bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Clinical features and outcomes of orthopaedic injuries after the kahramanmaraş earthquake: a retrospective study from a hospital located in the affected region
Authors: Gök Murat , Melik Mehmet Ali
Published: January 2024

Background

The purpose of this retrospective, single-institutional study was to report the clinical features and outcomes of orthopaedic injuries after the Kahramanmaraş earthquake.

Methods

An institutional database review was conducted to evaluate the results of patients who applied to our hospital’s emergency department after the Kahramanmaraş earthquake. Trauma patients referred to orthopaedics and traumatology were identified. Patient records were checked for injury type, fracture site, treatment type (conservative or surgical), surgical technique, and outcome. Diagnosis with crush syndrome and the need for haemodialysis were also noted. Bedside fasciotomy was undertaken based on the urgency of the patient’s condition, number of patients and the availability of the operating theatre. A team consisting of a trauma surgeon, a plastic surgeon, a board-certified physician in infectious disease, a reanimation specialist, a general surgeon and a nephrologist followed up with the patients.

Results

Within the first 7 days following the earthquake, 265 patients were admitted to the emergency department, and 112 (42.2%) of them were referred to orthopaedics and traumatology. There were 32 (28.5%) patients diagnosed with acute compartment syndrome. Fasciotomy was performed on 43 extremities of 32 patients. Of these extremities, 5 (11.6%) were upper and 38 (88.4%) were lower extremities.The surgeries of 16 (50%) of the patients who underwent fasciotomy were performed in the emergency department. There was no significant difference in terms of complications and outcomes between performing the fasciotomy at the bedside or in the operating theatre (p = 0.456).

Conclusions

Fasciotomy appears to be a crucial surgical procedure for the care of earthquake causalities. Fasciotomy can be safely performed as a bedside procedure based on the urgency of the patient’s condition as well as the availability of the operating theatre.
deMULTIplex2: robust sample demultiplexing for scRNA-seq
Authors: Zhu Qin , Conrad Daniel N. , Gartner Zev J.
Published: January 2024

Sample multiplexing enables pooled analysis during single-cell RNA sequencing workflows, thereby increasing throughput and reducing batch effects. A challenge for all multiplexing techniques is to link sample-specific barcodes with cell-specific barcodes, then demultiplex sample identity post-sequencing. However, existing demultiplexing tools fail under many real-world conditions where barcode cross-contamination is an issue. We therefore developed deMULTIplex2, an algorithm inspired by a mechanistic model of barcode cross-contamination. deMULTIplex2 employs generalized linear models and expectation–maximization to probabilistically determine the sample identity of each cell. Benchmarking reveals superior performance across various experimental conditions, particularly on large or noisy datasets with unbalanced sample compositions.
Environmentally benign liquid chromatographic method for concurrent estimation of four antihistaminic drugs applying factorial design approach
Authors: Ghonim Rana , Tolba Manar M. , Ibrahim Fawzia , El-Awady Mohamed I.
Published: January 2024

In the last few decades, green analytical chemistry (GAC) has become a smart magical solution for the qualification and quantification of many drugs. In the current study, a direct, sensitive, and green RP-HPLC method was used to separate three anti-histaminic combinations rupatadine/montelukast, desloratadine/montelukast, fexofenadine/montelukast, and finally a mixture of rupatadine and its metabolite; desloratadine in less than 20 min. The developed method was optimized by a 23 full factorial design to improve the chromatographic responses. The proposed method was used to analyze these antihistaminic combinations at different pharmaceutical ratios. The linearity range is from 1 to 10 µg/mL for rupatadine, desloratadine, and montelukast, while for fexofenadine from 1 to 24 µg/mL drugs. The proposed method is useful in common quality control analysis of the investigated quaternary combinations because of its non-toxic and eco-friendly effects on the environment and human beings. The proposed procedure was thoroughly validated in accordance with ICH guidelines and was revealed to be accurate, reproducible, and selective. The developed methods were compared with a reported reference comparison method, where no significant difference was observed.
CT-based radiomics signature of visceral adipose tissue and bowel lesions for identifying patients with Crohn’s disease resistant to infliximab
Authors: Wang Yangdi , Luo Zixin , Zhou Zhengran , Zhong Yingkui , Zhang Ruonan , Shen Xiaodi , Huang Lili , He Weitao , Lin Jinjiang , Fang Jiayu , Huang Qiapeng , Wang Haipeng , Zhang Zhuya , Mao Ren , Feng Shi-Ting , Li Xuehua , Huang Bingsheng , Li Zhoulei , Zhang Jian , Chen Zhihui
Published: January 2024

Purpose

To develop a CT-based radiomics model combining with VAT and bowel features to improve the predictive efficacy of IFX therapy on the basis of bowel model.

Methods

This retrospective study included 231 CD patients (training cohort, n = 112; internal validation cohort, n = 48; external validation cohort, n = 71) from two tertiary centers. Machine-learning VAT model and bowel model were developed separately to identify CD patients with primary nonresponse to IFX. A comprehensive model incorporating VAT and bowel radiomics features was further established to verify whether CT features extracted from VAT would improve the predictive efficacy of bowel model. Area under the curve (AUC) and decision curve analysis were used to compare the prediction performance. Clinical utility was assessed by integrated differentiation improvement (IDI).

Results

VAT model and bowel model exhibited comparable performance for identifying patients with primary nonresponse in both internal (AUC: VAT model vs bowel model, 0.737 (95% CI, 0.590–0.854) vs. 0.832 (95% CI, 0.750–0.896)) and external validation cohort [AUC: VAT model vs. bowel model, 0.714 (95% CI, 0.595–0.815) vs. 0.799 (95% CI, 0.687–0.885)), exhibiting a relatively good net benefit. The comprehensive model incorporating VAT into bowel model yielded a satisfactory predictive efficacy in both internal (AUC, 0.840 (95% CI, 0.706–0.930)) and external validation cohort (AUC, 0.833 (95% CI, 0.726–0.911)), significantly better than bowel alone (IDI = 4.2% and 3.7% in internal and external validation cohorts, both p < 0.05).

Conclusion

VAT has an effect on IFX treatment response. It improves the performance for identification of CD patients at high risk of primary nonresponse to IFX therapy with selected features from RM.

Critical relevance statement

Our radiomics model (RM) for VAT-bowel analysis captured the pathophysiological changes occurring in VAT and whole bowel lesion, which could help to identify CD patients who would not response to infliximab at the beginning of therapy.

Key points

• Radiomics signatures with VAT and bowel alone or in combination predicting infliximab efficacy.

• VAT features contribute to the prediction of IFX treatment efficacy.

• Comprehensive model improved the performance compared with the bowel model alone.

Graphical abstract
De novo male breast metastases from nasopharyngeal carcinoma: a case report
Authors: Sakhri Saida , Zemni Ines , Ayadi Mohamed Ali , Abidi Fethia , Houcine Yoldez , Sghaier Sonia , Dhiab Tarek Ben
Published: January 2024

Background

Nasopharyngeal carcinoma is known for its high potential for regional and distant metastasis. However, breast metastasis is rarely reported.

Case presentation

A 39-year-old Caucasian male presented with bilateral neck lymph node enlargement. Radiological examination with contrast-enhanced computed tomography scan and breast imaging revealed an enhancing mass lesion in the right breast. Histopathology of the nasopharynx mass was suggestive of undifferentiated nasopharyngeal carcinoma. A breast biopsy confirmed the diagnosis of synchronous breast metastasis from the nasopharyngeal carcinoma. We present this study to illustrate that Nasopharyngeal carcinoma can metastasize to the male breast. Furthermore, the high incidence of nasopharyngeal carcinoma metastasis underscores the pressing need to identify effective and safe strategies, emphasizing the importance of utilizing computed tomography scans for metastasis detection.

Conclusion

The present study illustrates the first case of synchronous male breast metastases from nasopharyngeal carcinoma. Thus, it is critical to distinguish between metastatic pathology and coexisting second malignancies to plan appropriate therapy.
Culture and expansion of murine proximal airway basal stem cells
Authors: Wu Meirong , Zhang Xiaojing , Tu Yanjuan , Cheng Wenzhao , Zeng Yiming
Published: January 2024

Background

The stem cell characteristic makes basal cells desirable for ex vivo modeling of airway diseases. However, to date, approaches allowing them extensively in vitro serial expansion and maintaining bona fide stem cell property are still awaiting to be established. This study aims to develop a feeder-free culture system of mouse airway basal stem cells (ABSCs) that sustain their stem cell potential in vitro, providing an experimental basis for further in-depth research and mechanism exploration.

Methods

We used ROCK inhibitor Y-27632-containing 3T3-CM, MEF-CM, and RbEF-CM to determine the proper feeder-free culture system that could maintain in vitro stem cell morphology of mouse ABSCs. Immunocytofluorescence was used to identify the basal cell markers of obtained cells. Serial propagation was carried out to observe whether the stem cell morphology and basal cell markers could be preserved in this cultivation system. Next, we examined the in vitro expansion and self-renewal ability by evaluating population doubling time and colony-forming efficiency. Moreover, the differentiation potential was detected by an in vitro differentiation culture and a 3D tracheosphere assay.

Results

When the mouse ABSCs were cultured using 3T3-CM containing ROCK inhibitor Y-27632 in combination with Matrigel-coated culture dishes, they could stably expand and maintain stem cell-like clones. We confirmed that the obtained clones comprised p63/Krt5 double-positive ABSCs. In continuous passage and maintenance culture, we found that it could be subculture to at least 15 passages in vitro, stably maintaining its stem cell morphology, basal cell markers, and in vitro expansion and self-renewal capabilities. Meanwhile, through in vitro differentiation culture and 3D tracheosphere culture, we found that in addition to maintaining self-renewal, mouse ABSCs could differentiate into other airway epithelial cells such as acetylated tubulin (Act-Tub) + ciliated and MUC5AC + mucus-secreting cells. However, they failed to differentiate into alveoli epithelial cells, including alveolar type I and alveolar type II.

Conclusion

We established an in vitro feeder-free culture system that allows mouse ABSCs to maintain their stem cell characteristics, including self-renewal and airway epithelium differentiation potential, while keeping up in vitro expansion stability.
Glutathione supplementation improves fat graft survival by inhibiting ferroptosis via the SLC7A11/GPX4 axis
Authors: Li Zehua , Lu Jinqiang , Dong Zhiqin , Liang Jiaji , Li Shenghong , Han Wenwen , Cui Taixing , Liu Hongwei
Published: January 2024

Background

Autologous fat grafting is hampered by unpredictable graft survival, which is potentially regulated by ferroptosis. Glutathione (GSH), a powerful antioxidant used in tissue preservation, has ferroptosis-regulating activity; however, its effects on fat grafts are unclear. This study investigated the effects and mechanisms of GSH in fat graft survival.

Methods

Human lipoaspirates were transplanted subcutaneously into the backs of normal saline-treated (control) or GSH-treated nude mice. Graft survival was evaluated by magnetic resonance imaging and histology. RNA sequencing was performed to identify differentially expressed genes and enriched pathways. GSH activity was evaluated in vitro using an oxygen and glucose deprivation (OGD) model of adipose-derived stem cells.

Results

Compared with control group, GSH induced better outcomes, including superior graft retention, appearance, and histological structures. RNA sequencing suggested enhanced negative regulation of ferroptosis in the GSH-treated grafts, which showed reduced lipid peroxides, better mitochondrial ultrastructure, and SLC7A11/GPX4 axis activation. In vitro, OGD-induced ferroptosis was ameliorated by GSH, which restored cell proliferation, reduced oxidative stress, and upregulated ferroptosis defense factors.

Conclusions

Our study confirms that ferroptosis participates in regulating fat graft survival and that GSH exerts a protective effect by inhibiting ferroptosis. GSH-assisted lipotransfer is a promising therapeutic strategy for future clinical application.
CRISPR/Cas9 mediated Y-chromosome elimination affects human cells transcriptome
Authors: Celli Ludovica , Gasparini Patrizia , Biino Ginevra , Zannini Laura , Cardano Miriana
Published: January 2024

Background

Sexual dimorphism represents a key concept in the comprehension of molecular processes guiding several sex-specific physiological and pathological mechanisms. It has been reported that genes involved in many disorders show a sex-dependent expression pattern. Moreover, the loss of Y chromosome (LOY), found to be a physiological age-driven phenomenon, has been linked to many neurodegenerative and autoimmune disorders, and to an increased cancer risk. These findings drove us towards the consideration that LOY may cause the de-regulation of disease specific networks, involving genes located in both autosomal and sex chromosomes.

Results

Exploiting the CRISPR/Cas9 and RNA-sequencing technologies, we generated a Y-deficient human cell line that has been investigated for its gene expression profile. Our results showed that LOY can influence the transcriptome displaying relevant enriched biological processes, such as cell migration regulation, angiogenesis and immune response. Interestingly, the ovarian follicle development pathway was found enriched, supporting the female-mimicking profile of male Y-depleted cells.

Conclusion

This study, besides proposing a novel approach to investigate sex-biased physiological and pathological conditions, highlights new roles for the Y chromosome in the sexual dimorphism characterizing human health and diseases. Moreover, this analysis paves the way for the research of new therapeutic approaches for sex dimorphic and LOY-related diseases.
Purposeful co-design of OFDM signals for ranging and communications
Authors: Graff Andrew , Humphreys Todd E.
Published: January 2024

This paper analyzes the fundamental trade-offs that occur in the co-design of pilot resource allocations in orthogonal frequency-division multiplexing signals for both ranging (via time-of-arrival estimation) and communications. These trade-offs are quantified through the Shannon capacity bound, probability of outage, and the Ziv–Zakai bound on range estimation variance. Bounds are derived for signals experiencing frequency-selective Rayleigh block fading, accounting for the impact of limited channel knowledge and multi-antenna reception. Uncompensated carrier frequency offset and phase errors are also factored into the capacity bounds. Analysis based on the derived bounds demonstrates how Pareto-optimal design choices can be made to optimize the communication throughput, probability of outage, and ranging variance. Different pilot resource allocation strategies are then analyzed, showing how Pareto-optimal design choices change depending on the channel.
Hankel determinant for a general subclass of m-fold symmetric biunivalent functions defined by Ruscheweyh operators
Authors: Sabir Pishtiwan Othman , Agarwal Ravi P. , Mohammedfaeq Shabaz Jalil , Mohammed Pshtiwan Othman , Chorfi Nejmeddine , Abdeljawad Thabet
Published: January 2024

Making use of the Hankel determinant and the Ruscheweyh derivative, in this work, we consider a general subclass of m-fold symmetric normalized biunivalent functions defined in the open unit disk. Moreover, we investigate the bounds for the second Hankel determinant of this class and some consequences of the results are presented. In addition, to demonstrate the accuracy on some functions and conditions, most general programs are written in Python V.3.8.8 (2021).
Experiences of Spanish out-of-hospital emergency workers with high levels of depression during the COVID-19 pandemic: a qualitative study
Authors: Navalpotro-Pascual Susana , Matellán-Hernández María Paz , Pastor-Benito Elena , Soto-Cámara Raúl , Cárdaba-García Rosa M , García-Santa-Basilia Noemi , Onrubia-Baticón Henar , Mahtani-Chugani Vinita
Published: January 2024

Background

The COVID-19 pandemic had a major psychological impact on health care workers (HCWs). This study was embedded in a larger quantitative study on the mental health care of out-of-hospital HCWs in Spain. To better understand this, a qualitative study was conducted to explore the experiences, coping strategies, and influencing factors of out-of-hospital HCWs who scored high (> 25 points) on the Depression Anxiety Stress Scale (DASS-21) in a previous quantitative mental health study.

Methods

A qualitative study was conducted using six in-depth interviews with individuals who scored high on the depression scale and agreed to be contacted by email between May and June 2021, using the phenomenological approach. The data were analysed using Brawn and Clare’s method.

Results

The main results findings related to four themes. The emotional impact of assuming a professional role with high self-demands and responsibilities; Factors influencing the development of negative emotions such as the cruelty of the pandemic, the helplessness in relation to health management and policy, the changing role of the professional and the relationship with society; Personal protection through coping strategies to manage negative emotions such as support from colleagues and family; Good practices for the future looking for different management strategies that can influence individuals and their personal, professional, and social relationships.

Conclusion

The strong impact of the circumstances experienced points to the need to develop psychological support programmes that can protect people’s mental health from depression during a crisis and improve the relationship between workers and their managers.
ZNF692 promotes cell proliferation, invasion and migration of human prostate cancer cells by targeting the EMT signaling pathway
Authors: Chen Hanmin , Li Yanmin , Wu Gengqing , Zeng Qingming , Huang Haibing , Zhang Guoxi
Published: January 2024

Background

Prostate cancer poses a considerable threat to human health. At present, the mechanism of tumor progression remains unclear. ZNF692 is overexpressed in many tumors, and the high expression of ZNF692 is correlated with tumor aggressiveness and tumor phenotype of prostate cancer, suggesting that ZNF692 may play an important role in tumor biology of prostate cancer. This paper aims to elucidate the relationship between them.

Methods

The expression level of ZNF692 was verified in normal prostate cells (RWPE-1) and prostate cancer cells (LNCaP, PC3, DU145). PC3 cells were selected to construct the ZNF692 knockout prostate cancer cell line. The changes of cell proliferation, apoptosis, invasion and metastasis were detected by CCK8, Edu staining, Transwell assay and scratch assay. The expression levels of related proteins were detected by Western blot.

Results

At the cellular level, ZNF692 was overexpressed to varying degrees in prostate cancer cell lines, with the highest expression in PC3 cell lines. CCK8 and Edu results showed that the proliferation of prostate cancer PC3 cells that knocked down ZNF692 was slowed. Transwell assay and scratch assay showed reduced invasion and migration of prostate cancer PC3 cells that knocked out ZNF692. Flow cytometry showed that the apoptosis rate of prostate cancer PC3 cells after ZNF692 knockout was increased. In addition, after ZNF692 silencing, the expression level of epithelial phenotype E-cadherin increased in PC3 cells, while the expression level of interstitial phenotype N-cadherin, Vimentin, c-Myc, and CyclinA1 decreased. The state of prostate cancer PC3 cells that overexpressed ZNF692 was reversed from the state after ZNF692 was knocked down.

Conclusion

ZNF692 can be used as a new prognostic marker and a potential biologic therapeutic target for PCa. By inhibiting the expression of c-myc and cyclinA1, the EMT signaling pathway is regulated to provide evidence for its potential molecular mechanism.
Paclitaxel and its semi-synthetic derivatives: comprehensive insights into chemical structure, mechanisms of action, and anticancer properties
Authors: Sati Priyanka , Sharma Eshita , Dhyani Praveen , Attri Dharam Chand , Rana Rohit , Kiyekbayeva Lashyn , Büsselberg Dietrich , Samuel Samson Mathews , Sharifi-Rad Javad
Published: January 2024

Cancer is a disease that can cause abnormal cell growth and can spread throughout the body. It is among the most significant causes of death worldwide, resulting in approx. 10 million deaths annually. Many synthetic anticancer drugs are available, but they often come with side effects and can interact negatively with other medications. Additionally, many chemotherapy drugs used for cancer treatment can develop resistance and harm normal cells, leading to dose-limiting side effects. As a result, finding effective cancer treatments and developing new drugs remains a significant challenge. However, plants are a potent source of natural products with the potential for cancer treatment. These biologically active compounds may be the basis for enhanced or less toxic derivatives. Herbal medicines/phytomedicines, or plant-based drugs, are becoming more popular in treating complicated diseases like cancer due to their effectiveness and are a particularly attractive option due to their affordability, availability, and lack of serious side effects. They have broad applicability and therapeutic efficacy, which has spurred scientific research into their potential as anticancer agents. This review focuses on Paclitaxel (PTX), a plant-based drug derived from Taxus sp., and its ability to treat specific tumors. PTX and its derivatives are effective against various cancer cell lines. Researchers can use this detailed information to develop effective and affordable treatments for cancer.
Sleep and allergic diseases among young Chinese adults from the Singapore/Malaysia Cross-Sectional Genetic Epidemiology Study (SMCGES) cohort
Authors: Wong Qi Yi Ambrose , Lim Jun Jie , Ng Jun Yan , Lim Yi Ying Eliza , Sio Yang Yie , Chew Fook Tim
Published: January 2024

Background and objective

Sleep disruption has been shown to affect immune function and thus influence allergic disease manifestation. The specific effects of sleep on allergic diseases, however, are less well-established; hence, in a unique population of young Chinese adults, we investigated the association between sleep and allergic disease.

Methods

Young Chinese adults recruited from Singapore in the Singapore/Malaysia Cross-Sectional Genetic Epidemiology Study (SMCGES) were analyzed. We used the International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood (ISAAC) protocol and a skin prick test to determine atopic dermatitis (AD), allergic rhinitis (AR), and asthma status. Information regarding total sleep time (TST) and sleep quality (SQ) was also obtained.

Results

Of 1558 participants with a mean age of 25.0 years (SD = 7.6), 61.4% were female, and the mean total sleep time (TST) was 6.8 h (SD = 1.1). The proportions of AD, AR, and asthma were 24.5% (393/1542), 36.4% (987/1551), and 14.7% (227/1547), respectively. 59.8% (235/393) of AD cases suffered from AD-related sleep disturbances, 37.1% (209/564) of AR cases suffered from AR-related sleep disturbances, and 25.1% (57/227) of asthma cases suffered from asthma-related sleep disturbances. Only asthma cases showed a significantly lower mean TST than those without asthma (p = 0.015). Longer TST was significantly associated with lower odds of AR (OR = 0.905, 95% CI = 0.820–0.999) and asthma (OR = 0.852, 95% CI = 0.746–0.972). Linear regression analyses showed that lower TST was significantly associated with asthma (β =  − 0.18, SE = 0.076, p-value = 0.017), and AR when adjusted for AR-related sleep disturbances (β =  − 0.157, SE = 0.065, p-value = 0.016). Only sleep disturbances due to AR were significantly associated with a poorer SQ (OR = 1.962, 95% CI = 1.245–3.089).

Conclusions

We found that sleep quality, but not sleep duration was significantly poorer among AD cases, although the exact direction of influence could not be determined. In consideration of the literature coupled with our findings, we posit that TST influences allergic rhinitis rather than vice versa. Finally, the association between TST and asthma is likely mediated by asthma-related sleep disturbances, since mean TST was significantly lower among those with nighttime asthma symptoms. Future studies could consider using objective sleep measurements coupled with differential expression analysis to investigate the pathophysiology of sleep and allergic diseases.
The chemical characteristics of different sodium iron ethylenediaminetetraacetate sources and their relative bioavailabilities for broilers fed with a conventional corn-soybean meal diet
Authors: Wang Shengchen , Wu Bingxin , Zhu Ling , Zhang Weiyun , Zhang Liyang , Wu We , Wu Jiaqi , Hu Yun , Li Tingting , Cui Xiaoyan , Luo Xugang
Published: January 2024

Background

Our previous studies demonstrated that divalent organic iron (Fe) proteinate sources with higher complexation or chelation strengths as expressed by the greater quotient of formation (Qf) values displayed higher Fe bioavailabilities for broilers. Sodium iron ethylenediaminetetraacetate (NaFeEDTA) is a trivalent organic Fe source with the strongest chelating ligand EDTA. However, the bioavailability of Fe when administered as NaFeEDTA in broilers and other agricultural animals remains untested. Herein, the chemical characteristics of 12 NaFeEDTA products were determined. Of these, one feed grade NaFeEDTA (Qf = 2.07 × 108), one food grade NaFeEDTA (Qf = 3.31 × 108), and one Fe proteinate with an extremely strong chelation strength (Fe-Prot ES, Qf value = 8,590) were selected. Their bioavailabilities relative to Fe sulfate (FeSO4·7H2O) for broilers fed with a conventional corn-soybean meal diet were evaluated during d 1 to 21 by investigating the effects of the above Fe sources and added Fe levels on the growth performance, hematological indices, Fe contents, activities and gene expressions of Fe-containing enzymes in various tissues of broilers.

Results

NaFeEDTA sources varied greatly in their chemical characteristics. Plasma Fe concentration (PI), transferrin saturation (TS), liver Fe content, succinate dehydrogenase (SDH) activities in liver, heart, and kidney, catalase (CAT) activity in liver, and SDH mRNA expressions in liver and kidney increased linearly (P < 0.05) with increasing levels of Fe supplementation. However, differences among Fe sources were detected (P < 0.05) only for PI, liver Fe content, CAT activity in liver, SDH activities in heart and kidney, and SDH mRNA expressions in liver and kidney. Based on slope ratios from multiple linear regressions of the above indices on daily dietary analyzed Fe intake, the average bioavailabilities of Fe-Prot ES, feed grade NaFeEDTA, and food grade NaFeEDTA relative to the inorganic FeSO4·7H2O (100%) for broilers were 139%, 155%, and 166%, respectively.

Conclusions

The bioavailabilities of organic Fe sources relative to FeSO4·7H2O were closely related to their Qf values, and NaFeEDTA sources with higher Qf values showed higher Fe bioavailabilities for broilers fed with a conventional corn-soybean meal diet.
Comparison of three different prophylactic treatments for postoperative nausea and vomiting after total joint arthroplasty under general anesthesia: a randomized clinical trial
Authors: Xie Jinwei , Cai Yingcun , Pei Fuxing
Published: January 2024

Background

Postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) after total joint arthroplasty is common and associated with delayed recovery. This study was performed to evaluate the efficacy of three different prophylactic regimens for PONV after total joint arthroplasty under general anesthesia.

Methods

Patients undergoing primary total hip or knee arthroplasty were randomized to Group A (ondansetron), Group B (10 mg dexamethasone plus ondansetron and mosapride), or Group C (three doses of 10 mg dexamethasone plus ondansetron and mosapride). The primary outcome was the total incidence of PONV during postoperative 48 h. The secondary outcomes were complete response, rescue antiemetic treatment, opioid consumption, time until first defecation, postoperative appetite score, satisfaction score, length of hospital stay, blood glucose level, and complications.

Results

Patients in Group C experienced a lower incidence of total PONV (29.3%, p = 0.001) and a higher incidence of complete response (70.7%, p = 0.001) than did patients in Group A (51.9%, 48.2%, respectively). Patients in Group C also experienced a lower incidence of severe PONV (4.3%) than patients in Group A (25.9%, p<0.001) and B (20.4%, p<0.001). Moreover, less rescue antiemetic treatment (1.4 ± 0.5 mg Metoclopramide) and postoperative opioid consumption (1.8 ± 0.3 mg Oxycodone, 6.0 ± 1.0 mg Pethidine) was needed in Group C. Additionally, a shorter time until first defecation, shorter length of stay, and better postoperative appetite scores and satisfaction scores were detected in patients in Group C. A slight increase in the fasting blood glucose level was observed in Group C, and the complications were comparable among the groups.

Conclusion

Combined use of ondansetron, mosapride and three doses of dexamethasone can provide better antiemetic effectiveness, postoperative appetite, bowel function recovery, and pain relief than a single dose or ondansetron only.

Trial registration information

The protocol was registered at the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (ChiCTR1800015896, April 27, 2018).
Potential prognostic determinants for FET::CREB fusion-positive intracranial mesenchymal tumor
Authors: Mezzacappa Frank M. , Smith Frankie K. , Zhang Weiwei , Gard Andrew , Cabuk Fatmagul Kusku , Gonzalez-Gomez Ignancio , Monforte Hector L. , Liang Jiancong , Singh Omkar , Quezado Martha M. , Aldape Kenneth D. , Gokden Murat , Bridge Julia A. , Chen Jie
Published: January 2024

Intracranial mesenchymal tumor (IMT), FET::CREB fusion-positive is a provisional tumor type in the 2021 WHO classification of central nervous system tumors with limited information available. Herein, we describe five new IMT cases from four females and one male with three harboring an EWSR1::CREM fusion and two featuring an EWSR1::ATF1 fusion. Uniform manifold approximation and projection of DNA methylation array data placed two cases to the methylation class “IMT, subclass B”, one to “meningioma-benign” and one to “meningioma-intermediate”. A literature review identified 74 cases of IMTs (current five cases included) with a median age of 23 years (range 4–79 years) and a slight female predominance (female/male ratio = 1.55). Among the confirmed fusions, 25 (33.8%) featured an EWSR1::ATF1 fusion, 24 (32.4%) EWSR1::CREB1, 23 (31.1%) EWSR1::CREM, one (1.4%) FUS::CREM, and one (1.4%) EWSR1::CREB3L3. Among 66 patients with follow-up information available (median: 17 months; range: 1–158 months), 26 (39.4%) experienced progression/recurrences (median 10.5 months; range 0–120 months). Ultimately, three patients died of disease, all of whom underwent a subtotal resection for an EWSR1::ATF1 fusion-positive tumor. Outcome analysis revealed subtotal resection as an independent factor associated with a significantly shorter progression free survival (PFS; median: 12 months) compared with gross total resection (median: 60 months; p < 0.001). A younger age (< 14 years) was associated with a shorter PFS (median: 9 months) compared with an older age (median: 49 months; p < 0.05). Infratentorial location was associated with a shorter overall survival compared with supratentorial (p < 0.05). In addition, the EWSR1::ATF1 fusion appeared to be associated with a shorter overall survival compared with the other fusions (p < 0.05). In conclusion, IMT is a locally aggressive tumor with a high recurrence rate. Potential risk factors include subtotal resection, younger age, infratentorial location, and possibly EWSR1::ATF1 fusion. Larger case series are needed to better define prognostic determinants in these tumors.
Geomagnetic paleointensity dating of mid-ocean ridge basalts from the neo-volcanic zone of the Central Indian Ridge
Authors: Yoshimura Yutaka , Fujii Masakazu
Published: January 2024

Describing the evolution of the neo-volcanic zone in the spreading ridge is essential for understanding the dynamics and environments of abyssal basins. However, the absolute dating of ocean floor basalts is generally difficult. As a characteristic age indicator, absolute intensity of past geomagnetic field (absolute paleointensity, API) is useful to date ocean floor basalts. In this study, we adopted the Tsunakawa–Shaw method to measure APIs of whole-rock seafloor basalts collected from a conical cone on the Central Indian Ridge and performed rock magnetic experiments. We conducted the experiments on a total of 18 specimens (two or three specimens from each of eight lava sites). Six specimens from two lava sites with different morphologies (pillow and sheet), three for each, passed the acceptance criteria. API means at site level are 33.0 ± 1.0 and 35.8 ± 1.7 μT, respectively. The similarity of API site means suggests that they erupted within a short period. These site-level API means are approximately 0.7 to 0.8 times the present geomagnetic intensity of 46.0 μT at the sampling sites. The accepted specimens show higher Curie temperature, lower initial intensity of natural remanent magnetization, higher ratio of saturation remanence to saturation magnetization (Mrs/Ms), and signal of harder magnetic mineral than rejected ones. Our primary comparison between the two site-level API means and the 1590–present high-resolution IGRF-13 + gufm1 model constrains that the eruption timing of the conical cone to be < 1590 CE. When we compared the two site-level API means with the paleointensity curves calculated from the BIGMUDI4k.1 and ArchKalmag14 k.r, we found that they overlap in the period of − 7575 to −1675 CE or − 25 to 1590 CE, which may be the eruption timing of the conical cone. We concluded that timing of recent volcanic eruption in abyssal environment could be investigated by using appropriate rock magnetic selection and carefully examined API.

Graphical Abstract
Exploring virus-host-environment interactions in a chemotrophic-based underground estuary
Authors: Ghaly Timothy M. , Focardi Amaranta , Elbourne Liam D. H. , Sutcliffe Brodie , Humphreys William F. , Jaschke Paul R. , Tetu Sasha G. , Paulsen Ian T.
Published: January 2024

Background

Viruses play important roles in modulating microbial communities and influencing global biogeochemistry. There is now growing interest in characterising their ecological roles across diverse biomes. However, little is known about viral ecology in low-nutrient, chemotrophic-based environments. In such ecosystems, virus-driven manipulation of nutrient cycles might have profound impacts across trophic levels. In particular, anchialine environments, which are low-energy underground estuaries sustained by chemotrophic processes, represent ideal model systems to study novel virus-host-environment interactions.

Results

Here, we employ metagenomic sequencing to investigate the viral community in Bundera Sinkhole, an anchialine ecosystem rich in endemic species supported by microbial chemosynthesis. We find that the viruses are highly novel, with less than 2% representing described viruses, and are hugely abundant, making up as much as 12% of microbial intracellular DNA. These highly abundant viruses largely infect important prokaryotic taxa that drive key metabolic processes in the sinkhole. Further, the abundance of viral auxiliary metabolic genes (AMGs) involved in nucleotide and protein synthesis was strongly correlated with declines in environmental phosphate and sulphate concentrations. These AMGs encoded key enzymes needed to produce sulphur-containing amino acids, and phosphorus metabolic enzymes involved in purine and pyrimidine nucleotide synthesis. We hypothesise that this correlation is either due to selection of these AMGs under low phosphate and sulphate concentrations, highlighting the dynamic interactions between viruses, their hosts, and the environment; or, that these AMGs are driving increased viral nucleotide and protein synthesis via manipulation of host phosphorus and sulphur metabolism, consequently driving nutrient depletion in the surrounding water.

Conclusion

This study represents the first metagenomic investigation of viruses in anchialine ecosystems, and provides new hypotheses and insights into virus-host-environment interactions in such ‘dark’, low-energy environments. This is particularly important since anchialine ecosystems are characterised by diverse endemic species, both in their microbial and faunal assemblages, which are primarily supported by microbial chemosynthesis. Thus, virus-host-environment interactions could have profound effects cascading through all trophic levels.
The effectiveness of oral bovine lactoferrin compared to iron supplementation in patients with a low hemoglobin profile: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials
Authors: Christofi Maria-Dolores , Giannakou Konstantinos , Mpouzika Meropi , Merkouris Anastasios , Stylianide Maria Vergoulidou – , Charalambous Andreas
Published: January 2024

Background

Patients with a low serum blood hemoglobin concentration suffer from a pathologic state that contributes significantly to morbidity and mortality figures worldwide. Oral iron supplementation, the most common method of treatment, is reported to have poor patient adherence, due to its unwanted side effects. Lactoferrin is a globular glycoprotein of the transferrin family that has shown promising results in patients with a low hemoglobin profile. This systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials explore its effect on blood hemoglobin compared to conventional iron preparations.

Methods

We followed the PRISMA Guidelines for reporting systematic reviews and meta-analyses. A systematic search was conducted in electronic databases (PubMed, CINAHL, Scopus, and Cochrane) from inception to June 2022. Meta-analysis was performed on studies where the primary outcome was the mean Hb concentration, comparing lactoferrin to ferrous sulfate subgroups. We assessed the methodological quality of the trials using the Jadad scoring scale.

Results

Nineteen trials published between 2006 and 2022 met the eligibility criteria. It has been found that the levels of Hb concentration in different populations with varying health conditions undergo a moderate to significant change after treatment with all types of trialed interventions, including both iron and lactoferrin treatment, in both the intervention group and the comparison group. Most of the studies report that LF showed a statistically significant increase in Hb concentration levels, compared to those in the iron group. The meta-analysis included seven trials comparing the effectiveness of lactoferrin to ferrous sulfate for patients with low Hb concentration. The analysis showed a statistically significant increase in Hb levels in the oral bovine lactoferrin group compared to ferrous sulfate (SMD -0.81, 95% CI: -1.21, -0.42,p < 0.0001, I2 = 95.8%, P heterogeneity < 0.001).

Conclusions

Lactoferrin is an effective intervention at doses of 100–250 ng/day, for patients with a low Hb concentration. As a safer option and with high compliance evidence, lactoferrin can serve as an iron replacement treatment for patients who may be experiencing adverse side effects due to iron intake.
Relationship between food group-specific intake and depression among local government employees in Japan
Authors: Kitabayashi Makiko , Umetsu Shoko , Suzuki Miho , Konta Tsuneo
Published: January 2024

Background

We aimed to examine the relationship between food group-specific intake and depression among workers in Japan.

Methods

A questionnaire survey was administered to 568 workers in 2020; 503 workers responded and 423 were included in the study. Information on sex, age, body mass index, overtime hours, sleep duration, marital status, employment position, exercise habits, smoking status, incidence of depression, and intake of energy, proteins, lipids, carbohydrates, alcohol, and specific food groups were collected. The Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale was used to assess the presence and severity of depression. Food group-specific intake was adjusted for energy intake using the residual method and classified into low, moderate, and high by sex. Logistic regression was used to examine the odds ratios (ORs) and trends according to sex, with the presence/absence of depression as the dependent variable and food group-specific intake as the independent variable.

Results

Men in the eggs low-intake, and women in the other vegetables low- and moderate-intake and eggs moderate-intake groups had significantly higher adjusted ORs (aORs) for depression. Additionally, a dose-response relationship was observed, where the OR for depression was significantly higher in men when the intake of eggs was low (p for trend = 0.024) and in women when the intakes of other vegetables (p for trend = 0.011) and eggs (p for trend = 0.032) were low.

Conclusions

The intake of eggs in men and eggs and vegetables in women may be related to depression.
A global perspective on household size and composition, 1970–2020
Authors: Esteve Albert , Pohl Maria , Becca Federica , Fang Huifen , Galeano Juan , García-Román Joan , Reher David , Trias-Prats Rita , Turu Anna
Published: January 2024

Households are core units of social organization and reproduction, yet, compared to other areas of demographic research, we have limited understanding of their basic characteristics across countries. Using data from 793 time points and 156 countries in the new CORESIDENCE database, this article provides a comprehensive analysis of global household size and composition trends. The findings reveal that despite significant international variations in household size, ranging from 1.8 in Denmark to 8.4 in Senegal, there is a widespread decline in household size. On average, households have decreased by approximately 0.5 persons per decade. Children contribute to over three-quarters of the observed variability and decline in household size in recent decades. In contrast, the number of other relatives in households has remained relatively stable or has only moderately decreased. While households are becoming more similar in size, their composition is not converging globally to the same extent. These dynamics have macro and micro-level implications for families, societies, and the economy. Further investigation is required to understand the underlying factors driving these transformations and their consequences.
IFRS adoption and the readability of corporate annual reports: evidence from an emerging market
Authors: Ebaid Ibrahim El-Sayed
Published: January 2024

This study aims to investigate the impact of adopting International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) on the readability of corporate annual reports of Saudi companies. Data have been collected for a sample of 67 companies listed on the Saudi Stock Exchange for the period 2014–2019. Statistical methods such as the independent sample t test, the Wilcoxon matched-pair test, and the multiple regression analysis have been used to examine the effect of adopting IFRS on the readability of the corporate annual report. The results of the study reveal that the adoption of IFRS has led to a decrease in the readability of the corporate annual report. The results also indicate that there is a significant impact of the company’s size and profitability on the readability of the corporate annual report, while the leverage and industry in which the company operates do not have a significant impact on the readability of the corporate annual report. Since the annual reports of Saudi companies are published in Arabic, the study is not able to use the most popular readability indexes in the literature such as the Fog Index, Gunning Fox Index, Flesch–Kincaid Grade Index, and Flesch Reading Ease Index. Instead, the study uses three readability measures appropriate to the readability of annual reports prepared in Arabic, namely report length, report size, and LIX formula. The study contributes to the global debate about the economic consequences of adopting International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) by examining the impact of adopting IFRS on the readability of corporate annual reports, considering that this report is the main and official communication tool between the company and its stakeholders. This study is the first study to examine the impact of adopting IFRS on the readability of corporate annual reports in Saudi Arabia as one of the emerging markets.
Management of rhino-orbito-cerebral mucormycosis: a clinico-radiological study—an institutional experience
Authors: Patnaik Monica , Jain Rajat , Singh Abhishek Bahadur , Kumar Sunil , Verma Veerendra
Published: January 2024

Background

Mucormycosis in the setting of COVID-19 has given rise to the concept of “epidemic within a pandemic.” Once known to be a rare fungal disease, mucormycosis has now been regrouped under emerging pathogens. It has got special affinity for the immunocompromised, which is one of the main reasons for the flare up of the fungus during the second wave of COVID. The burden of the disease was felt globally, and India is facing the major brunt owing to our population and healthcare services ratio.

Objective

In our study, we have made an attempt to evaluate the clinical and radiological findings in patients of rhino-orbito-cerebral mucormycosis (ROCM) and to formulate a management protocol which will benefit such patients in forthcoming years.

Methods

This is a retrospective single-center study in Northern India. A total of 350 patients, affected by ROCM, were included in the study. Medical records of these patients were reviewed. Their clinical manifestations, nasal endoscopic findings, microbiological and radiological records, extent of disease, treatment profile, surgical interventions, and outcomes were analyzed. Nasal swab which was sent for KOH mount/fungal culture revealed broad aseptate filamentous fungi branching at right angles. All patients received intravenous amphotericin B and had undergone extensive surgical debridement endoscopically. The maxillary sinus was the commonest paranasal sinus involved followed by the ethmoid sinuses. Tissue sent for histopathological examination confirmed mucormycosis, except for 3 cases.

Results

The commonest presenting symptoms were cheek swelling with ophthalmoplegia, diminution of vision, and headache. The mean duration of follow-up was 8 months.

The maxillary sinus was found to be involved in around 71% of the cases followed by the ethmoids and sphenoid. Thirty percent of the cases had visual complaints including diplopia and vision loss, whereas the palate was involved in around 35%. Nine patients had no perception of light in one eye on presentation, whereas 21 patients had perception of light only; 24 patients could count fingers close to face, and the rest had ambulatory vision. Three patients presented with facial palsy. All patients had favorable outcome except six who succumbed due to cerebral involvement and uncontrolled blood glucose levels.

Conclusion

A definite management protocol was formulated for ROCM which requires a multidisciplinary approach.