bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Why couple infertility is historically a female‐driven problem?
Authors: Vignozzi Linda , Cipriani Sarah , Lippi Donatella
Published: July 2024

Background

The history of studies in the field of infertility represents a chapter of great interest in gender issues.

Objectives

This paper aims to delve deep into the historical roots of the aspect of gender inequality related to couple infertility, with a journey back in time, from classical antiquity to the contemporary age, reporting junctions and metaphors linked to particular historical moments as well as to cultural and religious constructs.

Methods

This is a narrative review based on an extensive literature search of publications regarding the role of women in couple infertility over the centuries.

Results

Rarely in the ancient world, male infertility was taken into consideration, and the sources deal with it mainly indirectly. This attitude of “blaming” the woman for the lack of children had, in fact, strong social implications, which only the scientific research of recent years has managed to bring back into the context of a more egalitarian approach.

Conclusions

In the “journey” narrated in this article, the reader starts from the responsibility of couple infertility attributed exclusively to women in some ancient societies, whose central role was determined by their ability to procreate, going up to the medicalization of infertility in the contemporary age, which contributed to sharing with men this participation in the impossibility of having children.
Entrepreneurial leadership and innovation in the public sector: The role of causal‐ and effectual‐logic processes
Authors: Kousina Elisavet , Deligianni Ioanna , Voudouris Irini
Published: July 2024

Entrepreneurial leadership in the public sector has attracted the interest of both scholars and policymakers, as it is seen as a key determinant of innovation. This study adopts a contingency view of leadership and examines the entrepreneurial leadership–innovation relationship while also considering the moderating effects of the causal‐ and effectual‐logic processes employed. Based on multisource data across 105 municipal departments in Greece, the findings suggest that entrepreneurial leadership exerts a positive effect on exploratory innovation; this effect is further reinforced by formalization. In contrast, entrepreneurial leadership's influence on exploitative innovation depends on collaboration and conditions of working with limited means, in such a way that the impact is positive only at high levels of these effectual‐logic processes; at low levels, it is negative. Practical implications are discussed for public organizations seeking to translate entrepreneurial leadership into innovation.
“A Secret in Plain Sight”: Origin Stories From the Amy Morris Homans Cotillion
Authors: Veri Maria J. , Williams Diane L. , Hudson Jackie , Bennett Roberta S. , DePauw Karen P. , Wughalter Emily H. , Zwiren Linda
Published: July 2024

The story of the Amy Morris Homans Cotillion is little known outside the circles of those who founded and attended the event. In this article, we detail the origins of the Cotillion from its inception in 1982 to its final iteration in 2014. This underground social event provided a safe space for women to connect and create a lesbian community of joyful sisterhood with long-lasting professional and personal relationships. At its peak, the Cotillion gathered hundreds of women, inviting them to drink, dance, and dream of a better world. We place the Cotillion in the context of the historical development of women’s physical education and the field of kinesiology and use oral-history interviews with women who founded, organized, and regularly attended the Cotillion to create a narrative of the origins of this event.
Supplemental Material: Post-glacial stratigraphy and late Holocene record of great Cascadia earthquakes in Ozette Lake, Washington, USA
Authors: Brothers Daniel S. , al. et
Published: July 2024

Provides additional detailed descriptions of the age modeling approaches, results, and potential trade-oﬀs, as well as several tables and ﬁgures in support of the main text. 
Microevolution during Chronic Infection May Lead T. asahii to Coexist with the Host
Authors: Ba Gen , Lv Xuelian , Yang Xin , Wang Wenling , Ao Junhong , Yang Rongya
Published: July 2024

Background. Trichosporon asahii (T. asahii) is part of the cutaneous fungal microbiota in humans and can cause lethal opportunistic infection. During infection, microorganisms can adapt to their environment by adjusting gene expression and cellular activities. Objectives. Investigation of the microevolutionary changes in T. asahii during chronic infection. Methods. Two T. asahii strains were isolated from a chronic trichosporonosis patient between a 15‐year interval, and the microevolutionary changes were compared by the immune response of dendritic cell (DC), mice survival model, and transcriptome sequencing analysis. Results. Compared with the primary T. asahii strain, the microevolved strain induced much lower expression of TNF‐α by mice bone marrow‐derived DC and had a much superior survival rate, a total of 2212 significantly differentially expressed genes were identified in the microevolved strain, and functional analysis showed significance in the downregulated transcription and metabolic process, especially the valine, leucine, and isoleucine degradation pathways, which were associated with pathogenicity and virulence; hence, the results were highly consistent with the decreased immunogenicity and virulence of the microevolved strain. Conclusions. These results demonstrated that the microevolution during chronic infection could induce changes in immunogenicity, virulence, and transcriptome, which might lead T. asahii to coexist with the host.
Characteristics and Cluster Analysis of 18,030 Sepsis Patients Who Were Admitted to Thailand’s Largest National Tertiary Referral Center during 2014–2020 to Identify Distinct Subtypes of Sepsis in Thai Population
Authors: Sakornsakolpat Phuwanat , Tongyoo Surat , Permpikul Chairat
Published: July 2024

Background. This study aimed to investigate the demographic, clinical, and laboratory characteristics of sepsis patients who were admitted to our center during 2014–2020 and to employ cluster analysis, which is a type of machine learning, to identify distinct types of sepsis in Thai population. Methods. Demographic, clinical, laboratory, medicine, and source of infection data of patients admitted to medical wards of Siriraj Hospital (Bangkok, Thailand) during 2014–2020 were collected. Sepsis was diagnosed according to the Sepsis‐3 criteria. Nineteen demographic, clinical, and laboratory variables were analyzed using hierarchical clustering to identify sepsis subtypes. Results. Of 98,359 admissions, 18,030 (18.3%) had sepsis. Respiratory tract was the most common site of infection. The mean Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) score was 4.21 ± 2.24, and the median serum lactate level was 2.7 mmol/L [range: 0.4–27.5]. Twenty percent of admissions required vasopressor. In‐hospital mortality was 19.6%. Ten sepsis subtypes were identified using hierarchical clustering. Three clusters (clusters L1–L3) were considered low risk, and seven clusters (clusters H1–H7) were considered high risk for in‐hospital mortality. Cluster H1 had prominent hematologic abnormalities. Clusters H3 and H5 had younger ages and significant hepatic dysfunction. Cluster H5 had multiple organ dysfunctions, and a higher proportion of cluster H5 patients required vasopressor, mechanical ventilation, and renal replacement therapy. Cluster H6 had more respiratory tract infection and acute respiratory failure and a lower SpO2/FiO2 value. Conclusions. Cluster analysis revealed 10 distinct subtypes of sepsis in Thai population. Furthermore, the study is needed to investigate the value of these sepsis subtypes in clinical practice.
Table S1 from E2F1-Associated Purine Synthesis Pathway Is a Major Component of the MET-DNA Damage Response Network
Authors: Poliaková Turan Michaela , Riedo Rahel , Medo Matúš , Pozzato Chiara , Friese-Hamim Manja , Koch Jonas P. , Coggins Si’Ana A. , Li Qun , Kim Baek , Albers Joachim , Aebersold Daniel M. , Zamboni Nicola , Zimmer Yitzhak , Medová Michaela
Published: July 2024

Differential abundance analysis and ion annotation matches for non-targeted metabolomics measurements.
Figure S5 from E2F1-Associated Purine Synthesis Pathway Is a Major Component of the MET-DNA Damage Response Network
Authors: Poliaková Turan Michaela , Riedo Rahel , Medo Matúš , Pozzato Chiara , Friese-Hamim Manja , Koch Jonas P. , Coggins Si’Ana A. , Li Qun , Kim Baek , Albers Joachim , Aebersold Daniel M. , Zamboni Nicola , Zimmer Yitzhak , Medová Michaela
Published: July 2024

GART and E2F1 mRNA levels following METi combined with IR: mRNA levels of GART (left) and E2F1 (right) following METi (50nM, 24 hr), IR (10 Gy, 1 hr) and their combination in GTL-16 and EBC-1 cells.
Figure 7 from E2F1-Associated Purine Synthesis Pathway Is a Major Component of the MET-DNA Damage Response Network
Authors: Poliaková Turan Michaela , Riedo Rahel , Medo Matúš , Pozzato Chiara , Friese-Hamim Manja , Koch Jonas P. , Coggins Si’Ana A. , Li Qun , Kim Baek , Albers Joachim , Aebersold Daniel M. , Zamboni Nicola , Zimmer Yitzhak , Medová Michaela
Published: July 2024

Therapeutic implications of the MET-E2F1-purine synthesis pathway as a component of the MET-DDR crosstalk. A, Proliferation of EBC-1 and HCC827 cells upon treatments with the indicated doses of tepotinib, cisplatin, and their combination assessed by crystal violet assay 72 hours posttreatment. Data points are represented as mean ± SD of technical replicates (dots). Statistical analyses were done using one-way ANOVA. B, Schematic representation of the proposed MET-E2F1-purine synthesis pathway and its interplay with the DDR in MET-driven cancer cells. MET inhibition by the small-molecule inhibitor tepotinib downregulates E2F1 via the MAPK pathway, consequently downregulating purine synthesis enzymes (e.g., GART) and RNR. This leads to the depletion of dNTPs, compromising the ability of cells to repair DNA damage. Created with BioRender.com.
Figure S5 from N-Myristoytransferase Inhibition Causes Mitochondrial Iron Overload and Parthanatos in TIM17A-Dependent Aggressive Lung Carcinoma
Authors: Geroyska Sofia , Mejia Isabel , Chan Alfred A. , Navarrete Marian , Pandey Vijaya , Kharpatin Samuel , Noguti Juliana , Wang Feng , Srole Daniel , Chou Tsui-Fen , Wohlschlegel James , Nemeth Elizabeta , Damoiseaux Robert , Shackelford David B. , Lee Delphine J. , Díaz Begoña
Published: July 2024

Inhibition of NMT increases mitochondrial ferrous iron content in (KL/K)MUT but not (KL/K)WT lung carcinoma cells.
Figure S10 from N-Myristoytransferase Inhibition Causes Mitochondrial Iron Overload and Parthanatos in TIM17A-Dependent Aggressive Lung Carcinoma
Authors: Geroyska Sofia , Mejia Isabel , Chan Alfred A. , Navarrete Marian , Pandey Vijaya , Kharpatin Samuel , Noguti Juliana , Wang Feng , Srole Daniel , Chou Tsui-Fen , Wohlschlegel James , Nemeth Elizabeta , Damoiseaux Robert , Shackelford David B. , Lee Delphine J. , Díaz Begoña
Published: July 2024

Mitochondria is a key target of NMT inhibitors.
Are carriers unaffected? A literature review of metabolic and health outcomes among genetic carriers of phenylketonuria (PKU)
Authors: Khan Sophia M. , Heister Robyn R. , Keathley Justine R.
Published: July 2024

Background: Phenylketonuria (PKU) is an autosomal recessive genetic condition that results in reduced enzymatic functioning within the phenylalanine hydroxylase (PAH) pathway, which is involved in the metabolism of Phenylalanine (Phe) into Tyrosine (Tyr). Without dietary intervention, individuals with PKU exhibit significantly elevated levels of Phe, which is presumed to cause severe neurological dysfunction and other associated health risks. Carriers of PKU are heterozygotes for a PAH gene mutation and are typically described in the literature as “unaffected.” However, decades of existing research challenges this classical thinking and it is plausible that these individuals currently classified as carriers may present with an intermediate phenotype or may be “moderately affected.”
Summary: The purpose of this scoping review was to explore this hypothesis further, by searching for and summarizing existing literature on metabolism and health outcomes among PKU carriers. Preliminary research has suggested that some PKU carriers exhibit reduced PAH enzyme function, and related, elevated circulating Phe levels compared to non-carriers. In addition, Phe dosing trials have further demonstrated that carriers have increased Phe levels and decreased Tyr levels compared to non-carriers. Because of these metabolic perturbations, it is biologically plausible for carriers to experience an intermediate phenotype in terms of metabolic consequences and clinical outcomes. While these outcomes have yet to be thoroughly explored, early research has found associations between PKU carrier status and lower IQs as well as decreased executive functioning, memory, processing speed, and inhibitory control. The PAH pathway is also involved in melanogenesis and research has demonstrated increased melanoma risk among PKU carriers. However, there are many limitations to this research and thus whether or not carriers are clinically impacted cannot yet be conclusively determined.
Key message: Overall, while preliminary research suggests a possible intermediate phenotype among PKU carriers, the current available research is limited and PKU carriers are still clinically considered “unaffected.” This review outlines the current literature while discussing future research endeavours related to the metabolism and health of PKU carriers.
Análise bibliométrica da produção científica sobre “imagem” na Ciência da Informação
Authors: Costa Rosa da Penha Ferreira da , Miguel Marcelo Calderari , Modolo Philippe Peterle
Published: July 2024

A imagem assume um papel de extrema relevância na promoção de marcas e produtos, assim como na evocação de lembranças e na criação de ligações emocionais profundas. Nesse contexto, adota-se neste artigo uma abordagem bibliométrica para analisar a produção científica referente ao tema “imagem” no campo da Ciência da Informação, resgatando itens documentais indexados na Base de Dados em Ciência da Informação (Brapci). A metodologia empregada é de cunho descritivo e exploratório, respaldada por uma abordagem qualiquantitativa. Foram recuperados 270 artigos, com o propósito de identificar as categorias temáticas predominantes, as fontes de informação utilizadas e a presença de abordagens interdisciplinares. No intervalo de 2017 e 2021, destaca-se um notável aumento na produção científica relacionada ao universo temático de “imagens”. Assim, áreas como o metaverso, o patrimônio cultural e o impacto das redes sociais virtuais despontam com o crescimento da comunicação científica. Conclui-se que o termo estimula reflexões profundas sobre a estrutura social, desencadeando processos de contemplação e de abstração que enriquecem substancialmente o campo lexical da Ciência da Informação. No entanto, é entendido que uma compreensão mais abrangente das nuances presentes nas abordagens relacionadas à “imagem” incentiva vindouras investigações nessa área, que está em constante transformação.
Clinical characteristics, predisposing factors, and management of moraxella keratitis in a tertiary eye hospital
Authors: Soleimani Mohammad , Najafabadi Sadra Jalali , Razavi Alireza , Tabatabaei Seyed Ali , Mirmoosavi Saeed , Asadigandomani Hassan
Published: July 2024

Purpose

The Moraxella species is a very uncommon pathogen that leads to microbial keratitis (MK). This study aimed to evaluate the clinical features, predisposing factors, and outcomes of Moraxella keratitis in patients of a tertiary eye hospital.

Methods

This retrospective study was conducted from 2015 to 2022, on patients who were admitted with the diagnosis of Moraxella keratitis confirmed by positive culture in a referral eye hospital. Demographics, predisposing factors, best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), and prognosis were assessed.

Results

A total of 106 individuals diagnosed with Moraxella keratitis, were analyzed. The mean age was 54.42 ± 19.43 years. The mean baseline BCVA of the patients was 2.28 ± 0.6 LogMAR, while this amount reached 1.49 ± 0.81 in the 6-month follow-up (P-value = 0.02). The mean BCVA in the six-month follow-up of the patients who needed surgical interventions was significantly lower than the patients who received only medical treatment (2.15 ± 0.65 vs. 1.29 ± 0.75 LogMAR, P-value = 0.02). Patients with diabetes and those without diabetes did not substantially vary in the prevalence of corneal perforation (P-value = 0.515). Three predisposing factors including corneal perforation (odds ratio = 19.27, P-value = 0.001), hypertension (HTN) (odds ratio = 3.62, P-value = 0.03), and older age (odds ratio = 1.03, P-value = 0.008) were significantly associated with more need for surgical interventions.

Conclusion

In this cohort, poor prognosis necessitating surgical interventions in Moraxella keratitis was found to be associated with corneal perforation, HTN, and older age.
Multioviz: an interactive platform for in silico perturbation and interrogation of gene regulatory networks
Authors: Xie Helen , Crawford Lorin , Conard Ashley Mae
Published: July 2024

In this paper, we aim to build a platform that will help bridge the gap between high-dimensional computation and wet-lab experimentation by allowing users to interrogate genomic signatures at multiple molecular levels and identify best next actionable steps for downstream decision making. We introduce : a publicly accessible package and web application platform to easily perform in silico hypothesis testing of generated gene regulatory networks. We demonstrate the utility of by conducting an end-to-end analysis in a statistical genetics application focused on measuring the effect of in silico perturbations of complex trait architecture. By using a real dataset from the Wellcome Trust Centre for Human Genetics, we both recapitulate previous findings and propose hypotheses about the genes involved in the percentage of immune CD8+ cells found in heterogeneous stocks of mice. Source code for the package is available at https://github.com/lcrawlab/multio-viz and an interactive version of the platform is available at https://multioviz.ccv.brown.edu/.
The first complete mitochondrial genome of Grossulariaceae: Molecular features, structure recombination, and genetic evolution
Authors: Lu Guilong , Wang Wenhua , Zhang Shanshan , Yang Guang , Zhang Kun , Que Youxiong , Deng Lan
Published: July 2024

Background

Mitochondria play crucial roles in the growth, development, and adaptation of plants. Blackcurrant (Ribes nigrum L.) stands out as a significant berry species due to its rich nutritional profile, medicinal properties, and health benefits. Despite its importance, the mitochondrial genome of blackcurrant remains unassembled.

Results

This study presents the first assembly of the mitochondrial genome of R. nigrum in the Grossulariaceae family. The genome spans 450,227 base pairs (bp) and encompasses 39 protein-coding genes (PCGs), 19 transfer RNAs (tRNAs), and three ribosomal RNAs (rRNAs). Protein-coding regions constitute 8.88% of the entire genome. Additionally, we identified 180 simple sequence repeats, 12 tandem repeats, and 432 pairs of dispersed repeats. Notably, the dispersed sequence R1 (cotig3, 1,129 bp) mediated genome recombination, resulting in the formation of two major conformations, namely master and double circles. Furthermore, we identified 731 C-to-U RNA editing sites within the PCGs. Among these, cox1-2, nad1-2, and nad4L-2 were associated with the creation of start codons, whereas atp6-718 and rps10-391 were linked to termination codons. We also detected fourteen plastome fragments within the mitogenome, constituting 1.11% of the total length. Phylogenetic analysis suggests that R. nigrum might have undergone multiple genomic reorganization and/or gene transfer events, resulting in the loss of two PCGs (rps2 and rps11) during its evolutionary history.

Conclusions

This investigation unveils the molecular characteristics of the R. nigrum mitogenome, shedding light on its evolutionary trajectory and phylogenetic implications. Furthermore, it serves as a valuable reference for evolutionary research and germplasm identification within the genus.
A delayed response in phytohormone signaling and production contributes to pine susceptibility to Fusarium circinatum
Authors: Hernandez-Escribano Laura , Morales Clemente M. Teresa , Fariña-Flores David , Raposo Rosa
Published: July 2024

Background

Fusarium circinatum is the causal agent of pine pitch canker disease, which affects Pinus species worldwide, causing significant economic and ecological losses. In Spain, two Pinus species are most affected by the pathogen; Pinus radiata is highly susceptible, while Pinus pinaster has shown moderate resistance. In F. circinatum-Pinus interactions, phytohormones are known to play a crucial role in plant defense. By comparing species with different degrees of susceptibility, we aimed to elucidate the fundamental mechanisms underlying resistance to the pathogen. For this purpose, we used an integrative approach by combining gene expression and metabolomic phytohormone analyses at 5 and 10 days post inoculation.

Results

Gene expression and metabolite phytohormone contents suggested that the moderate resistance of P. pinaster to F. circinatum is determined by the induction of phytohormone signaling and hormone rearrangement beginning at 5 dpi, when symptoms are still not visible. Jasmonic acid was the hormone that showed the greatest increase by 5 dpi, together with the active gibberellic acid 4 and the cytokinin dehydrozeatin; there was also an increase in abscisic acid and salicylic acid by 10 dpi. In contrast, P. radiata hormonal changes were delayed until 10 dpi, when symptoms were already visible; however, this increase was not as high as that in P. pinaster. Indeed, in P. radiata, no differences in jasmonic acid or salicylic acid production were found. Gene expression analysis supported the hormonal data, since the activation of genes related to phytohormone synthesis was observed earlier in P. pinaster than in the susceptible P. radiata.

Conclusions

We determine that the moderate resistance of P. pinaster to F. circinatum is in part a result of early and strong activation of plant phytohormone-based defense responses before symptoms become visible. We suggest that jasmonic acid signaling and production are strongly associated with F. circinatum resistance. In contrast, P. radiata susceptibility was attributed to a delayed response to the fungus at the moment when symptoms were visible. Our results contribute to a better understanding of the phytohormone-based defense mechanism involved in the Pinus-F. circinatum interactions and provide insight into the development of new strategies for disease mitigation.
The photoreactivation of 6 − 4 photoproducts in chloroplast and nuclear DNA depends on the amount of the Arabidopsis UV repair defective 3 protein
Authors: Zgłobicki Piotr , Hermanowicz Paweł , Kłodawska Kinga , Bażant Aneta , Łabuz Justyna , Grzyb Joanna , Dutka Małgorzata , Kowalska Ewa , Jawor Joanna , Leja Katarzyna , Banaś Agnieszka Katarzyna
Published: July 2024

Background

6 − 4 photoproducts are the second most common UV-induced DNA lesions after cyclobutane pyrimidine dimers. In plants, they are mainly repaired by photolyases in a process called photoreactivation. While pyrimidine dimers can be deleterious, leading to mutagenesis or even cell death, 6 − 4 photoproducts can activate specific signaling pathways. Therefore, their removal is particularly important, especially for plants exposed to high UV intensities due to their sessile nature. Although photoreactivation in nuclear DNA is well-known, its role in plant organelles remains unclear. In this paper we analyzed the activity and localization of GFP-tagged AtUVR3, the 6 − 4 photoproduct specific photolyase.

Results

Using transgenic Arabidopsis with different expression levels of AtUVR3, we confirmed a positive trend between these levels and the rate of 6 − 4 photoproduct removal under blue light. Measurements of 6 − 4 photoproduct levels in chloroplast and nuclear DNA of wild type, photolyase mutants, and transgenic plants overexpressing AtUVR3 showed that the photoreactivation is the main repair pathway responsible for the removal of these lesions in both organelles. The GFP-tagged AtUVR3 was predominantly located in nuclei with a small fraction present in chloroplasts and mitochondria of transgenic Arabidopsis thaliana and Nicotiana tabacum lines. In chloroplasts, this photolyase co-localized with the nucleoid marked by plastid envelope DNA binding protein.

Conclusions

Photolyases are mainly localized in plant nuclei, with only a small fraction present in chloroplasts and mitochondria. Despite this unbalanced distribution, photoreactivation is the primary mechanism responsible for the removal of 6 − 4 photoproducts from nuclear and chloroplast DNA in adult leaves. The amount of the AtUVR3 photolyase is the limiting factor influencing the photoreactivation rate of 6 − 4 photoproducts. The efficient photoreactivation of 6 − 4 photoproducts in 35S: AtUVR3-GFP Arabidopsis and Nicotiana tabacum is a promising starting point to evaluate whether transgenic crops overproducing this photolyase are more tolerant to high UV irradiation and how they respond to other abiotic and biotic stresses under field conditions.
Diagnosis and management of type II endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography-related perforations: a multicenter retrospective study
Authors: Shi Ding , Guo Sihang , Bao Yinsu , Wang Qingzhi , Pan Weijin
Published: July 2024

Background

The management of type II endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP)-related perforation is still controversial. This study aimed to compare the effects of covered self-expandable metallic stent (SEMS), surgery, and conservative treatment for type II perforation.

Methods

From January 2010 to December 2021, this study collected relevant data from five large hospitals in China. The data of ERCP difficulty grading and ERCP-related perforation in 26,673 cases that underwent ERCP during 11 years were retrospectively analyzed. Of 55 patients with type II perforation, 41 patients were implanted with a biliary covered SEMS (stent group), 10 underwent surgery (surgery group), and 4 received conservative treatment (conservative group).

Results

Among the 55 patients with type II perforation, ERCP and computed tomography diagnostic rates of type II perforation were 10.91% (6/55) and 89.09% (49/55), respectively. The incidence of type II perforation in grade 5 ERCP (0.43%, 11/2,537) was significantly higher than that in grade 1–3 ERCP (0.16%, 32/19,471). (P = 0.004) and grade 1–4 ERCP (0.26%,12/4,665) (P = 0.008), respectively. Among the 10 patients in the surgical group, primary repair was performed in only 7 patients in whom location of the perforation could be identified. The incidence of retroperitoneal abscess was significantly lower in the stent group than in the surgery group (P = 0.018) and the conservative group (P = 0.001), respectively. The average hospital stay in the stent group was shorter than that in the surgery group (P = 0.000) and conservative group (P = 0.001), respectively.

Conclusions

The incidence of type II perforation was dependent on the degree of difficulty of ERCP. The treatment of type II perforation with a covered SEMS can significantly reduce the incidence of retroperitoneal abscess and shorten the hospital stay, with better results than surgical and conservative treatments.
Respiratory conditions and health symptoms associated with air pollution amongst children aged six years and below in Melusi Informal Settlement, Tshwane Metropolitan Municipality, South Africa: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Makgalemane Moipoti Ruth , Patrick Sean , Shirinde Joyce
Published: July 2024

Background

Respiratory conditions and health symptoms associated with air pollution in children are a major public health concern, as their immune systems and lungs are not yet fully developed. This study aimed to assess self-reported respiratory conditions and health symptoms associated with air pollution sources amongst children aged six years and below in Melusi informal settlement, Tshwane Metropolitan Municipality, South Africa.

Methods

With a quantitative cross-sectional study design, parents/caregivers of children aged six years and below (n = 300) from eight Early Childhood Development Centres were invited to participate in the study. This study employed complete sampling, and data was collected using the modified International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Children. The chi-square and multiple logistic regression models were used to analyze data, with p < 0.05 in the adjusted odds ratios considered as being statistically significant.

Results

Three models were run to examine the predictors of wheezing in the past 12 months, dry cough, and itchy-watery eyes. The model for asthma was excluded, as only seven participants reported having asthma. Wheeze in the past 12 months was associated with participants living in the area for more than three years (OR 2.96 95%CI: 1.011–8.674). Furthermore, having a dog in the house in the past 12 months was associated with wheeze in the past 12 months (OR 5.98 95%CI: 2.107–16.967). There was an association between duration of stay in a residence and dry cough prevalence (OR 5.63 95%CI: 2.175–14.584). Trucks always or frequently passing near homes was associated with itchy-watery eyes (OR 3.27 95%CI: 1.358–7.889). 59% (59%) of participants perceived the indoor air quality in their homes to be good, while 6% perceived it as poor. In contrast, 36% of participants perceived the outdoor air quality to be good, and 19.7% perceived it as poor.

Conclusion

The association between perceived air pollution exposure, self-reported respiratory conditions, and health symptoms amongst children is complex. Further research is required to better understand the multifaceted nature of air pollution and its impact on the health of children.
Integrating trauma- and violence-informed care for adolescent mothers in Rwanda: a qualitative study with community health workers
Authors: Nkurunziza Aimable , Smye Victoria L. , Wathen C. Nadine , Jackson Kimberley T. , Cechetto David F. , Tryphonopoulos Panagiota , Gishoma Darius
Published: July 2024

Introduction

In Rwanda, maternal community health workers play a critical role to improving maternal, newborn and child health, but little is known about their specific experiences with adolescent mothers, who face unique challenges, including trauma, ongoing violence, stigma, ostracism, mental health issues, barriers within the healthcare system, and lack of access to the social determinants of health. This study explored the experiences of maternal community health workers when caring for adolescent mothers in Rwanda to inform the delivery of trauma- and violence-informed care in community maternal services.

Methods

Interpretive Description methodology was used to understand the experiences of 12 community health workers purposively recruited for interviews due to their management roles. To gain additional insights about the context, seven key informants were also interviewed.

Findings

Maternal community health workers provided personalized support to adolescent mothers through the provision of continuity of care, acting as a liaison, engaging relationally and tailoring home visits. They reported feeling passionate about their work, supporting each other, and receiving support from their leaders as facilitators in caring for adolescent mothers. Challenges in their work included handling disclosures of violence, dealing with adolescent mothers’ financial constraints, difficulties accessing these young mothers, and transportation issues. Adolescent mothers’ circumstances are generally difficult, leading to self-reports of vicarious trauma among this sample of workers.

Conclusion

Maternal community health workers play a key role in addressing the complex needs of adolescent mothers in Rwanda. However, they face individual and structural challenges highlighting the complexities of their work. To sustain and enhance their roles, it is imperative for government and other stakeholders to invest in resources, mentorship, and support. Additionally, training in equity-oriented approaches, particularly trauma- and violence-informed care, is essential to ensure safe and effective care for adolescent mothers and to mitigate vicarious trauma among maternal community health workers.
The role of extracellular traps released by neutrophils, eosinophils, and macrophages in asthma
Authors: Gu Wei , Huang Chunli , Chen Gongqi , Kong Weiqiang , Zhao Lu , Jie Huiru , Zhen Guohua
Published: July 2024

Extracellular traps (ETs) are a specialized form of innate immune defense in which leukocytes release ETs composed of chromatin and active proteins to eliminate pathogenic microorganisms. In addition to the anti-infection effect of ETs, researchers have also discovered their involvement in the pathogenesis of inflammatory disease, tumors, autoimmune disease, and allergic disease. Asthma is a chronic airway inflammatory disease involving multiple immune cells. The increased level of ETs in asthma patients suggests that ETs play an important role in the pathogenesis of asthma. Here we review the research work on the formation mechanism, roles, and therapeutic strategies of ETs released by neutrophils, eosinophils, and macrophages in asthma.
Lessons from PROMINENT and prospects for pemafibrate
Authors: Fruchart Jean-Charles , Fruchart-Najib Jamila , Yamashita Shizuya , Libby Peter , Yokote Koutaro , Kodama Tatsuhiko , Tomita Yohei , Ridker Paul M. , Hermans Michel P. , Zambon Alberto
Published: July 2024

The neutral result of the PROMINENT trial has led to questions about the future for pemafibrate. This commentary discusses possible reasons for the lack of benefit observed in the trial. There were, however, indicators suggesting therapeutic potential in microvascular ischaemic complications associated with peripheral artery disease, with subsequent analysis showing reduction in the incidence of lower extremity ischaemic ulceration or gangrene. Reassurance about the safety of pemafibrate, together with emerging data from PROMINENT and experimental studies, also suggest benefit with pemafibrate in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (alternatively referred to as metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease) and microangiopathy associated with diabetes, which merit further study.
Associations of ACE I/D and AGTR1 rs5182 polymorphisms with diabetes and their effects on lipids in an elderly Chinese population
Authors: Liu Jun Yi , Yi Yan Zhi , Guo Qi Wei , Jia Ke Xin , Li Xue Cheng , Cai Jia Jing , Shen Yi Lin , Su Guo Ming , Chen Xu , Zhang Xing Yu , Fang Ding Zhi , Hong Hao , Lin Jia
Published: July 2024

Background

Diabetes mellitus is generally accompanied by dyslipidaemia, but inconsistent relationships between lipid profiles and diabetes are noted. Moreover, genetic variations in insertion/deletion (I/D) polymorphisms at angiotensin-converting enzyme gene (ACE) and T/C polymorphisms in the angiotensin type 1 receptor gene (AGTR1) are related to diabetes and lipid levels, but the associations are controversial. Thus, the current research aimed to explore the effects of ACE I/D, AGTR1 rs5182 and diabetes mellitus on serum lipid profiles in 385 Chinese participants with an average age of 75.01 years.

Methods

The ACE I/D variant was identified using the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method, whereas the AGTR1 rs5182 polymorphism was identified using the PCR-based restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) method and verified with DNA sequencing. Total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), apolipoprotein A (ApoA), apolipoprotein B (ApoB), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels were measured using routine methods, and the lipid ratios were calculated.

Results

ACE I/D, but not AGTR1 rs5182, was a predictor of TG/HDL-C for the whole study population. Both ACE I/D and AGTR1 rs5182 were predictors of HDL-C and LDL-C levels in females but not in males. Moreover, in females, diabetes mellitus and ACE I/D were identified as predictors of TG and TG/HDL-C, whereas AGTR1 rs5182 and diabetes mellitus were predictors of TG/HDL-C. Moreover, diabetes mellitus and the combination of ACE I/D and AGTR1 rs5182 variations were predictors of TG and TG/HDL-C exclusively in females.

Conclusions

The results demonstrated the potential for gender-dependent interactions of ACE I/D, AGTR1 rs5182, and diabetes on lipid profiles. These findings may serve as an additional explanation for the inconsistent changes of blood lipids in individuals with diabetes mellitus, thereby offering a novel perspective for the clinical management of blood lipid levels in diabetic patients.
Highly homologous simian T-cell leukemia virus type 1 genome in Japanese macaques: a large cohort study
Authors: Hiraga Kou , Kitamura Tomoya , Kuramitsu Madoka , Murata Megumi , Tezuka Kenta , Okuma Kazu , Hamaguchi Isao , Akari Hirofumi , Mizukami Takuo
Published: July 2024

Background

Simian T-cell leukemia virus type 1 (STLV-1) is a retrovirus closely related to human T-cell leukemia virus type 1 (HTLV-1), the causative agent of adult T-cell leukemia (ATL). It has been shown that Japanese macaques (Macaca fuscata, JMs) are one of the main hosts of STLV-1 and that a high percentage of JMs (up to 60%) are infected with STLV-1; however, the molecular epidemiology of STLV-1 in JMs has not been examined.

Methods

In this study, we analyzed full-length STLV-1 genome sequences obtained from 5 independent troops including a total of 68 JMs.

Results

The overall nucleotide heterogeneity was 4.7%, and the heterogeneity among the troops was 2.1%, irrespective of the formation of distinct subclusters in each troop. Moreover, the heterogeneity within each troop was extremely low (>99% genome homology) compared with cases of STLV-1 in African non-human primates as well as humans. It was previously reported that frequent G-to-A single-nucleotide variants (SNVs) occur in HTLV-1 proviral genomes in both ATL patients and HTLV-1 carriers, and that a G-to-A hypermutation is associated with the cellular antiviral restriction factor, Apobec3G. Surprisingly, these SNVs were scarcely observed in the STLV-1 genomes in JMs.

Conclusions

Taken together, these results indicate that STLV-1 genomes in JMs are highly homologous, at least in part due to the lack of Apobec3G-dependent G-to-A hypermutation.
Inhibition of N-acetylglucosaminyltransferase V alleviates diabetic cardiomyopathy in mice by attenuating cardiac hypertrophy and fibrosis
Authors: Zhao Ran , Hu Jianqiang , Wen He , Zhao Jieqiong , Wang Ying , Niu Xiaona , Zhang Mingming , Wang Tingting , Li Yan
Published: July 2024

Background

The pathogenesis of diabetic cardiomyopathy is closely linked to abnormal glycosylation modifications. N-acetylglucosaminyltransferase V (GnT-V), which catalyzes the production of N-linked -1–6 branching of oligosaccharides, is involved in several pathophysiological mechanisms of many disorders, including cardiac hypertrophy and heart failure. However, the mechanism by which GnT-V regulates cardiac hypertrophy in diabetic cardiomyopathy is currently poorly understood. In this study, we investigated the role of GnT-V on myocardial hypertrophy in diabetic cardiomyopathy and elucidated the underlying mechanisms.

Material and methods

Streptozotocin (STZ) was intraperitoneally injected into mice to induce diabetic cardiomyopathy. An adeno-associated virus (AAV) carrying negative control small hairpin RNA (shNC) or GnT-V-specifc small hairpin RNA (shGnT-V) was used to manipulate GnT-V expression. In our study, forty male C57BL/6J mice were randomly divided into four groups (10 mice per group): control mice with AAV-shNC, diabetic cardiomyopathy mice with AAV-shNC, control mice with AAV-shGnT-V, and diabetic cardiomyopathy mice with AAV-shGnT-V. In addition, H9C2 cells and primary neonatal cardiac fibroblasts treated with high glucose were used as a cell model of diabetes. Analysis of cardiac hypertrophy and fibrosis, as well as functional studies, were used to investigate the underlying molecular pathways.

Results

AAV-mediated GnT-V silencing dramatically improved cardiac function and alleviated myocardial hypertrophy and fibrosis in diabetic mice. In vitro experiments demonstrated that GnT-V was elevated in cardiomyocytes and induced cardiomyocyte hypertrophy in response to high glucose stimulation. GnT-V knockdown significantly reduced the expression of the integrinβ1 signaling pathway, as evidenced by decreased downstream ERK1/2 activity, which inhibited cardiomyocyte hypertrophy accompanied by reduced ANP, BNP, and β-MHC expression. Furthermore, knocking down GnT-V expression lowered the TGF-β1-Smads signaling pathway, which reduced the expression of α-SMA, collagen I, and collagen III.

Conclusions

Overall, our research indicated that GnT-V may be a useful therapeutic target to treat diabetic cardiomyopathy, primarily in the inhibition of myocardial hypertrophy and fibrosis.
Opioid exit plans for tapering postoperative pain control in noncancer patients: a systematic review
Authors: Rainer Marcel , Ommerli Sarah Maleika , Burden Andrea Michelle , Betschart Leo , Stämpfli Dominik
Published: July 2024

Background

A growing number of countries have reported sharp increases in the use and harm of opioid analgesics. High rates of new opioid initiation are observed in postoperative patients. In response, various tertiary care institutions have developed opioid exit plans (OEPs) to curb potential opioid-related harm.

Methods

PubMed and Embase were systematically searched to identify, summarize, and compare the interventional elements of OEPs for postoperative patient populations published from January 1, 2000, to June 4, 2024. Two researchers independently screened the articles for eligibility following the PRISMA 2020 guidelines, extracted the data, and assessed the study quality and risk of bias. Data synthesis was performed for study characteristics, intervention details, efficacy, and development.

Results

A total of 2,585 articles were screened, eight of which met the eligibility criteria. All studies were conducted in North America and focused on orthopedic surgery patients following total hip or knee arthroplasty (n = 5) or neurosurgery (n = 3). Most studies (n = 7) included a pre-post (n = 4) or randomized clinical design (n = 3). Three studies were of good quality, and none had a low risk of bias. The interventions varied and ranged from educational sessions (n = 1) to individualized tapering protocols (n = 4) or a combination of the two (n = 2). Key elements were instructions on how to anticipate patients’ postoperative need for opioid analgesics and tapering strategies based on 24-h predischarge opioid consumption. Six studies included efficacy as an endpoint in their analysis, of which four assessed statistical significance, with all four identifying that the OEPs were successful in reducing postoperative opioid use.

Conclusion

Despite differences in design and implementation, the identified OEPs suggest that they are efficacious in reducing outpatient opioid consumption. They provide a robust estimate of postoperative analgesic requirements and a rationale for tapering duration and rate. However, more rigorous studies are needed to evaluate their real-world effectiveness.
Self-rated health and health-related quality of life among cancer patients: the serial multiple mediation of anxiety and depression
Authors: Fang Shuowen , Xu Lingfeng , Liu Jingsong , Zhang Xinzhou , Li Mimi , Zhang Tao , Lu Manman
Published: July 2024

Background

Health-related quality of life (HRQOL) in cancer patients has attracted increasing attention, which may be associated with self-rated health (SRH), anxiety, and depression. However, limited studies have focused on the mediating role of anxiety and depression in the relationship between SRH and HRQOL among cancer patients. Therefore, this study aims to explore the serial multiple mediating effects of anxiety and depression between SRH and HRQOL in cancer patients.

Methods

This cross-sectional study investigated a total of 565 hospitalized cancer patients in Anhui province in China from November 2020 to October 2021. SRH was assessed using a single-item measure, anxiety and depression were assessed using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) and HRQOL was assessed using the EuroQol-5 Dimension (EQ-5D, three-level version). Socio-demographic and clinical characteristics were analyzed using descriptive statistics. The relationships between SRH, anxiety, depression, and HRQOL were evaluated by Pearson correlation analysis. The serial multiple mediation of anxiety and depression was assessed by SPSS PROCESS macro.

Results

SRH, anxiety, depression and HRQOL were significantly correlated(P < 0.001). In comparison to the fair SRH, the good SRH exhibited a significantly positive direct effect (Effect = 0.2366, Bootstrap 95%CI: 0.0642 ~ 0.4090) and total effect on HRQOL (Effect = 0.4761, Bootstrap 95%CI: 0.2975 ~ 0.6546). Conversely, the poor SRH demonstrated a significantly negative total effect on HRQOL (Effect= -0.4321, Bootstrap 95%CI: -0.7544~ -0.1099). When considering the fair SRH as the reference group, the poor SRH displayed a negative indirect effect on HRQOL through the single mediation of anxiety (Effect= -0.1058, Bootstrap 95%CI: -0.2217~ -0.0107) and the serial mediation of anxiety and depression (Effect= -0.0528, Bootstrap 95%CI: -0.1233~ -0.0035). Conversely, the good SRH had a positive indirect impact on HRQOL through the single mediation of anxiety (Effect = 0.1153, Bootstrap 95%CI: 0.0583 ~ 0.1900) and depression (Effect = 0.0667, Bootstrap 95%CI: 0.0206 ~ 0.1234), as well as the serial mediation of anxiety and depression (Effect = 0.0575, Bootstrap 95%CI: 0.0192 ~ 0.1030).

Conclusion

SRH can improve HRQOL through the decrease of anxiety and depression in cancer patients. Focusing on SRH would be beneficial for their mental health and HRQOL in cancer patients.
Detecting information from Twitter on landslide hazards in Italy using deep learning models
Authors: Franceschini Rachele , Rosi Ascanio , Catani Filippo , Casagli Nicola
Published: July 2024

Background

Mass media are a new and important source of information for any natural disaster, mass emergency, pandemic, economic or political event, or extreme weather event affecting one or more communities in a country. Several techniques have been developed for data mining in social media for many natural events, but few of them have been applied to the automatic extraction of landslide events. In this study, Twitter has been investigated to detect data about landslide events in Italian-language. The main aim is to obtain an automatic text classification on the basis of information about natural hazards. The text classification for landslide events in Italian-language has still not been applied to detect this type of natural hazard.

Results

Over 13,000 data were extracted within Twitter considering five keywords referring to landslide events. The dataset was classified manually, providing a solid base for applying deep learning. The combination of BERT + CNN has been chosen for text classification and two different pre-processing approaches and bert-model have been applied. BERT-multicase + CNN without preprocessing archived the highest values of accuracy, equal to 96% and AUC of 0.96.

Conclusions

Two advantages resulted from this studio: the Italian-language classified dataset for landslide events fills that present gap of analysing natural events using Twitter. BERT + CNN was trained to detect this information and proved to be an excellent classifier for the Italian language for landslide events.