bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparative characterization and phylogenetic analysis of complete mitogenome of three taxonomic confused groupers and the insight to the novel gene tandem duplication in Epinephelus
Authors: He Haobin , Gao Zihan , Hu Zehua , Cai Linhao , Huang Yanhua , Zhou Meng , Liang Rishen
Published: September 2024

Epinephelus bilobatus, Epinephelus maculatus and Epinephelus longispinis are three groupers that share common morphological characteristics and coloration patterns and have been morphologically confused and misidentified with each other for a long time. Complete mitochondrial genomes of the three groupers were determined and analyzed in this study. Mitogenomes of E. bilobatus, E. maculatus and E. longispinis were 17, 354 bp, 17, 066 bp and 17, 221 bp in size respectively and consisted of 13 protein-coding genes, two ribosomal RNA genes and one control region. However, different from most teleosts, which contain canonical 22 tRNAs, more numbers of tRNAs were identified in the three groupers with 27 tRNAs in E. bilobatus and E. longispinis and 25 tRNAs in E. maculatus. The increased number of tRNAs was due to the presence of tandemly duplicated tRNA-Asp genes that were located between tRNA-Ser and COII genes (six duplications in E. bilobatus and E. longispinis, four duplications in E. maculatus). Intact gene tandem duplication was an uncommon feature that was found in the typical teleost mitogenomes. The phylogenetic trees of the 32 groupers (genus Epinephelus) that were constructed based on 12 protein-coding genes revealed that Epinephelus species with tandemly duplicated tRNA-Asp genes were clustered into one monophyletic group, distinct from other Epinephelus species without any duplication features, which indicated that tandemly duplicated tRNA-Asp genes may be the particular linage-specific characteristics that evolve from a common ancestor and have the ability to distinguish them from other Epinephelus species. The results of the mitogenomes comparative analyses of the three groupers revealed the genetic distance of mitogenomes between each two species to be 0.062 (E. bilobatus vs E. maculatus), 0.091 (E. bilobatus vs E. longispinis) and 0.087 (E. maculatus vs E. longispinis). All values were far greater than the minimum value of 0.020 for species identification, which shows that they were three independent species at molecular level. Regarding the relationships between the three groupers, E. bilobatus was found to be more closely related to E. maculatus in comparison to E. longispinis. The results provide valuable molecular data for the species identification and phylogenetic analyses on E. bilobatus, E. maculatus and E. longispinis, and also provided a new insight into the tandem gene duplication features of Epinephelus mitogenomes.
Frailty assessment and outcomes in primary care for patients with diabetes during Ramadan: implications for risk evaluation and care plans
Authors: Baynouna Alketbi Latifa Mohammad , Afandi Bachar , Nagelkerke Nico , Abdubaqi Hanan , Al Nuaimi Ruqaya Abdulla , Al Saedi Mariam Rashed , Al Blooshi Fatima Ibrahim , Al Blooshi Noura Salem , Al Aryani Aysha Mohammed , Al Marzooqi Nouf Mohammed , Al Khouri Amal Abdullah , Al Mansoori Shamsa Ahmed , Hassanein Mohammad
Published: September 2024

Background

Frailty is a critical concern for older adults, impacting their susceptibility to adverse events and overall quality of life. This study aimed to determine the frailty status of patients 60 years or older in Abu Dhabi Ambulatory Healthcare Services (AHS) and assess its relation to the stress exerted by Ramadan fasting and the occurrence of any adverse outcomes.

Methods

In this prospective observational study, participants were included if the attending physicians used the IDF-DAR risk stratification assessment tool. A tele-interview was conducted to complete the FRAIL score within 6 weeks before Ramadan 1,444 (CE 2022). The outcome was assessed through another tele-interview and an electronic medical record review after Ramadan.

Results

According to the FRAIL assessment tool, among the 204 patients aged 60 years or older included in the study, 109 (53.4%) were classified as either frail or pre-frail. In total, 20 (9.8%) patients were frail, that is, 1 out of 10, and 89 (43.6%) were pre-frail. The remaining 95 (46.6%) patients were robust. Using logistic regression to assess the occurrence of adverse outcomes after Ramadan fasting, a higher frailty score was identified as the third independent risk factor [B = 0.4, OR = 1.5 (1–2.02–1.86), and p = 0.039] for experiencing an adverse event. The identified factors associated with frailty were age, increased albumin-to-creatinine ratio (ACR), chronic kidney diseases (CKDs), and ischemic heart diseases (beta = 0.27, p = 0.003; beta = 0.24, p = 0.004; beta = 0.2, p = 0.039; and beta = 0.18, p = 0.041, respectively). One-third of the frail patients had an event, while the incidence in pre-frail patients was 11.2%, and among the robust patients, the incidence was 6.3%. Physicians’ global assessment of frailty did not align well with the structured FRAIL scoring. Only five (25%) out of the 20 patients identified as frail by the FRAIL assessment tool were also judged as frail or having cognitive function impairment by the physicians’ global assessment tool.

Conclusion

Frailty is prevalent among elderly patients with diabetes. Disparity exists between subjective and objective frailty assessments, emphasizing the need for standardized evaluation methods. Using the FRAIL tool is recommended for patients aged 60 or older with diabetes in Abu Dhabi.
Itaconate induces tolerance of Staphylococcus aureus to aminoglycoside antibiotics
Authors: Zhao Runping , Xu Lei , Chen Jieyun , Yang Yanxian , Guo Xilong , Dai Min , Tian Guo-Bao , Qin Li-Na
Published: September 2024

Introduction

Staphylococcus aureus is one of the chief pathogens that cause chronic and recurrent infections. Failure of the antibiotics to curb the infections contributes to relapse and is an important reason for the high mortality rate. Treatment failure may also be due to antibiotic tolerance. Accumulating evidence suggests that t the host immune environment plays an important role in inducing antibiotic tolerance of S. aureus, but research in this area has been limited.

Methods

In this study,the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of the antibiotics against S. aureus was determined using the standard broth microdilution method.The study evaluated whether itaconate induces antibiotic tolerance in S. aureus through an antibiotic bactericidal activity assay.The effect of itaconate on the growth of S. aureus was evaluated by monitoring the growth of S. aureus in medium supplemented with itaconate. Additionally, RNA sequencing and metabolomics analyses were used to determine transcriptional and metabolic changes in S. aureus when exposed to itaconate.

Results and discussion

According to the study,we found that the immune metabolite itaconate can induce tolerance in both methicillin-resistant and -susceptible S. aureus to aminoglycosides. When S. aureus was exposed to itaconate, its growth slowed down and transcriptomic and metabolomic alterations associated with decreased energy metabolism, including the tricarboxylate cycle, glycolysis, pyruvate metabolism, and arginine biosynthesis, were observed. These changes are associated with aminoglycoside tolerance. This study highlights the role of immune signaling metabolites in bacterial antibiotic tolerance and suggests new strategies to improve antibiotic treatment by modulating the host immune response and stimulating the metabolism of bacteria.
Visualizing multimerization of plasticity-related gene 5 at the plasma membrane using FLIM-FRET
Authors: Köper Franziska , Vonk Danara , Dirksen Malte W. , Gross Isabel , Heep Axel , Plösch Torsten , Hipp Mark S. , Bräuer Anja U.
Published: September 2024

Plasticity-related gene (PRG) 5 is a vertebrate specific membrane protein, that belongs to the family of lipid-phosphate phosphatases (LPPs). It is prominently expressed in neurons and is involved in cellular processes such as growth-cone guidance and spine formation. At a functional level, PRG5 induces filopodia in non-neuronal cell lines, as well as the formation of plasma membrane protrusions in primary cortical and hippocampal neurons. Overexpression of PRG5 in immature neurons leads to the induction of spine-like structures, and regulates spine density and morphology in mature neurons. Understanding spine formation is pivotal, as spine abnormalities are associated with numerous neurological disorders. Although the importance of PRG5 in neuronal function is evident, the precise mechanisms as to how exactly it induces membrane protrusions and orchestrates cellular processes remain unresolved. Here we used in vitro biochemical assays to demonstrate that in HEK293T cells a large fraction of PRG5 can be found in homo dimers and lager multimers. By using Fluorescence Lifetime Imaging (FLIM) to quantify Förster Resonance Energy Transfer (FRET), we were able to visualize and quantify the specific localization of PRG5 multimers in living HEK293T cells and in fixed immature primary hippocampal neurons. Here, we provide the first evidence that PRG5 multimers are specifically localized in non-neuronal filopodia, as well as in neuronal spine-like structures. Our findings indicate a potential functional role for PRG5 multimerization, which might be required for interaction with extracellular matrix molecules or for maintaining the stability of membrane protrusions.
Incidence, risk factors and outcomes of traumatic head injury among trauma patients visited at the Yanet Trauma and Surgery Specialized Centre, Sidama region, Hawassa, Ethiopia: cohort study
Authors: Abebe Tadelech , Alemu Tsegaye , Sorato Mende Mensa
Published: September 2024

Introduction

Traumatic brain injuries are a major public health concern that contributes to youth morbidity and mortality in developing nations, including Ethiopia. Despite of this, little is known about head injury in the study area. The goal of the study was to identify the incidence, risk factors and outcomes for traumatic head injury among trauma patients who visited at the Yanet Trauma and Surgery Specialized Centre.

Methods

This was a 5 year an institutional-based retrospective cohort study conducted among 1,029 patients who experienced trauma and admitted at the Yanet Trauma and Surgical Specialized Centre. The research was carried out between September 01/2023 to October 15/2023. The study units were selected by using simple random sampling techniques through computer-generated random numbers. The data were collected via a checklist designed on the Kobo toolbox with a smart smartphone. The collected data were exported to a statistical package for Social Science version 27. Then, descriptive statistical analysis was conducted to determine the mean, standard deviation, and median. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regression was subsequently conducted to determine the associations between head injury and the independent variables.

Result

A total of 1,029 injured patients were followed for 2,302 person-days. Over all, incidence density rate of 14.03/100 person-days (323, 31.4%) [95% CI: 29.5–34%]. The third year of follow-up showed the greatest incidence compared to other years. The most common type of head injury observed during following up were brain contusion (38.1%), followed by epidural hematoma (33.1%), skull fracture (15.8%), and intracerebral hematoma (13.0%). In multivariate logistic model, rural residence [AOR = 1.6; 95% CI: 1.18–2.16], mechanism of injury namely road traffic accident [AOR = 5.5; 95% CI: 2.27–13.34], assault [AOR = 3.4; 95% CI: 1.35–8.37] and comorbidity of chronic disease [AOR = 2.2; 95% CI: 1.13–4.18] were the risk factors significantly associated with head injury.

Discussions

The incidence density rate of 14.03/100 person-days. As the result, more has to be done by health professionals, traffic police officers and local government raise awareness and enforce the implementation of driving rules and regulations.
Effects of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation at different targets on brain function in stroke patients: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Zhao Li , Chen Li , Wang Chunyan , Li Sha , Wan Chunxiao
Published: September 2024

Introduction

Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) can improve post stroke motor function. However, there is little research on targets. The purpose of this study is to investigate the effects of rTMS therapy with different targets on post stroke motor function and neural plasticity.

Methods

Fifty-four subjects were randomly divided into M1 (Primary motor area) group, SMA (supplementary motor area) group and Sham group, and were given 10 Hz on the affected M1 area, SMA area and sham stimulation rTMS. The primary outcomes included Fugl-Meyer Assessment Upper Extremity Scale (FMA-UE), Fugl-Meyer Assessment Lower Extremity Scale (FMA-LE) and Berg balance scale (BBS). Secondary outcomes: amplitude of low frequency fluctuation (ALFF), regional homogeneity (ReHo) and functional connectivity (FC) were analyzed by functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) to evaluate brain functional activation and functional connectivity changes.

Results

The 2-way repeated-measures ANOVA revealed a significant group × time interaction (F = 23.494, p < 0.001; F = 10.801, p < 0.001; F = 17.812, p < 0.001) in the FMA-UE, FMA-LE and BBS scores. Post hoc analysis indicated that 4 weeks of SMA rTMS resulted in an increase in FMA-UE, FMA-LE and BBS scores compared with Sham group (p = 0.006; p = 0.033; p = 0.012), SMA group was significantly increased in BBS compared with M1 group (p = 0.034). Moreover, there were significant effects of time in all 3 groups in the FMA-UE, FMA-LE and BBS scores (p < 0.001). In addition, the increase of ALFF in the supramarginal gyrus on the affected side was correlated with better FMA-UE recovery, the increase of ALFF in the middle temporal gyrus and the middle frontal gyrus on the affected side was positively correlated with the improvement of BBS, and the ALFF in the cerebellum on the healthy side was negatively correlated with the improvement of BBS. There was a positive correlation between FC (SMA – ipsilateral cerebellum) changes and BBS changes in SMA group.

Discussion

In conclusion, SMA-rTMS intervention has a better recovery effect on motor dysfunction after stroke than Sham-rTMS. SMA-rTMS led to similar improvement on motor function but significantly greater improvement on balance compared to M1-rTMS, and this may pave a new way for stroke rehabilitation.

Clinical trial registration

Registration number: ChiCTR2200060955, https://www.chictr.org.cn/.
Investigating the pathophysiology and evolution of internal carotid dissection: a fluid–structure interaction simulation study
Authors: Bonura Adriano , Musotto Giulio , Iaccarino Gianmarco , Rossi Sergio Soeren , Calandrelli Rosalinda , Capone Fioravante , Di Lazzaro Vincenzo , Pilato Fabio
Published: September 2024

Background

Arterial dissection, a condition marked by the tearing of the carotid artery’s inner layers, can result in varied clinical outcomes, including progression, stability, or spontaneous regression. Understanding these outcomes’ underlying mechanisms is crucial for enhancing patient care, particularly with the increasing use of computer simulations in medical diagnostics and treatment planning. The aim of this study is to utilize computational analysis of blood flow and vascular wall to: (1) understand the pathophysiology of stroke-like episodes in patients with carotid artery dissection; and (2) assess the effectiveness of this method in predicting the evolution of carotid dissection.

Methods

Utilizing contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance angiography (MRA), we segmented images of the patient’s right internal carotid artery. These images were transformed into 3D solids for simulation in Ansys multifisic software, employing a two-way fluid structure interaction (FSI) analysis. Simulations were conducted across two wall conditions (atherosclerotic and normal) and three pressure states (hypotension, normotension, hypertension).

Results

The simulations indicated a significant pressure discrepancy between the true and false lumens of the artery. This suggests that flap motion and functional occlusion under hypertensive conditions could be the cause of the clinical episodes. Thrombotic risk and potential for dissection extension were not found to be critical concerns. However, a non-negligible risk of vessel dilation was assessed, aligning with the patient’s clinical follow-up data.

Conclusion

This study highlights specific hemodynamic parameters that could elucidate carotid artery dissection’s mechanisms, offering a potential predictive tool for assessing dissection progression and informing personalized patient care strategies.
Investigating the effects of excitatory and inhibitory somatosensory rTMS on somatosensory functioning in the acute and subacute phases of stroke: a preliminary double-blind and randomized trial
Authors: Gao Jingtian , Wang Helin , Hu Zhouyao , He Jiqing , Yang Jing , Lou Xiaokun , You Zhiyuan , Li Jie , Wang Jinghua , Gao Zhongming
Published: September 2024

Background

Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) targeting the primary somatosensory cortex (S1) has a potential effect on somatosensory functioning following a stroke. However, S1-rTMS was combined with peripheral therapies in previous trials. Moreover, these studies have commonly targeted the ipsilesional S1 with excitatory rTMS paradigms.

Methods

This double-blind, randomized trial (registration number: ChiCTR2200059098) investigated two forms of paradigms, that is ipsilesional excitatory and contralesional inhibitory rTMS, as a stand-alone treatment in post-stroke somatosensation. Patients in the acute and subacute phases of stroke were randomly assigned to either contralesional 1-Hz or ipsilesional 10-Hz rTMS group and received 10 daily sessions of treatment in two consecutive weeks.

Results

Results indicate that the contralesional inhibitory and ipsilesional excitatory stimulation were equally effective in improving somatosensory functioning. Moreover, this effect was most prominent in deep sensations and subjective sensations. Using single-pulse EMG recordings, our data also revealed an increased MEP amplitude in the ipsilesional motor cortex following ipsilesional excitatory treatment.

Conclusion

This preliminary study demonstrates the primary somatosensory cortex as an effective rTMS target in somatosensory recovery following stroke.

Clinical trial registration

https://www.chictr.org.cn/showproj.html?proj=166474, ChiCTR2200059098.
Specialized gray matter segmentation via a generative adversarial network: application on brain white matter hyperintensities classification
Authors: Bawil Mahdi Bashiri , Shamsi Mousa , Bavil Abolhassan Shakeri , Danishvar Sebelan
Published: September 2024

Background

White matter hyperintensities (WMH) observed in T2 fluid-attenuated inversion recovery (FLAIR) images have emerged as potential markers of neurodegenerative diseases like Multiple Sclerosis (MS). Lacking comprehensive automated WMH classification systems in current research, there is a need to develop accurate detection and classification methods for WMH that will benefit the diagnosis and monitoring of brain diseases.

Objective

Juxtacortical WMH (JCWMH) is a less explored subtype of WMH, primarily due to the hard definition of the cortex in FLAIR images, which is escalated by the presence of lesions to obtain appropriate gray matter (GM) masks.

Methods

In this study, we present a method to perform a specialized GM segmentation developed for the classification of WMH, especially JCWMH. Using T1 and FLAIR images, we propose a pipeline to integrate masks of white matter, cerebrospinal fluid, ventricles, and WMH to create a unique mask to refine the primary GM map. Subsequently, we utilize this pipeline to generate paired data for training a conditional generative adversarial network (cGAN) to substitute the pipeline and reduce the inputs to only FLAIR images. The classification of WMH is then based on the distances between WMH and ventricular and GM masks. Due to the lack of multi-class labeled WMH datasets and the need for extensive data for training deep learning models, we attempted to collect a large local dataset and manually segment and label some data for WMH and ventricles.

Results

In JCWMH classification, the proposed method exhibited a Dice similarity coefficient, precision, and sensitivity of 0.76, 0.69, and 0.84, respectively. With values of 0.66, 0.55, and 0.81, the proposed method clearly outperformed the approach commonly used in the literature, which uses extracted GM masks from registered T1 images on FLAIR.

Conclusion

After training, the method proves its efficiency by providing results in less than one second. In contrast, the usual approach would require at least two minutes for registration and segmentation alone. The proposed method is automated and fast and requires no initialization as it works exclusively with FLAIR images. Such innovative methods will undoubtedly facilitate accurate and meaningful analysis of WMH in clinical practice by reducing complexity and increasing efficiency.
Initial implicit association between whole grains and taste does not predict consumption of whole grains in low-whole grain consumers: a pilot randomized controlled trial
Authors: De Leon Angela , Burnett Dustin J. , Rust Bret , Lyly Marika , Keim Nancy L.
Published: September 2024

Background

Health benefits of whole grain (WG) consumption are well documented. Current Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommend at least half of total grains consumed be WG; however, Americans consume less than one serving of WG per day. Inferior taste of whole grain products as compared with refined grain products has been reported as one of the main barriers to acceptability and consumption of whole grains. In this pilot study, we aimed to determine if mere exposure to WG foods in self-reported low WG consumers would improve their implicit associations between WG and pleasant taste.

Methods

Healthy adults (n=45) were provided a variety of WG or refined grain (RG) products for home use for 6 weeks. Intake was measured by calculating disappearance and verified by a daily log. At the beginning and end of the intervention, we administered an Implicit Association Test (IAT), a computer test designed to measure indirectly the strength of association between pairs of concepts: (a) two contrasted target categories (WG and RG food images) and (b) two contrasted attribute categories (words relating to pleasant or unpleasant taste) via a classification task. Response time was used to calculate IAT D scores, indicating the strength of implicit associations between WG and RG and positive or negative taste.

Results

ANCOVA showed that average D scores at the end of the study shifted significantly toward a positive implicit association between WG and good taste (p<0.05) in participants whose baseline D scores indicated an initial preference for RG over WG. No significant differences were found between the WG and RG groups in overall consumption of provided grain products.

Conclusion

These findings suggest that mere exposure to WG products over an extended period of time in a free-living situation can improve automatic attitudes toward WG, potentially leading to increased consumption of WG foods.

Clinical trial registration

Clinicaltrials.Gov, identifier NCT01403857.
The differential effects of eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid on cardiovascular risk factors: an updated systematic review of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Choi Gyu Yeong , Calder Philip C.
Published: September 2024

Cardiovascular disease remains a major global health concern. The combination of the omega-3 fatty acids eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) has been shown to beneficially modify a range of cardiovascular risk factors. However, whether EPA and DHA have differential effects or potencies is currently unclear. A systematic review of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that compared ≥2 g/day of near pure EPA and DHA was conducted. A total of 24 publications from nine unique RCTs were included. EPA and DHA both lower triglyceride levels, with DHA most likely having a slightly greater effect. Furthermore, both EPA and DHA increase high density lipoprotein (HDL) 2 cholesterol, which is cardioprotective, with the increase being greater with DHA. DHA appears to increase low density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol; however, DHA also increases LDL particle size, which would render LDL less atherogenic. DHA seems more effective than EPA in decreasing heart rate and blood pressure. Both EPA and DHA alter platelet function decreasing thrombogenicity, although they may have different actions on platelets. Both EPA and DHA decrease F2-isoprostanes, interpreted as a reduction in oxidative stress. They both decrease inflammatory gene expression and promote an anti-inflammatory oxylipin profile. These are all favorable effects with regard to cardiovascular disease risk. Effects of EPA and DHA on blood glucose are inconsistent. This review is constrained by the small number of high quality RCTs that directly compare EPA to DHA and report on outcomes other than blood lipids. There is a need for additional high-quality research to assess the independent effects of EPA and DHA on cardiovascular risk factors (e.g., inflammation, blood pressure, vascular function, platelet function) in larger and more diverse study populations.
Higher oxidative balance score is linearly associated with reduced prevalence of chronic kidney disease in individuals with metabolic syndrome: evidence from NHANES 1999–2018
Authors: Zhu Linying , Ruan Xiaoyi , Wang Jianqi , Yan Yongxing , Tang Chunyuan , Xu Yuanwen
Published: September 2024

Background

Oxidative stress is a key contributor to the development of chronic kidney disease (CKD) in individuals with metabolic syndrome (MetS). The oxidative balance score (OBS) is an emerging composite assessment tool for dietary and lifestyle oxidative balance. We aimed to explore the association of OBS with CKD prevalence in MetS in this national cross-sectional analysis.

Methods

This was a national cross-sectional analysis. Eligible MetS participants ≥20 years of age from NHANES 1999–2018 were included. OBS was assessed according to previous well-validated methods and consisted of 16 dietary components and 4 lifestyle components. MetS was diagnosed by NCEP-ATP III criteria, while CKD was diagnosed by KDIGO 2021 Clinical Practice Guideline. Multivariate logistic regression models were used to explore the association of OBS with CKD in MetS in this national cross-sectional analysis.

Results

A total of 8,095 MetS participants were included, with a CKD prevalence of 24.8%. In fully adjusted models, each score increases in OBS, dietary OBS, and lifestyle OBS was associated with a 2, 1.7, and 7.3% reduction in the prevalence of CKD, respectively. Higher OBS, dietary OBS, and lifestyle OBS were all associated with significantly lower odds of CKD (p for trend all <0.05). Restricted cubic spline analysis showed that these associations all exhibited inverse dose–response. Interaction analyses indicated that cardiovascular disease (CVD) status significantly influenced the impact of OBS and dietary OBS, and these associations were only present in CVD-free subjects. Defining MetS using the IDF criteria did not significantly change the results.

Conclusion

OBS was inversely associated with the prevalence of CKD in MetS, especially in CVD-free settings. These findings emphasize that adherence to an antioxidant diet and lifestyle contributes to the early prevention of CKD in the MetS population and necessitates attention to CVD interactions. Future prospective cohort studies are needed to confirm these results.
Duodenal ampulla neuroendocrine tumor and gastrointestinal stromal tumors in a case of neurofibromatosis type 1: a case report
Authors: Zhang Tingting , Yang Nanmu , Zheng Peng , Chen Jiaqi , Meng Bo , Wang Yi , Qiu Dapeng , Zhang Xianzhou , Han Feng , Zhuang Hao , Zheng Lu
Published: September 2024

Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF-1) is commonly associated with a variety of rare tumors. However, no case of multiple gastric gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) or duodenal ampulla neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) with multiple liver metastases in a patient with NF-1 has yet been reported. Here, we describe a case of a 55-year-old female patient with NF-1 whose serum Pro-Gastrin-Releasing Peptide (pro-GRP) levels were elevated. Gastrointestinal endoscopy and biopsy showed duodenal papilla space-occupying mass, and the pathological diagnosis turned out to be neuroendocrine tumors (NETs). During surgical exploration, multiple tumors were found on the serosal surface of the stomach and numerous miliary metastases in the liver. Following histopathological examination, it was determined that the liver metastases were NF-1 and the tumors in the gastric wall were GISTs. The patient benefited from targeted therapy and had an uneventful hospital stay. In this case, we emphasize treating patients with neurofibromatosis type 1 who exhibit abdominal symptoms with a high degree of clinical suspicion and performing thorough evaluations to rule out multiple tumors.
Applications of cerebrospinal fluid circulating tumor cells and circulating tumor-derived DNA in diagnosis, prognosis, and personalized treatment of CNS metastases
Authors: Pentsova Elena
Published: September 2024

A common feature of advanced solid tumors is their ability to metastasize and colonize distant organs, including the Central Nervous System (CNS), which encompasses brain and leptomeningeal metastases (LM). While cerebrospinal fluid cytopathological analysis remains a gold standard diagnostic tool, it only provides limited insights into the biology of tumor cells; thus, it is urgent to develop minimally invasive biomarkers that enable a comprehensive quantitative and molecular characterization of disseminated cells, therapy response assessment, and disease monitoring. Liquid biopsy methods have been swiftly developed for some readily accessible bodily fluids such as plasma and urine; circulating tumor cells (CTCs) and circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) from these sources have been rapidly implemented into clinical trial design, disease monitoring, and treatment assignment across different tumor types. However, the filter imposed by the brain blood barrier (BBB) hampers the release of tumor-derived cells and molecules from CNS metastases. Crucially, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) liquid biopsy methods offer a unique and unparallel source to develop liquid biopsy methodologies in patients with CNS-disseminated disease, including the characterization of CTCs and ctDNA arising specifically from brain and leptomeningeal metastasis. These technologies have enabled a deeper understanding of tumor cell and molecular dynamics, including the reconstruction of clonal evolution in the brain microenvironment through longitudinal sapling. Here, we discuss the current challenges and opportunities that CSF liquid biopsy methods face for the implementation of these approaches into clinical settings.
Prognostic role of platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio in patients with rectal cancer undergoing resection: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Ma Lijuan , Yang Fei , Guo Wentao , Tang Shufang , Ling Yarui
Published: September 2024

Background

Inflammation plays a pivotal role in tumor growth, with the platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR) emerging as a promising serum biomarker for prognostic assessment in patients with cancer. However, its specific role in rectal cancer remains controversial.

Methods

A comprehensive literature review encompassing PubMed, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Library, spanning from their inception to March 2024, was conducted. The systematic review and meta-analysis strictly adhered to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis guidelines (PRISMA). Quality assessment was conducted using the Newcastle–Ottawa scale (NOS). This study aimed to assess the available literature on the association of PLR with both overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS) in patients with rectal cancer undergoing resection.

Results

Twenty-three observational studies, encompassing 7577 patients, were included in the analysis. These comprised 20 retrospective and 3 prospective cohort studies, with NOS scores ranging from 5 to 8. A significant association was found between high PLR and worse OS (hazard ratio [HR] 1.00; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.00–1.01; P = 0.01). Conversely, no significant association was observed between PLR and DFS (HR 1.14; 95% CI 0.98–1.32; P = 0.09).

Conclusions

PLR serves as an independent clinical predictor of OS in patients with rectal cancer treated with curative surgery, but not of DFS. This easily accessible biomarker appears to be an optimal prognostic index and may aid clinicians in predicting the prognosis of rectal cancer, facilitating the development of individualized treatment strategies.
Surgical aspects of pediatric abdominal pain in the era of COVID-19: clinical consideration and outcomes
Authors: Abo-Halawa Nezar , Negm Mohamed A. , Arafa Mohamed , Fathy Mohamed
Published: September 2024

Background

Acute abdominal pain in pediatrics is a medical emergency that requires special attention. During COVID-19 pandemic, this disease presented in pediatric age by different presentations including abdominal presentations.The affected children are presented with abdominal pain, which may be caused by surgical causes or by the virus itself that necessitate surgical consultation.

Purpose

This study highlights the impact of the coronavirus pandemic on pediatric patients with acute abdominal pain regarding the presentation, clinical evaluation, and surgical management.

Methods

A retrospective cohort study was done through the collection of data from medical records and authors’ data repositories of pediatric patients presented with acute abdomen from March 2020 to March 2022, in three pediatric surgery tertiary centers.

Results

Eighty-four pediatric patients with acute abdominal pain were included in this study. The diagnosis of acute appendicitis was found in 31 patients (36.9%). Generalized abdominal pain was noted in 17 patients (20.2%) and presentation mimicked acute cholecystitis was occured in 14 patients (16.7%). ultrasonography revealed intussusception in 12 cases (14.3%). Multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) was present in 9 cases (10.7%) and only one case of pancreatitis (1.2%). Conservative management was successful in 66 cases (78.6%), while operative intervention was needed in18 cases (21.4%).

Conclusion

During the COVID-19 pandemic, acute abdominal pain in children was frequently observed. Careful follow up is critically important as most cases do not necessitate surgical intervention. It is crucial to consider COVID-19 as a differential diagnosis in children presenting with acute abdominal pain, particularly in cases of atypical appendicitis and intussusception to prevent unnecessary surgical procedures.
Liver tissue changes during and post 6-month spaceflight as measured by ultrasound radio frequency signal processing
Authors: Arbeille Philippe , Zuj Kathryn , Guillon Laurent
Published: September 2024

Background

Analysis of ultrasound radio frequency (RF) signals allows for the determination of the index of reflectivity (IR), which is a new measure that is dependent on tissue properties. Previous work has shown differences in the IR of the carotid artery wall with long-duration spaceflight; therefore, it was hypothesized that liver tissue would also show differences in this measure with spaceflight.

Methods

The RF signal of a liver tissue region of interest (ROI) was displayed and processed along six different lines covering a surface of approximately 2 cm × 2 cm. The IR was calculated as the energy backscattered by the liver ROI divided by the total energy returned to the ultrasound probe.

Results

Seven astronauts were investigated preflight, inflight on day 150, and postflight 4 days and 6 months after rerunning to Earth. Compared to preflight (63% ± 18%), the liver tissue ROI IR was significantly lower on flight day 150 (46% ± 14%; p = 0.027) and 4 days postflight (46% ± 19%; p = 0.025). At 6 months postflight, the IR returned to preflight values (59% ± 13%; p = 0.919).

Conclusion

The significant decrease in the coefficient of reflectivity inflight and 4 days postflight indicates an alteration in the liver tissue that reduces the reflection of ultrasound waves. This change in tissue properties could either be due to the addition of particles that do not reflect ultrasound waves or structural or cellular changes that alter the reflectivity of the tissue.
Internet addiction, social phobia, substance abuse, and depression in the university setting: a cross-sectional study in the southern region of Morocco
Authors: Ramdani Fatima Zahra , Lahlou Laila , Merzouki Mohamed , Doufik Jalal , El Oumary Omar , Akebour Khadija , Hamri Saliha , Mouhadi Khalid , Boujraf Said , Rahioui Hassan , Rammouz Ismail
Published: September 2024

Aim

Internet addiction is a mental health issue that can have detrimental effects on an individual’s life. This study aims to estimate the prevalence of Internet Addiction and identify the risk factors associated with this behavioral addiction.

Methods

This cross-sectional study was conducted in 6 universities in southern Morocco, involving 1,690 students who completed a self-administered questionnaire. The questionnaire collected socio-demographic data, and information on substance use, and included validated tools to assess Internet addiction (Young’s IADQ), depressive symptoms (Patient Health Questionnaire. PHQ-9), and social phobia (Mini Neuropsychiatric International Interview. M.I.N.I).

Results

The findings of our study indicate that the prevalence of Internet addiction was 30.60% (95% CI), depressive symptoms were present in 44.10% of participants, and the prevalence of social Phobia was 30.20%. A significant correlation was identified between early initiation of tobacco and Internet addiction (p = 0.05). The multivariate regression model revealed a possible association between cocaine use and Internet Addiction (OR = 5.67, IC 95%: 0.45 to 10.80) (p = 0.03), as well as a significant association between social phobia and a higher internet addiction score (OR = 3.45, IC 95%: 1.70–5.02) (p < 0.001). However, depressive symptoms were not significantly associated with internet addiction (p = 0.38).

Conclusion

These results highlight the urgent need to address internet addiction in the coming years. Implementing Multidisciplinary prevention strategies, early diagnosis, and follow-up measures are essential to mitigate the physical, psychosocial, and academic impacts of this addiction on students.
Psychological risk factors and cardiovascular disease
Authors: Carola Valeria , Vincenzo Cristina , Di Vincenzo Giulia , Morale Chiara , Cecchi Valentina , Nicolais Giampaolo
Published: September 2024

Objectives

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are a leading cause of death worldwide, emerging from a combination of several factors. The aim of this review is to define the psychological factors that are significant in the development and progression of these disorders.

Methods

Studies published through 2023 concerning adults with psychological vulnerability factors and/or cardiovascular disease were selected through searches of PubMed, PsychINFO, Science Direct, and Google Scholar.

Results

Psychological stress may influence CVD, in combination with other risk factors, or it can act independently, as in cases of workplace stress, post-traumatic stress disorder, Takotsubo syndrome and bereavement. Coping strategies, anxiety and depression have also been identified as relevant psychological factors in cardiac patients. Adverse childhood experiences are linked to a reduced quality of life and have been identified as significant risk factors for the development of acquired CVDs.

Conclusion

This review demonstrates that several psychological factors affect cardiovascular function. An in-depth study of the psychological correlates of CVDs would allow healthcare professionals to design more effective prevention and intervention programs.
Parental adjustment to a burn-injured child: how to support their needs in the aftermath of the injury
Authors: Cioga Elisabete , Cruz Dulce , Laranjeira Carlos
Published: September 2024

The physical pain of a burn is immeasurable, but the pain of seeing a child suffer is indescribable. Childhood burns not only affect the child directly, but also have a significant impact on the parents and the rest of the family. During the acute phase of the burn, the child’s main allies in recovery are their parents, so they face emotional turbulence, having to support their children while witnessing the painful procedures they go through. They often feel helpless and distressed because they are unable to protect their children from suffering and have difficulty managing everything they feel. In addition to the often-present feeling of guilt, they also experience sadness and worry, particularly when returning home. After hospital discharge, fears increase, as do the challenges. There is a need to readapt the entire family dynamic to respond to the needs of the burned child who returns home. This readaptation often generates stress and anxiety, interfering with the entire family structure. It is crucial to try to understand these parents and give them all the support they need. Only capable and well-adjusted parents can ensure resilient family environments with safer and calmer children, thus promoting family well-being. In this perspective paper, the authors underline the role of parents of burnt children during the long trajectory of child rehabilitation and recovery. By acknowledging their needs, feelings and challenges healthcare providers can engage and support suffering parents toward more family-centered approach.
Prevalence and correlates of post-stroke anxiety in Changde, China during 2023 following the lifting of COVID-19 restrictions
Authors: Luo Shangyu , Hong Yunjun , Wen Jun , Zhang Xiaobo
Published: September 2024

Background

Studies on post-stroke anxiety (PSA) following the lifting of COVID-19 restriction measures are currently lacking. We investigated the factors affecting PSA after full release of COVID-19 epidemic in China.

Methods

Patients with stroke admitted to the First People’s Hospital of Changde City from March 2023 to September 2023 participated in a questionnaire survey comprising a general demographic questionnaire, the Generalized Anxiety Scale-7. Additionally, data on the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale, modified Rankin Scale, C-reactive protein (CRP), thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), homocysteine, TOAST classification, and the stroke site were collected, and the correlations between these indices and the mental health conditions of the patients were evaluated.

Results

Among 947 patients, the incidence of PSA was 14.57%.PSA was not linked to prior COVID-19 infection. This study found that Sleep duration (P=0.01), hyperlipidemia (P=0.01), migraine (P=0.02), and family history of stroke (P=0.01) were associated with PSA.

Conclusions

Our study found that the prevalence of PSA was 14.57%. In addition, sleep duration, hyperlipidemia, migraine and family history of stroke were independent risk factors for PSA following the lifting of COVID-19 restrictions.
Occupational stress profiles of prehospital and clinical staff in emergency medicine—a cross-sectional baseline study
Authors: Meyer Christine , Chiapponi Costanza , von Kaufmann Florentin , Kanz Karl-Georg , Hinzmann Dominik
Published: September 2024

Background

Occupational stress among emergency medical staff remains a central problem. Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, many studies were focused on the working conditions of clinical emergency staff, but few examined the occupational stress profiles of prehospital emergency dispatchers (ED). The aim of this study is therefore to provide baseline data on the differences in occupational stress profiles between prehospital and clinical emergency medical staff.

Methods

ED, emergency nurses (EN), and trauma surgeons on duty (TS) were questioned using the established and validated standardized short version of the instrument for stress-related job analysis for hospital physicians (ISAK-K). Differences between occupational groups were compared using the Mann–Whitney U test.

Results

Our data indicate significant differences in perception of stressors between professional groups (p < 0.05), with ED showing the highest psychological stress, followed by EN. Social stressors and emotional dissonance were significantly higher in ED and EN compared to TS (p < 0.05). Time pressure was identified as major stressor for ED and TS, but not for EN (p < 0.01). All professions showed moderate high levels of uncertainty and frustration (p = n.s.). Support from colleagues and supervisors was the greatest positive resource for all professional groups (p = n.s.).

Conclusion

In accordance with current literature, our results advocate for a re-evaluation of the identified stressors, as ED, EN, and TS continue to show high levels of occupational stress. Training programs for coping with emotional dissonance and social stressors are likely to be crucial for reducing job stress among ED and EN.
The evolutionary basis of elevated testosterone in women with polycystic ovary syndrome: an overview of systematic reviews of the evidence
Authors: Bushell Aiden , Crespi Bernard J.
Published: September 2024

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) exhibits high prevalence and heritability despite causing negative impacts on fertility and fecundity. Previous hypotheses have postulated that some PCOS-associated traits, especially above-average levels of testosterone, were associated with benefits in ancestral environments. As such, PCOS would represent, in part, a maladaptive extreme of adaptations related to relatively high testosterone. To evaluate this hypothesis, we conducted a series of systematic literature reviews on the associations of testosterone levels, and prenatal testosterone metrics, with measures of strength, robustness, muscularity, and athleticism in females. We also systematically reviewed the literature on associations of testosterone with dominance in females and reviewed archaeological evidence concerning female strength and muscularity and its correlates. The main findings were fivefold: (1) elevated testosterone levels were generally associated with higher strength, muscularity and athleticism in females; (2) females with PCOS showed notable evidence of increased strength, muscularity, and athleticism compared to controls; (3) females with higher testosterone levels exhibited clear evidence of high dominance, (4) despite evidence that higher testosterone is linked with higher bone mineral density in healthy females, PCOS was not clearly associated with this phenotype; and (5) archaeological evidence from osteology, and data from some current small-scale societies, indicated that females often exhibit substantial levels of muscularity. Overall, the hypothesis that relatively high levels of testosterone are associated with benefits to females in some contexts was largely supported. These results provide evidence for the “maladaptive extremes of adaptation” model, with implications for treatment of females with PCOS and for future research.
The Effect of Chosen Biostimulants on the Yield of White Cabbage
Authors: Kunicki Edward , Capecka Ewa , Wojciechowicz-Żytko Elżbieta
Published: September 2024

An open-field study evaluated the effects of four biostimulants (Asahi, Optysil, Optycal, and Tytanit) on the yield and chemical composition of two white cabbage cultivars (‘Caraflex’ and ‘Alfredo’). Although the biostimulants did not significantly impact the marketable yield, all treatments led to a significant increase in ascorbic acid content. The influence on dry matter, sugars, phenols, and antioxidant activity varied by cultivar but generally did not result in inferior outcomes compared to the control. The effect on nitrate levels also varied, with Optysil and Asahi showing some adverse effects depending on the cultivar.