bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Poster 388: Calf Strains in the NFL: Demographics, RTP, Performance Analysis, and Injury Reoccurrence
Authors: Zofkie William , Gallo Robert
Published: October 2024

Objectives:

While calf strains are a common injury seen in the National Football League (NFL), there is currently no data that examines which players are suffering these injuries, how quickly they return, how well they play upon return, and how likely they are to suffer the same injury again. This study aims to dive deeper into the history of calf strains in the NFL throughout the past 10 seasons to answer these questions.

Methods:

This study included all NFL players who suffered a calf strain between 2013 and 2022. The data was collected using publicly available reports. Among the information gathered includes player age, player position, number of games missed, preseason participation, and rate of return. Performance pre- and postinjury was also examined for players who met inclusion criteria using data from Pro Football Focus. A paired t test analysis of the change in player performance was used for analysis.

Results:

In this study, 349 calf strains were identified between 2012 and 2022, involving 294 individual players. The average age of injured player was 27 years old. Wide receivers had the highest incidence of calf strain injury amongst all positions (48) and led all positions in players who did not return the rest of the season after injury (9). Of all injuries, 52.7% occurred in offensive players. The average number of games missed after injury was 1.97. 26.7% of the players with a calf strain played in zero preseason games before the season in which the injury occurred. A total of 83.7% of players with the injury returned to play during the same year. Offensive guards led all position players in those who did not return to play within the same season after injury (31.8%). Among all players who returned in the same season and met inclusion criteria, there were no significant changes in player performance from pre to postinjury. A total of 20.7% of players suffered another calf strain or Achilles tendon injury at some point throughout the rest of their careers after initial injury with wide receivers being the position group with the highest prevalence (11).

Conclusions:

NFL players returned in the same season 83.7% of the time and suffered no decline in performance following a strained calf. Over 20% of players suffered the same injury or a related injury to the Achilles tendon after first injury in this time period. Whether the reinjuries occurred in the contralateral or ipsilateral leg was not readily available data. Therefore, a more in- depth examination is required to see if a relationship exists between these variables.
Poster 393: Recurrence Rates of Exertional Compartment Syndrome: Endoscopic Fasciotomies vs Open Fasciotomies
Authors: Smith Richard , Lowenstein Natalie , Von Keudell Arvind , Matzkin Elizabeth
Published: October 2024

Objectives:

Chronic Exertional Compartment Syndrome (CECS) is a debilitating condition characterized by increased pressure within myofascial compartments often during exercise. Fasciotomy of the affected compartment is the primary treatment for refractory cases, with two main techniques commonly employed: endoscopic-assisted fasciotomy and open fasciotomy. This study compared the rates of recurrence and rates of infection in endoscopic-assisted fasciotomy and open fasciotomy.

Methods:

This is a retrospective cohort study of all patients diagnosed with CECS at two level 1 trauma centers between January 2006-December 2019. Data related to patient demographics, follow-up, infection rate, and recurrence rate were collected from electronic medical records.

Results:

There were 169 patients included in the study, with 66 undergoing endoscopically-assisted fasciotomy and 103 undergoing open fasciotomy. The average patient age was 32±11 years and 29±12 years for the endoscopic and open groups, respectively. There were 37 females (56%) in endoscopic group and 62 females (60%) in the open group. The average BMI was 29±7 and 28±6 for the endoscopic and open groups, respectively. There were 10 former smokers in each group and 1 active smoker in the open group. Average follow-up was 9±10 months and 10±15 months for the endoscopic and open groups, respectively. There were no significant differences in age, sex, BMI, smoking habit, or length of follow-up between the two groups. There were 8 infections (12%) in the endoscopic group compared to 14 infections (14%) in the open group (p=0.81). There were 8 revisions (12%) in the endoscopic group compared to 4 revisions (4%) in the open group (p=0.04).

Conclusions:

Endoscopically-assisted fasciotomy patients demonstrated a higher recurrence rate of CECS compared to those who underwent open fasciotomy. This may be explained my increased technical demands of endoscopic procedures and incomplete release of fascial compartments. Further research and long-term follow-up studies are warranted to elucidate the underlying mechanisms and optimize treatment strategies to reduce recurrence rates and enhance patient outcomes.
Dissociative Aphonia Secondary to Nonorganic Vaginismus—A Case Report
Authors: Nalawade Nikita Prasanna , Udupa Suma T. , Praharaj Samir Kumar
Published: October 2024

Dissociative aphonia is a rare disorder with a point prevalence of 0.4%, while psychogenic vaginismus occurs at a prevalence of about 1–7%. The etiology roots down to underlying factors including dysfunctional sexual beliefs, fear of pain as well as other psychosocial conflicts. We report a 26-year-old married lady who presented with sudden onset aphonia in the background of nonorganic vaginismus. There were covert conflicts which seemed to stem from her early childhood and home atmosphere, the eventual spillover of this into her adulthood, precipitated her symptoms. This emphasizes the need for a broader outlook on the management of the disorder beyond the symptomatic treatment.
Assessment of sleep characteristics using Fitbit Charge 4 in head and neck cancer patients undergoing palliative chemotherapy and radiotherapy: a prospective observational study
Authors: Jain Anuj , Suryavanshi Jha , Waindeskar Vaishali , Gupta Manish , Kaushal Ashutosh , Kumar Harish
Published: October 2024

Background:

Sleep disturbance is prevalent among cancer patients. The quantification of this sleep disturbance is missing, especially in palliative care settings.

Aim:

The aim of this study was to study the sleep patterns of the patients undergoing palliative chemotherapy and radiotherapy for head and neck cancer (HNC) using a Fitbit Charge 4 sleep-tracking device.

Design:

Prospective observational study.

Setting:

A total of 110 HNC patients undergoing palliative chemotherapy and radiotherapy at a tertiary care teaching hospital in Central India.

Results:

Forty-four percent of patients had a poor sleep score (less than 60). Average sleep duration was 218.66 ± 139.05 min; non-rapid eye movement (NREM) sleep duration 197.7 ± 115.91 (light NREM 171.36 ± 104 and deep NREM 23.36 ± 16.73); REM sleep duration was 30.44 ± 34.14 min. The Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index was 10.23 ± 3.45, which indicated sleep deprivation over the past 1 month. Moderate levels of anxiety, depression, confusion, and distress existed in the cohort. Statistically significant but weak correlation existed between sleep score, anxiety, and depression. Strong correlation existed between distress score and sleep score. Confusion score did not have a significant correlation with sleep score.

Conclusion:

HNC patients in palliative care settings were chronically sleep deprived. Sleep architecture was also disturbed. Moderate levels of anxiety, depression, confusion, and distress existed in the studied cohort; these psychosocial disturbances had a weak correlation with the sleep score and are likely to be multifactorial.

Trial registration:

Institutional Ethics Committee number: IHEC-LOP/2020/IM0349. The study has been registered with clinical trial registry of India with registration number CTRI/2021/03/032400 ( http://www.ctri.in ).
MethylSeqLogo: DNA methylation smart sequence logos
Authors: Hsu Fei-Man , Horton Paul
Published: October 2024

Background

Some transcription factors, MYC for example, bind sites of potentially methylated DNA. This may increase binding specificity as such sites are (1) highly under-represented in the genome, and (2) offer additional, tissue specific information in the form of hypo- or hyper-methylation. Fortunately, bisulfite sequencing data can be used to investigate this phenomenon.

Method

We developed MethylSeqLogo, an extension of sequence logos which includes new elements to indicate DNA methylation and under-represented dimers in each position of a set binding sites. Our method displays information from both DNA strands, and takes into account the sequence context ( or other) and genome region (promoter versus whole genome) appropriate to properly assess the expected background dimer frequency and level of methylation. MethylSeqLogo preserves sequence logo semantics—the relative height of nucleotides within a column represents their proportion in the binding sites, while the absolute height of each column represents information (relative entropy) and the height of all columns added together represents total information

Results

We present figures illustrating the utility of using MethylSeqLogo to summarize data from several binding transcription factors. The logos show that unmethylated binding sites are a feature of transcription factors such as MYC and ZBTB33, while some other binding transcription factors, such as CEBPB, appear methylation neutral.

Conclusions

Our software enables users to explore bisulfite and ChIP sequencing data sets—and in the process obtain publication quality figures.
Metabolic and transcriptomic analyses of nectaries reveal differences in the mechanism of nectar production between monocots (Ananas comosus) and dicots (Nicotiana tabacum)
Authors: Göttlinger Thomas , Pirritano Marcello , Simon Martin , Fuß Janina , Lohaus Gertrud
Published: October 2024

Background

Nectar is offered by numerous flowering plants to attract pollinators. To date, the production and secretion of nectar have been analyzed mainly in eudicots, particularly rosids such as Arabidopsis. However, due to the enormous diversity of flowering plants, further research on other plant species, especially monocots, is needed. Ananas comosus (monocot) is an economically important species that is ideal for such analyses because it produces easily accessible nectar in sufficient quantities. In addition, the analyses were also carried out with Nicotiana tabacum (dicot, asterids) for comparison.

Results

We performed transcriptome sequencing (RNA-Seq) analyses of the nectaries of Ananas comosus and Nicotiana tabacum, to test whether the mechanisms described for nectar production and secretion in Arabidopsis are also present in these plant species. The focus of these analyses is on carbohydrate metabolism and transport (e.g., sucrose-phosphate synthases, invertases, sucrose synthases, SWEETs and further sugar transporters). In addition, the metabolites were analyzed in the nectar, nectaries and leaves of both plant species to address the question of whether concentration gradients for different metabolites exist between the nectaries and nectar The nectar of N. tabacum contains large amounts of glucose, fructose and sucrose, and the sucrose concentration in the nectar appears to be similar to the sucrose concentration in the nectaries. Nectar production and secretion in this species closely resemble corresponding processes in some other dicots, including sucrose synthesis in nectaries and sucrose secretion by SWEET9. The nectar of A. comosus also contains large amounts of glucose, fructose and sucrose and in this species the sucrose concentration in the nectar appears to be higher than the sucrose concentration in the nectaries. Furthermore, orthologs of SWEET9 generally appear to be absent in A. comosus and other monocots. Therefore, sucrose export by SWEETs from nectaries into nectar can be excluded; rather, other mechanisms, such as active sugar export or exocytosis, are more likely.

Conclusion

The mechanisms of nectar production and secretion in N. tabacum appear to be largely similar to those in other dicots, whereas in the monocotyledonous species A. comosus, different synthesis and transport processes are involved.
A dynamic management model for sustainable drug supply chain in hospital pharmacies in Iran
Authors: Shahbahrami Elham , Kalhor Rohollah , Amerzadeh Mohammad , Hasani Mahdi , Kiani Mehrdad
Published: October 2024

Background

Sustainable supply chain management encompasses the strategic coordination and control of material, information, and financial flows, as well as the collaborative efforts among the entities engaged in the medicinal supply chain. This research proposes a dynamic and sustainable supply chain management model tailored explicitly for the inpatient pharmacies of Medical Centers and Hospitals affiliated with Iran University of Medical Sciences.

Methods

This is a quantitative study in terms of research objective and a qualitative study based on the stages in the conceptual development of the model. Therefore, the current study can be considered a mixed-methods approach. After identifying the key factors influencing the sustainability of the medicine supply chain, we conducted a dynamic analysis of the problem using system dynamics methodology. In order to simulate the system’s behavior over 24 months, we utilized a combination of existing documentary information and expert opinions. The developed model was implemented using Vensim PLE software, allowing us to simulate and analyze the impact of various policies on the system.

Results

Medicine disposal exhibited an upward trend, particularly during the second 12-month period. Conversely, the trend of medicine expirations remained relatively stable in the initial months but showed an upward trajectory after that. The cost associated with disposed medicine experienced a consistent increase, with a higher rate observed during the second 12-month period. In contrast, sales of low-consumable medicine experienced a significant initial surge followed by a slower growth rate. Finally, the pharmacy’s profit demonstrated an overall increasing trend, although the rate of increase was higher during the first 12 months.

Conclusion

Among the various scenarios considered, namely “increasing the adequacy of human resources,” “increasing the speed of response,” and “utilizing pharmacists in the drug prescribing team,” it was found that these interventions had a substantial effect on both enhancing the pharmacy’s profit and reducing medication waste. Therefore, these scenarios were identified as having the most significant impact. The proposed model can serve as a valuable tool for forecasting and informing policy-making, providing insights into addressing the challenges associated with the sustainable drug supply chain in hospital pharmacies.
Molecular targets and strategies in the development of nucleic acid cancer vaccines: from shared to personalized antigens
Authors: Chi Wei-Yu , Hu Yingying , Huang Hsin-Che , Kuo Hui-Hsuan , Lin Shu-Hong , Kuo Chun-Tien Jimmy , Tao Julia , Fan Darrell , Huang Yi-Min , Wu Annie A. , Hung Chien-Fu , Wu T.-C.
Published: October 2024

Recent breakthroughs in cancer immunotherapies have emphasized the importance of harnessing the immune system for treating cancer. Vaccines, which have traditionally been used to promote protective immunity against pathogens, are now being explored as a method to target cancer neoantigens. Over the past few years, extensive preclinical research and more than a hundred clinical trials have been dedicated to investigating various approaches to neoantigen discovery and vaccine formulations, encouraging development of personalized medicine. Nucleic acids (DNA and mRNA) have become particularly promising platform for the development of these cancer immunotherapies. This shift towards nucleic acid-based personalized vaccines has been facilitated by advancements in molecular techniques for identifying neoantigens, antigen prediction methodologies, and the development of new vaccine platforms. Generating these personalized vaccines involves a comprehensive pipeline that includes sequencing of patient tumor samples, data analysis for antigen prediction, and tailored vaccine manufacturing. In this review, we will discuss the various shared and personalized antigens used for cancer vaccine development and introduce strategies for identifying neoantigens through the characterization of gene mutation, transcription, translation and post translational modifications associated with oncogenesis. In addition, we will focus on the most up-to-date nucleic acid vaccine platforms, discuss the limitations of cancer vaccines as well as provide potential solutions, and raise key clinical and technical considerations in vaccine development.
Urban malaria and its determinants in Eastern Ethiopia: the role of Anopheles stephensi and urbanization
Authors: Merga Hailu , Degefa Teshome , Birhanu Zewdie , Abiy Ephrem , Lee Ming-Chieh , Yan Guiyun , Yewhalaw Delenasaw
Published: October 2024

Background

Malaria prevention and control strategies have been hampered by urbanization and the spread of Anopheles stephensi. The spread of this vector into Africa further complicates the already complex malaria situation, that could put about 126 million Africans at risk of infection. Hence, this study aimed to assess the determinants of urban malaria, focusing on the role of urbanization and the distribution of An. stephensi in Eastern Ethiopia.

Methods

A matched case control study was conducted among febrile urban residents of Dire Dawa (malaria positive as cases and negative as a control). A capillary blood sample was collected for parasite identification using microscopic examination and an interviewer administered questionnaire was used to collect additional data. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention miniature light traps (CDC-LT) and Prokopack aspirator were used to collect adult mosquito vectors from the selected cases and control houses to identify the mosquito vector species. Then, the data were exported to STATA for analysis. Conditional logistic regression was done to identify determinants, and principal component Analysis (PCA) was done for some independent variables.

Results

This study enrolled 132 cases and 264 controls from urban setting only. Of the 132 cases, 90 cases were positive for Plasmodium falciparum, 34 were positive for Plasmodium vivax and 8 had mixed infections. All cases and controls were similar with regard to their respective age and sex. Travel history (AOR: 13.1, 95% CI 2.8–61.4), presence of eves and holes on walls (AOR: 2.84, 95% CI 1.5–5.5), history of malaria diagnosis (AOR: 2.4, 95% CI 1.1–5.3), owning any livestock (AOR: 7.5, 95% CI 2.4–22.8), presence of stagnant water in the area (AOR: 3.2, 95% CI 1.7–6.1), sleeping under bed net the previous night (AOR: 0.21, 95% CI 0.1–0.6) and knowledge on malaria and its prevention (AOR: 2.2, 95% CI 1.2–4.1) were determinants of urban malaria infection. About 34 adult Anopheles mosquitoes were collected and identified from those selected cases and control houses and 27 of them were identified as An. stephensi.

Conclusion

Among the cases, the dominant species were P. falciparum. This study identified travel history, house condition, past infection, livestock ownership, stagnant water, bed net use, and malaria knowledge as determinants of infection. This study also found the dominance of the presence of An. stephensi among the collected mosquito vectors. This suggests that the spread of An. stephensi may be impacting malaria infection in the study area. Hence, strengthening urban-targeted malaria interventions should be enhanced to prevent and control further urban malaria infection and spread.
Role and promise of health policy and systems research in integrating rehabilitation into the health systems
Authors: Ghaffar Abdul , Bachani Abdulgafoor M. , Hyder Adnan A. , Cieza Alarcos , Bhangu Aneel , Bussières André , Sanchez-Ramirez Diana C. , Gandhi Dorcas B. C. , Verbunt Jeanine , Rasanathan Kumanan , Gustafsson Louise , Côté Pierre , Reebye Rajiv , De la Cerna-Luna Roger , Negrini Stefano , Frontera Walter R. , Kamalakannan Sureshkumar
Published: October 2024

Despite recognized need and reasonable demand, health systems and rehabilitation communities keep working in silos, independently with minimal recognition to the issues of those who require rehabilitation services. Consolidated effort by health systems and rehabilitation parties, recognizing the value, power and promise of each other, is a need of the hour to address this growing issue of public health importance. In this paper, the importance and the need for integration of rehabilitation into health system is emphasized. The efforts being made to integrate rehabilitation into health systems and the potential challenges in integration of these efforts were discussed. Finally, the strategies and benefits of integrating rehabilitation in health systems worldwide is proposed. Health policy and systems research (HPSR) brings a number of assets that may assist in addressing the obstacles discussed above to universal coverage of rehabilitation. It seeks to understand and improve how societies organize themselves to achieve collective health goals; considers links between health systems and social determinants of health; and how different actors interact in policy and implementation processes. This multidisciplinary lens is essential for evidence and learning that might overcome the obstacles to the provision of rehabilitation services, including integration into health systems. Health systems around the world can no longer afford to ignore rehabilitation needs of their populations and the World Health Assembly (WHA) resolution marked a global call to this effect. Therefore, national governments and global health community must invest in setting a priority research agenda and promote the integration of rehabilitation into health systems. The context-specific, need-based and policy-relevant knowledge about this must be made available globally, especially in low- and middle-income countries. This could help integrate and implement rehabilitation in health systems of countries worldwide and also help achieve the targets of Rehabilitation 2030, universal health coverage and Sustainable Development Goals.
Transient stability enhancement of Beles to Bahir Dar transmission line using adaptive neuro-fuzzy-based unified power flow controller
Authors: Alemu Yechale Amogne , Yetayew Tefera Terefe , Mossie Molla Addisu
Published: October 2024

A power system is a complex, nonlinear, and dynamic system, with operating parameters that change over time. Because of the complexity of big load lines and faults, high-voltage transmission power systems are usually vulnerable to transient instability concerns, resulting in power losses and increased voltage variation. This issue has the potential to cause catastrophic events such as cascade failure or widespread blackouts. This problem affects Ethiopia's high-voltage transmission power grid in the northwest area. Because of the increased demand for electrical energy, transmission lines' maximum carrying capacity should be enhanced to maintain a secure and uninterrupted power supply to consumers. To address the problem, ANFIS-based UPFC is used for high-voltage transmission lines. This device was chosen as the ideal alternative due to its capacity to rapidly correct reactive power on high-voltage transmission networks. The PSO algorithm was used to determine the best location for the UPFC. The ANFIS controller receives voltage error and rate of change of voltage error as inputs. Seventy percentage of the retrieved data are used for ANFIS training and 30% for ANFIS testing. To show the performance of the proposed controller, three-phase ground faults are used from a severity perspective. When a three-phase ground fault occurs at the midpoint of the Beles to Bahir Dar transmission line, for instance, the settling time of rotor angle deviation, rotor speed, rotor speed deviation, and output active power of synchronous generators using ANFIS-based UPFC is reduced by 70.58%, 37.75%, 37.75%, and 43.75%, respectively, compared to a system without UPFC. At peak load, PI-based UPFC and ANFIS-based UPFC reduce active power loss by 51.25% and 71.50%, respectively, compared to a system without UPFC on the Beles to Bahir Dar transmission line. In terms of percentage overshoot and settling time, ANFIS-based UPFC outperforms PI-based UPFC for transient stability enhancement.
Evaluating a National Biomedical Training Program Using QuantCrit: Revealing Disparities in Research Self-efficacy for Women of Color Undergraduates
Authors: Srinivasan Jayashri , Cobian Krystle P. , Maccalla Nicole M. G. , Christie Christina A.
Published: October 2024

This study demonstrates a QuantCrit approach to program evaluation. Examining participants in a national biomedical training program, we reveal differential impacts of the initiative's scholar program and broader curricula changes for Women of Color. We provide implications for program evaluation practices in STEMM equity efforts.
Pathologic Response of Phase III Study: Perioperative Camrelizumab Plus Rivoceranib and Chemotherapy Versus Chemotherapy for Locally Advanced Gastric Cancer (DRAGON IV/CAP 05)
Authors: Li Chen , Tian Yantao , Zheng Yanan , Yuan Fei , Shi Zheng , Yang Lin , Chen Hao , Jiang Lixin , Wang Xixun , Zhao Ping , Zhang Benyan , Wang Zhenqiang , Zhao Qun , Dong Jianhong , Lian Changhong , Xu Sanrong , Zhang Aimin , Zheng Zhichao , Wang Kang , Dang Chengxue , Wu Dan , Chen Jian , Xue Yingwei , Liang Bo , Cheng Xiangdong , Wang Qian , Chen Luchuan , Xia Tao , Liu Heli , Xu Dazhi , Zhuang Jing , Wu Tao , Zhao Xi , Wu Wei , Wang Hongzhi , Peng Junsheng , Hou Zhiguo , Zheng Rongrong , Chen Yuting , Yin Kai , Zhu Zhenggang
Published: October 2024

PURPOSE

This multicenter, randomized phase III trial evaluated the efficacy and safety of perioperative camrelizumab (an anti–PD-1 antibody) plus low-dose rivoceranib (a VEGFR-2 inhibitor) and S-1 and oxaliplatin (SOX) (SOXRC), high-dose rivoceranib plus SOX (SOXR), and SOX alone (SOX) for locally advanced gastric or gastroesophageal junction (G/GEJ) adenocarcinoma.

METHODS

Patients with T3-4aN + M0 G/GEJ adenocarcinoma were randomly assigned (1:1:1) to receive perioperative treatment with SOXRC, SOXR, or SOX. The primary end points were pathologic complete response (pCR) and event-free survival. The Independent Data Monitoring Committee recommended stopping enrollment in the SOXR group on the basis of the safety data of the first 103 randomly assigned patients in the three groups. The patients were then randomly assigned 1:1 to the SOXRC or SOX groups. This report presents the pCR results obtained per protocol for the first 360 randomly assigned patients who had the opportunity for surgery in the SOXRC and SOX groups.

RESULTS

In the SOXRC and SOX groups, of the 180 patients in each group, 99% and 98% of patients received neoadjuvant therapy, 91% and 94% completed planned neoadjuvant therapy, and 86% and 87% underwent surgery, respectively. The pCR was significantly higher in the SOXRC group at 18.3% (95% CI, 13.0 to 24.8) compared with 5.0% (95% CI, 2.3 to 9.3) in the SOX group (difference of 13.7%; 95% CI, 7.2 to 20.1; odds ratio of 4.5 [95% CI, 2.1 to 9.9]). The one-sided
P
value was <.0001, crossing the prespecified statistical significance threshold of
P
= .005. Surgical complications and grade ≥3 neoadjuvant treatment-related adverse events were 27% versus 33% and 34% versus 17% for SOXRC and SOX, respectively.

CONCLUSION

The SOXRC regimen significantly improved pCR compared with SOX alone in patients with G/GEJ adenocarcinoma with a tolerable safety profile.
Multidisciplinary Management of Pregnancy-Associated Breast Cancer
Authors: Roesch Erin , Maggiotto Amanda , Valente Stephanie A.
Published: October 2024

Breast cancer during pregnancy is uncommon; however, it is one of the most common malignancies affecting pregnant women. Pregnancy-associated breast cancer (PABC) is a complex entity characterized by unique risk factors, presentation, and pathology. Furthermore, although management generally aims to mirror that for nonpregnant patients, there are distinct aspects of oncologic care delivery specific to PABC. The focus is on optimizing maternal outcomes while maximizing maternal and fetal safety. A multidisciplinary approach is key, and the timing of various treatment modalities is critical. Postdelivery care and counseling are also imperative to address issues such as contraception, breastfeeding, and future fertility. In the present review, we discuss the current knowledge base and the diagnostic and treatment landscape for PABC, including recent literature and practice pattern updates.
Quantum data compression under localized features
Authors: Han Qi , Gou Lijie , Wang Shuai , Zhang Rong
Published: October 2024

In this paper, we first introduce the local quantum information processing task by compressing the density operator based on local quantum Bernoulli noises. Then, the local quantum compression theorem is given, that is, the local quantum entropy is the minimum achievable rate of local compression. Finally, we prove the theorem with the proof of the direct coding theorem and the inverse theorem. The direct coding theorem shows that a scheme with such a local compression rate exists, and that this local compression rate converges to the local quantum entropy. The inverse theorem shows that the compression scheme with the rate below the local entropy is unachievable. With the continuous development of quantum technology, local quantum data compression technology will have broad application prospects and development space.
ACTH Stimulation and Oral Salt Loading Tests Detect Biochemical Outcome Early After Primary Aldosteronism Surgery
Authors: Ishida Yuto , Nakai Kazuki , Watanabe Kazuki , Hirose Rei , Saito Jun , Nishikawa Tetsuo , Tsurutani Yuya
Published: October 2024

Background

In primary aldosteronism (PA), the biochemical outcomes of the Primary Aldosteronism Surgical Outcome study are used to assess aldosterone hypersecretion 6 to 12 months after surgery. However, few studies have investigated whether the outcomes can be predicted in the early postoperative period. In this retrospective study, we evaluated whether the adrenocorticotropin stimulation test (AST) and oral salt loading test (OST) performed immediately after surgery could predict biochemical outcomes 1 year after surgery.

Methods

We assessed 268 patients with PA who underwent adrenalectomy at our hospital between 2008 and 2020, underwent AST and OST within 15 days of surgery, and were assessed for biochemical outcomes 1 year after surgery. Patients were divided into 2 groups: biochemical complete success (B-com; n = 219) and incomplete success (B-inc; n = 49). Patients were divided into clinical complete and partial success and absent success groups. The relationships between various AST and OST values and outcomes were analyzed.

Results

The B-inc group had significantly higher plasma aldosterone concentration (PAC) and PAC/serum cortisol ratio (PAC/Cort) at baseline and after ACTH loading in AST and 24-hour urine aldosterone in OST than the B-com group. PAC/Cort at 30 minutes after ACTH loading [area under the curve (AUC) = 0.76] and 24-hour urine aldosterone (AUC = 0.77) were relatively superior predictors of the outcome. Parameters after ACTH loading were better predictors of biochemical and clinical outcomes than baseline.

Conclusion

AST and OST immediately after surgery can predict biochemical and clinical outcomes 1 year after surgery in patients with PA.
Low-Level Mosaic GCK Mutations in Children With Diazoxide-Unresponsive Congenital Hyperinsulinism
Authors: Boodhansingh Kara E , Lord Katherine , Adzick N Scott , Bhatti Tricia , Ganguly Arupa , Stanley Charles A , De Leon Diva D
Published: October 2024

Context

Some children with diazoxide-unresponsive congenital hyperinsulinism (HI) lack any detectable disease-causing mutation in peripheral-blood DNA.

Objective

This work aimed to examine whether somatic postzygotic mutations of known HI genes are responsible for disease in children with diazoxide-unresponsive HI requiring surgery with histology not classified as focal or localized islet nuclear enlargement (LINE), and without detectable mutations by standard genetic testing of peripheral blood DNA.

Methods

Next-generation sequencing (NGS) was performed on specimens of pancreas from 10 children with diazoxide-unresponsive HI.

Results

Four unique GCK mutations were identified at low levels of mosaicism ranging from 4.4% to 10.1% in pancreatic DNA from 5 of these 10 children. The GCK mutations were not detectable in peripheral-blood DNA by NGS in 3 cases from which peripheral-blood DNA was available for testing. All 4 GCK mutations have been previously published as activating HI mutations. The histology was consistent with diffuse HI in 4 of the 5 cases with mosaic GCK mutations. In one of these, hypomethylation of IC2 on chromosome 11p was identified in pancreatic and peripheral-blood DNA. Histology of the fifth case revealed minor islet abnormalities suggestive of Beckwith-Wiedemann spectrum although molecular analysis for 11pUPD was negative in pancreas.

Conclusion

These results indicate that postzygotic somatic GCK mutations are responsible for some cases of nonfocal diazoxide-unresponsive HI.
A Case Report of Successful Off-Label Neuromodulation for Concurrent Refractory Sacroiliac Pain and Phantom Limb in a Hip Disarticulation Patient
Authors: Steritz Matthew , Jayaraj Ranjini Nived , Bazil Timothy , Hofmeister Stephen , Labarge Donald V. , Etha Venkata , Khatri Nasir , Manjila Sunil
Published: October 2024

Hip disarticulation is a morbid procedure for those whose bony or soft tissues are unable to be salvaged. It involves extensive resection, and the patient featured in this report expressed mechanical pain from their sacroiliac joint (SIJ) as well as phantom limb pain (PLP). Spinal cord stimulation is known to assist with neuropathic pain syndromes, and SIJ fusion is effective in these cases of multifactorial pain. This report presents a successful off-label use of thoracic spinal cord stimulation in a complex pain condition consisting of coexisting PLP and mechanical SIJ pain in a hip disarticulation patient.
Gestational diabetes mellitus in relation to serum per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances: A scoping review to evaluate the need for a new systematic review
Authors: Aali Ghazaleh , Porter Anna K. , Hoffmann Sebastian , Longnecker Matthew P. , Shokraneh Farhad
Published: October 2024

Background Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) were used or are being used in the manufacturing of products, including consumer-use products. The resulting environmental contamination has led to widespread human exposure. This review aimed to scope the characteristics of evidence covered and applied methodology of evidence to understand -- regardless of any results on the association of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) and PFAS -- if a new systematic review would be justified. Methods We systematically identified reports investigating associations of PFAS with GDM following a pre-specified and pre-registered PECO framework and protocol. Results The previous systematic reviews included 8-11 reports and either conducted meta-analyses stratified by comparator, analyzed results based on only high and low exposure categories, or pooled results across comparators. Included 20 reports presented data on 24 PFAS with PFOA, PFOS, PFHxS, PFNA, and PFDA being examined in almost all. The comparators employed were heterogeneous across the reports. Conclusions Because data from at least one new report on GDM is available since the previous systematic reviews and heterogeneous comparators, an updated systematic review using SWiM could add value to the literature.
Uncovering etiologic genes through whole exome sequencing in pediatric epilepsy: A case series from Thailand
Authors: Khusiwilai Khanittha , Rojnueangnit Kitiwan , Puttamanee Sukita , Mekmangkonthong Aphirak , Paticheep Sudathip
Published: October 2024

Introduction Developmental and epileptic encephalopathy (DEE) is characterized by seizures that are difficult to control for a long time and affect development in children who are previously normal or delayed. Therefore, children with DEE should be diagnosed promptly because certain types of the disease respond well to specific medications. In developing countries with limited universal coverage for whole exome sequencing (WES), identifying key clinical features in this patient group will help us make more accurate selections for investigations. The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of WES and its common clinical features in children with epileptic encephalopathy. Methods Ten volunteers aged 0-15 years were diagnosed with epilepsy with two or more symptoms of drug-resistant epilepsy, developmental delays, and abnormal nervous system/or dysmorphic features, and their electroencephalogram (EEG) showed abnormal background or specific patterns of epileptiform discharges. These were subjected to WES for the standard > 400 genes in the epilepsy panel. Results The established diagnosis was 4/10. Two known pathogenic variants, SCN2A and PCDH19. Two novel pathological variants, CHD2 and SCN1A. These are drug-resistant epilepsy, which is initially difficult to control and cannot stop antiseizure medications. Out of the 2/4 had moderate to severe intellectual disability. 3/4 had generalized epileptiform discharge activities. Conclusions This study showed a similar detection rate to that of a previous WES study. All the patients had difficult-to-treat epilepsy. For those who have not found abnormalities with the same clinical symptoms, further examinations using other methods should be conducted.
Cicada minimum age tree: Cryptic speciation and exponentially increasing base substitution rates in recent geologic time
Authors: Osozawa Soichi , Wakabayashi John
Published: October 2024

We developed a new time-calibrated tree incorporating primarily endemic along with some cryptic Ryukyu islands cicada data, following the recent publication of global cicada data by Marshall et al. (2018), Łukasik et al. (2018), Simon et al. (2019), Price et al. (2019), and Hill et al. (2021).  A total of 352 specimens were analyzed using BEAST v1. X software with a relaxed clock model. Fossil calibrations as old as Triassic were adopted largely following Johnson et al. (2018) and Moulds (2018), and a Quaternary geological event calibration was adopted following Osozawa et al. (2012, 2021b) and input into BEAST v1. X. Our timetree suggests that Tettigarctidae had a cicada basal lineage as old as 200.63 Ma, with Derotettiginae the next oldest lineage at 99.2 Ma. Tibicininae is a sister of the remaining subfamilies of Tettigomyiinae, Cicadettinae, and Cicadidae, and their species level differentiation and radiation began at 40.57 Ma. The Cicadinae clade consists of specific tribes with paraphyletic relationship, and the vicariance and adaptive radiation generated many cryptic species in each tribe. We estimated base substitution rate as a function of age, and the result strongly indicates an exponential increase of base substitution rate in recent geologic time. The consequent increase in cicada biodiversity, including generation of cryptic species in the Ryukyu Islands and surroundings, may have been driven by the generation and spreading of C4 grasses and coeval Quaternary climate change.
The JCCP's current position on future education and training standards/competencies and routes to qualification
Authors: Sines David , Lovegrove Mary
Published: October 2024

The JCCP remains committed to the key principles contained within the JCCP/CPSA's current competency standards framework
Four species of Chaetocnema Stephens, 1831 new to India (Coleoptera, Chrysomelidae, Galerucinae, Alticini)
Authors: MARIA MATHEW SANDRA , KANIYARIKKAL DIVAKARAN PRATHAPAN
Published: October 2024

Occurrence of four species of the flea beetle genus Chaetocnema Stephens viz. C. (Chaetocnema) kingpinensis Ruan, Konstantinov & Yang, C. (C.) yunnanica Heikertinger, C. (Udorpes) angustifrons Ruan, Konstantinov & Yang and C. (U.) reteimpunctata Ruan, Konstantinov & Yang are newly reported from India. Male of C. reteimpunctata is firstly described. Brachiaria mutica (Forssk.) Stapf (Poaceae) is newly recorded as the host plant of C. angustifrons.
A new record of Platyphora flavozonata (Blanchard, 1843) (Chrysomelidae: Chrysomelinae) in the Parque Estadual Altamiro de Moura Pacheco, a Cerrado remnant
Authors: PIOTROVSKI BEGHA BRUNO , SIQUEIRA OLIVEIRA SARAH
Published: October 2024

The Cerrado biome is a vast ecoregion of tropical savanna in eastern Brazil. The leaf beetle species Platyphora flavozonata (Blanchard, 1843) is a new record for Parque Estadual Altamiro de Moura Pacheco in the Cerrado biome. Distribution of record of the species, the high-resolution photos and notes on external morphology are provided.
The Impact of Mobile Phone Electromagnetic Waves on the Neurons and Blood Brain Barrier Integrity in the Chick Embryo
Authors: Siddiqi Najam , Moin Faisal , Al Kindi Mohammad
Published: October 2024

The electromagnetic environment surrounding us has dramatically evolved over the past decade, with the proliferation of Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and other wireless technologies becoming commonplace in our daily lives. Mobile phones emit non-ionizing low-frequency electromagnetic waves (EW). To examine the effects of EW on living cells, this study aims to explore the impact of cell phone EW on the developing brain of chick embryos. The fertilized eggs were allowed to develop under exposure to electromagnetic waves emitted by cell mobile. A cell phone was placed inside the incubator with 20 eggs and was called from outside on a precise schedule. The same number of fertilized eggs were placed in another incubator without a mobile phone and served as the control. Embryos were sacrificed on days 10 and 15, and the cerebral cortex and cerebellum were removed and sent for electron microscopy. In the control group, cerebral neurons appeared healthy, with a large, centrally placed nucleus, visible oligodendrocytes, and a less dense extracellular matrix. In contrast, neurons from the exposed group were smaller, fewer in number, with unclear nuclear margins, signs of shrinkage, and apoptosis and a dense extracellular matrix. In the cerebellum, the exposed group revealed a reduced number of Purkinje neurons and noticeable mitochondrial swelling. The blood-brain barrier remained intact in the control group but was compromised in the exposed group. We conclude that electromagnetic waves emitted by cell phones adversely affect the normal development of the brain in chick embryos.
Preparation of Platinum Nanoparticles of Biophytum reinwardtii and Evaluation of Neuroprotective Activity of MPTP-induced Parkinson’s Disease in Zebra Fish
Authors: Bandaru Nagaraju , Shamim Namanda , Nagalakshmi Siripalli Bhagaya , Sunanda Thumalapalli , Hanisha Ch. , Gambhire Makarand Suresh , Dudhe Prashik B. , Kranthi Yalla , Kumar Perli.Kranti , Gowravi PNS
Published: October 2024

Aim: To evaluate the Neuroprotective activity of Biophytum reinwardtii Platinum nanoparticles Methods: Biophytum reinwerdtii platinum nanoparticles were subjected to evaluation of the neuroprotection activity in 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine induced zebra fishes. Experimental fishes are divided into 5 groups, each containing 8 fishes. Group I is considered a normal group; Group II is a toxic group means treated with 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine 225 mg/kg, i.p. for 5 days; Group III, IV, and V are treatment groups means treated with 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (225 mg/kg) with 0.3 µmol, 0.4µmol, and 0.5 µmol of Biophytum reinwardtii Platinum nanoparticles respectively for 5 days. Results: In the in 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine group, locomotor activity and complex I activity are decreased, Malondialdehyde levels increased, antioxidants, and catecholamines levels decreased, whereas Biophytum reinwardtii Platinum nanoparticles treated fishes exhibit significant locomotor and increased levels of antioxidants and catecholamines. Conclusion: These results suggest that Biophytum reinwardtii Platinum nanoparticles. Showed significant neuroprotection activity in 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine -induced Parkinson’s zebra fishes.
Formulation and Characteristics of Film Forming Hydrogel (FFH) of Yellow Root Extract (Arcangelisia Flava (L.) Merr.) As Wound Healing for Burns
Authors: Annisa Rahmi , Agustin Yasmin Erly , Rahmadani Nabila , Mutiah Roihatul
Published: October 2024

The aim of this study was to determine the effect of different concentrations of yellow root extract (Arcangelisia Flava (L.) Merr.) and film-forming hydrogel (FFH) polymer on the physicochemical characteristics and stability of the preparation. The method for making FFH is carried out using varying concentrations (%) of 0,5 extract, 1, and 1,5, as well as variations in concentration (%) of PVP and PVA (2,8:15,2; 2,8:17,2; 2,8:19,2). F1 – F9 were evaluated for physicochemical characteristics, including organoleptic, pH, spreadability, adhesive power, drying time, viscosity, stickiness, and mechanical properties. Next, freeze-thaw stability and data analysis were carried out using the LSD test at a confidence level of 95%. This research indicates that the FFH formulation of yellow root extract has good characteristics in the F1 formula with an extract concentration of 0.5% and a concentration (%) of PVP and PVP polymer (2.8:15.2), which meets all physicochemical characteristic tests. The results of data analysis using SPSS showed that the extract concentration and polymer concentration had a significant effect (0.05<0.05) on the characteristics and stability of the Yellow Root Extract Film Forming Hydrogel (FFH) preparation.
The Effect of an Aquatic Extract of Eucalyptus globulus Leaves on Reducing the Inflammation Parameters Caused by Carrageenan in Male Wistar Rats
Authors: Mushatet Mustafa K. , khalaf Asaad Abbas , Hamad Doaa A. , Jary Thikra Abd
Published: October 2024

This research looked at how an aquatic Eucalyptus globulus extract (ECP) affected inflammation and oxidative stress in male rats that were given an experimental form of carrageenan (CRG). The study randomly assigned twenty-four male Wistar rats. In the study, 2 ml of physiological solution was administered to the control group, 0.6 g/kg of ECP BW was given to the ECP group orally, 100 μl of the CRG solution dissolved in 1 milliliter of distilled water was injected intraperitoneally to the CRG group for 30 days, and 0.6 g/kg of BW of ECP was given orally to the C&E group for 15 days after 15 days of 100 μl of the carrageenan solution dissolved in 1 milliliter of distilled water intraperitoneal injection. We sacrificed the rats after 30 days and analyzed the serum samples to measure white blood cell count (WBC), lymphocytes, monocytes, neutrophils, C-reactive protein (CRP), and tumor necrosis factor (TNF). The study found that the CRG and C&E groups had higher levels of WBC, lymphocytes, monocytes, neutrophils, CRP, and TNF than the ECP and control groups. The decrease in inflammation markers CRP and TNF in the serum of E&C group rats demonstrates that ECP's aqueous extract has anti-inflammatory properties. However, further clinical and histological research is necessary to validate its potential as a therapeutic agent.