bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Peritoneal Tumor Dna in a Multimodal Treatment Setting of Locally Advanced Gastric Cancer – A Novel Study Design
Authors: Jacob Sven , Heiliger Christian , Balonov Ilja , Jarmusch Stefanie , Albertsmeier Markus , Holdenrieder Stefan , Oberhofer Angela , Mayer Zsuzsanna , Heinrich Kathrin , Westphalen C. Benedikt , Bösch Florian , Wildgruber Moritz , Lauseker Michael , Xu Yu Jun , Neumann Jens , Lorenzen Sylvie , Renz Bernhard , Stein Hubert , Werner Jens , Angele Martin 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Background
Gastric cancer is a leading cause of death from malignant diseases and has been characterized on a molecular level in recent years. In a context of precision medicine, the proposed study aims to describe the three major compartments harboring tumor cells in patients requiring multimodal therapy: peripheral blood, the abdominal cavity, and the local tumor. Unlike tumor tissues and liquid biopsies, the peritoneal space (in terms of ascites and metastatic tumor seeds) is not regularly considered in molecular diagnostics due to difficult access. This study aims to determine circulating tumor DNA in the peritoneum (ptDNA) and in the plasma (ctDNA). It will then be investigated to what extent the detection of ptDNA before and after neoadjuvant therapy correlates with ctDNA. The main goal is to evaluate the relative changes in ptDNA and ctDNA levels after systemic treatment in patients with locally advanced gastric cancer.
Hypothesis:
We hypothesize that ptDNA in the abdominal cavity reacts differently to chemotherapy than ctDNA in peripheral blood and therefore, peritoneal disease cannot be adequately represented by ctDNA. Patients with elevated initial ptDNA levels, especially those who do not respond to neoadjuvant therapy, might have an increased risk of peritoneal carcinomatosis and consequently require intensified systemic or local (i.e. HIPEC) treatments.
Study design:
ptDNA and ctDNA will be analyzed at the time of cancer diagnosis (during exploratory laparoscopy according to diagnostics guidelines) and after neoadjuvant therapy (during tumor resection). Subsequently, the determination of ptDNA in gastric cancer patients could allow the identification of a subgroup that will benefit from intensified local treatment options for peritoneal tumor seeding. Finally, the study will attempt to establish the peritoneal space as another compartment for future precision oncology diagnostics and multimodality therapy.
Pericardioperitoneal window creation for recurrent pericardial tamponade: A case report and literature review
Authors: EKİM Hasan , EKİM Meral 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Background: As a result of the increased life expectancy of cancer patients due to developing effective treatments applied, the incidence of secondary patterns such as malignant pericardial effusion has increased. Therefore, pericardial effusions leading to cardiac tamponade have been becoming an increasingly common emergency in medical practice. Although positive results are obtained with echocardiography-guided pericardiocentesis or percutaneous catheter drainage in pericardial effusions causing tamponade, the effusion may recur in some malignant cases. In the management of such patients, it is desirable to provide permanent drainage by opening a pericardial window instead of performing frequent pericardiocentesis.
Case Presentation: A 62-year-old male patient with tamponade was admitted to our hospital. The clinical picture was corrected by pericardiocentesis accompanied by echocardiography. However, due to rapid fluid accumulation that required pericardiocentesis every other day, he was referred to the cardiovascular surgery department for surgical drainage. The patient clinically improved after the subxiphoid pericardial window was created. However, when symptoms of tamponade developed again 24 hours after the chest tube was removed, a pericardioperitoneal window was opened with a subxiphoidal approach. There were no recurrences of effusion for three months until the patient died of malignancy.
Conclusion: In patients who have undergone pleurodesis or who are not suitable for general anesthesia due to their hemodynamic conditions, the best surgical procedure to prevent recurrent effusions causing tamponade is to create a pericardioperitoneal window under local anesthesia.
Experimental study on the fracture morphology of chips in 50 steel internal chip removal deep hole drilling
Authors: He Qingqiang , Sun fazhe , Zhang Shuai , Zou Zhijun , Pang Kun , Che Hang , Zhang Lijun 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Relying solely on experience and trial cutting to determine the range of main process parameters for deep hole machining in order to control the cutting shape is time-consuming, laborious, and costly. This article simplifies chips into three-dimensional curved beams with rectangular cross-sections, and theoretically analyzes the stress states at different stages of their formation process, clarifying the mechanical causes of the three-dimensional shape of chips; A self-developed internal chip removal deep hole drilling device was used to drill 50 steel φ 30 mm deep hole machining experiment determined that the values of chip breakage rate and compression rate for small diameter deep hole drilling were less than 10 by calculating the chip breakage rate and compression rate of each tooth. This is a key quantitative indicator for controlling chip shape to achieve good chip breakage and removal; By using scanning electron microscopy, the microscopic morphology characteristics of the chip fracture surfaces of each tooth under different process parameter combinations were analyzed in detail, and the effects of feed rate and speed on chip morphology were explored, providing data reference for the rational selection of process parameters for small diameter inner chip removal deep hole machining.
Optimizing Heterologous Production of CRISPR-AsCas12a Protein in Escherichia coli
Authors: Goméz-Quintero Orlando S. , Morales-Moreno Melissa D. , Valdés-Galindo Erick G. , Cárdenas-Guerra Rosa Elena , Hernández-García Armando 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

The CRISPR-Cas12a system is a groundbreaking tool that has seen an ample use for genome editing and diagnostics in biotechnology and biomedicine research labs. Despite its increasing use, there is a lack of studies on optimizing Cas12a protein production at lab-scale using straightforward protocols. This study aimed on enhancing the lab-scale recombinant production of Acidaminococcus sp Cas12a protein (AsCas12a) in E. coli. Through careful adjustments of simple parameters, the production of AsCas12a was remarkably increased. Optimized conditions involved using the BL21(DE3) strain, TB medium with 1% glucose, induction with 0.3 mM IPTG for at least 6–9 h and incubation at 30°C. Notably, these conditions deviate from conventional production protocols for Cas12a and related proteins such as Cas9 from Streptococcus pyogenes. Upon combination of all optimized conditions bacterial production of AsCas12a improved ~ 3 times, passing from 0.95 mg / mL of bacterial lysate volume, for non-optimized conditions, to 3.73 mg/mL in the optimal ones. The production yield of AsCas12a protein, after chromatographical purification increased ~ 4.5 times, from 5.2 to 23.4 mg/L (culture volume) without compromising its functionality at all. The purified AsCas12a protein retained full activity for programmable in vitro DNA cis-cleavage and for collateral trans-activity, which was used to detect the N gene from SARS-CoV-2. This optimized method offers an efficient and high-yield AsCas12a protein production using materials and conditions that are accessible to many research labs around the world.
The effect of incubator humidity on morbidity and mortality in preterm infants: A systematic review
Authors: Chen Zhiqin , Lin Ruizi , Wang Huixin , Shi Bijun , Chen Qian 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Purpose
To assess the association between different incubator humidity levels and clinical outcomes in preterm infants.
Background
Since there is no well-accepted standard for delivery of incubator humidity for preterm infants. A meta-analysis is needed to summarize status of current research.
Methods
Searched 5 databases, including PubMed, the Cochrane Library, Embase, Ovid, and Web of Science, published between January 2000 and December 2023. Randomized control trials, prospective cohort studies and retrospective cohort studies were included if they assessed how different incubator humidity levels affected preterm infants with a gestational age < 34 weeks, published in English. Infection rates, the incidence of bronchopulmonary dysplasia and predischarge mortality were evaluated.
Results
Included in this review were 3 randomized control trials and 3 cohort studies including 801 preterm infants. Findings revealed that a high humidity level increased the incidence of infection in preterm infants (RR = 1.26, 95% CI 1.02, 1.55, P = 0.03). No significant difference was found between a high humidity incubator humidity levels and the incidence of bronchopulmonary dysplasia or infant mortality.
Conclusions
This study found that high humidity levels had a significant impact on the incidence of infection.
Implications for Practice and Research
: Evidence from the two decades showed that high humidity levels significantly increased the incidence of infection in preterm infants. When considering a humidity delivery plan, the impact of high humidity levels on the incidence of infection should be carefully considered. High-quality, large-sample and multicenter trials are needed for further validation.
Insulin-like growth factor binding protein-3 in oral potentially malignant disorders and oral squamous cell carcinoma: A Systematic Review
Authors: Ahire Manisha S. , Nagar Saurabh R. , Ivy Zaneta , Tupkari J. V. , Dalvi Shubhangi M. , Mehta Vini 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Background: To critically review published literature on change in serum value and immunohistochemical (IHC) expression of Insulin growth factor binding proteins (IGFBPs) in oral potentially malignant disorders (OPMDs) and oral squamous cell carcinoma. (OSCC)
Methods: Online electronic databases such as PubMed-Medline, Embase, and Scopus were searched using appropriate keywords from the earliest available date till 30th December 2021without restriction on language. Additional sources like Google Scholar, major journals, unpublished studies, conference proceedings, and cross-references were explored. The methodological quality of the studies was evaluated using the “A Cochrane Risk of Bias Assessment Tool: for Non-Randomized Studies of Interventions” (ACROBAT-NRSI).
Results: Six out of 989 titles met the eligibility criteria. Blood (serum/plasma) and biopsied tissue were the two tissue samples used. Total 614 OSCC patients, 105 OPMD patients and 110 cases were included in the control group. A rise in serum IGFBP-3 in stage I OSCC patients were seen. Reduced serum IGFBP-3, which was associated with stage III and IV OSCC cases, was seen in 4 studies. OPMDs showed dual results.
Conclusions: IGFBP-3 plays a role in tumour suppression and promotion. A raised serum value in the initial stages highlights its role in evading malignant transformation, while its raised IHC expression in advancing grades of OSCC reveals its mitogenic potential.
Registration: CRD42021277176
Trial Registration: Not applicable
Barriers to inclusive education of children with autism: Ghanaian teachers’ perspective
Authors: Senoo Eyram , Oti-Boadi Mabel , Senoo-Dogbey Efua , Bampoe Ohenewa , Laari Luke 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Background: Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), a neurodevelopmental condition, has become a major concern for both developed and underdeveloped countries since the condition is associated with significant caregiver, family, and financial burdens. Approaches to educating these children, especially in their preschool years, are burdensome and demanding for both parents and teachers. Although it is recommended that children with ASD receive inclusive, age-appropriate education in mainstream school settings, there are barriers in Ghana. This study explored barriers faced by preschool teachers in implementing and adhering to inclusive education for children with ASD.
Methods: The study employed an exploratory descriptive qualitative design to sample 17 participants in the Greater Accra Region using a purposive sampling technique. Data was collected through an in-depth virtual interview and analyzed using content analysis.
Results:The study identified inadequate parental cooperation, poor ASD knowledge of the teachers, socio-cultural and political issues, and a lack of collaboration with other professionals as major barriers thwarting the success of inclusive education for children with ASD in Ghana.
Conclusion: These barriers affect effective and successful adherence to inclusive education for children with ASD, and as such, we recommend orientation and special training for teachers, the provision of resources for effective child inclusion, and the creation of ASD awareness during the training of pre-school teachers.
The elicitation of early defence responses and improvement of disease resistance in oil palm by extracellular proteins from Ganoderma boninense
Authors: Hamid Sathyapriya , Abdullah Siti Nor Akmar , Ho Chai-Ling , Wong Mui-Yun 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Ganoderma boninense, a basidiomycete that causes basal stem rot (BSR) disease, threatens oil palm production and causes significant economic losses. An eco-friendly alternative to chemical BSR management is needed. This study investigated the impact of the extracellular protein sample from G. boninense on early defence responses and disease resistance in oil palm using histochemical, biochemical, and molecular approaches. The extracellular protein sample caused hypersensitive response (HR)-associated cell death, leading to rapid necrosis, and induced reactive oxygen species (ROS) production in oil palm leaf sections at 24 h post infiltration. Cell death was confirmed by trypan blue staining, and increased superoxide anion radicals and hydrogen peroxide were detected using nitroblue tetrazolium and 3′–3′ diaminobenzidine staining, respectively. The extracellular protein sample significantly increased the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and guaiacol peroxidase (GPx) in the roots. The SOD and GPx activities were greater than 100 U mg− 1 FW and 16 U mg− 1 protein, respectively, at 12, 24, 48, and 72 hours post treatment (hpt). Additionally, respiratory burst oxidase homolog B (RbohB) expression increased 2.5-fold in treated roots at 12 hpt, indicating ROS accumulation and supporting HR induction by the extracellular protein sample. In a greenhouse trial, the application of the extracellular protein sample led to a 71.43% reduction in BSR incidence in oil palm nine months after inoculation. These findings demonstrate the potential of using extracellular protein sample from G. boninense as an effective and eco-friendly BSR management tool.
Loss of Tuberous Sclerosis Complex 2 confers inflammation via dysregulation of Nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells
Authors: McPhail Darius K. , Alzahrani Mohammad A.M. , Martin Katie R. , Calver Brian L. , Harwood Adrian J. , MacKeigan Jeffrey P. , Davies David M. , Tee Andrew R. 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Background
Aberrant activation of mTORC1 is clearly defined in TSC, causing uncontrolled cell growth. While mTORC1 inhibitors show efficacy to stabilise tumour growth in TSC, they are not fully curative. Disease facets of TSC that are not restored with mTOR inhibitors might involve NF-κB. The study aimed to characterise NF-κB in the context of TSC.
Results
Enrichment of NF-κB-regulated genes was observed in TSC patient tumours, SEN/SEGAs, cortical tubers and a TSC tumour-derived cell line (621 − 101). Highlighting an inflammatory component of TSC, TSC cell models showed an elevated level of NF-κB and STAT3 activation. Herein, we report a dysregulated inflammatory phenotype of TSC2-deficient cells where NF-κB promotes autocrine signalling involving IL-6. Of importance, mTORC1 inhibition does not block this inflammatory signal to promote STAT3, while NF-κB inhibition was much more effective. Combined mTORC1 and NF-κB inhibition was potent at preventing anchorage-independent growth of TSC2-deficient cells, and unlike mTORC1 inhibition alone was sufficient to prevent colony regrowth after cessation of treatment.
Conclusion
This study reveals autocrine signalling crosstalk between NF-κB and STAT3 in TSC cell models. Furthermore, the data presented indicate that NF-κB pathway inhibitors could be a viable adjunct therapy with the current mTOR inhibitors to treat TSC.
Diagnostic value of dual-energy CT in detecting irreversible transmural intestinal necrosis in patients with acute occlusive mesenteric ischemia
Authors: Yang Jushun , Xu Zhenyu , Chen Feixiang , Wang Meirong , Fan Xiaole , He Bosheng 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Background
Irreversible transmural intestinal necrosis (ITIN) is associated with high mortality rates in patients with acute occlusive mesenteric ischemia (AOMI). However, the important radiographic predictors of ITIN remain unknown. This study evaluated the diagnostic value of dual-energy CT (DECT) for ITIN in AOMI.
Methods
The cases and CT images of 102 patients with clinically diagnosed AOMI (including 48 ITIN) from January 2012 to January 2022 were retrospectively collected. The CT scans included both MDCT and DECT. Two radiologists independently completed the subjective visual assessment of CT signs related to AOMI. DECT scans the portal vein phase raw data to reconstruct a 120 kVp mixed energy image, 50 keV virtual monoenergetic imaging (VMI), and iodine map. Objective parameters, including CT values (CT 50 keV lesion, CT 50 keV normal/lesion) and iodine concentrations (IC lesion and IC normal/lesion), were quantified. Furthermore, multivariate logistic regression, receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves, and area under the curve (AUC) values were used to evaluate the subjective/objective indicators in predicting ITIN.
Results
Regarding subjective signs, logistic regression analysis revealed reduced or absent bowel wall enhancement (odds ratio [OR] = 5.576, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.547–20.093), bowel dilation (OR = 11.613, 95% CI: 3.790–35.586), and parenchymatous organ infarction (OR = 4.727, 95% CI: 1.536–14.551) were independent risk factors for the ITIN. CT subjective signs had a high diagnostic efficacy for ITIN (AUC = 0.853). The two DECT objective parameters also exhibited excellent diagnostic value for ITIN, with an AUC of 0.79, a CT cutoff value of CT 50keV normal/lesion = 2.81, and an AUC of 0.777 with a cut-off value of IC normal/lesion = 2.39. Importantly, the Delong test showed that there was no significant difference in the efficacy of subjective CT signs and objective DECT parameters (p > 0.05), indicating that the two objective parameters could replace CT signs in predicting ITIN. Furthermore, we observed that IC normal/lesion combined with subjective signs (bowel dilation and parenchymatous organ infarction) had the highest predictive performance (AUC = 0.896), sensitivity (100%), and specificity (70.83%).
Conclusion
IC normal/lesion (DECT-based features) combined with CT signs showed favorable predictive performance for ITIN in AOMI, which may help clinicians develop timely treatment strategies.
Evaluation of Intravitreal Methotrexate As Adjuvant Treatment in Patients with Proliferative Vitreoretinopathy: A Retrospective Analysis
Authors: Li Angela S. , Ponugoti Arathi , Grewal Dilraj S. , Borkar Durga , Fekrat Sharon , Chen Xi , Jaffe Glenn J. , Vajzovic Lejla 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Introduction: Proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR) is a difficult-to-treat complication of retinal detachment (RD) repair. Intravitreal methotrexate (MTX) has emerged as a promising adjuvant therapy. In the GUARD trial, patients with PVR-associated detachments who received 13 injections of investigational vitreous-compatible MTX over 16 weeks had reduced risk of re-detachment compared to historical controls. We evaluated the safety and clinical outcomes of using off-label intravitreal compounded MTX in patients with PVR-associated detachments in a real-world setting.
Methods: A chart review was conducted of patients at a tertiary academic center who received at least 8 intravitreal injections of compounded MTX (0.1mL, 0.4mg) as off-label adjuvant therapy for PVR-associated RD repair. Primary outcome was re-attachment rate without additional surgical intervention at 6 months and through duration of follow up. Secondary outcomes included change in best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and rates of hypotony, epiretinal membrane (ERM) formation, cystoid macular edema (CME), and corneal epitheliopathy.
Results: Nineteen eyes were included (mean 11.6 injections per eye). All remained attached at 6 months under silicone oil, and 17 eyes (89.5%) remained attached over a mean follow up interval of 35 months. Of 10 eyes (52.6%) that underwent silicone oil removal, 8 (80%) remained attached. At last follow up, BCVA improved in 13 eyes (68.4%), and there were 2 eyes (10.5%) with hypotony, 10 eyes (52.6%) with ERM, 8 eyes (42.1%) with CME, and 4 eyes (21.1%) with corneal epitheliopathy.
Conclusions: Intravitreal MTX can be a safe, adjuvant therapy following repair of recurrent PVR detachment, and is associated with high re-attachment rates even when used in the real-world as off-label compounded therapy with a variable number of injections. Further study of intravitreal MTX in the treatment and prevention of PVR is indicated.
Variations of cosmic and geophysical processes and possible impact on the development of the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Schlender Tsimafei , Krasouski Aliaksandr , Zenchanka Siarhei , Zhuchkevich Veronika , Barodka Siarhei , Yarotau Aliaksei , Romanovski Valentin 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

The concept of planetary boundaries defines nine areas mostly affected on Earth health. One of these areas connected with the ozone layer state is responsible for ultraviolet (UV) flow reaching Earth’s surface. There is a close relationship between solar activity and geomagnetic indices and changes in polar ozone under the influence of solar radiation. This work discusses the relationship between the geomagnetic index Ap, the total ozone content as secondary indicators of solar activity, and the incidence of COVID around the world for the period from January 1, 2020, to May 1, 2021, when there were the first and second waves of the incidence of the virus. Obtained comparative analysis of geomagnetic index Ap and TO in the last solar cycle reveals that geophysical variations can foster favorable conditions for pandemics. The 25th solar cycle's peak in 2024 aligns with the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, consistent with previous research. Increased GCR and UV radiation during solar cycle minima further influence Earth's conditions. The pandemic coincided with heightened solar activity after the 24th cycle's minimum and the secular maximum of GCR. Geomagnetic disturbances and reduced TO levels in both hemispheres exacerbated the COVID-19 waves, accelerating case development.