bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Identification and characterization of a carbohydrate recognition domain-like region in
Entamoeba histolytica
Gal/GalNAc lectin intermediate subunit
Authors: Zhang Hongze , Li Qingshan , Zhou Hang , Feng Meng , Zhao Yanqing , Zhou Ruixue , Chen Lijun , Tachibana Hiroshi , Cheng Xunjia
Published: October 2024

Entamoeba histolytica
is an enteric protozoan parasite that causes human amebic colitis and extraintestinal abscesses. As a prerequisite for parasite colonization and invasion, adherence of
E. histolytica
is predominantly mediated by galactose (Gal)- and N-acetyl-d-galactosamine (GalNAc)-inhibitable lectins. The intermediate subunit (Igl) of Gal-/GalNAc-inhibitable lectin is a cysteine-rich protein containing multiple CXXC motifs and is considered a key factor affecting trophozoite’s pathogenicity. However, details of the function of Igl during parasite adherence remain unclear. Here, using segmentally expressed Igl proteins and a CHO cell model transfected with Igl fragments, we identified a carbohydrate-recognition domain (CRD)-like region between amino acids 989 and 1,088. Through single- and double-point mutations in the Igl segments, two core CXXC motifs responsible for carbohydrate recognition in the CRD-like region, which are highly conserved among several lectins, were confirmed. In addition to adhesion, the roles of CRD-like region and its core CXXC motifs in various pathogenic effects were further explored. To our knowledge, this is the first report showing an adhesion-related region in
E. histolytica
Igl. The identification and characterization of this CRD-like region provides further insights into molecular mechanisms underlying
E. histolytica
pathogenicity and also aids in the determination of a potential drug target in this parasite.

IMPORTANCE

Entamoeba histolytica
adhesion mainly depends on galactose (Gal)-/N-acetyl-d-galactosamine (GalNAc)-inhibitable lectins, subsequently triggering a series of amebic reactions. Among the three subunits of Gal-/GalNAc-inhibitable lectin, heavy subunit and intermediate subunit (Igl) have exhibited lectin activity, but that of Igl remains poorly understood. In this study, we confirmed a carbohydrate-recognition domain (CRD)-like limiting region in
E. histolytica
Igl and further identified its two core CXXC motifs responsible for carbohydrate recognition. Moreover, the role of Igl's CRD-like region and its CXXC motifs in hemolysis and pathogenic effects was explored. This is the first study to determine an adhesion-related region in
E. histolytica
Igl protein, providing a new reference direction for subsequent research studies. Since the potential homogeneity of galectin-2 in several mammals and Igl CRD-like region, it could be meaningful to relate the corresponding pathogeneses and phenotypes of these two proteins. Except for adhesion, studies on the involvement of Igl CRD-like region in different parasite–host interactions are also promising.
First isolation of
Campylobacter vicugnae
sp. nov. in humans suffering from gastroenteritis
Authors: Jehanne Quentin , Bénéjat Lucie , Azzi Martin Lamia , Korolik Victoria , Ducournau Astrid , Aptel Johanna , Ménard Armelle , Jauvain Marine , Aguilera Christophe , Doreille Alice , Mesnard Laurent , Eckert Catherine , Lehours Philippe
Published: October 2024

The present study describes the first isolation of a recently described
Campylobacter
species,
Campylobacter vicugnae
, in humans. The isolates were recovered by two independent French laboratories in 2020 and 2022 from a man and a woman suffering from gastroenteritis. Biochemical and growth characteristics, and electron microscopy for these two strains indicated that they belong to
Campylobacter
genus.
16S rDNA
and GyrA-based phylogeny, as well as average nucleotide identity and
in silico
DNA-DNA Hybridization analyses revealed that both strains belong to the
Campylobacter vicugnae
species. Both isolates possess a complete cytolethal distending toxin (CDT) locus with
cdtA
,
cdtB,
and
cdt
C, and features of CDT activity were demonstrated
in vitro
with Caco-2 intestinal epithelial cells. Our data suggest that these two isolates of
C. vicugnae
were associated with gastroenteritis in humans and induced major cytopathogenic effects
in vitro
.
C. vicugnae
is likely to be a novel human pathogen, with a source of foodborne infection that needs to be determined.

IMPORTANCE

Campylobacter
species that display toxicity features are a worldwide public health issue. In clinical contexts, it is crucial to identify which isolate could be an urgent threat to a patient. Actual and widely used laboratory methods such as mass spectrometry or PCR may be flawed in the field of species identification. In contrast, the present study shows that next-generation sequencing allows to precisely identify isolates to species level that may have been omitted otherwise. Moreover, it helps to identify emerging species before they become a threat to human health. Recovery of a new
Campylobacter
species in human sample, such as the new species “
Campylobacter vicugnae
,” is an important step for the identification of emerging pathogens posing threat to global health.
Enhanced global terrestrial moisture from the Early Triassic to the Late Triassic: Evidence from extensive Neocalamites forests in North China
Authors: Wang Yuchong , Kuang Hongwei , Liu Yongqing , Zhao Fenghua , Peng Nan , Chen Xiaoshuai , Qi Kening , Li Jiyuan , Dong Guilin , Li Suping , Li Ya
Published: October 2024

Multistorey vegetation was reestablished in the Middle to Late Triassic following the end-Permian mass extinction, ultimately forming extensive forests worldwide. There are some cosmopolitan elements in these communities, such as the Neocalamites (Sphenophyta), that bear significant climatic implications. Here, we report an in situ fossil forest of the extinct Sphenophyta Neocalamites from the Chang-8 member of the Middle Triassic Yanchang Formation (ca. 242 Ma) in North China. The in situ pith casts of more than 210 Neocalamites, ranging in diameter from 6 cm to 35 cm with a spacing ranging from 0.1 m to 4.5 m, remain in their original growing positions at the Tongchuan, Jiyuan, and Huangling localities. Preliminary estimates suggest that the height of Neocalamites ranges from 15 m to 35 m, potentially reaching up to 70 m. Sedimentological analysis of plant-bearing deposits revealed that these Neocalamites plants grew along distributary channels within interdistributary swamps in humid delta plain environments. Neocalamites first appeared in the Late Permian, diversified during the last stage of the Middle Triassic, and occurred in different areas of the Pangaea supercontinent; this is believed to be coupled with Triassic global climatic wetting and terrestrial ecosystem recovery processes. Neocalamites, which formed the earliest monotypic stands of the Triassic during the Ladinian stage (ca. 242 Ma), serve as a paleontological proxy for global climatic wetting during the Triassic, indicating the wide-scale intensification of the hydrological cycle prior to the Late Triassic Carnian Pluvial Episode.
Supplemental Material: First dating of an early Chibanian (Middle Pleistocene) glacial overdeepening in the Alpine Foreland using the 4He/U-Th method
Authors: Tomonaga Yama , al. et
Published: October 2024

 Methods and further geological information.  
Water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH): the evolution of a global health and development sector
Authors: de Wit Sara , Luseka Euphrasia , Bradley David , Brown Joe , Bhagwan Jayant , Evans Barbara , Freeman Matthew C , Howard Guy , Ray Isha , Ross Ian , Simiyu Sheillah , Cumming Oliver , Chandler Clare I R
Published: October 2024

Despite some progress, universal access to safe water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) by 2030—a remit of Sustainable Development Goal 6—remains a distant prospect in many countries. Policy-makers and implementers of the WASH sector are challenged to track a new path. This research aimed to identify core orienting themes of the sector, as legacies of past processes, which can provide insights for its future. We reviewed global policy, science and programmatic documents and carried out 19 expert interviews to track the evolution of the global WASH sector over seven decades. We situated this evolution in relation to wider trends in global health and development over the same time period.

With transnational flows of concern, expertise and resources from high-income to lower-income countries, the WASH sector evolved over decades of international institutionalisation of health and development with (1) a focus on technologies (technicalisation), (2) a search for generalised solutions (universalisation), (3) attempts to make recipients responsible for environmental health (responsibilisation) and (4) the shaping of programmes around quantifiable outcomes (metricisation). The emergent commitment of the WASH sector to these core themes reflects a pragmatic response in health and development to depoliticise poverty and social inequalities in order to enable action. This leads to questions about what potential solutions have been obscured, a recognition which might be understood as ‘uncomfortable knowledge’—the knowns that have had to be unknown, which resonate with concerns about deep inequalities, shrinking budgets and the gap between what could and has been achieved.
Cost-effectiveness of surgical interventions in low-income and middle-income countries: a systematic review and critical analysis of recent evidence
Authors: Ifeanyichi Martilord , Mosso Lara Jose Luis , Tenkorang Phyllis , Kebede Meskerem Aleka , Bognini Maeve , Abdelhabeeb Alshaheed Nasraldin , Amaechina Uchenna , Ambreen Faiza , Sarabu Shreeja , Oladimeji Taiwo , Toguchi Ana Carolina , Hargest Rachel , Friebel Rocco
Published: October 2024

Background

Cost-effectiveness evidence is a critical tool to support resource allocation decisions. There is growing recognition that the development of benefit packages for surgical care should be guided by such evidence, particularly in resource-constraint settings.

Methods

We conducted a systematic review of evidence (Medline, Embase, Global Health, EconLit and grey literature) on the cost-effectiveness of surgery across low-income and middle-income countries published between January 2013 and January 2023. We included studies with minor and major therapeutic surgeries and minimally invasive intraluminal and endovascular interventions. We computed and compared the average cost-effectiveness ratios (ACERs) for different surgical interventions to the respective national gross domestic product per capita to determine cost-effectiveness and to common traditional public health interventions.

Results

We identified 87 unique studies out of 20 070 articles screened. Studies spanned 23 countries, with China (n=20), Thailand (n=12), Brazil (n=8) and Iran (n=8) accounting for about 55% of the evidence. Overall, the median ACERs across procedure groups ranged from I$17/disability-adjusted life year (DALY) for laparotomies to I$170 186/DALY for bariatric surgeries. Most of the ACER estimates were classified as cost-effective (89%) or very cost-effective (76%). Low-complexity surgical interventions compared favourably to common public health interventions.

Conclusion

These findings reinforce the growing body of evidence that investments in surgery are economically smart. There remains however paucity of high-quality evidence that would allow decision-makers to assess the comparative cost-effectiveness of surgery and to determine best buys across a wide range of specialties and interventions. A concerted effort is needed to advance the generation and utilisation of economic evidence in the drive towards scale-up of surgical care across low-income and middle-income countries.
Changes in sleep patterns in people with a history of depression during the COVID-19 pandemic: a natural experiment
Authors: Shin Mirim , Crouse Jacob J , Byrne Enda M , Mitchell Brittany L , Lind Penelope , Parker Richard , Tonini Emiliana , Carpenter Joanne S , Wray Naomi R , Colodro-Conde Lucia , Medland Sarah E , Hickie Ian B
Published: October 2024

Background

The COVID-19 pandemic, while a major stressor, increased flexibility in sleep–wake schedules.

Objectives

To investigate the impact of the pandemic on sleep patterns in people with a history of depression and identify sociodemographic, clinical or genetic predictors of those impacts.

Methods

6453 adults from the Australian Genetics of Depression Study (45±15 years; 75% women) completed surveys before (2016–2018) and during the pandemic (2020–2021). Participants were assigned to ‘short sleep’ (<6 hours), ‘optimal sleep’ (6–8 hours) or ‘long sleep’ (>8 hours). We focused on those having prepandemic ‘optimal sleep’.

Findings

Pre pandemic, the majority (70%, n=4514) reported optimal sleep, decreasing to 49% (n=3189) during the pandemic. Of these, 57% maintained optimal sleep, while 16% (n=725) shifted to ‘short sleep’ and 27% (n=1225) to ‘long sleep’. In group comparisons ‘optimal-to-short sleep’ group had worse prepandemic mental health and increased insomnia (p’s<0.001), along with an elevated depression genetic score (p=0.002). The ‘optimal-to-long sleep’ group were slightly younger and had higher distress (p’s<0.05), a greater propensity to being evening types (p<0.001) and an elevated depression genetic score (p=0.04). Multivariate predictors for ‘optimal-to-short sleep’ included reported stressful life events, psychological or somatic distress and insomnia severity (false discovery rate-corrected p values<0.004), while no significant predictors were identified for ‘optimal-to-long sleep’.

Conclusion and implications

The COVID-19 pandemic, a natural experiment, elicited significant shifts in sleep patterns among people with a history of depression, revealing associations with diverse prepandemic demographic and clinical characteristics. Understanding these dynamics may inform the selection of interventions for people with depression facing major challenges.
Changes in the intestinal microbiome of the preterm baby associated with stopping non-invasive pressure support: a prospective cohort study
Authors: Hutchinson Richard , Wade William , Millar Michael , Ansbro Katherine , Stacey Fiona , Costeloe Kate , Fleming Paul
Published: October 2024

Background

Intestinal dysbiosis is implicated in the pathogenesis of necrotising enterocolitis and late-onset sepsis in preterm babies. The provision of non-invasive positive pressure ventilation is a common clinical intervention in preterm babies, and may be hypothesised to adversely affect intestinal bacterial growth, through increased aerophagia and induction of a hyperoxic intestinal environment; however this relationship has not been previously well characterised.

Methodology

In this prospectively recruited cohort study, high-throughput 16S rRNA gene sequencing was combined with contemporaneous clinical data collection, to assess within-subject changes in microbiome development around the time of transitioning from non-invasive positive pressure respiratory support to unsupported spontaneous breathing.

Results

In a group of 14 preterm infants, bacterial diversity was seen to increase by 0.34 units/week (inverse Simpson index) at the point of transitioning off non-invasive positive pressure respiratory support. Correspondingly, a significant increase in anaerobic genera (Bifidobacteriaspp,Veillonellaspp), and a non-significant fall in Enterobacteriaceae was also seen at this time.

Conclusions

Provision of non-invasive positive pressure ventilation is associated with suppression of both diversity accrual and obligate anaerobic growth in the preterm intestine. This has clinical implications in view of the widespread use of non-invasive positive pressure ventilation in preterm neonatal care (and wider adult use), and demonstrates the need for potential strategies (eg, probiotic support; reduced aerophagia) to support the development of a healthy gut microbiome during this time.
Player and match characteristics associated with head acceleration events in elite-level men’s and women’s rugby union matches
Authors: Allan David , Tooby James , Starling Lindsay , Tucker Ross , Falvey Éanna C , Salmon Danielle M , Brown James , Hudson Sam , Stokes Keith A , Jones Ben , Kemp Simon P T , O'Halloran Patrick , Cross Matt , Tierney Gregory
Published: October 2024

Objective

To examine the likelihood of head acceleration events (HAEs) as a function of previously identified risk factors: match time, player status (starter or substitute) and pitch location in elite-level men’s and women’s rugby union matches.

Methods

Instrumented mouthguard data were collected from 179 and 107 players in the men’s and women’s games and synchronised to video-coded match footage. Head peak resultant linear acceleration (PLA) and peak resultant angular acceleration were extracted from each HAE. Field location was determined for HAEs linked to a tackle, carry or ruck. HAE incidence was calculated per player hour across PLA recording thresholds with 95% CIs estimated. Propensity was calculated as the percentage of contact events that caused HAEs across PLA recording thresholds, with a 95% CI estimated. Significance was assessed by non-overlapping 95% CIs.

Results

29 099 and 6277 HAEs were collected from 1214 and 577 player-matches in the men’s and women’s games. No significant differences in match quarter HAE incidence or propensity were found. Substitutes had higher HAE incidence than starters at lower PLA recording thresholds for men but similar HAE propensity. HAEs were more likely to occur in field locations with high contact event occurrence.

Conclusion

Strategies to reduce HAE incidence need not consider match time or status as a substitute or starter as HAE rates are similar throughout matches, without differences in propensity between starters and substitutes. HAE incidence is proportional to contact frequency, and strategies that reduce either frequency or propensity for contact to cause head contact may be explored.
Developing a data-driven multimodal injury and illness prevention programme in male professional football based on a risk management model: the IP2NetWork
Authors: Hassanmirzaei Bahar , Schumacher Yorck , Tabben Montassar , Bahr Roald
Published: October 2024

Background

Current injury prevention programmes in football are limited by a one-size-fits-all approach, which predominantly focuses on preventive exercise programmes while ignoring differences in risk profiles between individuals and teams.

Objective

To address this gap, we developed a new data-driven, customisable approach based on the principles of risk management. We collaborated with key stakeholders to identify focus areas for injury and illness prevention and determine their priorities.

Setting

The team medical and coaching staff included members from 17 professional football clubs, the national team and a youth football academy in Qatar.

Methods

In 2015, we launched a series of annual workshops under the Aspetar Sports Injury and Illness Prevention Programme. The workshops included club medical personnel and fitness coaches in a process to develop team-specific programmes for injury and illness prevention based on the principle of risk management. Over 2 years, workshops refined focus areas through discussions, surveys and small-group presentations, culminating in the creation a novel programme for football injury prevention.

Results

Out of 44 focus areas first identified, 23 were selected as priorities for inclusion in multimodal injury and illness prevention programmes. The identified focus areas represent a variety of aspects, including social/behavioural/lifestyle, exercise programmes/training, load management, recovery and equipment. The top priorities included communication, the Nordic hamstring exercise, training load, recovery strategies, nutrition, sleep, warm-up, the Copenhagen adduction exercise and core and dynamic stability.

Conclusion

We have developed a comprehensive framework for preventing injuries and illnesses in football grounded in the general principles of risk management. This framework has proven feasible and led to the creation of a new multicomponent programme, The Aspetar IP2(Injury and Illness Prevention for Performance) NetWork, focusing on a range of areas beyond preventive exercise programmes only.
Systemic messenger RNA replacement therapy is effective in a novel clinically relevant model of acute intermittent porphyria developed in non-human primates
Authors: Córdoba Karol M , Jericó Daniel , Jiang Lei , Collantes María , Alegre Manuel , García-Ruiz Leyre , Manzanilla Oscar , Sampedro Ana , Herranz Jose M , Insausti Iñigo , Martinez de la Cuesta Antonio , Urigo Francesco , Alcaide Patricia , Morán María , Martín Miguel A , Lanciego José Luis , Lefebvre Thibaud , Gouya Laurent , Quincoces Gemma , Unzu Carmen , Hervas-Stubbs Sandra , Falcón-Pérez Juan M , Alegre Estíbaliz , Aldaz Azucena , Fernández-Seara María A , Peñuelas Iván , Berraondo Pedro , Martini Paolo G V , Avila Matias A , Fontanellas Antonio
Published: October 2024

Objective

Acute intermittent porphyria (AIP) is a rare metabolic disorder caused by haploinsufficiency of hepatic porphobilinogen deaminase (PBGD), the third enzyme of the heme biosynthesis. Individuals with AIP experience neurovisceral attacks closely associated with hepatic overproduction of potentially neurotoxic heme precursors.

Design

We replicated AIP in non-human primates (NHPs) through selective knockdown of the hepatic
PBGD
gene and evaluated the safety and therapeutic efficacy of human PBGD (hPBGD) mRNA rescue.

Results

Intrahepatic administration of a recombinant adeno-associated viral vector containing short hairpin RNA against endogenous PBGD mRNA resulted in sustained PBGD activity inhibition in liver tissue for up to 7 months postinjection. The administration of porphyrinogenic drugs to NHPs induced hepatic heme synthesis, elevated urinary porphyrin precursors and reproduced acute attack symptoms in patients with AIP, including pain, motor disturbances and increased brain GABAergic activity. The model also recapitulated functional anomalies associated with AIP, such as reduced brain perfusion and cerebral glucose uptake, disturbances in hepatic TCA cycle, one-carbon metabolism, drug biotransformation, lipidomic profile and abnormal mitochondrial respiratory chain activity. Additionally, repeated systemic administrations of hPBGD mRNA in this AIP NHP model restored hepatic PBGD levels and activity, providing successful protection against acute attacks, metabolic changes in the liver and CNS disturbances. This approach demonstrated better efficacy than the current standards of care for AIP.

Conclusion

This novel model significantly expands our understanding of AIP at the molecular, biochemical and clinical levels and confirms the safety and translatability of multiple systemic administration of hPBGD mRNA as a potential aetiological AIP treatment.
New-onset atrial fibrillation after coronary surgery and stroke risk: a nationwide cohort study
Authors: Taha Amar , Martinsson Andreas , Nielsen Susanne J , Rezk Mary , Pivodic Aldina , Gudbjartsson Tomas , Herrmann Florian Ernst Martin , Bergfeldt Lennart B , Jeppsson Anders
Published: October 2024

Background

New-onset postoperative atrial fibrillation (POAF) after coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) increases ischaemic stroke risk, yet factors influencing this risk remain unclear. We sought to identify factors associated with 1-year ischaemic stroke risk, compare the CHA2DS2-VASc (Congestive heart failure, Hypertension, Age ≥75 years, Diabetes, previous Stroke/transient ischaemic attack (TIA), Vascular disease, Age 65–74 years, Sex category) and ATRIA (Anticoagulation and Risk Factors in Atrial Fibrillation) scores’ predictive abilities for ischaemic stroke, and assess oral anticoagulation (OAC) dispensing at discharge in patients with POAF.

Methods

This nationwide cohort study used prospectively collected data from four mandatory Swedish national registries. All first-time isolated CABG patients who developed POAF during 2007–2020 were included. Multivariable logistic models were used to identify ischaemic stroke predictors and C-statistics to assess the predictive abilities of the CHA2DS2-VASc and ATRIA scores in patients without OAC. OAC dispensing patterns were described based on stroke-associated factors.

Results

In total, 10 435 patients with POAF were identified. Out of those not receiving OAC (n=6903), 3.1% experienced an ischaemic stroke within 1 year. Advancing age (adjusted OR (aOR) 1.86 per 10-year increase, 95% CI 1.45 to 2.38), prior ischaemic stroke (aOR 18.56, 95% CI 10.05 to 34.28 at 60 years, aOR 5.95, 95% CI 3.78 to 9.37 at 80 years, interaction p<0.001), myocardial infarction (aOR 1.55, 95% CI 1.14 to 2.10) and heart failure (aOR 1.53, 95% CI 1.06 to 2.21) were independently associated with ischaemic stroke. The area under the receiver-operating characteristic curve was 0.72 (0.69–0.76) and 0.74 (0.70–0.78) for CHA2DS2-VASc and ATRIA, respectively (p=0.021). Altogether, 71.0% of patients with a stroke risk >2%/year, according to the CHA2DS2-VASc score, were not discharged on OAC.

Conclusions

Prior ischaemic stroke, advancing age, history of heart failure and myocardial infarction were associated with 1-year ischaemic stroke risk in patients with POAF after CABG. CHA2DS2-VASc and ATRIA scores predicted stroke risk with similar accuracy as in non-surgical atrial fibrillation cohorts. OAC dispense at discharge does not seem to reflect individual stroke risk.
Prognostic nutritional index as a predictor of surgical complications in women with gynecological cancer
Authors: Bermúdez-Pineda Bianca , García-Luna Miguel Ángel , Oñate-Ocaña Luis Fernando , Morales-Piélago Gabriela Fernanda , Cantú-De León David Francisco , Reynoso-Noverón Nancy
Published: October 2024

Objective

To analyze the association between the prognostic nutritional index and surgical morbidity in women with gynecologic cancers.

Methods

This is a retrospective cohort study of women with ovarian, endometrial, or cervical cancer who underwent surgery between January 2013 and December 2020 at a cancer center. Demographic and clinical data were extracted from electronic medical records. The prognostic nutritional index was calculated during the immediate pre-operative period. Binomial logistic regression was conducted to identify the association of the prognostic nutritional index with the outcome of surgical complications after Clavien-Dindo classification, adjusting for confounding variables.

Results

A total of 1000 women were included: 114 (11.4%) were diagnosed with cervical cancer, 551 (55.1%) with ovarian cancer, and 335 (33.5%) with endometrial cancer. Patients with a prognostic nutritional index >40 had a decreased possibility of surgical complications (OR=0.39, 95% CI 0.29 to 0.52); basal blood hemoglobin, volume of surgical bleeding, operative time, and length of hospital stay were also explanatory factors. The prognostic nutritional index has a significant effect on patients with endometrial and cervical cancer, but conversely is not significant in patients with ovarian cancer.

Conclusion

The prognostic nutritional index is associated with surgical morbidity in endometrial and cervical cancers and thus can be a useful tool for predicting morbidity and guide pre-operative interventions in patients with gynecological cancers.
Systematic literature review of published cases of reactive plasmacytosis in peripheral blood and bone marrow
Authors: Munoz de Toro Margarita , Fernandez-Pol Sebastian
Published: October 2024

Aims

This study aims to summarise published cases of reactive plasmacytosis to provide a resource to aid haematopathologists and clinicians in the diagnostic workup of reactive plasmacytosis.

Methods

We searched published articles on reactive plasmacytosis on PubMed, Scopus and Google Scholar. Data were screened following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses 2020 guidelines. Cases were classified into six categories, namely: (1) infection, (2) angioimmunoblastic T-cell lymphoma (AITL), (3) other malignancies, (4) drug associated, (5) autoimmune diseases and (6) others. Plasma cell percentage in peripheral blood and/or bone marrow was tabulated. Descriptive statistics were reported as median with IQR, using JASP Team.

Results

87 articles which reported on 146 patients were included. Infectious diseases represented most cases associated with reactive plasmacytosis (n=46, 31% of all cases), with viral infections being the most frequent (n=31, 21% of all cases). AITL was the second most frequent aetiology (n=34, 23% of all cases), followed by medications (n=28, 19% of all cases), other malignancies (n=18, 12% of all cases), miscellaneous aetiologies (n=11, 7% of all cases) and autoimmune diseases (n=9, 6% of all cases). The absolute and relative levels of plasma cells in each diagnostic category showed marked variation and ranges largely overlapped between categories.

Conclusions

In patients with an increase in the number and/or proportion of plasma cells in peripheral blood and/or bone marrow, clinical context and a broad differential diagnosis are necessary to direct further evaluation and arrive at a correct diagnosis. Our literature review suggests that evaluation for infectious causes and AITL may be of the greatest yield in many cases.
5-Hydroxymethylcytosine in circulating cell-free DNA as a potential diagnostic biomarker for SLE
Authors: Tong Xinya , Chen Wenwen , Ye Lele , Xiong Yanling , Xu Yuan , Luo Yunhui , Xia Xinhang , Xu Zexia , Lin Yutong , Zhu Xinqi , Wang Nan , Xue Xiangyang , Zhang Huidi , Guo Gangqiang
Published: October 2024

Background

SLE is a complex autoimmune disease with heterogeneous manifestations and unpredictable outcomes. Early diagnosis is challenging due to non-specific symptoms, and current treatments only manage symptoms. Epigenetic alternations, including 5-Hydroxymethylome (5hmC) modifications, are important contributors to SLE pathogenesis. However, the 5hmC modification status in circulating cell-free DNA (cfDNA) of patients with SLE remains largely unexplored. We investigated the distribution of 5hmC in cfDNA of patients with SLE and healthy controls (HCs), and explored its potential as an SLE diagnosis marker.

Methods

We used 5hmC-Seal to generate genome-wide 5hmC profiles of plasma cfDNA and bioinformatics analysis to screen differentially hydroxymethylated regions (DhMRs). In vitro mechanistic exploration was conducted to investigate the regulatory effect of CCCTC-binding factor (CTCF) in 5hmC candidate biomarkers.

Results

We found distinct differences in genomic regions and 5hmC modification motif patterns between patients with SLE and HCs, varying with disease progression. Increased 5hmC modification enrichment was detected in SLE. Additionally, we screened 151 genes with hyper-5hmC, which are significantly involved in SLE-related processes, and 5hmC-modifiedBCL2,CD83,ETS1andGZMBas SLE biomarkers. Our findings suggest that CTCF regulates 5hmC modification of these genes by recruiting TET (ten-eleven translocation) protein, and CTCF knockdown affected the protein expression of these genes in vitro.

Conclusions

Our findings demonstrate the increased 5hmC distribution in plasma cfDNA in different disease activity in patients with SLE compared with HCs and relating DhMRs involved in SLE-associated pathways. Furthermore, we identified a panel of SLE relevant biomarkers, and these viewpoints could provide insight into the pathogenesis of SLE.
Are state abortion bans an occupational health hazard for obstetrician-gynaecologists? Findings from a multistate qualitative study
Authors: Sabbath Erika L , McKetchnie Samantha M , Arora Kavita S , Buchbinder Mara
Published: October 2024

Objectives

Since the US Supreme Court’s Dobbs v. Jackson decision, 17 states have imposed near-total abortion bans. These bans may negatively impact health and well-being of obstetrician-gynaecologists (OB-GYNs), due to high levels of work-related stress that the laws have created for them. The goal of the present study is to evaluate the impacts of post-Dobbs v. Jackson state abortion bans on occupational health and well-being of OB-GYNs.

Methods

The Study of OB-GYNs in Post-Roe America is a qualitative study of 54 OB-GYNs practising in 13 of the 14 states with near-total abortion bans as of March 2023. Using volunteer sampling methods, participants were recruited for semistructured qualitative interviews via videoconference from March to August 2023.

Results

Thematic analysis of interview transcripts identified six major domains of health and well-being impacts of state abortion bans on OB-GYNs: anxiety and depression, burden of negative emotions, burn-out, coping-related health behaviours, sleep disruption and personal relationships.

Conclusions

State abortion bans following the 2022 Dobbs decision may impact the health and well-being not only of pregnant patients but also of their providers. These provider health impacts include mental health and burn-out but also extend to physical health outcomes and the work–life interface.
Effect of antenatalChlamydia trachomatisandNeisseria gonorrhoeaescreening on postdelivery prevalence and vertical transmission in Gaborone, Botswana: findings from an exploratory study
Authors: Mussa Aamirah , Wynn Adriane , Ryan Rebecca , Babalola Chibuzor M , Hansman Emily , Simon Selebaleng , Bame Bame , Moshashane Neo , Masole Maitumelo , Wilson Melissa L , Klausner Jeffrey D , Morroni Chelsea
Published: October 2024

Objectives

Chlamydia trachomatisandNeisseria gonorrhoeaeare common sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Untreated infection in pregnancy can result in adverse neonatal outcomes, including vertical transmission. Screening for these infections is not routine in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs).

Methods

The Maduo Study was a non-randomised cluster crossover trial in Botswana to provide preliminary data on the effect of antenatalC. trachomatisandN. gonorrhoeaescreening and treatment on postdelivery prevalence and vertical transmission to infants. Pregnant women asymptomatic for STIs were enrolled at four clinics (seven clusters). The intervention arm receivedC. trachomatisandN. gonorrhoeaescreening at first antenatal care, third trimester and postdelivery. The standard-of-care arm received postdelivery screening only. Infants of women with a positive test postdelivery in both arms were screened. A cluster-level analysis was performed to compare the risk of postdelivery infection between intervention and standard-of-care arms.

Results

The study enrolled 500 women; 206 (82.1%) and 187 (75.1%) were retained in the intervention and standard-of-care arms, respectively and screened ≤12 weeks postdelivery.C. trachomatisprevalence in the intervention arm reduced from 22.7% at first antenatal care to 1.0% postdelivery.N. gonorrhoeaeprevalence reduced from 1.2% at first antenatal care to 0% postdelivery. The risk ofC. trachomatisand/orN. gonorrhoeaewas lower in the intervention arm postdelivery (0.6%) compared with the standard-of-care arm (15.7%); adjusted risk difference: −14.7% (95% CI −23.0%, −6.4%). Among 26 infants born to women with either infection postdelivery, 10 (38.5%) tested positive (C. trachomatis: 9;N. gonorrhoeae: 1).

Conclusions

Postdelivery prevalence ofC. trachomatiswas significantly lower among pregnant women in Botswana who received diagnostic antenatal screening. Among women withC. trachomatisand/orN. gonorrhoeaepostdelivery, more than one-third transmitted the infection to their infants. This exploratory study suggests antenatal STI screening has the potential to reduce infection in newborns in similar LMIC settings.

Trial registration number

NCT04955717.
A narrative review of velocity-based training best practice: the importance of contraction intent versus movement speed
Authors: Behm David G. , Konrad Andreas , Nakamura Masatoshi , Alizadeh Shahab , Culleton Robyn , Hadjizadeh Anvar Saman , Pearson Liam T. , Ramirez-Campillo Rodrigo , Sale Digby G.
Published: October 2024

Explosive movements requiring high force and power outputs are integral to many sports, posing distinct challenges for the neuromuscular system. Traditional resistance training can improve muscle strength, power, endurance, and range of motion; however, evidence regarding its effects on athletic performance, such as sprint speed, agility, and jump height, remains conflicting. The specificity of resistance training movements, including velocity, contraction type, and joint angles affects performance outcomes, demonstrates advantages when matching training modalities with targeted sports activities. However, independent of movement speed, the intent to contract explosively (ballistic) has also demonstrated high velocity-specific training adaptations. The purpose of this narrative review was to assess the impact of explosive or ballistic contraction intent on velocity-specific training adaptations. Such movement intent may predominantly elicit motor efferent neural adaptations, including motor unit recruitment and rate coding enhancements. Plyometrics, which utilize rapid stretch-shortening cycle movements, may augment high-speed movement efficiency and muscle activation, possibly leading to improved motor control through adaptations like faster eccentric force absorption, reduced amortization periods, and quicker transitions to explosive concentric contractions. An optimal training paradigm for power and performance enhancement might involve a combination of maximal explosive intent training with heavier loads and plyometric exercises with lighter loads at high velocities. This narrative review synthesizes key literature to answer whether contraction intent or movement speed is more critical for athletic performance enhancement, ultimately advocating for an integrative approach to resistance training tailored for sports-specific explosive action.
A reduced carbohydrate diet improves glycemic regulation in hyperglycemic older people in a retirement home: the SAGE study
Authors: Vandenberghe Camille , Hardy Elisabelle , Morin Marie Christine , St-Pierre Valérie , Groulx Karine , Fortier Mélanie , Tessier Daniel , Leclerc Paul , Cunnane Stephen C.
Published: October 2024

Poor glucose regulation associated with gradual insulin resistance is a significant risk factor in several age-related chronic diseases. An eating plan that promotes a lower carbohydrate intake may have a beneficial effect on glucose metabolism. This study aimed to evaluate how a diet reduced in carbohydrate by 32% (RCHO) over a 2 month period would influence the metabolic profile of older individuals ( N = 24) living in a retirement home (RH). A continuous glucose monitor was used to measure blood glucose during four periods: the standard diet before (baseline) and after (washout) the intervention, during the 4 initial days of the RCHO diet (RCHO-early), and the final days of the 2 month intervention (RCHO-end). The blood metabolic profile was also measured (glucose, ketones, insulin, triglycerides, and cholesterol). RCHO intake decreased average blood glucose compared to the standard diet in hyperglycemic participants: RCHO-early 7.8 ± 1.0 vs 7.5 ± 1.1 mM ( p = 0.012) and RCHO-end 7.8 ± 1.0 vs 7.0 ± 0.9 mM ( p = 0.050). In the hyperglycemic participants, the percentage of time spent in hyperglycemia (>10.0 mM) decreased by 50% during the RCHO-early ( p = 0.012) and by 66% at RCHO-end ( p  = 0.021) compared to baseline. Glycated hemoglobin was significantly lower at RCHO-end in both hyperglycemic and normoglycemic participants compared to baseline ( p < 0.008). Plasma ketones increased threefold in hyperglycemic participants at RCHO-end compared to baseline ( p < 0.028). This study shows that an RCHO diet has metabolic health benefits in an older population and confirms its safety, tolerability, and acceptability in an RH (NCT06022094).
Carbon and nitrogen stocks and distributions associated with different vegetation covers and soil profiles in Abisko, northern Sweden
Authors: Potier Hugo M.G. , Raynaud Xavier , Agnan Yannick , Allain Alienor , Castrec-Rouelle Maryse , Vaury Veronique , Abbadie Luc , Alexis Marie A.
Published: October 2024

The composition of vegetation cover in Arctic environments is evolving due to climate change. This study focused on estimating carbon and nitrogen stocks in vegetation and soil for different Arctic habitats (i.e., sub-ecosystem environments) with contrasted plant communities and soil profiles, to better understand the spatial variation of these stocks and the relationships between aboveground vegetation and soil characteristics in these environments. Vegetation composition and soil characteristics were measured in different habitats in a mire and a heathland ecosystem in northern Sweden. Multivariate analyses were used to define dominant vegetation and soil profile types, and carbon and nitrogen stocks were computed and compared across these types. Shrub-dominated and graminoid-dominated vegetation types presented similar carbon stocks but different nitrogen stocks, and shrub-dominated environments presented significantly higher proportions of their stocks distributed in the long-lived (i.e., woody) compartment. Soil stocks varied considerably between ecosystems. However, no clear relationships could be established between current vegetation community composition and soil carbon and nitrogen stocks across environments. The increase in shrub or graminoid abundance may affect carbon and nitrogen cycles most through biomass distribution between plant compartments rather than through the absolute stocks they represent. Ultimately, in Arctic and subarctic ecosystems experiencing climate change, the interactions between plant biomass composition and soil characteristics could have contrasted consequences for ecological functioning and C and N cycles.
Cosmological implications of the minimum viscosity principle
Authors: Tello P. G. , Succi Sauro
Published: October 2024

It is shown that black holes in a quark gluon plasma (QGP) obeying minimum viscosity bounds exhibit a Schwarzschild radius in close match with the range of interaction of the strong force. For such black holes, an evaporation time of about [Formula: see text] s is estimated, indicating that they would survive by far the quark-gluon plasma era, namely between [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] s after the big bang. On the assumption that the big-bang generated unequal amounts of quark and antiquarks, this suggests that such unbalance might have survived to this day in the form of excess antiquark nuggets hidden to all but gravitational interactions. A connection with the saturon picture, whereby minimum viscosity regimes would associate with the onset coherent quantum field structures with maximum storage properties, is also established.
Holography of transmission lines: Insights of continuous MERA and AdS/CFT
Authors: Katagiri So
Published: October 2024

This study examines the holographic representation of the quantum theory of transmission lines, which play a crucial role in quantum computing and quantum information. By utilizing Yurke and Denker’s quantum circuit network theory within the framework of continuous Multi-scale Entanglement Renormalization Ansatz (cMERA) in AdS space, we analyze the quantization and interactions of transmission lines. The metric is revealed to be described by the inductance of the quantum circuit, which is AdS space in its 0-limit. These results provide new insights into handling and controlling complex phenomena in quantum circuits, potentially advancing the understanding of quantum computing and quantum communication.
AMFANet: Advanced Deep Learning Techniques for High-Quality Image Style Transfer
Authors: Liu HuaQun
Published: October 2024

This paper presents AMFANet, an advanced deep learning model engineered for high-quality image style transfer. AMFANet integrates cutting-edge techniques such as the Adaptive Multi-Scale Feature Fusion (AMSF) module and Hybrid Attention Mechanism (HAM) to significantly improve style consistency, content fidelity, and texture preservation. The model also utilizes Segmented Atrous Spatial Pyramid Pooling (SASPP) for effective multi-scale feature extraction. Comprehensive experimental evaluations demonstrate that AMFANet surpasses current state-of-the-art models like StyleGAN3, ChipGAN, ACL-GAN, and CycleGAN in generating high-fidelity stylized images while preserving intricate details and artistic essence. Future research will focus on optimizing computational efficiency, enabling multi-style transfer, enhancing user interaction, and exploring cross-domain applications. These findings highlight AMFANet’s potential as a robust solution for advanced image style transfer in both artistic and practical domains.
MP-GIEN: Vehicle Re-Identification Method Based on Multi-View Progressive Graph Interactive Embedding Network
Authors: Wang Ruoda , Guo Min , Ma Miao
Published: October 2024

Vehicle re-identification primarily faces two challenges: significant intra-class variations caused by different camera views and subtle inter-class differences between vehicles of the same model. In this paper, we propose a Multi-View Progressive Graph Interaction Embedding Network (MP-GIEN) for vehicle re-identification. First, we design a global semantic extractor. By employing Graph Interaction Units (GI Units) and semantic context, we combine semantic information to facilitate contextual reasoning of image regions, thereby extracting global semantic features of the target. The global loss is then calculated using ID loss and triplet loss. Second, we devise a local view-aware extractor. The U-Net network is utilized to parse the image into four views (front, rear, top, and side). Subsequently, features are aligned through mask average pooling, and a progressive training strategy is adopted to address the learning of fine-grained information. Lastly, we design a feature fusion enhancer. We revise the typical triplet loss to avoid mismatches in local features. By optimizing the local triplet loss and global loss, we learn the embedding of visual features, which not only reduces the intra-instance distance but also enlarges the inter-instance differences. MP-GIEN facilitates the capture of stable discriminative information on vehicles under different views. Experiments conducted on the VeRi-Wild dataset demonstrate that our model significantly outperforms state-of-the-art methods.
Advanced Machine Learning Techniques for Detecting Irregularities in Skin Lesion Borders: Enhancing Early Skin Cancer Detection
Authors: Raju G. , Nikesh P. , Resmi K. R. , Swain Debabrata , Acharya Biswaranjan , Gerogiannis Vassilis C. , Kanavos Andreas
Published: October 2024

Dermatograms are pivotal in the early detection of skin cancer, a disease with significant mortality rates. This paper introduces a novel feature extraction method that captures irregularities in the boundaries of abnormal skin regions. Each raw dermatogram is converted into a binary mask image using an effective segmentation algorithm. The boundary of the lesion region is extracted from the mask. The boundary, together with the centroid of the lesion mask, is used to define a set of directional vectors. An Arc is defined using these directional vectors, and a new Arc feature is calculated based on the number of times the lesion boundary crosses the arc. The proposed Arc feature is evaluated using three standard skin lesion datasets: ISBI 2016, HAM10000, and PH2. Additionally, color features and Local Binary Pattern (LBP) features are implemented for comparison. Classical machine learning algorithms are employed to evaluate these features. Results indicate that for the ISBI 2016 and HAM10000 datasets, the Arc feature set demonstrates superior classification accuracy. In contrast, the PH2 dataset benefits more from the LBP feature. Comparative analysis with recent studies highlights the dependency of accuracy on datasets and classifiers, underscoring the necessity for models incorporating feature fusion and ensemble classifiers. The proposed method outperforms traditional color and texture features and shows competitive results against deep learning models, particularly in scenarios with limited computational resources. These findings suggest that the Arc feature is a promising approach for improving skin cancer detection, although further investigation is needed to fine-tune performance, optimize classifier selection, and explore feature fusion strategies.