bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Heart Failure-Smart Life: a randomized controlled trial of a mobile app for self-management in patients with heart failure
Authors: Choi Eui-Young , Park Jin-Sun , Min Deulle , Ahn Soohyun , Ahn Jeong-Ah
Published: January 2023

Background

It is an important strategy for healthcare providers to support heart failure patients with comprehensive aspects of self-management. A practical alternative to a comprehensive and user-friendly self-management program for heart failure patients is needed. This study aimed to develop a mobile self-management app program for patients with heart failure and to identify the impact of the program.

Methods

We developed a mobile app, called Heart Failure-Smart Life. The app was to provide educational materials using a daily health check-up diary, Q & A, and 1:1 chat, considering individual users’ convenience. An experimental study was employed using a randomized controlled trial to evaluate the effects of the program in patients with heart failure from July 2018 to June 2019. The experimental group (n = 36) participated in using the mobile app that provided feedback on their self-management and allowed monitoring of their daily health status by cardiac nurses for 3 months, and the control group (n = 38) continued to undergo their usual care. The differences in the physical, psychosocial, and behavioral factors between the two groups over time were analyzed using the analysis of covariance.

Results

After 3 months of intervention, significant differences between experimental and control groups were shown in the New York Heart Association functional class (p = 0.003) and cardiac diastolic function (p = 0.024). The improvements over time in the experimental group tended to be higher than those in the control group in considered variables. However, no changes in psychosocial and behavioral variables were observed between the groups over time.

Conclusions

This study provides evidence that the mobile app program may provide benefits to its users, specifically improvements of symptom and cardiac diastolic function in patients with heart failure. Healthcare providers can effectively and practically guide and support patients with heart failure using comprehensive and convenient self-management tools such as smartphone apps.
The effect of BMI on long-term outcome in patients with rectal cancer and establishment of a nomogram prediction model
Authors: Zhang Yang , Yang Xuyang , Zhuang Zixuan , Wei Mingtian , Meng Wenjian , Deng Xiangbing , Wang Ziqiang
Published: January 2023

Background

The effects of body mass index (BMI) in patients with rectal cancer have been poorly studied and are still controversial. In this study, we aimed to assess the effect of BMI on the long-term outcome in patients with rectal cancer after radical surgery.

Materials and methods

Between April 2012 and December 2020, patients who received total mesorectal excision (TME) surgery were enrolled in the study. Patients were divided into four groups according to BMI level. Kaplan–Meier survival curves with log-rank tests were used to analyze overall survival (OS), Disease-free survival (DFS), local recurrence-free survival and distant metastasis-free survival. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to identify the risk factors associated with the long-term outcome. Nomograms were developed to predict the OS and DFS based on independent prognostic factors.

Results

A total of 688 patients were included in this study. The median follow-up time was 69 months. The 5-year OS rates of the control, underweight, overweight and obese groups were 79.2%, 62.2%, 88.7% and 86.3%, respectively. The 5-year DFS rates were 74.8%, 58.2%, 80.5% and 81.4%, respectively. Overweight (HR 0.534; 95% CI 0.332–0.860, p = 0.010) was an independent protective factor for OS and DFS (HR 0.675; 95% CI 0.461–0.989, p = 0.044). Underweight was an independent risk factor for DFS (HR = 1.623; 95% CI 1.034–2.548; p = 0.035), and had a trend to be an independent risk factor for OS (HR 1.594; 95% 0.954–2.663; p = 0.075). Nomograms were established to predict the 2-year OS, 5-year OS, 2-year DFS and 5-year DFS with an area under curve (AUC) of 0.767, 0.712, 0.746 and 0.734, respectively.

Conclusions

For rectal cancer patients after radical surgery, overweight was an independent protective factor for OS and DFS. Underweight was an independent risk factor for DFS and had a trend to be an independent risk factor for OS. Nomograms incorporating BMI and other prognostic factors could be helpful to predict long-term outcome.
High insulinemic potential of diet and lifestyle is associated with increased risk of chronic kidney disease incident in adults
Authors: Farhadnejad Hossein , Teymoori Farshad , Jahromi Mitra Kazemi , Asghari Golaleh , Mokhtari Ebrahim , Mirmiran Parvin , Azizi Fereidoun
Published: January 2023

Background

The role of higher insulinemic effects of dietary pattern and lifestyle factors on the risk of chronic kidney disease (CKD) is not well-studied. In the current study, we aimed to investigate the relationship between the insulinemic potential of diet and lifestyle with the risk of CKD in adults.

Methods

A total of 6044 individuals without CKD, aged>18 years, were recruited from among participants of the Tehran Lipid and Glucose Study (third and fourth surveys) and followed a mean of 6.03 years(follow-up rate:94.95%). The dietary intake data were collected using a food frequency questionnaire. The insulinemic potential of diet and lifestyle was determined based on four empirical indices, including the empirical dietary index for hyperinsulinemia (EDIH), the empirical dietary index for insulin resistance (EDIR), the empirical lifestyle index for hyperinsulinemia (ELIH), and the empirical lifestyle index for insulin resistance (ELIR).

Results

Mean ± SD age of all study participants (54.3% women) was 37.8 ± 12.8 years.
During the 6.03 years of follow-up (46,889.8 person-years), 1216(20.1%) new cases of CKD were identified. According to the multivariable-adjusted model, the risk of CKD incident is increased across quintiles of EDIR (OR = 1.29;95% CI: 1.06–1.57), ELIH (OR = 1.35; 95%CI: 1.10–1.67), and ELIR (OR = 1.24; 95%CI:1.02–1.51). However, no significant relationship was found between the EDIH score and the risk of CKD.

Conclusion

Results of the current study showed that dietary pattern with a high EDIR score and a lifestyle with higher ELIH and ELIR scores may be related to increasing the risk of CKD incident. However, no significant association was observed between EDIH score and CKD incident.
Validation of an anti-α-Gal IgE fluoroenzyme-immunoassay for the screening of patients at risk of severe anaphylaxis to cetuximab
Authors: Serrier Julien , Davy Jean-Baptiste , Dupont Benoît , Clarisse Bénédicte , Parienti Jean-Jacques , Petit Gautier , Khoy Kathy , Ollivier Yann , Gervais Radj , Mariotte Delphine , Le Mauff Brigitte
Published: January 2023

Background

The link between immediate hypersensitivity reactions (HSR) following the first cetuximab infusion and the IgE sensitization against anti-galactose-α-1,3-galactose (α-Gal) is now well-established. An automated Fluoroenzyme-Immunoassay (FEIA) is available and may facilitate the screening of patients with anti-α-Gal IgE before treatment.

Methods

This study aimed to evaluate its performances as compared to a previously validated anti-cetuximab IgE ELISA, using 185 samples from two previously studied cohorts.

Results

Despite 21.1% of discrepancies between the two techniques, FEIA discriminated better positive patients and similarly negative ones with a ≥ 0.525 kUA/L threshold. Sensitivity was 87.5% for both tests, specificity was better for FEIA (96.3% vs ELISA: 82.1%). FEIA had a higher positive likelihood ratio (23.9 vs ELISA: 4.89) and a similar negative likelihood ratio (0.13 vs ELISA: 0.15). In our population, the risk of severe HSR following a positive test was higher with FEIA (56.7% vs ELISA: 19.6%) and similar following a negative test (0.7% vs ELISA: 0.8%).

Conclusion

Although the predictive value of the IgE screening before cetuximab infusion remains discussed, this automated commercial test can identify high-risk patients and is suitable for routine use in laboratories. It could help avoiding cetuximab-induced HSR by a systematic anti-α-Gal IgE screening before treatment.
Traumatic injuries among Alaska’s young workers: Linking cases from four data systems
Authors: Evoy Richard , Syron Laura , Case Samantha , Lucas Devin
Published: January 2023

Background

Young workers (aged 15–24 years) experience higher rates of job-related injury compared with workers aged 25–44 years in the United States. Young workers may have limited or no prior work experience or safety training, which can contribute to their injury risk. In 2018, Alaska had the second highest work-related fatality rate and 14th highest non-fatal injury rate in the United States. This study aimed to characterize nonfatal and fatal occupational injuries among young workers in Alaska.

Methods

To describe injury patterns among Alaska young workers from 2014–2018, we used data from four datasets: Alaska Workers’ Compensation, Alaska Occupational Injury Surveillance System, Alaska Trauma Registry, and Alaska Fishermen’s Fund. The datasets were merged two at a time and filtered by the worker characteristics (e.g., age and sex) and incident characteristics (e.g., date of injury). Duplicates were then manually identified between the datasets using the variables above. The injury narrative and Occupational Injury and Illness Classification System codes were used last to verify true duplicates. Descriptive analyses were performed after the duplicates were merged.

Results

During the 5-year study period 2014–2018, young workers experienced 20 fatal and 12,886 nonfatal injuries. Residents of Alaska comprised 85% of nonfatal and 70% of fatal injuries. The top three major occupation groups with the highest number of injuries were production (1,391, 14%), food preparation (1,225, 12%), and transportation/material moving (1,166, 11%). The most common events leading to injuries were struck by object or equipment (2,027, 21%), overexertion involving outside sources (1,385, 14%), and struck against object or equipment (905, 9%). The most common nature of injuries were sprains/strains/tears (3,024, 29%), cuts/lacerations (1,955, 19%), and bruises/contusions (1,592, 15%).

Conclusion

Although progress has been made in reducing worker injuries, Alaskan young workers still experience injuries and fatalities frequently. Based on findings, there is a clear need for employers, researchers, public health professionals, parents, and young workers to prioritize young worker safety through an integrated approach, from education and training to adequate workplace supervision and support.
Orthorexia nervosa in gay men—the result of a spanish-polish eating disorders study
Authors: Karniej Piotr , Pérez Jesús , Juárez-Vela Raúl , Santolalla-Arnedo Iván , Gea-Caballero Vicente , del Pozo-Herce Pablo , Dissen Anthony , Czapla Michał
Published: January 2023

Background

The purpose of this exploratory study was to identifying demographic factors and unique predictors of ON e.g., the use of pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), the use of social media and the Grindr ® dating application among a sample group of Spanish and Polish identifying gay men.

Methods

The study was conducted in Poland and Spain between March and June 2021 using questionary: ORTO-15. Data was collected using a three-section self-administered questionnaire. The first section contained demographic data, the second part was the Polish and Spanish version of the Orto-15, and the third part was the Polish and Spanish version of the EAT-26.

Results

Total enrollment was 394 gay men. In regression proportional hazards single model, significant predictors of ON were: age (OR = 0.964, 95% CI, 0.944–0.984), BMI (OR = 0.895, 95% CI, 0.848–0.944), staying in an informal relationship compared to being single (OR = 2.138, 95%CI, 1.225–3.732), occasional use of Pre-exposure Prophylaxis (OR = 4.667, 95%CI, 1.186–18.362) and use of the Grindr application (OR = 5.312, 95%CI, 3.373–8.365). Instagram users had lower risk of ON (OR = 0.479, 95%CI, 0.279–0.822). The multivariate analysis showed that Grindr usages (OR = 4.72; 95%CI, 2.89–7.72) correlated with higher risk of ON. Higher BMI (OR = 0.913, 95%CI, 0.861–0.98) and daily use of Pre-exposure Prophylaxis (OR = 0.142, 95%CI, 0.03–0.674) is associated with lower risk of ON.

Conclusions

The most important predictors of orthorexia nervosa in gay men are: low BMI and the use of Grindr. The effect of daily usage of PrEP is associated with lower risk, and occasional use is associated with increased risk, of orthorexia nervosa.
Postoperative survival of pulmonary invasive mucinous adenocarcinoma versus non-mucinous invasive adenocarcinoma
Authors: Cui Dongyu , Xie Shaonan , Liu Qingyi
Published: January 2023

Purpose

In 2015, the World Health Organization renamed mucinous bronchioloalveolar adenocarcinoma as pulmonary invasive mucinous adenocarcinoma (IMA). Due to its low incidence and unclear prognosis with surgical treatment, previous studies have presented opposing survival outcomes. We aimed to investigate the differences in surgical prognosis and prognosis-related risk factors by comparing IMA with non-mucinous invasive adenocarcinoma (NMA).

Methods

A total of 20,914 patients diagnosed with IMA or NMA from 2000 to 2014 were screened from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results database. The screened patients were subjected to propensity score matching (PSM) in a 1:4 ratio to explore the survival differences between patients with IMA and NMA and the factors influencing prognosis.

Results

For all patients, IMA was prevalent in the lower lobes of the lungs (p < 0.0001), well-differentiated histologically (p < 0.0001), less likely to have lymph node metastases (94.4% vs. 72.0%, p < 0.0001) and at an earlier pathological stage (p = 0.0001). After PSM, the IMA cohort consisted of 303 patients, and the NMA cohort consisted of 1212 patients. Kaplan‒Meier survival analysis showed no difference in overall survival (OS) between patients in the IMA cohort and those in the NMA cohort (p = 0.7). Cox proportional hazards analysis showed that differences in tumor pathological type did not influence OS between the two cohorts (p = 0.65). Age (HR: 1.98, 95% CI 1.7–2.31, p < 0.0001), gender (HR: 0.64, 95% CI 0.55–0.75, p < 0.0001), and radiation treatment (HR: 2.49, 95% CI 1.84–3.37, p < 0.0001) were independent predictors of patient OS.

Conclusion

There was no significant difference in OS between patients with IMA and those with NMA after surgical treatment. Age, sex, and radiation treatment can independently predict OS.
“After all, we are all sick”: multi-stakeholder understanding of stigma associated with integrated management of HIV, diabetes and hypertension at selected government clinics in Uganda
Authors: Akugizibwe Mathias , Zalwango Flavia , Namulundu Chaka Moreen , Namakoola Ivan , Birungi Josephine , Okebe Joseph , Bachmann Max , Jamie Murdoch , Jaffar Shabbar , Van Hout Marie Claire
Published: January 2023

Background

Integrated care is increasingly used to manage chronic conditions. In Uganda, the integration of HIV, diabetes and hypertension care has been piloted, to leverage the advantages of well facilitated and established HIV health care provision structures. This qualitative study aimed to explore HIV stigma dynamics whilst investigating multi-stakeholder perceptions and experiences of providing and receiving integrated management of HIV, diabetes and hypertension at selected government clinics in Central Uganda. 

Methods

We adopted a qualitative-observational design. Participants were purposively selected. In-depth interviews were conducted with patients and with health care providers, clinical researchers, policy makers, and representatives from international nongovernmental organizations (NGOs). Focus group discussions were conducted with community members and leaders. Clinical procedures in the integrated care clinic were observed. Data were managed using Nvivo 12 and analyzed thematically.

Results

Triangulated findings revealed diverse multi-stakeholder perceptions around HIV related stigma. Integrated care reduced the frequency with which patients with combinations of HIV, diabetes, hypertension visited health facilities, reduced the associated treatment costs, increased interpersonal relationships among patients and healthcare providers, and increased the capacity of health care providers to manage multiple chronic conditions. Integration reduced stigma through creating opportunities for health education, which allayed patient fears and increased their resolve to enroll for and adhere to treatment. Patients also had an opportunity to offer and receive psycho-social support and coupled with the support they received from healthcare worker. This strengthened patient-patient and provider-patient relationships, which are building blocks of service integration and of HIV stigma reduction. Although the model significantly reduced stigma, it did not eradicate service level challenges and societal discrimination among HIV patients.

Conclusion

The study reveals that, in a low resource setting like Uganda, integration of HIV, diabetes and hypertension care can improve patient experiences of care for multiple chronic conditions, and that integrated clinics may reduce HIV related stigma.
Operational flexibility impact on hospital performance through the roles of employee engagement and management capability
Authors: Alolayyan Main Naser , Alyahya Mohammad Sharif
Published: January 2023

Background

Very limited empirical research has been done on operational flexibility management in the healthcare industry, especially in hospital settings. This study aimed to propose a model of the effects of operational flexibility on hospital performance through management capability and employee engagement as mediating variables.

Methods

The proposed model is validated through an empirical study among 480 clinical and administrative staff from five hospitals in Jordan. Structural equation modeling and confirmatory factor analysis were the main techniques used to validate the model and examine the hypotheses.

Results

Operational flexibility was demonstrated to have a positively significant impact on hospital performance, management capability, and employee engagement. Employee engagement was demonstrated to positively impact hospital performance. Management capability had a significant result on hospital performance without having a clear impact. In addition, management capability and employee engagement played a major role as partial mediating effects between operational flexibility and hospital performance, and there is a role for employee engagement as a partial mediating effect between management capability and hospital performance.

Conclusion

Significant progress has been achieved in hospital management, especially in terms of operational flexibility, management capability, and staff engagement.
Molecular epidemiology analysis of fowl adenovirus detected from apparently healthy birds in eastern China
Authors: Zhuang Qingye , Wang Suchun , Zhang Fuyou , Zhao Chenglong , Chen Qiong , Zhao Ran , Guo Pin , Ju Lei , Li Jinping , Hou Guangyu , Chen Xiaoying , Sun Fuliang , Wang Kaicheng
Published: January 2023

Background

Fowl adenovirus is of major concern to the poultry industry worldwidely. In order to monitor the prevalent status of Fowl adenovirus in China, a total of 1920 clinical samples from apparently healthy birds in the 25 sites of poultry flocks, Slaughterhouse and living bird markets from 8 provinces in eastern China were collected and detected by PCR, sequencing, and phylogenetic analysis.

Results

The epidemiological survey showed that Fowl adenoviruses were detected in living bird markets, and circulating in a variety of fowl species, including chickens, ducks, goose and pigeons. Among the 1920 clinical samples, 166 samples (8.65%) were positive in the fowl adenovirus PCR detection. In this study, totally all the 12 serotypes (serotypes of 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8A, 8B, 9, 10 and 11) fowl adenoviruses were detected, the most prevalent serotype was serotype 1. Phylogenetic analysis indicated that 166 FAdVs of 12 serotypes were divided into 5 fowl adenovirus species (Fowl aviadenovirus A, B, C, D, E).

Conclusions

In the epidemiological survey, 8.65% of the clinical samples from apparently healthy birds were positive in the fowl adenovirus PCR detection. Totally all the 12 serotypes fowl adenoviruses were detected in a variety of fowl species, which provided abundant resources for the research of fowl adenoviruses in China. The newly prevalent FAdV serotypes provides valuable information for the development of an effective control strategy for FAdV infections in fowls.
Impaired insulin-stimulated myocardial glucose metabolic rate is associated with reduced estimated myocardial energetic efficiency in subjects with different degrees of glucose tolerance
Authors: Succurro Elena , Cicone Francesco , Papa Annalisa , Miceli Sofia , Vizza Patrizia , Fiorentino Teresa Vanessa , Perticone Maria , Sciacqua Angela , Guzzi Pietro Hiram , Veltri Pierangelo , Cascini Giuseppe Lucio , Andreozzi Francesco , Sesti Giorgio
Published: January 2023

Background

Alterations in myocardial mechano-energetic efficiency (MEEi), which represents the capability of the left ventricles to convert the chemical energy obtained by oxidative metabolism into mechanical work, have been associated with cardiovascular disease. Although whole-body insulin resistance has been related to impaired myocardial MEEi, it is unknown the relationship between cardiac insulin resistance and MEEi. Aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between insulin-stimulated myocardial glucose metabolic rate (MrGlu) and myocardial MEEi in subjects having different degrees of glucose tolerance.

Methods

We evaluated insulin-stimulated myocardial MrGlu using cardiac dynamic positron emission tomography (PET) with 18F-Fluorodeoxyglucose (18F-FDG) combined with euglycemic-hyperinsulinemic clamp, and myocardial MEEi in 57 individuals without history of coronary heart disease having different degrees of glucose tolerance. The subjects were stratified into tertiles according to their myocardial MrGlu values.

Results

After adjusting for age, gender and BMI, subjects in I tertile showed a decrease in myocardial MEEi (0.31 ± 0.05 vs 0.42 ± 0.14 ml/s*g, P = 0.02), and an increase in myocardial oxygen consumption (MVO2) (10,153 ± 1375 vs 7816 ± 1229 mmHg*bpm, P < 0.0001) as compared with subjects in III tertile. Univariate correlations showed that insulin-stimulated myocardial MrGlu was positively correlated with MEEi and whole-body glucose disposal, and negatively correlated with waist circumference, fasting plasma glucose, HbA1c and MVO2. In a multivariate regression analysis running a model including several CV risk factors, the only variable that remained significantly associated with MEEi was myocardial MrGlu (β 0.346; P = 0.01).

Conclusions

These data suggest that an impairment in insulin-stimulated myocardial glucose metabolism is an independent contributor of depressed myocardial MEEi in subjects without history of CHD.
Endothelial cell-derived exosomes boost and maintain repair-related phenotypes of Schwann cells via miR199-5p to promote nerve regeneration
Authors: Huang Jinsheng , Zhang Geyi , Li Senrui , Li Jiangnan , Wang Wengang , Xue Jiajia , Wang Yuanyi , Fang Mengyuan , Zhou Nan
Published: January 2023

Background

Schwann cells (SCs) respond to nerve injury by transforming into the repair-related cell phenotype, which can provide the essential signals and spatial cues to promote axonal regeneration and induce target reinnervation. Endothelial cells (ECs) contribute to intraneural angiogenesis contributing to creating a permissive microenvironment. The coordination between ECs and SCs within injury sites is crucial in the regeneration process, however, it still unclear. As the intercellular vital information mediators in the nervous system, exosomes have been proposed to take a significant role in regulating regeneration. Thus, the main purpose of this study is to determine the facilitative effect of ECs-derived exosomes on SCs and to seek the underlying mechanism.

Results

In the present study, we collected exosomes from media of ECs. We demonstrated that exosomes derived from ECs possessed the favorable neuronal affinity both in vitro and in vivo. Further research indicated that EC-exosomes (EC-EXO) could boost and maintain repair-related phenotypes of SCs, thereby enhancing axonal regeneration, myelination of regenerated axons and neurologically functional recovery of the injured nerve. MiRNA sequencing in EXO-treated SCs and control SCs indicated that EC-EXO significantly up-regulated expression of miR199-5p. Furthermore, this study demonstrated that EC-EXO drove the conversion of SC phenotypes in a PI3K/AKT/PTEN-dependent manner.

Conclusion

In conclusion, our research indicates that the internalization of EC-EXO in SCs can promote nerve regeneration by boosting and maintaining the repair-related phenotypes of SCs. And the mechanism may be relevant to the up-regulated expression of miR199-5p and activation of PI3K/AKT/PTEN signaling pathway.

Graphical Abstract
Effects of antioxidants on diabetic kidney diseases: mechanistic interpretations and clinical assessment
Authors: Sun Yuting , Jin De , Zhang Ziwei , Zhang Yuehong , Zhang Yuqing , Kang Xiaomin , Jiang Linlin , Tong Xiaolin , Lian Fengmei
Published: January 2023

Diabetic kidney disease (DKD) is more prevalent with an increase in diabetes mellitus. Oxidative stress is a major factor in the occurrence and progression of DKD. Defending against oxidative stress and restoring antioxidant defense might be key to preventing and treating DKD. The purpose of this article is to provide an explanation of how oxidative stress affects DKD, conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis on DKD, and examine the effect of antioxidants on the disease. An analysis of 19 randomized controlled trials showed that the use of antioxidants could reduce UAE (albumin excretion rate) in patients with DKD (SMD: − 0.31; 95% CI [− 0.47, − 0.14], I2 = 0%), UACR (urine albumin/creatinine ratio) (SMD: − 0.60; 95% CI [− 1.15, − 0.06], I2 = 89%), glycosylated hemoglobin (hbA1c) (MD: − 0.61; 95% CI [− 1.00, − 0.21], I2 = 93%) and MDA (malonaldehyde) (SMD:-1.05; 95% CI [− 1.87, − 0.23], I2 = 94%), suggesting that antioxidants seemed to have therapeutic effects in patients with DKD, especially in reducing proteinuria and hbA1c. The purpose of this study is to provide new targets and ideas for drug research and clinical treatment of DKD.
Molecular insights into sex-specific metabolic alterations in Alzheimer’s mouse brain using multi-omics approach
Authors: Strefeler Abigail , Jan Maxime , Quadroni Manfredo , Teav Tony , Rosenberg Nadia , Chatton Jean-Yves , Guex Nicolas , Gallart-Ayala Hector , Ivanisevic Julijana
Published: January 2023

Background

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder that is characterized by altered cellular metabolism in the brain. Several of these alterations have been found to be exacerbated in females, known to be disproportionately affected by AD. We aimed to unravel metabolic alterations in AD at the metabolic pathway level and evaluate whether they are sex-specific through integrative metabolomic, lipidomic, and proteomic analysis of mouse brain tissue.

Methods

We analyzed male and female triple-transgenic mouse whole brain tissue by untargeted mass spectrometry-based methods to obtain a molecular signature consisting of polar metabolite, complex lipid, and protein data. These data were analyzed using multi-omics factor analysis. Pathway-level alterations were identified through joint pathway enrichment analysis or by separately evaluating lipid ontology and known proteins related to lipid metabolism.

Results

Our analysis revealed significant AD-associated and in part sex-specific alterations across the molecular signature. Sex-dependent alterations were identified in GABA synthesis, arginine biosynthesis, and in alanine, aspartate, and glutamate metabolism. AD-associated alterations involving lipids were also found in the fatty acid elongation pathway and lysophospholipid metabolism, with a significant sex-specific effect for the latter.

Conclusions

Through multi-omics analysis, we report AD-associated and sex-specific metabolic alterations in the AD brain involving lysophospholipid and amino acid metabolism. These findings contribute to the characterization of the AD phenotype at the molecular level while considering the effect of sex, an overlooked yet determinant metabolic variable.
The internal mammary artery perforator flap for neck reconstruction after palliative resection of advanced anaplastic thyroid cancer: a case report
Authors: Amrillaeva Vera , Dralle Henning , Weber Frank , Deneken Frauke , Farzaliyev Farhad
Published: January 2023

Introduction

Defects of the neck after palliative resection of exulcerated tumors could be reconstructed with different skin flaps.

Case presentation

The present report describes the case of a 40-year-old Caucasian female patient with advanced anaplastic thyroid cancer. The exophytically growing, bad-smelling massive exulcerated tumor caused an esthetic defect, neck mobility restrictions, and mental state deterioration.

Primary diagnosis, interventions, and outcomes

Palliative debulking of the tumor was performed. The 10 × 5 cm skin defect of the neck was successfully reconstructed with an internal mammary artery perforator island flap. The donor site was closed primarily. The patient had an uneventful clinical course; the cosmetic results and mental state were very pleasing.

Conclusions

The present case illustrates that palliative resection of the tumor and plastic reconstruction of the neck defect promoted other treatments such as radiation or chemotherapy due to the improved local situation.
Jointly optimized design of distributed RS-coded spatial modulation by appropriate selection at the relay
Authors: Zhao Chunli , Yang Fengfan , Ullah Waheed , Guo Pengcheng
Published: January 2023

This paper proposes the distributed Reed–Solomon (RS)-coded spatial modulation (DRSC-SM) scheme over quasi-static Rayleigh fading channel. Two different RS codes are used, one having a smaller minimum distance at the source and the other having a larger minimum distance at the relay. In order to obtain an optimized code at the destination, a proper encoding strategy must be adapted at the relay. Thus, an efficient design approach is proposed that suitably selects the symbols at the relay. Using this optimized approach as a benchmark, another design is proposed to achieve reduced complexity. To jointly decode the source and relay RS codes, three different decoding algorithms known as the naive, smart and improved smart algorithms are presented. Monte Carlo simulated results reveal that the proposed DRSC-SM scheme utilizing the improved smart decoding algorithm outperforms its counterpart DRSC-SM scheme employing the naive and smart decoding algorithms under identical conditions. The simulation results also validate the superiority of the proposed DRSC-SM scheme over its corresponding coded noncooperative scheme under the same decoding algorithm.
The emerging scenario of immunotherapy for T-cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia: advances, challenges and future perspectives
Authors: Caracciolo Daniele , Mancuso Antonia , Polerà Nicoletta , Froio Caterina , D’Aquino Giuseppe , Riillo Caterina , Tagliaferri Pierosandro , Tassone Pierfrancesco
Published: January 2023

T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL) is a challenging pediatric and adult haematologic disease still associated with an unsatisfactory cure rate. Unlike B-ALL, the availability of novel therapeutic options to definitively improve the life expectancy for relapsed/resistant patients is poor. Indeed, the shared expression of surface targets among normal and neoplastic T-cells still limits the efficacy and may induce fratricide effects, hampering the use of innovative immunotherapeutic strategies. However, novel monoclonal antibodies, bispecific T-cell engagers (BTCEs), and chimeric antigen receptors (CAR) T-cells recently showed encouraging results and some of them are in an advanced stage of pre-clinical development or are currently under investigation in clinical trials. Here, we review this exciting scenario focusing on most relevant advances, challenges, and perspectives of the emerging landscape of immunotherapy of T-cell malignancies.
Perturbed gut microbiome and fecal and serum metabolomes are associated with chronic kidney disease severity
Authors: Wang Haichao , Ainiwaer Aisima , Song Yaxiang , Qin Ling , Peng Ai , Bao Hui , Qin Huanlong
Published: January 2023

Background

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a severe public health problem associated with a disordered gut microbiome. However, the functional alterations of microbiota and their cross talk with metabolism pathways based on disease severity remain unclear.

Results

We performed metagenomics and untargeted metabolomics in a cohort of 68 patients with CKD of differing severities and 20 healthy controls to characterize the complex interplay between the gut microbiome and fecal and serum metabolites during CKD progression. We identified 26 microbial species that significantly changed in patients with CKD; 18 species changed as the disease progressed, and eight species changed only in a specific CKD group. These distinct changes in gut microbiota were accompanied by functional alterations in arginine and proline, arachidonic acid, and glutathione metabolism and ubiquinone and other terpenoid-quinone biosynthesis pathways during CKD progression. Further metabolomic analyses revealed that the distributions of toxic and pro-oxidant metabolites from these four essential metabolic pathways varied in the feces and serum as CKD progressed. Furthermore, we observed a complex co-occurrence between CKD severity-related bacteria and the characterized metabolites from the four essential metabolic pathways. Notably, Ruminococcus bromii, fecal hydroquinone, and serum creatinine were identified as the main contributors to the integrated network, indicating their key roles in CKD progression. Moreover, a noninvasive model including R. bromii and fecal hydroquinone, L-cystine, and 12-keto-tetrahydro-LTB4 levels classified the CKD severity (area under the curve [AUC]: > 0.9) and had better performance than the serum creatinine level for mild CKD (AUC: 0.972 vs. 0.896).

Conclusions

Perturbed CKD severity-related gut microbiota may contribute to unbalanced toxic and pro-oxidant metabolism in the gut and host, accelerating CKD progression, which may be an early diagnostic and therapeutic target for CKD.
Dispositional employability and self-regulation in antisocial and prosocial personalities: different contributions to employability
Authors: Lisá Elena , Valachová Michaela
Published: January 2023

The manuscript is based on the dispositional approach of employability, dispositional personality trait theories (dark triad, light triad, HEXACO honesty-humility), and reinforcement sensitivity theory. The facet-focused analysis allowed a more targeted interpretation of the results about the contribution of dark/light personalities and self-regulation for employability and a deeper understanding of practical implications. We analyzed the mediating effect of the behavioral activating system (BAS drive) on antisocial and prosocial traits in predicting employability. The convenient research sample consisted of 343 students. Participants completed: The short dark triad, light triad, honesty-humility, dispositional employability, and BIS/BAS. Dark traits explained 17.5% of work/career resilience, 12% of work identity, 6.4% of career motivation, and 6.6% of openness to changes at work. Narcissism explained 20% of work/career resilience. Prosocial traits explained 19.7% of work/career resilience, 16.8% of work identity, 11.8% of career motivation, and 5.3% of openness to changes at work. Modesty explained 10% of career motivation variance. BAS drive mediates predictions of employability by prosocial and antisocial traits. Demanding attention from others and focusing on making a good impression are effective tools for employability. Prosocial traits significant for BAS drive-activated participants (believing in the goodness of people and avoiding fraud and corruption) can be supported in organizations by providing career growth opportunities.
The role of molecular oxygen (O2) and UV light in the anion radical formation and stability of TCNQ and its fluorinated derivatives
Authors: Bang Jieun , Park JaeHong
Published: January 2023

We report the electronic absorption spectroscopy of 7,7,8,8-tetracyanoquinodimethane (TCNQ) and its fluorinated derivatives (F2TCNQ and F4TCNQ), well-known electron-accepting molecules in common organic solvents (toluene, chlorobenzene, acetonitrile, and ethanol) under controlled exposure to air (O2) and UV light. All compounds (FxTCNQ (x = 0, 2, 4)) were stable in a neutral state (FxTCNQ0) in toluene and chlorobenzene, even under both O2 and UV light. On the other hand, in EtOH, the formation of FxTCNQ·− was monitored upon controlled exposure to O2 or UV light. Especially in air-equilibrated ethanol upon the UV-illumination, efficient α,α-dicyano-p-toluoylcyanide anion (DCTC−) and its fluorinated derivatives were generated evinced by the absorption peak near 480 nm, whereas the reaction was shut off by removing O2 or blocking UV light, thereby keeping FxTCNQ·− stable. However, even in deaerated ethanol, upon the UV-illumination, the anion formation of TCNQ and its fluorinated derivatives (FxTCNQ·−, x = 0, 2, 4) was inevitable, showing the stability of FxTCNQ0 depends on the choice of solvent.
Impact of COVID-related policies on gunshot wound assault hospitalizations in the United States: a statewide time series analysis
Authors: Strassle Paula D. , Ko Jamie S. , Ponder Madison , Nápoles Anna María , Kinlaw Alan C. , Schiro Sharon E.
Published: January 2023

Background

The CDC recently reported that firearm homicide rates in the United States increased in 2020, particularly among Black/African American individuals and men 25–44 years old. It is unclear whether firearm hospitalizations also increased, and more importantly, what impact the COVID-19 pandemic and COVID-related policies had. Using the North Carolina Trauma Registry, a statewide registry of trauma admissions to eighteen North Carolina hospitals, we calculated weekly GSW hospitalization rates from 1/2019 to 12/2020, overall and stratified by race-ethnicity, age, and sex. Interrupted time-series design and segmented linear regression were used to estimate changes in weekly hospitalization rates over time after (1) U.S. declaration of a public health emergency; (2) statewide Stay-at-Home order; (3) Stay-at-Home order lifted with restrictions (Phase 2: Safer-at-Home); and (4) further lifting of restrictions (Phase 2.5: Safer-at-Home). Non-GSW assault hospitalizations were used as a control to assess whether trends were observed across all assault hospitalizations or if effects were specific to gun violence.

Findings

Overall, 47.3% (n = 3223) of assault hospitalizations were GSW. Among GSW hospitalizations, median age was 27 years old (interquartile range [IQR] 21–25), 86.2% were male, and 49.5% occurred after the U.S. declared a public health emergency. After the Stay-at-Home order was implemented, weekly GSW hospitalization rates began increasing substantially among Black/African American residents (weekly trend change = 0.775, 95% CI = 0.254 to 1.296), peaking at an average 15.6 hospitalizations per 1,000,000 residents. Weekly hospitalization rates declined after restrictions were lifted but remained elevated compared to pre-COVID levels in this group (average weekly rate 10.6 per 1,000,000 at the end of 2020 vs. 8.9 per 1,000,000 pre-pandemic). The Stay-at-Home order was also associated with increasing GSW hospitalization rates among males 25–44 years old (weekly trend change = 1.202, 95% CI = 0.631 to 1.773); rates also remained elevated among 25–44-year-old males after restrictions were lifted in 2020 (average weekly rate 10.1 vs. 7.9 per 1,000,000). Non-GSW hospitalization rates were relatively stable in 2020.

Conclusions

The COVID-19 pandemic and statewide Stay-at-Home orders appeared to have placed Black/African American residents and men ages 25–44 at higher risk for GSW hospitalizations, exacerbating pre-existing disparities. Persistent gun violence disparities must be addressed.
Adsorptive removal of levofloxacin and antibiotic resistance genes from hospital wastewater by nano-zero-valent iron and nano-copper using kinetic studies and response surface methodology
Authors: Hamad Mohammed Taha Moustafa Hussien , El-Sesy Marwa E.
Published: January 2023

In the twenty-first century, water contamination with pharmaceutical residues is becoming a global phenomenon and a threat. Antibiotic residues and antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) are recognized as new emerging water pollutants because they can negatively affect aquatic ecosystems and human health, thereby posing a complex environmental problem. These nano-adsorbents of the next generation can remove these pollutants at low concentrations. This study focuses on the chemical synthesis of copper oxide nanoparticles (CuONPs) and nano-zero-valent iron (nZVI) used as nano-adsorbents for levofloxacin removal from water samples and antibiotic-resistant genes. The CuONPs and nZVI are initially characterized by transmission electron microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and X-ray diffraction. The levofloxacin adsorption isotherm on the CuONPS and nZVI shows the best fit with the Langmuir isotherm model, exhibiting correlation coefficients (R2) of 0.993 and 0.999, respectively. The adsorption activities of CuONPS and nZVI were fitted to a pseudo-second-order kinetic model with correlation coefficients (R2) of 0.983 and 0.994, respectively. The maximum levofloxacin removal capacity was observed at (89%), (84%), (89%), (88%) and (71.6) at pH 7 and adsorbent dose(0.06 mg/L), initial LEV concentration (1 mg/L), temperature 25 °C, and contact time 120 min for CuONPs. Removal efficiency was (91%), (90.6%), (91%), (89%), and (80%), at pH 7, adsorbent dose(0.06), initial LEV concentration (1 mg/L), temperature 35 °C, and contact time 120 min. The levofloxacin adsorption is an exothermic process for nZVI and CuONPs, according to thermodynamic analysis. A thermodynamic analysis indicated that each adsorption process is spontaneous. Several genera, including clinically pathogenic bacteria (e.g., Acinetobacter_baumannii, Helicobacter_pylori, Escherichia_coli, Pseudomonas_aeruginosa, Clostridium_beijerinckii, Escherichia/Shigella_coli, Helicobacter_cetorum, Lactobacillus_gasseri, Bacillus_cereus, Deinococcus_radiodurans, Rhodobacter_sphaeroides, Propionibacterium_acnes, and Bacteroides_vulgatus) were relatively abundant in hospital wastewater. Furthermore, 37 antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) were quantified in hospital wastewater. The results demonstrated that 95.01% of nZVI and 91.4% of CuONPs are effective adsorbents for removing antibiotic-resistant bacteria from hospital effluent. The synthesized nZVI and CuONPs have excellent reusability and can be considered cost effective and eco-friendly adsorbents.

Graphical Abstract
Beehives possess their own distinct microbiomes
Authors: Santorelli Lorenzo A. , Wilkinson Toby , Abdulmalik Ronke , Rai Yuma , Creevey Christopher J. , Huws Sharon , Gutierrez-Merino Jorge
Published: January 2023

Background

Honeybees use plant material to manufacture their own food. These insect pollinators visit flowers repeatedly to collect nectar and pollen, which are shared with other hive bees to produce honey and beebread. While producing these products, beehives accumulate a considerable number of microbes, including bacteria that derive from plants and different parts of the honeybees’ body. Whether bacteria form similar communities amongst beehives, even if located in close proximity, is an ecologically important question that has been addressed in this study. Specific ecological factors such as the surrounding environment and the beekeeping methods used can shape the microbiome of the beehive as a whole, and eventually influence the health of the honeybees and their ecosystem.

Results

We conducted 16S rRNA meta-taxonomic analysis on honey and beebread samples that were collected from 15 apiaries in the southeast of England to quantify the bacteria associated with different beehives. We observed that honeybee products carry a significant variety of bacterial groups that comprise bee commensals, environmental bacteria and symbionts and pathogens of plants and animals. Remarkably, this bacterial diversity differs not only amongst apiaries, but also between the beehives of the same apiary. In particular, the levels of the bee commensals varied significantly, and their fluctuations correlated with the presence of different environmental bacteria and various apiculture practices.

Conclusions

Our results show that every hive possesses their own distinct microbiome and that this very defined fingerprint is affected by multiple factors such as the nectar and pollen gathered from local plants, the management of the apiaries and the bacterial communities living around the beehives. Based on our findings, we suggest that the microbiome of beehives could be used as a valuable biosensor informing of the health of the honeybees and their surrounding environment.