bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparison of the protective effects of CS/TPP and CS/HPMCP nanoparticles containing berberine in ethanol-induced hepatotoxicity in rat
Authors: Mahboubi Kancha Maral , Alizadeh Morteza , Mehrabi Mohsen
Published: January 2024

Background

Alcoholic liver disease (ALD) is a globally critical condition with no available efficient treatments.

Methods

Herein, we generated chitosan (CS) nanoparticles cross-linked with two different agents, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose phthalate (HPMCP; termed as CS/HPMCP) and tripolyphosphate (TPP; termed as CS/TPP), and loaded them with berberine (BBr; referred to as CS/HPMCP/BBr and CS/TPP/BBr, respectively). Alongside the encapsulation efficiency (EE) and loading capacity (LC), the releasing activity of the nanoparticles was also measured in stimulated gastric fluid (SGF) and stimulated intestinal fluid (SIF) conditions. The effects of the prepared nanoparticles on the viability of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) were also evaluated. Ultimately, the protective effects of the nanoparticles were investigated in ALD mouse models.

Results

SEM images demonstrated that CS/HPMCP and CS/TPP nanoparticles had an average size of 235.5 ± 42 and 172 ± 21 nm, respectively. The LC and EE for CS/HPMCP/BBr were calculated as 79.78% and 75.79%, respectively; while the LC and EE for CS/TPP/BBr were 84.26% and 80.05%, respectively. pH was a determining factor for releasing BBr from CS/HPMCP nanoparticles as a higher cargo-releasing rate was observed in a less acidic environment. Both the BBr-loaded nanoparticles increased the viability of MSCs in comparison with their BBr-free counterparts. In vivo results demonstrated CS/HPMCP/BBr and CS/TPP/BBr nanoparticles protected enzymatic liver functionality against ethanol-induced damage. They also prevented histopathological ethanol-induced damage.

Conclusions

Crosslinking CS nanoparticles with HPMCP can mediate controlled drug release in the intestine improving the bioavailability of BBr.
Mutation status of the KMT2 family associated with immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) therapy and implicating diverse tumor microenvironments
Authors: Wang Dong-Xu , Long Jun-Yu , Li Rui-Zhe , Zhang Dao-Lin , Liu Hui , Liu Jingru , Tian Jin-Cheng , Li Han , Liu Jie , Zhao Hai-Tao , Li Tao
Published: January 2024

Mounting evidence suggests a strong association between tumor immunity and epigenetic regulation. The histone-lysine N-methyltransferase 2 (KMT2) family plays a crucial role in the methylation of histone H3 at lysine 4. By influencing chromatin structure and DNA accessibility, this modification serves as a key regulator of tumor progression and immune tolerance across various tumors. These findings highlight the potential significance of the KMT2 family in determining response to immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) therapy, which warrants further exploration. In this study, we integrated four ICI-treated cohorts (n = 2069) across 10 cancer types and The Cancer Genome Atlas pan-cancer cohort and conducted a comprehensive clinical and bioinformatic analysis. Our study indicated that patients with KMT2 family gene mutations benefited more from ICI therapy in terms of overall survival (P < 0.001, hazard ratio [HR] = 0.733 [95% confidence interval (CI): 0.632–0.850]), progression-free survival (P = 0.002, HR = 0.669 [95% CI: 0.518–0.864]), durable clinical benefit (P < 0.001, 54.1% vs. 32.6%), and objective response rate (P < 0.001, 40.6% vs. 22.0%). Through a comprehensive analysis of the tumor microenvironment across different KMT2 mutation statuses, we observed that tumors harboring the KMT2 mutation exhibited enhanced immunogenicity, increased infiltration of immune cells, and higher levels of immune cell cytotoxicity, suggesting a propensity towards a “hot tumor” phenotype. Therefore, our study indicates a potential association between KMT2 mutations and a more favorable response to ICI therapy and implicates different tumor microenvironments associated with ICI therapy response.
Mapping Short Warwick and Edinburgh Mental Wellbeing Scale (SWEMWBS) to Recovering Quality of Life (ReQoL) to estimate health utilities
Authors: Keetharuth Anju Devianee , Gray Laura A. , McGrane Ellen , Worboys Hannah , Orozco-Leal Giovany
Published: January 2024

Background

The Short Warwick and Edinburgh Mental Wellbeing Scale (SWEMWBS) is a widely used non-preference-based measure of mental health in the UK. The primary aim of this paper is to construct an algorithm to translate the SWEMWBS scores to utilities using the Recovering Quality of Life Utility Index (ReQoL-UI) measure.

Methods

Service users experiencing mental health difficulties were recruited in two separate cross-sectional studies in the UK. The following direct mapping functions were used: Ordinary Least Square, Tobit, Generalised Linear Models. Indirect (response) mapping was performed using seemingly unrelated ordered probit to predict responses to each of the ReQoL-UI items and subsequently to predict using UK tariffs of the ReQoL-UI from SWEMWBS. The performance of all models was assessed by the mean absolute errors, root mean square errors between the predicted and observed utilities and graphical representations across the SWEMWBS score range.

Results

Analyses were based on 2573 respondents who had complete data on the ReQoL-UI items, SWEMWBS items, age and sex. The direct mapping methods predicted ReQoL-UI scores across the range of SWEMWBS scores reasonably well. Very little differences were found among the three regression specifications in terms of model fit and visual inspection when comparing modelled and actual utility values across the score range of the SWEMWBS. However, when running simulations to consider uncertainty, it is clear that response mapping is superior.

Conclusions

This study presents mapping algorithms from SWEMWBS to ReQoL as an alternative way to generate utilities from SWEMWBS. The algorithm from the indirect mapping is recommended to predict utilities from the SWEMWBS.
Kinematic movement and balance parameter analysis in neurological gait disorders
Authors: Na Chuh-Hyoun , Siebers Hannah Lena , Reim Julia , Eschweiler Jörg , Hildebrand Frank , Clusmann Hans , Betsch Marcel
Published: January 2024

Background

Neurological gait disorders are mainly classified based on clinical observation, and therefore difficult to objectify or quantify. Movement analysis systems provide objective parameters, which may increase diagnostic accuracy and may aid in monitoring the disease course. Despite the increasing wealth of kinematic movement and balance parameter data, the discriminative value for the differentiation of neurological gait disorders is still unclear. We hypothesized that kinematic motion and balance parameter metrics would be differently altered across neurological gait disorders when compared to healthy controls.

Methods

Thirty one patients (9 normal pressure hydrocephalus < NPH > , 16 cervical myelopathy < CM > , 6 lumbar stenosis < LST >) and 14 healthy participants were investigated preoperatively in an outpatient setting using an inertial measurement system (MyoMotion) during 3 different walking tasks (normal walking, dual-task walking with simultaneous backward counting, fast walking). In addition, the natural postural sway of participants was measured by pedobarography, with the eyes opened and closed. The range of motion (ROM) in different joint angles, stride time, as well as sway were compared between different groups (between-subject factor), and different task conditions (within-subject factor) by a mixed model ANOVA.

Results

Kinematic metrics and balance parameters were differently altered across different gait disorders compared to healthy controls. Overall, NPH patients significantly differed from controls in all movement parameters except for stride time, while they differed in balance parameters only with regard to AP movement. LST patients had significantly reduced ROMs of the shoulders, hips, and ankles, with significantly altered balance parameters regarding AP movement and passed center-of-pressure (COP) distance. CM patients differed from controls only in the ROM of the hip and ankle, but were affected in nearly all balance parameters, except for force distribution.

Conclusion

The application of inertial measurement systems and pedobarography is feasible in an outpatient setting in patients with different neurological gait disorders. Rather than defining singular discriminative values, kinematic gait and balance metrics may provide characteristic profiles of movement parameter alterations in the sense of specific ´gait signatures´ for different pathologies, which could improve diagnostic accuracy by defining objective and quantifiable measures for the discrimination of different neurological gait disorders.

Trial registration

The study was retrospectively registered on the 27th of March 2023 in the ‘Deutsches Register für Klinische Studien’ under the number DRKS00031555.
Phase separation as a possible mechanism for dosage sensitivity
Authors: Yang Liang , Lyu Jiali , Li Xi , Guo Gaigai , Zhou Xueya , Chen Taoyu , Lin Yi , Li Tingting
Published: January 2024

Background

Deletion of haploinsufficient genes or duplication of triplosensitive ones results in phenotypic effects in a concentration-dependent manner, and the mechanisms underlying these dosage-sensitive effects remain elusive. Phase separation drives functional compartmentalization of biomolecules in a concentration-dependent manner as well, which suggests a potential link between these two processes, and warrants further systematic investigation.

Results

Here we provide bioinformatic and experimental evidence to show a close link between phase separation and dosage sensitivity. We first demonstrate that haploinsufficient or triplosensitive gene products exhibit a higher tendency to undergo phase separation. Assessing the well-established dosage-sensitive genes HNRNPK, PAX6, and PQBP1 with experiments, we show that these proteins undergo phase separation. Critically, pathogenic variations in dosage-sensitive genes disturb the phase separation process either through reduced protein levels, or loss of phase-separation-prone regions. Analysis of multi-omics data further demonstrates that loss-of-function genetic perturbations on phase-separating genes cause similar dysfunction phenotypes as dosage-sensitive gene perturbations. In addition, dosage-sensitive scores derived from population genetics data predict phase-separating proteins with much better performance than available sequence-based predictors, further illustrating close ties between these two parameters.

Conclusions

Together, our study shows that phase separation is functionally linked to dosage sensitivity and provides novel insights for phase-separating protein prediction from the perspective of population genetics data.
Physical symptoms among professional gamers within eSports, a survey study
Authors: Ekefjärd Staffan , Piussi Ramana , Hamrin Senorski Eric
Published: January 2024

Background

There is a need to establish the prevalence of self-reported physical symptoms such as pain in professional gamers (PGs) and to analyse whether there are correlations between lifestyle factors and self-reported physical symptoms. The purpose of this study was to analyse the prevalence of self-reported physical symptoms including eye-related problems in PGs. A further aim was to analyse the association between physical symptoms and lifestyle factors such as sleep time, play time and physical activity.

Methods

This study was designed as a cross-sectional study with data based on an electronic survey, created specifically for this study, through discussion and screening of established validated questionnaires for physical symptoms in musculoskeletal conditions: the Karolinska Sleep Questionnaire and the Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire. The survey comprised age and years of experience as a PG as descriptive variables, as well as questions on sleep, play time, physical activity and physical symptoms for the purpose of analysis. The directors of 10 professional gaming corporations were contacted by email with a link to the study-specific survey to distribute to all employees.

Results

A total of 40 answers to the electronic survey were retrieved from 40 PGs, of which 62.5% (n = 25) had experienced at least one physical symptom in the three months prior to answering the survey. There was a significant association between playing time and physical symptoms (OR = 8.0; 95% CI 1.4–44.6, p = 0.018), where playing for more than 35 h a week was positively associated with eight times higher odds of experiencing physical symptoms.

Conclusion

There is a high prevalence of physical symptoms, such as headache and eye symptoms, in professional eSports gamers. There was an association between playing more than 35 h per week with the prevalence of physical symptoms.
Testing an educational intervention to enhance resilience and self-efficacy among schoolteachers in Karachi Pakistan
Authors: Nadeem Tania , Hamid Sahar , Bhamani Shireen Shehzad , Pirani Shahina , Mughal Farida Bibi , Shahid Asheena , Asad Nargis
Published: January 2024

Objective

A pilot study using a pre-post interventional design, was carried out to evaluate the effectiveness of a resilience-based training workshop on the self-efficacy and resilience of schoolteachers in a peri-urban area of Karachi, Pakistan. Four in person workshops were held at the school’s location during January to June 2022.

Results

A total of 14 teachers participated in the workshop. The effectiveness of interventions was evaluated by assessing self-efficacy and resilience in pre- and post-teaching modules. The Wilcoxon Signed Rank Test determined a significant difference between the pre- to post-module scores of Self Efficacy (p = 0.016) and resilience (p = 0.006). The pre-median scores with IQR of Self-Efficacy were 28 (10), and Resilience scores 76 (12); and post-scores for Self-Efficacy and Resilience scores increased to 35 (5.5) and 88 (14) respectively. This indicated significant improvement in general self-efficacy and resilience skills after four weeks of training. This pilot study showed that building knowledge regarding mental health struggles in students and oneself, learning ways to cope with stress and manage student behavior, and forming a peer support system are crucial in building self-efficacy and resilience in teachers.
Nephrotic syndrome due to focal segmental glomerulosclerosis complicating scleroderma: a case report
Authors: Mehdipour Dalivand Mahsa , Hadjiabbasi Asghar , Ramezanzadeh Elham , Habibzadeh Seyed Mahmood , Goudarzi Kimia , Shahriarirad Reza , Zayeni Habib
Published: January 2024

Background

Systemic scleroderma (SSc) is an insidious autoimmune connective tissue disorder with multiorgan involvement. Renal involvement is one of the important causes of morbidity and mortality in scleroderma; however, nephrotic syndrome is reported rarely in association with SSc. We present a patient with SSc who developed focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) as a complication of scleroderma.

Case presentation

A 59 year old Caucasian female patient, with a known history of diffuse systemic sclerosis from 8 years, presented to our clinic with symptoms of anasarca and weight gain. Her physical examination was unremarkable except for periorbital and extremity edema. Her biochemistry assessment revealed decreased serum albumin levels and elevated serum creatinine levels. A renal biopsy was performed, which showed histopathological patterns of FSGS type of nephrotic syndrome. After administration of high doses of steroid and rituximab in the course of her treatment for 6 months, her symptoms and proteinuria were improved without the occurrence of scleroderma renal crises.

Conclusion

SSc is a complex multisystemic autoimmune disorder. SRC is the most prominent renal involvement in SSc, but other renal pathologies may also occur. Each patient should be precisely investigated since managing these renal conditions can differ significantly. Nephrotic syndrome is a rare complication of SSc, which could be managed with prompt diagnosis and steroid administration.
Expert opinion survey on Israel’s food system: implications for food and health policies
Authors: Soh Emily , Berry Elliot M. , Feitelson Eran
Published: January 2024

Background

While there has been increasing global recognition and impetus for action to transform food systems towards greater food security, sustainability and better health outcomes, Israel has only recently begun to focus on the diverse challenges of its food system and its potential for transformation.

Methods

An expert opinion survey (n = 50) on Israel’s food system was conducted as part of a larger study on the systemic features of Israel’s food system transition to understand its policy gaps and find strategies towards a healthy and sustainable food system. The survey ranks the relevance and importance of food system challenges and policy preferences. Policy implications are then examined by identifying potential priorities, gaps and dissensus.

Results

The survey finds that there is a majority agreement (76%) that Israel’s food policies are lacking or severely lacking. Respondents relate strongly to both concepts of nutritional security (90% think that access to nutritious food is relevant or highly relevant) and national food security (more than 80% perceive food security as part of national security). Respondents overwhelmingly recognize the benefits of Israeli agriculture with 60–90% agreeing or strongly agreeing that it benefits food security, economic value and national identity. Top-ranked problems include overall systemic problems such as the lack of national goals, strategic planning, and integrated policymaking across ministries, and specific ones such as food waste, costly farming inputs, and food affordability. The most preferred policy actions include establishing a national strategy for food and agriculture, making food affordable for vulnerable households, and incentivising sustainable farming methods. The key policy gaps include the lack of resilience in agriculture and the food system, insufficient data and knowledge for policy action, inadequate attention to the regulation of the food industry for better health and inadequate food policy attention for minority groups.

Conclusions

Building on this study's findings, further policy research and implementation areas to be covered include government responsibility for universal food security, strategic systemic policies for food systems, prevention and preparedness for future crises, and promoting resilience. The way forward may best be through an inter-ministerial committee with the responsibility, budgets, mandate and executive authority to plan data-driven policies for a sustainable food system for Israel’s future.
Priority effects of forbs arriving early: the role of root interaction and asymmetric competition
Authors: Yan Xiaohong , Li Xiliang , Jin Ke
Published: January 2024

Background

The priority effect of plant arrival is a key driver of community assembly and ecosystem succession during the restoration of degraded plant communities. However, the significance of the arrival order of different plant functional groups and their interactions with community assemblies remains unclear. Using a phytotron experiment with three fully crossed factors, we investigated the underlying mechanisms of priority effects and their relationships with the biomass and biodiversity effects in mixed plant communities by manipulating the order of arrival of species, isolation of roots, and removal of specific plants.

Results

The results showed that the strength and direction of priority effects were influenced by arrival order, root interactions, asymmetric competition among species, and their interactions. The identities of early and late-sown species also determined the magnitude of priority effects. The priority effects were stronger in grass-first (24.76%) and legume-first communities (24.48%) than in forb-first communities. The pot biomass of the different priority treatments was highest in grass-first (5.85 g), followed by legume-first (3.94 g) and forb-first (2.48 g). The order of arrival in the mixture significantly affected the net biodiversity effects (P < 0.001), which were driven by dominance effects. The community had lower overall biomass when forbs were sown first, whereas the species grown later had fewer costs with an increased overall net benefit for the resulting community.

Conclusions

Our results emphasize that root interactions and asymmetric competition are vital determinants of order-specific priority effects in community assemblies. In addition, the importance of the priority effect of forbs sown first is related to community assembly, which may be a key determinant in successfully establishing a highly diverse community in the early stages of restoration. Species with weak competition should be considered in the early stage of community assembly. The rational use of the priority effect is conducive to improving the quality and efficiency of ecological restoration efforts.
Implementation of the WHO core components of an infection prevention and control programme in two sub-saharan African acute health-care facilities: a mixed methods study
Authors: Wood R. , Tembele W. , Hema A. , Somé A. , Kinganda-Lusamaki E. , Basilubo C. , Lumembe R. , Alama N. , Mbunsu G. , Zongo A. , Ahuka S. , Muyembe J. J. , Leendertz F. , Eckmanns T. , Schubert G. , Kagoné T. , Makiala S. , Tomczyk S.
Published: January 2024

Background

The coronavirus pandemic again highlighted the need for robust health care facility infection prevention and control (IPC) programmes. WHO guidelines on the core components (CCs) of IPC programmes provides guidance for facilities, but their implementation can be difficult to achieve in resource-limited settings. We aimed to gather evidence on an initial WHO IPC implementation experience using a mixed methods approach.

Methods

A five-day training on the WHO IPC CCs was conducted at two reference acute health care facilities in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Burkina Faso. This was accompanied by a three-part mixed-methods evaluation consisting of a: (1) baseline and follow-up survey of participants’ knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAP), (2) qualitative assessment of plenary discussion transcripts and (3) deployment of the WHO IPC assessment framework (IPCAF) tool. Results were analysed descriptively and with a qualitative inductive thematic approach.

Results

Twenty-two and twenty-four participants were trained at each facility, respectively. Baseline and follow-up KAP results suggested increases in knowledge related to the necessity of a dedicated IPC focal person and annual evaluations of IPC training although lack of recognition on the importance of including hospital leadership in IPC training and hand hygiene monitoring recommendations remained. Most participants reported rarely attending IPC meetings or participating in IPC action planning although attitudes shifted towards stronger agreement with the feeling of IPC responsibility and importance of an IPC team. A reocurring theme in plenary discussions was related to limited resources as a barrier to IPC implementation, namely lack of reliable water access. However, participants recognised the importance of IPC improvement efforts such as practical IPC training methods or the use of data to improve quality of care. The facilities’ IPCAF scores reflected a ‘basic/intermediate’ IPC implementation level.

Conclusions

The training and mixed methods evaluation revealed initial IPC implementation experiences that could be used to inform stepwise approaches to facility IPC improvement in resource-limited settings. Implementation strategies should consider both global standards such as the WHO IPC CCs and specific local contexts. The early involvement of all relevant stakeholders and parallel efforts to advocate for sufficient resources and health system infrastructure are critical.
Tuning in to recovery: influence of music on emotional well-being during mealtime in inpatient facilities for eating disorders
Authors: Meneguzzo Paolo , Baron Elisa , Marchesin Silvia , Andretta Anna Maria , Nalesso Lisa , Stella Sonia , Todisco Patrizia
Published: January 2024

Background

In rehabilitating eating disorders (ED), mealtimes are critical but often induce stress, both for restrictive and binge-purge disorders. Although preliminary data indicate a positive effect of music during mealtime, few studies employ an experimental approach. This study examines the influence of background music during mealtime in an inpatient ward setting, offering a real-world perspective.

Methods

Fifty-one women diagnosed with ED participated in this within-subjects study. Over two weeks, during lunch and dinner, they were exposed to three randomized music conditions: no music, focus piano music, and pop music. The self-report questionnaires captured affective states, noise levels, and hunger, while trained dietitians recorded food consumption and eating rituals.

Results

The absence of music led to an increase in uneaten food (p = 0.001) and the presence of eating rituals (p = 0.012) during mealtimes. Significantly, only silence during mealtime reduced positive emotional states, while background music maintained positive emotions (p < 0.001). No specific differences emerged between the two types of music (focus piano and pop).

Conclusions

These findings affirm the positive impact of background music during mealtime in real-world settings, enhancing the potential of inpatient eating rehabilitation programs for individuals with ED. More studies are needed to validate and extend these results, particularly in outpatient settings.
X-ray fluorescence (XRF) on painted heritage objects: a review using topic modeling
Authors: Harth Astrid
Published: January 2024

This review presents the computational method of topic modeling to identify core topics and time trends in research on X-ray fluorescence (XRF) and its application to cultural heritage. Topic modeling is an approach to text mining based on unsupervised machine learning, which helps to determine core topics within a vast body of text. Due to the large amount of published work on X-ray fluorescence in the area of cultural heritage, traditional literature review has become impractical, inefficient, time-consuming, and potentially less reliable. Therefore, it is important to take stock of which topics have been core to such research and whether specific time trends can be identified within them. Using topic modeling, this review aims to reveal core topics and trends in research on XRF analysis of painted heritage objects by examining 982 articles collected from Web of Science. Within this dataset of articles, ten topics have been identified. The identified topics can be clustered in three main categories: the methods used, the objects studied, and the specific materials studied. In terms of trends in topic share since 2010, it is especially noteworthy to see that the share of articles focused on the identification and study of painting materials and techniques has more than doubled. Similarly, another impressive increase can be observed for articles centered on advanced imaging spectroscopic techniques, such as macro X-ray fluorescence (MA-XRF) and reflectance hyperspectral imaging, for the study of easel paintings. The share of attention within XRF literature given to imaging spectroscopic techniques tripled between 2010 and 2017, though stabilizing in the subsequent years. Conversely, the share of articles which specifically deal with the development and improvement of energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence (ED-XRF) spectroscopic techniques (i.e., portable ED-XRF, confocal micro-XRF, micro-grazing exit XRF) for the elemental analysis (including elemental depth profiling) of painted heritage objects has declined sharply.
Identification of potential microbial risk factors associated with fecal indicator exceedances at recreational beaches
Authors: Saleem Faizan , Li Enze , Edge Thomas A. , Tran Kevin L. , Schellhorn Herb E.
Published: January 2024

Background

Fecal bacterial densities are proxy indicators of beach water quality, and beach posting decisions are made based on Beach Action Value (BAV) exceedances for a beach. However, these traditional beach monitoring methods do not reflect the full extent of microbial water quality changes associated with BAV exceedances at recreational beaches (including harmful cyanobacteria). This proof of concept study evaluates the potential of metagenomics for comprehensively assessing bacterial community changes associated with BAV exceedances compared to non-exceedances for two urban beaches and their adjacent river water sources.

Results

Compared to non-exceedance samples, BAV exceedance samples exhibited higher alpha diversity (diversity within the sample) that could be further differentiated into separate clusters (Beta-diversity). For Beach A, Cyanobacterial sequences (resolved as Microcystis and Pseudanabaena at genus level) were significantly more abundant in BAV non-exceedance samples. qPCR validation supported the Cyanobacterial abundance results from metagenomic analysis and also identified saxitoxin genes in 50% of the non-exceedance samples. Microcystis sp and saxitoxin gene sequences were more abundant on non-exceedance beach days (when fecal indicator data indicated the beach should be open for water recreational purposes). For BAV exceedance days, Fibrobacteres, Pseudomonas, Acinetobacter, and Clostridium sequences were significantly more abundant (and positively correlated with fecal indicator densities) for Beach A. For Beach B, Spirochaetes (resolved as Leptospira on genus level) Burkholderia and Vibrio sequences were significantly more abundant in BAV exceedance samples. Similar bacterial diversity and abundance trends were observed for river water sources compared to their associated beaches. Antibiotic Resistance Genes (ARGs) were also consistently detected at both beaches. However, we did not observe a significant difference or correlation in ARGs abundance between BAV exceedance and non-exceedance samples.

Conclusion

This study provides a more comprehensive analysis of bacterial community changes associated with BAV exceedances for recreational freshwater beaches. While there were increases in bacterial diversity and some taxa of potential human health concern associated with increased fecal indicator densities and BAV exceedances (e.g. Pseudomonas), metagenomics analyses also identified other taxa of potential human health concern (e.g. Microcystis) associated with lower fecal indicator densities and BAV non-exceedances days. This study can help develop more targeted beach monitoring strategies and beach-specific risk management approaches.
Monoclonal antibody applications in travel medicine
Authors: de Jong Hanna K. , Grobusch Martin P.
Published: January 2024

For decades, immunoglobulin preparations have been used to prevent or treat infectious diseases. Since only a few years, monoclonal antibody applications (mAbs) are taking flight and are increasingly dominating this field. In 2014, only two mAbs were registered; end of October 2023, more than ten mAbs are registered or have been granted emergency use authorization, and many more are in (pre)clinical phases. Especially the COVID-19 pandemic has generated this surge in licensed monoclonal antibodies, although multiple phase 1 studies were already underway in 2019 for other infectious diseases such as malaria and yellow fever. Monoclonal antibodies could function as prophylaxis (i.e., for the prevention of malaria), or could be used to treat (tropical) infections (i.e., rabies, dengue fever, yellow fever). This review focuses on the discussion of the prospects of, and obstacles for, using mAbs in the prevention and treatment of (tropical) infectious diseases seen in the returning traveler; and provides an update on the mAbs currently being developed for infectious diseases, which could potentially be of interest for travelers.
Effect of combined Kinesiotaping and resistive exercise on muscle strength and quality of life in breast cancer survivors: a randomized clinical trial
Authors: Ramadan Alaa M. , ElDeeb Abeer M. , Ramadan Ahmed A. , Aleshmawy Dina M.
Published: January 2024

Background

Breast cancer (BC) and its treatment affect women's tissue architecture and physiology, which leads to impaired muscle strength and joint dysfunction, affecting quality of life (QOL). Most evidence has focused on exercises; however, due to the complexity and heterogeneity of patients’ rehabilitation needs, further research is required to investigate more adjunctive methods to help optimal rehabilitation according to patients’ needs, preferences, and effective interventions.

Methods

This study aimed to determine the effect of Kinesiotaping (KT) combined with resistive exercise on muscle strength and QOL in breast cancer survivors (BCS). Forty premenopausal BCS treated with chemotherapy postmastectomy participated in this study. Their age ranged from 40 to 55 years, and their body mass index (BMI) was 25–29.9 kg/m2. They were randomly distributed into two equal groups. The control group received resistive exercise two times/week for 12 weeks, while the study group received resistive exercise and KT applied to the lower limbs. Hip, knee, and ankle muscle strength were measured using a hand-held dynamometer, and QOL was evaluated using 36-Item Short Form (SF-36) before and after treatment.

Results

Both groups showed a significant increase (p = 0.0001) in the strength of hip flexors, knee extensors, flexors, ankle plantar flexors, and dorsiflexors, as well as SF-36 score after treatment. However, the study group showed a more significant increase in strength of hip flexors (p = 0.005), knee extensors (p = 0.01) and flexors (p = 0.02), ankle plantar flexors (p = 0.01), and dorsiflexors (p = 0.01), as well as SF-36 score (p = 0.006) than the control group.

Conclusions

KT plus resistive exercise is more effective than exercise alone for improving muscle strength and QOL in BCS. So, the KT can be recommended as a non-invasive, adjunctive method added to the protocol therapy for BCS to help better outcomes during the rehabilitation period.
An incidental finding of the Lincoln sign on FDG PET-CT in a patient with rectosigmoid adenocarcinoma giving rise to the diagnosis of Paget's disease
Authors: Abdul Onny Muhammad Adib , Kemis Yahyah Sheila Shazlina , Arumugam Kavita , Ali Nor Salita , Tagiling Nashrulhaq , Mat Nawi Norazlina
Published: January 2024

Background

Paget's disease is a metabolic disorder characterized by disorderly bone remodeling process of excessive osteoclastic and osteoblastic activities leading to a structurally disorganized appearance of the bone. Paget's disease is usually diagnosed based on the clinical presentation of bony pain, raised serum alkaline phosphatase, and typical radiological changes. Bone scintigraphy with 99mTc-labeled radiotracers is commonly used to assess disease extent, and one of the classical findings of Paget's disease on bone scintigraphy is diffuse radiotracer uptake in the mandible bone, widely described as Lincoln or Black Beard sign. On the other hand, FDG PET-CT is commonly used in cancer imaging and frequently for staging or assessing recurrence in various malignancies. However, its use in evaluating Paget's disease is not established, attributed mainly to the heterogeneity of FDG uptake in Paget's disease and the high false-positive and negative findings.

Case presentation

A 57-year-old female with metastatic mucinous rectosigmoid adenocarcinoma underwent multiple surgeries and completed 12 chemotherapy cycles with no evidence of local recurrence in the colon or distant metastasis. In the tenth year of active surveillance, her serum CEA levels were found to be elevated, yet there was no evidence of cancer spread from colonoscopy and contrast-enhanced CT. An 18F-FDG PET-CT was then ordered, to which a unique diffuse FDG uptake pattern in the mandible was seen, resembling the Lincoln or Black Beard sign classically described in bone scintigraphy. This appearance was then verified by congruent uptake during a 99mTc-MDP scan, thus leading to the diagnosis of Paget's disease.

Conclusion

The Lincoln sign is not limited to bone scintigraphy. Hence, we intend to add this FDG PET-CT finding to enrich the literature on the Lincoln sign and when to expect this pattern.
Barriers and facilitators to a task-shifted stroke prevention program for children with sickle cell anemia in a community hospital: a qualitative study
Authors: Bello-Manga Halima , Haliru Lawal , Ahmed Kudirat , Ige Samuel , Musa Hayatu , Muhammad-Idris Zainab Kwaru , Monday Binshak , Sani Abdulrashid M. , Bonnet Kemberlee , Schlundt David G. , Varughese Taniya , Tabari Abdulkadir M. , DeBaun Michael R. , Baumann Ana A. , King Allison A.
Published: January 2024

Background

Children with sickle cell anemia (SCA) are at high risk for stroke. Protocols for stroke prevention including blood transfusions, screening for abnormal non-imaging transcranial Doppler (TCD) measurements, and hydroxyurea therapy are difficult to implement in low-resource environments like Nigeria. This study aimed to examine the contextual factors around TCD screening in a community hospital in Nigeria using qualitative interviews and focus groups.

Methods

We conducted a descriptive qualitative study in a community hospital in Kaduna, Nigeria, using focus groups and interviews. Interview guides and analysis were informed by the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR) framework and the Theory of Planned Behavior. Transcripts were coded and analyzed using an iterative deductive (CFIR)/Inductive (transcribed quotes) qualitative methodology.

Results

We conducted two focus groups and five interviews with health care workers (nurses and doctors) and hospital administrators, respectively. Themes identified key elements of the inner setting (clinic characteristics, resource availability, implementation climate, and tension for change), characteristics of individuals (normative, control, and behavioral beliefs), and the implementation process (engage, implement, and adopt), as well as factors that were influenced by external context, caregiver needs, team function, and intervention characteristics. Task shifting, which is already being used, was viewed by providers and administrators as a necessary strategy to implement TCD screening in a clinic environment that is overstressed and under-resourced, a community stressed by poverty, and a nation with an underperforming health system.

Conclusion

Task shifting provides a viable option to improve health care by making more efficient use of already available human resources while rapidly expanding the human resource pool and building capacity for TCD screening of children with SCD that is more sustainable.

Trial registration

NCT05434000.
Supinator to Posterior Interosseous Nerve Transfer for Recovery of Hand Opening in the Tetraplegic Patient: A Case Series
Authors: Bazarek Stanley , Sten Margaret , Thum Jasmine , Mandeville Ross , Magee Grace , Brown Justin M.
Published: January 2024

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES:

Cervical spinal cord injury results in devastating loss of function. Nerve transfers can restore functional use of the hand, the highest priority function in this population to gain independence. Transfer of radial nerve branches innervating the supinator to the posterior interosseous nerve (SUP-PIN) has become a primary intervention for the recovery of hand opening, but few outcome reports exist to date. We report single-surgeon outcomes for this procedure.

METHODS:

The SUP-PIN transfer was performed on adults with traumatic spinal cord injury resulting in hand paralysis. Outcome measures include Medical Research Council strength grade for extension of each digit, and angles representing critical apertures: the first web space opening of the thumb, and metacarpophalangeal angle of the remaining fingers. Factors affecting these measurements, including preserved tone and spasticity of related muscles, were also assessed.

RESULTS:

Twenty-three adult patients with a C5–7 motor level underwent SUP-PIN transfers on 36 limbs (median age 31 years, interquartile range [21.5, 41]). The median interval from injury to surgery was 10.5 (8.2, 6.5) months, with 9 (7.5, 11) months for the acute injuries and 50 (32, 66) months for the chronic (>18 months) injuries. Outcomes were observed at a mean follow-up of 22 (14, 32.5) months. 30 (83.3%) hands recovered at least antigravity extension of the thumb and 34 (94.4%) demonstrated successful antigravity strength for the finger extensors, providing adequate opening for a functional grasp. Chronic patients (>18 months after injury) showed similar outcomes to those who had earlier surgery. Supination remained strong (at least M4) in all but a single patient and no complications were observed.

CONCLUSION:

SUP-PIN is a reliable procedure for recovery of finger extension. Chronic patients remain good candidates, provided innervation of target muscles is preserved. Higher C5 injuries were more likely to have poor outcomes.
Mitochondrial defects triggered by amg-1 mutation elicit UPRmt and phagocytic clearance during spermatogenesis in C. elegans
Authors: Wang Peng , Chen Lianwan , Wang Ning , Miao Long , Zhao Yanmei
Published: January 2024

Mitochondria are the powerhouses of many biological processes. During spermatogenesis, post-transcriptional regulation of mitochondrial gene expression is mediated by nuclear-encoded mitochondrial RNA-binding proteins (mtRBPs). We identified AMG-1 as an mtRBP required for reproductive success in Caenorhabditis elegans. amg-1 mutation led to defects in mitochondrial structure and sperm budding, resulting in mitochondria being discarded into residual bodies, which ultimately delayed spermatogenesis in the proximal gonad. In addition, mitochondrial defects triggered the gonadal mitochondrial unfolded protein response and phagocytic clearance to ensure spermatogenesis but ultimately failed to rescue hermaphroditic fertility. These findings reveal a previously undiscovered role for AMG-1 in regulating C. elegans spermatogenesis, in which mitochondrial-damaged sperm prevented the transmission of defective mitochondria to mature sperm by budding and phagocytic clearance, a process which may also exist in the reproductive systems of higher organisms.
Native collagen VI delays early muscle stem cell differentiation
Authors: Metti Samuele , Da Ros Francesco , Toniato Giorgia , Cescon Matilde , Bonaldo Paolo
Published: January 2024

Adult muscle stem cells (MuSCs) are critical for muscle homeostasis and regeneration, and their behavior relies on a finely regulated niche made of specific extracellular matrix (ECM) components and soluble factors. Among ECM proteins, collagen VI (Col6) influences the mechanical properties of the niche and, in turn, MuSC self-renewal capabilities. Here, we investigated whether Col6 can exert a direct function as a biochemical signal for regulating the stemness and differentiation of murine MuSCs and myoblasts. Native Col6, but not its pepsin-resistant fragment, counteracts the early differentiation of myogenic cells by reducing the expression of differentiation marker genes and preserving stemness features, with inhibition of the canonical Wnt pathway. Our data indicate that extracellular Col6 acts as a soluble ligand in delaying early myogenic differentiation by regulating intracellular signals involved in adult myogenesis.
Perception and attitude towards online clinical modules: a cross-sectional study among medical students from two countries
Authors: Islam Heraa , Nazeer Muhammed Mohsin , Lakshmi Sindhura , Kapoor Aditi , Jahan Afraz , Doddamani Akhila , Kamath Nagaraja , Ehsan Muhammed , Nair Suma
Published: January 2024

COVID-19 has deeply affected the world in various aspects including the education system worldwide. In this study, we intended to explore the merits and demerits of online clinical learning and its effect on medical education from a student’s perspective. The study also assessed the perception and attitude of final-year medical students towards online clinical modules. This observational study was carried out in the Department of Community Medicine, Kasturba Medical College, Manipal (KMC) in collaboration with King’s College London, UK (KCL). In our study, a total of 42 students were enrolled, with 37 students from KMC and 5 students from KCL. 81% of students reported that they were not willing to continue the online mode of learning. The abrupt switch to e-learning without prior preparedness has exposed some pitfalls that must be attended to. Contrary to other fields, the medical field places high importance on offline clinical teaching which has recently been impacted by online teaching. The survey responses were analyzed for improvisation of online clinical modules as well as to come up with better ideas and outcomes since this mode of learning may have to continue till the spread of the disease is under control.
Prevalence of stress and its relevance on psychological well-being of the teaching profession: A scoping review
Authors: Bidi Shilpa Badrinath , Alapati Varalakshmi , Jenifer Dmello Venisha , Weesie Edwin , Gil Mathew Thomas , Shenoy Sandeep S , Kurian Simmy , Rajendran Ambigai
Published: January 2024

Background Well-being among teachers contributes toward quality work and better student support. Teachers’ well-being persists to be a concern in school settings; there is a lacuna in understanding the concept of well-being among them. This scoping review identifies the stress factors and map their association with the psychological well-being of teachers employed in schools. Additionally, to identify the methodology and the interventions used in reducing teachers’ stress and their relevance on their psychological well-being. Methods First, Pubmed, Web of Science, and Scopus databases were searched for eligible studies with MeSH terms for stress factors, well-being, and teachers from 2010 to 2022. Identified studies were screened thoroughly and excluded or included based on prior established criteria. Data from the included studies were extracted and summarized according to the study protocol. Results Among the 60 studies that met our inclusion criteria, the majority were quantitative, with cross-sectional studies. Several studies focused on emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and diminished personal accomplishment aspect among teachers. Almost half of the included studies focused on organizational and social pressures such as administration workload, classroom management issues, lack of supervisor and team support, students’ behaviour, and pressure from parents. The most used interventions to overcome stress were coping strategies and mindfulness training intervention tools. Conclusions The findings from the current scoping review will reveal the different stressors which impact psychological well-being. Focus on the most used interventions to overcome stress among schoolteachers. This will also provide recommendations to regulators and management to identify the factors causing stress among teachers and their relevance to their psychological well-being, overcome employee turnover and absenteeism issues. Also, different alternatives available to reduce the stress may benefit the stakeholders and policymakers to confirm a suitable intervention that will benefit the teaching profession.
Micro(nano)plastics: invisible compounds with a visible impact
Authors: Sharma Prabhakar , Sharma Prateek
Published: January 2024

The plastic related research has been an epicentre in recent times. The presence and spread of micro (nano) plastics (MNPs) are well-known in the terrestrial and aquatic environment. However, the focus on the fate and remediation of MNP in soil and groundwater is limited. The fate and bioaccumulation of ingested MNPs remain unknown within the digestive tract of animals. There is also a significant knowledge gap in understanding the ubiquitous organic environmental pollutants with MNPs in biological systems. Reducing plastic consumption, improving waste management practices, and developing environmentally friendly alternatives are some of the key steps needed to address MNP pollution. For better handling and to protect the environment from these invisible substances, policymakers and researchers urgently need to monitor and map MNP contamination in soil and groundwater.