bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Multi-omics integrative modelling for stereotactic body radiotherapy in early-stage non-small cell lung cancer: clinical trial protocol of the MONDRIAN study
Authors: Volpe Stefania , Zaffaroni Mattia , Piperno Gaia , Vincini Maria Giulia , Zerella Maria Alessia , Mastroleo Federico , Cattani Federica , Fodor Cristiana Iuliana , Bellerba Federica , Bonaldi Tiziana , Bonizzi Giuseppina , Ceci Francesco , Cremonesi Marta , Fusco Nicola , Gandini Sara , Garibaldi Cristina , Torre Davide La , Noberini Roberta , Petralia Giuseppe , Spaggiari Lorenzo , Venetis Konstantinos , Orecchia Roberto , Casiraghi Monica , Jereczek-Fossa Barbara Alicja
Published: December 2023

Background

Currently, main treatment strategies for early-stage non-small cell lung cancer (ES-NSCLC) disease are surgery or stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT), with successful local control rates for both approaches. However, regional and distant failure remain critical in SBRT, and it is paramount to identify predictive factors of response to identify high-risk patients who may benefit from more aggressive approaches. The main endpoint of the MONDRIAN trial is to identify multi-omic biomarkers of SBRT response integrating information from the individual fields of radiomics, genomics and proteomics.

Methods

MONDRIAN is a prospective observational explorative cohort clinical study, with a data-driven, bottom-up approach. It is expected to enroll 100 ES-NSCLC SBRT candidates treated at an Italian tertiary cancer center with well-recognized expertise in SBRT and thoracic surgery. To identify predictors specific to SBRT, MONDRIAN will include data from 200 patients treated with surgery, in a 1:2 ratio, with comparable clinical characteristics. The project will have an overall expected duration of 60 months, and will be structured into five main tasks: (i) Clinical Study; (ii) Imaging/ Radiomic Study, (iii) Gene Expression Study, (iv) Proteomic Study, (v) Integrative Model Building.

Discussion

Thanks to its multi-disciplinary nature, MONDRIAN is expected to provide the opportunity to characterize ES-NSCLC from a multi-omic perspective, with a Radiation Oncology-oriented focus. Other than contributing to a mechanistic understanding of the disease, the study will assist the identification of high-risk patients in a largely unexplored clinical setting. Ultimately, this would orient further clinical research efforts on the combination of SBRT and systemic treatments, such as immunotherapy, with the perspective of improving oncological outcomes in this subset of patients.

Trial registration

The study was prospectively registered at clinicaltrials.gov (NCT05974475).
The state of clinical education and factors affecting effective clinical education: the point of view of nursing and midwifery students
Authors: Asadi Mohammadreza , Noorian Sajad , Motefakker Sanaz , Heydari Fatemeh , Shahsavari Neda , Senmar Mojtaba
Published: December 2023

Background

Clinical education is the basis of education in medical sciences. Clinical education, as the essence of education in nursing and midwifery, promotes social health, improves health care, and reduces mortality. Considering the position of nursing and midwifery, investigating the views of students in this field can be an effective step in improving clinical education. Therefore, the present study was conducted to investigate the status of clinical education and the factors affecting effective clinical education from the point of view of nursing and midwifery students.

Methods

A descriptive-analytical study was conducted among nursing and midwifery students at Qazvin University of Medical Sciences in 2022–2023. Using available sampling, 242 students were included in the study. Students were included in the study if they completed at least one unit of in-person internship. Refusing to continue the study for any reason and having a practical nurse certificate were the criteria for exclusion from the study. The data collection tools included a demographic information questionnaire, a questionnaire to assess the status of clinical education, and a questionnaire on factors affecting effective clinical education. The data were analysed with descriptive and inferential statistics and SPSS 20 software.

Results

The mean age of the participants in this study was 21.66 ± 2.25. A total of 180 (74.4%) of the participants were women, and the rest were men. The results showed that the general condition of clinical education is at an average level (103.16 ± 19.21). It was also found that the clinical education status of midwifery students was better than that of nursing students, and this difference was significant (p = 0.003). Among the fields of clinical education, the highest score belonging to the field of objectives and planning was reported on the average level (34.39 ± 6.66). Among the factors affecting effective clinical education, the highest score was given to the field of personal characteristics of the student (33.97 ± 5.99). The results showed that there is a significant relationship between the grades of the general state of clinical education with the academic semester (p = 0.001) and interest in the field of study (p < 0.040).

Conclusions

Based on the findings of the present study, clinical education is at an average level. Among the factors affecting effective clinical training, the field of personal characteristics of the student is more effective in clinical training. Providing educational facilities according to the number of students, using modern teaching methods, and determining and communicating the duties of professors and students can help to improve clinical education.
Genetic and observational associations of lung function with gastrointestinal tract diseases: pleiotropic and mendelian randomization analysis
Authors: Jiang Minghui , Hao Xingjie , Jiang Yi , Li Si , Wang Chaolong , Cheng Shanshan
Published: December 2023

Background

The two-way communications along the gut-lung axis influence the immune function in both gut and lung. However, the shared genetic characteristics of lung function with gastrointestinal tract (GIT) diseases remain to be investigated.

Methods

We first investigated the genetic correlations between three lung function traits and four GIT diseases. Second, we illustrated the genetic overlap by genome-wide pleiotropic analysis (PLACO) and further pinpointed the relevant tissue and cell types by partitioning heritability. Furthermore, we proposed pleiotropic genes as potential drug targets by drug database mining. Finally, we evaluated the causal relationships by epidemiologic observational study and Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis.

Results

We found lung function and GIT diseases were genetically correlated. We identified 258 pleiotropic loci, which were enriched in gut- and lung-specific regions marked by H3K4me1. Among these, 16 pleiotropic genes were targets of drugs, such as tofacitinib and baricitinib targeting TYK2 for the treatment of ulcer colitis and COVID-19, respectively. We identified a missense variant in TYK2, exhibiting a shared causal effect on FEV1/FVC and inflammatory bowel disease (rs12720356, PPLACO=1.38 × 10− 8). These findings suggested TYK2 as a promising drug target. Although the epidemiologic observational study suggested the protective role of lung function in the development of GIT diseases, no causalities were found by MR analysis.

Conclusions

Our study suggested the shared genetic characteristics between lung function and GIT diseases. The pleiotropic variants could exert their effects by modulating gene expression marked by histone modifications. Finally, we highlighted the potential of pleiotropic analyses in drug repurposing.
First Swedish case of fatal equine parasitic encephalitis by Halicephalobus gingivalis
Authors: Olofsson Karin Maria , van de Velde Norbert , Peletto Simone , Iulini Barbara , Pratley Laura , Modabberzadeh Behzad , Małek Emilian , Grandi Giulio
Published: December 2023

Background

Halicephalobus gingivalisis a nematode with zoonotic potential which can cause fatal opportunistic infections in various mammals. The parasite has never been diagnosed in Sweden, in any species, prior to the presented case.

Case presentation

An imported 21-year-old Icelandic mare developed severe neurological signs. The horse was eventually euthanized and submitted for post-mortem examination where severe lesions in the kidneys were noted. Histopathology revealed the presence ofH. gingivalisin both kidneys and the brain. Phylogenetic analysis of the parasite determined it to belong to Lineage 1.

Conclusions

With the occurrence ofH. gingivalisin Sweden, the disease should be added to the list of differential diagnoses in cases with acute onset of neurological disease in both horses and other mammals including humans.
AMPK-HIF-1α signaling enhances glucose-derived de novo serine biosynthesis to promote glioblastoma growth
Authors: Yun Hye Jin , Li Min , Guo Dong , Jeon So Mi , Park Su Hwan , Lim Je Sun , Lee Su Bin , Liu Rui , Du Linyong , Kim Seok-Ho , Shin Tae Hwan , Eyun Seong-il , Park Yun-Yong , Lu Zhimin , Lee Jong-Ho
Published: December 2023

Background

Cancer cells undergo cellular adaptation through metabolic reprogramming to sustain survival and rapid growth under various stress conditions. However, how brain tumors modulate their metabolic flexibility in the naturally serine/glycine (S/G)-deficient brain microenvironment remain unknown.

Methods

We used a range of primary/stem-like and established glioblastoma (GBM) cell models in vitro and in vivo. To identify the regulatory mechanisms of S/G deprivation-induced metabolic flexibility, we employed high-throughput RNA-sequencing, transcriptomic analysis, metabolic flux analysis, metabolites analysis, chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP), luciferase reporter, nuclear fractionation, cycloheximide-chase, and glucose consumption. The clinical significances were analyzed in the genomic database (GSE4290) and in human GBM specimens.

Results

The high-throughput RNA-sequencing and transcriptomic analysis demonstrate that the de novo serine synthesis pathway (SSP) and glycolysis are highly activated in GBM cells under S/G deprivation conditions. Mechanistically, S/G deprivation rapidly induces reactive oxygen species (ROS)-mediated AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) activation and AMPK-dependent hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF)-1α stabilization and transactivation. Activated HIF-1α in turn promotes the expression of SSP enzymes phosphoglycerate dehydrogenase (PHGDH), phosphoserine aminotransferase 1 (PSAT1), and phosphoserine phosphatase (PSPH). In addition, the HIF-1α-induced expression of glycolytic genes (GLUT1, GLUT3, HK2, and PFKFB2) promotes glucose uptake, glycolysis, and glycolytic flux to fuel SSP, leading to elevated de novo serine and glycine biosynthesis, NADPH/NADP+ ratio, and the proliferation and survival of GBM cells. Analyses of human GBM specimens reveal that the levels of overexpressed PHGDH, PSAT1, and PSPH are positively correlated with levels of AMPK T172 phosphorylation and HIF-1α expression and the poor prognosis of GBM patients.

Conclusion

Our findings reveal that metabolic stress-enhanced glucose-derived de novo serine biosynthesis is a critical metabolic feature of GBM cells, and highlight the potential to target SSP for treating human GBM.
RGCC-mediated PLK1 activity drives breast cancer lung metastasis by phosphorylating AMPKα2 to activate oxidative phosphorylation and fatty acid oxidation
Authors: Cheng Shaojie , Wan Xueying , Yang Liping , Qin Yilu , Chen Shanchun , Liu Yongcan , Sun Yan , Qiu Yuxiang , Huang Luyi , Qin Qizhong , Cui Xiaojiang , Wu Mingjun , Liu Manran
Published: December 2023

Background

More than 90% of the mortality of triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) patients is attributed to cancer metastasis with organotropism. The lung is a frequent site of TNBC metastasis. However, the precise molecular mechanism for lung-specific metastasis of TNBC is not well understood.

Methods

RNA sequencing was performed to identify patterns of gene expression associated with lung metastatic behavior using 4T1-LM3, MBA-MB-231-LM3, and their parental cells (4T1-P, MBA-MB-231-P). Expressions of RGCC, called regulator of cell cycle or response gene to complement 32 protein, were detected in TNBC cells and tissues by qRT-PCR, western blotting, and immunohistochemistry. Kinase activity assay was performed to evaluate PLK1 kinase activity. The amount of phosphorylated AMP-activated protein kinase α2 (AMPKα2) was detected by immunoblotting. RGCC-mediated metabolism was determined by UHPLC system. Oxidative phosphorylation was evaluated by JC-1 staining and oxygen consumption rate (OCR) assay. Fatty acid oxidation assay was conducted to measure the status of RGCC-mediated fatty acid oxidation. NADPH and ROS levels were detected by well-established assays. The chemical sensitivity of cells was evaluated by CCK8 assay.

Results

RGCC is aberrantly upregulated in pulmonary metastatic cells. High level of RGCC is significantly related with lung metastasis in comparison with other organ metastases. RGCC can effectively promote kinase activity of PLK1, and the activated PLK1 phosphorylates AMPKα2 to facilitate TNBC lung metastasis. Mechanistically, the RGCC/PLK1/AMPKα2 signal axis increases oxidative phosphorylation of mitochondria to generate more energy, and promotes fatty acid oxidation to produce abundant NADPH. These metabolic changes contribute to sustaining redox homeostasis and preventing excessive accumulation of potentially detrimental ROS in metastatic tumor cells, thereby supporting TNBC cell survival and colonization during metastases. Importantly, targeting RGCC in combination with paclitaxel/carboplatin effectively suppresses pulmonary TNBC lung metastasis in a mouse model.

Conclusions

RGCC overexpression is significantly associated with lung-specific metastasis of TNBC. RGCC activates AMPKα2 and downstream signaling through RGCC-driven PLK1 activity to facilitate TNBC lung metastasis. The study provides implications for RGCC-driven OXPHOS and fatty acid oxidation as important therapeutic targets for TNBC treatment.
A novel apoE-mimetic increases brain apoE levels, reduces Aβ pathology and improves memory when treated before onset of pathology in male mice that express APOE3
Authors: Valencia-Olvera Ana C. , Balu Deebika , Bellur Shreya , McNally Thomas , Saleh Yaseen , Pham Don , Ghura Shivesh , York Jason , Johansson Jan O. , LaDu Mary Jo , Tai Leon
Published: December 2023

Background

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is characterized by cognitive dysfunction and amyloid plaques composed of the amyloid-beta peptide (Aβ). APOE is the greatest genetic risk for AD with APOE4 increasing risk up to ~ 15-fold compared to APOE3. Evidence suggests that levels and lipidation of the apoE protein could regulate AD progression. In glia, apoE is lipidated via cholesterol efflux from intracellular pools, primarily by the ATP-binding cassette transporter A1 (ABCA1). Therefore, increasing ABCA1 activity is suggested to be a therapeutic approach for AD. CS-6253 (CS) is a novel apoE mimetic peptide that was developed to bind and stabilize ABCA1 and maintain its localization into the plasma membrane therefore promoting cholesterol efflux. The goal of this study was to determine whether CS could modulate apoE levels and lipidation, Aβ pathology, and behavior in a model that expresses human APOE and overproduce Aβ.

Methods

In vitro, APOE3-glia or APOE4-glia were treated with CS. In vivo, male and female, E3FAD (5xFAD+/−/APOE3+/+) and E4FAD (5xFAD+/−/APOE4+/+) mice were treated with CS via intraperitoneal injection at early (from 4 to 8 months of age) and late ages (from 8 to 10 months of age). ApoE levels, ABCA1 levels and, apoE lipidation were measured by western blot and ELISA. Aβ and amyloid levels were assessed by histochemistry and ELISA. Learning and memory were tested by Morris Water Maze and synaptic proteins were measured by Western blot.

Results

CS treatment increased apoE levels and cholesterol efflux in primary glial cultures. In young male E3FAD mice, CS treatment increased soluble apoE and lipid-associated apoE, reduced soluble oAβ and insoluble Aβ levels as well as Aβ and amyloid deposition, and improved memory and synaptic protein levels. CS treatment did not induce any therapeutic benefits in young female E3FAD and E4FAD mice or in any groups when treatment was started at later ages.

Conclusions

CS treatment reduced Aβ pathology and improved memory only in young male E3FAD, the cohort with the least AD pathology. Therefore, the degree of Aβ pathology or Aβ overproduction may impact the ability of targeting ABCA1 to be an effective AD therapeutic. This suggests that ABCA1-stabilizing treatment by CS-6253 works best in conditions of modest Aβ levels.
Neurophysiological markers in community-dwelling older adults with mild cognitive impairment: an EEG study
Authors: Katayama Osamu , Stern Yaakov , Habeck Christian , Lee Sangyoon , Harada Kenji , Makino Keitaro , Tomida Kouki , Morikawa Masanori , Yamaguchi Ryo , Nishijima Chiharu , Misu Yuka , Fujii Kazuya , Kodama Takayuki , Shimada Hiroyuki
Published: December 2023

Background

Neurodegeneration and structural changes in the brain due to amyloid deposition have been observed even in individuals with mild cognitive impairment (MCI). EEG measurement is considered an effective tool because it is noninvasive, has few restrictions on the measurement environment, and is simple and easy to use. In this study, we investigated the neurophysiological characteristics of community-dwelling older adults with MCI using EEG.

Methods

Demographic characteristics, cognitive function, physical function, resting-state MRI and electroencephalogram (rs-EEG), event-related potentials (ERPs) during Simon tasks, and task proportion of correct responses and reaction times (RTs) were obtained from 402 healthy controls (HC) and 47 MCI participants. We introduced exact low-resolution brain electromagnetic tomography-independent component analysis (eLORETA-ICA) to assess the rs-EEG network in community-dwelling older adults with MCI.

Results

A lower proportion of correct responses to the Simon task and slower RTs were observed in the MCI group (p < 0.01). Despite no difference in brain volume between the HC and MCI groups, significant decreases in dorsal attention network (DAN) activity (p < 0.05) and N2 amplitude of ERP (p < 0.001) were observed in the MCI group. Moreover, DAN activity demonstrated a correlation with education (Rs = 0.32, p = 0.027), global cognitive function (Rs = 0.32, p = 0.030), and processing speed (Rs = 0.37, p = 0.010) in the MCI group. The discrimination accuracy for MCI with the addition of the eLORETA-ICA network ranged from 0.7817 to 0.7929, and the area under the curve ranged from 0.8492 to 0.8495.

Conclusions

The eLORETA-ICA approach of rs-EEG using noninvasive and relatively inexpensive EEG demonstrates specific changes in elders with MCI. It may provide a simple and valid assessment method with few restrictions on the measurement environment and may be useful for early detection of MCI in community-dwelling older adults.
Eye movement training and gaze analysis for a patient with binocular diplopia after traumatic brain injury: a case report
Authors: Nakamura Kaneharu , Fuchigami Takeshi , Morioka Shu
Published: December 2023

Background

Patients with traumatic brain injury often develop sequelae such as eye movement disorders, including diplopia. Eye movement training is effective in diplopia management. However, few longitudinal follow-up studies have been conducted from the subacute disease stage, owing to the complexity of methods for quantifying diplopia.

Case presentation

The patient is a 30-year-old Japanese man who presented with diplopia and underwent eye movement training for approximately 4 weeks. The angle of diplopia, distance of abduction of the eye, gaze analysis, and self-assessment of diplopia using Holmes’ diplopia questionnaire were evaluated. The degree of diplopia increased from 12° to 40° on the right side. The distance of eye abduction increased from 10.4 to 12.8 mm. The self-assessment score improved from 76 to 12 points. Analysis of gaze transition revealed a reduction in the error between the target and gaze.

Conclusion

Eye movement training was successful in ameliorating the symptoms of diplopia in the patient with binocular diplopia. Furthermore, for patients with diplopia symptoms, it was suggested that the oculomotor approach to eye movement training should not only focus on the direction of the diplopia but also on the direction opposite to the diplopia (the weak side).
Durable response from fibroblast growth factor receptor inhibition in intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma terminated by metachronous acute myeloid leukemia: a case report
Authors: Juarso Andreas Edwin , Entz Stefanie , Weissinger Florian
Published: December 2023

Introduction

Advances in the treatment of biliary tract cancer have been made possible through gains in genomic and epigenetic tumor understanding. The use of fibroblast growth factor receptor inhibitor has enabled significant clinical improvement in a specific group of patients with intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma, some of whom with very durable responses.

Case presentation

We present the case of a 69-year-old Caucasian patient with advanced intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma who received the therapy with selective oral inhibitor of fibroblast growth factor receptor 1, 2, and 3 pemigatinib after multiple previous chemotherapies. This resulted in a durable stable disease condition for 15 months with good tolerability. The diagnosis of acute myeloid leukemia was an unanticipated serious adverse event, in which the impact of fibroblast growth factor receptor inhibition could not yet be determined due to inadequate data.

Conclusions

It is still possible to achieve durable tumor response in advanced previously treated intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma through targeted therapies. The prolonged progression free survival means that there could be an increased risk of secondary malignancy in this patient group, which necessitates diagnostic and therapeutic strategies.
Preliminary guideline for reporting bibliometric reviews of the biomedical literature (BIBLIO): a minimum requirements
Authors: Montazeri Ali , Mohammadi Samira , M.Hesari Parisa , Ghaemi Marjan , Riazi Hedyeh , Sheikhi-Mobarakeh Zahra
Published: December 2023

Background

A bibliometric review of the biomedical literature could be essential in synthesizing evidence if thoroughly conducted and documented. Although very similar to review papers in nature, it slightly differs in synthesizing the data when it comes to providing a pile of evidence from different studies into a single document. This paper provides a preliminary guideline for reporting bibliometric reviews of the biomedical literature (BIBLIO).

Methods

The BIBLIO was developed through two major processes: literature review and the consensus process. The BIBLIO started with a comprehensive review of publications on the conduct and reporting of bibliometric studies. The databases searched included PubMed, Scopus, Web of Sciences, and Cochrane Library. The process followed the general recommendations of the EQUATOR Network on how to develop a reporting guideline, of which one fundamental part is a consensus process. A panel of experts was invited to identify additional items and was asked to choose preferred options or suggest another item that should be included in the checklist. Finally, the checklist was completed based on the comments and responses of the panel members in four rounds.

Results

The BIBLIO includes 20 items as follows: title (2 items), abstract (1 item), introduction/background (2 items), methods (7 items), results (4 items), discussion (4 items). These should be described as a minimum requirements in reporting a bibliometric review.

Conclusions

The BIBLIO for the first time provides a preliminary guideline of its own kind. It is hoped that it could contribute to the transparent reporting of bibliometric reviews. The quality and utility of BIBILO remain to be investigated further.
Circulating microRNAs and hepcidin as predictors of iron homeostasis and anemia among school children: a biochemical and cross-sectional survey analysis
Authors: Al-Rawaf Hadeel A. , Gabr Sami A. , Iqbal Amir , Alghadir Ahmad H.
Published: December 2023

Background

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) can control several biological processes. Thus, the existence of these molecules plays a significant role in regulating human iron metabolism or homeostasis.

Purpose

The study aimed to determine the role of circulating microRNAs and hepcidin in controlling iron homeostasis and evaluating possible anemia among school children.

Methods

The study was based on a biochemical and cross-sectional survey study that included three hundred fifty school children aged 12–18 years old. RT–PCR and immunoassay analysis were accomplished to estimate iron concentration, Hgb, serum ferritin (SF), soluble transferrin receptor (sTfR), total body iron stores (TIBs), total oxidative stress (TOS), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), α-1-acid glycoprotein (AGP), high sensitive C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), and miRNAs; miR-146a, miR-129b, and miR-122 in 350 school adolescents.

Results

Iron disorders were cross-sectionally predicted in 28.54% of the study population; they were classified into 14.26% with ID, 5.7% with IDA, and 8.6% with iron overload. The overall proportion of iron depletion was significantly higher in girls (20.0%) than in boys (8.6%). MicroRNAs; miR-146a, miR-125b, and miR-122 were significantly upregulated with lower hepcidin expression in adolescence with ID and IDA compared to iron-overloaded subjects, whereas downregulation of these miRNAs was linked with higher hepcidin. Also, a significant correlation was recorded between miRNAs, hepcidin levels, AGP, hs-CRP, TAC, and other iron-related indicators.

Conclusion

Molecular microRNAs such as miR-146a, miR-125b, and miR-122 were shown to provide an additional means of controlling or regulating cellular iron uptake or metabolism either via the oxidative stress pathway or regulation of hepcidin expression via activating genes encoding Hfe and Hjv activators, which promote iron regulation. Thus, circulating miRNAs as molecular markers and serum hepcidin could provide an additional means of controlling or regulating cellular iron and be associated as valuable markers in diagnosing and treating cases with different iron deficiencies.
Parkinson’s disease and gut microbiota: from clinical to mechanistic and therapeutic studies
Authors: Zhang Xuxiang , Tang Beisha , Guo Jifeng
Published: December 2023

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is one of the most prevalent neurodegenerative diseases. The typical symptomatology of PD includes motor symptoms; however, a range of nonmotor symptoms, such as intestinal issues, usually occur before the motor symptoms. Various microorganisms inhabiting the gastrointestinal tract can profoundly influence the physiopathology of the central nervous system through neurological, endocrine, and immune system pathways involved in the microbiota–gut–brain axis. In addition, extensive evidence suggests that the gut microbiota is strongly associated with PD. This review summarizes the latest findings on microbial changes in PD and their clinical relevance, describes the underlying mechanisms through which intestinal bacteria may mediate PD, and discusses the correlations between gut microbes and anti-PD drugs. In addition, this review outlines the status of research on microbial therapies for PD and the future directions of PD–gut microbiota research.
A scoping review on the impacts of smallholder agriculture production on food and nutrition security: Evidence from Ethiopia context
Authors: Temesgen Hadas , Aweke Chanyalew Seyoum
Published: December 2023

Background

Currently, food and nutrition insecurity are global challenges. Millions of people are still suffering from this problem in Ethiopia. Smallholder farmers that dominated the agricultural sector in most developing countries like Ethiopia are deemed as one avenue to address such challenges. The purpose of this review was, therefore, to scrutinize the impact of smallholder agriculture production on food and nutrition security from Ethiopian context. Empirical studies were retrieved through electronic databases and the backward searching mechanism in which the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses flowchart were used to select the empirical studies and to report the review results.

Results

The finding of the review indicated that, smallholder farmer plays a decisive role in an effort towards improving food and nutrition security through either directly as sources food and/ or indirectly provides means and mechanisms to access the required food type at different level. Furthermore, it is found that, female contributed more in securing food and nutrition status of households compared to their male counterparts. Yet, both male and female smallholder farmers are faced different challenges including lack of access to agricultural infrastructures and facilities, plant and animal disease, and gender- based difference on access to and control over productive resources.

Conclusion and recommendation.

Given the contributions of smallholder agriculture in Ethiopia, there is a need to strengthen capacity of female and male smallholder farmers through provision of gender responsive agricultural advisory services and credit services tailored to the local context as options in improving food and nutrition security in Ethiopia.
Synthesis and optoelectronic properties of an anthracene derivative
Authors: Khan Darya , Xiaotao Zhang , Jameel Muhammad Hasnain , Agam Mohd Arif Bin , Roslan Muhammad Sufi Bin , Bajaber Majed A.
Published: December 2023

An asymmetric a-side alkyl chain anthracene derivative 6-(4 (-2 Ethyl Octyl) Phenyl) 2Phenyl Anthracene (EOPPA) was designed based on a π-electron skeleton with a side alkyl chain of anthracene core molecule. EOPPA was found to be a sturdy and high-performance p-type semiconductor for optoelectronic applications. The creation has successfully made this new material EOPPA with the best solubility, which exhibits both sufficient solvent solubility and thermal stability. The asymmetrical structural features of EOPPA allowed for the preparation of two-dimensional crystalline thin films in micrometer sizes with 100 nm thicknesses on a Si/SiO2 substrate through a solution processing method. The efficient solution processing synthesis of EOPPA and its high performance suggest that it has great potential in the field of organic electronics. The EOPPA demonstrated optoelectronic properties, crystalline structure, and good thin-film transistors having mobilities higher than 0.18 cm2 V−1 S−1, and a high current on/off ratio that can withstand temperatures of almost 225 °C. Furthermore, EOPPA presents good potential to be amongst the next generation of p-type anthracene core organic semiconductors, especially for practical printed electronics applications.
HDAC5-mediated exosomal Maspin and miR-151a-3p as biomarkers for enhancing radiation treatment sensitivity in hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Lee Seung Min , Cho Jeongin , Choi Sujin , Kim Dong Ha , Ryu Je-Won , Kim Inki , Woo Dong-Cheol , Sung Young Hoon , Jeong Jin-Yong , Baek In-Jeoung , Pack Chan-Gi , Rho Jin Kyung , Lee Sang-wook , Ha Chang Hoon
Published: December 2023

Background

Tumor-derived exosomes are critical elements of the cell–cell communication response to various stimuli. This study aims to reveal that the histone deacetylase 5 (HDAC5) and p53 interaction upon radiation in hepatocellular carcinoma intricately regulates the secretion and composition of exosomes.

Methods

We observed that HDAC5 and p53 expression were significantly increased by 2 Gy and 4 Gy radiation exposure in HCC. Normal- and radiation-derived exosomes released by HepG2 were purified to investigate the exosomal components.

Results

We found that in the radiation-derived exosome, exosomal Maspin was notably increased. Maspin is known as an anti-angiogenic gene. The expression of Maspin was regulated at the cellular level by HDAC5, and it was elaborately regulated and released in the exosome. Radiation-derived exosome treatment caused significant inhibition of angiogenesis in HUVECs and mouse aortic tissues. Meanwhile, we confirmed that miR-151a-3p was significantly reduced in the radiation-derived exosome through exosomal miRNA sequencing, and three HCC-specific exosomal miRNAs were also decreased. In particular, miR-151a-3p induced an anti-apoptotic response by inhibiting p53, and it was shown to induce EMT and promote tumor growth by regulating p53-related tumor progression genes. In the HCC xenograft model, radiation-induced exosome injection significantly reduced angiogenesis and tumor size.

Conclusions

Our present findings demonstrated HDAC5 is a vital gene of the p53-mediated release of exosomes resulting in tumor suppression through anti-cancer exosomal components in response to radiation. Finally, we highlight the important role of exosomal Maspin and mi-151a-3p as a biomarker in enhancing radiation treatment sensitivity.

Graphical Abstract

Therapeutic potential of HDAC5 through p53-mediated exosome modulation in radiation treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma
Prevalence and determinants of female genital amputation among adolescent girls and young women in Ethiopia: multilevel analysis
Authors: Gebeyehu Asaye Alamneh , Anteneh Rahel Mulatie , Dessie Anteneh Mengist , Yenew Chalachew
Published: December 2023

Introduction

Female genital amputation is a harmful traditional practice that has adverse risks on health outcomes. Consequently, it affects girls and women's physical, psychological, and mental health conditions. However, evidence on female genital amputation factors among adolescent girls and young women in Ethiopia was limited.

Method

Secondary data analysis was conducted from the 2016 Ethiopian Demographic and Health Survey. A weighted sample size included in this study was 2961 adolescent girls and young women. Data management and further analysis were performed using Stata 14 software. An adjusted odds ratio with a 95% confidence interval was used for measuring a significant relationship between factors with the outcome variable.

Result

This study found that the prevalence of female genital amputation among adolescent girls and young women in Ethiopia was 53.4%. Among individual- and community-level variables included in the multivariable multilevel analysis: maternal age, religious status, marital status, maternal educational level, occupational status, residence areas, community uneducated level, and community mass media were significant factors for female genital amputation.

Conclusion

The prevalence of female genital amputation among adolescent girls and young women in Ethiopia remains high. Those individual- and community-level factors influence female genital amputation among adolescent girls and young women in Ethiopia. It requires health interventions on female genital amputation to improve behavioral changes and create awareness about harmful practices.
Mechanisms of Actinidia chinensis Planch in treating colon cancer based on the integration of network pharmacology, molecular docking, and experimental verification
Authors: Chen Jin-Fang , Wu Shi-Wei , Shi Zi-Man , Qu Yan-Jie , Ding Min-Rui , Hu Bing
Published: December 2023

Background

As an anticancer Chinese herbal medicine, the effective components and mechanism of Actinidia chinensis Planch (ACP, Tengligen) in the treatment of colon cancer are still unclear. In the present study, the integration of network pharmacology, molecular docking, and cell experiments was employed to study the effective mechanism of ACP against colon cancer.

Methods

The Venn diagram and STRING database were used to construct the protein–protein interaction network (PPI) of ACP-colon cancer, and further topological analysis was used to obtain the key target genes of ACP in colon cancer. The Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analyses were used to visualize the related functions and pathways. Molecular docking between key targets and compounds was determined using software such as AutoDockTools. Finally, the effect of ACP on CT26 cells was observed in vitro.

Results

The study identified 40 ACP-colon key targets, including CASP3, CDK2, GSK3B, and PIK3R1. GO and KEGG enrichment analyses found that these genes were involved in 211 biological processes and 92 pathways, among which pathways in cancer, PI3K-Akt, p53, and cell cycle might be the main pathways of ACP against colon cancer. Molecular docking verified that the key components of ACP could stably bind to the corresponding targets. The experimental results showed that ACP could inhibit proliferation, induce apoptosis, and downregulate the phosphorylation of PIK3R1, Akt, and GSK3B in CT26 cells.

Conclusion

ACP is an anti-colon cancer herb with multiple components, and involvement of multiple target genes and signaling pathways. ACP can significantly inhibit proliferation and induce apoptosis of colon cancer cells, which may be closely related to the regulation of PI3K/AKT/GSK3B signal transduction.
Establishment of an image evaluation grading criteria for experimental stifle joint osteoarthritis in dogs: an X-ray and CT imaging study
Authors: Rhee Beomseok , Jin Changfan , Shin Seo-Hyun , Choi Hojung , Lee Youngwon , Kim Sokho
Published: December 2023

Background

This study aimed to establish an image evaluation grading criteria for experimental stifle joint osteoarthritis (OA) in anterior cruciate ligament transection induced OA beagle dog models. The severity of OA was assessed using X-ray and computed tomography (CT) imaging.

Results

A total of 32 dogs (8 controls and 24 OA-induced dogs) were included in the study. The OA-induced group showed significantly higher manual joint palpation, gait analysis, and OA severity scores than the control group. Based on these two results, we calculated correlation coefficients. There was a strong positive correlation between manual joint palpation scores and OA severity on diagnostic imaging and between gait analysis scores and OA severity.

Conclusions

The developed grading criteria based on radiographic evaluation correlated with clinical assessments. The study also employed CT imaging to enhance the accuracy and sensitivity of early-stage OA change detection in the stifle joint. However, further studies with larger sample sizes and multiple evaluators are recommended for the validation and generalizability of this grading system. These established image evaluation grading criteria can help evaluate and monitor the efficacy of interventions and changes in OA lesions in canine models.
A prospective longitudinal study of post-traumatic stress symptoms and its risk factors in newly diagnosed female breast cancer patients
Authors: Lebimoyo Azizat Abiodun , Sanni Mumtaz Oladipupo
Published: December 2023

Background

Post-traumatic stress symptoms are one of the most commonest, but un-recognized psychological morbidity found in female breast cancer patients. However, there are insufficient prospective studies concerning the trajectory of post-traumatic stress symptoms and their risk factors in Nigerian women living with breast cancer.

Objective

To determine the changes in the prevalence and risk factors of post-traumatic stress symptoms among newly diagnosed female breast cancer patients across different timelines over 6 months.

Method

This was a prospective longitudinal study of 183 newly diagnosed female breast cancer patients selected using a systematic random sampling method. The Six-Item Impact of Events Scale, Visual Analogue Scale of Pain, Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Breast, and a Socio-Demographic questionnaire were administered to the participants.

Results

The prevalence of post-traumatic stress symptoms was 46%, 31%, and 22% at baseline, 3 months, and 6 months respectively, indicating a decline in post-traumatic stress symptoms over time. In the final assessment at 6 months, identified risk factors of post-traumatic stress symptoms were: religiosity, accessibility to treatment, illness perception, chemotherapy, and quality of life.

Conclusion

Post-traumatic stress symptoms are prevalent in newly diagnosed female breast cancer patients, there is a need for regular screening of these symptoms in these women to allow for early psycho-social intervention, and better treatment outcomes.
Biofilm formation: mechanistic insights and therapeutic targets
Authors: Wang Xinyu , Liu Ming , Yu Chuanjiang , Li Jing , Zhou Xikun
Published: December 2023

Biofilms are complex multicellular communities formed by bacteria, and their extracellular polymeric substances are observed as surface-attached or non-surface-attached aggregates. Many types of bacterial species found in living hosts or environments can form biofilms. These include pathogenic bacteria such as Pseudomonas, which can act as persistent infectious hosts and are responsible for a wide range of chronic diseases as well as the emergence of antibiotic resistance, thereby making them difficult to eliminate. Pseudomonas aeruginosa has emerged as a model organism for studying biofilm formation. In addition, other Pseudomonas utilize biofilm formation in plant colonization and environmental persistence. Biofilms are effective in aiding bacterial colonization, enhancing bacterial resistance to antimicrobial substances and host immune responses, and facilitating cell‒cell signalling exchanges between community bacteria. The lack of antibiotics targeting biofilms in the drug discovery process indicates the need to design new biofilm inhibitors as antimicrobial drugs using various strategies and targeting different stages of biofilm formation. Growing strategies that have been developed to combat biofilm formation include targeting bacterial enzymes, as well as those involved in the quorum sensing and adhesion pathways. In this review, with Pseudomonas as the primary subject of study, we review and discuss the mechanisms of bacterial biofilm formation and current therapeutic approaches, emphasizing the clinical issues associated with biofilm infections and focusing on current and emerging antibiotic biofilm strategies.
Multi-integrated genomic data for Passiflora foetida provides insights into genome size evolution and floral development in Passiflora
Authors: Zou Yi , Wang Jie , Peng Dan , Zhang Xiaoni , Tembrock Luke R. , Yang Jinliang , Zhao Jianli , Liao Hong , Wu Zhiqiang
Published: December 2023

Passiflora is a plant genus known for its extremely distinctive and colorful flowers and a wide range of genome size variation. However, how genome characteristics are related to flower traits among Passiflora species remains poorly understood. Here, we assembled a chromosome-scale genome of P. foetida, which belongs to the same subgenus as the commercial passionfruit P. edulis. The genome of P. foetida is smaller (424.16 Mb) and contains fewer copies of long terminal repeat retrotransposons (LTR-RTs). The disparity in LTR-RTs is one of the main contributors to the differences in genome sizes between these two species and possibly in floral traits. Additionally, we observed variation in insertion times and copy numbers of LTR-RTs across different transposable element (TE) lineages. Then, by integrating transcriptomic data from 33 samples (eight floral organs and flower buds at three developmental stages) with phylogenomic and metabolomic data, we conducted an in-depth analysis of the expression, phylogeny, and copy number of MIKC-type MADS-box genes and identified essential biosynthetic genes responsible for flower color and scent from glandular bracts and other floral organs. Our study pinpoints LRT-RTs as an important player in genome size variation in Passiflora species and provides insights into future genetic improvement.

Graphical Abstract
Associations of Sedentary Time and Physical Activity From Childhood With Lipids: A 13-Year Mediation and Temporal Study
Authors: Agbaje Andrew O
Published: December 2023

Context

Among children, evidence on long-term longitudinal associations of accelerometer-measured sedentary time, light physical activity (LPA), and moderate to vigorous PA (MVPA) with lipid indices are few. The mediating role of body composition and other metabolic indices in these associations remains unclear and whether poor movement behavior precedes altered lipid levels is unknown.

Objective

This study examined the associations of sedentary time, LPA, and MVPA from childhood through young adulthood with increased lipids, the mediating role of body composition, and whether temporal interrelations exist.

Methods

Data from 792 children (58% female; mean [SD] age at baseline, 11.7 [0.2] years), drawn from the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children (ALSPAC) UK birth cohort, who had at least 2 time-point measures of accelerometer-based sedentary time, LPA, and MVPA during clinic visits at ages 11, 15, and 24 years and complete fasting plasma high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, triglyceride, and total cholesterol measured during follow-up visits at ages 15, 17, and 24 years were analyzed.

Results

Total fat mass partly mediated the inverse associations of LPA with low-density lipoprotein cholesterol by 13%, triglyceride by 28%, and total cholesterol by 6%. Total fat mass mediated the inverse associations of MVPA with low-density lipoprotein cholesterol by 37% and total cholesterol by 48%, attenuating the effect on total cholesterol to nonsignificance (P = .077). In the temporal path analyses, higher MVPA at age 15 years was associated with lower low-density lipoprotein cholesterol at 24 years (β = −0.08, SE, 0.01, P = .022) but not vice versa.

Conclusion

Sedentary time worsens lipid indices, but increased LPA had a 5- to 8-fold total cholesterol-lowering effect and was more resistant to the attenuating effect of fat mass than MVPA.
Thoughtfully Integrating Cannabis Products Into Chronic Pain Treatment
Authors: Boehnke Kevin F. , Wu Christopher L. , Clauw Daniel J.
Published: December 2023

Cannabis products (CPs) and cannabis-based medicines (CBMs) are becoming increasingly available and are commonly used for pain management. The growing societal acceptance of cannabis and liberalization of cannabis laws allows patients to access CPs with minimal clinical oversight. While there is mechanistic plausibility that CPs and CBMs may be useful for pain management, the clinical trial literature is limited and does not refute or support the use of CBMs for pain management. Complicating matters, a large and growing body of observational literature shows that many people use CPs for pain management and in place of other medications. However, products and dosing regimens in existing trials are not generalizable to the current cannabis market, making it difficult to compare and reconcile these 2 bodies of literature. Given this complexity, clinicians need clear, pragmatic guidance on how to appropriately educate and work with patients who are using CBMs for pain management. In this review, we narratively synthesize the evidence to enable a clear view of current landscape and provide pragmatic advice for clinicians to use when working with patients. This advice revolves around 3 principles: (1) maintaining the therapeutic alliance; (2) harm reduction and benefit maximization; and (3) pragmatism, principles of patient-centered care, and use of best clinical judgment in the face of uncertainty. Despite the lack of certainty CPs and chronic pain management use, we believe that following these principles can make most of the clinical opportunity presented by discussions around CPs and also enhance the likelihood of clinical benefit from CPs.