bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Supplementary Figure 5 from Role of Gut Microbiome in Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy Response in Urothelial Carcinoma: A Multi-institutional Prospective Cohort Evaluation
Authors: Bukavina Laura , Ginwala Rashida , Eltoukhi Mohamed , Sindhani Mohit , Prunty Megan , Geynisman Daniel M. , Ghatalia Pooja , Valentine Henkel , Calaway Adam , Correa Andres F. , Brown Jason R. , Mishra Kirtishri , Plimack Elizabeth R. , Kutikov Alexander , Ghannoum Mahmoud , Elshaer Mohammed , Retuerto Mauricio , Ponsky Lee , Uzzo Robert G. , Abbosh Philip H.
Published: June 2024

Supplementary Figure 5: Community Grouping Based on Gut Microbiome Response Status

A: Hierarchical clustering identifying two distinct microbial community groups among bladder cancer patients (CR and NR).

B and C: Alpha and beta diversity analyses illustrating significant differences and clustering patterns among the identified community groups.

D and E: Distribution of unique and shared bacterial OTUs across the two main groups, detailing their correlation with patient response status and individual group composition (F).
FIGURE 6 from Role of Gut Microbiome in Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy Response in Urothelial Carcinoma: A Multi-institutional Prospective Cohort Evaluation
Authors: Bukavina Laura , Ginwala Rashida , Eltoukhi Mohamed , Sindhani Mohit , Prunty Megan , Geynisman Daniel M. , Ghatalia Pooja , Valentine Henkel , Calaway Adam , Correa Andres F. , Brown Jason R. , Mishra Kirtishri , Plimack Elizabeth R. , Kutikov Alexander , Ghannoum Mahmoud , Elshaer Mohammed , Retuerto Mauricio , Ponsky Lee , Uzzo Robert G. , Abbosh Philip H.
Published: June 2024

Longitudinal microbiota analysis in a murine model exposed to BBN versus water. A, Shannon diversity index measures across different timepoints (0, 6, 12, 16–22 weeks) showing changes in alpha diversity in mice treated with BBN compared with those given water. Each point represents a time-specific diversity score, providing insights into the temporal dynamics of microbial diversity. B, PCoA plot of beta diversity based on Weighted UniFrac distances, illustrating the microbial community variations over time between BBN-treated and control groups. Significant differences are highlighted, demonstrating the impact of BBN exposure on microbial community structure. C, LDA scores quantifying the effect sizes of differentially abundant taxa between the BBN and water groups at each assessed timepoint. This visualization identifies specific taxa that are significantly impacted by BBN treatment. D, Bar graphs of the relative abundances of key bacterial taxa at different timepoints for BBN-treated versus water-treated mice. This detailed breakdown provides a clearer understanding of how specific bacterial populations fluctuate in response to carcinogen exposure. E, Relative abundance profiles of major bacterial genera across all timepoints, comparing BBN and water treatments. F, Fluctuation patterns of Bacteroides prevalence in the BBN and water groups, plotted across the study duration. G, Temporal trajectories of various bacterial OTUs between BBN and water groups, providing a longitudinal view of microbial changes and stability in response to treatment.
FIGURE 5 from Role of Gut Microbiome in Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy Response in Urothelial Carcinoma: A Multi-institutional Prospective Cohort Evaluation
Authors: Bukavina Laura , Ginwala Rashida , Eltoukhi Mohamed , Sindhani Mohit , Prunty Megan , Geynisman Daniel M. , Ghatalia Pooja , Valentine Henkel , Calaway Adam , Correa Andres F. , Brown Jason R. , Mishra Kirtishri , Plimack Elizabeth R. , Kutikov Alexander , Ghannoum Mahmoud , Elshaer Mohammed , Retuerto Mauricio , Ponsky Lee , Uzzo Robert G. , Abbosh Philip H.
Published: June 2024

Predictive efficacy of microbial biomarkers on NAC response. A, Graphical representation of model performance metrics (out of bag score, sensitivity, NPV, specificity, PPV, AUC score) across iterations, evaluating the robustness of microbial biomarkers in predicting NAC response. B, Ranked importance of bacterial genera as predictors, derived from a machine learning model assessing their utility in distinguishing between CR and NR. C, Summary statistics including sensitivity, specificity, PPV, NPV, and overall AUC score, affirming the predictive value of microbial signatures in clinical outcomes. PPV, positive predictive value; NPV, negative predictive value.
FIGURE 4 from Role of Gut Microbiome in Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy Response in Urothelial Carcinoma: A Multi-institutional Prospective Cohort Evaluation
Authors: Bukavina Laura , Ginwala Rashida , Eltoukhi Mohamed , Sindhani Mohit , Prunty Megan , Geynisman Daniel M. , Ghatalia Pooja , Valentine Henkel , Calaway Adam , Correa Andres F. , Brown Jason R. , Mishra Kirtishri , Plimack Elizabeth R. , Kutikov Alexander , Ghannoum Mahmoud , Elshaer Mohammed , Retuerto Mauricio , Ponsky Lee , Uzzo Robert G. , Abbosh Philip H.
Published: June 2024

Analysis of SCFA concentrations in relation to chemotherapy response. Top: Mean SCFA concentrations in plasma and stool of patients with bladder cancer categorized by NAC response status (CR vs. NR), showing no significant differences. Bottom: Correlation matrices between SCFA levels and bacterial genera in plasma and stool, with the strongest positive and negative correlations marked, indicating the metabolic interactions within the GM in the context of cancer therapy response.
FIGURE 2 from Role of Gut Microbiome in Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy Response in Urothelial Carcinoma: A Multi-institutional Prospective Cohort Evaluation
Authors: Bukavina Laura , Ginwala Rashida , Eltoukhi Mohamed , Sindhani Mohit , Prunty Megan , Geynisman Daniel M. , Ghatalia Pooja , Valentine Henkel , Calaway Adam , Correa Andres F. , Brown Jason R. , Mishra Kirtishri , Plimack Elizabeth R. , Kutikov Alexander , Ghannoum Mahmoud , Elshaer Mohammed , Retuerto Mauricio , Ponsky Lee , Uzzo Robert G. , Abbosh Philip H.
Published: June 2024

Correlations between participant demographics, clinical characteristics, and microbial taxa. A, Plots illustrating the impact of smoking status and age on specific microbial taxa, annotated with statistical significance and effect sizes. B, Comprehensive summary of significant correlations (FDR < 0.05) between participant characteristics—including smoking, age, BMI, treatment specifics, and institutional data—and microbial composition. C, Heat map representation of the strength and direction of correlations between participants’ characteristics and individual OTUs, underscoring the microbial shifts correlated with demographic and clinical variables.
Disjecta membra: em torno dos escritos críticos de Samuel Beckett
Authors: Gontarski Stanley E. , Andrade Fábio de Souza
Published: June 2024

This essay examines the role of the various essays collected by Ruby Cohn in Disjecta ("Dante ... Bruno ... Vico ... Joyce", in particular) and of Proust (1931) in the young Beckett's aesthetic project and their effects on mature Beckettian production.
Em busca da "despalavra": tradução e apresentação do Triângulo Medieval, de Samuel Beckett
Authors: Andrade Fábio de Souza
Published: June 2024

Antes de firmar-se como um dos maiores autores de teatro no século XX, o jovem Beckett ensaiou, em língua alemã, nos anos 1930, uma adaptação cênica do canto inicial de Orlando Furioso, de Ariosto. Incompleta, a obra carrega as marcas da “literatura da despalavra” beckettiana em seus estágios iniciais de formulação e antecipa os impasses e procedimentos que, amadurecidos em peças como En Attendant Godot e Fin de Partie, o tornaram uma referência incontornável do modernismo tardio europeu.
Esgarçando as calças: sucessão e movimento do objeto estético em (e em torno de ) A pintura dos Van Valde ou O mundo e as calças (1946)
Authors: Nogueira Gustavo de Almeida
Published: June 2024

A crescente publicação dos materiais chamados de grey canon beckettiano —textos compostos pela correspondência, diários, manuscritos, cadernos de anotações de leituras e esquemáticas de direções teatrais — tem fornecido um vasto campo de estudos para a análise das concepções estéticas de Samuel Beckett. Com isso, noções canônicas relativas à progressão de suas reflexões, assim com sua relação com a elaboração de suas obras literárias, têm sido reformuladas, postas em xeque ou rearranjadas. O presente artigo busca contribuir para esse esforço ao colocar em evidência o percurso sinuoso de ideias como a da mobilidade, da mudança e da sucessão ao longo dos escritos estéticos beckettianos das décadas de 1930 e 1940, tendo como foco o lugar singular que elas ocupam no ensaio “A pintura dos Van Velde ou o mundo e as calças” (1946).
"As duas necessidades" ou como não eludir o impossível
Authors: Souza Ana Helena
Published: June 2024

Este artigo analisa o texto de Samuel Beckett “As duas necessidades”, de 1938, inserindo-o tanto no contexto do modernismo dos anos 1930 como no mais geral do modernismo do século XX, no qual se pode localizar a obra completa do escritor. Recorre-se a algumas elaborações teóricas de Jacques Lacan sobre demanda, desejo, o Outro e a linguagem para uma melhor compreensão de como Beckett inclui uma ética em sua reflexão estética. Por fim, a autora dá breves indicações de como se pode ler a amplitude dessa reflexão de Beckett sobre o artista e seu ofício em um de seus textos finais, Pra frente o pior (1983).
Os “travailleurs de la mort” na obra de Flamínio Fávero
Authors: Spina Fabrício Auad
Published: June 2024

Forensic Entomology is the application of knowledge about insects and other arthropods when related to legal issues. Medical-Legal Entomology studies the entomological fauna that has a direct relationship with the human body, living or dead. In the book “Medicina Legal,” by Flamínio Fávero, a chapter dedicated to chronothanatognosis describes the applications of cadaveric fauna in determining time of death. Through Fávero’s work, we gain insight into the early development of this science in Brazil. Although he never conducted experiments or made personal observations involving insects, he compiles information from pioneering scientists in the field. The emergence of entomology applied to Legal Medicine in Brazil is associated with the figures of Hermann Lüderwaldt, Edgard Roquette-Pinto and Oscar Freire de Carvalho. The latter represents the researcher who most contributed to the initial years of cadaveric fauna studies in Brazil; the information he gathered forms the bulk of Flamínio’s main book.
Tulostoma subreticulatum (Agaricomycetes, Agaricales): a new species of stalked puffball from Mexico
Authors: HERNÁNDEZ-NAVARRO EDUARDO , CAPPELLO-GARCÍA SILVIA
Published: June 2024

Tulostoma subreticulatum is a new species to science. This species is characterized by its small to medium-size basidiomes, tubular stoma, verrucose exoperidium with flat and angulose verrucae up to 0.8 mm, reddish-brown endoperidium, and subreticulated 3.8–5 μm basidiospores. This new species was collected in the tropical forest of Tabasco, Mexico. Description of the specimens, macroscopic images of the basidiomes, light microscopy, and scanning electron micrographs are provided. DNA extraction was carried out following a CTAB protocol. GeneBank and newly generated ITS, LSU, and Tef1α sequences were used in Maximum Likelihood and Bayesian Inference analyses. Phylogenetically, T. subreticulatum is related to T. deltaconcavum and forms a sister group from Clade 11 of the monophyletic genus Tulostoma. Comparisons with related sequenced and non-sequenced species are discussed. With this species, a total of 51 species of Tulostoma are known in Mexico.
Two new species of Echeveria (Crassulaceae, Saxifragales) from the Sierra de Manantlán, Jalisco, Mexico
Authors: VÁZQUEZ-GARCÍA J. ANTONIO , CUEVAS GUZMÁN RAMÓN , ROSALES-MARTÍNEZ C. SANTIAGO , MORALES ARIAS JOSÉ GUADALUPE , PADILLA-LEPE JESÚS
Published: June 2024

Two new species are described and illustrated. Echeveria cuevasii shares with E. flammigera typical characteristics of Echeveria of the Nudae series, for instance, a subshruby habit, medium-sized rosettes and short sub spicate inflorescences. However, it differs from the latter by having fewer shorter branches, longer leaves, more flowers per inflorescence, longer bracts; shorter stamens and petals with bright yellow margins. Echeveria vazquezii is similar to E. marianae and E. novogaliciana by having large and glabrous rosettes, short caudex, and paniculate inflorescence with several cincinni, typical features of Echeveria series Gibbiflorae, in addition to the presence of appendages on the inner side of the petals. However, it differs from both species by the deciduous bracts, fewer cincinni per inflorescence, and whitish to pale yellow nectaries. A classification of the risk status of the two species proposed as new is provided.
Tzeltalia graciellae (Solanaceae), a new species from the states of Guerrero and Oaxaca, Mexico
Authors: CRUZ DURÁN RAMIRO
Published: June 2024

Tzeltalia graciellae (Solanaceae), a new species from the states of Guerrero and Oaxaca, Mexico, is described and illustrated. This species is related to T. esenbeckii, but can be distinguished by its (4–)6–10(–11) flowers per fascicle, pedicels 10–16 mm long, spherical fruit calyx 4.5–7 mm long, fruits 3–6 mm in diameter, and entire leaf margins. A detailed comparison table, a key to the known species of Tzeltalia, and photographic illustrations are provided.
Morphology supports synonymization of Garcinia paucinervis within G. fagraeoides (Clusiaceae)
Authors: SHI TAN-FENG , SHUI YU-MIN , NHUYEN KHANG SINH , CHEN WEN-HONG
Published: June 2024

N/A
A new species of Ontherus Erichson, 1847 (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae: Scarabaeinae: Coprini) and new distributional records of Cryptocanthon humidus Howden, 1973 (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae: Scarabaeinae: Deltochilini) for Ecuador
Authors: CHAMORRO WILLIAM , LOPERA-TORO ALEJANDRO , GÉNIER FRANÇOIS
Published: June 2024

A new species of Ontherus Erichson, 1847 (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae: Scarabaeinae: Coprini) from Loja province (southern Ecuador) is described. The new species is putatively assigned to the subgenus Ontherus. An updated identification key is provided for the Ecuadorian species of Ontherus. Additionally, Cryptocanthon humidus Howden, 1973 (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae: Scarabaeinae: Deltochilini) is registered for the first time in Ecuador.
Description of a new species of the genus Polycaena Staudinger, 1886 (Lepidoptera, Riodinidae) from China with designation of lectotype of Polycaena lua Grum-Grshimailo, 1891
Authors: KRUPITSKY ANATOLY V. , SHAPOVAL NAZAR A. , SHAPOVAL GALINA N.
Published: June 2024

A new species, Polycaena eckweileri sp. n., is described from Gansu Province, China. Based on the analysis of the barcode region of the mitochondrial COI gene, the new species belongs to the P. lama Leech, 1893 species group. The new species differs from all the known species of the genus in peculiar characters of the male genitalia. Polycaena eckweileri sp. n. is known to date only from the type locality in Têwo County. The phylogenetic reconstruction of the main lineages of the genus Polycaena based on analysis of a 658 bp region of the COI mitochondrial gene is provided for the first time. Lectotype of Polycaena lua Grum-Grshimailo, 1891 is designated from a series of syntypes deposited in the collection of the Zoological Institute, Russian Academy of Science, St. Petersburg, Russia.
Three new species of the genera Ceraclea Stephens and Setodes Rambur (Trichoptera: Leptoceridae) from Laos and Cambodia
Authors: LAUDEE PONGSAK , MALICKY HANS , TAKENAKA MASAKI , SUWANNARAT NANNAPHAT , KONG CHAMROEUN , VONGSWOMBATH CHANDA , TOJO KOJI
Published: June 2024

Three new species of Leptoceridae were described from the Lower Mekong tributaries, namely Ceraclea luangnamthaensis n. sp., Setodes xangthevadaensis n. sp. from Laos, and Setodes mongkondechsawati n. sp. from Cambodia. The male genitalia of Ceraclea luangnamthaensis n. sp. are distinguished from those of other species by its preanal appendages, which are circular in lateral view. The male genitalia of Setodes xangthevadaensis n. sp. are distinguished from those of other species by their segment X, which is separated into a trifurcate apicodorsal process and two long slender apicolateral processes in dorsal view. The male genitalia of Setodes mongkondechsawati n. sp. are distinguished from those of other species by the apicodorsal process of segment X which is circular in dorsal view.
Emergency medicine residents’ learning curve in diagnosing deep vein thrombosis with 3-point venous point-of-care ultrasound
Authors: Kang Soo Yeon , Jo Ik Joon , Heo Sejin , Chang Hansol , Lee Guntak , Park Jong Eun , Kim Taerim , Lee Se Uk , Kim Min Ji , Yoon Hee
Published: June 2024

Background

Many cases of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) are diagnosed in the emergency department, and abbreviated lower extremity venous point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) has already shown an accuracy comparable to that of specialists. This study aimed to identify the learning curve necessary for emergency medicine (EM) residents to achieve expertise-level accuracy in diagnosing DVT through a 3-point lower extremity venous POCUS.

Methods

This prospective study was conducted at an emergency department between May 2021 and October 2022. Four EM residents underwent a one-hour POCUS training session and performed DVT assessments in participants with DVT symptoms or confirmed pulmonary embolism. POCUS was performed at three proximal lower extremity sites to evaluate the thrombi presence and vein compressibility, with results validated by specialized radiology ultrasound. Cumulative sum (CUSUM) and the Bush and Mosteller models were used to analyze the learning curve, while generalized estimating equations were used to identify factors affecting diagnostic accuracy.

Results

91 POCUS scans were conducted in 49 patients, resulting in 22% DVT confirmed by specialized venous ultrasound. In the CUSUM analysis, all four EM residents attained a 90% success rate at the common femoral vein, whereas only half achieved this rate when all three sites were considered. According to Bush and Mosteller models, 13–18 cases are required to attain 90–95% diagnostic accuracy. After 10–16 cases, the examination time for each resident decreased, and a 20% increase in examiner confidence was linked to a 2.506-fold increase in the DVT diagnosis accuracy.

Conclusion

EM residents generally required 13–18 cases for 90–95% DVT diagnostic accuracy, but proficiency varied among individuals, particularly requiring more cases for regions outside the common femoral vein.
B3GNT7 regulates mucin O-glycosylation to alleviate colonic inflammation
Authors: Wang Tian , Sun Han , Zhang Minna , Shen Peng , Li Yan
Published: June 2024

Background

B3GNT7, a glycosyltransferase of significant importance that is highly expressed in intestinal epithelial cells, plays a pivotal role in intestinal physiological processes. This study elucidates novel insights into the potential role and underlying mechanisms of B3GNT7 in ulcerative colitis (UC).

Methods

An experimental colitis model was induced using DSS in mice to investigate B3GNT7 expression in the colon via transcriptomics and immunohistochemistry. Bioinformatics analysis was employed to delineate the biological functions of B3GNT7. Additionally, the correlation between the transcription levels of B3GNT7 in colonic tissues from patients with UC, sourced from the IBDMDB database, and the severity of colonic inflammation was analyzed to elucidate potential mechanisms.

Results

The DSS-induced colitis model was successfully established, and transcriptomic analysis identified a marked downregulation of B3GNT7 expression in the colonic tissues compared to the controls. Functional enrichment analysis indicated B3GNT7’s predominant role in mucin O-glycosylation. Protein interaction analysis revealed that B3GNT7 predominantly interacts with members of the mucin MUC family, including MUC2, MUC3, and MUC6. In patients with UC, B3GNT7 transcription levels were significantly reduced, particularly in those with moderate to severe disease activity. The expression level of B3GNT7 exhibited a negative correlation with the endoscopic severity of UC. Gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) further demonstrated significant enrichment of B3GNT7 in the mucin O-glycosylation synthesis pathway.

Conclusion

The downregulation of B3GNT7 expression in the colonic tissues of UC patients may contribute to the compromised mucin barrier function and the exacerbation of colitis.
Delayed diagnosis of persistent Q fever: a case series from China
Authors: Wang Shanshan , Xu Ke , Wang Gang
Published: June 2024

Background

Q fever, caused by the zoonotic pathogen Coxiella burnetii, exhibits a worldwide prevalence. In China, Q fever is not recognized as a notifiable disease, and the disease is overlooked and underestimated in clinical practice, leading to diagnostic challenges.

Case presentation

We present a case series of three patients diagnosed with persistent Q fever between 2022 and 2023. The average age of our three cases was 63.33 years old, consisting of two males and one female. The medical history of the individuals included previous valve replacement, aneurysm followed by aortic stent-graft placement and prosthetic hip joint replacement. At the onset of the disease, only one case exhibited acute fever, while the remaining two cases were devoid of any acute symptoms. The etiology was initially overlooked until metagenomic next-generation sequencing test identified Coxiella burnetii from the blood or biopsy samples. Delayed diagnosis was noted, with a duration ranging from three months to one year between the onset of the disease and its confirmation. The epidemiological history uncovered that none of the three cases had direct exposure to domestic animals or consumption of unpasteurized dairy products. Case 1 and 2 resided in urban areas, while Case 3 was a rural resident engaged in farming. All patients received combination therapy of doxycycline and hydroxychloroquine, and no recurrence of the disease was observed during the follow-up period.

Conclusion

Q fever is rarely diagnosed and reported in clinical practice in our country. We should be aware of persistent Q fever in high-risk population, even with unremarkable exposure history. Metagenomic next-generation sequencing holds great potential as a diagnostic tool for identifying rare and fastidious pathogens such as Coxiella burnetii.
Robust brain tumor classification by fusion of deep learning and channel-wise attention mode approach
Authors: A.G Balamurugan , Srinivasan Saravanan , D Preethi , P Monica , Mathivanan Sandeep Kumar , Shah Mohd Asif
Published: June 2024

Diagnosing brain tumors is a complex and time-consuming process that relies heavily on radiologists’ expertise and interpretive skills. However, the advent of deep learning methodologies has revolutionized the field, offering more accurate and efficient assessments. Attention-based models have emerged as promising tools, focusing on salient features within complex medical imaging data. However, the precise impact of different attention mechanisms, such as channel-wise, spatial, or combined attention within the Channel-wise Attention Mode (CWAM), for brain tumor classification remains relatively unexplored. This study aims to address this gap by leveraging the power of ResNet101 coupled with CWAM (ResNet101-CWAM) for brain tumor classification. The results show that ResNet101-CWAM surpassed conventional deep learning classification methods like ConvNet, achieving exceptional performance metrics of 99.83% accuracy, 99.21% recall, 99.01% precision, 99.27% F1-score and 99.16% AUC on the same dataset. This enhanced capability holds significant implications for clinical decision-making, as accurate and efficient brain tumor classification is crucial for guiding treatment strategies and improving patient outcomes. Integrating ResNet101-CWAM into existing brain classification software platforms is a crucial step towards enhancing diagnostic accuracy and streamlining clinical workflows for physicians.
Pregnancy induced hypertension and umbilical cord blood DNA methylation in newborns: an epigenome-wide DNA methylation study
Authors: Zhu Xiaojun , Jiang Peiyue , Ying Xia , Tang Xueling , Deng Youcai , Gao Xinghong , Yang Xiaofu
Published: June 2024

Objectivies

Pregnancy induced hypertension (PIH) syndrome is a disease that unique to pregnant women and is associated with elevated risk of offspring cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) and neurodevelopmental disorders in their kids. Previous research on cord blood utilizing the Human Methylation BeadChip or EPIC array revealed that PIH is associated with specific DNA methylation site. Here, we investigate the whole genome DNA methylation landscape of cord blood from newborns of PIH mother.

Methods

Whole-genome bisulfite sequencing (WGBS) was used to examine the changes in whole genome DNA methylation in the umbilical cord blood of three healthy (NC) and four PIH individuals. Using methylKit, we discovered Hypo- and hyper- differentially methylated probes (DMPs) or methylated regions (DMRs) in the PIH patients’ cord blood DNA. Pathway enrichments were assessed using Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment assays. DMPs or DMRs relevant to the immunological, neurological, and circulatory systems were also employed for enrichment assay, Metascape analysis and PPI network analysis.

Results

520 hyper- and 224 hypo-DMPs, and 374 hyper- and 186 hypo-DMRs between NC and PIH group, respectively. Both DMPs and DMRs have enhanced pathways for cardiovascular, neurological system, and immune system development. Further investigation of DMPs or DMRs related to immunological, neurological, and circulatory system development revealed that TBK1 served as a hub gene for all three developmental pathways.

Conclusion

PIH-associated DMPs or DMRs in umbilical cord blood DNA may play a role in immunological, neurological, and circulatory system development. Abnormal DNA methylation in the immune system may also contribute to the development of CVDs and neurodevelopment disorders.
Impact of health literacy, social support, and socioeconomic position on the serum uric acid level in asymptomatic hyperuricaemia patients in China: a structural equation model
Authors: Jing Yunfang , Ma Lilai , Zhang Yuanfan , Li Xiaohong , Jiang Jun , Long Jie , Ma Ling
Published: June 2024

Background

Hyperuricaemia (HUA) poses a significant public health challenge on a global scale. It is mostly asymptomatic hyperuricemia (AHU) with unsatisfactory recognition and control rates. The role of health literacy in influencing health outcomes is of utmost importance, and enhancing health literacy is helpful for patients in managing risk factors. Additionally, social support and socioeconomic position (SEP) have been identified as potential factors influencing health. However, the exact relationships between these factors and AHU remain unclear. This study aimed to investigate the status of health literacy among patients with AHU and explore the relationships between health literacy, social support, SEP, and serum uric acid (SUA) levels.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted among 349 participants with AHU in Luzhou, China. The research instruments included a sociodemographic characteristics questionnaire, the Health Literacy Scale for Chronic Patients (HLSCP), and the Social Support Scale (SSRS). The construction of the SEP index was achieved through the application of principal component analysis. Univariate and hierarchical regression analyses were used to evaluate the associations between SEP, social support, health literacy, and SUA levels. Furthermore, structural equation modelling (SEM) was utilized to examine these associations.

Results

(1) Most patients exhibited low health literacy (90.18 ± 15.11), and only 44.4% possessed basic health literacy. (2) SEP was positively correlated with SUA levels (β = 4.086, P < 0.001), and health literacy was negatively related to SUA levels (β = -0.399, P < 0.001). There was no significant relationship between social support and SUA levels (β = 0.051, t = 1.085). (3) Health literacy mediated the association between SEP and SUA levels (β = -0.490, 95% CI: -0.620 to -0.382). SEP had a direct positive effect on SUA levels (β = 0.723) and health literacy (β = 0.696), and the total effect of SEP on SUA levels was 0.233.

Conclusions

The findings indicate a low level of health literacy among patients with AHU and suggest that health literacy might play a mediating role in the relationship between SEP and SUA levels. Consequently, future initiatives are recommended to prioritize health literacy and devise appropriate intervention strategies to enhance the self-management capabilities of patients with AHU.
A comparative analysis of sivelestat sodium hydrate and ulinastatin combination therapy in the treatment of sepsis with acute respiratory distress syndrome
Authors: Xu Jian , Zhang Chenfei , Wu Keren , Qian Yanhua , Hu Wei
Published: June 2024

Objective

This comparative analysis aimed to investigate the efficacy of Sivelestat Sodium Hydrate (SSH) combined with Ulinastatin (UTI) in the treatment of sepsis with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS).

Methods

A control group and an observation group were formed with eighty-four cases of patients with sepsis with ARDS, with 42 cases in each group. The control group was intravenously injected with UTI based on conventional treatment, and the observation group was injected with SSH based on the control group. Both groups were treated continuously for 7 days, and the treatment outcomes and efficacy of both groups were observed. The Murray Lung Injury Score (MLIS), Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA), and Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II (APACHE II) were compared. Changes in respiratory function, inflammatory factors, and oxidative stress indicators were assessed. The occurrence of adverse drug reactions was recorded.

Results

The total effective rate in the observation group (95.24%) was higher than that in the control group (80.95%) (P < 0.05). The mechanical ventilation time, intensive care unit (ICU) hospitalization time, and duration of antimicrobial medication in the observation group were shorter and multiple organ dysfunction syndrome incidence was lower than those in the control group (P < 0.05). The mortality rate of patients in the observation group (35.71%) was lower than that in the control group (52.38%), but there was no statistically significant difference between the two groups (P > 0.05). MLIS, SOFA, and APACHE II scores in the observation group were lower than the control group (P < 0.05). After treatment, respiratory function, inflammation, and oxidative stress were improved in the observation group (P < 0.05). Adverse reactions were not significantly different between the two groups (P > 0.05).

Conclusion

The combination of SSH plus UTI improves lung injury and pulmonary ventilation function, and reduces inflammation and oxidative stress in patients with sepsis and ARDS.
Female genital mutilation and cutting: a survey of child abuse pediatricians
Authors: Pipes Grace , Dunleavy Spencer , Brown Jocelyn
Published: June 2024

Background

As global immigration from countries with a high prevalence of female genital mutilation and cutting (FGM/C) has grown in the United States (US), there is need for pediatricians to have adequate training to care for these patients. The objective of this study is to determine the level of knowledge and attitudes of child abuse pediatricians (CAPs) towards FGM/C in the US.

Methods

This cross-sectional study distributed a peer-reviewed survey to US CAPs—members of the Helfer Society—to assess their attitudes, knowledge, clinical practice, and education about FGM/C. Data was analyzed using descriptive statistics, Kruskal–Wallis tests, and Fisher’s exact test.

Results

Most of the 65 respondents were aware that FGM/C is illegal (92%) and agreed that it violated human rights (99%). Individuals reporting previous training related to FGM/C were significantly more likely to correctly identify World Health Organization types of FGM/C (p < 0.05) and report confidence in doing so (p < 0.05). Only 21% of respondents felt comfortable discussing FGM/C with parents from countries with a high prevalence of FGM/C. Sixty-three percent were not aware of the federal law, and 74% were not aware of their own state’s laws about FGM/C.

Conclusions

US CAPs have high rates of training related to FGM/C; however, they need additional training to increase confidence and ability to identify FGM/C. FGM/C remains a topic that CAPs find difficult to discuss with families. With culturally sensitive training, CAPs have the opportunity to help manage and prevent the practice by serving as educators and experts for general pediatricians.
The design and implementation of a novel music-based curriculum for dementia care professionals: The experience of SOUND in Italy, Portugal and Romania
Authors: Quattrini Sabrina , Merizzi Alessandra , Caciula Ioana , Napradean Lena , Azevedo Maria João , Costa Sandra , Santini Sara
Published: June 2024

Background

The positive effects of active and passive music activities on older people with dementia are well and largely documented by the literature. Nevertheless, the use of music as a non-pharmacological intervention is not so common both in private and public older people care facilities because in-home staff have no competencies for delivering such activities. Conversely, the realization and implementation of a co-designed music-based curriculum for dementia care professionals may help the diffusion of music in the older people care facilities. This study was aimed at evaluating the learning outcomes of the SOUND training, based on an original co-designed music-based curriculum for dementia care professionals and implemented in Italy, Portugal and Romania.

Methods

The SOUND training study was developed through three phases: a) the co-design of the music-based curriculum for dementia care professionals, involving 55 people in the three participating countries; b) the teaching of the training curriculum to 63 dementia care professionals (29 in Italy, 17 in Portugal and 17 in Romania), delivered both in person and via a Moodle platform named Virtual Music Circle; c) the learning outcomes assessment, carried out by means of 13 self-evaluation tests, and a practical test, and the trainees’ course evaluation by a questionnaire.

Results

Most of the trainees reached the highest score in the evaluation of the theoretical competencies in the three study countries. Conversely, some practical competencies in the facilitation of music activities need to be fine-tuned. The SOUND training course was evaluated very positively in the overall structure, theoretical contents, and practical workshops by the trainees. Nevertheless, they preferred the face-to-face compared to the distance learning methodology in the three countries.

Conclusions

The SOUND training curriculum was effective in teaching music techniques and neurocognitive knowledge to dementia care professionals. Nevertheless, future courses should be differentiated for dementia care professionals with or without previous music knowledge and competencies. Moreover, the course is fully sustainable, because it does not require additional costs given that the curriculum is fully accessible online and it is also replicable because it trains professionals who can continue to apply the method in their working routine.
SLC40A1-related hemochromatosis associated with a p.Y333H mutation in mainland China: a pedigree report and literature review
Authors: Li Yue , Duan Fangfang , Yang Song
Published: June 2024

Background

Haemochromatosis is a genetic disease characterized by the excessive deposition of iron in various tissues and organs, eventually results in organ damage including cirrhosis, diabetes, cardiomyopathy, etc. SLC40A1-related haemochromatosis is associated with gain-of-function mutations in the SLC40A1 gene, which encodes ferroportin. While sporadic reports of this condition exist in mainland China, the understanding of the phenotype and genetic pattern associated with the SLC40A1 p.Y333H mutation remains incomplete.

Case presentation

We report a pedigree with heterozygous p.Y333H mutation in Chinese Han population. The proband is a 64-year-old man complaining of persistent abnormality of liver enzyme levels for 1 year, with a history of knee joint pain, diabetes and skin pigmentation. He displayed markedly elevated serum ferritin level and transferrin saturation. Magnetic resonance imaging showed iron deposition in the liver, spleen, and pancreas, along with cirrhosis and splenomegaly. Whole exome sequencing identified a heterozygous allelic variant c.997T > C (p.Y333H). Genetic screening of family members identified four first-degree relatives and three second-degree relatives having the same mutation. Additional cases with this mutation from two published studies were included. Among the probands and screened relatives, all eight males aged over 30 y had ferritin level > 1000 µg/L, transferrin saturation > 90%. Four patients with organ damage in the present study received therapeutic phlebotomy, alleviating clinical symptoms and improving in transferrin saturation and serum ferritin.

Conclusions

This study reports the largest pedigree with heterozygous SLC40A1 p.Y333H mutation in the Chinese population to date. In Chinese families, males over 30 years old with hemochromatosis due to SLC40A1 p.Y333H mutation exhibit severe iron overload phenotypes.
Current state of signaling pathways associated with the pathogenesis of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis
Authors: Zhou Yang , Ling Tingting , Shi Weihong
Published: June 2024

Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF) represents a chronic and progressive pulmonary disorder distinguished by a notable mortality rate. Despite the elusive nature of the pathogenic mechanisms, several signaling pathways have been elucidated for their pivotal roles in the progression of this ailment. This manuscript aims to comprehensively review the existing literature on the signaling pathways linked to the pathogenesis of IPF, both within national and international contexts. The objective is to enhance the comprehension of the pathogenic mechanisms underlying IPF and offer a scholarly foundation for the advancement of more efficacious therapeutic strategies, thereby fostering research and clinical practices within this domain.
Occurrence of carbapenem-resistant hypervirulent Klebsiella pneumoniae in oysters in Egypt: a significant public health issue
Authors: Mohammed Rahma , Nader Sara M. , Hamza Dalia A. , Sabry Maha A.
Published: June 2024

Background

The global dissemination of critical-priority carbapenem-resistant hypervirulent Klebsiella pneumoniae (CR-hvKp) via food sources represents a significant public health concern. Epidemiological data on CR-hvKp in oysters in Egypt is limited. This study aimed to investigate the potential role of oysters sold in Egypt as a source for carbapenem-resistant K. pneumoniae (CRKP), hypervirulent K. pneumoniae (hvKp), and CR-hvKp and assess associated zoonotic risks.

Methods

A sample of 330 fresh oysters was randomly purchased from various retail fish markets in Egypt and divided into 33 pools. Bacteriological examination and the identification of Klebsiella pneumoniae were performed. Carbapenem resistance in K. pneumoniae isolates was determined by phenotypic and molecular methods. Additionally, the presence of hypervirulent K. pneumoniae was identified based on virulence gene markers (peg-344, rmpA, rmpA2, iucA, and iroB), followed by a string test. The clustering of CR-hvKp strains was carried out using R with the pheatmap package.

Results

The overall prevalence of K. pneumoniae was 48.5% (16 out of 33), with 13 isolates displaying carbapenem resistance, one intermediate resistance, and two sensitive. Both carbapenem-resistant K. pneumoniae and carbapenem-intermediate-resistant K. pneumoniae strains exhibited carbapenemase production, predominantly linked to the blaVIM gene (68.8%). HvKp strains were identified at a rate of 62.5% (10/16); notably, peg-344 was the most prevalent gene. Significantly, 10 of the 13 CRKP isolates possessed hypervirulence genes, contributing to the emergence of CR-hvKp. Moreover, cluster analysis revealed the clustering of two CR-hvKp isolates from the same retail fish market.

Conclusion

This study provides the first insight into the emergence of CR-hvKp among oysters in Egypt. It underscores the potential role of oysters as a source for disseminating CR-hvKp within aquatic ecosystems, presenting a possible threat to public health.
A school-based intervention programme to prevent anxiety and depression among Chinese children during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Li Jiameng , Hesketh Therese
Published: June 2024

Background

Child and adolescent mental health is a major public health concern worldwide. The development of children’s social and emotional skills helps to improve mental health and wellbeing, and prevent anxiety and depression. The school-based social emotional learning (SEL) programmes have proved effective in a number of countries. But in Mainland China, there has been no empirical research of the effectiveness on children’s mental health. The study conducted a SEL programme in China during the COVID-19 pandemic and aimed to determine whether: (1) a SEL programme can reduce anxiety and depression, (2) the intervention effect is influenced by sociodemographic characteristics, (3) the programme effects change children’s emotion management and communication.

Methods

Participants were 230 children aged 8–12 years in the intervention school and 325 in the control school in two poor villages in central China. The study was a quasi-experimental trial, comprising 16 weekly 90-minute sessions. It used a mixed-methods design, with a quantitative survey administered at baseline, post-intervention, and 5-month follow-up, and qualitative interviews. Linear mixed effects regression modeling was used to analyse the intervention effectiveness, linear models were conducted to examine the moderation effect of sociodemographic variables, and the inductive thematic analysis approach was used for interview data.

Results

The intervention had no significant effect on anxiety or depression, except that intervention school children who lived with neither parent (left behind children) reported lower depression scores than control school at post-intervention and 5-month follow-up. Qualitative interviews showed after intervention children were more able to control tempers and better communicated their thoughts and feelings, improving their relationships with family and friends.

Conclusions

The programme was cheap, easy to implement, and warmly welcomed by children, schools and caregivers, suggesting it was feasible and potentially sustainable. More research is needed on the adaptation of the SEL programme in the Chinese context.
Ice nucleation active bacteria metabolites as antibiofilm agent to control Aeromonas hydrophila and Streptococcus agalactiae infections in Aquaculture
Authors: Kurniawan Jessica , Waturangi Diana Elizabeth , Julyantoro Pande Gde Sasmita , Papuangan Nurmaya
Published: June 2024

Objectives

The aim of this study was to quantify and identify metabolites of Ice Nucleation Active (INA) bacteria as an anti-biofilm agent against biofilms of fish pathogens such as Aeromonas hydrophila and Streptococcus agalactiae.

Results

Ice nucleation active bacteria, which have the ability to catalyze ice nucleation, isolated from rainwater in previous studies, were used. All INA isolates were tested in several assays, including the antimicrobial test, which uses streptomycin as the positive control and none of the isolates were found positive in the antimicrobial test. As for the quorum quenching assay, it was found that four out of ten isolates were able to disturb the communication system in Chromobacterium violaceum wild type, which was used as the indicator bacteria. On the next assay, all ten isolates were tested for Biofilm Inhibition and Destruction and showed anti-biofilm activity with the highest percentage inhibition of 33.49% by isolate A40 against A. hydrophila and 77.26% by isolate A19 against S. agalactiae. C1 performed the highest destruction against A. hydrophila and S. agalactiae, with percentages of 32.11% and 51.88%, respectively. As for the GC-MS analysis, supernatants of INA bacteria contain bioactive compounds such as sarcosine and fatty acids, which are known to have antibiofilm activity against several biofilm-forming bacteria. Through 16s rRNA sequencing, identified bacteria are from the Pantoea, Enterobacter, and Acinetobacter genera. As for the conclusion, ice nucleation active bacteria metabolites tested showed positive results against pathogenic bacteria Aeromonas hydrophila and Streptococcus agalactiae in destructing and inhibiting biofilm growth.
Comprehensive bioinformatics analysis of human cytomegalovirus pathway genes in pan-cancer
Authors: Yan Tengyue , Pang Xianwu , Liang Boying , Meng Qiuxia , Wei Huilin , Li Wen , Liu Dahai , Hu Yanling
Published: June 2024

Background

Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) is a herpesvirus that can infect various cell types and modulate host gene expression and immune response. It has been associated with the pathogenesis of various cancers, but its molecular mechanisms remain elusive.

Methods

We comprehensively analyzed the expression of HCMV pathway genes across 26 cancer types using the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and The Genotype-Tissue Expression (GTEx) databases. We also used bioinformatics tools to study immune invasion and tumor microenvironment in pan-cancer. Cox regression and machine learning were used to analyze prognostic genes and their relationship with drug sensitivity.

Results

We found that HCMV pathway genes are widely expressed in various cancers. Immune infiltration and the tumor microenvironment revealed that HCMV is involved in complex immune processes. We obtained prognostic genes for 25 cancers and significantly found 23 key genes in the HCMV pathway, which are significantly enriched in cellular chemotaxis and synaptic function and may be involved in disease progression. Notably, CaM family genes were up-regulated and AC family genes were down-regulated in most tumors. These hub genes correlate with sensitivity or resistance to various drugs, suggesting their potential as therapeutic targets.

Conclusions

Our study has revealed the role of the HCMV pathway in various cancers and provided insights into its molecular mechanism and therapeutic significance. It is worth noting that the key genes of the HCMV pathway may open up new doors for cancer prevention and treatment.