bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Relationship Between Blood Group and Obesity Reduction Through Diet Among Adults of Urban Bihar
Authors: Vidya  , Singh Rahul
Published: February 2024

ABO blood system is not only important for determining the lifestyle diseases, blood transfusion and exchange but it has also been found to be highly relevant to genetic marker of obesity. Recent studies are trying to explore the relation between blood grouping and obesity, and blood group diets and management of obesity. But still there are limited studies related to reduction of weight from blood group diets. The aim of this study is to examine the association of blood groups and weight reduction through a Moderate-Fat, Balanced Nutrient Reduction Diets among overweight and obese adults. A longitudinal study was conducted over 175 overweight and obese adults (>18 years and <60 years of age) of urban Bihar. A planned diet regime was followed by participants for a period of six months, and their anthropometric measurements were used for statistical analysis. There were substantial decreases in weight, BMI and waist circumference across different blood groups resulted through moderate-fat balanced nutrient reduction diet plan in both genders. For all blood groups, BMI reduction was at least 3.78 kg/m2 through the program, and the program was most effective for blood group O positive participants.
Unpacking candidate selection in authoritarian regimes: Evidence from Cameroon
Authors: Morse Yonatan L , Suh I Fru Norbert
Published: February 2024

Why do autocratic ruling parties adopt certain candidate selection processes, and what effects do they have on political outcomes? This article argues that many contemporary autocracies democratize candidate selection to address the demands of multiparty elections, but that this creates unforeseen hazards. Autocrats centralize candidate selection to reassert control over the composition of legislatures, but not necessarily to recruit more effective representatives. These ideas are explored in Cameroon, a longstanding authoritarian regime that has altered its candidate selection twice. Using an original biographical dataset and elite survey that measures legislative role orientations, the article shows how changes to candidate selection allowed the Cameroonian regime to retain more partisan legislators and to recruit new candidates who were more oriented to the party than the constituency. The article expands the comparative study of candidate selection to new settings and provides insights into how candidate selection helps shape and sustain authoritarian regimes.
How shared versus unshared parental contribution to child risk influences guilt responses
Authors: Foor Kaylee , Ravuri Siri , Persky Susan
Published: February 2024

The extent to which parents experience guilt related to their child’s health may depend on their perceptions of their contribution to these outcomes. The impact of the child’s “other” biological parent’s (OBP) contribution to child health on guilt responses is understudied. Some models posit a diffusion-of-responsibility process, while others favor a heightened-risk-heightened-guilt model. The present study examines how perceived OBP contribution to child risk affects guilt among a sample of parents with self-reported overweight. Parents who perceived their child’s OBP to also have overweight experienced more guilt for passing down genetic and family environment-based obesity risk to their child, which suggests that perceptions of shared risk contribution promote guilt-related outcomes. Additionally, risk information endorsing a gene-environment interaction liability framing was the most responsive to OBP weight status. These results support a heightened-risk-heightened-guilt process. Future work should consider guilt when developing child health interventions to avoid undesirable emotional outcomes among parents.
Automatic pipeline fault detection using one-dimensional convolutional bidirectional long short-term memory networks with wide first-layer kernels
Authors: Peng Longguang , Huang Wenjie , Du Guofeng , Li Yuanqi , Xu Qiqi , Zhou Kai , Zhang Jicheng
Published: February 2024

Pipeline networks are crucial components of modern infrastructure, and ensuring their reliable operation is essential for sustainable development. The percussion-based methods are considered promising for detecting pipeline faults due to their avoidance of constant-contact sensors and ease of implementation. However, the majority of existing percussion-based methods suffer from limitations such as the requirement for manual feature extraction, as well as subpar noise resilience and adaptability. This paper introduces a one-dimensional convolutional bidirectional long short-term memory network with wide first-layer kernels for the classification of percussion-induced acoustic signals, thus achieving automatic identification of pipeline leakage and water deposit conditions. This approach directly extracts features from audio signals using wide first-layer convolutional kernels, eliminating the need for manual feature extraction. Additionally, it employs bidirectional long short-term memory to effectively capture long-term signal dependencies from both past and future contexts. To validate the effectiveness of the method, two case studies were conducted on three groups of pipes. The results show that the proposed method demonstrates superior noise resistance and adaptability compared to other methods, and it also exhibits strong applicability to other percussion signal datasets. Additionally, the impact of different first convolutional kernel sizes on the noise resistance and adaptive performance of the model was investigated, which provides robust guidance for the effective processing of percussion-induced acoustic signals.
Gendering displacement: Nieh Hualing’s re-membering refugee students during the Second Sino-Japanese War
Authors: Jiang Linshan
Published: February 2024

This article analyzes the representation of Nieh Hualing’s war memory as a refugee student during the Second Sino-Japanese War in her creative writings, especially Mulberry and Peach: Two Women of China, in intertextual conversation with her autobiography, Three Lives. By centering the intersectional experience of a female refugee student, the analysis enriches war narratives with a combination of diasporic and feminist perspectives on daily life distinguishing itself from male-dominated battlefields. While her war experience as a refugee student constitutes her “first life” in war-torn mainland China among her “three lives” in mainland China, Taiwan, and the United States, Nieh as a writer constantly negotiates with her Chineseness and inquires about her positionality in the world when moving across cultures. While Nieh as a writer embodies a “Chinese cosmopolitanism,” the female protagonist in Mulberry and Peach uses “hypersexuality” to reject patriarchal society and ethnocentric nationalism and go beyond Chinese cosmopolitanism.
Mnemonic splinterings and disciplinary convergences: Memory studies, Vietnamese studies, and diasporic Vietnamese studies
Authors: Tran Quan Tue
Published: February 2024

This article considers memory studies in the context of the Vietnamese case study in order to test and revise previous assumptions on dimensions, levels, and modes of memory drawn mostly from European or Northern American frameworks. In particular, it examines the politics of modern Vietnamese memories about war and migration both in the Socialist Republic of Vietnam and in the Vietnamese refugee diaspora to consider the possibilities, limitations, and implications of such contested memory work. Highlighting the particularities of Vietnamese memory politics, the article illustrates what memory studies, Vietnamese studies, and diasporic Vietnamese studies can bring to each other and contribute to important disciplinary discussions ongoing in these fields.
‘I danced on the road to the Macarena song which felt a bit naughty’: Affective entanglements and the wayfaring pandemic child
Authors: Olusoga Yinka
Published: February 2024

This paper applies a posthumanist lens, informed by the work of Hollett and Ehret and of Ingold, to consider children’s playful affective entanglements with the human and the more-than-human during fluctuating periods of social distancing in the COVID-19 pandemic. Through this refracting theoretical lens, I (re)examine a selection of play and leisure experiences of an emergent subject – the pandemic child – during the national U.K. lockdowns of 2020 and 2021. Via a national online, qualitative survey, children and families were invited to share examples of their play and leisure experiences during the pandemic to the Play Observatory, a U.K. research project that ran from 2020 to 2022. These survey contributions provide portals through which to (re)consider children’s connection, participation and emergent becomings, attuning analytical attention towards children’s affective place-event entanglements during pandemic times. A posthumanist (re)telling of children’s Play Observatory contributions demonstrates how children were imbricated in constantly emergent affects, meanings, becomings and potentialities, that waxed and waned, intensified and dissipated, transcending the physical locus of lockdown. This paper contributes to the field by unsettling discourses of rupture, loss and deficit that have tended to dominate public and policy discussions of children’s experience of lockdowns. It contributes to ongoing, collective attempts to interrupt policy responses to the pandemic that centre individualising practices of curriculum ‘catch-up’ and fail to invite into the debate consideration of the potential richness of experiences and events encountered by the pandemic child outside of the strictures of normal schooling and curriculum.
Elucidating the mechanisms of formononetin in modulating atherosclerotic plaque formation in ApoE-/- mice
Authors: He Ying , Cai Youde , Wei Dingling , Cao Liping , He Qiansong , Zhang Yazhou
Published: February 2024

Background

Atherosclerosis(AS) poses a pressing challenge in contemporary medicine. Formononetin (FMN) plays a crucial role in its prevention and treatment. However, the detailed impact of FMN on the stability of atherosclerotic plaques and its underlying mechanisms remain to be elucidated.

Methods

An intervention consisting of FMN was given along with a high-fat food regimen in the ApoE-/- mouse model. The investigation included the evaluation of the degree of atherosclerotic lesion, the main components of the plaque, lipid profiles, particular markers indicating M1/M2 macrophage phenotypes, the quantities of factors related to inflammation, the infiltration of macrophages, and the identification of markers linked to the α7nAChR/JAK2/STAT3 axis effect molecules.

Results

The evaluation of aortic morphology in ApoE-/-mice revealed that FMN significantly improved the plaque area, fibrous cap protrusion, lipid deposition, and structural alterations on the aortic surface, among other markers of atherosclerosis,and there is concentration dependence. Furthermore, the lipid content of mouse serum was assessed, and the results showed that the low-, medium-, and high-dosage FMN groups had significantly lower levels of LDL-C, ox-LDL, TC, and TG. The results of immunohistochemical staining indicated that the low-, medium-, and high-dose FMN therapy groups had enhanced CD206 expression and decreased expression of CD68 and iNOS. According to RT-qPCR data, FMN intervention has the potential to suppress the expression of iNOS, COX-2, miR-155-5p, IL-6, and IL-1β mRNA, while promoting the expression of IL-10, SHIP1, and Arg-1 mRNA levels. However, the degree of inhibition varied among dosage groups. Western blot investigation of JAK/STAT signaling pathway proteins and cholinergic α7nAChR protein showed that p-JAK2 and p-STAT3 protein expression was suppressed at all dosages, whereas α7nAChR protein expression was enhanced.

Conclusions

According to the aforementioned findings, FMN can reduce inflammation and atherosclerosis by influencing macrophage polarization, blocking the JAK/STAT signaling pathway, and increasing α7nAChR expression.
Evaluation of the primary health care expansion program with public-private partnership in slum areas from the perspective of stakeholders: a qualitative study
Authors: Marvi Aboalfazl , Kokabisaghi Fatemeh , Tabatabaee Seyed Saeed , Moallem Ehsan , Moghri Javad
Published: February 2024

Background

Today, economic and social determinants of health in slum settlements are at the policymakers’ center of attention. Iran has had an excellent experience in the Primary Health Care Program. This study aimed to evaluate the Primary Health Care Expansion Program with public-private partnerships in slum areas of Iran from the perspective of stakeholders in 2022.

Methods

This qualitative study was conducted using the framework content analysis method. Participants were 17 experts and health managers involved in The Primary Health Care Expansion with Public-Private Partnerships in the suburban areas at the medical universities of Khorasan Razavi province in the east of Iran, who were selected through purposive sampling via snowball method. For data collection, a semi-structured interview was done and framework content analysis was used for data analysis and results categories based on the SWOT.

Results

The study identified 23 main themes and 112 sub-themes, which were then grouped into four main categories - strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats using the SWOT model.

Conclusion

Results of the study showed the internal and external factors affecting Primary Health Care Expansion with Public-Private Partnerships in suburban areas. This situational analysis can help health policymakers to better understand the performance of health facilities.
Goldenhar syndrome with limbal neoformation, microtia and skeletal deformities: a case report and literature review
Authors: Fu Yushan , Yu Haotian , Zhang Jiajia , Zhou Nan
Published: February 2024

Background

To report a case of a 4-year-old patient with Goldenhar syndrome.

Case presentation

The author presents a rare case report involving a 4-year-old boy with multiple malformations. A comprehensive examination showed that the patient primarily had a limbal dermoid. He also has bilateral microtia and ear canal deformities. The skull CT scan and spine X-ray showed Maxillofacial Abnormalities and scoliosis. Whole Exome Sequencing revealed potential gene variations related to microtia. Although certain circumstances prevented us from initiating follow-up treatment for the patient, we have provided a detailed account of the diagnostic methodologies used for this condition.

Conclusions

Goldenhar syndrome is a congenital condition, predominantly presenting as sporadic cases. Its diagnosis and management typically necessitate the involvement of multiple disciplines, including otolaryngology and craniofacial surgery. The syndrome encompasses a variety of craniofacial features, which can facilitate early diagnosis and guide subsequent therapeutic interventions.
Living longer but in poor health: healthcare system responses to ageing populations in industrialised countries based on the Findings from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2019
Authors: Choi Minjae , Sempungu Joshua Kirabo , Lee Eun Hae , Lee Yo Han
Published: February 2024

Objectives

This study aimed to examine changes in life expectancy (LE), health-adjusted life expectancy (HALE), unhealthy years of life, and disease burden of older people in industrialised countries and associations with health systems.

Methods

We used estimates of LE and HALE, unhealthy years of life, years of life loss (YLL), years lived with disability (YLD) for individuals aged 70 years and over in 33 industrialised countries from 1990 to 2019 from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2019. A linear regression analysis was conducted to examine the association of health outcomes with the Healthcare Access and Quality (HAQ) index.

Results

LE and HALE increased with improved HAQ index from 1990 to 2019. However, the number of unhealthy years of life increased. An increased HAQ index was associated with decreases in YLL. However, changes in YLD were relatively small and were not correlated with HAQ index.

Conclusions

The healthcare system needs to more address the increased morbidity burden among older people. It should be designed to handle to healthcare needs of the ageing population.
Co-design and evaluation of a digital serious game to promote public awareness about pancreatic cancer
Authors: Anderson Tara , Prue Gillian , McDowell Glenn , Stark Patrick , Brown Wilson Christine , Graham Wisener Lisa , Kerr Helen , Caughers Gemma , Rogers Katherine , Cook Lana , Craig Stephanie , Alanazi Abdulelah , Mitchell Gary
Published: February 2024

Background

Pancreatic cancer, ranking seventh in global cancer-related deaths, poses a significant public health challenge with increasing incidence and mortality. Most cases are diagnosed at an advanced stage, resulting in low survival rates. Early diagnosis significantly impacts prognosis, making symptom awareness crucial. Symptoms are often subtle, leading to delayed help-seeking behaviour. Patients and their carers prioritise increased public awareness, indicating a need for innovative approaches to promote awareness of the disease.

Methods

This study employed a quasi-experimental pre-test/post-test design to assess the relationship between a serious game and pancreatic cancer awareness. Members of the public (N = 727) were recruited internationally, via social media and with signposting by relevant organisations. Participants completed measures of symptom awareness and help-seeking intentions before and after playing the game. The serious game, co-designed with experts by lived experience, patient advocates and healthcare professionals, presented participants with a human anatomy diagram, with each section linked to a question about pancreatic cancer.

Results

The serious game demonstrated a statistically significant improvement on pancreatic cancer awareness based on matched paired t-tests. Due to missing data, paired comparisons were only possible for 489 cases. Symptom awareness scores exhibited a statistically significant increase from pre-test to post-test, with a large effect size (p < 0.001, d = 1.43). Help-seeking intentions also markedly improved, showing a significant increase from pre-test to post-test, with a large effect size (p < 0.001, d = 1.10). Independent-samples t-tests were also conducted to determine if there were any group differences on pre- to post-test changes based on age, gender, and previous knowledge and/or experience of pancreatic cancer. Participants overwhelmingly endorsed the game’s usability and educational value, suggesting its potential as an effective tool for enhancing public awareness and proactive health-seeking behaviour.

Discussion

This study is the first to explore a serious game’s utility in pancreatic cancer awareness. Results suggest that such interventions can effectively increase public awareness and influence help-seeking intentions. The co-design process ensured content relevance, and participant satisfaction was high. Findings highlight the game’s potential as an accessible and convenient tool for diverse populations.
Use of T-Scan III in analyzing occlusal changes in molar fixed denture placement
Authors: Chan Hei , Alimujiang Adili , Fong Sin Iok , Wu Ming-Le , Liang Ran , Lai Peng-Yu , Wei Hui-Wen , Shen Shan
Published: February 2024

Background

This study aims to analyze the longitudinal variation of occlusal force distribution prior to and after fixed restoration for molar full-crowns with T-SCAN III which provide reference for occlusal adjustment and long-term maintenance.

Methods

We enrolled a total of 20 patients who received conventional restorative treatment for molars. The occlusion examination was conducted in 3 stages (before placement, immediately after placement, and 3 months after placement) using T-SCAN III (Tekscan South Boston, MA, USA, 10.0) to examine and measure the occlusal contact areas of the full dentition.

Results

The results indicated that the occlusal force distribution in the molar region of the patients changed before and after the fixed restoration, but the percentages of occlusal force in the dental arch of the molar did not differ significantly before and after the restoration (P > 0.05). Three months after the fixed restoration, the percentage of occlusal force in the restored dental arches of lateral teeth increased significantly (P < 0.05).

Conclusion

The results of this study indicated that the occlusal forces of the patients changed with tooth movement and adaptation, which is mainly reflected in the increasing occlusal force. Quantitative occlusal force analysis using T-SCAN III occlusal analyzer can provide more objective and accurate data to effectively guide clinical occlusion adjustments.
Simulating impaired left ventricular–arterial coupling in aging and disease: a systematic review
Authors: Ding Corina Cheng Ai , Dokos Socrates , Bakir Azam Ahmad , Zamberi Nurul Jannah , Liew Yih Miin , Chan Bee Ting , Md Sari Nor Ashikin , Avolio Alberto , Lim Einly
Published: February 2024

Aortic stenosis, hypertension, and left ventricular hypertrophy often coexist in the elderly, causing a detrimental mismatch in coupling between the heart and vasculature known as ventricular−vascular (VA) coupling. Impaired left VA coupling, a critical aspect of cardiovascular dysfunction in aging and disease, poses significant challenges for optimal cardiovascular performance. This systematic review aims to assess the impact of simulating and studying this coupling through computational models. By conducting a comprehensive analysis of 34 relevant articles obtained from esteemed databases such as Web of Science, Scopus, and PubMed until July 14, 2022, we explore various modeling techniques and simulation approaches employed to unravel the complex mechanisms underlying this impairment. Our review highlights the essential role of computational models in providing detailed insights beyond clinical observations, enabling a deeper understanding of the cardiovascular system. By elucidating the existing models of the heart (3D, 2D, and 0D), cardiac valves, and blood vessels (3D, 1D, and 0D), as well as discussing mechanical boundary conditions, model parameterization and validation, coupling approaches, computer resources and diverse applications, we establish a comprehensive overview of the field. The descriptions as well as the pros and cons on the choices of different dimensionality in heart, valve, and circulation are provided. Crucially, we emphasize the significance of evaluating heart−vessel interaction in pathological conditions and propose future research directions, such as the development of fully coupled personalized multidimensional models, integration of deep learning techniques, and comprehensive assessment of confounding effects on biomarkers.
Association of triglyceride glucose-body mass index and hemoglobin glycation index with heart failure prevalence in hypertensive populations: a study across different glucose metabolism status
Authors: Wang Rupeng , Chen Ce , Xu Guiyu , Jin Zening
Published: February 2024

Background

The Triglyceride glucose-body mass index (TyG-BMI) and hemoglobin glycation index (HGI) are well-established surrogate markers for insulin resistance. Nevertheless, the extent to which these markers offer additive predictive value for heart failure (HF) prevalence in hypertensive populations, and their predictive utility across various diabetic statuses, remains to be clarified. Consequently, this study aimed to explore the independent and synergistic effects of TyG-BMI and HGI on HF risk among individuals with different diabetic statuses.

Methods

Data from the study population (n = 9847) were obtained from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). Multivariable logistic regression models were employed to estimate odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) to assess the combined associations between TyG-BMI and HGI and the prevalence of HF across various diabetic statuses.

Results

In the total population, compared to the reference group (low TyG-BMI and low HGI), the OR (95% CI) for HF prevalence was 1.30 (1.04, 1.64) for the combination of low TyG-BMI and high HGI, 2.40 (1.76, 3.29) for high TyG-BMI and low HGI, and 3.47 (2.41, 4.99) for high TyG-BMI and high HGI. Interestingly, among normoglycemic individuals, higher TyG-BMI and HGI did not significantly increase the prevalence of HF. Conversely, in the prediabetic population, the OR (95%CI) for HF prevalence was 2.42 (1.69, 3.48) for the combination of high TyG-BMI and low HGI, and 4.30 (2.45, 7.54) for high TyG-BMI and high HGI. Similarly, in the diabetic population, the OR (95%CI) for HF prevalence was 2.22 (1.43, 3.45) for low TyG-BMI and high HGI, 4.04 (2.43, 6.73) for high TyG-BMI and low HGI, and 4.13 (2.25, 7.59) for high TyG-BMI and high HGI, compared to low TyG-BMI and low HGI.

Conclusion

This study reveals that elevated TyG-BMI and HGI levels exert a synergistic impact on the prevalence of HF in hypertensive adults, especially in those with prediabetes and diabetes. Additionally, the presence of prediabetes and diabetes may amplify the detrimental combined effect of TyG-BMI and HGI on HF prevalence.
Gliosis-dependent expression of complement factor H truncated variants attenuates retinal neurodegeneration following ischemic injury
Authors: Biber Josef , Jabri Yassin , Glänzer Sarah , Dort Aaron , Hoffelner Patricia , Schmidt Christoph Q. , Bludau Oliver , Pauly Diana , Grosche Antje
Published: February 2024

Inherited, age-related, and acute retinal diseases are often exacerbated by an aberrant or excessive activity of the complement system. Consequently, cells not directly affected by an acute event or genetic variants may degenerate, resulting in enhanced visual impairment. The therapeutic potential of supplementation of complement factor H (FH), a key regulator of the complement cascade, is therefore particularly promising in the context of retinal diseases caused by complement activation. In this study, we engineered adeno-associated viruses (AAVs) containing sequences of two truncated human FH variants. The expression of these variants was regulated by the glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) promoter, which is selectively active in gliotic Müller cells. Both FH variants consisted of FH domains 19-20, which were connected to domains 1–4 and 1–7, respectively, by a polyglycine linker. These AAVs were intravitreally injected following ischemic injury of C57BL/6J mouse retinas. We observed transgene expression in gliotic Müller cells and to some extent in astrocytes. The expression correlated directly with damage severity. Interventions resulted in decreased complement activation, accelerated normalization of microglia activity and morphological improvements. Reduced levels of C3 transcripts and C3d protein in conjunction with higher transcript levels of inhibitory regulators like Cfi and Cfh, hinted at attenuated complement activity. This study demonstrates the great potential of complement regulatory gene addition therapy. With further in vivo testing it could be applied to treat a wide range of retinal diseases where no causative therapies are available.
Corporate interest groups and their implications for global food governance: mapping and analysing the global corporate influence network of the transnational ultra-processed food industry
Authors: Slater Scott , Lawrence Mark , Wood Benjamin , Serodio Paulo , Baker Phillip
Published: February 2024

Background

A major challenge to transforming food systems to promote human health and sustainable development is the global rise in the manufacture and consumption of ultra-processed foods (UPFs). A key driver of this dietary transition is the globalization of UPF corporations, and their organized corporate political activity (CPA) intended to counter opposition and block government regulation. UPF industry CPA and the corporate interest groups who lobby on their behalf have been well described at the national level, however, at the global level, this network has not been systematically characterized. This study aims to map, analyse, and describe this network, and discuss the implications for global food policy action on UPFs, global food governance (GFG), and food systems transformation.

Methods

We conducted a network analysis of the declared interest group memberships of the world’s leading UPF corporations, extracted from web sources, company reports, and relevant academic and grey literature. Data on the characteristics of these interest groups were further extracted for analysis, including year founded, level, type, and headquarter location.

Results

We identified 268 interest groups affiliated with the UPF industry. The UPF manufacturers Nestlé (n = 171), The Coca-Cola Company (n = 147), Unilever (n = 142), PepsiCo (n = 138), and Danone (n = 113) had the greatest number of memberships, indicating strong centrality in coordinating the network. We found that this network operates at all levels, yet key actors now predominantly coordinate globally through multistakeholder channels in GFG. The most common interest group types were sustainability/corporate social responsibility/multistakeholder initiatives, followed by branding and advertising, and food manufacturing and retail. Most corporate interest groups are headquartered where they can access powerful government and GFG decision-makers, nearly one-third in Washington DC and Brussels, and the rest in capital cities of major national markets for UPFs.

Conclusions

The UPF industry, and especially its leading corporations, coordinate a global network of interest groups spanning multiple levels, jurisdictions, and governance spaces. This represents a major structural feature of global food and health governance systems, which arguably poses major challenges for actions to attenuate the harms of UPFs, and to realising of healthy and sustainable food systems.
Saikosaponin D alleviates inflammatory response of osteoarthritis and mediates autophagy via elevating microRNA-199-3p to target transcription Factor-4
Authors: Yan Ming , Zhang DaWei , Yang Min
Published: February 2024

Objective

This study was to investigate the underlying mechanism by which Saikosaponin D (SSD) mitigates the inflammatory response associated with osteoarthritis (OA) and regulates autophagy through upregulation of microRNA (miR)-199-3p and downregulation of transcription Factor-4 (TCF4).

Methods

A mouse OA model was established. Mice were intragastrically administered with SSD (0, 5, 10 μmol/L) or injected with miR-199-3p antagomir into the knee. Then, pathological changes in cartilage tissues were observed. Normal chondrocytes and OA chondrocytes were isolated and identified. Chondrocytes were treated with SSD and/or transfected with oligonucleotides or plasmid vectors targeting miR-199-3p and TCF4. Cell viability, apoptosis, inflammation, and autophagy were assessed. miR-199-3p and TCF4 expressions were measured, and their targeting relationship was analyzed.

Results

In in vivo experiments, SSD ameliorated cartilage histopathological damage, decreased inflammatory factor content and promoted autophagy in OA mice. miR-199-3p expression was downregulated and TCF4 expression was upregulated in cartilage tissues of OA mice. miR-199-3p expression was upregulated and TCF4 expression was downregulated after SSD treatment. Downregulation of miR-199-3p attenuated the effect of SSD on OA mice. In in vitro experiments, SSD inhibited the inflammatory response and promoted autophagy in OA chondrocytes. Downregulation of miR-199-3p attenuated the effect of SSD on OA chondrocytes. In addition, upregulation of miR-199-3p alone inhibited inflammatory responses and promoted autophagy in OA chondrocytes. miR-199-3p targeted TCF4. Upregulation of TCF4 attenuated the effects of miR-199-3p upregulation on OA chondrocytes.

Conclusions

SSD alleviates inflammatory response and mediates autophagy in OA via elevating miR-199-3p to target TCF4.
Risk factors for postoperative delirium in elderly patients undergoing heart valve surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass
Authors: Chen Na , Mo Yun-chang , Xu Min , Chen Si-si , Gao Wei , Zheng Qiong , Wang Jue , Wang Xiao-chu , Wang Jun-lu
Published: February 2024

Background

The aim of this study was to identify the risk factors for postoperative delirium (POD) in elderly patients undergoing heart valve surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB).

Methods

Elderly patients undergoing elective heart valve surgery with CPB in The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University between March 2022 and March 2023 were selected for this investigation. They were divided into a POD group and a non-POD group. Their baseline information was collected and recorded, and the patients were subjected to neurocognitive function assessment using the Mini-Mental State Examination and the Montreal Cognitive Assessment scales before surgery. We also recorded their intraoperative indicators such as duration of surgery, duration of CPB, duration of aortic cross-clamp, blood transfusion, and postoperative indicators such as duration of mechanical ventilation, postoperative 24-hour drainage volume, and pain score. Regional cerebral oxygen saturation was monitored intraoperatively by near-infrared spectroscopy based INVOS5100C Regional Oximeter. Patients were assessed for the occurrence of POD using Confusion Assessment Method for the Intensive Care Unit, and logistic regression analysis of risk factors for POD was performed.

Results

The study finally included 132 patients, with 47 patients in the POD group and 85 ones in the non-POD group. There were no significant differences in baseline information and preoperative indicators between the two groups. However, marked differences were identified in duration of surgery, duration of CPB, duration of aortic cross-clamp, duration of postoperative mechanical ventilation, postoperative length of stay in cardiac intensive care unit, postoperative length of hospital stay, intraoperative blood transfusion, postoperative pain score, and postoperative 24-hour drainage volume between the two groups (p < 0.05). Additionally, the two groups had significant differences in rScO2 at each intraoperative time point and in the difference of rScO2 from baseline at each intraoperative time point (p < 0.05). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that duration of surgery > 285 min (OR, 1.021 [95% CI, 1.008–1.035]; p = 0.002), duration of postoperative mechanical ventilation > 23.5 h (OR, 6.210 [95% CI, 1.619–23.815]; p = 0.008), and postoperative CCU stay > 3.5 d (OR, 3.927 [95% CI, 1.046–14.735]; p = 0.043) were independent risk factors of the occurrence of POD while change of rScO2 at T1>50.5 (OR, 0.832 [95% CI 0.736–0.941]; p = 0.003) was a protective factor for POD.

Conclusion

Duration of surgery duration of postoperative mechanical ventilation and postoperative CCU stay are risk factors for POD while change of rScO2 at T1 is a protective factor for POD in elderly patients undergoing heart valve surgery with CPB.
Rare variants in alpha 1 antitrypsin deficiency: a systematic literature review
Authors: Ferrarotti Ilaria , Wencker Marion , Chorostowska-Wynimko Joanna
Published: February 2024

Background

Alpha 1 Antitrypsin Deficiency (AATD) is a largely underrecognized genetic condition characterized by low Alpha 1 Antitrypsin (AAT) serum levels, resulting from variations in SERPINA1. Many individuals affected by AATD are thought to be undiagnosed, leading to poor patient outcomes. The Z (c.1096G > A; p.Glu366Lys) and S (c.863A > T; p.Glu288Val) deficiency variants are the most frequently found variants in AATD, with the Z variant present in most individuals diagnosed with AATD. However, there are many other less frequent variants known to contribute to lung and/or liver disease in AATD. To identify the most common rare variants associated with AATD, we conducted a systematic literature review with the aim of assessing AATD variation patterns across the world.

Methods

A systematic literature search was performed to identify published studies reporting AATD/SERPINA1 variants. Study eligibility was assessed for the potential to contain relevant information, with quality assessment and data extraction performed on studies meeting all eligibility criteria. AATD variants were grouped by variant type and linked to the geographical region identified from the reporting article.

Results

Of the 4945 articles identified by the search string, 864 contained useful information for this study. Most articles came from the United States, followed by the United Kingdom, Germany, Spain, and Italy. Collectively, the articles identified a total of 7631 rare variants and 216 types of rare variant across 80 counties. The F (c.739C > T; p.Arg247Cys) variant was identified 1,281 times and was the most reported known rare variant worldwide, followed by the I (c.187C > T; p.Arg63Cys) variant. Worldwide, there were 1492 Null/rare variants that were unidentified at the time of source article publication and 75 rare novel variants reported only once.

Conclusion

AATD goes far beyond the Z and S variants, suggesting there may be widespread underdiagnosis of patients with the condition. Each geographical region has its own distinctive variety of AATD variants and, therefore, comprehensive testing is needed to fully understand the true number and type of variants that exist. Comprehensive testing is also needed to ensure accurate diagnosis, optimize treatment strategies, and improve outcomes for patients with AATD.
Evaluation of intensive community care services for young people with psychiatric emergencies: study protocol for a multi-centre parallel-group, single-blinded randomized controlled trial with an internal pilot phase
Authors: Thaventhiran Thilipan , Wong Ben Hoi-Ching , Pilecka Izabela , Masood Saba , Atanda Opeyemi , Clacey Joe , Tolmac Jovanka , Wehncke Leon , Romaniuk Liana , Heslin Margaret , Tassie Emma , Chu Petrina , Bevan-Jones Rhys , Woolhouse Ruth , Mahdi Tauseef , Dobler Veronika Beatrice , Wait Mandy , Reavey Paula , Landau Sabine , Byford Sarah , Zundel Toby , Ougrin Dennis
Published: February 2024

Background

Over 3000 young people under the age of 18 are admitted to Tier 4 Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) inpatient units across the UK each year. The average length of hospital stay for young people across all psychiatric units in the UK is 120 days. Research is needed to identify the most effective and efficient ways to care for young people (YP) with psychiatric emergencies. This study aims to evaluate the clinical effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of intensive community care service (ICCS) compared to treatment as usual (TAU) for young people with psychiatric emergencies.

Methods

This is a multicentre two-arm randomized controlled trial (RCT) with an internal pilot phase. Young people aged 12 to < 18 considered for admission at participating NHS organizations across the UK will be randomized 1:1 to either TAU or ICCS. The primary outcome is the time to return to or start education, employment, or training (EET) at 6 months post-randomization. Secondary outcomes will include evaluations of mental health and overall well-being and patient satisfaction. Service use and costs and cost-effectiveness will also be explored. Intention-to-treat analysis will be adopted. The trial is expected to be completed within 42 months, with an internal pilot phase in the first 12 months to assess the recruitment feasibility. A process evaluation using visual semi-structured interviews will be conducted with 42 young people and 42 healthcare workers.

Discussion

This trial is the first well-powered randomized controlled trial evaluating the clinical and cost-effectiveness of ICCS compared to TAU for young people with psychiatric emergencies in Great Britain.

Trial registration

ISRCTN ISRCTN42999542, Registration on April 29, 2020
Application of gold immunochromatographic assay strip combined with digital evaluation for early detection of Toxoplasma gondii infection in multiple species
Authors: Fan Jiyuan , Sun Hao , Fang Jiawen , Gao Yafan , Ding Haojie , Zheng Bin , Kong Qingming , Zhuo Xunhui , Lu Shaohong
Published: February 2024

Background

Timely diagnosis of Toxoplasma gondii infection is necessary to prevent and control toxoplasmosis transmission. The gold immunochromatographic assay (GICA) is a means of rapidly detecting pathogen in samples. GICA-based diagnostic methods have been developed to accurately detect pathogens with high sensitivity and specificity, and their application in T. gondii diagnosis is expected to yield good results.

Methods

Colloidal gold test strips were produced using T. gondii C-terminal truncated apical membrane antigen 1 (AMA1C). Colloidal gold-AMA1C and colloidal gold-murine protein conjugate were synthesized under optimal conditions. A nitrocellulose membrane was treated with AMA1C and goat anti-mouse antibody as the test line and control line, respectively. In total, 90 cat serum samples were tested using AMA1C-GICA and a commercial enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kit. The GICA results were digitally displayed using a portable colloidal gold immunochromatographic test strip analyzer (HMREADER). The sensitivity, specificity, and stability of AMA1C-GICA were assessed, and this was then used to examine clinical samples, including 203 human sera, 266 cat sera, and 81 dog sera.

Results

AMA1C-GICA had a detection threshold of 1:32 for T. gondii-positive serum. The GICA strips specifically detected T. gondii antibodies and exhibited no reactivity with Plasmodium vivax, Paragonimus kellicotti, Schistosoma japonicum, Clonorchis sinensis, and Schistosoma mansoni. Consequently, 15 (16.7%) positive samples were detected using the AMA1C-GICA and commercial ELISA kits for each of the assays. The receiver-operating characteristic curve showed that GICA had a relative sensitivity of 85.3% and specificity of 92%, with an area under the curve of 98%. After analyzing clinical samples using HMREADER, 1.2%–23.4% of these samples were found to be positive for T. gondii.

Conclusions

This study presents a novel assay that enables timely and efficient detection of serum antibodies against T. gondii, thereby allowing for its early clinical diagnosis. Furthermore, the integration of digital detection using HMREADER can enhance the implementation of GICA.

Graphical Abstract
Fostering collective leadership to improve integrated primary care: lessons learned from the PriCARE program
Authors: Hudon Catherine , Lambert Mireille , Aubrey-Bassler Kris , Chouinard Maud-Christine , Doucet Shelley , Ramsden Vivian R. , Zed Joanna , Luke Alison , Bisson Mathieu , Howse Dana , Schwarz Charlotte , Rubenstein Donna , Taylor Jennifer
Published: February 2024

Case management (CM) is an intervention for improving integrated care for patients with complex care needs. The implementation of this complex intervention often raises opportunities for change and collective leadership has the potential to optimize the implementation. However, the application of collective leadership in real-world is not often described in the literature. This commentary highlights challenges faced during the implantation of a CM intervention in primary care for people with complex care needs, including stakeholders’ buy-in and providers’ willingness to change their practice, selection of the best person for the case manager position and staff turnover. Based on lessons learned from PriCARE research program, this paper encourages researchers to adopt collective leadership strategies for the implementation of complex interventions, including promoting a collaborative approach, fostering stakeholders’ engagement in a trusting and fair environment, providing a high level of communication, and enhancing collective leadership attitudes and skills. The learnings from the PriCARE program may help guide researchers for implementing complex healthcare interventions.
Pig pangenome graph reveals functional features of non-reference sequences
Authors: Miao Jian , Wei Xingyu , Cao Caiyun , Sun Jiabao , Xu Yuejin , Zhang Zhe , Wang Qishan , Pan Yuchun , Wang Zhen
Published: February 2024

Background

The reliance on a solitary linear reference genome has imposed a significant constraint on our comprehensive understanding of genetic variation in animals. This constraint is particularly pronounced for non-reference sequences (NRSs), which have not been extensively studied.

Results

In this study, we constructed a pig pangenome graph using 21 pig assemblies and identified 23,831 NRSs with a total length of 105 Mb. Our findings revealed that NRSs were more prevalent in breeds exhibiting greater genetic divergence from the reference genome. Furthermore, we observed that NRSs were rarely found within coding sequences, while NRS insertions were enriched in immune-related Gene Ontology terms. Notably, our investigation also unveiled a close association between novel genes and the immune capacity of pigs. We observed substantial differences in terms of frequencies of NRSs between Eastern and Western pigs, and the heat-resistant pigs exhibited a substantial number of NRS insertions in an 11.6 Mb interval on chromosome X. Additionally, we discovered a 665 bp insertion in the fourth intron of the TNFRSF19 gene that may be associated with the ability of heat tolerance in Southern Chinese pigs.

Conclusions

Our findings demonstrate the potential of a graph genome approach to reveal important functional features of NRSs in pig populations.
Gut microbiota modulation enhances the immune capacity of lizards under climate warming
Authors: Yang Jing , Liu Weiqiang , Han Xingzhi , Hao Xin , Yao Qibin , Du Weiguo
Published: February 2024

Background

Host-microbial interactions are expected to affect species’ adaptability to climate change but have rarely been explored in ectothermic animals. Some studies have shown that short-term warming reduced gut microbial diversity that could hamper host functional performance.

Results

However, our longitudinal experiments in semi-natural conditions demonstrated that warming decreased gut microbiota diversity at 2 months, but increased diversity at 13 and 27 months in a desert lizard (Eremias multiocellata). Simultaneously, long-term warming significantly increased the antibacterial activity of serum, immune responses (higher expression of intestinal immune-related genes), and the concentration of short-chain fatty acids (thereby intestinal barrier and immunity) in the lizard. Fecal microbiota transplant experiments further revealed that increased diversity of gut microbiota significantly enhanced antibacterial activity and the immune response of lizards. More specifically, the enhanced immunity is likely due to the higher relative abundance of Bacteroides in warming lizards, given that the bacteria of Bacteroides fragilis regulated IFN-β expression to increase the immune response of lizards under a warming climate.

Conclusions

Our study suggests that gut microbiota can help ectotherms cope with climate warming by enhancing host immune response, and highlights the importance of long-term studies on host-microbial interactions and their biological impacts.

Graphical Abstract