bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Assessing Side-Effect Bother, Burden, and Tolerability: A Qualitative Study Exploring the Content Validity of the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy – Item GP5
Authors: Payakachat Nalin , Gilligan Adrienne M. , Altman Danielle , Maeda Patricia , Choi Julia , Bourke Shannon , Speck Rebecca M. , Spies Erica , Kopeckova Katerina , Elisei Rossella , Wadsley Jonathan , Krajewska Jolanta 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Purpose
Patient-reported measures of overall side effect burden, such as the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy- item GP5 (GP5), can be used to inform the tolerability of cancer treatments and be included as an endpoint in clinical trials. The objectives of this qualitative study were to explore how participants with medullary thyroid cancer (MTC) conceptualize side effect bother, burden, and tolerability and to generate evidence to support the GP5 as a fit-for-purpose measure of patient-reported tolerability in the treatment of MTC and to establish which response options constitute “high side effect burden.”
Methods
A purposive sample of forty participants with MTC enrolled in the LIBRETTO-531 trial (NCT04211337) were recruited via clinical trial sites. Semi-structured interviews were conducted in the participant’s preferred language to examine the concept of tolerability, demonstrate understanding of the GP5 content, and establish which response options constitute “high side effect burden”. Interview transcripts were thematically analyzed with a mix of inductive and deductive coding methods.
Results
Concept elicitation results found side effect bother to be among the most proximal patient-reported concepts to tolerability and highly relevant to participants. The experience of side effects that are symptomatic and bothersome or burdensome are key contributors to how patients perceive the tolerability of a treatment. Cognitive interviewing showed the GP5 item was clear and understandable to all participants. Participants reported clear and concrete meaningful differences between each response option. Importantly, the qualitative data provide evidence that “high side effect burden” aligns with the response options of “Quite a bit” and “Very much” (score of 3 and 4, respectively) for most (60%, n = 24) interview participants.
Conclusion
Participants described the concepts of side effect bother, side effect burden, and tolerability as highly relevant and related. The GP5 assesses a concept important to individuals undergoing treatment for MTC in a way that is understandable and relevant. The definition of “high side effect burden” is appropriately reflected by scores of 3 or 4. This qualitative evidence is supportive of the GP5 as a fit-for-purpose measure of comparative tolerability in MTC.
Dissipative Kerr solitons in an active microcavity
Authors: Yao Baicheng , Tan Teng , Yu Yan , Chen Haojing , Liang Yupei , Zhang Hao , Cao Qi-Tao , Zhou Heng , Gong Qihuang , Wong Chee Wei , Rao Yun-Jiang , Xiao Yun-Feng 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

The emergence of soliton microcombs has catalyzed significant advancements in a wide range of applications, including optical communication, precision metrology, and astronomical calibration. Despite the existing benefits, soliton microcombs generated in passive microcavities often face significant limitations in promoting comb power and nonlinear efficiency. On the other hand, generating soliton combs within active microresonators has remained challenging due to the confined cavity volume for doping and substantial opto-thermal effects. In this study, we successfully achieve dissipative Kerr solitons in an active microcavity by sintering erbium ions (Er3+) onto its surface. The introduction of Er3+ significantly boosts the power of the microcomb within the cavity, bypassing the traditional requirement for an external erbium-doped fiber amplifier (EDFA) and paving the way toward high quality soliton microcomb integration. By operating the system below the lasing threshold, the actively optical-assisted microcomb maintains the low-noise advantages of coherently driven solitons. Our research demonstrates that the optical excitation of Er3+ facilitates the tunability of cavity losses, thereby providing a method to dynamically control the soliton properties. This enables soliton operation at a lower threshold, with a larger soliton access range, wider comb span, and enhanced comb power. The increased intracavity power and enhanced Kerr nonlinear process also enable the generation of EDFA-free solitons in a low-Q microcavity, paving the way for simplifying microcomb devices. These findings open new avenues for the formation of active cavity solitons (ACSs), where the combination of coherent and incoherent pumping within a microcavity yields superior performance and increased practicality.
A case report of Osteochondritis of Ischiopubic synchondrosis (Van Neck-Odelberg Disease): A Diagnostic dilemma in a pediatric population.
Authors: NAGARAJ HARISH 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Background:
Ischiopubic Synchondrosis (IPS) is the temporary cartilaginous joint between os ischii and os pubis which is present at birth and eventually undergoes complete pre-pubertal ossification. Unexplained or trauma-induced pain in the groin, lower limb, and/or buttock with or without positive clinical findings in the ischiopubic region poses a significant diagnostic challenge in the pre-pubertal age group.
“Osteochondrosis of ischiopubic synchondroses (IPS)” is also known by the eponym “Van Neck-Odelberg” disease. Paediatric patients presenting with unilateral pain in the groin and associated limp consist of differential diagnoses - such as trauma-induced stress fractures, infectious causes like osteomyelitis and tuberculosis, post-traumatic osteolysis, or any neoplastic process. A detailed clinical examination with corresponding imaging is paramount to arrive at a diagnosis.
Case presentation:
We present an 11-year-old, right limb dominant boy who was attended at casualty with an acute tenderness in the left groin and buttock as the only concerning symptom post playing a football game. After the routine clinical examination, the boy was sent for pelvic and hip radiographs, which revealed an expansile sclerotic lesion in the ischiopubic region on the left.
Conclusion:
Diagnosis of osteochondritis of ischopubic synchodroses or Van Neck-Odelberg disease is quite challenging as other conditions such as post- traumatic stress fractures, osteolysis, infective causes like osteomyelitis and tuberculosis, or any other neoplastic process in pre-pubertal-age group has to be ruled out. A thorough evaluation and detailed knowledge of this rare condition helps to avoid unnecessary investigations, anxiety among families, and unwarranted invasive procedures. Clinical symptoms must be present to call it an osteochondritis of IPS on radiographs as the unilateral delayed fusion of the ischiopubic synchondrosis is a physiologic process in asymptomatic cases.
Acetyl-CoA acyltransferase 1 is a potential tumor suppressor gene associated with immune cell infiltration in nasopharyngeal carcinoma
Authors: Zhao Weilin , Li Limei , Wei Wanqi , Zheng Shixing , Zhou Xiaoying , Liang Haili , Wang Wen , He Feng , Liang Yushan , Zhang Zhe , Cai Yonglin , Xiao Xue 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Acetyl-CoA acyltransferase 1 (ACAA1), encoding the protein peroxisomal 3-ketoacyl-CoA thiolase (POT1), plays a vital role in the fatty acid beta-oxidation system. ACAA1 has been implicated in the carcinogenesis and development of various human cancers. In this study, the downregulation of ACAA1 was observed consistently throughout the progression of nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) and showed a negative correlation with the expression of EBV-encoded genes. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis and time-dependent receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve suggested the potential of ACAA1 in predicting NPC prognosis. Through in vitro and in vivo experiments, we identified that the overexpression of ACAA1 inhibited the proliferation, migration, and invasion of NPC cells, which was further confirmed by reduced Ki-67 staining and actin filaments redistribution. Gene ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Gene and Genomes (KEGG) analyses indicated significant enrichment of immune-related pathways in NPC cells with higher ACAA1 expression. Furthermore, data from the xCell, ESTIMATE and Immunophenoscore analysis supported a critical role of ACAA1 in modulating immune cell infiltration and tumor immune environment of NPC. Interestingly, low expression of ACAA1 was significantly associated with NPC patients classified as tumor microenvironment (TME) subtype 1 and with poor outcome. Expression pattern analyses revealed a positive correlation between ACAA1 expression and six immune checkpoint-related genes, including CD27, PDCD1, CD86, BTLA, TIGIT, and CD28. Taken together, our study reveals that ACAA1 is a potential tumor suppressor gene, which may participate in immune evasion in NPC. ACAA1 could serve as a novel prognosis and therapeutic biomarker for NPC patients.
Novel Insights into Myocardial Fibrosis in Patients with New Onset ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction Following Percutaneous Coronary Intervention through Enhanced Cardiac Magnetic Resonance Imaging : A Prospective Cohort Study
Authors: Oketunbi Temilola J. , Wang Jun , Ding Bin , Song Xilong , Li Yao , Song Hongwei , Shi Xiaojun , Hu Sigang , Gao Dasheng , Wang Hongju , Li Miaonan 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Background
Myocardial fibrosis represents a prevalent pathological hallmark observed in a diverse range of chronic and acute cardiovascular disorders. However, relevant literature currently provides limited evidence regarding the determinants of myocardial fibrosis severity in patients with new-onset ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction (STEMI) following successful emergent percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) utilizing contrast-enhanced cardiac magnetic resonance (CE-CMR) imaging.
Methods
We prospectively enrolled a cohort of 78 patients presenting with new-onset ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction, who underwent successful emergent PCI within 12 hours from the onset of symptoms. Late Gadolinium Enhanced (LGE) was quantified employing CE-CMR, and patients were categorized into two groups based on the median LGE value.
Results
The median LGE was 16 (IQR 12 to 24). In comparison to patients with LGE below the median (n = 37), those in the group with LGE above the median (n = 41) exhibited significantly reduced left ventricular global radial strain, global circumferential strain, and global longitudinal strain. ( all p < 0.05). The infarcted radial segment (IRS), Infarcted circumferential segment (ICS) and infarcted longitudinal segment (ILS) exhibited significant reductions in patients with greater LGE ( all p < 0.05). The occurrence of microvascular obstruction (MVO) (p<0.001) and wall motion abnormality (WMA) (p < 0.01) were significantly higher in patients with a greater extent of LGE, despite successful reperfusion therapy. The LGE exhibited a moderate negative correlation with global circumferential segment(r= -0.547, p<0.001) and a low negative correlation with both Global Radial Segment and Global Longitudinal Segment ༈r= -0.434, p<0.001;r= -0.437, p<0.001). In the multivariate linear regression analysis model comprising gensini score, MVO, GRS, GCS, IRS and ILS, Gensini score (β=0.289;p = 0.001), the presence of MVO (β=0.378;p = 0.000) and GCS(β=−0.318; p = 0.012) emerged as the robust predictors of myocardial fibrosis.
Conclusion
The present study establishes a correlation between cardiac pathological structures, microcirculation, and myocardial fibrosis in the context of acute myocardial infarction. Therefore, it provides theoretical evidence from a pathological perspective regarding the progression of myocardial fibrosis in patients with new-onset STEMI following successful PCI.
Trial registration
The trial was registered in the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (ChiCTR2400080282).
Elevated Body Mass Index And associated Factors Among Women with Infertility Undergoing Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) Treatment in a low-income setting
Authors: Amoah Christian , Adageba Rudolph Kantum , Appiah Ernest K. , Sefogah Promise E. 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Elevated Body Mass Index in infertile women has important implications for medically assisted reproduction. The prevalence and impact of elevated BMI on assisted reproductive technologies treatment outcomes in low-income settings remains under-studied and little unknown. This study investigated the prevalence of elevated BMI and associated socio-demographic characteristics among infertile women in Ghana. Retrospective analysis of five-years data of 3,660 infertile women attending clinic in Ghana for assisted conception treatment was carried out. The data was analysed using the SPSS (22). Descriptive statistics performed and chi square was used to assess associations between categorical variables with p-value below 0.05 considered statistically significant. Overall, 76.83% of women with infertility had elevated BMI, of whom 39.56% were obese and 37.27% were overweight. Majority of participants with elevated BMI was aged between 30–49years.(p < 0.000) Infertility prevalence and BMI increased with increasing level of education.(p < 0.003) Secondary infertility was more common among overweight or obese women. Traders had the highest prevalence of overweight and obesity followed by civil servants and health workers. Elevated BMI was highly prevalent among women seeking infertility care in Ghana, particularly so among those with secondary infertility. Traders had the highest prevalence of elevated BMI, probably reflecting their predominantly sedentary lifestyles.
A weighted k-mean clustering algorithm based on singular values with offset clustering centers
Authors: deng shaobo , lin xing , Yuan Weili , Liao Zemin , Guan Sujie , Li Min 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

The K-means algorithm is widely used for dataset clustering, but it does not consider the importance of each attribute dimension when dealing with feature attributes and clustering center selection, but rather treats all attributes as having equal importance. In order to solve this problem, this paper proposes a weighted k-mean clustering algorithm (SVW-KMeans) based on singular values with offset clustering centers. The algorithm calculates the weight information of the data points through singular value decomposition to focus on the most significant and most different features, joining the weight calculation to optimize the objective function, and at the same time, the weighted arithmetic mean of the individuals is used as the clustering center, and the clustering center is shifted towards the high importance so as to take into full consideration of the importance of the different features in the clustering process. The experimental results show that the SVW-KMeans algorithm outperforms other algorithms in clustering on synthetic and real datasets, which verifies that the SVW-KMeans algorithm outperforms other mainstream clustering algorithms in terms of clustering quality and stability.
Public Awareness and Knowledge about Colorectal Cancer Screening in Saudi Arabia
Authors: Alsehemi Zeyad Omar 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Background
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a significant global health concern, ranking second among women and third among men in cancer diagnoses worldwide. In Saudi Arabia, CRC has been the most prevalent cancer in men since 2002. Despite rising incidence rates, public awareness and understanding of CRC screening remain critical for early detection and effective intervention. This study aims to assess the level of public awareness and knowledge regarding CRC screening in Saudi Arabia to identify gaps and inform targeted awareness campaigns.
Methods
A cross-sectional, questionnaire-based study was conducted using Google Forms to gather data from the overall population of Saudi Arabia in the period from 5 September 2023 to 20 September 2023. The online questionnaire included demographic information and assessed participants' knowledge, awareness, and attitudes toward CRC screening. Questions covered risk factors, symptoms, screening methods, and participants' intention to undergo screening. Data analysis was performed using SPSS version 26.
Results
Of the 461 participants, 61.4% were female, 38.6% were male, and 53.1% were aged 50 or older. Only 13.1% of participants aged 50 and above had undergone CRC screening. A significant proportion (55.1%) in other age groups remained undecided about future screening. Lack of awareness (51.9%) was the primary reason for refusal or hesitation. Participants exhibited limited awareness of CRC's global prevalence (50.3%) and the recommended screening age (36.4%). Significant associations were found between awareness levels, gender, education, and age groups.
Conclusion
The study highlights a substantial lack of awareness and knowledge about CRC screening in Saudi Arabia, particularly among specific demographic groups. Targeted awareness campaigns are crucial, focusing on increasing knowledge about risk factors, symptoms, and the importance of early screening. Special attention should be given to middle-aged and older populations and those with lower education levels to enhance community awareness and improve CRC screening rates.
Clinical manifestations and outcomes of EBV related secondary hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis
Authors: Liu Dan , Pei Xuying , Zhang Xiaohui , Xu Lanping , Wang Yu , Yan Chenhua , Chen Huan , Chen Yuhong , Han Wei , Wang Fengrong , Wang Jingzhi , Sun Yuqian , Huang Xiaojun , Mo Xiaodong 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Aim: Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is the important pathogen of infection after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT), which is also the common cause of secondary hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (sHLH). Thus, we aimed to identify the clinical manifestations and outcomes of EBV-related sHLH after allo-HSCT.
Methods: We enrolled the patients who experienced sHLH after EBV DNAemia after allo-HSCT from Jan 1st, 2023 to Dec 31st, 2023. Plasma EBV copies were monitored by Q-PCR analysis at least weekly and EBV-DNA copies of lymphocyte subpopulations in peripheral blood were also quantified by Q-PCR.
Results: 11 patients developed sHLH after EBV DNAemia and all of them had post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorders (PTLD) before sHLH. The median time from PTLD to sHLH occurrence was 5 days (range, 2-101) days. The most common manifestation of sHLH was ferritin elevation (100%) and soluble CD25 antigen elevation (100%). Nine (81.8%) patients died after the diagnosis of sHLH, and the median time from the occurrence of sHLH to death was 10 days (range, 3 to 21) days. Temperature ≥ 39.6℃, achieving high-level EBV DNAemia (> 105 copies/ml), and with a high-level EBV in T or NK cells increase the risk of sHLH after EBV-PLTD. The 100-day probability of EBV-related mortality and overall survival after PTLD occurrence was 84.1% versus 8.3 % (P ＜0.0001) and 15.9% versus 91.7% (P ＜0.0001), respectively, for patients with and without sHLH.
Conclusions: In summary, our study firstly reported the clinical manifestations and outcomes of EBV-related sHLH following allo-HSCT in the largest cohort at present.
A unique migration of primordial germ cells and relationship of PGCs with sex development in germline-specific fluorescent freshwater angelfish (Pterophyllum scalare)
Authors: Chu Wai-Kwan , Huang Shih-Chin , Chang Ching-Fong , Wu Jen-Leih , Gong Hong-Yi 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Primordial germ cells (PGCs) are essential for teleosts reproduction, as they are the progenitors of gametes. While the formation of PGCs is conserved across teleost, their activation, migration routes, and localization periods vary. In this study, we generated a novel transgenic line, Tg(ddx4:TcCFP13-nanos3), using the genome sequence of Nile tilapia to label PGCs with clear fluorescent signals during embryonic development in the Cichlid freshwater angelfish. We observed a complex, multistage migration process and a more extended localization period in angelfish (168 hpf, 4 days after hatching) compared to zebrafish (24 hpf). Notably, significant differences in PGC abundance were detected during early somite development. By counting PGCs in each larva and raising them to sexual maturity, we found that PGC abundance is correlated with sex determination: 90% of PGCs-less individuals developed into males, and 83% of PGCs-rich individuals developed into females. This finding aligns with our recent study, which showed a male-biased phenomenon in infertile angelfish without any germ cell under dnd1 depletion. Exploring the mechanisms of PGCs and sex development in ornamental fish, particularly freshwater angelfish, can benefit the ornamental fish industry. Additionally, our in vivo PGC tracking system in Cichlids offers opportunities for basic PGC research and further applications.
Inflammatory keratitis and trastuzumab in the context of breast cancer - a case report
Authors: Tremblay Anthony , Joseph Rosa-Li 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Purpose:
This case report aims to provide a comprehensive description of the presentation of a subepithelial inflammatory keratitis observed in a patient undergoing trastuzumab treatment.
Study Design:
Case report and review of the literature.
Methods:
To conduct a literature review, we used the ScienceDirect (Elsevier) and PubMed databases.
Background:
Trastuzumab is a molecule commonly employed in the treatment of breast cancer. It is principally known for its cardiotoxic adverse effects (1) (2); however, recent literature has started to shed light on potential ocular adverse effects associated with its use (2) (3) (4) (5) (6) (7) (8). Therefore, this case report details the experience of a female patient who underwent treatment with this molecule and subsequently developed an inflammatory keratitis.
Case presentation:
A 63-year-old female diagnosed with breast cancer, presented corneal haze, corneal edema, epithelial folds, and reduction of visual acuity following cataract surgery. A diagnosis of subepithelial inflammatory keratitis was established. A causal relationship was identified between the corneal inflammation and the trastuzumab, as evidenced by the amelioration of symptoms upon discontinuation of treatment.
Diagnosis:
Corneal haze was the first clinical sign of keratitis observed and it appeared approximately one month following cataract surgery. A Herpes simplex virus (HSV) keratitis was suspected and excluded after a negative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and unsuccessful antiviral treatment. The keratitis was initially controlled with a topical 1% prednisolone acetate, but it recurred upon tapering. The patient eventually experienced a severe recurrence that did not respond to oral prednisone. This led to discontinuation of trastuzumab for several weeks, resulting in the resolution of inflammation even after tapering oral prednisone and topical 1% prednisolone.
Conclusion:
The antineoplastic agent trastuzumab carries notable ocular risks such as subepithelial inflammatory keratitis as evidenced by this case report and the literature.