bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Immunohistochemistry and Next-Generation Sequencing for NTRK Fusion detection in Differentiated Thyroid Cancer of Children, Adolescents and Young Adults
Authors: Telles Ana Clara Tosta , von Ammon Juliana Lima , Matta Rafael Reis Campos , Beltrão Fabyan Esberard de Lima , Paz Alexandre Rolim , Hecht Fábio , Lopes Guilherme Castro , Machado Gabriel Jeferson , Cerqueira Taíse Lima de Oliveira , Lisboa Bruno da Silva , Rios Leonardo Freitas Boaventura , Ramos Helton Estrela 
Published: November 2023

Abstract

Introduction: Pan-Trk immunohistochemistry (IHC) staining can assess the protein expression from NTRK gene fusions a- Little is known about its utility in differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC) samples from children, adolescents, and young adults (CAYA) patients.
Objective: Investigate Pan-Trk IHC sensitivity and specificity in DTC samples from CAYA patients.
Methods:Tumor samples obtained from 79 CAYA patients (age <21years) diagnosed with DTC between January 2010 and January 2021 were retrospectively recruited from four health centers from state of Bahia e Paraíba, Brazil. NTRK gene fusion testing of all archival FFPE tumor samples: Pan-TRK IHC staining for TRKA, TRKB and TRKC protein expression were performed and then analyzed with RNA-based next-generation sequencing (NGS) assay in order to confirm IHC pan-TRK result and elucidate fusion partner.
Results:Pan-Trk IHC: 3 of 79 cases had positive pan-Trk expression: NGS sequencing: 04- were identified with NTRK gene fusion, Pan-Trk IHC was negative in all 4 NTRK NGS-positive cases. 25 of 79 NTRK NGS-negative control cases had concordant negative pan-TRK IHC results. Therefore, our rate of false positive pan-Trk IHC results was 3/25 (12%). The overall results for pan-Trk IHC in our cohort of NGS-negative cases was: (i) sensitivity (0%), (ii) specificity (96%), (iii) positive predictive value (94.7%), (iv) negative predictive value (91%).
Conclusions: Pan-Trk IHC was not a tissue-efficient screen for NTRK fusions in DTC from CAYA patients. This is the largest cohort of CAYA DTC cases stained with pan-Trk IHC, and it is the first to detail the sensitivity and specificity of pan-Trk IHC regarding the data obtained by targeted RNA-based NGS panel in DTC.
Monitoring, early warning and prevention measures for high-steep slopes in high-voltage tower areas
Authors: Xianlin Liu , Xilin Lu , Chuan Chen , Liu Guangbin , Yishan Li , Yu Shao , Mingzhi Li , Xinyu Wu , Chen Youdong 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
In high-voltage tower areas, high-steep slopes with siltstone as the main lithology have poor engineering characteristics, which can increase the risk of engineering failures and disasters, such as landslides, collapses, and cracking the supporting structure of buildings. Thus, it is necessary to protect the high-voltage towers in the prevention process, which also brings great challenges to monitor, early warn and respond to emergency disposal of engineering failures and disasters. In this paper, intelligent monitoring, early warning and forecasting were carried out on the high-steep slopes in the high-voltage tower areas along the expressway under construction in Guangxi, China. The emergency rescue measures for protecting the 500KV high-voltage towers on the top of slope were initiated. At the same time, automatic monitoring data, emergency rescue scheme and rescue effects were analysed. It was found that the information about early warning for disasters could be timely identified to support the cause analysis and assessment of disposal schemes effectively. Also, the early warning criterion of tangential angle could be used for early warning and forecasting the failures of high-steep slopes in high-voltage tower areas. From the analysis of the position of sliding slope surface, emergency disposal measures of timely layered counter-pressure method and micro-piles, we can effectively control the activities of landslides and prevent the further acceleration of landslide failures. The study can be an important reference for monitoring, early warning, forecasting and emergency rescue of high-steep slopes in high-voltage tower areas.
Management of paediatric epidiymoorchitis - is there a need for antibiotics and follow-up imaging?
Authors: Edwards Michael , Islam Saidul , Upadhyaya Manasvi , Bhandarkar Kailas 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Background
Epididymo-orchitis, in children and adolescents, presents with acute testicular pain. Diagnosis is usually made during emergency scrotal exploration for acute testicular pain. We conducted this study to assess the need of antibiotics and for follow-up renal imaging in this cohort.
Methods
A single institutional retrospective study was conducted in a tertiary paediatric surgical center from 2016–2020. All children and adolescents under 16 years of age who had a scrotal exploration for acute testicular pain and diagnosed with epididymoorchitis were included in this study. Electronic patient records and discharge summaries were used to gather information regarding admission, operation reports, antibiotic prescription, investigations and follow-up of these patients.
Results
A total of 353 boys had scrotal exploration in this period. Of these, 53 had an intraoperative diagnosis of epididymo-orchitis. Median age was 12 years (range 1 year to 15 years). Proportion of epididymo-orchitis among scrotal explorations each year remained fairly constant (15%). Only 1 boy with recurrent episodes of epididymo-orchitis had a positive urine culture which grew Escherichia Coli. Overall, 35% of children and adolescents were prescribed antibiotics. All patients had follow-up imaging requested to look for urological anomalies of which only a third attended the follow up appointment. Only 1 was diagnosed with urological anomaly which was attributable as a cause of recurrent epididymo-orchitis.
Conclusion
This study confirms a low incidence of bacterial aetiology and lack of evidence base for routine use of antibiotics and imaging after a single episode of paediatric epididymo-orchitis. Associated urological anomaly is rare after a single episode of epididymo-orchitis and most can be safely managed without the need for antibiotics or follow up renal imaging.
Re-resection of brain metastases – Outcomes of an institutional cohort study and literature review
Authors: Wasilewski David , Shaked Zoe , Fuchs Annalena , Roohani Siyer , Xu Ran , Schlaak Max , Frost Nikolaj , Misch Martin , Capper David , Kaul David , Onken Julia , Vajkoczy Peter , Ehret Felix 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Background: Surgically accessible brain metastases are treated with microsurgical removal followed by radiation therapy, resulting in improved progression-free and overall survival. Some patients experience recurrence, prompting the need for effective management strategies. Despite the prevalence of recurrence, there remains a gap in the literature regarding the outcomes of patients that experience intracranial disease recurrence necessitating re-resection of a brain metastasis.
Objectives: This study aims to comprehensively characterize clinical, radiological, histopathological, and treatment-related aspects, along with outcomes, for patients undergoing re-resection of locally and distantly recurrent brain metastases.
Methods: We conducted a single-center retrospective cohort study, focusing on patients who underwent a second brain metastasis resection following prior removal and irradiation.
Results: Among the 60 patients undergoing re-resection, local recurrence was observed in 41 patients (68.3%), while 19 (31.7%) showed distant recurrence. Median intracranial progression-free survival was 7.7 months (6.5-11.2; IQR), with a median time-to-recurrence resection of 11.6 months (9.07-15.3; IQR), and a median overall survival of 30.8 months (20.4 – 51.6; IQR). Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) represented the most common tumor entity. Following initial brain metastasis resection, treatment comprised radiation therapy alone for 18 patients (31.7%), radiation and chemotherapy for 15 patients (25.0%), radiation with targeted therapy for 9 patients (15.0%), and radiation with immunotherapy for 17 patients (28.3%). While 46 patients (76.7%) received irradiation to the resection cavity, 14 patients underwent whole brain radiation (24.3%). Independent risk factors for shorter overall survival included the presence of NSCLC or small cell lung cancer. Adjuvant radiation therapy together with checkpoint inhibition was associated with improved intracranial progression-free survival.
Conclusion: Brain metastases resection of local and distant recurrences is feasible and is a valuable option for selected patients. Further research to improve patient selection and treatment algorithms is warranted.
Patterns of Echocardiographic abnormalities in thyrotoxic patients on follow up at Jimma Medical Center, Ethiopia, A Hospital based observational study
Authors: Asefa Elsah Tegene , Nasir Mohammed Ahmed , Abafogi Mohammed Mecha , Tukeni Kedir Negesso 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Background: Thyrotoxicosis is a common endocrine disorder that can lead to clinically significant cardiovascular disease. Early recognition and control of hyperthyroidism can reduce serious cardiac complications with significant morbidity and mortality. Echocardiographic abnormalities were evident and informative regarding subsequent complications. The main aim of this study was to determine the patterns of Echocardiographic abnormalities in patients with thyrotoxicosis during treatment and follow-up at Jimma Medical Center, Ethiopia.
Methodology: A hospital-based prospective semi-observational study was conducted on all patients diagnosed with thyrotoxicosis and followed up at the Jimma Medical Center, Ethiopia, during the study period. A structured questionnaire was used to collect data. The collected data were checked and entered into Epidata version 4.6.0.5 and exported to SPSS version 23.0. Multivariable logistic regression was used to analyze the predictors of echocardiographic changes and associated factors.
Results: A total of 114 patients with thyrotoxicosis were included in this study, with the mean age of 45.32 years. Females accounted for 71.1% of the patients. The mean duration of the symptoms before presentation was 36 months. The frequent causes of thyrotoxicosis were toxic multi-nodular goiter, 91(79.8%), Graves’ disease, 16 (14.0%), toxic adenoma, 3(2.6%), thyroiditis 2(1.8%), and thyroid cancer 2(1.8%). Pulmonary hypertension (47%), mitral regurgitation (41%), and left ventricular hypertrophy (40%) were found to be the frequent echocardiographic abnormalities associated with thyrotoxicosis.
Conclusion: Toxic multi-nodular goiter was the leading cause of thyrotoxicosis. Pulmonary hypertension, mitral regurgitation, and left ventricular hypertrophy are the most common echocardiographic findings associated with thyrotoxicosis in the study participants. Comorbid conditions are significant among patients with thyrotoxicosis leading to the unclarity of echocardiographic findings solely due to thyrotoxicosis.
A highly photothermal stability Au@Cu 2-x Se nanoprobe for photoacoustic- imaging guided dual enhanced NIR- II photothermal/chemodynamic therapy
Authors: Li Bei , Luo Bin , Liu Geng , Gou Maling , Luo Yuting , Zhang Wenli , Ye Xiwen , Xu Jianrong , Fan Yaotian , Feng Lei , You Zhen 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
The occurrence of tumors in deeper tissues and the hypoxic microenvironment of tumor tissue has always been a barrier to achieving the expected therapeutic effect of laser-mediated therapy. Herein, we reported a new nanoprobe by increasing the aspect ratio of the gold nanorods so that the localized surface plasmon
Resonance (LSPR) appears in the NIR-II region, and then growing Cu2-xSe with strong plasmon resonance at one end of the surface by deposition method. The nanoprobe demonstrated CDT and PTT therapeutic properties with a single wavelength of NIR-II laser excitation, and the NIR-II laser has deeper biological tissue penetration and is independent of the oxygen content within the tumor tissue. Therefore, in vivo and in vitro experiments, the nanoprobe effectively killed tumor cells by generating a large amount of heat under 1064 nm laser irradiation, combined with hydroxyl free radicals generated by the stimulated plasma hole effect and photothermal enhanced CDT. This work provides a new approach and strategy for the effective treatment of deep hypoxic tumor tissue under a single NIR-II laser excitation.
Incidence, patterns and factors associated with ileostomy complications in two selected hospitals in Western Uganda
Authors: Ali Juma Salum , Mauricio William , Kyomukama Lauben , Molen Selamo Fabrice , Olasinde Anthony Ayotunde , Okiria Paul , Muhumuza Joshua 
Published: November 2023

Abstract

Introduction:
In resource limited settings, the burden of stomas is high due to inadequate elective surgical service. This results in a big number of patients living with stomas for a long time with substandard stoma care, hence, ileostomy complications. This study aimed to determine the incidence, patterns and factors associated with ileostomy complications in two selected hospitals in western Uganda.
Methods
This was a prospective observational study conducted in the surgical departments of two regional referral hospitals in western Uganda. Patients were enrolled at the time of ileostomy creation and followed up for 6 weeks to assess for occurrence of complications, the time they occurred and the management. Analysis was done using SPSS version 26 with Poisson regression done to determine the factors associated with occurrence of complications.
Results
Among the 74 patients enrolled, the mean age was 30.2 years (SD = 18.5). Majority of the stomas were cared for by non-medical personnel 54(73.0%), with only 10(13.5%) using stoma bags routinely. The incidence of stoma complications was 68.9% (95%CI = 58.1%-79.7%). The commonest complication was skin excoriation accounting for 43.1% of the complications, followed by prolapse (15.7%), high output stoma (15.7%), and stoma retraction (15.7%). Majority of the complications occurred in the first week (39.2%). Most of the complications were managed non-operatively 30(58.8%). Not using a stoma bag was independently associated with occurrence of complications (aRR = 4.692, CI = 1.131–19.459, P = 0.033).
Conclusion
More efforts are still needed in reducing ileostomy complications and immediate efforts should be focused on providing standard stoma bags that are affordable to the patients.
Exploring Potential Biomarkers and Molecular Mechanisms of Cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma Based on Bioinformatics
Authors: Qi Jiayue , Guo Qingqing , Bai Jia , Liang Xiaoqiang , Zhu Wenwei , Li Chengxin , Xie Fang 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC) ranks as the second most common malignancy in clinical practice and poses a significant threat to public health due to its high malignancy. In this study, we aimed to explore potential biomarkers and molecular mechanisms of cSCC. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) from GSE66359 and GSE117247 datasets were identified using R software. We conducted enrichment analyses and screened hub genes through protein-protein interaction (PPI) analysis and weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA). To assess the diagnostic performance of these genes, we generated ROC curves using both internal and external datasets (GSE45164) and validated the expression levels of these genes in cSCC tissues through immunohistochemistry. Subsequently, we predicted the target miRNAs and lncRNAs for hub genes using online databases and constructed competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) networks. In total, we identified 505 upregulated DEGs and 522 downregulated DEGs. Through PPI and WGCNA analyses, we identified four hub genes exhibiting robust diagnostic performance in internal and external datasets (AUC > 0.9) and selected three previously unreported genes for further analysis. Immunohistochemistry demonstrated significantly elevated CCNA2, CCNB2, and UBE2C expression in cSCC tissues compared to normal skin tissues. Finally, we constructed three ceRNA networks, namely NEAT1/H19-hsa-miR-148a-3p-CCNA2 and NEAT1-hsa-miR-140-3p-UBE2C. In conclusion, we have identified CCNA2, CCNB2, and UBE2C as novel biomarkers for cSCC, and the NEAT1/H19-hsa-miR-148a-3p-CCNA2 and NEAT1-hsa-miR-140-3p-UBE2C ceRNA networks may represent molecular mechanisms under-lying cSCC progression. The findings of this study offer new diagnostic and therapeutic options for cSCC patients.
Can we improve the management of inoperable malignant bowel obstruction? Results of a feasibility study of Elemental Diet as an alternative to parenteral nutrition in patients with advanced gynaecological cancer
Authors: Allan Lindsey , Skene Simon , Eastley Kate Bennett , Herbertson Rebecca , Smith Eleanor , Michael Agnieszka 
Published: November 2023

Abstract

Purpose. Nutrition support in inoperable bowel obstruction (IBO) remains challenging. Parenteral nutrition (PN) is recommended if prognosis is > 2 months. An elemental diet (ED) is licensed for strictures in Crohn’s disease but has not been used in malignant bowel obstruction. The aim of this study was to evaluate the use of ED in patients with IBO and provide a ‘Proof of Concept’ of ED as an acceptable feeding option.
Methods. This was a mixed-methods single arm feasibility study. Endpoints included taste acceptability, incidences of vomiting and pain, the proportion of women who tolerated ED, number of cartons drunk, quality of life (QOL) and number of women treated with chemotherapy. Patients (>18 years) with CT-confirmed IBO and able to tolerate 500ml of liquid in 24 hours, remained on the trial for 2 weeks.
Results. 29 patients were recruited; of those 19 contributed to the analysis. 13 participants (68.4%) tolerated the ED. Mean number of cartons drunk was 1.72 per day. At the start of the study 72% of patients experienced vomiting, reducing to 23.5% by the end of Day 15. 96% of patients reported pain at consent, reducing to 76% by Day 15. QOL scores improved from 36.23 at baseline to 53.13 at the end of Day 15. 13 (68%) participants commenced chemotherapy within the first week of starting ED.
Conclusion. ED is well tolerated by patients with IBO caused by gynaecological malignancies and may have a positive effect on symptom burden and QOL.
Characteristics and management of municipal solid waste in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria
Authors: Bassey Uduak , Tom Abasi-ofon , Okono Udemeobong , John Mbetobong , Sinn Maja , Bassey Ayoge , Luke Uduak , Narra Satyanarayana 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Increased urbanization and population lead to increased consumption of manufactured goods. This ultimately results in increased production of waste. Identifying its composition is crucial for planning an effective solid waste management strategy. This study assesses the characteristics and composition of the waste generated in Uyo, Akwa Ibom state of Nigeria, to aid in developing a scientifically supported waste management pilot system for the state. Direct waste sorting and characterization was conducted on the municipal solid waste arriving at the landfill during the study period. Over 50% of the generated waste are recyclables and composed of plastics, metals and paper, while the fraction of organic waste is over 30%. Similarly, the waste generation forecast over the next ten years presents an estimated increase of approximately 50%. Additionally, over 9,000 surveys were completed by residents to establish a problem statement about the existing waste collection and disposal system, and possible solutions. Importantly, a majority of survey respondents were willing to source-separate their wastes and supported paying a fee for adequate waste collection. This strongly indicates that an integrated waste management system could be established to generate value from the collected waste. Supplementary revenue can be generated through composting, recycling, and land reclamation.
Label-Free Functional Analysis of Root-Associated Microbes with Dynamic Quantitative Oblique Back-illumination Microscopy
Authors: Serafini Caroline Elizabeth , Green Madison , Diering Abigail , Cicerone Marcus T. , Cheung Lily S. , Kostka Joel E. , Robles Francisco E. 
Published: November 2023

Abstract

The increasing global demand for food, coupled with concerns about the environmental impact of synthetic fertilizers, underscores the urgency of developing sustainable agricultural practices. Nitrogen-fixing bacteria, known as diazotrophs, offer a potential solution by converting atmospheric nitrogen into bioavailable forms, reducing the reliance on synthetic fertilizers. However, a deeper understanding of their interactions with plants and other microbes is needed. In this study, we introduce a recently developed label-free 3D quantitative phase imaging technology called dynamic quantitative oblique back-illumination microscopy (DqOBM) to assess the dynamic activity of diazotrophs in vitro and in situ. Our experiments involved three different diazotrophs (Sinorhizobium meliloti, Azotobacter vinelandii, and Rahnella aquatilis) cultured on media with amendments of carbon and nitrogen sources. Over five days, we observed increased dynamic activity in nutrient-amended media. These results suggest that the observed bacterial dynamics correlate with their metabolic activity. Furthermore, we applied qOBM to visualize bacterial activity within the root cap and elongation zone of Arabidopsis thaliana primary roots. This allowed us to identify distinct areas of microbial infiltration in plant roots without the need for fluorescent markers. Our findings demonstrate that DqOBM can effectively characterize microbial activity and provide insights into plant-microbe interactions in situ, offering a valuable tool for advancing our understanding of sustainable agriculture.
Macrozoobenthos of small urban lakes with polluted sediments, the Republic of Karelia, Russia
Authors: Savosin Evgeny , Slukovskii Zakhar 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Assessing the benthic communities in water bodies under increasing anthropogenic pressure seems to be an urgent task of scientific research aimed at short-term and long-term monitoring of water bodies. The article focuses on the current state of zoobenthic communities of small lakes in the Republic of Karelia (Kitaiskoe and Plotichie) influenced by anthropogenic factors. The qualitative and quantitative parameters analysed for the benthic communities in the littoral and profundal zones included the species diversity, the structure of dominant species, and their percentage in the samples. According to the level of zoobenthos development, both reservoirs were classified as mesotrophic ones, and according to the values of the chironomid index “K” as moderately polluted. The Pantle-Buck method (saprobic index) showed that the lakes can be classified as polluted (water quality class 4). Macrozoobenthos groups most tolerant to environmental conditions, for example Chironomidae larvae, prevailed in the studied urban lakes. The economic development of the lakes leads to ecosystem transformation and long-term eutrophication over time affecting the biotic indicators of surface water quality. The results obtained can serve as a basis for complex environmental monitoring of the urbanized territories in the taiga zone.