bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Healthcare Quality from the Perspective of Patients in Gulf Cooperation Council Countries: A Systematic Literature Review
Authors: Alsubahi Nizar , Pavlova Milena , Alzahrani Ahmed Ali , Ahmad Ala’eddin , Groot Wim
Published: January 2024

With the increased focus on patient-centered care, consensus on healthcare outcomes of importance to patients becomes crucial. Based on a systematic review of the literature, this study confirms the perspectives of patients on healthcare quality in GCC countries. Online databases were searched for relevant peer-reviewed articles published from 2012 to 2023. Twenty-two articles retrieved from the search were qualitatively analyzed based on the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) guidelines. Most articles (90%) reported studies conducted in Saudi Arabia. Patients in GCC countries face common problems in the care delivery process, which contribute to negative perceptions of quality. These problems include diagnostic and medication errors, provider–patient communication problems, missed appointments with physicians, problems in emergency care access due to geographical distance and transportation barriers, long waiting times, and physical environments. Notably, healthcare quality is perceived to be an outcome of multiple factors dependent on the location and category of healthcare service providers; for instance, disparities in perceptions of quality were observed between patients attending Primary Health Care (PHC) centers in rural and urban areas. Issues such as lack of equitable healthcare delivery and deficiencies in Emergency Medical Services (EMS) effectiveness were disparately recognized as quality concerns by different patient populations. The findings provide insights into healthcare quality and area of weakness needing strategies and policies to ensure patient-centered, safe, equitable, timely, and effective healthcare. Healthcare providers and policymakers in GCC countries can use the results to plan, assess, and improve care delivery. Trial registration: PROSPERO ID: CRD42022326842.
Impaired Well-Being and Insomnia as Residuals of Resolved Medical Conditions: Survey in the Italian Population
Authors: Menicucci Danilo , Bastiani Luca , Malloggi Eleonora , Denoth Francesca , Gemignani Angelo , Molinaro Sabrina
Published: January 2024

Background: Well-being encompasses physical, mental, social, and cultural aspects. Sleep quality and pathologies are among the objective conditions jeopardising it. Chronic insomnia, inflammatory-based diseases, and mood disorders often occur in a single cluster, and inflammation can negatively impact sleep, potentially harming well-being. Some evidence from specific clinical populations suggests that also some resolved past diseases could still have an impact on present sleep quality and well-being. The aim of the present study is to investigate, in the general population, whether and to what degree well-being and insomnia are associated with resolved pathologies. Methods: A cross-sectional survey (IPSAD®) was carried out using anonymous postal questionnaires that investigated past and present general health, well-being, and insomnia. A total of 10,467 subjects answered the questionnaire. Results: Several classes of both current and resolved pathologies resulted in increased odds ratios for current insomnia (odds ratios = 1.90; 1.43, respectively) and impaired well-being (odds ratios = 1.75; 1.33, respectively), proportional to the number of the displayed pathologies. Notably, both current and resolved past psychiatric disorders were strongly associated with both current impaired well-being (odds ratios = 5.38; 1.70, respectively) and insomnia (odds ratios = 4.99; 2.15, respectively). Conclusions: To explain these associations, we suggest that systemic inflammation conveyed by several medical conditions disrupts homeostatic processes, with final effects on sleep quality and behaviour.
Light Intensity Modulates the Functional Composition of Leaf Metabolite Groups and Phyllosphere Prokaryotic Community in Garden Lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) Plants at the Vegetative Stage
Authors: Kong Dedong , Ye Ziran , Dai Mengdi , Ma Bin , Tan Xiangfeng
Published: January 2024

Light intensity primarily drives plant growth and morphogenesis, whereas the ecological impact of light intensity on the phyllosphere (leaf surface and endosphere) microbiome is poorly understood. In this study, garden lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) plants were grown under low, medium, and high light intensities. High light intensity remarkably induced the leaf contents of soluble proteins and chlorophylls, whereas it reduced the contents of leaf nitrate. In comparison, medium light intensity exhibited the highest contents of soluble sugar, cellulose, and free amino acids. Meanwhile, light intensity resulted in significant changes in the composition of functional genes but not in the taxonomic compositions of the prokaryotic community (bacteria and archaea) in the phyllosphere. Notably, garden lettuce plants under high light intensity treatment harbored more sulfur-cycling mdh and carbon-cycling glyA genes than under low light intensity, both of which were among the 20 most abundant prokaryotic genes in the leaf phyllosphere. Furthermore, the correlations between prokaryotic functional genes and lettuce leaf metabolite groups were examined to disclose their interactions under varying light intensities. The relative abundance of the mdh gene was positively correlated with leaf total chlorophyll content but negatively correlated with leaf nitrate content. In comparison, the relative abundance of the glyA gene was positively correlated with leaf total chlorophyll and carotenoids. Overall, this study revealed that the functional composition of the phyllosphere prokaryotic community and leaf metabolite groups were tightly linked in response to changing light intensities. These findings provided novel insights into the interactions between plants and prokaryotic microbes in indoor farming systems, which will help optimize environmental management in indoor farms and harness beneficial plant–microbe relationships for crop production.
Assessment of the Salivary Concentrations of Selected Immunological Components in Adult Patients in the Late Period after Allogeneic Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation—A Translational Study
Authors: Brodzikowska Aniela , Kochańska Barbara , Bogusławska-Kapała Agnieszka , Strużycka Izabela , Górski Bartłomiej , Miskiewicz Andrzej
Published: January 2024

(1) The aim of the study was to analyze the salivary concentrations of lysozyme, lactoferrin, and sIgA antibodies in adult patients in the late period after allogeneic stem cell transplantation (alloHSCT). The relationship between these concentrations and the salivary secretion rate and the time elapsed after alloHSCT was investigated. The relationship between the concentrations of lysozyme, lactoferrin, and sIgA and the titer of the cariogenic bacteria S. mutans and L. acidophilus was assessed. (2) The study included 54 individuals, aged 19 to 67 (SD = 40.06 ± 11.82; Me = 39.5), who were 3 to 96 months after alloHSCT. The concentrations of lysozyme, lactoferrin, and sIgA were assessed in mixed whole resting saliva (WRS) and mixed whole stimulated saliva (WSS). (3) The majority of patients had very low or low concentrations of the studied salivary components (WRS—lysozyme: 52, lactoferrin: 36, sIgA: 49 patients; WSS—lysozyme: 51, lactoferrin: 25, sIgA: 51 patients). The levels of lactoferrin in both WRS and WSS were statistically significantly higher in the alloHSCT group than in the control group (CG) (alloHSCT patients—WRS: M = 40.18 μg/mL; WSS: M = 27.33 μg/mL; CG—WRS: M = 17.58 μg/mL; WSS: 10.69 μg/mL). No statistically significant correlations were observed between lysozyme, lactoferrin, and sIgA concentrations and the time after alloHSCT. In the group of patients after alloHSCT a negative correlation was found between the resting salivary flow rate and the concentration of lactoferrin and sIgA. The stimulated salivary flow rate correlated negatively with lactoferrin and sIgA concentrations. Additionally, the number of S. mutans colonies correlated positively with the concentration of lysozyme and sIgA. (4) The concentrations of non-specific and specific immunological factors in the saliva of patients after alloHSCT may differ when compared to healthy adults; however, the abovementioned differences did not change with the time after transplantation.
The Dynamics of Histone Modifications during Mammalian Zygotic Genome Activation
Authors: Sotomayor-Lugo Francisco , Iglesias-Barrameda Nataly , Castillo-Aleman Yandy , Casado-Hernandez Imilla , Villegas-Valverde Carlos , Bencomo-Hernandez Antonio , Ventura-Carmenate Yendry , Rivero-Jimenez Rene
Published: January 2024

Mammalian fertilization initiates the reprogramming of oocytes and sperm, forming a totipotent zygote. During this intricate process, the zygotic genome undergoes a maternal-to-zygotic transition (MZT) and subsequent zygotic genome activation (ZGA), marking the initiation of transcriptional control and gene expression post-fertilization. Histone modifications are pivotal in shaping cellular identity and gene expression in many mammals. Recent advances in chromatin analysis have enabled detailed explorations of histone modifications during ZGA. This review delves into conserved and unique regulatory strategies, providing essential insights into the dynamic changes in histone modifications and their variants during ZGA in mammals. The objective is to explore recent advancements in leading mechanisms related to histone modifications governing this embryonic development phase in depth. These considerations will be useful for informing future therapeutic approaches that target epigenetic regulation in diverse biological contexts. It will also contribute to the extensive areas of evolutionary and developmental biology and possibly lay the foundation for future research and discussion on this seminal topic.
The Application of Peptide Nucleic Acids (PNA) in the Inhibition of Proprotein Convertase Subtilisin/Kexin 9 (PCSK9) Gene Expression in a Cell-Free Transcription/Translation System
Authors: Polak Agnieszka , Machnik Grzegorz , Bułdak Łukasz , Ruczyński Jarosław , Prochera Katarzyna , Bujak Oliwia , Mucha Piotr , Rekowski Piotr , Okopień Bogusław
Published: January 2024

Proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin 9 (PCSK9) is a protein that plays a key role in the metabolism of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol. The gain-of-function mutations of the PCSK9 gene lead to a reduced number of surface LDL receptors by binding to them, eventually leading to endosomal degradation. This, in turn, is the culprit of hypercholesterolemia, resulting in accelerated atherogenesis. The modern treatment for hypercholesterolemia encompasses the use of biological drugs against PCSK9, like monoclonal antibodies and gene expression modulators such as inclisiran—a short, interfering RNA (siRNA). Peptide nucleic acid (PNA) is a synthetic analog of nucleic acid that possesses a synthetic peptide skeleton instead of a phosphate–sugar one. This different structure determines the unique properties of PNA (e.g., neutral charge, enzymatic resistance, and an enormously high affinity with complementary DNA and RNA). Therefore, it might be possible to use PNA against PCSK9 in the treatment of hypercholesterolemia. We sought to explore the impact of three selected PNA oligomers on PCSK9 gene expression. Using a cell-free transcription/translation system, we showed that one of the tested PNA strands was able to reduce the PCSK9 gene expression down to 74%, 64%, and 68%, as measured by RT–real-time PCR, Western blot, and HPLC, respectively. This preliminary study shows the high applicability of a cell-free enzymatic environment as an efficient tool in the initial evaluation of biologically active PNA molecules in the field of hypercholesterolemia research. This cell-free approach allows for the omission of the hurdles associated with transmembrane PNA transportation at the early stage of PNA selection.
Plant-Growth-Promoting Rhizobacteria Modulate Carbohydrate Metabolism in Connection with Host Plant Defense Mechanism
Authors: Su Fan , Zhao Bin , Dhondt-Cordelier Sandrine , Vaillant-Gaveau Nathalie
Published: January 2024

Plant-growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) could potentially enhance photosynthesis and benefit plant growth by improving soil nutrient uptake and affecting plant hormone balance. Several recent studies have unveiled a correlation between alterations in photosynthesis and host plant resistance levels. Photosynthesis provides materials and energy for plant growth and immune defense and affects defense-related signaling pathways. Photosynthetic organelles, which could be strengthened by PGPR inoculation, are key centers for defense signal biosynthesis and transmission. Although endophytic PGPRs metabolize plant photosynthates, they can increase soluble sugar levels and alternate sugar type and distribution. Soluble sugars clearly support plant growth and can act as secondary messengers under stressed conditions. Overall, carbohydrate metabolism modifications induced by PGPR may also play a key role in improving plant resistance. We provide a concise overview of current knowledge regarding PGPR-induced modulation in carbohydrate metabolism under both pathogen-infected and pathogen-free conditions. We highlight PGPR application as a cost-saving strategy amidst unpredictable pathogen pressures.
Searching for EGF Fragments Recreating the Outer Sphere of the Growth Factor Involved in Receptor Interactions
Authors: Czerczak-Kwiatkowska Katarzyna , Kaminska Marta , Fraczyk Justyna , Majsterek Ireneusz , Kolesinska Beata
Published: January 2024

The aims of this study were to determine whether it is possible to use peptide microarrays obtained using the SPOT technique (immobilized on cellulose) and specific polyclonal antibodies to select fragments that reconstruct the outer sphere of proteins and to ascertain whether the selected peptide fragments can be useful in the study of their protein–protein and/or peptide–protein interactions. Using this approach, epidermal growth factor (EGF) fragments responsible for the interaction with the EGF receptor were searched. A library of EGF fragments immobilized on cellulose was obtained using triazine condensing reagents. Experiments on the interactions with EGFR confirmed the high affinity of the selected peptide fragments. Biological tests on cells showed the lack of cytotoxicity of the EGF fragments. Selected EGF fragments can be used in various areas of medicine.
Methylation Patterns of the FKBP5 Gene in Association with Childhood Maltreatment and Depressive Disorders
Authors: Großmann Nora L. , Weihs Antoine , Kühn Luise , Sauer Susann , Röh Simone , Wiechmann Tobias , Rex-Haffner Monika , Völzke Henry , Völker Uwe , Binder Elisabeth B. , Teumer Alexander , Homuth Georg , Klinger-König Johanna , Grabe Hans J.
Published: January 2024

Childhood maltreatment is an important risk factor for adult depression and has been associated with changes in the hypothalamic pituitary adrenal (HPA) axis, including cortisol secretion and methylation of the FKBP5 gene. Furthermore, associations between depression and HPA changes have been reported. This study investigated the associations of whole-blood FKBP5 mRNA levels, serum cortisol levels, childhood maltreatment, and depressive symptoms with the whole-blood methylation status (assessed via target bisulfite sequencing) of 105 CpGs at the FKBP5 locus using data from the general population-based Study of Health in Pomerania (SHIP) (N = 203). Both direct and interaction effects with the rs1360780 single-nucleotide polymorphism were investigated. Nominally significant associations of main effects on methylation of a single CpG site were observed at intron 3, intron 7, and the 3′-end of the gene. Additionally, methylation at two clusters at the 3′-end and intron 7 were nominally associated with childhood maltreatment × rs1360780 and depressive symptoms × rs1360780, respectively. The results add to the understanding of molecular mechanisms underlying the emergence of depression and could aid the development of personalised depression therapy and drug development.
Consistency between Primary Uterine Corpus Malignancies and Their Corresponding Patient-Derived Xenograft Models
Authors: Ueda Shoko , Tanaka Tomohito , Hirosuna Kensuke , Miyamoto Shunsuke , Murakami Hikaru , Nishie Ruri , Tsuchihashi Hiromitsu , Toji Akihiko , Morita Natsuko , Hashida Sousuke , Daimon Atsushi , Terada Shinichi , Maruoka Hiroshi , Kogata Yuhei , Taniguchi Kohei , Komura Kazumasa , Ohmichi Masahide
Published: January 2024

Patient-derived xenograft (PDX) models retain the characteristics of tumors and are useful tools for personalized therapy and translational research. In this study, we aimed to establish PDX models for uterine corpus malignancies (UC-PDX) and analyze their similarities. Tissue fragments obtained from 92 patients with uterine corpus malignancies were transplanted subcutaneously into immunodeficient mice. Histological and immunohistochemical analyses were performed to compare tumors of patients with PDX tumors. DNA and RNA sequencing were performed to validate the genetic profile. Furthermore, the RNA in extracellular vesicles (EVs) extracted from primary and PDX tumors was analyzed. Among the 92 cases, 52 UC-PDX models were established, with a success rate of 56.5%. The success rate depended on tumor histology and staging. The pathological and immunohistochemical features of primary and PDX tumors were similar. DNA sequencing revealed similarities in gene mutations between the primary and PDX tumors. RNA sequencing showed similarities in gene expressions between primary and PDX tumors. Furthermore, the RNA profiles of the EVs obtained from primary and PDX tumors were similar. As UC-PDX retained the pathological and immunohistochemical features and gene profiles of primary tumors, they may provide a platform for developing personalized medicine and translational research.
Physical Peculiarity of Two Sites in Human Promoters: Universality and Diverse Usage in Gene Function
Authors: Uemura Kohei , Ohyama Takashi
Published: January 2024

Since the discovery of physical peculiarities around transcription start sites (TSSs) and a site corresponding to the TATA box, research has revealed only the average features of these sites. Unsettled enigmas include the individual genes with these features and whether they relate to gene function. Herein, using 10 physical properties of DNA, including duplex DNA free energy, base stacking energy, protein-induced deformability, and stabilizing energy of Z-DNA, we clarified for the first time that approximately 97% of the promoters of 21,056 human protein-coding genes have distinctive physical properties around the TSS and/or position −27; of these, nearly 65% exhibited such properties at both sites. Furthermore, about 55% of the 21,056 genes had a minimum value of regional duplex DNA free energy within TSS-centered ±300 bp regions. Notably, distinctive physical properties within the promoters and free energies of the surrounding regions separated human protein-coding genes into five groups; each contained specific gene ontology (GO) terms. The group represented by immune response genes differed distinctly from the other four regarding the parameter of the free energies of the surrounding regions. A vital suggestion from this study is that physical-feature-based analyses of genomes may reveal new aspects of the organization and regulation of genes.
Safe Procedure for Efficient Hydrodynamic Gene Transfer to Isolated Porcine Liver in Transplantation
Authors: Sendra Luis , Navasquillo Mireia , Montalvá Eva M. , Calatayud David , Pérez-Rojas Judith , Maupoey Javier , Carmona Paula , Zarragoikoetxea Iratxe , López-Cantero Marta , Herrero María José , Aliño Salvador F. , López-Andújar Rafael
Published: January 2024

Although calcineurin inhibitors are very effective as immunosuppressants in organ transplantation, complete graft acceptance remains as a challenge. Transfer of genes with immunosuppressant functions could contribute to improving the clinical evolution of transplantation. In this sense, hydrodynamic injection has proven very efficacious for liver gene transfer. In the present work, the hIL-10 gene was hydrofected ‘ex vivo’ to pig livers during the bench surgery stage, to circumvent the cardiovascular limitations of the procedure, in a model of porcine orthotopic transplantation with a 10-day follow-up. We used IL-10 because human and porcine proteins can be differentially quantified and for its immunomodulatory pleiotropic functions. Safety (biochemical parameters and histology), expression efficacy (RNA transcription and blood protein expression), and acute inflammatory response (cytokines panel) of the procedure were evaluated. The procedure proved safe as no change in biochemical parameters was observed in treated animals, and human IL-10 was efficaciously expressed, with stationary plasma protein levels over 20 pg/mL during the follow-up. Most studied cytokines showed increments (interferon-α, IFN-α; interleukin-1β, IL-1β; tumor necrosis factor α, TNFα; interleukin-6, IL-6; interleukin-8, IL-8; interleukin-4, IL-4; and transforming growth factor-β, TGF-β) in treated animals, without deleterious effects on tissue. Collectively, the results support the potential clinical interest in this gene therapy model that would require further longer-term dose–response studies to be confirmed.
Postnatal Exposure to the Endocrine Disruptor Dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane Affects Adrenomedullary Chromaffin Cell Physiology and Alters the Balance of Mechanisms Underlying Cell Renewal
Authors: Yaglova Nataliya V. , Obernikhin Sergey S. , Nazimova Svetlana V. , Tsomartova Dibakhan A. , Timokhina Ekaterina P. , Yaglov Valentin V. , Tsomartova Elina S. , Chereshneva Elizaveta V. , Ivanova Marina Y. , Lomanovskaya Tatiana A.
Published: January 2024

Dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT) is a wide-spread systemic pollutant with endocrine disrupting properties. Prenatal exposure to low doses of DDT has been shown to affect adrenal medulla growth and function. The role of postnatal exposure to DDT in developmental disorders remains unclear. The aim of the present investigation is to assess growth parameters and the expression of factors mediating the function and renewal of chromaffin cells in the adult adrenal medulla of male Wistar rats exposed to the endocrine disruptor o,p’-DDT since birth until sexual maturation. The DDT-exposed rats exhibited normal growth of the adrenal medulla but significantly decreased tyrosine hydroxylase production by chromaffin cells during postnatal period. Unlike the control, the exposed rats showed enhanced proliferation and reduced expression of nuclear β-catenin, transcription factor Oct4, and ligand of Sonic hedgehog after termination of the adrenal growth period. No expression of pluripotency marker Sox2 and absence of Ascl 1-positive progenitors were found in the adrenal medulla during postnatal ontogeny of the exposed and the control rats. The present findings indicate that an increase in proliferative activity and inhibition of the formation of reserve for chromaffin cell renewal, two main mechanisms for cell maintenance in adrenal medulla, in the adult DDT-exposed rats may reflect a compensatory reaction aimed at the restoration of catecholamine production levels. The increased proliferation of chromaffin cells in adults suggests excessive growth of the adrenal medulla. Thus, postnatal exposure to DDT alters cell physiology and increases the risk of functional insufficiency and hyperplasia of the adrenal medulla.
The QTL and Candidate Genes Regulating the Early Tillering Vigor Traits of Late-Season Rice in Double-Cropping Systems
Authors: Wu Wei , Zhang Tian-Tian , You Li-Li , Wang Zi-Yi , Du Si-Qi , Song Hai-Yan , Wang Zao-Hai , Huang Ying-Jin , Liao Jiang-Lin
Published: January 2024

Rice effective panicle is a major trait for grain yield and is affected by both the genetic tiller numbers and the early tillering vigor (ETV) traits to survive environmental adversities. The mechanism behind tiller bud formation has been well described, while the genes and the molecular mechanism underlying rice-regulating ETV traits are unclear. In this study, the candidate genes in regulating ETV traits have been sought by quantitative trait locus (QTL) mapping and bulk-segregation analysis by resequencing method (BSA-seq) conjoint analysis using rice backcross inbred line (BIL) populations, which were cultivated as late-season rice of double-cropping rice systems. By QTL mapping, seven QTLs were detected on chromosomes 1, 3, 4, and 9, with the logarithm of the odds (LOD) values ranging from 3.52 to 7.57 and explained 3.23% to 12.98% of the observed phenotypic variance. By BSA-seq analysis, seven QTLs on chromosomes 1, 2, 4, 5, 7, and 9 were identified using single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) and insertions/deletions (InDel) index algorithm and Euclidean distance (ED) algorithm. The overlapping QTL resulting from QTL mapping and BSA-seq analysis was shown in a 1.39 Mb interval on chromosome 4. In the overlap interval, six genes, including the functional unknown genes Os04g0455650, Os04g0470901, Os04g0500600, and ethylene-insensitive 3 (Os04g0456900), sialyltransferase family domain containing protein (Os04g0506800), and ATOZI1 (Os04g0497300), showed the differential expression between ETV rice lines and late tillering vigor (LTV) rice lines and have a missense base mutation in the genomic DNA sequences of the parents. We speculate that the six genes are the candidate genes regulating the ETV trait in rice, which provides a research basis for revealing the molecular mechanism behind the ETV traits in rice.
Role of Adipose Tissue Hormones in Pathogenesis of Cryptoglandular Anal Fistula
Authors: Włodarczyk Marcin , Włodarczyk Jakub , Maryńczak Kasper , Waśniewska-Włodarczyk Anna , Doboszewska Urszula , Wlaź Piotr , Dziki Łukasz , Fichna Jakub
Published: January 2024

The cryptoglandular perianal fistula is a common benign anorectal disorder that is managed mainly with surgery and in some cases may be an extremely challenging condition. Perianal fistulas are often characterized by significantly decreased patient quality of life. Lack of fully recognized pathogenesis of this disease makes it difficult to treat it properly. Recently, adipose tissue hormones have been proposed to play a role in the genesis of cryptoglandular anal fistulas. The expression of adipose tissue hormones and epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) factors were characterized based on 30 samples from simple fistulas and 30 samples from complex cryptoglandular perianal fistulas harvested during surgery. Tissue levels of leptin, resistin, MMP2, and MMP9 were significantly elevated in patients who underwent operations due to complex cryptoglandular perianal fistulas compared to patients with simple fistulas. Adiponectin and E-cadherin were significantly lowered in samples from complex perianal fistulas in comparison to simple fistulas. A negative correlation between leptin and E-cadherin levels was observed. Resistin and MMP2 levels, as well as adiponectin and E-cadherin levels, were positively correlated. Complex perianal cryptoglandular fistulas have a reduced level of the anti-inflammatory adipokine adiponectin and have an increase in the levels of proinflammatory resistin and leptin. Abnormal secretion of these adipokines may affect the integrity of the EMT in the fistula tract. E-cadherin, MMP2, and MMP9 expression levels were shifted in patients with more advanced and complex perianal fistulas. Our results supporting the idea of using mesenchymal stem cells in the treatment of cryptoglandular perianal fistulas seem reasonable, but further studies are warranted.
Exosomal Osteoclast-Derived miRNA in Rheumatoid Arthritis: From Their Pathogenesis in Bone Erosion to New Therapeutic Approaches
Authors: Pascual-García Sandra , Martínez-Peinado Pascual , Pujalte-Satorre Carolina , Navarro-Sempere Alicia , Esteve-Girbés Jorge , López-Jaén Ana , Javaloyes-Antón Juan , Cobo-Velacoracho Raúl , Navarro-Blasco Francisco , Sempere-Ortells José
Published: January 2024

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease that causes inflammation, pain, and ultimately, bone erosion of the joints. The causes of this disease are multifactorial, including genetic factors, such as the presence of the human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-DRB1*04 variant, alterations in the microbiota, or immune factors including increased cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs), neutrophils, or elevated M1 macrophages which, taken together, produce high levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines. In this review, we focused on the function exerted by osteoclasts on osteoblasts and other osteoclasts by means of the release of exosomal microRNAs (miRNAs). Based on a thorough revision, we classified these molecules into three categories according to their function: osteoclast inhibitors (miR-23a, miR-29b, and miR-214), osteoblast inhibitors (miR-22-3p, miR-26a, miR-27a, miR-29a, miR-125b, and miR-146a), and osteoblast enhancers (miR-20a, miR-34a, miR-96, miR-106a, miR-142, miR-199a, miR-324, and miR-486b). Finally, we analyzed potential therapeutic targets of these exosomal miRNAs, such as the use of antagomiRs, blockmiRs, agomiRs and competitive endogenous RNAs (ceRNAs), which are already being tested in murine and ex vivo models of RA. These strategies might have an important role in reestablishing the regulation of osteoclast and osteoblast differentiation making progress in the development of personalized medicine.
Health Equity and Policy Considerations for Pediatric and Adult Congenital Heart Disease Care among Minoritized Populations in the United States
Authors: Lopez Keila N. , Allen Kiona Y. , Baker-Smith Carissa M. , Bravo-Jaimes Katia , Burns Joseph , Cherestal Bianca , Deen Jason F. , Hills Brittany K. , Huang Jennifer H. , Lizano Santamaria Ramiro W. , Lodeiro Carlos A. , Melo Valentina , Moreno Jasmine S. , Nuñez Gallegos Flora , Onugha Harris , Pastor Tony A. , Wallace Michelle C. , Ansah Deidra A.
Published: January 2024

Achieving health equity in populations with congenital heart disease (CHD) requires recognizing existing disparities throughout the lifespan that negatively and disproportionately impact specific groups of individuals. These disparities occur at individual, institutional, or system levels and often result in increased morbidity and mortality for marginalized or racially minoritized populations (population subgroups (e.g., ethnic, racial, social, religious) with differential power compared to those deemed to hold the majority power in the population). Creating actionable strategies and solutions to address these health disparities in patients with CHD requires critically examining multilevel factors and health policies that continue to drive health inequities, including varying social determinants of health (SDOH), systemic inequities, and structural racism. In this comprehensive review article, we focus on health equity solutions and health policy considerations for minoritized and marginalized populations with CHD throughout their lifespan in the United States. We review unique challenges that these populations may face and strategies for mitigating disparities in lifelong CHD care. We assess ways to deliver culturally competent CHD care and to help lower-health-literacy populations navigate CHD care. Finally, we review system-level health policies that impact reimbursement and research funding, as well as institutional policies that impact leadership diversity and representation in the workforce.
An Appraisal of the Evidence behind the Use of the CHRODIS Plus Initiative for Chronic Pain: A Scoping Review
Authors: Lilley Ross , Wainwright Elaine , Forget Patrice
Published: January 2024

Background: Chronic conditions, especially pain conditions, have a very significant impact on quality of life and on workplaces. Workplace interventions for chronic conditions are heterogenous, multidimensional, and sometimes poorly evidenced. The Joint Action for Chronic Disease Plus (CHRODIS Plus), including The CHRODIS Plus Workbox on Employment and Chronic Conditions (CPWEC), aimed to combat this, prevent chronic disease and multimorbidity, and influence policy in Europe. However, the supporting evidence behind CHRODIS Plus has not been formally assessed. Methods: A scoping review was carried out; Embase, MEDLINE, and CINAHL were searched for literature related to CHRODIS Plus and pain. Title and abstract and full-text screening were carried out in duplicate and independently. Additionally, CHRODIS Plus authors were approached for unpublished data. Secondly, the search was broadened to CHRODIS Plus and pain-causing conditions. Grey literature was also searched. Appropriateness appraisal was derived from the Trial Forge Guidance. Systematic reviews, on which CPWEC was based, were appraised using the A Measurement Tool to Assess systematic Reviews (AMSTAR) 2 tool. Results: The initial search yielded two results, of which zero were suitable to be included in the scoping review. The second, broader search revealed 14 results; however, none were deemed suitable for inclusion. AMSTAR 2 scores revealed that the three systematic reviews influencing CPWEC were of varying quality (from critically low to moderate). Conclusions: CPWEC is based on heterogenous reviews of varying quality. However, comparable tools are designed using alternative forms of evidence. Further research evaluating the post-implementation efficacy of the tool is needed.
Possible Effect of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) on Cardiovascular Disease (CVD): An Update
Authors: Profili Nicia I. , Castelli Roberto , Gidaro Antonio , Manetti Roberto , Maioli Margherita , Petrillo Marco , Capobianco Giampiero , Delitala Alessandro P.
Published: January 2024

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is the most common endocrine disorder in women during the fertile period. Women with PCOS have an increased risk of developing major cardiovascular risk factors during the fertile period: obesity, impaired glucose tolerance, diabetes mellitus, dyslipidemia, and metabolic syndrome. The possible effect of PCOS on cardiovascular disease (CVD) has been reported in different studies, but the results are not clear for several reasons. Indeed, most of the studies analyzed a cohort of fertile women who, given their relatively young age, have a low frequency of cardiovascular diseases. In addition, longitudinal studies have a short follow-up period, insufficient to draw firm conclusions on this topic. Finally, pharmacological treatment is limited by the lack of specific drugs available to specifically treat PCOS. In this review, we report on studies that analyzed the possible effect of PCOS on the most common CVD (hypertension, arterial stiffness, atherosclerosis, and cardiovascular event) and available drugs used to reduce CVD in PCOS women.
Endoscopic Complications Are More Frequent in Levodopa–Carbidopa Intestinal Gel Treatment via JET-PEG in Parkinson’s Disease Patients Compared to Nutritional PEG in Non-Parkinson’s Disease Patients
Authors: Gombošová Laura , Deptová Jana , Jochmanová Ivana , Svoreňová Tatiana , Veseliny Eduard , Zakuciová Mária , Haň Vladimír , Lacková Alexandra , Kulcsárová Kristína , Ostrožovičová Miriama , Ventosa Joaquim Ribeiro , Trcková Lenka , Lazúrová Ivica , Škorvánek Matej
Published: January 2024

Background: To date, no studies comparing complication rates between patients with nutritional percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (N-PEG) and Parkinson’s disease (PD) patients with percutaneous endoscopic gastro-jejunostomy (JET-PEG) for treatment administration have been published. Our study aimed to compare complication rates and the number of re-endoscopies between N-PEG and JET-PEG patients. Methods: Individuals requiring N-PEG or JET-PEG insertion between 2014 and 2021 were included in this single-center retrospective observational study. Complications were divided into time-related medical and technical complications. Reasons for post-insertion re-endoscopies and their number were also analyzed. Results: Eighty-seven subjects, 47 (54.02%) in JET-PEG group and 40 (45.98%) in the N-PEG group, were included. Early and technical complications were more frequent in JET-PEG vs. N-PEG subjects (70% vs. 10% [p < 0.001], and 54.5% vs. 5.1% [p < 0.001], respectively). The presence of psychiatric disease was associated with a higher number of early complications (p < 0.002). All three types of complications were significantly more frequent in subjects where a healthcare professional did not handle PEG (p < 0.001). Subjects with JET-PEG required a higher number of re-endoscopies compared to the N-PEG group (57.1% vs. 35%, p = 0.05). Conclusions: Complications are significantly more common in individuals with JET-PEG than those with N-PEG, which can be attributed to higher mobility in PD patients.
Oral Manifestations in Pregnant Women: A Systematic Review
Authors: Pecci-Lloret María Pilar , Linares-Pérez Covadonga , Pecci-Lloret Miguel Ramón , Rodríguez-Lozano Francisco Javier , Oñate-Sánchez Ricardo Elías
Published: January 2024

Background: The period of pregnancy is characterized by a multitude of diverse changes that exert a notable impact on the oral cavity of women. During this gestational phase, patients necessitate tailored oral care and specific recommendations to preempt and address potential oral diseases. This systematic review aimed to perform a detailed analysis of the research studies that focused on the oral manifestations observed in pregnant women. Methods: A meticulous search was conducted in the databases Medline, Scopus, and Scielo by employing the following search terms: ((pregnant OR pregnancy)) AND ((“oral manifestation*”) OR (“oral health”)). Articles that were published between 2013 and 2023 and written in English or Spanish and studies that scrutinized oral manifestations in pregnant women and included a diagnosis conducted by a qualified dentist were selected; we excluded articles published before 2013, articles that could not be accessed in full text, studies whose patients were not pregnant women at the time of the study, studies where patients were selected because they had a specific disease, studies where the clinical examination was not performed by a dentist, and articles written in languages other than English or Spanish. Subsequently, the risk of bias in the chosen articles was assessed in accordance with the Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology (STROBE) scale. Results: A total of 20 studies were included in the analysis, following the exclusion and inclusion criteria. These studies were categorized as cross-sectional, cohort, longitudinal, or case–control. Various oral manifestations in pregnant women were examined, with five studies comparing these manifestations with those observed in nonpregnant women. Conclusions: The most prevalent oral manifestations associated with pregnancy encompass dental caries, periodontitis, gingivitis, pyogenic granuloma, and candidiasis. Nonetheless, less common lesions may also emerge during the course of pregnancy.
Attention-Enhanced Unpaired xAI-GANs for Transformation of Histological Stain Images
Authors: Sloboda Tibor , Hudec Lukáš , Halinkovič Matej , Benesova Wanda
Published: January 2024

Histological staining is the primary method for confirming cancer diagnoses, but certain types, such as p63 staining, can be expensive and potentially damaging to tissues. In our research, we innovate by generating p63-stained images from H&E-stained slides for metaplastic breast cancer. This is a crucial development, considering the high costs and tissue risks associated with direct p63 staining. Our approach employs an advanced CycleGAN architecture, xAI-CycleGAN, enhanced with context-based loss to maintain structural integrity. The inclusion of convolutional attention in our model distinguishes between structural and color details more effectively, thus significantly enhancing the visual quality of the results. This approach shows a marked improvement over the base xAI-CycleGAN and standard CycleGAN models, offering the benefits of a more compact network and faster training even with the inclusion of attention.
GT-YOLO: Nearshore Infrared Ship Detection Based on Infrared Images
Authors: Wang Yong , Wang Bairong , Huo Lile , Fan Yunsheng
Published: January 2024

Traditional visible light target detection is usually applied in scenes with good visibility, while the advantage of infrared target detection is that it can detect targets at nighttime and in harsh weather, thus being able to be applied to ship detection in complex sea conditions all day long. However, in coastal areas where the density of ships is high and there is a significant difference in target scale, this can lead to missed detection of some dense and small targets. To address this issue, this paper proposes an improved detection model based on YOLOv5s. Firstly, this article designs a feature fusion module based on a fusion attention mechanism to enhance the feature fusion of the network and introduces SPD-Conv to improve the detection accuracy of small targets and low-resolution images. Secondly, by introducing Soft-NMS, the detection accuracy is improved while also addressing the issue of missed detections in dense occlusion situations. Finally, the improved algorithm in this article increased mAP0.5 by 1%, mAP0.75 by 5.7%, and mAP0.5:0.95 by 5% on the infrared ship dataset. A large number of comparative experiments have shown that the improved algorithm in this article is effective at improving detection capabilities.
The Application of Cryogenic Carbon Capture Technology on the Dual-Fuel Ship through the Utilisation of LNG Cold Potential
Authors: Lebedevas Sergejus , Malūkas Audrius
Published: January 2024

The International Maritime Organization (IMO) has set targets to reduce carbon emissions from shipping by 40% by 2030 (IMO2030) and 70% by 2040 (IMO2050). Within the framework of decarbonising the shipping industry, liquefied natural gas (LNG) fuel and carbon capture technologies are envisioned as a transitional option toward a pathway for clean energy fuels. The aim of the complex experimental and computational studies performed was to evaluate the CO2 capture potential through the utilisation of LNG cold potential on the FSR-type vessel within a dual-fuel propulsion system. Based on the experimental studies focused on actual FSRU-type vessel performance, the energy efficiency indicators of the heat exchanging machinery were determined to fluctuate at a 0.78–0.99 ratio. The data obtained were used to perform an algorithm-based systematic comparison of energy balances between LNG regasification and fuel combustion cycles on an FSRU-type vessel. In the due course of research, it was determined that LNG fuel combustion requires 18,254 kJ/kg energy to separate and capture CO2 in the liquid phase to form exhaust gas; meanwhile, low sulfur marine diesel oil (LSMDO) requires 13,889 kJ/kg of energy. According to the performed calculations, the regasification of 1 kg LNG requires 1018 kJ/kg energy, achieving a cryogenic carbon capture ratio of 5–6% using LNG as a fuel and 7–8% using LSMDO as a fuel. The field of carbon capture in the maritime industry is currently in its pioneering stage, and the results achieved through research establish an informative foundation that is crucial for the constructive development and practical implementation of cryogenic carbon capture technology on dual-fuel ships.
A Two-Step Approach for Evaluating the Dynamic Ultimate Load Capacity of Ship Structures
Authors: Zhang Weilong , Cui Jinju , Wang Deyu
Published: January 2024

One important parameter for evaluating the safety and reliability of a ship is o the dynamic ultimate load capacity of ship structures. Because of the importance of this parameter, its determination is essential. In this paper, a novel “two-step” approach for determining the dynamic ultimate load capacity of ship structures is proposed. The main idea of two-step approach is to determine the dynamic ultimate load capacity based on the static ultimate load capacity after accounting for impacts that cause strain on the ship structures. This approach is based on nonlinear finite element method. Here, taking stiffened plate as a case study, the practical application of thus two-step approach is discussed in detail. The results of this approach reveal that the static ultimate load capacity decreases by less than 3% after a stiffened plate is subjected to an impact load whose amplitude corresponds to the dynamic ultimate load capacity. Then, the influence of the impact duration on the failure mode and the effect of the impact load cycles and the impact load sequence on the dynamic ultimate load capacity of the stiffened plate were investigated. Finally, the applicability of the two-step approach to a hull girder is demonstrated. The two-step approach and the conclusions presented in this paper can provide guidance for the evaluation of dynamic ultimate load capacity.
The Duality Principle for Multidimensional Optional Semimartingales
Authors: Aminian Shahrokhabadi Mahdieh , Melnikov Alexander , Pak Andrey
Published: January 2024

In option pricing, we often deal with options whose payoffs depend on multiple factors such as foreign exchange rates, stocks, etc. Usually, this leads to a knowledge of the joint distributions and complicated integration procedures. This paper develops an alternative approach that converts the option pricing problem into a dual one and presents a solution to the problem in the optional semimartingale setting. The paper contains several examples which illustrate its results in terms of the parameters of models and options.
Documenting Urban Morphology: From 2D Representations to Metaverse
Authors: Merlo Alessandro , Lavoratti Gaia
Published: January 2024

The documentation of urban morphology is linked to the complex operation of representing the city, which over the centuries has been undertaken using different methodologies, instruments, and purposes. The “IT revolution” has expanded the possibility of overlapping and relating multiple pieces of information in connection to the urban organism on the same support and, on the other hand, has opened up new scenarios linked to the use of urban digital twins to support the analysis and urban planning. The 21st century has marked a momentous turning point compared to the recent past: the advent of artificial intelligence has in fact allowed the introduction, alongside Urban Information Systems, of ‘Predictive’ Systems, capable of formulating new scenarios on the basis of the elements available and pictured on 3D models. At the same time, the technical and technological acquisitions of the last century have contributed to evident experimentation on the metaverse, which, although it still exists in a de-emphasised form, is currently a whole universe under construction and expansion. Its rules are written with every passing day, in which the individual can recreate a reality similar to, or absolutely antithetical to, the one they experience on a daily basis, populating virtual cities that elude the established urban dynamics of physical structures.