bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Lymph node metastasis prediction with non-small cell lung cancer histopathology imaging.
Authors: Lee Victor , King Amber Loren Ong , Sritharan Durga , Moore Nicholas Simms , Chadha Saahil , Maresca Ryan , Hager Tommy , Aneja Sanjay
Published: June 2024

8063

Background: Lymph nodal metastasis (LNM) plays a critical role in the prognosis and treatment strategy formulation for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Initial diagnosis typically involves a CT scan, but its sensitivity for detecting mediastinal LNM is limited, sometimes as low as 51%. To improve detection, PET-CT, mediastinoscopy, and Endobronchial ultrasound-guided transbronchial needle aspiration are employed, with sensitivities of 74%, 78%, and 90%, respectively. The ability to anticipate nodal metastasis from primary tumor data could significantly influence clinical decisions, particularly for patients at risk from invasive procedures like EBUS. By leveraging the pathology data from the National Lung Screening Trial (NLST), this study aims to harness machine learning algorithms, with the goal of refining the staging process and individualizing patient care, thus enhancing the therapeutic outcome and potentially sparing patients from the morbidity associated with more invasive diagnostic techniques. Methods: This research used digital hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) stained histopathology slide images of NSCLC from the NLST provided by The Cancer Imaging Archive. It excluded cases with undefined nodal or distant metastasis status (Nx or Mx), as well as those with confirmed distant metastasis (M1). Cases were categorized as node positive if they had N1, N2, or N3 disease, and node negative if they had N0 disease. The analysis of pathology slide images was performed using the CLAM analysis pipeline, which operates by creating patches, extracting features via a ResNet-50 model pre-trained on ImageNet, and training models with attention modules that assign scores to each patch. The study was performed using Python 3.7 and the CLAM library. Results: 636 whole slide images were analyzed, comprising 453 cases without lymph node metastasis (node negative) and 183 cases with lymph node metastasis (node positive). The study revealed that the CLAM model could predict LNM with an average area under the curve (AUC) of 0.78 over a series of 10 folds. The median sensitivity of the model at the threshold values of 0.3, 0.5, and 0.7 was 0.78, 0.48, and 0.24, respectively. Correspondingly, the median specificity at these same cutoffs was 0.49, 0.91, and 1.00, respectively. Conclusions: The study provided a proof of concept that nodal metastasis can be predicted from H&E slide images of primary resections using solely deep learning methods. The integration of deep learning models into the diagnostic process could fundamentally transform how clinicians evaluate the risk of LNM, tailor treatment plans, and ultimately enhance survival rates and quality of life for patients with NSCLC.
Efficacy and safety of MCLA-129, an anti-EGFR/c-MET bispecific antibody, in non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) with c-METexon 14 skipping mutations (METex14).
Authors: Brandao Mariana da Rocha Almeida , Zugazagoitia Jon , Dingemans Anne-Marie C. , Duruisseaux Michaël , Parent Pauline , Juan-Vidal Oscar , Spira Alexander I. , Vicier Cecile , Zalcman Gerard , Barasa Ben , Yan Chris , Doze Petra , Joe Andrew K. , Laus Gianluca , Felip Enriqueta
Published: June 2024

8583

Background: Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and hepatocyte growth factor receptor (c-MET) are dysregulated in many tumors, including NSCLC. In particular, splice-site alterations resulting in the loss of transcription of exon 14 in the oncogenic driver c-MET ( METex14 skipping mutations) occur in ~3% of NSCLC and lead to oncogenic MET activation. MCLA-129 is a bispecific antibody that targets EGFR and c-MET with multiple mechanisms of action, including inhibition of EGFR and c-MET signaling, antibody-dependent cellular phagocytosis and enhanced antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity. In the dose escalation part of a phase 1/2 trial (NCT04868877), the initial recommended phase 2 dose of MCLA-129 monotherapy was determined to be 1500 mg every 2 weeks (Q2W) with 28-day cycles. Significant tumor shrinkage was observed in one patient with METex14 NSCLC previously treated with multiple chemotherapy agents and the c-MET tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) capmatinib. Preliminary data are presented of patients (pts) with advanced or metastatic METex14 NSCLC treated with MCLA-129 in the dose expansion phase of the trial. Methods: Pts with advanced/metastatic METex14 NSCLC Pts received MCLA-129 1500 mg IV Q2W, until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity. Tumor imaging was conducted every 8 weeks. Primary endpoint: investigator-assessed ORR (RECIST v1.1), in pts with measurable disease, ≥2 MCLA-129 cycles, and ≥1 post-baseline scan. Secondary endpoints: DCR and safety. Biomarker analyses of EGFR/c-MET expression and ctDNA mutation status are planned. Results: As of December 1, 2023, 15 pts were dosed. The median age was 72 years (range 61-83), 40% were male, and 13%/87% of pts had ECOG performance status 0/1 respectively. The trial is ongoing; further analysis of safety and efficacy is planned with a later data cutoff date and will be presented at the meeting. Conclusions: MCLA-129 is being evaluated as monotherapy for the treatment of patients with locally advanced/metastatic c-MET exon 14 skipping NSCLC. Clinical trial information: NCT04868877 .
Clinical Predictors of Overall Survival in Very Elderly Patients With Glioblastoma: A National Cancer Database Multivariable Analysis
Authors: Gendreau Julian , Mehkri Yusuf , Kuo Cathleen , Chakravarti Sachiv , Jimenez Miguel Angel , Shalom Moshe , Kazemi Foad , Mukherjee Debraj
Published: June 2024

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES:

Surgery for the very elderly is a progressively important paradigm as life expectancy continues to rise. Patients with glioblastoma multiforme often undergo surgery, radiotherapy (RT), and chemotherapy (CT) to prolong overall survival (OS). However, the efficacy of these treatment modalities in patients aged 80 years and older has yet to be fully assessed in the literature.

METHODS:

The National Cancer Database was used to retrospectively identify patients aged 65 years and older with glioblastoma multiforme (1989-2016). All available patient demographic characteristics, disease characteristics, and clinical outcomes were collected. To study OS, bivariable survival models were created using Kaplan-Meier estimates. A Cox proportional-hazards model was used for final adjusted analyses.

RESULTS:

A total of 578 very elderly patients (aged 80 years and older) and 2836 elderly patients (aged 65-79 years) were identified. Compared with elderly patients, very elderly patients were more likely to have Medicare (odds ratio [OR] 1.899 [95% CI: 1.417-2.544], P < .001) while less likely to have private insurance status (OR 0.544 [95% CI: 0.401-0.739], P < .001). In addition, very elderly patients were more likely to travel the least distance for treatment and have multiple tumors (P < .001). When controlling for demographic and disease characteristics, very elderly patients were less likely to receive gross total resection (GTR) (OR 0.822 [95% CI: 0.681-0.991], P < .041), RT (OR 0.385 [95% CI: 0.319-0.466], P < .001), or postoperative CT (OR 0.298 [95% CI: 0.219-0.359], P < .001) relative to elderly counterparts. Within very elderly patients, GTR, RT, and CT all independently and significantly predicted improved OS (P < .001 for all). These predictive models were deployed in an online calculator (https://spine.shinyapps.io/GBM_elderly).

CONCLUSION:

Very elderly patients are less likely to receive GTR, RT, or CT when compared with elderly counterparts despite use of these therapies conferring improved OS. Selected very elderly patients may benefit from more aggressive attempts at surgical and adjuvant treatment.
An Appraisal of the Quality of Development and Reporting of Predictive Models in Neurosurgery: A Systematic Review
Authors: Khalid Syed I. , Massaad Elie , Roy Joanna Mary , Thomson Kyle , Mirpuri Pranav , Kiapour Ali , Shin John H.
Published: June 2024

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES:

Significant evidence has indicated that the reporting quality of novel predictive models is poor because of confounding by small data sets, inappropriate statistical analyses, and a lack of validation and reproducibility. The Transparent Reporting of a multivariable prediction model for Individual Prognosis or Diagnosis (TRIPOD) statement was developed to increase the generalizability of predictive models. This study evaluated the quality of predictive models reported in neurosurgical literature through their compliance with the TRIPOD guidelines.

METHODS:

Articles reporting prediction models published in the top 5 neurosurgery journals by SCImago Journal Rank-2 (Neurosurgery, Journal of Neurosurgery, Journal of Neurosurgery: Spine, Journal of NeuroInterventional Surgery, and Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery, and Psychiatry) between January 1st, 2018, and January 1st, 2023, were identified through a PubMed search strategy that combined terms related to machine learning and prediction modeling. These original research articles were analyzed against the TRIPOD criteria.

RESULTS:

A total of 110 articles were assessed with the TRIPOD checklist. The median compliance was 57.4% (IQR: 50.0%-66.7%). Models using machine learning-based models exhibited lower compliance on average compared with conventional learning-based models (57.1%, 50.0%-66.7% vs 68.1%, 50.2%-68.1%, P = .472). Among the TRIPOD criteria, the lowest compliance was observed in blinding the assessment of predictors and outcomes (n = 7, 12.7% and n = 10, 16.9%, respectively), including an informative title (n = 17, 15.6%) and reporting model performance measures such as confidence intervals (n = 27, 24.8%). Few studies provided sufficient information to allow for the external validation of results (n = 26, 25.7%).

CONCLUSION:

Published predictive models in neurosurgery commonly fall short of meeting the established guidelines laid out by TRIPOD for optimal development, validation, and reporting. This lack of compliance may represent the minor extent to which these models have been subjected to external validation or adopted into routine clinical practice in neurosurgery.
Pleomorphic Xanthoastrocytoma: Multi-Institutional Evaluation of Stereotactic Radiosurgery
Authors: Düzkalir Ali Haluk , Samanci Yavuz , Nabeel Ahmed M. , Reda Wael A. , Tawadros Sameh R. , Abdelkarim Khaled , El-Shehaby Amr M. N. , Emad Reem M. , Martínez Moreno Nuria , Martínez Álvarez Roberto , Mathieu David , Niranjan Ajay , Lunsford L. Dade , Wei Zhishuo , Shanahan Regan M. , Liscak Roman , May Jaromir , Dono Antonio , Blanco Angel I. , Esquenazi Yoshua , Dayawansa Samantha , Sheehan Jason , Tripathi Manjul , Shepard Matthew J. , Wegner Rodney E. , Upadhyay Rituraj , Palmer Joshua D. , Peker Selcuk
Published: June 2024

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES:

Pleomorphic xanthoastrocytoma (PXA) is a rare low-grade glial tumor primarily affecting young individuals. Surgery is the primary treatment option; however, managing residual/recurrent tumors remains uncertain. This international multi-institutional study retrospectively assessed the use of stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) for PXA.

METHODS:

A total of 36 PXA patients (53 tumors) treated at 11 institutions between 1996 and 2023 were analyzed. Data included demographics, clinical variables, SRS parameters, tumor control, and clinical outcomes. Kaplan-Meier estimates summarized the local control (LC), progression-free survival, and overall survival (OS). Secondary end points addressed adverse radiation effects and the risk of malignant transformation. Cox regression analysis was used.

RESULTS:

A total of 38 tumors were grade 2, and 15 tumors were grade 3. Nine patients underwent initial gross total resection, and 10 received adjuvant therapy. The main reason for SRS was residual tumors (41.5%). The median follow-up was 34 months (range, 2-324 months). LC was achieved in 77.4% of tumors, with 6-month, 1-year, and 2-year LC estimates at 86.7%, 82.3%, and 77.8%, respectively. Younger age at SRS (hazard ratios [HR] 3.164), absence of peritumoral edema (HR 4.685), and higher marginal dose (HR 6.190) were significantly associated with better LC. OS estimates at 1, 2, and 5 years were 86%, 74%, and 49.3%, respectively, with a median OS of 44 months. Four patients died due to disease progression. Radiological adverse radiation effects included edema (n = 8) and hemorrhagic change (n = 1). One grade 3 PXA transformed into glioblastoma 13 months after SRS.

CONCLUSION:

SRS offers promising outcomes for PXA management, providing effective LC, reasonable progression-free survival, and minimal adverse events.
Stress granule-mediated sequestration of EGR1 mRNAs correlates with lomustine-induced cell death prevention
Authors: Leśniczak-Staszak Marta , Pietras Paulina , Ruciński Marcin , Johnston Ryan , Sowiński Mateusz , Andrzejewska Małgorzata , Nowicki Michał , Gowin Ewelina , Lyons Shawn M. , Ivanov Pavel , Szaflarski Witold
Published: June 2024

Some chemotherapy drugs modulate the formation of stress granules (SGs), which are RNA-containing cytoplasmic foci contributing to stress response pathways. How SGs mechanistically contribute to pro-survival or pro-apoptotic functions must be better defined. The chemotherapy drug lomustine promotes SG formation by activating the stress-sensing eIF2α kinase HRI (encoded by the EIF2AK1 gene). Here, we applied a DNA microarray-based transcriptome analysis to determine the genes modulated by lomustine-induced stress and suggest roles for SGs in this process. We found that the expression of the pro-apoptotic EGR1 gene was specifically regulated in cells upon lomustine treatment. The appearance of EGR1-encoding mRNA in SGs correlated with a decrease in EGR1 mRNA translation. Specifically, EGR1 mRNA was sequestered to SGs upon lomustine treatment, probably preventing its ribosome translation and consequently limiting the degree of apoptosis. Our data support the model where SGs can selectively sequester specific mRNAs in a stress-specific manner, modulate their availability for translation, and thus determine the fate of a stressed cell.
Contemporary Issue: Health and Safety of Female Wrestlers
Authors: Jagim Andrew R. , Moschelli Jill S. , Woodroffe Lisa M. , Horswill Craig A. , Bloomfield Susan A. , Oppliger ∗Robert A.
Published: June 2024

Female wrestling has grown exponentially over the past decade. Within the United States, 46 states now recognize female high school wrestling, and 153 colleges have programs. It is on track to become an NCAA championship-level sport in 2026. A primary health and safety risk among this cohort pertains to rapid weight loss strategies. These can lead to intentional caloric restriction and decreased body fatness, with the perceived goal of attaining a competitive advantage. Low energy availability and low body fatness are associated with a number of health concerns including menstrual dysfunction and loss of bone mineral density in girls and women. The current recommendation of 12% as a minimum for percentage body fat is very likely too low, opening the door for health perturbations among this population. The minimum threshold might more appropriately fall within the range of 18% to 20%. Body fat assessment methods, primarily skinfold measures that are used to guide weight class selection, have not been adequately validated among this population and therefore should be an area of research focus, while also exploring alternative assessment techniques. Further, we recommend that weight cycling, restrictive energy intake, and intentional dehydration be avoided. Research should assess the effects of frequent weight cycling (to “make weight”) and prolonged periods of low body fat on the reproductive and bone health of these athletes. Finally, research and clinical evaluations on female wrestlers are limited, and we offer a list of research priorities for future investigation into this contemporary issue.
World Productivity: 1996–2014
Authors: Esfahani Mehrdad , Fernald John G. , Hobijn Bart
Published: June 2024

We use a new growth accounting method to quantify the drivers of world total factor productivity (TFP) growth during 1996–2014 and uncover four main results. World productivity growth is volatile from year to year. This mainly reflects reallocation of labor across country-industries. The contribution of country-industry level productivity growth to world productivity is relatively constant over time. This constancy masks that the increased importance of emerging economies offsets a productivity slowdown in advanced economies. After 2008, this offsetting effect dissipated and world TFP growth declined. These conclusions are robust to the inclusion of markups in the analysis. (JEL E23, E32, O30, O47)
Algorithm for calculating the heat inflows of a refrigerator
Authors: Akimenko Andrey , Anikeev Evgeniy , Medvedev Roman
Published: June 2024

Refrigerators for various purposes (commercial, industrial, transport, household, etc.) are widely used in the national economy for storing of perishable goods. Refrigerators also differ in size, design, and operating principle. Food industry enterprises, transhipment bases, and large retail facilities (shops, supermarkets, food markets) are equipped with large-capacity refrigerators. The required temperature regime of the refrigerator is provided by a refrigeration machine. The operation of a refrigeration machine is based on the transfer of heat from the cooled space to the external environment. The load on refrigeration equipment is determined by heat inflows - thermal energy entering the refrigerated room from various sources. In accordance with the known methodology, an algorithm was compiled for calculating heat inflows into the refrigeration room. During the calculation process, heat inflows through the enclosing structures of the room (walls, roof, interfloor ceilings) from the air outside them, or from the ground, if the of the refrigeration chamber floor lies on a ground base, are determined. For external fences (walls, roof), heat inflows from solar radiation are also calculated. In addition, the calculation includes determining heat in-flows from refrigerated cargo and containers; from lighting fixtures; from people entering the premises; from air flow through opened doors; from electric motors operation. The total heat inflow is defined as the sum of partial heat inflows from all sources.
Relationships between glomerular filtration rate and HRV/EEG parameters
Authors: Ruzhylo Sofiya , Popovych Dariya , Duzhar Viktor , Żukow Xawery , Zakalyak Nataliya , Kovalchuk Halyna , Rohalya Yuriy , Masnyi Oleg
Published: June 2024

Background. Sympathetic outflow may be capable of selectively increasing or decreasing glomerular capillary pressure and hence glomerular filtration rate (GFR) by differentially activating separate populations of renal nerves. Sympathetic outflow to the kidney is regulated by major cortical, brainstem and medullary areas. The purpose of this study is to find out the relationship between GFR and HRV/EEG parameters as markers of the neural regulation of the kidney.
Materials and Methods. The object of observations were 10 men aged 37-69 years without clinical diagnosis tested twice with 7-days interval. The rate of glomerular filtration was calculated according to endogenous creatinine clearance and the Cockcroft & Gault formula. The state of the autonomic nervous system was assessed by the HRV method. Simultaneosly qEEG recorded.
Results. For the sample as a whole, a weak (r=0.396; p>0.05) correlation was found between HRV-marker of sympathetic tone and GFR. However, two clusters of individuals can be distinguished: with a strong correlation (r=0.852; n=12) and its complete absence (n=8). The qEEG method revealed neural structures generating delta and theta rhythms that upregulate GFR, and generating beta rhythm that downregulate GFR. The regression model, which includes 16 EEG parameters, allows estimating GFR with a standard error of 3,4 mL/min.
Conclusion. Glomerular filtration rate is subject to the modulatory regulatory influence of the nervous system and can be estimated with high accuracy by EEG parameters.
Miejsca kultu Fruktuoza, Auguriusza i Eulogiusza w Tarragonie (IV-VIII w.)
Authors: Zimnowodzka Anna
Published: June 2024

Na skutek prześladowań cesarza Waleriana w 259 roku na arenie amfiteatru w malowniczo położonej rzymskiej Tarraco (Tarragonie) zginęli biskup Fruktuoz i jego dwaj diakoni Auguriusz i Eulogiusz. O tym pierwszym poświadczonym źródłowo męczeństwie poniesionym na terenie Hispanii wspomina autor Passio Fructuosi, Augurii et Eulogii, relacji spisanej prawdopodobnie przez jednego ze świadków wydarzeń. Prochy męczenników złożono extra muros, na rozległej nekropoli. W IV wieku wokół ich grobu powstał ogromny kompleks pielgrzymkowy, do którego przybywali pielgrzymi z różnych stron Orbis Christianus. W VI wieku w amfiteatrze, miejscu męczeńskiej śmierci biskupa i diakonów, wzniesiono ku ich czci bazylikę. Ich relikwie były czczone w Tarragonie z pewnością do początku VIII wieku, a sam kult, po wywiezieniu relikwii z miasta w wyniku inwazji arabskiej, przetrwał prawdopodobnie dłużej. I chociaż pozostałości miejsc kultu męczenników tarragońskich uchodzą wśród badaczy za najobszerniej przebadane i opracowane, wiele pytań pozostaje wciąż bez odpowiedzi. Warto zatem po raz kolejny zebrać dotychczasowe wyniki badań, zweryfikować je i skonfrontować ze źródłami pisanymi, tym samym ustalić, jaki jest obecny stan wiedzy o tych najstarszych miejscach kultu męczenników na Półwyspie Iberyjskim.
Failure of the PD-1 blocking agent pembrolizumab to benefit a patient with renal squamous cell cancer
Authors: Khan Salman , Yetiskul Ekrem , Khattar Georges , Ghada Araji , Afif Sarah , Khan Malik Waleed Zeb , Manchandani Umesh
Published: June 2024

Introduction: Renal squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is a neoplasm with an extremely rare occurrence compared to other renal malignancies. The classic presentation includes a palpable mass and flank pain; however, the presentation is seldom non-specific. Our study describes the significance of programmed death ligand-1 (PD-L1) expression in renal cancer and its association with clinical outcomes, alongside available treatment options. Case description: An 80-year-old female with a history of hypertension and cerebral aneurysm presented with right flank pain and blood in urine and was diagnosed with pyelonephritis and left renal mass/phlegmon. A biopsy revealed SCC of the kidney with metastasis to the lung and aortocaval lymph node. Positron emission tomography (PET) scan confirmed malignancy in the kidney and lung. Treatment with pemrolizumab and carboplatin plus paclitaxel was initiated but poorly tolerated as the haemoglobin dropped rapidly. Conclusion: SCC poses a diagnostic challenge due to its rarity and non-specific symptoms, often leading to advanced stage diagnosis. PD-L1 expression is pivotal in assessing tumour aggressiveness and prognosis. PD-L1 inhibitors offer promise, but their efficacy in renal SCC warrants further investigation. Radical nephrectomy and systemic chemotherapy show potential in advanced cases, necessitating vigilant management of treatment-related side effects. This case emphasises the need for ongoing research to refine therapeutic approaches and enhance outcomes in renal SCC patients.
Right atrial thrombus masquerading as myxoma
Authors: Alchalabi Shahad , Museedi Abdulrahman S.
Published: June 2024

Introduction: In-situ right atrial (RA) thrombus is a rare occurrence typically associated with heightened inflammatory or hypercoagulable states. Here, we present a case of in-situ RA thrombus mimicking atrial myxoma in a patient with sepsis and bacteraemia. Case description: A 41-year-old man presented with septic arthritis and bacteraemia caused by methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). A transoesophageal echocardiogram revealed a large pediculated mass resembling atrial myxoma, which was not visible on transthoracic echocardiography performed four days earlier. Cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) imaging strongly suggested a thrombus, leading to the patient undergoing transcatheter aspiration. Subsequent pathology confirmed an organised fibrin thrombus without evidence of infection. Discussion: The patient’s in-situ RA thrombus likely developed in response to a heightened inflammatory state associated with sepsis. Limited data exist on in-situ RA thrombi in the absence of atrial fibrillation, though some reports suggest a correlation between heightened inflammation and a hypercoagulable state. Conclusion: CMR imaging is invaluable for characterising such masses and can aid in distinguishing a thrombus from a myxoma.
Variações e mudanças: as línguas giram
Authors: Tedesco Maria Teresa , Moutinho Lurdes
Published: June 2024

Apresentação à Matraga 62.
Posing Challenges
Authors: Alcraft Tom
Published: June 2024

Tom Alcraft discusses oral hygiene and impaired motor skills.
Food, glorious food!
Authors: Lane Laura
Published: June 2024

Laura Lane discusses the tasty truth about dental health and nutrition.
Anal metastasis in esophageal cancer: A case report
Authors: Xu Lu , Xu Rui , Sun Jing
Published: June 2024

BACKGROUND

Esophageal cancer is the sixth leading cause of cancer-related death and eighth most common cancer, affecting > 450000 people worldwide. Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma is the most common histological type, whereas esophageal adenoid cystic carcinoma (EACC) is rare. The liver is the most common distant metastatic site in esophageal cancer. Anal metastasis is rare and has not been reported in clinical practice before. Here, we report anal metastases in a patient with EACC after regular chemotherapy and surgical resection.

CASE SUMMARY

A 61-year-old esophageal cancer patient was found to have lung and brain metastases during standardized treatment. The patient’s treatment plan was continuously adjusted according to the latest treatment guidelines. However, the patient subsequently noticed rectal bleeding and itching, and after obtaining pathology results at the local hospital, anal metastasis of esophageal cancer was diagnosed.

CONCLUSION

Postoperative pathology and immunohistochemistry confirmed EACC with rare anal metastasis. More exploration of EACC diagnosis and treatment is needed.
Special stent for draining the abdominal abscess respectively from colon and duodenum: A case report
Authors: Zhang Fu-Long , Xu Jing , Jiang Yu-Hong , Zhu Yuan-Dong , Wu Qian-Neng , Shi Yan , Zhan Zong-Yuan , Wang Hai
Published: June 2024

BACKGROUND

Postoperative abdominal infections are an important and heterogeneous health challenge. Many samll abdominal abscesses are resolved with antibiotics, but larger or symptomatic abscesses may require procedural management.

CASE SUMMARY

A 65-year-old male patient who suffered operation for the left hepatocellular carcinoma eight months ago, came to our hospital with recurrent abdominal pain, vomit, and fever for one month. Abdominal computed tomography showed that a big low-density dumbbell-shaped mass among the liver and intestine. Colonoscopy showed a submucosal mass with a fistula at colon of liver region. Gastroscopy showed a big rupture on the submucosal mass at the descending duodenum and a fistula at the duodenal bulb. Under colonoscopy, the brown liquid and pus were drained from the mass with “special stent device”. Under gastroscopy, we closed the rupture of the mass with a loop and six clips for purse stitching at the descending duodenum, and the same method as colonoscopy was used to drain the brown liquid and pus from the mass. The symptom of abdominal pain, vomit and fever were relieved after the treatment.

CONCLUSION

The special stent device could be effectively for draining the abdominal abscess respectively from colon and duodenum.
Analysis of an adult diabetes mellitus caused by a rare mutation of the gene: A case report
Authors: Li Wen-Xuan , Xu Li-Li , Liu Chuan-Feng , Dong Bing-Zi , Wang Yun-Yang
Published: June 2024

BACKGROUND

This study presents the clinical and genetic mutation characteristics of an unusual case of adult-onset diabetes mellitus occurring in adolescence, featuring a unique mutation in the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARG) gene. Data Access Statement: Research data supporting this publication are available from the NN repository at www.NNN.org/download/ .

CASE SUMMARY

The methodology employed entailed meticulous collection of comprehensive clinical data from the probands and their respective family members. Additionally, high-throughput sequencing was conducted to analyze the PPARG genes of the patient, her siblings, and their offspring. The results of this investigation revealed that the patient initially exhibited elevated blood glucose levels during pregnancy, accompanied by insulin resistance and hypertriglyceridemia. Furthermore, these strains displayed increased susceptibility to diabetic kidney disease without any discernible aggregation patterns. The results from the gene detection process demonstrated a heterozygous mutation of guanine (G) at position 284 in the coding region of exon 2 of PPARG , which replaced the base adenine (A) (exon2c.284A>Gp.Tyr95Cys). This missense mutation resulted in the substitution of tyrosine with cysteine at the 95th position of the translated protein. Notably, both of her siblings harbored a nucleotide heterozygous variation at the same site, and both were diagnosed with diabetes.

CONCLUSION

The PPARG gene mutation, particularly the p.Tyr95Cys mutation, may represent a newly identified subtype of maturity-onset diabetes of the young. This subtype is characterized by insulin resistance and lipid metabolism disorders.
Luspatercept enhances hemoglobin levels in a Chinese boy with congenital sideroblastic anemia: A case report
Authors: Li Yuan , Ye Lei , Zhou Kang , Fan Hui-Hui , Li Jian-Ping , Xiong You-Zhen , Yang Yang , Peng Guang-Xin , Yang Wen-Rui , Zhao Xin , Jing Li-Ping , Zhang Li , Zhang Feng-Kui
Published: June 2024

BACKGROUND

Congenital sideroblastic anemia (CSA) is a rare and heterogeneous group of genetic disorders. Conventional treatment include pyridoxine (vitamin B6) and allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT), and can alleviate anemia in the majority of cases. Nevertheless, some CSA cases remain unresponsive to pyridoxine or are unable to undergo allo-HSCT. Novel management approaches is necessary to be developed. To explore the response of luspatercept in treating congenital sideroblastic anemia.

CASE SUMMARY

We share our experience in luspatercept in a 4-year-old male patient with CSA. Luspatercept was administered subcutaneously at doses of 1.0 mg/kg/dose to 1.25 mg/kg/dose every 3 wk, three consecutive doses, evaluating the hematological response. Luspatercept leading to a significant improvement in the patient's anemia. The median hemoglobin during the overall treatment with three doses of luspatercept was 90 (75-101) g/L, the median absolute reticulocyte count was 0.0593 (0.0277-0.1030) × 1012/L, the median serum ferritin was 304.3 (234.4-399) ng/mL, and the median lifespan of mature red blood cells was 80 (57-92) days. Notably, no adverse reactions, such as headaches, dizziness, vomiting, joint pain, or back pain, were observed during the treatment period.

CONCLUSION

We believe that luspatercept might emerge as a viable therapeutic option for the maintenance treatment of CSA or as a bridging treatment option before hematopoietic stem cell transplantation.
Influence of physicochemical environmental factors on morphometric characteristics of macroalgae from Ambon Island, Indonesia
Authors: LILINE SINTJE , RUMAHLATU DOMINGGUS , ZUBAIDAH SITI , SALMANU SRIYANTI , Sangur Kristin
Published: June 2024

Abstract. Liline S, Rumahlatu D, Zubaidah S, Salmanu S, Sangur K. 2024. Influence of physicochemical environmental factors on morphometric characteristics of macroalgae from Ambon Island, Indonesia. Biodiversitas 25: 1436-1453. Macroalgae are an essential part of the marine biodiversity of Ambon Island, requiring thorough investigation for conservation and cultivation purposes. Therefore, this study aimed to identify macroalgae and analyze the relationship of environmental physicochemical factors to morphometric characteristics of macroalgae from the coastal waters of Ambon Island, Maluku Province, between June and July 2023. Sampling was performed at four locations, i.e., Hutumuri, Alang, Aer Low, and Suli Villages, followed by laboratory morphometric identification and measurements. The results showed significant variations in the physicochemical environmental factors of the four locations, featuring temperatures ranging from 25.00-30.05°C, pH of 7.00-8.34, salinity of 31.00-32.00, and dissolved oxygen (DO) of 6.00-15.27. Furthermore, the substrate in each location differed, presenting sequentially as sandy coral, coral, sandy coral, and mud sand. 11, 10, 6, and 25 species were found in Hutumuri, Alang, Aer Low, and Suli, respectively. Each species, with distinct morphological characteristics and morphometric sizes, was distributed across the Chlorophyta, Ochrophyta, and Rhodofhyta classes. These observations provided crucial insights into the intricate relationship between environmental factors and morphometric characteristics, including full length, thallus width, and length, as well as holdfast length and width of both same-species and different macroalgae populations in Ambon Island.
Detection of Legionella pneumophila bacteria from water sources in Palembang City, Indonesia
Authors: KAUTSAR RADINAL , FAUZIYAH SHIFA , AQUARESTA FEBRIANA , WIDYA ALICIA MARGARETTA , FAJAR NUR SAMSYATUL , DAMAYANTI MAMIK , SUCIPTO TEGUH HARI
Published: June 2024

Abstract. Kautsar R, Fauziyah S, Aquaresta F, Widya AM, Fajar NS, Damayanti M, Sucipto TH. 2024. Detection of Legionella pneumophila bacteria from water sources in Palembang City, Indonesia. Biodiversitas 25: 1499-1504. Legionella is a pathogenic bacterial genus that causes legionellosis. This bacteria is a gram-negative bacteria which is often found in warm and humid aquatic environments. Legionella spp. infection occurs due to inhalation of aerosols contaminated with Legionella spp. Until now, legionellosis is still a crucial public health problem in the world. Therefore, it is necessary to take preventive measures to detect the presence of Legionella spp. as early as possible. This study aimed to detect the presence of Legionella pneumophila from well water samples and drinking water sources in Palembang City using the Nested PCR method. The primers used in this study are specific primers that amplify the mip gene. The PCR amplification results showed that 2 of the 22 samples were positively contaminated with L. pneumophila. These positive samples came from well water and drinking water samples. Based on physical parameters, all samples are still safe for consumption because they have a normal temperature, are odorless and clear. Meanwhile, based on chemical parameters, the pH of all samples is still safe for consumption because it is still below the maximum threshold.
Prey conditions, food habits, and their relationship to the catch of Penaeus merguensis De Man, 1888 in the waters of Merauke District, Indonesia
Authors: LANTANG BONNY , NAJAMUDDIN NAJAMUDDIN , NELWAN ALFA FILEP PETRUS , SAMAWI MUHAMMAD FARID
Published: June 2024

Abstract. Lantang B, Najamuddin, Nelwan AFP, Samawi MF. 2024. Prey conditions, food habits, and their relationship to the catch of Penaeus merguensis De Man, 1888 in the waters of Merauke District, Indonesia. Biodiversitas 25: 1554-1569. The study of the food habits of commercial crustaceans, namely Penaeus merguensis De Man 1888 in the waters of Merauke District was limited. Hence, research related to this was needed. For this reason, the study aims to analyze the prey fragment, prawn food habits, and their relationship to the catch based on differences in habitat types in the coastal waters of Merauke District. Data measuring oceanographic parameters, gastric contents samples of banana prawn (P. merguensis), mollusk samples, and catches were taken twice monthly in five habitats from March 2022 to March 2023. The results showed that for the fragmentation of prey, namely microalgae, 76.12% was found intact, while mollusks were found 97.46% not intact or dismembered. Mangrove leaves, macrophytes, prawn larvae, and fish larvae were found to be 100% incomplete or dismembered. Microalgae and mollusks were the main food in estuarial habitats and sandy beaches in Lampu Satu. While in mangrove habitats in Yobar, sandy beaches in Payum, and mangrove habitats in Bokem, the main food is mollusks, and complementary foods are microalgae. Mangrove leaves, macrophytes, prawns, and fish larvae were found only as supplementary food in all habitats. This was related to the availability of food that varies in each habitat. The catch increased with the discovery of the food habits of mollusks.
Identification of molds producing aflatoxin from raw materials of free-range chicken feed in East Nusa Tenggara, Indonesia
Authors: LENGUR EUFRASIA R. A. , DATEN HELENA , NADUT ANGGELINUS , LALONG PAULUS RISAN FUNAN
Published: June 2024

Abstract. Lengur EAR, Daten H, Nadut A, Lalong PRF. 2024. Identification of molds producing aflatoxin from raw materials of free-range chicken feed in East Nusa Tenggara, Indonesia. Biodiversitas 25: 1588-1595. The assessment of aflatoxin is an important determinant of animal feed quality. This study aimed to isolate, characterize, and identify molds responsible for aflatoxin production within raw materials used in free-range chicken feed. The isolation process follows the standard “pour-plate method”, with subsequent molecular characterization and sequencing using the Internal Transcribed Spacer (ITS) gene. Results indicated the highest concentration of mold cells in fish meal and moringa leaves, reaching 4.06 log CFU/g. Isolate KIJK1 exclusively appeared in fish meal, cornmeal, and moringa leaf meal, while isolate KIJKD1 was present in fish meal, cornmeal, moringa leaves, and bran meal. The colony morphology of isolate KIJK1 exhibited gray coloring with white edges, whereas, at five days old, isolate KIJKD1 displayed a green center with white edges. Isolate KIJK1 was further identified as Aspergillus fijiensis strain IHEM 18675, and KIJKD1 as Aspergillus flavus strain 2011F7, with both acknowledged aflatoxin producers. Mold contamination incidence hinges on substrate type, production processes, storage conditions, and nutritional composition. Consequently, periodic mold identification is recommended to maintain animal feed quality control.
Ethnobotany of wild edible plants used by local communities in three districts along the upper Bengawan Solo River, Central Java, Indonesia
Authors: TRIYANTO ADITYA , PURNAMASARI FITRIA , PARAMITA FENINTA SETYANING , WICAKSONO FAUZAN RAFI , RAMADHAN FARIE AIMAR , BUDIHARTA SUGENG , SAENSOUK SURAPON , SETYAWAN AHMAD DWI
Published: June 2024

Abstract. Triyanto A, Purnamasari F, Paramita FS, Wicaksono FR, Ramadhan FA, Budiharta S, Saensouk S, Setyawan AD. 2024. Ethnobotany of wild edible plants used by local communities in three districts along the upper Bengawan Solo River, Central Java, Indonesia. Biodiversitas 25: 1596-1605. Wild Edible Plants (WEPs) grow naturally in the environment without human assistance and have parts that humans or animals can consume. The declining interest of local communities in consumable wild plant species, especially among the younger generation, resulted in the loss of public knowledge on the utilization of wild natural resources and the extinction of various types of wild species in nature. This study aims to determine wild edible plants used by local communities in three districts along the Bengawan Solo River, Central Java, Indonesia. This research used qualitative and quantitative data obtained by conducting open, semi-structured, and structured interviews with 90 respondents aged 20-80 years old. Quantitative data was analyzed to produce Use Values (UV) and Informant Consensus Factor (ICF). The study found that the community consumes approximately 49 species from 32 families of WEPs and the most consumed species were Leucaena leucocephala, Carica papaya, Dendrocalamus asper, Muntingia calabura, Peperomia pellucida, Gnetum gnemon, Moringa oleifera, and Portulaca oleracea. Consumable wild plants along the Bengawan Solo River have an ICF value ranging from 0.645 to 1. The WEPs were used for carbohydrates, vegetables, fruits, seeds, and medicine. The study highlights the diverse uses of plant parts, emphasizing the community's holistic approach to incorporating wild plants into their diet and medicine. The research emphasizes the need to preserve and comprehend the multifaceted roles of WEPs, which are crucial for sustaining cultural traditions and community well-being.
Mulch Madness: A Community–Academic Partnership for Lead Poisoning Prevention
Authors: Moon Kyle J. , Bauman Lauren N. , Tighe Meghanne E. , Coman J. Mike , Schuth Kathy , Walsh Cheryl , Beidinger-Burnett Heidi A. , Sisk Matthew L. , Lieberman Marya
Published: June 2024

Abstract: Background: Soil constitutes a major source of childhood lead exposure, disproportionately affecting communities of color. Mulching offers a low-cost interim control. Objectives: A community–academic partnership was established for lead poisoning prevention, with a three-fold aim: (1) control soil lead hazards by applying mulch, (2) identify home lead hazards with screening kits, and (3) connect residents to resources to address lead hazards. Methods: Student volunteers canvassed neighborhoods one month prior to the annual event. They requested consent for mulching, distributed lead screening kits, and screened residents for grant eligibility. Soil samples were collected from each home before mulching. According to principles of community-based participatory research, materials and plans were iterative, guided and adjusted by neighborhood association feedback, and detailed reports about home lead results were shared with each participating resident. Composite neighborhood data and survey results were shared with volunteers and community partners. Results: The project was evaluated in the third (41 homes) and fourth (48 homes) years of implementation. Before mulching, the median soil lead level was over 400 ppm, and after mulching, it was less than 20 ppm. Lead screening kits identified widespread lead hazards in paint, soil, and dust, but not water. Challenges remain in (a) increasing child blood lead testing and (b) increasing submissions for city grant funding for lead abatement. Evaluation surveys indicate a sense of ownership in the project among community partners and high levels of engagement among students. Conclusions: Community–academic partnerships are an effective tool for lead poisoning prevention, generating evidence for public health action.
The Community is the Cure: How African American Washington, DC Residents Informed Opioid Treatment Engagement
Authors: Medlock Morgan M. , Schottenfeld Richard , Abdul-Salaam Mustafa , Bay Charles , Brown Imani , Thombs-Cain Gloria , Charles Kevin , Clover Ernest , Curry Kendrick E. , Nelson Lazetta , Thompson Jasmine , Scott Denise , Walker Imani , Williams Carla
Published: June 2024

Abstract: Background: Recent data indicate rising opioid overdose deaths among African American residents of Washington, DC. Objectives: We highlight a community-informed approach to assessing attitudes toward opioid use disorder treatment among DC residents (February 2019 to March 2020). Methods: A listening tour with trusted community leaders led to the formation of a Community Advisory Board (CAB). When the COVID-19 pandemic commenced in March 2020, community dialogues became exclusively virtual. The CAB partnered with academic leaders to co-create project mission and values and center the community’s concerns related to opioid use and its causes, treatment structure, and facilitators of effective engagement. Results: Interview guides were created for the engagement of community members, using values highlighted by the CAB. The CAB underscored that in addition to opioid problems, effective engagement must address community experience, collective strengths/resilience, and the role of indigenous leadership. Conclusions: Engaging community prior to project implementation and maintaining alignment with community values facilitated opioid use disorder assessments. Community-informed assessments may be critical to building community trust.
Effacements, discrétions, désintégrations : les revers de l’assimilation selon Faïza Guène
Authors: Brun Catherine
Published: June 2024

Résumés: Longtemps regardée comme une « Sagan des banlieues », Faïza Guène déjoue les attentes en publiant en 2020 La Discrétion – roman qui fait éclater les cadres auxquels son oeuvre avait été identifiée. Elle n’y donne pas seulement à voir une invisible, elle ne se contente pas d’y rendre hommage à une figure de discrète : elle y explore la discrétion, comme manifestation d’un ethos postcolonial. Dans le roman, la discrétion est ainsi moins l’apanage d’un personnage, un tropisme psycho-affectif, qu’une caractéristique partagée. La bienséance est soustractive. Dans la guerre asymétrique de l’effacement systémique, colonial comme postcolonial, la discrétion semble l’arme des pauvres. Elle résulte d’un palimpseste de dissolutions, d’une entreprise d’effacement qui, au nom de l’assimilation, produit de la dés-intégration. C’est cette dés-intégration que l’oeuvre de Guène s’emploie à défaire littérairement. Au nom de la beauté. Abstract: Long regarded as a “Sagan of the suburbs”, Faïza Guène thwarted expectations in 2020 with the publication of La Discrétion –a novel that shatters the frameworks with which her work had been identified. In it, she not only shows an invisible woman and pays homage to a discrete figure, but she also explores discretion as a manifestation of a postcolonial ethos. In the novel, discretion is less the prerogative of one character, a psycho-affective tropism, than a shared characteristic. Propriety is subtractive. In the asymmetrical war of systemic erasure, both colonial and postcolonial, discretion seems to be the weapon of the poor. It is the result of a palimpsest of dissolutions, an enterprise of erasure which, in the name of assimilation, produces disintegration. It is this disintegration that Guène’s literary work sets out to undo. In the name of beauty.
A New Way to Input Ligatures Found in Kirishitan-ban
Authors: Morris James Harry
Published: June 2024

Abstract: This annotation explores a newly developed font that allows users to input special characters (ligatures and logograms) found in texts produced by Jesuit missionaries to Japan and their followers. This new font allows users to create transcriptions that are more materially and typographically closer to the original sources, and the syntax used to input these special characters opens up the possibility for digital analysis of these transcriptions. The annotation contextualizes the discussion of the new font, it benefits, and limitations in relation to the current practices used by Japanologists to input these characters.
Internal Exile and Politics
Authors: Margalit Avishai
Published: June 2024

ABSTRACT: This essay has two parts. One scans notions of inner exile as withdrawal from society; the other examines politics. There are many ways of withdrawing from society: solitary life in a remote place, or retreat to the "inner citadel," the inner self free from the yoke of society. But withdrawal can take place while being amidst society. The essay addresses moral implications of retreat from society, especially from its politics. The discussion concentrates on societies in which the act of withdrawal can be voluntary. The paradigmatic cases are the recent events in Israel: the liberal protest against authoritarian "reform" of the judicial system, and Hamas's brutal attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, and the ensuing cruel counterattack by Israel on Gaza.