bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The safety of corticosteroid injection prior to shoulder arthroplasty: A systematic review
Authors: Chowdhury Alex , Islam Saad , Ranaboldo Tom , Shean Katharine , Wilcocks Katharine , Sampalli Sridhar R , Elmorsy Ahmed
Published: June 2024

Introduction

Intra-articular corticosteroid injections are frequently utilised in patients with glenohumeral arthritis for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes. A systematic review was performed to assess the relationship between prior corticosteroid injection and infection following shoulder arthroplasty.

Methods

A search was performed, using databases Medline, EMBASE and CINAHL. Studies with comparative data of post-arthroplasty infection following previous corticosteroid injection versus controls were included.

Results

Seven studies fulfilled the inclusion criteria, comprising 87,820 patients. On pooled analysis, previous steroid injection did not increase the overall risk of infection (risk ratio 1.17; confidence interval 1.00–1.37, p = 0.06). On subgroup analysis for timing of injection, one given within 3 months before arthroplasty conferred a greater risk of infection than no injection (risk ratio 2.30; confidence interval 1.13–4.69, p = 0.02) or one given between 3 and 12 months before arthroplasty (risk ratio 3.32; confidence interval 1.43–7.72, p = 0.005). An injection at 3 to 12 months before arthroplasty did not increase the risk of infection over controls (risk ratio 0.89; confidence interval 0.63–1.25, p = 0.50).

Conclusions

This review has found there to be a time-dependent relationship between prior corticosteroid injection and infection post-arthroplasty, with an increased risk when performed within three months before arthroplasty. Thus, an interval of at least three months is recommended between injection and arthroplasty.
A local audit evaluating bone health in patients with functional hypothalamic amenorrhoea secondary to an eating disorder and a review of the application of hormone therapy in this clinical setting
Authors: Davies Hannah Olivia
Published: June 2024

It is widely known that estrogen has a fundamental role to play in skeletal homeostasis. In the most reductionist sense, the action of estrogen can be surmised as anti-resorptive. Estrogen prevents the break-down of bone. It therefore follows that estrogen deficiency states, such as the menopause and functional hypothalamic amenorrhoea (FHA), are often characterised by increased bone remodelling and disrupted skeletal homeostasis. FHA is the cessation of menstruation secondary to abnormal signalling between the hypothalamus and pituitary gland due to deficient pulsatile secretion of Gonadotrophin Releasing Hormone (GnRH). Functional hypothalamic amenorrhoea is frequently a consequence of women suffering with eating disorders. The development of FHA secondary to eating disorders is an evolutionary adaptive response to chronic metabolic energy deficiency. Fundamentally, preservation of life is biologically prioritised over dispensable physiological process such as reproduction. Consequently, the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian (HPO) axis fails, which disrupts menstrual function and ovulation, culminating in a state of estrogen deficiency. One of the most important and long-lasting deleterious consequences of FHA is disrupted skeletal homeostasis and bone loss. Estrogen replacement, most commonly in the form of combined hormone replacement therapy (HRT) or the combined oral contraceptive pill (COCP), is advised for women with an early menopause to prevent bone loss. Arguably, estrogen replacement should also be utilised in the context of FHA. However, the optimum estrogen regime for women with FHA remains under-researched and so management is not evidence-based.
Perceptions and prioritisation of patient problems among home care nurses and older adults living with COPD: A multiple case study
Authors: Øfsti Ruth , Devik Siri Andreassen , Enmarker Ingela , Olsen Rose Mari
Published: June 2024

Registered nurses’ (RNs’) perceptions and understanding of the health problems and care needs of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) play a crucial role in the quality and continuity of care. This qualitative multiple-case study aimed to explore how RNs identify patients’ problems and care needs during home visits to older adults with COPD. In addition, the study explored the agreement and disagreement between RNs’ and patients’ perceptions and priorities regarding problems and needs. The study followed consolidated criteria for reporting qualitative research (COREQ). Data were collected through observations of five home care visits, interviews with RNs, and mapping forms administered to both RNs and patients. Deductive content analysis of five cases revealed that RNs identified the patients’ problems through observation, dialogue, and direct questions during home visits. RNs and patients had different perceptions of the patients’ problems and care needs, particularly regarding psychosocial and communication-related issues. This knowledge contributes to improvements in patient safety in COPD care.
Identifying and Assessing Factors Affecting Employer Branding in the Banking Industry
Authors: Gelard Parvaneh
Published: June 2024

This study aims to identify the factors affecting employer branding and validate a structural model based on methodology combined with an exploratory approach. The present research was a mixed-methods study in terms of its data type. The statistical population included academic experts majoring in human resource management and the expert managers of the human resource branches of Mellat Bank in the qualitative phase and all heads and deputies of Mellat Bank branches in various provinces of Iran in the quantitative phase. Data collection instruments included semi-structured interviews with experts in the first and a 45-item questionnaire distributed among 340 people in the second phases. Qualitative data were analyzed by the content analysis method, while confirmatory factor analysis and structural equations modeling, run in the Amos 26 software, were used for quantitative data analysis. The results of the qualitative phase showed that the factors affecting employer branding included three behavioral, structural, and environmental factors, each of which had sub-factors. Also, the results of the confirmatory factor analysis indicated that the measurement model of each of the three mentioned factors was highly fit. Finally, the results of structural equations modeling clarified that the behavioral factor (with a regression coefficient of (0.601) had the most and the structural factor (with a regression coefficient of (.355) had the least impact on employer branding in Mellat Bank. There is no comprehensive classification of the factors affecting the branding of employers, especially in the banking industry. Therefore, in this approach, it is necessary to identify the factors affecting employer branding and measure the effect of each of these factors in the mentioned industry, which is the main aim of this study.
Accessibility and Insurance Coverage for Gender-affirming Surgery in Canada: A Cross-Sectional Analysis
Authors: Gou Alan , Bonapace-Potvin Michelle , Peters Blair R.
Published: June 2024

Purpose: While visibility and acceptance of the transgender community have increased across Canada, barriers persist in accessing gender-affirming surgeries (GAS). This study aims to determine the current state of GAS care in Canada, focusing on insurance coverage by province and identifying regions needing the development of specialized GAS programs. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted by examining provincial health ministry webpages and contacting health authorities and gender clinics to collect data on GAS coverage. Information on various procedures, including chest surgery, facial GAS, and genital surgeries was collected to determine which procedures are covered in each respective province. Geographic distribution of clinics that perform GAS procedures in Canada was also collected and sorted by referrals in-province and out-of-province. Results: There are 32 unique gender-affirming procedures covered by Canadian provincial health plans. Prince Edward Island provides the highest coverage of GAS procedures, while Nunavut covers the least. Quebec offers the most comprehensive in-province GAS program, with some in-province care available in the other provinces. The three territories generally lack access to any in-province procedures. Conclusions: Coverage for gender-affirming surgical procedures in Canada varies widely. Genital procedures have the most comprehensive coverage, chest surgeries are covered by most provinces, and facial GAS were only covered in two provinces. There is also a disparity between coverage and availability of GAS in most provinces. Physicians should advocate for broader coverage and targeted training and recruitment of GAS specialized surgeons in key geographic regions.
Risk Factors for Atraumatic Medial Patellar Facet Lesions
Authors: Retzky Julia S. , Palhares Guilherme M. , Uppstrom Tyler J. , Hinkley Paige , Fletcher Connor , Gomoll Andreas H. , Strickland Sabrina M.
Published: June 2024

Background:

Medial patellar facet lesions have been well-described in the setting of patellar instability. However, relatively little is known about risk factors for atraumatic medial patellar facet lesions.

Purpose/Hypothesis:

To identify clinical and radiographic risk factors for medial patellar facet lesions in patients without a history of trauma or patellar instability. It was hypothesized that a posterior tibial tubercle relative to the trochlear groove would be a risk factor for atraumatic medial patellar facet lesions.

Study Design:

Case-control study; Level of evidence, 3.

Methods:

A total of 37 patients with atraumatic medial patellar facet lesions were matched by age, sex, and body mass index with 37 control patients without a history of patellofemoral dysplasia. Demographic and imaging characteristics were compared between groups. Plain radiography was used to evaluate Wiberg type, and magnetic resonance imaging was used to calculate Caton-Deschamps index, tibial tubercle-trochlear groove distance, trochlear facet asymmetry ratio, patellotrochlear index, sulcus depth, patellar bisect ratio, and tibial tubercle height. Statistically significant variables from univariate analysis were used as inputs to the multivariate regression model to assess independent risk factors.

Results:

There were no differences between groups with respect to Wiberg type, Caton-Deschamps index, tibial tubercle-trochlear groove distance, sulcus depth, or patellotrochlear index ( P > .05 for all). The medial facet lesion group had a larger medial trochlear facet (trochlear facet asymmetry ratio, 0.72 ± 0.11 vs 0.60 ± 0.09; P < .001), a more medial-lying patella in the trochlear groove (patellar bisect ratio, 0.57 ± 0.06 vs 0.55 ± 0.07; P = .035), and a more posterior tibial tubercle relative to the trochlear groove (tibial tubercle height, -3.13 ± 5.21 vs -0.23 ± 5.93 mm; P = .030) compared with the control group. Multivariate regression analysis identified trochlear facet asymmetry and tibial tubercle height as independent risk factors for medial patellar facet lesions (relative risk = 97.3 [95% CI, 14.9-635.1], P < .001 and relative risk = 0.95 [95% CI, 0.92-0.98], P = .004, respectively).

Conclusion:

A relatively larger medial trochlear facet and a more posterior tibial tubercle relative to the trochlear groove were found to be risk factors for medial patellar facet lesions in patients without a history of trauma or patellar instability.
Systematizing Complaints About Healthcare and Services at University Hospitals: Content Analysis of Patient/Family Letters
Authors: Takao Kenji , Ueki Shingo , Kabayama Mai
Published: June 2024

Patient/family complaints are a valuable source of information for providing patient-oriented healthcare. This study aimed to identify and systematize patient/family complaints about healthcare services, focusing on complaints caused by “things.” A qualitative descriptive study was designed. Open data of patient and family voices published on the website of university hospital were collected from 27 hospitals for the period June 2020 to August 2020. From the collected data, we excluded praise and compliments, and complaints regarding “people.” The results revealed 1,476 complaints, with 1,755 codes. Patient/family complaints were categorized into five domains (access to hospital or line of flow in the hospital, outpatient, inpatient, facilities/equipment, publicity/documents), 46 categories, and 150 sub-categories. A total of 545 codes were excluded to avoid duplication: [1] 253 related to hardware, [2] 222 related to operations, and [3] 70 related to maintenance. This study may provide useful data to inform future studies using patient/family complaints to improve healthcare services for hospitals aiming to provide patient-centered care.
Redeployment Among Primary Care Nurses During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Lukewich Julia , Bulman Donna , Mathews Maria , Hedden Lindsay , Marshall Emily , Vaughan Crystal , Ryan Dana , Dufour Emilie , Meredith Leslie , Spencer Sarah , Renaud Lauren R. , Asghari Shabnam , Cusack Cheryl , Elliott Rose Annette , Marchuk Stan , Young Gillian , Wong Eric
Published: June 2024

Introduction: Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, primary care nurses were often redeployed to areas outside of primary care to mitigate staffing shortages. Despite this, there is a scarcity of literature describing their perceptions of and experiences with redeployment during the pandemic. Objectives: This paper aims to: 1) describe the perspectives of primary care nurses with respect to redeployment, 2) discuss the opportunities/challenges associated with redeployment of primary care nurses, and 3) examine the nature (e.g., settings, activities) of redeployment by primary care nurses during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: In this qualitative study, semi-structured interviews were conducted with primary care nurses (i.e., Nurse Practitioners, Registered Nurses, and Licensed/Registered Practical Nurses), from four regions in Canada. These include the Interior, Island, and Vancouver Coastal Health regions in British Columbia; Ontario Health West region in Ontario; the province of Nova Scotia; and the province of Newfoundland and Labrador. Data related to redeployment were analyzed thematically. Results: Three overarching themes related to redeployment during the COVID-19 pandemic were identified: (1) Call to redeployment, (2) Redeployment as an opportunity/challenge, and (3) Scope of practice during redeployment. Primary care nurses across all regulatory designations reported variation in the process of redeployment within their jurisdiction (e.g., communication, policies/legislation), different opportunities and challenges that resulted from redeployment (e.g., scheduling flexibility, workload implications), and scope of practice implications (e.g., perceived threat to nursing license). The majority of nurses discussed experiences with redeployment being voluntary in nature, rather than mandated. Conclusions: Redeployment is a useful workforce strategy during public health emergencies; however, it requires a structured process and a decision-making approach that explicitly involves healthcare providers affected by redeployment. Primary care nurses ought only to be redeployed after other options are considered and arrangements made for the care of patients in their original practice area.
An Unusual Primary Paraneoplastic Manifestation of Adenocarcinoma of Lung
Authors: Jadhav Kartik Pandurang , Pullikanti Bhulaxmi , Kancharla Harish , Jariwala Pankaj V.
Published: June 2024

Carcinoma of lung (CoL) is the fourth most common cancer in India. It is classified as either small-cell or non-small-cell lung cancer, with adenocarcinoma being the most common variant. CoL can present either as paraneoplastic or non-paraneoplastic manifestation. We discuss a case of a patient who had an abrupt onset of sustained ventricular tachycardia and was subsequently diagnosed with metastatic non-small cell lung cancer with no cardiac infiltrates.
The Locations of Palestine and the U.S. in the Global Map of Homelessness: Part I
Authors: Tanous Osama , Hagopian Amy
Published: June 2024

It's now well appreciated that social determinants of health are the strongest predictors of our health and well-being. A good argument could be made that housing is at the top of the pyramid of these determinants. And, surprisingly, housing is also the social determinant that could rapidly turn on a dime—that is, with sufficient political will, creating access to housing could be radically expanded in short order. (Unfortunately, of course, it's true one can also become suddenly homeless, since few protections exist in policy or capitalist economies to prevent it). That alone sets it apart from social factors such as education and racism—conditions that take a long time to change. In contrast to long-term interventions (education) or culturally stubborn and historically rooted problems (racism), housing is rapidly malleable. In this article, we describe the social condition of homelessness in two settings, comparing and contrasting the concepts, causes, and consequences, along with how people are mobilizing to challenge the conditions that create their housing insecurity. As we review the factors that create housing conditions in each setting, we propose some universal international principles for a new approach to the human right of decent and secure housing.
NK cells with adhesion defects and reduced cytotoxic functions are associated with a poor prognosis in multiple myeloma
Authors: Blanquart Eve , Ekren Rüçhan , Rigaud Bineta , Joubert Marie-Véronique , Baylot Virginie , Daunes Hélène , Cuisinier Marine , Villard Marine , Carrié Nadège , Mazzotti Céline , Lucca Liliana E. , Perrot Aurore , Corre Jill , Walzer Thierry , Avet-Loiseau Hervé , Axisa Pierre-Paul , Martinet Ludovic
Published: June 2024

The promising results obtained with immunotherapeutic approaches for multiple myeloma (MM) call for a better stratification of patients based on immune components. The most pressing being cytotoxic lymphocytes such as natural killer (NK) cells that are mandatory for MM surveillance and therapy. Here, we performed a single-cell RNA sequencing analysis of NK cells from 10 patients with MM and 10 age/sex–matched healthy donors that revealed important transcriptomic changes in the NK cell landscape affecting both the bone marrow (BM) and peripheral blood compartment. The frequency of mature cytotoxic CD56dim NK cell subsets was reduced in patients with MM at the advantage of late-stage NK cell subsets expressing NF-κB and interferon-I inflammatory signatures. These NK cell subsets accumulating in patients with MM were characterized by low CD16 and CD226 expression and poor cytotoxic functions. MM CD16/CD226Lo NK cells also had adhesion defects with reduced lymphocyte function-associated antigen 1 (LFA-1) integrin activation and actin polymerization that may account for their limited effector functions in vitro. Finally, analysis of BM-infiltrating NK cells in a retrospective cohort of 177 patients with MM from the Intergroupe Francophone du Myélome (IFM) 2009 trial demonstrated that a high frequency of NK cells and their low CD16 and CD226 expression were associated with a shorter overall survival. Thus, CD16/CD226Lo NK cells with reduced effector functions accumulate along MM development and negatively affect patients’ clinical outcomes. Given the growing interest in harnessing NK cells to treat myeloma, this improved knowledge around MM–associated NK cell dysfunction will stimulate the development of more efficient immunotherapeutic drugs against MM.
Amphiregulin, ST2, and REG3α biomarker risk algorithms as predictors of nonrelapse mortality in patients with acute GVHD
Authors: Etra Aaron , El Jurdi Najla , Katsivelos Nikolaos , Kwon Deukwoo , Gergoudis Stephanie , Morales George , Spyrou Nikolaos , Kowalyk Steven , Aguayo-Hiraldo Paibel , Akahoshi Yu , Ayuk Francis , Baez Janna , Betts Brian C. , Chanswangphuwana Chantiya , Chen Yi-Bin , Choe Hannah , DeFilipp Zachariah , Gleich Sigrun , Hexner Elizabeth , Hogan William J. , Holler Ernst , Kitko Carrie L. , Kraus Sabrina , Al Malki Monzr , MacMillan Margaret , Pawarode Attaphol , Quagliarella Francesco , Qayed Muna , Reshef Ran , Schechter Tal , Vasova Ingrid , Weisdorf Daniel , Wölfl Matthias , Young Rachel , Nakamura Ryotaro , Ferrara James L. M. , Levine John E. , Holtan Shernan
Published: June 2024

Graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) is a major cause of nonrelapse mortality (NRM) after allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation. Algorithms containing either the gastrointestinal (GI) GVHD biomarker amphiregulin (AREG) or a combination of 2 GI GVHD biomarkers (suppressor of tumorigenicity-2 [ST2] + regenerating family member 3 alpha [REG3α]) when measured at GVHD diagnosis are validated predictors of NRM risk but have never been assessed in the same patients using identical statistical methods. We measured the serum concentrations of ST2, REG3α, and AREG by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay at the time of GVHD diagnosis in 715 patients divided by the date of transplantation into training (2004-2015) and validation (2015-2017) cohorts. The training cohort (n = 341) was used to develop algorithms for predicting the probability of 12-month NRM that contained all possible combinations of 1 to 3 biomarkers and a threshold corresponding to the concordance probability was used to stratify patients for the risk of NRM. Algorithms were compared with each other based on several metrics, including the area under the receiver operating characteristics curve, proportion of patients correctly classified, sensitivity, and specificity using only the validation cohort (n = 374). All algorithms were strong discriminators of 12-month NRM, whether or not patients were systemically treated (n = 321). An algorithm containing only ST2 + REG3α had the highest area under the receiver operating characteristics curve (0.757), correctly classified the most patients (75%), and more accurately risk-stratified those who developed Minnesota standard-risk GVHD and for patients who received posttransplant cyclophosphamide-based prophylaxis. An algorithm containing only AREG more accurately risk-stratified patients with Minnesota high-risk GVHD. Combining ST2, REG3α, and AREG into a single algorithm did not improve performance.
CircR-loop: a novel RNA:DNA interaction on genome instability
Authors: Su Xinming , Feng Yaojie , Chen Ruixiu , Duan Shiwei
Published: June 2024

CircR-loop, a recently unearthed regulatory mechanism situated at the crossroads of circular RNA and DNA interactions, constitute a subset of R-loop. This circR-loop have emerged as a crucial player in pivotal regulatory functions within both animal and plant systems. The journey into the realm of circR-loop commenced with their discovery within the human mitochondrial genome, where they serve as critical directors of mitochondrial DNA replication. In the plant kingdom, circR-loop wield influence over processes such as alternative splicing and centromere organization, impacting the intricacies of floral development and genome stability, respectively. Their significance extends to the animal domain, where circR-loop has captured attention for their roles in cancer-related phenomena, exerting control over transcription, chromatin architecture, and orchestrating responses to DNA damage. Moreover, their involvement in nuclear export anomalies further underscores their prominence in cellular regulation. This article summarizes the important regulatory mechanisms and physiological roles of circR-loop in plants and animals, and offers a comprehensive exploration of the methodologies employed for the identification, characterization, and functional analysis of circR-loop, underscoring the pressing need for innovative approaches that can effectively distinguish them from their linear RNA counterparts while elucidating their precise functions. Lastly, the article sheds light on the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead in the field of circR-loop research, emphasizing the vital importance of continued investigations to uncover their regulatory roles and potential applications in the realm of biology. In summary, circR-loop represents a captivating and novel regulatory mechanism with broad-reaching implications spanning the realms of genetics, epigenetics, and disease biology. Their exploration opens new avenues for comprehending gene regulation and holds significant promise for future therapeutic interventions.
Genetic Effects of Grain Quality Enhancement in Indica Hybrid Rice: Insights for Molecular Design Breeding
Authors: Gao Ju , Gao Lijun , Chen Weiwei , Huang Juan , Qing Dongjin , Pan Yinghua , Ma Chonglie , Wu Hao , Zhou Weiyong , Li Jingcheng , Yang Xinghai , Dai Gaoxing , Deng Guofu
Published: June 2024

Improving rice quality remains a crucial breeding objective, second only to enhancing yield, yet progress in quality improvement lags behind yield. The high temperature and ripening conditions in Southern China often result in poor rice quality, impacting hybrid rice production and utilization. Therefore, to address this challenge, analyzing the molecular basis of high-quality traits is essential for molecular design breeding of high-quality hybrid rice varieties. In this study, we investigated the molecular basis of grain shape, amylose content, gel consistency, gelatinization temperature, and aroma, which influence rice quality. We discovered that quality related alleles gs3, GW7TFA, gw8, chalk5, Wxb, ALKTT, and fgr can enhance rice quality when applied in breeding programs. Polymerization of gs3, GW7TFA, gw8, and chalk5 genes improves rice appearance quality. The gs3 and GW7TFA allele polymerization increasing the grain’s length-width ratio, adding the aggregation of gw8 allele can further reducing grain width. The chalk5 gene regulates low chalkiness, but low correlation to chalkiness was exhibited with grain widths below 2.0 mm, with minimal differences between Chalk5 and chalk5 alleles. Enhancing rice cooking and eating quality is achieved through Wxb and ALKTT gene polymerization, while introducing the fgr(E7) gene significantly improved rice aroma. Using molecular marker-assisted technology, we aggregated these genes to develop a batch of indica hybrid rice parents with improved rice quality are obtained. Cross-combining these enhanced parents can generate new, high-quality hybrid rice varieties suitable for cultivation in Southern China. Therefore, our findings contribute to a molecular breeding model for grain quality improvement in high-quality indica hybrid rice. This study, along with others, highlights the potential of molecular design breeding for enhancing complex traits, particularly rice grain quality.
Transcriptome analysis reveals the key role of overdominant expression of photosynthetic and respiration-related genes in the formation of tobacco(Nicotiana tabacum L.) biomass heterosis
Authors: Lu Anbin , Zeng Shuaibo , Pi Kai , Long Benshan , Mo Zejun , Liu Renxiang
Published: June 2024

Background

Leaves are the nutritional and economic organs of tobacco, and their biomass directly affects tobacco yield and the economic benefits of farmers. In the early stage, our research found that tobacco hybrids have more leaves and larger leaf areas, but the performance and formation reasons of biomass heterosis are not yet clear.

Results

This study selected 5 parents with significant differences in tobacco biomass and paired them with hybrid varieties. It was found that tobacco hybrid varieties have a common biomass heterosis, and 45 days after transplantation is the key period for the formation of tobacco biomass heterosis; By analyzing the biomass heterosis of hybrids, Va116×GDH94 and its parents were selected for transcriptome analysis. 76.69% of the differentially expressed genes between Va116×GDH94 and its parents showed overdominant expression pattern, and these overdominant expression genes were significantly enriched in the biological processes of photosynthesis and TCA cycle; During the process of photosynthesis, the overdominant up-regulation of genes such as Lhc, Psa, and rbcl promotes the progress of photosynthesis, thereby increasing the accumulation of tobacco biomass; During the respiratory process, genes such as MDH, ACO, and OGDH are overedominantly down-regulated, inhibiting the TCA cycle and reducing substrate consumption in hybrid offspring; The photosynthetic characteristics of the hybrid and its parents were measured, and the net photosynthetic capacity of the hybrid was significantly higher than that of the parents.

Conclusion

These results indicate that the overdominant expression effect of differentially expressed genes in Va116×GDH94 and its parents plays a crucial role in the formation of tobacco biomass heterosis. The overdominant expression of genes related to photosynthesis and respiration enhances the photosynthetic ability of Va116×GDH94, reduces respiratory consumption, promotes the increase of biomass, and exhibits obvious heterosis.
Offsetting pb induced oxidative stress in Vicia faba plants by foliar spray of chitosan through adjustment of morpho-biochemical and molecular indices
Authors: Abdelhameed Reda E. , Abdalla Hanan , Abdel-Haleem Mohamed
Published: June 2024

In the course of their life, plants face a multitude of environmental anomaly that affects their growth and production. In recent decades, lead (Pb) gained an increasing attention as it is among the most significant contaminants in the environment. Therefore, in this study the effects of Pb concentrations (0, 50 and 100 ppm) on Vicia faba plants and attempts to alleviate this stress using chitosan (Chs; 0 and 0.1%) were performed. The results validated that with increasing Pb concentrations, a decline in growth, pigments and protein contents was observed. In the same time, a significant upsurge in the stress markers, both malondialdehyde (MDA) and H2O2, was observed under Pb stress. Nonetheless, foliar spraying with Chs improves the faba bean growth, pigment fractions, protein, carbohydrates, reduces MDA and H2O2 contents and decreases Pb concentrations under Pb stress. Pb mitigation effects by Chs are probably related with the activity of antioxidant enzymes, phenylalanine ammonia lyase (PAL) and proline. The application of Chs enhanced the activities of peroxidase, catalase and PAL by 25.77, 17.71 and 20.07%, respectively at 100 ppm Pb compared to their control. Plant genomic material exhibits significant molecular polymorphism, with an average polymorphism of 91.66% across all primers. To assess the genetic distance created among treatments, the dendrogram was constructed and the results of the similarity index ranged from 0.75 to 0.95, indicating genetic divergence. Our research offers a thorough comprehension of the role of Chs in lessening the oxidative stress, which will encourage the use of Chs in agricultural plant protection.
PFOA accumulation in the leaves of basil (Ocimum basilicum L.) and its effects on plant growth, oxidative status, and photosynthetic performance
Authors: Pietrini Fabrizio , Wyrwicka-Drewniak Anna , Passatore Laura , Nogués Isabel , Zacchini Massimo , Donati Enrica
Published: June 2024

Background

Perfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) are emerging contaminants of increasing concern due to their presence in the environment, with potential impacts on ecosystems and human health. These substances are considered “forever chemicals” due to their recalcitrance to degradation, and their accumulation in living organisms can lead to varying levels of toxicity based on the compound and species analysed. Furthermore, concerns have been raised about the possible transfer of PFASs to humans through the consumption of edible parts of food plants. In this regard, to evaluate the potential toxic effects and the accumulation of perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) in edible plants, a pot experiment in greenhouse using three-week-old basil (Ocimum basilicum L.) plants was performed adding PFOA to growth substrate to reach 0.1, 1, and 10 mg Kg− 1 dw.

Results

After three weeks of cultivation, plants grown in PFOA-added substrate accumulated PFOA at different levels, but did not display significant differences from the control group in terms of biomass production, lipid peroxidation levels (TBARS), content of α-tocopherol and activity of ascorbate peroxidase (APX), catalase (CAT) and guaiacol peroxidase (POX) in the leaves. A reduction of total phenolic content (TPC) was instead observed in relation to the increase of PFOA content in the substrate. Furthermore, chlorophyll content and photochemical reflectance index (PRI) did not change in plants exposed to PFAS in comparison to control ones. Chlorophyll fluorescence analysis revealed an initial, rapid photoprotective mechanism triggered by PFOA exposure, with no impact on other parameters (Fv/Fm, ΦPSII and qP). Higher activity of glutathione S-transferase (GST) in plants treated with 1 and 10 mg Kg− 1 PFOA dw (30 and 50% to control, respectively) paralleled the accumulation of PFOA in the leaves of plants exposed to different PFOA concentration in the substrate (51.8 and 413.9 ng g− 1 dw, respectively).

Conclusion

Despite of the absorption and accumulation of discrete amount of PFOA in the basil plants, the analysed parameters at biometric, physiological and biochemical level in the leaves did not reveal any damage effect, possibly due to the activation of a detoxification pathway likely involving GST.
Role of silicon in alleviating boron toxicity and enhancing growth and physiological traits in hydroponically cultivated Zea mays var. Merit
Authors: Behtash Farhad , Mogheri Farima , Aghaee Ahmad , Seyed Hajizadeh Hanifeh , Kaya Ozkan
Published: June 2024

Background

Boron (B) is a micronutrient, but excessive levels can cause phytotoxicity, impaired growth, and reduced photosynthesis. B toxicity arises from over-fertilization, high soil B levels, or irrigation with B-rich water. Conversely, silicon (Si) is recognized as an element that mitigates stress and alleviates the toxic effects of certain nutrients. In this study, to evaluate the effect of different concentrations of Si on maize under boron stress conditions, a factorial experiment based on a randomized complete block design was conducted with three replications in a hydroponic system. The experiment utilized a nutrient solution for maize var. Merit that contained three different boron (B) concentrations (0.5, 2, and 4 mg L−1) and three Si concentrations (0, 28, and 56 mg L−1).

Results

Our findings unveiled that exogenous application of B resulted in a substantial escalation of B concentration in maize leaves. Furthermore, B exposure elicited a significant diminution in fresh and dry plant biomass, chlorophyll index, chlorophyll a (Chl a), chlorophyll b (Chl b), carotenoids, and membrane stability index (MSI). As the B concentration augmented, malondialdehyde (MDA) content and catalase (CAT) enzyme activity exhibited a concomitant increment. Conversely, the supplementation of Si facilitated an amelioration in plant fresh and dry weight, total carbohydrate, and total soluble protein. Moreover, the elevated activity of antioxidant enzymes culminated in a decrement in hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and MDA content. In addition, the combined influence of Si and B had a statistically significant impact on the leaf chlorophyll index, total chlorophyll (a + b) content, Si and B accumulation levels, as well as the enzymatic activities of guaiacol peroxidase (GPX), ascorbate peroxidase (APX), and H2O2 levels. These unique findings indicated the detrimental impact of B toxicity on various physiological and biochemical attributes of maize, while highlighting the potential of Si supplementation in mitigating the deleterious effects through modulation of antioxidant machinery and biomolecule synthesis.

Conclusions

This study highlights the potential of Si supplementation in alleviating the deleterious effects of B toxicity in maize. Increased Si consumption mitigated chlorophyll degradation under B toxicity, but it also caused a significant reduction in the concentrations of essential micronutrients iron (Fe), copper (Cu), and zinc (Zn). While Si supplementation shows promise in counteracting B toxicity, the observed decrease in Fe, Cu, and Zn concentrations warrants further investigation to optimize this approach and maintain overall plant nutritional status.
Data-driven collaborative QUality improvement in Cardiac Rehabilitation (QUICR) to increase program completion: protocol for a cluster randomized controlled trial
Authors: Candelaria Dion , Redfern Julie , O’Neil Adrienne , Brieger David , Clark Robyn A , Briffa Tom , Bauman Adrian , Hyun Karice , Cunich Michelle , Figtree Gemma A , Cartledge Susie , Gallagher Robyn
Published: June 2024

Background

Coronary heart disease (CHD) is the leading cause of deaths and disability worldwide. Cardiac rehabilitation (CR) effectively reduces the risk of future cardiac events and is strongly recommended in international clinical guidelines. However, CR program quality is highly variable with divergent data systems, which, when combined, potentially contribute to persistently low completion rates. The QUality Improvement in Cardiac Rehabilitation (QUICR) trial aims to determine whether a data-driven collaborative quality improvement intervention delivered at the program level over 12 months: (1) increases CR program completion in eligible patients with CHD (primary outcome), (2) reduces hospital admissions, emergency department presentations and deaths, and costs, (3) improves the proportion of patients receiving guideline-indicated CR according to national and international benchmarks, and (4) is feasible and sustainable for CR staff to implement routinely.

Methods

QUICR is a multi-centre, type-2, hybrid effectiveness-implementation cluster-randomized controlled trial (cRCT) with 12-month follow-up. Eligible CR programs (n = 40) and the individual patient data within them (n ~ 2,000) recruited from two Australian states (New South Wales and Victoria) are randomized 1:1 to the intervention (collaborative quality improvement intervention that uses data to identify and manage gaps in care) or control (usual care with data collection only). This sample size is required to achieve 80% power to detect a difference in completion rate of 22%. Outcomes will be assessed using intention-to-treat principles. Mixed-effects linear and logistic regression models accounting for clusters within allocated groupings will be applied to analyse primary and secondary outcomes.

Discussion

Addressing poor participation in CR by patients with CHD has been a longstanding challenge that needs innovative strategies to change the status-quo. This trial will harness the collaborative power of CR programs working simultaneously on common problem areas and using local data to drive performance. The use of data linkage for collection of outcomes offers an efficient way to evaluate this intervention and support the improvement of health service delivery.

Ethics

Primary ethical approval was obtained from the Northern Sydney Local Health District Human Research Ethics Committee (2023/ETH01093), along with site-specific governance approvals.

Trial registration

Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (ANZCTR) ACTRN12623001239651 (30/11/2023) (https://anzctr.org.au/Trial/Registration/TrialReview.aspx?id=386540&isReview=true).
A bayesian network meta-analysis to explore modifying factors in randomized controlled trials: what works for whom to reduce depression in nursing home residents?
Authors: Declercq Ine J. N. , Leontjevas Ruslan , Verboon Peter , De Vriendt Patricia , Gerritsen Debby L. , van Hooren Susan
Published: June 2024

Background

Reviews of depression interventions in nursing home residents resulted in positive findings. However, because of the heterogeneity of the studies, it remains unclear what works for whom. Considering moderator effects may contribute to a comprehensive understanding of depression treatment in residents. Therefore, this study aims to review depression interventions, examining moderator effects of (1) residents’ factors, and (2) components specific of interventions.

Methods

A Bayesian network meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials primarily aimed at reducing depressive symptoms among residents was conducted. First, intervention types, e.g., exercise interventions, were compared to care as usual. Second, meta-regression analyses were conducted for moderator effects of residents’ factors (i.e., severity of depressive symptoms, physical dependency, and cognitive impairment) and components identified as specific to an intervention (e.g., music, creativity, positivity).

Results

Our search across six databases resulted in 118 eligible studies: 16 on neurobiological interventions, 102 on non-pharmacological interventions. Compared to care as usual, cognitive interventions, such as cognitive behavioral therapy and goal-oriented therapy, showed the strongest effects (MD = -1.00, 95% CrI [-1.40 to -0.66]). Furthermore, the severity of depressive symptoms moderated the effect of interventions (ƅ = -0.63, CrI 95% [-1.04 to -0.22]), while none of fifteen identified intervention-specific components did. In residents with a depression diagnosis, there were larger effect sizes for interventions including daily structure, psychoeducation, healthy food, creativity, positivity, and an activating/encouraging environment, whereas interventions focusing on distraction and relaxation had larger effect sizes in those residents without.

Conclusions

By examining the moderator effects, we provided an integrative perspective on the observed variations in effects across different target groups, and components of depression interventions. This approach underscores the complex nature of interventions, emphasizing the need for continued transdisciplinary research, and the exploration of potential moderators. Future investigations should carefully assess residents’ factors and choose interventions and their components accordingly.
Monitoring immunE DysregulAtion foLLowing Immune checkpOint-inhibitioN (MEDALLION): protocol for an observational cancer immunotherapy cohort study
Authors: Gault Abigail , Hogarth Linda , Williams Kristian C , Greystoke Alastair , Rajan Neil , Speight Ally , Lamb Christopher A , Bridgewood Alison , Brown-Schofield Lisa-Jayne , Rayner Fiona , Isaacs John D , Nsengimana Jérémie , Stewart Christopher J , Anderson Amy E , Plummer Ruth , Pratt Arthur G
Published: June 2024

Background

Checkpoint inhibitors (CPIs) are widely used in cancer treatment, with transformative impacts on survival. They nonetheless carry a significant risk of toxicity in the form of immune-related adverse events (IrAEs), which may be sustained and life-altering. IrAEs may require high-dose and/or prolonged steroid use and represent a significant healthcare burden. They mimic immune-mediated inflammatory diseases (IMIDs) but understanding of their pathogenesis is limited. The MEDALLION project aims to determine targetable mechanisms of immune dysregulation in IrAE development, employing an immune monitoring approach to determine changes in circulating and tissue resident cells of CPI recipients who do/do not develop them and assessing the contribution of the microbiome in parallel.

Methods

MEDALLION is a non-randomised longitudinal cohort study aiming to recruit 66 cancer patient recipients of anti-PD1/PD-L1, anti-CTLA-4 or combination therapy. Eligible participants include those with malignant melanoma in the adjuvant or metastatic setting, mesothelioma and non-small cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC) treated in the metastatic setting. Comprehensive clinical evaluation is carried out alongside blood, skin swab and stool sampling at the time of CPI initiation (baseline) and during subsequent routine hospital visits on 6 occasions over a 10-month follow-up period. It is conservatively anticipated that one third of enrolled patients will experience a “significant IrAE” (SirAE), defined according to pre-determined criteria specific to the affected tissue/organ system. Those developing such toxicity may optionally undergo a biopsy of affected tissue where appropriate, otherwise being managed according to standard of care. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells will be analysed using multi-parameter flow cytometry to investigate immune subsets, their activation status and cytokine profiles. Stool samples and skin swabs will undergo DNA extraction for 16 S ribosomal RNA (rRNA) sequencing and internal transcribed spacer (ITS) gene sequencing to determine bacterial and fungal microbiome diversity, respectively, including species associated with toxicity. Stored tissue biopsies will be available for in situ and single-cell transcriptomic evaluation. Analysis will focus on the identification of biological predictors and precursors of SirAEs.

Discussion

The pathogenesis of IrAEs will be assessed through the MEDALLION cohort, with the potential to develop tools for their prediction and/or strategies for targeted prevention or treatment.

Trial Registration

The study was registered on 18/09/2023 in the ISRCTN registry (43,419,676).
Anxiety, a significant risk factor for coronary artery disease: what is the best index
Authors: Rezaee Mojtaba , Darroudi Haniyeh , Etemad Leila , Shad Arya Nasimi , Zardast Zahra , Kohansal Houra , Ghayour-Mobarhan Majid , Sadeghian Fatemeh , Moohebati Mohsen , Esmaily Habibollah , Darroudi Susan , Ferns Gordon A.
Published: June 2024

Background

Coronary artery disease (CAD) is known as the leading cause of disability and death globally. Anxiety disorders are also recognized as common types of mental disorders that substantially impact global health. Iran ranks among the countries with a high incidence of CAD and anxiety disorders. Therefore, the present study aims to determine the potential association and epidemiological aspects of anxiety and CAD within the population of Mashhad, the second most popoulos city in Iran.

Methods

The present study is based on extracted data from the Mashhad stroke and heart atherosclerotic disorder (MASHAD) study which is a 10-year prospective cohort study intended to assess the effects of various CAD risk factors among Mashhad city residents. Anxiety scores were assessed at the baseline using Beck Anxiety Inventory and individuals were classified based on the BAI 4-factor structure model which included autonomic, cognitive, panic, and neuromotor components. Accordingly, the association between baseline anxiety scores and the BAI four-factor model with the risk of CAD events was analyzed using SPSS software version 21.

Results

Based on the results, 60.4% of the sample were female, and 5.6% were classified as having severe forms of anxiety. Moreover, severe anxiety was more prevalent in females. Results showed a 1.7% risk of CAD (p-value < 0.001) over 10 years with one unit increase in anxiety score. Based on the 4-factor model structure, we found that only panic disorder could significantly increase the risk of CAD by 1.1% over the 10-year follow-up (p-value < 0.001).

Conclusion

Anxiety symptoms, particularly panic disorder, are independently and significantly associated with an increased overall risk of developing CAD over a 10-year period. Therefore, further studies are warranted to investigate the mechanisms through which anxiety may cause CAD, as well as possible interventions to mitigate these processes.