bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
False-negative factors of percutaneous transluminal clamp biopsy for suspected malignant biliary stricture: 194 cases analyzed from a single center
Authors: Zhang Chengzhi , Li Yipu , Song Mengyao , Sun Zhanguo , Han Xinwei , Ren Jianzhuang , Jiao Dechao
Published: April 2024

Objective

To study the predictive factors of false negatives in the diagnosis of biliary stricture (BS) by percutaneous transluminal clamp biopsy (PTCB).

Method

From January 2016 to January 2021, 194 patients with a high suspicion of malignant tumors due to BS underwent PTCB during biliary drainage at our department. The final diagnosis was confirmed by postoperative pathology, other tissue or cell evidence, or medical imaging follow-up. Univariate and multivariate regression analyses were performed on the pathological results, summarizing the independent risk factors for false-negative value (FNV) to help further clinical diagnosis and treatment.

Results

Of the 194 cases, 176 and 18 cases were finally diagnosed as malignant and benign BS, respectively, compared to 144 and 50 cases by PTCB, including 32 false-negative cases. The sensitivity, specificity, false-positive value, and FNV of PTCB were 81.8%, 100%, 0%, and 18.2%, respectively. Multivariate analysis showed that non-cholangiocarcinoma BS was an independent risk factor for FNV of PTCB (odds ratio 7.5 (95% CI 1.74–32.6), p < 0.01).

Conclusion

PTCB is an effective minimally invasive interventional technique for BS diagnosis. Non-cholangiocarcinoma BS is an independent risk factor for FNV.

Critical relevance statement

Identifying factors that are predictive of false-negative results by percutaneous transluminal clamp biopsy in the setting of biliary stricture may have a guiding effect on clinical practice.

Key points

• Factors predictive of false negatives in the diagnosis of biliary stricture etiology by PTCB may aid in the interpretation of results.

• Non-cholangiocarcinoma BS is an independent risk factor for FNV on PTCB.

• PTCB is an effective minimally invasive interventional technique for BS diagnosis.

Graphical Abstract
Graves’ disease thyroid dermopathy: a case report
Authors: Tashkandi Loay , Alsagheir Afaf , Alobaida Saud , Alhuthil Raghad
Published: April 2024

Background

Graves’ disease is the autoimmune activation of the thyroid gland causing diffuse enlargement and hyperfunction of the gland. Manifestations of Graves’ disease are multisystemic and include thyroid orbitopathy; pretibial myxedema, also referred to as thyroid dermopathy; and thyroid acropachy, described as a severe form of thyroid dermopathy. Our paper focuses on an atypical case of thyroid dermopathy.

Case presentation

An 11-year-old Saudi male presented with a prominent diffuse goiter and exophthalmos. Investigations were consistent with a diagnosis of Graves’ disease. The physical exam showed diffuse, non-pitting swelling of the ankle and penis, mimicking a lymphatic malformation. Further, multiple nodules were found on the hands and feet. Treatment of the nodules with cautery resulted in more severe nodules.

Conclusion

This report describes rare presentations of thyroid dermopathy mimicking lymphatic malformation. The Koebner phenomenon can explain this patient’s atypical presentations. Intralesional injections of triamcinolone and total thyroidectomy showed clear improvement.
Associations between Life’s Essential 8 and post-stroke depression and all-cause mortality among US adults
Authors: Ma Ruicong , Song Junting , Ding Yanchun
Published: April 2024

Background

Depression is the common mental disease after stroke. Our objective was to investigate the correlation of Life’s Essential 8 (LE8), the recently updated evaluation of cardiovascular health, with the occurrence of post-stroke depression (PSD) and all-cause mortality among United States (US) adults.

Methods

Participants with stroke were chosen from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) between 2005 and 2018. The relationship between LE8 and the risk of PSD was assessed through weighted multiple logistic models. A restricted cubic spline was employed for the examination of correlations. To demonstrate the stability of the results, sensitivity analysis and subgroup analysis were carried out. Furthermore, Cox regression models were used for the correlation between LE8 and all-cause mortality.

Results

In this study, a total of 1071 participants were included for analysis. It was observed that LE8 score and PSD risk shared an inverse relationship in per 10 points increase [OR = 0.62 (0.52–0.74, P < 0.001)] in logistic regression models. The analysis of restricted cubic spline demonstrated approximately a noticeable inverse linear association between LE8 score and PSD risk. Sensitivity analysis verified the stability of the findings. Moreover, no statistically significant interactions were identified in subgroup analysis. A reverse association between LE8 score and all-cause mortality was also observed with a 10-point increase [HR = 0.85 (0.78–0.94, P < 0.001)] in cox regression models.

Conclusions

A negative correlation was discovered between LE8 score and PSD and all-cause mortality risk among US adults. We need to conduct large-scale prospective studies to further validate our results.
Myeloid-derived suppressor cells in cancer: therapeutic targets to overcome tumor immune evasion
Authors: Lu Junli , Luo Yiming , Rao Dean , Wang Tiantian , Lei Zhen , Chen Xiaoping , Zhang Bixiang , Li Yiwei , Liu Bifeng , Xia Limin , Huang Wenjie
Published: April 2024

Paradoxically, tumor development and progression can be inhibited and promoted by the immune system. After three stages of immune editing, namely, elimination, homeostasis and escape, tumor cells are no longer restricted by immune surveillance and thus develop into clinical tumors. The mechanisms of immune escape include abnormalities in antitumor-associated immune cells, selection for immune resistance to tumor cells, impaired transport of T cells, and the formation of an immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment. A population of distinct immature myeloid cells, myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs), mediate immune escape primarily by exerting immunosuppressive effects and participating in the constitution of an immunosuppressive microtumor environment. Clinical trials have found that the levels of MDSCs in the peripheral blood of cancer patients are strongly correlated with tumor stage, metastasis and prognosis. Moreover, animal experiments have confirmed that elimination of MDSCs inhibits tumor growth and metastasis to some extent. Therefore, MDSCs may become the target of immunotherapy for many cancers, and eliminating MDSCs can help improve the response rate to cancer treatment and patient survival. However, a clear definition of MDSCs and the specific mechanism involved in immune escape are lacking. In this paper, we review the role of the MDSCs population in tumor development and the mechanisms involved in immune escape in different tumor contexts. In addition, we discuss the use of these cells as targets for tumor immunotherapy. This review not only contributes to a systematic and comprehensive understanding of the essential role of MDSCs in immune system reactions against tumors but also provides information to guide the development of cancer therapies targeting MDSCs.
Statin use as a moderator on the association between metformin and breast cancer risk in women with type 2 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Zhang Fan , de Bock Geertruida H. , Landman Gijs W. , Zhang Qingying , Sidorenkov Grigory
Published: April 2024

Introduction

Metformin and statins are considered as potential agents for prevention of breast cancer, however, existing evidence does not uniformly substantiate this claim, and the data is scarce concerning their interaction in relation to breast cancer risk. This study aims to investigate whether the effect of metformin on breast cancer incidence varied by statin use among women with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).

Methods

This study included women with T2DM, without a history of cancers, and followed up for more than one year from the Zwolle Outpatient Diabetes project Integrating Available Care (ZODIAC) for the period 1998–2014. The dataset was structured using a person-time approach, where the cumulative medication usage was annually updated for each person. The extended Cox proportional hazards models were employed, reporting adjusted hazard ratios (HR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI).

Results

During a median follow-up of 5 years, 515 of 29,498 women received a breast cancer diagnosis. Each additional year of metformin or statins use corresponded to a decrease in breast cancer incidence, while the magnitude attenuated over time. Noteworthily, statin use modified the effect of metformin on breast cancer incidence. For instance, after 5 years of follow-up, one-year increase of metformin use among women who used statins for 3 years was linked to a substantially reduced breast cancer risk (HR, 95% CI: 0.88, 0.84–0.93), however, there was no significant decrease in risk for those non-statins users (HR, 95% CI: 0.96, 0.89–1.04).

Conclusions

Extending metformin or statin usage by one year conferred breast cancer protection in women with T2DM. Enhanced protective effect of metformin was observed among those who also use statins. These results suggest the potential of combined metformin and statin therapy as promising breast cancer prevention strategies.
Towards an actionable One Health approach
Authors: Zhang Xiao-Xi , Lederman Zohar , Han Le-Fei , Schurer Janna M. , Xiao Li-Hua , Zhang Zhi-Bing , Chen Qiu-Lan , Pfeiffer Dirk , Ward Michael P. , Sripa Banchob , Gabriël Sarah , Dhama Kuldeep , Acharya Krishna Prasad , Robertson Lucy J. , Deem Sharon L. , Aenishaenslin Cécile , Dantas-Torres Filipe , Otranto Domenico , Grace Delia , Wang Yang , Li Peng , Fu Chao , Poeta Patrícia , Md. Tanvir Rahman  , Kassegne Kokouvi , Zhu Yong-Zhang , Yin Kun , Liu Jiming , Wang Zhao-Jun , Guo Xiao-Kui , Gong Wen-Feng , Schwartländer Bernhard , Ren Ming-Hui , Zhou Xiao-Nong
Published: April 2024

Background

Despite the increasing focus on strengthening One Health capacity building on global level, challenges remain in devising and implementing real-world interventions particularly in the Asia-Pacific region. Recognizing these gaps, the One Health Action Commission (OHAC) was established as an academic community for One Health action with an emphasis on research agenda setting to identify actions for highest impact.

Main text

This viewpoint describes the agenda of, and motivation for, the recently formed OHAC. Recognizing the urgent need for evidence to support the formulation of necessary action plans, OHAC advocates the adoption of both bottom-up and top-down approaches to identify the current gaps in combating zoonoses, antimicrobial resistance, addressing food safety, and to enhance capacity building for context-sensitive One Health implementation.

Conclusions

By promoting broader engagement and connection of multidisciplinary stakeholders, OHAC envisions a collaborative global platform for the generation of innovative One Health knowledge, distilled practical experience and actionable policy advice, guided by strong ethical principles of One Health.

Graphical Abstract
Longitudinal studies of bipolar patients and their families: translating findings to advance individualized risk prediction, treatment and research
Authors: Duffy Anne , Grof Paul
Published: April 2024

Background

Bipolar disorder is a broad diagnostic construct associated with significant phenotypic and genetic heterogeneity challenging progress in clinical practice and discovery research. Prospective studies of well-characterized patients and their family members have identified lithium responsive (LiR) and lithium non-responsive (LiNR) subtypes that hold promise for advancement.

Method

In this narrative review, relevant observations from published longitudinal studies of well-characterized bipolar patients and their families spanning six decades are highlighted. DSM diagnoses based on SADS-L interviews were decided in blind consensus reviews by expert clinicians. Genetic, neurobiological, and psychosocial factors were investigated in subsets of well-characterized probands and adult relatives. Systematic maintenance trials of lithium, antipsychotics, and lamotrigine were carried out. Clinical profiles that included detailed histories of the clinical course, symptom sets and disorders segregating in families were documented. Offspring of LiR and LiNR families were repeatedly assessed up to 20 years using KSADS-PL format interviews and DSM diagnoses and sub-threshold symptoms were decided by expert clinicians in blind consensus reviews using all available clinical and research data.

Results

A characteristic clinical profile differentiated bipolar patients who responded to lithium stabilization from those who did not. The LiR subtype was characterized by a recurrent fully remitting course predominated by depressive episodes and a positive family history of episodic remitting mood disorders, and not schizophrenia. Response to lithium clustered in families and the characteristic clinical profile predicted lithium response, with the episodic remitting course being a strong correlate. There is accumulating evidence that genetic and neurobiological markers differ between LiR and LiNR subtypes. Further, offspring of bipolar parents subdivided by lithium response differed in developmental history, clinical antecedents and early course of mood disorders. Moreover, the nature of the emergent course bred true from parent to offspring, independent of the nature of emergent psychopathology.

Conclusions

Bipolar disorders are heterogeneous and response to long-term lithium is associated with a familial subtype with characteristic course, treatment response, family history and likely pathogenesis. Incorporating distinctive clinical profiles that index valid bipolar subtypes into routine practice and research will improve patient outcomes and advance the development and translation of novel treatment targets to improve prevention and early intervention.
A proposed analytic rubric for consecutive interpreting assessment: implications for similar contexts
Authors: Shafiei Shilan
Published: April 2024

The present study aimed to develop an analytic assessment rubric for the consecutive interpreting course in the educational setting in the Iranian academic context. To this end, the general procedure of rubric development, including data preparation, selection, and refinement, was applied. The performance criteria were categorized into content, form, and delivery. Two groups of participants, experts, and students were recruited to establish the rubric’s validity and reliability. Based on the statistical analysis, the developed analytic rubric was established as a valid tool for use in the Iranian academic context of consecutive interpreting assessment. The proposed rubric may provide novice trainers with a more objective and systematic tool for consecutive interpreting assessments.
Residence-based inequalities in overweight/obesity in sub-Saharan Africa: a multivariate non-linear decomposition analysis
Authors: Atsu Priscilla , Mohammed Aliu , Adu Collins , Aboagye Richard Gyan , Ahinkorah Bright Opoku , Seidu Abdul-Aziz
Published: April 2024

Background

Overweight/obesity remains a major risk factor for non-communicable diseases and their associated morbidities and mortalities. Yet, limited studies have comprehensively examined factors contributing to the rural–urban disparities in overweight/obesity among women in sub-Saharan Africa. Thus, our study sought to decompose the rural–urban disparities in overweight/obesity among women in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) using nationally representative datasets.

Methods

We performed a cross-sectional analysis of data from the Demographic and Health Surveys of 23 sub-Saharan African countries conducted from 2015 to 2022. A sample of 177,329 women was included in the analysis. Percentages with confidence intervals (CIs) were used to summarize the prevalence of overweight/obesity per rural–urban strata and pooled level. A multivariate non-linear decomposition analysis was used to identify the factors contributing to the rural–urban disparities in overweight/obesity. The results were presented using coefficients and percentages.

Results

The pooled prevalence of overweight/obesity among the women was higher in urban areas (38.9%; 95% CI = 38.2–39.6) than rural areas (19.1%; 95% CI = 18.7–19.6). This pattern was observed in all the countries surveyed, except in South Africa, where women in rural areas (53.1%; 95% CI = 50.0–56.4) had a higher prevalence of overweight/obesity than those in urban areas (46.0%; 95% CI = 43.2–48.9). Approximately 54% of the rural–urban disparities in overweight/obesity was attributable to the differences in the women’s characteristics or explanatory variables. More than half of the rural–urban disparities in overweight/obesity would be reduced if the disparities in women’s characteristics were levelled. Among the women’s characteristics, frequency of watching television (29.03%), wealth index (26.59%), and level of education (9.40%) explained approximately 65% of the rural–urban differences in overweight/obesity.

Conclusion

The prevalence of overweight/obesity among women in SSA remains high and skewed towards women in urban areas. Increased frequency of watching television, high wealth index, and higher educational attainment contributed largely to the rural-urban disparities in overweight/obesity among women in SSA. Thus, interventions aimed at reducing overweight/obesity among women in SSA could be targeted at reducing the frequency of television watching as well as promoting physical activities among wealthy women and those with higher education, particularly in urban areas.
Comparison of immunomodulatory activity of polysaccharides and soluble dietary fibers and adsorption capacities of insoluble dietary fibers extracted from Lentinus edodes stipes
Authors: Sun Yujiao , Li Baobao , Xue Yuanye , Wang Jiankang , Miao Bingbing , Liu Yang , Li Yanjun , Cao Yungang , Chang Dawei
Published: April 2024

Stipes are the major waste from the processing of Lentinus edodes. To make full use of L. edodes stipes (LES), different fractions of LES polysaccharides (LESPs) were first obtained by water extraction and gradient ethanol precipitation. Afterwards, the LES residues were treated with an optimal combination of Aspergillus niger and Saccharomyces cerevisiae for the preparation of soluble/insoluble dietary fibers (LESS/LESI) using the response surface methodology and the Box-Behnken design. Subsequently, the in vitro immunomodulatory activity of LESPs and LESS, as well as the adsorption capacities of LESI were evaluated. The results showed that LESPs were neutral polysaccharides, mainly containing glucose. The optimal parameters for modifying the residues of LES were the followings: 4% (w/w) A. niger, 8% (w/w) S. cerevisiae, 31 ℃, 3 d, and a solid–liquid ratio of 1:12.5 in a yield of 14.73%/82.45% of LESS/LESI, respectively. The in vitro immunomodulatory activity assays revealed that LESPs and LESS had potent immunostimulatory activity to increase phagocytosis, acid phosphatase activity and nitric oxide production of RAW264.7 murine cell macrophages. The evaluation of adsorption capacities revealed that LESI owned stronger water holding capacity, oil holding capacity and water swelling capacity. This research could provide an effective way to fully utilize discarded L. edodes stipes with high added-value.

Graphical Abstract

An effective strategy was built to fully utilize discarded L. edodes stipes by preparing polysaccharides (LESPs-20, LESPs-50 and LESPs-80), soluble and insoluble dietary fibers (LESS/LESI). Their products showed immunomodulatory activity and adsorption capacities.
Houseplant leaf classification system based on deep learning algorithms
Authors: Hama Hersh M. , Abdulsamad Taib Sh. , Omer Saman M.
Published: April 2024

Botanical experts are typically relied upon to classify houseplants since even subtle differences in characteristics such as leaves can distinguish one species from another. Therefore, an automated system for recognizing houseplant leaves with accuracy and reliability becomes a valuable asset for the identification of indoor plant species. In this paper, a houseplant leaf classification system utilizing deep learning algorithms is proposed, which has been improved to effectively classify and identify a variety of houseplant leaf types. The system uses the ResNet-50 architecture based on convolutional neural network to analyze features of the leaf images and extract relevant information for classification. In addition, this work presents a newly constructed local dataset consisting of 2500 images to classify species of houseplant leaves. The dataset includes ten types of houseplant leaves that are suitable for cultivation in various climates at home. The dataset was augmented using data augmentation algorithms to increase its size and reduce overfitting. The developed system was training and testing using a local dataset. To evaluate the improved model, comparative experiments were conducted utilizing pre-trained models (original ResNet-50 and MobileNet_v2). The improved model revealed recognition accuracy of 99% with the augmented dataset and 98.60% without the augmentation, affirming its effectiveness. The improved model could potentially be used in various fields, including horticulture, plant pathology, and environmental monitoring to identify plant species.
Evaluating the effect of artificial intelligence on pharmaceutical product and drug discovery in China
Authors: Sampene Agyemang Kwasi , Nyirenda Fatuma
Published: April 2024

The pharmaceutical sector has recently witnessed a transformative improvement and shift toward artificial intelligence (AI) in its drug and pharmaceutical delivery process and procedures. Hence, this research delves into the benefits and obstacles pharmaceutical firms face in utilizing AI in China. Globally, China is recognized as a dominant pillar in research and development in the pharmaceutical industry. The country has incorporated AI approaches and technologies to improve the drug industry’s cost, efficiency and development. Therefore, this study applies the case study method and evaluation of prior studies to assess AI’s potential benefits and challenges in the drug and pharmaceutical enterprises. The research provided an in-depth evaluation of AI in the various phases of the drug discovery process. The research outcome indicated that AI’s benefits include drug repurposing, target identification, clinical trial optimization, quality assurance, and control and efficient drug distribution method. However, the analysis revealed that China faces several challenges that impact the pace and extent of integration of AI in its pharmaceutical industry. These challenges include a lack of standardized data, a shortage of skilled labor or professionals, and data and privacy concerns. In addition, the research provides three case studies that focused on f XtalPi-AI-Enhanced Drug Discover, BioMap: Accelerating Drug Development Through AI and iCarbonX: AI-Driven Precision Medicine and provided a comprehensive analysis of how these firms have used AI to stimulate their drug discovery process. The study also provides policies that can help improve the integration of AI in the pharmaceutical and drug delivery process.
Comprehensive Recommendations for the Clinical Management of Pregnant Women With Noninvasive Prenatal Test Results Suspicious of a Maternal Malignancy
Authors: Heesterbeek Catharina J. , Lenaerts Liesbeth , Tjan-Heijnen Vivianne C.G. , Amant Frédéric , van Rij Maartje C. , Theunis Miel , de Die-Smulders Christine E.M. , Vermeesch Joris R. , Macville Merryn V.E. ,   The Dutch NIPT Consortium
Published: April 2024

In this article, we defined comprehensive recommendations for the clinical follow-up of pregnant women with a malignancy-suspicious NIPT result, on the basis of the vast experience with population-based NIPT screening programs in two European countries complemented with published large data sets. These recommendations provide a tool for classifying NIPT results as malignancy-suspicious, and guide health care professionals in structured clinical decision making for the diagnostic process of pregnant women who receive such a malignancy-suspicious NIPT result.
Evaluation of the Thiazide Challenge Test to Differentiate Primary From Hypercalciuria-Related Hyperparathyroidism
Authors: Verly Ewout , Lapauw Bruno , Verroken Charlotte
Published: April 2024

Context

Treatment of primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) and secondary hyperparathyroidism due to idiopathic hypercalciuria (SHPT-IH) is markedly different. Robust diagnostic tools to differentiate between both entities are however lacking.

Objective

Evaluate the thiazide challenge test (TCT) in clinical practice, its aid in clinical decision making, and evaluate the accuracy (sensitivity, specificity) and potentially useful parameters of the TCT.

Methods

Monocentric observational retrospective cohort study from January 2017 to November 2023 in an outpatient Endocrinology department, Ghent University Hospital (Belgium). Twenty-five adult patients with hypercalciuria, elevated parathyroid hormone (PTH), and high-normal or elevated serum calcium underwent a TCT. Outcome measures were serum, urinary biochemical parameters before and after testing, clinical and imaging outcomes, treatment, and follow-up.

Results

Patients with a TCT-based working diagnosis of PHPT show greater increases in albumin-adjusted calcium and total serum calcium concentration than patients with SHPT-IH (+0.11 ± 0.10 vs +0.0071 ± 0.10 mmol/L; P = .025 and +0.14 ± 0.12 vs +0.012 ± 0.15 mmol/L; P = .024, respectively). The TCT-based working diagnosis of PHPT has a sensitivity of 81.8%, a specificity of 77.8%, and a likelihood ratio of 3.68 of estimating a correct final diagnosis. Urinary calcium excretion, PTH, calcium–phosphorous ratio, PTH inhibition rate, and the parathyroid function index do not differ significantly in patients with PHPT compared with those with SHPT-IH.

Conclusion

The TCT aids in discriminating patients with PHPT from those with SHPT-IH based on a rise in serum calcium. Other parameters are not different between both groups. Larger prospective trials are necessary to further define the diagnostic potential of the TCT, its most appropriate biochemical outcome variables, and decision cut-offs.
Opposing Effects of Cannabidiol in Patient-derived Neuroendocrine Tumor, Pheochromocytoma/Paraganglioma Primary Cultures
Authors: Wang Katharina , Schober Laura , Fischer Alessa , Bechmann Nicole , Maurer Julian , Peischer Lea , Reul Astrid , Hantel Constanze , Reincke Martin , Beuschlein Felix , Robledo Mercedes , Mohr Hermine , Pellegata Natalia S , Schilbach Katharina , Knösel Thomas , Ilmer Matthias , Angele Martin , Kroiss Matthias , Maccio Umberto , Broglie-Däppen Martina , Vetter Diana , Lehmann Kuno , Pacak Karel , Grossman Ashley B , Auernhammer Christoph J , Zitzmann Kathrin , Nölting Svenja
Published: April 2024

Context

Treatment options for advanced neuroendocrine tumors (NETs), pheochromocytomas and paragangliomas (PPGLs) are still limited. In recent years, antitumor effects of cannabinoids have been reported; however, there are only very limited data available in NETs or PPGLs.

Objective

Investigation of the effects of cannabidiol (CBD) on patient-derived human NET/PPGL primary cultures and on NET/PPGL cell lines.

Methods

We established primary cultures derived from 46 different patients with PPGLs (n = 35) or NETs (n = 11) who underwent tumor resection at 2 centers. Treatment of patient primary cultures with clinically relevant doses (5 µM) and slightly higher doses (10 µM) of CBD was performed.

Results

We found opposing effects of 5 µM CBD: significant antitumor effects in 5/35 (14%) and significant tumor-promoting effects in 6/35 (17%) of PPGL primary cultures. In terms of antitumor effects, cluster 2-related PPGLs showed significantly stronger responsivity to CBD compared to cluster 1-related PPGLs (P = .042). Of the cluster 2-related tumors, NF1 PPGLs showed the strongest responsivity (4/5 PPGL primary cultures with a significant decrease in cell viability were NF1-mutated). We also found opposing effects of 10 µM CBD in PPGLs and NETs: significant antitumor effects in 9/33 of PPGL (27%) and 3/11 of NET (27%) primary cultures and significant tumor-promoting effects in 6/33 of PPGL (18%) and 2/11 of NET (18%) primary cultures.

Conclusion

We suggest a potential novel treatment option for some NETs/PPGLs but also provide evidence for caution when applying cannabinoids as supportive therapy for pain or appetite management to cancer patients and possibly as health supplements.
Behavioral Consistency in Economics and Sociology: Thomas Schelling and Social Interactionists on Commitment, 1956–69
Authors: Fontaine Philippe
Published: April 2024

The concept of commitment has achieved a significant presence across US postwar social science, enjoying increased visibility from the mid-1950s. Economists insist that commitment is the result of a decision to bind oneself to a line of action; they use the concept to express the centrality of individual agency even when it comes to renouncing alternatives. Sociologists see it more as a consequence of one's decision being subjected to social-structural forces. They resort to the concept to show that engagement in a consistent line of action stems from decisions that are inevitably embedded. These differences notwithstanding, economists and sociologists converged on a definition of commitment as the closing off of particular courses of action and the maintenance of consistent behavior over time, intentionally or unintentionally. As they conceptualized commitment, Thomas Schelling, Howard Becker, Erving Goffman, and Jessie Bernard incorporated extradisciplinary insights and transformed them to suit their own disciplinary framework. In so doing, they tilted the existing balance between personal agency and social structure, as found in economics and sociology, and helped create a form of knowledge that contributes to a more general understanding of social interactions.
“Much-Abused Luke”
Authors: Knapp Caleb
Published: April 2024

This essay revisits a familiar but seldom discussed anecdote of same-sex sexual abuse in the archive of Atlantic slavery: the story of Luke in Harriet Jacobs’s Incidents in the Life of a Slave Girl (1861). Through a close reading of Luke’s story, the article advances three claims: (1) the history of slavery is also a history of same-sex sexual terror, (2) the sexual terror of slavery included reproductive sexual violence but was not limited to it, and (3) Incidents is ultimately a story about sexual terror and protest against it in the form of fugitivity. In making these arguments, the article intervenes into current conversations in the feminist historiography of slavery, capitalism, and reproduction and contributes to emerging work on same-sex sexual relations in the context of enslavement. It closes with a short reflection on the stakes of Luke’s story for historiography on sexuality.
Prevalence of brucellosis in Pakistan with reference to South Asia and Middle East: A comparative review
Authors: Ahmad M , Akhtar R , Altaf I , Bhutta ZA , Farhab M
Published: April 2024

Brucellosis is a well-known zoonotic disease that causes serious health-related issues both in the humans and livestock population of the world. The prevalence of this disease has been increased significantly especially in developing and under-developed countries for the last few decades because of religious, socioeconomic, political and sanitary concerns. Lack of resources, local awareness, sufficient laboratory support, effective control strategies, and proper vaccination programs are yet other factors contributing to the spread of this disease. Because of high zoonotic potential Brucella species pose a significant threat to the human population involved in handling, rearing, and consumption of contaminated dairy products. The economy of many countries in the world mostly depends upon the rearing of the healthy and high-yielding livestock population. This disease causes notable economic losses in terms of low production, abortion followed by low fertility and repeat breeding. This review includes generalizing information regarding economic losses and public health issues caused by brucellosis in different countries of the world.
Effect of α-Tocopherol, Storage Temperature and Storage Time on Quality Characteristics and Oxidative Stability of Chicken Kavurma, traditional Turkish cooked meat product
Authors: Nacak B , Dikici A , Yel N , Zaimoğulları K , İpek G , Özer M
Published: April 2024

During storage of meat products, 4°C storage temperature is recommended however temperature in retails could rise to 15°C and maintaining quality of products becomes a challenge at higher temperatures. Thus, the aim of present study was determining the effects of antioxidant usage and storage temperature on some quality characteristics and lipid oxidation stability of chicken kavurma during 4-month storage at 4°C and 10°C. For this purpose, two different kavurma sample (C: without antioxidant, A:with 300 ppm α-tocopherol) were stored at 4°C and 10°C. Chemical composition, salt, texture profile analysis, color and lipid oxidation (peroxide values and TBARS values) of samples were monitored.  Using α-tocopherol in formulation did not affect the chemical composition and texture of samples, all parameters were found within standards. Storage time has significant influence on pH, color and lipid oxidation of samples. Using α-tocopherol and higher storage temperature resulted higher peroxide values. During 4-month storage, lipid oxidation results significantly increased, the lowest TBARS value was found in 4A sample. Storage temperature affected only a* values while antioxidant usage affected only b*  values of samples. As a result, using 300 ppm α-tocopherol can help maintaining quality and oxidative stability of chicken kavurma sold in retails.
Effect of sub-inhibitory concentrations of antibiotic on the production and N-acetylglucosamine scale of methicillin- resistant Staphylococcus aureus biofilm
Authors: Moori Bakhtiari N , Ezzati Givi M , Goudarzi S
Published: April 2024

The ability of Staphylococcus spp. to produce biofilm is one of the virulence factors that facilitate the adhesion and colonization on a different surface. In this study, the effects of sub minimum inhibitory concentration (sub-MIC) of some antibiotics were evaluated on induction of the biofilm producing ability and free N-acetylglucoseamine scale in 29 isolates of methicillin resistance staphylococcus aureus. To this end, the antibiogram and biofilm producing functions of the studied isolates were assessed by Kirby-Bauer and tissue culture plate method, respectively. Vancomycin, trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole and clindamycin were used in antibiogram. The free N-acetylglucoseamine scale in the inducted biofilm after treatment with antibiotic was evaluated by TLC method. Based on the attained results, all the isolates were susceptible to vancomycin and were capable of producing biofilm in weak (40%), moderate (56.6%) and strong (3.33%) levels. Also, biofilm production was induced in 36.66% of isolates (11/30) from moderate to strong level by sub-MIC vancomycin. An invisible change in free N-acetyl glucoseamine scale was demonstrated in the exopolysaccharide (EPS) structure of the studied isolates biofilm.By comparing of results and literature reviews, free N-acetyl glucoseamine scale in all studied strains was lower than 5µg in before and after inducted biofilm or maybe is not exist. Certainly, for studied of structural N-acetyl glucoseamine scale, using more exact methods of extraction and measurement are need.
Effects of Reishi Mushroom (Ganoderma Lucidum) Powder Inclusion into Quail Diets on Animal Performance, Carcass Traits, Intestinal Microflora and Serum Parameters
Authors: Ulger İ , Kaliber M , Hizlisoy H , Ayasan T
Published: April 2024

This study was carried out to determine the effects of reishi mushroom (Ganoderma lucidum) powder inclusion into quail diets on live weight, live weight change, feed consumption, feed conversion ratio, carcass traits, intestinal microflora and serum biochemical parameters of the animals. Dietary reishi mushroom (RM) addition did not influence live weight changes of the treatment groups (P> 0.05). Weekly and overall feed consumptions of the treatment groups were not influenced by RM supplementations (P> 0.05). There were not any significant differences in feed conversion ratios of the treatment groups (P>0.05). Dietary RM inclusion did not affect the overall carcass parameters (P> 0.05). The differences in intestinal bacteria populations of the treatment groups were not found to be significant (P> 0.05). Also, there were not any significant differences in blood serum total cholesterol, glucose, total protein and triglyceride levels of the treatment groups (P> 0.05). It was concluded that dietary RM inclusion into animal diets had a little effect on performance and carcass traits of Japanese quail. But there were slight improvements in some parameters due to antioxidant and antimicrobial effects of reishi mushroom. Further research is recommended to be conducted with greater ratios of dietary RM and with different poultry species.
Indoor environmental quality in schools: NOTECH solution vs. standard solution
Authors: Volf Carlo , Martiny Klaus , Andersen Mathias , Engberg Pallesen Bodil
Published: April 2024

Background In many Danish schools, the indoor environmental quality (IEQ) is challenged and studies document a poor IEQ in a majority of existing schools. Municipalities cannot afford comprehensive renovations and expensive mechanical ventilation solutions, hence public schools often suffer from poor indoor environment conditions. This study tests a new façade based, demand-controlled ventilation solution called NOTECH in the renovation of school. The study tests NOTECH vs. existing mechanical ventilation solution, comparing performance of both solutions at Skovbrynet Skole in Denmark. Methods The project investigates the effect of the NOTECH solution in a primary school classroom, comparing it to a similar classroom with conventional, mechanical ventilation. Methodically, indoor environmental quality and energy performance is monitored in the two identical classrooms during one school year 2018 - 2019. Results The results show that both systems keep the conditions within acceptable limits and CO2 levels below 1000 ppm, which is the requirement according to the Danish Building Regulations. In terms of costs, the NOTECH system has a lower overall cost than the mechanical ventilation system, with total estimated costs for installation, heating, electricity and maintenance amounting to approximately 35% of the mechanical system’s costs. Finally, the results show that the NOTECH solution has a smaller embedded CO2 footprint for building materials, reducing the estimated carbon load by 95% compared to the mechanical ventilation solution. Conclusions While the performance of the both systems complies to the Danish Building Regulations, the indoor environmental quality between systems differs significantly. Results showing a higher air-temperature and lower relative air-humidity in the classroom with mechanical ventilation during winter and lower CO2 levels in the mechanically ventilated classroom during winter and summer. Costs for implementation, energy consumption for heating and CO2 footprint for building materials are significantly lower for the NOTECH solution, compared to the mechanical solution.
Transnational patterns, social networks and self-help organizations for migrant women
Authors: Ruspini Paolo , Hristov Petko
Published: April 2024

Previous research shows the importance of building up self-help structures in a transnational perspective for the inclusion of migrant women who are fleeing their home countries because of war, violence, or different forms of vulnerability. The mobilization of self-help organizations through the intersection of transnationalism and gender is, in fact, a useful direction for a practice-oriented pedagogy directed both towards (1) the most vulnerable groups of women, or (2) those already empowered either as community leaders or network facilitators, other migrants and the whole native population. For this paper, we compare selected video-interviews of refugee women collected in Bulgaria and Italy, which are important receiving countries either at the South-Eastern or Southern external border of the European Union. The research questions of this comparative assessment include: 1) How do refugee women organize themselves for mutual help? 2) How do they build their social networks through transnational practices to bridge with the local people? 3) Is community or individual empowerment of refugee women better for implementation through ethnic lines or a gender perspective? The final aim of this investigation is to analyse various patterns of social networks’ creation among refugee women originating from different socio-cultural contexts. The research findings might be useful to instil inclusion practices which are apt to refugee women empowerment.
The genome sequence of the yarrow Cheilosia, Cheilosia vernalis (Fallén, 1817)
Authors: Falk Steven , Woodcock Katie J. ,   University of Oxford and Wytham Woods Genome Acquisition Lab,   Darwin Tree of Life Barcoding collective,   Wellcome Sanger Institute Tree of Life Management, Samples and Laboratory team,   Wellcome Sanger Institute Scientific Operations: Sequencing Operations,   Wellcome Sanger Institute Tree of Life Core Informatics team,   Tree of Life Core Informatics collective,   Darwin Tree of Life Consortium
Published: April 2024

We present a genome assembly from an individual male Cheilosia vernalis (the yarrow Cheilosia; Arthropoda; Insecta; Diptera; Syrphidae). The genome sequence is 441.6 megabases in span. Most of the assembly is scaffolded into 6 chromosomal pseudomolecules, including the X sex chromosome. The mitochondrial genome has also been assembled and is 20.3 kilobases in length. Gene annotation of this assembly on Ensembl identified 21,245 protein coding genes.
Intelligent Classroom Note-taking Application Software with Higher Performance
Authors: Zhuang Li
Published: April 2024

In the process of multimedia teaching, it is common for learners to miss out on important notes and fail to summarize and organize the course content in a timely manner, resulting in a lower learning efficiency. Aim: This paper designs an intelligent classroom note-taking application software that combines traditional note-taking with the internet, based on the needs analysis of both teachers and learners. This software utilizes the single shot multibox detector and MobileNet to build a network platform, and establishes a MySQL-based database. It has been deeply developed using various intelligent algorithms and technologies, and includes modules for learning notes, searching, recognition, and recording. Through Testin and usage testing by learners and teachers, the proposed software has been proven to effectively recognize and record learning content, ensuring the recording and expansion of teacher’s knowledge points, ultimately improving students’ learning efficiency. Based on the current situation of classroom note-taking, this paper explains the level of learners’ awareness of classroom note-taking and the problems of note-taking in the classroom, and summarizes the design ideas and basic requirements of a classroom note-taking application. The design process of an intelligent classroom note-taking application is proposed, and the design and development of the software is further completed.
High-Performance Computing Web Search System Based on Computer Big Data
Authors: Kang Yingxi , Beiping Tang  , Xiaodong Hu
Published: April 2024

File sharing, streaming media, collaborative computing, and other P2P systems are all unicast to establish the corresponding overlapping network. The superimposed network is generally carried out based on the existing primary network. In this way, the access of each node is random. At the same time, this will cause the topological structure of the upper and lower layers to be inconsistent. This will increase the communication delay between nodes and cause an excellent bandwidth burden to the underlying network. The existing topology matching methods still face problems, such as poor scalability and long node aggregation time. This paper aims to design a topological distributed node aggregation method based on network coordination and distributed hash table (DHT) algorithm. This paper established a two-dimensional mesh model of nodes based on equal-distance concentric circles and divided into two equal areas. The parts of multiple namespaces correspond one by one according to their location. Because nodes are kept close, neighbours can be aggregated through DHT's primary "publish" and "search" primitives. Experimental results show that the TANRA method can match the network's topology under a slight delay and a large number of nodes. The TANRA method can effectively reduce the path delay in structured networks.
About the peculiarities of the existential fulfillment of men convicted of violent crimes
Authors: Emel'yanova Elena , Ovsyukov Dmitry , Ilyin Alexey
Published: April 2024

the article presents a study on the peculiarities of the degree of existential fulfillment in men convicted of violent crimes. The relevance of the study is confirmed by the low level of study of this issue, as well as due to the increasing number of violent crimes. Thus, the increase in the number of recidivism due to this fact of committing crimes is related to the degree of existential fulfillment, that is, unwillingness to take responsibility for their actions and non-acceptance of themselves by convicts as individuals. The article also reflects the personality characteristics of those convicted of violent crimes, which differ in the presence of special criminally negative properties and personality qualities. The personality of a criminal is defined by researchers as a set of socially significant negative properties. These properties are formed in the process of long-term interaction with other people. Personality also includes a set of criminalized properties and qualities. In order to study existential fulfillment, we have identified the object of research – existential fulfillment. The subject of the research conducted by the researchers identified the features of existential fulfillment in men convicted of violent crimes. The empirical base of the study was collected on the basis of the high-security penal colony of the Federal Penitentiary Institution IK-3 of the Federal Penitentiary Service of Russia in the Kirov region. The sample of the study is presented in the number of 60 convicts. The age of the convicts is 18-40 years old inclusive. According to the results of the study, the features of the existential fulfillment of convicted men of the studied category were noted, and the uniqueness of the use of art therapeutic methods in working with this category of persons was noted. The article also indicates the reasons why the existential fulfillment of convicts has correspondingly low values. Thus, the result obtained indicates the existing lifestyle of the convicts. As noted in the study, the formed lifestyle can be influenced by uncertainty in decision-making, as well as uncertainty in an "existential place". A special role is played by conducting planned and comprehensive psychological correction and educational work with this category of convicts.