bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Body stuffing during apprehension resulting in distal esophageal impaction: a case report and review of the literature
Authors: Schmidt Tegan , Matolina Yuliya , Neeki Arianna S. , Peace Carlos , Archambeau Benjamin , Dong Fanglong , Neeki Michael M.
Published: November 2022

Background

Body stuffing and body packing are two methods of concealing illicit drugs. Body stuffing is defined as the oral ingestion of illicit drugs, typically to avoid law enforcement detection or other consequences of possession, and may present a serious medical emergency in patients. Most commonly, body stuffers ingest possibly large or unknown quantities of illicit substances to avoid detection of the drugs during apprehension. This ingestion is typically hasty or impulsive, and therefore the substances ingested are rarely packaged in a way that would be considered safe for ingestion.

Case presentation

This case highlights a series of rare complications of impacted esophageal foreign body including esophageal edema, pericarditis, and hydro-pneumothorax for a 16-year-old Hispanic male who was booked into a county juvenile detention and rehabilitation facility. He complained of persistent intractable epigastric pain, along with pleuritic chest pain with multiple episodes of vomiting over the previous 4 days. He denied swallowing any foreign body. He underwent esophagogastroduodenoscopy, and a plastic bag with content suspicious for marijuana was discovered in the distal esophagus and removed.

Conclusions

Failure to consider body stuffing and foreign body impaction in individuals during medical evaluation in detention centers with complaints of chest pain, abdominal pain, dysphagia, and/or certain toxidromes can delay diagnosis and lead to a variety of medical complications.
The effect of lncRNA MIR155HG-modified MSCs and exosome delivery to synergistically attenuate vein graft intimal hyperplasia
Authors: Bai Xiao , Qi Zaiwen , Zhu Mingzhen , Lu Zhuangzhuang , Zhao Xin , Zhang Lining , Song Guangmin
Published: November 2022

Background

The mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) were used to repair tissue injury. However, the treatment effect was not satisfactory. We investigated whether lncRNA MIR155HG could promote survival and migration of MSCs under oxidative stress, which mimics in vivo environments. Furthermore, we studied the protective effect of exosomes secreted by MSCs transfected with MIR155HG on endothelial cells. This study aimed to determine whether exploiting MSCs and exosomes modified with lncRNA MIR155HG would exert synergistic therapeutic effect to attenuate vein graft intimal hyperplasia more effectively.

Methods

Lentivirus containing lncRNA MIR155HG overexpressing vector was packaged and used to infect MSCs. Then, CCK-8 assay, flow cytometry, Transwell assay, and Elisa assay were used to assess the functional changes of MSCs with overexpressed MIR155HG (OE-MSCs). Furthermore, the associated pathways were screened by Western blot. MIR155HG-MSCs-derived exosomes (OE-exo) were collected and co-cultured with human umbilicus vein endothelial cell (HUVEC). We validated the protective effect of OE-exo on HUVEC. In vivo, both MSCs and exosomes modified with MIR155HG were injected into a vein graft rat model via tail vein. We observed MSCs homing and intimal hyperplasia of vein graft using a fluorescent microscope and histological stain.

Results

Our study found that lncRNA MIR155HG promoted proliferation, migration, and anti-apoptosis of MSCs. NF-κB pathway took part in the regulation process induced by MIR155HG. OE-exo could enhance the activity and healing ability of HUVEC and reduce apoptosis. In vivo, OE-MSCs had a higher rate of homing to vascular endothelium. The combined treatment with OE-MSCs and OE-exo protected vascular endothelial integrity, reduced inflammatory cell proliferation, and significantly attenuated intimal hyperplasia of vein graft.

Conclusion

LncRNA MIR155HG could promote the survival and activity of MSCs, and reduce the apoptosis of HUVECs using exosome delivery. Exploiting MSCs and exosomes modified with MIR155HG could attenuate vein graft intimal hyperplasia more effectively and maximize the surgical effect.
Chromosomal and gonadal sex drive sex differences in lipids and hepatic gene expression in response to hypercholesterolemia and statin treatment
Authors: Wiese Carrie B. , Agle Zoey W. , Zhang Peixiang , Reue Karen
Published: November 2022

Background

Biological sex impacts susceptibility and presentation of cardiovascular disease, which remains the leading cause of death for both sexes. To reduce cardiovascular disease risk, statin drugs are commonly prescribed to reduce circulating cholesterol levels through inhibition of cholesterol synthesis. The effectiveness of statin therapy differs between individuals with a sex bias in the frequency of adverse effects. Limited information is available regarding the mechanisms driving sex-specific responses to hypercholesterolemia or statin treatment.

Methods

Four Core Genotypes mice (XX and XY mice with ovaries and XX and XY mice with testes) on a hypercholesteremic Apoe–/– background were fed a chow diet without or with simvastatin for 8 weeks. Plasma lipid levels were quantified and hepatic differential gene expression was evaluated with RNA-sequencing to identify the independent effects of gonadal and chromosomal sex.

Results

In a hypercholesterolemic state, gonadal sex influenced the expression levels of more than 3000 genes, and chromosomal sex impacted expression of nearly 1400 genes, which were distributed across all autosomes as well as the sex chromosomes. Gonadal sex uniquely influenced the expression of ER stress response genes, whereas chromosomal and gonadal sex influenced fatty acid metabolism gene expression in hypercholesterolemic mice. Sex-specific effects on gene regulation in response to statin treatment included a compensatory upregulation of cholesterol biosynthetic gene expression in mice with XY chromosome complement, regardless of presence of ovaries or testes.

Conclusion

Gonadal and chromosomal sex have independent effects on the hepatic transcriptome to influence different cellular pathways in a hypercholesterolemic environment. Furthermore, chromosomal sex in particular impacted the cellular response to statin treatment. An improved understanding of how gonadal and chromosomal sex influence cellular response to disease conditions and in response to drug treatment is critical to optimize disease management for all individuals.
Salidroside reduces neuropathology in Alzheimer’s disease models by targeting NRF2/SIRT3 pathway
Authors: Yao Yuyuan , Ren Zhichu , Yang Ruihan , Mei Yilan , Dai Yuying , Cheng Qian , Xu Chong , Xu Xiaogang , Wang Sanying , Kim Kyoung Mi , Noh Ji Heon , Zhu Jian , Zhao Ningwei , Liu Yong U. , Mao Genxiang , Sima Jian
Published: November 2022

Background

Neurite dystrophy is a pathologic hallmark of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). However, drug discovery targeting neurite protection in AD remains largely unexplored.

Methods

Aβ-induced neurite and mitochondrial damage assays were used to evaluate Aβ toxicity and the neuroprotective efficacy of a natural compound salidroside (SAL). The 5×FAD transgenic mouse model of AD was used to study the neuroprotective function of SAL. To verify the direct target of SAL, we used surface plasmon resonance and cellular thermal shift assays to analyze the drug-protein interaction.

Results

SAL ameliorates Aβ-mediated neurite damage in cell culture. We further reveal that SAL represses mitochondrial damage in neurites by promoting mitophagy and maintaining mitochondrial homeostasis, dependent on an NAD-dependent deacetylase SIRT3. In AD mice, SAL protects neurite morphology, mitigates Aβ pathology, and improves cognitive function, which are all SIRT3-dependent. Notably, SAL directly binds to transcription factor NRF2, inhibits its degradation by blocking its interaction with KEAP1 ubiquitin ligase, and then advances NRF2-mediated SIRT3 transcription.

Conclusions

Overall, we demonstrate that SAL, a potential anti-aging drug candidate, attenuates AD pathology by targeting NRF2/SIRT3 pathway for mitochondrial and neurite protection. Drug discovery strategies focusing on SAL may thus provide promising therapeutics for AD.
Scattering for 2D quasilinear wave equations with null conditions
Authors: Sun Yaqing , He Daoyin
Published: November 2022

We study the scattering theory of solutions to the quasilinear wave equations with null conditions and small initial data in two dimensions. Based on the scattering profile that was described precisely in He–Liu–Wang (J. Differ. Equ. 269(4):3067–3088, 2020), we establish precise estimates for the difference of the solution and the scattering profile. Therefore, collecting the results in this paper and those in He–Liu–Wang (J. Differ. Equ. 269(4):3067–3088, 2020), we have given a basically systematic study on the long-time behavior of a small data solution to the 2D wave equation with null conditions.
Land use land cover change in and around Chebera Churchura National Park, Southwestern Ethiopia: implications for management effectiveness
Authors: Yadeta Temesgen , Tessema Zewdu Kelkay , Kebede Fanuel , Mengesha Girma , Asefa Addisu
Published: November 2022

Background

Land use-land cover change (LULCC) resulting from anthropogenic activities has been one of the major causes of loss of biodiversity globally. Thus, understanding the dynamics of such LULCC, especially within protected areas, is important to assess their past-present management effectiveness, identify the driving forces and assist future implementation of mitigation measures. The objectives of this study, based on satellite images analysis, were to examine and describe patterns of LULCC within and in the buffer zone area of Chebera Churchura National Park, SW Ethiopia, at five points in time (1985, 1991, 2000, 2010, and 2020); and to examine management effectiveness of the park authority in slowing down the rate of LULCCs after the establishment of the park.

Results

Results showed that different land cover types exhibited varying patterns of change over the last 35 years. However, major differences were detected between the park area boundary and its buffer zone area after establishment of the park. From the year 1991 to 2000 (before the establishment), grassland declined by 52.9% (120.55km2) and 58.9% (151.9km2) within the park boundary and its buffer zone, respectively. After the establishment, grassland continued to decline only in the buffer zone. Similarly, agricultural land declined by 13.2% (2.7 km2) within the park but expanded by 5.4% (3.1 km2) in the buffer zone prior to park establishment. However, after establishment of the park, agricultural land in the buffer zone increased by 99.4% (99.7 km2). Grassland and wooded grassland had the opposite trend within the park area before vs after the establishment of the park.

Conclusions

Results of the present study showed that striking differences in the rates of LULCCs within the park area and its buffer zone after establishment of the park, with the implication that the management is effective in slowing down LULCC relative to that in the buffer zone areas. In sum, this study would serve as a showcase on cost-effective means to assess human impacts on biodiversity in protected areas due to policy changes. Findings of the study would serve as a bench mark to evaluate future management effectives of the park authority.
Maternal organic selenium supplementation during gestation enhances muscle fiber area and muscle fiber maturation of offspring in porcine model
Authors: Lin Yan , Yan Hui , Cao Lei , Mou Daolin , Ding Dajiang , Qin Binting , Che Lianqiang , Fang Zhengfeng , Xu Shengyu , Zhuo Yong , Li Jian , Wang Jianping , Huang Chao , Zou Yuanfeng , Li Lixia , Wu De , Feng Bin
Published: November 2022

Background

Organic selenium supplementation during gestation improves the antioxidant status and reproductive performance of sows and increases the antioxidative capacity of the intestines of their offspring. This study was conducted to investigate the effect of maternal basel diet (control) supplemented with an organic Se, 2-hydroxy-4-methylselenobutanoic acid (HMSeBA), or inorganic sodium selenite (Na2SeO3) during gestation on the antioxidant status and development of muscle in newborn and weaned piglets. Newborn piglets before colostrum intake and weaned piglets were selected for longissimus dorsi (LD) muscle collection and analysis.

Results

The results showed that maternal HMSeBA supplementation increased the muscle area and content of Se in the LD muscle of newborn piglets, improved gene expression of selenoproteins, and decreased oxidative status in the LD muscle of both newborn and weaned piglets compared with the control. The expression of muscle development-related genes of newborn piglets in the HMSeBA group was lower than in the control group, whereas the expression of MRF4 in weaned piglets was higher in the HMSeBA group than in the control and Na2SeO3 groups. In addition, HMSeBA supplementation decreased the mRNA expressions of myosin heavy chains (MyHC) IIx and MyHC IIb and the percentage of MyHC IIb; increased the expression of PGC-1α in the LD muscle of newborn piglets; increased the gene expression of MyHC IIa; and decreased the protein expression of slow MyHC and the activity of malate dehydrogenase in the LD muscle of weaned piglets compared with the control group.

Conclusions

Maternal HMSeBA supplementation during gestation can improve the antioxidative capacity of the muscle of their offspring and promote the maturity of muscle fibres in weaned offspring.
The effect of COVID-19 home quarantine on the psychological state of pharmacy students: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Mohamed Asmaa S. , Abdelrahman Ahmed A. , Ahmad Hosam M. , Abdel Aziz Omar R. , Mesameh Yasmeen S. , Mohamad Soad A.
Published: November 2022

Background

Psychological morbidity has been documented in medical and pharmaceutical undergraduate students in different countries around the world. In this study, we examined the impact of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) home quarantine on the depressive psychological aspects of last-grade pharmacy students.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted by the Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Deraya University, Egypt. Two hundred and sixty-eight last-grade pharmacy students were included in this study, and they completed a self-administered, pre-designed, anonymous questionnaire. The main outcome measures were the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HRS) and Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9), which were measured to screen for the symptoms of psychological depression and determine the degree of depression severity between the beginning and the end of the COVID-19 home quarantine period. Data entry and analysis were done using the Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) software version 26. Descriptive statistics were employed for analyses of the data, and categorical variables were described by frequencies and percentages. Bivariate and multivariable analyses were performed to examine relations between demographic data and psychological scales. The study protocol was approved by the Faculty of Pharmacy, Minia University Ethical Committee.

Results

A total of 268 students participated in this study (102 males and 166 females). The mean ± SD score of baseline HRS and HRS at the end of the study was 6.3 ± 4.45, 7.95 ± 5.36, respectively, with the presence of a statistically significant difference between the two scores (p < 0.001). The mean ± SD score of baseline PHQ-9 and PHQ-9 at the end of the study was 4.35 ± 3.45, 5.37 ± 4.14, respectively, with the presence of a statistically significant difference between the two scores (p < 0.001). The results showed that the COVID-19 home quarantine period led to a depressive psychological effect on the students in this study.

Conclusions

Students’ psychological depression causes morbidity and, in some cases, mortality. Psychological depressive problems were significantly associated with the COVID-19 home quarantine period, which calls for early intervention to solve it. Student counselling services must be more accessible and affordable to overcome this problem.
Quantitative CT analysis to predict esophageal fistula in patients with advanced esophageal cancer treated by chemotherapy or chemoradiotherapy
Authors: Shi Yan-Jie , Liu Chang , Wei Yi-Yuan , Li Xiao-Ting , Shen Lin , Lu Zhi-Hao , Sun Ying-Shi
Published: November 2022

Background

Esophageal fistula is one of the most serious complications of chemotherapy or chemoradiotherapy (CRT) for advanced esophageal cancer. This study aimed to evaluate the performance of quantitative computed tomography (CT) analysis and to establish a practical imaging model for predicting esophageal fistula in esophageal cancer patients treated with chemotherapy or chemoradiotherapy.

Methods

This study retrospectively enrolled 204 esophageal cancer patients (54 patients with fistula, 150 patients without fistula) and all patients were allocated to the primary and validation cohorts according to the time of inclusion in a 1:1 ratio. Ulcer depth, tumor thickness and length, and minimum and maximum enhanced CT values of esophageal cancer were measured in pretreatment CT imaging. Logistic regression analysis was used to evaluate the associations of CT quantitative measurements with esophageal fistula. Receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) analysis was also used.

Results

Logistic regression analysis showed that independent predictors of esophageal fistula included tumor thickness [odds ratio (OR) = 1.167; p = 0.037], the ratio of ulcer depth to adjacent tumor thickness (OR = 164.947; p < 0.001), and the ratio of minimum to maximum enhanced CT value (OR = 0.006; p = 0.039) in the primary cohort at baseline CT imaging. These predictors were used to establish a predictive model for predicting esophageal fistula, with areas under the receiver operating characteristic curves (AUCs) of 0.946 and 0.841 in the primary and validation cohorts, respectively. The quantitative analysis combined with T stage for predicting esophageal fistula had AUCs of 0.953 and 0.917 in primary and validation cohorts, respectively.

Conclusion

Quantitative pretreatment CT analysis has excellent performance for predicting fistula formation in esophageal cancer patients who treated by chemotherapy or chemoradiotherapy.
A Simple Model for Diagnosis of Maladaptations to Exercise Training
Authors: Flockhart Mikael , Nilsson Lina C. , Ekblom Björn , Larsen Filip J.
Published: November 2022

Background

The concept of overreaching and super compensation is widely in use by athletes and coaches seeking to maximize performance and adaptations to exercise training. The physiological aspects of acute fatigue, overreaching and non-functional overreaching are, however, not well understood, and well-defined negative physiological outcomes are missing. Instead, the concept relies heavily on performance outcomes for differentiating between the states. Recent advancements in the field of integrated exercise physiology have associated maladaptations in muscular oxidative function to high loads of exercise training.

Method

Eleven female and male subjects that exercised regularly but did not engage in high-intensity interval training (HIIT) were recruited to a 4-week long training intervention where the responses to different training loads were studied. Highly monitored HIIT sessions were performed on a cycle ergometer in a progressive fashion with the intent to accomplish a training overload. Throughout the intervention, physiological and psychological responses to HIIT were assessed, and the results were used to construct a diagnostic model that could indicate maladaptations during excessive training loads.

Results

We here use mitochondrial function as an early marker of excessive training loads and show the dynamic responses of several physiological and psychological measurements during different training loads. During HIIT, a loss of mitochondrial function was associated with reduced glycolytic, glucoregulatory and heart rate responses and increased ratings of perceived exertion in relation to several physiological measurements. The profile of mood states was highly affected after excessive training loads, whereas performance staled rather than decreased. By implementing five of the most affected and relevant measured parameters in a diagnostic model, we could successfully, and in all the subjects, identify the training loads that lead to maladaptations.

Conclusions

As mitochondrial parameters cannot be assessed without donating a muscle biopsy, this test can be used by coaches and exercise physiologists to monitor adaptation to exercise training for improving performance and optimizing the health benefits of exercise.

Clinical trial registry numberNCT04753021. Retrospectively registered 2021-02-12.
Emotional interdependence: the key to studying extrinsic emotion regulation
Authors: Kinkead Ana , Salas Riquelme Christian
Published: November 2022

The literature on extrinsic emotion regulation or the intention to modify other people’s emotions has grown in recent years, accompanied by proposals in which its definition is made more precise, the way to understand it in relation to other related processes is delimited, and the consequences of its use in the quality of close relationships are evidenced. Conceptual reviews on this topic recognize the importance of examining the affect and dyadic dynamics that arise between those who regulate each other extrinsically. This dynamic refers to emotional interdependence, the potential of the members of a dyad to shape each other’s emotions reciprocally, particularly in those who share a close bond, such as that of a romantic couple. There is little theoretical development regarding the relevance of this characteristic in relation to EER. This article has two objectives: (1) to make a narrative synthesis of the characteristics that define EER and (2) to expand and complexify the existing model by including the emotional interdependence as a vital component in the understanding of the functioning of EER. Lastly, the role of emotional interdependence in the emergence, maintenance, and satisfaction concerning couple relationships is made explicit through phenomena such as shared reality.
Efficacy of the entomopathogenic fungus, Beauveria bassiana and Lecanicillium muscarium against two main pests, Bemisia tabaci (Genn.) and Tetranychus urticae (Koch), under geothermal greenhouses of Southern Tunisia
Authors: Chouikhi Sabrine , Assadi Besma Hamrouni , Lebdi Kaouthar Grissa , Belkadhi Mohamed Sadok
Published: November 2022

Background

The geothermal greenhouses in Southern Tunisia are an important axis of agricultural development. This sector faces many abiotic and biotic constraints that could threat its sustainability. Thus, the heated greenhouses encounter destructive pests such as the whitefly Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius) (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae) and the two-spotted spider mite Tetranychus urticae (Koch) (Acari: Tetranychidae).

Results

This study aimed to assess the effect of the entomopathogenic fungi (EPF) Beauveria bassiana (strain ATCC and strain R444) and Lecanicillium muscarium strain Ve6 on simultaneous existence of T. urticae and B. tabaci in the host plants. The EPF had a significant effect on eggs and larvae of B. tabaci and on eggs and mobile forms of T. urticae in particular. The use of B. bassiana ATCC, B. bassiana R444 and L. muscarium strains Ve6 showed significant efficacies against B. tabaci larvae and eggs compared to untreated control. Indeed, the reduction percent of B. tabaci eggs varied between 42.65 and 58.52%. Thus, the efficacy against the number of B. tabaci larvae was in order to 65.04, 60.26 and 55.52% of B. bassiana strain ATCC, B. bassiana strain R444 and L. muscarium strain Ve6, respectively. In addition, these EPF were very effective on T. urticae eggs with a percentage reduction greater than 92.86%, whereas the percentage reduction in the T. urticae mobile forms varied between 95.11 and 98.52%.

Conclusions

Use of EPF will be an imperative to develop directed interventions at the integrated management of these two pests in protected and geothermal crops.
Computational spectropolarimetry with a tunable liquid crystal metasurface
Authors: Ni Yibo , Chen Chen , Wen Shun , Xue Xinyuan , Sun Liqun , Yang Yuanmu
Published: November 2022

While conventional photodetectors can only measure light intensity, the vectorial light field contains much richer information, including polarization and spectrum, that are essential for numerous applications ranging from imaging to telecommunication. However, the simultaneous measurement of multi-dimensional light field information typically requires the multiplexing of dispersive or polarization-selective elements, leading to excessive system complexity. Here, we demonstrate a near-infrared spectropolarimeter based on an electrically-tunable liquid crystal metasurface. The tunable metasurface, which acts as an encoder of the vectorial light field, is tailored to support high-quality-factor guided-mode resonances with diverse and anisotropic spectral features, thus allowing the full Stokes parameters and the spectrum of the incident light to be computationally reconstructed with high fidelity. The concept of using a tunable metasurface for multi-dimensional light field encoding may open up new horizons for developing vectorial light field sensors with minimized size, weight, cost, and complexity.
Effects of prenatal subjective well-being on birth outcomes and child development: A longitudinal study
Authors: Estinfort Wanda , Huang Jian-Pei , Au Heng-Kien , Lin Chen-Li , Chen Yi-Yung , Chao Hsing Jasmine , Chien Ling-Chu , Lo Yu-Chun , Chen Yi-Hua
Published: November 2022

Background

Although maternal mental illnesses have been found to influence child health and development, little is known about the impact of maternal positive well-being on child health and development. Therefore, this longitudinal study investigated the effects of prenatal subjective well-being on birth outcomes and child development by considering the potential modifier effect of parity.

Methods

Pregnant women in early stages of pregnancy were recruited at five selected hospitals in Taipei, Taiwan, during their prenatal appointments since 2011. Self-reported evaluations were conducted at seven time points up to 2 years postpartum. Linear regression and generalized estimating equation models were used for examination.

Results

Higher prenatal eudaimonic well-being was associated with longer gestational length (adjusted beta [aβ] = 0.36, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.03, 0.68) and higher birth weight (aβ = 124.71, 95% CI = 35.75, 213.66). Higher positive and negative affect were associated with longer gestational length (aβ = 0.38, 95% CI = 0.06, 0.70) and smaller birth weight (aβ = −93.51, 95% CI = −178.35, −8.67), respectively. For child’s outcomes, we found an association between higher prenatal eudaimonic well-being and decreased risks of suspected developmental delay, particularly for children of multiparous mothers (adjusted odds ratio = 0.18, 95% CI = 0.05, 0.70). Higher levels of prenatal depression and anxiety were significantly associated with increased risks of suspected developmental delay for children of primiparous mothers.

Conclusions

Positive prenatal maternal mental health may benefit birth outcomes and child development, particularly for children of multiparous mothers. Interventions for improving prenatal mental health may be beneficial for child development.
A Framework for Harmonization of Radiomics Data for Multicenter Studies and Clinical Trials
Authors: Soliman Moataz A.S. , Kelahan Linda C. , Magnetta Michael , Savas Hatice , Agrawal Rishi , Avery Ryan J. , Aouad Pascale , Liu Benjamin , Xue Yue , Chae Young K. , Salem Riad , Benson Al B. , Yaghmai Vahid , Velichko Yuri S.
Published: November 2022

PURPOSE

Variability in computed tomography images intrinsic to individual scanners limits the application of radiomics in clinical and research settings. The development of reproducible and generalizable radiomics-based models to assess lesions requires harmonization of data. The purpose of this study was to develop, test, and analyze the efficacy of a radiomics data harmonization model.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Radiomic features from biopsy-proven untreated hepatic metastasis (N = 380) acquired from 167 unique patients with pancreatic, colon, and breast cancers were analyzed. Radiomic features from volume-match 551 samples of normal liver tissue and 188 hepatic cysts were included as references. A novel linear mixed effect model was used to identify effects associated with lesion size, tissue type, and scanner model. Six separate machine learning models were then used to test the effectiveness of radiomic feature harmonization using multivariate analysis.

RESULTS

Proposed model identifies and removes scanner-associated effects while preserving cancer-specific functional dependence of radiomic features on the tumor size. Data harmonization improves the performance of classification models by reducing the scanner-associated variability. For example, the multiclass logistic regression model, LogitBoost, demonstrated the improvement in sensitivity in the range from 15% to 40% for each type of liver metastasis, whereas the overall model accuracy and the kappa coefficient increased by 5% and 8% accordingly.

CONCLUSION

The model removed scanner-associated effects while preserving cancer-specific functional dependence of radiomic features.
Margetuximab Versus Trastuzumab in Patients With Previously Treated HER2-Positive Advanced Breast Cancer (SOPHIA): Final Overall Survival Results From a Randomized Phase 3 Trial
Authors: Rugo Hope S. , Im Seock-Ah , Cardoso Fatima , Cortes Javier , Curigliano Giuseppe , Musolino Antonino , Pegram Mark D. , Bachelot Thomas , Wright Gail S. , Saura Cristina , Escrivá-de-Romaní Santiago , De Laurentiis Michelino , Schwartz Gary N. , Pluard Timothy J. , Ricci Francesco , Gwin William R. , Levy Christelle , Brown-Glaberman Ursa , Ferrero Jean-Marc , de Boer Maaike , Kim Sung-Bae , Petráková Katarína , Yardley Denise A. , Freedman Orit , Jakobsen Erik H. , Gal-Yam Einav Nili , Yerushalmi Rinat , Fasching Peter A. , Kaufman Peter A. , Ashley Emily J. , Perez-Olle Raul , Hong Shengyan , Rosales Minori Koshiji , Gradishar William J. ,   on behalf of the SOPHIA Study Group
Published: November 2022

Clinical trials frequently include multiple end points that mature at different times. The initial report, typically based on the primary end point, may be published when key planned co-primary or secondary analyses are not yet available. Clinical Trial Updates provide an opportunity to disseminate additional results from studies, published in JCO or elsewhere, for which the primary end point has already been reported.

Final overall survival (OS) in SOPHIA (ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT02492711 ), a study of margetuximab versus trastuzumab, both with chemotherapy, in patients with previously treated human epidermal growth factor receptor 2–positive advanced breast cancer, is reported with updated safety. Overall, 536 patients in the intention-to-treat population were randomly assigned to margetuximab (15 mg/kg intravenously once every 3 weeks; n = 266) plus chemotherapy or trastuzumab (6 mg/kg intravenously once every 3 weeks after a loading dose of 8 mg/kg; n = 270) plus chemotherapy. Primary end points were progression-free survival, previously reported, and OS. Final OS analysis was triggered by 385 prespecified events. The median OS was 21.6 months (95% CI, 18.89 to 25.07) with margetuximab versus 21.9 months (95% CI, 18.69 to 24.18) with trastuzumab (hazard ratio [HR], 0.95; 95% CI, 0.77 to 1.17; P = .620). Preplanned, exploratory analysis of CD16A genotyping suggested a possible improvement in OS for margetuximab in CD16A-158FF patients versus trastuzumab (median OS, 23.6 v 19.2 months; HR, 0.72; 95% CI, 0.52 to 1.00) and a possible improvement in OS for trastuzumab in CD16A-158VV patients versus margetuximab (median OS, 31.1 v 22.0 months; HR, 1.77; 95% CI, 1.01 to 3.12). Margetuximab safety was comparable with trastuzumab. Final overall OS analysis did not demonstrate margetuximab advantage over trastuzumab. Margetuximab studies in patients with human epidermal growth factor receptor 2–positive breast cancer with different CD16A allelic variants are warranted.
Radiation Therapy for Low-Risk Breast Cancer: Whole, Partial, or None?
Authors: Moran Meena S. , Ho Alice Y.
Published: November 2022

The Oncology Grand Rounds series is designed to place original reports published in the Journal into clinical context. A case presentation is followed by a description of diagnostic and management challenges, a review of the relevant literature, and a summary of the authors’ suggested management approaches. The goal of this series is to help readers better understand how to apply the results of key studies, including those published in Journal of Clinical Oncology , to patients seen in their own clinical practice.

The following case represents a relatively common clinical scenario of a postmenopausal female patient who presents with low-risk, estrogen receptor–positive/progesterone receptor–positive/human epidermal growth factor receptor 2–negative, early-stage, left-sided breast cancer to discuss the role of postoperative radiation (RT) following wide local excision (WLE) and sentinel node biopsy. The spectrum of choices, ranging from omission of RT, accelerated partial breast irradiation (PBI), whole-breast radiation therapy, and the nuances of various dose/fractionation regimens for each option, are discussed in the context of the Danish Breast Cancer Study Group (DBCSG) PBI trial published in this issue, with additional review of other key trials that inform these treatment recommendations. After consideration of the clinical-pathologic features in the framework of the existing data and an in-depth discussion taking into consideration the patient's preferences/goals, the decision was made to deliver moderately hypofractionated RT (40 Gy/15 fractions) to a PBI volume, in concordance with the DBCSG-PBI trial.
The 5-Factor Modified Frailty Index as a More Useful Associated Factor Than Chronological Age After Unruptured Cerebral Aneurysm Surgery: A Nationwide Registry Study
Authors: Kuwabara Masashi , Ikawa Fusao , Michihata Nobuaki , Sakamoto Shigeyuki , Okazaki Takahito , Hosogai Masahiro , Maeda Yuyo , Horie Nobutaka , Kurisu Kaoru , Fushimi Kiyohide , Yasunaga Hideo
Published: November 2022

BACKGROUND:

Although chronological age is associated with mortality and morbidity after surgery for unruptured cerebral aneurysms (UCAs), there is little evidence regarding an association between the simplified 5-factor modified frailty index (mFI-5) and postoperative outcomes based on age group.

OBJECTIVE:

To investigate the association of the mFI-5 score with worse outcomes, mortality, and complications in patients after surgery for UCA by chronological age groups using a Japanese national database.

METHODS:

This study included 32 902 patients with UCAs enrolled in a Japanese national database between 2011 and 2015. Age group (younger than 65 years, 65-74 years, and 75 years or older), sex, UCA location, treatment, medications, Barthel Index (BI), medical history, mFI-5 score, and in-hospital mortality and complications were evaluated. We identified risk factors for worsening BI score, in-hospital mortality, and overall postoperative complications in each age group.

RESULTS:

In total, 14 465 patients were enrolled in this study. Multivariable analysis showed that elderly groups and patients with an mFI-5 score ≥2 items were associated with worsening BI scores (odds ratio 1.95; 95% CI 1.52-2.51) and in-hospital complications (odds ratio 1.79; CI 1.49-2.15), despite having no association with in-hospital mortality. Multivariable analysis by age groups showed that the mFI-5 score ≥2 items was associated with in-hospital complications in all age groups, unlike chronological age in patients younger than 74 years.

CONCLUSION:

The mFI-5 score was a more useful associated factor of in-hospital complications than chronological age in patients younger than 74 years undergoing surgery for UCA.
Modelling inner ear development and disease using pluripotent stem cells – a pathway to new therapeutic strategies
Authors: Connolly Keeva , Gonzalez-Cordero Anai
Published: November 2022

The sensory epithelia of the mammalian inner ear enable sound and movement to be perceived. Damage to these epithelia can cause irreversible sensorineural hearing loss and vestibular dysfunction because they lack regenerative capacity. The human inner ear cannot be biopsied without causing permanent damage, significantly limiting the tissue samples available for research. Investigating disease pathology and therapeutic developments have therefore traditionally relied on animal models, which often cannot completely recapitulate the human otic systems. These challenges are now being partly addressed using induced pluripotent stem cell-derived cultures, which generate the sensory epithelial-like tissues of the inner ear. Here, we review how pluripotent stem cells have been used to produce two-dimensional and three-dimensional otic cultures, the strengths and limitations of these new approaches, and how they have been employed to investigate genetic and acquired forms of audiovestibular dysfunction. This Review provides an overview of the progress in pluripotent stem cell-derived otic cultures thus far, focusing on their applications in disease modelling and therapeutic trials. We survey their current limitations and future directions, highlighting their prospective utility for high-throughput drug screening and developing personalised medicine approaches.
Job Search during COVID-19: How Online Mindfulness Intervention helped to Reduce Stress and Enhance the Self-esteem of the Job Seeker
Authors: S.A. Rajalakshmi , C.S. Sowndaram , Ganesh Preetham , Vasu Harsha Vardhini
Published: November 2022

Background: Immediately after graduation from university, college students need to make significant decisions about starting their careers or pursuing higher studies. They are also pressured to meet the expectations and demands of self, others, and the environment. Owing to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, the aforementioned challenging decisions may become hazardous stressors for college students. Hence, the researchers intended to assist and assess the college students involved in student placements. The research goal was to investigate the impact of mindfulness-based intervention (MBI) on the stress and self-esteem of college students involved in student placements. 

Methods: One hundred college students participating in the campus placements were selected using purposive sampling from Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham University in Coimbatore, India. For evaluation purposes, college students were administered the perceived stress, Rosenberg self-esteem, and Kuppuswamy socio-economic scales. Seventy-five college students were selected for the MBI process and were administered with a pre-intervention and post-intervention without a control group research design.

Results: Statistical analysis including analysis of variance (ANOVA) and the Bonferroni post hoc test showed a significant increase in self-esteem and a decrease in the stress of the college students involved in placements.

Conclusions: Thus, the researchers recommend that policymakers create awareness, include MBI in the curriculum, and allocate funds for training ventures in educational institutions to assist college students in their challenging life journeys
Integration of single-cell RNA-Seq and CyTOF data characterises heterogeneity of rare cell subpopulations
Authors: Repapi Emmanouela , Agarwal Devika , Napolitani Giorgio , Sims David , Taylor Stephen
Published: November 2022

Background: The simultaneous measurement of cellular proteins and transcriptomes of single cell data has become an exciting new possibility with the advent of highly multiplexed multi-omics methodologies. However, mass cytometry (CyTOF) is a well-established, affordable technique for the analysis of proteomic data, which is well suited for the discovery and characterisation of very rare subpopulations of cells with a wealth of publicly available datasets.

Methods: We present and evaluate the multimodal integration of single cell RNA-Seq and CyTOF datasets coming from both matched and unmatched samples, using two publicly available datasets.

Results: We demonstrate that the integration of well annotated CyTOF data with single cell RNA sequencing can aid in the identification and annotation of cell populations with high accuracy. Furthermore, we show that the integration can provide imputed measurements of protein markers which are comparable to the current gold standard of antibody derived tags (ADT) from CITE-Seq for both matched and unmatched datasets. Using this methodology, we identify and transcriptionally characterise a rare subpopulation of CD11c positive B cells in high resolution using publicly available data and we unravel its heterogeneity in a single cell setting without the need to sort the cells in advance, in a manner which had not been previously possible.

Conclusions: This approach provides the framework for using available proteomic and transcriptomic datasets in a unified and unbiased fashion to assist ongoing and future studies of cellular characterisation and biomarker identification.
Hand injuries in Kenya: a chaff cutter menace
Authors: Wanjara Samuel , Oduor Peter
Published: November 2022

Introduction

Hand injuries are a recognized occupational hazard from the use of chaff cutters. With increasing mechanization of farming in our region, the burden of hand injuries is poised to increase.

Methods

We conducted a descriptive study of 47 patients presenting with chaff cutter hand injuries at our center in one year.

Results

They were predominantly male (98%) and the majority (70%) were aged between 21 and 40 years. The majority of patients who had not resumed work were those with severe injuries and those who had had an amputation. There was a positive correlation between age category and severity of injury.

Discussion

Chaff cutter injuries contribute considerably to hand amputations at our center. The majority of patients with severe injuries and those undergoing amputations do not return to gainful activities one year after sustaining the injury, suggesting increased dependency. Further research is paramount to identify safety features of chaff cutters in this region.
Case Report: Peripartum periventricular leukomalacia resulting in cerebral palsy associated with placenta previa in Japan
Authors: Suzuki Shunji
Published: November 2022

Intrapartum fetal heart rate monitoring abnormalities had been reported to correlate with decreased umbilical artery base excess associated with neonatal seizures. However, we present an infant born at 35 weeks of gestation diagnosed with cerebral palsy associated with periventricular leukomalacia (PVL) without fetal heart rate (FHR) monitoring abnormalities, According to the summary reports of PVL cases published on the home page of the Japan Obstetric Compensation System for Cerebral Palsy (JOCSC)), the percentage of placenta previa without FHR monitoring abnormalities in the cases of PVL was 5.7% (12/209), which seemed to be higher than the total percentage of placenta previa reported in Japan (0.3-0.5%).
Should patient pathways be considered in evaluations of care quality?
Authors: Kwok Chun Shing , Muntean Elena-Andra , Mallen Christian D
Published: November 2022

In this article, Kwok, Muntean and Mallen argue that patient pathways can be a useful indicator of care quality, and should be incorporated into quality evaluations of NHS services.
Patient experience of informed consent for diagnostic coronary angiogram and follow-on treatments
Authors: Blanchard Howard T , Carroll Diane L , Astin Felicity
Published: November 2022

Background/Aims

Coronary angiography requires a complex informed consent process as a legal and ethical requirement before treatment. This process may allow percutaneous coronary intervention to be completed as a continuation of a coronary angiography. Patients routinely consent to both interventions, but over one-quarter will only receive the diagnostic angiogram. This study explored views and understandings of the informed consent process, and associations with demographic characteristics, among patients who consented to coronary angiography and same-setting percutaneous coronary intervention, but were found to be ineligible for the latter.

Methods

A descriptive cross-sectional survey design was used to explore patients' views. A total of 62 participants (73% male, mean age 68.4 years) completed a 36-item survey the day after undergoing diagnostic coronary angiography.

Results

Female participants reported greater difficulty in recalling treatment information (P<0.03), found discussions about alternative treatments more confusing (P<0.02), and the disclosure of comprehensive risk information more of a deterrent to consent for treatment (P<0.02) compared to men. Higher levels of education were associated with greater preference for information and involvement in treatment decisions (P<0.002).

Conclusions

Patients who give informed consent for diagnostic coronary angiography with or without a same-setting percutaneous coronary intervention need clear comprehensive information regarding alternative options. By recognising the patient's need for information, nurses can provide an individualised explanation and reinforcement of the information provided during informed consent.
Design and Testing of Headland Turning Algorithms Based on Transition Distance Prediction for Autonomous Rice Transplanter
Authors: Gang Minseok , Kim Hak-Jin , Jeon Chan-Woo , Yun Changho
Published: November 2022

Highlights

Autonomous rice transplanters often deviate during the transition between turning and straight paths.

Headland turning path planning algorithms were designed to reduce transition distances before and after turning.

Transition distances were predicted based on lateral deviations and heading errors over a threshold using simulations.

The developed algorithms were validated for reducing transition distance with an auto-guidance system in a paddy field.

Abstract. In the straight sections before and after headland turning in paddy fields, high lateral deviations and heading errors may occur due to changes in the path curvature and dynamic factors of the vehicle and path tracking algorithm. In the case of autonomous rice transplanters, such errors may lengthen the transitions between turning and straight sections and deteriorate working efficiency. In this study, headland turning path generation algorithms for rice transplanters were proposed to reduce the transition distances. Path models were defined considering the transition distances to move the vehicle such that the error was within the acceptable range. The transition distances were predicted by using a simulator that employed a kinematic vehicle model and a tracking algorithm with a model-based control system for generating steering angles. A look-ahead search method and tilt compensation for the Global Navigation Satellite System were applied as well. The developed method was validated in a paddy field by using a Daedong DRP60D rice transplanter. The transition distance decreased by 34.04% compared to that associated with the baseline path that did not consider the transitions. The overlap area decreased by an average of 55.51% within the straight lines. During straight operation, the maximum lateral deviation did not exceed 15 cm. These results confirmed that the proposed algorithms for autonomous rice transplanters can traverse a target path more accurately before and after turning and, consequently, increase work efficiency by avoiding non-planted areas. Keywords: Auto-guidance, Headland turning, Path planning, Prediction, Rice transplanter, Transition.