bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Role of IL-5 in Type 2 Inflammatory Diseases
Authors: Bagnasco Diego , Berti Alvise , Brembilla Gabriele , Canonica Giorgio Walter , Carpagnano Giovanna Elisiana , Caruso Cristiano , Crimi Nunzio , De Corso Eugenio , Del Giacco Stefano , Lombardi Carlo , Matucci Andrea , Mollo Maria Rosaria , Sartor Chiara , Senna Gianenrico , Varricchi Gilda
Published: December 2024

Type 2 inflammation is involved in severe asthma (SA), chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP), and eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis (EGPA). The pathogenesis of these diseases involves various immune system cells and target tissues, along with numerous cytokines, chemokines, and other inflammatory molecules. The role of eosinophils and the cytokine IL-5 and its receptor (IL-5R) is becoming a significant focus in these diseases, with numerous studies, from in vitro experiments to clinical trials, demonstrating correlations between IL-5 levels with eosinophil numbers and activity in SA, CRSwNP, and EGPA. Eosinophils and IL-5 are involved, both directly and indirectly, in disease initiation and exacerbation, as well as in tissue remodelling and disease progression. An advisory board of experts discussed how understanding the actions of IL-5 within Type 2 inflammation in SA, CRSwNP, and EGPA can highlight the importance of its role in managing patients with these diseases and help identify suitable biomarkers for disease onset, exacerbation, and progression. Therapies targeting eosinophil generation, priming, and activation could lead to more effective disease control and help prevent the tissue damage associated with these conditions, which can be difficult to reverse in chronic cases.
The Gospel According to Maryse Condé: Black Feminist Literary Ethic in L’Évangile du nouveau monde (2021) and What’s Love and Laughter Got to Do with It
Authors: Labridy Corine
Published: December 2024

This essay considers L’Évangile du nouveau monde (2021), Guadeloupean author Maryse Condé's last published novel during her lifetime, to be a victory lap of her œuvre, one in which she revisits her greatest thematic and poetic hits, while reaffirming her allegiance to social justice and the freedom of literature. Pascal, the novel's main protagonist, is a floundering full-time messiah and part-time author who travels from the Caribbean to Brazil via New York, bearing witness — albeit poorly — to some of the world's most pressing issues: police brutality, misogyny, xenophobia, exploitative work practices, and more. Behind Pascal's struggles to fulfill his mission to bring harmony to the world with his writings, Condé playfully conceals a capacious literary ethic rooted in humor, as an essential mode of critique, and love, as a Black feminist reading and writing praxis that insists on the complementary roles of intellectual mothers and fathers in the project of global emancipation.
Reading Subjects Amidst Subjection in Jean D’Amérique’s Soleil à Coudre (2021) and Emmelie Prophète’s Les Villages de Dieu (2020)
Authors: Dize Nathan H. , Franklin Jocelyn Sutton
Published: December 2024

In this article, we examine the construction of subjectivity amid social violence in Emmelie Prophète's Les Villages de Dieu (2020) and Jean D’Amérique's Soleil à coudre (2021). We ask, specifically, how the novels frame the abject violence of life in contemporary Haiti through the social awakening of two young Haitian protagonists: Célia Jérôme and Tête Fêlée. The events and images they relay are at times visceral in their violence. Theorists from Susan Sontag to Saidiya Hartman engage with the ethics, affect, and effect of representing violence and the in/capacities of empathy. Both Prophète's and D’Amérique's novels incorporate metatextual elements, expanding the generic mode of the social novel to meditate on globalizing means of communication. Les Villages de Dieu approaches the social media-driven obsession with violence-laden images, and considers the powers and pitfalls of the hyper circulation of spectacle. Soleil à coudre sits at the intersection of verse and prose, incorporating epistolary fragments that disrupt the stream of violent scenes of life in 21st century Port-au-Prince.
Effect of normal irrigation and water stress conditions on some characteristics of cotton in Toshka region -Egypt
Authors: Yehia M.B. , El-Hashash E. F. , Sherif M.M. , EL-Abassy M.A.A. , Abo-Marzoka S. A. , Abou Tahoun Abou Tahoun
Published: December 2024

Irrigation, water stress, planting dates and planting distances are crucial for obtaining desirable fiber properties for Egyptian cotton, especially under climate change. Two field experiments were carried out at the Water Studies and Research Complex (WSRC) station, National Water Research Center, Toshka, Egypt in the 2021 and 2022 growing seasons, to evaluate some morphological traits and fiber quality properties of the Egyptian cotton cultivar Giza 95 under three planting dates (january, february, and march) and 6 planting distances (10, 15, 20, 25, 30, and 35 cm among plants), comparing them with two irrigation treatments (100% A.W. and 80 % A.W.). The main effects of irrigation treatments, planting dates, and planting distances in both seasons were found to be significant (P<0.05 or 0.01) for most morphological and fiber quality properties under study. Also, the first-order interactions of irrigation treatments with planting dates, and planting distances have significant effects (P<0.05 or 0.01) on most studied traits in both seasons. In both seasons, positive effects were observed for the number of fruiting branches, plant height, and fiber fineness traits with irrigation treatment (80 % A.W.) and other fiber quality properties with irrigation treatment (100% A.W.). When compared to other planting dates in both seasons, the February planting date produced the best values for the majority of the analyzed traits, however, the January planting date produced a higher number of fruiting branches. Wider plant spacing produced the best results for fiber quality properties, whereas 10 cm spacing between plants resulted in more fruiting branches. Based on mean performances and principle component analysis, the February planting date with wider plant spacing under irrigation treatment (80% A.W) may be a better method to improve fiber quality properties in the experimental region under study. Additionally, these data will help develop plans for better agricultural practices and enhancing Egyptian cotton's fiber quality
Stem cells and bio scaffolds for the treatment of cardiovascular diseases: new insights
Authors: Razavi Zahra Sadat , Farokhi Simin , Mahmoudvand Golnaz , Karimi-Rouzbahani Arian , Farasati-Far Bahareh , Tahmasebi-Ghorabi Samaneh , Pazoki-Toroudi Hamidreza , Saadat-Fakhr Masoud , Afkhami Hamed
Published: December 2024

Mortality and morbidity from cardiovascular diseases are common worldwide. In order to improve survival and quality of life for this patient population, extensive efforts are being made to establish effective therapeutic modalities. New treatment options are needed, it seems. In addition to treating cardiovascular diseases, cell therapy is one of the most promising medical platforms. One of the most effective therapeutic approaches in this area is stem cell therapy. In stem cell biology, multipotent stem cells and pluripotent stem cells are divided into two types. There is evidence that stem cell therapy could be used as a therapeutic approach for cardiovascular diseases based on multiple lines of evidence. The effectiveness of stem cell therapies in humans has been studied in several clinical trials. In spite of the challenges associated with stem cell therapy, it appears that resolving them may lead to stem cells being used in cardiovascular disease patients. This may be an effective therapeutic approach. By mounting these stem cells on biological scaffolds, their effect can be enhanced.
Layer-by-layer assembled film can serve as an enhanced reaction environment for Diels–Alder reaction
Authors: Fujisawa Nanami , Ebara Mitsuhiro
Published: December 2024

Although the Diels–Alder reaction (DA) has garnered significant attention due to its numerous advantages, its long reaction time is a drawback. Herein, we investigated the effects of polarity difference on DA using Layer-by-Layer (LbL) films comprising polycationic polyallylamine hydrochloride and polyanionic poly (styrenesulfonic acid-co-furfuryl methacrylate) [poly (SS-co-FMA)] as the reaction environment. First, furan composition in poly (SS-co-FMA) was adjusted to be 19 mol% to achieve good water solubility and layer deposition. The successful formation of LbL films with 8 and 40 layers was confirmed by quartz crystal microbalance. The polarity within films and, consequently, the DA efficiency between furfuryl methacrylate and the maleimide in MAL-PEG2-NHS increased with an increasing number of layers up to 40 layers without requiring chemical modification on the reaction site of DA or any catalysts. Furthermore, we employed the LbL coating on the surface of magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs). The retro DA reaction (rDA) was successfully triggered by heating the MNPs by AC magnetic field. We believe that the proposed technology can serve as an enhanced DA reaction environment as well as temporal/spatial control of rDA in various applications.
Staged versus immediate complete revascularization for non-culprit arteries in acute myocardial infarction: a post-hoc analysis of FRAME-AMI
Authors: Lim Yongwhan , Jang Jaehyuk , Lee Seung Hun , Ahn Joon Ho , Hong Young Joon , Ahn Youngkeun , Jeong Myung Ho , Kim Chan Joon , Hahn Joo-Yong , Lee Joo Myung , Park Keun Ho , Choo Eun Ho , Ahn Sung Gyun , Doh Joon-Hyung , Lee Sang Yeub , Park Sang Don , Lee Hyun-Jong , Kang Min Gyu , Cho Yun-Kyeong , Nam Chang Wook , Bu Sung Hyun , Kim Min Chul
Published: December 2024

Background and objectives

The optimal timing for complete revascularization (CR) in patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) and multivessel disease (MVD) remain uncertain.

Methods

This post-hoc analysis of the FRAME-AMI trial included AMI patients with MVD (n = 549). They were classified into immediate (n = 329) and staged CR (n = 220) groups. All percutaneous coronary interventions were performed during inex hospitalization. The primary endpoint was a composite of all-cause death, acute myocardial infarction, and repeated revascularization. Secondary endpoints included each component of the primary endpoint. Additional comparisons for the outcomes in ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) and non-STEMI (NSTEMI) were also performed.

Results

The incidence of the primary endpoint was not significantly different in any of the AMI patients [12.7% [immediate CR] vs. 17.4% [staged CR], p = 0.905, adjusted hazard ratio [HR] of staged CR = 0.81, 95% confidence interval = 0.43–1.53, p = 0.528]. Other secondary endpoints were also not significantly different. Analyses of STEMI and Neither the primary or secondary endpoints of NSTEMI patients were significantly different.

Conclusions

In this post-hoc analysis of the FRAME-AMI trial, no significant difference in clinical outcomes was observed between the immediate and staged CR strategies for AMI with MVD and the subgroups, such as STEMI or NSTEMI. However, the results should be interpreted carefully because of the many limitations, including a limited sample size and a lack of statistical power.

Trial Registration: FRAME-AMI clinicaltrials.gov, identifier (NCT02715518).
Leukocyte telomere length decreased the risk of mortality in patients with alcohol-associated liver disease
Authors: Yi Jiahong , Guo Hui , Jiang Chang , Duan Junyi , Xue Ju , Zhao Yue , He Wenzhuo , Xia Liangping
Published: December 2024

Background

It is necessary to find latent indicators to predict the survival of alcohol-associated liver disease (ALD) patients. Leukocyte telomere length (LTL) was regarded as an indicator of prognosis in several diseases. However, the relationships between LTL and survival as well as cause-specific mortality in ALD patients were still unknown.

Objective

This study aimed at exploring the underlying link between LTL and the risk of mortality in patients with ALD.

Methods

The LTL and survival data were gathered from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 1999–2002. The connection between LTL and mortality was assessed by Cox regression models and stratified analyses. The non-linear relationship was explored by restricted cubic spline (RCS) analysis. Sensitivity analyses were used to evaluate the robustness of our findings.

Results

LTL was a negative factor for all-cause mortality (all p-value < 0.05). The risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD)-related death was decreased in Q3 (p < 0.001) and Q4 levels of LTL (p < 0.001) compared with the Q1 group. Shorter LTL resulted in higher cancer-caused mortality (p = 0.03) in the Q2 group. Longer LTL improved survival especially for elder patients (p for trend < 0.001) or men (p for trend = 0.001). Moreover, there were L-shaped correlations between LTL and all-cause mortality (p for non-linearity = 0.02), as well as cancer-related mortality (p for non-linearity < 0.001). Four sensitivity analyses proved the robustness of our findings.

Conclusion

Our research found that longer LTL improved survival in patients with ALD and decreased CVD and cancer-related mortality. LTL decreased all-cause mortality especially for patients older than 65 years or men. LTL might be a useful biomarker for prognosis among patients with ALD. More prospective studies are needed to assess the relevance between LTL and mortality and explore the underlying mechanisms between them.
Association between visceral adipose surrogates and infertility among reproductive-aged females: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Guo Dongli , Wang Ruiya
Published: December 2024

Background

Visceral adipose tissue (VAT) exerts a substantial influence on female infertility. Nevertheless, the relationship between VAT surrogates and female infertility remains ambiguous.

Methods

This study employed a cross-sectional design and analyzed data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES, 2012–2016). Weighted logistic regression models were utilized to examine the association between VAT surrogates and infertility. Furthermore, Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was conducted to assess the diagnostic efficacy of these surrogates for infertility.

Results

Individuals experiencing infertility exhibited markedly elevated levels of the Chinese Visceral Adiposity Index (CVAI) (108.30 vs. 69.86, P<0.001) and Visceral Adiposity Index (VAI) (1.68 vs. 1.35, P<0.001). When considered as a continuous variable, CVAI (odds ratio [OR]: 1.06, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.03-1.09, P<0.001), rather than VAI (OR:1.02, 95%CI: 0.98-1.06, P=0.259), demonstrated a significant association with the risk of female infertility. Consistent findings were also evident after dividing participants into 4 subgroups based on CVAI quartiles. Additionally, ROC curves indicated that CVAI exhibited the most robust diagnostic value for female infertility compared to other indices. Subgroup analyses revealed a robust association between CVAI and infertility across different populations.

Conclusion

Females with elevated CVAI levels faced a significantly heightened risk of infertility in the United States. CVAI holds promise as a valuable tool for stratifying the risk of infertility.
Advances in CRISPR-Cas technology and its applications: revolutionising precision medicine
Authors: Azeez Sarkar Sardar , Hamad Rahin Shareef , Hamad Bahra Kakamin , Shekha Mudhir Sabir , Bergsten Peter
Published: December 2024

CRISPR-Cas (Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats-CRISPR-associated proteins) has undergone marked advancements since its discovery as an adaptive immune system in bacteria and archaea, emerged as a potent gene-editing tool after the successful engineering of its synthetic guide RNA (sgRNA) toward the targeting of specific DNA sequences with high accuracy. Besides its DNA editing ability, further-developed Cas variants can also edit the epigenome, rendering the CRISPR-Cas system a versatile tool for genome and epigenome manipulation and a pioneering force in precision medicine. This review explores the latest advancements in CRISPR-Cas technology and its therapeutic and biomedical applications, highlighting its transformative impact on precision medicine. Moreover, the current status of CRISPR therapeutics in clinical trials is discussed. Finally, we address the persisting challenges and prospects of CRISPR-Cas technology.
Behind the scenes with genomics researchers
Authors: Mont’Alverne Renata , Bradford Lori , Buckmaster Cheryl , Strickert Graham , MacLean Jason , Dupont Diane
Published: December 2024

Although lab-coat genomics scientists are highly skilled and involved in pioneering work, few studies have examined their perceptions on what they do, and how they relate with others in interdisciplinary work. Recognizing that gap, we were curious to talk with scientists about their current work and positionalities related to the use of genomics for bioremediation. Using unstructured open-ended interviews and thematic analysis, we interviewed researchers with diverse genomics-related expertise. Emerging topics were grouped into two broad categories akin to Bronfenbrenner’s nested developmental model: microsystem matters, comprising technical advances, barriers, and localized concerns; and macrosystem matters, exploring wider reflections and the philosophies of genomics and society. At the microsystem level, findings revealed differences of opinion about methodological steps, but there was agreement about the incompleteness of databases and the absence of established reference values. These two problems may not only impact a project’s progress but also the ability to gauge success, affecting budgeting, human resource needs, and overall stress. At the macrosystem level, scientists voiced concerns about how different social groups perceive and accept genomics applications, as those tend to be viewed by lay persons as genetic interventions. Another focus was on how academic publication slows progress because it is orientated toward positive results while gaps in knowledge could be filled by publishing negative results or methodological barriers. This study underscores scientists’ self-awareness within the genomics discipline, acknowledging how their beliefs and biases shape research outcomes. It illuminates critical reflections essential for navigating societal and scientific landscapes in genomics research.
Network meta-analysis of pharmacological treatment for antibody-mediated rejection after organ transplantation
Authors: Sun Junjie , Yu Yanqing , Huang Fu , Zhang Qiuwen , Zhu Lirong , He Guining , Li Haibin , Sun Xuyong
Published: December 2024

Objective

This study aims to assess the efficacy of pharmacological interventions in mitigating graft injury in transplant patients with antibody-mediated rejection (AMR) through a network meta-analysis (NMA).

Methods

A search was conducted on databases such as Cochrane Library, PubMed, EmBase, and Web of Science for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on pharmacological interventions for alleviating graft injury following AMR. The search was performed for publications up to April 12, 2024. Two reviewers conducted independent reviews of the literature, extracted data, and assessed the risk of bias (ROB) in the included studies using the ROB assessment tool recommended by the Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions 5.1.0. A Bayesian NMA was conducted using R 4.4.0, RStudio software, and the GeMTC package to assess the outcomes in estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), mean fluorescence intensity (MFI), g-score, and infection under pharmacological treatments.

Results

A total of 8 RCTs involving 215 patients and 6 different pharmacological treatments were included in this NMA. The results indicated that the increase in eGFR by eculizumab (SUCRA score: 81) appeared to be more promising. The decrease in MFI by bortezomib (SUCRA score: 72.3), rituximab (SUCRA score: 68.2), and clazakizumab (SUCRA score: 67.1) demonstrated better efficacy. The decrease in g-score by eculizumab (SUCRA score: 74.3), clazakizumab (SUCRA score: 72.2), and C1INH (SUCRA score: 63.6) appeared to have more likelihood. For infection reduction, clazakizumab (SUCRA score: 83.5) and bortezomib (SUCRA score: 66.8) might be better choices.

Conclusion

The results of this study indicate that eculizumab has the potential to enhance eGFR and reduce g-score. Bortezomib demonstrates superior efficacy in reducing MFI. Clazakizumab appears to be more effective in reducing infections.

Systematic review registration

https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/, identifier CRD42024546483.
Targeting caspase-8: a new strategy for combating hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Chen Haoran , Lin Yumeng , Chen Jie , Luo Xuemei , Kan Yubo , He Yuqi , Zhu Renhe , Jin Jiahui , Li Dongxuan , Wang Yi , Han Zhongyu
Published: December 2024

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) represents the most prevalent form of primary liver cancer and has a high mortality rate. Caspase-8 plays a pivotal role in an array of cellular signaling pathways and is essential for the governance of programmed cell death mechanisms, inflammatory responses, and the dynamics of the tumor microenvironment. Dysregulation of caspase-8 is intricately linked to the complex biological underpinnings of HCC. In this manuscript, we provide a comprehensive review of the regulatory roles of caspase-8 in apoptosis, necroptosis, pyroptosis, and PANoptosis, as well as its impact on inflammatory reactions and the intricate interplay with critical immune cells within the tumor microenvironment, such as tumor-associated macrophages, T cells, natural killer cells, and dendritic cells. Furthermore, we emphasize how caspase-8 plays pivotal roles in the development, progression, and drug resistance observed in HCC, and explore the potential of targeting caspase-8 as a promising strategy for HCC treatment.
An unsupervised underwater image enhancement method based on generative adversarial networks with edge extraction
Authors: Jia Yanfei , Wang Ziyang , Zhao Liquan
Published: December 2024

Underwater environments pose significant challenges for image capture due to factors like light absorption, scattering, and the presence of particles in the water. These factors degrade the quality of underwater images, impacting tasks like target detection and recognition. The challenge with deep learning-based underwater image enhancement methods is their reliance on paired datasets, which consist of degraded and corresponding ground-truth images. Obtaining such paired datasets in natural conditions is challenging, leading to performance issues in these algorithms. To address this issue, we propose an unsupervised generative adversarial network with edge detection for enhancing underwater images without needing paired data. First, we introduce the perceptual loss function into the conventional loss function to better measure the performance of two generative networks. Second, we propose an edge extraction block based on the Laplacian operator, an attention module with an edge extraction block, a multi-scale feature module, a novel upsampling module, and a new downsampling module. We use these proposed modules to design a new generative network. Third, we use the proposed multi-scale feature and downsampling modules to design the adversarial network. We tested the algorithm’s performance on both synthetic and authentic underwater images. Compared to existing state-of-the-art methods, our proposed approach better enhances image details and restores color information.
Controlled interkingdom cell-cell communication between Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Bacillus subtilis using quorum-sensing peptides
Authors: Vološen Tomislav , Gutbier Uta , Korn Ramón , Korp Juliane , Göttsche Tobias , Schuster Linda , Pohl Carolin , Rau Cindy , Wolf Diana , Ostermann Kai
Published: December 2024

Understanding communication among microorganisms through the array of signal molecules and establishing controlled signal transfer between different species is a major goal of the future of biotechnology, and controlled multispecies bioreactor cultivations will open a wide range of applications. In this study, we used two quorum-sensing peptides from Bacillus subtilis – namely, the competence and sporulation factor (CSF) and regulator of the activity of phosphatase RapF (PhrF)—to establish a controlled interkingdom communication system between prokaryotes and eukaryotes. For this purpose, we engineered B. subtilis as a reporter capable of detecting the CSF and PhrF peptides heterologously produced by the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae. The reporter strain included the ComA-dependent srfAA promoter fused to the bioluminescence or fluorescence reporter gene(s) to monitor promoter activity measured in a multimode microplate reader. The first measurements of srfAA promoter activity showed a specific response of the reporter strain to the peptides CSF and PhrF. Based on this, systematic mutagenesis of genes that modulate the activity of ComA in the reporter strain resulted in increased activity of the promoter and, thereby, higher sensitivity to the heterologously produced CSF/PhrF. The robustness of the signal transfer was further confirmed in co-cultivation studies in both liquid and solid media. The reporter strain exhibited an up to 5-fold increase in promoter activity in the presence of quorum-sensing peptides-producing cells of S. cerevisiae. In summary, a quorum sensing peptide-driven interkingdom crosstalk between yeast and bacteria was successfully established, which might serve as a basis for controlled protein expression in co-cultivations, establishing biological sensor–actuator systems or study cell-cell interaction and metabolite exchange in bioreactors cultivations.
The impact of sleep disorders on brain network connectivity in postpartum women: a functional near-infrared spectroscopy-based study
Authors: Chen Xia , Zhao Shanguang , Chen Danni , Zhang Dan
Published: December 2024

Sleep disorder is an important risk factor for postpartum depression. Although previous research has explored brain activity in postpartum depression, it has not fully revealed how insomnia affect mood by altering interactions between brain regions. This study aim to investigate the relationship between insomnia and depressive status in postpartum women, utilizing functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) to explore brain network topological properties. Among 143 postpartum women, 40 were diagnosed with insomnia and 103 without. The results indicated that the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) scores were significantly higher in the insomnia group compared to the control group. Compared with the control group, the insomnia group showed significantly increased connection strength of triangularis Broca's between middle and superior temporal gyrus and left between right dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (p < 0.001). Brain network topological analysis revealed that the small-world properties, clustering coefficient (p = 0.009), and local efficiency (p = 0.009) were significantly lower in the insomnia group compared to the control group. Notably, the local efficiency and clustering coefficient of the left temporal pole were significantly reduced and negatively correlated with EPDS scores. These findings elucidate how insomnia may exacerbate postpartum depression through changes in brain network properties. While the observed alterations in connectivity suggest a correlation, causation cannot be definitively established. Improving sleep quality remains a promising intervention, but further research is needed to clarify causal links and therapeutic targets.
Association of maternal dietary cholesterol intake during the second and third trimesters of pregnancy and blood glucose and pregnancy outcome in women with gestational diabetes mellitus: a prospective cohort study
Authors: Xie Cuiling , Zheng QingXiang , Jiang Xiumin , Liao Yanping , Gao Xiaoxia , Zhu Yu , Li Jianing , Liu Rulin
Published: December 2024

Background

Cholesterol is essential for pregnant women to maintain maternal health and fetal support development. This study aimed to assess the cholesterol intake of women with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) during the second and third trimesters of pregnancy and to explore its effects on blood glucose and pregnancy outcomes.

Methods

This prospective cohort study collected dietary data using a food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) administered during the 24–30 gestational weeks (first survey) and the 34–42 gestational weeks (second survey). Blood glucose parameters and pregnancy outcomes were obtained from electronic medical records. Participants were divided into two groups according to the median cholesterol intake: low and high cholesterol intake groups.

Results

GDM women generally consumed high levels of cholesterol during pregnancy, with intake increasing in the third trimester compared to the second trimester. Compared to women with high cholesterol intake, GDM women with low cholesterol intake had a higher risk of abnormal hemoglobin A1C (HbA1C) during the second trimester [OR 26.014 (95% CI 2.616–258.727)] and the third trimester [OR 2.773 (95% CI 1.028–7.482)], as well as abnormal fasting blood glucose during the third trimester [OR 2.907 (95% CI 1.011–8.360)]. Furthermore, in the second trimester, GDM women with high cholesterol intake had higher risks of macrosomia [OR 23.195 (95% CI 2.650–203.024)] and large for gestational age (LGA) [OR 3.253 (95% CI 1.062–9.965)] but lower risks of small for gestational age (SGA) [OR 0.271 (95% CI 0.074–0.986)] compared to those with low cholesterol intake. However, in the third trimester, GDM women with high cholesterol intake had lower risks of macrosomia [OR 0.023 (95% CI 0.001–0.436)] and LGA [OR 0.199 (95% CI 0.042–0.949)].

Conclusion

Cholesterol intake among GDM women during pregnancy was associated with blood glucose control and significantly influenced the risks of macrosomia, LGA, and SGA. However, LGA and SGA were also influenced by pre-pregnancy BMI, indicating cholesterol intake was one of multiple contributing factors. Limiting cholesterol intake may help GDM women better manage blood glucose levels and mitigate adverse pregnancy outcomes.
Quantitative analysis of the caloric restriction versus isocaloric diets models based on macronutrients composition: impacts on body weight regulation, anthropometric, and bioimpedance parameters in women with obesity
Authors: Pescari Denisa , Mihuta Monica Simina , Bena Andreea , Stoian Dana
Published: December 2024

Introduction

Obesity is a growing public health issue, especially among young adults, with long-term management strategies still under debate. This prospective study compares the effects of caloric restriction and isocaloric diets with different macronutrient distributions on body composition and anthropometric parameters in obese women during a 12-week weight loss program, aiming to identify the most effective dietary strategies for managing obesity-related health outcomes.

Methods

A certified clinical nutritionist assigned specific diets over a 12-week period to 150 participants, distributed as follows: hypocaloric diets—low-energy diet (LED, 31 subjects) and very low-energy diet (VLED, 13 subjects); isocaloric diets with macronutrient distribution—low-carbohydrate diet (LCD, 48 subjects), ketogenic diet (KD, 23 subjects), and high-protein diet (HPD, 24 subjects); and isocaloric diet without macronutrient distribution—time-restricted eating (TRE, 11 subjects). Participants were dynamically monitored using anthropometric parameters: body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), waist to hip ratio (WHR) and bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) using the TANITA Body Composition Analyzer BC-418 MA III (T5896, Tokyo, Japan) at three key intervals—baseline, 6 weeks, and 12 weeks. The following parameters were evaluated: body weight, basal metabolic rate (BMR), percentage of total body fat, trunk fat, muscle mass, fat-free mass, and hydration status.

Results

All diets led to weight loss, but differences emerged over time. The TRE model resulted in significantly less weight loss compared to LED at the final follow-up (6.30 kg, p < 0.001), similar to the VLED (4.69 kg, p < 0.001). Isocaloric diets with varied macronutrient distributions showed significant weight loss compared to LED (p < 0.001). The KD reduced waist circumference at both 6 and 12 weeks (−4.08 cm, p < 0.001), while significant differences in waist-to-hip ratio reduction were observed across diet groups at 12 weeks (p = 0.01). Post-hoc analysis revealed significant fat mass differences at 12 weeks, with HPD outperforming IF (p = 0.01) and VLED (p = 0.003). LCD reduced trunk fat at 6 weeks (−2.36%, p = 0.001) and 12 weeks (−3.79%, p < 0.001). HPD increased muscle mass at 12 weeks (2.95%, p = 0.001), while VLED decreased it (−2.02%, p = 0.031). TRE showed a smaller BMR reduction at 12 weeks compared to LED.

Conclusion

This study highlights the superior long-term benefits of isocaloric diets with macronutrients distribution over calorie-restrictive diets in optimizing weight, BMI, body composition, and central adiposity.
Application of disitamab vedotin in the multiline treatment of EGFR mutation-positive lung adenocarcinoma with Her-2 overexpression
Authors: Lan Meiling , Wang Tianyun , Luo Diexiao , Chen Yan , Liang Wei , Kong Rui , Xie Qichao
Published: December 2024

Objective

To explore the efficacy of c in the multiline treatment of late-stage lung adenocarcinoma with Her-2 overexpression and epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutations.

Methods

We summarize the diagnosis and treatment of a female patient with EGFR 21L858R mutation combined with Her-2 overexpression in advanced lung adenocarcinoma, and analyze the effect of c in her treatment process.

Results

The patient was diagnosed with lung adenocarcinoma 8 years ago. After first-line treatment, the lung lesions enlarged. Following second-line treatment 5 years ago, intracranial metastasis occurred. After third-line treatment 3 years ago, intracranial and lung lesions enlarged. New lesions in the lungs, liver, and spleen appeared after fourth-line treatment 32 months ago. Lung progression occurred after fifth-line treatment 29 months ago. Liver and lung progression occurred after sixth-line treatment 22 months ago. Lung progression occurred after seventh-line treatment 19 months ago. The patient underwent eighth-line treatment with disitamab vedotin (RC48) + lung radiotherapy + liver intervention 13 months ago. Currently, the patient’s condition is stable, with a good quality of life, and the efficacy assessment is stable disease (SD). Conclusion: Her-2 overexpression can occur in late-stage EGFR-mutant lung adenocarcinoma after multiline treatment. RC48 can achieve sustained remission in these patients.
Quality of pediatric trauma care: development of an age-adjusted TRISS model and survival benchmarking in a major trauma center
Authors: De los Ríos-Pérez Ana , García Alberto Federico , Gomez Paula , Arias Juan José , Fandiño-Losada Andrés
Published: December 2024

Background

Pediatric trauma is a major global health concern, accounting for a substantial proportion of deaths and disease burden from age 5 onwards. Effective triage and management are essential in pediatric trauma care, and prediction models such as the Trauma Injury Severity Score (TRISS) play a crucial role in estimating survival probability and guiding quality improvement. However, TRISS does not account for age-specific factors in pediatric populations, limiting its applicability to younger patients. This study aimed to modify TRISS to account for age for children (Peds-TRISS) and to evaluate its performance relative to the original TRISS. We also assessed survival outcomes to explore the model's potential utility across various clinical settings. These efforts align with quality improvement initiatives to reduce preventable mortality and supporting sustainable development goals.

Methods

This retrospective cohort study included patients under 18 years of age who were treated at a hospital in Colombia between 2011 and 2019. New coefficients for TRISS covariates were calculated using logistic regression, with age treated as a continuous variable. Model performance was evaluated based on discrimination (C statistic) and calibration, comparing Peds-TRISS with the original TRISS. Internal validation was conducted using bootstrap resampling. Survival outcomes were assessed using the M and Z statistics, which are commonly used for international trauma outcome comparisons.

Results

The study included 1,013 pediatric patients with a median age of 12 years (IQR 5–15), of whom 73% were male. The leading causes of injury were traffic accidents (31.1%), falls (28.8%), and assaults (28.7%). The overall mortality rate was 5.7%. The Peds-TRISS model demonstrated good calibration (HL = 9.7, p = 0.3) and discrimination (C statistic = 0.98, 95% CI 0.97–0.99), with no statistically significant difference in the ROC curve comparison with the original TRISS. Internal validation demonstrated strong performance of Peds-TRISS. The M and Z statistics were 0.93 and 0, respectively, indicating no significant differences between expected and observed survival rates.

Conclusions

Most fatalities occurred among adolescents and were due to intentional injuries. The Peds-TRISS model showed a partial improvement in performance compared to the original TRISS, with superior results in terms of calibration, although not in discrimination. These findings highlight the potential of model customization for specific populations. Prospective, multicenter studies are recommended to further validate the model's utility across diverse settings.
Unlocking the role of silicon against biotic stress in plants
Authors: Verma Krishan K. , Song Xiu-Peng , Liang Qiang , Huang Hai-Rong , Bhatt Rajan , Xu Lin , Chen Gan-Lin , Li Yang-Rui
Published: December 2024

The requirement for agricultural crops continues to enhance with the continuous growth of the human population globally. Plant pathogenic diseases outbreaks are enhancing and threatening food security and safety for the vulnerable in different regions worldwide. Silicon (Si) is considered a non-essential element for plant growth. It regulates the biological functions, plant development and productivity, and balance the defense mechanism in response to fungal, bacterial and pest attacks. The optimum crop yield can be achieved by applying Si in agricultural systems through different methods to replace or minimize the use of synthetic fertilizers. This approach can be effective on crop production during limited resources, extreme climates, pests and diseases, and environmental pollution. Silicon can be applied as foliar spray, priming of seeds, soil water irrigation, soil amendment and soilless medium (hydroponic) to enhance plant performance and stress tolerance capacity during stress conditions. This article summarized the effective roles of Si and the ability to perform in agroecosystems for better crop production, food security and safety for sustainable agriculture in the future.
Metabolic crosstalk between roots and rhizosphere drives alfalfa decline under continuous cropping
Authors: Ma Yuanyuan , Zhou Xiaoping , Shen Yan , Ma Hongbin , Xue Quanhong
Published: December 2024

Considerable biological decline of continuously cropped alfalfa may be tightly linked to rhizosphere metabolism. However, plant-soil feedbacks and age-related metabolic changes in alfalfa stands remain unexplored. The aim of this study was to identify the linkages of rhizosphere and root metabolites, particularly autotoxins and prebiotics, to alfalfa decline under continuous cropping. We performed liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry for non-targeted metabolomic profiling of rhizosphere soils and alfalfa roots in 2- and 6-year-old stands. Differentially abundant metabolites that responded to stand age and associated metabolic pathways were identified. Compared with bulk soils, rhizosphere soils were enriched with more triterpenoid saponins (e.g., medicagenic acid glycosides), which showed inhibitory effects on seed germination and seedling growth. These autotoxic metabolites were accumulated in the old stand age, and their relative abundances were negatively correlated with plant growth, yield, and quality traits, as well as soil total nitrogen and alkali-hydrolyzable nitrogen concentrations. In contrast, prebiotic metabolites, represented by glycerolipids (e.g., glycerophosphocholine) and fatty acyls (e.g., colnelenic acid), were depleted in rhizosphere soils in the old stand. The relative abundances of glycerolipids and fatty acyls were positively correlated with plant traits and soil available phosphorus and alkali-hydrolyzable nitrogen concentrations. Age-induced changes in the rhizosphere metabolome mirrored the reprogramming patterns of root metabolome. The pathways of terpenoid backbone biosynthesis and plant hormone signal transduction, as well as metabolism of galactose, glycerophospholipid, and ɑ-linolenic acid in alfalfa roots were affected by stand age. The upregulation of terpenoid backbone biosynthesis in alfalfa roots of old plants, which stimulated triterpenoid saponin biosynthesis and exudation. Rhizosphere accumulation of autotoxins was accompanied by depletion of prebiotics, leading to soil degradation and exacerbating alfalfa decline. This research aids in the development of prebiotics to prevent and manage continuous cropping obstacles in alfalfa.
Frequent variations and phylogenetic relationships within the genus Secale identified by ND-FISH according to the genome-wide universal oligonucleotides chromosome probes
Authors: Li Zhi , Sun Zixin , Ren Tianheng
Published: December 2024

Introduction

Rye (Secale cereale L.) played a very important role in wheat genetic improvement and forage production worldwide. However, since rye is a kind of cross-pollinated plant, high levels of genetic heterozygosity and heterogeneity existed in the genome. Genome-wide variation in repeat sequences is one of the most important reasons for chromosome evolution in rye. High-precision cytological identification can effectively identify the heterochromatin or repeat sequence variations in the rye genome, and the relationship between different rye varieties can be identified while obtaining the FISH-karyotype of different rye varieties. The evolution of rye chromosomes can be analyzed by the variation degree of different probes on rye chromosomes.

Methods

All materials were identified by non-denaturing fluorescence in situ hybridization (ND-FISH). Five probes, (AAC)6, Oligo-pSc119.2-1, Oligo-pTa71A-2, Oligo-pSc200, and Oligo-pSc250 were used to identify rye chromosomes.

Results

15 rye varieties including S. cereale (cultivated rye and weedy rye), S. strictum (wild rye), S. sylvestre (wild rye), and S. vavilovii (wild rye) were examined by five oligonucleotides probes. 92 signal sites and 2074 signal patterns were observed, suggesting that high polymorphisms exist in the different rye genomes. The karyotypes of 15 rye varieties were obtained, the frequency of different signal types at each signal site was calculated and the model diagrams of probes (AAC)6, Oligo-pSc119.2-1, Oligo-pTa71A-2, Oligo-pSc200 + Oligo-pSc250 were drawn. The results showed that the rate of variation of different chromosomes of rye was not consistent. 1R, 6R, and 7R have higher variation and genetic diversity, while 2R and 3R have lower variation and are more conserved relative to other chromosomes. The results also indicated that S. sylvestre has a far genetic distance from other rye species, and S. vavilovii might be one of the ancestors of Chinese rye varieties.

Discussion

Results from this study confirmed rapid chromosome change and high levels of chromosome diversity in rye.
Effect of group impromptu music therapy on improving test anxiety and emotional regulation ability in medical students
Authors: Song Li , Xiao Rong , Wang Changjing , Li Chaoyang , Liu Qi , Zhang Ying , Liu Zhen , Zhang Lei , Zhang Ming
Published: December 2024

Introduction

Test anxiety, a prevalent psychological issue among medical students, can profoundly impact their social, behavioral, and emotional development. This condition is significantly associated with challenges in emotional regulation, and to date, no effective clinical treatment has been established to address it. This study aimed to investigate the potential benefits and effects of group impromptu music therapy (GIMT) on enhancing emotional regulation skills and alleviating test anxiety in medical students.

Methods

A total of 29 participants in the experimental group and 30 participants in the control group were finally included for data analysis. Four weeks prior to the final exams, the experimental group commenced GIMT treatment, while the control group did not receive any intervention. Following the four-week intervention period, both groups were assessed using standardized scales and follow-up semi-structured interviews.

Results

The results revealed that students given the GIMT intervention reported significantly lower levels of test anxiety, as measured by the Test Anxiety Scale (TAS), and experienced fewer difficulties with emotional regulation, as indicated by the Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale (DERS). Additionally, these students achieved higher examination scores than the control group. Qualitative data from semi-structured interviews further supported these observations.

Discussion

Collectively, these findings demonstrate that GIMT is an effective method for enhancing the emotional regulation abilities of medical students and for relieving the symptoms of test anxiety, ultimately resulting in better academic performance. The study also indicates that GIMT could be a promising clinical auxiliary method for dealing with test anxiety and should be considered for inclusion in the curriculum of healthcare professional education programs. Nonetheless, more efforts are needed to address the limitations of this method before it can be widely used for clinical practice.
The pharmaceutical suitcase trade and the need for multisectoral regulation-unproven COVID-19 (Ivermectin and HCQ remedies unmask an insidious health danger in a Caribbean Island)
Authors: Maharaj Sandeep Bhupendra , Dookeeram Darren , Hosein Roger , Ramkissoon Kelvin , Ramdass Amrica , Franco Darleen Y. , Pooransingh Shalini
Published: December 2024

This article seeks to highlight an aspect of the illegal pharmaceutical trade in the Caribbean. With the advent of COVID-19 there has been a shortage of a number of drugs in the formal sector. This is largely due to restrictions on foreign exchange, importation delays and sensationalized reporting of unrecommended drugs having a curative effect on COVID-19 patients. This article examines the issue of “the informal suitcase trading” of these drugs. It posits a need for a collaborative and multi-sectoral approach to mitigate the negative effects of the practice on health, trade and national security.