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Newcastle disease (ND) is among the most common and deadliest poultry diseases worldwide. Thermostable Newcastle disease virus (NDV) vaccines have been widely used to protect village chickens against ND due to their decreased dependence on cold chains for transport and storage. The NDV4 Heat-Resistant (NDV4HR) vaccine is an apathogenic, heat-resistant, live vaccine that can induce immunity in chickens. In this study, 60 one-day-old Arain local hybrid broilers were divided into three groups of 20. Group A had the usual vaccination program in broiler flocks (seven days old: B1 type by eye drop and ND killed vaccine intramuscularly; 18 and 28 days old: LaSota strain orally). Group B did not receive any vaccine, and group C received the NDV4HR vaccine orally, six times from the first day to the 35th day of rearing. All groups were nasally challenged with acute Newcastle virus (genotype VIId) on the 35th rearing day. Regarding the hemagglutination inhibition serum antibody titer of the birds after the challenge, group B had the highest (7.12±1.05), and group C (6.37±1.31) had a higher titer than group A (6±1.22). After the challenge with the Newcastle virus, the necropsy findings and clinical symptoms of the disease were almost similar in groups A and C. Group B showed the most signs, with higher casualties than other groups. Regarding weight gain, group C had the highest weight at the end of the study (2204±106). On the second day after the challenge, groups A and B had virus shedding through the trachea and cloaca, while group B shed the virus only through the trachea. Furthermore, on the seventh day after the challenge, group A shed the virus through the cloaca, whereas group B did it through the trachea and the cloaca. On the other hand, there was no virus shedding in group C. This study showed that the NDV4HR vaccine provokes an antibody response that protects the birds against a virulent virus challenge. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background The use of antracycline in breast cancer has been associated with adverse cardiac events and its prevention remains an important challenge in cancer. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of bisoprolol in preventing acute cardiac events caused by anthracycline drugs in breast cancer patients. Methods 70 consecutive breast cancer patients planned to receive anthracycline chemotherapy were enrolled in this double blind, randomized clinical trial. Patients randomly assigned to receive either bisoprolol (2.5 mg daily) or placebo starting from day before chemotherapy up to 14 days after completion of chemotherapy course. One day before the start of chemotherapy and 14 days after the last chemotherapy, the level of Pro-BNP and troponin, CPK, CK-MB and EF (based on MUGA scan) were measured and changes were compared between the two groups. Results There was no significant difference in the level of EF (P = 0.160), CPK (P = 0.295), CK-MB (P = 0.073) or Pro-BNP (P = 0.066) in the bisoprolol group, but a significant decrease was observed in EF in the control group (P = 0.015). There was a significant increase in CPK and Pro-BNP (P = 0.03l; P = 0.048); however, no statistically significant difference in CK-MB was observed (P = 0.710) in the control group. troponin levels were not increased in any patients. Conclusions Our results showed that bisoprolol may have an appropriate preventive effect on the acute complications of anthracycline drugs in patients with breast cancer, thus its use can be recommended to reduce cardiac complications in this group of patients. Legal entity responsible for the study The authors. Funding Has not received any funding. Disclosure All authors have declared no conflicts of interest. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Several studies have indicated that dietary interventions may offer protection against the development of cardiac damage in the case of anthracycline-induced cardiomyopathy (AIC). The goal of this study was to assess whether an evidence-based cardioprotective diet can be effective in preventing AIC in patients with breast cancer. Design: Randomized, open-label, controlled trial. The study period was set for 18 weeks, and the data were analyzed by generalized estimating equation modeling and one-way repeated measures analysis of variance. Setting/Location: Shahid Rajaie Hospital affiliated (Tehran, Iran). Subjects: Fifty anthracycline-treated patients with breast cancer. Interventions: Patients were randomized to receive either a 2-hour training in evidence-based cardio-protective diet or Carvedilol 6.25 mg bid. Outcome Measures: The primary outcome was the number of patients with abnormal left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) after 18 weeks. Results: At week 18, 12 (48%) out of 25 participants in the cardioprotective diet group had abnormal LVEF in comparison with 21 (84%) out of 25 in the carvedilol group ( p = 0.007). Also, 2 (8%) out of 25 in the cardioprotective diet group compared with 7 (28%) out of 25 participants in the carvedilol group had abnormal global longitudinal strain ( p = 0.066). The diet group showed significant improvements in the quality-of-life dimensions named "health change" and "general health" compared with the carvedilol group using the Short Form-36 Health Survey questionnaire. Conclusions: This study suggests that an evidence-based cardioprotective diet can contribute to the prevention of AIC. Although current treatments for AIC can be effective, further research is mandatory for more options.

Emerging countries are currently facing an increasing burden of cancer while they do not have adequate prevention, monitoring and research capabilities to tackle the disease. Cancer outcomes are influenced by several factors, including different cancer patterns, national cancer screening guidelines, current stage of disease and access to quality care and treatments. Discrepancies in cancer care between emerging and developed countries requires actions to achieve global health equity. The process of pioneering a sister relationship in oncology field can thwart the global burden of cancer. The objective of such cooperation programs should include research and training programs, evidence-based oncology practice and quality cancer. Building global connections will therefore be the novel approach to addressing the global burden of cancer., (© The Author(s) 2024. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the British Institute of Radiology. All rights reserved. For permissions, please email: journals.permissions@oup.com.)

Background: While advancements in cancer treatments have improved survival rates, they also lead to adverse effects such as insomnia, which significantly impacts survivors' sleep quality., Objective: This study explores the influence of cancer-related fatigue (CRF), Fear of Cancer Recurrence (FCR), and psychological distress, with rumination serving as a mediating factor, on the insomnia experienced by cancer survivors., Methods: The study involved 220 cancer survivors attending Shohada-e-Tajrish Hospital's oncology center in Tehran, Iran. Participants were selected through convenience sampling and completed several questionnaires: the Insomnia Severity Index, Fear of Cancer Recurrence Inventory, Cancer Fatigue Scale, Kessler Psychological Distress Scale, and Rumination Response Scale., Results: The results showed that the tested model had a good fit, and the correlation matrix demonstrated significant positive correlations between CRF (0.46), FCR (0.15), psychological distress (0.55), and rumination (0.42) with insomnia in cancer survivors (p < 0.05). Notably, CRF (B = 0.356, p < 0.001) and psychological distress (B = 0.339, p < 0.001) affect insomnia both directly and indirectly through mediation by rumination, while the impact of FCR on insomnia was indirectly significant (B = 0.73, p < 0.05)., Conclusion: The findings suggest that interventions focused on managing rumination could be potential targets to alleviate insomnia and improve the sleep quality of cancer survivors., (© 2024 The Author(s). Cancer Medicine published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)

Purpose: Concurrent chemoradiation has been the mainstay of treatment for cervix cancer. We aimed to evaluate the non-inferiority of hypofractionated chemoradiation., Methods: This study was designed as a phase 2, 1:1 randomized, investigator-blinded, controlled, non-inferiority trial and we report the interim results after 50% accrual. Cervical cancer patients with FIGO stages IIA-IIIC were recruited from April 2021 to September 2022. The intervention consisted of 40 Gy of 3D-conformal radiation therapy (RT) in 15 fractions over 3 weeks. In the control group, patients received standard chemoradiation of 45 Gy in 25 fractions over 5 weeks. Both groups received concurrent weekly cisplatin (40 mg/m 2 ). Intravaginal brachytherapy of 28 Gy in 4 weekly fractions was delivered starting 1 week after the end of chemoradiation. The primary outcome was complete clinical response(CCR) at 3 months. Secondary outcomes included acute gastrointestinal (GI), genitourinary(GU), skin, and hematologic toxicities. A p value less than 0.05 was considered significant for analyses., Results: 59 patients were randomized; 30 in the control group and 29 in the intervention group. 20/30 (66.7%) of the patients in the control group and 19/29 (65.5%) in the intervention group achieved a CCR (absolute difference of 0.011, 95% CI - 0.23 to 0.25, p value: 0.13). There was a significantly higher rate of acute grade ≥ 3 GI toxicity in the intervention group (27.6%) compared with the control group (6.7%) (p value 0.032)., Conclusions: Despite an absolute difference of 1.1% in the 3-month CCR, our interim analysis failed to show the non-inferiority of the hypofractionated chemoradiation. Due to the higher GI toxicities, we will continue this trial using intensity-modulated radiation therapy., Registration Number and Date: ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT04831437, 2021.4.1., (© 2024. The Author(s).)

Medical digital twins, which represent medical assets, play a crucial role in connecting the physical world to the metaverse, enabling patients to access virtual medical services and experience immersive interactions with the real world. One serious disease that can be diagnosed and treated using this technology is cancer. However, the digitalization of such diseases for use in the metaverse is a highly complex process. To address this, this study aims to use machine learning (ML) techniques to create real-time and reliable digital twins of cancer for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes. The study focuses on four classical ML techniques that are simple and fast for medical specialists without extensive Artificial Intelligence (AI) knowledge, and meet the requirements of the Internet of Medical Things (IoMT) in terms of latency and cost. The case study focuses on breast cancer (BC), the second most prevalent form of cancer worldwide. The study also presents a comprehensive conceptual framework to illustrate the process of creating digital twins of cancer, and demonstrates the feasibility and reliability of these digital twins in monitoring, diagnosing, and predicting medical parameters.

Preserving the quality of life and sexual function of patients with a localized prostate cancer remains a challenge for physicians and a major issue for patients. The present study aimed at demonstrating the feasibility of a dosimetric preservation of the sexual organs during prostate stereotactic radiotherapy planning. Patients from a single centre were retrospectively included in the RPAH-2 trial and randomized in Arm B if they presented with either a low- or intermediate- risk prostate cancer. A 37.5Gy in 5 fractions stereotactic body radiotherapy was delivered on the prostate gland. The corpus cavernosum, penile bulb and internal pudental arteries were retrospectively delineated before a re-optimization process. During this process, RPAH-2 trial dose constraints were respected on Gross Tumor Volume (GTV), Planning Target Volume and usual organs at risk. Pre-defined dose setting delivered to corpus cavernosum, penile bulb and internal pudental arteries were collected and compared before and after the re-optimization process. Nine patients were included in the study. A decrease of the median of each investigated dose setting (except D90% for corpus cavernosum) was reported after the re-optimization for corpus cavernosum, penile bulb and internal pudental arteries. Our study demonstrated the feasibility of a dosimetric preservation of structures considered as relevant to preserve sexual function after prostate stereotactic radiotherapy., (Copyright © 2022 American Association of Medical Dosimetrists. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

This study investigated the impact of mental fatigue and self-controlled versus yoked feedback on learning a force production task. We randomly assigned 44 non-athlete male students (M age = 21.4, SD =  1.4 years) to four groups; (a) MF&SCF = mental fatigue & self-controlled feedback, (b) MF&Y = mental fatigue & yoked, (c) NMF&SCF = no mental fatigue & self-controlled feedback, and (d) NMF&Y = no mental fatigue & yoked). SCF group participants were provided feedback whenever they requested it, while YK group participants received feedback according to a schedule created by their SCF counterparts. To induce mental fatigue, participants performed a Stroop color-word task for one hour. During the acquisition (practice) phase, participants were asked to produce a given percentage of their maximum force (20%) in 12 blocks of six trials. We recorded the participants' absolute error at the end of the acquisition phase, the immediate retention test, the first transfer test, and the second transfer test (after 24 hours and without any further mental fatigue). The acquisition phase data were analyzed in a 2 (feedback) × 2 (mental fatigue) × 12 (block) ANOVA with repeated measures on the last factor, while the retention and transfer data were analyzed in 2 (feedback) × 2 (mental fatigue) ANOVAs. We found that all four groups made significant progress during practice ( p  < .001), but there were no significant group differences during this phase ( p >.05). There was a significant interaction effect of self-controlled feedback and mental fatigue at retention ( p  = .018) and transfer testing ( p  < .001). In the mental fatigue condition, participants in the self-controlled group had poorer learning compared to participants in the yoked group; but when not mentally fatigued, participants in the self-controlled group had better learning than those in the yoked group. These findings suggest that mental fatigue reduces typical advantages of self-controlled feedback in motor learning.

Purpose: Neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy has now become a standard treatment for rectal cancer. Recently, attempts have been made to predict the response rate to this treatment to decide whether or not it must be performed. However, tissue factors for predicting the response rate is not cohesively reviewed., Methods: Eighty-three patients with rectal cancer, all under neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy and subsequent surgery, were examined for tissue factors in the biopsy sample. The tissue factors examined include tumor differentiation grade, lymphovascular invasion, perineural invasion, pathological stage, and lymphocytic infiltration. Lymphocytic infiltration was investigated by immunohistochemistry for CD8 T lymphocyte in biopsy samples., Results: In this study, tissue factors were found to play a decisive role in predicting response to neoadjuvant treatment. The most important factor was the pathological stage, which has the highest correlation with response to treatment. There is a significant relationship between CD8 lymphocyte infiltration and response to treatment (P value = 0.018). Primary perineural invasion and lymphovascular invasion also have a significant meaningful relationship with response to treatment (P value = 0.021 and P value = 0.036)., Conclusion: In this study, it was determined that the investigated factors have a significant relationship with response to treatment and could be used to predict the response to treatment, and if a low possibility of positive response exists, prevention of the complications of neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy for the patients could occur.

The human epidermal growth factor 2 (HER2) gene undergoes various mutations that could alter its activity or respond to the antibody therapies. Cetuximab, a known anti-EGFR monoclonal antibody (mAB), is widely administered in metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) cases. Here we identified mCRC patients who did not respond to cetuximab (500 mg/m 2 , q2w) after fluoropyrimidine/oxaliplatin regimen failure. Tumor samples were examined with immunohistochemistry for protein distribution, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) sequencing for mutation detection and real-time PCR for mRNA expression pattern analysis between cetuximab sensitive and resistance patients. The conformational differences of normal and mutated protein structures were predicted by bioinformatics analysis. The 5-year survival rates of target groups were estimated using the Kaplan-Meier method. Immunohistochemistry showed that all cases had high level of HER2 protein. No K-Ras or B-Raf mutation was observed among the study population; however, cetuximab resistance patients harbored a somatic mutation R784G at the exon 20 region of HER2 coding sequence. According to bioinformatics analysis, this mutation caused a notable misfold in protein conformation. Meanwhile, survival analysis showed R784G mutated mCRC patients had shortened survival rate compared with the mCRC cases with wild-type HER2. Collectively, these data report a new mechanism of resistance to cetuximab and might be applicable in modifying new therapeutic strategies for HER2 involved cancers., (© 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.)

Macromolecules with ionizable groups are ubiquitous in biological and synthetic systems. Due to the complex interaction between chain and electrostatic decorrelation lengths, both equilibrium properties and micro-mechanical response of dilute solutions of polyelectrolytes (PEs) are more complex than their neutral counterparts. In this work, the bead-rod micromechanical description of a chain is used to perform hi-fidelity Brownian dynamics simulation of dilute PE solutions to ascertain the self-similar equilibrium behavior of PE chains with various linear charge densities, scaling of the Kuhn step length (lE) with salt concentration cs and the force-extension behavior of the PE chain. In accord with earlier theoretical predictions, our results indicate that for a chain with n Kuhn segments, lE ∼ cs (-0.5) as linear charge density approaches 1/n. Moreover, the constant force ensemble simulation results accurately predict the initial non-linear force-extension region of PE chain recently measured via single chain experiments. Finally, inspired by Cohen's extraction of Warner's force law from the inverse Langevin force law, a novel numerical scheme is developed to extract a new elastic force law for real chains from our discrete set of force-extension data similar to Padè expansion, which accurately depicts the initial non-linear region where the total Kuhn length is less than the thermal screening length.