bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
4D genetic networks reveal the genetic basis of metabolites and seed oil-related traits in 398 soybean RILs
Authors: Han Xu , Zhang Ya-Wen , Liu Jin-Yang , Zuo Jian-Fang , Zhang Ze-Chang , Guo Liang , Zhang Yuan-Ming
Published: September 2022

Background

The yield and quality of soybean oil are determined by seed oil-related traits, and metabolites/lipids act as bridges between genes and traits. Although there are many studies on the mode of inheritance of metabolites or traits, studies on multi-dimensional genetic network (MDGN) are limited.

Results

In this study, six seed oil-related traits, 59 metabolites, and 107 lipids in 398 recombinant inbred lines, along with their candidate genes and miRNAs, were used to construct an MDGN in soybean. Around 175 quantitative trait loci (QTLs), 36 QTL-by-environment interactions, and 302 metabolic QTL clusters, 70 and 181 candidate genes, including 46 and 70 known homologs, were previously reported to be associated with the traits and metabolites, respectively. Gene regulatory networks were constructed using co-expression, protein–protein interaction, and transcription factor binding site and miRNA target predictions between candidate genes and 26 key miRNAs. Using modern statistical methods, 463 metabolite–lipid, 62 trait–metabolite, and 89 trait–lipid associations were found to be significant. Integrating these associations into the above networks, an MDGN was constructed, and 128 sub-networks were extracted. Among these sub-networks, the gene–trait or gene–metabolite relationships in 38 sub-networks were in agreement with previous studies, e.g., oleic acid (trait)–GmSEI–GmDGAT1a–triacylglycerol (16:0/18:2/18:3), gene and metabolite in each of 64 sub-networks were predicted to be in the same pathway, e.g., oleic acid (trait)–GmPHS–d-glucose, and others were new, e.g., triacylglycerol (16:0/18:1/18:2)–GmbZIP123–GmHD-ZIPIII-10–miR166s–oil content.

Conclusions

This study showed the advantages of MGDN in dissecting the genetic relationships between complex traits and metabolites. Using sub-networks in MGDN, 3D genetic sub-networks including pyruvate/threonine/citric acid revealed genetic relationships between carbohydrates, oil, and protein content, and 4D genetic sub-networks including PLDs revealed the relationships between oil-related traits and phospholipid metabolism likely influenced by the environment. This study will be helpful in soybean quality improvement and molecular biological research.
A community approach for pathogens and their arthropod vectors (ticks and fleas) in cats of sub-Saharan Africa
Authors: Madder Maxime , Day Michael , Schunack Bettina , Fourie Josephus , Labuschange Michel , van der Westhuizen Wouter , Johnson Sherry , Githigia Samuel Maina , Akande Foluke Adedayo , Nzalawahe Jahashi Saidi , Tayebwa Dickson Stuart , Aschenborn Ortwin , Marcondes Mary , Heylen Dieter
Published: September 2022

Background

Arthropod-borne pathogens and their vectors are present throughout Africa. They have been well studied in livestock of sub-Saharan Africa, but poorly studied in companion animals. Given their socioeconomic importance, the African Small Companion Animal Network (AFSCAN), as part of the WSAVA Foundation, initiated a standardized multi-country surveillance study.

Methods

In six countries (Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, Tanzania, Uganda, and Namibia) in both rural and urban settings, 160 infested cats were sampled to assess their ectoparasite community (ticks and fleas), as well as the micro-parasite prevalence within those ectoparasites (60 and 118 pools of ticks and fleas, respectively) and blood (276 cats, including 116 non-infested).

Results

Almost two thirds of all infested cats originated from Tanzania and Kenya. Despite the large macro-geographical variation, no consistent difference was found in ectoparasite diversity and numbers between East and West Africa. Far more flea-infested than tick-infested cats were found. The most dominant ectoparasite was Ctenocephalides felis. Among the ticks, the exophilic Haemaphysalis spp. were the commonest, including species that are not typically linked with companion animals (Haemaphysalis spinulosa and Haemaphysalis elliptica). The most prevalent pathogens found in the blood and fleas were Bartonella henselae and Mycoplasma haemofelis. In the ticks, the dog-associated Hepatozoon canis was most commonly found. A high degree of co-parasitism was found in all countries and habitats.

Conclusions

Our continent-wide standardized field study highlights the cat’s potential to serve as a reservoir of pathogens that can be transmitted to humans or livestock, especially when cats are expected to become more commonly kept in African villages and towns.

Graphical Abstract
A methodological framework for evaluating transitions in acute care services in the Netherlands to achieve Triple Aim
Authors: Minderhout Rosa Naomi , Numans Mattijs E. , Vos Hedwig M. M. , Bruijnzeels Marc A.
Published: September 2022

Objective

The accessibility of acute care services is currently under pressure, and one way to improve services is better integration. Adequate methodology will be required to provide for a clear and accessible evaluation of the various intervention initiatives. The aim of this paper is to develop and propose a Population Health Management(PHM) methodology framework for evaluation of transitions in acute care services.

Results

Our methodological framework is developed from several concepts found in literature, including Triple Aim, integrated care and PHM, and includes continuous monitoring of results at both project and population levels. It is based on a broad view of health rather than focusing on a specific illness and facilitates the evaluation of various intervention initiatives in acute care services in the Netherlands and distinctly explains every step of the evaluation process and can be applied to a heterogeneous group of patients.
3D tissue-engineered lung models to study immune responses following viral infections of the small airways
Authors: Do Taylor , Synan Lilly , Ali Gibran , Gappa-Fahlenkamp Heather
Published: September 2022

Small airway infections caused by respiratory viruses are some of the most prevalent causes of illness and death. With the recent worldwide pandemic due to the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), there is currently a push in developing models to better understand respiratory diseases. Recent advancements have made it possible to create three-dimensional (3D) tissue-engineered models of different organs. The 3D environment is crucial to study physiological, pathophysiological, and immunomodulatory responses against different respiratory conditions. A 3D human tissue-engineered lung model that exhibits a normal immunological response against infectious agents could elucidate viral and host determinants. To create 3D small airway lung models in vitro, resident epithelial cells at the air–liquid interface are co-cultured with fibroblasts, myeloid cells, and endothelial cells. The air–liquid interface is a key culture condition to develop and differentiate airway epithelial cells in vitro. Primary human epithelial and myeloid cells are considered the best 3D model for studying viral immune responses including migration, differentiation, and the release of cytokines. Future studies may focus on utilizing bioreactors to scale up the production of 3D human tissue-engineered lung models. This review outlines the use of various cell types, scaffolds, and culture conditions for creating 3D human tissue-engineered lung models. Further, several models used to study immune responses against respiratory viruses, such as the respiratory syncytial virus, are analyzed, showing how the microenvironment aids in understanding immune responses elicited after viral infections.
Review of techniques and models used in optical chemical structure recognition in images and scanned documents
Authors: Musazade Fidan , Jamalova Narmin , Hasanov Jamaladdin
Published: September 2022

Extraction of chemical formulas from images was not in the top priority of Computer Vision tasks for a while. The complexity both on the input and prediction sides has made this task challenging for the conventional Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning problems. A binary input image which might seem trivial for convolutional analysis was not easy to classify, since the provided sample was not representative of the given molecule: to describe the same formula, a variety of graphical representations which do not resemble each other can be used. Considering the variety of molecules, the problem shifted from classification to that of formula generation, which makes Natural Language Processing (NLP) a good candidate for an effective solution. This paper describes the evolution of approaches from rule-based structure analyses to complex statistical models, and compares the efficiency of models and methodologies used in the recent years. Although the latest achievements deliver ideal results on particular datasets, the authors mention possible problems for various scenarios and provide suggestions for further development.
Mixture and interpolation of the parameterized ordered means
Authors: Kim Sejong
Published: September 2022

Loewner partial order plays a very important role in metric topology and operator inequality on the open convex cone of positive invertible operators. In this paper, we consider a family
G
=

{

G
n

}

n
∈
N

of the ordered means for positive invertible operators equipped with homogeneity and properties related to the Loewner partial order such as the monotonicity, joint concavity, and arithmetic-G-harmonic weighted mean inequalities. Similar to the resolvent average, we construct a parameterized ordered mean and compare two types of mixtures of parameterized ordered means in terms of the Loewner order. We also show a relation between two families of parameterized ordered means associated with the power mean monotonic interpolating given two parameterized ordered means.
Novel treatment combining antiviral and neutralizing antibody-based therapies with monitoring of spike-specific antibody and viral load for immunocompromised patients with persistent COVID-19 infection
Authors: Wada Daiki , Nakamori Yasushi , Maruyama Shuhei , Shimazu Haruka , Saito Fukuki , Yoshiya Kazuhisa , Kuwagata Yasuyuki
Published: September 2022

Because prolonged viral replication of SARS-CoV-2 is increasingly being recognized among immunocompromised patients, subacute or chronic COVID-19 pneumonia can cause persistent lung damage and may lead to viral escape phenomena. Highly efficacious antiviral therapies in immunosuppressed hosts with COVID-19 are urgently needed. From February 2022, we introduced novel treatment combining antiviral therapies and neutralizing antibodies with frequent monitoring of spike-specific antibody and RT-PCR cycle threshold (Ct) values as indicators of viral load for immunocompromised patients with persistent COVID-19 infection. We applied this treatment to 10 immunosuppressed patients with COVID-19, and all completed treatment without relapse of infection. This may be a potentially successful treatment strategy that enables us to sustain viral clearance, determine optimal timing to stop treatment, and prevent virus reactivation in immunocompromised patients with persistent COVID-19.
Subcutaneous axillary primary epithelioid hemangioendothelioma: report of a rare case
Authors: Niwa Takayoshi , Konishi Takaaki , Sasahara Asako , Sato Ayaka , Morizono Arisa , Harada Mayumi , Nishioka Kotoe , Fukuoka Osamu , Makise Naohiro , Saito Yuki , Ando Mizuo , Yoshimoto Takako , Shikama Takeshi , Yamashita Satoshi , Tanabe Masahiko , Seto Yasuyuki
Published: September 2022

Background

Epithelioid hemangioendothelioma (EHE) is a rare and slow-growing malignant vascular neoplasm composed of epithelioid endothelial cells within a distinctive myxohyaline stroma. It most commonly involves somatic soft tissue, lungs, liver and bone. Herein, we describe a case of EHE arising in the axillary region.

Case presentation

A 61-year-old man was under observation for multiple hepatic hemangiomas. Fluorodeoxyglucose–positron emission tomography/computed tomography showed specific uptake in a right axillary tumor. The patient was referred to our department for further investigation of the axillary tumor. An elastic-soft and poorly mobile tumor was palpable in the right axilla. Contrast-enhanced computed tomography showed a right axillary tumor and enlarged hepatic hemangiomas. In addition, multiple nodules in both lungs, a left renal angiomyolipoma, and left adrenal adenoma were revealed. Ultrasonography showed masses in both lobes of the thyroid gland, and a 30-mm lobulated hypoechoic mass in the axilla with well-defined and rough borders, showing internal heterogeneity. Fine-needle aspiration cytology was performed on the thyroid and axillary tumors: the thyroid tumor was class V, raising suspicion of papillary thyroid cancer (PTC); the left superior internal jugular node was class V, raising suspicion of metastasis of PTC; and the axillary tumor was class III, raising suspicion of a mesenchymal tumor with few epithelioid cells. The multiple lung nodules were diagnosed as metastatic tumors derived from thyroid cancer. We diagnosed these diseases as PTC of T1b(m)N1bM1(lung) Stage IVB and a right axillary tumor of unclear origin. However, it was assumed to be a primary mesenchymal tumor or a lymph node metastasis from lung cancer or occult breast cancer. We performed total thyroidectomy, left cervical lymph node dissection, and right axillary tumor excision. Histopathologic examination revealed the thyroid tumor as a PTC and the axillary tumor as an EHE. The EHE showed nuclear atypia, necrosis and high mitotic figures. Hence, it was considered to be a high-risk EHE.

Conclusions

We experienced a rare primary subcutaneous axillary EHE with metastatic thyroid cancer in the lung. Since our case was classified as a high-risk EHE, a close follow-up would be appropriate.
Patient reported outcomes measures (PROMs) trajectories after elective hip arthroplasty: a latent class and growth mixture analysis
Authors: Golinelli Davide , Grassi Alberto , Tedesco Dario , Sanmarchi Francesco , Rosa Simona , Rucci Paola , Amabile Marilina , Cosentino Monica , Bordini Barbara , Fantini Maria Pia , Zaffagnini Stefano
Published: September 2022

Background

Patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) are an extensively used tool to assess and improve the quality of healthcare services. PROMs can be related to individual demographic and clinical characteristics in patients undergoing hip arthroplasty (HA). The aim of this study is to identify distinct subgroups of patients with unique trajectories of PROMS scores and to determine patients’ features associated with these subgroups.

Methods

We conducted a prospective, cohort study in which PROMs questionnaires (Euro Quality 5 Dimensions 3L, EQ-5D-3L, Euro-Quality-Visual-Analytic-Score, EQ-VAS, Hip disability and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score, HOOS-PS) were administered to patients undergoing elective HA pre-operatively, and at 6 and 12 months after surgery. For each measure, latent class growth analysis and growth mixture models were used to identify subgroups of patients with distinct trajectories of scores. Demografic and clinical predictors of the latent classes in growth mixture model were identified using a 3-step approach.

Results

We found three distinct trajectories for each PROM score. These trajectories indicated a response heterogeneity to the HA among the patients (n = 991). Patient’s gender, ASA score, and obesity were significantly associated with different PROMs trajectories.

Conclusions

We identified three distinct trajectories for each of the three PROMs indicators. Several demographic and clinical characteristics are associated with the different trajectories of PROMs at 6 and 12 months after HA and could be used to identify groups of patients with different outcomes following HA surgery. These findings underline the importance of patient-centered care, supporting the usefulness of integrating PROMs data alongside routinely collected healthcare records for guiding clinical care and maximizing patients’ positive outcomes.

Trial registration: Protocol version (1.0) and trial registration data are available on the platform www.clinicaltrial.gov with the identifier NCT03790267, posted on December 31, 2018.
Prominent Pseudo-Angiovascular invasion by benign gallbladder epithelium and bile emboli in a patient with delayed cholecystectomy due to COVID-19 positive test
Authors: Miller Quinn , Dave Nishi , Popnikolov Nikolay , Bruce Sidney D. , Mesa Hector
Published: September 2022

Lymphovascular invasion is a hallmark of malignant neoplasms, however the presence of benign epithelium within vessels has been reported in benign processes, albeit infrequently. The proposed mechanism to explain this phenomenon entails mechanical displacement of benign epithelium into the vascular spaces during surgical manipulation or diagnostic interventions. We report a case of numerous benign epithelial vascular emboli in a cholecystectomy specimen. A 29-year-old male presented with acute calculous cholecystitis. Surgery was delayed for several weeks due to COVID-19 infection. Histologic examination of the gallbladder showed subacute cholecystitis, widespread vascular epithelial emboli with associated fibrin deposition and bile embolism supporting an in vivo process. The epithelial emboli were localized in small veins and arterioles with D2–40−/CD31+/CD34+ endothelium. The displaced epithelium showed benign cytologic features, was negative for p53 expression, and had a Ki-67 labelling index like the benign background mucosa, supporting a benign process. There was no evidence of dysplasia or malignancy in the specimen after thorough sampling. Persistent inflammation, mucosal ulceration, transmural mucosal herniation (Rokitansky-Aschoff sinuses), and protracted surgical manipulation secondary to adhesive disease are favored to be the underlying causes of this unusual histologic finding. Although we presume an uneventful outcome, clinical follow up was recommended. COVID-19 infection likely contributed to this phenomenon by causing a delay in the surgical management.
VI Brazilian consensus guidelines for detection of anti-cell autoantibodies on HEp-2 cells
Authors: Cruvinel Wilson de Melo , Andrade Luis Eduardo Coelho , Dellavance Alessandra , Ximenes Antônio Carlos , Bichara Carlos David Araújo , Mangueira Cristóvão Luis Pitangueira , Bonfá Eloísa , de Almeida Brito Fabiano , Mariz Henrique Ataíde , dos Anjos Lisiane Maria Enriconi , Pasoto Sandra Gofinet , Valim Valeria , dos Santos Wilton Ferreira Silva , Gomes Clayson Moura , Neves Roberpaulo Anacleto , Francescantonio Paulo Luiz Carvalho
Published: September 2022

Background

The VI Brazilian Consensus on Autoantibodies against HEp-2 cells for determination of autoantibodies against cellular constituents on HEp-2 cells was held on September, 2019, in Fortaleza (CE, Brazil). The guidelines in this edition were formulated by the group of Brazilian experts discussing the classification of complex patterns, the classification of the nuclear discrete dots (few and multiple), the identification of the discrete fine speckled pattern (AC-4a) and improvements on the ANA report.

Mainbody

Sixteen Brazilian researchers and experts from universities and clinical laboratories representing the various geographical regions of Brazil participated in the meeting. Four main topics were discussed: (1) How to classify patterns with fluorescence in more than one cell compartment considering three relevant categoris: composite patterns, mixed patterns and multiple patterns; (2) The splitting of the discrete nuclear dots pattern into the multiple discrete nuclear dots (AC-6) and few discrete nuclear dots (AC-7) patterns, respectively; (3) Inclusion of a novel nuclear pattern characterized by discrete fine speckled pattern highly associated with antibodies to SS-A/Ro60, classified as AC-4a. In addition, adjustments on the Brazilian Consensus nomenclature were implemented aiming to harmonize the designation of some patterns with the International Consensus on ANA Patterns (ICAP). Furthermore, the designations of the PCNA-like pattern (AC-13), CENP-F-like pattern (AC-14) and Topo I-like pattern (AC-29) were adjusted in accordance to ICAP. Finally, there was a recommendation for adjustment in the test report in order to address the status of nuclear envelope staining. For all topics, the aim was to establish specific guidelines for laboratories and clinicians. All recommendations were based on consensus among participants. All recommendations from the V Consensus were maintained and there was relevant progress in the BCA/HEp-2 guidelines and further harmonization with ICAP.

Conclusion

The VI BCA/HEp-2 edition was successful in establishing important recommendations regarding the classification of complex patterns, in supporting the identification of a novel pattern within the AC-4 group and in the harmonization process with the ICAP terminology.
Correlation of host factor with virological response to direct-acting antiviral treatment in hepatitis C patients
Authors: Rusman Resha Dermawansyah , Daud Nu’man AS , Parewangi Muhammad Luthfi , Bakri Syakib , Aman Andi Makbul , Rasyid Haerani , Seweng Arifin , Tahir Akiko Syawalidhany
Published: September 2022

Background

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is the global epidemic of this century, affecting almost 100 million people, and it is now the leading cause of liver-related mortality and liver transplantation. Interferon (IFN)-α was introduced as the first treatment for chronic hepatitis C but had several limitations, including factors that cause unresponsiveness to therapy, such as viral and host factors. The availability of non-interferon antiviral agents, direct-acting antivirals (DAAs), has led to a major paradigm shift in the treatment of HCV infection. This therapy has been shown to achieve higher cure rates and minimal side effect profiles in clinical trials. This study is aimed to determine the correlation between host factors, such as age, gender, and body mass index (BMI) with virological response to DAA treatment in hepatitis C patients.

Result

Observational research with a retrospective cohort approach was conducted at Wahidin Sudirohusodo Hospital, Makassar, Indonesia, from April 2021 to October 2021. The virological response was assessed using HCV-RNA quantitative and sustained virological response (SVR) 12 weeks after therapy. The research was conducted on 86 subjects consisting of 57 men and 29 women with a mean age of 48.69±13.94 years and mean BMI of 23.17±3.71 kg/m2, with SVR12 up to 90.7%. Study analysis did not find a significant correlation between age, gender, and BMI, with virological response SVR12 of chronic hepatitis C patients with direct-acting antiviral (p>0.05).

Conclusion

Age, gender, and body mass index do not influence the success of DAA therapy.
Language profile in different kinds of apraxia in post-stroke patients
Authors: Sheikhany Ayaatallah R. , Othman Dalia M. , Elshebl Omnia Z. , Abdelhady Aisha F.
Published: September 2022

Background

Stroke affects all aspects of communication of patients by causing disorders of motor control (dysarthria or apraxia) or language (dysphasia) or both. The aim of this study is to evaluate language skills in patients post-stroke presented with comorbidity with different types of apraxia.

Methods

An analytical cross-sectional study was carried out, and a number of 58 stroke adults with comorbid apraxic manifestations of various types were included after assessing them using the protocol of motor programming skills that was extracted from thesis titled “Assessment protocol of motor programming skills after cerebrovascular insults” from October 2016 to July 2018. They were subjected to the interview and personal history taking, and a modified comprehensive aphasia test to determine their language profile.

Results

Patients with verbal apraxia showed difficulty with tasks tapping verbal fluency, repetition, and picture description. The language deficits in ideational apraxia patients included cognition tasks, verbal fluency, sentence comprehension, and naming. Constructional apraxia patients showed language deficits in word comprehension, complex word repetition, and naming. Limb apraxia showed greater deficits on tasks tapping working memory and processing speed while buccofacial apraxia was accompanied by fewer language deficits in reading and repeating complex words.

Conclusion

Heterogeneous language profile was found in different types of apraxia.
Seismic performance of cable-stayed bridges with different geometric conditions
Authors: Fawzy Ahmed M. , El-Kashif Khaled F. , Abdalla Hany A.
Published: September 2022

Cable-stayed bridges have gained greater coverage in the last few decades. This study focuses mainly on two parameters. Firstly, the shape of pylons; the performance of many shapes is investigated after being exposed to an earthquake. Secondly, the effect of changing deck width of an inverted Y-shaped pylon with variation in main span length. The numerical study was performed using MIDAS civil software. It was concluded that the most efficient pylon shape in terms of seismic performance was that of pyramid shape followed by a delta shape. In addition, it was found that changing deck width for the same main span gives a negligible difference to normalized shear force.
Revolution qua Restoration
Authors: Tomba Massimiliano
Published: September 2022

Revolution and restoration are usually understood as opposite terms. This article aims to disarticulate this binary. Suppose the modern concept of revolution can be defined as a project of social reorganization led by the state or by a constituent power that aims to become the state. In that case, the restoration is a defense of society, institutions, traditions, and customs from the state. However, restoration is also an expression of a different political orientation of the revolutionary trajectory. The temporality of revolution is mainly future oriented, whereas the restorative temporality implies continuity, the reactivation of institutions from the past, and their experimentation in everyday life. These two temporal dimensions are intertwined. They can either combine in new political configurations or oppose each other in progress and regress, forward and backward. This article examines the Zapatista insurgency in Chiapas as an example that combines the two temporal dimensions.
Intracranial Artery Morphology in Pediatric Moya Moya Disease and Moya Moya Syndrome
Authors: Yedavalli Vivek S. , Quon Jennifer L. , Tong Elizabeth , van Staalduinen Eric K. , Mouches Pauline , Kim Lily H. , Steinberg Gary K. , Grant Gerald A. , Yeom Kristen W. , Forkert Nils D.
Published: September 2022

BACKGROUND:

Moya Moya disease (MMD) and Moya Moya syndrome (MMS) are cerebrovascular disorders, which affect the internal carotid arteries (ICAs). Diagnosis and surveillance of MMD/MMS in children mostly rely on qualitative evaluation of vascular imaging, especially MR angiography (MRA).

OBJECTIVE:

To quantitatively characterize arterial differences in pediatric patients with MMD/MMS compared with normal controls.

METHODS:

MRA data sets from 17 presurgery MMD/MMS (10M/7F, mean age = 10.0 years) patients were retrospectively collected and compared with MRA data sets of 98 children with normal vessel morphology (49 male patients; mean age = 10.6 years). Using a level set segmentation method with anisotropic energy weights, the cerebral arteries were automatically extracted and used to compute the radius of the ICA, middle cerebral artery (MCA), anterior cerebral artery (ACA), posterior cerebral artery (PCA), and basilar artery (BA). Moreover, the density and the average radius of all arteries in the MCA, ACA, and PCA flow territories were quantified.

RESULTS:

Statistical analysis revealed significant differences comparing children with MMD/MMS and those with normal vasculature (P < .001), whereas post hoc analyses identified significantly smaller radii of the ICA, MCA-M1, MCA-M2, and ACA (P < .001) in the MMD/MMS group. No significant differences were found for the radii of the PCA and BA or any artery density and average artery radius measurement in the flow territories (P > .05).

CONCLUSION:

His study describes the results of an automatic approach for quantitative characterization of the cerebrovascular system in patients with MMD/MMS with promising preliminary results for quantitative surveillance in pediatric MMD/MMS management.
Neurostimulation for Functional Recovery After Traumatic Brain Injury: Current Evidence and Future Directions for Invasive Surgical Approaches
Authors: Tiefenbach Jakov , Chan Hugh H. , Machado Andre G. , Baker Kenneth B.
Published: September 2022

We aim to provide a comprehensive review of the current scientific evidence supporting the use of invasive neurostimulation in the treatment of deficits associated with traumatic brain injury (TBI), as well as to identify future directions for research and highlight important questions that remain unaddressed. Neurostimulation is a treatment modality with expanding applications in modern medical practice. Targeted electrical stimulation of specific brain regions has been shown to increase synaptogenesis and enhance structural reorganization of neuronal networks. This underlying therapeutic effect might be of high value for patients suffering from TBI because it could modulate neuronal connectivity and function of areas that are partially or completely spared after injury. The current published literature exploring the application of invasive neurostimulation for the treatment of functional deficits associated with TBI is scarce but promising. Rodent models have shown that targeted stimulation of the hippocampus or connecting structures can result in significant cognitive recovery, while stimulation of the motor cortex and deep cerebellar nuclei is associated with motor improvements. Data from clinical studies are extremely limited; single-patient reports and case series found neurostimulation to be effective in relieving motor symptoms, improving visuospatial memory, and supporting emotional adjustment. Looking forward, it will be important to identify stimulation targets and paradigms that can maximize improvement over multiple functional domains. It will also be important to corroborate the observed behavioral improvements with histological, electrophysiological, and radiological evidence. Finally, the impact of biological variables such as sex and age on the treatment outcomes needs to be explored.
Impact of BRCA Mutation Status on Tumor Dissemination Pattern, Surgical Outcome and Patient Survival in Primary and Recurrent High-Grade Serous Ovarian Cancer: A Multicenter Retrospective Study by the Ovarian Cancer Therapy-Innovative Models Prolong Survival (OCTIPS) Consortium
Authors: Glajzer Jacek , Castillo-Tong Dan Cacsire , Richter Rolf , Vergote Ignace , Kulbe Hagen , Vanderstichele Adriaan , Ruscito Ilary , Trillsch Fabian , Mustea Alexander , Kreuzinger Caroline , Gourley Charlie , Gabra Hani , Taube Eliane T. , Dorigo Oliver , Horst David , Keunecke Carlotta , Baum Joanna , Angelotti Timothy , Sehouli Jalid , Braicu Elena Ioana
Published: September 2022

Background

This study seeks to evaluate the impact of breast cancer (BRCA) gene status on tumor dissemination pattern, surgical outcome and survival in a multicenter cohort of paired primary ovarian cancer (pOC) and recurrent ovarian cancer (rOC).

Patients and Methods

Medical records and follow-up data from 190 patients were gathered retrospectively. All patients had surgery at pOC and at least one further rOC surgery at four European high-volume centers. Patients were divided into one cohort with confirmed mutation for BRCA1 and/or BRCA2 (BRCAmut) and a second cohort with BRCA wild type or unknown (BRCAwt). Patterns of tumor presentation, surgical outcome and survival data were analyzed between the two groups.

Results

Patients with BRCAmut disease were on average 4 years younger and had significantly more tumor involvement upon diagnosis. Patients with BRCAmut disease showed higher debulking rates at all stages. Multivariate analysis showed that only patient age had significant predictive value for complete tumor resection in pOC. At rOC, however, only BRCAmut status significantly correlated with optimal debulking. Patients with BRCAmut disease showed significantly prolonged overall survival (OS) by 24.3 months. Progression-free survival (PFS) was prolonged in the BRCAmut group at all stages as well, reaching statistical significance during recurrence.

Conclusions

Patients with BRCAmut disease showed a more aggressive course of disease with earlier onset and more extensive tumor dissemination at pOC. However, surgical outcome and OS were significantly better in patients with BRCAmut disease compared with patients with BRCAwt disease. We therefore propose to consider BRCAmut status in regard to patient selection for cytoreductive surgery, especially in rOC.
Expanding our concept of simulation in radiology: a “Radiology Requesting” session for undergraduate medical students
Authors: Hartley James , Agrawal Bobby , Narang Karamveer , Kelliher Edel , Lunn Elizabeth , Bhudia Roshni
Published: September 2022

Objectives:

Whilst radiology is central to the modern practice of medicine, graduating doctors often feel unprepared for radiology in practice. Traditional radiological education focuses on image interpretation. Key areas which are undertaught include communication skills relating to the radiology department. We sought to design teaching to fill this important gap.

Methods:

We developed a small group session using in situ simulation to enable final and penultimate year medical students to develop radiology-related communication and reasoning skills. Students were given realistic cases, and then challenged to gather further information and decide on appropriate radiology before having the opportunity to call a consultant radiologist on a hospital phone and simulate requesting the appropriate imaging with high fidelity. We evaluated the impact of the teaching through before-and-after Likert scales asking students about their confidence with various aspects of requesting imaging, and qualitatively through open-ended short answer questionnaires.

Results:

The session was delivered to 99 students over 24 sessions. Self-reported confidence in discussing imaging increased from an average of 1.7/5 to 3.4/5 as a result of the teaching (p < 0.001) and students perceived that they had developed key skills in identifying and communicating relevant information.

Conclusions:

The success of this innovative session suggests that it could form a key part of future undergraduate radiology education, and that the method could be applied in other areas to broaden the application of simulation.

Advances in knowledge:

This study highlights a gap in undergraduate medical education. It describes and demonstrates the effectiveness of an intervention to fill this gap.
On clustering, classification and dictionary learning
Authors: Γεωργογιάννης Αλέξανδρος
Published: September 2022

Το πρόβλημα της ελαχιστοποίησης κόστους με βάση εμπειρικά δεδομένα είναι αρκετά γενικό και περιλαμβάνει ως ειδικές περιπτώσεις τρία βασικά στατιστικά προβλήματα: i) το πρόβλημα της ταξινόμησης προτύπων, ii) το πρόβλημα της ομαδοποίησης/συσταδοποίησης δεδομένων και iii) το πρόβλημα της εκμάθησης λεξικών από δεδομένα. Η ταξινόμηση και η συσταδοποίησης έχουν μακρά ιστορία, ενώ η εκμάθηση λεξικών είναι ένας πρόσφατος κλάδος της μηχανικής μάθησης που στοχεύει στην εύρεση ενός πίνακα, ή αλλιώς λεξικού, που παρέχει αραιές αναπαραστάσεις για τα δεδομένα ενός υπο-μελέτη προβλήματος. Η παρούσα Διδακτορική Διατριβή αποτελείται από τρία μέρη και ασχολείται με στατιστικές ιδιότητες αλγορίθμων που επιλύουν τα τρία προαναφερθέντα θεμελιώδη προβλήματα ανάλυσης δεδομένων.Το πρώτο μέρος παρουσιάζει νέα αποτελέσματα σχετικά με μια δημοφιλή παραλλαγή του αλγορίθμου συσταδοποίησης k-μέσων, την εύρωστη παραλλαγή k-μέσων. Ενώ, σε πολλές περιπτώσεις, η κλασσική εκδοχή του αλγορίθμου k-μέσων παράγει αποδεκτές διασπάσεις/συστάδες, υπάρχουν περιπτώσεις όπου η απόδοσή του επιδεινώνεται δραματικά, ειδικότερα όταν υπάρχει παρουσία αυθαίρετων διαταραχών στα δεδομένων εισόδου. Αυτή η εύρωστη παραλλαγή των k-μέσων προσπαθεί να επιλύσει τις γνωστές αδυναμίες ευρωστίας του κλασσικής εκδοχής χρησιμοποιώντας φραγμένες συνάρτησεις κόστους, αντί της τετραγωνικής συνάρτησης. Στο δεύτερο μέρος της διατριβής, μελετάμε τις ασυμπτωτικές ιδιότητες κανόνων ταξινόμησης πλησιέστερου γείτονα. Αυτοί οι κανόνες χρησιμοποιούν παραλλαγές του αλγορίθμου ομαδοποίησης k-μέσων για να δημιουργήσουν ένα σύνολο από κατάλληλα επιλεγμένα διανύσματα στα οποία ο κανόνας πλησιέστερου γείτονα θα αναζητήσει πλησιέστερους γείτονες. Το τρίτο μέρος αφορά μια παραλλαγή του προβλήματος εκμάθησης λεξικού με έναν ειδικό τύπο συνάρτησης κόστους/ανακατασκευής που αντικαθιστά το συνηθισμένο Ευκλείδειο τετραγωνικό κόστος. Σε αυτό το μέρος, παρουσιάζονται αποτελέσματα γενίκευσης (generalization bounds) για το πρόβλημα εκμάθησης λεξικού όταν η συνάρτηση κόστους είναι μια περιβάλλουσα Moreau. Οι περιβάλλουσες Moreau είναι ένας καλά μελετημένος μετασχηματισμός στον κλάδο της πραγματικής και κυρτής ανάλυσης.
Αξιολόγηση των ιστοσελίδων των Μητροπόλεων των Νέων Χωρών
Authors: Καγιάρας Ηλίας
Published: September 2022

H Διδακτορική Διατριβή με θέμα: «Αξιολόγηση των ιστοσελίδων των Μητροπόλεων των Νέων Χωρών. Κοινωνιολογική προσέγγιση και ανάλυση κοινωνικών παραμέτρων», αποτελεί πρόταση για μία μέθοδο αξιολόγησης της ποιότητας των ιστοχώρων των Μητροπόλεων των Νέων Χωρών. Η διαδικασία αξιολόγησης προϊόντων Πληροφορικής, έχει τις απαρχές της στην δεκαετία του 1970. Στην εργασία, παρουσιάζεται η εξέλιξη των προτύπων αξιολόγησης Λογισμικού από την εμφάνισή τους, το 1976, μέχρι την εμφάνιση περισσότερο εξειδικευμένων μεθόδων, που αφορούν την αξιολόγηση ποιότητας ιστοχώρων. Αρχικά περιγράφονται τα πρότυπα αξιολόγησης των Boehm, Mc Call, ISO 9126, ISO 25010, ISO 9241, που αφορούν γενικά συστήματα Λογισμικού ή ευρύτερα διαδραστικά συστήματα. Μέσω των προτύπων αυτών εξετάστηκαν δύο βασικές έννοιες: η έννοια της ποιότητας και η έννοια της ευχρηστίας συστημάτων.Παρουσιάστηκαν επίσης διάφορα πρότυπα αξιολόγησης και εκτίμησης ποιότητας ιστοχώρων, που δημιουργήθηκαν από διάφορους φορείς, όπως από το Δίκτυο MINERVA, το Πλαίσιο Ποιότητας των Βρυξελλών, η Αξιοπιστία του Διαδικτύου κατά το Εργαστήριο Πειστικής Τεχνολογίας του Πανεπιστημίου Stanford, καθώς και τα πρότυπα των: Barnes και Vidgenn, Olsina, Godoy, Lafuente και Rossi, Loiacono, Watson και Goodhue, Atzeni, Merialdo και Sindoni, Moustakis, Litos, Dalivigas και Tsironis. Επίσης, λήφθηκε υπόψη η συνεισφορά φορέων όπως του παγκόσμιου Οργανισμού W3C, που αφορά την πρόσβαση στον ιστό των ανθρώπων με αναπηρίες, και της εταιρείας Nielsen Norman Group, εκ των πρωτοπόρων στο θέμα «Εμπειρία χρήστη».Μέσα από την παρουσίαση αυτών των τεχνικών και των προσεγγίσεων αξιολόγησης, προκρίθηκαν 20 κριτήρια τα οποία χρησιμοποιήθηκαν για την διαμόρφωση του απαραίτητου για την Ανάλυση Περιεχομένου ερωτηματολογίου. Εφαρμόστηκε η μέθοδος αυτή Ανάλυσης σε διαδικτυακό περιεχόμενο, δηλαδή στους ιστοχώρους των Μητροπόλεων των Νέων Χωρών, προκειμένου να αξιολογηθεί η ποιότητά τους, από διάφορες οπτικές. Οι ερωτήσεις αυτές, ουσιαστικά αποτελούν τα κριτήρια αξιολόγησης ποιότητας της προτεινόμενης μεθόδου, κρίθηκε ότι αποτελούν ένα κατάλληλο δίκτυο παραγόντων, έτσι ώστε ένας ιστότοπος να είναι εύχρηστος και ταυτόχρονα χρήσιμος προς τον επισκέπτη του. Η εξέταση των ιστοχώρων των Νέων Χωρών με το συγκεκριμένο εργαλείο κατέληξε σε ενδιαφέροντα συμπεράσματα και προτάσεις προς βελτίωση των συγκεκριμένων ιστοχώρων.
Mollusc fauna of Kemer Bay (Sea of Marmara)
Authors: Bitlis Banu , Öztürk Bilal , Şen Yusuf
Published: September 2022

In the present study, mollusc species distributed in the Kemer Bay (Sea of Marmara) were determined seasonally (November, February, May, and August) in the years 2010 and 2011. The benthic samples were collected from different biotopes in 16 stations at depth ranging between 0.2 and 5 m by using a quadrate sampling gear. As a result of the evaluation of collected benthic materials, a total of 66 mollusc species belonging to 3 classes (Polyplacophora, Gastropoda, and Bivalvia) were identified. When the number of species and individuals are compared based on the seasons, maximum number of species (46 species) and individuals (168825 ind. m-2) were counted in autumn and spring, respectively. Mytilus galloprovincialis (Lamarck, 1819) and Mytilaster lineatus (Gmelin, 1791) were the most abundant species in all the seasons. Whereas, Bittium reticulatum (da Costa, 1778), Rissoa membranacea (Montagu, 1803), and Tricolia pullus pullus (Linnaeus, 1758) were characterized as species having the highest frequency index values in all seasons.
Distribution of phytoplanktonic species in the sea snot in 2021 in the Marmara Sea
Authors: Yurga Levent
Published: September 2022

Sea snot, which was seen and reported in the Adriatic and Tyrrhenian Seas in the early 1990s, had been on Turkey's agenda as an environmental massive disaster from the winter months of 2021 until the end of summer in the Sea of Marmara. Due to the magnitude and topicality of the subject, the samples collected from the coastal areas where sea snot is observed in Marmara from January until July were examined. According to the results obtained, 5 classes were determined in sea snot. Species of algae that secrete mucilage, which provides stickiness to the formation, were also been identified in sea snot. These are 1 dinoflagellate, 2 Prymnesiosides, 5 diatoms, and 2 cyanobacteria species. 8 toxic planktonic species were detected in sea snot: 1 causing PSP poisoning and 3 of dinoflagellate causing DSP poisoning; 1 of prymnesiophisid that releases ichthyotoxin to the sea environment, and 3 of diatoms that cause ASP poisoning.
Osgood-Schlatter disease and potential treatment
Authors: Wojcik Bartlomiej , Fabis Mateusz , Remjasz Klaudia , Kuchnicka Julia , Zadrożna Karolina , Aleksandrowicz Jakub , Siedlecki Wojciech
Published: September 2022

Background: Aseptic necrosis of the tibial tuberosity, also known as Osgood-Schlatter disease, is one of the more common causes of pain in the tibia area in children and adolescents. The pathology is much more common in boys than in girls. Young athletes, including training footballers, basketball players and volleyball players, as well as children who actively spend their free time are particularly exposed to the development of the disease. 

Material and methods: This paper was based on medical articles collected in PubMed , medical websites and books. The research has been done by looking through key words such as:’’ Osgood-Schlatter disease”,’’Osgood-Schlatter treatment” 

Results: Osgood-Schlatter disease is usually self-limiting. In the absence of symptom relief, there are operational methods, which, however, are ambiguous. 

Conclusions: Treatment of OSD patients and a challenge for healthcare professionals.
Angiotensin Receptor Antagonist-Neprilysin Inhibitor (ARNI) therapy as a new hope in the population of people with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF)
Authors: Żelazny Przemysław , Filipczak Joanna , Sygacz Oliwer , Bróż Sebastian , Dankiewicz Sara , Swora Aleksandra , Borowik Joanna , Brodowski Wojciech , Pawłowski Piotr , Basta-Arciszewska Katarzyna
Published: September 2022

Introduction: Heart failure affects an estimated 23 million people, as many as 50% of whom suffer from a heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF), in which the left ventricle ejection fraction is <40% and is accompanied by clinical symptoms. Given the high mortality rate in this group of patients and the continuous suboptimal control of the condition, novel pharmacotherapy regimens are needed to slow the progression of the disease. Preliminary studies report a positive effect of including an angiotensin receptor antagonist and neprilysin inhibitors (ARNIs) in this group of patients.
Aim of the study: The aim of the study was to summarize the benefits of ARNI in a group of patients with HFrEF.
Methods and materials: This article is based on the literature found in PubMed Database with use of keywords such as “ARNI”, “neprilysin inhibition”, HFrEF”, “heart failure”
Results: The benefits of ARNI therapy in patients with HFrEF originate from reversing myocardial remodeling and increasing left ventricular ejection fraction. ARNI therapy is associated with reduced number of hospitalizations and a lower need for intensive treatment. In addition, ARNI use reduces the risk of cardiovascular death and is responsible for lower overall mortality rate compared to pharmacotherapy with angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEIs) and angiotensin receptor antagonists (ARBs).
Conclusion: ARNIs in patients with HFrEF have a positive effect on the rate of cardiovascular hospitalization, as well as reducing cardiovascular-related mortality and total mortality. Future research studies should evaluate the predictive factors of response to treatment with this group of drugs using larger groups of patients.
Improving Vocabulary Knowledge in Primary Education: An Analysis of an Intervention Programme for Polish-Speaking Children Aged 7–9
Authors: Rocławska-Daniluk Małgorzata , Rataj Maciej , Janczukowicz Karolina , Gierusz Anna
Published: September 2022

This paper discusses a vocabulary intervention programme for monolingual Polish children. Vocabulary instruction was conducted in a group of children aged 7–9 (N = 77) attending a primary school near Gdansk in Poland. Following a pre-test an intervention group (22 pupils receiving instruction over 10 weeks) and a control group (55 pupils) were selected. The taught vocabulary consisted of 20 Polish words. Additionally, another 20 words were carefully selected to form an untaught vocabulary list (control list). Although the intervention group did not achieve a higher mean post-test result in taught words than the control group, the mean increase was larger in the intervention group, confirmed by a test for two means (p = 0.036). The difference was not confirmed for untaught words (p = 0.236). A linear regression model was used to explain which factors influenced post-test results. For taught words only pre-test results had an impact. For untaught words pre-test results and interaction of pre-test results with groups had an impact. The number of sessions attended also influenced post-test results.
The paper includes the results of a survey where teachers and parents provided feedback. Although the intervention programme increased children’s vocabulary, it raised some important questions concerning the size of the gain, word selection and conditions of the instruction.