bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of Aspirin and Omega-3 Fatty Acids on Composite and Subdomain Scores from the NEI-VFQ-25 Questionnaire: The ASCEND-Eye Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Sammons Emily L , Buck Georgina , Bowman Louise J , Stevens William M , Hammami Imen , Parish Sarah , Armitage Jane
Published: May 2024

Background:
The double-blind, 2x2 factorial design, placebo-controlled ASCEND randomized trial compared the effects of 100mg aspirin daily and, separately, 1g omega-3 fatty acids (FAs) daily on the primary prevention of cardiovascular disease in 15,480 UK adults with diabetes. We report the effects of these randomized treatment allocations on scores derived from the National Eye Institute’s Visual Function Questionnaire-25 (NEI-VFQ-25) in a subset of participants involved in the ASCEND-Eye sub-study.
Methods:
Ordinal data from the NEI-VFQ-25 were analyzed using proportional odds regression methods. A common odds ratio with a 95% confidence interval was used to interpret the average effect size of randomization to each study treatment on composite and subdomain scores from the questionnaire.
Results:
Neither randomization to aspirin nor omega-3 FAs for 7.5 years significantly affected composite or subdomain scores from the NEI-VFQ-25.
Conclusion:
Applying the NEI-VFQ-25 in ASCEND-Eye represents one of the largest surveys of vision-targeted health-related quality of life in people with diabetes. Further observational analyses of these data are planned, to identify the clinical and demographic characteristics associated with lower composite and subdomain scores in a diabetic population.
Study registration: Eudract No. 2004-000991-15; Multicentre Research Ethics Committee Ref No. 03/8/087; ClinicalTrials.gov No. NCT00135226; ISRCTN No. ISRCTN60635500
Protocol: available via the ClinicalTrials.gov website.
Impact of parameterization schemes on temperature simulation over China using the variable-resolution MPAS-A
Authors: BAI Rui , Sun Qizhen
Published: May 2024

In this study, we investigate how different physical parameterizations impact the simulation of surface (2 m) air temperature over China using the Model for Prediction Across Scales-Atmosphere (MPAS-A) with a customized 92-25 km variable resolution. All simulations use ERA-Interim reanalysis data as the initial conditions for three selected typical years (1987, 1998 and 2011), and seven sub-regions is divided to assess the performance of different parameterization schemes on varying climate types. We performed 12 simulations using combinations of two shortwave–longwave (SW-LW) radiation, three cumulus convective (CUM) and two microphysics (MP) schemes. Model performance is evaluated using CN05 observation. The simulation shows significant sensitivity to SW-LW schemes, with the large difference of RSME scores. And RRTMG exhibits lower bias over more than half of the sub-regions. The influence of CUM schemes is weaker than that of SW-LW schemes on surface air temperature simulation. GF shows best model BIAS over more sub-regions. Followed is KF. For the MP schemes, the difference between the simulation results of Thompson and WSM6 is not significant for the same time and sub-region. Further we analysis the influence of different parameterization combinations. RRTMG_Thompson_NTDK combination performs best relative to other combinations under all conditions, with higher spatial correlation coefficient, lower root-mean-square error and bias. The annual cycles of surface air temperature could also be reasonably reproduced. Our results indicate a better parametrization scheme configuration, evaluate the simulation performance of the MPAS model for surface air temperature over China, and provide a meaningful reference for future researches.
A Comparative Study of Surgical Excision and Steroid Injection in Managing Ganglion Cysts
Authors: Gopalakrishnan Karpaka Vinayakam , P Kawushik Kumar
Published: May 2024

Background
Ganglion cysts are benign soft tissue tumors that commonly occur in the joints, especially the wrist. Surgical excision and steroid injection are the two main treatment options; however, their efficacy remains unclear.
Methods
This prospective interventional control trial included 54 patients with ganglion cysts treated between March 2023 and March 2024 at Saveetha Medical College Hospital, Chennai. Patients were divided into two groups: Group A underwent surgical excision and Group B received aspiration followed by 40 mg of intralesional triamcinolone acetonide injection.
Results
The highest incidence was observed in younger patients aged 14–19 years (13 patients), with more females (57.4%) affected. The cysts were equally distributed between the left and right hands. All patients presented with swelling, and 59.3% experienced pain/discomfort. In Group A surgical excision success rate was 92.5%, with a 7.5% recurrence rate. Group B had a lower success rate (64.3%) and higher recurrence rate (35.7%) with aspiration and injection.
Conclusion
Surgical excision demonstrated significantly better outcomes, with higher success and lower recurrence rates than aspiration and steroid injection for the management of ganglion cysts. Therefore, this should be considered the preferred treatment option.
Disseminated Cryptococcal Gattii Infection in a Patient with Anti- Granulocyte-Macrophage Colony-Stimulating-Factor Autoantibody: A Case Report
Authors: Chen Chi-Tung , Chung Wei-Hsin , Ho Mao-Wang
Published: May 2024

Background:
Cryptococcosis is an opportunistic fungal infection in immunocompromised patients. The major species include Cryptococcus grubii, Cryptococcus neoformans, and rarely, Cryptococcus gattii. Here we present a disseminated Cryptococcus gattii infection in a patient with elevated granulocyte-macrophage-colony-stimulating-factor autoantibody which was successfully treated with antifungal therapy.
Case presentation:
A 61-year-old healthy man presented with a 3-week history of blurred vision, low-grade fever, headache, and a one-year history of low back pain following a fall on his farm. Physical examination revealed lower back tenderness and diplopia. He was tested negative for hepatitis B, C, and human immunodeficiency virus. Chest X-ray revealed a focal opacity in the right retrocardiac paraspinal region and pleural effusion. Magnetic resonance imaging showed a mass located at the L1 prevertebral region and multiple rim-enhancing lesions in bilateral cerebral hemispheres. Thoracoscopy demonstrated cystic lesions at the right costopleural angle. Pathology and microbiology studies confirmed the diagnosis of disseminated Cryptococcus gatti infection. Autoantibodies to granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor were detected and were considered to cause disseminated cryptococcosis. The patient was started on amphotericin B followed by fluconazole treatment. One month later, the symptoms ameliorated and repeated image studies after 1 year of follow-up showed the resolution of lesions.
Conclusion:
This report describes the first case of disseminated cryptococcus gattii infection involving the musculoskeletal system, respiratory system, and central nervous system with granulocyte-macrophage-colony-stimulating-factor autoantibody by evidence of histology and microbiology.
Impaired MC3T3-E1 osteoblast differentiation triggered by oncogenic HRAS is rescued by the farnesyltransferase inhibitor Tipifarnib
Authors: Andrasch Yannik , Ireri Moses Munene , Timm Ann-Engelke Sabrina , Chennappan Saravanakkumar , Engler Melanie , Cirstea Ion Cristian
Published: May 2024

HRAS is a ubiquitously expressed protein and functions as a central regulator of cellular homeostasis. In somatic cells, mutations in this gene cause cancer, while germline mutations trigger a developmental disorder known as Costello syndrome (CS). Among numerous pathologies, adult CS patients develop osteoporosis. Previous studies implicated HRAS in bone homeostasis by controlling osteoblast differentiation, adaptation to mechanical strain and repression of RANKL expression in mature osteoblasts, and by regulating osteoclast differentiation. However, the impact of HRAS on osteoblast differentiation is still debatable. In this study, we created stable doxycycline inducible cell lines overexpressing HRAS G12 mutants in MC3T3-E1 preosteoblast cell line and analyzed their impact on osteoblast differentiation. We demonstrated an inhibitory role of HRAS G12S and HRAS G12V mutants on osteogenic differentiation and identified an increased expression of Opn in an HRAS-dependent manner, which directly correlated with impaired osteogenesis, and was rescued by the farnesyl transferase inhibitor Tipifarnib. At the molecular level, Tipifarnib was not able to block HRAS activation, but impaired HRAS localization to the plasma membrane, and inhibited MAPK activation and Opn expression. Thus, HRAS abundance/activation and its crosstalk with OPN may be more critical for osteogenic differentiation than previously assumed.
Enhancing Patient Outcomes through Microwave Ablation in Hepatic Malignant Tumors: Insights on Recurrence Factors
Authors: Shi Jutian , Jiang Yutian , Li Jinpeng , Chen Hua , Cong Ning
Published: May 2024

The treatment of hepatic malignant tumors poses a significant global health challenge, often managed through percutaneous microwave ablation (MWA). Understanding the effectiveness of MWA and the factors influencing tumor recurrence is essential for improving patient outcomes. Methods: In this study, a cohort of 101 patients out of 249 with hepatic malignant tumors treated at the Shandong Cancer Hospital and Institute were analyzed. The study evaluated disease-free and overall survival rates at 1, 2, and 3 years post-MWA, exploring correlations between tumor recurrence and variables such as Child-Pugh B liver function classification and lesion count. Additionally, a meta-analysis was conducted to identify independent risk factors for recurrence following MWA treatment. Results: Disease-free survival rates of 80.2%, 72.3%, and 70.3% at 1, 2, and 3 years post-MWA were observed, alongside overall survival rates of 99%, 97%, and 96%. Noteworthy associations were found between tumor recurrence and Child-Pugh B classification, as well as the number of lesions. The meta-analysis further supported lesion count and Child-Pugh B classification as independent risk factors for recurrence post-MWA. Conclusion: Child-Pugh B classification and lesion count emerge as pivotal factors in predicting tumor recurrence post-MWA treatment for hepatic malignant tumors. These insights offer valuable guidance to clinicians in treatment decisions and post-treatment monitoring strategies, potentially leading to improved patient care and outcomes.
Exploring Modifiable Risk Factors: Insights from Mendelian Randomization Analyses of Gastric Cancer in East Asian Populations
Authors: He Wenjun , Tan Xin , Yang Weihao , Huang Donghua , Zhang hengyi , Liu hao
Published: May 2024

Background: The incidence of gastric cancer (GC) shows strong geographic variation, with the highest incidence occurring in East Asia. Epidemiological studies have linked lifestyle, diet, and inflammatory factors to the risk of GC. However, their causal relationship is subject to debate due to the potential presence of bias. Addressing these uncertainties is vital for guiding effective preventive strategies.
Methods: We used genetic variants as instruments via two-sample univariate and multivariate Mendelian randomization (MR) analyses to examine the relationships between 40 potentially modifiable risk factors and gastric cancer in 6563 patients with gastric cancer and 195745 controls. These population data came from a genome-wide association study of people of Asian ancestry and were obtained from BioBank Japan(BBJ).
Results: Our multivariable MR analyses provided suggestive evidence of a potential association between genetically predicted concentrations of serum hemoglobin (ORSD 0.62 [95% CI 0.41 ~ 0.93]; p=0.02), lactate dehydrogenase (ORSD 0.62 [95% CI 0.41 ~ 0.93]; p<0.001) and alkaline phosphatase (OR SD0.80 [95% CI 0.73 ~ 0.88]; p <0.001) and a decreased risk of GC. Furthermore, our study revealed a causal link between type 2 diabetes mellitus (ORSD 0.83, 95% CI=0.73~0.93, P value=0.002) and GC incidence.
Conclusions: This analysis identified several potential modifiable factors for gastric cancer, including hemoglobin, lactate dehydrogenase, alkaline phosphatase and T2DM. These findings should be considered when formulating strategies for the primary prevention of GC, thereby informing evidence-based public health policies.
Prognostic implications of tumor mutation burden in postoperative patients with colorectal cancer who received capecitabine-based adjuvant chemotherapy: a retrospective exploratory study
Authors: Zhu Yuanzeng , Zhang Han , Zhou Yang , Chen Wenchao , Lu Di
Published: May 2024

Background: This study aimed to investigate the prognostic implications of tumor mutation burden (TMB) in patients with colorectal cancer (CRC) who underwent surgical resection and capecitabine-based adjuvant chemotherapy.
Methods: A total of 82 patients with CRC who underwent surgical resection and capecitabine-based adjuvant chemotherapy were included in this study retrospectively. Tumor tissue specimens were collected for DNA extraction after surgical resection. Somatic mutation detection and TMB analysis were performed using next-generation sequencing (NGS) of tumor-related genes. The recurrence status of the patients was assessed in the hospital during the adjuvant chemotherapy period, and the long-term survival data of patients were obtained by telephone follow-up. The univariate analysis between TMB status and prognosis was carried out by Kaplan-Meier survival analysis and adjusted by multivariate Cox regression analysis subsequently.
Results: The median follow-up period of this study was 5.3 years (range: 0.25-9.6 years). The median disease-free survival (DFS) of the 82 patients was 4.5 years, the median overall survival (OS) was 5.7 years. The results of NGS analysis demonstrated that the most common mutated somatic genes among the 82 patients were TP53, APC, RAS, PIK3CA and EGFR, and the prevalence was 62.2%, 58.5%, 47.6%, 34.1% and 30.4%, respectively. Other somatic mutant genes were of relatively low frequency (<30%). Regarding the TMB analysis, the overall somatic mutation burden of the 82 patients was comparatively low [median: 3.9/Mb (range: 1.6-48.6/Mb)]. TMB status was divided into TMB-L (≤3.9/Mb) and TMB-H (>3.9/Mb) according to the median TMB threshold. And the patients with TMB-L and TMB-H were observed in 42 cases and 40 cases, respectively. Prognostic analysis according to TMB status demonstrated that the median OS of patients with TMB-L and TMB-H was 6.5 and 4.5 years, respectively (P=0.009). Additionally, in order to adjust the confounding factors that might influence OS, a multivariate Cox regression analysis was introduced and the results exhibited that TMB status was an independent factor for OS (HR=0.71, P=0.011).
Conclusion: TMB might be considered as a potential biomarker for predicting the prognosis of patients with CRC who underwent surgical resection and capecitabine-based adjuvant chemotherapy. Results of this study should be elucidated in large-scale prospective clinical trial subsequently.
Cost-effectiveness of systematic chemotherapy for metastatic pancreatic cancer: a retrospective study using Japanese clinical data
Authors: Akira Shinohara , Takumoto Yuki , Tauchi Junko , Morishita Kohki , Kawasaki Toshikatsu , Akazawa Manabu
Published: May 2024

Background: Gemcitabine plus nab-paclitaxel (GnP)and modified FOLFIRINOX (mFFX)are recommended as standard first-line treatments for metastatic pancreatic cancer in Japan. Considering the emergence and associated costs of adverse events in clinical practice, it is unclear which treatment is more cost-effective: mFFX or GnP. This study aimed to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of mFFX and GnPin patients with metastaticpancreatic cancer in clinical practice in Jaan.
Methods: This retrospective cohort study compared patients with metastatic pancreatic cancer treated with mFFX or GnP between December 2013 and February 2017 at the National Cancer Center Hospital East. A partitioned survival model was developed featuring five mutually exclusive health states, namely, 1st line stable disease (1stSD), 1st progressive disease (1stPD), 2nd line stable disease (2ndSD), 2nd progressive disease (2ndPD), and death. A cost-effectiveness analysis was performed to obtain the total costs and quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs). A 2% annual discount rate was applied to costs and outcomes. A one-way sensitivity analysis(OWSA) was performed to assess the effect of parameter uncertainty on the results. mFFX treatment involved the intravenous infusion of oxaliplatin, levofolinate, and irinotecan, while GnP treatment involved weekly intravenous administration of nab-paclitaxel and gemcitabine. Dosages were adjusted based on observed adverse events.
Results: The total costs of the mFFX and GnP arms were JPY 3,193,597 (USD 31,006) and JPY 3,913,171 (USD 37,992), respectively. Incremental total costs of JPY 719,574 (USD 6,986) were associated with GnP compared to mFFX. Total QALYs in the mFFX and the GnP arms were 0.427 and 0.435, respectively.
Conclusion: GnP was associated with slightly higher QALYs than mFFX in Japanese clinical practice and should be the preferred first-line treatment for metastatic pancreatic cancer in Japan.
Bioelectrical impedance analysis-derived phase angle (PhA) in adults with normal weight obesity and correlation of PhA with body composition
Authors: Luo Xi , Jin Weiwei
Published: May 2024

Background: Normal weight obesity (NWO) is defined as having a normal body mass index (BMI) accompany with a high percent body fat (PBF). Individuals with NWO have a higher risk for type 2 diabetes, cardiometabolic diseases and adverse health issues. Asian populations tend to have normal BMI with high PBF, which is concerning. The excessive adipose accumulation results in a significant reduction of health-related physical fitness and can affect the phase angle (PhA). Therefore, this study aimed to assess the body composition among Chinese adults with normal BMI, and to establish PhA reference data for NWO population.
Methods: A total of 4839 adult participants were enrolled for analysis. A four-group comparison of the PhA for participants categorized with NWO, NWO with low muscle mass, low muscle mass, and others were conducted. Pearson’s correlation coefficients were used to evaluate the correlation between PhA and age, PBF, waist circumference (WC), visceral fat area (VFA), appendicular skeletal muscle mass index (ASMI) and BMI. Multivariate regression analysis was applied to determine the relationship between PhA and NWO, NWO with low muscle mass, low muscle mass, and others. Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curves were used to identify the optimal PhA cut-off values for detecting NWO with low muscle mass in males and females.
Results: A significantly difference in PhA among participants with four groups (P <0.001). Pearson correlation analysis showed a positive correlation between PhA and WC, ASMI, BMI; but a negative correlation between PhA and age, PBF, VFA (P <0.001). The results of multivariate linear regression analysis showed that age, gender, PBF, and ASMI were independent and significant determinants of PhA in NWO participants (P <0.001). NWO, NWO with low muscle mass, low muscle mass were significantly and negatively associated with the PhA in males and females (P <0.001). These results indicated that NWO with low muscle mass was more strongly associated with the PhA than NWO and low muscle mass. The area under the ROC curve (AUC) of PhA for NWO with low muscle mass was 0.786 (95% CI, 0.755-0.818, P<0.001) for males, and 0.746 (95% CI, 0.705-0.786, P <0.001) for females. The optimal cut-off value was ≤5.48° (specificity 0.660, sensitivity 0.782) for males, and ≤4.60° (specificity 0.788, sensitivity 0.565) for females.
Conclusion: A negative correlation was observed between PhA and PBF. PhA can be used as a predictor of NWO with low muscle mass, and the cut-off values were ≤5.55° for males and ≤4.79° for females. Simple and practical PhA-based prediction of pre-sarcopenic obesity in normal weight population would be useful in clinical practice.
Impact of renal impairment on chemotherapy-induced neutropenia in patients who are treated with trifluridine/thymidine phosphorylase inhibitor + bevacizumab for metastatic colorectal cancer: A retrospective study
Authors: Shibutani Masatsune , Tanda Hideki , Kasashima Hiroaki , Fukuoka Tatsunari , Kashiwagi Shinichiro , Maeda Kiyoshi
Published: May 2024

Background: Although the phase III SUNLIGHT trial has demonstrated the survival benefit of the addition of bevacizumab (Bmab) to trifluridine/thymidine phosphorylase inhibitor (FTD/TPI), neutropenia, which frequently occurs during FDT/TPI + Bmab therapy, is a concern for clinicians. As TPI is excreted by the kidneys, the risk of adverse events is likely to be high in patients with an impaired renal function. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between renal impairment and the incidence of chemotherapy-induced neutropenia during FTD/TPI + Bmab therapy using real-world data.
Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 69 patients with metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) who were treated with FTD/TPI + Bmab for more than 28 days. Patients with renal impairment with an eGFR of 30-44 mL/min/1.73 m2 were defined as the G3b group.
Results: Seven patients (10.1%) were classified into the G3b group. Among the 69 patients enrolled in this study, grade ≥3 neutropenia was observed in 34 patients (49.3%), and grade 4 neutropenia was observed in 9 patients (13.0%). Patients in the G3b group had an approximately 24% higher incidence of grade ≥3 neutropenia in comparison to others (71.4% vs. 46.8%), and the incidence of grade 4 neutropenia in the G3b group was significantly higher than that in others (42.9% vs. 9.7%, p=0.042). In an analysis limited to the G3b group, of the 5 patients who developed grade ≥3 neutropenia, four patients (80%) developed grade ≥3 neutropenia, and 2 (40%) developed grade 4 neutropenia within 30 days after initiation of FTD/TPI + Bmab therapy. However, the duration required for neutrophil count to recover to ≥1500 /mm3 and the treatment effects of the G3b group were comparable to those observed in other patients.
Conclusion: FTD/TPI + Bmab therapy is associated with a high risk of severe neutropenia within 30 days of initiation, especially in patients with a decreased renal function.
Examining the relationship between reproductive empowerment and contraceptive self-injection: tackling the endogeneity problem
Authors: Lydon Megan M , Burke Holly M , Anfinson Katherine M , Mulugeta Tihut , Anteneh Aderaw , Teklu Teferi , Chen Mario
Published: May 2024

Background: Self-care interventions, including contraceptive self-injectables such as subcutaneous depot medroxyprogesterone acetate (DMPA-SC), are hypothesized to be empowering to users. It is also believed that those who are empowered are more likely to use self-care. Though critical for ensuring equity of these interventions, evidence for the relationship between empowerment and contraceptive self-care is scant. However, studying this relationship is challenging. In addition to the potential reversed causality between these two constructs, empowerment is determined by similar factors as the motivation for using self-care, contributing to an endogeneity problem. If not addressed, endogeneity can lead to incorrect causal assertions.
Methods: Using data from a study of 400 women from six public health facilities in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia who opted to self-inject DMPA-SC, we assessed the directionality between the two constructs through two models: the first assessed the change in empowerment after participants’ first self-injection and the second assessedthe effect of empowerment on potential future use of self-injection. To address potential endogeneity, we identified instrumental variables of empowerment and then applied a two-stage regression approach to predict desire to continue self-injecting at follow-up with an instrument for empowerment, controlling for other variables.
Results: Empowerment scores among the 343 women who were followed-up were high and did not significantly change from baseline to endline. Most women (78%) wanted to continue self-injecting. The following variables were associated with endline empowerment, but not with desire to continue and were therefore used as instruments: religion, employment status and postsecondary school attendance. The final model did not identify a significant relationship between desire to continue self-injecting and empowerment. The test of exogeneity was marginally significant (p=0.08).
Conclusions: We did not find evidence of a significant relationship between reproductive empowerment and desire to continue self-injecting. Though there are limitations to this secondary data analysis, we recommend future research investigate this relationship using the methodology we demonstrate to address endogeneity inherent in answering this critical question about self-care interventions.
Characteristics of H3K27M-mutant diffuse gliomas with a non-midline location
Authors: Guidara Souhir , Seyve Antoine , Poncet Delphine , Leonce Camille , Bringuier Pierre-Paul , McLeer Anne , Sturm Dominik , Cartalat Stéphanie , Picart Thiebaud , Ferrari Anthony , Hench Jürgen , Frank Stephan , Meyronet David , Ducray François , Barritault Marc
Published: May 2024

Purpose: Diffuse midline gliomas (DMG) with H3K27 alterations (H3K27M-DMG) are a highly aggressive form of brain cancer. In rare cases, H3K27 mutations have been observed in diffuse non-midline gliomas (DNMG). It is currently unclear how these tumors should be classified. Herein, we analyze the characteristics of DNMG with H3K27M mutations.
Methods: We reviewed the clinical, radiological and histological characteristics of all patients with an H3K27M mutated diffuse glioma diagnosed in our institution, between 2016 and 2023, to identify cases with a non-midline location. We then performed a molecular characterization (DNA methylation profiling, whole genome and transcriptome sequencing or targeted sequencing) of patients with an H3K27M-mutant DNMG and reviewed previously reported cases.
Results: Among 51 patients (18 children and 33 adults) diagnosed with an H3K27M diffuse glioma, we identified two patients (4%) who had a non-midline location. Including our two patients, 39 patients were reported in the literature with an H3K27M-mutant DNMG. Tumors were most frequently located in the temporal lobe (48%), affected adolescents and adults, and were associated with a poor outcome (median overall survival was 10.3 months (0.1-84)). Median age at diagnosis was 19.1 years. Tumors frequently harbored TP53 mutations (74%), ATRX mutations (71%) and PDGFRA mutations or amplifications (44%). In DNA methylation analysis, H3K27M-mutant DNMG clustered within or close to the reference group of H3K27M-mutant DMG. Compared to their midline counterpart, non-midline gliomas with H3K27M mutations seemed more frequently associated with PDGFRA alterations.
Conclusion: DNMG with H3K27M mutations share many similarities with their midline counterpart, suggesting that they correspond to a rare anatomical presentation of these tumors. This is of paramount importance, as they may benefit from new therapeutic approaches such as ONC201.
Profiling epithelial viral receptor expression in amniotic membrane and nasal epithelial cells at birth
Authors: Renouf Bailee , Sutanto Erika N. , Kidd Courtney , Lim James , Amin Minda , Berry Luke , Hoyne Gerard , D'Vaz Nina , Starcevich-Kicic Elizabeth , Stick Stephen M. , Iosifidis Thomas
Published: May 2024

Children with wheeze and asthma present with airway epithelial vulnerabilities, such as impaired responses to viral infection. It is postulated that the in utero environment may contribute to the development of airway epithelial vulnerabilities. The aims of the study were to establish whether the receptors for rhinovirus (RV), respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) are expressed in the amniotic membrane and whether the pattern of expression is similar to newborn nasal epithelium. Amniotic and newborn nasal samples expressed various receptors for RV, RSV and SARS-CoV-2 at the gene level, quantified by qPCR. In addition, protein expression of these receptors was confirmed in the amniotic samples by western blot, which were localised to the epithelial layer of the membrane using immunohistochemistry. This proof-of-concept study indicates the potential of amniotic samples to facilitate investigation into the interactions between the in utero environment and prenatal programming of epithelial innate immune responses to viruses.
Geochemistry and cyclostratigraphy of homogeneous deposits using high-resolution hand-held X-ray Fluorescence: Outcrop to subsurface correlation, sequence stratigraphy, and constraints on hiatuses (middle-Upper Eocene, Tunisia)
Authors: Messaoud Jihede Haj
Published: May 2024

This paper aims to determine the applicability of the handheld X-ray fluorescence (HH-XRF) for studying homogenous deposits, which finds essential applications in economic geology and paleoenvironmental studies. We tested using the HH-XRF in thick mudstone series to delineate the sequence stratigraphic framework and redox conditions in the deep-water section and for outcrop to well correlation in the shallow water deposits. Samples that exhibit maximum or minimum values for Si and Ti elements were chosen for the Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS) analysis to help establish sequence boundaries. A comparison of HH-XRF and ICP-MS for measuring major and minor element concentrations was applied to validate the HH-XRF data. The data was normalized by Al and Ti to reveal the major trends. Si/Al and Si/Ti measurements have proven particularly useful for delignating sequences in homogeneous deep-water mudstones and cyclostratigraphy. Changes in Mo/Al, As/Al, V/Cr, V/(V + Ni) and isolated peaks in Sulphur during the Lutetian – Bartonian transition have been related to Maximum Flooding Surfaces (MFS) or Sequence Boundaries (SB). They are, therefore, associated with condensation or no deposition rather than a significant change in oxygenation conditions in the bottom waters of the outer ramp of our basin. Consequently, they do not truly reflect dysoxia but rather the peculiar chemical conditions associated with condensation.
Navigating Ritual Resilience: The Interplay of Change and Continuity in the Shaolin Monastery During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Nešković Marta
Published: May 2024

The global upheaval caused by the COVID-19 pandemic introduced considerable perturbations to the religious life and ritual observances within most religious communities around the world. This article delves into the resilience and adaptability of ritual practices within the Shaolin Monastery of China during the five-month COVID-19 quarantine spanning from 23 January to 22 June, 2020. Employing ethnographic methods and grounded in anthropological theory, the study examines the interplay between ritual as a static social fact and as a dynamic, adaptable process, within the context of the Shaolin monastic life. It underlines the intricate interplay between static and dynamic elements in ritual practice, casting light on the Shaolin community’s response to the pandemic.
The study discerns dichotomies responsible for the critical forces underlying complex dynamics intrinsic to the Shaolin community’s religious life, namely: religious–secular, isolation–social engagement, discipline–freedom, tradition–innovation, and individual–collective. Tracking the evolutions and consistencies within these dual relationships enabled casting light on the transformative processes that were set in motion and identifying the elements of the religious life that have undergone change and those that have remained constant. This exploration offers a unique glimpse into the mechanisms through which resilience was enacted with the strategies that enabled the community to maintain, adjust and innovate its ritual practices amidst the tribulations presented by the crisis.
Effective utilization of vaccination to protect against viral reproductive pathogens
Authors: Walz Paul
Published: May 2024

Bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV) and Bovine alphaherpes­virus-1 (BoHV-1) have long been recognized as major causes of reproductive disease in beef and dairy cattle. Enhancing im­munity through prebreeding vaccination and annual revaccina­tion of the cowherd provide important contributions to limiting reproductive losses associated with these viral infections and are also important control procedures to limit transmission of these viruses among cattle populations. While providing efficacy, vaccination should also be safe. Safety concerns are often associated with the BoHV-1 fractions, while efficacy con­cerns are often associated with BVDV fractions of multivalent vaccines. Vaccination against BVDV and BoHV-1 effectively decrease risk of fetal infection, including abortions, birth of per­sistently infected BVDV carriers, and pregnancy loss. Safety con­cerns associated with viral vaccines, more specifically modified-live viral vaccines, should not overshadow the protective effects associated with sound vaccination principles and programs.
Beef’s intersection with ESG Metrics
Authors: Place Sara
Published: May 2024

Environmental, social and governance (ESG) metrics are in­creasingly important to businesses for evaluating their perfor­mance in non-financial indicators to investors. Currently, the largest intersection of the beef industry with ESG metrics is re­lated to the area of greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) reporting and goals and targets. Many companies that sell beef products have made public commitments to reduce Scope 3 GHG emis­sions, which includes GHG emissions from all inputs, including emissions associated with the raising of cattle for beef. Cur­rently, there is a gap between company commitments and the U.S. beef supply’s ability to document and mitigate greenhouse gas emissions from cattle production. Research filling these gaps, including improving models used for reporting and find­ing practical and scalable solutions to mitigate enteric methane emissions is a key focus of Colorado State University’ AgNext. Animal health and veterinary medicine is a key part of main­taining and achieving ESG metrics outcome goals, as lower rates of morbidity and mortality can lower resource inputs and GHG emissions per pound of beef produced. Additionally, animal health and well-being are fundamental components of the social license to operate for beef supply chains, thus bovine veterinari­ans can play a key role in ESG metrics related to beef production.
Creating an onboarding plan for the elusive new associate
Authors: Witt Shannon
Published: May 2024

Hypothetical situation: you are a tired DVM who would like more doctor power to grow your practice and take care of your clients. Maybe even build in some better time off! Before you start the hiring process, let’s make a plan! I will take you through my on-boarding process and share tips and ideas to get you started. The focus of this talk will be on integrating a new associate into the practice and setting them up for long term suc­cess. What does mentorship look like? How will this investment of your time and energy pay off in retention? Join me for a talk designed to give you some tools to customize for your practice.
Practical small ruminant nutrition: Applied nutrition for veterinarians
Authors: Mongini Andrea
Published: May 2024

Small ruminants have unique nutritional requirements that vary from cattle and other ruminant species. Sheep and goats also differ from one another in their nutritional requirements. This paper covers concepts related to basic applied nutrition for feeding goats and sheep. The nutrition recommendations covered are for practical use by veterinarians who aim to assist clients in creating feeding guidelines.
Predicting calcium status in early lactation multiparous Holsteins using milk constituent analysis
Authors: Seminara J. , Callero K. , Seely C. , Van Althuis M. , An S. , Salpekar C. , Barbano D. , McArt J.
Published: May 2024

Due to the unique challenges of supporting milk production, subclinical hypocalcemia (SCH) is common among early lacta­tion dairy cows. Though SCH immediately following parturi­tion may constitute normal adaptation to the transition period, there is growing evidence that cows with SCH beyond 4 days postpartum (DIM) have developed dyscalcemia, a pattern of calcium dysregulation that has been associated with negative health and production outcomes. Despite prevalence of dyscal­cemia ranging from 25% to 45%, identifying cows with dyscal­cemia remains a major challenge on commercial dairies. Our objective was to develop an algorithm for predicting dyscalce­mia status using Fourier-transform mid-infrared spectroscopic (FT MIR) analysis of milk samples at 3 and 4 DIM.
Trace mineral testing in Ontario cow-calf operations
Authors: Gordon J. , Rossi T. , Reynen R. , Miltenburg C.
Published: May 2024

There is much confusion surrounding trace mineral supple­mentation in cattle, particularly on cow-calf operations. Because a total mixed ration is rarely utilized, it can be chal­lenging to determine the amount of mineral that cattle are con­suming on a daily basis. When producers have health concerns in their herd that may be tied back to trace mineral consump­tion, the veterinarians struggle to determine if supplementa­tion was appropriate and which tests are the most effective to examine trace mineral status in the cows. The objective of this study was to examine the trace mineral status of cows on cow-calf operations in Ontario and understand more about the sup­plementation strategies that were being used.
Association between heart measurements and the prevalence of heart lesions at necropsy in feedlot cattle
Authors: Long K. , White B. , Bortoluzzi E. , Carpenter L. , Mancke M. , Schmidt P. , Brown R. , Jensen M.
Published: May 2024

Heart disease is an animal health and economic concern to feedlot cattle producers. The objective was to determine as­sociations between heart measurements and heart lesions in feedlot cattle at necropsy. We hypothesize that heart measure­ments will differ between cattle with heart lesions present dur­ing gross necropsy vs. those without.
Agreement of antimicrobial susceptibility testing of Pasteurella multocida and Mannheimia haemolytica found in pre-weaned dairy calves with bovine respiratory disease
Authors: Credille B. , Capik S.
Published: May 2024

Bovine respiratory disease (BRD) is one of the primary dis­eases affecting pre-weaned dairy calves and involves respi­ratory pathogens, such as Mannheimia haemolytica (Mh) and Pasteurella multocida (Pm). While agreement between methods for detection of bacterial pathogens in dairy calves with BRD is very good, there are limited data regarding how antimicro­bial susceptibility (AS) of isolates collected via these methods agree. The objective was to evaluate agreement among the AS profiles of Mh or Pm obtained by transtracheal wash (TTW), nasal swab (NS), nasopharyngeal swab (DNP), and bronchoal­veolar lavage (BAL) in pre-weaned dairy calves with BRD that were positive in all 4 samples.
Mycoplasma ovipneumoniae in farmed whitetailed deer
Authors: Elsmo E. , Highland M. , Darkow B.
Published: May 2024

Mycoplasma ovipneumoniae is an infectious cause of respiratory disease, previously assumed to cause disease only in members of the subfamily Caprinae (sheep, goats, muskox). This bacteri­um has sporadically been isolated from other species, including captive white-tailed deer (WTD); however, little is known about the incidence or significance of M. ovipneumoniae in this spe­cies. Chronic respiratory disease is a common problem in captive WTD, and due to the fastidious nature of M. ovipneumoniae, in­fections with this bacterium may be overlooked as a contributing factor. The objective of this study is to characterize the incidence of M. ovipneumoniae infection and its association with respira­tory disease in an intensively managed captive WTD herd. Ad­ditionally, future multi-locus and full genome sequence analyses will elucidate relatedness between M. ovipneumoniae isolates from WTD and other species.
Pharmacokinetics of oral phenazopyridine in goats with obstructive urolithiasis
Authors: Mitman S. , Camacho B. , Neumann L. , Schwartz M. , Baynes R. , Foster D. , Halleran J.
Published: May 2024

Phenazopyridine, an azo dye and urinary bladder analgesic widely used in human medicine, is commonly used for ancil­lary pain management in the treatment of goats with obstruc­tive urolithiasis. Despite its common use in these patients, there are no published studies on the pharmacokinetic param­eters, safety, or efficacy of phenazopyridine in caprine patients. The aim of this study was to determine the pharmacokinetic pa­rameters of oral phenazopyridine administration in goats with obstructive urolithiasis following tube cystostomy surgery
Mitochondrial dynamics and the significance of its disturbances in the development of childhood diseases. Part II. Cardiological and endocrinological aspects
Authors: Sukhorukov V. S. , Baranich T. I. , Egorova A. V. , Fedorova E. N. , Skvortsova K. A. , Kharlamov D. A. , Krapivkin A. I.
Published: May 2024

In recent years, the dynamics of mitochondrial transformations in cells have been of more concern to both representatives of basic science and researchers in the field of applied medicine. A growing number of observations demonstrate the important regulatory influence of mitochondrial dynamics on a variety of physiological and pathological processes in many, if not all, organ and tissue structures. The prospects for studying the features and regulators of these processes for understanding the pathogenesis of diseases, developing their new biomarkers, as well as treatment technologies seem increasingly significant. The purpose of this article is to review the facts obtained regarding mitochondrial dynamics, which, from the authors’ point of view, deserve the attention of pediatricians. The volume of relevant information turned out to be too extensive to fit into one article, which forced it to be divided into several successive publications. The second part provides information about the role of mitochondrial dynamics disturbances in the pathogenesis of cardiovascular and endocrine diseases in children.
Epidemiology of rotavirus infection: the evolution of the pathogen and the success of vaccination
Authors: Gorbunov S. G. , Cheburkin A. A.
Published: May 2024

The review presents data on the spread of various rotavirus genotypes and its variability in the world and in Russia, which occur both due to natural causes and under the influence of vaccination against rotavirus infection, as well as on the transformation of clinical and epidemiological features of the course of this disease in children as a result of the pathogen mutations.
Genome-wide sequencing in children with epilepsy and developmental disorders
Authors: Belousova E. D. , Groznova O. S. , Voinova V. Yu.
Published: May 2024

The progress of genetic diagnostic methods and a significant improvement in the quality of next-generation sequencing (NGS) have led to a revolution in the study of the genetics of epilepsy. Genome-wide sequencing (PSG) is the «gold standard» in genetic research in epilepsy.Material and methods. Genome-wide sequencing was performed in 168 probands aged from 1 month to 18 years with a suspected diagnosis of genetic epilepsy. PSG was prescribed to patients who, alongside with epilepsy, had delayed intellectual/speech development and/or motor disorders and behavioral disorders.Results. According to the results of PSG, genetic variants related to the phenotype of the disease were detected in 137 out of 168 (81.5%) children, variations in the number of DNA copies were noted in 14 out of 168 (8.3%) patients. Variants with unclear clinical significance were described in 35 of 137 (25.54%). In the remaining 102 out of 137 (74.45%) patients, the identified causative genetic variants were described as probably pathogenic and pathogenic. Monogenic developmental and epileptic encephalopathies (DEE) were detected in 37/137 or 27% of all patients, while the spectrum of these genetic encephalopathies was extremely wide (from DEE type 1 to DEE type 97). In 52/137 (37.9%) children, the presence of a specific genetic syndrome outside the framework of the DEE, classified in OMIM, was confirmed.Conclusion. The results confirm the high informative value of genome-wide sequencing in a group of children with a combination of epilepsy, intellectual, speech, motor and behavioral disorders. In most cases, the results allow either to prescribe a genotype-oriented symptomatic (less often pathogenetic) treatment, or rationally justify the tactics of further observation and examination, as well as to increase the effectiveness of medical and genetic counseling. The authors express their sincere gratitude to the Charity foundation for medical and social genetic aid projects «Life Genome” for assistance in conducting genome-wide sequencing of most of the described patients.
Genetic determinants of obesity in adolescent girls
Authors: Evdokimova N. V. , Shogiradze L. D. , Pokhlebkina A. A. , Petrenko Yu. V. , Mikhnina E. A. , Novikova V. P. , Glushakov R. I. , Prokhorova N. D. , Buntovskaya A. S. , Trandina A. E. , Bezhenar V. F.
Published: May 2024

Significant progress in understanding the genetic contribution in obesity and its prevalence at all ages has been achieved since existing methods of treatment and preventive measures aimed at combating obesity are not effective enough.Purpose. To study the prevalence of pathologic single nucleotide polymorphisms rs6265 of the brain neutrophic factor gene BDNF; rs1137101 of the leptin receptor gene LEPR; rs9939609 of the gene, associated with fat mass, FTO; rs4762 and rs699 of angiotensinogen AGT gene; rs1799883 of fatty acid transporter gene FABP2; rs1801282 of PPARG2 gene in obese adolescent girls.Material and methods. 72 teenage girls aged 12–17 years were examined. Group 1 consisted of 36 obese children (standard deviation coefficient SDS BMI ≥ 2.0), group 2 — 36 non-obese children (SDS BMI <1.0). Anthropometric, molecular genetic, and statistical methods were used.Results. In obese adolescent girls, an association was detected with only one gene — PPARG2, a polymorphic locus (Pro/Pro). The prevalence rate of the C allele in group 1 was 80%, in group 2 — 3% (p<0.05). No statistically significant differences in the frequencies of genotypes and alleles of other genes in children with obesity and normal body weight were established.Conclusion. Further large-scale studies, including biochemical and hormonal parameters, are needed to establish the influence of specific polymorphic loci of various genes contributing in obesity and metabolic processes.