bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Using tumor habitat-derived radiomic analysis during pretreatment 18F-FDG PET for predicting KRAS/NRAS/BRAF mutations in colorectal cancer
Authors: Zhao Hongyue , Su Yexin , Wang Yan , Lyu Zhehao , Xu Peng , Gu Wenchao , Tian Lin , Fu Peng
Published: February 2024

Background

To investigate the association between Kirsten rat sarcoma viral oncogene homolog (KRAS) / neuroblastoma rat sarcoma viral oncogene homolog (NRAS) /v-raf murine sarcoma viral oncogene homolog B (BRAF) mutations and the tumor habitat-derived radiomic features obtained during pretreatment 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) positron emission tomography (PET) in patients with colorectal cancer (CRC).

Methods

We retrospectively enrolled 62 patients with CRC who had undergone 18F-FDG PET/computed tomography from January 2017 to July 2022 before the initiation of therapy. The patients were randomly split into training and validation cohorts with a ratio of 6:4. The whole tumor region radiomic features, habitat-derived radiomic features, and metabolic parameters were extracted from 18F-FDG PET images. After reducing the feature dimension and selecting meaningful features, we constructed a hierarchical model of KRAS/NRAS/BRAF mutations by using the support vector machine. The convergence of the model was evaluated by using learning curve, and its performance was assessed based on the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC), calibration curve, and decision curve analysis. The SHapley Additive exPlanation was used to interpret the contributions of various features to predictions of the model.

Results

The model constructed by using habitat-derived radiomic features had adequate predictive power with respect to KRAS/NRAS/BRAF mutations, with an AUC of 0.759 (95% CI: 0.585–0.909) on the training cohort and that of 0.701 (95% CI: 0.468–0.916) on the validation cohort. The model exhibited good convergence, suitable calibration, and clinical application value. The results of the SHapley Additive explanation showed that the peritumoral habitat and a high_metabolism habitat had the greatest impact on predictions of the model. No meaningful whole tumor region radiomic features or metabolic parameters were retained during feature selection.

Conclusion

The habitat-derived radiomic features were found to be helpful in stratifying the status of KRAS/NRAS/BRAF in CRC patients. The approach proposed here has significant implications for adjuvant treatment decisions in patients with CRC, and needs to be further validated on a larger prospective cohort.
Impact of the combination and replacement of SLR-based low-degree gravity field coefficients in GRACE solutions
Authors: Gałdyn Filip , Sośnica Krzysztof
Published: February 2024

GRACE and GRACE Follow-On (FO) missions provide time-variable gravity field models of unprecedented quality that allow for the hydrological, oceanic, and ice mass change studies on a global scale. However, the very low-degree coefficients derived from GRACE and GRACE-FO are of inferior quality due to thermal effects acting on satellites and malfunctioning of the onboard accelerometers. Therefore, C20 and C30 coefficients describing the Earth’s oblateness and the pear shape of the Earth, respectively, are being replaced by values derived from satellite laser ranging (SLR) in the standard GRACE solutions. This study assesses the impact of the replacement of low-degree gravity field coefficients in GRACE/GRACE-FO solutions by SLR data on the trend and seasonal signals of ice mass changes in Greenland and Antarctica. We found that the replacement of the low-degree gravity field coefficients changes the estimates of trends by 4, 8, and 22 Gt/year in Greenland, West, and East Antarctica, respectively, depending on the source of SLR coefficients and period for which the coefficients are replaced. In SLR and GRACE solutions, all coefficients of the same order and the same parity of degrees are strongly correlated. Therefore, replacing only two selected coefficients may lead to a biased solution. Thus, we propose to combine GRACE with SLR solutions up to a degree and order 10 × 10 to properly consider the sensitivity of each of the techniques to gravity field coefficients, instead of replacing two coefficients from SLR in GRACE solutions. The combined solution reduces the residual trend of post-glacial rebound from 1.2 to 0.9 Gt/year and from − 57.8 to − 57.0 Gt/year in Scandinavia and South Canada, respectively, when compared to GRACE/GRACE-FO solutions with the replacement of coefficients. The SLR-GRACE combination reduces the noise in the GRACE/GRACE-FO solutions by 8%, from 38 to 35 Gt, in the Fennoscandia region. In the periods when GRACE is at the end of its mission and observations are disrupted, the weights adjust the contribution from SLR and GRACE based on relative ratio of variances from each techniques. Thus, the combined solutions are more consistent with independent geophysical models of glacial isostatic adjustment, and the combinations are affected by smaller noise than the standard GRACE solutions and properly account for different sensitivities of SLR and GRACE techniques to low-degree time-variable gravity field coefficients.
Methane genesis within olivine-hosted fluid inclusions in dolomitic marble of the Hida Belt, Japan
Authors: Harada Hironobu , Tsujimori Tatsuki
Published: February 2024

Abiotic synthesis of hydrocarbon-bearing fluids during geological processes has a significant impact on the evolution of both the Earth's biosphere and the solid Earth. Aqueous alteration of ultramafic rocks, i.e., serpentinization, which forms serpentinite, is one of the geological processes generating abiotic methane (CH4). However, abiotic CH4 generation is not limited to the serpentinization of mafic and ultramafic lithologies. Metasedimentary dolomitic marble from the Hida Belt, Japan, is characterized by the presence of forsterite-rich olivine (Fo~89–93), and olivine crystals contain abundant fluid inclusions (<1 to 10 μm in size). Raman spectroscopic analyses of olivine-hosted fluid inclusions found that both primary and secondary fluid inclusions contain CH4, lizardite/chrysotile, and brucite. This indicates that micro-scale interactions between COH fluid and host olivine produced CH4 through the reduction of CO2 by H2 released during local serpentinization within inclusions. Our observation implies that the dolomitic marble has the potential to be a key lithology for the synthesis and storage of abiotic CH4 in a shallower crustal portion of orogenic belts.
Evaluation of dietary composition between hemoglobin categories, total body iron content and adherence to multi-micronutrients in preschooler residents of the highlands of Puno, Peru
Authors: Choque-Quispe Benita Maritza , Vásquez-Velásquez Cinthya , Gonzales Gustavo F.
Published: February 2024

Background

The anemia prevalence is higher in highlands populations. It is assumed that iron deficiency anemia (IDA) in children is mainly due to low dietary intake. However, other suggest that high prevalence of anemia is due to an inappropriate hemoglobin (Hb) adjustment for altitude.

Materials and methods

Cross-sectional study conducted in 338 preschoolers (PSC) from Puno-Peru. Hb was measured in whole blood, and ferritin, Soluble transferrin receptor, and Interleukin 6 in serum.The dietary iron intake was assessed by 24-h dietary recall, using NutriCap Software. Hb concentration was assessed as adjusted or unadjusted for altitude.

Results

With unadjusted Hb, the anemia prevalence was 4.7%, whereas after Hb correction, the prevalence raised-up to 65.6% (p < 0.001). Reciprocally, erythrocytosis proportion decreased from 20.35 to 0.30% (p < 0.001). Total Body Iron (TBI) showed that 7.44% had ID and 0.32% had IDA. PSC with normal unadjusted Hb levels have more protein and micronutrients intake than anemic ones. PSC with erythrocytosis consumed less fat, and more niacin and ascorbic acid than anemics. Total iron intake was lower in anemic than the other groups, but without statistical significance due to the standard deviation of the data in a small number of anemic PSC (n = 16). TBI, unadjusted Hb, and adjusted Hb were not different between groups consuming or not multimicronutrients.

Conclusions

The consumption of iron and iron status in children who live at high altitude is adequate, and that anemia could be due to other micronutrient deficiencies and/or that the adjustment of Hb by altitude is inappropriate.
Towards a precise and reflexive use of migration-related terminology in quantitative research: criticism and suggestions
Authors: Borrelli Lisa Marie , Ruedin Didier
Published: February 2024

To describe migration-related phenomena, we need to reflect on the terminology and choose the most adequate one that allows us to determine whether migration is the (main) cause of a phenomenon, a consequence, or even unrelated and misattributed. We argue that the use of such terminology in quantitative and experimental research is often flawed because of its differentiated adoption in legal, political, or scientific contexts. To illustrate our argument, we focus on two commonly used terms, ‘second generation’ and ‘migration background’ to show that in many situations these terms do not accurately describe the population we study. In part, the terms imply a false homogeneity, focus on deficits, and perpetuate differences regarding national belonging where there may be structural reasons and other aspects, such as social class, that lie at the heart of observed differences. With a particular focus on quantitative research, we use survey evidence and a principled literature search, to show that both researchers and the general population often identify immigrants in terms of ethnic origin —  even though the term has its own pitfalls. We conclude that quantitative research should avoid reproducing state-created terminology and instead look beyond the strict field of immigration to consider other systems of classification like gender, ethnicity, language, or social class to reduce the negative attributes ascribed to non-citizens.
Protocol for co-producing a framework and integrated resource platform for engaging patients in laboratory-based research
Authors: Lalu Manoj M. , Richards Dawn , Foster Madison , French Brittany , Crawley Angela M. , Fiest Kirsten M. , Hendrick Kathryn , Macala Kimberly F. , Mendelson Asher A. , Messner Pat , Nicholls Stuart G. , Presseau Justin , Séguin Cheryle A. , Sullivan Patrick , Thébaud Bernard , Fergusson Dean A.
Published: February 2024

Background

Patient engagement in research is the meaningful and collaborative interaction between patients and researchers throughout the research process. Patient engagement can help to ensure patient-oriented values and perspectives are incorporated into the development, conduct, and dissemination of research. While patient engagement is increasingly prevalent in clinical research, it remains relatively unrealized in preclinical laboratory research. This may reflect the nature of preclinical research, in which routine interactions or engagement with patients may be less common. Our team of patient partners and researchers has previously identified few published examples of patient engagement in preclinical laboratory research, as well as a paucity of guidance on this topic. Here we propose the development of a process framework to facilitate patient engagement in preclinical laboratory research.

Methods

Our team, inclusive of researchers and patient partners, will develop a comprehensive, empirically-derived, and stakeholder-informed process framework for ‘patient engagement in preclinical laboratory research.’ First, our team will create a ‘deliberative knowledge space’ to conduct semi-structured discussions that will inform a draft framework for preclinical patient engagement. Over the course of several sessions, we will identify actions, activities, barriers, and enablers (e.g. considerations and motivations for patient engagement in preclinical laboratory research, define roles of key players). The resulting draft process framework will be further populated with examples and refined through an international consensus-building Delphi survey with patients, researchers, and other collaborator organizations. We will then conduct pilot field tests to evaluate the framework with preclinical laboratory research groups paired with patient partners. These results will be used to create a refined framework enriched with real-world examples and considerations. All resources developed will be made available through an online repository.

Discussion

Our proposed process framework will provide guidance, best practices, and standardized procedures to promote patient engagement in preclinical laboratory research. Supporting and facilitating patient engagement in this setting presents an exciting new opportunity to help realize the important impact that patients can make.
Validation of an automated dispensing system for subsequent dose dispensing of different radionuclides
Authors: Cao T. T. , Aalbersberg E. A. , Geluk-Jonker M. M. , Hendrikx J. J. M. A.
Published: February 2024

Background

Automated dispensing systems (ADSs) for radiopharmaceuticals have been developed to reduce the radiation exposure of personnel, to improve the accuracy of the dispensed dose and to limit the microbiological contamination. However, before implementing such systems, validation according to various applicable guidelines is necessary to ensure safety and quality. Here we present the selection, validation and implementation of the PT459R2 from manufacturer Lynax s.r.o. as a guidance protocol for validation according to GMP and GRPP guidelines. Validation included linearity accuracy and precision of the internal scintillation detector for different isotopes and microbiological validation for aseptic procedures.

Results

The ADS can dispense accurate doses in the following linear range: 1000–10,000 MBq for lutetium-177, 20–74 MBq for zirconium-89, 100–1000 MBq for gallium-68 and 100–2000 MBq for fluorine-18. The maximum bias is 2.35% and the maximum coefficient of variation is 3.03% which meets the acceptance criteria of < 5%. Furthermore, the ADS does not affects the GMP class A environment in a laminar airflow cabinet and can dispense aseptically. In addition, radiation exposure is acceptable and data integrity is preserved.

Conclusion

The PT459R2 ADS met all the requirements from our performance qualification and is therefore suitable for daily routine use in our center. Our approach can be used as a guidance for PQ of an ADS in a Radiopharmacy according to GMP and GRPP guidelines.
The effect of early rehabilitation after lumbar spine surgery: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Özden Fatih , Koçyiğit Güldane Zehra
Published: February 2024

Background

Evidence-based data are required to provide insightful information on the timing of rehabilitation after lumbar spine surgery (LSS).

Objectives

The aim of this study is to systematically review the outcomes of early rehabilitation interventions and conduct its meta-analysis in patients after LSS.

Patients and methods

A total of 1183 articles were retrieved through PubMed (n = 793), Web of Science (n = 721), Scopus (n = 335), and ScienceDirect (n = 83) databases. Fourteen studies were included in the systematic review. The quality analysis and risk of bias assessment of the trials included in the systematic review were performed using the Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro) scoring and classification system. Narrative synthesis and standardized mean difference based pooling results were given for the systematic review and meta-analysis, respectively.

Results

The additional benefit of early rehabilitation on physical function was moderately effective (ES: − 0.62, 95% CI − 1.00; − 0.25) at the 1-month follow-up. In terms of pain, early rehabilitation provided additional improvement at 1 month (ES: 0.34, 95% CI − 0.03; 0.71), 3 months (ES: − 0.14, 95% CI − 0.37; 0.10), 6 months (ES: 0.35, 95% CI 0.04; 0.65) and 1 year (ES: 0.21, 95% CI − 0.09; 0.52) follow-up at a low level of evidence.

Conclusions

This systematic review demonstrated that early rehabilitation mainly improved disability in the early period (1-month follow-up). Regarding pain, short-term (1 month) and mid-term (6 months) follow-ups showed the most significant additional benefit. The positive effects of starting rehabilitation early after surgery on pain may have positively affected disability, specifically in the early period (1 month).
Breast metastasis from primary hand rhabdomyosarcoma
Authors: Fares Nevien Ragae , Mohammed Tassnim Osama
Published: February 2024

Background

Rhabdomyosarcoma can occur almost anywhere in the body; however, the most common primary sites include the head and neck (50%), genitourinary tract (~ 25%), and extremities (~ 15%). Approximately 20% of rhabdomyosarcoma patients present with metastases at diagnosis, most commonly to the lungs, bone marrow, and lymph nodes. Rhabdomyosarcoma metastasizing to distant sites such as the breast highlights its aggressive behavior.

Case presentation

A 20-year-old girl presented with left-hand swelling and pain which was unfortunately excised without imaging evaluation. Postoperative histopathology revealed a malignant spindle cell tumor. After two months, the patient complained of rapidly growing bilateral breast masses. As regards the patient’s age diagnostic ultrasound was done that revealed bilateral breast masses with bilateral axillary lymphadenopathy (Fig. 1), and then, magnetic resonance imaging was done that revealed bilateral breast masses of malignant criteria and pathological left axillary lymph nodes (Fig. 2). An ultrasound-guided biopsy was taken from both breast masses which revealed a metastatic malignant spindle cell tumor. After immunophenotyping, the diagnosis of rhabdomyosarcoma is established. Unfortunately, a metastatic work-up was done that revealed a visceral and nodal metastasis as well as a myocardial deposit (Fig. 3).

Conclusions

Metastasis of rhabdomyosarcoma to the breast is rare and occurs in young women as in our case with mainly primary site in limbs. It is important to be clinically aware of the risk of breast metastasis in female patients with primary extra-mammary rhabdomyosarcoma.
Preparation and in vitro evaluation of BBG-250 loaded liposomal formulation for anticancer potential
Authors: Gupta Twinkle , Nema Priyanshu , Soni Sakshi , Yadav Vivek , Jain Sanyog , Soni Vandana , Kashaw Sushil K.
Published: February 2024

Background

Liposome-mediated drug delivery systems have emerged as a promising avenue for enhancing cancer treatment strategies. This study aims to develop and assess liposomal carriers loaded with Brilliant Blue G-250 (BBG-250), a potent P2X7 receptor antagonist that shows potential as an anti-tumor agent. Specifically, two types of liposomal formulations were designed: conventional liposomes composed of hydrogenated soya phosphatidylcholine (HSPC) and cholesterol, and pH-sensitive liposomes consisting of dioleoylphosphatidylethanolamine (DOPE), distearoylphosphatidylethanolamine-methoxy polyethylene glycol (DSPE-mPEG), dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine (DPPC), and cholesterol. The investigation focuses on understanding the morphological characteristics, size, stability, drug incorporation efficiency, drug release profiles, blood compatibility, and cytotoxicity of these liposomal formulations.

Results

Advanced photon correlation spectroscopy using the Nano Plus-3 instrument was employed to evaluate the liposomes. The optimized conventional liposomes (HSPC-cholesterol ratio 7:3) exhibited a size of 125 ± 0.3 nm with a polydispersity index (PDI) of 0.21, indicating uniformity. The pH-sensitive liposomes (DOPE:DPPC:DSPE-PEG2000: Cholesterol 4:3:3:0.3) demonstrated a size of 118 ± 1.2 nm with a PDI of 0.230. Zeta potential measurements confirmed the stability of both formulations under physiological conditions, with values of − 16.93 mV for conventional liposomes and − 25.21 mV for pH-sensitive liposomes. Higher drug-to-lipid ratios were found to enhance drug incorporation efficiency. pH-sensitive liposomes exhibited superior drug release characteristics, with 95% release over 24 h, compared to conventional liposomes, which released 70% of the drug. Blood compatibility assessments revealed the safety of both formulations for intravenous administration. Cytotoxicity studies conducted on A549 cell lines demonstrated the cytocompatibility of both liposomal types across a range of concentrations, with IC50 values surpassing those of the reference drug, docetaxel.

Conclusions

This study underscores the potential of liposomal carriers as effective vehicles for delivering BBG-250, highlighting their stability, biocompatibility, and controlled drug release properties. Despite being slightly less potent than the reference drug, docetaxel, these liposomal formulations hold promise for advancing anticancer strategies. The findings contribute to the evolving landscape of innovative cancer therapy drug delivery systems, offering a novel approach to improving treatment outcomes for cancer patients. The successful development and evaluation of these liposomal carriers pave the way for further investigations and potential clinical applications in the field of cancer therapeutics.
Gastric foreign body granuloma resembling gastric cancer: a case report
Authors: Okasha Hussein Hassan , Alzamzamy Ahmed Elsayed , Delsa Hanane , Othman Haitham fekry , Alsibaie Ahmed sayed , Abdellatef Abeer
Published: February 2024

Fishbones are frequently swallowed by foreign objects that can penetrate the gastrointestinal tract. Nonetheless, it is quite uncommon for these fishbones to become lodged within the tract, resulting in the formation of foreign body granulomas that resemble submucosal tumors. When encountering this situation, it's important to consider differential diagnoses such as gastric intestinal stromal tumor, gastric leiomyoma, and gastric neurofibroma. We present a case of gastric foreign body granuloma that presents with dull aching epigastric pain. The patient gave a vague history of displaced intrauterine contraceptive devices (IUCD). Contrast CT and PET scan showed a gastric antral mass possibly a gastric cancer or a migrating IUCD. Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) suggested a perigastric foreign body reaction due to the presence of a linear echogenic structure in between the markedly thickened gastric antral wall and the right lobe of the liver. EUS-guided fine needle biopsy (EUS-FNB) revealed non-specific inflammatory reaction. Afterward, surgical exploration unveiled the cause of the mass as a foreign body granuloma caused by a perforating fishbone.
Endobronchial chondrosarcoma presenting as recurrent pneumonia: a rare pulmonary tumour
Authors: Gupta Rahul Kumar , Mason Amita , Nadia Shirazi , Kumar Manoj
Published: February 2024

Background

Chondrosarcoma is a group of bone tumours made up of cells responsible for cartilage production. It usually affects the axial skeleton, including the pelvis, scapula and base of the skull with frequent metastasis to the lungs. Primary pulmonary involvement with chondrosarcoma is rarely seen.

Case presentation

In this case report, we will discuss a case of endobronchial chondrosarcoma presenting as recurrent pneumonia.

Conclusions

Only a few cases of primary pulmonary chondrosarcoma are reported with endobronchial involvement, therefore being quite rare.
An efficient image encryption algorithm using a discrete memory-based logistic map with deep neural network
Authors: Kumar B. Sakthi , Revathi R.
Published: February 2024

In the last few years, multimedia technology has made tremendous strides. These days, the Web is frequently used to transfer multimedia content, including audio, video, and photos. However, the Internet is a very vulnerable medium with many security holes. To ensure that multimedia content carried across unprotected channels, like the Internet, is secure and private, several encryption techniques have been proposed. New encryption strategies must be developed because multimedia data streams cannot be encrypted using traditional methods. Therefore, the main goal of the recommended system is to present an analytical research approach for introducing a sophisticated framework wherein the suggested encryption technologies' efficacy is increased through the use of deep neural networks (DNNs). The robustness of the DNN principle is coupled with a discrete memristor-based logistic chaotic map notion for enhanced security performance. In this paper, three distinct encryption algorithms—Arnie cat with an artificial neural network (ANN), Henon map with an ANN, and logistic map with a DNN—are compared for security and performance with the suggested algorithm. Correlation coefficients, information entropy, number of pixels changing rate (NPCR), encryption quality, and encryption duration are the cryptographic analysis parameters examined here. The results show that the recommended implementation enhances security performance without degrading image quality. The proposed algorithm achieves 35.9% of UACI, 99.95% of NPCR, and 7.997231 of entropy.
Channel estimation and MIMO combining architecture in millimeter wave cellular system with few ADC bits
Authors: Raji Akeem Abimbola , Orimolade Joseph Folorunso , Amusa Kamoli Akinwale , Adejumobi Isaiah Adediji
Published: February 2024

Hybrid combiner and precoder architectures, radio frequency (RF) chain, analog phase shifters, digital-to-analog converter (DAC), and analog-to-digital converter (ADC) are components of a millimeter wave cellular system. Prior works in the area of millimeter wave cellular system design employ receiver with infinite bit and large amount of RF chain that scales linearly with the quantity of transmitting and receiving antennas. This mode of design no doubt increases power demand or requirement of a typical millimeter wave system. In this work, hybrid architecture with few RF chains and small number of ADC bits are proposed and are used as candidate for millimeter wave channel estimation and cellular communication. In that connection, least square (LS), orthogonal matching pursuit (OMP), compressed sampling matching pursuit (CoSAMP), and deep learning (DL) techniques are utilized for analytical investigation. Indeed, computational results reveal that, when ADC consisting of uniform mid- rise quantizer is employed, the performance of 4 and 6 bits at signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) values of − 10 dB and 20 dB is at par with infinite bit (unquantized case). As a validation, DL compares favorably well with adaptive compressed sensing (ACS) technique previously used in the literature for channel estimation, while OMP and CoSAMP show better performance than ACS.
Alexithymia and peer victimisation: interconnected pathways to adolescent non-suicidal self-injury
Authors: Ruan Qian-Nan , Liu Linhui , Shen Guang-Hui , Wu Yu-Wei , Yan Wen-Jing
Published: February 2024

Background

The prevalence of non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) among adolescents underscores the importance of understanding the complex factors that drive this behaviour. Framed within broader constructs of emotional regulation theories, alexithymia and peer victimisation are thought to interact to influence NSSI behaviours.

Aim

This research addresses whether alexithymia and peer victimisation serve as risk factors for NSSI and, if so, how these factors interact with each other.

Method

This quantitative study analysed data from 605 adolescents, using a range of validated self-report measures including the Toronto Alexithymia Scale. Statistical analyses including one-way analysis of variance, multiple regression and structural equation modelling were employed to scrutinise the relationships among the variables.

Results

Alexithymia and peer victimisation significantly predicted NSSI behaviours. Specifically, the ‘difficulty in identifying feelings’ subscale of alexithymia emerged as a noteworthy predictor of NSSI (P < 0.001). Peer victimisation mediated the relationship between alexithymia and NSSI, explaining approximately 24.50% of alexithymia's total effect on NSSI. In addition, age was a significant predictor of NSSI, but gender and education years were not (P > 0.05). These relationships were found to be invariant across genders.

Conclusions

This study enriches our understanding of the interplay between alexithymia, peer victimisation and NSSI, particularly within the Chinese context. Its findings have significant implications for a rethinking of alexithymia's theoretical construct and interventions targeting emotional literacy and peer dynamics among adolescents. Future research could benefit from a longitudinal design to establish causality.
Effect of a GH Secretagogue, Anamorelin, on Serum Irisin and Inflammation Levels in Osteosarcopenic Adults
Authors: Dawson-Hughes Bess , Konieczynski Elsa M , Reitshamer Elise , Ceglia Lisa
Published: February 2024

Background

Data suggest an association between GH secretion and circulating levels of the myokine irisin and inflammatory cytokinesIL-6 and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP). The impact of GH secretagogues on these markers is unknown.

Objectives

To determine the effect of treatment with the GH secretagogue anamorelin on 12-month changes in serum irisin, IL-6, and hsCRP levels and to assess whether baseline irisin levels modulate the glycemic response to treatment with anamorelin.

Methods

This is an ancillary study in 26 older adults with osteosarcopenia who participated in a 12-month trial examining the effect of anamorelin 100 mg/day vs placebo on musculoskeletal outcomes. Serum irisin, IL-6, and hsCRP were measured at baseline and 12 months.

Results

Treatment with anamorelin, compared with placebo, did not significantly alter irisin levels [12-month change = 0.50 ± 1.2 (SD) ng/mL in anamorelin group and −0.08 ± 2.3 ng/mL in placebo; P = .191]. Baseline irisin levels were not significantly correlated with 2-month change in fasting glucose levels in the anamorelin group (r = −0.222, P = .46) or the placebo group (r = 0.30, P = .34); however, the slopes of the 2 regression lines describing the relationship by group tended to differ (P = .0547). Anamorelin treatment for 12 months had no significant effect on serum IL-6 or hsCRP levels.

Conclusion

In this small sample of older adults with osteosarcopenia, treatment with the GH secretagogue anamorelin did not significantly alter levels of irisin, IL-6, or hsCRP. Higher baseline irisin levels may attenuate the glycemic response to anamorelin treatment; however, a larger study is needed to confirm this possibility.
Automated counting of Drosophila imaginal disc cell nuclei
Authors: Sanchez Bosch Pablo , Axelrod Jeffrey D.
Published: February 2024

Automated image quantification workflows have dramatically improved over the past decade, enriching image analysis and enhancing the ability to achieve statistical power. These analyses have proved especially useful for studies in organisms such as Drosophila melanogaster, where it is relatively simple to obtain high sample numbers for downstream analyses. However, the developing wing, an intensively utilized structure in developmental biology, has eluded efficient cell counting workflows due to its highly dense cellular population. Here, we present efficient automated cell counting workflows capable of quantifying cells in the developing wing. Our workflows can count the total number of cells or count cells in clones labeled with a fluorescent nuclear marker in imaginal discs. Moreover, by training a machine-learning algorithm we have developed a workflow capable of segmenting and counting twin-spot labeled nuclei, a challenging problem requiring distinguishing heterozygous and homozygous cells in a background of regionally varying intensity. Our workflows could potentially be applied to any tissue with high cellular density, as they are structure-agnostic, and only require a nuclear label to segment and count cells.
Η ποινική αντιμετώπιση του ρατσισμού και της ξενοφοβίας
Authors: Παντρευτής Αθανάσιος
Published: February 2024

Ο ρατσισμός και η ξενοφοβία συνιστούν διαχρονικά κοινωνικά φαινόμενα, η καταπολέμηση των οποίων επέρχεται και μέσω του ποινικού δικαίου. Σε συμμόρφωση προς το διεθνές και ευρωπαϊκό θεσμικό πλαίσιο, ο Έλληνας ποινικός νομοθέτης έχει προβλέψει το αξιόποινο της ρητορικής του μίσους (στο Ν. 927/1979, όπως τροποποιήθηκε από το Ν. 4285/2014 και ισχύει, και στο άρθρο 184 παρ. 2 ΠΚ), της ρατσιστικής διάκρισης (στο άρθρο 11 παρ. 1 Ν. 4443/2016) και του εγκλήματος μίσους ή εγκλήματος με ρατσιστικά χαρακτηριστικά (στο άρθρο 82Α ΠΚ). Στο Πρώτο Μέρος της παρούσας διδακτορικής διατριβής προσεγγίζονται ιστορικά, φιλοσοφικά και εννοιολογικά τα δύο φαινόμενα, παρουσιάζεται το διεθνές, το ευρωπαϊκό και το εθνικό θεσμικό πλαίσιο που έχει διαμορφωθεί διαχρονικά, εντοπίζονται τα προστατευόμενα από τις σχετικές ποινικές διατάξεις έννομα αγαθά και εξετάζονται τα συνταγματικά όρια του αξιοποίνου ενόψει του περιορισμού στην θεμελιώδη ελευθερία της έκφρασης με την ποινικοποίηση της ρητορικής του μίσους. Στο Δεύτερο Μέρος αναλύονται οι ποινικές υποστάσεις των τυποποιημένων εγκλημάτων, οριοθετείται ο τόπος τέλεσής τους όταν διαπράττονται μέσω συστημάτων υπολογιστών και επιχειρείται η επίλυση των αναφυόμενων δικονομικών ζητημάτων.
Home-school Communication in Greek Secondary Multicultural Educational Settings: Parents’ and Teachers’ perspectives
Authors: Pliogou Vassiliki , Tromara Sophia
Published: February 2024

Although it is widely acknowledged that home-school communication, as an aspect of parental involvement, plays a decisive role in children’s educational and socioemotional development, while it promotes social inclusion, especially in multicultural educational settings, the topic has not been adequately explored in Greece, especially in Lower High School. We qualitatively explored teachers’ and parents’ perceptions on home-school communication. The aims of this research were to examine (1) what kind of experiences teachers and parents have from home-school communication, (2) how does gender affects the entire process, and (3) which are the practical suggestions for improvement. The results of this research are the following: different perceptions of effective home-school communication, passive parental involvement, the immigrant status, structural obstacles, cultural and linguistic language diversity, stereotypes, and gender function as obstacles against effective home-school communication. Participants highlighted that possible solutions involve regular home-school communication, home-school collaboration, holistic and flexible practices, translators, and support toward families, especially mothers.
Moringa oleifera fruit extract as a potential antioxidant against liver injury by 2-Nitropropane induction in obese male mice model: pre-clinical study
Authors: Thadeus Maria Selvester , Susantiningsih Tiwuk , Muktamiroh Hikmah , Fauziah Cut , Citrawati Mila , Irmarahayu Agneta , Wahyuningsih Sri , Harjono Hadiwiardjo Yanti , Yusmaini Hany , Bahar Meiskha , Zulfa Fajriati , Agustini Diana , Chairani Aulia
Published: February 2024

Background: Moringa oleifera fruit extract contains beneficial chemical compounds. This study was conducted to observed the power of antioxidant against liver injury by 2-Nitropropane induction in an obese male mice model. Methods: This research was in vivo laboratory experimental study with a post-test control design group only. The population was obese male mice models, Swiss strain, aged 6–8 weeks, weighing between 60–80 gr. The research sample was determined by Federer's formula for a complete randomized design experimental test, group N (control), O1 (induced by 2-Nitropropane intraperitoneal (i.p) once), O2 (induced by 2-Nitropropane i.p twice), P1 (induced by 2-Nitropropane i.p. once and gavage with M. oleifera fruit extract 500mg/kg bodyweight (BW) once a day), P2 (induced by 2-Nitropropane i.p. twice and gavage of M. oleifera fruit extract 500mg/kg BW once a day), and P3 (induced by 2-Nitropropane i.p. twice and gavage of vitamin C 500mg/kg BW once a day). Antioxidant potential parameters were measured by levels of malondialdehide (MDA), glutation (GSH), 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG), catalase activity, manganese superoxide dismutase (MnSOD), serum glutamic pyruvic transaminase (SGPT), serum glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase (SGOT). This research was held at the Biochemistry laboratory of Medicine Faculty, UPN Veteran Jakarta in May–September 2020. Analysis was carried out using SPSS version 20.0. The parameters were tested using ANOVA. Results: MDA levels decreased, GSH increased, 8-OHdG decreased, catalase activity increased, MnSOD activity increased and SGOT, SGPT levels decreased. M. oleifera fruit extract was statistically proven to be a candidate for potential antioxidant against liver injury of 2-Nitropropane induction in obese male mice model. Conclusions: M. oleifera fruit extract was statistically evident as an antioxidant substance that reduces oxidative stress in acute liver injury caused by 2-Nitropropane induction.
Is Taylor Swift leading a new Pop revolution? A cross-generation analysis of Pop/Rock cover songs
Authors: Ortega José Luis
Published: February 2024

Background (Pop/Rock is experiencing deep transformations caused by the emergence of Web 2.0 and the online social networks, streaming services and the proliferation of TV contests. Cover songs afford the opportunity to explore how these changes would result in a new revalorization of Pop and Dance music. The aim of this paper is to find evidence of a changing pattern in cover songs by 21st-century artists. To this end, over 76,000 covers performed by artists who grew up in the 2000s were quantitatively analyzed. Methods SecondHandSongs.com was crawled to extract the cover relationships, and Allmusic.com to obtain the genre and starting decade of each performer. Results The results show that the current music panorama is dominated by Pop/Rock music and, for the first time since the 1960s, artists from the 2010s generation prefer to cover more songs by contemporary artists than by classic figures from the 1960s. Pop and Dance are the emerging sub-genres with the largest proportion of covered musicians, while Taylor Swift, Justin Bieber and Ed Sheeran are responsible for this changing trend. Conclusions These results provide an interesting opportunity to introduce quantitative studies in cultural studies about music, cinema and arts.
General anaesthetics reduce acute lymphoblastic leukaemia malignancies in vitro and in vivo via CXCR4 and osteopontin mediated mechanisms
Authors: Jiang Cui , Gonzalez-Anton Sara , Li Xiaomeng , Mi Emma , Wu Lingzhi , Zhao Hailin , Zhang Ge , Lu Aiping , Lo Celso Cristina , Ma Daqing
Published: February 2024

Background Acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) is a common type of cancer in children. General anaesthetics are often used on patients undergoing painful procedures during ALL treatments but their effects on ALL malignancy remain unknown. Herein, we aim to study the effect of propofol and sevoflurane on the migration, homing and chemoresistance of ALL cells. Methods NALM-6 and Reh cells were treated with propofol (5 and 10 μg/ml) or sevoflurane (3.6%) in vitro for six hours. Then, cells were harvested for adhesion assay and migration assay in vitro. In in vivo experiments, GFP-NALM-6 cells were pre-treated with propofol (10 μg/ml) or sevoflurane (3.6%) for six hours. Then, cells were injected intravenously to C57BL/6 female mice followed by intravital microscopy. For chemoresistance study, cells were treated with rising concentrations of Ara-c (0.05-50 nM) plus 10μg/ml of propofol or Ara-C plus 3.6% of sevoflurane for 4 hours, followed by the assessment of cell viability via CCK-8 assay and detection of autophagy via flow cytometry. Results Both anaesthetics reduced in vivo migration and in vivo homing as exemplified by 1) the reduction in the number of cells entering the bone marrow and 2) the disturbance in homing location in relation to endosteal surface. Our results indicated that general anaesthetics reduced the surface CXCR4 expression and the adhesion of leukaemia cells to thrombin cleaved osteopontin (OPN) was reduced. Those changes might result in the alterations in migration and homing. In addition, both anaesthetics sensitised ALL cells to Ara-c possibly through CXCR4 mediated mechanisms. Propofol but not sevoflurane enhanced chemo-related cell death via inducing cytotoxic autophagy. Conclusion Together, our data suggest that both propofol and sevoflurane could reduce ALL migration, and homing in vivo and in vitro via CXCR4 and OPN mediated mechanisms. Both anaesthetics could sensitise ALL cells to chemotherapy possibly via CXCR4 mediated mechanisms.
University students dataset related to achievement, classroom practices, perceptions and attitudes of multimedia-based learning quantum physics
Authors: Nyirahabimana Pascasie , Minani Evariste , Nduwingoma Mathias , Kimeza Imelda
Published: February 2024

This dataset presents data collected to assess teaching and learning of quantum physics at the University of Rwanda - College of Education (UR-CE), Rwanda. Data were collected between August and November 2019 as the baseline, and between January and April 2022 under a quasi-experimental design. Three sets of data were collected. The first set was about students’ performance and conceptual understanding collected before and after teaching intervention (lecture method or multimedia-aided approach) using mainly Quantum Physics Conceptual Survey (QPCS). The second set documented classroom practices during teaching and learning using the Classroom Observation Protocol for Undergraduate STEM (COPUS). The last set is comprised of the data related to lecturers’ and students’ perceptions before teaching and learning quantum physics and students’ attitudes after learning Quantum physics. The Quantum Physics Attitude Test (QPAT) was mainly used to collect these data. The dataset is important to education stakeholders because university managers can visualize the status of teaching and learning outcomes, lecturers can reflect on the study, and researchers can use the data to analyze various independent variables.
Promising effect of cisplatin and melatonin combination on the inhibition of cisplatin resistance in ovarian cancer
Authors: Adeya Adella Cut , Siregar M Fidel Ganis , Putra Imam B , Hasibuan Poppy Anjelisa , Andrijono Andrijono , Bachtiar Adang , Lumbanraja Sarma N , Nasution Iqbal P
Published: February 2024

Background Ovarian cancer management has not yet given a satisfactory result, and the recurrence rate is still high. One of the reasons for this is resistance to chemotherapy. Melatonin and cisplatin may be involved in the chemotherapy resistance of ovarian cancer. Methods A laboratory experiment was performed using melatonin and cisplatin in the SKOV3 cell, from September 2020 to November 2021 at the SCTE and Integrated Laboratory & Research Center Universitas Indonesia. Several variables were used, such as doxorubicin, melatonin, cisplatin, and combination of cisplatin and melatonin at several concentrations (1×, 3/4×, 1/2×, and 1/4×). A total of 24 samples were included and divided into 8 groups. The IC50 values of melatonin, doxorubicin, and cisplatin as well as cell viability was calculated via MTS assay. Subsequently, flow cytometry was performed to assess the effect of cisplatin and melatonin on the mechanisms of CTR1, p-glycoprotein, GSH, ERCC1, e-cadherin, and apoptosis. Analysis of variance and Bonferroni test were employed for the study. Results The IC50 values of melatonin, cisplatin, and doxorubicin were 1.841 mM, 117.5 mM, and 14.72 mM, respectively. The combination groups of cisplatin and melatonin reduced cell viability; decreased the CTR1 mean (19.73), Pgp (6.7), GSH (11.73), and ERCC1 (4.27) in the combination 1 (C1) group; and increased e-cadherin (32.2) and annexin V (53.57) also in the combination 1 (C1) group. Conclusions The combination of melatonin and cisplatin might have an impact on drug resistance via several mechanisms in ovarian cancer.
PASS: A scoring system to evaluate persistent kidney injury in critically ill ICU adult patients
Authors: Prabhu Dattatray , Prabhu Sonali Dattatray , Mahabala Chakrapani , Prabhu Mayoor V
Published: February 2024

Background We evaluated if the course of recovery from sepsis-induced acute kidney injury (AKI) can be predicted using variables collected at admission. Methods A total of 63 patients admitted for sepsis-induced AKI in our Mangalore ICU were evaluated and baseline demographic and clinical/laboratory parameters, including serum creatinine (SCr), base excess (BE), Plethysmographic Variability Index (PVI), Caval Index, R wave variability index (RVI), mean arterial pressure (MAP) and renal resistivity index (RI) using renal doppler and need for inotropes were assessed on admission. Patients were managed as per standard protocol. After six hours of fluid resuscitation, patients were classified as volume responders or non-responders. Re-assessment was done at 24 hours and 72 hours after admission. Primary outcome was persistent AKI after 72 hours. Secondary outcome was initiation of dialysis or death within 15 days of admission. Results A total of 34 subjects recovered from AKI, of whom 32 patients were volume responders and 31 were non-responders. Response to fluid, MAP at admission and six hours, BE at admission, inotrope requirement, and PVI at admission did not correlate with recovery. Multiple logistic regression showed that SCr < 2.36 mg%, RVI > 14.45 and RI < 0.8 on admission correlated with recovery and they were evaluated further to model AKI recovery and develop PASS. PASS score = (SCr points × 5.4) + (RVI points × 4.0) + (RI points × 6.2). One point each was allotted if SCr was < 2.36, RVI was > 14.45 and RI was <0.8, and 0 otherwise. A score > 7.8 predicted recovery with a sensitivity of 79.4%, specificity of 72.4%, PPV 81.8%, NPV 76.7% and AuROC of 0.85. Conclusions The PASS score can be used to identify salvageable cases of sepsis-AKI, guiding fluid resuscitation and aiding early referral from rural to tertiary care centers for better management.
Levels of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon in the soil around typical automobile repair workshops in Nigeria
Authors: Adesina Olusola Adedayo , Fakayode Oluwatomi Atinuke , Lala Mayowa Adeoye , Adewale Abiodun John , Sonibare Jacob Ademola
Published: February 2024

Background This study determined the levels of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in the soil around typical automobile repair workshops in Nigeria. Risk assessment associated with human contact with the soil was carried out using hazard quotient (HQ) and incremental life cancer risk (ILCR) from human unconscious ingestion and dermal contact with the soil. Methods Soil samples were obtained at different automobile workshops in Ado-Ekiti, Western Nigeria. The PAHS in the samples were extracted using dichloromethane and extracts were cleaned up using silica-alumina gel open column chromatography. Analysis of PAHs in the soil was done using a gas chromatograph coupled to a mass selective detector operated on electron ionization mode. Results The results showed the mean PAHs concentration at the sampling locations ranged from 5.58 – 6.4 μg/g and the mean ∑ carcinogenic PAHs was 58.4 μg/g, equivalent to 59.39 % of total PAHs observed. The mean Toxicity equivalence (TEQs) ranged from 0.02 - 6.680 μg/g. Benzo (a) pyrene and dibenzo(a,h)anthracene have the highest toxicity equivalent. The total ILCRs from accidental ingestion and dermal contact in adults were 1 ×10^(-3) and 9.8 ×10^(-5), for adults and children respectively; both are higher than the permissible limit stipulated by the World Health Organization.The HQs obtained are several folds higher than 1. This implies high carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic risks for children and adults. Conclusions The study revealed the levels of PAHs and also revealed the risks associated with human contact with the soil around automobile repair workshops.