bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
B-358 Siemens NSE: an assay for measurement of human Neuron-Specific Enolase
Authors: Cline D J , Khokhar S , Benina N , Thorne G 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background
Neuron-specific enolase (NSE), a glycolytic enzyme (2-phospho-D-Glycerate hydrolase) can be found in a variety of non-neuroendocrine cells. Determination of NSE is used for monitoring response to therapy and detection of recurrent disease, such as SCLC and neuroendocrine tumors. An assay for NSE on Siemens ADVIA Centaur® XPT System and Siemens Atellica® IM system (Siemens NSE) is being developed and analytical performance is being presented.

Methods
The Siemens NSE assay (in development) is a one-step chemiluminescent microparticle immunoassay (CMIA) for the quantitative determination of NSE in human serum. The specimen is incubated with paramagnetic microparticles coated with the monoclonal antibody (mAb) NSE21, and acridinium-labeled mAb NSE17 conjugate on the Siemens ADVIA Centaur XPT system and Siemens Atellica IM system. After incubation and washing, Acid and Base reagents are added. The resulting relative light units (RLUs) are directly proportional to the amount of NSE in the sample allowing for the quantitative determination of NSE in serum.

Results
The following performance were determined using 3 unique lots of reagents and calibrators with the calibration range for the assay being 0.0 to 400.0 ng/mL. For the ADVIA Centaur XPT and Atellica IM systems were shown to be equivalent within 2%. The limit of blank (LoB), limit of detection (LoD), and limit of quantitation at 20% CV (LoQ) were determined and met the goal of ≤ 1.6 ng/mL. Linearity according to CLSI EP06 Ed2 was demonstrated for a range of 1.6 through 400.0 ng/mL. A Precision study of 2 controls and 6 panels spanning the range of the assay demonstrated a total %CV ≤ 7% at all levels. Comparison of 50 specimens collected in Red Top serum and Serum Separator Tubes (SST) had a Passing-Bablock slope of &lt; 2% and r of &gt; 0.99 when evaluating samples within the measurement range. Five endogenous substances were evaluated for interference in the Siemens NSE assay. The average percent difference between test and control samples for all endogenous interferents was &lt; 10%. Percent difference in the presence of 38 potentially interfering drugs was ≤ 10.0%. The potential cross-reactant αα enolase was evaluated at concentration of 900 ng/mL and the percent cross-reactivity was ≤ 2%.

Conclusions
The Siemens NSE assay currently in development is a sensitive and precise assay for the quantitative determination of NSE in human serum.
Uncovering the first-infall history of the LMC through its dynamical impact in the Milky Way halo
Authors: Sheng Yanjun , Ting Yuan-Sen , Xue Xiang-Xiang , Chang Jiang , Tian Hao 
Published: October 2024

ABSTRACT
The gravitational interactions between the LMC and the Milky Way cause dynamical perturbations in the MW halo, leading to biased distributions of stellar density and kinematics. We run 50 high-resolution N-body simulations exploring varying masses and halo shapes of the MW and LMC to study the evolution of LMC-induced perturbations. By measuring mean velocities of simulated halo stars, we identify a discontinuity between the first-infall and second-passage scenarios of the LMC’s orbital history. In the first-infall, the Galactocentric latitudinal velocity hovers around 16 km s$^{-1}$ for stars at 50–100 kpc, while it subsides to about 8 km s$^{-1}$ in the second-passage scenario. We demonstrate that, this reduced perturbation magnitude in the second-passage scenario is mainly due to the short dynamical times of the Galactic inner halo and the lower velocity of the LMC during its second infall into the MW. Using a subset of $\sim 1100$ RR Lyrae stars located in the outer halo (50 kpc $\le R_{\mathrm{GC}}\lt $ 100 kpc) with precise distance estimates from Gaia, we find the mean latitudinal velocity ($v_{b}$) in the Galactocentric frame to be $\langle v_{b} \rangle =18.1 \pm 4.1$ km s$^{-1}$. The observation supports the first-infall scenario with a massive LMC ($\sim$$2.1 \times 10^{11} \, \mathrm{M}_{\odot }$) at infall, an oblate MW halo with a virial mass $M_{200}\lt 1.4\times 10^{12}\,\mathrm{M}_{\odot }$ and a flattening parameter $q\gt 0.7$. Our study indicates that LMC-induced kinematic disturbances can reveal its orbital history and key characteristics, as well as those of the MW. This approach shows promise in helping determine fundamental parameters of both galaxies.
MTAS-01 UPDATES ON BRAIN METASTASIS MANAGEMENT AND OUTCOMES IN LMICS: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW AND META-ANALYSIS
Authors: Dokponou Yao Christian Hugues , Badirou Omar Boladji Adébayo , Mustapha Mubarak Jolayemi , Obame Fresnel Lutèce Ontsi , Nyalundja Arsene Daniel , Agada Nicaise Kpègnon , Lawson Late Dzidoula , Gbenou Ferol Baudelaire Babatoundé , Bankole Nourou Dine Adeniran 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

BACKGROUND
Brain Metastases (BM) occur in the natural course of malignant tumors and cause a high rate of morbidity and mortality. The approaches to their management have changed considerably over the past decade. We aimed to give an update regarding the current means of diagnosis, management, and the outcomes of brain metastases in LMIC.

METHODS
We searched PubMed, ScienceDirect, Medline, Embase, Global Index Medicus, African Journals Online, and Google Scholar for studies reporting data on Brain metastasis diagnosis, management, and outcomes in LMICs from inception to October 23rd, 2022. The systematic review was conducted using the PRISMA principles.

RESULTS
A total of 7916 unique studies were identified, of which, 48 were included. The most studied (21, 43.75%) and common cause of metastases was lung tumors (1602, 51.43%). A subtotal resection (STR) was archived in the majority of reported cases in the frequency of 56.2% (n = 1751), gross total resection (GTR) in 37.5% (n = 1169) of cases, while only biopsy was possible in 6.3% (n = 195). The reported adjuvant treatments were radiotherapy 39.9% (n = 1036), radiosurgery 22.5% (n = 585), and radiosurgery + radiotherapy 37.5% (N = 974). Management of the primary tumor was reported in 13 (27.08%) studies. Half (24, 50%) of the studies reported the overall survival time to be 4-52 months.

CONCLUSION
Lung, breast, and GI tumors were the most common primary tumors for the MB. Whole-brain radiotherapy is the most common management method in LMICs.
OTHR-08 ANALYSIS OF INCIDENCE AND TRENDS IN NEUROLOGICAL MALIGNANCIES IN BULAWAYO FROM 2012 TO 2021
Authors: Rukwava Godfrey 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

OBJECTIVES
We aim to quantify the incidence of neurological malignancies in Bulawayo from 2012 to 2021, to Identify any significant changes in the incidence rates over the decade, to explore the demographic, geographic, and socioeconomic factors that may influence the incidence of these malignancies and to compare the incidence trends with national and international data to understand the regional context.,as well as to identify any potential risk factors or preventive measures that could be targeted to reduce the incidence of neurological malignancies in Bulawayo.

METHODS
A retrospective observational study with analysis of primary data for 139 patients with neurological malignancies, collected from Cancer Registry for Zimbabwe’s southern region(Bulawayo being the center) over a decade will be done using SPSS and trends in terms of type of malignancy, distribution between sex and among different age groups as well as incidence for each year will be identified.

RESULTS
The results will quantify the incidence,as well as show the changes in incidence rates over the decade.it will also show the epidemiology of different neurological malignancies in the sample population and trends according to age and sex.

CONCLUSION
The key findings include trends of incidence for the given 10 years as well as variation in pattern of different malignancies across sex and age. The findings of the study will contribute to the understanding of neurological malignancies in Bulawayo as well as the Zimbabwe at large, however more evidence should be assessed in larger trials or by using national data.
OTHR-14 THE AFRICAN NEURO-ONCOLOGY ACCESS DISPARITY (ANAD) INDEX: A PUBLIC DATA-DRIVEN APPROACH TO MAPPING NATIONAL VARIATIONS IN NEURO-ONCOLOGY CARE BARRIERS
Authors: Kanmounye Ulrick Sidney , Avorgbedor Fortune Kekeli , Nuamah Jonathan Ayeyi , Asamoah Ernest Adu , Dadson Shirley Sarah , Benson Princess Yaa , Amoako Emmanuella Faith 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

INTRODUCTION
The burden of central nervous system tumors is unevenly distributed globally. In Africa, this burden is further compounded by a lack of cancer-focused health system strengthening. The authors sought to quantify these system-level challenges with a novel index.

METHODS
This prototype index was developed from publicly available data provided by the World Health Organization’s Global Health Observatory, the World Bank Group’s Country Database, and the Institute For Health Metrics and Evaluation’s Global Burden of Disease database. Metrics were selected based on their ability to represent health system components including workforce, service delivery, infrastructure, information management, health financing, and governance. The metrics were normalized either using standardization or min-max scaling. Next, they were weighted iteratively based on importance, relative impact, and expert judgment. Also, the weighted metrics were grouped into facilitators or obstructors. The difference between obstructors and facilitators for each country was percentile ranked to obtain the index score between 0 and 100. Finally, sensitivity analysis was conducted to test best- and worst-case scenarios based on uncertainty values. The t-test and ANOVA were used to evaluate association between country subregion/income and the index.

RESULTS
Data was found for 51 African countries. Ethiopia (98), Madagascar (96), and Mali (94) had the highest ANAD Index score whereas Gabon (0), Seychelles (2), and Mauritius (4) had the lowest scores. North African countries had lower ANAD Index scores than sub-Saharan African countries (mean (SD) 19 (4) vs. 54 (4), p=0.005). Also, low-income countries had higher ANAD Index scores than lower-middle- and upper-middle-income countries (72 (19) vs. 37 (27) vs. 9 (12), p&lt;0.001).

CONCLUSION
This prototype will be further tested for face, construct, content, and criterion validity. The authors anticipate that expanding this metric globally will improve its validity while facilitating advocacy and allowing for impact assessment at the system level.
PDOC-02 SUB-SAHARAN AFRICAN EXPERIENCE OF NEUROSURGICAL-ONCOLOGIC CARE: CHALLENGES AND BARRIERS ENCOUNTERED AT 7 CANCER TREATMENT CENTERS
Authors: Shabani Hamisi Kimaro , Ashagere Yordanos , Labuschagne Jason , Copeland William , Sichizya Kachinga , Nketiah-Boakye Frank , Ahmad Misbahu Haruna , Belete Addisalem , Chotai Silky , Haizel-Cobbina Joseline a , Dewan Michael C 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

BACKGROUND
Wide disparities in neurosurgical-oncologic care and treatment outcomes exists globally despite recent improvements in diagnostics and cancer therapy. To better understand the challenges to neurosurgical-oncologic care in low resource settings, we collected data on national neurosurgery capacity and hospital diagnostic and treatment capacity across 7 national referral hospitals in 7 countries Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA).

METHODS
A 42-item self-administered questionnaire was distributed to partner neurosurgeons at the 7 sites via REDCap in April 2023 to provide country and hospital level capacity data on neurosurgical-oncologic care.

RESULTS
Neurosurgical and neurosurgical-oncologic care was reported to be available in a limited number of provinces/states/regions in 6 out of the 7 countries. The neurosurgery and pediatric neurosurgery workforce density across the 7 countries ranged between 0.03 – 0.67 per 100,000 and 0 – 0.05 per 100,000 respectively. Three hospitals had no pediatric ICU with the remaining four having between 2-8 bed-capacity pediatric ICU. One hospital did not have both CT and MRI scanner available and relied solely on private diagnostic facilities for neuroimaging. Histopathology services were largely limited to basic hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) and/or advanced histopathology staining. Molecular subtyping was available at only one hospital. None of the 7 hospitals had neurocritical care expertise, neuroradiologist, or neuropathologist. Four hospitals had a pediatric anesthesiologist. Only one hospital had a neuro-oncologist, but none had a pediatric neuro-oncologist. Both adjuvant chemotherapy and radiotherapy was unavailable at 3 hospitals. Rehabilitation was largely limited to basic physical and occupational therapy at all 7 hospitals. Although all 7 countries had a multiple health payer system, the payment structure differed across the 7 hospitals for different neurosurgical-oncologic services with patients making out-of-pocket payments for all services in some cases. Financial constraint was reported as a major barrier to care.

CONCLUSION
System-level interventions are needed to strengthen neurosurgical-oncologic care capacity in SSA.
PDOC-07 THE CLINICOPATHOLOGICAL PROFILE AND VALUE OF MULTIDISCIPLINARY MANAGEMENT OF PEDIATRIC BRAIN TUMORS IN A LOW-INCOME SETTING
Authors: Nyeko Richard , Angom Racheal , Senyonjo Hussen , Kibudde Solomon , Geriga Fadhil , Tusabe Tobias , Kalungi Sam , Nabbosa Valeria , Kambugu Joyce Balagadde , van Heerden Jaques 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

OBJECTIVE
The management of paediatric brain tumours in low-income countries is challenging, and survival rates are low, making multi-disciplinary teams (MDT) inevitable in quality management. In Uganda, paediatric neuro-oncology services are in their infancy. This study evaluated the management of paediatric brain tumours at the Uganda Cancer Institute (UCI) to assess the contributions of MDT management in improving patient care and outcomes.

METHODS
A retrospective records review of paediatric brain tumours at the UCI between 2017 and 2021 was conducted. Patient and tumour characteristics, as well as MDT management, were sourced. A survey among MDT members was conducted to explore their perspectives.

RESULTS
Thirty-five paediatric brain tumour cases were treated at UCI, with a median age of 8.0 years (IQR 4.0–11.0) and a median duration of symptoms of six months (IQR 3.0-8.5). The majority (25.7%, n=9) were craniopharyngiomas, 14.3% (5/35) were astrocytomas, 11.4% (4/35) were medulloblastomas, and 8.6% (3/35) each were ependymomas and pineoblastomas. Overall, 22 (62.9%) of the cases were discussed on the MDT. The number of cases discussed in the MDT increased over the five years: 0/3 (0.0%) in 2017, 3/5 (60.0%) in 2018, 2/4 (50.0%) in 2019, 6/9 (66.7%) in 2020, and 11/14 (78.6%) in 2021. The proportion of multidisciplinary management decisions implemented also increased: 0% in 2018, 50% in 2019, 83.3% in 2020, and 81.8% in 2021. The majority of patients (12/15, 80.0%) for whom MDT recommendations were implemented were alive. Lack of neurosurgical resources (46.7%), imaging (46.6%), diversity of MDT roles (26.7%), access to radiotherapy (20.0%), and pathology (20.0%) were recognized as major impediments to paediatric neuro-oncology management.

CONCLUSIONS
Implementing multidisciplinary management decisions benefited children with brain tumours and decreased abandonment and patient loss to follow-up at the Uganda Cancer Institute. Greater emphasis should be placed on increasing resources and actionable treatment recommendations.
PDOC-09 EVALUATION OF HEALTH SERVICE DELAYS FOR CHILDREN WITH CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM TUMORS AT BUGANDO REFERRAL HOSPITAL MWANZA, TANZANIA
Authors: Joas Heronima , Lubuulwa James , Mayays Gerald , Magambo Magreth , Schroeder Kristin 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

OBJECTIVE
Rapid diagnosis and treatment initiation is crucial for children with central nervous system tumors (CNS). Despite advancement in diagnostic modalities, health service delays persist in many LMICs. The current study evaluates the diagnostic and treatment delays experienced by children presenting to a zonal referral hospital in Mwanza Tanzania, with the goal of identifying breakpoints that can be addressed to improve quality of care through a multidisciplinary approach.

METHODS
All children age &lt;18yrs with a diagnosis of a CNS tumor from 2020-2023 were included in the analysis. Data was extracted from hospital electronic medical system and clinical files and included demographics, diagnosis, and dates at first presentation to the hospital, diagnosis, surgical intervention, oncology presentation and treatment initiation. Treatment initiation included either surgical resection, chemotherapy or radiotherapy.

RESULTS
A total of 50 patients were included in the evaluation, with average age of 6.4yrs and equal M: F representation. Most of the cases (80%, n=40) were primary CNS tumors, with 20% metastatic disease. Low grade Glioma (LGG) and high-grade Glioma (HGG) tumors were similarly distributed (n=19, n=21). Among those who had a tumor resection, 56% (n=18) were completed before initial oncology evaluation. Delays were frequently experienced, with the average time from presentation to neurosurgery evaluation of 166 days, time to diagnosis of 121 days, time to oncology evaluation of 139 days, and time to treatment initiation of 127 days. 1yr overall survival for LGG was 67% (n=12/18) and 36% (n=8/22) for HGG, with a treatment abandonment rate of 38% overall (n=19/50).

CONCLUSIONS
There is significant delay in accessing services for patients presenting with CNS tumors. A multidisciplinary approach and social support of children with CNS tumor is necessary to facilitate early diagnosis and timely treatment to improve quality of care and leads to a higher survival rate.
PDOC-10 LIMITATIONS IN POST OPERATIVE- ADJUVANT CARE OF PATIENTS WITH BRAIN TUMOURS-A CASE OF SUPRATENTORIAL MEDULLOBLASTOMA IN A PAEDIATRIC PATIENT
Authors: Garapo Lilian , Kalangu Kazadi , Jokonya Luxwell , Madondoro Killion 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

OBJECTIVE
To highlight the challenges and limitations in accessing post-operative adjuvant care of patients with brain tumours in Zimbabwe and implications on patient outcomes and to discuss potential strategies to overcome these challenges.

METHODS
This is a case report on a 6 year old patient with a supratentorial medulloblastoma to demonstrate the challenges encountered on accessing post-operative adjuvant care at a Central hospital in Harare.

RESULTS
The patient had a near total resection of the tumour done and was managed in the Intensive care unit for 1 week. HE was discharged to the general ward for another week and eventually referred to the paediatric oncologists after a histological diagnosis of a supratentorial medulloblastoma was made. Patient received cycles of chemotherapy but failed to raise money for adjuvant radiotherapy. Patient returned 5 months later with the tumour having recurred.

CONCLUSION
Limitations in post-operative adjuvant care may have a negative impact on the overall patient outcomes, in this case lack of access to radiotherapy. Medulloblastomas are responsive to radiotherapy and their prognosis improves significantly with a combination of surgical resection and radiotherapy. Addressing these limitations at different levels involving government and non-governmental organizations helps in mitigating inaccessibility of radiotherapy to radio-sensitive brain tumours patients after surgical resection. This case report brings out the urgent need to implement cheaper and sustainable options to address challenges in post-operative adjuvant care in order to get good patient outcomes.
SPIN-02 AN INTRAMEDULLARY MYXOPAPILLARY EPENDYMOMA: A RARE OCCURANCE IN THE CERVICO-THORACIC SPINE
Authors: Kamabu Larrey Kasereka , Lekuya Hervé Monka , Kataka Louange Maha , Valimungighe Moise Muhindo , Galukande Moses 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

BACKGROUND
Spinal myxopapillary ependymomas are a rare variant of spinal ependymoma that are considered to occur exclusively in the conus medullaris and filum terminale. They account for about 13% of all spinal ependymomas and have a slight male predominance. Case presentation: We report a case of 38-year-old male, Muganda, that presented at the Neurosurgery department Mulago National Referral Hospital with progressive paresthesia and paraparesis, of the upper limbs and chronic neck pain for 2years. MRI showed an isointense lesion on TIWI extending from C4 to T2 levels and exhibited heterogenous enhancement on gadolinium administration. The lesion was hyperintense on T2WI with a syrinx above the tumor. A radiological diagnosis of an intramedullary neoplastic process was made with differentials of Ependymoma, Schwanomma, and Astrocytoma. The patient underwent posterior laminectomy, and the tumor was completely excised. He is currently under follow up by the Neurosurgery team.

CONCLUSION
This case underscores the rarity of intramedullary myxopapillary ependymomas highlighting diagnostic challenges and the critical role of tailored surgical interventions in managing rare spinal neoplasms.
When Socialist Chinese Law Meets Common Law Interpretation: Mandatory Sentencing and Mitigation Under the Hong Kong National Security Law
Authors: Chiu Urania , Wong Aaron H L 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
In HKSAR v Lui Sai Yu [2023] HKCFA 26, the Hong Kong Court of Final Appeal (CFA) delivered its first judgment on the mandatory sentencing regime under the newly introduced National Security Law (NSL). Adopting a common law approach to interpreting the NSL, the CFA held that mitigating factors not listed in the NSL cannot bring about a sentence below the minimum prescribed by the relevant provision. In this article, we propose an alternative approach to interpreting the NSL. We argue that, contrary to the CFA’s rejection of any reference to Mainland Chinese laws in constructing the NSL, both a common law purposive approach and the principle of ‘convergence, compatibility and complementarity’—one of the working principles in the enactment of NSL—would support such reference. The implications of our proposed approach would be to (i) recognize that the sui generis nature of the NSL, being a Chinese national law applied in its Special Administrative Region of Hong Kong, necessitates the consideration of relevant Chinese legal norms; and (ii) allow for a broader range of mitigating factors—those recognized by both Hong Kong common law and Mainland Chinese law—to be applied to the minimum sentencing regime in the interest of fairer and more principled outcomes for defendants.
‘Effective strategies’ for teaching mathematics in economics: testing prior knowledge, scaffolding and practical applications
Authors: Barile Lory 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
Recent literature highlights increasing concerns around various issues related to students transitioning from secondary to tertiary education and their learning of mathematics within economics courses. This article explores how scaffolding complex concepts offering students step-by-step guidance and mapping mathematical concepts to economic applications can provide effective pedagogical strategies that help to address problems occurring during the transition from school to mathematics for economics at university, such as a mismatch between expectations and actual demand or a perceived gap between abstract mathematical concepts and their applications in economics. Testing prior knowledge and modelling techniques such as using Excel are also considered in the article. The pedagogical techniques discussed in this article have the potential to address challenges related to students’ heterogeneity; the abstract nature of mathematical concepts and alleviate the discrepancy between expectations regarding mathematics prerequisites and the actual demand. These represent crucial aspects for the success of undergraduate courses.