bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Enhanced mosquito male separation for optimised sterile insect technique and incompatible insect technique programmes
Authors: Deng Lu , Chng Kee Kee , Liew Jonathan Wee-Kent , Ang Sook Chin , Zulkifli Muhammad Faizal , Chong Chee-Seng , Tan Cheong Huat
Published: August 2024

Accurate separation of sexes is pivotal for the success of Sterile Insect Technique (SIT) and Incompatible Insect Technique (IIT) mosquito control programmes. We present a novel approach utilising a 15% sodium chloride (NaCl) treatment coupled with an automated mechanical separation system to significantly reduce female contamination among released males. Our findings not only demonstrate a 30-fold reduction in female contamination rates but also offer insights into the effects of salinity on mosquito larvae and pupae. This integrated strategy enhances the efficiency of large-scale mosquito production for disease control programmes.
Synergistic and antagonistic drug interactions are prevalent but not conserved across acute myeloid leukemia cell lines
Authors: Toprak Erdal , Kalkan Fatma Neslihan , Yildiz M. , Wood N. Ezgi , Farid Michael , McCoy Melissa , Lin Milo , Zhang Cheng Cheng , Posner Bruce , Chung Stephen
Published: August 2024

Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is the most prevalent type of leukemia in adults. Its heterogeneity, both between patients and within the same patient, is often a factor contributing to poor treatment outcomes. Despite advancements in AML biology and medicine in general, the standard AML treatment, the combination of cytarabine and daunorubicin, has remained the same for decades. Combination drug therapies are proven effective in achieving targeted efficacy while minimizing drug dosage and unintended side effects, a common problem for older AML patients. However, a systematic survey of the synergistic potential of drug-drug interactions in the context of AML pathology is lacking. Here, we examine the interactions between 15 commonly used cancer drugs across distinct AML cell lines and demonstrate that synergistic and antagonistic drug-drug interactions are widespread but not conserved across these cell lines. Notably, enasidenib and venetoclax, recently approved anticancer agents, exhibited the highest counts of synergistic interactions and the fewest antagonistic ones. In contrast, 6-Thioguanine, a purine analog, was involved in the highest number of antagonistic interactions. The interactions we report here cannot be attributed solely to the inherent natures of these three drugs, as each drug we examined was involved in several synergistic or antagonistic interactions in the cell lines we tested. Importantly, these drug-drug interactions are not conserved across cell lines, suggesting that the success of combination therapies might vary significantly depending on AML genotypes. For instance, we found that a single mutation in the TF1 cell line could dramatically alter drug-drug interactions, even turning synergistic interactions into antagonistic ones. Our findings provide a preclinical survey of drug-drug interactions, revealing the complexity of the problem.
Impact of Breast Milk Microbiota on the Neonatal Intestinal Microbiota according to Delivery type and Circumstance, a cross-sectional study
Authors: kamel iman H. , Ali Walaa H. , mahmoud walaa S. , kamhawy Alyaa H. , Armaneous Ayman F. , Hammad Doaa Y. , Yousef Walaa , Basha Walaa A. , Mostafa Mohammed I. , Allayeh Abdou K. , El-Hariri Hazem M. , Nayra Mehanna Sh. , Ahmed Wafaa O.
Published: August 2024

Background: A mother's microbiota, including that in her gut, vagina, and breast milk, plays a big role in her baby's health. Imbalances in this microbiota can lead to problems during pregnancy. Several things affect how this microbiota gets passed down to a newborn.
Objective:investigating the factors affecting passage of microbiota from the mother to the baby, and to see how breast milk bacteria and breastfeeding influence the types of bacteria in a newborn's gut.
Methods: This is a cross sectional study that aimed to assess the impact of breast milk microbiota on the neonatal intestinal Microbiota. The study was carried out on a total of 40 mother-infant pairs. 8 had normal vaginal delivery and 32 had caesarean section delivery.
All study participants met our collection criteria. Ethical considerations, history taking, and examination were done. Mother's breast milk samples were collected in sterile units and preserved at minus 18 celsius (oC) freezer. Neonatal stool samples were collected using the stool collection protocol using sterile containers. Stool samples that were not analyzed immediately were stored in minus 80 oC freezer.
All specimens including mothers breast milk and neonatal stool were subjected to Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) extraction and real time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to assess the microbiota.
Results and conclusion:
most of the participated neonates were males. Most of the mothers were obese, had good hygiene, and lived in urban places. Cesarean section was the most frequent (80.0%) mode of delivery. Bifido bacteria was the most abundant type found in both neonates’ stool and breast milk followed by Strept. and Staph. Neonates with positive stool Bifido had significantly higher gestational age. A significant association between the presence of stool Bifido and type of feeding was found. The antibiotics administration, either in infants or their mothers, was negatively associated with the presence of stool Bifido bacteria. Our results indicated that neonatal age, weight, sex and mode of delivery showed no significant association with any of the three types of bacteria either in the stool or milk.
New and De Novo Biallelic Variant Associated With Owren's Disease: Precision Medicine in Blooding Disorders
Authors: Jimenes Michel Alejandra Ewonds , Giraldo² Lina Johanna Moreno
Published: August 2024

Introduction
Autosomal recessive coagulation factor V deficiency (1)causes moderate to severe bleeding (2). Currently, 450 clinically significant variants have been identified of the 3942 described.(2)
Materials and methods
10-year-old female with 3 hospitalizations for dental extraction, ileo-psoas hematoma and knee hemarthrosis. Non-consanguineous parents, without altered paraclinical related family history. Performing complete F5 gene NGS + CNV sequencing for phenotype- endotype -genotype correlation.
Results
A probably pathogenic variant was identified, homozygous gene F5, consisting of the deletion of the thymine nucleotide at position 2.809 of the cDNA exon 13, (c.2809del) that at the protein level produces a frameshift change that leads to a premature stop codon. at amino acid 958 (p.Ser 937ValfsTer22) in a protein of 2224 amino acids.
Discussion – Conclusion
It is a single nucleotide deletion that occurs within the coding sequence of the F5 gene, leading to a frameshift variant. Which results in a non-functional truncated protein due to loss of critical C-terminal amino acid sequences.
This variant is not reported in the databases HGMD-ClinVar-LOVD-dbSNP-gnomADv.4 - InternationalSocietyonThrombosisandhemostasismutation - InternationalRegistryofRBDsinMilan -theFVMutation. In silico predictors (autoPVS1yMutationTaster) report as deleterious. Artificial intelligence assistants (GenAI-VarChat-Alphafold-Mastermind) the variant was not reported, but was related to pathogenicity.
Uniprot, Alliance of Genome Resources, BioCyc, MetaCyc-G66-30677, RefSeq, Ensembl, gene interaction networks and according to interpretation standards it is classified as pathogenic IA: PM1-PS1-PVS1-PM2.
HPO, NCBIGene:2153 relate other phenotypes: Thrombophilia due to deficiency deficiency of activated protein C cofactor (AD); Budd -Chiari syndrome (AR); pregnancy loss recurrent (AD), Ischemic stroke (multifactorial).
The genotypic and phenotypic heterogeneity of the gene, the presence of new and de novo variants as the case requires genomic, bioinformatics, algorithms, molecular, ontological studies, and artificial intelligence for specific diagnosis and treatment, correlation, monitoring, genetic counseling, generate knowledge in fields of medicine 7P.
Cost effectiveness analysis of colorectal cancer screening modalities in Kuwait: Comparison of Three Alternative Screening Strategies
Authors: Nur Amrizal Muhammad , Aljunid Syed Mohamed , Tolma Eleni L. , Annaka Mahmoud , Alwotayan Rihab , Elbasmi Amani , Alali Walid Q.
Published: August 2024

Colorectal cancer (CRC) poses a significant health challenge in Kuwait, ranking as the second most common cancer with a 2019 incidence rate of 13.2 cases per 100,000 people. This study evaluates the cost-effectiveness (CEA) of CRC screening methods from the perspective of Kuwait's healthcare providers. Using a Decision Tree Analysis Model, the study compared three screening modalities: Fecal Occult Blood Test (FOBT) followed by colonoscopy or sigmoidoscopy, colonoscopy alone, sigmoidoscopy alone and alongside no screening. Over a 10-year period post-diagnosis, the model tracked costs and outcomes based on CRC patients' life expectancy, expressing results using Incremental Cost Effectiveness Ratios (ICERs). Result: FOBT followed by colonoscopy or sigmoidoscopy emerged as the most cost-effective option, costing USD 3,573.00 and yielding 7.7 Quality-Adjusted Life Years (QALYs). In comparison, no screening resulted in 7.2 QALYs at USD 4,084.00, while sigmoidoscopy and colonoscopy alone provided 6.8 QALYs each, costing USD 4,905.00 and USD 5,002.00, respectively. Sensitivity analyses explored uncertainties in cost and outcome estimates. Conclusion: FOBT followed by colonoscopy or sigmoidoscopy could efficiently utilize healthcare resources compared to other modalities or no screening. This approach offers critical guidance for healthcare policymakers in Kuwait, advocating for the adoption of combined FOBT and colonoscopy or sigmoidoscopy strategies to enhance CRC screening effectiveness and economic efficiency.
Successful Corneal Endothelium Preservation in the Management of Epithelial Downgrowth with 5-Fluorouracil injections and membranectomy
Authors: Kam Ka Wai , Ma Andre , Ng Joanna , Choi Paul , Yip Wilson Wai Kuen , Young Alvin L.
Published: August 2024

A 74-year-old Chinese man underwent extracapsular cataract extraction in his right eye and developed a translucent iris membrane 4 months later. He was treated with two intracameral 5-FU injections and membranectomy at 2 weeks apart. At one year following the second membranectomy, the patient maintained a clear cornea without residual or recurrent membrane, an endothelial cell density of 1072 cell/mm2, a visual acuity of 20/50 and a normal intraocular pressure. Our technique of using dispersive and cohesive viscoelastics in protecting the corneal endothelium from intracameral 5-FU, helped preserve corneal endothelial cells and maintain corneal clarity at two years after surgery.
Contemporaneous changes in cytokines and cognitive function during chemotherapy in patients with breast cancer- a prospective follow up study
Authors: Wu Shu-I , Chen Vincent Chin-Hung , Hsu Yen-Hsuan , Tzang Bor-Show , Stewart Robert , Lin Chin-Kuo
Published: August 2024

Background
This study investigated fluctuations in levels of chosen cytokines among patients with breast cancer before to after chemotherapy. Contemporaneous changes in cognitive function were examined.
Methods
Adult patients with breast cancer stages I to III without brain metastasis were invited to participate in this longitudinal follow up study. A multidimensional neuropsychological examination was administered at two timepoints evaluating multiple subjective and objective cognitive domains, depression, anxiety, or fatigue before and at least 3 months after chemotherapy, and baseline demographic information. Cytokine levels were taken at the same times. Stepwise multivariate Generalized Linear Mixed Model was used to examine changes in cytokines and associations with changes in cognitive function.
Results
Over a mean interval of 10.46 months, Event-based prospective memory (p < 0.001), Word list immediate (p < 0.001) or delayed recall (p = 0.024), and self- perceived cognitive impairment (p = 0.026) were significantly improved following chemotherapy. Higher levels of IFNγ and worse performance on the Color Trails Test Part 1, inverse associations of IFNγ or IL-12p70 with Block Design, and TNFα with Digit Symbol Substitution were found, but no significant time effects were noted. However, significant group and time effects were only observed in IL-2 and IL-12p70 with improvements in Event-based prospective memory. That is, from baseline to follow up, each increase in log values of IL-12p70 and IL-2 were associated with 2.18 (SE = 0.65, p = 0.001) and 2.16 (0.68, p = 0.002) points of increase in Event-based prospective memory. No significant effects were detected for other cytokines or cognitive tests.
Conclusion
Improvements in Event-based prospective memory were positively associated with contemporaneous changes in IL-2 and IL-12p70. Our finding may not only reduce BC patients’ concerns about chemotherapy-related cognitive adverse effects, but also demonstrates the possible needs for further replications and investigations on interactions of systemic cytokines, inflammation, and cognitive functions associated with cancer and chemotherapy.
Association of Type 1 Stiff-person Syndrome and Insulinoma: a Case Report and Narrative Review
Authors: Sibilla Michela , Beccuti Guglielmo , Belcastro Sara , Mortara Umberto , Parisi Simone , Campra Donata , Piovesan Alessandro , Ferrero Bruno , Maccario Mauro , Papotti Mauro , Berton Alessandro Maria
Published: August 2024

Introduction
Stiff-person syndrome (SPS) is a rare neurological disorder that causes progressive muscle rigidity, gait disturbances and functional impairment; type 1 is autoimmune, with postitive anti-GAD antibodies (Ab) while type 2 is paraneoplastic, associated with anti-amphiphysin Ab.
Case presentation
A 41-year-old man with silent medical history presented with stiffness and functional impairment; after numerous rheumatological and neurological investigations he was diagnosed with SPS, with evidence of high titer anti-GAD Ab. After treatment with benzodiazepines was started, the patient began to experience episodes of confusion, which persisted even after reducing the dosage. During one of these episodes, he was admitted to the emergency department and a glucose level of 26 mg/dL was found. Differential diagnosis led to an insulin secreting neuroendocrine tumor of the pancreas, thus a paraneoplastic origin of SPS was hypothesized. However, anti- amphiphysin Ab were negative, anti-GAD were persistently elevated and symptoms only transiently improved after removal of the tumor.
Conclusion
This is the first case, to our knowledge, of association between type 1 SPS and insulinoma, with partial and transient improvement of neurological symptoms after resolution of the associated hypoglycemic syndrome.
Non-communicable diseases among people living with HIV, Victoria Chitepo provincial hospital: A retrospective cohort study, a secondary data analysis (2013-2023)
Authors: Chokuona Kudzai Fortunate Vongai , Mukuzunga Munyaradzi , Chadambuka Addmore , Juru Tsitsi Patience , Gombe Notion Tafara , Shambira Gerald , Tshimanga Mufuta
Published: August 2024

Background
Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) associated with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) are emerging as the leading cause of death globally. An in depth analysis of the burden of NCDs in Manicaland province has not been done. We analyzed the NCDs/HIV data at Victoria Chitepo provincial hospital.
Methods
We conducted a retrospective cohort study from October 2013 to September 2023 using secondary data. Five major groups of NCDs were selected which were hypertension (HPT), diabetes mellitus (DM), chronic kidney injury (CKD), cancers and chronic respiratory illness. Kaplan Meier analysis and Cox proportional hazard analysis were performed. Risk ratios and hazard ratios with 95% confidence intervals were generated.
Results
A total of 974 patient records were reviewed with a median age of 43 (Q1=35; Q3 = 51) years. Number of years on antiretroviral therapy (ART) (HR = 5.99, 95% CI: p < 0.001), age (HR = 4.78, 95%CI: p < 0.001) and DM/HIV comorbidity (HR = 4.63, 95% CI: p < 0.001) were hazards to HPT while being on efavirenz based regimen had a lower risk (HR = 0.47, 95% CI: p = 0.01) of developing HPT. Number of years on ART (HR = 9.89, 95% CI: p < 0.001), being on PI based regimen (HR = 4.66, 95% CI: p < 0.001), age (HR = 3.86, 95% CI, p < 0.001) and being on WHO stage 3 or 4 (HR = 3.75, 95% CI: p < 0.001) were hazards to DM. In 2022, the prevalence rate was 12 per 1000 people per year.
Conclusion
HPT and DM are the common NCDs among people living with HIV in this cohort. To minimize complications related to NCD/HIV comorbidities, we recommend routine screening of NCDs at monthly basis for early diagnosis and treatment.
Predicting Falls Using Electronic Health Records: A Time Series Approach
Authors: Hoover Peter , Blumke Terri , Ware Anna , Pillai Malvika , Veigulis Zachary , Curtin Catherine , Osborne Thomas
Published: August 2024

Background and Aims:
Inpatient falls are a major cause of injury within hospitals and are known to delay recovery and increase patient length of stay. The Morse Fall Scale is a commonly utilized tool to assess fall-risk and is broadly implemented, particularly within Veterans Health Administration. Yet, this scale has limited accuracy. A more precise risk assessment tool is urgently needed to identify those at risk and to ensure targeted fall-risk mitigating interventions. The goal of this work was to develop a more accurate fall prediction model within the Veterans Health Administration.
Methods
The cohort included Veterans admitted to a Veterans Health Administration acute care setting from July 1st, 2020, to June 30th, 2022, with a length of stay between one and seven days. Demographic and clinical data were obtained through VHA electronic health records. Veterans were identified as having a documented fall through clinical progress notes. A transformer model was used to obtain features of this data, which was then used to train a Light Gradient-Boosting Machine for classification and prediction. Area under the precision-recall curve assisted in model tuning, with geometric mean used to define an optimal classification threshold.
Results
Among 242,844 Veterans assessed, 5,965 (2.5%) experienced a fall during their acute inpatient stay. Employing a transformer model with a Light Gradient-Boosting Machine resulted in an area under the curve of 0.851 and an area under the precision-recall curve of 0.285. With an accuracy of 76.3%, the model resulted in a specificity of 76.2% and a sensitivity of 77.3%.
Conclusion
The classification model exhibited a performance greater than the Morse Fall Scale and other risk-assessment tools for predicting risk of fall. Incorporating this type of risk model, which can be automatically calculated from existing data, could provide more efficient and accurate method for identifying at-risk patients.
Gallic acid alleviates ferroptosis by negatively regulating APOC3 and improves nerve function deficit caused by traumatic brain injury
Authors: Liu Yu , Fu Xiaojia , Ji Huanhuan , Guo Jianqiang , Zhao Zongren , Zheng Jinyu
Published: August 2024

Background: Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is more common than ever and is becoming a global public health issue. A variety of secondary brain injuries occur after TBI, including ferroptosis characterized by iron-dependent lipid peroxidation. Gallic acid is a kind of traditional Chinese medicine, which has many biological effects such as anti-inflammatory and antioxidant. We further investigated whether Gallic acid can improve the neurological impairment caused by ferroptosis after TBI by targeting APOC3.
Method: Weighted gene coexpression network analyses (WGCNA) and 3 kinds of machine-learning algorithms were used to find the potential biomarkers. Then the HERB database was used to select the Chinese herb that acted on the target gene APOC3. Finally, we selected Gallic acid as a drug targeting APOC3 and verified by Western blotting. The effect of Gallic acid on the improvement of neurological function was studied by Nissl staining and FJB staining. Finally, the effect of Gallic acid on the cognitive ability of TBI mice was explored through behavioral experiments.
Results: Gallic acid can inhibit the expression level of APOC3 and thus inhibit the level of ferroptosis after TBI. It can also reduce the degeneration of nerve tissue by inhibiting ferroptosis and improve the neurological function deficit. The behavioral experiment proved that Gallic acid can alleviate the behavioral cognitive impairment caused by TBI.
Conclusion: Gallic acid can reduce ferroptosis by inhibiting APOC3, and then alleviate neurological impairment after TBI.
Nitrogen Fixing Bacteria Reduces Drought Stress and Improve Molecular and Biochemical Response in the Garden Thyme
Authors: Goshasbi Farideh , Sabbagh Seyed Kazem , Heydari Mostfa
Published: August 2024

Abiotic stresses such as water-deficient are the most important factor that could impress the agricultural process causing a reduction of crop yield. Use of Bio-fertilizers could improve growth condition of drought stressed plant to reduce the damage of water deficit. The objective of this work is to assay comparative effect of some organic and non-organic fertilizers on the flowering branches essential and some antioxidant activity (APX, PO, CAT), then expression analysis of two thymus and carvacrol bio-synthesis related genes(CYP171 d178 and CYP171D180 ) in Thymus vulgaris under water deficit stress in a field trial was investigated using qRT-PCR method. The treatments were arranged in a completely randomized design with a total of 42 experimental separate blocks. The highest and lowest yield of flowering branches was observed in NPK and mycorrhizae treatments Approximately, Azospirillum bio-fertilizer showed high effect on enzyme activity in treated plants. Unlike, chemical fertilizer showed minimum efficiency on enzyme activity. A high expression level (approximately, 6-fold change) of both genes was observed in treated plants with Azospirillum bio-fertilizer while the lowest expression level (1.3-fold change) was observed in chemical fertilizer application when compared to other fertilizers. According to the obtained results of this work, we conclude that yearly fertilizer application could have a significant effect on molecular and biochemical traits and resulted in increase of yield component via decrease of drought stress.
Assessing Side-Effect Bother, Burden, and Tolerability: A Qualitative Study Exploring the Content Validity of the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy – Item GP5
Authors: Payakachat Nalin , Gilligan Adrienne M. , Altman Danielle , Maeda Patricia , Choi Julia , Bourke Shannon , Speck Rebecca M. , Spies Erica , Kopeckova Katerina , Elisei Rossella , Wadsley Jonathan , Krajewska Jolanta
Published: August 2024

Purpose
Patient-reported measures of overall side effect burden, such as the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy- item GP5 (GP5), can be used to inform the tolerability of cancer treatments and be included as an endpoint in clinical trials. The objectives of this qualitative study were to explore how participants with medullary thyroid cancer (MTC) conceptualize side effect bother, burden, and tolerability and to generate evidence to support the GP5 as a fit-for-purpose measure of patient-reported tolerability in the treatment of MTC and to establish which response options constitute “high side effect burden.”
Methods
A purposive sample of forty participants with MTC enrolled in the LIBRETTO-531 trial (NCT04211337) were recruited via clinical trial sites. Semi-structured interviews were conducted in the participant’s preferred language to examine the concept of tolerability, demonstrate understanding of the GP5 content, and establish which response options constitute “high side effect burden”. Interview transcripts were thematically analyzed with a mix of inductive and deductive coding methods.
Results
Concept elicitation results found side effect bother to be among the most proximal patient-reported concepts to tolerability and highly relevant to participants. The experience of side effects that are symptomatic and bothersome or burdensome are key contributors to how patients perceive the tolerability of a treatment. Cognitive interviewing showed the GP5 item was clear and understandable to all participants. Participants reported clear and concrete meaningful differences between each response option. Importantly, the qualitative data provide evidence that “high side effect burden” aligns with the response options of “Quite a bit” and “Very much” (score of 3 and 4, respectively) for most (60%, n = 24) interview participants.
Conclusion
Participants described the concepts of side effect bother, side effect burden, and tolerability as highly relevant and related. The GP5 assesses a concept important to individuals undergoing treatment for MTC in a way that is understandable and relevant. The definition of “high side effect burden” is appropriately reflected by scores of 3 or 4. This qualitative evidence is supportive of the GP5 as a fit-for-purpose measure of comparative tolerability in MTC.
Dissipative Kerr solitons in an active microcavity
Authors: Yao Baicheng , Tan Teng , Yu Yan , Chen Haojing , Liang Yupei , Zhang Hao , Cao Qi-Tao , Zhou Heng , Gong Qihuang , Wong Chee Wei , Rao Yun-Jiang , Xiao Yun-Feng
Published: August 2024

The emergence of soliton microcombs has catalyzed significant advancements in a wide range of applications, including optical communication, precision metrology, and astronomical calibration. Despite the existing benefits, soliton microcombs generated in passive microcavities often face significant limitations in promoting comb power and nonlinear efficiency. On the other hand, generating soliton combs within active microresonators has remained challenging due to the confined cavity volume for doping and substantial opto-thermal effects. In this study, we successfully achieve dissipative Kerr solitons in an active microcavity by sintering erbium ions (Er3+) onto its surface. The introduction of Er3+ significantly boosts the power of the microcomb within the cavity, bypassing the traditional requirement for an external erbium-doped fiber amplifier (EDFA) and paving the way toward high quality soliton microcomb integration. By operating the system below the lasing threshold, the actively optical-assisted microcomb maintains the low-noise advantages of coherently driven solitons. Our research demonstrates that the optical excitation of Er3+ facilitates the tunability of cavity losses, thereby providing a method to dynamically control the soliton properties. This enables soliton operation at a lower threshold, with a larger soliton access range, wider comb span, and enhanced comb power. The increased intracavity power and enhanced Kerr nonlinear process also enable the generation of EDFA-free solitons in a low-Q microcavity, paving the way for simplifying microcomb devices. These findings open new avenues for the formation of active cavity solitons (ACSs), where the combination of coherent and incoherent pumping within a microcavity yields superior performance and increased practicality.
A case report of Osteochondritis of Ischiopubic synchondrosis (Van Neck-Odelberg Disease): A Diagnostic dilemma in a pediatric population.
Authors: NAGARAJ HARISH
Published: August 2024

Background:
Ischiopubic Synchondrosis (IPS) is the temporary cartilaginous joint between os ischii and os pubis which is present at birth and eventually undergoes complete pre-pubertal ossification. Unexplained or trauma-induced pain in the groin, lower limb, and/or buttock with or without positive clinical findings in the ischiopubic region poses a significant diagnostic challenge in the pre-pubertal age group.
“Osteochondrosis of ischiopubic synchondroses (IPS)” is also known by the eponym “Van Neck-Odelberg” disease. Paediatric patients presenting with unilateral pain in the groin and associated limp consist of differential diagnoses - such as trauma-induced stress fractures, infectious causes like osteomyelitis and tuberculosis, post-traumatic osteolysis, or any neoplastic process. A detailed clinical examination with corresponding imaging is paramount to arrive at a diagnosis.
Case presentation:
We present an 11-year-old, right limb dominant boy who was attended at casualty with an acute tenderness in the left groin and buttock as the only concerning symptom post playing a football game. After the routine clinical examination, the boy was sent for pelvic and hip radiographs, which revealed an expansile sclerotic lesion in the ischiopubic region on the left.
Conclusion:
Diagnosis of osteochondritis of ischopubic synchodroses or Van Neck-Odelberg disease is quite challenging as other conditions such as post- traumatic stress fractures, osteolysis, infective causes like osteomyelitis and tuberculosis, or any other neoplastic process in pre-pubertal-age group has to be ruled out. A thorough evaluation and detailed knowledge of this rare condition helps to avoid unnecessary investigations, anxiety among families, and unwarranted invasive procedures. Clinical symptoms must be present to call it an osteochondritis of IPS on radiographs as the unilateral delayed fusion of the ischiopubic synchondrosis is a physiologic process in asymptomatic cases.
Acetyl-CoA acyltransferase 1 is a potential tumor suppressor gene associated with immune cell infiltration in nasopharyngeal carcinoma
Authors: Zhao Weilin , Li Limei , Wei Wanqi , Zheng Shixing , Zhou Xiaoying , Liang Haili , Wang Wen , He Feng , Liang Yushan , Zhang Zhe , Cai Yonglin , Xiao Xue
Published: August 2024

Acetyl-CoA acyltransferase 1 (ACAA1), encoding the protein peroxisomal 3-ketoacyl-CoA thiolase (POT1), plays a vital role in the fatty acid beta-oxidation system. ACAA1 has been implicated in the carcinogenesis and development of various human cancers. In this study, the downregulation of ACAA1 was observed consistently throughout the progression of nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) and showed a negative correlation with the expression of EBV-encoded genes. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis and time-dependent receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve suggested the potential of ACAA1 in predicting NPC prognosis. Through in vitro and in vivo experiments, we identified that the overexpression of ACAA1 inhibited the proliferation, migration, and invasion of NPC cells, which was further confirmed by reduced Ki-67 staining and actin filaments redistribution. Gene ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Gene and Genomes (KEGG) analyses indicated significant enrichment of immune-related pathways in NPC cells with higher ACAA1 expression. Furthermore, data from the xCell, ESTIMATE and Immunophenoscore analysis supported a critical role of ACAA1 in modulating immune cell infiltration and tumor immune environment of NPC. Interestingly, low expression of ACAA1 was significantly associated with NPC patients classified as tumor microenvironment (TME) subtype 1 and with poor outcome. Expression pattern analyses revealed a positive correlation between ACAA1 expression and six immune checkpoint-related genes, including CD27, PDCD1, CD86, BTLA, TIGIT, and CD28. Taken together, our study reveals that ACAA1 is a potential tumor suppressor gene, which may participate in immune evasion in NPC. ACAA1 could serve as a novel prognosis and therapeutic biomarker for NPC patients.
Novel Insights into Myocardial Fibrosis in Patients with New Onset ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction Following Percutaneous Coronary Intervention through Enhanced Cardiac Magnetic Resonance Imaging : A Prospective Cohort Study
Authors: Oketunbi Temilola J. , Wang Jun , Ding Bin , Song Xilong , Li Yao , Song Hongwei , Shi Xiaojun , Hu Sigang , Gao Dasheng , Wang Hongju , Li Miaonan
Published: August 2024

Background
Myocardial fibrosis represents a prevalent pathological hallmark observed in a diverse range of chronic and acute cardiovascular disorders. However, relevant literature currently provides limited evidence regarding the determinants of myocardial fibrosis severity in patients with new-onset ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction (STEMI) following successful emergent percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) utilizing contrast-enhanced cardiac magnetic resonance (CE-CMR) imaging.
Methods
We prospectively enrolled a cohort of 78 patients presenting with new-onset ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction, who underwent successful emergent PCI within 12 hours from the onset of symptoms. Late Gadolinium Enhanced (LGE) was quantified employing CE-CMR, and patients were categorized into two groups based on the median LGE value.
Results
The median LGE was 16 (IQR 12 to 24). In comparison to patients with LGE below the median (n = 37), those in the group with LGE above the median (n = 41) exhibited significantly reduced left ventricular global radial strain, global circumferential strain, and global longitudinal strain. ( all p < 0.05). The infarcted radial segment (IRS), Infarcted circumferential segment (ICS) and infarcted longitudinal segment (ILS) exhibited significant reductions in patients with greater LGE ( all p < 0.05). The occurrence of microvascular obstruction (MVO) (p<0.001) and wall motion abnormality (WMA) (p < 0.01) were significantly higher in patients with a greater extent of LGE, despite successful reperfusion therapy. The LGE exhibited a moderate negative correlation with global circumferential segment(r= -0.547, p<0.001) and a low negative correlation with both Global Radial Segment and Global Longitudinal Segment ༈r= -0.434, p<0.001;r= -0.437, p<0.001). In the multivariate linear regression analysis model comprising gensini score, MVO, GRS, GCS, IRS and ILS, Gensini score (β=0.289;p = 0.001), the presence of MVO (β=0.378;p = 0.000) and GCS(β=−0.318; p = 0.012) emerged as the robust predictors of myocardial fibrosis.
Conclusion
The present study establishes a correlation between cardiac pathological structures, microcirculation, and myocardial fibrosis in the context of acute myocardial infarction. Therefore, it provides theoretical evidence from a pathological perspective regarding the progression of myocardial fibrosis in patients with new-onset STEMI following successful PCI.
Trial registration
The trial was registered in the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (ChiCTR2400080282).
Elevated Body Mass Index And associated Factors Among Women with Infertility Undergoing Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) Treatment in a low-income setting
Authors: Amoah Christian , Adageba Rudolph Kantum , Appiah Ernest K. , Sefogah Promise E.
Published: August 2024

Elevated Body Mass Index in infertile women has important implications for medically assisted reproduction. The prevalence and impact of elevated BMI on assisted reproductive technologies treatment outcomes in low-income settings remains under-studied and little unknown. This study investigated the prevalence of elevated BMI and associated socio-demographic characteristics among infertile women in Ghana. Retrospective analysis of five-years data of 3,660 infertile women attending clinic in Ghana for assisted conception treatment was carried out. The data was analysed using the SPSS (22). Descriptive statistics performed and chi square was used to assess associations between categorical variables with p-value below 0.05 considered statistically significant. Overall, 76.83% of women with infertility had elevated BMI, of whom 39.56% were obese and 37.27% were overweight. Majority of participants with elevated BMI was aged between 30–49years.(p < 0.000) Infertility prevalence and BMI increased with increasing level of education.(p < 0.003) Secondary infertility was more common among overweight or obese women. Traders had the highest prevalence of overweight and obesity followed by civil servants and health workers. Elevated BMI was highly prevalent among women seeking infertility care in Ghana, particularly so among those with secondary infertility. Traders had the highest prevalence of elevated BMI, probably reflecting their predominantly sedentary lifestyles.
A weighted k-mean clustering algorithm based on singular values with offset clustering centers
Authors: deng shaobo , lin xing , Yuan Weili , Liao Zemin , Guan Sujie , Li Min
Published: August 2024

The K-means algorithm is widely used for dataset clustering, but it does not consider the importance of each attribute dimension when dealing with feature attributes and clustering center selection, but rather treats all attributes as having equal importance. In order to solve this problem, this paper proposes a weighted k-mean clustering algorithm (SVW-KMeans) based on singular values with offset clustering centers. The algorithm calculates the weight information of the data points through singular value decomposition to focus on the most significant and most different features, joining the weight calculation to optimize the objective function, and at the same time, the weighted arithmetic mean of the individuals is used as the clustering center, and the clustering center is shifted towards the high importance so as to take into full consideration of the importance of the different features in the clustering process. The experimental results show that the SVW-KMeans algorithm outperforms other algorithms in clustering on synthetic and real datasets, which verifies that the SVW-KMeans algorithm outperforms other mainstream clustering algorithms in terms of clustering quality and stability.
Public Awareness and Knowledge about Colorectal Cancer Screening in Saudi Arabia
Authors: Alsehemi Zeyad Omar
Published: August 2024

Background
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a significant global health concern, ranking second among women and third among men in cancer diagnoses worldwide. In Saudi Arabia, CRC has been the most prevalent cancer in men since 2002. Despite rising incidence rates, public awareness and understanding of CRC screening remain critical for early detection and effective intervention. This study aims to assess the level of public awareness and knowledge regarding CRC screening in Saudi Arabia to identify gaps and inform targeted awareness campaigns.
Methods
A cross-sectional, questionnaire-based study was conducted using Google Forms to gather data from the overall population of Saudi Arabia in the period from 5 September 2023 to 20 September 2023. The online questionnaire included demographic information and assessed participants' knowledge, awareness, and attitudes toward CRC screening. Questions covered risk factors, symptoms, screening methods, and participants' intention to undergo screening. Data analysis was performed using SPSS version 26.
Results
Of the 461 participants, 61.4% were female, 38.6% were male, and 53.1% were aged 50 or older. Only 13.1% of participants aged 50 and above had undergone CRC screening. A significant proportion (55.1%) in other age groups remained undecided about future screening. Lack of awareness (51.9%) was the primary reason for refusal or hesitation. Participants exhibited limited awareness of CRC's global prevalence (50.3%) and the recommended screening age (36.4%). Significant associations were found between awareness levels, gender, education, and age groups.
Conclusion
The study highlights a substantial lack of awareness and knowledge about CRC screening in Saudi Arabia, particularly among specific demographic groups. Targeted awareness campaigns are crucial, focusing on increasing knowledge about risk factors, symptoms, and the importance of early screening. Special attention should be given to middle-aged and older populations and those with lower education levels to enhance community awareness and improve CRC screening rates.
Clinical manifestations and outcomes of EBV related secondary hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis
Authors: Liu Dan , Pei Xuying , Zhang Xiaohui , Xu Lanping , Wang Yu , Yan Chenhua , Chen Huan , Chen Yuhong , Han Wei , Wang Fengrong , Wang Jingzhi , Sun Yuqian , Huang Xiaojun , Mo Xiaodong
Published: August 2024

Aim: Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is the important pathogen of infection after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT), which is also the common cause of secondary hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (sHLH). Thus, we aimed to identify the clinical manifestations and outcomes of EBV-related sHLH after allo-HSCT.
Methods: We enrolled the patients who experienced sHLH after EBV DNAemia after allo-HSCT from Jan 1st, 2023 to Dec 31st, 2023. Plasma EBV copies were monitored by Q-PCR analysis at least weekly and EBV-DNA copies of lymphocyte subpopulations in peripheral blood were also quantified by Q-PCR.
Results: 11 patients developed sHLH after EBV DNAemia and all of them had post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorders (PTLD) before sHLH. The median time from PTLD to sHLH occurrence was 5 days (range, 2-101) days. The most common manifestation of sHLH was ferritin elevation (100%) and soluble CD25 antigen elevation (100%). Nine (81.8%) patients died after the diagnosis of sHLH, and the median time from the occurrence of sHLH to death was 10 days (range, 3 to 21) days. Temperature ≥ 39.6℃, achieving high-level EBV DNAemia (> 105 copies/ml), and with a high-level EBV in T or NK cells increase the risk of sHLH after EBV-PLTD. The 100-day probability of EBV-related mortality and overall survival after PTLD occurrence was 84.1% versus 8.3 % (P ＜0.0001) and 15.9% versus 91.7% (P ＜0.0001), respectively, for patients with and without sHLH.
Conclusions: In summary, our study firstly reported the clinical manifestations and outcomes of EBV-related sHLH following allo-HSCT in the largest cohort at present.
A unique migration of primordial germ cells and relationship of PGCs with sex development in germline-specific fluorescent freshwater angelfish (Pterophyllum scalare)
Authors: Chu Wai-Kwan , Huang Shih-Chin , Chang Ching-Fong , Wu Jen-Leih , Gong Hong-Yi
Published: August 2024

Primordial germ cells (PGCs) are essential for teleosts reproduction, as they are the progenitors of gametes. While the formation of PGCs is conserved across teleost, their activation, migration routes, and localization periods vary. In this study, we generated a novel transgenic line, Tg(ddx4:TcCFP13-nanos3), using the genome sequence of Nile tilapia to label PGCs with clear fluorescent signals during embryonic development in the Cichlid freshwater angelfish. We observed a complex, multistage migration process and a more extended localization period in angelfish (168 hpf, 4 days after hatching) compared to zebrafish (24 hpf). Notably, significant differences in PGC abundance were detected during early somite development. By counting PGCs in each larva and raising them to sexual maturity, we found that PGC abundance is correlated with sex determination: 90% of PGCs-less individuals developed into males, and 83% of PGCs-rich individuals developed into females. This finding aligns with our recent study, which showed a male-biased phenomenon in infertile angelfish without any germ cell under dnd1 depletion. Exploring the mechanisms of PGCs and sex development in ornamental fish, particularly freshwater angelfish, can benefit the ornamental fish industry. Additionally, our in vivo PGC tracking system in Cichlids offers opportunities for basic PGC research and further applications.
Inflammatory keratitis and trastuzumab in the context of breast cancer - a case report
Authors: Tremblay Anthony , Joseph Rosa-Li
Published: August 2024

Purpose:
This case report aims to provide a comprehensive description of the presentation of a subepithelial inflammatory keratitis observed in a patient undergoing trastuzumab treatment.
Study Design:
Case report and review of the literature.
Methods:
To conduct a literature review, we used the ScienceDirect (Elsevier) and PubMed databases.
Background:
Trastuzumab is a molecule commonly employed in the treatment of breast cancer. It is principally known for its cardiotoxic adverse effects (1) (2); however, recent literature has started to shed light on potential ocular adverse effects associated with its use (2) (3) (4) (5) (6) (7) (8). Therefore, this case report details the experience of a female patient who underwent treatment with this molecule and subsequently developed an inflammatory keratitis.
Case presentation:
A 63-year-old female diagnosed with breast cancer, presented corneal haze, corneal edema, epithelial folds, and reduction of visual acuity following cataract surgery. A diagnosis of subepithelial inflammatory keratitis was established. A causal relationship was identified between the corneal inflammation and the trastuzumab, as evidenced by the amelioration of symptoms upon discontinuation of treatment.
Diagnosis:
Corneal haze was the first clinical sign of keratitis observed and it appeared approximately one month following cataract surgery. A Herpes simplex virus (HSV) keratitis was suspected and excluded after a negative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and unsuccessful antiviral treatment. The keratitis was initially controlled with a topical 1% prednisolone acetate, but it recurred upon tapering. The patient eventually experienced a severe recurrence that did not respond to oral prednisone. This led to discontinuation of trastuzumab for several weeks, resulting in the resolution of inflammation even after tapering oral prednisone and topical 1% prednisolone.
Conclusion:
The antineoplastic agent trastuzumab carries notable ocular risks such as subepithelial inflammatory keratitis as evidenced by this case report and the literature.
Utility of ZTE MRA in the diagnosis of sigmoid-related VPT
Authors: Shen shanshan , Zhao Zhiguang , Zheng Huifeng , Sun Liqiang , Chen Yingmin
Published: August 2024

Purpose
Patients with vascular pulsatile tinnitus (VPT) originating from the sigmoid sinus are scanned using the ZTE MRA technique. This technique can reveal the transverse sinus-sigmoid sinus system without the need for exogenous contrast agents, and it can assess the diagnostic value of ZTE MRA.
Methods and material:
This study received prior approval and written consent from the Institutional Review Board. We collected 13 patients with sigmoid VPT (2 men, 11 women, aged 40.3 ± 12.0 years, 27–59 years) who underwent CT venography (CTV), MR venography (MRV), and ZTE MRA. The aim was to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of ZTE MRA in demonstrating the deformed vascular mass, sigmoid sinus diverticulum (SSD), and the degree of transverse sinus stenosis (TSS).
Results
ZTE MRA can show the type of vascular malformation, the location of SSD, and there is no statistical difference in assessing the length and extent of TSS.
Conclusions
ZTE MRA can be used as a supplement and auxiliary means when CTV examination cannot be performed and can provide hemodynamic information of the transverse sinus-sigmoid sinus, which is of guiding significance for studying the pathogenesis of VPT.