bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Association between white matter hyperintensities and altered cerebral blood flow in maintenance hemodialysis patients: a longitudinal study
Authors: Li Mingan , Yang Wenbo , Song Lijun , Yang Zhenghan , Wang Zhenchang , Xian Junfang , Wang Hao
Published: January 2024

Objectives

To explore changes in cerebral blood flow (CBF) and white matter in hemodialysis patients.

Methods

Thirty-three hemodialysis patients who underwent two brain MRI at an interval of three years and 33 age- and sex-matched healthy controls (HC) underwent structural and arterial spin-labeling MRI examinations. Intergroup differences in CBF in the gray matter, white matter, and whole matter, and regional white matter hyperintensities (WMH) were analyzed. Based on the changes in CBF between the baseline and follow-up groups, the hemodialysis patients were divided into two subgroups: an increased CBF group and a decreased CBF group. Differences in CBF and WMH between the subgroups and HC were analyzed.

Results

Patients undergoing hemodialysis exhibited increased cerebral watershed (CW) WMH, deep WMH, and periventricular WMH (P < 0.01). The CBF of patients with decreased CBF was higher than that of HC at baseline (,P < 0.01) and lower than that of HC at follow-up (P < 0.01). Compared with the increased CBF group, obvious development of deep WMH was found in the decreased CBF group for the gray matter, white matter, and whole matter (P < 0.01).

Conclusions

WMH in hemodialysis patients were distributed in the deep white matter, periventricular white matter and CW, and progressed with the extension of hemodialysis duration. CBF in hemodialysis patients could manifest as both increased and decreased, and WMH in patients with decreased CBF developed severely with prolongation of hemodialysis duration.

Advances in knowledge

These findings provide a basis for exploring neuropathological changes of hemodialysis patients.
Urinary podocyte stress marker as a prognostic indicator for diabetic kidney disease
Authors: Zeng Lingfeng , Ng Jack Kit-Chung , Fung Winston Wing-Shing , Chan Gordon Chun-Kau , Chow Kai-Ming , Szeto Cheuk-Chun
Published: January 2024

Background

Diabetic kidney diseases (DKD) is a the most common cause of end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) around the world. Previous studies suggest that urinary podocyte stress biomarker, e.g. podocin:nephrin mRNA ratio, is a surrogate marker of podocyte injury in non-diabetic kidney diseases.

Method

We studied 118 patients with biopsy-proved DKD and 13 non-diabetic controls. Their urinary mRNA levels of nephrin, podocin, and aquaporin-2 (AQP2) were quantified. Renal events, defined as death, dialysis, or 40% reduction in glomerular filtration rate, were determined at 12 months.

Results

Urinary podocin:nephrin mRNA ratio of DKD was significantly higher than the control group (p = 0.0019), while urinary nephrin:AQP2 or podocin:AQP2 ratios were not different between groups. In DKD, urinary podocin:nephrin mRNA ratio correlated with the severity of tubulointerstitial fibrosis (r = 0.254, p = 0.006). and was associated with the renal event-free survival in 12 months (unadjusted hazard ratio [HR], 1.523; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.157–2.006; p = 0.003). After adjusting for clinical and pathological factors, urinary podocin:nephrin mRNA ratio have a trend to predict renal event-free survival (adjusted HR, 1.327; 95%CI 0.980–1.797; p = 0.067), but the result did not reach statistical significance.

Conclusion

Urinary podocin:nephrin mRNA ratio has a marginal prognostic value in biopsy-proven DKD. Further validation is required for DKD patients without kidney biopsy.
Spinal adhesive arachnoiditis in an adult patient with spinal muscular atrophy type 3 treated with intrathecal therapy
Authors: Ubysz Jakub , Koszewicz Magdalena , Bladowska Joanna , Budrewicz Slawomir
Published: January 2024

Background

Spinal adhesive arachnoiditis is a chronic inflammatory process of the leptomeninges and intrathecal neural elements. The possible causes of arachnoiditis are: infections, injuries of spinal cord, surgical procedures and intrathecal administration of therapeutic substances or contrast.

Case presentation

We present a case of 56-old woman with spinal muscular atrophy type 3 who developed a severe back pain in the lumbosacral region after the fifth dose of nusinersen given intrathecally. Magnetic resonance of lumbosacral spine showed spinal adhesive arachnoiditis. She received high doses of methylprednisolone intravenously, and later non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, alpha lipoic acid, vitamins and rehabilitation with slight improvement.

Conclusions

The authors summarize that scheduled resonance imaging of the lumbosacral spine may be an important element of the algorithm in the monitoring of novel, intrathecal therapy in patients with spinal muscular atrophy.
Impact of improved minimally invasive anterior vitrectomy on the prognosis of patients with malignant glaucoma
Authors: Liu Xuequn , Hu Yan , Yang Tian , Wang Zhong , Wang Zhen
Published: January 2024

Background

The importance of communicating the anterior chamber and vitreous cavity for managing malignant glaucoma (MG) is widely recognized. This study investigated the impact of improved minimally invasive anterior vitrectomy (IAV) on the prognosis of MG.

Methods

This retrospective interventional study included patients with MG who underwent conventional surgery or improved minimally IAV in Nanchang Aier Eye Hospital between January 2011 and April 2021. For the improved step, a small amount of triamcinolone acetonide was injected into the vicinity of the iris. Then, the residual vitreous body adhering to triamcinolone acetonide was excised. Comparisons were made using repeated measures ANOVA, t-test, and chi-squared test.

Results

Thirty-one eyes from 26 patients were included: 15 eyes from 13 patients in the conventional group and 16 eyes from 13 patients in the IAV group. The 1-week, 1-month, and 3-month intraocular pressure (IOP) and the 3-month mean central anterior chamber depth were comparable between the two groups (all P > 0.05). The conventional group showed one eye with intraoperative vitreous hemorrhage and two eyes with postoperative re-shallowing of the anterior chamber; such events did not occur in the IAV group, and none developed corneal endothelial decompensation, IOL deviation, suprachoroidal hemorrhage, or retinal detachment during treatment and follow-up.

Conclusion

Patients with MG who undergo improved minimally IAV might have similar postoperative IOP and central anterior chamber depth compared with conventional surgery but with reduced complications such as intraoperative vitreous hemorrhage and postoperative re-shallowing of the anterior chamber. Improved minimally IAV might be an alternative surgery for MG.
Interventions for the detection, monitoring, and management of chronic non-communicable diseases in the prison population: an international systematic review
Authors: Hewson Thomas , Minchin Matilda , Lee Kenn , Liu Shiyao , Wong Evelyn , Edge Chantal , Hard Jake , Forsyth Katrina , Senior Jane , Shaw Jennifer
Published: January 2024

Background

High rates of health inequalities and chronic non-communicable diseases exist amongst the prison population. This places people in and/or released from prison at heightened risk of multimorbidity, premature mortality, and reduced quality of life. Ensuring appropriate healthcare for people in prison to improve their health outcomes is an important aspect of social justice. This review examines the global literature on healthcare interventions to detect, monitor and manage chronic non-communicable diseases amongst the prison population and people recently released from prison.

Methods

Systematic searches of EMBASE, MEDLINE, CINAHL, Web of Science, Scopus, and the Cochrane Library were conducted and supplemented by citation searching and review of the grey literature. The literature searches attempted to identify all articles describing any healthcare intervention for adults in prison, or released from prison in the past 1 year, to detect, monitor, or manage any chronic non-communicable illness. 19,061 articles were identified, of which 1058 articles were screened by abstract and 203 articles were reviewed by full text.

Results

Sixty-five studies were included in the review, involving 18,311 participants from multiple countries. Most studies were quasi-experimental and/or low to moderate in quality. Numerous healthcare interventions were described in the literature including chronic disease screening, telemedicine, health education, integrated care systems, implementing specialist equipment and staff roles to manage chronic diseases in prisons, and providing enhanced primary care contact and/or support from community health workers for people recently released from prison. These interventions were associated with improvement in various measures of clinical and cost effectiveness, although comparison between different care models was not possible due to high levels of clinical heterogeneity.

Conclusions

It is currently unclear which interventions are most effective at monitoring and managing chronic non-communicable diseases in prison. More research is needed to determine the most effective interventions for improving chronic disease management in prisons and how these should be implemented to ensure optimal success. Future research should examine interventions for addressing multimorbidity within prisons, since most studies tested interventions for a singular non-communicable disease.
Community perceptions, acceptability, and the durability of house screening interventions against exposure to malaria vectors in Nyimba district, Zambia
Authors: Saili Kochelani , de Jager Christiaan , Masaninga Freddie , Chisanga Brian , Sinyolo Andy , Chiwaula Japhet , Chirwa Jacob , Hamainza Busiku , Chanda Emmanuel , Bakyaita Nathan N. , Mutero Clifford Maina
Published: January 2024

Background

House screening remains conspicuously absent in national malaria programs despite its recognition by the World Health Organization as a supplementary malaria vector-control intervention. This may be attributed, in part, to the knowledge gap in screen durability or longevity in local climatic conditions and community acceptance under specific cultural practices and socio-economic contexts. The objectives of this study were to assess the durability of window and door wire mesh screens a year after full house screening and to assess the acceptability of the house screening intervention to the participants involved.

Methods

This study was conducted in Nyimba district, Zambia and used both quantitative and qualitative methods of data collection and analysis. Both direct observation and questionnaires were employed to assess the durability of the screens and the main reasons for damage. Findings on damage were summarized as percentages. Focus group discussions were used to assess people’s knowledge, perceptions, and acceptability of the closing eaves and house screening intervention. Deductive coding and inductive coding were used to analyse the qualitative data.

Results

A total of 321 out of 400 (80.3%) household owners of screened houses were interviewed. Many window screens (90.3%) were intact. In sharp contrast, most door screens were torn (n = 150; 46.7%) or entirely removed (n = 55; 17.1%). Most doors (n = 114; 76%) had their wire mesh damaged or removed on the bottom half. Goats (25.4%), rust (17.6%) and children (17.1%) were cited most as the cause of damage to door screens. The focus group discussion elicited positive experiences from the participants following the closing of eaves and screening of their windows and doors, ranging from sleeping peacefully due to reduced mosquito biting and/or nuisance and having fewer insects in the house. Participants linked house screening to reduced malaria in their households and community.

Conclusion

This study demonstrated that in rural south-east Zambia, closing eaves and screening windows and doors was widely accepted. Participants perceived that house screening reduced human-vector contact, reduced the malaria burden and nuisance biting from other potentially disease carrying insects. However, screened doors are prone to damage, mainly by children, domestic animals, rust, and termites.
Endoscopic main duct stenting in refractory postoperative pancreatic fistula after distal pancreatectomy – a friend or a foe?
Authors: Linder Stefan , Holmberg Marcus , Agopian-Dahlenmark Louiza , Zhao Helena , Åkerström Johan Hardvik , Sparrelid Ernesto , Ghorbani Poya
Published: January 2024

Background

Clinically relevant (CR) postoperative pancreatic fistula (POPF) after distal pancreatectomy (DP) are common. Endoscopic treatment (ET) has only scarcely been explored. The aim of this study was to evaluate risk factors for CR POPF after DP and the efficacy of ET in adjunct to standard therapy.

Methods

Consecutive patients without previous pancreatic surgery who underwent DP between 2011 and 2020 were evaluated, analyzing risk factors for CR POPF. The choice and performance of ET, main pancreatic duct (MPD) stenting, was not standardized. Healing time and complications after ET were registered.

Results

406 patients underwent DP, CR POPF occurred in 29.6%. ET was performed in 17 patients 27 days (median) after index surgery. Risk for CR POPF was increased in ASA-PS 1–2 patients, MPD ≤ 3 mm, procedure time ≥ 3 h, and CRP ≥ 180 on postoperative day 3. POPF resolved with standard treatment after 32 days and 59 days in the ET group (p < 0.001). There was one mortality in the ET-group (not procedure related). Mild post-ERCP pancreatitis occurred in three patients.

Conclusions

CR POPF is common after DP. Long operating time, a narrow MPD, low ASA score, and high postoperative CRP were risk factors for CR POPF. ET was not beneficial but proper evaluation was not possible due to few patients and non-standardized treatment. Complications after ET appeared mild.
Prevalence and mortality rate of abdominal surgical emergencies in Sub-Saharan Africa: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Ndong Abdourahmane , Togtoga Lebem , Bah Mamadou Saïdou , Ndoye Papa Djibril , Niang Khadim
Published: January 2024

Introduction

Abdominal surgical emergencies remain prevalent in various healthcare settings, particularly in regions with limited access to basic surgical care, such as Africa. The aim of this literature review is to systematically assess publications on abdominal surgical emergencies in adults in sub-Saharan Africa to estimate their prevalence and mortality rate.

Methodology

A systematic review was conducted. The latest search was performed on October 31, 2022. We estimated the pooled prevalence with a 95% confidence interval (CI) for each abdominal surgical emergency, as well as overall postoperative mortality and morbidity rates.

Results

A total of 78 studies were included, and 55.1% were single-center retrospective and monocentric studies. The mean age of the patients was 32.5 years, with a sex ratio of 1.94. The prevalence of each abdominal surgical emergency among all of them was as follows: appendicitis: 30.0% (95% CI: 26.1–33.9); bowel obstruction: 28.6% (95% CI: 25.3–31.8); peritonitis: 26.6% (95% CI: 22.2–30.9); strangulated hernias: 13,4% (95% CI: 10,3–16,5) and abdominal trauma: 9.4% (95% CI: 7.5–11.3). The prevalence of complications was as follows: mortality rate: 7.4% (95% CI: 6.0-8.8); overall postoperative morbidity: 24.2% (95% CI: 19.4–29.0); and surgical site infection 14.4% (95% CI: 10.86–18.06).

Conclusion

Our study revealed a high prevalence of postoperative complications associated with abdominal surgical emergencies in sub-Saharan Africa. More research and efforts should be made to improve access and quality of patient care.
HPV prevalence and distribution characteristics in postmenopausal women from Nanjing, China
Authors: Yin Xiaorui , Zhang Chunxue , Wu Xiaoqing , Feng Jing , Xie Jingyan , Li Yujuan
Published: January 2024

Background

Cervical cancer is strongly associated with human papillomavirus (HPV) infection. In this retrospective study, we analyzed the data of postmenopausal women who were tested for HPV in Nanjing First Hospital from 2019 to 2021.

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed the data of 14,608 postmenopausal women aged 45–90 years, who underwent HPV examination in Nanjing First Hospital between January 2019 and December 2021. All participants were tested for 23 HPV genotypes. We subsequently analyzed the infection rate and evaluated the distribution of HPV using the chi-square test.

Results

Our results showed that the HPV infection rate in postmenopausal women in Nanjing, China was 22.36%. In terms of age group, the infection rate was 19.54%, 24.30%, 26.58%, and 14.99% in those aged ≤ 50, 51–60, 61–70, and ≥ 71 years, respectively. The most common HPV subtypes were HPV52 (22.1 3%), HPV58 (15.86%), HPV53 (14.17%), HPV16 (12.61%), and HPV81 (11.66%), in that order. The single-HPV infection rate was 14.23%, and the multiple-genotype infection rate was 8.14% (1189/14,608).

Conclusions

This study showed that in Nanjing, China, the different age groups of post-menopausal women could have different rates of HPV infection, and the most common types were HPV52, HPV58, HPV53, HPV16 and HPV81. These findings highlighted the importance of understanding the epidemiology of HPV infection in specific populations, such as postmenopausal women in Nanjing, China. The results could provide valuable information for healthcare professionals and policymakers to develop targeted prevention and screening strategies for reducing the burden of HPV-related diseases in this population.
Factors affecting medical students’ intention to use Rain Classroom: a cross-sectional survey
Authors: Lv Hui , Low Jinghong , Tan Siow-kian , Tang Lingjiao , Li Xuebin
Published: January 2024

Background

Rain Classroom was one of the most popular online learning platforms in Chinese higher education during the pandemic. However, there is little research on user intention under the guidance of technology acceptance and unified theory (UTAUT).

Objective

This research aims to determine factors influencing students' behavioural intention to use Rain Classroom.

Methods

In this cross-sectional and correlational investigation, 1138 medical students from five medical universities in Guangxi Province, China, made up the sample. This study added self-efficacy (SE), motivation (MO), stress (ST), and anxiety (AN) to the UTAUT framework. This study modified the framework by excluding actual usage variables and focusing only on intention determinants. SPSS-26 and AMOS-26 were used to analyze the data. The structural equation modelling technique was chosen to confirm the hypotheses.

Results

Except for facilitating conditions (FC), all proposed factors, including performance expectancy (PE), effort expectancy (EE), social influence (SI), self-efficacy (SE), motivation (MO), anxiety (AN), and stress (ST), had a significant effect on students' behavioural intentions to use Rain Classroom.

Conclusions

The research revealed that the proposed model, which was based on the UTAUT, is excellent at identifying the variables that influence students' behavioural intentions in the Rain Classroom. Higher education institutions can plan and implement productive classrooms.
Improvements in practising nurses’ knowledge, skills, self-efficacy, confidence, and satisfaction after a simulated clinical experience of caring for a patient undergoing chemotherapy: a quasi-experimental study
Authors: Guerrero Jefferson Garcia , Attallah Dena Marwan , Gomma Nada Hassan , Ali Samah Abdulwahed
Published: January 2024

Background

The beneficial effect of simulation experience on nursing students is well established in the literature. However, an accurate simulation modality to help professional nurses enhance their clinical competence and expertise remains unexplored. The current study evaluated and contrasted the impact of two simulation modalities on nurses’ knowledge, abilities, self-efficacy, confidence, and satisfaction following a simulated clinical experience caring for chemotherapy patients.

Methods

A quasi-experimental research design was employed in this study. The participants were divided into group A, comprising nurses exposed to the high-fidelity simulation, and group B, comprising nurses exposed to the virtual simulation.

Results

The study found that nurses exposed to high-fidelity simulation and virtual simulation gained a high standard of knowledge and skills. The nurses’ post-test and post-objective structured clinical examination (OSCE) scores drastically increased after simulation exposure compared to their pre-test and pre-OSCE scores. For the group exposed to high-fidelity simulation, the mean differences were − 19.65 (pre- and post-test) and 23.85 (pre- and post-OSCE), while for the group exposed to virtual simulation, the mean differences were − 22.42 (pre- and post-test) and 20.63 (pre- and post-OSCE). All p-values indicated significant differences < 0.001. Moreover, both groups exhibited high self-efficacy, confidence, and satisfaction levels after the simulation experience. The outcomes of both simulation modalities regarding self-efficacy, confidence, and satisfaction levels indicate no significant difference, as supported by p-values of > 0.05.

Conclusion

High-fidelity simulation and virtual simulation training effectively and efficiently advance nurses’ professional competence. The nurses exposed to high-fidelity simulation and virtual simulation gained high levels of knowledge and skills. Additionally, it increased their sense of happiness, self-worth, and self-efficacy. The simulation approach will be a potent instrument for improving nurses’ competency and fully developing their sense of expertise. Therefore, developing policies adopting simulation as part of their professional development will ensure patient safety and improve health outcomes.
A comparison of factors associated with unmet healthcare needs in people with disabilities before and after COVID-19: a nationally representative population-based study
Authors: Lee Sujin , Park Han Nah , Nam Hye Jin , Kim Bohye , Yoon Ju Young
Published: January 2024

Background

People with disabilities, who require numerous healthcare services, are vulnerable to unmet healthcare needs. This study aimed to investigate and identify the factors that influence unmet healthcare needs among people with disabilities and to compare these factors before and after the COVID-19 pandemic in South Korea.

Methods

A propensity score matching analysis was conducted using two datasets from the National Survey of Disabled Persons collected in 2017 and 2020. The participants were matched based on variables known to influence healthcare utilization. Based on the Andersen model, logistic regression was performed to analyze the key characteristics of the factors associated with unmet healthcare needs, including predisposing, enabling, and need factors.

Results

Propensity score matching resulted in the inclusion of 1,884 participants in each group: an experimental group and control group. Before COVID-19, factors associated with unmet healthcare needs included sex, age, marital status, and education level (predisposing factors), instrumental activities of daily living dependency, satisfaction with medical staff’s understanding of disability, satisfaction with medical institutional facilities and equipment (enabling factors), subjective health status, and depressive symptoms (need factors). After COVID-19, factors included physical disability, instrumental activities of daily living dependency, and discrimination (enabling factors), and subjective health status, chronic diseases, depressive symptoms, and regular medical care (need factors). No significant predisposing factors affecting unmet healthcare needs were identified after COVID-19.

Conclusions

This study compared the factors affecting unmet healthcare needs among people with disabilities before and after COVID-19. Recognizing the different factors associated with unmet healthcare needs before and after COVID-19, (e.g., sex, type of disability, satisfaction with medical staff’s understanding of disabilities, medical institutional facilities and equipment considering the disabled, discrimination, chronic diseases, and regular medical care) may help governments and policymakers establish strategies to reduce and prevent unmet healthcare needs during and a future crisis.
Non-pharmacological labor pain relive methods: utilization and associated factors among midwives and maternity nurses in Najran, Saudi Arabia
Authors: Elgzar Wafaa T. , Alshahrani Majed S. , Ibrahim Heba A.
Published: January 2024

Background

Traditionally, pharmacological pain relief methods have been the most acceptable option for controlling labor pain, accompanied by numerous adverse consequences. Non-pharmacological labor pain relive methods can reduce labor pain while maintaining an effective and satisfying delivery experience and delaying the use of pharmacological methods. This study explores the utilization of non-pharmacological labor pain relive methods and its associated factors among midwives and maternity nurses.

Methods

A cross-sectional research was conducted in Maternal and Children Hospital/Najran, Saudi Arabia, from April to May 2023 and incorporated a convenience sample of 164 midwives and maternity nurses. The data was collected using a self-reported questionnaire composed of five sections; basic data, facility-related factors, non-pharmacological labor pain relive utilization and attitude scales, and knowledge quiz. A logistic regression was used to determine the associated factors with non-pharmacological labor pain relive utilization.

Results

The results revealed that 68.3% of participants utilized non-pharmacological labor pain relive methods. The midwives and maternity nurses helped the parturient to tolerate labor pain by applying the non-pharmacological labor pain relive methods, including; positioning (55.5%), breathing exercises (53.7%), comfortable and relaxing environment (52.4%), therapeutic communication (47%), positive reinforcement (40.9%), relaxation (40.2%), and therapeutic touch (31%). In addition, working unit, providers-patient ratio, working hours, non-pharmacological labor pain relive training, years of experience, and non-pharmacological labor pain relive attitude were significant determinants of non-pharmacological labor pain relive utilization (P < 0.05).

Conclusions

High non-pharmacological labor pain relive utilization was significantly associated with nurses' older age and higher education, working in the delivery room, lower nurse-patient ratio, lower working hours, in-services training, increased years of experience, and positive attitude. The study sheds light on the importance of handling the pre-mentioned factors to enhance non-pharmacological labor pain relive utilization.
Structural connectome alterations between individuals with autism and neurotypical controls using feature representation learning
Authors: Jang Yurim , Choi Hyoungshin , Yoo Seulki , Park Hyunjin , Park Bo-yong
Published: January 2024

Autism spectrum disorder is one of the most common neurodevelopmental conditions associated with sensory and social communication impairments. Previous neuroimaging studies reported that atypical nodal- or network-level functional brain organization in individuals with autism was associated with autistic behaviors. Although dimensionality reduction techniques have the potential to uncover new biomarkers, the analysis of whole-brain structural connectome abnormalities in a low-dimensional latent space is underinvestigated. In this study, we utilized autoencoder-based feature representation learning for diffusion magnetic resonance imaging-based structural connectivity in 80 individuals with autism and 61 neurotypical controls that passed strict quality controls. We generated low-dimensional latent features using the autoencoder model for each group and adopted an integrated gradient approach to assess the contribution of the input data for predicting latent features during the encoding process. Subsequently, we compared the integrated gradient values between individuals with autism and neurotypical controls and observed differences within the transmodal regions and between the sensory and limbic systems. Finally, we identified significant associations between integrated gradient values and communication abilities in individuals with autism. Our findings provide insights into the whole-brain structural connectome in autism and may help identify potential biomarkers for autistic connectopathy.
Comprehensive review of dibenzocyclooctadiene lignans from the Schisandra genus: anticancer potential, mechanistic insights and future prospects in oncology
Authors: Jafernik Karolina , Motyka Sara , Calina Daniela , Sharifi-Rad Javad , Szopa Agnieszka
Published: January 2024

Cancer remains one of the leading causes of mortality worldwide. The search for novel and effective anticancer agents has been a significant area of research. Dibenzocyclooctadiene lignans (DBCLS), derived from the Schisandra genus plants like: S. chinensis, S. sphenanthera, S. henryi, S. rubriflora, S. grandiflora, S. propinqua, and S. glabra, have been traditionally used in various medicinal systems and are known for their myriad health benefits, including anticancer properties. This comprehensive review aimed to collate and critically analyse the recent literature on the anticancer properties of DBCLS, focusing on their mechanistic approaches against different cancer types. An exhaustive literature search was performed using databases like PubMed/MedLine, Scopus, Web of Science, Embase, TRIP database and Google Scholar from 1980 to 2023. Peer-reviewed articles that elucidated the mechanistic approach of these lignans on cancer cell lines, in vivo models and preliminary clinical studies were included. Studies were assessed for their experimental designs, cancer types studied, and the mechanistic insights provided. The studies demonstrate that the anticancer effects of DBCLS compounds are primarily driven by their ability to trigger apoptosis, arrest the cell cycle, induce oxidative stress, modulate autophagy, and disrupt essential signaling pathways, notably MAPK, PI3K/Akt, and NF-κB. Additionally, these lignans have been shown to amplify the impact of traditional chemotherapy treatments, suggesting their potential role as supportive adjuncts in cancer therapy. Notably, several studies also emphasise their capacity to target cancer stem cells and mitigate multi-drug resistance specifically. DBCLS from the Schisandra genus have showcased significant potential as anticancer agents. Their multi-targeted mechanistic approach makes them promising candidates for further research, potentially leading to developing of new therapeutic strategies in cancer management.
Genomic and phenotypic analysis of invasive Streptococcus suis isolated in Spain reveals genetic diversification and associated virulence traits
Authors: Uruén Cristina , Fernandez Ana , Arnal José Luis , del Pozo Mateo , Amoribieta Maria Casas , de Blas Ignacio , Jurado Paula , Calvo Jorge Hugo , Gottschalk Marcelo , González-Vázquez Luis Daniel , Arenas Miguel , Marín Clara M. , Arenas Jesús
Published: January 2024

Streptococcus suis is a zoonotic pathogen that causes a major health problem in the pig production industry worldwide. Spain is one of the largest pig producers in the world. This work aimed to investigate the genetic and phenotypic features of invasive S. suis isolates recovered in Spain. A panel of 156 clinical isolates recovered from 13 Autonomous Communities, representing the major pig producers, were analysed. MLST and serotyping analysis revealed that most isolates (61.6%) were assigned to ST1 (26.3%), ST123 (18.6%), ST29 (9.6%), and ST3 (7.1%). Interestingly, 34 new STs were identified, indicating the emergence of novel genetic lineages. Serotypes 9 (27.6%) and 1 (21.8%) prevailed, followed by serotypes 7 (12.8%) and 2 (12.2%). Analysis of 13 virulence-associated genes showed significant associations between ST, serotype, virulence patterns, and clinical features, evidencing particular virulence traits associated with genetic clusters. The pangenome was generated, and the core genome was distributed in 7 Bayesian groups where each group included a variable set of over- and under-represented genes of different categories. The study provides comprehensive data and knowledge to improve the design of new vaccines, antimicrobial treatments, and bacterial typing approaches.
Dietary Insulin Index (DII) and Dietary Insulin load (DIL) and Caveolin gene variant interaction on cardiometabolic risk factors among overweight and obese women: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Amiri khosroshahi Reza , Mirzababaei Atieh , Setayesh Leila , Bagheri Reza , Heidari Seyedmahalleh Mohammad , Wong Alexei , Suzuki Katsuhiko , Mirzaei Khadijeh
Published: January 2024

Background and objective

Studies have shown that Caveolin gene polymorphisms (CAV-1) are involved in chronic diseases, such as metabolic syndrome. Moreover, the dietary insulin index (DII) and dietary insulin load (DIL) have been shown to potentially elicit favorable effects on cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk. Therefore, this study sought to investigate the effect of DII DIL and CAV-1 interaction on CVD risk factors.

Methods

This cross-sectional study consisted of 333 overweight and obese women aged 18–48 years. Dietary intakes, DII, and DIL were evaluated using the 147-item food frequency questionnaire (FFQ). Serum profiles were measured by standard protocols. The CAV-1 rs 3,807,992 and anthropometric data were measured by the PCR–RFLP method and bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA), respectively. Participants were also divided into three groups based on DII, DIL score, and rs3807992 genotype.

Results

This comparative cross-sectional study was conducted on 333 women classified as overweight or obese. Participants with A allele for the caveolin genotype and higher DII score showed significant interactions with high-density lipoprotein (HDL) (P for AA = 0.006 and P for AG = 0.019) and CRI-I (P for AA < 0.001 and P for AG = 0.024). In participants with AA genotype and greater DII score, interactions were observed in weight, systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), total cholesterol, CRI-II, fat-free mass (FFM), and skeletal muscle mass (SMM) (P < 0.079). Those with higher DIL scores and AA genotype had higher weight (P = 0.033), FFM (P = 0.022), and SMM (P = 0.024). In addition, DIL interactions for waist/hip ratio (WHR), waist circumference (WC), triglyceride (TG), CRI-I, and body fat mass (BFM) among individuals with AA genotype, while an HDL interaction was observed in individuals with AG and AA (P < 0.066).

Conclusion

The findings of the present study indicate that people who carry the caveolin rs3807992 (A) allele and have greater DII and DIL scores are at higher risk for several cardiovascular disease and metabolic syndrome biomarkers. These results highlight that diet, gene variants, and their interaction, should be considered in the risk evaluation of developing CVD.
A promising natural killer cell-based model and a nomogram for the prognostic prediction of clear-cell renal cell carcinoma
Authors: Yao Qinfan , Zhang Xiuyuan , Wang Yucheng , Wang Cuili , Chen Jianghua , Chen Dajin
Published: January 2024

Background

Clear-cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) is one of prevalent kidney malignancies with an unfavorable prognosis. There is a need for a robust model to predict ccRCC patient survival and guide treatment decisions.

Methods

RNA-seq data and clinical information of ccRCC were obtained from the TCGA and ICGC databases. Expression profiles of genes related to natural killer (NK) cells were collected from the Immunology Database and Analysis Portal database. Key NK cell-related genes were identified using consensus clustering algorithms to classify patients into distinct clusters. A NK cell-related risk model was then developed using Least Absolute Shrinkage and Selection Operator (LASSO) Cox regression to predict ccRCC patient prognosis. The relationship between the NK cell-related risk score and overall survival, clinical features, tumor immune characteristics, as well as response to commonly used immunotherapies and chemotherapy, was explored. Finally, the NK cell-related risk score was validated using decision tree and nomogram analyses.

Results

ccRCC patients were stratified into 3 molecular clusters based on expression of NK cell-related genes. Significant differences were observed among the clusters in terms of prognosis, clinical characteristics, immune infiltration, and therapeutic response. Furthermore, six NK cell-related genes (DPYSL3, SLPI, SLC44A4, ZNF521, LIMCH1, and AHR) were identified to construct a prognostic model for ccRCC prediction. The high-risk group exhibited poor survival outcomes, lower immune cell infiltration, and decreased sensitivity to conventional chemotherapies and immunotherapies. Importantly, the quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) confirmed significantly high DPYSL3 expression and low SLC44A4 expression in ACHN cells. Finally, the decision tree and nomogram consistently show the dramatic prediction performance of the risk score on the survival outcome of the ccRCC patients.

Conclusions

The six-gene model based on NK cell-related gene expression was validated and found to accurately mirror immune microenvironment and predict clinical outcomes, contributing to enhanced risk stratification and therapy response for ccRCC patients.
Preliminary identification of clinical cut-off of the vegetarian vegan eating disorder screener (V-EDS) in a community and self-reported clinical sample of vegetarians and vegans
Authors: McLean Courtney P. , Chen Zhibin , Fielding Joanne , Sharp Gemma
Published: January 2024

Background

The vegetarian vegan eating disorder screener (V-EDS) is an 18-item self-report screening tool designed to assess the unique elements of eating disorder symptomology in vegetarians and vegans. Previous results have suggested strong initial psychometric properties in non-clinical community samples of vegetarians and vegans. The present study sought to identify a preliminary threshold cut-off score to discriminate eating disorder pathology in a self-reported clinical and community sample.

Methods

This study involved secondary analysis using data collected in McLean et al. (Development and preliminary validation of a novel eating disorder screening tool for vegetarians and vegans: the V-EDS, 2023), comprising 599 non-clinical participants and 51 self-reported clinical participants. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was used to compute possible cut-off values for the V-EDS. Results: ROC analysis indicated good performance of the V-EDS (area under the curve = 0.87), with integration of the Youden index demonstrating a global score of ≥ 18 to be optimal in predicting clinical caseness with good sensitivity (0.804) and specificity (0.843).

Conclusions

The present study fills an important gap as the first to investigate an optimal V-EDS score to discriminate level of impairment from eating disorder pathology in a sample of vegetarian and vegan community and self-reported clinical participants. We extend the utility of the V-EDS in discovering good discrimination power in classifying clinical caseness with a cut-off score of 18 shown to optimise the trade-off between sensitivity and specificity. Future research should focus on expanding the psychometric properties of the V-EDS in larger and more diverse participant groups, including gender, age, cultural identity, and eating disorder history.
PRESTO: A Phase III, Open-Label Study of Intensification of Androgen Blockade in Patients With High-Risk Biochemically Relapsed Castration-Sensitive Prostate Cancer (AFT-19)
Authors: Aggarwal Rahul , Heller Glenn , Hillman David W. , Xiao Han , Picus Joel , Taplin Mary-Ellen , Dorff Tanya , Appleman Leonard , Weckstein Douglas , Patnaik Akash , Bryce Alan , Shevrin Daniel , Mohler James , Anderson Daniel , Rao Arpit , Tagawa Scott , Tan Alan , Halabi Susan , Dooley Katharine , O'Brien Patrick , Chen Ronald , Ryan Charles J. , Eggener Scott E. , Morris Michael J. , Aggarwal Rahul , Shevrin Daniel , Tagawa Scott , Kim Charles , Taplin Mary-Ellen , Whang Young , Dakhil Shaker , Smith Raymond , Gartrell Benjamin , Fagbemi Seth , Mowat Rex , Farber Charles , Hashemi Neda , Humeniuk Michael , Ryan Charles , Ellerton John , Olsen Mark , Wang Jennifer , Dorff Tanya , Karina Pascual Sheila , Weckstein Douglas , Weckstein Douglas , Bryce Alan , Mohler James , Michael Randall James , Xiao Han , Patnaik Akash , King David , Picus Joel , Kilari Deepak , Monk Paul , Bitting Rhonda , Appleman Leonard , Eugenio Najera Jose , Rowland Kendrith , Hauke Ralph , Shehadeh Nasfat , Curti Brendan , Gupta Gopal , Tan Alan , Collins Timothy , Beer Tomasz , Tate David , Sheh Bryant , Basnet Alina , Conway James , Gross Howard , Goodman Michael
Published: January 2024

PURPOSE

Patients with biochemically recurrent prostate cancer (BRPC) after radical prostatectomy and a short PSA doubling time are at risk for distant metastases. Apalutamide, an androgen receptor antagonist, and abiraterone acetate plus prednisone (AAP) prolong survival in the metastatic setting. We evaluated whether intensification of androgen-deprivation therapy (ADT) improves outcomes in BRPC.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

PRESTO is a randomized phase III, open-label trial in patients with BRPC and PSA doubling time ≤9 months (ClinicalTrials.gov identifier:
NCT03009981
). Patients were randomly assigned 1:1:1 to receive a finite 52-week treatment course with ADT control, ADT + apalutamide, or ADT + apalutamide + AAP. The primary end point was PSA progression-free survival (PSA-PFS), defined as serum PSA >0.2 ng/mL after treatment completion.

RESULTS

Five hundred three patients were enrolled. The median PSA was 1.8 ng/mL (IQR, 1.0-3.6). At the first planned interim analysis, both experimental arms significantly prolonged PSA-PFS compared with the control arm (median, 24.9 months for ADT + apalutamide
v
20.3 months for ADT; hazard ratio [HR], 0.52 [95% CI, 0.35 to 0.77];
P
= .00047; median, 26.0 months for ADT + apalutamide + AAP
v
20.0 months for ADT; HR, 0.48 [95% CI, 0.32 to 0.71];
P
= .00008). Median time to testosterone recovery did not differ across treatment arms. The most common grade ≥3 adverse event was hypertension (7.5%, 7.4%, and 18% in ADT, ADT + apalutamide, and ADT + apalutamide + AAP arms, respectively).

CONCLUSION

Intensified AR blockade for a finite duration prolongs PSA-PFS with a manageable safety profile, without adversely affecting time to testosterone recovery. The addition of apalutamide to ADT should be considered in patients with high-risk BRPC.
Divine Intimacies
Authors: Jolly Jallicia
Published: January 2024

This article foregrounds the complex self-making of Black Jamaican women living with HIV to explore the political and religious significance of their queer intimacies. Jolly argues that women's embodied pleasures and spiritual consciousness present a form of divine intimacy that exposes the complex relationship between queer studies, Black religious thought, and the sexual desires of Black queers in general, and Black queer women in particular. Furthermore, she asserts that the embodied knowledge of queer HIV-positive Black Caribbean women shifts the geography of reason around female sexuality and Blackness in studies of queerness and religion. This article considers how lived experiences of religion play a central role in the construction of personhood and how Black queer women's spirituality requires resisting denominational assumptions and distinctions between the sacred and secular that have no salience in their interpretations of everyday life. HIV-positive Jamaican women have revealed the ways women's spirituality thrives outside the dichotomy of “indecent” subject and “redeemed” victim and beyond the grips of institutionalized sexism, misogynoir, and homophobia within and beyond the church.
La réception d’Arthur Rimbaud chez les poètes de la génération de 1920 en Grèce
Authors: Μπουφέα Χριστίνα-Ελένη
Published: January 2024

Η παρούσα διδακτορική διατριβή μελετά την πρόσληψη του Αρθούρου Ρεμπώ στη νεοελληνική κριτική και τη νεοελληνική λογοτεχνία και ιδιαίτερα στην ποίηση του Μεσοπολέμου. Εξετάζουμε τρεις πτυχές της πρόσληψης του Αρθούρου Ρεμπώ στην Ελλάδα από το 1894 έως το 1954 : Αρχικά, τις δημοσιευμένες κριτικές για τον Ρεμπώ, στη συνέχεια, τις μεταφράσεις τριών ποιημάτων του Ρεμπώ στα ελληνικά («Le Dormeur du Val», «Sensation» και «Voyelles») και, τέλος, την επίδραση του Ρεμπώ στην ποιητική δημιουργία της Ελλάδας, Η παρούσα μελέτη παρουσιάζει για πρώτη φορά μια σφαιρική εικόνα της πρόσληψης του Ρεμπώ στη νεοελληνική λογοτεχνία του πρώτου μισού του 20ού αιώνα. Η κριτική, η μετάφραση και η ποιητική δημιουργία αντανακλούν τις πολύπλευρες όψεις της γαλλικής κριτικής στη νεοελληνική λογοτεχνική εξέλιξη την περίοδο του Μεσοπολέμου. Η έρευνα επικεντρώνεται πρωτίστως στη γενιά των μετασυμβολιστών ποιητών του 1920, περίοδος που σηματοδοτεί το πρώτο στάδιο της υποδοχής του Γάλλου ποιητή στην Ελλάδα σε συλλογικό επίπεδο. Περιλαμβάνεται μια συγκριτική και διακειμενική ανάλυση των ποιημάτων του Ρεμπώ και ποιημάτων του Κώστα Καρυωτάκη, του Γιώργου Κοτζιούλα και του Κώστα Ουράνη μέσα από μια θεματική και κοινωνικοκριτική προσέγγιση. Προτείνεται μία νέα οπτική της πρόσληψης του Ρεμπώ στην Ελλάδα υπό το πρίσμα του « ελληνικού ριμπαλντισμού », αντικαθιστώντας την αρνητική έννοια του « μύθου », που επινόησε ο René Étiemble τη δεκαετία του 1950, με τη θετική έννοια του « ριμπαλντισμού ». Η έρευνα αυτή δεν επιδιώκει να αναδείξει τα λάθη των κριτικών ούτε να θεμελιώσει μια αντικειμενική ερμηνευτική αλήθεια, -αν μπορεί να υπάρξει τέτοια- αλλά να αναδείξει την αξία και τη συμβολή των διαφορετικών οπτικών γωνιών και μιας πληθώρας «μύθων» του Ρεμπώ, δείχνοντας πώς το έργο του Γάλλου ποιητή έχει θρέψει τη νεοελληνική ποίηση. Ο Ρεμπώ παίζει καθοριστικό ρόλο, συνοδεύοντας τη μετάβαση στην ποιητική γενιά του 1930.
MODERN LANGUAGES IN THE EDUCATION SYSTEM IN THE BALKANS IN THE XVIII – FIRST THIRD OF THE XIX CENTURIES (SOCIOLINGUISTIC ASPECT)
Authors: Razumova Lina V.
Published: January 2024

Purpose. The article is devoted to the analysis of the formation of regional and local centers of teaching modern foreign languages in the Balkans in the XVIII-XIX centuries. The socio-historical conditions that were crucial in the formation of language education in this region and determined its character and main actors are investigated.

Methodology. The methodological basis of the study is a comparative historical method based on the cultural and historical interpretation of the data and systematization of the emerging linguistic situations and conditions on the territory of the studied areas.

Results. The analysis made it possible to determine that the poly-linguistic area under study, despite certain national differences in language education in the XVIII-XIX centuries, also reveals a number of common features. These include the rather late formation of language schools and educational centers. Another important feature is the mediating role of the Greek elite in the development of language education and the dissemination of Western European didactic samples in this territory.

Practical implications. The results of the research can be used in scientific and educational activities in the sections of historical sociolinguistics devoted to the analysis of the socio-historical conditions of the formation of national education systems, their didactic ideas and the social circumstances of their implementation.