bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Menopause-specific quality of life and attitude towards menopause among a group of postmenopausal women living in the city of Kolkata, India
Authors: Mukherjee Satabdi , Som Nivedita , Roy Subho
Published: February 2025

We attempted to assess Menopause-Specific Quality of Life (MENQOL) and attitude towards menopause with respect to ‘years after menopause’ and also association between MENQOL and attitude towards menopause. One hundred and eighty-two Bengali Hindu postmenopausal women (aged 42 to 65 years) living in Kolkata, India participated in the study. Data on socio-demographic, reproductive characteristics, MENQOL, and attitude towards menopause were collected. Results revealed that botheration with symptoms related to vasomotor and sexual domains remained significantly higher among the participants within 3 years after menopause, while botheration with symptoms related to physical and psychosocial domains and the impairment in MENQOL were likely to increase with increase in ‘years after menopause’. Participants who attained menopause less than 3 years ago had positive attitude towards menopause than that of those who attained menopause more than 3 years ago. Hierarchical linear regression suggested that score of attitude towards menopause was inversely associated with symptoms related to psychosocial domain, but was positively associated with educational levels and occupational types of the participants. We conclude that Bengali Hindu postmenopausal women reported impaired MENQOL and developed negative attitude towards menopause with increase in ‘years after menopause’. After controlling the confounders, only psychosocial domain showed strong association with attitude towards menopause.
Satisfaction with a daily supportive text messaging program aimed at promoting psychological well-being of educators: Outcomes from implementation of the Wellness4Teachers
Authors: Agyapong Belinda , Brett-MacLean Pamela , da Luz Dias Raquel , Wei Yifeng , Agyapong Vincent Israel Opoku
Published: February 2025

Background

The Wellness4Teachers program, a daily supportive text messaging program, was launched in Canada to mitigate psychological problems among teachers.

Objective

This study assessed subscribers’ experiences and satisfaction with the Wellness4Teachers supportive text messaging program.

Methods

This cross-sectional study was conducted during the 2022/2023 academic year and employed a mixed-methods approach. Data was collected from educators who self-subscribed to the free Wellness4Teachers program in Canada. Participants’ satisfaction levels were assessed using a Likert scale to evaluate the responses to different aspects of the program. Frequency counts and percentages were used to summarize quantitative responses. Qualitative data from responses to open-ended questions in the satisfaction survey were analyzed using content analysis.

Results

Overall, 88.3% of the participants were female, and 11.7% were male. 68.2% of participants agreed that Wellness4Teachers text messages helped them manage stress, 63.1% agreed it helped them cope with anxiety, and 74.4% felt connected to a support system. Additionally, 73.6% reported improved overall mental well-being due to the program, and 72.2% felt hopeful about managing concerns with their mental health. Further, 95.4% of respondents reported that the text messages were always or often positive, and 93.3% deemed them to be always or often affirming. Elementary school teachers and administrators had significantly higher mean satisfaction scores compared to senior high school teachers and educators who selected "other" as their major role in school. Qualitative feedback highlighted preferences for message delivery times and suggestions for enhancing personalization features to improve the Wellness4Teachers program.

Conclusion

This study demonstrates that educators were highly satisfied with and receptive to the Wellness4Teachers program. With the addition of enhanced personalization features suggested by the educators, the program may help to effectively supplement support for teachers’ psychological well-being while offsetting challenges associated with time constraints and geographical location.
Klang Consumer’s Willingness to Pay (WTP) for Malaysian Good Agricultural Practices (myGAP) Certified Vegetables
Authors: Kalyana Sundram Logeswary , Matthew Nitanan Koshy
Published: February 2025

Malaysian Good Agricultural Practices (myGAP) promote the environmentally friendly production of vegetables. However, consumers lack awareness and knowledge about myGAP-certified vegetables; thus, their willingness to pay for sustainably produced myGAP vegetables remains unknown. Hence, this research aimed to (a) identify the level of consumers’ awareness, knowledge and purchasing behavior when purchasing myGAP-certified vegetables in Klang, (b) determine the factors influencing consumers’ WTP for myGAP certified vegetables in Klang, and (c) estimate the consumers’ WTP for myGAP certified vegetables. Three hundred and fifty-seven respondents were selected using convenience sampling with a Double-Bounded Dichotomous Choice (DBDC) questionnaire. The result indicated that most respondents had high awareness and purchasing behavior levels and medium-level knowledge about purchasing myGAP-certified vegetables in Klang. Gender, income, and behavior influenced the consumers’ WTP for myGAP-certified vegetables. The findings revealed that the consumers were willing to pay, on average, an additional amount of RM 1.58/USD 0.34 using the logistic regression, while between RM 3.47/USD 0.76-RM 6.33/USD 1.40 using bivariate probit regression for myGAP vegetable as compared to the traditional vegetables using tomato as a representative. The findings of this study aimed to create awareness among consumers of the myGAP-certified products.
AI and Deep Reinforcement Learning for Sentiment Analysis of Customer Reviews
Authors: Reka Kumar , Raja Govindan , Malarchelvi PD Sheba Kezia
Published: February 2025

In supervised learning, new data is labelled based on experience gained from existing sentiment analysis models. However, the existing system will never update its knowledge with new data. The proposed model uses a multi-agent Aspect-based Deep Reinforcement Learning Sentiment Analysis to learn from the first information without any guidance gain knowledge and make decisions. By learning from the data it receives, it updates its knowledge and improves its intelligence. Consequently, the decision changes over time. This scenario can be used by online shopping sites to analyze sentiments in the reviews of their products. As a result, other customers on that site can effectively analyze the sentiments of premium customers.
Repurposing peripheral immunocytes of Bacillus Calmette Guerin-vaccinated melanoma patients to reveal preventive Alzheimer's disease mechanisms, possibly via the unfolded protein response
Authors: Klein Benjamin Y , Ben-David Inna , Gofrit Ofer N , Greenblatt Charles L
Published: February 2025

Background

Alzheimer's disease (AD) dysfunctional unfolded protein response (UPR) is revealed by amyloid-β aggregates. Normally, UPR reacts to endoplasmic reticulum stress by resolving misfolded/aggregated proteins, and UPR failure induces brain-cell apoptosis consistent with AD pathology. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) and immunocyte brain infiltrates are involved in AD pathogenesis, whose risk is lowered by the Bacillus Calmette Guerin (BCG) vaccine. Hypothetically, BCG prevents AD caused by UPR-driven apoptosis in PBMC brain infiltrates, corrected by BCG-vaccinated PBMC brain infiltrates.

Objective

To reveal whether BCG shifts the UPR towards cell survival. Method: PBMC proteins from 6 individuals were compared by immuno-electrophoresis before and after BCG hypervaccination. Cryopreserved PBMC provided an opportunity to analyze the BCG impact on the UPR, although their donor destiny to develop AD was unknown. UPR signaling responsive to BCG was recorded to examine if BCG can influence UPR signaling and thereby explain the previously demonstrated AD prevention by BCG.

Results

UPR signal levels were scored according to positive versus negative cell survival odds by the BCG impact on a dozen UPR signals. The balance between positive and negative scores of individuals emphasizes the impact of the BCG vaccine on the UPR. The antiapoptotic UPR signals under BCG show opposite trends to UPR signals in AD brains, reported by the literature. In conclusion, 3/6 individuals had superior PBMC survival chances under BCG.

Conclusions

These results suggest that the UPR is part of the mechanism responsible for reducing the risk of AD, as previously shown among BCG-treated bladder cancer patients.
A rapid and effective approach to building a life-saving multidisciplinary team for transferred postpartum haemorrhage patients: leveraging trauma experience—a retrospective study
Authors: Yu Pei-Hsiu , Hung Kuo-Shu , Kang Lin , Yang Tsung-Han , Wu Chun-Hsien , Tsai Pei-Yin , Wang Chih-Jung , Yen Yi-Ting , Yu Chen-Hsiang , Chang Chiung-Hsin
Published: February 2025

Background

Establishing an efficient multidisciplinary team for transferred postpartum haemorrhage (PPH) cases is challenging due to limited clinical exposure. We hypothesised that leveraging trauma team experience could effectively facilitate the development of such a team within a short timeframe.

Methods

In September 2019, a multidisciplinary team was established at our tertiary care centre to provide rapid management of critical PPH cases transferred from the obstetric clinic, prioritising immediate resuscitation and haemostatic interventions. This historical cohort study (2017–2022) compared outcomes before (2017–2018, before group [BG]) and after (2019–2022, after group [AG]) team establishment. Outcomes included process-related quality indicators, clinical measures such as length of hospital stay, intensive care unit (ICU) days, presence of the lethal triad, and hysterectomy rate.

Results

Of the 71 PPH patients transferred during the study period, 24 were in the BG and 47 in the AG. The AG demonstrated higher use of tranexamic acid (33.33% vs. 74.47%, P = 0.002), shorter time to the first blood transfusion (11 vs. 8 min, P = 0.029), and increased rates of arrival in the operating room within 60 min (25% vs. 80%, P = 0.014). Clinical outcomes showed reduced rates of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (16.67% vs. 0%, P = 0.011) and shorter ICU stays (4 vs. 1 day, P = 0.005) in the AG.

Conclusions

Leveraging trauma team expertise is an effective strategy for establishing a multidisciplinary PPH team, significantly improving outcomes for critically ill PPH patients transferred from obstetric clinics.
Elevations of α-fetoprotein in patients undergoing chemotherapy for pure testicular seminoma: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Costelloe Seán J. , Spencer Jennifer D. , Humphries Kathryn , Stark Daniel , Dunwoodie Elaine
Published: February 2025

Background

α-Fetoprotein (AFP) is conventionally absent in testicular classical seminoma (TCS). However, moderate AFP elevations can occur in TCS patients, as observed at this and other centres, which can be challenging to diagnostic and management practices.

Methods

This retrospective cohort study considered AFP concentration in the context of germ-cell tumour diagnosis and characterisation at baseline (BL), disease status during chemotherapy, and long-term surveillance. The study considered patients with histologically diagnosed stage 1 TCS requiring chemotherapy over six years. For those with AFP above the reference interval at BL, histological imaging, case notes, and biochemical data were reviewed from BL to surveillance completion. Outcomes included AFP changes, diagnoses, therapy, disease progression, and death.

Results

Of the 175 patients included, eight (4.6%) had elevated AFP at BL. Of these, two showed statistically but not clinically significant AFP changes during therapy, while six had moderate, stable AFP elevations with no changes in diagnosis during follow-up. During therapy, one patient developed metastases, and one died of causes likely unrelated to their TCS.

Conclusions

Mild elevations of AFP in TCS may lead to diagnostic uncertainty or inappropriate management and investigation. However, AFP changes, alongside imaging, did not affect diagnosis, therapy, or follow-up at this centre for any of the patients examined. A subgroup of TCS patients has stable, moderate AFP elevations unrelated to tumour aetiology.
Mental health of LGBTQ+ workers: a systematic review
Authors: Tomic Dunya , O’Dwyer Monica , Keegel Tessa , Walker-Bone Karen
Published: February 2025

Background

Members of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and other sexual and gender minorities (LGBTQ+) community have greater risk of mental health disorders compared to the general population, however most evidence is from young people. We sought to systematically review and summarise the evidence for the burden and risk of mental health disorders.

Methods

A PRISMA-compliant literature search was conducted in MEDLINE, Embase, PsycInfo, Scopus, and CINAHL for articles published from 2000 to 2024. Quantitative or mixed-methods studies that reported mental health outcomes among LGBTQ+ workers were included. Effect measures included prevalence and odds ratios, with variations in mental health across occupations and specific sexual or gender minorities reported where possible. This systematic review was prospectively registered through PROSPERO (CRD42024587605).

Results

Out of 5736 unique articles screened, 33 articles (32 individual studies) fulfilled eligibility criteria, including 8369 LGBTQ+ workers. Other than studies of sex workers, only 12 studies had research questions specific to LGBTQ+ workers’ mental health. Most studies (30/32) were cross-sectional and reported increased odds of depression, anxiety, or suicidality among LGBTQ+ compared to non-LGBTQ+ workers. Prevalence estimates and methodology varied widely. Factors associated with adverse mental health outcomes among select groups of LGBTQ+ workers included internalised stigma, heterosexism, job stress and low income. We found no studies comparing workers across industries and no studies involving workplace interventions.

Conclusions

There are limited objective data regarding LGBTQ+ workers’ mental health. Given the heterogeneity of the LGBTQ+ population, dedicated longitudinal research into the mental health of specific sexual and gender minorities across all industries and occupations is needed to determine causal factors, the impact of intersectionality, and the effectiveness of workplace interventions.
Exploring the potential of a school brushing program using a connected brush in underserved areas: a feasibility cluster randomised trial
Authors: Kitsaras George , Boothman Nicola , Gomez Juliana , Goodwin Michaela , Muzammil Momina , Walsh Tanya
Published: February 2025

Background

The main aim of this cluster randomised controlled trial is to explore the feasibility of a school-based brushing program utilising a smart, connected brush in children.

Methods

Students aged 8 to 11 years in 6 primary schools across Manchester, UK were approached for this study. All children received a smart, connected toothbrush which captured information on coverage, duration and frequency of brushing. Teachers had access to class-level digital dashboards summarising brushing habits to set challenges for the students. Additionally, children in schools randomised to the toothbrush plus text messaging trial arm received text message support (delivered to their parents' mobile phones). Outcomes included: (a) consent rate, (b) recruitment rate recorded as the number of participants who completed at least one of the study surveys post-consents, and (c) acceptability of the interventions on schools and parents through a mixed methods approach.

Results

Average age of parents was 39.8 years (SD5.94) while the average age of children was 9.7 years (SD1.56). Most parents and children came from households in the most deprived decile based on their Index of Multiple Deprivation (IMD) scores with 77 households (52.4%) scoring 1 (most deprived). Out of 753 eligible participants across all 6 schools, 409 were consented (54.3% consent rate) with 148 participants completing baseline measurements (36.8%). During the study, there was only 1 drop out. In terms of acceptability, parents found the study very enjoyable (average score of 8.9/10), and found the brush and app easy to use (average score of 8.7/10). Those parents who additionally received the text messages found them easy to understand and useful (average score of 8.9/10). In total, 91.6% of parents would recommend the brush and the intervention to family and friends. Three key facilitators ((a) enhancing children’s self-reliance, (b) increased engagement through the use of visual cues and (c) increased motivation (due to gamification) potentially supported children’s engagement with the brush and app.

Conclusions

Low dropout rates and very positive feedback highlight the potential of this intervention. Future studies should consider how to quantify changes in children’s oral health, address loss of questionnaire completion and harness the opportunities this study provided.

Trial registration

The study was registered at ISRCTN registration number ISRCTN77803149 on the 28th December 2023.
The association between rs2228226 and postoperative clinical outcomes in gastric adenocarcinoma: a retrospective study
Authors: Wu Haowen , Li Xinxiong , Dang Yuan , Zhang Yawei , Zhang Zaizhong , Zhang Bowen , Cai Qinglong , Wang Lie , Wang Meiping , Xiao Chunhong
Published: February 2025

Background

This study aims to investigate the differences in postoperative prognosis associated with the single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) rs2228226 (G > C) in gastric adenocarcinoma (GAC) patients.

Methods

This study enrolled 661 patients with locally advanced (pT4a) GAC after surgery. DNA was extracted from their tissues and genotyped for rs2228226 using a MassARRAY Analyzer. Based on the patients’ clinical and pathological information, a multifactorial Cox regression analysis was performed to assess the correlation between rs2228226 and the clinical prognosis of pT4a GAC patients. Survival differences among patients who received postoperative chemotherapy were also examined according to rs2228226.

Results

After excluding patients with distant metastasis, loss to follow-up, and those not meeting the inclusion criteria, a total of 463 patients with complete data were included. The rs2228226 genotype distribution was as follows: C/C = 57 (12.3%), G/C = 200 (43.2%), and G/G = 206 (44.5%). Patients with the C/C genotype had significantly shorter disease-free survival (DFS = 12 months) and overall survival (OS = 27 months) compared to those with the G/C or G/G genotype (DFS = 19 months, log-rank P = 0.003; OS = 35 months, log-rank P = 0.002). Further analysis of patients receiving chemotherapy identified the C/C genotype, advanced age, lymph node metastasis, degree of differentiation, and failure to achieve R0 resection as independent risk factors for tumor recurrence and metastasis (P < 0.05). The C/C genotype, lymph node metastasis, and tumor recurrence and metastasis were independent risk factors for mortality (P < 0.05).

Conclusions

In pT4a GAC patients undergoing postoperative chemotherapy, the C/C genotype at rs2228226 is an independent risk factor for tumor recurrence, metastasis, and death. The rs2228226 (G > C) polymorphism may serve as a potential biomarker for predicting prognosis after chemotherapy in GAC.
Association between annual concentration of air pollutants and incidence of metabolic syndrome among Korean adults: Korean Genome and Epidemiology Study (KoGES)
Authors: Shin Hanuel , Song Minkyo , Bae Sanghyuk
Published: February 2025

Background

Air pollution is a global public health concern and incidence rates of metabolic syndrome (MetS) are increasing. To evaluate the effect of long-term air pollution exposure, we examined the association between long-term exposure to ambient air pollution and the incidences of MetS among Korean adults.

Methods

We used data from the Korean Genome and Epidemiology Study’s Cardiovascular Disease Association Study, a population-based cohort consisting of community-dwelling Korean adults between 2005 and 2011, who were followed up with until 2016 (n = 7,428). Air pollution exposure was estimated using the Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality model based on the participants’ addresses. The participants had a physical examination at every visit during follow-up, and MetS was defined based on the National Institute of Health’s National Cholesterol Education Program-Adult Treatment Panel III. We used Cox proportional hazard model to analyze the association between long-term air pollution exposure and incidences of MetS per interquartile range (IQR) increment of the annual concentration after adjusting for potential confounders using single and two-pollutant analysis.

Results

The hazard ratios (HR) of MetS per IQR increment in PM2.5, SO2, NO2, and CO were 1.19 (95% CI: 1.12-1.27), 1.57 (95% CI: 1.47-1.68), 1.11 (95% CI: 1.03-1.20), and 1.63 (95% CI: 1.48-1.78), respectively. The incidences of MetS components, which are high blood pressure, elevated fasting glucose, abdominal obesity, high fasting triglyceride (TG), and low fasting high-density lipoprotein (HDL-C), were significantly associated with an IQR increment especially in SO2 and CO. In subgroup analysis, males had higher risk of MetS than females. The HR was the highest in the 60–69 year old age group for all pollutants.

Conclusion

In the present study, we found that long-term ambient air pollution exposure increased the incidences of MetS and its components among Korean adults, especially in males and the elderly population.

Graphical abstract
Preoperative circulating tumor cells level is associated with lymph node metastasis in patients with unifocal papillary thyroid carcinoma
Authors: Gu Yihua , Yu Ming , Deng Jiaqin , Lai Yeqian
Published: February 2025

Objective

Unifocal papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) refers to thyroid cancer that has only one isolated lesion, it has also the possibility of lymph node metastasis (LNM). Circulating tumor cell (CTC) has been used to assist in the assessment of tumor progression, but the relationship between CTCs levels and LNM in unifocal PTC patients is unclear.

Methods

The clinical records (age, gender, Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, thyroid function, tumor size, invaded capsule (thyroid cancer penetrating the capsule), clinical stage, and LNM) of unifocal PTC patients in Meizhou People’s Hospital were analyzed retrospectively. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was used to determine the cutoff value of CTCs levels to distinguish LNM. The relationship between CTCs level and clinical features was analyzed. Logistic regression analysis was used to evaluate the relationship between CTCs and LNM.

Results

A total of 507 unifocal PTC patients were included, and 198(39.1%) patients with LNM. The critical value of CTCs was 9.25 FU/3mL by ROC analysis, and 288(56.8%) unifocal PTC patients with preoperative CTC-positive(≥ 9.25 FU/3mL). The patients with positive CTCs had higher proportions of normal thyroid function (91.3% vs. 84.5%, p = 0.018), and LNM (44.1% vs. 32.4%, p = 0.008) than patients with negative. High preoperative CTCs level (≥ 9.25/<9.25 FU/3mL, odds ratio(OR): 1.653, 95% confidence interval(CI): 1.115–2.451, p = 0.012), tumor size > 1 cm (OR: 3.189, 95% CI: 2.069–4.913, p < 0.001), and invaded capsule (OR: 1.521, 95% CI: 1.005–2.302, p = 0.047) were associated with LNM among unifocal PTC in multivariate logistic regression analysis.

Conclusions

High preoperative CTCs level (≥ 9.25 FU/3mL), tumor size > 1 cm, and invaded capsule were associated with LNM among unifocal PTC.
The distribution of D4Z4 repeats in China and direct prenatal diagnosis of FSHD by optical genome mapping
Authors: Li Mengmeng , Hao Na , Chang Jiazhen , Yin Kaili , Yang Xueting , Wang Yaru , Dai Yi , Jiang Yulin
Published: February 2025

Background

Facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy (FSHD) is the second most common form of muscular dystrophy, which is characterized by a reduction in the number of D4Z4 repeats on chromosome 4q35. Prenatal diagnosis of FSHD has been challenging due to the large quantity and high-quality DNA required for Southern blot (SB) analysis. Optical genome mapping (OGM) technology has shown promise in identifying repeat contraction disorders and presents a potential tool for the prenatal diagnosis of FSHD.

Methods

In this retrospective cohort study, we investigated the distribution of D4Z4 repeats in 100 unrelated healthy individuals from the Chinese Han population using peripheral blood samples and DLS labelling method. Additionally, prenatal diagnosis using OGM was performed in 12 FSHD families at Peking Union Medical College Hospital between January 2021 and December 2023. The prenatal samples included 2 amniotic cell cultures and 10 chorionic villus samples (CVS), with 9 labeled using DLS and 4 using NLRS method.

Results

Among the 100 healthy controls, the distribution of D4Z4 repeats varied, with 3 individuals having borderline 10 repeat counts on 4qA, and the most frequent count being 14 units. One individual with mosaicism was also identified. In the cohort of 12 FSHD families,14 prenatal diagnoses were performed. Of these 14 cases, 4 fetuses tested positive for 4qA contraction, with repeat counts ranging from 2 to 4. In both families that underwent two rounds of prenatal diagnosis, the first diagnosis indicated the presence of FSHD, leading to pregnancy termination, while the second diagnosis confirmed the presence of healthy fetuses. The overall positive rate was 28.57%.

Conclusion

Our findings demonstrate that OGM is an accurate and effective method for the prenatal diagnosis of FSHD. The application of OGM in prenatal settings could offer significant benefits to families affected by FSHD with reproductive concerns.
AMPA receptor diffusional trapping machinery as an early therapeutic target in neurodegenerative and neuropsychiatric disorders
Authors: Choquet Daniel , Opazo Patricio , Zhang Hongyu
Published: February 2025

Over the past two decades, there has been a growing recognition of the physiological importance and pathological implications surrounding the surface diffusion of AMPA receptors (AMPARs) and their diffusional trapping at synapses. AMPAR surface diffusion entails the thermally powered random Brownian lateral movement of these receptors within the plasma membrane, facilitating dynamic exchanges between synaptic and extrasynaptic compartments. This process also enables the activity-dependent diffusional trapping and accumulation of AMPARs at synapses through transient binding to synaptic anchoring slots. Recent research highlights the critical role of synaptic recruitment of AMPARs via diffusional trapping in fundamental neural processes such as the development of the early phases of long-term potentiation (LTP), contextual fear memory, memory consolidation, and sensory input-induced cortical remapping. Furthermore, studies underscore that regulation of AMPAR diffusional trapping is altered across various neurological disease models, including Huntington’s disease (HD), Alzheimer’s disease (AD), and stress-related disorders like depression. Notably, pharmacological interventions aimed at correcting deficits in AMPAR diffusional trapping have demonstrated efficacy in restoring synapse numbers, LTP, and memory functions in these diverse disease models, despite their distinct pathogenic mechanisms. This review provides current insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying the dysregulation of AMPAR diffusional trapping, emphasizing its role as a converging point for multiple pathological signaling pathways. We propose that targeting AMPAR diffusional trapping represents a promising early therapeutic strategy to mitigate synaptic plasticity and memory deficits in a spectrum of brain disorders, encompassing but not limited to HD, AD, and stress-related conditions. This approach underscores an integrated therapeutic target amidst the complexity of these neurodegenerative and neuropsychiatric diseases.
FSH and Sertoli Cell Biomarkers Accurately Distinguish Hypogonadotropic Hypogonadism From Self-limited Delayed Puberty
Authors: Castro Sebastián , Correa Brito Lourdes , Bedecarrás Patricia , Ballerini María Gabriela , Sansó Gabriela , Keselman Ana , Cassinelli Hamilton , Arcari Andrea Josefina , Alonso Guillermo F , Chan Yee-Ming , He Wen , Ropelato María Gabriela , Bergadá Ignacio , Cassorla Fernando , Rey Rodolfo A , Grinspon Romina P
Published: February 2025

Context

Delayed puberty is a frequent complaint in males. The differential diagnosis between self-limited delayed puberty (SLDP) and congenital hypogonadotropic hypogonadism (CHH) is challenging. Commonly used endocrine tests, focusing on stimulated levels of LH or testosterone, are not satisfactory in making a diagnosis. Because FSH action on Sertoli cells results in testis enlargement and anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) and inhibin B increased secretion, and the FSH-Sertoli cell axis function is detectable during normal childhood and early puberty, we tested whether the assessment of serum FSH, AMH, and inhibin B would be informative to distinguish between SLDP and CHH.

Design

We performed a prospective, nested case-control study in a cohort of male adolescents presenting with delayed puberty, comparing baseline serum reproductive hormone levels to identify predictive biomarkers of CHH, after having followed all participants prospectively until a final diagnosis was ascertained based on gold-standard criteria (age 18 years or ≥4 years after testis volume reached 4 mL).

Results

Of 65 participants who completed follow-up, 33 had a final diagnosis of SLDP and 32 of CHH. Serum FSH, AMH, and inhibin B showed better diagnostic efficiency than LH and testosterone for these differential diagnoses. FSH (IU/L)×inhibin B (ng/mL) < 92 and FSH (IU/L)×AMH (pmol/L) < 537 showed high sensitivity (>93%), specificity (≥92%), predictive values (>92%), and positive likelihood ratio (>12) for CHH. The diagnostic performance remained 89.7% and 88.2% for FSH × inhibin B and FSH × AMH, respectively, when analyzed in patients without red flags (micropenis, cryptorchidism, and/or microorchidism).

Conclusion

Serum FSH combined with inhibin B or AMH is highly predictive to accurately distinguish between SLDP and CHH in adolescent males.
Cardiovascular risk and plasma N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide in adults with Resistance to Thyroid Hormone β
Authors: Davis Timothy M E , Davis Wendy A , Moran Carla , Lyons Greta , Bryden Ellis , Chatterjee Krishna
Published: February 2025

Purpose

People with Resistance to Thyroid Hormone due to defective thyroid receptor β (RTHβ), exhibit adverse cardiovascular outcomes and premature mortality. Whether this reflects increased global cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk or hyperthyroxinemia-associated effects on cardiac rhythm and contractility is unknown. We determined CVD risk and plasma N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) concentrations as a marker of reduced cardiac function in 99 individuals (mean age 41 years, 37% males) with RTHβ.

Results

The mean (SD range) QRISK3 score for 82 participants was 2.0 (0.5–8.8) % versus 1.3 (0.3–5.0) % for age, sex and ethnicity-matched healthy controls (P = 0.005). The QRISK3 heart age of RTHβ participants was 49.8 ± 14.5 years versus actual age 44.5 ± 12.4 years (difference 5.3 (95% CI: 4.0, 6.5) years; P < 0.001). The mean (SD range) plasma NT-proBNP in 79 RTHβ participants was 51 (18–142) pg/mL; 10.1% of values were above the age-specific 97.5th percentile of a large control sample. In multiple linear regression, age and female sex were significant independent predictors of NT-proBNP (P ≤ 0.001), but free T3, free T4, TSH and QRISK3 10-year CVD risk were not.

Conclusions

Elevated NT-proBNP concentrations, seen even in young people with RTHβ, suggest that myocardial dysfunction contributes to early adverse cardiovascular outcomes in this disorder, with increased atherosclerotic disease risk likely manifesting later in life. Measurement of NT-proBNP and assessment of cardiovascular risk should be considered at first presentation and periodically during follow up of RTHβ.
Η επίδραση του επιδερμικού ηλεκτρικού ερεθισμού του κνημιαίου νεύρου στις κυστο-ουρηρθικές διαταραχές και τη σεξουαλική δυσλειτουργία ασθενών με πολλαπλή σκλήρυνση
Authors: Γιαννόπαπας Βασίλειος
Published: February 2025

Η Πολλαπλή Σκλήρυνση (ΠΣ) αποτελεί την συχνότερη νευροφλεγμονώδη και νευροεκφυλιστική απομυελινωτική νόσο του Κεντρικού νευρικού συστήματος (ΚΝΣ). Πέραν των κινητικών και αισθητικών διαταραχών η πλειονότητα των ασθενών με ΠΣ αντιμετωπίζουν συμπτώματα νευρογενούς κύστης (με συχνότητα 30-99%) και σεξουαλικής δυσλειτουργίας (με συχνότητα 40- 90%). Πρόσφατες μελέτες αναδεικνύουν την επίπτωση των κυστο-ουρηρθικών και σεξουαλικών συμπτωμάτων στην ποιότητα ζωής των ασθενών με ΠΣ, με την πλειονότητα των ασθενών να αναφέρουν πως τα κυστο-ουρηθρικά συμπτώματα αποτελούν σημαντικότερο παράγοντα αναπηρίας συγκριτικά με τα κινητικά συμπτώματα. Η παρούσα διδακτορική διατριβή αφορά τον σχεδιασμό και την εκπόνηση μιας τυφλά τυχαιποιημένης μελέτης σχετικά με την επίδραση του επιδερμικού ηλεκτρικού ερεθισμού του κνημιαίου νεύρου στην διαχείριση κυστο-ουρηθρικών συμπτωμάτων και συμπτωμάτων πρωτογενούς σεξουαλικής δυσλειτουργίας σε ασθενείς με ΠΣ. Η μελέτη πραγματοποιήθηκε στη Β ́Πανεπιστημιακή Νευρολογική Κλινική Ε.Κ.Π.Α στο Π.Γ.Ν Αττικόν και έλαβε έγκριση από την Επιτροπή Ηθικής και Δεοντολογίας του Νοσοκομείου καθώς και του Πανεπιστημίου Δυτικής Αττικής. Στη μελέτη συμμετείχαν συνολικά 38 ασθενείς με ΠΣ και αυτό-αναφερόμενα κυστο-ουρηθρικά συμπτώματα και συμπτώματα πρωτογενούς σεξουαλικής δυσλειτουργίας, οι οποίοι τυχαιοποιήθηκαν σε ομάδα ενεργούς παρέμβασης και ομάδα ελέγχου και συμμετείχαν σε συνεδρίες επιδερμικού ηλεκτρικού ερεθισμού με συχνότητα 3 φορές/ εβδομάδα και συνολική διάρκεια 2 μήνες. Κατά το τέλος της παρέμβασης παρατηρήθηκε στατιστικά σημαντική βελτίωση των κυστο-ουρηθρικών συμπτωμάτων (αποθήκευση και κένωση ούρων) καθώς και των συμπτωμάτων σεξουαλικής δυσλειτουργίας (διατήρηση στύσης/λίπανση κόλπου, ποιότητα οργασμού) στην ομάδα ενεργούς παρέμβασης με ταυτόχρονη απουσία στατιστικά σημαντικής αλλαγής στην ομάδα ελέγχου. Βάσει των αποτελεσμάτων την παρούσαςμελέτης, ο επιδερμικός ηλεκτρικός ερεθισμός του κνημιαίου νεύρου αποτελεί μια ασφαλή και οικονομική συμπληρωματική θεραπευτική επιλογή για την διαχείριση κυστο-ουρηθρικών και σεξουαλικών συμπτωμάτων σε ασθενείς με ΠΣ.
Η ηγεσία και η συναισθηματική νοημοσύνη ως παράγοντες που συμβάλλουν στην επαγγελματική ικανοποίηση των εκπαιδευτικών προσχολικής αγωγής και πρωτοβάθμιας εκπαίδευσης
Authors: Παναγόπουλος Νικόλαος
Published: February 2025

Ο χώρος της εκπαίδευσης αποτελεί πεδίο νευραλγικής σημασίας για κάθε κοινωνία. Η ομαλή και ασφαλής λειτουργία του σχολείου αποτελούν παράγοντες για τη σωστή και αποτελεσματική μάθηση. Οι εκπαιδευτικοί καλούνται να διεκπεραιώσουν ένα πραγματικά δύσκολο έργο σε μια κοινωνία που συνεχώς αλλάζει και αυξάνει τις απαιτήσεις της από το δημόσιο σχολείο. Παρατηρείται, όμως, ότι ο σημερινός εκπαιδευτικός χρειάζεται συν τοις άλλοις, υποστήριξη στον συναισθηματικό και ψυχολογικό τομέα. Επομένως, η συναισθηματική νοημοσύνη του εκάστοτε προϊσταμένου/ης-διευθυντή/ντριας της σχολικής μονάδας αλλά και το στιλ ηγεσίας που υιοθετεί, επιδρούν στην εργασιακή ικανοποίηση των εκπαιδευτικών. Η εργασιακή ικανοποίηση του ανθρώπινου δυναμικού αποτελεί ζητούμενο σε κάθε οργανισμό, ώστε να αποτελέσει το ιδανικό περιβάλλον δράσης και δημιουργίας. Σκοπός της παρούσας έρευνας ήταν η μελέτη της επίδρασης της συναισθηματικής νοημοσύνης διευθυντών/ντριών των δημοτικών σχολείων και προϊσταμένων νηπιαγωγείων καθώς και το στιλ ηγεσίας που επιλέγουν να διοικήσουν τη σχολική μονάδα, στην εργασιακή ικανοποίηση των υφισταμένων τους εκπαιδευτικών. Στην έρευνα συμμετείχαν 61 διευθυντές/ντριες δημοτικών σχολείων της Περιφερειακής Ενότητας Αχαΐας και 435 υφιστάμενοί\νες τους εκπαιδευτικοί. Αντίστοιχα, συμμετείχαν 44 προϊστάμενοι/νες νηπιαγωγείων και 76 νηπιαγωγοί. Όλοι οι συμμετέχοντες ήταν εν ενεργεία εκπαιδευτικοί δημόσιων σχολείων. Οι διευθυντές/ντριες και οι προϊστάμενοι/νες των σχολείων συμπλήρωσαν ερωτηματολόγια που αξιολογούσαν τον βαθμό της συναισθηματικής τους νοημοσύνης και την ηγετική τους συμπεριφορά. Οι εκπαιδευτικοί και οι νηπιαγωγοί αντίστοιχα, συμπλήρωσαν ερωτηματολόγια που αξιολογούσαν την ηγετική συμπεριφορά των προϊσταμένων τους και την δική τους επαγγελματική ικανοποίηση. Τα αποτελέσματα έδειξαν υψηλό βαθμό συναισθηματικής νοημοσύνης της σχολικής ηγεσίας, με κυρίαρχα στιλ ηγεσίας το μετασχηματιστικό και το συναλλακτικό. Ακολούθως, οι υφιστάμενοι/νες εκπαιδευτικοί φαίνεται να βιώνουν εργασιακή ικανοποίηση σε σχέση με κάποιες διαστάσεις της συναισθηματικής νοημοσύνης και της ηγετικής συμπεριφοράς των προϊσταμένων τους. Αναδεικνύεται η ανάγκη ενίσχυσης της συναισθηματικής νοημοσύνης των διοικούντων τις σχολικές μονάδες αλλά και της εργασιακής ικανοποίησης των υφισταμένων τους εκπαιδευτικών.
MODIFICATION OF GELATIN FILMS WITH PLANT EXTRACTS
Authors: Tovstik Evgenia V. , Shirokova Evgeniya S.
Published: February 2025

Background. Widely cultivated plants with known potential for medical properties for example sea buckthorn (Hippоphaе rhamnоides) and chokeberry (Aronia melanocarpa) are valuable pharmacopeial raw materials for creating medicinal films. The usage of aqueous extracts from various structural parts of these plants into medical films is an innovative concept for transdermal therapeutic systems, mainly due to their phytochemical components. In addition, the performance properties of medical films can be varying by including plant extracts in the composition.
Purpose. The investigation of the influence of aqueous extracts from leaves and fruits of sea buckthorn and chokeberry on the performance properties of gelatin films.
Materials and methods. Crushed plant materials (leaves and fruits) were subjected to extraction with water: in a boiling water bath for 30 minutes and at room temperature (20±2°C) for 15 minutes. The quntitive content of extracts were analyzed: polyphenolic compounds and flavonoids by spectrophotometric method; tannins by titrimetric method; extractives by gravimetry. Films were obtained by casting from a viscous solution (10 wt.% P-11 gelatin, 5 wt.% glycerol). The influence of plant extracts on temperature characteristics, tensile strength and elongation at breake, vapor permeability, water absorption, and hydrophilicity of gelatin films was investigated. Statistical processing of measurement results was carried out according with GOST R 8.736-2011.
Results. The antioxidant activity of aqueous extracts from plant materials has been approved by determining the content of polyphenols, flavonoids, and tannins in them. The higher values of that parameters were established for extracts from leaves than from fruits. The technology of gelatin films production ensured the release of phytochemical components from them. As the extractive substances content in gelatin films is increasing the elongation at break and hydrophilicity are increasing whereas the tensile strength and water absorption are decreasing. Gelatin films with plant extracts are vapor-permeable, which makes them possible to use for transdermal therapeutic systems.
Conclusion. Thus, the usage of aqueous extracts from the leaves and fruits of sea buckthorn and chokeberry for gelatin films is an effective method for improving their performance properties.
EXPLORING MULTIFACETED APPROACHES IN AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDER: INTEGRATING GUT MICROBIOME, DIET, AND ADAPTOGENS
Authors: Barua Subhrajit , Fomicheva Daria A. , Iakovchenko Natalia V.
Published: February 2025

Background. Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), a complex neurodevelopmental condition, exhibits diverse social, communication, and behavioural features. Exploring genetic, environmental, and physiological factors reveals the heterogeneous nature of ASD. Recent research delves beyond traditional aspects, highlighting the roles of the gut microbiome, dietary influences, and adaptogens in understanding and managing ASD.
Materials and methods. This review integrates evidence from neuroscience, microbiology, and nutritional science, analysing peer-reviewed studies and clinical trials. The objective is to elucidate mechanisms, assess dietary interventions, and explore adaptogen research in ASD.
Results. The gut-brain axis, emphasizing microbial metabolites like short-chain fatty acids, influences neurodevelopment. Dietary interventions, including gluten-free, casein-free, mediterranean and ketogenic diets, modulate the gut microbiome and address specific ASD behaviors. Novel adaptogen exploration hints at stress response modulation and neuroprotection.
Conclusion. This review underscores intricate ASD connections, suggesting adaptogens as alternative therapeutics. Challenges in standardizing methodologies persist. Collaborative efforts are vital for navigating ASD heterogeneity and advancing personalized, holistic approaches. Unraveling complexities offers hope for targeted interventions and improved outcomes in ASD individuals.
Funding. This work was supported by ITMO NIRMA, grant no. 623093.
PHENO-GENOTYPIC DETERMINANTS OF ANTIBIOTIC RESISTANCE AND VIRULENCE IN ESCHERICHIA COLI BACTERIA ISOLATED FROM THE MILK OF COWS WITH SUBCLINICAL MASTITIS
Authors: Pleshakova Valentina I. , Leshcheva Nadezhda A. , Lorengel Tatyana I.
Published: February 2025

The traditional antibiotic therapy for cow mastitis often leads to the emergence of mono- and multi-resistant strains of microorganisms. Therefore, elucidating the etiological role of antibiotic-resistant E. coli cultures in the pathogenesis of subclinical mastitis is an urgent problem of theoretical novelty and practical significance. The purpose of the study is to explore the pheno-genotypic characteristics of antibiotic resistance and virulent properties of Escherichia coli bacteria isolated from the milk of cows with subclinical mastitis. Diagnosis of subclinical mastitis was carried out using generally accepted methods. Sensitivity to antibacterial drugs was determined by the disk diffusion method. As a result of the studies, it was found out that Escherichia coli cultures were isolated in 59% of milk samples from cows with subclinical mastitis. The isolated cultures were resistant to some antibiotics of the aminoglycoside group (kanamycin, gentamicin, amikacin, tobramycin and streptomycin), 2nd generation fluoroquinolones (ciprofloxacin) and tetracyclines. The molecular genetic studies showed that fimA virulence genes were detected in 95,74% of isolated E. coli cultures, and fimH genes were detected in 81.91% of cultures. They encode adhesion proteins of E. coli to endothelial cells. The study of pharmacodynamic mechanisms of resistance revealed the production of extended spectrum beta-lactamases in 69,14% of  E. coli cultures. In addition, this work was one of the first attempts to show the widespread prevalence of antibiotic-resistant E. coli cultures in subclinical mastitis in the region.
Sponsorship information. This work was carried out within the framework of a grant from the Russian Science Foundation (Agreement No. 23-26-00118, dated January 13, 2023)
ENTOMOPHAGES IN THE CUCUMBER PLANT PROTECTION SYSTEM
Authors: Shchuchka Roman V. , Gulidova Valentina A. , Zubkova Tatyana V. , Dubrovina Olga A. , Zakharov Vyacheslav L.
Published: February 2025

The relevance is due to the increased requirements for the quality of the products obtained, the increase in the market value of pesticides and the increasing resistance of pests to them. In the context of the rapid development of greenhouse technologies in recent years and the increasing number of species of harmful organisms, the plant protection system needs to be constantly updated. The aim of the work was to obtain an environmentally friendly product with lower financial costs without the use of chemical treatments by settling and breeding a parasitic wasp (Aphidius colemani) in the greenhouse production unit as a means of protection against melon aphids (Aphis gossypii). The method of monitoring colored glue traps was used to identify pest infestation of plants. The yield of cucumber plants was taken into account after each harvest, the percentage of non-standard products was determined by visual inspection. To obtain a highly environmentally friendly food product, an experimental aphid protection scheme was developed, tested and implemented in the autumn period using Aphidius colemani and Amblyseius swirski entomophages. It has been established that it is advisable to add 1 individual per m2 every week for at least 6 weeks, starting with the placement of seedlings for a permanent fruiting period. If no foci were found, after this time, the application rate was lowered. In case of detection, the focus was marked on the map and immediately an additional Aphidius colemani was added with an approximate predator:prey ratio of 1:10-20. It was revealed that the experimental scheme for the use of entomophages is environmentally safe and economically profitable: productivity increased by 3.6 kg/m2, production costs decreased (by 1.1 rubles/kg) and, as a result, the level of profitability increased by 1.1%.
Ultrasound Radiomics for Preoperative Prediction of Cervical Lymph Node Metastasis in Medullary Thyroid Carcinoma
Authors: Lu Quanhong , Zhu Xiaoxia , Li Manman , Zhan Weiwei , Feng Feng
Published: February 2025

Aims/Background Medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) is a rare thyroid malignancy with a high mortality rate. Early detection of cervical lymph node metastasis (LNM) is critical for improving prognosis for patients with MTC. This study aimed to investigate the predictive utility of ultrasound-based radiomics for preoperative prediction of cervical LNM in MTC patients.

Methods The clinical, ultrasound, and pathological information of 193 patients with MTC were retrospectively examined. Radiomics features were obtained from the ultrasound images using PyRadiomics. The selected patients were randomly divided into training (n = 135) and validation (n = 58) cohorts. In the training dataset, radiomics features were selected using the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regression, and the univariate and multivariate logistic regression tests were employed to identify the clinical independent predictors of cervical LNM. Three models were created: radiomics, clinical, and combined models, with the latter presented as a nomogram. The area under the curve (AUC) was calculated to evaluate the models’ predictive performance. The differences in AUCs between the combined and approach-specific models were compared using the DeLong test. The clinical usefulness of the models was evaluated using decision curve analysis (DCA).

Results Nineteen radiomics features were chosen, and the AUCs of the developed radiomics model in the training and validation datasets were 0.881 and 0.859, respectively. Tumour diameter, calcitonin (Ctn) level, tumour margin, and sonographers’ suspicion of cervical LNM based on ultrasound findings were clinical independent predictors for cervical LNM. The AUCs of the clinical model built using these predictors were 0.800 and 0.805 in the training and validation datasets, whereas the combined model had much-improved AUCs, measuring 0.925 for the training dataset and 0.918 for the validation test. The DeLong test indicated a significant AUC difference between the combined and clinical models (training dataset p < 0.001, validation dataset p = 0.027), but the difference between the combined and radiomics models was significant only in the training dataset (training dataset p = 0.021, validation dataset p = 0.066). Furthermore, based on the DCA results, the combined model features the largest clinical net benefit.

Conclusion The nomogram, the combined model merging the ultrasound-based radiomics with clinical independent predictors, effectively predicts preoperative cervical LNM in MTC patients, outperforming the radiomics and clinical models.