bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
CRISPR/Cas9 system: recent applications in immuno-oncology and cancer immunotherapy
Authors: Chen Chen , Wang Zehua , Qin Yanru 
Published: November 2023

AbstractClustered regulatory interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)/CRISPR-associated protein 9 (Cas9) is essentially an adaptive immunity weapon in prokaryotes against foreign DNA. This system inspires the development of genome-editing technology in eukaryotes. In biomedicine research, CRISPR has offered a powerful platform to establish tumor-bearing models and screen potential targets in the immuno-oncology field, broadening our insights into cancer genomics. In translational medicine, the versatile CRISPR/Cas9 system exhibits immense potential to break the current limitations of cancer immunotherapy, thereby expanding the feasibility of adoptive cell therapy (ACT) in treating solid tumors. Herein, we first explain the principles of CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing technology and introduce CRISPR as a tool in tumor modeling. We next focus on the CRISPR screening for target discovery that reveals tumorigenesis, immune evasion, and drug resistance mechanisms. Moreover, we discuss the recent breakthroughs of genetically modified ACT using CRISPR/Cas9. Finally, we present potential challenges and perspectives in basic research and clinical translation of CRISPR/Cas9. This review provides a comprehensive overview of CRISPR/Cas9 applications that advance our insights into tumor-immune interaction and lay the foundation to optimize cancer immunotherapy.
Experiences of living with binge eating disorder and facilitators of recovery processes: a qualitative study
Authors: Bremer Marit Fjerdingren , Garnweidner-Holme Lisa , Nesse Linda , Molin Marianne 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Background
Binge eating disorder (BED) is the most prevalent eating disorder worldwide. BED is often associated with low quality of life and mental health problems. Given the complexity of the disorder, recovery may be challenging. Since BED was only recently specified as a diagnostic category by the World Health Organization (2021), little is known about how patients experience living with BED in everyday life. This study aimed to explore how patients experience living with BED and to investigate factors perceived as facilitating recovery.

Method
Individual interviews were conducted with six patients in a rehabilitation programme for recovery from BED. Interviews were conducted digitally and verbally transcribed between December 2020 and January 2021. The analysis was based on Malterud’s systematic text condensation.

Results
Being diagnosed with BED could be experienced as a relief. The participants perceived living with BED as a challenging addiction. They struggled with a low self-image and experienced a lack of understanding from others, resulting in shame. Self-compassion and social support from friends and family and through participation in a rehabilitation programme were important facilitators of recovery.

Conclusion
Participants perceived living with BED as a challenging addiction. They struggled with low self-esteem and experienced a lack of understanding from others, resulting in shame. Being diagnosed with BED was perceived as a relief. They appreciated that issues related to mental health were addressed during rehabilitation to better understand the complexity of BED. Knowledge about BED, as well as the difficulties of living with BED among family members and friends might help patients with BED feel less ashamed of their disorder and could thus contribute to increased self-compassion.
Distinct rupture processes on a fault where M6-class earthquakes reoccurred in a short period: analysis of the 2011 and 2016 Northern Ibaraki, Japan, earthquakes using near-field waveforms
Authors: Hikima Kazuhito 
Published: November 2023

AbstractCrustal earthquakes are generally recognized as having recurrence periods of more than 1000 years. However, in northern Ibaraki Prefecture, Japan, two moderate-sized earthquakes occurred on almost the same fault plane in 2011 and 2016. Moreover, it has been reported that the slip distributions derived from crustal deformation data from these two events are almost identical. We performed a near-field waveform inversion analysis to estimate the details of the spatiotemporal distribution of the co-seismic rupture. Our results reveal large slip areas during each earthquake at different locations across the bend of the fault plane. These results indicate that the shear stress of the fault area where the main slip occurred during the 2011 event was not rebuilt in such a short period, a phenomenon that had not previously been discussed for this sequence. Our results also suggest that the fault geometry affected such complex fault ruptures.
Graphical Abstract
Prevalence and risk factors of diabetes foot ulcers in Kano, northwestern Nigeria
Authors: Aliyu Raliyatu , Gezawa Ibrahim D. , Uloko Andrew E. , Ramalan Mansur A. 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Background
Foot complications account for more hospital admissions than any other diabetes mellitus (DM) complications with adverse outcomes being foot ulcers and amputation.

Objective
To determine the prevalence and risk factors of diabetic foot ulcers in Kano, Northwestern Nigeria.

Methods
A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in the diabetes outpatient clinics and medical and surgical wards of two hospitals in Kano, Nigeria. Data were collected on socio-demographic characteristics, type, and duration of DM. The study subjects were assessed for the presence of and risk factors for foot ulcers.

Results
We recruited 394 patients with DM (163 males and 231 females) with a mean (SD) age and duration of DM of 50.8 ± 12.5 years and 7.72 ± 6.65 years respectively. Type 2 DM was present in 95% of the study subjects. Diabetic foot ulcer (DFU) was present in 57 (14.5%) of the patients. Risk factors associated with DFU assessed using univariate analysis were older age, longer duration of DM, presence of peripheral neuropathy (PN), peripheral arterial disease (PAD), diabetic retinopathy, nephropathy, foot deformities, previous DFU, and poor glycemic control. The independent determinants of DFU were previous DFU, foot deformities, retinopathy, PN, PAD, and poor glycemic control.

Conclusion
DFU can be found in our setting and the predominant risk factors for DFU are common and remain unchanged in our environment. This study, therefore, buttresses the effect of early detection and treatment of DM in preventing the complications that arise from the disease.
Anatomical and functional results after vitrectomy with conventional ILM peeling versus inverted ILM flap technique in large full-thickness macular holes
Authors: Dera Adrianna U. , Stoll Doerte , Schoeneberger Verena , Walckling Marcus , Brockmann Claudia , Fuchsluger Thomas A. , Schaub Friederike 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Background
Aim of the study was to compare success rate and functional outcome following pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) with conventional internal limiting membrane (ILM) peeling versus ILM flap technique for full-thickness idiopathic macular holes (FTMH).

Methods
Retrospective analysis of consecutive eyes with FTMH having undergone vitrectomy with sulfur hexafluoride (SF6) endotamponade 25% at the University Medical Center Rostock, Germany (2009–2020). Eyes were divided according to applied surgical technique (ILM peeling [group P] versus ILM flap [group F]). Inclusion criteria were macular hole base diameters (MH-BD) ≥ 400 μm plus axial length ≤ 26.0 mm. Each group was divided into two subgroups based on macular hole minimum linear diameter (MH-MLD): ≤ 400 μm and > 400 μm. Exclusion criteria were FTMH with MH-BD < 400 μm, trauma, myopia with axial length > 26.0 mm or macular schisis. Demographic, functional, and anatomical data were obtained pre- and postoperatively. Preoperative MH-BD and MH-MLD were measured using optical coherence tomography (OCT; Spectralis®, Heidelberg Engineering GmbH, Heidelberg, Germany). Main outcome parameter were: primary closure rate, best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), and re-surgery rate.

Results
Overall 117 eyes of 117 patients with FTMH could be included, thereof 52 eyes underwent conventional ILM peeling (group P) and 65 additional ILM flap (group F) technique. Macular hole closure was achieved in 31 eyes (59.6%) in group P and in 59 eyes (90.8%) in group F (p < 0.001). Secondary PPV was required in 21 eyes (40.4%) in group P and in 6 eyes (9.2%) in group F. Postoperative BCVA at first follow-up in eyes with surgical closure showed no significant difference for both groups (MH-MLD ≤ 400 μm: p = 0.740); MH-MLD > 400 μm: p = 0.241).

Conclusion
Anatomical results and surgical closure rate following ILM flap technique seems to be superior to conventional ILM peeling for treatment of FTMH.
Awareness of and participation in mass drug administration programs used for onchocerciasis control in the Atwima Nwabiagya North District, Ghana
Authors: Osei Francis Adjei , Newton Sam Kofi Tekyi , Nyanor Isaac , Osei-Yeboah Eugene , Amuzu Evans Xorse , Mensah Nicholas Karikari , Nyarko Obed Ofori , Amanor Ernest , Odoom Samuel Frimpong , Abubakar Suraj Yawnumah , Dongyele Mathias , Mohammed Aliyu , Asare Ofeibea , Boadi Stephanie , Furu Peter , Meyrowitsch Dan Wolf , Owusu-Dabo Ellis 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Background
Studies on Mass drug administration (MDA) in Ghana targeting various diseases, have mostly focused on factors that affect coverage and compliance to MDA with limited focus on evidence regarding awareness and community perception of the program. Therefore, this study sought to provide empirical evidence on the knowledge of onchocerciasis, and awareness of and participation in the MDA among community members.

Methods
A community-based cross-sectional survey was conducted from August to October 2019 in communities within the Atwima Nwabiagya North District, Ghana. Data was collected from 2,008 respondents. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to measure the associations between socio-demographics, having heard of onchocerciasis and its prevention, and levels of awareness of the MDA program.

Results
A total of 1268 respondents (63.2%) were aware of the MDA program. The majority ofMost respondents (74.4%) were of the view that the information given about the program was not enough and 45.4% of the respondents had no idea about the relevance of the MDA program. Respondents who had ever heard about onchocerciasis prevention and persons who had previously participated in the MDA program were more likely to be aware of the MDA program during implementation (AOR = 2.32; 95% CI 1.79–3.01 and AOR = 9.31; 95% CI 7.06–12.26, respectively).

Conclusions
We observed a significant association between being aware of MDA campaigns and knowledge of onchocerciasis and its preventive methods, and participation in previous MDA campaigns. We recommend intensification and improvement of prevention campaigns regarding the onchocerciasis MDA program as key to ensuring increased MDA program participation.
Denoising diffusion-based MRI to CT image translation enables automated spinal segmentation
Authors: Graf Robert , Schmitt Joachim , Schlaeger Sarah , Möller Hendrik Kristian , Sideri-Lampretsa Vasiliki , Sekuboyina Anjany , Krieg Sandro Manuel , Wiestler Benedikt , Menze Bjoern , Rueckert Daniel , Kirschke Jan Stefan 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Background
Automated segmentation of spinal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) plays a vital role both scientifically and clinically. However, accurately delineating posterior spine structures is challenging.

Methods
This retrospective study, approved by the ethical committee, involved translating T1-weighted and T2-weighted images into computed tomography (CT) images in a total of 263 pairs of CT/MR series. Landmark-based registration was performed to align image pairs. We compared two-dimensional (2D) paired — Pix2Pix, denoising diffusion implicit models (DDIM) image mode, DDIM noise mode — and unpaired (SynDiff, contrastive unpaired translation) image-to-image translation using “peak signal-to-noise ratio” as quality measure. A publicly available segmentation network segmented the synthesized CT datasets, and Dice similarity coefficients (DSC) were evaluated on in-house test sets and the “MRSpineSeg Challenge” volumes. The 2D findings were extended to three-dimensional (3D) Pix2Pix and DDIM.

Results
2D paired methods and SynDiff exhibited similar translation performance and DCS on paired data. DDIM image mode achieved the highest image quality. SynDiff, Pix2Pix, and DDIM image mode demonstrated similar DSC (0.77). For craniocaudal axis rotations, at least two landmarks per vertebra were required for registration. The 3D translation outperformed the 2D approach, resulting in improved DSC (0.80) and anatomically accurate segmentations with higher spatial resolution than that of the original MRI series.

Conclusions
Two landmarks per vertebra registration enabled paired image-to-image translation from MRI to CT and outperformed all unpaired approaches. The 3D techniques provided anatomically correct segmentations, avoiding underprediction of small structures like the spinous process.

Relevance statement
This study addresses the unresolved issue of translating spinal MRI to CT, making CT-based tools usable for MRI data. It generates whole spine segmentation, previously unavailable in MRI, a prerequisite for biomechanical modeling and feature extraction for clinical applications.

Key points
• Unpaired image translation lacks in converting spine MRI to CT effectively.
• Paired translation needs registration with two landmarks per vertebra at least.
• Paired image-to-image enables segmentation transfer to other domains.
• 3D translation enables super resolution from MRI to CT.
• 3D translation prevents underprediction of small structures.

Graphical Abstract
Responses of Swiss interest rates and stock prices to ECB policy surprises
Authors: Hager Diego M. , Nitschka Thomas 
Published: November 2023

AbstractWe employ local projections to analyse the responses of Swiss asset prices to scheduled policy decisions of the European Central Bank (ECB) as a case study of ECB policy spillovers to European countries outside the euro area. Focusing on ECB policy shocks that are related to different policy instruments of the ECB, our empirical results leave the impression that surprises related to the ECB target policy rate and to the ECB’s longer-term forward guidance or its asset purchases tend to move Swiss interest rates and stock prices in the same direction. Shocks explicitly designed to capture pure ECB monetary policy and information effect shocks are weakly associated with movements in Swiss asset prices on average.
Efficacy of Bacillus licheniformis: a biocontrol agent against Colletotrichum gloeosporioides Penz. (Penz. & Sacc.) causing anthracnose in greater yam (Dioscorea alata L.)
Authors: Ravindran Amrutha Pandirikkal , Lajapathy Jeeva Muthulekshmi , Lalithakumari Sreelatha Gopalakrishnan , Mohan Akhil Kannolickal , Cyriac Tom , Usha Shilpa Sreekumar 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Background
Anthracnose, caused by Colletotrichum gloeosporioides, is the most dangerous fungal disease of greater yam (Dioscorea alata L.), and leads to significant crop loss. Microbial technology in cropping systems is currently focused on biological control agents (BCAs), which include plant endophytes like bacteria, which contribute well to sustainable production. In the present study, the ability of an endophytic bacterium, Bacillus licheniformis (CTCRI EB12), isolated from Aloe vera was investigated to prevent the disease.

Results
The bacterium, CTCRI EB12, was characterized as a member of the Bacillus genus by morphological and biochemical tests and confirmed as B. licheniformis via 16S ribosomal gene analysis. The effectiveness of the endophytic bacterium was affirmed through cell confrontation assays and scanning electron microscopy. In cell confrontation assay, the isolate inhibited all the three C. gloeosporioides isolates used in the study with more than 80% inhibition. The effect of culture filtrate of the isolate was also tested against pathogens that were compliant with the outcome of dual culture technique. The culture and culture filtrate could effectively restrain the spreading of C. gloeosporioides in greater yam leaf. The isolate could completely inhibit the growth of the pathogen through an antibiosis study, and the same could be explained through scanning electron microscopy results, in which the endophyte-treated C. gloeosporioides hyphae appeared longer and distorted compared to control and conidia possess disfigurement in endophyte-treated sample when compared to control.

Conclusions
The study showed that Bacillus licheniformis (CTCRI EB12), the endophytic bacterium that has the capacity to enhance the protection of greater yam plants, could be further developed as a microbial pesticide to reduce the effect of anthracnose in greater yam fields. Additional investigation will reveal the endophytic isolate's antifungal capabilities and assessment of their performance in the open field. The present study depicted that it might be a potent biological control agent against C. gloeosporioides causing greater yam anthracnose.
Synthetic cannabinoids impact on cognitive functions
Authors: Elrassas Hanan Hany , Elsayed Yasser Abdel Razek , Abdeen Mai SeifElDin , Mohamed Aya Taha , El Nagar Zeinab Mohamed 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Background
Synthetic cannabinoids SC are now becoming progressively popular among young people worldwide; little is known about their negative effects. Anger, anxiety, hallucinations, and perceptual changes were the most common psychoactive findings. Substance abuse causes cognitive impairment (CI). This study’s goal is to raise public awareness about the dangers that synthetic cannabinoid intoxication poses to public health. As well as the magnitude of CI in synthetic cannabinoids in comparison with healthy controls. The study included 30 synthetic cannabinoids SC addicts and 30 healthy people. The Wechsler memory scale (WMS), the Benton visual retention test (BVRT), and Trail Making Test (TMT) A and B were used to assess cognitive functions. Addiction Severity Index (ASI), Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV Axis I Disorder (SCID-I), and Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV Axis II Disorder (SCID II).

Results
Using BVRT, (96.7%) of the SC use disorder cases had more impaired performance than controls (0%) (P < 0.001). Almost three quarters of the cases had impaired performance on the trail making tests A and B compared to none of the controls (P < 0.001). Similarly, there was a high statistically significant difference between SC use disorder cases and controls in all domains of the WMS. There was no statistically significant correlation between the cognitive scales (BVRT, WMS and TMT) results in relation to age of SC use patients or duration of use.

Conclusions
Patients who used synthetic cannabinoids SC were more likely than controls to develop CI, which manifested as impaired visual, auditory, immediate, delayed, and working memory.
Diffuse intrinsic pontine gliomas in pediatric patients: management updates
Authors: Davidson Caroline , Woodford Samuel , Valle Daisy , Parker Grace , Derias Ann-Marie , Copley Carina , Lucke-Wold Brandon 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Background
This review explores how diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma (DIPG) diagnosis and treatment have evolved and are improving.

Main body
Authors used various sources from 2000 to present time to compile information on diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma in the pediatric population. The following topics were included: diagnosis procedure, molecular analysis, stereotactic biopsy, radiation therapy and other treatments. Historically, diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma’s anatomical proximity to crucial brain stem structures prevented biopsy thus limiting diagnostic and molecular analysis. However, with the optimistic rise of the stereotactic biopsy technique, identifying genetic and other biological markers for targeted treatments is more feasible. Previous investigations have identified a histone mutation that appears in 80% of DIPG cases and there is plenty of exploration into how to unravel the effects of the resulting chromatin modification. For example, new pharmaceuticals like Panobinostat and ONC201 show promise.

Conclusion
Advances in stereotactic biopsy technology have resulted in more accurate diagnosis opening more avenues for molecular analysis and thus, targeted treatments. DIPG requires more exploration to improve outcomes for patients.
The outcome of surgical management of post-infectious hydrocephalus with multiple intraventricular septations
Authors: Amen Mohamed Mohsen , Badran Mohamed , Zaher Ahmed , Khalil Amr Farid , Abdelaal Ibrahim , Saad Mahmoud 
Published: November 2023

AbstractObjectivesPost-infection hydrocephalus with multiple intraventricular septations is a complex issue in neurosurgery, with multiple treatment options available. The authors reviewed the results of neuroendoscopic cyst wall fenestration for managing this disease.Materials and MethodsMedical records of 76 patients with post-infection hydrocephalus and multiple intraventricular septations who underwent endoscopic treatment were collected and analyzed.ResultsThe patient group consisted of 40 males (52.6%) and 36 females (47.4%), with a mean age of 22.36 months (range: 4–132 months). Bacterial meningitis was the most common cause of hydrocephalus with multiple intraventricular septations in 37 patients (48.6%), while 24 patients had post-shunt infection (31.6%) that was complicated with multiloculated hydrocephalus. After confirming clearance of CSF infection, all patients underwent ventriculoscopic cyst fenestration and insertion of a ventriculoperitoneal shunt to create a single communicating system drained by one ventricular catheter. Fifty-five patients underwent De novo shunt implantation, while 20 patients required shunt revision. Endoscopy reduced the shunt revision rate from 3.4 per year before fenestration to 0.4 per year after fenestration. During the mean follow-up period of 7.7 months (range: 1–20 months), complications were reported in 13 patients (17.1%), including CSF leakage in eight (10.5%), VPS malfunction in five (6.5%), and two deaths (2.6%).ConclusionThe authors concluded that neuroendoscopic fenestration with the aid of CSF drainage by intraventricular catheter is an effective treatment for managing multiloculated post-infection hydrocephalus with much lower rates of morbidity and mortality than traditional procedures.