bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effects of Aureobasidium Pullulans produced β-1,3-1,6-glucan on CA19-9, sCD44, IgA and sCD209 in patients undergoing surgical resection of malignant pancreatic tumors.
Authors: Abraham Samuel JK , Tsukada Akira , Miyajima Isao , Uchiyama Satomi , Tabe Daiki , Ikewaki Nobunao , Rajappa Senthilkumar , Ichiyama Koji , Iwasaki Masaru 
Published: August 2024

96 Background: Pancreatic cancer is a highly refractory tumor with poor prognosis, which aggressively progresses by suppressing the immunity. Surgical procedure related stress further weakens the immunity and aids cancer stem cell metastases, warranting immune enhancement strategies. AFO-202 strain of Aureobasidium Pullulans produced β-1,3-1,6 glucan (Nichi BRITE), having yielded immune enhancement in earlier studies, we evaluated its effects in patients undergoing surgical resection of malignant pancreatic tumors. Methods: 30 subjects in two groups were enrolled; control arm (n=15, "P" group) received a placebo, and treatment arm (n=15, "G" group) received Nichi BRITE 250mg/day, in three divided doses, for 22 days from the pre-operative day. Serum beta glucan specific IgA2 (BG-IgA), total IgA (IgA), sCD209, Serum Amyloid A (SAA), sCD44 and CA19-9 were evaluated at base line and at periodic intervals. Results: sCD44 significantly decreased 48.94% in “G” group and only 4.58% in “P” group (p = < 0.0001) on day 21. sCD209 on day 21 in “G” group increased by 54.68% (p = 0.04) against 15.03% in “P”. BG-IgA at day 10 increased around 150% in “G”, and only by 6% in “P”. Total IgA, increased by 20.60% in “G” and only 5.73% in “P”. SAA increased to 251.32% in “G” on day 21 and in “P” it decreased by 6.11%. Decreased sCD44 when correlated against Neutrophil to Lymphocyte Ratio (NLR), a significant positive correlation was in “G” (r statistic= 0.758; p-value =0.006; 95% CI= 0.2907~0.9335), but a negative correlation in “P”. Pancreatic cancer marker CA19-9 decreased significantly in three months follow up in “G” (-86.02 U/ml) whereas it increased in “P” by +5.91 U/ml. Mean survival of Nichi BRITE group was 25.9 months against 22.3 months in “P” group. Conclusions: Administration of Nichi BRITE glucans to patients undergoing surgical resection of malignant pancreatic tumor was safe and it enhanced biomarkers of innate and adaptive immunity. Nichi BRITE significantly decreased the circulating cancer stem cell marker sCD44 implying a lesser recurrence risk, especially in patients with high NLR ratio who have a poor prognosis, and significantly reduced the CA 19-9 levels implying a better prognosis, making us recommend it as an adjuvant to patients undergoing surgeries for malignant tumors, and be included in the guidelines of clinical nutrition.
The role of P53 gene and p53 protein in non-Hodgkin malignant lymphoma.
Authors: Gorecki Gabriel Petre , Nica-Badea Delia , Udristioiu Aurelian 
Published: August 2024

TPS177 Background: Background and study aim P53 gene mutations are the most common genetic abnormalities of cancer. They have been extensively studied in various mature B-cell malignancies, including chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). In recent years, more attention has been paid to the importance of the p53-expressed protein in CLL, and a combination with low survival and non-response to classical conventional chemotherapy, due to mutations in the p53 gene, with progression to Richter Syndrome. Identifying different p53 gene mutations is very important because these mutations have an impact on the patient's clinical course in CLL. Methods: The frequency of p-53 protein expression in 85 patients diagnosed with CLL was analyzed by the Enzyme-Linked Immune-Absorbent Assay (ELISA) technique to investigate the relationship of this protein to the stage of the disease, as well as the impact on response to treatment and survival. Cell extracts 10³×10³/L in 100 μl lysis buffer were applied to ELISA plates coated with PAb 240 capture antibody. Clinical trial information: ISRCTN12539707 .
A single-arm, exploratory study of disitamab vedotin (DV) combined with camrelizumab and platinum-based chemotherapy as first-line treatment in patients with HER2 expressing locally advanced or metastatic esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC).
Authors: Wu Meihong , Zhang Yingyi , Feng Dan , Wang Bin , Wang Wei , Chen Tianran , Zhao Anjing , Xu Meng , Zhang Linli , Zhan Xianbao 
Published: August 2024

TPS217 Background: Esophageal cancer (EC) is one of the most common cancers worldwide with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) being the predominant histological subtype. PD-1 blockades combined with chemotherapy are now standard-of-care in first-line setting for patients with ESCC. HER2 expression, prevalent in an estimated 7.6% to 28.5% of ESCC cases, correlates with diminished overall survival, suggesting HER2-targeted therapy as a potential novel approach. To our knowledge, there is currently no clinical trial regarding anti-HER2 therapy in ESCC. Clinical evidence has suggested the potential synergistic anti-tumor effect of Disitamab Vedotin (DV) with PD-1 inhibitors in HER2-expressing gastric or gastroesophageal junction (G/GEJ) cancers. This single-arm, exploratory study aimed to evaluate the safety and preliminary anti-tumor activity of DV combined with camrelizumab and platinum-based chemotherapy in ESCC. Methods: This is a single-arm, exploratory study (NCT06055153). Approximately 20 patients will be enrolled in this study, phase 1 will initiate with a 3+3 dose-escalation scheme (2.5mg/kg to 2.0mg/kg) to identify dose-limiting toxicities (DLTs) and establish a safe dosage of DV. The expansion cohort will subsequently evaluate this dose for both efficacy and safety. The study population will included both male and female patients over the age of 18 with histologically confirmed ESCC, and locally advanced unresectable, recurrent unresectable or metastatic EC verified by imaging examination. This group also includes those patients who have experienced relapse or progression more than six months post the conclusion of last therapeutic regimen. Required HER2 expression levels in tumor specimens range from IHC 1+ to 3+. According to RECIST v1.1, participants must have at least one measurable lesion, an ECOG performance status of 0 or 1, and a minimum expected survival of 12 weeks with suitable organ function. Treatment protocol includes intravenous administration of DV (either 2.5 mg/kg or 2.0 mg/kg on day 1), Camrelizumab (200 mg on day 1), and Cisplatin (75mg/m2) or Nedaplatin (75mg/m2) on a 21-day cycle, continued until disease progression or the advent of unacceptable toxicity. The primary outcomes for evaluation are DLT for safety and the objective response rate (ORR) for efficacy. Adverse events will be monitored in accordance with the CTCAE 5.0 criteria. Secondary endpoints encompass progression-free survival (PFS), overall survival (OS), disease control rate (DCR), duration of response (DoR), and time to response (TTR). Clinical trial information: NCT06055153 .
An investigator-initiated trial to evaluate safety and tolerability of YSCH-01 in patients with recurrent glioblastoma.
Authors: Raza Hafiz Khuram , Zhang Kang-jian , Wu Zanyi , Fang Xian-long , Cao Xue-ping , Jiang Shan , Shi Zhi-feng , Liu Yanqiu , Li Ruimei , Kang De-zhi 
Published: August 2024

TPS33 Background: Glioblastoma (GBM), accounting for 55% of primary malignant brain tumors, is characterized by its highly aggressive nature, poor prognosis, and high recurrence rate. Surgical resection is the primary treatment, yet recurrence is common, and survival rates remain dismal. Recurrent GBM lacks established interventions and standardized therapies. YSCH-01 is an oncolytic adenovirus, developed based on cancer-targeting gene-viro-therapy strategy (1), that has been incorporated with an interferon-like immune anticancer gene (L-IFN). Our preclinical studies have demonstrated significant tumor inhibition by YSCH-01 in both cell-line derived xenograft and patient-derived xenograft models (2). This investigator-initiated trial aims to evaluate the safety and efficacy of YSCH-01 in subjects with recurrent GBM. Methods: Six subjects with recurrent GBM are planned to be enrolled, receiving intracranial injections of YSCH-01 via Ommaya reservoir at a dosage of 5.0×1010 VP, once every 3 weeks for a total of 5 administrations, with a dose-limiting toxicity (DLT) assessment period of 3 weeks. Ommaya reservoir implantation will precede drug administration by one day. Inclusion criteria specify pathology-confirmed recurrent GBM, age 18-75 years, expected survival ≥ 12 weeks, and Karnofsky Performance Status (KPS) score ≥ 50 points, with at least one enhanced lesion of ≥ 1 cm diameter. Safety will be evaluated based on DLT and adverse events (AEs) assessed using CTCAE 5.0. Efficacy will be assessed every 5 weeks using Response Assessment in Neuro-Oncology (RANO) criteria, with overall survival follow-up at 12 weeks for two years. Two of the planned six cases have been enrolled, completing the DLT period without DLTs. The trial is registered with Clinical Trial Registry under NCT05914935. Clinical trial information: NCT05914935 .
Determinants of Health Care Dissatisfaction Among a US Population-Based Cohort of Women With Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
Authors: Christ Jacob P , Blank Rachel , Huddleston Heather G 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Context
The 2018 International Evidence-Based Guidelines (IEBG) for polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) were created, in part, in response to poor patient satisfaction on international surveys. Patient satisfaction in the United States before and after these guidelines has not yet been characterized.

Objective
To evaluate care patterns and patient attitudes among US women with PCOS before and after IEBG.

Methods
This was a cross-sectional study of a population-based community sample of US women with confirmed PCOS who completed standardized questionnaires on care patterns and satisfaction in care.

Results
Among 1056 respondents, aged 23 ± 6 years at diagnosis, 69.2% had to wait ≥ 1 year and 72.9% saw &gt; 1 provider prior to receiving a diagnosis. Less than 45% strongly agreed or agreed with statements regarding trusting their doctor and &lt; 27% were very or somewhat satisfied with care across all questions. In multivariable analyses, composite outcome of trusting your physician was associated with insurance type (uninsured vs private) (odds ratio [95% CI] 0.5 [0.3-0.9], P = .020), race (Hispanic vs Caucasian) (0.6 [0.5-0.9], P = .007), (Black vs Caucasian) (1.6 [1.0-2.4], P = .045) and timing of diagnosis (within 5 years vs &gt; 5 years) (1.3 [1.0-1.7], P = .038). Care satisfaction was associated with insurance type (public vs private) (0.6 [0.4-0.9], P = .010), (uninsured vs private) (0.5 [0.3-0.9], P = .021), and timing of diagnosis (within 5 years vs &gt; 5 years) (1.4 [1.1-1.9], P = .010).

Conclusion
Satisfaction and trust in care is overall poor among US patients with PCOS. Higher scores among those diagnosed within the past 5 years, compared to those with a more remote diagnosis, may indicate an improving trend in care.
Triple-frequency terahertz modulator based on electronically controllable metamaterial from the coupling effect
Authors: Zhang Zhen , Zhang Jikun , Zhou Huan , Yang Linji , Xiao Yandong , Chen Xin , Ma Yong , Li Renpu 
Published: August 2024

This paper proposes a triple-frequency terahertz amplitude modulator that utilizes an I-shaped strip and four U-shaped metal patches within a common metal-substrate configuration. The top metal layer consists of an I-shaped strip and four U-shaped metal patches, while the bottom substrate layer is made of polyimide. Amplitude modulation is achieved through adjusting the plasma frequency of the high-electron-mobility transistors, resulting in a modulation depth of nearly 93% at resonance frequencies of 0.26 and 0.49 THz. At 0.6 THz, the modulation depth reaches 65%, demonstrating excellent performance. Resonance frequencies are determined by electric field and surface current distribution. The triple-frequency terahertz amplitude modulator is applicable in various fields, including terahertz communications and imaging.
The impact of soil transmitted helminth on malaria clinical presentation and treatment outcome: A case control study among children in Bagamoyo district, coastal region of Tanzania
Authors: Salim Masoud Nahya , Knopp Stefanie , Lenz Nicole , Lweno Omar , Abdul Kibondo Ummi , Mohamed Ali , Schindler Tobias , Rothen Julian , Masimba John , S. Mohammed Alisa , Althaus Fabrice , Abdulla Salim , Tanner Marcel , Daubenberger Claudia , Genton Blaise 
Published: August 2024

Background
Parasitic infectious agents rarely occur in isolation. Epidemiological evidence is mostly lacking, and little is known on how the two common parasites Plasmodium and soil transmitted helminths (STH) interact. There are contradictory findings in different studies. Synergism, antagonism and neutral effect have been documented between Plasmodium and STH. This study investigated the impact of STH on clinical malaria presentation and treatment outcome.

Methods
A matched case control study with a semi longitudinal follow up according to World Health Organization (WHO) antimalarial surveillance guideline was done among children aged 2 months to 9 years inclusively living in western rural areas of Bagamoyo, coastal region of Tanzania. Cases were children with uncomplicated and severe malaria enrolled from the health facilities while controls were children with asymptomatic Plasmodium parasitemia enrolled from the same community.

Results
In simple conditional regression analysis there was a tendency for a protective effect of STH on the development of clinical malaria [OR = 0.6, 95% CI of 0.3–1.3] which was more marked for Enterobius vermicularis species [OR = 0.2, 95% CI of 0.0–0.9]. On the contrary, hookworm species tended to be associated with increased risk of clinical malaria [OR = 3.0, 95% CI of 0.9–9.5]. In multiple conditional regression analysis, the overall protective effect was lower for all helminth infection [OR = 0.8, 95% CI of 0.3–1.9] but remained significantly protective for E. vermicularis species [OR = 0.1, 95% CI of 0.0–1.0] and borderline significant for hookworm species [OR = 3.6, 95% CI of 0.9–14.3]. Using ordinal logistic regression which better reflects the progression of asymptomatic Plasmodium parasitemia to severe malaria, there was a 50% significant protective effect with overall helminths [OR = 0.5, 95% CI of 0.3–0.9]. On the contrary, hookworm species was highly predictive of uncomplicated and severe malaria [OR = 7.8, 95% (CI of 1.8–33.9) and 49.7 (95% CI of 1.9–1298.9) respectively]. Generally, children infected with STH had higher geometric mean time to first clearance of parasitemia.

Conclusion
The findings of a protective effect of E. vermicularis and an enhancing effect of hookworms may explain the contradictory results found in the literature about impact of helminths on clinical malaria. More insight should be gained on possible mechanisms for these opposite effects. These results should not deter at this stage deworming programs but rather foster implementation of integrated control program for these two common parasites.
Impact on step count by commitment-based health application
Authors: Takebayashi Masaki , Namba Mira , Koyama Tatsuya , Kaneda Yudai , Kawaguchi Hiroyuki , Uemura Chiaki , Shibuya Megumi , Murakami Shin , Fukuda Hiroshi , Shibutani Hirohide 
Published: August 2024

Objective
Prior research has implied that promoting sustaining physical activity through nudges is challenging and boosting health literacy is important for the long-term establishment of behaviors. This study aimed to investigate the effects of commitment-based health application on step count and health literacy.

Methods
A control experiment was conducted involving employees from companies located in Shizuoka Prefecture, Japan. Participants were divided into three groups: the commitment app group (utilizing a commitment-based application "Minchalle," where teams of around five members were randomly assigned to declare a target step count and report daily step count with pictures), the self-commitment group (individuals declaring a target step count and endeavoring on their own), and the control group (no intervention). Changes in step count and health literacy were examined over one month.

Results
A total of 109 employees from 7 companies participated. The changes in step count were an increase of 893 steps for the commitment app group, 243 steps for the self-commitment group, and 178 steps for the control group, with a significant increase in the commitment app group compared to the control group. Regarding health literacy measures, there was significant progress in four items out of five for the commitment app group compared to the control group, and significant progress in one item for the self-commitment group compared to the control group.

Conclusion
Communication within the app teams, such as commitment, sharing photos of their goal achievements and provide encouraging comments to others, functioned as social nudges, suggesting the potential for an immediate increase in step count and long-term behavioral reinforcement through improved health literacy.
Application value of volumetric CT value in quantifying the activity of a pulmonary tuberculoma
Authors: Wei Ganhui , Zhang Jiacheng , Qiu Xiaowei 
Published: August 2024

Objective
The purpose of this study was to explore the auxiliary diagnostic value of volumetric CT value in quantifying the activity of a pulmonary tuberculoma.

Methods
Chest CT image data of 112 patients with pulmonary tuberculomas who were diagnosed clinically between October 16, 2013 and March 21, 2023 were selected. With the shortest diameter axis>5 mm on the mediastinal window serving as the inclusion criterion, 108 active tuberculomas and 64 non-active tuberculomas were selected. The focused image was manually segmented using ITK-SNAP software, the volumetric CT value of the focus was calculated, and the ROC curve was analyzed. Using the final clinical diagnosis as the reference standard, the auxiliary diagnostic efficacy and consistency of the conventional CT film reading method and volumetric CT value in determining the activity of a pulmonary tuberculoma were compared.

Results
The volumetric CT value of 108 active pulmonary tuberculoma lesions (33.39 [28.17,36.23] HU) was significantly less than 64 inactive pulmonary tuberculoma lesions (78.91 [57.81,120.31] HU); the difference was statistically significant (Z = −10.888. P < 0.001). ROC curve analysis showed that at a maximum Yoden index value of 0.963, the optimal volumetric CT threshold value was 45.32 HU, the sensitivity and specificity of the volumetric CT value in determining the activity of a pulmonary tuberculoma were 97.2% and 100.0%, respectively, and the maximum area under the ROC curve was 0.998. Taking the final clinical diagnosis as the reference standard, the sensitivity, specificity, consistency, and kappa value of the conventional CT film reading method for determining the activity of a pulmonary tuberculoma were 72.2% (78/108), 70.3% (45/64), 71.5% (123/172), and 0.413, respectively, while the corresponding volumetric CT values were 97.2% (105/108), 100.0% (64/64), 98.3% (168/172), and 0.951, respectively.

Conclusion
Accurately quantifying the volumetric CT value of a pulmonary tuberculoma focus determines the activity of a pulmonary tuberculoma, which has very important auxiliary diagnostic value.
Effectiveness of a Virtual Reality rehabilitation in stroke patients with sensory-motor and proprioception upper limb deficit: A study protocol
Authors: Ventura Sara , Tessari Alessia , Castaldini Sara , Magni Elisabetta , Turolla Andrea , Baños Rosa , Lullini Giada 
Published: August 2024

Introduction
Stroke is the second leading cause of death in Europe. In the case of stroke survival (almost 70%), only 25% of patients recover completely, while the remaining 75% will undergo a rehabilitation phase that varying from months to years. The primary outcomes of a stroke involve motor impairment in the upper limbs, resulting in a partial or complete inability to move the limb on the right or left side, depending on the affected hemisphere. Furthermore, the motor deficit distorts the proprioception of the body and the embodiment ability of the injured limb. This could be rehabilitated through the paradigm of body illusion that modulates the motor rehabilitation. The present protocol aims to investigate the effectiveness of a Virtual Reality system for sensorimotor and proprioception upper limb deficit compared to a traditional upper limb rehabilitation program.

Method
This study has a randomized and controlled design with control and experimental groups, and 4 measurement times: pre-intervention, immediately after the intervention, and two follow-ups (at 6 and 12 months). The inclusion criteria are: (a) Being 18 to 85 years old, both males and females; (b) Suffering from ischemic or haemorrhagic stroke; (c) The stroke event must have occurred from two to eighteen months before recruitment; (d) Patients must have moderate to severe upper limb motor deficit, and the alteration of sensorimotor and proprioception abilities of the injury upper limb; (e) Patients must understand and sign the written consent for enrolment. The rehabilitation last four weeks with three sessions per week at Bellaria Hospital of Bologna (Italy). The VR protocol uses two types of technology: immersive and non-immersive, and the control group follow the traditional rehabilitation program.
Optimization of mechanical characteristics of cement mortar incorporating hybrid nano-sustainable powders
Authors: Zghair Hussein H. 
Published: August 2024

Abstract
This research examines the impact of using hybrid nano-sustainable materials such as nano-silica and nano-slag, at three designated contents (2, 4, and 6%) by the cement weight. Mechanical and physical characteristics were studied at 7 and 28 ages. Overall, the experimental results showed the positive impacts of used hybrid nano-sustainable additives on fresh and hardened properties of modified cement mortar. The compressive strength of mortar containing nano-slag with 2, 4, and 6% enhanced as 11, 33, and 32% at 28 days, respectively, and correspondingly, direct tensile strength enhanced as 16, 39, and 30% at 28 days, respectively. Furthermore, the compressive strength of cement mortar containing 2, 4, and 6% of nano-silica improved by 20, 44, and 59% at 28 days, respectively. Besides direct tensile strength improved by 19, 37, and 46% at 28 days, respectively, as compared with reference cement mortar. The 4% nano-slag and the 6% nano-silica showed the optimum results of improvements of the compressive strength and direct tensile strength as 33 and 39% and 59 and 46% at 28 days, respectively. Hence, the optimization results of selected cement mortar comprising hybrid nano-sustainable materials as 6 wt% nano-silica and 4 wt% nano-slag produce a greater enhancement of mortar strength. Compressive and direct tensile strength improved by 73 and 53% at 28 days, respectively.