bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Editorial v. 17 n. 17
Authors: Nascimento Myrna Arruda
Published: January 2025

This issue of ARA, PYAU, scheduled to be published between spring and summer 2024, has a peculiar format: it will be divided into two issues. This one, which we present here, in the final days of this year, with the publication of the GMP Dossier and the Special Supplement in Tribute to the Life of our editor Luiz Recamán, and a subsequent one, with the articles submitted and approved by the reviewers, for ARA Magazine 17, volume 17, issue , which we intend to finalize in March 2025.
Tráfico negreiro e escravidão no Brasil nas Atas da Câmara de 1694-1700 (Salvador, Bahia)
Authors: Campos Alzira Lobo de Arruda , Godoy Marília Gomes Ghizzi , Coelho Patrícia Margarida Farias
Published: January 2025

Analisa-se o tráfico negreiro, a mercadoria de maior valor para o capitalismo mercantil no período colonial, como um dos capítulos mais perversos da migração compulsória de milhões de pessoas da África para o Brasil. O objetivo é o de contribuir para o conhecimento da indústria da escravidão, focalizando um fragmento desse processo, visto como capaz de aprofundar a memória intencionalmente apagada e o saber lacunar sobre o tema. A escravização dos negros no Brasil, por quase quatro séculos, é vista pelo viés dos registros constantes das Atas da Câmara, 1684-1700, da cidade do Salvador, que abrigava o principal mercado de escravos da época. Os resultados alcançados indicam a permanência de desigualdades sociais e da concentração de lucro em mãos de uma elite dirigente, em detrimento das classes populares brasileiras.
Entre a arte e a política: a configuração da arquitetura moderna paulista sob o olhar de Vilanova Artigas nas décadas de 1940 a 1960
Authors: Sadaike Patrícia
Published: January 2025

O presente artigo tem como propósito versar sobre a produção artística e atuação política do arquiteto João Batista Vilanova Artigas durante as décadas de 1940 até meados da década de 1960, após a consolidação do regime militar. O arquiteto é considerado uma das principais expressões da arquitetura moderna em São Paulo. Foi militante assíduo do Partido Comunista Brasileiro-PCB e editor da revista Fundamentos, que congregou intelectuais e artistas comunistas que almejavam a crítica da modernidade sob a perspectiva do realismo socialista. Assim, propõe-se apresentar algumas de suas obras arquitetônicas e suas concepções estéticas e artísticas. Além disso, busca-se compreender como este arquiteto e militante político tentou romper com o invólucro doutrinário e seguir um caminho específico para a arquitetura moderna e o urbanismo brasileiro.
Para ler e compreender os sermões de Antônio Vieira (1608-1697)
Authors: Bedin Andrea Gomes
Published: January 2025

No século do barroco, os sermões foram literatura quase que obrigatória. Não por acaso, os pregadores assumiram papéis de significativa importância no cenário europeu e do além-mar. Neste contexto, ganharam proeminência os sermões do padre Antônio Vieira, um jesuíta cuja atuação demonstrou a notabilidade do papel da história para o referido século, como a grande magistra vitae. Escritor e pregador renomado, Vieira fez uso arguto de recursos variados da língua portuguesa, que, somados ao seu conhecimento histórico, resultaram em prédicas de significativo valor para o período, na medida em que anunciaram momentos cruciais da história de Portugal. Assim sendo, este artigo pretende trazer luz a alguns destes momentos da história portuguesa, por meio do emprego de termos e conceitos históricos de sermões vieirianos, notadamente aqueles considerados de incidência política. Para tanto, analisamos os sermões dos Bons anos ou do Ano Bom (1642) e do Bom Sucesso das armas de Portugal contra as de Holanda (1640).
Rotas culturais e territórios: a criação de um itinerário turístico de interesse cultural das ruínas da Vila de Santo Antônio de Sá em Itaboraí
Authors: Duarte Gabriela Dias , Andrade Inês El-Jaick
Published: January 2025

The relationship between heritage and territory provides debate about a series of values and sets that encompass a society. Taking this reception as a basis, this article aims to investigate the potential of cultural routes applied to the Ruins of the Convent of São Boaventura and the Ruins of the Main Church of Vila de Santo Antônio de Sá, which are located on private property belonging to the company Petrobrás. The emploied methodology consists of a qualitative case study, complemented by bibliographical research. The intended result of the research being developed is to create a cultural tourist itinerary that presents and interprets the remains of the old Vila de Santo Antônio de Sá and its importance for local history.
Uma geopolítica Rio Negrina: território, culturas e sociodiversidade indígenas no alto Rio Negro – Amazonas
Authors: Braga Bruno Miranda
Published: January 2025

The traditional peoples of the Amazon, especially the different indigenous peoples, maintain a peculiar relationship with nature. Nature is the great house, the “common home” in which indigenous people derive their sustenance and subsidize their needs. These people have used nature's resources for thousands of years for the benefit of their communities, but respecting their limits and the times that the environment requires. This relationship involves affection, thus establishing a sacred relationship, as part of cosmogonies, respect for nature is a constitutive element of sociability. This is because indigenous people obtain their physical and spiritual nutrition from the natural environment and contrary to what is seen in non-indigenous society, extractionis understood as a necessity and treated with respect. All this sociability is permeated by the actions of indigenous leaders, who at their base maintain a geopolitics, a way of dealing with situations and actions that harm or help their actions. The textthus presents aspects of the daily lives of the indigenous peoples of the Alto Rio Negro, a border and more distant region in the extreme north of Brazil, presenting who the people there are, and how they operate in their networks.
“Por favor, amor, não pense que sou 171”: uma análise da representação do pagode no caderno ilustrada, da Folha de São Paulo, entre 1995 e 1997
Authors: Trindade Karina de Sousa , Magalhães Valéria Barbosa de
Published: January 2025

The purpose of the present study is to analyze how the Folha de São Paulo newspaper represented the romantic pagodemusic style and also its admirers, the people from “periferia” (the poor suburbs from the Brazilian big cities), from 1995 to 1997. The method of research used was media analysis,the study can be characterized as both qualitative and quantitative. It was combined with documental research and literature review. It was verified how the culture and entertainment section of the Folha de São Paulo (Ilustrada) has carried a social imaginary that understands the romantic pagode as an inferior and massified musical style destined to listeners from the less privileged social classes in Brazil. From the analysis of the material, some questions emerged, such as "pagode is samba or it is not?","did the pagode help the resumption of traditional samba in the phonographic market of the mid-1990s?". The work focuses on the paradigmsof “high” and “low” culture and other stereotypes related to race and social class.
Intervenção Algorítmica: táticas de data fandom em fã-clubes da Juliette
Authors: Breda Letícia Prior , Primo Alê Teixeira , Valiati Vanessa Amália Dalpizol
Published: January 2025

This article aims to understand how fan clubs of the singer Juliette organize their actions to enhance the popularity of the artist on digital platforms. The study is based on the concept of data fandom, a new phenomenon of fan mobilization in the influence of data and statistics generated by platforms. For this analysis, six fans of the singer, who manage fan clubs on Instagram and Twitter, were interviewed through a focus group. The results elucidate the "algorithmic intervention" behavior of fans, who use their knowledge of datafication and conduct data and infrastructure optimization tactics to increase the visibility of the singer and her products in the digital environment.
Contextualização Sociopolítica dos Cocos: passado, presente e futuro
Authors: Padilha Ísis Arrais , Amaral Renata Pompêo do , Pereira Sayonara Sousa
Published: January 2025

O objetivo deste artigo é oferecer uma breve revisão histórica da relação entre os Cocos e a sociedade. Neste percurso, apresentamos a origem do gênero nomeando suas principais características, passamos por episódios de perseguição e seguimos pelo caminho da popularização da linguagem com o advento do rádio. São delineadas as principais iniciativas de pesquisa acadêmica e institucional dos cocos, apresentam-se as primeiras impressões a partir de um estudo de campo junto ao Coco de Tebei e aponta-se a necessidade de avançar para a patrimonialização dos Cocos. As conclusões reforçam a necessidade de transformas a relação entre os cocos e a sociedade por meio de ações concretas em âmbitos diversos.
Survey of Orthoptera in the Desert National Park, Rajasthan, India
Authors: Anshuman Pati  , Indranil Paul  , Sutirtha Dutta
Published: January 2025

Members of the insect order Orthoptera comprising grasshoppers, locusts, and crickets form a dominant and vital group of invertebrates in the arid environment. Orthopterans play an important role in grassland ecosystems and their species diversity and abundance in grasslands are much higher compared to those in the agricultural and scrubland areas. We attempt to create a comprehensive list of Orthopteran species from the Desert National Park (DNP) and its surrounding areas from the Thar Desert landscape of Rajasthan. This area constitutes one of the largest and few protected areas of arid biodiversity in India. In different enclosures of DNP sweep net sampling was done to sample the focal species in different seasons. 24 orthoptera species belonging to 20 genera and 11 subfamilies under 5 families were recorded.
An Experimental Design to Investigate Item Parameter Drift
Authors: Baldwin Peter , Grabovsky Irina , Swygert Kimberly A. , Fogle Thomas , Reid Pilar , Clauser Brian E.
Published: January 2025

Methods for detecting item parameter drift may be inadequate when every exposed item is at risk for drift. To address this scenario, a strategy for detecting item parameter drift is proposed that uses only unexposed items deployed in a stratified random method within an experimental design. The proposed method is illustrated by investigating unexpected score increases on a high-stakes licensure exam. Results for this example were suggestive of item parameter drift but not significant at the .05 level.
A comparative study of the effect of capsular repair in the Latarjet procedure
Authors: McBride Andrew P. , Lafosse Thibault , Karanja Alex N. , Lafosse Laurent , Hughes Ian P. , Hoy Gregory A. , Ek Eugene T. , Barwood Shane A. , Taylor Fraser , Tan Ezekiel
Published: January 2025

Background

Long term studies have shown the Latarjet procedure to be successful in preventing re-dislocation in primary and recurrent anterior inferior shoulder instability. It provides stability through the sling effect of the conjoint tendon and the bone block. It is unclear whether augmentation with capsular repair provides an added benefit or leads to restricted range of external rotation. The primary aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of capsular repair in the open Latarjet procedure on rotational range of active external rotation in 90 degrees abduction (RoM-ER90). The secondary aim is to evaluate the effect on clinical outcomes including post-operative apprehension, instability, proprioception and shoulder function scores.

Methods

This is a multi-national retrospective cohort study including patients with a minimum of 6-months follow-up post Latarjet procedure performed between 2016 and 2020 recruited from 3 units in Australia and France. Range of motion was measured using a Proteck goniometer. Clinical outcomes were assessed using the Western Ontario Shoulder Instability Index (WOSI), Oxford shoulder, Oxford instability, Walch-Duplay and Rowe scores. Shoulder proprioception was assessed by the active relocation test described by Glendon et al.

Results

Forty-four patients were included, median age was 29.5 years and 91% male. Three groups were assessed, open latarjet with no capsular repair (OL n = 11), open latarjet with capsular repair (OLCR n = 20), and arthroscopic Latarjet without capsular repair (AL n = 13). There was no apparent effect of capsular repair on the ROM-ER 90 in the open groups with a median (interquartile range) of 78° (72°, 90°) for OL and 84° (75°, 90°; P = 0.87) for OLCR groups. Capsular repair and arthroscopic approach did not affect the proportion of patients reporting shoulder apprehension (P = 0.52 and 0.48 respectively). There was no difference in proprioception between operative and non-operative sides for the OL group (P = 0.43). Proprioception was poorer on the operative side for the OLCR group (P = 0.04) but better on the operative side for the AL group (P = 0.08). WOSI scores for the open surgical groups were similar (OL = 78, OLCR = 80, P = 0.91) and when combined (median WOSI = 79) demonstrated greater stability than the AL group (P = 0.009). There was no evidence of an effect of capsular repair or arthroscopic approach on the Walch-Duplay, Oxford Instability, or Rowe scores.

Conclusions

There is no significant difference in ROM-ER 90 or WOSI score in patients who undergo the Latarjet procedure with and without capsular repair. The arthroscopic Latarjet may preserve proprioception but did not improve shoulder stability compared to the open Latarjet.

Level of evidence

III, retrospective cohort study.
Evaluation of nutritional, anthropometric, and psychological outcomes in different metabolic and bariatric surgery techniques: a follow up study
Authors: Hojaji Elham , Veysi Zahra , Fe’li Shadi Naderyan , Shalbaf Neda , Arian Moslem , Clark Cain C. T. , Dorosty Motlagh Ahmad Reza
Published: January 2025

Background

Metabolic and bariatric surgery (MBS) is a suitable solution for the treatment of morbid obesity. Investigating an MBS method that has the best outcomes has always been the main concern of physicians. The current study aimed to compare nutritional, anthropometric, and psychological complications of individuals undergoing various MBS Techniques.

Methods

A total of 96 subjects, who had been already referred to the obesity clinic of Firoozgar Hospital, Tehran, Iran, for MBS, were selected for the study and were followed for one year after MBS. The dietary intakes of the participants were assessed using a Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ) on a daily, weekly, monthly, or yearly basis. The mental health of participants was done via the Symptom Checklist 90 Revised. Furthermore, the In-Body 720 bioelectrical impedance device was used to obtain the body composition of the participants at the beginning and the end of the study.

Results

The mean age of the participants was 39.5 ± 9.5 years. All anthropometric indices including weight, Body Mass Index (BMI), protein content, fat mass, and fat mass percentage decreased after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB), one-anastomosis gastric bypass (OAGB), and sleeve gastrectomy (SG) surgeries (P < 0.05). After adjustments for confounders, no significant difference was observed in the magnitude of the changes in body composition between the three Techniques (p > 0.05). Energy and carbohydrate intake significantly decreased after surgeries in all three groups (p < 0.05), but comparing the methods no significant difference was revealed (p > 0.05). Furthermore, the results indicated that there was a significant relationship between the mental health of patients before and after surgeries (p < 0.05).

Conclusion

Overall, all three methods of surgery contributed to the improvement of the nutritional, anthropometric, and psychological complications. Further complementary studies are needed to determine the least complicated MBS method.
Endogenous sex hormone levels are associated with the revised Framingham Stroke Risk Profile in postmenopausal women: a longitudinal study in a Swedish cohort
Authors: Ottarsdottir Kristin , Tivesten Åsa , Ohlsson Claes , Li Ying , Hellgren Margareta , Lindblad Ulf , Daka Bledar
Published: January 2025

Background

Endogenous sex hormones in postmenopausal women have been associated with risk of cardiovascular diseases. The aim of this study was to determine the association between endogenous sex hormones and the revised Framingham Stroke Risk Profile (rFSRP) in postmenopausal women.

Methods

This is an observational cross-sectional study on the Vara-Skövde cohort, a Swedish population-based study for longitudinal surveillance of the development and progress of type 2 diabetes and hypertension. The participants were physically examined in 2002–2005 and sex hormones were analysed with liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry assay (LC-MS/MS). Women who were ≥55 years old, with estradiol levels below 20 pg/mL, not using hormonal therapy, and with no self-reported history of stroke, were included (N = 133). The outcome variable was rFSRP. Regression analyses of log-transformed rFSRP were fitted against levels of sex hormones (17-α-OH-progesterone, estrone, estradiol, progesterone, dihydrotestosterone, dehydroepiandrosterone, testosterone and androstenedione), adjusting for body mass index (BMI) or waist-to-hip ratio (WHR), C-reactive protein (CRP) and cholesterol level.

Results

Levels of estrone and estradiol were positively associated with rFSRP in the crude model (estrone β = 0.208, 95% CI = 0.081;0.336, P = 0.002; estradiol β = 0.170, CI = 0.034;0.305, P = 0.015). Adjustments for BMI revealed significant positive associations between progesterone (β = 0.155 95% CI = 0.025;0.285, P = 0.020), estrone (β = 0.167, 95% CI = 0.037;0.297, P = 0.013) and 17-α-OH-progesterone (β = 0.146, 95% CI = 0.014; 0.277, P = 0.030) and rFSRP, and adjustments for WHR revealed a significant positive association between testosterone and rFSRP (β = 0.152, CI = 0.026;0.278, p = 0.018).

Conclusions

Increase of estrone was associated with higher rFSRP, also in the fully adjusted model, whereas progesterone, 17-α-OH-progesterone and testosterone were significant only in the models adjusting for BMI and WHR respectively. Larger studies studying stroke events are warranted to confirm these findings.

Clinical trial number

Not applicable.
Synergistic anticancer effects of cisplatin and phenolic aglycones of the aerial part of Rumex dentatus L. in tongue squamous cell carcinoma: insights from network pharmacology and biological verification
Authors: Ragab Amany E. , Al-Ashmawy Ghada M. , Afify Sherin R. El , El-Feky Ola A. , Ibrahim Amera O.
Published: January 2025

Background

Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) ranks as the sixth most common malignancy globally. Cisplatin is the standard chemotherapy for OSCC, but resistance often reduces its efficacy, necessitating new treatments with fewer side effects. Rumex dentatus L., from the Polygonaceae family, is known for its medicinal properties, but its anticancer potential has not been thoroughly explored. This study aimed to investigate the synergy between cisplatin and an extract from the aerial parts of R. dentatus L. in treating tongue carcinoma (HNO97) in vitro, using network pharmacology, biological verification, and phytochemical analysis.

Methods

The study included UPLC-ESI–MS/MS analysis, cytotoxicity assays, cell cycle analysis, apoptosis assessment, and RT-qPCR for gene expression of Bcl2, p53, and ATG7. Potential targets were identified, and mechanisms of action were examined through online databases and enrichment analyses.

Results

The R. dentatus L. extract contained 14 phenolic aglycons. Combining cisplatin and R. dentatus L. was more effective in inhibiting proliferation, inducing cell cycle arrest and apoptosis, and reducing autophagy in HNO97 cells than cisplatin alone. KEGG analysis indicated that the drug combination might work through pathways like PI3K-Akt signaling, microRNAs in cancer, and EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitor resistance.

Conclusions

Combining cisplatin with R. dentatus L. may be a promising approach for treating tongue carcinoma by affecting multiple pathways, providing a new perspective for developing more effective treatments for OSCC.
Trust: an essential component in nursing crisis leadership; a hybrid concept analysis
Authors: Hugelius Karin
Published: January 2025

Background

Given the increasing trend of disasters, terrorist attacks, pandemics and other crises, crisis leadership is crucial for nurses who lead others and for those working in such situations. There is a need to define and explore the concept of trust as a component of crisis leadership in nursing.

This concept analysis aimed to explore the concept of trust in crisis leadership from a nursing perspective.

Methods

A hybrid concept analysis was conducted. The method consisted of three phases: (I) a theoretical phase relying on a structured literature search, including 11 scientific publications; (II) a field-work phase, in which qualitative thematic analysis of interviews with 30 nurses who had been deployed and/or had led others during crises, was conducted and (III) a final analytic phase, where the results from these data collections were merged.

Results

The analysis suggested that the fundamentals of trust included a perceived intention to do good, the capabilities of both the leader and the team and the perceived predictability of the leader’s behaviour. Trust was found to be built on a perceived forward-looking direction, self-trust and the personal attributes of the leader, such as ethical conduct, the ability to predict the development of crises and an intention to take responsibility and be honest. The social attributes of the relationship between the leader and the team included the intention not to leave anyone behind, loyalty and fostering a sense of belonging among team members. The organisational attributes included a clear organisational structure and clarity of mandate.

Conclusions

Trust is an essential component of crisis leadership that depends on a leader’s perceived intention to do good, predictability of the leader’s behaviour and the capabilities of both the leader and the team. The development of trust relies on the personal attributes of the leader, the social relationship between the leader and the team and organisational attributes. Nurses appointed to lead others during a crisis need to understand the fundamentals of trust as part of leadership in highly demanding situations. Thus, it can be argued that being a leader in a crisis situation requires distinct personal and professional attributes and skills compared to those used to meet routine demands.
Self-sampling and self-testing for HIV at a commercial and community-based test provider in the Netherlands: user preferences and usability
Authors: Willemstein I. J. M. , Shobowale O. , Żakowicz A. M. , Bos H. , Op de Coul E. L. M.
Published: January 2025

HIV self-sampling and -testing (HIVSS/ST) reduces testing barriers and potentially reaches populations who may not test otherwise. In the Netherlands, at-home HIV tests became commercially available around 2016, but data on user experiences are limited. This study aimed to explore characteristics of users and their experiences with HIVSS/ST. In 2022 and 2023, a survey was distributed among users of one online commercial provider and one community-based provider; either users ordered a commercial online HIVSS/ST or they sought a free-of-charge HIVST via the community-based provider. Questions included usability, preferences, and barriers of HIVSS/ST-testing. We compared characteristics and experiences of users between providers, risk groups and first-time and repeat testers. In total, 133 users completed the survey; 89 (67%) via the commercial provider and 44 (33%) via the community-based provider. Response rates per provider were 2% and 26%, respectively. Users who bought their test at the commercial provider were more often Gay and Bisexual Men (GBM) (42%), 35 + years (43%), and born in the Netherlands (89%), compared to those recruited through the community-provider (respectively 27%, 25%, 14%). GBM were more often repeat and recent HIVSS/ST-testers, and using pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP). Women and heterosexual men were more likely to buy an HIVSS/ST as part of a combination Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI) test package. Overall, main reasons for choosing HIVSS/ST were saving time (42%), anonymity (36%) and not having to talk to a GP (35%). Twenty-two percent of the study participants experienced some problems performing the HIVSS/ST, the most reported problem was obtaining sufficient blood through the finger prick (71%). Recommendations to improve accessibility of HIVSS/ST included more awareness (advertising by trustful providers), more access locations (pharmacies/supermarkets/schools) and lower costs. Our findings indicate that HIVSS/ST is a valuable additional HIV testing method for users, but more insight into the contribution of HIVSS/ST to HIV prevention policies is needed.
Evaluating programmatic reactive focal drug administration impact on malaria incidence in northern Senegal: an interrupted time series analysis
Authors: Ferriss Ellen Leah , Dieye Yakou , Cissé Moustapha , Dieng Sow Gnagna , Lankia Jean Louis , Diedhiou Damien , Sall Abiboulaye , Souane Tamba , Thiam Tidiane , Sene Doudou , Doucouré Elhadji , Diallo Ibrahima , Bennett Adam , Guinovart Caterina
Published: January 2025

Background

The World Health Organization conditionally recommends reactive drug administration to reduce malaria transmission in settings approaching elimination. However, few studies have evaluated the impact of reactive focal drug administration (rFDA) in sub-Saharan Africa, and none have evaluated it under programmatic conditions. In 2016, Senegal’s national malaria control programme introduced rFDA, the presumptive treatment of compound members of a person with confirmed malaria, and reactive mass focal drug administration (rMFDA), an expanded effort including neighbouring compounds during an outbreak, in 10 low transmission districts in the north of the country. This evaluation sought to measure the impact of rFDA and rMFDA on malaria incidence.

Methods

An interrupted time series analysis was conducted with routine surveillance data on health post-level monthly confirmed malaria case counts from the District Health Information Software (DHIS2). The study evaluated the change in incidence following rFDA and rMFDA rollout (level change), which ranged from August 2016 to November 2019, and monthly thereafter (trend change), using an adjusted negative binomial regression model with data from January 2015 through January 2020. The model was used to estimate the number of cases averted via a counterfactual simulation.

Results

No incidence rate reductions were estimated immediately following rollout (level change: incidence rate ratio (IRR) = 1.00, 95% credible interval (CI) = 0.76, 1.33). However, rFDA and rMFDA were associated with a 4% monthly decline in incidence relative to the baseline trend (trend change: IRR = 0.96, 95% CI = 0.95, 0.98). Over the study period, RFDA and rMFDA were estimated to avert 2,070 (95% CI = 577, 4,367) of 4,108 (95% CI = 2,620, 6,425) malaria cases.

Conclusions

RFDA and rMFDA were associated with reduced malaria incidence in northern Senegal, supporting their use in malaria control in very low transmission areas. However, additional strategies are likely needed to achieve elimination in this setting.
Efficacy and compatibility mechanism of bear bile powder in Shexiang Tongxin dropping pills for acute myocardial infarction treatment
Authors: Luo Yu , Zhang Fangmin , Zhu Lidan , Ye Jianfeng , Pan Hong-ye , Lu Xiaoyan , Fan Xiaohui
Published: January 2025

Background

Bear bile powder (BBP), a unique animal-derived medicine with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, is used in Shexiang Tongxin dropping pills (STDP), which is applied to treat cardiovascular diseases, including acute myocardial infarction (AMI). The efficacy and compatibility mechanisms of action of BBP in STDP against cardiovascular diseases remain unclear. This study aimed to investigate the compatibility effects of BBP in STDP in rats with AMI.

Methods

We investigated the compatibility effects of BBP in STDP in rats with AMI. Non-targeted metabonomics, 16S rRNA analysis, RNA sequencing, and network pharmacology were performed to explore the underlying mechanisms.

Results

The combination of BBP and CF (STDP without BBP) significantly reduced AMI-induced infarction size, pathological alterations of cardiac tissues, and serum lactate dehydrogenase and creatine kinase levels in rats, compared with CF or BBP treatment alone. Gut microbiota and metabonomics results revealed that the combination treatment could upregulate the relative abundance of Lactobacillus and downregulate that of Helicobacter, Bilophila, and Butyricimonas, thereby rebalancing the gut microbiota dysbiosis induced by AMI. Consequently, the intestinal metabolite levels of oleoylcholine, glutamylalanine, isokobusone, and hemorphin-4 were altered. However, treatment with CF or BBP alone has a weaker effect on these bacteria. Additionally, the combination treatment induced a 62.34% gene reversion rate compared with 55.56% for BBP and 30.20% for CF treatment alone. Modulation of endothelin 1 and growth factor receptor-bound protein 2 was identified as a key synergistic mechanism underlying the anti-AMI effects of BBP in STDP.

Conclusion

This research provides a scientific explanation of the compatibility of BBP in STDP. Our findings suggested that combination treatment with CF and BBP synergistically attenuates AMI by altering gene expression, gut microbiota, and intestinal metabolite profiles.

Graphical Abstract
Peroral Endoscopic myotomy (POEM) in pediatric achalasia: a retrospective cohort on institutional experience and quality of life
Authors: Kuipers Thijs , Mussies Carlijn , Lei Aaltje , Masclee Gwen M.C. , Benninga Marc A. , Fockens Paul , Bastiaansen Barbara A.J. , Bredenoord Albert J. , van Wijk Michiel P.
Published: January 2025

Background

Achalasia is a rare esophageal motility disorder with an estimated annual incidence of 1–5/100.000 and a mean age at diagnosis > 50 years of age. Only a fraction of the patients has an onset during childhood (estimated incidence of 0.1–0.18/ 100.000 children per year). No curative treatment is currently available. Peroral Endoscopic Myotomy (POEM) is a widely accepted treatment option to improve symptoms in adults. Studies evaluating safety and efficacy of POEM in children are scarce and no data exist regarding the quality of life in patients after POEM.

Methods

We evaluated the effectiveness and safety of POEM in a cohort of children that was treated for achalasia and we prospectively evaluated their quality of life. We compared the results to a previous cohort evaluating Pneumatic Dilation (PD) and Laparoscopic Heller’s Myotomy (LHM) in children with achalasia.

Results

Thirty-three achalasia patients (age at time of POEM 14.1(± 2.5) years, 54.5% female) were included. Twenty-nine (87.8%) percent had received previous treatment (PD (n = 20); LHM (n = 1); PD + LHM (n = 7); PD + Botox (n = 1). POEM was technically successful in all patients and no major complications occurred. Mean follow-up duration was 33 (± 25) months. Twenty three (70%) patients did not need retreatment after POEM during the follow up period. Quality of life after POEM did not differ from the population norms. Patients with an Eckardt score > 3 had a significantly worse general (Kidscreen-52: physical score 44.7 vs. 52.4; p = 0.011; mental score: 42.5 vs. 51.3; p = 0.038) and disease specific (35 vs. 16; p = 0.017) quality of life compared to those with an Eckardt ≤ 3. The SF-36 mental health component score was significantly lower (44.2 vs. 53.1; p = 0.036) in patients treated with POEM compared to those treated with PD and LHM. These lower scores could be related to a selection bias, as more severe patients received POEM, and other influences such as the Corona pandemic. However, the overall, quality of life after POEM was not significantly different to PD and LHM.

Conclusion

POEM is an effective and safe treatment for achalasia in children. Quality of life after POEM is comparable to the results obtained after PD and Heller.
GC-derived exosomal circMAN1A2 promotes cancer progression and suppresses T-cell antitumour immunity by inhibiting FBXW11-mediated SFPQ degradation
Authors: Shen Yikai , Lin Jie , Jiang Tianlu , Shen Xusheng , Li Ying , Fu Yiwang , Xu Penghui , Fang Lang , Chen Zetian , Huang Hongxin , Xia Yiwen , Xu Zekuan , Wang Linjun
Published: January 2025

Background

Exosomes, as extracellular membrane vesicles, play important roles in intercellular communication and can influence tumour progression. Circular RNAs (circRNAs) have been reported in various malignancies and are also important components of exosomes. However, the role of exosomal circRNAs in gastric cancer (GC) progression has not been completely clarified.

Methods

The exosomal circRNAs enriched in GC were identified using exosomal circRNA sequencing. The biological function of circMAN1A2 in GC was investigated using a series of in vitro and in vivo experiments. PKH-67 staining was used to label the exosomes. The molecular mechanism of exosomal circMAN1A2 was investigated via mass spectrometry, immunoprecipitation, Western blot, and single-cell RNA-sequencing data analyses.

Results

In our study, we determined that circMAN1A2 (hsa_circ_0000118) was enriched in GC-derived exosomes. Higher circMAN1A2 expression was related to poor survival in GC patients (HR = 2.917, p = 0.0120). Exosomal circMAN1A2 promoted GC progression in vitro and in vivo and suppressed the antitumour activity of T cells. Moreover, circMAN1A2 bound to SFPQ in GC cells and T cells, promoting the G1/S phase transition of the cell cycle in GC cells while inhibiting the activation of the T cell receptor signalling pathway in T cells to decrease antitumour activity. Mechanistically, circMAN1A2 competed with FBXW11 for binding to SFPQ, preventing FBXW11-mediated k48-linked ubiquitination and SFPQ protein degradation, thereby stabilizing SFPQ expression.

Conclusions

Our work confirms the critical role of exosomal circMAN1A2 in the progression and immunosuppression of GC. This novel axis of circMAN1A2-SFPQ provides new insights into exosomal circRNA-based GC diagnostic and therapeutic strategies.
The developmental lipidome of Nippostrongylus brasiliensis
Authors: Wang Tao , Leeming Michael G. , Williamson Nicholas A. , Bouchery Tiffany , Doolan Rory , Le Gros Graham , Reid Gavin E. , Harris Nicola L. , Gasser Robin B.
Published: January 2025

Background

Nippostrongylus brasiliensis—a nematode of rodents—is commonly used as a model to study the immunobiology of parasitic nematodes. It is a member of the Strongylida—a large order of socioeconomically important parasitic nematodes of animals. Lipids are known to play essential roles in nematode biology, influencing cellular membranes, energy storage and/or signalling.

Methods

The present investigation provides a comprehensive, untargeted lipidomic analysis of four developmental stages/sexes (i.e. egg, L3, adult female and adult male stages) of N. brasiliensis utilising liquid chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry.

Results

We identified 464 lipid species representing 18 lipid classes and revealed distinct stage-specific changes in lipid composition throughout nematode development. Triacylglycerols (TGs) dominated the lipid profile in the egg stage, suggesting a key role for them in energy storage at this early developmental stage. As N. brasiliensis develops, there was a conspicuous transition toward membrane-associated lipids, including glycerophospholipids (e.g. PE and PC) and ether-linked lipids, particularly in adult stages, indicating a shift toward host adaptation and membrane stabilisation.

Conclusions

We provide a comprehensive insight into the lipid composition and abundance of key free-living and parasitic stages of N. brasiliensis. This study provides lipidomic resources to underpin the detailed exploration of lipid biology in this model parasitic nematode.

Graphical Abstract
Amelioration of premature aging in Werner syndrome stem cells by targeting SHIP/AKT pathway
Authors: Tam Hei-Yin , Liu Jiaxing , Yiu Tsz-Ching , Leung Adrian On-Wah , Li Chang , Gu Shen , Rennert Owen , Huang Boxian , Cheung Hoi-Hung
Published: January 2025

Background

Pathogenic or null mutations in WRN helicase is a cause of premature aging disease Werner syndrome (WS). WRN is known to protect somatic cells including adult stem cells from premature senescence. Loss of WRN in mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) not only drives the cells to premature senescence but also significantly impairs the function of the stem cells in tissue repair or regeneration.

Results

In this study, we profiled the signaling pathways altered in WRN-deficient MSC and applied pharmacological method to activate the AKT signaling in these cells and examined their cellular phenotype related to aging. We found that the AKT signaling in WRN-deficient MSCs was significantly suppressed while the AKT upstream phosphatases (SHIP1/2) were upregulated. Knockdown or inhibition of SHIP1/2 could ameliorate premature senescence in WRN-deficient MSCs. Moreover, SHIP inhibition stimulated MSC proliferation and suppressed expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-6 and IL-8. The stemness of WRN-deficient MSC was also improved upon pharmacological treatments with the inhibitors.

Conclusions

These results suggested that targeting the SHIP/AKT signaling pathway is beneficial to WRN-deficient stem cells and fibroblasts, which might be applied for improving the trophic function of MSC in, for instance, promoting angiogenesis.
Syndemic, mental health and living with dependent persons in Latin America and Spain: a study with a gender perspective
Authors: López-Contreras Natalia , López-Jiménez Tomás , Medina-Perucha Laura , León-Gómez Brenda Biaani , Gonçalves Alessandra Queiroga , Horna-Campos Olivia Janett , Anigstein Maria Sol , Barbosa Jakeline Ribeiro , Verotti Mariana Pastorello , Bardales-Mendoza Olga , Arteaga-Contreras Karen M. , Berenguera Anna , Peralta Andrés , Jacques-Aviñó Constanza
Published: January 2025

Objective

To analyze the sociostructural determinants associated with mental health problems during the lockdown period among populations residing in Brazil, Chile, Ecuador, Mexico, Peru, and Spain who lived with minors or dependents, approached from a gender perspective.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted in six participating countries via an adapted, self-managed online survey. People living with minors and/or dependents were selected. Multivariate logistic regression models were estimated to assess the associations between sociostructural variables and mental health problems (anxiety (GAD-7) and/or depression (PHQ-9)). The analyses were stratified by sex and country.

Results

Out of a total of 39,006 people, 18,040 reported living with minors and/or dependents (73% women). In all countries, women reported worse mental health, with Spain having a lower prevalence. The risks of mental health problems in women in most countries are associated with poor housing conditions and performing care work. University education was associated with a protective factor. For men, risks were related to being younger, worsening working conditions and concerns about living together at home.

Conclusions

Women in Latin America who lived with dependents had worse outcomes than those in Spain did. It is necessary to develop intersectoral and social determinants strategies to prevent, protect and support the mental health of those who live with dependents and minors.
Increased matrix metalloproteinase-1 expression by coexposure to UVA and cigarette sidestream smoke and contribution of histone acetylation
Authors: Ito Ryoma , Komaki Yukako , Ibuki Yuko
Published: January 2025

Background

Skin is exposed to various environmental factors throughout life, and some of these factors are known to contribute to skin aging. Long-term solar UV exposure is a well-known cause of skin aging, as is cigarette smoke, which contains a number of chemicals. In this study, combined effect of UVA and cigarette sidestream smoke (CSS) on matrix metalloproteinase-1 (MMP-1) induction was investigated. MMP-1 is the main protease that initiates collagen type I fiber fragmentation in human skin and is associated with aging.

Results

Combined exposure to UVA and CSS enhanced MMP-1 induction, accompanied by collagen type I (COL1A1) gene suppression. The basal expression of MMP-1 was higher in senescent cells than in normal cells, with a pronounced increase after coexposure to UVA and CSS. UVA irradiation resulted in global histone H3 acetylation, and we considered this was responsible for the MMP-1 upregulation. Histone deacetylase inhibitors, sodium acetate, propionate, and butyrate, all enhanced the CSS-induced MMP-1 according to the degree of histone acetylation.

Conclusion

These results suggest that UVA and CSS additively induce MMP-1, which may lead to skin aging, and that such combined effect may further promote aging in aged skin. UVA-induced histone acetylation may contribute to MMP-1 induction.
METTL3-dependent DLG2 inhibits the malignant progression of cervical cancer by inactivating the Hippo/YAP signaling
Authors: Pu Mei , Xiao Xia , Lv Shasha , Ran Daqing , Huang Qian , Zhou Mingming , Lei Qirong , Kong Lingshuang , Zhang Qing
Published: January 2025

Background

Discs large homolog 2 (DLG2) has been implicated in cancer development, yet its role in cervical cancer remains unclear. This study aims to explore the regulatory mechanism of DLG2 in cervical cancer and its clinical implications.

Methods

Quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction and western blotting assays were employed to detect RNA and protein expression, respectively. Colony formation assay, 5-Ethynyl-2’-deoxyuridine assay, flow cytometry, and transwell assays were conducted for cell functional analysis. A xenograft mouse model assay was performed to analyze tumor tumorigenesis in vivo. m6A RNA immunoprecipitation assay was used to analyze the association of METTL3 and DLG2.

Results

DLG2 was underexpressed in cervical cancer tissues and cells. Elevating DLG2 levels significantly suppressed cervical cancer cell proliferation, migration, and invasion, while promoting apoptosis. Additionally, DLG2 overexpression led to the deactivation of the Hippo/YAP signaling pathway. In vivo, DLG2 overexpression was shown to reduce tumor formation. We also discovered that METTL3 destabilized DLG2 mRNA through an m6A-dependent mechanism. Moreover, lowering DLG2 expression mitigated the effects of METTL3 silencing on cervical cancer cell malignancy.

Conclusion

DLG2 acted as a tumor suppressor in cervical cancer by inhibiting the Hippo/YAP signaling pathway. The METTL3-dependent regulation of DLG2 mRNA stability could be a critical factor in cervical cancer progression.
Exploring the bidirectional causality between neuroticism and frailty: a Mendelian randomization analysis
Authors: Xing Yuhang , Pu Rui , Fu Mengdie , Wang Zhikang , Wang Zhen , Shang Xiaopeng , Yang Guoli , Jiang Zhiwei
Published: January 2025

Background

Epidemiological studies have confirmed the relationship between personality trait neuroticism and physical health. However, the relationship between neuroticism and frailty remains unconfirmed. This study employed a bi-directional two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) approach to investigate the causal relationship between neuroticism and frailty.

Methods

The neuroticism genome-wide association study (GWAS) data from the UK Biobank contained twelve neuroticism-related traits with 489,212 participants. The genetic frailty index data were extracted from the UK Biobank and Swedish TwinGene, involving 175,226 individuals. Independent genetic variants associated with neuroticism and frailty were selected as instrumental variables. Inverse variance weighted (IVW), MR-Egger, weighted median, weighted mode, and MR-PRESSO were mainly used for MR analysis.

Results

The MR analysis showed a positive causal relationship between neuroticism and the risk of frailty (odds ratio (OR) = 1.627, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.538–1.722, P < 0.001). In the reverse direction, frailty had a causal effect on a higher risk of neuroticism (OR = 1.270, 95% CI = 1.173–1.375, P < 0.001). Steiger tests indicated that reverse causation did not bias the identified causal relationships.

Conclusions

Our study provides genetic evidence suggesting a bi-directional causal relationship between frailty and neuroticism. In this bi-directional MR study, there were positive causal relationships between neuroticism-related phenotypes and frailty, and in the reverse direction, frailty was also positively correlated with neuroticism.
Altered medial temporal lobe subregion volumes in systemic lupus erythematosus patients with neuropsychiatric symptoms
Authors: Makdad Najeeb Z. , Sundgren P. C. , Jönsen A. , Zervides K. , Lätt J. , Salomonsson T. , Nystedt J. , Nilsson P. , Bengtsson A. , Kuchcinski G. , Wisse L. E. M.
Published: January 2025

Background

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) often presents with neuropsychiatric (NP) involvement, including cognitive impairment and depression. Past magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) research in SLE patients showed smaller hippocampal volumes but did not investigate other medial temporal lobe (MTL) regions. Our study aims to compare MTL subregional volumes in SLE patients to healthy individuals (HI) and explore MTL subregional volumes in relation to neuropsychiatric SLE (NPSLE) manifestations.

Methods

A total of 70 SLE patients and 25 HI underwent clinical evaluation, cognitive testing, and 3 tesla MRI imaging. T1-weighted MRI images were analyzed using the Automatic Segmentation of Hippocampal Subfields-T1 software. Analyses of Covariance were used to compare MTL subregion volumes between SLE and HI, and between NPSLE and non-NPSLE patients according to three models: the American College of Rheumatology (ACR) model defined by the ACR case definitions for NPSLE (n = 42), the more stringent Systemic Lupus International Collaborating Clinics (SLICC) B model (n = 21), and the most stringent SLICC A model (n = 15). Additionally, we explored the relation between MTL subregion volumes, cognitive functions, and depression scores in SLE patients using partial correlation analyses.

Results

Significantly smaller volumes of bilateral whole hippocampus, anterior hippocampus, posterior hippocampus, and Brodmann Area 35 were demonstrated in NPSLE compared to non-NPSLE patients according to the ACR model (p = 0.01, p = 0.03, p = 0.04, and p = 0.01 respectively). The differences did not reach significance according to the SLICC B and SLICC A models. No significant differences in MTL subregional volumes between SLE patients and HI were found. Partial correlation analyses showed a significant positive correlation between left Brodmann Area 35 volume and complex attention scores in SLE patients. No significant associations between MTL subregion volumes and depression scores were demonstrated.

Conclusions

NPSLE patients display significantly smaller volumes in various subregions of the MTL compared to non-NPSLE patients. These findings are suggestive of neuronal damage in MTL subregions in NPSLE patients on a group level.