model was the primary method used, supported by heterogeneity and pleiotropy assessments. Multivariable Mendelian randomization analyses (MVMR) were used to identify micronutrients that are significantly causally associated with different epilepsy subtypes and to confirm the most potential causal risk factors for these subtypes.

Results

Zinc conferred an increased risk of focal epilepsy with HS (OR = 1.01; p = 0.045). Carotene was similarly linked to higher risks of lesion-negative cases (OR = 1.129; p = 0.037). Conversely, vitamin B6 was associated with reduced risks of focal epilepsy with HS (OR = 0.949; p = 0.020), and vitamin D was linked to decreased risks of both CAE (OR = 0.976, 95% CI: 0.959–0.993, p = 0.006) and JAE (OR = 0.986, 95% CI: 0.973–0.999, p = 0.032). These associations were robust, showing minimal heterogeneity and no evidence of pleiotropy across various sensitivity analyses. After adjustment using MVMR, significant causal relationships between vitamin D and both CAE and JAE remained. Furthermore, the causal relationship between zinc and vitamin B6 on focal epilepsy with HS became non-significant, while carotene shifted from a risk factor to a protective factor for focal epilepsy lesion-negative after adjusting for vitamin D.

Conclusion

MR estimates provide robust evidence for the causal effects of vitamin D on reducing the risk of CAE, and JAE, which might provide alternative treatment strategies.
Roles and mechanisms of circular RNA in respiratory system cancers
Authors: Yang Nan , Jiao Mengwen , Zhang Yuewen , Mo Shaokang , Wang Ling , Liang Jianqing
Published: July 2024

Circular RNAs (circRNAs) constitute a class of endogenous non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) that lack a 5’-ended cap and 3’-ended poly (A) tail and form a closed ring structure with covalent bonds. Due to its special structure, circRNA is resistant to Exonuclease R (RNaseR), making its distribution in the cytoplasm quite rich. Advanced high-throughput sequencing and bioinformatics methods have revealed that circRNA is highly conserved, stable, and disease- and tissue-specific. Furthermore, increasing research has confirmed that circRNA, as a driver or suppressor, regulates cancer onset and progression by modulating a series of pathophysiological mechanisms. As a result, circRNA has emerged as a clinical biomarker and therapeutic intervention target. This article reviews the biological functions and regulatory mechanisms of circRNA in the context of respiratory cancer onset and progression.
Characterization of Streptococcus pneumoniae isolates obtained from the middle ear fluid of US children, 2011–2021
Authors: Grant Lindsay R. , Apodaca Kevin , Deshpande Lalitagauri , Kimbrough John H. , Hayford Kyla , Yan Qi , Mendes Rodrigo , Cané Alejandro , Gessner Bradford D. , Arguedas Adriano
Published: July 2024

Introduction

Pneumococcal conjugate vaccines (PCVs), including higher valency vaccines such as PCV20, have the potential to reduce pediatric otitis media. We assessed serotype distribution, potential PCV coverage, and antimicrobial susceptibility of Streptococcus pneumoniae isolates cultured from middle ear fluid (MEF) of US children age ≤5 years.

Methods

S. pneumoniae isolates identified from US hospitals participating in the SENTRY Antimicrobial Surveillance program from 2011 to 2021 were included. Serotypes were determined by in silico analysis based on Pneumococcal Capsular Typing methodology. The percentage of isolates belonging to serotypes included in PCV13 (serotypes 1, 3, 4, 5, 6A, 6B, 7F, 9V, 14, 18C, 19A, 19F, 23F), PCV15 (PCV13 plus 22F, 33F), and PCV20 (PCV13 plus, 8, 10A, 11A, 12F, 15B, 22F and 33F) was calculated. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing was performed by broth microdilution and interpreted using CLSI criteria. Nonsusceptibility was defined as isolates that were intermediate or resistant to a selected antimicrobial.

Results

Among the 199 S. pneumoniae isolates that were identified, 56.8% were from children age <2 years. Six serotypes accounted for around 60% of isolates: 35B (16.6%), 15B (14.6%), 15A (7.5%), 19A (7.5%), 19F (7.5%), and 3 (7.0%). Serotypes included in PCV13, PCV15, and PCV20 accounted for 23.1%, 30.2%, and 54.8% of isolates, respectively. Overall, 45.2% of isolates were penicillin non-susceptible, and 13.6% were MDR, of which 48% were serotype 19A. Seven serotypes (19A, 15A, 15B, 15C, 23A, 33F, and 35B) accounted for the majority of non-susceptible isolates.

Discussion

PCVs, particularly PCV20, may prevent a substantial fraction of S. pneumoniae otitis media (OM), including OM due to non-susceptible serotypes. The addition of serotypes 15A, 23A, and 35B would improve coverage against susceptible and non-susceptible pneumococcal OM.
Detection of muscular system adverse reaction signals in sacubitril/valsartan treatment combined with statins
Authors: Zhao Fukun , Luo Min , Wang Yuanmin , Su Mu , Tang Fei
Published: July 2024

Objective

To detect muscular system adverse reaction signals of sacubitril/valsartan treatment combined with statins (atorvastatin, rosuvastatin, simvastatin) to provide a reference for clinical administration.

Methods

Multiplicative and additive models were used to mine the FDA’s spontaneous reports database to detect signals of drug-drug interactions between sacubitril/valsartan and statins. SAS 9.4 software was used to conduct statistical tests for suspicious signals to determine whether the signals were statistically significant.

Results

A total of 8,883,870 adverse reaction reports were analyzed. The combinations “sacubitril/valsartan - simvastatin - musculoskeletal muscle pain” had statistically significant correlation signals in both models (P < 0.05). The combination “sacubitril/valsartan - atorvastatin - myopathy” and “sacubitril/valsartan–simvastatin - myopathy” had statistically significant correlation signal in the multiplicative model (P < 0.05).

Conclusion

Compared with a single drug, coadministration of sacubitril/valsartan with atorvastatin may increase safety risks to myopathy, with simvastatin may increase safety risks to the musculoskeletal pain and myopathy, which should be closely monitored in clinical practice.
The psychological impact of diagnosis of sinonasal, nasopharyngeal, and laryngeal cancers: a systematic review
Authors: Bonafede Michela , d'Errico Angelo , Rugarli Sabrina , Mensi Carolina , Miligi Lucia , Calisti Roberto , della Gatta Rosa , Piro Sara , Melis Paola , Vasselli Donatella , Binazzi Alessandra
Published: July 2024

Objective

High risk of degraded quality of life and psychological distress is observed in patients diagnosed with sinonasal, nasopharyngeal, and laryngeal cancers, which could be caused by exposure to carcinogens in workplaces. This review aimed to investigate the psychological impact of diagnosis associated with the possible occupational etiology of such neoplasms and to explore the instruments that evaluate the quality of life (QoL), anxiety, and depression in these patients.

Methods

Studies were considered for the review only if they described aspects of the psychological impact of the diagnosis of sinonasal, nasopharyngeal, and laryngeal cancers and reported results distinguished by the tumor site. The psychological impact was assessed in terms of health-related QoL, anxiety, and depression using reliable psychometric questionnaires administered at the time of diagnosis and 1 year later.

Results

In more than 5,900 records identified, 442 studies fulfilled the eligibility criteria and 436 were excluded after full-text screening, resulting in six studies to be finally included in the review. The EORTC Core Quality of Life questionnaire (EORTC QLQ-C30), EORTC QLQ-H&N35, and Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy (FACT) were used to evaluate the QoL, whereas the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) and Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D) questionnaires were employed to assess anxiety and depression. QoL scores were similar to those of the general population at the time of diagnosis and remained unchanged or slightly improved at 1 year since diagnosis. In contrast, a higher prevalence of anxiety and depression was observed compared with the general population, although the results were inconsistent across the very few studies identified. No study investigating the association between the potential occupational etiology and QoL or distress was found.

Conclusion

Exploring the existing scientific literature on emotional distress in sinonasal, nasopharyngeal, and laryngeal cancer patients was prompted by concerns over the disfiguring nature of treatment and the additional emotional burden resulting from their occupational etiology. Unfortunately, neither a crucial element nor other risk factors (lifestyle, smoking, drinking, etc.) were examined in any study. Patients' employment history should be considered in order to assess the possible impact of believing they are affected by an occupational exposure disease in the evaluation of their psychological distress. This history would support evidence-based recommendations about dedicated psychological interventions.
Increasing psychological flexibility is associated with positive therapy outcomes following a transdiagnostic ACT treatment
Authors: Rutschmann Ronja , Romanczuk-Seiferth Nina , Gloster Andrew , Richter Christoph
Published: July 2024

Objectives

Increasing psychological flexibility is considered an important mechanism of change in psychotherapy across diagnoses. In particular, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) primarily aims at increasing psychological flexibility in order to live a more fulfilling and meaningful life. The purpose of this study is to examine 1) how psychological flexibility changes during an ACT-based treatment in a transdiagnostic day hospital and 2) how this change is related to changes in symptomatology, quality of life, and general level of functioning.

Methods

90 patients of a psychiatric day hospital participated in the study. Psychological flexibility, symptomatology, and quality of life were assessed at three measurement time points (admission, discharge, and 3-month follow-up). The level of functioning was assessed at admission and discharge. Differences in psychological flexibility were tested via two-sided paired samples t-tests. Correlations of residualized change scores were calculated to detect associations between changes in psychological flexibility and other outcomes.

Results

Psychological flexibility increased significantly from pre-treatment to post-treatment (d = .43, p <.001) and from pre-treatment to follow-up (d = .54, p <.001). This change was significantly correlated to a decrease in symptomatology (r = .60 –.83, p <.001) and an increase in most dimensions of quality of life (r = -.43 – -.75, p <.001) and general level of functioning (r =-.34, p = .003).

Discussion

This study adds further evidence for psychological flexibility as a transdiagnostic process variable of successful psychotherapy. Limitations are discussed.
Infectious disease surveillance needs for the United States: lessons from Covid-19
Authors: Lipsitch Marc , Bassett Mary T. , Brownstein John S. , Elliott Paul , Eyre David , Grabowski M. Kate , Hay James A. , Johansson Michael A. , Kissler Stephen M. , Larremore Daniel B. , Layden Jennifer E. , Lessler Justin , Lynfield Ruth , MacCannell Duncan , Madoff Lawrence C. , Metcalf C. Jessica E. , Meyers Lauren A. , Ofori Sylvia K. , Quinn Celia , Bento Ana I. , Reich Nicholas G. , Riley Steven , Rosenfeld Roni , Samore Matthew H. , Sampath Rangarajan , Slayton Rachel B. , Swerdlow David L. , Truelove Shaun , Varma Jay K. , Grad Yonatan H.
Published: July 2024

The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the need to upgrade systems for infectious disease surveillance and forecasting and modeling of the spread of infection, both of which inform evidence-based public health guidance and policies. Here, we discuss requirements for an effective surveillance system to support decision making during a pandemic, drawing on the lessons of COVID-19 in the U.S., while looking to jurisdictions in the U.S. and beyond to learn lessons about the value of specific data types. In this report, we define the range of decisions for which surveillance data are required, the data elements needed to inform these decisions and to calibrate inputs and outputs of transmission-dynamic models, and the types of data needed to inform decisions by state, territorial, local, and tribal health authorities. We define actions needed to ensure that such data will be available and consider the contribution of such efforts to improving health equity.
Digital agricultural technology services and farmers’ willingness to choose digital production technology in Sichuan province, China
Authors: Gong Wei , Ma Ruiyao , Zhang Haixia
Published: July 2024

Introduction

Digital agricultural technology service has the characteristics of high efficiency, convenience and flexibility, and plays an important role in the process of Chinese agricultural digitalization, which is of great significance for realizing the modernization and intelligent development of agricultural production.

Methods

Based on micro-survey data of small-scale farmers in Sichuan Province, this study utilizes the OLS method and the mediation effect model to investigate the impact of digital agricultural technology services on farmers’ willingness to adopt digital production technologies and its underlying mechanisms.

Results

The results indicate that digital agricultural technology services effectively enhance farmers’ willingness to adopt digital production technologies, especially among those engaged in cooperative. Further analysis of mechanisms suggests that digital agricultural technology services influence farmers’ choices of household production and management methods by expanding their information channels, enhancing their cognition of digital production technologies, and facilitating access to technology. Moreover, heterogeneous analysis reveals significant differences in the willingness of farmers with varying levels of digital literacy to adopt digital production technologies. Digital agricultural technology services have a more pronounced impact on the willingness of highly digitally literate farmers.

Discussion

The findings of this paper deepen our comprehension of the operational mechanisms of digital agricultural technology services in the context of agricultural development, and advocate for policy recommendations such as enhancing the supply of digital agricultural technology services, strengthening the role of new agricultural entities, improving farmers’ digital literacy training, and enhancing policy support systems.
Assessment of bacterial and parasitic contamination of fruits gathered from specific local markets in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Authors: Demisie Kelelaw Nigusie , Melese Daniel Molla
Published: July 2024

Background

Around the world, food-borne illnesses are still a frequent and significant hazard to public health. Human infection outbreaks brought on by eating raw fruits have happened more frequently. Fruits have been connected in recent years to a number of outbreaks of food-borne illness around the globe, including in Ethiopia.

Objective

To assess bacterial and parasitic contamination of fruits gathered from specific local markets in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was carried out using fruits gathered from Addis Ababa local marketplaces. Convenient sampling were applied. With the assumption that each vendor provided 30 samples, a total of 120 fruit samples were gathered. Fruit samples were gathered in a plastic bag that had been sanitized and then brought to the lab for bacterial and parasitological investigation. All of the samples were checked for intestinal parasites and bacterial contamination. SPSS software version 25 was used to analyze the data. The Pearson's Chi-square test was used to assess categorical variables. The student's t-test was utilized to compare continuous variables, which were represented as the mean ± standard deviation. Using both univariate and multivariate analysis, odds ratios (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) were computed. Statistical significance was defined as a P < 0.05.

Results

There was a 100 (83.3%) level of bacterial contamination. While Salmonella and Shigella species were not recovered, S. aureus isolates 16 (13.3%) were the most common bacterial contamination, followed by E. coli isolates 8 (6.7%). The samples of bananas, mangos, papayas, and avocados from all four sites had total coliform (TCC) bacteria ranging from 2.1 × 103 to 3.2 × 104, 8.3x 102 to 1.8x 105CFU/g, 1.6x 102 to 3.7 x 104, and 1.2x 102 to 3.8 x 104 CFU/g, in that order. No parasites were found in this investigation.

Conclusion and recommendation

It is usually recommended that customers in this research region wash and handle infected fruits properly to prevent bacterial illnesses. In addition, fruit dealers should have their bacterial contaminations routinely inspected. Large-scale research is advised to support this discovery.