bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Eye donation in hospice and hospital palliative care settings: perceptions, practice, and service development needs – findings from a national survey
Authors: Long-Sutehall Tracy , Zatorska Anna , Myall Michelle , Faull Christina , Hurlow Adam , Mollart Sarah , Rayment Clare , Short Jill , Wale Jane , Winstanley Emma , Bracher Mike
Published: November 2023

Objectives

New routes for supply of eye tissue are needed in the UK to support transplant surgery and medical research. Hospice care (HC) and Hospital-based Palliative care (HPC) services represent potential supply routes. This paper reports findings from the survey arm of the Eye Donation from Palliative and Hospice Care–Investigating potential, practice preference and perceptions study (EDiPPPP), objectives of which were to: i) Investigate existing practice in relation to eye donation across HC and HPC settings; ii) identify perceptions of HCPs toward embedding eye donation into routine end of life care planning; iii) investigate the informational, training, or support needs of clinicians regarding eye donation.

Design

Online survey of UK-based HC and HPC clinicians, distributed through professional organisations (Association of Palliative Medicine (UK); Hospice UK).

Participants

One hundred fifty-six participants completed (63% HC; 37% HPC—8% response rate, of n = 1894 approached).

Results

Majority of participants (63%, n = 99) supported raising eye donation (ED) with patients and families and agreed that ED should be discussed routinely with eligible patients. However, 72%, (n = 95) indicated that staff within their clinical setting did not routinely discuss the option of ED in end-of-life care planning conversations with the majority of participants reporting that the option of ED was not ‘routinely discussed in multi-disciplinary team or other meetings.

Conclusions

Despite significant support, ED is not part of routine practice. Attention to barriers to embedding ED and reducing knowledge deficits are urgently needed to increase the supply of eye tissue for use in transplant operations.
A model to forecast the two-year variation of subjective wellbeing in the elderly population
Authors: Trescato Isotta , Roversi Chiara , Vettoretti Martina , Di Camillo Barbara , Facchinetti Andrea
Published: November 2023

Background

The ageing global population presents significant public health challenges, especially in relation to the subjective wellbeing of the elderly. In this study, our aim was to investigate the potential for developing a model to forecast the two-year variation of the perceived wellbeing of individuals aged over 50. We also aimed to identify the variables that predict changes in subjective wellbeing, as measured by the CASP-12 scale, over a two-year period.

Methods

Data from the European SHARE project were used, specifically the demographic, health, social and financial variables of 9422 subjects. The subjective wellbeing was measured through the CASP-12 scale. The study outcome was defined as binary, i.e., worsening/not worsening of the variation of CASP-12 in 2 years. Logistic regression, logistic regression with LASSO regularisation, and random forest were considered candidate models. Performance was assessed in terms of accuracy in correctly predicting the outcome, Area Under the Curve (AUC), and F1 score.

Results

The best-performing model was the random forest, achieving an accuracy of 65%, AUC = 0.659, and F1 = 0.710. All models proved to be able to generalise both across subjects and over time. The most predictive variables were the CASP-12 score at baseline, the presence of depression and financial difficulties.

Conclusions

While we identify the random forest model as the more suitable, given the similarity of performance, the models based on logistic regression or on logistic regression with LASSO regularisation are also possible options.
Construction of miRNA-mRNA regulatory network indicates potential biomarkers for primary open-angle glaucoma
Authors: Zhou Xiaoyu , Zhang Feng , Zhang Xinyue , Zhou Dengming , Zhao Yang , Chen Baihua , Duan Xuanchu
Published: November 2023

Background

Trabecular meshwork (TM) dysfunction-induced elevation of intraocular pressure has been identified as the main risk factor of irreversible optic nerve injury in Primary open‑angle glaucoma (POAG). Increasing evidences suggest that microRNA (miRNA) plays a vital role in the pathogenesis of POAG. This study aims to construct a miRNA-mRNA regulatory network and identify biomarkers for POAG.

Methods

miRNAs and mRNAs expression profiling of TM samples from controls and POAG patients were assessed through microarray analysis. Target genes of differentially expressed miRNAs (DEmiRNAs) were predicted by miEAA and miRNet. Then GO and KEGG pathway analysis of differentially expressed mRNAs (DEmRNAs) were performed. PPI of top 30 hub genes was identified and miRNA-mRNA network was established by STRING database and Cytoscape software. GSE27276 and GSE105269 datasets were used to verify the expression of hub genes and to predict potential biomarkers in TM and aqueous humor (AH) for POAG, respectively. Finally, GSEA analysis was conducted to estimate the main signaling pathway of POAG pathogenesis.

Results

A total of 29 up-regulated and 7 down-regulated miRNAs, 923 up-regulated and 887 down-regulated mRNAs were identified in TM of POAG compared with controls. Target genes and DEmRNAs were mainly enriched in nitric oxide biosynthetic process, vasopressin-regulated water reabsorption, and so on. Through miRNA-mRNA network construction, top 30 hub genes were regulated by 24 DEmiRNAs. 8 genes were aberrantly expressed in dataset GSE27276. 3 genes (CREB1, CAPZA2, SLC2A3) and 2 miRNAs (miR-106b-5p, miR-15a-5p) were identified as potential biomarkers for POAG in TM and AH, respectively. GSEA analysis revealed that these 3 genes modulated POAG through different pathways.

Conclusion

In this study, construction of miRNA-mRNA network and identification of biomarkers provide a novel insight into the pathogenesis, early diagnosis and treatment for POAG.
Muc2 mucin o-glycosylation interacts with enteropathogenic Escherichia coli to influence the development of ulcerative colitis based on the NF-kB signaling pathway
Authors: Wei Juan , Chen Chunyan , Feng Jing , Zhou Shuping , Feng Xiaoyue , Yang Zhao , Lu Heng , Tao Hui , Li Liuying , Xv Huabing , Xuan Ji , Wang Fangyu
Published: November 2023

Background

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a chronic inflammatory disease of the intestine characterized by a compromised intestinal epithelial barrier. Mucin glycans are crucial in preserving barrier function during bacterial infections, although the underlying mechanisms remain largely unexplored.

Methods

A cohort comprising 15 patients diagnosed with UC and 15 healthy individuals was recruited. Stool samples were collected to perform 16S rRNA gene sequencing, while biopsy samples were subjected to nanocapillary liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (nanoLC-MS/MS) to assess O-glycosylation. Gene expression was evaluated through qPCR analysis and Western blotting. Furthermore, animal experiments were conducted to investigate the effects of Escherichia coli and/or O-glycan inhibitor benzyl-α-GalNAc on the development of colitis in mice.

Results

Our findings revealed that the mucus barrier was disrupted during the early stages of UC, while the MUC2 protein content remained unaltered. Additionally, a noteworthy reduction in the o-glycosylation of MUC2 was observed, along with significant changes in the intestinal microbiota during the early stages of UC. These changes included a decrease in intestinal species richness and an increase in the abundance of Escherichia coli (E. coli). Moreover, subsequent to the administration of galactose or o-glycan inhibitor to intestinal epithelial cells, it was observed that the cell culture supernatant had the ability to modify the proliferation and adhesive capacity of E. coli. Furthermore, when pathogenic E. coli or commensal E. coli were cocultured with intestinal epithelium, both strains elicited activation of the NF-KB signaling pathway in epithelial cells and facilitated the expression of serine protease in comparison to the untreated control. Consistently, the inhibition of o-glycans has been observed to enhance the pathogenicity of E. coli in vivo. Furthermore, a correlation has been established between the level of o-glycans and the development of ulcerative colitis. Specifically, a reduction in the O-glycan content of MUC2 cells has been found to increase the virulence of E. coli, thereby compromising the integrity of the intestinal epithelial barrier.

Conclusions

Together, there exist complex interactions between the intestinal epithelium, o-glycans, and the intestinal microbiota, which may inform the development of novel therapeutic strategies for the treatment of ulcerative colitis.
Simultaneous femoral and tibial lengthening for severe limb length discrepancy in fibular hemimelia
Authors: Ghaly Hosam Mohamed , El-Rosasy Mahmoud Abdel-Monem , Marei Abdelhakim Ezzat , El-Gebaly Osama Ali
Published: November 2023

Background

Fibular Hemimelia (FH) is the most common longitudinal limb deficiency. Significant limb length discrepancy (LLD) will necessitate long treatment times and multiple settings to compensate for LLD when associated with femoral shortening. This study evaluates the outcome of simultaneous femoral and tibial lengthening using the Ilizarov frame.

Methods

This retrospective study included the cases of 12 children with severe limb length discrepancy caused by combined FH and ipsilateral femoral shortening from May 2015 to August 2022. The total LLD ranged from 7 to 14.5 cm. All patients underwent single-session femoral and tibial lengthening using the Ilizarov ring external fixator technique. Additional procedures were performed in the same setting, including Achilles tendon lengthening, fibular anlage excision, peroneal tendons lengthening, and iliotibial band release. Follow-up ranged from 2 to 4 years.

Results

The planned limb lengthening was achieved in ten cases (83%). No cases of joint subluxation or dislocation were encountered. No neurovascular injury has occurred during the treatment course. In all cases, the bone healing index was better on the femoral side than on the tibia. Poor regeneration and deformity of the tibia occurred in two cases (16.6%).

Conclusion

Simultaneous femoral and tibial lengthening using the Ilizarov fixator is a relatively safe procedure with the result of correction of total LLD in one session in a shorter time and less morbidity.
Receiving a gift and feeling robbed: a phenomenological study on parents’ experiences of Brief Admissions for teenagers who self-harm at risk for suicide
Authors: Lantto Reid , Lindkvist Rose-Marie , Jungert Tomas , Westling Sofie , Landgren Kajsa
Published: November 2023

Background

Brief Admission by self-referral is a preventive intervention here intended for individuals who recurrently self-harm and have a history of contact with emergency psychiatric services. Individuals with access to Brief Admission are empowered to self-admit to inpatient care for up to three days per stay and are encouraged to do so before experiencing crisis. Brief Admission was implemented relatively recently in child and adolescent psychiatric settings in Sweden. The purpose of this study was to phenomenologically explore the lived experience of parents whose teenagers, who recurrently self-harm and experience suicidal thoughts, use Brief Admissions.

Methods

This is a qualitative study using phenomenological psychological analysis. We interviewed 17 parents who had experienced their teenagers using Brief Admissions. The interviews were recorded and transcribed verbatim and analyzed to arrive at the essential meaning structure of the phenomenon of Brief Admissions for the parent.

Results

We identified two essential meaning structures of the parent’s experience of their teenager’s use of Brief Admissions: being gifted relief and hope or being robbed of everything you believed in. The experience of Brief Admissions as a gift was structured by the following constituents: ‘a sense of safety and containment’, ‘liberation from a hostage situation’, ‘a return to wellbeing’, and ‘catalysts for relational shifts’. In contrast, the constituents of the experience of being robbed included ‘a tug of war for control’, ‘an unworthy wasteland’, ‘abandonment and collapse of authority’, and ‘no sense of purpose and plan’.

Conclusions

Brief Admissions may come across as challenging, futile and painful in the life of the parent, yet they may also support a process of recovery and healthy development for the entire family. To realize the full potential of the intervention, mental health professionals providing Brief Admission must be mindful of the challenges the parent may face as their teenager starts self-admitting, tactfully and sensitively preparing the parent for a new parental role.
Antler stem cell-derived exosomes promote regenerative wound healing via fibroblast-to-myofibroblast transition inhibition
Authors: Zhang Guokun , Wang Dongxu , Ren Jing , Li Jiping , Guo Qianqian , Shi Liyan , Li Chunyi
Published: November 2023

Introduction

The typical outcome of mammalian wound healing is scarring, a fibrotic process mediated by myofibroblast aggregation. Perfect healing in a clinical setting is relatively unexplored. Surprisingly, our previous studies have shown that the large wound (10 cm diameter or more) of the pedicle of deer naturally achieves regenerative restoration, realized through a paracrine pathway from adjacent antler stem cells (AnSCs).

Methods

AnSC-derived exosomes (AnSC-exos) were topically injected around the full-thickness wounds in a rat model. The effects on the rate of wound healing and the quality of healing were evaluated via morphological, histological, and molecular biological techniques on days 14 and 28 after surgery.

Results

The results showed that AnSC-exos significantly accelerated the rate of wound healing and improved healing quality, including regeneration of cutaneous appendages (hair follicles and sebaceous glands) and the distribution pattern of collagen (basket-weave-like) in the healed skin. These effects of AnSC-exos were comparable to those of AnSCs but were significantly more potent than those of exosomes derived from bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (bMSC-exos). Furthermore, AnSC-exos treatment effectively inhibited fibroblast-to-myofibroblast transition (FMT), as evidenced by the reduction of full-thickness skin injury-induced FMT in vivo and TGF-β1-induced FMT in vitro.

Conclusion

AnSC-exos could effectively promote regenerative cutaneous wound healing, highly likely through FMT inhibition. This suggests that AnSC-exos treatment could provide the potential for a novel approach to induce regenerative wound healing in the clinical setting.

Graphical Abstract
Personalising genetic counselling (POETIC) trial: Protocol for a hybrid type II effectiveness-implementation randomised clinical trial of a patient screening tool to improve patient empowerment after cancer genetic counselling
Authors: Forrest Laura E. , Tutty Erin , De Silva Anurika P. , Petelin Lara , Ruscigno Amy , Purvis Rebecca , Monohan Katrina , Kentwell Maira , Sexton Adrienne , Stafford Lesley , James Paul A.
Published: November 2023

Background

Genetic counselling aims to identify, and address, patient needs while facilitating informed decision-making about genetic testing and promoting empowerment and adaptation to genetic information. Increasing demand for cancer genetic testing and genetic counsellor workforce capacity limitations may impact the quality of genetic counselling provided. The use of a validated genetic-specific screening tool, the Genetic Psychosocial Risk Instrument (GPRI), may facilitate patient-centred genetic counselling. The aim of this study is to assess the effectiveness and implementation of using the GPRI in improving patient outcomes after genetic counselling and testing for an inherited cancer predisposition.

Methods

The PersOnalising gEneTIc Counselling (POETIC) trial is a hybrid type 2 effectiveness-implementation trial using a randomised control trial to assess the effectiveness of the GPRI in improving patient empowerment (primary outcome), while also assessing implementation from the perspective of clinicians and the healthcare service. Patients referred for a cancer risk assessment to the conjoint clinical genetics service of two metropolitan hospitals in Victoria, Australia, who meet the eligibility criteria and consent to POETIC will be randomised to the usual care or intervention group. Those in the intervention group will complete the GPRI prior to their appointment with the screening results available for the clinicians’ use during the appointment. Appointment audio recordings, clinician-reported information about the appointment, patient-reported outcome measures, and clinical data will be used to examine the effectiveness of using the GPRI. Appointment audio recordings, health economic information, and structured interviews will be used to examine the implementation of the GPRI.

Discussion

The POETIC trial takes a pragmatic approach by deploying the GPRI as an intervention in the routine clinical practice of a cancer-specific clinical genetics service that is staffed by a multidisciplinary team of genetics and oncology clinicians. Therefore, the effectiveness and implementation evidence generated from this real-world health service setting aims to optimise the relevance of the outcomes of this trial to the practice of genetic counselling while enhancing the operationalisation of the screening tool in routine practice.

Trial registration

Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry registration number 12621001582842p. Date of registration: 19th November 2021.
Early detection of hepatocellular carcinoma via no end-repair enzymatic methylation sequencing of cell-free DNA and pre-trained neural network
Authors: Deng Zhenzhong , Ji Yongkun , Han Bing , Tan Zhongming , Ren Yuqi , Gao Jinghan , Chen Nan , Ma Cong , Zhang Yichi , Yao Yunhai , Lu Hong , Huang Heqing , Xu Midie , Chen Lei , Zheng Leizhen , Gu Jianchun , Xiong Deyi , Zhao Jianxin , Gu Jinyang , Chen Zutao , Wang Ke
Published: November 2023

Background

Early detection of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is important in order to improve patient prognosis and survival rate. Methylation sequencing combined with neural networks to identify cell-free DNA (cfDNA) carrying aberrant methylation offers an appealing and non-invasive approach for HCC detection. However, some limitations exist in traditional methylation detection technologies and models, which may impede their performance in the read-level detection of HCC.

Methods

We developed a low DNA damage and high-fidelity methylation detection method called No End-repair Enzymatic Methyl-seq (NEEM-seq). We further developed a read-level neural detection model called DeepTrace that can better identify HCC-derived sequencing reads through a pre-trained and fine-tuned neural network. After pre-training on 11 million reads from NEEM-seq, DeepTrace was fine-tuned using 1.2 million HCC-derived reads from tumor tissue DNA after noise reduction, and 2.7 million non-tumor reads from non-tumor cfDNA. We validated the model using data from 130 individuals with cfDNA whole-genome NEEM-seq at around 1.6X depth.

Results

NEEM-seq overcomes the drawbacks of traditional enzymatic methylation sequencing methods by avoiding the introduction of unmethylation errors in cfDNA. DeepTrace outperformed other models in identifying HCC-derived reads and detecting HCC individuals. Based on the whole-genome NEEM-seq data of cfDNA, our model showed high accuracy of 96.2%, sensitivity of 93.6%, and specificity of 98.5% in the validation cohort consisting of 62 HCC patients, 48 liver disease patients, and 20 healthy individuals. In the early stage of HCC (BCLC 0/A and TNM I), the sensitivity of DeepTrace was 89.6 and 89.5% respectively, outperforming Alpha Fetoprotein (AFP) which showed much lower sensitivity in both BCLC 0/A (50.5%) and TNM I (44.7%).

Conclusions

By combining high-fidelity methylation data from NEEM-seq with the DeepTrace model, our method has great potential for HCC early detection with high sensitivity and specificity, making it potentially suitable for clinical applications.

DeepTrace: https://github.com/Bamrock/DeepTrace
Overexpression of TMEM79 combined with SMG5 is related to prognosis, tumor immune infiltration and drug sensitivity in hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Wang Yu , Jin Qin , Zhang Shu , Wang Yan
Published: November 2023

Background

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a primary liver malignancy that is now relatively common worldwide. TMEM79 has been reported to play diagnostic and prognostic markers in a variety of cancers and was found to be closely associated with immune infiltration. SMG5 is associated with immune cell infiltration in HCC. Multiple nonsense-mediated mRNA processes require the involvement of SMG5. TMEM79 and SMG5 complexes may be prognostic markers for prostate cancer. However, the relationship between TMEM79 expression in HCC and prognosis, its role and mechanism of action, and its relationship with SMG5 have not been studied. This article focuses on not only the prognostic role of TMEM79 and its biological significance, including immuno-infiltration, tumor mutations and drug sensitivity, but also the interaction with SMG5 in HCC.

Methods

Differential expression analysis and the multiCox proportional hazards regression analyses of TMEM79 and SMG5 were performed by multiple databases. Then, use IHC to verify our results. Subsequently, we used R software to analyze the clinical phenotype of both: analysis of clinicopathological features, enrichment analysis, analysis of immune infiltration, analysis of immune checkpoints, analysis of drug sensitivity, and immunotherapy.

Results

Both the database studies and the results of our research group showed that TMEM79 and SMG5 were differentially expressed in HCC and normal tissues. Validation of immunohistochemistry showed that differential expression of TMEM79 and SMG5, which influenced the prognosis of patients with HCC, could be an independent prognostic factor. Results of the TCGA database study showed that TMEM79 and SMG5 were correlated with immune infiltration, immune checkpoints, drug sensitivity, and immunotherapy. We typed TMEM79-related molecules in HCC according to R software. Two types of TMEM79 correlated with clinical features, survival of patients with HCC, and immune infiltration.

Conclusion

TMEM79 are highly expressed in HCC and play an important role in the prognosis of patients with HCC. TMEM79 and SMG5 are positively correlated and may both associated with immune infiltration, and closely linked to immune checkpoints, drug sensitivity, and immunotherapy in HCC.
Efficacy of minimally invasive tubular approaches for management of the lumbar spinal synovial cysts: a meta-analysis
Authors: Chen Ying , Yu Pei , Xu Hui , Li Shenggang , Wang Qing , Wu Chunwang , Wang Ji , Ji Fufu , Huang Qiang , Lan Qing
Published: November 2023

The treatment of lumbar spinal synovial cysts (LSCs) which are relatively rare but can cause neurogenic dysfunction and intractable pain has been a controversial topic for many years. Surgical excision of LSCs is the standard treatment for patients in whom conservative treatment options fail. This meta-analysis was undertaken to compare clinical outcomes between minimally invasive approaches using tubular retractors (microscopic vs. endoscopic) and traditional percutaneous approaches for LSCs. Studies reporting surgical management of LSCs were searched in the Cochrane Library, PubMed and Web of Science database. This meta-analysis was reported following the PRISMA Statement, registered in Prospero (CRD42021288992). A total of 1833 patients were included from both the related relevant studies (41 studies, n = 1831) and the present series (n = 2). Meta-analysis of minimally invasive tubular approaches revealed no statistically significant difference in pain improvement, dural tear, residual cyst, recurrence and operation time between minimal groups with traditional groups (p > 0.05). Minimal groups had better Functional improvement of 100% (95% CI 1.00–1.00; p < 0.001, I2 = 75.3%) and less reoperation rates of 0% (95% CI − 0.00–0.00; p = 0.007, I2 = 47.1%). Postoperative length of hospital stay and intraoperative bleeding in minimal groups were also less than traditional groups (p < 0.05). Subgroup analysis revealed endoscopic groups had less operation time (p = 0.004), and there was no significant difference in the rest. For patients with LSCs but without obvious clinical and imaging evidence of vertebral instability, even when preoperative stable grade 1 spondylolisthesis is present, minimally invasive tubular approaches without fusion may provide the best outcome in surgical management.
Experimental Study on Structural Performance of Cast-in-Place Frame Printed Concrete Wall
Authors: Fu Yanan , Zhang Ying , Wu Lei
Published: November 2023

A growing number of nations and regions have printed concrete structures thanks to the application of 3D printing technology in the field of civil engineering. However, the houses built with printed concrete are mostly printed concrete wall structures with composite load-bearing walls and cast-in-place frames. This structure solely takes into account the performance of the structure under vertical loads, which does not address its ability to withstand horizontal loads. In this paper, wall specimens were designed and tested under horizontal reciprocal loads in order to investigate the structural performance of this cast-in-place border-frame printed concrete wall structure under horizontal loads. Four factors are examined in order to determine how well the cast-in-place frame printed concrete wall structure performs when subjected to horizontal loads: column longitudinal reinforcement strain, hysteresis curve, skeleton curve, and energy dissipation capacity. According to the test results, the addition of the wall increased the bearing capacity and accumulated energy dissipation of the specimen, but the increase in stiffness also caused the structural ductility to decrease. As a result, cracks were more likely to generate at the wall–column joints, so the stiffness matching between the printed concrete wall and the cast-in-place side frame needed to be further coordinated to obtain a higher ductility. It turns out that the wall sections have little impact on the seismic performance of the members.
Tillandsia landbeckii phyllosphere and laimosphere as refugia for bacterial life in a hyperarid desert environment
Authors: Hakobyan Anna , Velte Stefanie , Sickel Wiebke , Quandt Dietmar , Stoll Alexandra , Knief Claudia
Published: November 2023

Background

The lack of water is a major constraint for microbial life in hyperarid deserts. Consequently, the abundance and diversity of microorganisms in common habitats such as soil are strongly reduced, and colonization occurs primarily by specifically adapted microorganisms that thrive in particular refugia to escape the harsh conditions that prevail in these deserts. We suggest that plants provide another refugium for microbial life in hyperarid deserts. We studied the bacterial colonization of Tillandsia landbeckii (Bromeliaceae) plants, which occur in the hyperarid regions of the Atacama Desert in Chile, one of the driest and oldest deserts on Earth.

Results

We detected clear differences between the bacterial communities being plant associated to those of the bare soil surface (PERMANOVA, R2 = 0.187, p = 0.001), indicating that Tillandsia plants host a specific bacterial community, not only dust-deposited cells. Moreover, the bacterial communities in the phyllosphere were distinct from those in the laimosphere, i.e., on buried shoots (R2 = 0.108, p = 0.001), indicating further habitat differentiation within plant individuals. The bacterial taxa detected in the phyllosphere are partly well-known phyllosphere colonizers, but in addition, some rather unusual taxa (subgroup2 Acidobacteriae, Acidiphilum) and insect endosymbionts (Wolbachia, “Candidatus Uzinura”) were found. The laimosphere hosted phyllosphere-associated as well as soil-derived taxa. The phyllosphere bacterial communities showed biogeographic patterns across the desert (R2 = 0.331, p = 0.001). These patterns were different and even more pronounced in the laimosphere (R2 = 0.467, p = 0.001), indicating that different factors determine community assembly in the two plant compartments. Furthermore, the phyllosphere microbiota underwent temporal changes (R2 = 0.064, p = 0.001).

Conclusions

Our data demonstrate that T. landbeckii plants host specific bacterial communities in the phyllosphere as well as in the laimosphere. Therewith, these plants provide compartment-specific refugia for microbial life in hyperarid desert environments. The bacterial communities show biogeographic patterns and temporal variation, as known from other plant microbiomes, demonstrating environmental responsiveness and suggesting that bacteria inhabit these plants as viable microorganisms.
VBCG: 20 validated bacterial core genes for phylogenomic analysis with high fidelity and resolution
Authors: Tian Renmao , Imanian Behzad
Published: November 2023

Background

Phylogenomic analysis has become an inseparable part of studies of bacterial diversity and evolution, and many different bacterial core genes have been collated and used for phylogenomic tree reconstruction. However, these genes have been selected based on their presence and single-copy ratio in all bacterial genomes, leaving out the gene's 'phylogenetic fidelity' unexamined.

Results

From 30,522 complete genomes covering 11,262 species, we examined 148 bacterial core genes that have been previously used for phylogenomic analysis. In addition to the gene presence and single-copy rations, we evaluated the gene's phylogenetic fidelity by comparing each gene's phylogeny with its corresponding 16S rRNA gene tree. Out of the 148 bacterial genes, 20 validated bacterial core genes (VBCG) were selected as the core gene set with the highest bacterial phylogenetic fidelity. Compared to the larger gene set, the 20-gene core set resulted in more species having all genes present and fewer species with missing data, thereby enhancing the accuracy of phylogenomic analysis. Using Escherichia coli strains as examples of prominent bacterial foodborne pathogens, we demonstrated that the 20 VBCG produced phylogenies with higher fidelity and resolution at species and strain levels while 16S rRNA gene tree alone could not.

Conclusion

The 20 validated core gene set improves the fidelity and speed of phylogenomic analysis. Among other uses, this tool improves our ability to explore the evolution, typing and tracking of bacterial strains, such as human pathogens. We have developed a Python pipeline and a desktop graphic app (available on GitHub) for users to perform phylogenomic analysis with high fidelity and resolution.
Study on permeability evolution and damage mechanism along the EGS fracture in heat mining stage under thermal stress/cracking
Authors: Zhang Wei , Wang Dong , Wang Zenglin , Guo Tiankui , Wang Chunguang , He Jiayuan , Zhang Le , Zheng Peng , Qu Zhanqing
Published: November 2023

As main heat exchange channel in enhanced geothermal system, the evolution of hydraulic conductivity in fracture is significance for efficient heat mining. For the thermal stress or thermal cracking spontaneously induced by the temperature difference between low-temperature fluid and hot rock in heat mining stage, it is necessary to explore the damage mechanism along EGS fracture and the corresponding permeability evolution. Firstly, the long-term permeability tests under high temperature (50–200 ℃) were conducted by the self-developed high temperature seepage experimental device. Then, a coupled THM-D model was constructed to describe the damage distribution along fracture. Combined with experimental and simulation results, relationship between the thermal stress/cracking and the evolution of fracture permeability is revealed. The results indicate that during high-temperature (200 ℃) experiments, the fracture permeability first increases rapidly under the low-temperature induced thermal stress/cracking, then decreases due to the blockage effect induced by the debris particles generated in thermal cracking along fracture. The enhancement of injection velocity and heterogeneity are all conducive to the emergence of thermal cracking in matrix along fracture. Simultaneously, high confining pressure has a negative effect on the migration of debris particles of thermal cracking, which contribute to prevent the blockage of debris particles.
Efficacy of therapeutic drug monitoring-based antibiotic regimen in critically ill patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Takahashi Nozomi , Kondo Yutaka , Kubo Kenji , Egi Moritoki , Kano Ken-ichi , Ohshima Yoshiyasu , Nakada Taka-aki
Published: November 2023

Background

The efficacy of therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM)-based antimicrobial dosing optimization strategies on pharmacokinetics/pharmacodynamics and specific drug properties for critically ill patients is unclear. Here, we conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials to evaluate the effectiveness of TDM-based regimen in these patients.

Methods

Articles from three databases were systematically retrieved to identify relevant randomized control studies. Version two of the Cochrane tool for assessing risk of bias in randomized trials was used to assess the risk of bias in studies included in the analysis, and quality assessment of evidence was graded using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation approach. Primary outcome was the 28-day mortality and secondary outcome were in-hospital mortality, clinical cure, length of stay in the intensive care unit (ICU) and target attainment at day 1 and 3.

Results

In total, 5 studies involving 1011 patients were included for meta-analysis of the primary outcome, of which no significant difference was observed between TDM-based regimen and control groups (risk ratio [RR] 0.94, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.77–1.14; I2 = 0%). In-hospital mortality (RR 0.96, 95% CI: 0.76–1.20), clinical cure (RR 1.23, 95% CI: 0.91–1.67), length of stay in the ICU (mean difference 0, 95% CI: − 2.18–2.19), and target attainment at day 1 (RR 1.14, 95% CI: 0.88–1.48) and day 3 (RR 1.35, 95% CI: 0.90–2.03) were not significantly different between the two groups, and all evidence for the secondary outcomes had a low or very low level of certainty because the included studies had serious risk of bias, variation of definition for outcomes, and small sample sizes.

Conclusion

TDM-based regimens had no significant efficacy for clinical or pharmacological outcomes. Further studies with other achievable targets and well-defined outcomes are required.

Trial registration: Clinical trial registration; PROSPERO (https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/), registry number: CRD 42022371959. Registered 24 November 2022.
The All-on-four concept for fixed full-arch rehabilitation of the edentulous maxilla and mandible: a longitudinal study in Japanese patients with 3–17-year follow-up and analysis of risk factors for survival rate
Authors: Uesugi Takashi , Shimoo Yoshiaki , Munakata Motohiro , Sato Daisuke , Yamaguchi Kikue , Fujimaki Michiya , Nakayama Kazuhisa , Watanabe Tae , Malo Paulo
Published: November 2023

Purpose

Implant-supported immediately loaded fixed full-arch rehabilitation via All-on-four treatment yields good long-term results for both the maxilla and the mandible. However, the risk factors affecting long-term implant survival are unknown, and the long-term prognosis of All-on-four concept procedures in Japanese individuals has not been elucidated. We aimed to determine the cumulative implant survival rate after 3–17-year follow-up and identify the associated risk factors.

Methods

We analysed 561 cases (307 maxillae, 254 mandibles) with 2364 implants (1324 maxillae, 1040 mandibles) that received All-on-four treatment. We investigated the cumulative implant- and patient-level survival rates and various risk factors for implant failure. Statistical analysis was performed using the log-rank test for differences in Kaplan–Meier curves, univariate analysis using the Chi-square test, and multivariate analysis for risk factors affecting the survival rate.

Results

The cumulative survival rate was 94.4% by patient level and 97.4% by implant level for the maxilla, and 96.7% by patient level and 98.9% by implant for the mandible, with up to 17 years of follow-up. The maxillary survival rate at the implant level was significantly lower (p < 0.05). Furthermore, the maxillary survival rate within 24 months was significantly lower at the implant level (p < 0.01). Multivariate analysis revealed that the maxilla was the most significant risk factor (p < 0.01).

Conclusions

All-on-four treatment yielded high long-term survival rates in Japanese patients. However, the maxilla showed a significantly lower cumulative survival rate than the mandible, while early failure was significantly higher. Furthermore, the maxilla was a significant risk factor influencing the survival rate.
A health-social service partnership programme for improving the health self-management of community-dwelling older adults: a hybrid effectiveness-implementation pilot study protocol
Authors: Wong Arkers Kwan Ching , Wong Frances Kam Yuet , Chow Karen Kit Sum , Kwan Dilys Kwai Sin , Lau Dubby Yun Sang , Lau Avis Cheuk Ki
Published: November 2023

Background

The ageing population requires seamless, integrated health and social care services in the community to promote the health of older adults. However, inadequate financial resources, a lack of clear operational guidelines, and various organisational work cultures may affect the implementation quality and sustainability of these services. As a unique approach, this study seeks to examine the preliminary effects of a health-social partnership programme on the health self-management of community-dwelling older adults in Hong Kong. Additionally, the study seeks to ascertain key insights into the mechanisms and processes required to implement and sustain a self-care management programme in broader practice in community settings.

Methods

This study will use a hybrid effectiveness-implementation design. During the 3-month programme, subjects in the intervention group will receive four Zoom video conference sessions and four telephone calls conducted by a health-social service team that will include a nurse case manager, community workers, general practitioners, a Chinese medicine practitioner, and social workers. Subjects in the control group will receive a monthly social telephone call from a trained research assistant to rule out the possible social effect of the intervention. The reach, effectiveness, adoption, implementation, and maintenance framework (i.e. RE-AIM framework) will be used to evaluate the implementation and effectiveness outcomes. Of the five dimensions included in the RE-AIM framework, only effectiveness and maintenance outcomes will be collected from both the intervention and control groups. The outcomes of the other three dimensions—reach, adoption, and implementation—will only be collected from subjects in the intervention group. Data will be collected pre-intervention, immediately post-intervention, and 3 months after the intervention is completed to evaluate the maintenance effect of the programme.

Discussion

This programme will aim to enhance health-promoting self-care management behaviours in older adults dwelling in the community. This will be the first study in Hong Kong to use the hybrid effectiveness-implementation design and involve key stakeholders in the evaluation and implementation of a health self-management programme using a health-social service partnership approach. The programme, which will be rooted in the community, may be used as a model, if proven successful, for similar types of services.

Trial registration

Clinicaltrials.gov, NCT04442867. Submitted 19 June 2020
Precise visualization and ROS-dependent photodynamic therapy of colorectal cancer with a novel mitochondrial viscosity photosensitive fluorescent probe
Authors: Xiao Runsha , Zheng Fan , Kang Kuo , Xiao Lei , Bi Anyao , Chen Yiting , Zhou Qi , Feng Xueping , Chen Zhikang , Yin Hao , Wang Wei , Chen Zihua , Cheng Xiaomiao , Zeng Wenbin
Published: November 2023

Background

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a prominent global cancer with high mortality rates among human beings. Efficient diagnosis and treatment have always been a challenge for CRC management. Fluorescence guided cancer therapy, which combines diagnosis with therapy into one platform, has brought a new chance for achieving precise cancer theranostics. Among this, photosensitizers, applied in photodynamic therapy (PDT), given the integration of real-time imaging capacity and efficacious treatment feasibility, show great potential to serve as remarkable tools. Although much effort has been put into constructing photosensitizers for locating and destroying CRC cells, it is still in high need to develop novel photosensitizers to attain specific detection and fulfil effective therapy.

Methods

Probe HTI was rational synthesized for the diagnosis and treatment of CRC. Spectrometric determination was carried out first, followed by the
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generation ability test. Then, HTI was displayed in distinguishing CRC cells from normal cells Further, the PDT effect of the photosensitizer was studied in vitro. Additionally, HTI was used in CRC BALB/c nude mice model to validate its viscosity labelling and tumor suppression characteristics.

Results

We successfully fabricated a mitochondrial targeting probe, HTI, together with remarkable viscosity sensitivity, ultralow background interference, and excellent
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generation capacity. HTI was favorably applied to the viscosity detection, displaying a 11-fold fluorescent intensity enhancement in solvents from 1.57 cp to 2043 cp. Then, it was demonstrated that HTI could distinguish CRC cells from normal cells upon the difference in mitochondrial viscosity. Moreover, HTI was qualified for producing
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with high efficiency in cells, supported by the sparkling signals of DCFH after incubation with HTI under light irradiation. More importantly, the viscosity labelling and tumor suppression performance in CRC CDX model was determined, enriching the multifunctional validation of HTI in vivo.

Conclusions

In this study, HTI was demonstrated to show a sensitive response to mitochondrial viscosity and possess a high
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generation capacity. Both in vitro cell imaging and in vivo tumor treatment trials proved that HTI was effectively served as a robust scaffold for tumor labeling and CRC cells clearance. This breakthrough discovery held immense potential for advancing the early diagnosis and management of CRC through PDT. By leveraging HTI's properties, medical professionals could benefit from improved diagnostic accuracy and targeted treatment in CRC management, ultimately leading to enhanced patient outcomes.
Association between serum uric acid/high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio and hypertension among reproductive-aged women
Authors: Han Xiaoxue , Tan Xuan , Liu Mengyuan , Wei Yiling , He Andong , Pan Ying , Qiu Di , Li Ruiman
Published: November 2023

Background

Uric acid/high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio (UHR) is a novel index of inflammation and metabolism that has been investigated in various diseases. However, association between UHR and hypertension among reproductive-aged women is unclear.

Methods

In this cross-sectional study, we investigated the association between serum UHR and hypertension among 5485 women aged 20–44 years based on the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) database using various methods, including univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis, stratified analysis, and spline regression. P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results

There was significant difference in UHR between the women with and without hypertension (P < 0.001). After adjusting for several covariates, UHR was positively correlated with hypertension (OR > 1, P < 0.001). In the subgroup analysis, the positive correlations still remained between UHR and hypertension in women with various age and those with BMI ≥ 30 kg/m2 (P < 0.05) excepted for adjusting for all covariates. We further found an inflection point of the threshold effect for UHR, and the prevalence of hypertension showed different increased trends below and above the threshold.

Conclusion

This study indicated a positive association between serum UHR and hypertension among reproductive-aged women, indicating that UHR is a potential clinical marker of hypertension in women.
Comparison of dose–response to two different doses of intravenous lidocaine for analgesia in patients undergoing elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy under general anesthesia
Authors: Gupta Sunana , Attal Prerna , Mehta Nandita , Saini Heena , Banerjee Sitikantha
Published: November 2023

Background

Various studies have demonstrated the analgesic benefit of systemic lidocaine in the perioperative setting, especially during laparoscopic abdominal surgery. However, the best appropriate dose for an administered bolus and continuous infusion of lignocaine is unclear. Our aim is to compare the effect of two different doses of intravenous lidocaine for analgesia in patients undergoing elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy under general anesthesia. Fifty-four patients of ASA PS I or II, aged between 18 and 65 years undergoing elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy under general anesthesia were randomly divided into two groups of 26 patients each. Patients in group A received an intravenous bolus injection of lidocaine 1.5 mg/kg slowly over 10 min, prior to induction and then followed by a continuous infusion at the rate of 1.5 mg/kg/h via infusion pump whereas group B patients received intravenous lidocaine bolus of 1.5 mg/kg slowly over 10 min followed by infusion at the rate of 2 mg/kg/h. Postoperative analgesia was assessed by VAS score, time to first analgesic dose, and total consumption of rescue analgesic in 24 h.

Results

There was a statistically significant difference in mean VAS Scores between the two groups at different time intervals postoperatively. Time to first rescue analgesia was earlier in group A (30.65 min) compared to group B (49.42 min) and the difference was statistically significant. Total consumption of rescue analgesic was higher in group A with a mean of 178.85 mg compared to 126.92 mg in group B.

Conclusion

Both the infusion doses of Lidocaine provided clinically adequate analgesia postoperatively but the infusion dose of 2 mg/kg/h had a mean VAS score significantly lower than 1.5 mg/kg/h.
An unusual location of newborn huge dermoid cyst: a case report and literature review
Authors: Rabiou Mahaman Sani , Moussa Maman Roufai Hamissou , Amadou Hassane Ali , Seton Stachys Beranger Hounkpatin
Published: November 2023

Background

Dermoid cysts are benign germ cell tumors with ectodermal and mesodermal components. It is a slow-growing lesion that commonly arises in the midline of the head and neck. The last location represented 7%, and the periorbital region was the most frequently arising area. True lateral neck dermoid cysts are rare. We present an unusual location of a dermoid cyst in a newborn.

Case presentation

We report an unusual location of a 10-day newborn giant dermoid cyst with multiple implantation sites, namely the shoulder, scapula, cervical, temporal, and occipital scalp. Successful surgical resection was achieved, and the patient was discharged after the removal of the stitches.

Conclusion

Dermoid cysts are unusual neoplasms with rare diagnoses at birth, but often in childhood. Concomitant implantation locations on the shoulder, neck, temporal, and occipital scalps are rare.