bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Promoting Early Detection of Necrotizing Soft Tissue Infection of the Upper Extremity in Patients with History of Breast Cancer: A Case Report
Authors: Reddy Medha , Goicoechea Manuel , Wallack Marc K. 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Background: Breast cancer survivors are known to be at an increased risk of adverse health events, including lymphedema and skin infections, even decades after their initial diagnosis and treatment. Despite the high prevalence of secondary lymphedema amongst breast cancer survivors, it remains unrecognized and underdiagnosed by patients and physicians alike.
Case Presentation: A 56-year-old female with a three-year history of remission of breast cancer, status post bilateral total mastectomy with right axillary node dissection complicated by a seroma of the right chest wall and adjuvant chemotherapy and radiation, presented with a one-week history of worsening right upper extremity erythema, edema, and tenderness. She denied any known trauma, needle insertions, or insect bites.
On initial examination, she was afebrile, hypotensive (90/60 mmHg) with an erythematous, edematous right bicep that was tender and fluctuant to palpation. Distal pulses, strength, and sensation were at baseline bilaterally. CT and ultrasound imaging showed extensive subcutaneous edema and skin thickening of the right arm, compatible with cellulitis.
The patient was diagnosed with a necrotizing soft tissue infection of the right upper extremity and treated with antibiotic therapy, incision and drainage, controlled surgical debridement, and eventual Polynovo grafting.
Conclusions: In one of the first documented cases of necrotizing soft tissue infection in the context of lymphedema, of either primary or secondary etiology, we highlight the need for patient and physician education regarding secondary lymphedema in breast cancer survivors to promote early detection and intervention—a critical first step to prevention of superimposed infectious etiologies.
Kinetics of pro- and anti-inflammatory spike-specific T-cell responses in long-term care facility residents after COVID-19 mRNA primary and booster vaccination: A prospective longitudinal study in Japan
Authors: Kakugawa Tomoyuki , Mimura Yusuke , Mimura-Kimura Yuka , Doi Keiko , Ohteru Yuichi , Kakugawa Hiroyuki , Oishi Keiji , Kakugawa Masahiro , Hirano Tsunahiko , Matsunaga Kazuto 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Background
The magnitude and durability of cell-mediated immunity in older and severely frail individuals following coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination remain unclear. A controlled immune response could be the key to preventing severe COVID-19; however, it is uncertain whether vaccination induces an anti-inflammatory cellular immune response. To address these issues, this 48-week-long prospective longitudinal study was conducted. A total of 106 infection-naive participants (57 long-term care facility [LTCF] residents [median age; 89.0 years], 28 outpatients [median age; 72.0 years], and 21 healthcare workers [median age; 51.0 years]) provided peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) samples for the assessment of spike-specific T-cell responses before primary vaccination, 24 weeks after primary vaccination, and three months after booster vaccination. CD4 + T-cell responses to severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 spike protein were examined by measuring interferon (IFN)-γ, tumor necrosis factor (TNF), interleukin (IL)-2, IL-4, IL-6, and IL-10 levels secreted from the spike protein peptide-stimulated PBMCs of participants.
Results
LTCF residents exhibited significantly lower IFN-γ, TNF, IL-2, and IL-6 levels than healthcare workers after the primary vaccination. Booster vaccination increased IL-2 and IL-6 levels in LTCF residents comparable to those in healthcare workers, whereas IFN-γ and TNF levels in LTCF residents remained significantly lower than those in healthcare workers. IL-10 levels were not significantly different from the initial values after primary vaccination but increased significantly after booster vaccination in all subgroups. Multivariate analysis showed that age was negatively associated with IFN-γ, TNF, IL-2, and IL-6 levels but not with IL-10 levels. The levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines, including IFN-γ, TNF, IL-2, and IL-6, were positively correlated with humoral immune responses, whereas IL-10 levels were not.
Conclusions
Older and severely frail individuals may exhibit diminished cell-mediated immune responses following COVID-19 vaccination compared to the general population. A single booster vaccination may not adequately enhance cell-mediated immunity in older and severely frail individuals to a level comparable to that of the general population. Furthermore, booster vaccination may induce not only a pro-inflammatory cellular immune response but also an anti-inflammatory cellular immune response, potentially mitigating detrimental hyperinflammation.
Analysis of Losses in Physiotherapy Students During the Covid-19 Pandemic: a Phenomenological Approach.
Authors: Pérez Marta Terrón , Amador Sara Cortés , Simeó Juan Bautista Portolés 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Background During the COVID 19 Pandemic situation, young people experienced numerous personal losses in many aspects, which impacted their quality of life.
Objective: To explore and analyse the losses in physiotherapy students during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Methods: A qualitative phenomenological study was carried out using an open format exercise carried out during the Clinical Specialties class from February-May 2021. Thirty-four (83% female) third-year physical therapy students participated. ATLAS.ti software was used for the analysis and coding of the data by three researchers.
Results: After the analysis of the categories, different losses by the participants were found: losses in psychological well-being, losses in physical health, losses in the social sphere (friendships, partners and family relationships, as well as deaths) and spiritual losses (loss of freedom and identity), losses in leisure time (travel, recreational activities and physical exercise) and different losses related to university studies (motivation and enthusiasm and clinical practices).
Conclusion: The COVID-19 pandemic has generated losses worldwide in physiotherapy students, with losses in the social sphere being the most expressed. The present study can be used to generate resources that improve the well-being of physiotherapy students, both for optimal academic performance and greater self-care, and reduce psychosocial problems.
Validating Respiratory Rate Measurements in Patients Receiving High Flow Nasal Cannula: A Comparative Study of Nellcor PM1000N and visual inspection
Authors: Iwaya Takuma , Haruna Junpei , Sasaki Aki , Nakano Sayaka , Tatsumi Hiroomi , Masuda Yoshiki 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Purpose: Recently, the Nellcor PM1000N was developed for the concurrent assessment of respiratory rate and percutaneous oxygen saturation. However, the validation of respiratory rate measurements in patients receiving a high-flow nasal cannula (HFNC) using the PM1000N remains unestablished. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the validity of respiratory rate measurements obtained using PM1000N in patients receiving HFNC.
Methods: A retrospective assessment was conducted on the respiratory rate measurements obtained using the PM1000N and electrocardiogram (ECG) impedance methods in comparison to those visually assessed by nurses. This evaluation included patients admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of Sapporo Medical University Hospital who received HFNC between June 2022 and December 2022. Correlation coefficients, intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs), Bland-Altman plots, and t-tests were employed to assess the concordance between the visually observed respiratory rates by nurses and those recorded by the PM1000N and ECG impedance.
Results: Twenty patients were enrolled in this study. Among them, 119 instances of respiratory rate were recorded. The ICCs for the PM1000N and impedance methods were 0.918 and 0.846, respectively, compared with the rates visually assessed by nurses. The mean differences were p=0.947 (95% CI: -3.186 – 0.2987) and p < .001 (95% CI: 16.4609–17.9532), respectively.
Conclusion: The PM1000N demonstrated superiority over ECG impedance in measuring respiratory rate in patients with HFNC. Furthermore, PM1000N shows promise for effective application in patients receiving HFNC.
Arthropods associated with a dioecious bromeliad, Catopsis minimiflora Matuda (Bromeliaceae), in a shade coffee plantation (Coffea arabica L.) in the southeast of Mexico
Authors: Jiménez-Garza Diego A. , Solís-Montero Lislie , Chamé-Vázquez Eduardo R. , Martínez-Correa Nancy 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Shade coffee plantations are considered reservoirs of local flora and fauna. Epiphytic bromeliads are an important component of flora that inhabit not only shade trees but also coffee bushes in southeast of Mexico. At the same time, in these plants inhabit a diversity of arthropods poorly documented. We chose Catopsis minimiflora as the studied species because this bromeliad is abundant in coffee plantations and has a specialized reproductive system (dioecy). We counted the number of individuals of C. minimiflora growing over coffee bushes and shade trees and collected 58 bromeliads in two seasons (dry and rainy). We registered 2,048 arthropods (including 21 orders and 71 families) inhabited these plants. Based on hill numbers, no significant difference was found in richness between seasons; however, species dominance was higher in the rainy season. We estimated 27,215.5 arthropods/ha in the dry season and 31,227 arthropods/ha in the rainy season inhabited C. minimiflora that grow over coffee bushes. This arthropod community associated with C. minimiflora could provide ecosystem services such as pollination or depredation in a coffee agroecosystem. Epiphyte removal could have a negative effect on the abundance of this plant species, and in turn, it may have an impact on arthropods associated with them.
Optimal Timing for Video-Assisted Thoracic Surgery Decortication in Chronic Empyema: A survival analysis
Authors: Lin Ching-Min , Chen Yi-Ling , Cheng Ya-Fu , Cheng Ching-Yuan , Huang Chang-Lun , Hung Wei-Heng , Wang Bing-Yen 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Background
Video-assisted thoracic surgery decortication for phase 3 thoracic empyema is widely accepted, but the optimal timing for such surgical intervention has not been established. We aim to investigate and assess the optimal decortication timing, in terms of overall survival, for chronic empyema.
Methods
204 patients with pneumonia-caused phase 3 empyema were treated with video-assisted thoracic surgery decortication over 10 years at Changhua Christian Hospital. The 90-day post-operative survival status was analyzed, and we compared the survivor group versus the non-survivor group. A receiver operating characteristic curve was used to identify the optimal decortication timing.
Results
A comparison of characteristics between survivors and non-survivors showed statistical differences among age, presence of cardiovascular disease, presence of end-stage renal disease, duration to surgery, length of intensive care unit stay, and overall length of hospital stay. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis determined the cut-off for video-assisted thoracic surgery decortication, based on optimal 90-day post-operative survival, to be 7.5 days after hospitalization; mortality increases threefold thereafter. Multivariate analysis revealed that age, end-stage renal disease, pleural effusion pH ≦ 7.2 and duration to surgery > 7.5 days negatively impacted 90-day post-operative survival.
Conclusions
Patients who underwent decortication surgery within 7.5 days of hospital admission had better overall survival.
Volume Rendering Techniques in Computerized Tomography for the Evaluation of Proximal Humerus Fractures: A Case report
Authors: Zarakovitis Dimitrios A. , Karametos Anastasios G. 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Background: Proximal Humerus Fracture (PHF) is the third most common type of fracture, commonly occurring in older people, with a higher incidence in those over 50 years of age. Diagnostic imaging includes X-rays of the shoulder and a CT scan to aid surgical treatment and pre-operative surgical planning. The CT scan is performed in combination with the new applications of artificial intelligence in image reconstruction. Cost is a major limitation when it comes to AI technology, therefore public hospitals in Greece cannot afford it. The novelty of our article is that we investigate a practical way to reconstruct CT images of proximal humerus fractures by using the Volume Rendering Technique algorithm to generate images of great accuracy and detail, especially in the absence of Deep Learning Reconstruction systems.
Case presentation: We present the case of a 48-year-old worker who was injured after falling from a ladder and was diagnosed with a PHF and a scapula fracture. Three-dimensional (3D) image reconstruction of the shoulder joint showed a fracture line with high accuracy. The surgeons were supported in the decision to transfer the patient to a specialized hospital for treatment of severe fractures.
Conclusions: The Volume Rendering Technique algorithm is a helpful tool that allows physicians to create three-dimensional images of proximal humerus fractures with great accuracy. The process is performed in a very short time and allows surgeons to proceed with preoperative planning of the shoulder.
Not Only in Corals: Beneficial Microorganisms for Corals can also Be Enriched in Sponges
Authors: Peixoto Raquel , Ribeiro Barbara , Garritano Alessandro N , Raimundo Ines ,   Nathalia Delgadillo-Ordoñez2, Nappi Jadranka , Garcias-Bonet Neus , Villela Helena , Thomas Torsten , Klautau Michele 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Microbiome restoration and rehabilitation using beneficial microorganisms for corals (BMCs) comprise a promising strategy to help corals cope with anthropogenic stressors. However, there is a lack of knowledge on BMC uptake in situ and the potential interactions with nontarget animals, especially filter-feeders such as sponges. Herein, this study explores whether sponges can acquire BMCs upon direct application and whether these probiotic inoculations affect sponge health. A 4-week in situ experiment applying BMCs to sponges Stylissa carteri and Callyspongia crassa assesses three conditions: no BMC inoculation (control), and BMC inoculation once and thrice a week. BMCs are naturally available in the seawater and as members of the native microbiome only of S. carteri. The natural presence of BMCs is enriched in S. carteri because of their application as part of the probiotic consortium. Microbiomes of both sponges are restructured, although BMCs are not incorporated in any C. crassa sample. Both species are visually healthy and efficiently pumping water at the end of the experiment. These results indicate that BMC inoculation in nearby corals is unlikely to affect sponge health or performance negatively, even when sponge-native BMCs are enriched in their microbiome, suggesting an opportunity for the development of probiotics for sponges.
Evolving or Immutable - Phase I Solid Tumor Trials in the Era of Precision Oncology
Authors: Stockton Shannon S. , Ayers G. Dan , Lee Cody , Laferriere Heather , Das Satya , Berlin Jordan 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Purpose
In the era of precision oncology (PO), systemic therapies for patients (pts) with solid tumors have shifted from chemotherapy (CT) to targeted therapy (TT) and immunotherapy (IO). This systematic survey describes features of trials enrolling between 2010-2020, focusing on inclusion criteria, type of dose escalation scheme (DES) utilized, and use of expansion cohorts (ECs).
Methods
A literature search identified phase I studies in adults with solid tumors published January 1, 2000 – December 31, 2020 from 12 journals. We included only studies enrolling between 2010-2020 to better capture the PO era. Two reviewers abstracted data; a third established concordance.
Results
Of 10,744 studies, 10,195 were non-topical or enrolled prior to 2010; 437 studies were included. The most common drug classes were TT (47.6%), IO (22%), and CT (6.9%). In studies which reported race, patients were predominantly white (61.7%) or Asian (25.7%), followed by black (6.5%) or other (6.1%). Heterogeneity was observed in the reporting and specification of study inclusion criteria. Only 40.1% of studies utilized ECs, and among the studies which used ECS, 46.6% were defined by genomic selection. Rule-based DES were used in 89% of trials; a 3+3 design was used in 80.5%. Of all drugs tested, 37.5% advanced to phase II, while 10.3% garnered regulatory licensure (for an indication tested in phase I).
Conclusion
In the era of PO, TT and IO have emerged as the most studied agents in phase I trials. Rule-based DES, which are more relevant for escalating CT, are still chiefly utilized.
Education for sustainable development: comparative analysis and prospects at universities in Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan
Authors: Bespalyy Sergey , Alfiya Akhrorova , Gulmira Alnazarova , Ainura Adieva , Alexandr Petrenko 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

The study, conducted in higher education institutions in Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan, highlights ongoing changes in approaches to education for sustainable development (ESD) in Central Asian countries. This region, exposed to various challenges such as climate change and environmental problems, has recognized the importance and role of education in achieving sustainable development. The study aims to identify the current level of awareness of students and teachers about the Sustainable Development Goals, as well as to understand how universities in the region are integrating ESD principles into their educational programs. The results show that students generally have limited knowledge about the global sustainable development goals, while teachers have a higher level of awareness. Most students receive information about the sustainable development goals (SDGs) through social media and the Internet, while it is less reflected in the curriculum. However, there is a trend towards changing this situation, in particular in Tajikistan, where curricula are becoming more focused on environmental education. Finally, recommendations for universities include integrating ESD principles into teacher development, developing teaching methods and materials, and strengthening collaboration at the regional and international levels to promote sustainable development goals.
Proton transport in water is doubly gated by sequential hydrogen-bond exchanges
Authors: Laage Damien , Gomez Axel , Thompson Ward 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

The transport of excess protons in water is central to acid-base chemistry, biochemistry, and energy production. However, elucidating its mechanism has been challenging. Recent nonlinear vibrational spectroscopy experiments could not be explained by existing models. Here, we combine neural network-based molecular dynamics simulations considering nuclear quantum effects for all atoms and vibrational spectroscopy calculations to determine the proton transport mechanism. Our simulations reveal the equilibrium between two stable proton-localized structures with distinct Eigen-like and Zundel-like hydrogen-bond motifs. Proton transport follows a three-step mechanism gated by two successive hydrogen-bond exchanges: the first reduces the proton-acceptor water coordination, leading to proton transfer, and the second, the rate-limiting step, prevents rapid back-transfer by increasing the proton-donor coordination. This sequential mechanism is consistent with experimental characterizations of proton diffusion, explaining the low activation energy and the prolonged intermediate lifetimes in vibrational spectroscopy. These results are crucial for understanding proton dynamics in biochemical and technological systems.
Associations between Anxiety, Depression and Background Characteristics among Pregnant Women in Iran during COVID-19
Authors: Bakhshi Mojde , Stein Lynda , Lalooha Fatemeh , Sarichloo Mohammad Ebrahim , Oveisi Sonia 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Objective
The COVID-19 pandemic affects both physical and mental health in pregnant women. This study aimed to assess pregnant women’s depression and anxiety during the COVID-19 pandemic and determine factors predicting such symptoms.
Material and Methods
This cross-sectional study was conducted on 434 pregnant women entering the prenatal clinic of Kosar Hospital in Qazvin Province of Iran in 2021. Data were collected using three questionnaires including Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS), the Perinatal Anxiety Screening Scale (PASS), and a socio-demographic checklist. Prevalence rates were calculated, association of depression/ anxiety with prior COVID-19 infection was analyzed and logistic regression was performed to determine predictors of symptoms.
Results
Of mothers, 60.1% were at risk of anxiety disorder. The percent of mothers at risk for anxiety disorder was statistically different (p < .05) between those who planned (57.7%) vs those with unplanned pregnancy (68.8%). In addition, 29.8% of mothers were at high risk of having a depressive disorder and 7% of had thought about harming themselves. Prior infection was not associated with anxiety or depression. Logistic regression revealed that only unplanned pregnancy was associated with anxiety.
Conclusion
Prevalence of depression was similar to other rates found world-wide for pregnant women during the pandemic; however, prevalence of anxiety was elevated compared to rates world-wide. Anxious and depressive symptoms were not related to history of COVID-19 infection. Pregnant women should be screened for anxiety and depression during and following pregnancy in order to determine need for services.
Overcoming ABCB1 mediated multidrug resistance in castration resistant prostate cancer
Authors: Ishov Alexander , Sarwar Sadia , Morozov Viacheslav , Newcomb Mallory , Guryanova Olga 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Prostate cancer (PCa) is the second leading cause of cancer-related death in American men. PCa that relapses after hormonal therapies, referred to as castration resistant PCa (CRPC), often presents with metastases (mCRPC) that are the major cause of mortality. The few available therapies for mCRPC patients include taxanes docetaxel (DTX) and cabazitaxel (CBZ). However, development of resistance limits their clinical use. Mechanistically, resistance arises through upregulation of multidrug resistance (MDR) proteins such as MDR1/ABCB1, making ABCB1 an attractive therapeutic target. Yet, ABCB1 inhibitors failed to be clinically useful due to low specificity and toxicity issues.
To study taxanes resistance, we produced CBZ resistant C4-2B cells (RC4-2B) and documented resistance to both CBZ and DTX in cell culture and in 3D prostaspheres settings. RNAseq identified increased expression of ABCB1 in RC4-2B, that was confirmed by immunoblotting and immunofluorescent analysis. ABCB1-specific inhibitor elacridar reversed CBZ and DTX resistance in RC4-2B cells, confirming ABCB1-mediated resistance mechanism. In a cell-based screen using a curated library of FDA-approved cytotoxic drugs, we found that DNA damaging compounds Camptothecin (CPT) and Cytarabine (Ara-C) overcame resistance as seen by similar cytotoxicity in parental C4-2B and resistant RC4-2B. Further, these compounds were cytotoxic to multiple PC cells resistant to taxanes with high ABCB1 expression and, therefore, can be used to conquer the acquired resistance to taxanes in PCa. Finally, inhibition of CDK4/6 kinases with small molecule inhibitors (CDK4/6i) potentiated cytotoxic effect of CPT or Ara-C in both parental and resistant cells.
Overall, our findings indicate that DNA damaging agents CPT and Ara-C alone or in combination with CDK4/6i can be suggested as a new treatment regimen in CRPC patients, including those that are resistant to taxanes.