bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Posterior Shoulder Instability in the Military and Athlete: An Evidence and Experience-Based Treatment Approach
Authors: LeClere Lance E. , Hoyt Benjamin W. , Kilcoyne Kelly G. , Dickens Jonathan F.
Published: February 2023

Background:

Recognition of posterior glenohumeral instability has increased in young, athletic populations, leading to evolution in operative approaches to management. As with anterior instability surgery, successful treatment for these challenging injuries is dependent on understanding the key principles of pathology and restoration of the functional anatomy.

Indications:

Operative management of posterior glenohumeral instability is indicated for recurrent instability events or persistent pain refractory to physical therapy in the setting of posterior labral pathology with or without bone loss.

Technique:

In this video article, we present our approach to operative management of posterior glenohumeral instability in a young, athletic population, as developed through extensive experience in military and athlete populations and supported by research. Our approach to posterior glenohumeral instability is to restore the functional anatomy of the bone, labrum, and capsuloligamentous static restraints. We consider concomitant pathology and bone loss as components of these restraints that need to be restored to achieve a stable, painless shoulder. Using standard portals and tools, we prepare the glenoid and mobilize the labrum. When present, large osseous lesions can be restored using allograft distal tibia. We then repair and superiorize the inferior labrum, taking care to create a secure buttress against translation by positioning anchors at the edge of the chondral surface and everting the interior flap of tissue. If capsular pathology is present, this is also addressed. In the setting of significant posterior glenoid bone loss, we reconstruct the osseous support with a distal tibial allograft, which we perform arthroscopically and augment with labral repair. Using these techniques, surgeons can expect a low overall failure rate. In our young, highly active population, we observed 17.2% failure by 5 years, although this is dependent on multiple factors including age and bone loss.

Discussion:

Outcomes for posterior glenohumeral instability can be excellent with both nonoperative and operative treatments. When operative intervention is pursued, it is important to critically evaluate the anatomy, place portals considerately, and functionally restore the damaged structures.

Patient Consent Disclosure Statement:

The author(s) attests that consent has been obtained from any patient(s) appearing in this publication. If the individual may be identifiable, the author(s) has included a statement of release or other written form of approval from the patient(s) with this submission for publication.
Bibliotherapy and Social and Emotional Learning in the Elementary Music Setting
Authors: Watts Sarah H. , Piña Kay
Published: February 2023

Bibliotherapy is a technique that invites children to see themselves in the characters of carefully selected children’s literature with the intention of making connections, building empathy, developing social skills, processing difficult situations, and more. The purpose of this article is to explore the intersections of bibliotherapy, social and emotional learning (SEL), and approaches in elementary music. Many music educators already implement children’s literature in the classroom—bibliotherapy provides a deeper dimension to these existing literature-related activities. Strategies for implementation of bibliotherapy in music settings are offered including specific books addressing each of the five components of the SEL framework: Self-Awareness, Self-Management, Social Awareness, Relationship Skills, and Responsible Decision-Making.
PINK1 protects against dendritic cell dysfunction during sepsis through the regulation of mitochondrial quality control
Authors: Wu You , Chen Longwang , Qiu Zhimin , Zhang Xijing , Zhao Guangju , Lu Zhongqiu
Published: February 2023

Background

Dendritic cell (DC) dysfunction plays a central role in sepsis-induced immunosuppression. Recent research has indicated that collective mitochondrial fragmentation contributes to the dysfunction of immune cells observed during sepsis. PTEN-induced putative kinase 1 (PINK1) has been characterized as a guide for impaired mitochondria that can keep mitochondrial homeostasis. However, its role in the function of DCs during sepsis and the related mechanisms remain obscure. In our study, we elucidated the effect of PINK1 on DC function during sepsis and its underlying mechanism of action.

Methods

Cecal ligation and puncture (CLP) surgery and lipopolysaccharide (LPS) treatment were used as in vivo and in vitro sepsis models, respectively.

Results

We found that changes in mitochondrial PINK1 expression of DCs paralleled changes in DC function during sepsis. The ratio of DCs expressing MHC-II, CD86, and CD80, the mRNAs level of dendritic cells expressing TNF-α and IL-12, and the level of DC-mediated T-cell proliferation were all decreased, both in vivo and in vitro during sepsis, when PINK1 was knocked out. This suggested that PINK1 knockout prevented the function of DCs during sepsis. Furthermore, PINK1 knockout inhibited Parkin RBR E3 ubiquitin protein (Parkin)-dependent mitophagy and enhanced dynamin-related protein 1 (Drp1)-related mitochondrial fission, and the negative effects of PINK1 knockout on DC function following LPS treatment were reversed by Parkin activation and Drp1 inhibitor. Knockout of PINK1 also increased apoptosis of DCs and the mortality of CLP mice.

Conclusion

Our results indicated that PINK1 protected against DC dysfunction during sepsis through the regulation of mitochondrial quality control.
Changes of serum IgG glycosylation patterns in rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Deng Xiaoyue , Liu Xiaomin , Zhang Yan , Ke Dan , Yan Rui , Wang Qian , Tian Xinping , Li Mengtao , Zeng Xiaofeng , Hu Chaojun
Published: February 2023

Background

RA is a common chronic and systemic autoimmune disease, and the diagnosis is based significantly on autoantibody detection. This study aims to investigate the glycosylation profile of serum IgG in RA patients using high-throughput lectin microarray technology.

Method

Lectin microarray containing 56 lectins was applied to detect and analyze the expression profile of serum IgG glycosylation in 214 RA patients, 150 disease controls (DC), and 100 healthy controls (HC). Significant differential glycan profiles between the groups of RA and DC/HC as well as RA subgroups were explored and verified by lectin blot technique. The prediction models were created to evaluate the feasibility of those candidate biomarkers.

Results

As a comprehensive analysis of lectin microarray and lectin blot, results showed that compare with HC or DC groups, serum IgG from RA patients had a higher affinity to the SBA lectin (recognizing glycan GalNAc). For RA subgroups, RA-seropositive group had higher affinities to the lectins of MNA-M (recognizing glycan mannose) and AAL (recognizing glycan fucose), and RA-ILD group had higher affinities to the lectins of ConA (recognizing glycan mannose) and MNA-M while a lower affinity to the PHA-E (recognizing glycan Galβ4GlcNAc) lectin. The predicted models indicated corresponding feasibility of those biomarkers.

Conclusion

Lectin microarray is an effective and reliable technique for analyzing multiple lectin–glycan interactions. RA, RA-seropositive, and RA-ILD patients exhibit distinct glycan profiles, respectively. Altered levels of glycosylation may be related to the pathogenesis of the disease, which could provide a direction for new biomarkers identification.
Scoring scheme for Comparative Ranking of impact potential of chemical Alternatives (SCoRA)
Authors: Nendza Monika , Hahn Stefan , Klein Michael , Klaschka Ursula , Gabbert Silke
Published: February 2023

Abstract

Background

Replacing hazardous chemicals with safer alternatives is essential for a toxic-free environment. To avoid regrettable substitution, a comparison of the entire spectrum of potential impacts of the candidate for substitution with those of the available alternatives is required. A particular challenge is to also capture yet unknown long-term impacts of (very) persistent chemicals, including but not limited to PBT and CMR properties.

Results

For a flexible and transparent comparative ranking of the impact potential of chemical alternatives, we propose a concern-based scoring scheme (Scoring scheme for Comparative Ranking of chemical Alternatives, SCoRA). The approach accounts for hazards due to ecotoxicity in water/sediment and soil, and effects on human health such as CMR properties and endocrine disruption. This is combined with exposure-related information in terms of expected environmental pollution stock levels. The SCoRA approach is illustrated with case study chemicals of very high concern (15 SVHC, mostly PBT, representing different chemical classes with different modes of bioaccumulation and toxicity). A comparison of PBT substances reveals that SCoRA goes well beyond binary screening criteria (PBT: yes/no), showing that PBT substances are all of very high concern, although their impact profiles can be substantially different. Ordinal scores support a detailed characterisation of their potential for long-term impacts. Furthermore, SCoRA enables a coherent comparative assessment of substances with different primary concerns, for example PBTness and endocrine disruption.

Conclusions

SCoRA complements existing and established tools such as comparative risk assessment. It is particularly useful, when, for example, only limited data are available or when risk assessment is not feasible, as in the case of persistent chemicals. A strength of SCoRA is that the relative contributions of the impact components determining the concern can be visualised with a heatmap and fingerprints. This facilitates communication among scientists, regulators, risk managers, stakeholders and the public.
ConanVarvar: a versatile tool for the detection of large syndromic copy number variation from whole-genome sequencing data
Authors: Gudkov Mikhail , Thibaut Loïc , Khushi Matloob , Blue Gillian M. , Winlaw David S. , Dunwoodie Sally L. , Giannoulatou Eleni
Published: February 2023

Background

A wide range of tools are available for the detection of copy number variants (CNVs) from whole-genome sequencing (WGS) data. However, none of them focus on clinically-relevant CNVs, such as those that are associated with known genetic syndromes. Such variants are often large in size, typically 1–5 Mb, but currently available CNV callers have been developed and benchmarked for the discovery of smaller variants. Thus, the ability of these programs to detect tens of real syndromic CNVs remains largely unknown.

Results

Here we present ConanVarvar, a tool which implements a complete workflow for the targeted analysis of large germline CNVs from WGS data. ConanVarvar comes with an intuitive R Shiny graphical user interface and annotates identified variants with information about 56 associated syndromic conditions. We benchmarked ConanVarvar and four other programs on a dataset containing real and simulated syndromic CNVs larger than 1 Mb. In comparison to other tools, ConanVarvar reports 10–30 times less false-positive variants without compromising sensitivity and is quicker to run, especially on large batches of samples.

Conclusions

ConanVarvar is a useful instrument for primary analysis in disease sequencing studies, where large CNVs could be the cause of disease.
petiteFinder: an automated computer vision tool to compute Petite colony frequencies in baker’s yeast
Authors: Nunn Christopher J. , Klyshko Eugene , Goyal Sidhartha
Published: February 2023

Background

Mitochondrial respiration is central to cellular and organismal health in eukaryotes. In baker’s yeast, however, respiration is dispensable under fermentation conditions. Because yeast are tolerant of this mitochondrial dysfunction, yeast are widely used by biologists as a model organism to ask a variety of questions about the integrity of mitochondrial respiration. Fortunately, baker’s yeast also display a visually identifiable Petite colony phenotype that indicates when cells are incapable of respiration. Petite colonies are smaller than their Grande (wild-type) counterparts, and their frequency can be used to infer the integrity of mitochondrial respiration in populations of cells. Unfortunately, the computation of Petite colony frequencies currently relies on laborious manual colony counting methods which limit both experimental throughput and reproducibility.

Results

To address these problems, we introduce a deep learning enabled tool, petiteFinder, that increases the throughput of the Petite frequency assay. This automated computer vision tool detects Grande and Petite colonies and computes Petite colony frequencies from scanned images of Petri dishes. It achieves accuracy comparable to human annotation but at up to 100 times the speed and outperforms semi-supervised Grande/Petite colony classification approaches. Combined with the detailed experimental protocols we provide, we believe this study can serve as a foundation to standardize this assay. Finally, we comment on how Petite colony detection as a computer vision problem highlights ongoing difficulties with small object detection in existing object detection architectures.

Conclusion

Colony detection with petiteFinder results in high accuracy Petite and Grande detection in images in a completely automated fashion. It addresses issues in scalability and reproducibility of the Petite colony assay which currently relies on manual colony counting. By constructing this tool and providing details of experimental conditions, we hope this study will enable larger-scale experiments that rely on Petite colony frequencies to infer mitochondrial function in yeast.
Integrated analysis of the voltage-gated potassium channel-associated gene KCNH2 across cancers
Authors: Zheng Zequn , Song Yongfei
Published: February 2023

KCNH2 encodes the human ether-a-go-go-related gene (hERG) potassium channel and is an important repolarization reserve for regulating cardiac electrical activity. Increasing evidence suggests that it is involved in the development of various tumours, yet a thorough analysis of the underlying process has not been performed. Here, we have comprehensively examined the role of KCNH2 in multiple cancers by assessing KCNH2 gene expression, diagnostic and prognostic value, genetic alterations, immune infiltration correlations, RNA modifications, mutations, clinical correlations, interacting proteins, and associated signalling pathways. KCNH2 is differentially expressed in over 30 cancers and has a high diagnostic value for 10 tumours. Survival analysis showed that high expression of KCNH2 was associated with a poor prognosis in glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) and hepatocellular carcinoma (LIHC). Mutations and RNA methylation modifications (especially m6A) of KCNH2 are associated with its expression in multiple tumours. KCNH2 expression is correlated with tumour mutation burden, microsatellite instability, neoantigen load, and mutant-allele tumour heterogeneity. In addition, KCNH2 expression is associated with the tumour immune microenvironment and its immunosuppressive phenotype. KEGG signalling pathway enrichment analysis revealed that KCNH2 and its interacting molecules are involved in a variety of pathways related to carcinogenesis and signal regulation, such as the PI3K/Akt and focal adhesion pathways. Overall, we found that KCNH2 and its interaction molecular are expected to be immune-related biomarkers for cancer diagnosis and prognosis evaluation, and are potential regulatory targets of singalling pathways for tumour development due to their significant role in cancers.
Generalist arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi dominated heavy metal polluted soils at two artisanal and small − scale gold mining sites in southeastern Ecuador
Authors: Suárez Juan Pablo , Herrera Paulo , Kalinhoff Carolina , Vivanco-Galván Oscar , Thangaswamy Selvaraj
Published: February 2023

Background

Artisanal and small-scale gold mining activities are producing contamination with heavy metals and metalloids (HMM) into soils and water worldwide. The HMM are considered as one of the major abiotic stresses due to their long-term persistence in soil. In this context, arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) confer resistance to a variety of abiotic plant stressors including HMM. However, little is known regarding the diversity and composition of AMF communities in heavy metal polluted sites in Ecuador.

Methods

In order to investigate the AMF diversity, root samples and associated soil of six plant species were collected from two sites polluted by heavy metals, located in Zamora-Chinchipe province, Ecuador. The AMF 18S nrDNA genetic region was analyzed and sequenced, and fungal OTUs were defined based on 99% sequence similarity. Results were contrasted with AMF communities from a natural forest and from reforestation sites located in the same province and with available sequences in GenBank.

Results

The main pollutants in soils were Pb, Zn, Hg, Cd and Cu with concentrations exceeding the soil reference value for agricultural use. Molecular phylogeny and OTU delimitation showed 19 OTUs, the family Glomeraceae was the most OTU-rich followed by Archaeosporaceae, Acaulosporaceae, Ambisporaceae and Paraglomeraceae. Most of the OTUs (11 of 19) have been found at other locations worldwide, 14 OTUs were proven from nearby non-contaminated sites in Zamora-Chinchipe.

Conclusion

Our study showed that there are no specialized OTUs at the studied HMM polluted sites, but rather generalists adapted to a wide variety of habitats. Their potential role in phytoremediation approaches remains to be investigated.
Detection of neuronal OFF periods as low amplitude neural activity segments
Authors: Harding Christian D. , Guillaumin Mathilde C. C. , Krone Lukas B. , Kahn Martin C. , Blanco-Duque Cristina , Mikutta Christian , Vyazovskiy Vladyslav V.
Published: February 2023

Background

During non-rapid eye movement sleep (NREM), alternating periods of synchronised high (ON period) and low (OFF period) neuronal activity are associated with high amplitude delta band (0.5–4 Hz) oscillations in neocortical electrophysiological signals termed slow waves. As this oscillation is dependent crucially on hyperpolarisation of cortical cells, there is an interest in understanding how neuronal silencing during OFF periods leads to the generation of slow waves and whether this relationship changes between cortical layers. A formal, widely adopted definition of OFF periods is absent, complicating their detection. Here, we grouped segments of high frequency neural activity containing spikes, recorded as multiunit activity from the neocortex of freely behaving mice, on the basis of amplitude and asked whether the population of low amplitude (LA) segments displayed the expected characteristics of OFF periods.

Results

Average LA segment length was comparable to previous reports for OFF periods but varied considerably, from as short as 8 ms to > 1 s. LA segments were longer and occurred more frequently in NREM but shorter LA segments also occurred in half of rapid eye movement sleep (REM) epochs and occasionally during wakefulness. LA segments in all states were associated with a local field potential (LFP) slow wave that increased in amplitude with LA segment duration. We found that LA segments > 50 ms displayed a homeostatic rebound in incidence following sleep deprivation whereas short LA segments (< 50 ms) did not. The temporal organisation of LA segments was more coherent between channels located at a similar cortical depth.

Conclusion

We corroborate previous studies showing neural activity signals contain uniquely identifiable periods of low amplitude with distinct characteristics from the surrounding signal known as OFF periods and attribute the new characteristics of vigilance-state-dependent duration and duration-dependent homeostatic response to this phenomenon. This suggests that ON/OFF periods are currently underdefined and that their appearance is less binary than previously considered, instead representing a continuum.
The proteomics and metabolomics studies of GZU001 on promoting the Merisis of maize (Zea mays L.) roots
Authors: Zheng Zhiguo , Chen Shunhong , Wei Panpan , Guo Shengxin , Yu Gang , Wu Jian
Published: February 2023

Background

Plant growth regulators are chemicals that regulate plant growth and development, which can regulate hormonal balance and affect plant growth, thereby increasing crop yield and improving crop quality. Our studies have revealed a new compound, GZU001, which could be used as a plant growth regulator. This compound has been observed to affect root elongation in maize significantly. However, the exact mechanism of this phenomenon is still being investigated.

Results

Metabolomics and proteomics were used in unison in this study to explore the response pathway and regulation mechanism of GZU001 in promoting maize root elongation. From the appearance, we can see that both roots and plants of maize treated with GZU001 are significantly improved. Maize root metabolism revealed 101 differentially abundant proteins and 79 differentially expressed metabolites. The current study identified altered proteins and metabolites associated with physiological and biochemical processes. GZU001 treatment has been demonstrated to promote primary metabolism, essential for carbohydrates, amino acids, energy, and secondary metabolism. The result suggests that the stimulation of primary metabolism is beneficial for the growth and development of maize and plays a significant role in sustaining metabolism and growth.

Conclusions

This study recorded the changes of related proteins and metabolites in maize roots after GZU001 treatment and provided evidence for this compound’s action mode and mechanism in plants.
Correlation between osteoprotegerin and coronary artery calcification in diabetic subjects: a systematic review of observational studies
Authors: Vazirian Fatemeh , Sadeghi Masoumeh , Wang Dongdong , Javidi Dashtbayaz Reza , Gholoobi Arash , Samadi Sara , Mohammadpour Amir Hooshang
Published: February 2023

Coronary artery calcification (CAC) is one of the critical cardiovascular complications that lead to elevated morbidity and mortality among patients with type 2 diabetes (T2M). The association between osteoprotegerin (OPG) and CAC could potentially provide a reasonable chance for preventive therapy in type 2 diabetic patients and benefit the rate of mortality. Since measurement of CAC score is relatively expensive and requires radiation exposure, the current systematic review aims to provide clinical evidence for evaluating the prognostic role of OPG in determining CAC risk among subjects with T2M. Web of Science, PubMed, Embase, and Scopus, were investigated until July 2022. We assessed human studies investigating the association of OPG with CAC in type 2 diabetic patients. Quality assessment was performed by Newcastle–Ottawa quality assessment scales (NOS). Out of 459 records, 7 studies remained eligible to be included. Observational studies that provided odds ratio (OR) estimates with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for the association between OPG and the risk of CAC were analyzed by random-effects model. In order to provide a visual summary of our findings, the estimation of pooled OR from cross-sectional studies was reported as 2.86 [95% CI 1.49–5.49], which is consistent with the findings of the cohort study. Results revealed that the association between OPG and CAC was significant among diabetic patients. OPG is hypothesized to be a potential marker in predicting the presence of high coronary calcium score among subjects with T2M that could be recognized as a novel target for further pharmacological investigations.
Efficacy of tolvaptan in postoperative volume therapy for acute Stanford type A aortic dissection
Authors: Wang Wenjun , Gao Feng , He Xuezhi , Gao Yang , Shi Lei , Liu Wei , Zhuang Xijing
Published: February 2023

Background

Despite the increasing application of tolvaptan in cardiac surgery, there is no information on the use of tolvaptan in Stanford patients with type A aortic dissection. This study aimed to evaluate the postoperative clinical effects of tolvaptan in patients with type A aortic dissection  after tafter surgery.

Methods

A retrospective analysis was performed on 45 patients treated for type A aortic dissection in our hospital from 2018 to 2020. These included 21 patients who were treated with tolvaptan (Group T) and 24 patients who received traditional diuretics (Group L). The hospital's electronic health records were used to obtain perioperative data.

Results

Group T did not differ significantly from Group L in terms of the duration of mechanical ventilation, postoperative blood required, length of catecholamine use, or the amount of intravenous diuretic drugs administered (all P > 0.05). The development of postoperative atrial fibrillation was significantly less in the tolvaptan group (P = 0.023). The urine volumes and change in body weight loss were slightly higher in group T than in group L but the differences were non-significant (P > 0.05). Serum potassium, creatinine, and urea nitrogen levels did not differ between the groups in the week after surgery, At the same time, sodium was significantly higher in the Group T group on day 7 after transfer from the ICU (P = 0.001). In Group L, sodium levels were also elevated by day 7 (P = 0.001). On days 3 and 7, serum creatinine and urea nitrogen levels increased in both groups (both P < 0.05).

Conclusions

Both tolvaptan and traditional diuretics were found to be effective and safe for patients with acute Stanford type A aortic dissection. Moreover, tolvaptan may be associated with reducing the incidence of postoperative atrial fibrillation.
Self efficacy associated with regression from pregnancy-related pelvic girdle pain and low back pain following pregnancy
Authors: Chunmei Dai , Yong Chen , Long Gong , Mingsheng Tan , Hua Li , Ping Yi
Published: February 2023

Background

Self-efficacy, one’s ability to deal with pain, disability, and other symptoms through self-management techniques, positively affect the quality of life in patients with chronic diseases. Pregnancy-related back pain is a common musculoskeletal disorder pre- and postnatally. Hence, the study aimed to determine whether self-efficacy is associated with the development of back pain during pregnancy.

Methods

Between February 2020 and February 2021, a prospective case-control study was performed. Women with back pain were included. The self efficacy was assessed by the Chinese version of the General Self-efficacy Scale (GSES). Pregnancy-related back pain was measured using a self-reported scale. No regression from pregnancy-related back pain is defined as a recurrent or persistent pain score ≥ 3 over a week around 6 months postpartum. Women experiencing back pain during pregnancy are classified according to whether having a regression. This problem can be divided into pregnancy-related low back pain (LBP) and posterior girdle pain (PGP). The differences in variables were compared between groups.

Results

A total of 112 subjects have completed the study finally. These patients were followed up with an average of 7.2 months after childbirth ranging from six to 8 months. 31 subjects (27.7%) of the included women did not report regression 6 months postpartum. The mean self efficacy was 25.2 (SD:10.6). Patients with no regression tended to be older (LBP:25.9 ± 7.2 vs.31.8 ± 7.9, P = 0.023; PGP: 27.2 ± 7.9 vs. 35.9 ± 11.6, P < 0.001*), have a lower self efficacy (LBP:24.2 ± 6.6 vs.17.7 ± 7.1, P = 0.007; PGP: 27.6 ± 6.8 vs. 22.5 ± 7.0, P = 0.010), and need high daily physical demand in their vocations (LBP:17.4% vs. 60.0%, P = 0.019; PGP: 10.3% vs. 43.8%, P = 0.006) when compared to those with regression. Multivariate logistic analysis shows that risk factors for no regression from pregnancy-related back pain included LBP (OR = 2.36, 95%CI = 1.67–5.52, P < 0.001), pain ratings of the onset of back pain during pregnancy≥3(OR = 2.23, 95%CI = 1.56–6.24, P = 0.004), low self efficacy (OR = 2.19, 95%CI = 1.47–6.01, P < 0.001), and high daily physical demand in their vocations (OR = 2.01, 95%CI = 1.25–6.87, P = 0.001).

Conclusions

Low self efficacy makes the women experience about two-fold risk to experience no regression from pregnancy-related back pain. Evaluation for self efficacy is simple enough to be used to improve perinatal health.
Novel fusion protein PK5-RL-Gal-3C inhibits hepatocellular carcinoma via anti-angiogenesis and cytotoxicity
Authors: Gao Xiaoge , Jiang Pin , Wei Xiaohuan , Zhang Wei , Zheng Jiwei , Sun Shishuo , Yao Hong , Liu Xiangye , Zhang Qing
Published: February 2023

Background

Galectin-3 (Gal-3), the only chimeric β-galactosides-binding lectin, consists of Gal-3N (N-terminal regulatory peptide) and Gal-3C (C-terminal carbohydrate-recognition domain). Interestingly, Gal-3C could specifically inhibit endogenous full-length Gal-3 to exhibit anti-tumor activity. Here, we aimed to further improve the anti-tumor activity of Gal-3C via developing novel fusion proteins.

Methods

PK5 (the fifth kringle domain of plasminogen) was introduced to the N-terminus of Gal-3C via rigid linker (RL) to generate novel fusion protein PK5-RL-Gal-3C. Then, we investigated the anti-tumor activity of PK5-RL-Gal-3C in vivo and in vitro by using several experiments, and figured out their molecular mechanisms in anti-angiogenesis and cytotoxicity to hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).

Results

Our results show that PK5-RL-Gal-3C can inhibit HCC both in vivo and in vitro without obvious toxicity, and also significantly prolong the survival time of tumor-bearing mice. Mechanically, we find that PK5-RL-Gal-3C inhibits angiogenesis and show cytotoxicity to HCC. In detail, HUVEC-related and matrigel plug assays indicate that PK5-RL-Gal-3C plays an important role in inhibiting angiogenesis by regulating HIF1α/VEGF and Ang-2 both in vivo and in vitro. Moreover, PK5-RL-Gal-3C induces cell cycle arrest at G1 phase and apoptosis with inhibition of Cyclin D1, Cyclin D3, CDK4, and Bcl-2, but activation of p27, p21, caspase-3, -8 and -9.

Conclusion

Novel fusion protein PK5-RL-Gal-3C is potent therapeutic agent by inhibiting tumor angiogenesis in HCC and potential antagonist of Gal-3, which provides new strategy for exploring novel antagonist of Gal-3 and promotes their application in clinical treatment.
Paediatric pancreatic trauma in North Queensland: a 10-year retrospective review
Authors: Everson Emily , Buschel Helen , Carroll James , Palamuthusingam Pranavan
Published: February 2023

Purpose

To establish the incidence of pancreatic trauma in North Queensland to the region’s only tertiary paediatric referral centre, and to determine the patient’s outcomes based on their management.

Methods

A single centre, retrospective cohort study of patients < 18 years with pancreatic trauma from 2009 to 2020 was performed. There were no exclusion criteria.

Results

Between 2009 and 2020 there were 145 intra-abdominal trauma cases, 37% from motor vehicle accidents (MVA), 18.6% motorbike or quadbike, and 12.4% bicycle or scooter accidents. There were 19 cases of pancreatic trauma (13%), all from blunt trauma and with associated injuries. There were 5 AAST grade I, 3 grade II, 3 grade III, 3 grade IV injuries, and 4 with traumatic pancreatitis. Twelve patients were managed conservatively, 2 were managed operatively for another reason, and 5 were managed operatively for the pancreatic injury. Only 1 patient with a high grade AAST injury was successfully managed non-operatively. Complications included pancreatic pseudocyst (n = 4/19; 3 post-op), pancreatitis (n = 2/19; 1 post op), and post-operative pancreatic fistula (POPF) (n = 1/19).

Conclusion

Due to North Queensland’s geography, diagnosis and management of traumatic pancreatic injury is often delayed. Pancreatic injuries requiring surgery are at high risk for complications, prolonged length of stay, and further interventions.
Developmental predictors of young adult borderline personality disorder: a prospective, longitudinal study of females with and without childhood ADHD
Authors: O’Grady Sinclaire M. , Hinshaw Stephen P.
Published: February 2023

Background

Research on the precursors of borderline personality disorder (BPD) reveals numerous child and adolescent risk factors, with impulsivity and trauma among the most salient. Yet few prospective longitudinal studies have examined pathways to BPD, particularly with inclusion of multiple risk domains.

Methods

We examined theory-informed predictors of young-adult BPD (a) diagnosis and (b) dimensional features from childhood and late adolescence via a diverse (47% non-white) sample of females with (n = 140) and without (n = 88) carefully diagnosed childhood attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

Results

After adjustment for key covariates, low levels of objectively measured executive functioning in childhood predicted young adult BPD diagnostic status, as did a cumulative history of childhood adverse experiences/trauma. Additionally, both childhood hyperactivity/impulsivity and childhood adverse experiences/trauma predicted young adult BPD dimensional features. Regarding late-adolescent predictors, no significant predictors emerged regarding BPD diagnosis, but internalizing and externalizing symptoms were each significant predictors of BPD dimensional features. Exploratory moderator analyses revealed that predictions to BPD dimensional features from low executive functioning were heightened in the presence of low socioeconomic status.

Conclusions

Given our sample size, caution is needed when drawing implications. Possible future directions include focus on preventive interventions in populations with enhanced risk for BPD, particularly those focused on improving executive functioning skills and reducing risk for trauma (and its manifestations). Replication is required, as are sensitive measures of early emotional invalidation and extensions to male samples.
Factors influencing the progression from prehypertension to hypertension among Chinese middle-aged and older adults: a 2-year longitudinal study
Authors: Li Zhen , Cao Lianmeng , Zhou Ziyu , Han Maozhi , Fu Chang
Published: February 2023

Background

This study aimed to investigate the proportion of prehypertension cases progressing to hypertension among Chinese middle-aged and elderly populations over a 2-year period and related influencing factors.

Methods

Data were obtained from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study, and 2,845 individuals who were ≥ 45 years old and prehypertensive at baseline were followed from 2013–2015. Structured questionnaires were administered, and blood pressure (BP) and anthropometric measurements were performed by trained personnel. Multiple logistic regression analysis was done to investigate factors associated with prehypertension progressing to hypertension.

Results

Over the 2-year follow-up, 28.5% experienced progression of prehypertension to hypertension; this occurred more frequently in men than women (29.7% vs. 27.1%). Among men, older age (55–64 years: adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 1.414, 95% confidence interval [CI]:1.032–1.938; 65–74 years: aOR = 1.633, 95%CI: 1.132–2.355; ≥ 75 years: aOR = 2.974, 95%CI: 1.748–5.060), obesity (aOR = 1.634, 95%CI: 1.022–2.611), and number of chronic diseases (1: aOR = 1.366, 95%CI: 1.004–1.859; ≥ 2: aOR = 1.568, 95%CI: 1.134–2.169) were risk factors for progression to hypertension whereas being married/cohabiting (aOR = 0.642, 95% CI: 0.418–0.985) was a protective factor. Among women, risk factors included older age (55–64 years: aOR = 1.755, 95%CI: 1.256–2.450; 65–74 years: aOR = 2.430, 95%CI: 1.605–3.678; ≥ 75 years: aOR = 2.037, 95% CI: 1.038–3.995), married/cohabiting (aOR = 1.662, 95%CI: 1.052–2.626), obesity (aOR = 1.874, 95%CI: 1.229–2.857), and longer naps (≥ 30 and < 60 min: aOR = 1.682, 95%CI: 1.072–2.637; ≥ 60 min: aOR = 1.387, 95%CI: 1.019–1.889).

Conclusions

Chinese middle-aged and elderly individuals experienced a risk of prehypertension progressing to hypertension over a 2-year period, although the influencing factors differed by sex; this should be considered in interventions.
Factors influencing COVID-19 health protective behaviours in Zambian university students with symptoms of low mood
Authors: Ncheka Joyce M. , Menon J. Anitha , Davies E Bethan , Paul Ravi , Mwaba Sydney O. C. , Mudenda John , Wharrad Heather , Toutounchi Parisa , Glazebrook Cris
Published: February 2023

Background

Health protective behaviours are crucial in the prevention of the spread of COVID-19, particularly in university students who typically live and study in large groups. Depression and anxiety are common in students and can impact young people’s motivations to follow health advice. The study aims to assess the relationship between mental health and COVID-19 health-protective behaviours in Zambian university students with symptoms of low mood.

Methods

The study was a cross-sectional, online survey of Zambian university students. Participants were also invited to take part in a semi-structured interview to explore views about COVID-19 vaccination. Invitation emails were sent explaining the study aims and directed students who self-identified as having low mood in the past two weeks to an online survey. Measures included COVID-19 preventive behaviours, COVID-19-related self-efficacy, and Hospital and Anxiety Depression scale.

Results

A total of 620 students (n=308 female, n=306 male) participated in the study, with a mean participant age of 22.47±3.29 years (range 18–51). Students reported a mean protective behaviour score of 74.09/105 and 74% scored above the threshold for possible anxiety disorder. Three-way ANOVA showed lower COVID-19 protective behaviours in students with possible anxiety disorder (p=.024) and those with low self-efficacy (p<0.001). Only 168 (27%) said they would accept vaccination against COVID-19, with male students being twice as likely to be willing to accept COVID-19 vaccination (p<0.001). Of 50 students interviewed. 30 (60%) expressed fears about the vaccination and 16 (32%) were concerned about a lack of information. Only 8 (16%) participants expressed doubts about effectiveness.

Conclusion

Students who self-identify as having symptoms of depression have high levels of anxiety. The results suggest that interventions to reduce anxiety and promote self-efficacy might enhance students’ COVID-19 protective behaviours. Qualitative data provided insight into the high rates of vaccine hesitancy in this population.
Tuberculosis in older adults: case studies from four countries with rapidly ageing populations in the western pacific region
Authors: Teo Alvin Kuo Jing , Rahevar Kalpeshsinh , Morishita Fukushi , Ang Alicia , Yoshiyama Takashi , Ohkado Akihiro , Kawatsu Lisa , Yamada Norio , Uchimura Kazuhiro , Choi Youngeun , Chen Zi , Yi Siyan , Yanagawa Manami , Oh Kyung Hyun , Viney Kerri , Marais Ben , Kim Heejin , Kato Seiya , Liu Yuhong , Ong Catherine W.M. , Islam Tauhid
Published: February 2023

Background

The Western Pacific Region has one of the fastest-growing populations of older adults (≥ 65 years) globally, among whom tuberculosis (TB) poses a particular concern. This study reports country case studies from China, Japan, the Republic of Korea, and Singapore reflecting on their experiences in managing TB among older adults.

Findings

Across all four countries, TB case notification and incidence rates were highest among older adults, but clinical and public health guidance focused on this population was limited. Individual country reports illustrated a range of practices and challenges. Passive case finding remains the norm, with limited active case finding (ACF) programs implemented in China, Japan, and the Republic of Korea. Different approaches have been trialled to assist older adults in securing an early diagnosis, as well as adhering to their TB treatment. All countries emphasised the need for person-centred approaches that include the creative application of new technology and tailored incentive programs, as well as reconceptualisation of how we provide treatment support. The use of traditional medicines was found to be culturally entrenched among older adults, with a need for careful consideration of their complementary use. TB infection testing and the provision of TB preventive treatment (TPT) were underutilised with highly variable practice.

Conclusion

Older adults require specific consideration in TB response policies, given the burgeoning aging population and their high TB risk. Policymakers, TB programs and funders must invest in and develop locally contextualised practice guidelines to inform evidence-based TB prevention and care practices for older adults.
Experiences of teachers and community-based health workers in addressing adolescents’ sexual reproductive health and rights problems in rural health systems: a case of the RISE project in Zambia
Authors: chilambe Kunda , Mulubwa Chama , Zulu Joseph Mumba , Chavula Malizgani Paul
Published: February 2023

Background

Adolescents in low-and-middle-income countries like Zambia face a high burden of sexual, reproductive, health and rights problems including coerced sex, teenage pregnancies, and early marriages. The Zambia government through the Ministry of Education has integrated comprehensive sexuality education (CSE) in the education and school system to contribute towards addressing adolescent sexual, reproductive, health and rights (ASRHR) problems. This paper sought to explore teachers and community based health workers (CBHWs) experiences in addressing ASRHR problems in rural health systems in Zambia.

Methodology

The study was conducted under the Research Initiative to Support the Empowerment of Girls (RISE) community randomized trial that aimed to measure the effectiveness of economic and community interventions in reducing early marriages, teenage pregnancies, and school dropout in Zambia. We conducted 21 qualitative in-depth interviews with teachers and CBHWs involved in the implementation of CSE in communities. Thematic analysis was used to analyse teachers and CBHWs´ roles, challenges, and opportunities in promoting ASRHR services.

Results

The study identified teachers and CBHWs roles, and challenges experienced in promoting ASRHR and suggested strategies to enhance delivery of the intervention. The role of teachers and CBHWs in addressing ASRHR problems included mobilizing the community for meetings, providing SRHR counseling services to both adolescents and guardians, and strengthening referrals to SRHR services if needed. The challenges experienced included stigmatization associated with difficult experiences such as sexual abuse and pregnancy, shyness among girls to participate when discussing SRHR in the presence of the boys and myths about contraception. The suggested strategies for addressing the challenges included creating safe spaces for adolescents to discuss SRHR issues and engaging adolescents in coming up with the solution.

Conclusion

This study provides significant insight on the important roles that teachers and CBHWs can play in addressing adolescents SRHR related problems. Overall, the study emphasizes the need to fully engage adolescents in addressing adolescent SRHR problems.
The integrative panel of fatty acid desaturase-2 (FADS2) rs174583 gene polymorphism and dietary indices (DQI-I and HEI) affects cardiovascular risk factors among obese individuals
Authors: Mahmoudinezhad Mahsa , Khosravaniardakani Sheida , Saljoughi Badelou Leila , Fayyazishishavan Ehsan , Kahroba Houman , Farhangi Mahdieh Abbasalizad
Published: February 2023

Background

Recent studies have shown that dietary intakes and gene variants have a critical role in the obesity related comorbidities. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of the interactions between Fatty acid desaturase 2 (FADS2) gene rs174583 polymorphism and two dietary indices on cardiometabolic risk factors.

Methods

This cross-sectional study was carried out on 347 obese adults aged 20-50 years old in Tabriz, Iran. Healthy eating index (HEI) and Diet quality index-international (DQI-I) were evaluated by a validated semi-quantitative 147-item Food frequency questionnaire (FFQ). Polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) was used to determine FADS2 gene variants. Multivariate analysis of covariance (MANCOVA) was used to identify gene-diet interactions on metabolic parameters.

Results

Waist circumference (WC) and serum triglyceride (TG) levels were significantly higher among carriers of TT genotype of FADS2 gene (P < 0.05). In addition, the interactions between FADS2 gene rs174583 polymorphism and DQI-I had significant effects on weight (P interaction = 0.01), fat mass (P interaction = 0.04), fat free mass (P interaction = 0.03), and Body mass index (BMI) (P interaction = 0.02); the highest level of these parameters belonged to TT carriers. Similarly, the interactions between FADS2 gene variants and HEI had significant effects on insulin (P interaction < 0.001), Homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) (P interaction < 0.001), Quantitative insulin check index (QUICKI) (P interaction = 0.001), and alpha Melanocyte stimulating hormone (α-MSH) (P interaction = 0.03).

Conclusion

In this study, for the first time, we reported the effects of gene-diet interactions on metabolic traits. Compliance with dietary indices (DQI-I and HEI) ameliorated the adverse effects of gene variants on metabolic risk factors, especially in heterogeneous genotypes. Further prospective cohort studies are needed to confirm these results.