Present Study Research Articles

A Systematic Review of Electrochemical Sensing Devices Based on Metal-organic Frameworks for the Identification of Tumor Biomarkers

Background: Electrochemical sensors have attracted enormous interest in recent decades due to their relatively simple synthesis process, the possibility of modifications in their composition, and their wide application in detecting analytes. Methods: To achieve excellent performance, materials used in its construction must facilitate the transfer of electrons and provide a large surface area and excellent electrocatalytic activity. Because they are functional nanomaterials, metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) meet the criteria for application as a sensing material and can be used to build high-performance sensors for numerous applications. They play a relevant role in the early diagnosis of various neoplasms and tumor processes, thus providing better prognoses. Considering this universe, the present study focused on evaluating the application of these nanomaterials in the recognition of tumor biomarkers. Results: A systematic review of scientific publications was performed using the following descriptors "MOFs", "Metal-organic frameworks", "Biosensor", "Electrochemistry", and "Tumor Biomarker". Conclusion: Herein, we analyze recent innovations of MOF-based biosensors applied to the detection of tumor biomarkers, discussing how promising characteristics and properties of these materials were harnessed in the development of biosensors to provide a new contribution to future studies and the development of applied MOFs to electrochemical biosensing.

Evidence for the Necessity of Objective Hearing Tests in Cochlear Implantation Assessment: Excluding Functional Hearing Loss Cases.

Background/Objectives: Cochlear implantation is a crucial intervention for individuals with severe hearing loss, aiming to restore auditory function and improve quality of life. The decision to recommend cochlear implantation critically depends on accurate audiological evaluations. However, challenges arise when subjective assessments of hearing loss do not align with objective audiological measurements, leading to potential misdiagnoses. Comparisons are to be made between subjective and objective results, with an investigation into the characteristics, warning signs, and risk factors of functional hearing loss (FHL). Methods: A retrospective study of hearing loss presentations at an otorhinolaryngological university clinic between 2020 and 2024 was performed, whereby we collected FHL cases. The evaluation process included measurements of subjectively perceived hearing loss through pure-tone audiometry, speech understanding, and communication testing. The objective assessments comprised impedance measurement, otoacoustic emission measurement, auditory brainstem responses, auditory steady-state responses, and medical imaging. Results: During the studied period, 11 patients, with an average age of 35.2 years (13 to 64 years), who were originally referred for cochlear implantation evaluation and subsequently diagnosed with FHL, were identified. The majority (10 patients) were female. No organic cause was identified in four cases, while seven cases exhibited some organic ear abnormalities insufficient to justify the reported hearing loss. The degree of FHL ranged from 30 dB to 90 dB, with an average of 60 dB. Conclusions: Diagnosing FHL is challenging and requires comprehensive assessment and interdisciplinary collaboration. Failure to recognize it may lead to inappropriate treatment, including unnecessary cochlear implantation. This study advocates for the mandatory integration of ABR and ASSR in the clinical evaluation of all cochlear implant candidates to ensure accurate diagnosis and optimal treatment.

A pilot study on childhood trauma and love addiction: Exploring the mediation of unbalanced family functioning.

The general aim of the present study was the exploration of the relationships between childhood trauma subdimensions (physical abuse, emotional abuse, sexual abuse, physical neglect, and emotional neglect), unbalanced family functioning patterns (disengaged, enmeshed, rigid, and chaotic), and love addiction. A sample of 910 individuals (76.6% female; Mage = 30 years, SD = 10.55) engaged in a romantic relationship participated in the research and completed the Love Addiction Inventory-Short Form, Family Adaptability and Cohesion Evaluation Scales-IV, and Childhood Trauma Questionnaire-Short Form. Among the childhood trauma subdimensions, emotional and physical abuse showed significant and positive associations with love addiction levels. Furthermore, the path analysis showed that unbalanced family functioning patterns parallelly mediated the relationship between emotional (enmeshed, rigid, and chaotic patterns) and physical abuse (chaotic patterns) and love addiction. Gender as a covariate was controlled for. The present study offers insight into the mechanisms by which specific forms of childhood trauma could lead to love addiction in adulthood. The findings offer valuable insights for developing customized interventions when working with individuals struggling with love addiction, as well as for implementing effective preventive activities for the condition. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

Investigating the Effect of Ginger as an Adjunctive Treatment along with SSRIs to Reduce Anxiety in Patients with GAD: A Clinical Trial Study

Introduction: Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) is characterized by exaggerated anxiety without any apparent cause of concern. The primary treatment of this disorder is usually SSRIs, which have many digestive side effects and do not provide complete treatment for the patient. The use of non-pharmacological methods may help reduce these complications. Therefore, the present study was conducted to investigate the effect of ginger as an adjunctive therapy along with SSRIs to reduce anxiety in patients with GAD. Materials and Methods: In this double-blind, controlled clinical trial study, a total of 80 patients with GAD were randomly assigned into two groups. For the intervention group, at the same time as SSRI drug, two 500-mg ginger capsules were used daily while in the control group, two starch capsules were used daily as a placebo along with SSRI. Data collection tools were Hamilton's anxiety questionnaire and a gastrointestinal symptom severity scale. Data were collected before the intervention and after the 12-week intervention. Results: There was no significant difference between the intervention and control groups in terms of average anxiety and severity of digestive symptoms before the intervention (p > 0.05), but there was a significant difference between the groups after the intervention (p < 0.05). Also, the average scores of anxiety and severity of gastrointestinal symptoms in the intervention group increased significantly from the beginning of the intervention to the follow-up (intragroup difference) (p < 0.05). Conclusion: The results of the study showed that the use of ginger along with SSRIs reduced anxiety and released the severity of gastrointestinal symptoms in patients with GAD. In addition, in this study, it was found that ginger, along with SSRIs, can have beneficial effects on indigestion, diarrhea, and nausea in patients with GAD. However, these findings require more extensive research.

Trials and tribulations: Developing an artificial intelligence for screening malaria parasite from peripheral blood smears

Trials and tribulations: Developing an artificial intelligence for screening malaria parasite from peripheral blood smears

Factors Affecting the Lifetime of Third-Generation Voice Prosthesis After Total Laryngectomy.

Factors Affecting the Lifetime of Third-Generation Voice Prosthesis After Total Laryngectomy.

Synthetic Curcumin Analogs in the Treatment of Cancer: A Literature Review.

Treatment of cancer, one of the most fatal diseases in the present century, has become a topic of global concern. Unfavorable unintentional effects of chemotherapy and radiation treatments have been the main reasons for the research on the discovery of drugs with a broader spectrum of effectiveness and efficiency, with minimal side effects. Curcumin (diferuloylmethane) is a naturally occurring phenolic structure with anticancer properties through its inhibition of cell multiplication, metastasis, and prolongation of cell cycle suppression of apoptosis in various tumor cells. The primary restriction regarding the use of curcumin in cancer treatment is related to poor bioavailability and unfavorable pharmacokinetic profiles of curcumin due to its poor absorption rate, fast metabolism, and systemic elimination. A variety of ways have been proposed to overcome these limitations. With this background, the present study focuses on providing a comprehensive overview of the anticancer properties of curcumin derivatives and the synthesis of curcumin analogs with application to different types of cancers. The regulation of various target and signaling pathways is considered in various cancers, including breast, gastrointestinal, pancreatic, prostate, skin, and lung cancers. A review of the literature indicates that modifying the structure of curcumin through the substitution of the phenyl group and unsaturated carbon branch around the two main sites of oxygen can result in the improvement of physical and chemical properties, as well as the enhancement of physiological activities of the curcumin molecule and the anti-cancer activities of this polyphenol. Curcumin analogs demonstrate anticancer properties at multiple targets at different cell stages and by various signaling biochemical pathways. These include cytokines, transcription factors, growth factors, and modulation of genes involved in cellular proliferation and apoptosis in breast, gastrointestinal, skin, prostate, and lung cancers, thereby mitigating tumor progression.

Factors Influencing Power-5 Football Coaches’ Recruiting Responsibilities: The Intersection of Race, Role, and Geography

Football Bowl Subdivision football success (i.e., winning) is predicated on the ability to successfully recruit prospective athletes. Reflective of NCAA rules and regulations, assistant (i.e., position) coaches are relied upon to secure the enrollment of prospective athletes. Extant literature has established that Black position coaches are tasked with greater recruiting responsibilities than their White counterparts. Such tasking is indicative of a structural barrier limiting Black coaches’ opportunities for professional advancement. The present study sought to examine recruiting responsibilities among position coaches relative the demography of unique geographic areas they were assigned to recruit. Findings illustrate disproportionate responsibilities among racially dissimilar coaches.

Abstract 3649: Artificial intelligence accelerates shared neoantigen peptide cancer vaccine development

Background: Many cancers remain intractable despite the recent breakthroughs in immune checkpoint inhibitors and gene and cell therapies, making the pursuit of novel, efficacious, and safe treatment options critical. Recently, there is a renewed interest in cancer vaccines as a promising cancer immunotherapy approach. Nevertheless, precisely predicting the immune response elicited by cancer vaccines continues to be a significantly hurdle. Methods: From published literature and available datasets, we collected over 17 million peptide entries ranging from 8 to 11 amino acids, and approximately 4 million peptide entries ranging from 13 to 21 amino acids to train models predicts the probability of a given peptide to be presented by MHC-I or MHC-II, respectively. Those peptides were restricted to 150 unique MHC-I alleles and 19 unique MHC-II alleles. Overall, both MHC-I and MHC-II presentation models were constructed with about 30 million parameters. In addition, we developed algorithms to specifically introduce single point mutations to further enhance binding to MHCs, and in the meanwhile, not influence cognate recognition. To validate the model prediction accuracy, automated peptide synthesis and surface plasmon resonance (SPR) technologies were applied. We then examined the presentation of designed peptides using MHC allele-engineered cell line, and further validated the peptide immunogenicity in mice by assessing T cell activation and tumor cell killing capabilities. Results: Our advanced AI models has outperformed the state-of-the-art prediction algorithms, including NetMHCpan and MixMHCpred, in predicting antigen presentation for both MHC-I and MHC-II. To validate our model accuracy, 28 novel peptides based on mutated TP53 protein were predicted and their binding to corresponding HLA alleles were measured using SPR. >80% of the peptides displayed stronger binding affinities than the positive controls, demonstrating a significantly improved algorithm accuracy for peptide neoepitope design. In the cellular presentation study, one out of six designed neoepitope peptides were validated by mass spectrometry to be presented by HLA-A*02:01 expressing cell line. Importantly, to further evaluate the immunogenicity, we immunized mice with several mouse-derived neoepitope peptides. Ex vivo ELISpot assay showed that >20% mouse-derived neoepitope peptides could elicit strong immune responses.Moreover, the activated T cells demonstrated potent (>50%) tumor cell killing capability in the ex vivo cellular experiment. Conclusions: We crafted sophisticated AI algorithms capable of rapidly designing shared neoantigen T cell epitopes that exhibit strong immunogenicity. We believe that our AI technology has substantial promise for propelling the development of ready-made cancer vaccines, and will eventually improve patient outcomes when successfully applied in clinical settings. Citation Format: Genwei Zhang, Jiewen Du, Xiangrui Gao, Zhenghui Wang, Qingxia Zhang, Tongren Liu, Dong Chen, Chi Han Samson Li, Kin Tak Chan, Hong Wang, Melvin Toh, Lipeng Lai. Artificial intelligence accelerates shared neoantigen peptide cancer vaccine development [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2025; Part 1 (Regular Abstracts); 2025 Apr 25-30; Chicago, IL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2025;85(8_Suppl_1):Abstract nr 3649.

Neonatal hyperinsulinism: a retrospective study of presentation and management in a tertiary neonatal intensive care unit in the UK

ObjectiveReports of hyperinsulinism typically focus on infants managed by highly specialised services. However, neonates with hyperinsulinism are initially managed by neonatologists and often not referred to specialists. This study aimed...

Heterozygous deletion of 10q24.31-q24.33– a new syndrome associated with multiple congenital anomalies: case report and literature review

BackgroundCongenital anomalies and neurodevelopmental disorders are complex conditions often requiring comprehensive diagnostic approaches. Next-generation sequencing (NGS), particularly whole-exome sequencing (WES), has greatly improved the detection of pathogenic variants, including copy number variations (CNVs), which account for up to 35% of genetic causes in neurological patients. Combining CNV and single nucleotide variant (SNV) analysis through WES enhances diagnostic accuracy, especially in cases with unclassified congenital anomalies.Case presentation and literature reviewThis study reports a 14-year-old male patient with multiple congenital anomalies, including hypospadias, complete cleft palate, and recurrent pneumonia. His clinical presentation includes significant physical and intellectual developmental delays, autism-like symptoms, and spastic diplegia. Whole-exome sequencing (WES) was performed due to these complex symptoms, revealing a novel heterozygous deletion on chromosome 10q24.31-q24.33. Laboratory findings indicated agammaglobulinemia, leading to prophylactic antibiotic therapy and immunoglobulin replacement. Additional imaging studies showed cystic malformation of the middle lobe of the right lung, sliding hiatal hernia with prolapse of the gastric mucosa, and brain anomalies consistent with Joubert syndrome.ConclusionsThis case underscores the importance of genetic analysis in understanding the etiology of congenital anomalies and neurodevelopmental disorders, providing critical insights into the molecular mechanisms driving complex phenotypes. The identified chromosomal deletion contributes to the existing literature on genomic imbalances associated with similar phenotypes.

Profiles of acculturative strategies and cultural stressors among Hispanic/Latinx college-attending emerging adults.

The present study identified unique profiles of cultural stressors (i.e., bicultural stress, discrimination, and negative context of reception) and acculturative strategies (i.e., heritage practices, heritage identification, U.S. practices, and U.S. identification), in Hispanic/Latinx (HL) emerging adults. Additionally, we examined associations between positive and negative psychosocial functioning, with profiles of acculturative strategies and cultural stressors. The present study utilized a baseline sample of 779 HL college students (75.8% female, Mage = 20.80 years, SD = 2.66) drawn from a daily diary study on acculturation. Latent profile analysis identified four distinct profiles. The Bicultural and Low Cultural Stressors (B-LowCS; 53.55%) was marked by strong heritage and U.S. cultural orientation and low levels across all cultural stressors. The Marginalization and High Acculturative Stressors (M-HighAS; 20.13%) was marked by weak heritage and U.S. cultural orientation, high acculturative stressors, and low discrimination. The third profile, the Heritage Rejection and Low Cultural Stressors (HR-LowCS; 16.05%) was marked by rejection of heritage culture and low cultural stressors. Finally, the Separation and High Cultural Stressors (S-HighCS; 10.26%) was marked by weak U.S. cultural orientation and high cultural stressors. Consistent with past research, the B-LowCS profile was marked by the highest level of positive psychosocial functioning and the lowest levels of internalizing and externalizing symptoms. The results of the present study highlight the usefulness of person-centered approaches for understanding the interplay between acculturative strategies and cultural stressors, and the implications of these distinct profiles on psychosocial functioning in HL emerging adults. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2025 APA, all rights reserved).

Crocin-loaded Niosomal Nanoparticles Reversing Cytotoxicity and Oxidative Stress in HEK293 Cell Line Exposed to Paraquat: An In vitro Study.

Paraquat (PQ) is an effective herbicide which is widely used around the world to remove weeds in agriculture. As a water-soluble carotenoid, crocin is a pharmacologically active constituent of C. sativus L. (saffron). In the present study, we investigated the effects of crocin-loaded niosomes (Cro-NIO) compared to free crocin on PQ-induced toxicity in the eukaryotic human embryonic kidney (HEK293) cell line. The Cro-NIO was synthesized and characterized. Cell viability was determined using the MTT assay in PQ-exposed HEK293 cell lines. The activities of biochemical markers were quantitatively determined to reveal the potential mechanism of PQ-induced oxidative stress in HEK293 cell line. The particle size, zeta potential, polydispersity index (PDI), DL, and EE of Cro-NIO were 145.4 ± 19.5 nm, -22.3 ± 3.11 mV, 0.3 ± 0.03, 1.74 ± 0.01%, and 55.3 ± 7.1%, respectively. PQtreated HEK293 cell lines decreased cell viability. The results of oxidative status showed that PQ significantly could increase ROS accumulation, accompanied by a decreasing antioxidant defense system. However, treatment with Cro-NIO, compared to crocin, not only did dose-dependently improve the cell viability but also significantly attenuated the ROS accumulation and increased antioxidant markers. According to these results, Cro-NIO, compared to crocin, was superior to ameliorating PQ-induced cytotoxicity and oxidative damage in HEK293 cells.

A snapshot of female representation in the presentation of orthopaedic research, an Australian perspective.

The gender disparity in the field of orthopaedic surgery is globally recognized. In Australia, the percentage of female orthopaedic surgeons is currently 5.5% while the percentage of trainees is 18.9%. The Australian Orthopaedic Association's annual scientific meeting (ASM) program represents one way to visualize gender diversity within orthopaedics. This study aims to quantify the representation of women in national orthopaedic research presentations. This is a retrospective cohort study of ASM presentations from 2021 to 2023. Presenter information was obtained from available published scientific programs. Presenter gender was classified by first name as a binary construct using a combination of biography, internet, registration, and the website Gender API (https://gender-api.com). The proportion of female versus male presenters and moderators was determined and gender trends between topics was analysed. Of 936 research presentations given across the 3 years, 15.9% were given by females. The topic areas with the highest percentage of female speakers were paediatrics (42.1%) and hand (25.0%), with the lowest percentage in shoulder and elbow (10.3%) and spine (3.8%). The proportion of female session moderators averaged 20.2%. There was no difference in number of presentations given or sessions moderated per person with regard to gender. This is the first paper to investigate gender disparity in the presentation of orthopaedic research in Australia. The percentage of female participation is low, however remains in proportion with female representation within the speciality. Increasing numbers of visible female presenters will serve to improve the gender landscape within orthopaedics.

Family rejection and LGBTQ+ Asian Americans' psychological distress and disordered eating: The role of conflicts in allegiances and family shame.

Lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, and queer (LGBTQ+) Asian Americans experience unique psychological health concerns at the intersection of multiple forms of marginalization. White supremacist, cisheteronormative, and colonial ideals and their structural and interpersonal manifestations may encourage family rejection of LGBTQ+ identities within Asian American family units. Family shame, conflicts in allegiances, and internalized anti-LGBTQ+ stigma were hypothesized as mediators in the association between family rejection and psychological distress and disordered eating. The present study examined family rejection and its impacts on psychological distress and disordered eating in a sample of LGBTQ+ Asian American adults (N = 155; Mage = 24.26; 30.3% gender diverse) using a cross-sectional survey design and path analysis. There was a significant serial mediation such that family rejection was positively associated with conflicts in allegiances, family shame, and psychological distress (B = .12, p = .01). The same serial mediation was nonsignificant for disordered eating (B = .04, p = .26). Results indicate the importance of considering conflicts in allegiances, family shame, and the interpersonal dynamics of LGBTQ+ Asian Americans in understanding experiences of psychological distress and disordered eating. Implications are drawn for further research, clinical work, and broader efforts addressing the larger sociocultural environment that encourages family rejection of LGBTQ+ identity. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2025 APA, all rights reserved).

Arab American well-being and impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Like other racial and ethnic minority groups in the United States, discrimination has contributed to health disparities for Arab Americans and placed them at increased risk for health concerns that have only persisted with the COVID-19 pandemic. The purpose of the present study was to identify how the wellbeing of Arab Americans was impacted during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic in the United States. Using a qualitative approach, we gathered responses from 604 Arab Americans to open-ended questions. Relying on coders and thematic analysis, common patterns were identified in the data. Themes and subthemes that focused on the impact of COVID-19 were identified in the data set. The themes of negative outcomes included depression, interpersonal loss, and anxiety. The theme of positive outcomes included time with family, heightened reflection, and strengthened faith. The theme of challenging adjustments included disrupted routine and change in plans. As Arab Americans in this study reported numerous mental health outcomes due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the conclusion that this group warrants attention in the health disparities discourse was further reinforced. The themes discovered in this study can be used to develop culturally relevant health interventions for Arab Americans as a means of beginning to make health care more accessible for this population. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2025 APA, all rights reserved).

AIGC-enabled digital presentation study of visual novels

AIGC-enabled digital presentation study of visual novels

Paediatric Traumatic Endophthalmitis in Western India: A Study of Clinical Presentation, Management and Treatment Outcomes

Paediatric Traumatic Endophthalmitis in Western India: A Study of Clinical Presentation, Management and Treatment Outcomes

Adolescent mental health presentations to a New Zealand emergency department: A 16-year retrospective observational study.

ObjectiveTo examine trends in adolescent mental health presentations to Christchurch Emergency Department (ED) and contribute to the limited data on long-term trends in adolescent mental health within New Zealand.MethodA retrospective observational study of mental health presentations by adolescents aged 10-17years to the Christchurch ED over 2007-2022. Data on patient demographics, rates of frequent presenters (≥5 presentations in a calendar year) and hospital admissions were analysed using simple descriptive statistics.ResultsRates of adolescent mental health ED presentations increased by 289% over 16 years, while rates of adolescent all-cause ED presentations increased by 9.8%. Female presentations increased over five-fold while male rates nearly doubled. Rates of medical hospital admissions increased by 70% and numbers of frequent presenters increased from 0 in 2007 to a peak of 19 in 2022.ConclusionThere has been a significant increase in adolescent mental health ED presentations over the study period. Demographic trends - including higher presentation rates for females and Māori - are consistent with those observed in the Youth2000 survey series. Ongoing monitoring of adolescent mental health ED presentation rates will be an important way of assessing the efficacy of any changes to the mental health system.

Effect of Citrus aurantifolia Seed Extracts In Some Bacteria Isolated From Burns Infections

The present study was carried to evaluate antibacterial activity of Acetone, Alcholic (cold and hot) and Aqueaus(water) extracts of Citrus aurantifoliaseeds,against growth of some bacteria isolated from burns infections(Pseudomonas aeruginosa,Escherichia coli, Klebsiellapneumonia,Staphylococcusaureus)fromKindy HospitalIn Baghdad from March to June 2012.Antibiotic Sensitivity was done for all isolated bacteria used in this study.Results showed variation in antibacterial activity of different extracts against all tested bacteria by well diffusion technique in agar and measuring the diameter of inhibition zone, at concentration 250Mg-ml. Acetone extract had the greatest inhibitory effect followed by hot alcoholci extract, and then cold alcoholic extract,while the aqueous extract slightly inhibited bacteria. Minimum inhibitory concentration(MIC)were determined for all extracts against studying bacteria and found(12.5-50)mg-ml for acetone and alcoholic extracts, MIC for aqueous extract was 50mg-ml forPseudomonasaeruginosa and Escherichia coli,while was no effect onKlebsiellapneumonia and Staphylococcusaureus. Minimum Bacterial Concentration(MBC)were determined and was found25-50mg-ml for acetone extract,hot water was25mg-ml, cold alcoholic extract was 50mg-ml forPseudomonasaeruginosa,Escherichia coli andKlebsiella pneumonia but showed no effect on Staphylococcus aureus, aqueous extract showed negative effect on alltested bacteria. The antimicrobial activity of hot alcoholic extract of seeds was investigated practically (in vivo) by treating burns mices infected with tested bacteria(Pseudomonas aeruginosa,Escherichia coli and Klebsiellapneumonia),the results revealed good recovery at short time comparing with antibiotic(Flamazine) used at the same time.