bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The influence of receptor expression and clinical subtypes on baseline [18F]FDG uptake in breast cancer: systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: de Mooij Cornelis M. , Ploumen Roxanne A. W. , Nelemans Patty J. , Mottaghy Felix M. , Smidt Marjolein L. , van Nijnatten Thiemo J. A.
Published: January 2023

Background

To quantify the relationship between [18F]FDG uptake of the primary tumour measured by PET-imaging with immunohistochemical (IHC) expression of ER, PR, HER2, Ki-67, and clinical subtypes based on these markers in breast cancer patients.

Methods

PubMed and Embase were searched for studies that compared SUVmax between breast cancer patients negative and positive for IHC expression of ER, PR, HER2, Ki-67, and clinical subtypes based on these markers. Two reviewers independently screened the studies and extracted the data. Standardized mean differences (SMD) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were estimated by using DerSimonian-Laird random-effects models. P values less than or equal to 5% indicated statistically significant results.

Results

Fifty studies were included in the final analysis. SUVmax is significantly higher in ER-negative (31 studies, SMD 0.66, 0.56–0.77, P < 0.0001), PR-negative (30 studies, SMD 0.56; 0.40–0.71, P < 0.0001), HER2-positive (32 studies, SMD − 0.29, − 0.49 to − 0.10, P = 0.0043) or Ki-67-positive (19 studies, SMD − 0.77; − 0.93 to − 0.61, P < 0.0001) primary tumours compared to their counterparts. The majority of clinical subtypes were either luminal A (LA), luminal B (LB), HER2-positive or triple negative breast cancer (TNBC). LA is associated with significantly lower SUVmax compared to LB (11 studies, SMD − 0.49, − 0.68 to − 0.31, P = 0.0001), HER2-positive (15 studies, SMD − 0.91, − 1.21 to − 0.61, P < 0.0001) and TNBC (17 studies, SMD − 1.21, − 1.57 to − 0.85, P < 0.0001); and LB showed significantly lower uptake compared to TNBC (10 studies, SMD − 0.77, − 1.05 to − 0.49, P = 0.0002). Differences in SUVmax between LB and HER2-positive (9 studies, SMD − 0.32, − 0.88 to 0.24, P = 0.2244), and HER2-positive and TNBC (17 studies, SMD − 0.29, − 0.61 to 0.02, P = 0.0667) are not significant.

Conclusion

Primary tumour SUVmax is significantly higher in ER-negative, PR-negative, HER2-positive and Ki-67-positive breast cancer patients. Luminal tumours have the lowest and TNBC tumours the highest SUVmax. HER2 overexpression has an intermediate effect.
Extremely boosted neural network for more accurate multi-stage Cyber attack prediction in cloud computing environment
Authors: Dalal Surjeet , Manoharan Poongodi , Lilhore Umesh Kumar , Seth Bijeta , Mohammed alsekait Deema , Simaiya Sarita , Hamdi Mounir , Raahemifar Kaamran
Published: January 2023

There is an increase in cyberattacks directed at the network behind firewalls. An all-inclusive approach is proposed in this assessment to deal with the problem of identifying new, complicated threats and the appropriate countermeasures. In particular, zero-day attacks and multi-step assaults, which are made up of a number of different phases, some malicious and others benign, illustrate this problem well. In this paper, we propose a highly Boosted Neural Network to detect the multi-stageattack scenario. This paper demonstrated the results of executing various machine learning algorithms and proposed an enormously boosted neural network. The accuracy level achieved in the prediction of multi-stage cyber attacks is 94.09% (Quest Model), 97.29% (Bayesian Network), and 99.09% (Neural Network). The evaluation results of the Multi-Step Cyber-Attack Dataset (MSCAD) show that the proposed Extremely Boosted Neural Network can predict the multi-stage cyber attack with 99.72% accuracy. Such accurate prediction plays a vital role in managing cyber attacks in real-time communication.
Enhanced correlation-based linking of biosynthetic gene clusters to their metabolic products through chemical class matching
Authors: Louwen Joris J. R. , Medema Marnix H. , van der Hooft Justin J. J.
Published: January 2023

Background

It is well-known that the microbiome produces a myriad of specialised metabolites with diverse functions. To better characterise their structures and identify their producers in complex samples, integrative genome and metabolome mining is becoming increasingly popular. Metabologenomic co-occurrence-based correlation scoring methods facilitate the linking of metabolite mass fragmentation spectra (MS/MS) to their cognate biosynthetic gene clusters (BGCs) based on shared absence/presence patterns of metabolites and BGCs in paired omics datasets of multiple strains. Recently, these methods have been made more readily accessible through the NPLinker platform. However, co-occurrence-based approaches usually result in too many candidate links to manually validate. To address this issue, we introduce a generic feature-based correlation method that matches chemical compound classes between BGCs and MS/MS spectra.

Results

To automatically reduce the long lists of potential BGC-MS/MS spectrum links, we match natural product (NP) ontologies previously independently developed for genomics and metabolomics and developed NPClassScore: an empirical class matching score that we also implemented in the NPLinker platform. By applying NPClassScore on three paired omics datasets totalling 189 bacterial strains, we show that the number of links is reduced by on average 63% as compared to using a co-occurrence-based strategy alone. We further demonstrate that 96% of experimentally validated links in these datasets are retained and prioritised when using NPClassScore.

Conclusion

The matching genome-metabolome class ontologies provide a starting point for selecting plausible candidates for BGCs and MS/MS spectra based on matching chemical compound class ontologies. NPClassScore expedites genome/metabolome data integration, as relevant BGC-metabolite links are prioritised, and researchers are faced with substantially fewer proposed BGC-MS/MS links to manually inspect. We anticipate that our addition to the NPLinker platform will aid integrative omics mining workflows in discovering novel NPs and understanding complex metabolic interactions in the microbiome.
Metabolic profiling reveals metabolic features of consolidation therapy in pediatric acute lymphoblastic leukemia
Authors: Fu Jinqiu , Zhang Aijun , Liu Qinqin , Li Dong , Wang Xiaoming , Si Libo
Published: January 2023

Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) and its treatment continue to pose substantial risks. To understand ALL more deeply, the metabolome in fasting plasma of 27 ALL patients before and after high-dose methotrexate therapies (consolidation therapy) including methotrexate and 6-mercaptopurine (6-MP) was investigated. Plasma metabolites were analyzed using liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (LC–MS). Orthogonal projections to latent structures discriminant analysis and significance analysis of microarrays were used to evaluate the metabolic changes. Pathway enrichment and co-expression network analyses were performed to identify clusters of molecules, and 2826 metabolites were identified. Among them, 38 metabolites were identified by univariate analysis, and 7 metabolites that were altered by conditioning therapy were identified by multivariate analysis. The Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) database was used for pathway enrichment analysis. Among the enriched KEGG pathways, the 3 significantly altered metabolic pathways were pyrimidine metabolism; phenylalanine, tyrosine, and tryptophan biosynthesis; and phenylalanine metabolism. In addition, L-phenylalanine was significantly correlated with blood urea nitrogen (BUN), and palmitoylcarnitine was correlated with aspartate aminotransferase (AST). In summary, consolidation therapy significantly affected pyrimidine- and phenylalanine-associated metabolic pathways in pediatric ALL patients. These findings may provide an insight into the role of metabolic profiling in consolidation treatment and as a potential for pediatric ALL patients.
Seepage failure prediction of breakwater using an unresolved ISPH-DEM coupling method enriched with Terzaghi’s critical hydraulic gradient
Authors: Tsuji Kumpei , Asai Mitsuteru , Kasama Kiyonobu
Published: January 2023

This study develops a new numerical simulation model for rubble mound failure prediction caused by piping destruction under seepage flows. The piping has been pointed out as a significant cause of breakwater failure during tsunamis. Once boiling and heaving occur on the mound surface, the piping suddenly propagates in the opposite direction of seepage flow. For the seepage failure prediction, a coupled fluid-soil-structure simulator is developed by combining the ISPH for fluid and the DEM for rubble mounds and caisson blocks. The ISPH, a Lagrangian particle method for incompressible fluids, can simulate seepage and violent flows such as tsunamis. The DEM has been applied for discrete particle and rigid body simulations that include discontinuous deformation, as in the rubble mounds failure and large displacement of the caisson block. ISPH-DEM coupling simulations have already been proposed as a technique for multi-phase flows. Still, the technique cannot reproduce the sudden onset of piping from a stable mound. Two simple assumptions are applied to reduce the numerical cost for the fluid-soil-structure simulators of a breakwater structure composed of a rubble mound and the caisson block. Firstly, each rubble is modeled as an idealized spherical DEM particle with the mean diameter of the rubble. The ISPH particle size is assumed to be the same size as the DEM particle. Under these assumptions, the unresolved coupling model between rubble mound particles and fluid, which obtains the interaction through empirical drag force, should be applied. At the same time, the interaction between the fluid and the caisson block is fully resolved with the spatial resolution with the ISPH and DEM particle size. Our new contribution in this paper is how to model the interaction as an unresolved coupling between seepage flow simulated by ISPH and rubble mound particle modeled with DEM. Our original seepage failure experiment is simulated using the proposed ISPH-DEM coupling simulator. We identified the conventional drag force models as the unresolved coupling model are insufficient to initiate the boiling and piping observed in the experiment. It may be due in one part to excessive averaging of flow velocities caused by unresolved coupling. Therefore, Terzaghi’s critical hydraulic gradient is introduced to initiate the boiling and heaving. Unstable DEM particles, judged by Terzaghi’s critical hydraulic gradient, gradually lose their mass to represent unresolved suspended fine rubble mound particles. Our models qualitatively reproduce the sand boiling and backward erosion in the opposite direction of the seepage flow, as shown in the experiment.
The relationship between meaning of life, perceived social support, spiritual well-being and pain catastrophizing with quality of life in migraine patients: the mediating role of pain self-efficacy
Authors: Yousefi Afrashteh Majid , Abbasi Mahya , Abbasi Mahsa
Published: January 2023

Background

Migraine is a neurological disease that has several physical and psychological complications, which is characterized by disability and impaired quality of life.

Aims

The aim of this study was to explore the mediating role of pain self-efficacy in the relationship between meaning of life, perceived social support, spiritual well-being and pain catastrophizing with quality of life in migraine sufferers. The relationship between these factors with quality of life (QOL) was not fully explored in migraine patients.

Method

This study was a correlational study of structural equations. Therefore, 300 patients with migraine who referred to one of the specialized neurological treatment centers in Zanjan in 2021 were recruited based on the inclusion criteria. Patients also completed the World Health Organization Quality of Life Scale (WHOQOL-BREF), Meaning in Life Questionnaire, Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support, Spiritual Well-Being Scale, Pain Catastrophizing Scale, Pain Self-Efficacy Questionnaire. Finally, the hypotheses were then analyzed with correlation coefficient and path analysis method by using SPSS-26 and LISREL-10.2 programs.

Results

The results of the present study showed that pain self-efficacy has a mediating role in the relationship between meaning of life and quality of life (B = 0.015), perceived social support with quality of life (B = 0.022), spiritual well-being with quality of life (B = 0.021), as well as pain catastrophizing with quality of life (B = − 0.015).

Conclusion

According to the results of this study, by considering the role of self-efficacy of pain, it is possible to develop the programs to strengthen and improve the meaning of life, perceived social support, spiritual well-being and also reduce pain catastrophizing, in order to improve the quality of life of patients with migraine.
Parkin coregulates glutathione metabolism in adult mammalian brain
Authors: El Kodsi Daniel N. , Tokarew Jacqueline M. , Sengupta Rajib , Lengacher Nathalie A. , Chatterji Ajanta , Nguyen Angela P. , Boston Heather , Jiang Qiubo , Palmberg Carina , Pileggi Chantal , Holterman Chet E. , Shutinoski Bojan , Li Juan , Fehr Travis K. , LaVoie Matthew J. , Ratan Rajiv R. , Shaw Gary S. , Takanashi Masashi , Hattori Nobutaka , Kennedy Christopher R. , Harper Mary-Ellen , Holmgren Arne , Tomlinson Julianna J. , Schlossmacher Michael G.
Published: January 2023

We recently discovered that the expression of PRKN, a young-onset Parkinson disease-linked gene, confers redox homeostasis. To further examine the protective effects of parkin in an oxidative stress model, we first combined the loss of prkn with Sod2 haploinsufficiency in mice. Although adult prkn−/−//Sod2± animals did not develop dopamine cell loss in the S. nigra, they had more reactive oxidative species and a higher concentration of carbonylated proteins in the brain; bi-genic mice also showed a trend for more nitrotyrosinated proteins. Because these redox changes were seen in the cytosol rather than mitochondria, we next explored the thiol network in the context of PRKN expression. We detected a parkin deficiency-associated increase in the ratio of reduced glutathione (GSH) to oxidized glutathione (GSSG) in murine brain, PRKN-linked human cortex and several cell models. This shift resulted from enhanced recycling of GSSG back to GSH via upregulated glutathione reductase activity; it also correlated with altered activities of redox-sensitive enzymes in mitochondria isolated from mouse brain (e.g., aconitase-2; creatine kinase). Intriguingly, human parkin itself showed glutathione-recycling activity in vitro and in cells: For each GSSG dipeptide encountered, parkin regenerated one GSH molecule and was S-glutathionylated by the other (GSSG + P-SH $$\to$$
→
GSH + P-S-SG), including at cysteines 59, 95 and 377. Moreover, parkin’s S-glutathionylation was reversible by glutaredoxin activity. In summary, we found that PRKN gene expression contributes to the network of available thiols in the cell, including by parkin’s participation in glutathione recycling, which involves a reversible, posttranslational modification at select cysteines. Further, parkin’s impact on redox homeostasis in the cytosol can affect enzyme activities elsewhere, such as in mitochondria. We posit that antioxidant functions of parkin may explain many of its previously described, protective effects in vertebrates and invertebrates that are unrelated to E3 ligase activity.
Ultrasensitive and colorimetric small extracellular vesicles (sEVs) analysis via dual-cycle signal tool
Authors: Ning Linhong , Zhou Yuan , Xie Yang , Duan Zhixiong , Yu Feng , Cheng Heng
Published: January 2023

For the clinical diagnosis of diseases and for basic biological research, it is crucial to develop a trustworthy and efficient method for detecting small extracellular vesicles (sEVs) in multiple experimental conditions. Here, we create a colorimetric assay that enables sensitive and precise sEVs identification without the need for pricey equipment. In this assay, the exonuclease III (Exo III)-assisted signal recycle is activated by the released single-strand DNA (ssDNA) from SMBs (streptavidin magnetic beads)-aptamer-ssDNA complex after identification of sEVs. By integrating with the strand displacement amplification (SDA) process, a significant amount of double-strand DNA products with G-rich tails is produced. The G-rich tails fold to G-quadruplex under the assistance of hemin to catalyze the oxidation of TMB, yielding a color change. The approach offers a broad detection range of 5 orders of magnitudes based on the signal recycles and SDA. In addition, single-stranded DNA binding protein (SSB) is exploited in this method to minimize the background signal from non-specific digestion of Exo-III, making the method a robust tool for sEVs detection and disease diagnosis.
Local resource mobilization for malaria vector control among Rwandan rice farmers: a pilot study into the role of community ownership
Authors: Rulisa Alexis , van Kempen Luuk , Hakizimana Emmanuel , Koenraadt Constantianus J. M.
Published: January 2023

Background

Evidence suggests a vicious cycle between rice cultivation and malaria control in Rwanda. Rice fields offer an attractive breeding ground for malaria vectors, which increases the disease burden in rice farming communities, and, consequently, reduces productivity in the rice sector. Community-based larval source management in rice fields is propagated as a sustainable solution to break this cycle. A sense of agency and ownership of malaria control interventions, as well as the mobilization of resources at the local level, are often considered preconditions for success. However, an evidence gap exists regarding the interaction between the agentive and financial dimension of local sustainability.

Methods

We conduct a larviciding pilot involving three groups; one group where rice farmers sprayed their fields under expert supervision, one group where rice farmers organised the larviciding campaign themselves, and a (non-sprayed) control group. We test whether the difference in agency between the intervention groups affects farmers’ willingness-to-pay for a larviciding campaign. Willingness-to-pay is elicited in a contingent valuation exercise, more specifically a bidding game, and is assessed both before and after the pilot (n = 288). Difference-in-difference estimates are computed, using a propensity score matching technique. Supplementary data were collected in a survey and two focus group discussions for triangulation.

Results

The high-agency (self-organised) group significantly outperforms the low-agency (expert-supervised) group in terms of maintaining its willingness to contribute financially. However, higher willingness-to-pay in the high-agency group does not appear to be driven by a stronger sense of ownership per se. The supplementary data indicate high levels of ownership in both treatment groups compared to the control group. A tentative explanation lies in diverging perceptions concerning the effectiveness of the pilot.

Conclusions

The study supports the idea that community-led organization of larval source management can prove instrumental in mobilizing finance for malaria control in low-income settings where rice production interferes with the fight against malaria. However, the causality is complex. Feelings of ownership do not appear the main driver of willingness-to-pay, at least not directly, which opens up the possibility of initiating community-driven malaria control interventions that promote the agentive and financial dimension of local sustainability simultaneously.
The state of the art of nanomaterials and its applications in energy saving
Authors: Hussein Hala. S.
Published: January 2023

Background

Nanomaterials have emerged as a fascinating class of materials in high demand for a variety of practical applications. They are classified based on their composition, dimensions, or morphology. For the synthesis of nanomaterials, two approaches are used: top-down approaches and bottom-up approaches.

Main body of the abstract

Nanoscale materials and structures have the potential to be used in the production of newly developed devices with high efficiency, low cost, and low energy demand in a variety of applications. There are several contributions in renewable energy conversion and storage in the energy sector, such as solar photovoltaic systems, fuel cells, solar thermal systems, lithium-ion batteries, and lighting. Furthermore, nanofluid-based solar collectors are a new generation of solar collectors based on the use of nanotechnology. It has the potential to increase collector efficiency by up to 30%.

Short conclusion

Graphene and graphene derivatives are known as more efficient energy-saving materials, with the ability to maximize heat transfer efficiency and save up to 30% of energy in water desalination. Silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) are a powerful antibacterial material that can kill a wide variety of microorganisms. They are commonly used in water treatment and are incorporated into polyethersulfone (PES) microfiltration membranes. The use of an Ag-PES membrane improved the antibiofouling performance of PES membranes. From the industrial application of nanotechnology, applications of TiO2-based nanocoatings that can be used as dust-repellent coatings for solar panels improve their efficiency and reduce the amount of required maintenance. Furthermore, the nanoscale dimension of these particles facilitates their movement in various body parts, resulting in serious diseases such as cancer and organ damage. As a result, it is suggested to focus in our incoming research on the disposal of nanomaterial waste and their safe application.
Preliminary landscape analysis of deep tomographic imaging patents
Authors: Yang Qingsong , Lizotte Donna L. , Cong Wenxiang , Wang Ge
Published: January 2023

Over recent years, the importance of the patent literature has become increasingly more recognized in the academic setting. In the context of artificial intelligence, deep learning, and data sciences, patents are relevant to not only industry but also academe and other communities. In this article, we focus on deep tomographic imaging and perform a preliminary landscape analysis of the related patent literature. Our search tool is PatSeer. Our patent bibliometric data is summarized in various figures and tables. In particular, we qualitatively analyze key deep tomographic patent literature.
Different vitamin K forms in hemodialysis patients: a simple dietary supplement to battle vascular calcification—randomized controlled trial
Authors: Elshinnawy Howaida Abdelhameed , El-Said Tamer Wahid , Fahmy Sarah Farid , Shamseldin Ahmed , Ibrahim Sherin , Elsharabasy Reem Mohsen
Published: January 2023

Background and aim

Vascular calcification is a significant risk factor for cardiovascular diseases in patients with end-stage renal disease, particularly those on hemodialysis. Previous research on vitamin K found that it had a positive on calcification markers. However, clinical data is still limited. This study aimed to compare the efficacy and safety of vitamin K2 versus vitamin k1 on a calcification regulator in hemodialysis patients.

Methods

A prospective randomized placebo-controlled trial was conducted on 120 patients, who were divided into three groups; group 1: administered 10 mg of vitamin K1 (phytomenadione thrice weekly); group 2: administered 90 μg of vitamin k2 (MK-7); group 3: administered placebo for 3 months. Matrix Gla protein (MGP), calcium, phosphorous, and intact parathyroid hormone levels were measured.

Results

MK-7 significantly increased active MGP levels compared to phytomenadione and placebo groups (p<0.0001). No correlations were found between calcium, phosphorous, PTH, and MGP levels at baseline or after treatment.

Conclusion

Vitamin k supplementation was effective and tolerable in modulating MGP in hemodialysis patients, with MK-7 outperforming phytomenadione.
The effect of fluid flow in the longitudinal fracture along a borehole axis on Stoneley wave propagation
Authors: Kayama Kosuke , Mikada Hitoshi , Takekawa Junichi
Published: January 2023

The characterization of fractures is essential to increase the production of hydrocarbon and geothermal resources. In this study, we investigate the effect of the fluid flow in the longitudinal fracture along a borehole on the dispersion and attenuation behavior of Stoneley waves using numerical experiments. In general, incorporating a fracture with the aperture of several tens to hundreds of micrometers into 3D seismic modeling is challenging with high calculational costs. We develop a novel numerical scheme that includes a 2D fluid flow simulation embedded into a 3D wave propagation modeling to address this problem. We devise an approach for capturing the effects of the fluid flow in the fractures of arbitrary aperture widths, which could be much thinner than the grid spacing of a 3D wave propagation simulation. A comparison of the numerical results from our scheme with the analytical solution indicates good agreement, supporting the method’s validity. This developed scheme is applied to the coupled simulation between the Stoneley wave propagation along the borehole axis and induced fluid flow inside a longitudinal fracture with different fracture apertures, fluid viscosity, and dynamic hydraulic conductivity. The modified matrix pencil algorithm applied to the recorded waveforms estimates the dispersion and attenuation of the Stoneley mode. The numerical results reveal the effect of the fracture aperture and fluid viscosity on the dispersion and attenuation behavior of the Stoneley waves. Based on the results, we demonstrate our scheme is an innovative method for estimating the aperture of the fracture and viscosity of the fluid by analyzing the dispersion and attenuation properties of the Stoneley waves.
Target-oriented elastic full-waveform inversion through acoustic extended image-space redatuming
Authors: Biondi Ettore , Barnier Guillaume , Biondi Biondo , Clapp Robert G.
Published: January 2023

Elastic full-waveform inversion (FWI) can provide accurate and high-resolution subsurface parameters. However, its high computational cost prevents the application of this method to large-scale field-data scenarios. To mitigate this limitation, we have developed a target-oriented elastic FWI methodology based on a redatuming step that relies upon an extended least-squares migration process. In our approach, the surface-reflection data can be attributed to a given subsurface portion when mapped into the image space. This process allows us to reconstruct reflection data generated by a target area and recorded with a virtual acquisition geometry positioned directly above it. The redatuming step enables the application of an elastic FWI method within the target portion only. The entire workflow drastically decreases the overall cost of the surface-data inversion and allows the retrieval of accurate elastic parameters of the area of interest. We determine the effectiveness of our approach on a synthetic case based on the well-known Marmousi2 model and on 3D ocean-bottom node pressure data recorded in the Gulf of Mexico in which we retrieve the elastic parameters of a potential prospect, positioned in proximity of a salt-dome flank, and whose rock-physical properties are consistent with the presence of a gas-bearing sand reservoir.
Adherence to Oral Anticancer Medications Among Women With Breast Cancer in Africa: A Scoping Review
Authors: Onwusah Deborah O. , Ojewole Elizabeth B. , Chimbari Moses J.
Published: January 2023

PURPOSE

Oral anticancer medications (OAMs) improve treatment outcomes and survival in women with breast cancer (BC). However, adherence to OAM therapy remains suboptimal. This scoping review provides evidence of adherence to OAMs among African women with BC.

METHODS

We searched four databases and gray literature, using guidance from the Joanna Briggs Institute. Thirteen studies on adherence rates, determinants, and interventions were included. NVivo 12 software was used to perform thematic analysis of the included studies. The determinants (barriers and facilitators) associated with adherence were analyzed according to the five dimensions of the WHO multidimensional adherence model.

RESULTS

Most studies (n = 11, 85%) focused on endocrine medication. Depending on the definition, measurements, and assessment period, the nonadherence rates ranged from 4.3% to 65.4% for endocrine medications, 80.9% for cytotoxic chemotherapies, and 32.7% for combined medications. The significant barriers associated with adherence include Islamic religion, concurrent comorbidities, mastectomy, anastrozole treatment, side effects, unawareness of treatment insurance coverage, and seeking treatment from traditional healers. Thorough therapeutic communication regarding treatment, neoadjuvant chemotherapy, and adequate social support significantly facilitate adherence. A randomized controlled trial of breast nursing interventions reported improved patient adherence.

CONCLUSION

The evidence mapped from studies that evaluated OAM adherence in women with BC indicates that nonadherence to OAMs is common. Applying context-specific standardized measures to assess adherence and facilitators or strategies targeting the identified barriers can optimize adherence and treatment outcomes. Effective interventions to improve adherence are limited. Therefore, further empirical and interventional studies in Africa are required to enhance the evidence.
Outcomes of Universal Point-of-Care Genetic Testing in Diverse Patients With Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma
Authors: Drogan Christine M. , Kindler Hedy L. , Gao Guimin , Kupfer Sonia S.
Published: January 2023

PURPOSE

Guidelines recommend all patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) undergo germline genetic testing (GT). Rates of recommendation and completion of GT among diverse patients with PDAC are not known. The aim was to determine rates of recommendation and completion of point-of-care GT in diverse patients with PDAC.

METHODS

A retrospective review of patients with PDAC seen at an academic center between April 2019 and December 2020 was performed. Recommendation, completion and results of point-of-care GT, and demographic and clinical factors were recorded. Univariate and multivariate analyses of GT were performed using the chi-square test and logistic regression.

RESULTS

In total, 579 patients with PDAC were included. The median age at diagnosis was 67 years; 52% were male; 63% were non-Hispanic White (NHW) patients, and 20% were African American (AA) patients. GT was performed in 216 (37%) patients. Of those tested, 47 (22%) had a pathogenic/likely pathogenic variant identified of which 25 (12%) were in PDAC-associated genes. On multivariate analysis, age, NHW race, personal and family cancer history, medical oncology visit, and number of visits were independent predictors of GT completion. AA patients had significantly lower rates of recommendation and completion of GT compared with NHW patients.

CONCLUSION

Point-of-care GT in patients with PDAC is unacceptably low, especially among AA patients. Testing disparity might be due to lack of provider recommendation more than patient uptake. Lack of testing leads to missed opportunities for potential targeted therapies, improved outcomes, and identification of at-risk family members who could potentially benefit from surveillance.
Gut Microbiome Associated With Graves Disease and Graves Orbitopathy: The INDIGO Multicenter European Study
Authors: Biscarini Filippo , Masetti Giulia , Muller Ilaria , Verhasselt Hedda Luise , Covelli Danila , Colucci Giuseppe , Zhang Lei , Draman Mohd Shazli , Okosieme Onyebuchi , Taylor Pete , Daumerie Chantal , Burlacu Maria-Cristina , Marinò Michele , Ezra Daniel George , Perros Petros , Plummer Sue , Eckstein Anja , Salvi Mario , Marchesi Julian R , Ludgate Marian
Published: January 2023

Context

Gut bacteria can influence host immune responses but little is known about their role in tolerance-loss mechanisms in Graves disease (GD; hyperthyroidism caused by autoantibodies, TRAb, to the thyrotropin receptor, TSHR) and its progression to Graves orbitopathy (GO).

Objective

This work aimed to compare the fecal microbiota in GD patients, with GO of varying severity, and healthy controls (HCs).

Methods

Patients were recruited from 4 European countries (105 GD patients, 41 HCs) for an observational study with cross-sectional and longitudinal components.

Results

At recruitment, when patients were hyperthyroid and TRAb positive, Actinobacteria were significantly increased and Bacteroidetes significantly decreased in GD/GO compared with HCs. The Firmicutes to Bacteroidetes (F:B) ratio was significantly higher in GD/GO than in HCs. Differential abundance of 15 genera was observed in patients, being most skewed in mild GO. Bacteroides displayed positive and negative correlations with TSH and free thyroxine, respectively, and was also significantly associated with smoking in GO; smoking is a risk factor for GO but not GD. Longitudinal analyses revealed that the presence of certain bacteria (Clostridiales) at diagnosis correlated with the persistence of TRAb more than 200 days after commencing antithyroid drug treatment.

Conclusion

The increased F:B ratio observed in GD/GO mirrors our finding in a murine model comparing TSHR-immunized with control mice. We defined a microbiome signature and identified changes associated with autoimmunity as distinct from those due to hyperthyroidism. Persistence of TRAb is predictive of relapse; identification of these patients at diagnosis, via their microbiome, could improve management with potential to eradicate Clostridiales.
Deletion of Androgen Receptor in LepRb Cells Improves Estrous Cycles in Prenatally Androgenized Mice
Authors: Cara Alexandra L , Burger Laura L , Beekly Bethany G , Allen Susan J , Henson Emily L , Auchus Richard J , Myers Martin G , Moenter Suzanne M , Elias Carol F
Published: January 2023

Androgens are steroid hormones crucial for sexual differentiation of the brain and reproductive function. In excess, however, androgens may decrease fertility as observed in polycystic ovary syndrome, a common endocrine disorder characterized by oligo/anovulation and/or polycystic ovaries. Hyperandrogenism may also disrupt energy homeostasis, inducing higher central adiposity, insulin resistance, and glucose intolerance, which may exacerbate reproductive dysfunction. Androgens bind to androgen receptors (ARs), which are expressed in many reproductive and metabolic tissues, including brain sites that regulate the hypothalamo-pituitary-gonadal axis and energy homeostasis. The neuronal populations affected by androgen excess, however, have not been defined. We and others have shown that, in mice, AR is highly expressed in leptin receptor (LepRb) neurons, particularly in the arcuate (ARH) and the ventral premammillary nuclei (PMv). Here, we assessed if LepRb neurons, which are critical in the central regulation of energy homeostasis and exert permissive actions on puberty and fertility, have a role in the pathogenesis of female hyperandrogenism. Prenatally androgenized (PNA) mice lacking AR in LepRb cells (LepRbΔAR) show no changes in body mass, body composition, glucose homeostasis, or sexual maturation. They do show, however, a remarkable improvement of estrous cycles combined with normalization of ovary morphology compared to PNA controls. Our findings indicate that the prenatal androgenization effects on adult reproductive physiology (ie, anestrus and anovulation) are mediated by a subpopulation of LepRb neurons directly sensitive to androgens. They also suggest that the effects of hyperandrogenism on sexual maturation and reproductive function in adult females are controlled by distinct neural circuits.
Thermoconforming rays of the star-nosed mole
Authors: Tattersall Glenn J. , Campbell Kevin L.
Published: January 2023

The star-nosed mole (Condylura cristata) is renowned for its densely innervated 22 appendage star-like rostrum (‘star’) specialized for tactile sensation. As a northerly distributed insectivorous mammal exploiting aquatic and terrestrial habitats, these vascularized nasal rays are regularly exposed to cold water and thermally conductive soil, leading us to ask whether the star surface temperature, a proxy for blood flow, conforms to the local ambient temperature to conserve body heat. Alternatively, given the exquisite sensory nature of the star, we posited that the uninsulated rays may be kept warm when foraging to maintain high mechanosensory function. To test these hypotheses, we remotely monitored surface temperatures in wild-caught star-nosed moles. Although the tail acted as a thermal window exhibiting clear vasoconstriction/vasodilation, the star varied passively in surface temperature, with little evidence for thermoregulatory vasomotion. This thermoconforming response may have evolved to minimize conductive heat loss to the water or wet soils when foraging.
A new species of Megalobulimus from the early Holocene of southeastern Brazil (Gastropoda: Strophocheilidae)
Authors: Fontenelle José Heitzmann , Salvador Rodrigo Brincalepe
Published: January 2023

A new species of megasnail, Megalobulimus diluvianus sp. nov., is herein described based on subfossil material from limestone caves in the area of Lagoa Santa, Minas Gerais state, southeastern Brazil. The specimens come from a context of archaeological strata of early Holocene age. Considering the morphological features of the shell, the new species seems closely allied to the so-called “Megalobulimus bronni complex”, whose representatives inhabit the tropical to subtropical Atlantic plateau of southeastern Brazil. Megalobulimus diluvianus sp. nov. is considered to be presently extinct (substituted by M. oblongus in the stratigraphical record).
Οι γίγαντες στην Παλαιά Διαθήκη και στη γραμματεία του πολιτιστικού περιβάλλοντος του αρχαίου Ισραήλ
Authors: Κεχαγιάς Αστέριος-Ευάγγελος
Published: January 2023

Σκοπός της διατριβής μου ήταν η διερεύνηση του φαινομένου των γιγάντων και των τιτάνων στη γραμματεία του αρχαίου Ισραήλ αλλά και στη γραμματεία του πολιτιστικού περιβάλλοντος της Βίβλου. Ανέλυσα φιλολογικά και ιστορικά όλες τις εμπλεκόμενες έννοιες ανατρέχοντας στην ιστορία, τη γεωγραφία, την αρχαιολογία και τη γλώσσα αρκετών διαφορετικών αρχαίων πολιτισμών και εν τέλει οδηγήθηκα σε εντελώς καινούρια συμπεράσματα πάνω στο συγκεκριμένο ζήτημα, προσφέροντας μια ολιστική ματιά στο ζήτημα των αρχαίων γιγάντων. Η διατριβή εμπεριέχει αναλύσεις κειμένων πολλών διαφορετικών αρχαίων γλωσσών (σουμεριακών, ακκαδικών, εβραϊκών, αρχαίων ελληνικών, αιγυπτιακών), τα οποία τα προσέγγισα από το πρωτότυπο. Το βασικό συμπέρασμα που προέκυψε είναι ότι οι γίγαντες και οι τιτάνες της μυθολογίας, προτού εισέλθουν στη σφαίρα του μύθου, αποτελούσαν ανθρώπους, όχι απαραιτήτως μεγάλου ύψους, οι οποίοι μετακινήθηκαν από περιοχές της Ινδίας στην Εγγύς Ανατολή και τη Μεσόγειο μέσα στη δεύτερη χιλιετία π.Χ.
Experimental and analytical study on the in-and out-of-plane interaction of infill walls subject to combined seismic and energy retrofitting using textile reinforced mortal and thermal insulation
Authors: Γκουρνέλος Παναγιώτης
Published: January 2023

Στην παρούσα διατριβή, εξετάστηκε πειραματικά και αναλυτικά η επίδραση της εντός του επιπέδου βλάβης στην εκτός επιπέδου απόκριση ενισχυμένων και θερμομονωμένων στοιχείων τοιχοποιίας και τοιχοπληρώσεων. Η ενίσχυση των δοκιμίων έγινε με χρήση ινοπλεγμάτων σε ανόργανη μήτρα, ενώ ως λύση θερμομόνωσης επιλέχθηκαν πλάκες διογκωμένης πολυστερίνης. Δοκιμάστηκαν διάφορες διατάξεις ενίσχυσης τόσο σε εντός όσο και σε εκτός επιπέδου πειραματικές δοκιμές, οι οποίες έλαβαν χώρα εντός ισχυρού πλαισίου, κάνοντας χρήση υδραυλικών εμβόλων για την επιβολή των αντίστοιχων φορτίων. Τα πειραματικά αποτελέσματα έδειξαν ότι το προτεινόμενο σχήμα ενίσχυσης με βάση τα ινοπλέγματα μπορεί να βελτιώσει την εκτός επιπέδου απόκριση των στοιχείων τοιχοποιίας και τοιχοπληρώσεων τόσο σε επίπεδο αντοχής όσο και δυσκαμψίας, ειδικά στην περίπτωση τοίχων που έχουν υποστεί ζημιά. Η προσθήκη μόνωσης σε διάταξη τύπου "σάντουιτς" οδήγησε σε ελαφρώς βελτιωμένη εκτός επιπέδου συμπεριφορά των δοκιμίων χωρίς βλάβη, αλλά δεν ήταν το ίδιο αποτελεσματική στην περίπτωση δοκιμίων με προϋπάρχουσα βλάβη. Τέλος, προτείνονται αριθμητικά και αναλυτικά μοντέλα που μπορούν να προβλέψουν την εκτός επιπέδου συμπεριφορά στοιχείων τοιχοποιίας και τοιχοπληρώσεων, λαμβάνοντας ταυτόχρονα υπόψη την ύπαρξη οπλισμού και ενδεχόμενης ζημιάς.
Κύηση και μικροκυκλοφορία στον οφθαλμό
Authors: Μόκα Σταματία
Published: January 2023

Εισαγωγή – Ιστορικό: Δεν υπάρχει ομοφωνία σε ποιο βαθμό και σε ποιας διαμέτρου αγγεία μεταβάλλεται η ταχύτητα ροής των ερυθροκυττάρων στη μικροκυκλοφορία, κατά τη διάρκεια της φυσιολογικής κύησης. Μεθοδολογία: : Ένα μη επεμβατικό σύστημα βιομικροσκόπησης μέσω ψηφιακής κάμερας προσαρτημένης σε σχισμοειδή λυχνία, χρησιμοποιήθηκε, για τη μέτρηση της αξονικής ταχύτητας αίματος (Vax) και της διαμέτρου (D) στη μικροκυκλοφορία του επιπεφυκότα 28 φυσιολογικών μη εγκύων (Ομάδα ελέγχου), 17 γυναικών στο πρώτο εξάμηνο της φυσιολογικής τους εγκυμοσύνης (Ομάδα 1) και 16 γυναικών στο τρίτο τρίμηνο της εγκυμοσύνης τους (Ομάδα 2). Η ροή όγκου αίματος (Q) υπολογίστηκε από τις Vax και D. Τα μικροαγγεία ταξινομήθηκαν ως "τριχοειδή" (CAP) με D <9 μm, μετατριχοειδή φλεβίδια μεγέθους 1" (PC1) με 9 ≤ D <14 μm και "μετατριχοειδή φλεβίδια μεγέθους 2” (PC2) με 14 ≤ D ≤ 24 μm. Αποτελέσματα: Οι ομάδες γυναικών δεν διέφεραν σημαντικά ως προς την ηλικία, τη διαστολική και συστολική πίεση και τη διάμετρο κάθε τάξης μεγέθους αγγείου. Λαμβάνοντας ως βάση τη Vax των 0,51 mm/s στα τριχοειδή της Ομάδας Ελέγχου, υπήρξε μια στατιστικά σημαντική αύξηση (p < 0,001) σε 0,74 mm/s (45%) στην Ομάδα 1 και σε 0,95 mm/ s (86%) στην Ομάδα 2. Αυτή η σημαντική αύξηση Vax στα τριχοειδή αγγεία (CAP) ήταν ένα σταθερό εύρημα ανεξάρτητα από την τιμή αποκοπής της διαμέτρου του αγγείου για τη διάκριση της κλάσης ταξινόμησης σε CAP ή PC1. Δεν υπήρχε στατιστική διαφορά στη Vax μεταξύ των ομάδων στα μετατριχοειδή φλεβίδια μεγέθους 2 (PC2). Τα στατιστικά συμπεράσματα για τις ροές όγκου αίματος ήταν παρόμοια με τις ταχύτητες.Συμπεράσματα: Η φυσιολογική κύηση αυξάνει σημαντικά την αξονική ταχύτητα αίματος (Vax) στα τριχοειδή αγγεία (CAP) με διάμετρο < 9 μm.
Διερεύνηση του κοινωνικο-οικονομικού προφίλ των συμμετεχόντων/ουσών σε Μαζικά Ανοιχτά Διαδικτυακά Μαθήματα (MOOCs) στην Ελλάδα
Authors: Παπαγεωργίου Ναπολέων
Published: January 2023

Τα Μαζικά Ανοιχτά Διαδικτυακά Μαθήματα (MOOCs) είναι κυρίως ακαδημαϊκά μαθήματα που πραγματοποιούνται στα αντίστοιχα εκπαιδευτικά ιδρύματα ή δημιουργούνται από εκπαιδευτικούς οργανισμούς και έπειτα καταχωρούνται στο Διαδίκτυο, όπου είναι ελεύθερα προσβάσιμα σε κάθε άτομο που επιθυμεί να τα παρακολουθήσει. Τα μαθήματα αυτά εντάσσονται στο πλαίσιο δράσεων προώθησης της ελεύθερης και δωρεάν πρόσβασης στη γνώση και στον εκδημοκρατισμό της εκπαίδευσης, με τη χρήση νέων τεχνολογιών πληροφορικής και επικοινωνίας και κυρίως του Διαδικτύου. Η παρούσα έρευνα εστιάζει στην Ελλάδα και το κεντρικό ερώτημα που διερευνάται αφορά το κατά πόσο και με ποιους τρόπους τα MOOCs (Massive Open Online Courses) αξιοποιούνται από συμμετέχοντες/ουσες με διαφορετικό εκπαιδευτικό και κοινωνικο-οικονομικό υπόβαθρο. Παράλληλα, εξετάστηκαν τα κίνητρα συμμετοχής σε MOOCs και η αξιολόγηση αυτής της νέας εκπαιδευτικής τάσης από τους συμμετέχοντες/ουσες. Επακόλουθα, διαμορφώθηκαν προτάσεις αύξησης συμμετοχής σε MOOCs, οι οποίες και παρατίθενται, με στόχο την άμβλυνση των εκπαιδευτικών ανισοτήτων και την ενίσχυση της κοινωνικής κινητικότητας. Για την υλοποίηση της μελέτης επιλέχτηκε η μεικτή μεθοδολογία και πιο συγκεκριμένα, το μοντέλο του Διερευνητικού Ακολουθιακού Σχεδιασμού (Exploratory Sequential Design), κατά το οποίο οι δύο κύριες μεθοδολογικές προσεγγίσεις κοινωνικής και εκπαιδευτικής έρευνας, η ποιοτική και η ποσοτική, χρησιμοποιούνται διαδοχικά. Αρχικά, υλοποιήθηκε η ποιοτική μελέτη και αναλύθηκαν τα ποιοτικά δεδομένα που παρήχθησαν από 20 ημι-δομημένες συνεντεύξεις. Έπειτα, σχεδιάστηκε και διεξήχθη η ποσοτική μελέτη με τη χρήση δομημένου ερωτηματολογίου σε δείγμα 513 συμμετεχόντων/ουσών σε MOOCs στην Ελλάδα. Το ερευνητικό εργαλείο της ποσοτικής μελέτης διαμορφώθηκε βάσει της βιβλιογραφίας και των ερευνητικών υποθέσεων, ενώ ενσωματώθηκαν και τα αποτελέσματα της ποιοτικής μελέτης που προηγήθηκε, αυξάνοντας την εγκυρότητά του. Τα αποτελέσματα της έρευνας συμβάλλουν στην κατανόηση του κοινωνικο-οικονομικού προφίλ των συμμετεχόντων/ουσών σε MOOCs στην Ελλάδα αναδεικνύοντας την αξιοποίηση των MOOCs από άτομα που κατέχουν ήδη ένα ικανοποιητικό μορφωτικό επίπεδο. Τα αποτελέσματα υποδεικνύουν, επίσης, την ικανότητα των MOOCs να ενισχύσουν την κοινωνική κινητικότητα αλλά και την αναγκαιότητα να αξιοποιηθούν περισσότερο και από άτομα και κοινωνικές ομάδες με χαμηλό και μεσαίο μορφωτικό επίπεδο, ώστε να λειτουργήσουν ως εργαλεία άμβλυνσης των εκπαιδευτικών και κοινωνικών ανισοτήτων.
Διεθνής διακυβέρνηση του καθεστώτος της Κασπίας Θάλασσας
Authors: Σοϊλεμεζίδου Μαρίνα
Published: January 2023

Το ζήτημα του νομικού καθεστώτος της Κασπίας Θάλασσας αναδύθηκε αμέσως μετά την κατάρρευση της Σοβιετικής Ένωσης με τη δημιουργία τριών νέων παράκτιων κρατών (Αζερμπαϊτζάν, Καζακστάν και Τουρκμενιστάν). Μέχρι το 1991 το καθεστώς της Κασπίας λειτουργούσε βάσει των διεθνών Συνθηκών του 1921 και του 1940 μεταξύ Ρωσίας / ΕΣΣΔ και Περσίας / Ιράν. Ο κύριος λόγος ανάγκης οριοθέτησης της Θάλασσας μεταξύ των 5 παράκτιων κρατών ήταν τα μεγάλα αποθέματα υδρογονανθράκων σε υποθαλάσσια και παράκτια κοιτάσματα, καθώς και η αλιεία πολύτιμων οξυρριγχοειδών. Στην εργασία αναλύονται φυσικογεωγραφικά χαρακτηριστικά της Κασπίας Θάλασσας ως παράγοντας, βάσει του οποίου η Κασπία Θάλασσα θα μπορούσε να αποκτήσει τον νομικό χαρακτηρισμό ως θάλασσα ή ως λίμνη · και βάσει των οποίων καθορίζονται πολιτικές για την προστασία του ευάλωτου περιβάλλοντός της με αυξανόμενη παραγωγή και μεταφορά υδρογονανθράκων σε συνθήκες «κλειστού ενδοηπειρωτικού υδάτινου σώματος». Προτείνεται νέος γεωγραφικός όρος αποκλειστικά για την Κασπία Θάλασσα - «θάλασσα υπολειμματικού χαρακτήρα».Η ανάλυση της γεωπολιτικής και εν μέρει γεωοικονομικής κατάστασης στην ευρύτερη περιοχή της Κασπίας και των σχέσεων μεταξύ των πέντε παράκτιων κρατών και Δυνάμεων με συμφέροντα στην ευρύτερη περιοχή (ΗΠΑ, ΕΕ, Κίνα και Τουρκία) αποκαλύπτει κατά κύριο λόγο τα αίτια αλληλεξάρτησης μεταξύ τους και τους λόγους καθυστέρησης στις διαπραγματεύσεις για το νέο νομικό καθεστώς της Κασπίας. Προς τη βαθύτερη κατανόηση της δυσκολίας και της πολυπλοκότητας της διακυβέρνησης, της δημιουργίας και της εγκαθίδρυσης του νέου νομικού καθεστώτος παρατίθεται εν συντομία η εξελικτική πορεία του ιδιαίτερου καθεστώτος της Θάλασσας από το 1923 ως το 1940. Η λεπτομερής περιγραφή και ανάλυση της διαπραγματευτικής διαδικασίας για το νομικό καθεστώς της Κασπίας Θάλασσας από 1991 έως το 2018 πραγματοποιήθηκε υπό το πρίσμα της Θεωρίας της Δημιουργικής Διεθνούς Διαπραγμάτευσης (International Creative Negotiation) με γνώμονα το κοινό συμφέρον των Μερών (Ε. Ραυτόπουλος). Στην 27ετή πορεία των διεθνών διαπραγματεύσεων μεταξύ των παράκτιων κρατών διακρίθηκαν Φάσεις και Στάδια εξέλιξης, τα οποία αποτυπώθηκαν συνοπτικά στο Χρονοδιάγραμμα της εν λόγω Διαπραγματευτικής Διαδικασίας.Η εργασία ολοκληρώνεται με ανάλυση και αξιολόγηση της διακυβέρνησης του διεθνούς καθεστώτος της Κασπίας Θάλασσας, της θέσης του ειδικού καθεστώτος στο Διεθνές Δίκαιο, του ολοκληρωμένου συμβατικού καθεστώτος της Κασπίας, συμπεριλαμβανομένης και της Σύμβασης της Τεχεράνης (2003), καθώς και της σημασίας των ως άνω για τα κράτη της περιοχής, την ασφάλεια στην ευρύτερη περιοχή, τη διατήρηση της Παγκόσμιας Κληρονομιάς της Κασπίας Θάλασσας και για το Διεθνές Δίκαιο.