bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The growth status and functions of olfactory ensheathing cells cultured on randomly oriented and aligned type-I-collagen-based nanofibrous scaffolds
Authors: Liu Yugang , Wang Yansong , Wang Ying , Zhou Jihui , Ding Wenyuan 
Published: October 2023

Abstract

Aim. The potential of olfactory ensheathing cells (OECs) as a cell therapy for spinal cord reconstruction and regeneration after injury has drawn significant attention in recent years. This study attempted to investigate the influences of nano-fibrous scaffolds on the growth status and functional properties of OECs. Methods. The ultra-morphology of the scaffolds was visualized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). To culture OECs, donated cells were subcultured and identified with p75. Cell proliferation, apoptosis, and survival rates were measured through MTT assay, Annexin-V/PI staining, and p75 cell counting, respectively. The adhesion of cells cultured on scaffolds was observed using SEM. Additionally, the functions of OECs cultured on scaffolds were assessed by testing gene expression levels through real time polymerase chain reaction. Results. The electrospun type I collagen-based nano-fibers exhibited a smooth surface and uniform distribution. It was indicated that the proliferation and survival rates of OECs cultured on both randomly oriented and aligned type I collagen-based nano-fibrous scaffolds were higher than those observed in the collagen-coated control. Conversely, apoptosis rates were lower in cells cultured on scaffolds. Furthermore, OEC adhesion was better on the scaffolds than on the control. The expression levels of target genes were significantly elevated in cells cultured on scaffolds versus the controls. Conclusion. As a whole, the utilization of aligned collagen nanofibers has demonstrated significant advantages in promoting cell growth and improving cell function. These findings have important implications for the field of regenerative medicine and suggest that the approach may hold promise for the future therapeutic applications.
One setup for many experiments: enabling versatile student-led investigations
Authors: Pols Freek 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
This article presents an experimental setup capable of conducting various experiments. The setup is used to accurately determine the acceleration due to gravity using either the pendulum or free fall experiment, as well as to allow students to conceive and conduct their own experiment. We discuss the design of the setup and the experiments conducted with it, highlighting the versatility and potential use for open inquiry. We include students’ perception on this particular experiment and how it led to an interesting and educational open inquiry.
Students’ awareness of physics application in the medical field
Authors: Alsufyani Daniah 
Published: October 2023

AbstractTo assess students’ awareness of physical sciences’ significance in the medical field and relate this awareness to their academic achievement. A multiple-choice questionnaire was distributed to first- and second-year medical sciences students. The questionnaire consists of four particulars, two questions aimed at assessing the students’ awareness of physics implementation in medical sciences and 12 relatively basic questions designed to measure the participant’s knowledge. A total of 370 eligible students participated in this study (187 unified-track students and 183 nursing-track students). Students showed a higher awareness of familiar applications compared to unfamiliar physics applications. 63.6% of students with high academic achievement (unified-track students) indicated awareness of the importance of studying physics, compared to 34.9% of students with lower academic achievement (nursing-track students). Our results also indicated a slightly weak correlation between students’ awareness and knowledge level (r = 0.251). We found that students’ awareness of the positive impact of studying physics on their professional development varied based on their academic achievement. In general, students displayed a higher ability to recognize physics’ medical applications if introduced to the concept by relating it to its real-life medical application. Conversely, when students were introduced to the topic without relating it to real-life medical applications, we found that they were generally less able to correctly recognize the underlying physics principle.
The use of astronomical databases to perform practical work in the process of teaching astronomy
Authors: Holovko Mykola , Kriachko Ivan , Kryzhanovskyi Serhii , Matsyuk Viktor , Melnyk Yurii , Mokhun Serhii 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
The process of learning astronomy should include such a component as the search for astronomical information, as well as provide conditions under which each student will be able to turn such information into his/her knowledge. That is why an important component of a modern lesson should be the students’ purposeful mastery of the skills of working with information, its search and assessment in terms of compliance with the educational goal, etc. Currently, multimedia educational products, pre-prepared by the teacher with the help of a computer and information from the Internet, are an essential means for creating and satisfying students’ interest in learning in general. An important condition for deepening the interest in learning, and therefore deeper assimilation of knowledge, is not the eyeing of interesting pictures (for example, multimedia presentations), but the individual work of the student to transform information while doing educational tasks. However, the essential thing, in this case, is that, on the one hand, the information arrays have huge volumes, and therefore certain experience is needed to search for specific information, and on the other hand, although they are concentrated in numerous repositories, access to them is often open.
Kinetic simulation of ion thruster plume neutralization in a vacuum chamber
Authors: Nishii Keita , Levin Deborah A 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
The electrical environment of a ground vacuum testing chamber creates facility effects for gridded ion thrusters. For example, it is well known that the plume from the thruster generates current paths that are very different from what occurs in space, and the neutralization of this plume is also different. For reasons such as this, it is important to clarify how the experimental testing environment affects plasma flows, but understanding this effect solely through ground experiments is difficult. To that end, this study utilizes particle-in-cell and direct simulation Monte Carlo methods to simulate xenon beam ions and electrons emitted from a neutralizer. First, we compare simulations conducted within the chamber to those conducted in space, demonstrating that grounded chamber walls increase the electric potential and electron temperature. Next, we investigate the impact of the neutralizer’s position and the background pressure on the plume in the vacuum chamber. We find that as the neutralizer position moves closer to the location of maximum potential, more electrons are extracted, resulting in increased neutralization of the plume. We also observe that high background pressure generates slow charge-exchange ions, creating ion sheaths on the side walls that alter ion current paths. Finally, we discuss how the potential at the thruster and neutralizer exits affects the plume. The relative potential of the neutralizer to the vacuum chamber wall is observed to significantly influence the behavior of the electrons, thereby altering the degree of plume neutralization. These findings are shown to be consistent with experimental results in the literature and demonstrate the promise of high-performance simulation.
The development of porous metallic materials: a short review of fabrication, characteristics, and applications
Authors: Li-Yin Gao , Hao-Kun Yang , Xuan Chen , Wei-Dong Tang , Xing-Ming Huang , Zhi-Quan Liu 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
Metallic porous material plays an irreplaceable role in weight reduction, heat dissipation, catalyst, and other industrial applications. The customized, large production and environment-friendly fabrication of porous metallic material are becoming increasingly important. Moreover, the selection of matrix material, control of porosity, and foaming parameters are critical for determining the quality of porous metallic material and product. As the porous metallic material is often used as the structural and/or functional component, its mechanical, heat dissipation, corrosion resistance and other properties need to be evaluated before industrial application. This review provides an overview of the fabrication techniques, characteristics, and applications of porous metallic materials. Additionally, current industrial applications and potential future areas are discussed.
Decoding plant adaptation: deubiquitinating enzymes UBP12 and UBP13 in hormone signaling, light response, and developmental processes
Authors: Feng Hanqian , Tan Jinjuan , Deng Zhiping 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
Ubiquitination, a vital post-translational modification in plants, plays a significant role in regulating protein activity, localization, and stability. This process occurs through a complex enzyme cascade that involves E1, E2, and E3 enzymes, leading to the covalent attachment of ubiquitin molecules to substrate proteins. Conversely, deubiquitinating enzymes (DUBs) work in opposition to this process by removing ubiquitin moieties. Despite extensive research on ubiquitination in plants, our understanding of the function of DUBs is still emerging. UBP12 and UBP13, two plant DUBs, have received much attention recently and are shown to play pivotal roles in hormone signaling, light perception, photoperiod responses, leaf development, senescence, and epigenetic transcriptional regulation. This review summarizes current knowledge of these two enzymes, highlighting the central role of deubiquitination in regulating the abundance and activity of critical regulators such as receptor kinases and transcription factors during phytohormone and developmental signaling.
MENINGIOMA-06 CYSTIC MENINGIOMA CASE STUDY AND LITERATURE REVIEW
Authors: Mala Zeus , Aniba Khalid 
Published: October 2023

Abstract

BACKGROUND
Intracranial meningiomas are generally solid tumors with a characteristic radiological appearance. The incidence of cystic meningioma is very low. withe an estimated frequency of 1.6 to 11.7%. It is often misinterpreted on radiological only the anatomopathological exams study can confirm the diagnosis. We report an unusual case of cystic meningioma through which we discuss pathogenic, clinical, radiological and therapeutic characteristics.

CASE
The patient is a 46 years old woman, with left parieto-occipital headaches for three months with recent appearance of right hemiparesis. The brain scan showed a lesion occupying the left posterior cystic parietal space with a solid nodule and perilesional edema, and enhancement of the solid component and cystic wall. The patient was operated using a left posterioparietal approach.The intraoperative appearance was that of a well defined encapsulated lesion attached to the dura mater, whitish in colour with a cystic part containing xanthochromic liquid and a solid nodule. The tumor is completely extra-axial with a plane of cleavage relative to the peritumoral cortical surface having facilitated its complete excision. Histological examination of the resected confirmed the diagnosis of cystic meningioma. There was no recurrence after 20 months of follow up.

CONCLUSION
Cystic meningioma is a rare entity. The diagnosis is often difficult to make preoperatively. Dural tail is a specific radiological sign, but not enough to evoke the diagnosis of meningioma with total precision. The surgical excision must be complete especially before signs of contrast of the cystic wall, in order to avoid a possible recurrence or anaplastic transformation.
OTHER-05 THE CHALLENGES IN MANAGING CHILDREN WITH PRIMARY CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM TUMORS IN UGANDA
Authors: Katasi Victoria , Naitala Ronald , Muwonge Peter Wasswa , Munube Deo , Namazzi Ruth , Nabaggala Catherine , Zungu Jennifer , Nyesiga Amos , Ssali Alex 
Published: October 2023

Abstract

BACKGROUND
Pediatric central nervous system tumors (CNS) are the second commonest childhood malignancy and the commonest solid tumor in children. Brain tumors are the commonest cause of death among all childhood cancers.

OBJECTIVES
To describe the challenges in managing children with CNS tumors in Uganda, treated at Mulago National Referral Hospital (MNRH) from March 2019 to March 2023, using a subset of patients with the diagnoses of medulloblastoma, pineoblastoma and ependymoma.

METHODS
A retrospective study was conducted in MNRH, in patients below 18 years of age, admitted with one of the three histological diagnoses. The data included time to presentation to a tertiary health center from occurrence of initial symptoms, time to surgery from time to presentation to a tertiary health center, time to a histological diagnosis from time to presentation to a tertiary health center and time to starting radiotherapy from time to presentation to a tertiary health center.

RESULTS
The total number of patients was 32(44% had medulloblastoma, 37% had pineoblastoma). Of 30 patients with a recorded date of occurrence of initial symptoms, the median time to presentation to a tertiary health center was 2.5 months (95% median Cl- 1.702,3,711), with the maximum at 30 months. The median time to surgery for 24 patients was 0.92 months995%Cl- 0.460, 2.143), with a maximum of 13.8 months. The median time to a histological diagnosis for 30 patients was 1.39 months (95%median Cl- 0.680, 2.163). The median time to starting radiotherapy for 16 patients was 6.5 months (95%median Cl- 3.168, 8.724) and a maximum of 23 months. The overall one-year survival for children with ependymoma was at 62.5% (95%CI- 14.2,89.3), followed by medulloblastoma at 39.5%(95%CI-12.9,65.6) and pineoblastoma at 37.45%(95%CI-9.5,67.0).

CONCLUSION
The management of pediatric CNS tumors in Uganda is still sub-optimal due to referral, diagnostic and treatment challenges.
OTHER-07 NEUROSURGICAL ONCOLOGY CAPACITY IN KENYA: RESULTS FROM A NATIONWIDE SURVEY OF CONSULTANTS AND RESIDENTS.
Authors: Shitsama Sylvia , Henderson Jr Fraser 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
Neurosurgical oncology services (NOS) in Kenya have grown in tandem with resident training programs yet little is known objectively on current capacity and challenges. A 37-item electronic survey was distributed to neurosurgical consultants and residents practicing in Kenya. Among 49 respondents [27 consultants (69% national response rate), 22 residents; median age of 36 – 40; 51% practice &lt; 5 years], 100% and 88% had access to CT scan and MRI brain respectively. 57% performed more than 40 cranial tumor surgeries annually and 48/49 (98%) perform oncology cases on a “regular basis”. Radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and pathology are performed within the respondents’ institutions in 63%, 65% and 61% of surveys, while the rest are sent out. 45 (96%) utilize an operating microscope, and 8 (17%) have an ultrasonic aspirator. Palliative care services are available for 45 (92%). 41 (84%) “agree” or “strongly agree” that delays in referrals between specialties are a major challenge to practice. 38 (78%) “agree” or “strongly agree” that treatment abandonment is also a major challenge. 49% participate in a tumor registry however major barriers to conducting research included lack of funding and protected research time. Having a mentor is perceived as the greatest facilitator for conducting research. No respondents enrolled any patient in a clinical oncology trial during the past year yet nearly every neurosurgeon performs oncology cases and 60% of Kenyan neurosurgeons carry a major tumor case load, in contrast to countries where elective spine surgery predominates neurosurgical practice. Clinical trial enrolment remains uncharted in Kenyan neurosurgery and more than 2/3 of Kenyan counties lack NOS. This survey highlights progress in availability of neurosurgical oncology services while identifying that containing treatment cost, reducing referral delays, and embedding clinical research in clinical practice through mentorship can be NOS growth catalysts.
PAEDIATRIC-12 MANAGEMENT OF PAEDIATRIC LOW-GRADE GLIOMA IN CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA
Authors: Tsimane Katlego , Parkes Jeannette , Figaji Anthony , Pillay Komala , Davidson Alan 
Published: October 2023

Abstract

OBJECTIVE
To assess the management of paediatric low-grade gliomas by the combined neuro-oncology services of the University of Cape Town.

METHODS
A retrospective analysis was performed on the folders of patients diagnosed at the Red Cross War Memorial Children’s Hospital (RCWMCH) and Groote Schuur Hospital (GSH) between 2000 and 2022. The data includes 2 patient cohorts, the first cohort being patient data collected from 2000-2016 and the second from 2017-2022.

RESULTS
A total of 127 patients, aged 0.38-13.76 years (mean 5.71) were treated at RCWMCH and GSH. Predisposition syndromes observed included Neurofibromatosis 1 11, Tuberous sclerosis 6, and Trisomy 21 1. The most common sites were the cerebellum 27%, hypothalamus 17%, cerebrum 12%, and optic pathway 13%. Metastatic disease was noted in 12 patients (9%). Gross total resection (or debulking) was performed in 67 (53%) of patients, 40 had biopsy only, and 20 had no surgery (mostly OPGs). Histology was predominantly Juvenile Pilocytic Astrocytoma 70%, Diffuse Astrocytoma 9%, Low-Grade Glioma Nos 8%,5% Subependymal Giant cell Astrocytoma, and 5% Pilomyxoid Astrocytoma. BRAF v600E mutation was tested in 17 patients: all were negative. Forty-four (35%) received chemotherapy and 36 (82%) as first-line therapy with vincristine and carboplatin as the most used agents. Newer therapies Bevacizumab/irinotecan and Trametinib were recently used in 10 patients as third or fourth-line regimens. There was an increase in chemotherapy usage for patients with irresectable tumours between the 2 cohorts, from 27% in the first cohort to 49% in the second. Thirty (23.6%) patients received radiotherapy and of those 8 were in an upfront setting. There was no difference in the 5-year OS between the 2 cohorts, 84% in the first and 85.7% in the second.

CONCLUSION
Multi-disciplinary treatment of paediatric LGG in LMIC is essential. Patterns of management have changed without affecting outcomes.
PATIENT ADVOCACY-02 BRAIN TUMORS MATTER: HOW TO IMPROVE THE MANAGEMENT OF PATIENTS WITH BRAIN TUMORS AT THE CNHU HKM OF COTONOU IN BENIN?
Authors: Gankpe Gbetoho Fortune 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
Cancer care in Benin is still in its inception in Benin. The first cancer registry was created in Benin in 2014. In the study of Egué et al, published in 2019, there were 1086 cases of cancer recorded in the cancer registry in Benin from 2014 to 2016, including 18 cases of nervous system cancer representing 2.3% and 1.2% of cancers in men and women respectively. When compared to other types of cancers including liver and prostate in men and cervix and breast in women, brain cancers appear very low. However, there is no structure dedicated to the treatment of nervous system cancers since there are no neuro-oncologist in Benin and many patients diagnosed with brain tumors are frequently refer outside our country for treatment. Rare patients undergo surgery in our country for brain tumors. Therefore, we can assume that brain tumors statistics are not really indicative of the burden of morbidity and mortality related to nervous system cancer in Benin. The need to organize the management of patients suffering from nervous system tumors is therefore necessary. In order to meet this need, we plan to set up a neuro-oncology unit in Benin in order to improve the neurosurgical management of patients with intracranial tumors at the CNHU HKM Cotonou and also to initiate research projects related to brain tumor care in Benin.
SPINAL TUMORS-04 SOLITARY FIBROUS TUMOUR, A DIAGNOSTIC CONUNDRUM (A CASE REPORT)
Authors: Kamande Kenneth , Cheruiyot Davies , Mukono Samuel , Fazal Akil , Waweru Angela , Cheserem Beverly , Kabethi Penina 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
A 33-year-old male presented with neck pain and early signs of cervical myelopathy. He had a circumferential enhancing C4 tumour with bone demineralization. He had previously had an ACDF and a biopsy of the affected region with variable histology results. Imaging revealed a circumferential C4 tumour with bilateral vertebral encasement and cord compression. He had an extensive tumour debulking , corpectomy and posterior fusion. His neck pain resolved and myelopathy is stable at Nurick grade I. Histology Sections showed cellular tumor composed of spindle cells with little intervening stroma CD34 positive, progesterone receptor negative and EMA. STAT6 was positive confirming a solitary fibrous tumour. Patient has commenced adjuvant radiotherapy. Solitary tumours, formerly classified hemangiopericytoma are rare. In this case, the patient had had three previous inconclusive histological evaluations. Utilization of immunohistochemistry tests enabled the establishment of a conclusive diagnosis and treatment planning. Previously solitary fibrous tumors were classified as hemangiopericytomas with the option of three grades. However, in the current 2021 WHO 5th edition, the term hemangiopericytomas has been dropped to align these tumors fully with the soft tissue pathology nomenclature. These tumors have the characteristic alteration of the NAB2-STAT6 gene/molecular profile.
Planning and implementation
Authors: Jelliffe Derrick B , Jelliffe E F Patrice , Zerfas Alfred , Neumann Charlotte G 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
The sequence and range of activities undertaken in nutritional assessment will obviously vary with objectives (Table 7.1) and the type of investigation proposed (Table 7.2), financial and other resources, and other constraints (geographical, time, weather). Most of the following section is concerned with relatively large-scale surveys in technically less developed countries. However, a systematic approach is needed in nutritional assessment in all situations relating to both populations and individuals. The contents and suggestions in the present chapter are mainly concerned with large-scale surveys. They need to be used selectively in other forms of nutritional assessment (Fig. 7.1).
Consciousness and unconsciousness
Authors: Bannister Sir Roger 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
There is a broad distinction between the content of consciousness, that is, what we are at any moment conscious of, sensations, emotions, ideas, or memories, for example, and the process of consciousness itself. This is borne out by everyday clinical experience. A person may be at one moment conscious of one thing and at another moment conscious of another, but on each occasion he is equally conscious. Moreover, the content of consciousness may be impaired by disease, as when a patient loses part of a visual field or sensation over part of the body. Nevertheless, such a person remains fully conscious. On the other hand, a person may be completely unconscious, and between full consciousness and unconsciousness there are states in which he is partially conscious, that is, he has some degree of awareness of his surroundings, but it is incomplete.
CFS: a social history of twentieth century illness
Authors: Wessely Professor Simon , Hotopf Dr Matthew , Sharpe Dr Michael 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
To introduce the social context of CFS we will use two fictional examples to set the scene for the remainder of this chapter. The device of fiction is particularly useful; since it can portray the symbolic elements of CFS/ME without being encumbered by facts - fiction can deal entirely in perception.