bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Progesterone limits the tumor-promoting effects of the beta-subunit of human chorionic gonadotropin via non-nuclear receptors
Authors: Sarkar Moumita , Sharma Harsh , Singh Parminder , Ranu Ranbala , Sharma Ravi Datta , Agrawal Usha , Pal Rahul 
Published: February 2022

Abstract

Background Beta-hCG can be detected in post-menopausal women, who also demonstrate an increased cancer risk. Whether ovarian hormones mediate cytotoxic effects on beta-hCG-responsive tumor cells, whether beta-hCG exerts enhanced pro-tumorigenic effects in the absence of ovarian steroids, and whether steroid administration can have restorative effects on tumor molecular profiles and progression, remain unaddressed. Methods The effect of ovarian steroids on the proliferation, viability and apoptosis of beta-hCG responsive LLC1 tumor cells were assessed. Involvement of nuclear/non-nuclear steroid receptors was evaluated by assessing presence and employing receptor antagonists, by cAMP measurements, and by assessing MAP kinase activation. LLC1 tumor cells were implanted in female non-transgenic mice, in beta-hCG transgenic mice and in ovariectomized beta-hCG transgenic mice; progesterone was additionally administered to the latter two groups. Tumor volumes were measured, and RNA-seq, qPCR and immunohistochemistry were employed to characterize tumor molecular profiles. TCGA databases for lung adenocarcinoma, colon adenocarcinoma and glioblastoma were probed with human orthologs of newly-identified genes to reveal clinically-relevant associations, with a focus on the post-menopausal state. Results Ovarian steroids demonstrated anti-tumor effects in vitro; progesterone caused tumor cell apoptosis via non-nuclear receptors and the phosphorylation of p38. Beta-hCG, particularly in absence of the ovaries (a mimic of the post-menopausal state), constituted an aggravated pro-tumorigenic signal for implanted LLC1 tumor cells. Progesterone dampened aggravated tumor growth in ovariectomized mice. RNA-seq on excised tumors identified genes associated with enhanced beta-hCG-mediated tumor growth in ovariectomized mice, as well as with the anti-tumor effects of progesterone. TCGA analysis revealed correlations between the expression of several newly-identified, progesterone-influenced genes (and of intra-tumoral beta-hCG) and poor patient prognosis, specifically in post-menopausal women. Conclusion This study describes a previously-unidentified interplay between progesterone and beta-hCG in the regulation of tumorigenesis. Murine tumor-associated gene signatures, combined with queries on aggressive human tumors reveal, for the first time, that beta-hCG acts as an additionally potent pro-tumorigenic signal when the ovaries are quiescent. Associations of progesterone-influenced genes (and intra-tumoral beta-hCG) with prognosis were revealed. Intra-tumoral / extra-tumoral beta-hCG may be a useful prognostic indicator in post-menopausal women with cancer, and progesterone may constitute a potential therapeutic in such cases.
Relative risks associated with Women’s Quality of life suffering from Metabolic, Reproductive and Psychological complications of PCOS: a comparative cross-sectional study.
Authors: Ishaq Sumira , Rizwani Ghazala H. , Fatima Sakina , Shareef Huma , Anser Humaira , Jamil Subia 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
Background: Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is a multifactorial endocrine disorder in young women. Physical appearance, menstrual irregularities, and infertility are viewed as the sole causes of mental distress that affects quality of life. Methods: It was a comprehensive cross-sectional study that targeted women of reproductive age who visited the Abbasi Shaheed hospital's gynecology, obstetrics, and endocrinology departments in Karachi, Pakistan; aimed to compare health hazards associated with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) and how they affect patients' quality of life (QOL) in Karachi, Pakistan. According to inclusion criteria; around 450 patients were included. PCOS patients' quality of life was assessed using the Short Form-12 questionnaire. Descriptive and inferential statistics was applied on collected data; Pearson’s chi square test with a p-value of <0.05 indicating statistically significance was used to determine the association among various risk factor with PCOS along with QOL. Results: All patients showed the main indications of PCOS, like obesity (n = 360, 80%), acne (n = 268. 59.55%), hirsutism (n = 279, 62%), and irregular menstruation (n = 324, 72%). 274 (60.88%) patients had multiple cysts of >10 mm in diameter as per sonographic results. It was also found that Patients with PCOS showed a high occurrence of health hazards including hypertension (n = 98, 21.77%), diabetes mellitus (n =123, 27.33%), sleep apnea (n = 252, (56%), infertility (n = 135, (30%), high cholesterol level (n = 82, 18.22%) and hyperandrogenism (n = 279, 62%); this lead us to further investigate the relative risks associated with PCOS and a comparative study between 50 PCOS and Non-PCOS women was carried out. The majority of patients had low QOL scores (n = 370, or 82.21 percent), with depression being the leading cause. It was noticed that PCOs patients with diabetes, hypertension, lipid imbalance and most of all obese are more inclined to develop health related risk from these disorders; additionally, this risk is doubled for patients having poor self-esteem (P < 0.0001). Conclusion: It was found that depression, and poor self-esteem as a result of metabolic and reproductive complication are interrelated with low QOL in PCOS patients; emphasizing on the need of revising the management strategies and psychological health valuation of women with PCOS.
Effect of Police Action on Low-Barrier Substance Use Disorder Service Utilization
Authors: Weisenthal Karrin , Kimmel Simeon D. , Kehoe Jessica , Larochelle Marc R. , Walley Alexander Y. , Taylor Jessica L. 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
Background: Police action can increase risky substance use patterns by people who use drugs (PWUD), but it is not known how increased police presence affects utilization of low-barrier substance use disorder bridge clinics. Increased police presence may increase or decrease treatment-seeking behavior. We examined whether Operation Clean Sweep (OCS), a two-week police action in Boston, MA, affected visit volume in BMC’s low-barrier buprenorphine bridge clinic.Methods: In this retrospective cohort, we used segmented regression to investigate whether the increased police presence during OCS was associated with changes in bridge clinic visits. We used General Internal Medicine (GIM) clinic visit volume as a negative control. We examined visits during the 6 weeks prior, 2 weeks during, and 4 weeks after OCS (June 18-Sept 11, 2019). Results: Bridge clinic visits were 2.8 per provider-session before, 2.0 during, and 3.0 after OCS. The mean number of GIM clinic visits per provider session before OCS was 7.0, 6.8 during, and 7.0 after OCS. In adjusted segmented regression models for bridge clinic visits, there was a non-significant level increase (0.6434, P=0.17) and significant decrease in slope (0.0995, P=0.045) during OCS. After OCS completed, there was a significant level increase (1.4425, P=0.003) and slope increase (0.1406, P=0.0066) in visits (P=0.01940). There was no significant change in GIM clinic volume during the study period. Conclusions: The increased policing during OCS was associated with a significant decrease in bridge clinic visits. Following the completion of OCS, there was a significant increase in clinic visits, suggesting pent-up demand for a life-saving treatment.
Severe Rashes Associated With Immunotherapy and Gene Mutations in a Patient With Metastatic Pancreatic Cancer
Authors: Ye Yanghui , Zheng Song 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
Background: Pancreatic cancer is a high-risk malignant tumor, and is traditionally treated with chemotherapy. However, the curative effect of traditional treatment is very poor, and new treatment methods are being explored. Sintilimab is a fully human IgG4 monoclonal antibody; it can bind to PD-1, block the interaction of PD-1 with its ligands, and can improve the survival of cancer patients.Case presentation: A male metastatic pancreatic cancer patient with SMAD4 and TSC2 mutations, who had undergone three lines of systemic chemotherapy, developed severe rashes after 12 cycles of taking sintilimab combined with S-1. Considering the relationship between sintilimab and the rashes, he discontinued taking the drug, and his condition improved. Although sintilimab has shown good safety and manageable toxicity in immunotherapy, the patient in the present case developed severe rashes after 12 cycles of taking sintilimab combined with S-1. Conclusions: Although few people have reported a severe rash caused by sintilimab, patients with SMAD4 and TSC2 mutations may more likely to develop severe rashes. We hope the case attracts the attention of oncologists.
Combined modality treatment for locally advanced cervical cancer in a woman with Bloom like syndrome: A case report and review of the literature
Authors: dhia syrine ben , Warcoin² Mathilde , Rodrigues Manuel , Noret Aurélien , Beddok¹ Arnaud , Weber Nina , Lyonnet Dominique Stoppa , Scher¹ Nathaniel , dhia syrine ben , dhia syrine ben 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
Background: The oncological management of patients with DNA repair deficiency is challenging for the team in charge because of the potential high sensitivity to treatments and the lack of clear recommendations in the literature. Case presentation: We report the case of a 46-year-old woman with Bloom like syndrome affected with locally advanced cervical cancer. She was treated with induction chemotherapy and radical radiation therapy concurrent with chemotherapy (carboplatin and paclitaxel). She was able to complete treatment but grade III toxicities were observed. Conclusion: In the absence of consensus regarding the appropriate screening protocol or treatments for patients with DNA deficiency disease, patient management requires multidisciplinary approach and close monitoring for acute and late toxicities.
Bilateral Lower Limb Ischemia and Gangrene with Dapagliflozin: Case Report
Authors: Mahmoud Hesham B. , Sultan El-zahraa M.Esmat , Algbay Abdulaziz Zien 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
Background: Dapagliflozin, sodium- glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitor, is recently introduced in the heart failure treatment plan. Urinary tract infection and Fournier’s gangrene are the most known serious adverse events of dapagliflozin. Case presentation: We came across this case with bilateral lower limb ischemia in a patient with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction. Dapagliflozin was discontinued and new lines of treatment were started. Conclusions: It is appeared that dapagliflozin could be associated with serious risk of toe ischemia/infection, thus patients received dapagliflozin should be closely monitored.
Severe Pneumonia With Thrombocytopenia Caused By Chlamydia Psittaci: A Case And Literature Review
Authors: Shi Zhaokun , Wang Lu , Chen Wei , Du Xianjin , Zhan Liying 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
Background: Severe pneumonia caused by Chlamydia psittaci is a rare infectious disease associated with living environment. The causes of thrombocytopenia were infection, leukemia, idiopathic thrombocytopenia and many other factors. The determination of platelet parameters could reflect the compensatory situation of bone marrow and provide a basis reason of thrombocytopenia identification. Case presentation: Based on the patient’s symptoms, exposure history, computerized tomography（CT）and next-generation sequencing, a preliminary diagnosis of the patient were made, at the same time other infections are excluded. We reported a case of severe pneumonia with severe thrombocytopenia caused by Chlamydia psittaci. During the treatment, he was diagnosed as parrot fever and secondary immune thrombocytopenia. Anti-infection and rising platelet with Doptelet treatment were in effect. The presence of high fever, feeling faint, gastrointestinal symptoms, images of chest CT and platelet reduction, Chlamydia psittaci might be considered as a priority reason of this case, other infections and hematology disorders excluded.Conclusion: This is the first reported case of Chlamydia psittaci-induced thrombocytopenia associated with bone marrow changes and treatment. The efficacy of mokexin in the treatment of thrombocytopenia may be further generalized.
Recurrent Ovarian Cancer in BRCAness Phenotype: A Treatment Challenge
Authors: Caeiro Cláudia , Leão Inês , Oliveira Inês Calvinho , Sousa Isabel , André Teresa 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
Background:Ovarian cancer is a leading cause of female death from gynecologic malignancies. The relapse rate is high after platinum-based therapy, with the effectiveness of subsequent treatment lines decreasing over time. Recent data suggest the benefit of maintenance therapy with niraparib in platinum-sensitive recurrent disease.Case presentation:Herein is reported a case series of five women with advanced ovarian cancer and BRCAness phenotype who responded favorably, and in some cases with long-term response, to maintenance therapy with niraparib. Toxicities were as expected and generally manageable. Two patients developed grade 2/3 hematological toxicity, which resolved with treatment suspension and subsequent dose reductions, and one patient reported a rare skin toxicity while responding to full-dose niraparib treatment, which was controlled with photoprotection and sunscreen.Discussion and conclusions:This case series highlights the role of PARP1/2 inhibitors as a new standard of care as maintenance therapy for recurrent platinum-sensitive high-grade ovarian cancer, irrespective of BRCA status.
Secondary Central Nervous System Lymphoma presenting as Fever of Unknown Origin
Authors: Bliven Sean Patrick , Narkhede Mayur 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
Background: Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma is a form of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma that routinely presents with systemic “B” symptoms including fever of unknown origin. After systemic treatment, patients can relapse with secondary central nervous system lymphoma. These patients typically present with neurological symptoms and not systemic “B” symptoms.Case presentation: We describe the case of a woman in her fifties that presented with fever of unknown origin as her initial presenting symptom of relapsed isolated secondary central nervous system lymphoma. MR brain showed parenchymal lymphomatous involvement compatible with CNS lymphoma. Her fevers resolved after central nervous system targeted chemotherapy with associated improvement on imaging.Conclusion: Isolated central nervous system lymphoma (primary or secondary) can lead to fever of unknown origin. We recommend evaluation for CNS recurrence among patients with lymphoma that present with fever of unknown origin.
Primary Yolk Sac Tumor of Endometrium: A Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Shi Su-sheng , Cheng Hao , Song Yan 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
Yolk sac tumor (YST) of the endometrium is very rare, only< 40 cases have been reported in the English literature. We here describe a case of primary endometrial YST and discuss the clinic-pathological features with a literature review. A 66-year-old Chinese woman presented with abnormal vaginal bleeding for 15 days and uterine mass for three days. The pre-operative alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) level was 9652.0 ng/ml, while other serum tumor markers including carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), neuron specific enolase (NSE) and β-human chorionic gonadotropin (β-HCG) were 40.2 ng/ml, 29.19 ng/ml, and 27.7 mIU/ml, respectively. Pelvic ultrasound imaging revealed a 7.1×6.6×6.0 cm mass in the endometrial cavity. The patient underwent total abdominal hysterectomy, salpingo-oophorectomy and partial omental resection. The morphologic and immunohistochemical pattern (CK+++, SALL4+++, AFP++, focal HNF1β+, focal GPC-3+) was consistent with a primary YST of the endometrium and the final pathologic stage was IVb based on FIGO staging. The post-operative AFP level was 5193.0 ng/ml (five days after the operation). Primary endometrial YST is extremely rare. It should be differentially diagnosed from other uterine malignancies. Complete surgical staging combined with chemotherapy may have a better survival impact on endometrial YST.
Recognition of Geothermal Surface Manifestations: A Comparison of Machine Learning and Deep Learning
Authors: Xiong Yongzhu , Zhu Mingyong , Li Yongyi , Huang Kekun , Chen Yankui , Liao Jingqing 
Published: February 2022

Abstract

Geothermal surface manifestations (GSMs) are direct clues towards hydrothermal activities of a geothermal system in the subsurface and significant indications for geothermal resource exploration. It is essential to recognize various GSMs for potential geothermal energy exploration. However, there is a lack of work to fulfill this task using deep learning (DL), which has achieved unprecedented computer vision and image interpretation successes. This study aims to explore the feasibility and performance of using a DL model to conduct recognition of GSMs with photographs. An image dataset for GSM recognition named JYU-GSM was created by downloading images from the Internet, preprocessing, and labeling manually with high quality. The dataset consists of seven types of the GSMs, i.e., warm spring, hot spring, geyser, fumarole, mud pot, hydrothermal alteration, crater lake, and one type of none GSM, including 500 images of different photographs of each type. It was divided into training, testing, and validation subsets according to a certain ratio. The recognition results of the GoogLeNet model were compared with those of three machine learning (ML) algorithms, i.e., Support Vector Machine (SVM), Decision Tree (DT), and K-Nearest Neighbor (KNN), by using the assessment metrics of overall accuracy (OA), overall F1 score (OF) and computational time (CT) for training and testing the models. The results show that the GoogLeNet model using transfer learning (GSM-Net) has significant advantages of accuracy and performance over the three ML classifiers with the highest OA, 91.25% for the validation and 88.25% for the test, the biggest OF, 0.91 for validation, and 0.88 for the test; and the fastest CT of 1.98 s (25.25 fps) and 1.71 s (29.24 fps) for validation and test, respectively. On the contrary, the three ML classifiers perform poorly for this task due to their low OA, small OF, and long CT. The test OA is 49.00%, 26.00% and 20.25%; the test OF is 0.49, 0.26 and 0.17; and the test CT is 7.71 s (6.49 fps), 6.75 s (7.41 fps) and 64.58 s (0.77 fps) for SVM, DT and KNN, respectively. It suggests that deep learning with a pretrained network be a feasible and preferred method to classify GSMs. However, traditional ML models need to optimize algorithms to be competent for the task. Hopefully, this study provides a reference paradigm to help promote further research on the geothermal field to use state-of-the-art deep learning.
Some results concerning block Toeplitz matrices
Authors: Khan Muhammad Ahsan 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
Given A,B,C, and D, block Toeplitz matrices, we will prove the necessary and sufficient condition for AB − CD = 0, and AB − CD to be a block Toeplitz matrix. In addition, with respect to change of basis, the characterization of normal block Toeplitz matrices with entries from the algebra of diagonal matrices is also obtained.
Design Optimization and Parameter Estimation of a PEMFC Using Nature-Inspired Algorithms
Authors: Blanco-Cocom Luis , Botello-Rionda Salvador , Ordoñez L. C. , Valdez S. Ivvan 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
Numerical simulation of a Proton-Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell (PEMFC) requires an adequate model and precise parameters for reproducing their operational performance quantified by the polarization curve. Bio-inspired algorithms are well-suited for estimating unknown parameters; nevertheless, the simulator is stressed by inputting thousands of randomly-generated parameters. As a consequence, they require a robust numerical model. Once the model with the proper parameters reproduces the experimental data, it is applicable for optimizing the PEMFC. This article proposes a reformulation of a macro-homogeneous mathematical model by analyzing its relation with singularly perturbed differential equations to provide higher numerical stability to the solutions. This formulation introduces a boundary value problem instead of the usual initial value problem. Hence, we propose an assembly of the proper numerical methods for solving this version of the problem. Then, we introduce optimization problems for parameter estimation and design optimization; three bio-inspired algorithms solve the first. The most consistent of them is applied to optimize the PEMFC design by maximizing its performance or minimizing the platinum mass loading, highly related to the cost. To the best of our knowledge, there is no other research for optimizing the cell design, neither its performance nor its cost, using numerical simulation and optimization. The results are validated as follows: a) Comparing experimental polarization curves with the simulation with the parameters estimated by bio-inspired algorithms. b) Comparing a base design's performance with the optimized for maximum performance, and c) comparing a base design with the optimized for minimum platinum mass loading.
Prognosis for metastatic colorectal cancer patients achieving complete response after systemic chemotherapy
Authors: Manabe Takahiro , Takii Yasumasa , Oyanagi Hidehito , Nogami Hitoshi , Maruyama Satoshi 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
Purpose: Despite marked recent advances in chemotherapy, few reports have focused on the prognosis for patients with metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) achieving complete response (CR) after systemic chemotherapy. This study investigated the clinical course of mCRC patients achieving CR and evaluated the role of CR in chemotherapy.Methods: This retrospective study searched a prospectively maintained database at the author’s institute to identify medical records for mCRC patients achieving CR after systematic chemotherapy from January 2007 to March 2020.Results: The search yielded 23 patients with confirmed CR to systemic chemotherapy. Median time to CR from treatment initiation was 6.8 months. Maintenance chemotherapy was continued for 22 of 23 patients. Median duration of maintenance chemotherapy was 11.1 months. Disease progression occurred for 17 (73.9%) patients at a median 48.1-month follow-up. Median progression-free survival was 26.6 months. Median overall survival was 91.7 months.Conclusions: Patients with CR to chemotherapy had a high probability of disease progression, but a relatively long-term prognosis. Treatment strategies after achievement of CR should be based an understanding of the high potential that tumor cells will remain. Use of maintenance chemotherapy after achievement of CR is still unclear, the recent data do not demonstrate a negative impact for continuing maintenance chemotherapy after CR.