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SAGE Open Medical Case Reports 2024Ecrrine porocarcinoma, a rare aggressive skin tumor, develops from sweat glands located in lower limbs, followed by the head and neck, trunk, and upper limbs. The...
Ecrrine porocarcinoma, a rare aggressive skin tumor, develops from sweat glands located in lower limbs, followed by the head and neck, trunk, and upper limbs. The incidence represents only about 0.005% of all cutaneous malignant tumors. The most common site is the lower extremities in elderly patients. As it has a high chance of metastases and recurrence after surgery, mainstay of treatment modality is wide local excision or Mohs (micrographically oriented histographic surgery) micrographic surgery. Mohs micrographic surgery (MMS) is a more effective treatment modality for tumors located in cosmetically and functionally important areas of the head and neck. We present a 56-years-old male patient with a large fungating eccrine tumor on the left axilla with ipsilateral nodal involvement on histomorphological grounds supported with immunohistochemical studies.
PubMed: 38812832
DOI: 10.1177/2050313X241256868 -
PloS One 2024The sweat bee Halictus rubicundus is an important pollinator with a large latitudinal range and many potential barriers to gene flow. Alongside typical physical...
The sweat bee Halictus rubicundus is an important pollinator with a large latitudinal range and many potential barriers to gene flow. Alongside typical physical barriers, including mountain ranges and oceans, the climate may also impose restrictions on gene flow in this species. The climate influences voltinism and sociality in H. rubicundus, which is bivoltine and can nest socially at warmer lower latitudes but tends to be univoltine and solitary in the cooler north. Variation in voltinism could result in phenological differences, potentially limiting gene flow, but a previous study found no evidence for this in H. rubicundus populations in mainland Britain. Here we extend the previous study to consider populations of H. rubicundus at extreme northern and southern latitudes in the UK. We found that bees from a population in the far north of Scotland were genetically differentiated from bees collected in Cornwall in the south-west of England. In contrast, bees collected across the Irish Sea in Northern Ireland showed slight genetic overlap with both the Scottish and Cornish bees. Our results suggest that when populations at extreme latitudes are considered, phenology and the climate may act alongside physical barriers such as the Scottish Highlands and the Irish Sea to restrict gene flow in H. rubicundus. We discuss the implications of our results for local adaptation in the face of rapidly changing selection pressures which are likely under climate change.
Topics: Animals; Bees; Gene Flow; Genetic Variation; Microsatellite Repeats; Scotland; Genetics, Population
PubMed: 38809856
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0302688 -
PloS One 2024One of the most challenging aspects of bee ecology and conservation is species-level identification, which is costly, time consuming, and requires taxonomic expertise....
One of the most challenging aspects of bee ecology and conservation is species-level identification, which is costly, time consuming, and requires taxonomic expertise. Recent advances in the application of deep learning and computer vision have shown promise for identifying large bumble bee (Bombus) species. However, most bees, such as sweat bees in the genus Lasioglossum, are much smaller and can be difficult, even for trained taxonomists, to identify. For this reason, the great majority of bees are poorly represented in the crowdsourced image datasets often used to train computer vision models. But even larger bees, such as bumble bees from the B. vagans complex, can be difficult to separate morphologically. Using images of specimens from our research collections, we assessed how deep learning classification models perform on these more challenging taxa, qualitatively comparing models trained on images of whole pinned specimens or on images of bee forewings. The pinned specimen and wing image datasets represent 20 and 18 species from 6 and 4 genera, respectively, and were used to train the EfficientNetV2L convolutional neural network. Mean test precision was 94.9% and 98.1% for pinned and wing images respectively. Results show that computer vision holds great promise for classifying smaller, more difficult to identify bees that are poorly represented in crowdsourced datasets. Images from research and museum collections will be valuable for expanding classification models to include additional species, which will be essential for large scale conservation monitoring efforts.
Topics: Bees; Animals; Deep Learning; Wings, Animal; Image Processing, Computer-Assisted; Neural Networks, Computer; Species Specificity
PubMed: 38805521
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0303383 -
Cureus Apr 2024Digital papillary adenocarcinoma (DPA) is a rare eccrine sweat gland tumor that often appears as a solitary, non-painful, gradually enlarging mass. Clinically, DPA...
Digital papillary adenocarcinoma (DPA) is a rare eccrine sweat gland tumor that often appears as a solitary, non-painful, gradually enlarging mass. Clinically, DPA presents considerable challenges due to its high likelihood of recurrence and its tendency to spread to the lymph nodes and lungs. This case report focuses on the surgical treatment of a unique case of DPA located on the dorsal thumb in a 46-year-old male. The patient initially underwent wide local excision with temporary wound coverage, and once final histopathological findings confirmed negative margins, a second procedure consisting of thumb interphalangeal joint fusion and first dorsal metacarpal artery flap coverage was performed. Eighteen months later, the patient continued to work in landscaping, performing the physically demanding tasks required by the job. This case demonstrates the feasibility of thumb preservation in the setting of soft tissue malignancy once negative margins are obtained.
PubMed: 38803757
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.59132 -
Zhongguo Dang Dai Er Ke Za Zhi =... May 2024To investigate the prognosis of childhood T-lymphoblastic lymphoma (T-LBL) treated with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) regimen and related influencing factors.
OBJECTIVES
To investigate the prognosis of childhood T-lymphoblastic lymphoma (T-LBL) treated with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) regimen and related influencing factors.
METHODS
A retrospective analysis was performed for the prognostic characteristics of 29 children with T-LBL who were treated with ALL regimen (ALL-2009 or CCCG-ALL-2015 regimen) from May 2010 to May 2022.
RESULTS
The 29 children with T-LBL had a 5-year overall survival (OS) rate of 84%±7% and an event-free survival (EFS) rate of 81%±8%. The children with B systemic symptoms (unexplained fever >38°C for more than 3 days; night sweats; weight loss >10% within 6 months) at initial diagnosis had a lower 5-year EFS rate compared to the children without B symptoms (<0.05). The children with platelet count >400×10/L and involvement of both mediastinum and lymph nodes at initial diagnosis had lower 5-year OS rates (<0.05). There were no significant differences in 5-year OS and EFS rates between the children treated with CCCG-ALL-2015 regimen and those treated with ALL-2009 regimen (>0.05). Compared with the ALL-2009 regimen, the CCCG-ALL-2015 regimen reduced the frequency of high-dose methotrexate chemotherapy and the incidence rate of severe infections (<0.05).
CONCLUSIONS
The ALL regimen is safe and effective in children with T-LBL. Children with B systemic symptoms, platelet count >400×10/L, and involvement of both mediastinum and lymph nodes at initial diagnosis tend to have a poor prognosis. Reduction in the frequency of high-dose methotrexate chemotherapy can reduce the incidence rate of severe infections, but it does not affect prognosis.
Topics: Humans; Male; Female; Child; Child, Preschool; Prognosis; Retrospective Studies; Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols; Precursor T-Cell Lymphoblastic Leukemia-Lymphoma; Adolescent; Infant; Precursor Cell Lymphoblastic Leukemia-Lymphoma
PubMed: 38802906
DOI: 10.7499/j.issn.1008-8830.2311060 -
JMIR Serious Games May 2024Currently, the fusion of technology and sports is inevitable. The integration of various systems and devices has brought about significant transformations in established...
BACKGROUND
Currently, the fusion of technology and sports is inevitable. The integration of various systems and devices has brought about significant transformations in established sports practices, impacting not only the rules but also physiological, biomechanical, and even psychological aspects.
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this study was to analyze the effect of an attention intervention through a video game on young soccer players.
METHODS
Twelve young male soccer players (age: mean 8.5, SD 1 years) were divided into 2 groups: a control group (CG; n=10) and an experimental group (EG; n=10). During the 6-week training program, the EG received attention training through a video game twice a week for 15 minutes per session. Pre- and postintervention measurements included a specific decision-making soccer test and interviews with coaching staff. Additionally, success in the video game, muscular activity, and sweat levels were monitored.
RESULTS
The EG demonstrated a significant improvement in video game success following the intervention program, as indicated by the achieved level (P<.001). However, no significant differences were found between groups regarding electromyographic (EMG) activity (P=.21) and sweating (P=.20). Prior to implementing the attention training program, both groups exhibited similar data for variables related to decision-making and execution mechanisms (≤10%). Only 2 decision-making variables exceeded 10% but remained below 15% (Shot_D=13.35%; Marking_with_Ball_D=-12.64%). Furthermore, changes in attacking action variables were more pronounced in execution-related variables, except for dribbling and fixing. Conversely, in defensive action variables, changes were greater in decision-related variables, except for marking with the ball and marking without the ball.
CONCLUSIONS
Our findings reveal that incorporating a specific attentional video game into a soccer training program enhances decision-making compared to a program without the video game. Therefore, it is advisable for practitioners to consider using this tool due to its high efficiency in terms of economic and temporal costs, particularly in improving a key psychological variable.
PubMed: 38801708
DOI: 10.2196/52275 -
Turkish Journal of Haematology :... May 2024Myeloproliferative Neoplasm Symptom Assessment Total Symptom Score (MPN-SAF TSS) is a surrogate marker for symptom evaluation in Chronic Myeloproliferative Neoplasms....
Myeloproliferative Neoplasm Symptom Assessment Total Symptom Score (MPN-SAF TSS) is a surrogate marker for symptom evaluation in Chronic Myeloproliferative Neoplasms. There is not enough data to show the relationship between MPN-SAF TSS, JAK2 mutation allele burden, and thrombosis. In this retrospective analysis, we aimed to determine the genetic burdens, clinical features, and relationship with MPN-SAF TSS in MPN patients. One hundred thirty JAK2V617F positive MPN were included in our study. We have calculated MPN-SAF TSS and compared it with clinical features. Patients with higher JAK2V617F mutation allele burden had higher MPN-SAF TSS (p-value 0,008). Patients with thrombosis had higher MPN-SAF TSS scores than patients without thrombosis (p-value 0.003). The mean MPN-SAF TSS was higher in primary myelofibrosis (PMF) patients compared to PV and ET patients. Thrombosis was associated with increased symptom severity in several domains, including fatigue, abdominal discomfort, inactivity, night sweats, pruritus, weight loss, and early satiety. Additionally, an increase in JAK2 allele burden was observed with higher symptom scores. The MPN-SAF TSS proved to be a reliable tool for assessing symptom burden in Turkish MPN patients. Furthermore, a significant association between thrombosis occurrence and symptom severity suggests that thrombotic events may contribute to symptom development. Notably, increasing JAK2 allele burden was correlated with more severe symptoms, highlighting its potential role in predicting disease burden. This study emphasizes the importance of symptom assessment in MPN patients and supports the incorporation of MPN-SAF TSS in routine clinical practice to enhance patient care and management.
PubMed: 38801033
DOI: 10.4274/tjh.galenos.2024.2024.0011 -
Cureus Apr 2024Common variable immunodeficiency (CVID) is a primary immunodeficiency with the involvement of B cells, T cells, and antigen-presenting cells. Patients with CVID are more...
Common variable immunodeficiency (CVID) is a primary immunodeficiency with the involvement of B cells, T cells, and antigen-presenting cells. Patients with CVID are more susceptible to malignancies and bacterial infections in the gastrointestinal and respiratory tracts. We discuss a case of a 50-year-old male who presented to the emergency department with a history of intermittent abdominal pain, diarrhea, night sweats, fever, nausea, and weight loss of 40 pounds over six months. A CT of the abdomen revealed splenomegaly with several infiltrated solid nodules as well as enlarged mediastinal, hilar, periesophageal, cervical, and left supraclavicular lymph nodes, findings suggestive of lymphoma. The diagnosis of nodular lymphocyte-predominant Hodgkin lymphoma was confirmed by immunohistology, which revealed that CD20 and CD3 were both positive in small lymphocytes. Immunoglobulin (Ig) levels were low for IgG and IgM, findings highly suggestive of CVID. We want to shed light on the importance of performing the clinical workup for CVID when Hodgkin lymphoma and recurrent infections are present, as the immunodeficiency remains underdiagnosed and underreported.
PubMed: 38800171
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.58989 -
Journal of Multidisciplinary Healthcare 2024The COVID-19 pandemic and tuberculosis have epidemiological similarities, being transmitted airborne, favored by direct contact, crowded environments, and vulnerable...
INTRODUCTION
The COVID-19 pandemic and tuberculosis have epidemiological similarities, being transmitted airborne, favored by direct contact, crowded environments, and vulnerable biological status.
METHODS
We performed a retrospective study of 45 cases of pulmonary tuberculosis associated with COVID-19 (TB+COV+) compared to 45 cases with tuberculous monoinfection (TB+COV-), hospitalized during 2021-2022.
RESULTS
The demographic characteristics were similar in the two groups, predominating men, a median age of 51 years, living in rural areas, medium level of education and smoking. Common symptoms of the two groups were cough, weight loss, profuse sweating, loss of appetite and hemoptysis, while fever, headache, myo-arthralgias, and digestive symptoms characterized the TB+COV+ forms. The scores of radiological lesions in the TB+COV+ compared to TB+COV- group were significantly higher and persistent, revealing more frequent bilateral extensive lung lesions. There were no significant differences in the biological parameters between the two groups. Mortality was 2.2%, regardless of the association of COVID-19. The frequency of infections with was higher in TB+COV+ cases.
CONCLUSION
The co-infection of COVID-19 had a mild impact on the clinical and biological expression of tuberculosis diagnosed in a pandemic context.
PubMed: 38799014
DOI: 10.2147/JMDH.S463859 -
Frontiers in Pediatrics 2024Cystic fibrosis (CF) is an autosomal recessive disease caused by mutations of the gene encoding the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR). In 1949,... (Review)
Review
Cystic fibrosis (CF) is an autosomal recessive disease caused by mutations of the gene encoding the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR). In 1949, it's been identified as a monogenic disease and was thought to primarily affect individuals of Northern European descent. It was the most prevalent autosomal recessive disease that shortens life. With the availability of multiple testing methodologies nowadays, there is a chance to create novel and enhanced treatment options. Even in the absence of a high sweat chloride test (SCT) result, the discovery of two causal mutations is diagnostic for cystic fibrosis (CF). For a CF diagnosis, however, at least two positive E sweat chloride tests are still required. In order to achieve early and active intervention to manage cystic fibrosis (CF) and its comorbidities, treatment regimens for pediatric patients should be evaluated, improved, and closely monitored. New developments in the treatment of cystic fibrosis (CF) have led to the development of medications derived from molecules that target the pathogenetic pathway of the illness. These options are very efficient and allow pediatric patients to receive individualized care. However, in order to better direct patient care and enhance patient outcomes, it is crucial to research uncommon CF mutations, which can provide crucial information about the prognosis of the disease and the relationships between genotype and phenotype. To ensure the success of creating novel, safer, and more efficient treatment approaches, a deeper understanding of the pathogeny of the illness is required. In the age of customized medicine, genetic research will be essential to improving patient care and quality of life for those with uncommon mutations.
PubMed: 38798310
DOI: 10.3389/fped.2024.1393193