bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Child maltreatment associates with violent victimization in young adulthood: a Brazilian birth cohort study
Authors: Bordignon Eveline , Miranda Vanessa Iribarrem Avena , de Mola Zanatti Christian Loret , Menezes Ana Maria Baptista , da Silva Helen Denise Gonçalves , Wehrmeister Fernando César , Murray Joseph
Published: November 2023

Background

Maltreatment in childhood may leave people vulnerable to further experiences of violence and more severe effects of stress later in life. Longitudinal studies of risk for violent victimisation after maltreatment are lacking in low- and middle-income countries. The objective of this study was to quantify the risk for violent victimization in the family and community in young adulthood following experiences of childhood maltreatment (experiences of physical, emotional and sexual abuse and neglect) up to age 15 years in an urban Brazilian population.

Methods

3246 participants in a prospective, population-based birth cohort study in Pelotas, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, were assessed at birth, 15 and 22 years. Sociodemographic factors were reported by mothers at birth and adolescents at age 15 years. Maltreatment and violent victimisation were self-reported in confidential questionnaires at 15 and 22, respectively. Multinomial logistic regression analyses estimated the association between having experienced any maltreatment and later experiences of family and community violence in young adulthood (no adult violence, violence only in the family context, only in the community, or both violence in the family and community), adjusting for sociodemographic factors.

Results

39% of females and 27% of males reported any maltreatment up to age 15 years. At 22 years, rates of past year violence in the family or community were 17.6% for females and 20.2% for males. Maltreatment was strongly associated with community violence (Females: OR = 2.96, CI = 1.83–4.80; Males: OR = 2.01, 95%CI = 1.01-4.00) and its co-occurrence with family violence (Females: OR = 2.33, 95%CI = 1.34–4.04; Males: OR = 3.20, 95%CI = 1.82–5.65) in young adulthood, after adjustment for background sociodemographic factors.

Conclusion

Childhood maltreatment is an important risk factor for later violent victimisation in both the family and community context. The effects of repeated trauma through the life-course needs research and clinical attention.
Splicing mutations in AMELX and ENAM cause amelogenesis imperfecta
Authors: Zhang Zhenwei , Zou Xiaoying , Feng Lin , Huang Yu , Chen Feng , Sun Kai , Song Yilin , Lv Ping , Gao Xuejun , Dong Yanmei , Tian Hua
Published: November 2023

Background

Amelogenesis imperfecta (AI) is a developmental enamel defect affecting the structure of enamel, esthetic appearance, and the tooth masticatory function. Gene mutations are reported to be relevant to AI. However, the mechanism underlying AI caused by different mutations is still unclear. This study aimed to reveal the molecular pathogenesis in AI families with 2 novel pre-mRNA splicing mutations.

Methods

Two Chinese families with AI were recruited. Whole-exome sequencing and Sanger sequencing were performed to identify mutations in candidate genes. Minigene splicing assays were performed to analyze the mutation effects on mRNA splicing alteration. Furthermore, three-dimensional structures of mutant proteins were predicted by AlphaFold2 to evaluate the detrimental effect.

Results

The affected enamel in family 1 was thin, rough, and stained, which was diagnosed as hypoplastic-hypomature AI. Genomic analysis revealed a novel splicing mutation (NM_001142.2: c.570 + 1G > A) in the intron 6 of amelogenin (AMELX) gene in family 1, resulting in a partial intron 6 retention effect. The proband in family 2 exhibited a typical hypoplastic AI, and the splicing mutation (NM_031889.2: c.123 + 4 A > G) in the intron 4 of enamelin (ENAM) gene was observed in the proband and her father. This mutation led to exon 4 skipping. The predicted structures showed that there were obvious differences in the mutation proteins compared with wild type, leading to impaired function of mutant proteins.

Conclusions

In this study, we identified two new splicing mutations in AMELX and ENAM genes, which cause hypoplastic-hypomature and hypoplastic AI, respectively. These results expand the spectrum of genes causing AI and broaden our understanding of molecular genetic pathology of enamel formation.
Using a theory informed approach to design, execute, and evaluate implementation strategies to support offering reproductive genetic carrier screening in Australia
Authors: Best Stephanie , Long Janet C. , Fehlberg Zoe , Taylor Natalie , Ellis Louise A. , Boggs Kirsten , Braithwaite Jeffrey
Published: November 2023

Background

Health care professionals play a central role in offering reproductive genetic carrier screening but face challenges when integrating the offer into practice. The aim of this study was to design, execute, and evaluate theory-informed implementation strategies to support health care professionals in offering carrier screening.

Methods

An exploratory multi-method approach was systematically employed based on the Theoretical Domain Framework (TDF). Implementation strategies were designed by aligning TDF barriers reported by health care professionals involved in a large carrier screening study, to behaviour change techniques combined with study genetic counsellors’ experiential knowledge. The strategies were trialled with a subset of health care professionals and evaluated against controls, using findings from questionnaires and interviews with healthcare professionals. The primary outcome measure was the number of couples who initiated enrolment.

Results

Health care professionals (n = 151) reported barriers in the TDF Domains of skills, e.g., lack of practice in offering screening, and challenges of environmental context and resources, e.g., lack of time, which informed the design of a skills video and a waiting room poster using the TDF-behaviour change technique linking tool. Following implementation, (Skills video n = 29 vs control n = 31 and Poster n = 46 vs control n = 34) TDF barrier scores decreased across all groups and little change was observed in the primary outcome measure. The skills video, though welcomed by health care professionals, was reportedly too long at seven minutes. The waiting room poster was seen as easily implementable.

Conclusions

As carrier screening moves towards mainstream healthcare, health care professionals report barriers to offering screening. To meet their needs, developing and testing experiential and theory-informed strategies that acknowledge contextual factors are essential.
Prenatal diagnosis and genetic etiology analysis of talipes equinovarus by chromosomal microarray analysis
Authors: Xie Xiaorui , Huang Baojia , Su Linjuan , Cai Meiying , Chen Yuqin , Wu Xiaoqing , Xu Liangpu
Published: November 2023

Background

With the advancement of molecular technology, fetal talipes equinovarus (TE) is believed to be not only associated with chromosome aneuploidy, but also related to chromosomal microdeletion and microduplication. The study aimed to explore the molecular etiology of fetal TE and provide more information for the clinical screening and genetic counseling of TE by Chromosomal Microarray Analysis (CMA).

Methods

This retrospectively study included 131 fetuses with TE identified by ultrasonography. Conventional karyotyping and SNP array analysis were performed for all the subjects. They were divided into isolated TE group (n = 55) and complex group (n = 76) according to structural anomalies.

Results

Among the total of 131 fetuses, karyotype analysis found 12(9.2%) abnormal results, while SNP array found 27 (20.6%) cases. Trisomy 18 was detected most frequently among abnormal karyotypes. The detection rate of SNP array was significantly higher than that of traditional chromosome karyotype analysis (P < 0.05). SNP array detected 15 (11.5%) cases of submicroscopic abnormalities that karyotype analysis did not find. The most common CNV was the 22q11.2 microdeletion. For both analyses, the overall detection rates were significantly higher in the complex TE group than in the isolated TE group (karyotype: P < 0.05; SNP array: P < 0.05). The incremental yield of chromosomal abnormalities in fetuses with unilateral TE (22.0%) was higher than in fetuses with bilateral TE (19.8%), but this difference was not statistically significant (P > 0.05). Abnormal chromosomes were most frequently detected in fetuses with TE plus cardiovascular system abnormalities.

Conclusion

Fetal TE is related to chromosomal microdeletion or microduplication. Prenatal diagnosis is recommended for fetuses with TE, and CMA testing is preferred. CMA can improve the detection rate of chromosomal abnormalities associated with fetal TE, especially in pregnancies with complex TE.
TSTA3 overexpression promotes malignant characteristics in LUSC by regulating LAMP2-mediated autophagy and tumor microenvironment
Authors: Guo Yanlin , Hao Yanlong , Shen Liuyi , Du Yu , Wang Xiaohui , Gao Lvye , Feng Xuefei , Zhai Yuanfang , Liu Zhifei , Xu Enwei , Yang Yue , Xi Yanfeng , Yang Bin , Zhang Ling
Published: November 2023

Background

TSTA3 gene encoding GDP-l-fucose synthase has recently been proved to be closely related to the prognosis of patients with various tumors. However, its role in lung cancer is still unclear. The purpose of this study is to explore the expression level, prognostic effect, potential function and mechanism of TSTA3 in lung cancer.

Methods

Based on TCGA database, Kaplan–Meier and COX regression was used to analyze the relationship between TSTA3 expression and prognosis of lung cancer patients. Immunohistochemistry was used to determine the TSTA3 protein expression in lung cancer and normal tissues. The function of TSTA3 in lung squamous cell carcinoma (LUSC) cell was determined by CCK8, colony formation, transwell assay in vitro and subcutaneous xenografts in vivo. Transcriptome analysis, Lyso-Tracker Red staining and rescue experiment were used to explore the possible underlying mechanism.

Results

The expression of TSTA3 was significantly increased in lung cancer, especially in LUSC, and was significantly correlated with the malignant characteristics of LUSC. COX regression analysis showed that the high expression of TSTA3 was an independent prognostic factor in LUSC patients. This was also confirmed by immunohistochemical staining. Compared with the control group, the proliferation, colony formation, invasion and migration ability of LUSC cells with TSTA3 overexpression was enhanced. Similarly, the ability of cell proliferation, colony formation, invasion and migration were weakened after transient knockdown of TSTA3. In vivo experiment showed that compared with control group, TSTA3 overexpression significantly promoted the growth of tumor and shortened survival time. In addition, transcriptome sequencing analysis showed that the differentially expressed genes between TSTA3 overexpression and control group was mainly concentrated in the lysosome pathway. Further study found that TSTA3 might affect the proliferation, invasion and migration of LUSC by regulating the expression of lysosome-associated membrane protein 2 (LAMP2) in LUSC.

Conclusion

The expression level of TSTA3 in LUSC is significantly higher than that in normal tissues. High expression of TSTA3 is associated with poor prognosis of LUSC patients. TSTA3 may affect the proliferation, invasion and migration of LUSC by regulating LAMP2.
Carbon nanosol-induced assemblage of a plant-beneficial microbiome consortium
Authors: Cheng Lingtong , Tao Jiemeng , Qu Zechao , Lu Peng , Liang Taibo , Meng Lijun , Zhang Wei , Liu Nan , Zhang Jianfeng , Cao Peijian , Jin Jingjing
Published: November 2023

Carbon nanosol (CNS) is a carbon-based nanomaterial that promotes plant growth; however, its functional mechanisms and effects on the microbiome are not fully understood. Here, we explored the effects of CNS on the relationship between the soil, endophytic microbiomes and plant productivity. CNS treatment increased the fresh biomass of tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum L.) plants by 27.4% ± 9.9%. Amplicon sequencing analysis showed that the CNS treatment significantly affected the composition and diversity of the microbial communities in multiple ecological niches associated with tobacco, especially the bulk soil and stem endophytic microbiome. Furthermore, the application of CNS resulted in enhanced network connectivity and stability of the microbial communities in different niches, particularly in the soil, implying a strengthening of certain microbial interactions. Certain potentially growth-promoting root endophytic bacteria were more abundant under the CNS treatment. In addition, CNS increased the abundance of some endophytic microbial functional genes known to enhance plant growth, such as those associated with nutrient metabolism and the plant hormone biosynthesis pathways. We isolated two bacterial strains (Sphingopyxis sp. and Novosphingobium sp.) that were enriched under CNS treatment, and they were confirmed to promote tobacco plant growth in vitro. These results suggested that CNS might, at least in part, promote plant growth by enriching beneficial bacteria in the microbiome.

Graphical Abstract
Machine learning-based analysis of cancer cell-derived vesicular proteins revealed significant tumor-specificity and predictive potential of extracellular vesicles for cell invasion and proliferation – A meta-analysis
Authors: Bukva Matyas , Dobra Gabriella , Gyukity-Sebestyen Edina , Boroczky Timea , Korsos Marietta Margareta , Meckes David G. , Horvath Peter , Buzas Krisztina , Harmati Maria
Published: November 2023

Background

Although interest in the role of extracellular vesicles (EV) in oncology is growing, not all potential aspects have been investigated. In this meta-analysis, data regarding (i) the EV proteome and (ii) the invasion and proliferation capacity of the NCI-60 tumor cell lines (60 cell lines from nine different tumor types) were analyzed using machine learning methods.

Methods

On the basis of the entire proteome or the proteins shared by all EV samples, 60 cell lines were classified into the nine tumor types using multiple logistic regression. Then, utilizing the Least Absolute Shrinkage and Selection Operator, we constructed a discriminative protein panel, upon which the samples were reclassified and pathway analyses were performed. These panels were validated using clinical data (n = 4,665) from Human Protein Atlas.

Results

Classification models based on the entire proteome, shared proteins, and discriminative protein panel were able to distinguish the nine tumor types with 49.15%, 69.10%, and 91.68% accuracy, respectively. Invasion and proliferation capacity of the 60 cell lines were predicted with R2 = 0.68 and R2 = 0.62 (p < 0.0001). The results of the Reactome pathway analysis of the discriminative protein panel suggest that the molecular content of EVs might be indicative of tumor-specific biological processes.

Conclusion

Integrating in vitro EV proteomic data, cell physiological characteristics, and clinical data of various tumor types illuminates the diagnostic, prognostic, and therapeutic potential of EVs.
Vascular Cell Adhesion Molecule-1 (VCAM-1) contributes to macular fibrosis in neovascular age-related macular degeneration through modulating macrophage functions
Authors: Deng Wen , Yi Caijiao , Pan Wei , Liu Jian , Qi Jinyan , Chen Juan , Zhou Zengchao , Duan Yiqin , Ning Xiangyan , Li Jun , Ye Changhua , Chen Zhongping , Xu Heping
Published: November 2023

Background

Neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD) is a major cause of blindness in the elderly. The disease is due to the growth of abnormal blood vessels into the macula, leading to the loss of central vision. Intravitreal injection of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) inhibitors (e.g., anti-VEGF) is the standard of care for nAMD. However, nearly 50% of patients do not respond or respond poorly to the therapy. More importantly, up to 70% of nAMD patients develop macular fibrosis after 10 years of anti-VEGF therapy. The underlying mechanism of nAMD-mediated macular fibrosis is unknown although inflammation is known to play an important role in the development of abnormal macular blood vessels and its progression to fibro-vascular membrane. In this study, we measured the intraocular levels of adhesion molecule VCAM-1, ICAM-1, CD44, CD62L, and CD62P in nAMD patients with and without macular fibrosis and investigated the link between the levels of adhesion molecule and clinical features (e.g., visual improvement, retinal thickness, etc.). We further investigated the effect of VCAM-1 in macrophage function in vitro and the development of subretinal fibrosis in vivo using a two-stage laser-induced protocol.

Results

The aqueous levels of ICAM-1, VCAM-1, CD44, and CD62L were significantly higher in nAMD patients compared to cataract controls. The aqueous level of VCAM-1 (but not other adhesion molecules) was significantly higher in patients with macular fibrosis than those without and the level correlated positively with the retinal thickness. VCAM-1 was highly expressed at the lesion site in the mouse model of subretinal fibrosis. Blocking VCAM-1 or its receptor VLA-4 significantly prevented macrophage infiltration and reduced subretinal fibrosis in vivo. VCAM-1 induced macrophage migration and upregulated the expression of Arg-1, Mmp12 and Il6 but down-regulated the expression of iNOS and Il1b in macrophages.

Conclusions

VCAM-1 may contribute to the development of macular fibrosis in nAMD patients by modulating macrophage functions, including migration and profibrotic polarization.
Profile of orthopaedic day-case procedures at a district general hospital (retrospective study)
Authors: Aldhilan Mansour Mohammed , Tella Azeez Olalekan
Published: November 2023

Background

The outcomes of orthopaedic day-case procedures have been reported widely, but there is a lack of reports from secondary health facilities such as district hospitals.

Aim

We aimed to perform a retrospective analysis of patient records to capture the profile of day-case procedures performed.

Materials and methods

We conducted a retrospective analysis of day-case procedures at the dedicated Day Surgery Unit of a moderate-sized district hospital in Saudi Arabia between January 2021 and December 2022. The medical records of all the patients who had day-case procedures by the hospital's orthopaedic unit were analyzed.

Results

Within the study period, 71 out of 914 elective orthopaedic procedures were carried out as day-cases, giving a day-case surgery rate of 7.8%. The mean age was 25.3 ± 12.2 (range, 4–55 years), and the male-to-female ratio was 6:1. The spectrum of the procedures was dominated by implant removal in 59 cases (83.1%). Whilst the anaesthetic technique varied, all the patients were ASA class I or II. There were minor complications in 10 patients (14.0%), with 7 of them (9.8%) needing inpatient admission. There was no cancellation of cases in our study.

Conclusion

We found day-case procedures to be safe and effective but with low utilisation of the Day Surgery Unit, which can be improved through the development of a detailed protocol for day surgery in the hospital.
Prevention and management of foot and lower limb health complications in adults undergoing dialysis: a scoping review
Authors: Manewell Sarah M. , Rao Purnima , Haneman Keren , Zheng Minjia , Charaf Hady , Menz Hylton B. , Sherrington Cathie , Paul Serene S.
Published: November 2023

Background

Foot and lower limb health complications are common among patients undergoing dialysis; but a summary of prevention and management evidence is not available. The aim of this scoping review was to summarise study characteristics and the nature of results regarding strategies to prevent and manage peripheral arterial disease (PAD), foot ulceration, amputation, associated infection and associated hospital admission in adults undergoing dialysis.

Methods

MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL and AMED databases were searched for longitudinal experimental and observational studies. Eligible studies included adults undergoing dialysis (≥10 dialysis patients, with separate results or ≥ 75% of the cohort). Any interventions relating to PAD, foot ulceration, amputation, associated infection, and associated hospital admission were included.

Results

The review included 212 studies, of which 199 were observational (94%) and 13 were experimental (6%). Sixteen studies (8%) addressed the prevention of foot and lower limb health complications, 43 (20%) addressed management, and 153 (72%) addressed both. The main intervention type in each study was surgery (n = 159, 75%), care from one or more health professionals (n = 13, 6%), screening by a health professional (n = 10, 5%), medication (n = 9, 4%) and rehabilitation (n = 5, 2%). No studies were identified where exercise, offloading or education were the main intervention. Results for PAD were reported in 137 (65%) studies, foot ulceration in 54 (25%), amputation in 171 (81%), infection in 7 (3%), and admission in 26 studies (12%). Results for more than one foot or lower limb outcome were reported in 141 studies (67%), with each study reporting on average two outcomes. Results varied and spanned positive, negative, and neutral outcomes following intervention.

Conclusions

Identified studies frequently aimed to both prevent and manage foot and lower limb health complications. A variety of interventions were identified and studies often reported results for more than one foot or lower limb health outcome. Findings from this review can be used to guide future research, with a goal to support improved patient outcomes.
RGS5 maintaining vascular homeostasis is altered by the tumor microenvironment
Authors: Kong Peng , Wang Xu , Gao Ya-Kun , Zhang Dan-Dan , Huang Xiao-Fu , Song Yu , Zhang Wen-Di , Guo Rui-Juan , Li Han , Han Mei
Published: November 2023

Background

Regulator of G protein signaling 5 (RGS5), as a negative regulator of G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) signaling, is highly expressed in arterial VSMCs and pericytes, which is involved in VSMC phenotypic heterogeneity and vascular remodeling in tumors. However, its role in normal and tumor vascular remodeling is controversial.

Methods

RGS5 knockout (Rgs5-KO) mice and RGS5 overexpression or knockdown in VSMCs in vivo by adeno-associated virus type 9 (AAV) carrying RGS5 cDNA or small hairpin RNA (shRNA) targeting RGS5 were used to determine the functional significance of RGS5 in vascular inflammation. RGS5 expression in the triple-negative (TNBCs) and non-triple-negative breast cancers (Non-TNBCs) was determined by immunofluorescent and immunohistochemical staining. The effect of breast cancer cell-conditioned media (BC-CM) on the pro-inflammatory phenotype of VSMCs was measured by phagocytic activity assays, adhesion assay and Western blot.

Results

We identified that knockout and VSMC-specific knockdown of RGS5 exacerbated accumulation and pyroptosis of pro-inflammatory VSMCs, resulting in vascular remodeling, which was negated by VSMC-specific RGS5 overexpression. In contrast, in the context of breast cancer tissues, the role of RGS5 was completely disrupted. RGS5 expression was increased in the triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) tissues and in the tumor blood vessels, accompanied with an extensive vascular network. VSMCs treated with BC-CM displayed enhanced pro-inflammatory phenotype and higher adherent with macrophages. Furthermore, tumor-derived RGS5 could be transferred into VSMCs.

Conclusions

These findings suggest that tumor microenvironment shifts the function of RGS5 from anti-inflammation to pro-inflammation and induces the pro-inflammatory phenotype of VSMCs that is favorable for tumor metastasis.
Personalized therapy in rheumatoid arthritis (PETRA): a protocol for a randomized controlled trial to test the effect of a psychological intervention in rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Seizer Lennart , Huber Ellis , Schirmer Miriam , Hilbert Sven , Wiest Eva-Maria , Schubert Christian
Published: November 2023

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune disease that primarily affects cartilage and bone. Psychological stress can both trigger disease exacerbation and result from disease activity. As standard pharmacological interventions alone have limited success in treating RA, a more comprehensive biopsychosocial approach to treatment has been recommended. In this prospective randomized controlled trial (RCT), a psychotherapeutically guided, group-based intervention program will be conducted with RA patients over a period of 9 months. This program combines a dynamic-interactional model with disorder-specific coping-oriented perspectives to improve patients’ social, emotional, and problem-solving competencies as well as stress system functional status. The enrolment of 440 patients, randomly allocated to either an intervention (n = 220) or control group (n = 220), is planned. To evaluate the intervention effect, various indicators of RA disease activity, stress system activity, and psychological condition will be assessed through sets of standardized questionnaires and biochemical analyses of blood and saliva samples. Moreover, healthcare-related costs for each patient will be obtained using routine health insurance data. Outcome variables will be measured in all patients at regular intervals prior to intervention (baseline), during the 9-month intervention (five time points), and during a 9-month follow-up phase (three time points), allowing the comprehensive analysis of within- and between-subject effects, i.e. trajectories of the target variables in the intervention and control groups. In addition, to investigate the intervention effects on real-life stress system functioning in RA, 10 integrative single-case studies (n = 5 from the intervention group, n = 5 from the control group) will be conducted. In each study, once before and after the 9-month intervention, urine samples will be collected, and patients will fill out questionnaires for approximately 1 month at 12-h intervals. Moreover, weekly in-depth interviews will be conducted with patients to determine their previous week’s emotionally positive and negative incidents. Using time series analysis, it is then possible to investigate whether and how stress system function in these RA patients has improved from the applied intervention. By using both an investigational macro- and microperspective, this project aims to evaluate a psychological intervention in the routine care of individuals with RA.

Trial registration German Clinical Trials Register DRKS00028144. Registered on 1 March 2022.
Facile solvent-free modified biochar for removal of mixed steroid hormones and heavy metals: isotherm and kinetic studies
Authors: Amusat Sefiu Olaitan , Kebede Temesgen Girma , Nxumalo Edward Ndumiso , Dube Simiso , Nindi Mathew Muzi
Published: November 2023

Water contamination has become a global challenge to human survival. Non-biodegradable heavy metal cations and steroid hormones could accumulate in the human body and could result in serious health problems. In this study, we prepared biochar from waste shells of African star apples and modified biochar using a solvent-free ball milling facile method. The X-ray photoelectron spectrometer (XPS) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis revealed biochar functional groups in C=C, C–O, and C=O. Brunauer Emmett Teller (BET) was used to determine the surface area, the surface area of ball-milled biochar obtained at 550 °C (BASA550) increased from 174 m2/g to 304 m2/g after modification. The Langmuir and Freundlich adsorption isotherms best described the experimental adsorption data with RL < 1 and 1/n < 1 and a high degree of agreement of R2 data; Langmuir (R2 = 0.9291–0.9992) and Freundlich (R2 = 0.9077–0.9974). The adsorption kinetic studies using pseudo-first-order and pseudo-second-order models revealed that the pseudo-second-order model accurately described the adsorption process). The application of the BASA550 for treating wastewater samples showed a good percentage of removal. The removal percentage for cadmium, nickel, and lead was recorded as 92.96%, 90.89%, and 90.29%, respectively. The percentage removal in the influent and effluent were found to be 85.06%, 83.87%, 84.73%, and 89.37%, 86.48%, and 87.40%, respectively. The maximum percentage removal of steroid hormones from ultrapure water ranged from 84.20 to 89.63%, while from the spiked effluent and influent the percentage removal of 78.91–87.81% and 73.58–84.51% were obtained. The reusability of the ball-milled biochar was investigated and the result showed that the adsorbent (BASA550) had a good reusability potential for the first four cycles.

Graphical Abstract
Environmentally friendly catalyst- and solvent-free synthesis of 2-anilino nicotinic acids derivatives as potential lead COX inhibitors
Authors: Yarhorhosseini Mahsa , Javanshir Shahrzad , Sadr Ahmad Shahir , Noori Milad , Dastyafteh Navid , Esmkhani Maryam , Iraji Aida , Mahdavi Mohammad
Published: November 2023

In this study, an environmentally friendly, solvent- and catalyst-free synthesis of 2-anilino nicotinic acids derivatives is reported. This operationally simple and green procedure was applied to a selection of primary aromatic amines giving rise to 23 derivatives of 2-anilino nicotinic acids in a very short reaction time (15–120 min) with good to excellent yield. Next, similarity searches were executed on these derivatives to find the possible biological target. These products were screened for inhibition of COX-1 and COX-2 by molecular docking and dynamic studies. In silico studies revealed that among these derivatives, the structure 10 bearing meta-chlorine substitutions could act as COX-1 and COX-2 inhibitors. These results can be used in designing important lead compounds for further development as potential anti-inflammatory drugs.
Molecular survey on vector-borne pathogens in clinically healthy stray cats in Zaragoza (Spain)
Authors: Villanueva-Saz Sergio , Martínez Marivi , Nijhof Ard M. , Gerst Bastian , Gentil Michaela , Müller Elisabeth , Fernández Antonio , González Ana , Yusuf Mohamed Sh. Mohamud , Greco Grazia , Verde Maite , Sgroi Giovanni , Lacasta Delia , Marteles Diana , Trotta Michele , Schäfer Ingo
Published: November 2023

Background

In Europe, feline vector-borne infections are gaining importance because of the changing climate, expanding habitats of potential vectors and expanding pathogen reservoirs. The main objective of this study was to assess the prevalence of vector-borne pathogens (VBPs) in stray cats in Zaragoza, Spain, and to investigate potential risk factors for infection, including feline leukaemia virus (FeLV) and feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV).

Methods

Blood samples from stray cats presented to the veterinary faculty in Zaragoza between February 2020 and 2022 were tested by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for the presence of Anaplasma phagocytophilum, Anaplasma platys, Bartonella henselae, Ehrlichia canis, Rickettsia spp., haemotropic Mycoplasma spp., Hepatozoon spp., Leishmania infantum, piroplasms and microfilariae at the LABOKLIN laboratory. The cats were also tested for FeLV and FIV by PCR.

Results

Nearly half of the cats (158/332, 47.6%) were positive for at least one VBP. Hepatozoon spp. were detected in 25.6%, haemotropic Mycoplasma spp. in 22.9%, B. henselae in 9.3% and L. infantum in 2.1% of the cats. Male sex had a statistically significant association with test results for haemotropic Mycoplasma spp. (odds ratio 1.38 [1.21;1.57]); regionality with Hepatozoon spp., B. henseale and FIV; and seasonality with Hepatozoon spp., haemotropic Mycoplasma spp., L. infantum and FeLV (P ≤ 0.05 each). A strong positive correlation was reported for the amount of rainfall and the number of cats that tested positive for Hepatozoon spp. (ρ = 753, P = 0.05). None of the cats tested positive for A. phagocytophilum, A. platys, E. canis, Rickettsia spp., piroplasms, or microfilariae. Co-infections with multiple VBPs were detected in 56 out of 332 cats (16.9%). Thirty-one of the 332 cats included in the study (9.3%) tested positive for FeLV (6.9%) and for FIV (3.6%). In 20/31 cats (64.5%) that tested positive for FeLV/FIV, coinfections with VBP were detected (P = 0.048, OR 2.15 [0.99; 4.64]).

Conclusions

VBPs were frequently detected in stray cats in Zaragoza. In particular, regionality and seasonality had a statistically significant association with PCR results for most VBPs included in the study.

Graphical Abstract
Risk prediction model for mortality in microscopic polyangiitis: multicentre REVEAL cohort study
Authors: Kotani Takuya , Matsuda Shogo , Okazaki Ayana , Nishioka Daisuke , Watanabe Ryu , Gon Takaho , Manabe Atsushi , Shoji Mikihito , Kadoba Keiichiro , Hiwa Ryosuke , Yamamoto Wataru , Hashimoto Motomu , Takeuchi Tohru
Published: November 2023

Background

To establish refined risk prediction models for mortality in patients with microscopic polyangiitis (MPA) by using comprehensive clinical characteristics.

Methods

Data from the multicentre Japanese registry of patients with vasculitis (REVEAL cohort) were used in our analysis. In total, 194 patients with newly diagnosed MPA were included, and baseline demographic, clinical, laboratory, and treatment details were collected. Univariate and multivariate analyses were conducted to identify the significant risk factors predictive of mortality.

Results

Over a median follow-up of 202.5 (84–352) weeks, 60 (30.9%) of 194 patients died. The causes of death included MPA-related vasculitis (18.3%), infection (50.0%), and others (31.7%). Deceased patients were older (median age 76.2 years) than survivors (72.3 years) (P < 0.0001). The death group had shorter observation periods (median 128.5 [35.3–248] weeks) than the survivor group (229 [112–392] weeks). Compared to survivors, the death group exhibited a higher smoking index, lower serum albumin levels, higher serum C-reactive protein levels, higher Birmingham Vasculitis Activity Score (BVAS), higher Five-Factor Score, and a more severe European Vasculitis Study Group (EUVAS) categorization system. Multivariate analysis revealed that higher BVAS and severe EUVAS independently predicted mortality. Kaplan–Meier survival curves demonstrated lower survival rates for BVAS ≥20 and severe EUVAS, and a risk prediction model (RPM) based on these stratified patients into low, moderate, and high-risk mortality groups.

Conclusions

The developed RPM is promising to predict mortality in patients with MPA and provides clinicians with a valuable tool for risk assessment and informed clinical decision-making.
Potential application of phage vB_EfKS5 to control Enterococcus faecalis and its biofilm in food
Authors: El-Telbany Mohamed , Lin Chen-Yu , Abdelaziz Marwa Nabil , Maung Aye Thida , El-Shibiny Ayman , Mohammadi Tahir Noor , Zayda Mahmoud , Wang Chen , Zar Chi Lwin Su , Zhao Junxin , Masuda Yoshimitsu , Honjoh Ken-ichi , Miyamoto Takahisa , El Mohamed
Published: November 2023

Contaminated food with antibiotic-resistant Enterococcus spp. could be the vehicle for transmitting Enterococcus to humans and accordingly cause a public health problem. The accumulation of biogenic amines produced by Enterococcus faecalis (E. faecalis) in food may have cytological effects. Bacteriophages (phage in short) are natural antimicrobial agents and can be used alone or in combination with other food preservatives to reduce food microbial contaminants. The aim of this study was to isolate a novel phage against E. faecalis and determine its host range to evaluate its potential application. Bacteriophage, vB_EfKS5, with a broad host range, was isolated to control the growth of E. faecalis. The vB_EfKS5 genome is 59,246 bp in length and has a GC content of 39.7%. The computational analysis of phage vB_EfKS5 genome confirmed that it does not contain any lysogenic, toxic, or virulent genes. Phage vB_EfKS5 exhibited lytic activity against most E. faecalis isolates with different multiplicities of infections and it infected 75.5% (22/29) of E. faecalis isolates and 42.3% (3/7) of E. faecium isolates. It was also able to destroy the biofilm formed by E. faecalis with different MOIs. Phage vB_EfKS5 alone or in combination with nisin could control the growth of E. faecalis in broth and milk. Based on its high productivity, stability, short latent period, and large burst size, phage vB_EfKS5 has a high potential for applications both in food and medical applications.
Novel grape seed extract nanoparticles attenuate amikacin-induced nephrotoxicity in rats
Authors: Farid Alyaa , Mohamed Dina , Mostafa Dina , Tarek Rawan , Sherif Viola , Safwat Gehan
Published: November 2023

Amikacin (AMK), an antibiotic, is prescribed for treating various bacterial diseases like urinary tract infections, encephalitis, asthma and joint infections. The most significant side effects, which affect 1 to 10% of consumers, are kidney injury and ototoxicity. Several studies discussed the role of grape seed extract (GSE) in renoprotection against AMK. The current study aimed to extract Muscat of Alexandria grape seeds followed by its characterization to determine its bioactive components and elements. GSE nanoparticles was prepared and tested, in vitro, to determine its safety for the in vivo experiment. Experimental groups were control group I, AMK group II, GSE (50 mg/kg)-AMK group III, GSE (100 mg/kg)-AMK group IV, GSE NPs (25 mg/kg)-AMK group V and GSE NPs (50 mg/kg)-AMK group VI. Groups 2–6 received 100 mg/kg/day of AMK by intramuscular injection for two weeks for the induction of experimental nephrotoxicity. Groups 3–6 received daily doses of GSE or GSE NPs by oral gavage, concurrently, with AMK for two weeks. GSE was rich in polyphenol compounds like proanthocyanidins, phenolic acids like gallic and egallic acids, catechine and epicatechine. GSE NPs have a smooth surface and a size that ranged from 40 to 70 nm; and have an anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-cytotoxic and anti-microbial in vitro effects. It reduced oxidative stress and inflammation that followed AMK administration; and attenuated the AMK-induced nephrotoxicity. GSE NPs were safe to be used in vivo as a renoprotective agent against AMK; where, it reduced the oxidative stress and inflammation.
Investigating zero transmission of HIV in the MSM population: a UK modelling case study
Authors: Massey Katherine , Vardanega Vittoria , Chaponda Mas , Eddowes Lucy A. , Hearmon Natalie
Published: November 2023

Background

UNAIDS 90-90-90 goals for HIV have been surpassed in the UK, with focus now moving to ending transmission by 2030. The concept of zero transmission is complex and many factors can influence transmission. We aimed to investigate how the target of zero transmission might be reached in the UK.

Methods

We developed a de novo Markov state transition open cohort model of HIV with a 50-year time horizon, which models six key screening, treatment and prevention parameters, including treatment-as-prevention (TasP) and pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP). We studied the anticipated HIV epidemic trajectory over time in men who have sex with men (MSM), with and without changing the six key parameters, defining zero transmission as a 60% reduction in incidence compared with 2010 incidence.

Results

Zero transmission in the MSM population was not achieved within the model’s time horizon in our base case scenario, when the six key parameters were set to their 2019 values. Several future scenarios were explored, including a combination approach to preventing HIV transmission through increasing five key parameter values and considering three different TasP values; zero transmission was achieved by 2030 in the scenario where TasP was increased from its current level of 97–99%, avoiding 48,969 new HIV cases over the time horizon and reducing the lifetime risk of acquiring HIV for HIV-negative MSM not using PrEP from 13.65 to 7.53%.

Conclusions

Zero transmission in the UK MSM population can be reached by the target year of 2030 with bold changes to HIV policy. A combination approach such as the UK Government’s ‘Towards Zero’ Action plan, impacting multiple policies and including an increase in TasP, has the potential to achieve meaningful reductions in HIV transmission and meet this ambitious goal.
The effect of housing tenure on health status of migrant populations in China: are health service utilization and social integration mediating factors?
Authors: Jia Fulin , Liu Xiaonan , Wang Yuxiang , Ma Mingze
Published: November 2023

Background

Current research suggests that there is an association between housing tenure and the health status of migrant populations, but the potential mediators of this association remain to be explored. We aimed to examine the effect of housing tenure on migrant populations’ health in China and how this effect is mediated by health service utilization and social integration.

Methods

Data from the 2017 China Migrants Dynamic Survey of 47,459 participants was used. Logistic regression models were used to explore the effects of housing tenure, health service utilization, and social integration on the health status of migrant populations. Mediated effects models were used to explore the association among them. This study used the bootstrap method and KHB method to test the mediating effect of health service utilization and social integration.

Results

Compared to private renters, owners with mortgages (OR: 0.828, 95% CI: 0.765–0.896) were significantly associated with a higher risk of poor health. Compared with private renters, outright owners were associated with a lower risk of poor health (OR: 1.016, 95% CI: 0.935, 1.104), but the association was not statistically significant (p > 0.05). Moreover, health service utilization (OR: 1.422, 95% CI: 1.268, 1.594) and social integration (OR: 4.357, 95% CI: 3.555, 5.341) were both significantly associated with a higher probability of good health (p < 0.001).

Conclusion

Among migrant populations, homeowners with mortgages had a lower likelihood of good health than private renters, while there was no significant difference in the health status between outright owners and private renters. Moreover, health service utilization and social integration mediate the effect of housing tenure on the health status of migrant populations. Policies and interventions can be designed to improve the health service utilization and social inclusion of migrant populations to reduce health disparities across housing tenure types.
National electrical energy supply: foundations of a future system
Authors: Benthaus Manfred , Gosper Lachlan
Published: November 2023

Background

Approximately 90% of the global human population have access to a supply of electrical energy. Existing national electrical energy supply systems possess good technical availability but with significant system-inherent risks. The latter show their effects in the systems’ operational behaviour, their impact on the national economy and on the global climate. National electrical energy supply systems in their current state can therefore not be considered sustainable. This invites the question, “can there be a national electrical energy supply system that is simultaneously technologically, economically and environmentally sustainable?”.

Main text

The contents of this article are of a fundamental nature. They start from a newly established axiomatic system for multiple-sustainable electric energy systems. The axioms contain no dependencies on individual users, nation states or technologies. For the transition into a sustainable energy system, core challenges faced by existing systems are synthesized, the fulfillment of which determines the feasibility of future systems. We state that anthropogenically generated electrical energy is a product possessing a cultural-technical significance. In this article, the possibilities arising from the physical fundamentals are considered. In addition, a new control system is developed that integrates user impact, quality assurance and cost developments in order to show a means to multiple-sustainable energy supply systems. An essential component of the control system is a unified view of energy production and energy transport. This also includes a transition from the previous, technology-dominated energy supply system into a new system for which the relevant social concerns are primary. One axiom deals with the economic concerns of management organizations of national electrical energy systems. At first, only the monetary working hypothesis is formulated, whereby organizations within the energy economy must be decoupled from basic business principles. Detailed discussions will be dealt with in a further article.

Conclusions

Through the transition from a technology-defined to a user-defined electrical energy supply system, the system-immanent risks in the operational behaviour, the national economy and the climate can be avoided simultaneously in an ideal complementary combination. Building upon the physical solution space, the quality-assured control process, which contains a systematic cost-reversal and a central focus upon the cultural-technical product of electrical energy, ensures such a transition is achievable by means of fulfillment of the core challenges. For these fundamental statements, which refer to the transformation into a future system, detailed explanations of organizational units are not yet necessary since they are not subject to any natural-scientific restrictions. However, they are essential for the post-transformation process.
Clinical significance and burden of carbapenem-resistant Enterobacterales (CRE) colonization acquisition in hospitalized patients
Authors: Hassoun-Kheir Nasreen , Hussien Khetam , Karram Marianne , Saffuri Maram , Badaan Sally , Peleg Shani , Aboelhega Worood , Warman Sigal , Alon Tamar , Pollak Dina , Szwarcwort Cohen Moran , Paul Mical
Published: November 2023

Background

Carbapenem-resistant Enterobacterales (CRE) infections have a significant morbidity and mortality toll. The clinical significance and associated burden of CRE colonization rather than infection state are not frequently investigated. We aimed to assess the outcomes of CRE colonized patients compared to matched controls.

Methods

A secondary analysis of a 1:2 matched case–control study at a tertiary hospital in northern Israel (January-2014 to June-2017). Cases were adults who newly acquired CRE colonization during hospitalization. Controls were inpatients negatively screened for CRE, matched by age, hospitalization division and total days of hospitalization 90 days prior to screening. Our primary outcome was 1-year all-cause mortality. Secondary outcomes included 30-day mortality, diagnosis of any clinical infection, overall days of hospital stay and bloodstream infections all in 1-year follow-up. We estimated crude and propensity score weighted estimates for study outcomes.

Results

We included a total of 1019 patients: 340 CRE colonized and 679 non-colonized controls. After adjustment, CRE colonization was not associated with increased 1-year mortality (weighted OR 0.98, 95% CI 0.64–1.50, p = 0.936). CRE colonized patients had 1.7 times the odds of clinical infection of any cause (weighted odds ratio (OR) 1.65, 95% CI 1.06–2.56, p = 0.025). CRE colonized patients had increased length of hospital stay compared to controls (weighted OR 1.52, 95%CI 1.10–2.10, p < 0.001) among 1-year survivors.

Conclusions

CRE colonization may not be independently associated with mortality but with higher risk of clinical infections and longer hospital stays. Infection prevention and antimicrobial stewardship are of utmost importance to prevent acquisition and infections in colonized patients.