bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Sarcoidosis Induced by Atezolizumab Presenting With Xanthelasma Infiltration
Authors: Marcoval Joaquim , Moreno-Vílchez Carlos , Llobera-Ris Claudia , Torrecilla-Vall-Llossera Clara , Penín Rosa M. 
Published: November 2021

Abstract:
Sarcoidosis induced by anti-PD1 or anti-PDL1 agents such as atezolizumab has recently been reported. It has been suggested that the predilection of sarcoidosis to affect scars is due to the presence of antigens or foreign bodies that can serve as a stimulus for granuloma formation. However, to the best of our knowledge, sarcoidosis-specific skin lesions have not to date been reported involving xanthelasma. We report a patient who developed specific lesions of sarcoidosis infiltrating some xanthelasmata 6 months after starting treatment with atezolizumab. A 69-year-old woman was referred to the dermatology department for infiltration of xanthelasmata. The patient was being treated with atezolizumab for metastatic uterine carcinosarcoma. Cutaneous biopsy from an infiltrated xanthelasma and from still yellow, no infiltrated xanthelasma showed differing proportions of foamy histiocytes and sarcoid granulomas. On physical examination, erythemato-marronaceous papules clustered on both knees, and not previously detected by the patient, were observed. The biopsy showed sarcoid dermal granulomas with foreign bodies. A chest computerized tomography scan was consistent with intrathoracic involvement of sarcoidosis. Endobronchial ultrasound-guided transbronchial needle aspiration of a mediastinal lymphadenopathy showed epithelioid cell granulomas. Histopathologically, the foamy histiocytes of xanthelasma seem to be replaced by or evolve to epithelioid cells to form sarcoid granulomas. The possible pathogenic mechanism is discussed. Dermatologists and dermatopathologists should bear in mind that sarcoidosis can present as infiltration of pre-existing xanthelasmata.
Reproducible Histopathologic Features in Cases of Basal Cell Carcinoma With Neuroendocrine Expression: A Clinicopathologic Study of 24 Cases With a Potential Diagnostic Pitfall
Authors: Plaza Jose A. , Pootrakul Llana , Raghavan Shyam S. , Sangueza Martin , Gru Alejandro A. 
Published: November 2021

Abstract:Basal cell carcinomas (BCCs) are common malignancies that usually show clear histomorphologic features, but in certain instances, it can display different patterns of differentiation leading to potential diagnostic confusion. BCCs with neuroendocrine differentiation/expression have been mentioned only briefly in the literature. In this study, we present cases of BCCs with neuroendocrine differentiation/expression that demonstrate reproducible histopathological features. Twenty-four cases were included in the study. All tumors showed conventional histopathologic features that are seen in BCCs, but in addition, all the tumors showed large, hyperchromatic, pleomorphic, mononuclear, and multinucleate cells with intracytoplasmic inclusions and intranuclear cytoplasmic invaginations, with rare cases showing stippled nuclei (salt-and-pepper appearance). These histologic features were somewhat concerning for a neuroendocrine carcinoma; thus, immunohistochemistry studies were performed in all cases at the time of diagnosis. By immunohistochemistry, all tumors showed expression of neuroendocrine markers. CD56 was expressed in all cases 24/24, chromogranin was positive in 17/24 cases, and synaptophysin 8/24 was positive in cases. This study confirms a subset of histopathologic features that are present in cases of BCC that are associated with neuroendocrine expression that can potentially be interpreted differently and can create a diagnostic pitfall. Neuroendocrine expression in BCCs is yet uncertain, and further studies are required to fully understand this phenomenon. To avoid diagnostic pitfalls, dermatopathologists must be aware of these unusual histopathologic features and aberrant immunostaining in such tumors; hence, it is advised to perform a thorough histologic inspection.
Sarcomatoid Dedifferentiated Melanoma: The Diagnostic Role of Next-Generation Sequencing
Authors: Valiga Alexander A. , Fuller Collin G. , Doyle Jessica A. , Lee Jason B. 
Published: November 2021

Abstract:
Sarcomatoid dedifferentiated melanoma (SDDM) represents a diagnostic challenge as this cutaneous spindle cell melanoma lacks expression of classic melanocytic markers including S100, SOX10, Melan-A, HMB45, and MITF. The expression of the emerging melanoma marker preferentially expressed antigen in melanoma (PRAME) in SDDM is largely unknown. In this article, a case of SDDM arising in association with a nodular melanoma is highlighted. A 65-year-old man presented with a several week history of an ulcerated lesion on the right medial knee. A shave biopsy of the lesion revealed a biphasic neoplasm, which consisted of a centrally located poorly differentiated spindle cell component and an adjacent nodular component consisting of atypical melanocytes arranged in nests and fascicles. While the nodular component stained for S100, SOX10, and Melan-A, the spindle cell component failed to stain for these conventional melanocytic markers, only staining diffusely for CD10 and faintly for CD68. Both components stained for PRAME diffusely albeit less intensely within the spindle cell component. Next-generation DNA sequencing assay of the microdissected biphasic components revealed a shared mutation of NRAS. The results of the PRAME immunohistochemical stain and next-generation DNA sequencing assay facilitated in establishing the diagnosis of SDDM in association with nodular melanoma.
Therapeutic Drug Monitoring of Antibiotic Drugs: The Role of the Clinical Laboratory
Authors: Shipkova Maria , Jamoussi Hedi 
Published: November 2021

Background:
Therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) of anti-infective drugs is an increasingly complex field, given that in addition to the patient and drug as 2 usual determinants, its success is driven by the pathogen. Pharmacodynamics is related both to the patient (toxicity) and bacterium (efficacy or antibiotic susceptibility). The specifics of TDM of antimicrobial drugs stress the need for multidisciplinary knowledge and expertise, as in any other field. The role and the responsibility of the laboratory in this interplay are both central and multifaceted. This narrative review highlights the role of the clinical laboratory in the TDM process.

Methods:
A literature search was conducted in PubMed and Google Scholar, focusing on the past 5 years (studies published since 2016) to limit redundancy with previously published review articles. Furthermore, the references cited in identified publications of interest were screened for additional relevant studies and articles.

Results:
The authors addressed microbiological methods to determine antibiotic susceptibility, immunochemical and chromatographic methods to measure drug concentrations (primarily in blood samples), and endogenous clinical laboratory biomarkers to monitor treatment efficacy and toxicity. The advantages and disadvantages of these methods are critically discussed, along with existing gaps and future perspectives on strategies to provide clinicians with as reliable and useful results as possible.

Conclusions:
Although interest in the field has been the driver for certain progress in analytical technology and quality in recent years, laboratory professionals and commercial providers persistently encounter numerous unresolved challenges. The main tasks that need tackling include broadly and continuously available, easily operated, and cost-effective tests that offer short turnaround times, combined with reliable and easy-to-interpret results. Various fields of research are currently addressing these features.
Postoperative Candida Infection following Complex Periocular Reconstruction
Authors: Wallis Luke S. , Stull Carolyn M. , Rakita Uros , Grushchak Solomiya , Ahmad Amjad Z. , Krunic Aleksandar L. 
Published: November 2021

Summary:
Postoperative candida infection is a rarely reported complication in cutaneous surgery, although it may develop more often in particular clinical settings. We present a 59-year-old woman with a well-controlled human immunodeficiency virus infection. She developed a bright red eruption with satellite pustules 2 weeks after excision of recurrent lentigo maligna melanoma of the left lower eyelid and periocular region. Due to defect size and complexity of the reconstruction (glabellar transposition flap, Hughes flap, composite graft from upper contralateral eyelid, and full-thickness skin graft from ipsilateral retroauricular region), she was placed on prophylactic oral amoxicillin-clavulanic acid and topical bacitracin and polymyxin. Immediate postoperative course was unremarkable, and sutures were removed after 7 days. Three days later, she developed bright red erythema and pustules within the surgical site and complained of burning. Empirically she was switched to topical gentamicin and oral ciprofloxacin, and later to linezolid, due to inadequate response. Wound culture grew Candida albicans sensitive to fluconazole and voriconazole. After oral fluconazole and topical clotrimazole initiation, the patient rapidly improved. The graft remained viable and apart from small partial dehiscence on the cheek, the healing was unremarkable. Apart from the case presentation, we also discuss different factors associated with postoperative candida infection, including immunocompromised status, surgical procedure location, and postoperative antibiotic use. Early recognition and treatment of postoperative candida infections are crucial to prevent delayed healing and associated morbidity.
The Use of a Neurotized Arterio-venous Flow-through Flap for Concurrent Pulp Revascularization and Reconstruction
Authors: Khajuria Ankur , Sethu Arun , Kannan Ruben Y. 
Published: November 2021

Summary:
Digital fingertip soft tissue defects requiring both reconstruction and revascularization pose challenges to the reconstructive surgeon. Traditional options, including terminalization, vein graft and cross-finger flap, and free flow-through flaps, maybe unsuitable or unavailable, with potential for significant donor site morbidity. Venous free flaps rely on venous circulation alone, with no sacrifice of an artery. We present a unique case of a self-employed tradesman with Raynaud’s disease, with four-finger injury, and three-finger ischemia for whom we performed a neurotized arterialized venous flow-through flap to revascularize and reconstruct a pulp defect (with a concomitant vessel gap of 2 cm). After allowing for a period of intrinsic delay, the neurotized arterialized venous flow-through flap was inset after 10 days. The flap survived and the patient began to return to his activities within a month of the injury.
Higher Prevalence of Capsular Contracture with Second-side Use of Breast Implant Insertion Funnels
Authors: Bresnick Stephen D. 
Published: November 2021

Background:
Breast implant insertion funnels have become popular adjuncts to breast implant surgery to reduce access incision length and contact of the implant with the skin of the breast. Although labeled as single-use devices, due to cost considerations, many surgeons use a new breast implant insertion funnel with each patient rather than each breast. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of capsular contracture of the first augmentation side and compare it to the second side utilizing one insertion funnel per patient.

Methods:
Patients undergoing silicone breast augmentation or silicone augmentation mastopexy with smooth surface silicone implant and utilizing a breast implant insertion funnel were studied. Six hundred consecutive patients (1200 breasts) meeting the study criteria were evaluated. Memory Gel silicone breast implants were utilized for each patient and only patients undergoing augmentation with the same implant size were studied. Patients underwent augmentation with either inframammary or periareolar incisions.

Results:
A total of 27 capsular contractures were noted, a rate of 2.25%. The rate of capsular contracture was significantly higher with the second-side use of insertion funnels (P = 0.0179). Of the capsular contractures noted, 25.9% occurred on the first side, whereas 74.1% occurred on the second side. Capsular contracture rates were higher on the second side for both access incision locations. Capsular contracture prevalence increased with reuse of the same insertion funnel for the same patient.

Conclusion:
Based on these findings, surgeons should consider utilizing implant insertion devices as single-use, to minimize the capsular contracture risk.
Nutrition Intervention in Cardiac Rehabilitation
Authors: Lara-Breitinger Kyla , Lynch Michael , Kopecky Stephen 
Published: November 2021

Objective:
Despite guideline consensus that quality of nutrition affects most modifiable cardiovascular disease risk factors, the implementation of dietary interventions varies considerably in cardiac rehabilitation (CR) programs. The purpose of this review is to highlight the current existing literature and provide recommendations on best practices for nutrition interventions and future research that support secondary prevention outcomes.

Review Methods:
The review examines original investigations, systematic reviews, and guidelines regarding nutrition intervention in CR.

Summary:
Nutrition intervention in CR plays an integral role in the success of patients; however, the literature is limited and standardization of practice is in its infancy. The role of a qualified registered dietician nutritionist, standardization of dietary assessments, individualized and intensive nutrition interventions, and application of specific behavior change techniques are central components in improving diet in CR. This review provides an overview of the evidence-based cardioprotective diets, nutritional interventions and behavioral strategies in CR, and explores areas for best practices and opportunities for innovation in the delivery of nutrition intervention in CR.
Peripheral GABAA receptor signaling contributes to visceral hypersensitivity in a mouse model of colitis
Authors: Loeza-Alcocer Emanuel , Gold Michael S. 
Published: November 2021

Abstract
Pain is a common and debilitating symptom of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Based on evidence that peripheral GABAA receptor (GAR) inhibition plays an important role in establishing colonic afferent excitability and nociceptive threshold, we hypothesized that the increase in pain associated with IBD is due to, at least in part, a decrease in peripheral GAR–mediated inhibition. Acute colitis was induced with 5 days of dextran sodium sulfate (DSS, 3%) in the drinking water. Visceral sensitivity was assessed with the visceromotor response (VMR) evoked with balloon distention of the colon in control and DSS-treated mice before and after intracolonic administration of GAR agonist muscimol, the high-affinity GAR preferring agonist 4,5,6,7-tetrahydroisoxazolo[5,4-c]pyridine-3-ol (THIP), the GAR positive allosteric modulator diazepam, or the GAR antagonists gabazine and bicuculline. Low concentrations of muscimol or THIP increased the VMR in DSS-treated mice but not in control mice. However, high concentrations of muscimol decreased the VMR in both control and DSS-treated mice. Diazepam decreased the VMR in both DSS-treated and control mice. By contrast, at a concentration of gabazine that blocks only low-affinity GAR, there was no effect on the VMR in either DSS-treated or control mice, but at concentrations of the antagonist that block low-affinity and high-affinity GAR, the VMR was increased in control mice and decreased in DSS-treated mice. Furthermore, bicuculline increased the VMR in control mice but decreased it in DSS-treated mice. These data suggest that activating of low-affinity GAR or blocking high-affinity GAR may be effective therapeutic strategies for the management of pain in IBD.
Phosphatases of regenerating liver are key regulators of metabolism in cancer cells – role of Serine/Glycine metabolism
Authors: Abdollahi Pegah , Vandsemb Esten N. , Børset Magne 
Published: November 2021

Purpose of review
Phosphatases of regenerating liver (PRL) are dual-specificity phosphatases and comprise three members, PRL-1, -2 and -3. Despite the importance of PRLs as oncoproteins, there is no consensus function for this family of phosphatases. In the current review paper, we summarize recent findings on the role of PRLs in metabolic regulation.

Recent findings
Reprogramming of cellular metabolism is a cancer hallmark. Glucose is the major source of energy in cells. Glucose metabolism occurs through the glycolysis and can continue through the pathways such as serine synthesis pathway or the tricarboxylic acid cycle (TCA). Magnesium (Mg2+), the second most abundant cation in cells, plays an essential role in energy production by acting as a cofactor for most enzymes involved in glycolysis and in TCA. Recent findings have shown that the PRL family has a role in metabolic reprogramming mediated by (1) Mg2+ homeostasis, (2) shifting the energy source preference to glucose consumption and fueling serine/glycine pathway and (3) regulating PI3 kinase/Mammalian target of rapamycin complex. Both the phosphatase and nonphosphatase activity of PRLs appear to be important for its oncogenic role.

Summary
The PRL family contributes to the metabolic plasticity of cancer cells and, thereby, allows cancer cells to meet the high metabolic demands required for cell proliferation.
Novel approach to unpleasant symptom clusters surrounding pruritus in patients with chronic kidney disease and on dialysis therapy
Authors: Ahdoot Rebecca S. , Kalantar-Zadeh Kamyar , Burton James O. , Lockwood Mark B. 
Published: November 2021

Purpose of review
Chronic kidney disease-associated-pruritus (CKD-aP) is a common symptom in patients with end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) undergoing dialysis. CKD-aP typically occurs alongside other debilitating symptoms and may comprise so-called ‘symptom clusters’ which have synergistic effects that adversely impact patient health-related quality of life (HRQoL). Importantly, symptoms in a cluster may share a common biological mechanism. Here we review the clinical impact of CKD-aP and its association with other symptoms reported by dialysis patients. The clinical benefits of treating pruritus and its potential impact on other symptoms are also addressed.

Recent findings
Studies have shown CKD-aP significantly impairs HRQoL in patients with ESKD undergoing dialysis and is associated with adverse clinical outcomes, including increased risk of infections, hospitalizations, and mortality. Despite these negative effects, CKD-aP remains underrecognized and undertreated in clinical practice. CKD-aP is frequently associated with other symptoms, including disturbed sleep/poor sleep quality, anxiety, depression, and pain. Clinical studies of antipruritic therapies show that reduction of itch intensity may also alleviate other associated symptoms, such as poor sleep quality.

Summary
CKD-aP and its associated symptoms are inadequately managed in clinical practice. Greater understanding and awareness of CKD-aP and its surrounding symptom clusters in dialysis patients may improve their overall symptom management and HRQoL.
The influence of unmeasured confounding on the MR Steiger approach
Authors: Lutz Sharon M. , Voorhies Kirsten , Wu Ann Chen , Hokanson John , Vansteelandt Stijn , Lange Christoph 
Published: November 2021

AbstractThe Mendelian Randomization (MR) Steiger approach is used to determine the direction of a possible causal effect between two phenotypes [1]. For two phenotypes, denoted phenotype 1 and 2, the MR Steiger approach is composed of two parts: (1) MR is performed for a set of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) that serve as instrumental variables for phenotype 1 and (2) the difference of two correlations, the correlation between the SNPs and phenotype 1 and the correlation between the SNPs and phenotype 2, is calculated. These two parts are then used to determine the direction of a possible causal effect between the two phenotypes. The original MR Steiger paper [1] shows that unmeasured confounding of the two phenotypes affects the validity of the MR Steiger approach, but does not elucidate as to how this occurs. In particular, it was argued that if the magnitude of the observational variance explained between the two phenotypes is above 0.2, the MR Steiger method may return the incorrect causal direction due to unmeasured confounding. This may initially seem surprising since unmeasured confounding does not induce spurious associations between the SNP and phenotype 2, as we demonstrate using directed acyclic graphs. In this note, we show that this is because unmeasured confounding may rescale the magnitude of a non-zero association, and thereby distort the comparison of the correlation between the SNP and phenotype 2 and the correlation between the SNP and phenotype 1. We will end with a number of cautionary remarks on the MR Steiger method, which are partly motivated by this and mentioned in the original MR Steiger paper [1].
Effect of plant tissues on DNA quantity and quality of barley (Hordeum vulgare) validating through PCR technique
Authors: Kefelegn Nigussie , Haile Gizachew , Palanivel Hemalatha 
Published: November 2021

AbstractThe use of molecular techniques to deal with plant molecular breeding requires the extraction of genomic DNA in good quantity and quality, which can be influenced by method of extraction and source of DNA (plant species, plant part or tissues). However, this research focuses on plant tissue source and tried to describe the quality and quantity of DNA isolated from different tissues’ of barley crop. CTAB protocol was used for the isolation of DNA and both the quality and quantity of this DNA was validated through gel electrophoresis, Qubit quantification and PCR amplifications. The result showed that DNA could be successfully extracted from all tissues of plants and the yield of DNA obtained was variable ranging from 179ng μl-1in stem to 750ng μl-1in young leave. Band intensity of genomic and PCR amplified DNA was good for DNA isolated from young and matured leave. Faint band was observed in the PCR amplification for DNA isolated from stem but no to unreliable amplification was obtained for seeds and roots, respectively. Thus, for any molecular technique in barley crop research, the best tissue for DNA isolation using modified CTAB, is young or matured leave and alternatively stem can be used as DNA source.
Quantitative model suggests both intrinsic and contextual features contribute to the transcript coding ability determination in cells
Authors: Kang Yu-Jian , Li Jing-Yi , Ke Lan , Jiang Shuai , Yang De-Chang , Hou Mei , Gao Ge 
Published: November 2021

AbstractGene transcription and protein translation are two key steps of the “central dogma”. It is still a major challenge to quantitatively deconvolute factors contributing to the coding ability of transcripts in mammals. Here, we propose Ribosome Calculator (RiboCalc) for quantitatively modeling the coding ability of RNAs in human genome. In addition to effectively predicting the experimentally confirmed coding abundance via sequence and transcription features with high accuracy, RiboCalc provides interpretable parameters with biological information. Large-scale analysis further revealed a number of transcripts with a variety of coding ability for distinct types of cells (i.e., context-dependent coding transcripts, CDCTs), suggesting that, contrary to conventional wisdom, a transcript’s coding ability should be modeled as a continuous spectrum with a context-dependent nature.