bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Corpus-Based Comparative Study of Interpreting Styles in the Press Conferences of China’s “Two Sessions”
Authors: Mengyao Yang , Bei Jin
Published: June 2024

On an annual basis, China’s “Two Sessions” draw researchers’ attention to the study of interpreting that comes along. However, the related research mostly focuses on interpreting strategies and skills, and rarely involves the interpreter who produces the interpreting. This paper collects both of two interpreters’ texts at the press conferences of the “Two Sessions” from 2010 to 2020 to build a parallel corpus. By comparing their interpreting, with the speeches of the leaders of the White House as a comparable corpus, the study seeks to probe into the similarities and differences between the interpreting styles of two interpreters from the linguistic perspective. It is found that when interpreting, the interpreter Sun has richer vocabulary and a higher lexical density than the interpreter Zhang. The interpreting style of Sun is closer to the written style, while Zhang’s style is more colloquial. Compared with the transcripts of the U.S. press conference, the linguistic features of Zhang’s interpreting is more similar to those in the comparable corpus in vocabulary richness, word length and readability. Therefore, Zhang’s interpreting might be more likely to be intelligible and acceptable to English speakers.
Metastasis of Rectal Signet Ring Cell Carcinoma to Typical Lipoma: A Rare Presentation of the Tumor-to-Tumor Metastasis Phenomenon
Authors: Mansouri Houyem , Zemni Ines , Boujelbene Nedia , Saadallah Fatma , Ayadi Mohamed Ali , Achouri Leila
Published: June 2024

Rectal signet ring cell carcinoma represents a rare subtype of colorectal adenocarcinoma known for its aggressive biological nature and poor prognosis. Although the co-occurrence of colorectal carcinoma with other tumors has been reported, the uncommon phenomenon of tumor-to-tumor metastasis, first described in 1930, remains rare. The most frequent donor neoplasms are lung or breast carcinomas, whereas cerebral meningiomas have been reported to be the most frequent recipient neoplasms. Here we report a case of a typical lipomatous tumor harboring metastatic signet ring cell rectal carcinoma. It is about a 42-year-old man diagnosed with rectal signet ring cell carcinoma and treated with concurrent radiotherapy and chemotherapy followed by an anterior resection and manual coloanal anastomosis with a temporary ileostomy. During the surgery, an abdominal wall lipoma was discovered and excised. A histopathological examination revealed infiltration of the fibro adipose tissue by a mucinous adenocarcinoma with a contingent of signet ring cells. The patient died 12 months after adjuvant chemotherapy due to peritoneal progression. To the best of our understanding, this represents the initial documented instance of tumor-to-tumor metastasis from rectal signet cell carcinoma to a conventional nonvascular lipoma. Consequently, even if one of these tumors appears clinically and radiologically benign, it is prudent to entertain the prospect of tumor-to-tumor metastasis. Thus, a comprehensive pathologic study of both tumors is highly recommended.
Complexities and Challenges Affecting the Progress of Community Development in South Africa’s Changing Sociopolitical Landscape
Authors: Gray Mel , Lombard Antoinette
Published: June 2024

This article shows the strategic, institutional approach the South African government took in creating and professionalising an occupational group—community development workers (CDWs), later community development practitioners (CDPs)—as part of its human resource planning for the social development sector. It highlights the complexities and challenges affecting the progress of community development, not least adequate funding for CDPs employed in local municipalities that, in turn, had to budget and plan for the operation and delivery of services in partnership with the nongovernment sector. It begins with an examination of policy definitions of community development before discussing the ever-changing political landscape and community–government nexus. It highlights community development’s entanglement with government policy and service provision and the community development infrastructure that opened doors for CDPs. It then discusses the policy-led changes shaping community development as a recognised occupation, the legislative requirements for professionalisation and progress towards meeting these. Finally, it suggests that future progress rests on the development of a comprehensive practice framework that addresses not only individual practitioner standards but also the obligations of employers to create an environment conducive to empowering transformative community development programmes in partnership with communities, relevant stakeholders and local organisations.
Re: placement: Commonwealth, postcolonial, and the politics of positioning
Authors: McLeod John
Published: June 2024

This essay explores the politics of positioning as it has shifted from the paradigms of “Commonwealth literature” to postcolonial studies, and asks if older mechanisms of placing literary and critical endeavours may be emerging refurbished in the present day. It recognizes the ways in which early enthusiasts of Commonwealth literature often tethered texts to firm nation-based foundations while also promoting a transcendentalist vision of literariness. This modus operandi gave way, I argue, to a much more agile and dimensional cognisance of the politics of positioning, for both literature and its critique, which hallmarks postcolonial studies in general. By briefly discussing the work of the writers Zadie Smith and Bernardine Evaristo, the essay calls for the sustaining of postcolonialism’s often sophisticated engagement with positionality at a moment when a less interrogative approach to matters of place, identity, literature, and critique may be circulating — so that the important wisdom of postcolonial studies is not overwritten by newly emergent approaches which seem familiar from old.
Eng. Lit after empire: The political stakes of public goods
Authors: Rogers Asha
Published: June 2024

The overhaul of the Journal of Commonwealth Literature is part of a lineage of acts that reshape critical space through wielding the symbolic power to name. This article responds to the journal’s divestment from Commonwealth literary studies by exploring the interplay between the structures of power that guarantee literary and critical space and the structures of perception that guide it. It does so by contrasting two parallel acts of syllabus reform in national education in the late twentieth century: the introduction of African and Caribbean literature in external school examinations in Britain and in Kenya in the late 1970s and early 1980s. These records of past practice speak to current debates about decolonizing curricula by staging issues of positionality, the place of literary education in multi-ethnic states, and increasing centralization in education. Above all, they remind us that the political stakes of literary study after empire have always been high, precisely because school education is a matter of state.
Conjoint analysis of physio-biochemical, transcriptomic, and metabolomic reveals the response characteristics of solanum nigrum L. to cadmium stress
Authors: Wang Juncai , Chen Xunfeng , Chu Shaohua , Hayat Kashif , Chi Yaowei , Liao Xiaofeng , Zhang Hongliang , Xie Yuangui , Zhou Pei , Zhang Dan
Published: June 2024

Cadmium (Cd) is a nonessential element in plants and has adverse effects on the growth and development of plants. However, the molecular mechanisms of Cd phytotoxicity, tolerance and accumulation in hyperaccumulators Solanum nigrum L. has not been well understood. Here, physiology, transcriptome, and metabolome analyses were conducted to investigate the influence on the S. nigrum under 0, 25, 50, 75 and 100 µM Cd concentrations for 7 days. Pot experiments demonstrated that compared with the control, Cd treatment significantly inhibited the biomass, promoted the Cd accumulation and translocation, and disturbed the balance of mineral nutrient metabolism in S. nigrum, particularly at 100 µM Cd level. Moreover, the photosynthetic pigments contents were severely decreased, while the content of total protein, proline, malondialdehyde (MDA), H2O2, and antioxidant enzyme activities generally increased first and then slightly declined with increasing Cd concentrations, in both leaves and roots. Furthermore, combined with the previous transcriptomic data, numerous crucial coding-genes related to mineral nutrients and Cd ion transport, and the antioxidant enzymes biosynthesis were identified, and their expression pattern was regulated under different Cd stress. Simultaneously, metabolomic analyses revealed that Cd treatment significantly changed the expression level of many metabolites related to amino acid, lipid, carbohydrate, and nucleotide metabolism. Metabolic pathway analysis also showed that S. nigrum roots activated some differentially expressed metabolites (DEMs) involved in energy metabolism, which may enhance the energy supply for detoxification. Importantly, central common metabolism pathways of DEGs and DEMs, including the “TCA cycle”, “glutathione metabolic pathway” and “glyoxylate and dicarboxylate metabolism” were screened using conjoint transcriptomics and metabolomics analysis. Our results provide some novel evidences on the physiological and molecular mechanisms of Cd tolerance in hyperaccumulator S. nigrum plants.
Mediating role of chiro-inositol metabolites on the effects of HLA-DR-expressing CD14 + monocytes in inflammatory bowel disease
Authors: Zhang Leichang , Shen Pan , Ge Wei , Liao Wu , Luo Qinghua , Li Chaofeng , Zhan Chuanyu , Yuan Xiao , Zhang Xiaonan , Yan Xiaojun
Published: June 2024

Background

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), a chronic inflammatory condition, is caused by several factors involving aberrant immune responses. Genetic factors are crucial in IBD occurrence. Mendelian randomization (MR) can offer a new perspective in understanding IBD’s genetic background.

Methods

Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were considered instrumental variables (IVs). We analyzed the relationship between 731 immunophenotypes, 1,400 metabolite phenotypes, and IBD. The total effect was decomposed into indirect and direct effects, and the ratio of the indirect effect to the total effect was calculated.

Results

We identified the causal effects of HLA-DR-expressing CD14 + monocytes on IBD through MR analysis. The phenotype “HLA-DR expression on CD14 + monocytes” showed the strongest association among the selected 48 immune phenotypes. Chiro-inositol metabolites mediated the effect of CD14 + monocytes expressing HLA-DR on IBD. An increase in Chiro-inositol metabolites was associated with a reduced risk of IBD occurrence, accounting for 4.97%.

Conclusion

Our findings revealed a new pathway by which HLA-DR-expressing CD14 + monocytes indirectly reduced the risk of IBD occurrence by increasing the levels of Chiro-inositol metabolites. The results provided a new perspective on the immunoregulatory mechanisms underlying IBD, laying a theoretical foundation for developing new therapeutic targets in the future.
Nomogram incorporating preoperative pan-immune-inflammation value and monocyte to high-density lipoprotein ratio for survival prediction in patients with colorectal cancer: a retrospective study
Authors: Liu Qinghua , Wang Haohao , Chen Qingjie , Luo Ruiying , Luo Changjiang
Published: June 2024

Objective

Using the preoperative pan-immune-inflammation value (PIV) and the monocyte to high-density lipoprotein ratio (MHR) to reflect inflammation, immunity, and cholesterol metabolism, we aim to develop and visualize a novel nomogram model for predicting the survival outcomes in patients with colorectal cancer (CRC).

Methods

A total of 172 patients with CRC who underwent radical resection were retrospectively analyzed. Survival analysis was conducted after patients were grouped according to the optimal cut-off values of PIV and MHR. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed using Cox proportional hazards regression to screen the independent prognostic factors. Based on these factors, a nomogram was constructed and validated.

Results

The PIV was significantly associated with tumor location (P < 0.001), tumor maximum diameter (P = 0.008), and T stage (P = 0.019). The MHR was closely related to gender (P = 0.016), tumor maximum diameter (P = 0.002), and T stage (P = 0.038). Multivariate analysis results showed that PIV (Hazard Ratio (HR) = 2.476, 95% Confidence Interval (CI) = 1.410–4.348, P = 0.002), MHR (HR = 3.803, 95%CI = 1.609–8.989, P = 0.002), CEA (HR = 1.977, 95%CI = 1.121–3.485, P = 0.019), and TNM stage (HR = 1.759, 95%CI = 1.010–3.063, P = 0.046) were independent prognostic indicators for overall survival (OS). A nomogram incorporating these variables was developed, demonstrating robust predictive accuracy for OS. The area under the curve (AUC) values of the predictive model for 1-, 2-, and 3- year are 0.791,0.768,0.811, respectively. The calibration curves for the probability of survival at 1-, 2-, and 3- year presented a high degree of credibility. Furthermore, Decision curve analysis (DCA) for the probability of survival at 1-, 2-, and 3- year demonstrate the significant clinical utility in predicting survival outcomes.

Conclusion

Preoperative PIV and MHR are independent risk factors for CRC prognosis. The novel developed nomogram demonstrates a robust predictive ability, offering substantial utility in facilitating the clinical decision-making process.
Roles of caregiver-child interaction on the association of socioeconomic status with early childhood development: a population-based study in rural China
Authors: Chang Rui , Li Chunan , Wei Mengna , Jiang Yanfen , Zhang Jianduan
Published: June 2024

Objective

Socioeconomic status (SES) has been previously associated with children’s early development, health, and nutrition; however, evidence about the potential role of caregiver-child interaction in such associations was limited. This study aimed to explore the effect of caregiver-child interaction on the associations of SES with child developmental outcomes, including early neurodevelopment and social-emotional behavior.

Methods

A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 2078 children aged 0–6 in a rural county that just lifted out of poverty in 2020 in Central China. The Ages & Stages Questionnaires-Chinese version (ASQ-C) and the Social-Emotional (ASQ: SE) questionnaire were used to assess children's early neurodevelopment and social-emotional behavior, respectively. Caregiver-child interaction was evaluated with the Brigance Parent–Child Interactions Scale. Regression-based statistical mediation and moderation effect were conducted with the PROCESS macro of SPSS.

Results

Children with low SES had an increased risk of suspected neurodevelopmental delay [OR = 1.92, 95% CI: 1.50, 2.44] and social-emotional developmental delay [OR = 1.31, 95% CI: 1.04, 1.66]. The caregiver-child interaction partially mediated the associations of SES with child developmental outcomes; the proportion of the indirect effect was 14.9% for ASQ-C total score and 32.1% for ASQ: SE score. Moreover, the caregiver-child interaction had a significant moderation effect on the association of SES with ASQ-C total score (P < 0.05). A weaker association was observed in children with high-level caregiver-child interaction than in medium and low ones. Similar moderating effects were found among boys but not girls.

Conclusion

Caregiver-child interaction plays a vital role in the relationship between SES and child development. Children with low SES households will benefit more in terms of their early development from intervention programs strengthening caregiver-child interaction.
3D-printed titanium porous prosthesis combined with the Masquelet technique for the management of large femoral bone defect caused by osteomyelitis
Authors: Chen Zhuo , Xing Yong , Li Xingcai , Liu Bingchuan , Liu Ning , Huo Yaping , Tian Yun
Published: June 2024

Background

The treatment of infected bone defects remains a clinical challenge. With the development of three-dimensional printing technology, three-dimensional printed implants have been used for defect reconstruction. The aim of this study was to investigate the clinical outcomes of three-dimensional printed porous prosthesis in the treatment of femoral defects caused by osteomyelitis.

Methods

Eleven patients with femoral bone defects following osteomyelitis who were treated with 3D-printed porous prosthesis at our institution between May 2017 and July 2021, were included. Eight patients were diagnosed with critical-sized defects, and the other three patients were diagnosed with shape-structural defects. A two-stage procedure was performed for all patients, and the infection was eradicated and bone defects were occupied by polymethylmethacrylate spacer during the first stage. The 3D-printed prosthesis was designed and used for the reconstruction of femoral defects in the second stage. Position of the reconstructed prostheses and bone growth were measured using radiography. The union rate, complications, and functional outcomes at the final follow-up were assessed.

Results

The mean length of the bone defect was 14.0 cm, union was achieved in 10 (91%) patients. All patients showed good functional performance at the most recent follow-up. In the critical-sized defect group, one patient developed a deep infection that required additional procedures. Two patients had prosthetic dislocations. Radiography demonstrated good osseous integration of the implant–bone interface in 10 patients.

Conclusion

The 3D printed prostheses enable rapid anatomical and mechanically stable reconstruction of extreme femur bone defects, effectively shortens treatment time, and achieves satisfactory clinical outcomes.
Adapting the serious illness conversation guide for unhoused older adults: a rapid qualitative study
Authors: Latimer Abigail , Pope Natalie D. , Lin Chin-Yen , Kang JungHee , Sasdi Olivia , Wu Jia-Rong , Moser Debra K. , Lennie Terry
Published: June 2024

Background

Older adults experiencing homelessness (OAEH) age quickly and die earlier than their housed counterparts. Illness-related decisions are best guided by patients’ values, but healthcare and homelessness service providers need support in facilitating these discussions. The Serious Illness Conversation Guide (SICG) is a communication tool to guide discussions but has not yet been adapted for OAEH.

Methods

We aimed to adapt the SICG for use with OAEH by nurses, social workers, and other homelessness service providers. We conducted semi-structured interviews with homelessness service providers and cognitive interviews with OAEH using the SICG. Service providers included nurses, social workers, or others working in homeless settings. OAEH were at least 50 years old and diagnosed with a serious illness. Interviews were conducted and audio recorded in shelters, transitional housing, a hospital, public spaces, and over Zoom. The research team reviewed transcripts, identifying common themes across transcripts and applying analytic notetaking. We summarized transcripts from each participant group, applying rapid qualitative analysis. For OAEH, data that referenced proposed adaptations or feedback about the SICG tool were grouped into two domains: “SICG interpretation” and “SICG feedback”. For providers, we used domains from the Toolkit of Adaptation Approaches: “collaborative working”, “team”, “endorsement”, “materials”, “messages”, and “delivery”. Summaries were grouped into matrices to help visualize themes to inform adaptations. The adapted guide was then reviewed by expert palliative care clinicians for further refinement.

Results

The final sample included 11 OAEH (45% Black, 61 ± 7 years old) and 10 providers (80% White, 8.9 ± years practice). Adaptation themes included changing words and phrases to (1) increase transparency about the purpose of the conversation, (2) promote OAEH autonomy and empowerment, (3) align with nurses’ and social workers’ scope of practice regarding facilitating diagnostic and prognostic awareness, and (4) be sensitive to the realities of fragmented healthcare. Responses also revealed training and implementation considerations.

Conclusions

The adapted SICG is a promising clinical tool to aid in the delivery of serious illness conversations with OAEH. Future research should use this updated guide for implementation planning. Additional adaptations may be dependent on specific settings where the SICG will be delivered.
Does timing of sexual debut following menarche among female youth in Uganda matter? A discrete time analysis
Authors: Nsimbe Dick , Lwanga Charles , Namawejje Hellen
Published: June 2024

Background

The burden of early sexual engagement among youth is enormous. It directly raises the risk of sexually transmitted infections(STIs) and indirectly contributes to unintended pregnancy, unsafe abortion, premature childbirth, and psychosocial issues. The aim of this paper was to estimate the timing of sexual debut and examine the factors influencing the timing of first sexual intercourse following menarche among female youth aged between 15 and 24 in Uganda.

Method

Self-reported data were extracted from the 2016 Uganda Demographic and Health Survey (UDHS), with a sub-sample of 7964 female youth from the individual woman file. Kaplan-Meier survival curves, decrement life-table analysis, and the discrete-time logit model were used to examine the timing of sexual debut and associated factors.

Results

67.4% of the female youth had experienced first sexual initiation. Overall, the meantime to sexual debut was 4.4 years and the median time was 4.3 years, and all the female youth had experienced first sexual initiation by the end of the twelfth year following menarche. Significant factors found to influence the timing of sexual initiation include having higher education level (OR = 0.724: 95% CI = 0.59–0.89; p = 0.003), residing in the Northern region (OR = 0.877:95% CI = 0.79–0.97, p = 0.012), being employed (OR = 1.085: 95% CI = 1.01–1.16; p = 0.021), and being literate (OR = 1.155; 95% CI = 1.07–1.25; p < 0.001).

Conclusions

These findings are expected to be central in the bid to delay first sexual intercourse. Also they shed light on some of the factors associated with the timing of sexual debut which may be addressed at community level for non-school going youth and in schools, as school based prevention sexual and reproductive health programs. The findings highlight the need for future studies to collect more data to explore further the linkage between time to first debut since menarche and, mass media, religion, type of residence, and wealth index.
The effects of simulation-based education on undergraduate nursing students' competences: a multicenter randomized controlled trial
Authors: Tong Lai Kun , Li Yue Yi , Au Mio Leng , Ng Wai I. , Wang Si Chen , Liu Yongbing , Shen Yi , Zhong Liqiang , Qiu Xichenhui
Published: June 2024

Background

Education in nursing has noticed a positive effect of simulation-based education. There are many studies available on the effects of simulation-based education, but most of those involve a single institution, nonrandomized controlled trials, small sample sizes and subjective evaluations of the effects. The purpose of this multicenter randomized controlled trial was to evaluate the effects of high-fidelity simulation, computer-based simulation, high-fidelity simulation combined with computer-based simulation, and case study on undergraduate nursing students.

Methods

A total of 270 nursing students were recruited from five universities in China. Participants were randomly divided into four groups at each institution: the high-fidelity simulation group, the computer-based simulation group, the high-fidelity simulation combined with computer-based simulation group, and the case study group. Finally, 239 participants completed the intervention and evaluation, with 58, 67, 57, and 57 participants in each group. The data were collected at three stages: before the intervention, immediately after the intervention, and three months after the intervention.

Results

The demographic data and baseline evaluation indices did not significantly differ among the four groups. A statistically significant difference was not observed between the four methods for improving knowledge, interprofessional collaboration, critical thinking, caring, or interest in learning. While skill improvement differed significantly among the different groups after the intervention (p = 0.020), after three months, no difference was observed (p = 0.139). The improvement in skill in the computer-based simulation group was significantly lower at the end of the intervention than that in the high-fidelity simulation group (p = 0.048) or the high-fidelity simulation combined with computer-based simulation group (p = 0.020).

Conclusions

Nursing students benefit equally from four methods in cultivating their knowledge, interprofessional collaboration, critical thinking, caring, and interest in learning both immediately and over time. High-fidelity simulation and high-fidelity simulation combined with computer-based simulation improve skill more effectively than computer-based simulation in the short term. Nursing educators can select the most suitable teaching method to achieve the intended learning outcomes depending on the specific circumstances.

Trial registration

This clinical trial was registered at the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (clinical trial number: ChiCTR2400084880, date of the registration: 27/05/2024).
Commentary to Skudlik et al. (2023): why a scoping review and why only Germany?
Authors: Nguyen Bich-Lien
Published: June 2024

This letter to the editor is a commentary on the scoping review by Skudlik et al. (2023) on the relocation of older people to nursing homes in Germany. In this commentary, we question certain methodological decisions that, in our view, particularly affect transferability of the results and give a partial picture of the phenomena studied by limiting the inclusion to German studies. We also have questions about the choice of knowledge synthesis method and why the concept of “nursing home” was not defined. We hope that this letter will open a constructive scientific discussion on an important topic that is understudied as the world’s population ages.
Severe necrotizing tracheobronchitis caused by influenza B and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus co-infection in an immunocompetent patient
Authors: Wang Shu , Yang Jianhua , Sun Wenwu , Tao Yang
Published: June 2024

Purpose and method

Necrotizing tracheobronchitis is a rare clinical entity presented as a necrotic inflammation involving the mainstem trachea and distal bronchi. We reported a case of severe necrotizing tracheobronchitis caused by influenza B and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) co-infection in an immunocompetent patient.

Case presentation

We described a 36-year-old man with initial symptoms of cough, rigors, muscle soreness and fever. His status rapidly deteriorated two days later and he was intubated. Bronchoscopy demonstrated severe necrotizing tracheobronchitis, and CT imaging demonstrated multiple patchy and cavitation formation in both lungs. Next-generation sequencing (NGS) and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) culture supported the co-infection of influenza B and MRSA. We also found T lymphocyte and NK lymphocyte functions were extremely suppressed during illness exacerbation. The patient was treated with antivirals and antibiotics including vancomycin. Subsequent bronchoscopy and CT scans revealed significant improvement of the airway and pulmonary lesions, and the lymphocyte functions were restored. Finally, this patient was discharged successfully.

Conclusion

Necrotizing tracheobronchitis should be suspected in patients with rapid deterioration after influenza B infection. The timely diagnosis of co-infection and accurate antibiotics are important to effective treatment.
The role of age and AMH on cumulative live birth rates over multiple frozen-thawed embryo transfer cycles: a study based on low prognosis patients of POSEIDON 3 and 4 groups
Authors: Xia Lan , Zhou Xiaowei , Wang Xiaoling , Zhao Shen , Wu Xian , Xu Huihui , Zhang Aijun , Niu Zhihong
Published: June 2024

Background

Among the POSEIDON criteria, group 3 and group 4 have an expected low prognosis. For those patients with inadequate ovary reserve, embryo accumulated from consecutive oocyte retrieval cycles for multiple frozen-thawed embryo transfers (FET) has become more common. It is necessary to inform them of the pregnancy outcomes after single or multiple FET cycles before the treatment. However few studies about cumulative live birth rate (CLBR) for those with low prognosis have been reported.

Methods

This retrospective study included 4712 patients undergoing frozen embryo transfer cycles from July 2015 to August 2020. Patients were stratified as POSEIDON group 3, group 4, control 1 group (< 35 years) and control 2 group (≥ 35 years). The primary outcome is CLBRs up to six FET cycles and the secondary outcomes were LBRs per transfer cycle. Optimistic approach was used for the analysis of CLBRs and the depiction of cumulative incidence curves.

Results

Under optimistic model analyses, control 1 group exhibited the highest CLBR (93.98%, 95%CI 91.63-95.67%) within 6 FET cycles, followed by the CLBR from women in POSEIDON group 3(92.51%, 95%CI 77.1-97.55)was slightly lower than that in control 1 group. The CLBR of POSEIDON group 4(55% ,95%CI 39.34-70.66%)was the lowest and significantly lower than that of control 2 group(88.7%, 95%CI 80.68-96.72%). Further, patients in POSEIDON group 4 reached a CLBR plateau after 5 FET cycles.

Conclusions

The patients of POSEIDON group 3 may not be considered as traditional “low prognosis” in clinical practice as extending the number of FET cycles up to 6 can archive considerably CLBR as control women. While for the POSEIDON group 4, a simple repeat of the FET cycle is not recommended after four failed FET cycles, some strategies such as PGT-A may be beneficial.
Biomechanics of circulating cellular and subcellular bioparticles: beyond separation
Authors: Aghajanloo Behrouz , Hadady Hanieh , Ejeian Fatemeh , Inglis David W. , Hughes Michael Pycraft , Tehrani Alireza Fadaei , Nasr-Esfahani Mohammad Hossein
Published: June 2024

Biomechanical attributes have emerged as novel markers, providing a reliable means to characterize cellular and subcellular fractions. Numerous studies have identified correlations between these factors and patients’ medical status. However, the absence of a thorough overview impedes their applicability in contemporary state-of-the-art therapeutic strategies. In this context, we provide a comprehensive analysis of the dimensions, configuration, rigidity, density, and electrical characteristics of normal and abnormal circulating cells. Subsequently, the discussion broadens to encompass subcellular bioparticles, such as extracellular vesicles (EVs) enriched either from blood cells or other tissues. Notably, cell sizes vary significantly, from 2 μm for platelets to 25 μm for circulating tumor cells (CTCs), enabling the development of size-based separation techniques, such as microfiltration, for specific diagnostic and therapeutic applications. Although cellular density is relatively constant among different circulating bioparticles, it allows for reliable density gradient centrifugation to isolate cells without altering their native state. Additionally, variations in EV surface charges (-6.3 to -45 mV) offer opportunities for electrophoretic and electrostatic separation methods. The distinctive mechanical properties of abnormal cells, compared to their normal counterparts, present an exceptional opportunity for diverse medical and biotechnological approaches. This review also aims to provide a holistic view of the current understanding of popular techniques in this domain that transcend conventional boundaries, focusing on early harvesting of malignant cells from body fluids, designing effective therapeutic options, cell targeting, and resonating with tissue and genetic engineering principles.

Graphical Abstract

This review provides a comprehensive and clear overview of the size/shape, stiffness, density, and electrical properties of circulating cellular/noncellular
Inhibition of cortical synaptic transmission, behavioral nociceptive, and anxiodepressive-like responses by arecoline in adult mice
Authors: Chen Qi-Yu , Zhang Yuxiang , Ma Yujie , Zhuo Min
Published: June 2024

Areca nut, the seed of Areca catechu L., is one of the most widely consumed addictive substances in the world after nicotine, ethanol, and caffeine. The major effective constituent of A. catechu, arecoline, has been reported to affect the central nervous system. Less is known if it may affect pain and its related emotional responses. In this study, we found that oral application of arecoline alleviated the inflammatory pain and its induced anxiolytic and anti-depressive-like behavior. Arecoline also increased the mechanical nociceptive threshold and alleviated depression-like behavior in naïve mice. In the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC), which acts as a hinge of nociception and its related anxiety and depression, by using the multi-electrode field potential recording and whole-cell patch-clamp recording, we found that the evoked postsynaptic transmission in the ACC of adult mice has been inhibited by the application of arecoline. The muscarinic receptor is the major receptor of the arecoline in the ACC. Our results suggest that arecoline alleviates pain, anxiety, and depression-like behavior in both physiological and pathological conditions, and this new mechanism may help to treat patients with chronic pain and its related anxiety and disorder in the future.
The effect of circle of willis anatomy and scanning practices on outcomes for blunt cerebrovascular injuries
Authors: Bar-Or David , Jarvis Stephanie , Lensing Forrester , Bassa David , Carrick Matthew , Palacio Lascano Carlos , Busch Maxwell , Hamilton David , Acuna David , Greenseid Samantha , Ojala Daniel
Published: June 2024

Background

Limited research has explored the effect of Circle of Willis (CoW) anatomy among blunt cerebrovascular injuries (BCVI) on outcomes. It remains unclear if current BCVI screening and scanning practices are sufficient in identification of concomitant COW anomalies and how they affect outcomes.

Methods

This retrospective cohort study included adult traumatic BCVIs at 17 level I-IV trauma centers (08/01/2017-07/31/2021). The objectives were to compare screening criteria, scanning practices, and outcomes among those with and without COW anomalies.

Results

Of 561 BCVIs, 65% were male and the median age was 48 y/o. 17% (n = 93) had a CoW anomaly. Compared to those with normal CoW anatomy, those with CoW anomalies had significantly higher rates of any strokes (10% vs. 4%, p = 0.04), ICHs (38% vs. 21%, p = 0.001), and clinically significant bleed (CSB) before antithrombotic initiation (14% vs. 3%, p < 0.0001), respectively. Compared to patients with a normal CoW, those with a CoW anomaly also had ischemic strokes more often after antithrombotic interruption (13% vs. 2%, p = 0.02).Patients with CoW anomalies were screened significantly more often because of some other head/neck indication not outlined in BCVI screening criteria than patients with normal CoW anatomy (27% vs. 18%, p = 0.04), respectively. Scans identifying CoW anomalies included both the head and neck significantly more often (53% vs. 29%, p = 0.0001) than scans identifying normal CoW anatomy, respectively.

Conclusions

While previous studies suggested universal scanning for BCVI detection, this study found patients with BCVI and CoW anomalies had some other head/neck injury not identified as BCVI scanning criteria significantly more than patients with normal CoW which may suggest that BCVI screening across all patients with a head/neck injury may improve the simultaneous detection of CoW and BCVIs. When screening for BCVI, scans including both the head and neck are superior to a single region in detection of concomitant CoW anomalies. Worsened outcomes (strokes, ICH, and clinically significant bleeding before antithrombotic initiation) were observed for patients with CoW anomalies when compared to those with a normal CoW. Those with a CoW anomaly experienced strokes at a higher rate than patients with normal CoW anatomy specifically when antithrombotic therapy was interrupted. This emphasizes the need for stringent antithrombotic therapy regimens among patients with CoW anomalies and may suggest that patients CoW anomalies would benefit from more varying treatment, highlighting the need to include the CoW anatomy when scanning for BCVI.

Level of Evidence

Level III, Prognostic/Epidemiological.
Metabolic engineering of Escherichia coli for the production of 5-aminolevulinic acid based on combined metabolic pathway modification and reporter-guided mutant selection (RGMS)
Authors: Yang Yuting , Zou Yuhong , Chen Xi , Sun Haidong , Hua Xia , Johnston Lee , Zeng Xiangfang , Qiao Shiyan , Ye Changchuan
Published: June 2024

Background

5-Aminolevulinic acid (ALA) recently received much attention due to its potential application in many fields such as medicine, nutrition and agriculture. Metabolic engineering is an efficient strategy to improve microbial production of 5-ALA.

Results

In this study, an ALA production strain of Escherichia coli was constructed by rational metabolic engineering and stepwise improvement. A metabolic strategy to produce ALA directly from glucose in this recombinant E. coli via both C4 and C5 pathways was applied herein. The expression of a modified hemARS gene and rational metabolic engineering by gene knockouts significantly improved ALA production from 765.9 to 2056.1 mg/L. Next, we tried to improve ALA production by RGMS-directed evolution of eamA gene. After RGMS, the ALA yield of strain A2-ASK reached 2471.3 mg/L in flask. Then, we aimed to improve the oxidation resistance of cells by overexpressing sodB and katE genes and ALA yield reached 2703.8 mg/L. A final attempt is to replace original promoter of hemB gene in genome with a weaker one to decrease its expression. After 24 h cultivation, a high ALA yield of 19.02 g/L was achieved by 108-ASK in a 5 L fermenter.

Conclusions

These results suggested that an industrially competitive strain can be efficiently developed by metabolic engineering based on combined rational modification and optimization of gene expression.
Customizable and stable multilocus chromosomal integration: a novel glucose-dependent selection system in Aureobasidium spp.
Authors: Zhang Shuo , Ma Tao , Zheng Fu-Hui , Aslam Muhammad , Wang Yu-Jie , Chi Zhen-Ming , Liu Guang-Lei
Published: June 2024

Background

Non-conventional yeasts hold significant potential as biorefinery cell factories for microbial bioproduction. Currently, gene editing systems used for these yeasts rely on antibiotic and auxotrophic selection mechanisms. However, the drawbacks of antibiotics, including high costs, environmental concerns, and the dissemination of resistance genes, make them unsuitable for large-scale industrial fermentation. For auxotrophic selection system, the engineered strains harboring auxotrophic marker genes are typically supplemented with complex nutrient-rich components instead of precisely defined synthetic media in large-scale industrial fermentations, thus lack selection pressure to ensure the stability of heterologous metabolic pathways. Therefore, it is a critical to explore alternative selection systems that can be adapted for large-scale industrial fermentation.

Results

Here, a novel glucose-dependent selection system was developed in a high pullulan-producing non-conventional strain A. melanogenum P16. The system comprised a glucose-deficient chassis cell Δpfk obtained through the knockout of the phosphofructokinase gene (PFK) and a series of chromosomal integration plasmids carrying a selection marker PFK controlled by different strength promoters. Utilizing the green fluorescent protein gene (GFP) as a reporter gene, this system achieved a 100% positive rate of transformation, and the chromosomal integration numbers of GFP showed an inverse relationship with promoter strength, with a customizable copy number ranging from 2 to 54. More importantly, the chromosomal integration numbers of target genes remained stable during successive inoculation and fermentation process, facilitated simply by using glucose as a cost-effective and environmental-friendly selectable molecule to maintain a constant and rigorous screening pressure. Moreover, this glucose-dependent selection system exhibited no significant effect on cell growth and product synthesis, and the glucose-deficient related selectable marker PFK has universal application potential in non-conventional yeasts.

Conclusion

Here, we have developed a novel glucose-dependent selection system to achieve customizable and stable multilocus chromosomal integration of target genes. Therefore, this study presents a promising new tool for genetic manipulation and strain enhancement in non-conventional yeasts, particularly tailored for industrial fermentation applications.
The potential role of the Asian bush mosquito Aedes japonicus as spillover vector for West Nile virus in the Netherlands
Authors: Linthout Charlotte , Martins Afonso Dimas , de Wit Mariken , Delecroix Clara , Abbo Sandra R. , Pijlman Gorben P. , Koenraadt Constantianus J. M.
Published: June 2024

Background

In recent years the Asian bush mosquito Aedes japonicus has invaded Europe, including the Netherlands. This species is a known vector for a range of arboviruses, possibly including West Nile virus (WNV). As WNV emerged in the Netherlands in 2020, it is important to investigate the vectorial capacity of mosquito species present in the Netherlands to estimate the risk of future outbreaks and further spread of the virus. Therefore, this study evaluates the potential role of Ae. japonicus in WNV transmission and spillover from birds to dead-end hosts in the Netherlands.

Methods

We conducted human landing collections in allotment gardens (Lelystad, the Netherlands) in June, August and September 2021 to study the diurnal and seasonal host-seeking behaviour of Ae. japonicus. Furthermore, their host preference in relation to birds using live chicken-baited traps was investigated. Vector competence of field-collected Ae. japonicus mosquitoes for two isolates of WNV at two different temperatures was determined. Based on the data generated from these studies, we developed a Susceptible-Exposed-Infectious-Recovered (SEIR) model to calculate the risk of WNV spillover from birds to humans via Ae. japonicus, under the condition that the virus is introduced and circulates in an enzootic cycle in a given area.

Results

Our results show that Ae. japonicus mosquitoes are actively host seeking throughout the day, with peaks in activity in the morning and evening. Their abundance in August was higher than in June and September. For the host-preference experiment, we documented a small number of mosquitoes feeding on birds: only six blood-fed females were caught over 4 full days of sampling. Finally, our vector competence experiments with Ae. japonicus compared to its natural vector Culex pipiens showed a higher infection and transmission rate when infected with a local, Dutch, WNV isolate compared to a Greek isolate of the virus. Interestingly, we also found a small number of infected Cx. pipiens males with virus-positive leg and saliva samples.

Conclusions

Combining the field and laboratory derived data, our model predicts that Ae. japonicus could act as a spillover vector for WNV and could be responsible for a high initial invasion risk of WNV when present in large numbers.

Graphical Abstract
Capacities and needs of health care facilities for schistosomiasis diagnosis and management in elimination settings
Authors: Ndum Naomi C. , Trippler Lydia , Mohammed Ulfat A. , Ali Anisa S. , Hattendorf Jan , Utzinger Jürg , Ali Said M. , Knopp Stefanie
Published: June 2024

Background

Schistosomiasis is a debilitating neglected tropical disease endemic in sub-Saharan Africa. The role of health facilities in the prevention, diagnosis, control, and elimination of schistosomiasis is poorly documented. In a setting targeted for schistosomiasis elimination in Zanzibar, we assessed the prevalence of Schistosoma haematobium among patients seeking care in a health facility and investigated schistosomiasis-related knowledge of staff, and health facilities’ capacities and needs for schistosomiasis diagnosis and management.

Methods

We conducted a health facility-based mixed-method study on Pemba Island from June to August 2023. Patients aged ≥ 4 years seeking care in four health facilities were screened for S. haematobium infection using urine filtration and reagent strips. Those patients aged ≥ 10 years were additionally interviewed about signs and symptoms. Staff from 23 health facilities responded to a questionnaire assessing knowledge and practices. Ten staff participated in a focus group discussion (FGD) about capacities and needs for schistosomiasis diagnosis and management.

Results

The prevalence of S. haematobium infection in patients attending the health facilities, as determined by the presence of eggs in urine, was 1.1% (8/712). Microhaematuria was detected in 13.3% (95/712) of the patients using reagent strips. Among patients responding to the questionnaire, pelvic pain, pain during sex, and painful urination were reported by 38.0% (237/623), 6.3% (39/623), and 3.2% (20/623), respectively. Among the health facility staff, 90.0% (44/49) and 87.8% (43/49) identified blood in urine and pelvic pain, respectively, as symptoms of urogenital schistosomiasis, 81.6% (40/49) and 93.9% (46/49) reported collecting a urine sample and pursuing a reagent strip test, respectively, for diagnosis, and 87.8% (43/49) administered praziquantel for treatment. The most reoccurring themes in the FGD were the need for more staff training about schistosomiasis, requests for diagnostic equipment, and the need to improve community response to schistosomiasis services in health facilities.

Conclusions

The prevalence of S. haematobium infection in patients seeking care in health facilities in Pemba is very low and similar to what has been reported from recent community-based cross-sectional surveys. The health facility staff had good schistosomiasis-related knowledge and practices. However, to integrate schistosomiasis patient management more durably into routine health facility activities, scalable screening pathways need to be identified and capacities need to be improved by regular staff training, and an unbroken supply of accurate point-of-care diagnostics and praziquantel for the treatment of cases.

Graphical abstract