bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Bow hunter’s syndrome due to an anomalous right vertebral artery origin and contralateral absence: a case report and literature review
Authors: Zhang Li , Gao Yu , Yu Xiao , Guo Ying , Piao Zhe , Nan Guangxian
Published: July 2024

Background

Bow Hunter’s syndrome (BHS), also known as rotational vertebral artery occlusion (RVAO), is a rare condition characterized by dynamic vertebrobasilar insufficiency due to position-dependent occlusion of the vertebral artery (VA). In the existing literature, most cases of BHS are attributed to osteophytic compression originating from the occipital condyle or within the transverse foramen, often accompanied by anatomical abnormalities of the VA. However, cases presenting solely with VA anomalies in the absence of any cervical vertebral structural abnormality are rare. This case report presents a unique instance of BHS in a 56-year-old male, attributed to the anomalous origin of the right VA and the absence of the left VA, without cervical structural abnormalities.

Case presentation

The patient exhibited symptoms like episodic dizziness and vertigo, which were exacerbated by rightward head rotation and alleviated upon returning to a neutral position. Diagnostic evaluation, including digital subtraction angiography, revealed that the right VA originated from the right common carotid artery and compression-induced stenosis of the right VA during head rotation. Conservative management, including avoidance of certain head movements and anti-arteriosclerosis medication, led to symptom resolution over a two-year follow-up period.

Conclusions

This report contributes to the understanding of BHS by highlighting a rare vascular anomaly presentation and incorporates a review of 14 similar case reports in the literature describing that an anatomical abnormality of the VA is mainly responsible for the pathology of BHS in the absence of cervical vertebral anomalies, thus emphasizing the need for careful diagnostic and management strategies.
Promoting men-inclusive maternity services: exploring the expectations, experiences and needs of men as fathers
Authors: Harrison Gai , Fitzgerald Kristy , O’Leary Patrick , Kothari Alka , Callaway Leonie
Published: July 2024

Aim

This study aimed to explore the ‘real time’ expectations, experiences and needs of men who attend maternity services to inform the development of strategies to enhance men’s inclusion.

Methods

A qualitative descriptive design was adopted for the study. Semi-structured face-to-face or telephone interviews were conducted with 48 men attending the Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital before and after their partner gave birth. Data were coded and analysed thematically.

Results

Most respondents identified their role as a support person rather than a direct beneficiary of maternity services. They expressed the view that if their partner and baby’s needs were met, their needs were met. Factors that contributed to a positive experience included the responsiveness of staff and meeting information needs. Factors promoting feelings of inclusion were being directly addressed by staff, having the opportunity to ask questions, and performing practical tasks associated with the birth.

Conclusion

Adopting an inclusive communication style promotes men’s feelings of inclusion in maternity services. However, the participants’ tendency to conflate their needs with those of their partner suggests the ongoing salience of traditional gender role beliefs, which view childbirth primarily as the domain of women.
eHSP90α in front-line therapy in EGFR exon 19 deletion and 21 Leu858Arg mutations in advanced lung adenocarcinoma
Authors: Bian Yingzhen , Liu Haizhou , Huang Jinglei , Feng Zhaorong , Lin Yanyan , Li Jilin , Zhang Litu
Published: July 2024

Purpose

Extracellular heat shock protein 90 AA1(eHSP90α) is intricately linked to tumor progression and prognosis. This study aimed to investigate the difference in the value of eHSP90α in post-treatment response assessment and prognosis prediction between exon 19 deletion(19DEL) and exon 21 Leu858Arg(L858R) mutation types in lung adenocarcinoma(LUAD).

Methods

We analyzed the relationship between the expression of eHSP90α and clinicopathological features in 89 patients with L858R mutation and 196 patients with 19DEL mutation in LUAD. The Kaplan-Meier survival curve was used to determine their respective cut-off values and analyze the relationship between eHSP90α expression and the survival time of the two mutation types. The area under the curve (AUC) was used to evaluate the diagnostic performance of biomarkers. Then, the prognostic model was developed using the univariate-Cox multivariate-Cox and LASSO-multivariate logistic methods.

Results

In LUAD patients, eHSP90α was positively correlated with carcinoembryonic antigen(CEA), carbohydrate antigen 125(CA125), and carbohydrate antigen 153(CA153). The truncated values of eHSP90α in L858R and 19DEL patients were 44.5 ng/mL and 40.8 ng/mL, respectively. Among L858R patients, eHSP90α had the best diagnostic performance (AUC = 0.765), and higher eHSP90α and T helper cells(Th cells) expression were significantly related to shorter overall survival(OS) and worse treatment response. Also, high eHSP90a expression and short progression-free survival(PFS) were significantly correlated. Among 19DEL patients, CEA had the best diagnostic efficacy (AUC = 0.734), and CEA and Th cells were independent prognostic factors that predicted shorter OS. Furthermore, high CA125 was significantly associated with short PFS and poor curative effect.

Conclusions

eHSP90α has a better prognostic value in LUAD L858R patients than 19DEL, which provides a new idea for clinical diagnosis and treatment.
Association between neural prosody discrimination and language abilities in toddlers: a functional near-infrared spectroscopy study
Authors: Guo YanRu , Li YanWei , Liu FuLin , Lin HuanXi , Sun YuYing , Zhang JiaLin , Hong Qin , Yao MengMeng , Chi Xia
Published: July 2024

Background

Language delay affects near- and long-term social communication and learning in toddlers, and, an increasing number of experts pay attention to it. The development of prosody discrimination is one of the earliest stages of language development in which key skills for later stages are mastered. Therefore, analyzing the relationship between brain discrimination of speech prosody and language abilities may provide an objective basis for the diagnosis and intervention of language delay.

Methods

In this study, all cases(n = 241) were enrolled from a tertiary women’s hospital, from 2021 to 2022. We used functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) to assess children’s neural prosody discrimination abilities, and a Chinese communicative development inventory (CCDI) were used to evaluate their language abilities.

Results

Ninety-eight full-term and 108 preterm toddlers were included in the final analysis in phase I and II studies, respectively. The total CCDI screening abnormality rate was 9.2% for full-term and 34.3% for preterm toddlers. Full-term toddlers showed prosody discrimination ability in all channels except channel 5, while preterm toddlers showed prosody discrimination ability in channel 6 only. Multifactorial logistic regression analyses showed that prosody discrimination of the right angular gyrus (channel 3) had a statistically significant effect on language delay (odd ratio = 0.301, P < 0.05) in full-term toddlers. Random forest (RF) regression model presented that prosody discrimination reflected by channels and brain regions based on fNIRS data was an important parameter for predicting language delay in preterm toddlers, among which the prosody discrimination reflected by the right angular gyrus (channel 4) was the most important parameter. The area under the model Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was 0.687.

Conclusions

Neural prosody discrimination ability is positively associated with language development, assessment of brain prosody discrimination abilities through fNIRS could be used as an objective indicator for early identification of children with language delay in the future clinical application.
Etiology-specific incidence and mortality of diarrheal diseases in the African region: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Thystrup Cecilie , Majowicz Shannon E. , Kitila Dinaol B. , Desta Binyam N. , Fayemi Olanrewaju E. , Ayolabi Christianah I. , Hugho Ephrasia , Buys Elna M. , Akanni Gabriel B. , Machava Norgia E. , Monjane Celso , Hald Tine , Pires Sara M.
Published: July 2024

Background

Diarrheal diseases substantially affect public health impact in low- and middle-income countries (LMIC), particularly in Africa, where previous studies have indicated a lack of comprehensive data. With a growing number of primary studies on enteric infections in Africa, this study aimed to estimate the incidence and mortality of diarrheal pathogens across all ages in Africa in the year 2020. We also explored different methodological assumptions to allow comparison with other approaches.

Methods

Through a systematic review and meta-analysis of data from African LMICs, we estimated the etiology proportions for diarrheal diseases and deaths. We combined the etiology proportions with incidence data collected from a population survey in Africa from 2020 and mortality data from the Global Health Observatory of WHO.

Results

We estimated 1,008 billion diarrhea cases (95% UI 447 million-1,4 billion) and 515,031 diarrhea deaths (95% UI 248,983-1,007,641) in the African region in 2020. In children under five, enteroaggregative E. coli (EAEC) (44,073 cases per 100,000 people, 95% UI 18,818 − 60,922) and G. lamblia (36,116 cases per 100,000 people, 95% UI 15,245 − 49,961) were the leading causes of illness. Enteroinvasive E. coli (EIEC) (155 deaths per 100,000 people, 95% UI 106.5-252.9) and rotavirus (61.5 deaths per 100,000 people, 95% UI 42.3-100.3) were the primary causes of deaths. For children over five and adults, Salmonella spp. caused the largest number of diarrheal cases in the population of children ≥ 5 and adults (122,090 cases per 100,000 people, 95% UI 51,833 − 168,822), while rotavirus (16.4 deaths per 100,000 people, 95% UI 4.2–36.7) and enteroaggregative E. coli (EAEC) (14.6 deaths per 100,000 people, 95% UI 3.9–32.9) causing the most deaths. Geographically, the highest incidence of diarrhea was in Eastern Africa for children under five (114,389 cases per 100,000 people, 95% UI 34,771 − 172,884) and Central Africa for children over five and adults (117,820 cases per 100,000 people, 95% UI 75,111–157,584). Diarrheal mortality was highest in Western Africa for both children below five and above (children < 5: 194.5 deaths per 100,000 people, 95% UI 120-325.4; children ≥ 5 and above: 33.5 deaths per 100,000 people, 95% UI 12.9–75.1).

Conclusion

These findings provide new information on the incidence and mortality of sixteen pathogens and highlight the need for surveillance and control of diarrheal infectious diseases in Africa. The cause-specific estimates are crucial for prioritizing diarrheal disease prevention in the region.
Longitudinal lung function trajectories in response to azithromycin therapy for chronic lung disease in children with HIV infection: a secondary analysis of the BREATHE trial
Authors: Madanhire Tafadzwa , McHugh Grace , Simms Victoria , Ngwira Lucky , Gonzalez-Martinez Carmen , Semphere Robina , Moyo Brewster , Calderwood Claire , Nicol Mark , Bandason Tsitsi , Odland Jon O. , Rehman Andrea M. , Ferrand Rashida A.
Published: July 2024

Background

Chronic lung disease (CLD) is common among children with HIV (CWH) including in those taking antiretroviral therapy (ART). Azithromycin has both antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effects and has been effective in improving lung function in a variety of lung diseases. We investigated lung function trajectories among CWH with CLD on ART enrolled in a randomized controlled trial of adjuvant azithromycin. We also investigated factors that modified the effect of azithromycin on lung function.

Methods

The study used data from a double-blinded placebo-controlled trial conducted in Malawi and Zimbabwe of 48 weeks on azithromycin (BREATHE: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT02426112) among CWH aged 6 to 19 years taking ART for at least six months who had a forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) z-score <-1.0. Participants had a further follow-up period of 24 weeks after intervention cessation. FEV1, forced vital capacity (FVC) and FEV1/FVC were measured at baseline, 24, 48 and 72-weeks and z-scores values calculated. Generalized estimating equations (GEE) models were used to determine the mean effect of azithromycin on lung-function z-scores at each follow-up time point.

Results

Overall, 347 adolescents (51% male, median age 15 years) were randomized to azithromycin or placebo. The median duration on ART was 6.2 (interquartile range: 3.8–8.6) years and 56.2% had an HIV viral load < 1000copies/ml at baseline. At baseline, the mean FEV1 z-score was − 2.0 (0.7) with 44.7% (n = 155) having an FEV1 z-score <-2, and 10.1% had microbiological evidence of azithromycin resistance. In both trial arms, FEV1 and FVC z-scores improved by 24 weeks but appeared to decline thereafter. The adjusted overall mean difference in FEV1 z-score between the azithromycin and placebo arms was 0.004 [-0.08, 0.09] suggesting no azithromycin effect and this was similar for other lung function parameters. There was no evidence of interaction between azithromycin effect and baseline age, lung function, azithromycin resistance or HIV viral load.

Conclusion

There was no observed azithromycin effect on lung function z-scores at any time point suggesting no therapeutic effect on lung function.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT02426112. First registered on 24/04/2015.
Changes in femoral anteversion after intramedullary nailing for pediatric femoral shaft fracture: a multicenter study
Authors: Min Jae Jung , Kwon Soon-Sun , Youn Kibeom , Kim Daehyun , Sung Ki Hyuk , Park Moon Seok
Published: July 2024

Background

The rotational change after using a flexible intramedullary (IM) nail for femoral shaft fractures has been a concern for many surgeons. Recently, a statistical shape model (SSM) was developed for the three-dimensional reconstruction of the femur from two-dimensional plain radiographs. In this study, we measured postoperative femoral anteversion (FAV) in patients diagnosed with femoral shaft fractures who were treated with flexible IM nails and investigated age-related changes in FAV using the SSM.

Methods

This study used radiographic data collected from six regional tertiary centers specializing in pediatric trauma in South Korea. Patients diagnosed with femoral shaft fractures between September 2002 and June 2020 and patients aged < 18 years with at least two anteroposterior (AP) and lateral (LAT) femur plain radiographs obtained at least three months apart were included. A linear mixed model (LMM) was used for statistical analysis.

Results

Overall, 72 patients were included in the study. The average patient age was 7.6 years and the average follow-up duration was 6.8 years. The average FAV of immediate postoperative images was 27.5 ± 11.5°. Out of 72 patients, 52 patients (72.2%) showed immediate postoperative FAV greater than 20°. The average FAV in patients with initial FAV > 20° was 32.74°, and the LMM showed that FAV decreased by 2.5° (p = 0.0001) with each 1-year increase from the time of initial trauma.

Conclusions

This study explored changes in FAV after femoral shaft fracture using a newly developed technology that allows 3D reconstruction from uncalibrated 2D images. There was a pattern of change on the rotation of the femur after initial fixation, with a 2.5° decrease of FAV per year.
Decreased levels of PTCSC3 promote the deterioration of prostate cancer and affect the prognostic outcome of patients through sponge miR-182-5p
Authors: Cheng Lin , Li Shuhui , Jiang Deqi , Sun Rongkai , Wang Yueshan , Zhang Jianchao , Wei Qiang
Published: July 2024

Background

Prostate cancer, characterized by its insidious onset and short overall survival, and has seen a rise in incidence over recent decades. This study aims to investigate the expression and molecular mechanism of lncRNA PTCSC3 (PTCSC3) in prostate cancer in order to develop new prognostic and therapeutic biomarkers.

Methods

The level of PTCSC3 in serum and cell samples of prostate cancer was quantitatively measured using RT-qPCR assays. The correlation between the variation in PTCSC3 levels and clinical indicators of patients was evaluated. The survival status of the prostate cancer patients included in the study was evaluated using Kaplan-Meier curve and multivariable Cox analysis. The impact of PTCSC3 overexpression on cell growth and activity was revealed by CCK-8 and Transwell assays. The targeting relationship between PTCSC3 and miR-182-5p was determined by bioinformatics prediction and luciferase activity.

Results

PTCSC3 was found to be downregulated in prostate cancer, and its low levels were associated with short overall survival in patients. It influenced the progression of prostate cancer by targeting miR-182-5p. Increasing PTCSC3 levels suppressed the proliferation, migration and invasion levels of cells, and miR-182-5p mimic counteracted PTCSC3’s effects on cells.

Conclusions

As a potential prognostic biological factor for prostate cancer, PTCSC3 may regulate the progression of prostate cancer by sponging miR-182-5p and affect the prognosis of patients.
CITED1 expression in odontogenic cysts
Authors: Aşır Fırat , Özalp Zeki , Yülek Özden Uçtu , Erdemci Fikri , Korak Tugcan , Taş Fatih
Published: July 2024

Background

Originating from odontogenic tissue, Odontogenic cysts are pathological cavities lined with epithelial cells and surrounded by fibrous connective tissue. This study investigated expression of CITED1 protein in different types of odontogenic cysts.

Material and method

40 keratocysts, 40 radicular cysts, and 40 dentigerous cysts were excised and processed for routine paraffin wax embedding protocol. Macroscopic and panoramic radiographies images were used for diagnosis. Demographical properties and dental parameters were recorded. Cystic tissues were stained with hematoxylin-eosin dye and CITED1 antibody. Semi-quantitative analysis was performed for immune staining. The protein-protein interaction network, hub gene detection and KEGG analysis were conducted using Cytoscape software.

Result

Odontogenic keratocysts was imaged with 6–8 layered epithelial cells and fibrous cyst walls with inflammatory cells. Radicular cysts had stratified squamous epithelium with varying thickness, ciliated cells, and Rushton hyaline bodies. Dentigerous cysts presented hyperplastic non-keratinized epithelium, fibrous tissue, rete ridges, and inflammatory cells. CITED1 immunoexpression was highest in odontogenic keratocysts, followed by radicular cysts, and lowest in dentigerous cysts. Nuclear and cytoplasmic CITED1 expression was significantly elevated in odontogenic keratocysts compared to radicular and dentigerous cysts. The top five targets of CITED1 were identified, primarily showing enrichment in hormone and cancer related pathways.

Conclusions

Positive CITED1 expression in all three types of odontogenic cysts suggest a potential role for CITED1 in the pathogenesis of odontogenic cysts, particularly in keratocysts. Further investigations are needed to elucidate the exact mechanisms underlying the differential expression of CITED1 and its implications for the development and progression of odontogenic cysts.
Review of Malaysian medicinal plants with potential wound healing activity
Authors: Wiart Christophe , Tan Puay Luan , Rajagopal Mogana , Chew Yik-Ling , Leong Mun Yee , Tan Lee Fang , Yap Vi Lien
Published: July 2024

Wound is defined as the damage to biological tissues including skin, mucous membranes and organ tissues. The acute wound heals in less than 4 weeks without complications, while a chronic wound takes longer than 6 weeks to heal. Wound healing occurs in 4 phases, namely, coagulation, inflammatory, proliferative and remodeling phases. Triclosan and benzalkonium chloride are commonly used as skin disinfectants in wound healing. However, they cause allergic contact dermatitis and antibiotic resistance. Medicinal plants are widely studied due to the limited availability of wound healing agents. The present review included six commonly available medicinal plants in Malaysia such as Aloe barbadensis Miller, Carica papaya Linn., Centella asiatica Linn., Cymbopogon nardus Linn., Ficus benghalensis Linn. and Hibiscus rosa sinensis Linn. Various search engines and databases were used to obtain the scientific findings, including Google Scholar, ScienceDirect, PubMed Central and Research Gate. The review discussed the possible mechanism of action of medicinal plants and their active constituents in the wound healing process. In addition, their application in nanotechnology and wound dressings was also discussed in detail.
Assessing an integrated team-teaching lecture in medicine and surgery program- Galala University
Authors: Hassan Ahmed Nour Eldin , Sallam Reem M. , Mattout Sara Kamal , Lasheen Noha Nooh
Published: July 2024

Introduction

Achieving integration in medical curricula without redundancy in basic medical sciences disciplines is a substantial challenge. Introducing co-teaching in such curricula with active inter-disciplinary participation is believed to best utilize the teaching and learning time for instructors and students, to motivate the students, and to provide a more robust base for bridging the gap between basic and clinical medical sciences in medical schools. Additionally, including more than one student-centered activity in one session is expected to increase the students’ involvement and improve the retention of knowledge. Our study aims at minimizing redundancy and improving the students’ motivation in learning the topic “insulin-glucose regulation” during the Endocrine and Metabolism module taught to year three students at Galala University, Faculty of Medicine in Egypt.

Methods

The authors designed a 3-hr co-teaching integrated session with 3 basic medical sciences aimed to explain the clinical terms including online accessed pre/post-tests, small student groups-created pre/post-session MCQ, with co-sharing of students in the introduction of scientific materials.

Results

The students’ scores in the post-test showed that they gained more knowledge compared to before. Interestingly, there was only an improvement in the students’ performance in generating questions before and after the session, as well as in the integrated question in the end-of-semester exam, we suggest implementing this approach in other topics and modules in medical schools. It would also be favorable to follow up with the students taught using this approach and those taught differently to assess the effectiveness of this approach in a controlled manner.

Conclusion

Integrated sessions effectively increase student awareness of medical concepts and reduce redundancy in basic medical sciences. This approach exposes students to a more comprehensive understanding of the subject matter, improving their comprehension and retention. It is a valuable method for educators and instructors seeking to enhance their students’ learning experience in the field of medical sciences.
Explicit motives and personality characteristics in first year medical students: a multicentre quantitative study using McClellands motive disposition theory
Authors: Rother Johanna Flora , Seer Michelle , Stegt Stephan , Raupach Tobias
Published: July 2024

Background

Despite the challenging curriculum, medicine is a popular study program. We propose McClelland’s Motive Disposition Theory (MDT) as a possible theory for explaining medical students motivation. The theory describes how individuals differ in their behaviour due to their varying manifestations of certain motives. The three motives can thus influence the students behaviour and academic success. Using these motives, complimented with an altruism- and a freedom motive, this study was aimed at investigating young adults’ explicit motives to study medicine. In addition, we also wanted to find out whether there are gender differences in motives and other variables such as empathy, emotional intelligence and academic self-concept.

Methods

Over 20 universities across Germany were contacted and asked to share the online study with their first semester medical students in the winter term 2022/23, which resulted in a final N = 535. We used validated and reliable measurements, including a self-created and piloted questionnaire covering medicine-specific explicit motives.

Results

Comparing the mean scores between motives, we found that the altruism motive was the strongest motive (M = 5.19), followed by freedom (M = 4.88), affiliation (M = 4.72) and achievement (M = 4.59). The power motive achieved the lowest score (M = 3.92). Male students scored significantly higher for power (M = 4.24) than females did (M = 3.80, p < .001), while female students found affiliation more important (M = 4.81) than male students did (M = 4.59, p = .016). Female participants scored significantly higher for emotional intelligence (p = .010) and several personality aspects, including empathy (p < .001), but showed a significantly lower academic self-concept (p = .033), compared to their male colleagues. Nonetheless, the effect sizes were mostly small to medium.

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that first-year medical students are primarily motivated by humanitarian factors to study medicine, compared to motives related to money or power. This is mostly in line with earlier studies using qualitative approaches, showing that MDT can be applied to explain explicit motives in medical students.

Trial registration

The longitudinal project, which this study was part of, was registered via OSF (https://archive.org/details/osf-registrations-mfhek-v1) on the 28th of September 2022 under the title “Transformation of emotion and motivation factors in medical students during the study progress: A multicenter longitudinal study”.
Revolutionising health and social care: innovative solutions for a brighter tomorrow – a systematic review of the literature
Authors: Kosiol Jennifer , Silvester Tracey , Cooper Helen , Alford Stewart , Fraser Linda
Published: July 2024

Background

In an era marked by rapid technological advancements, changing demographics, and evolving healthcare needs, the landscape of health services has been undergoing a profound transformation. Innovation has emerged as a central force driving change in the healthcare sector, as stakeholders across the globe strive to enhance the quality, accessibility, and efficiency of healthcare services.

Objective

Within this dynamic context, this systematic literature review explored the barriers and driving forces behind successful health service innovation.

Methods

A comprehensive systematic literature review was conducted using the Griffith University Library search engine and databases that included PubMed, ProQuest, Web of Science, Scopus, and CINHAL. To achieve the study goal, the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines and the associated PRISMA checklist guided the review and reporting method.

Results

Findings from this review identified a need for a universal definition of health innovation that encompasses the unique complexities and challenges within this context. In our comprehensive analysis of healthcare innovation, we have uncovered pivotal findings that underscore the indispensable nature of a well-structured framework.

Conclusions

To succeed in fostering innovation within the health and social care sectors, it is imperative to establish an overarching organisational culture that meticulously addresses the following key components: team challenges; communication and collaboration; governance goals and authentic leadership, environmental engagement; and innovation endurance. Through systematic analysis of existing literature, this review offers a definition of health innovation, covering its conceptual foundations, determinants, and barriers, and provides a framework for creating an innovative culture.
GLP and G9a histone methyltransferases as potential therapeutic targets for lymphoid neoplasms
Authors: Silva-Carvalho Amandda Évelin , Filiú-Braga Luma Dayane Carvalho , Bogéa Gabriela Muller Reche , de Assis Alan Jhones Barbosa , Pittella-Silva Fábio , Saldanha-Araujo Felipe
Published: July 2024

Histone methyltransferases (HMTs) are enzymes that regulate histone methylation and play an important role in controlling transcription by altering the chromatin structure. Aberrant activation of HMTs has been widely reported in certain types of neoplastic cells. Among them, G9a/EHMT2 and GLP/EHMT1 are crucial for H3K9 methylation, and their dysregulation has been associated with tumor initiation and progression in different types of cancer. More recently, it has been shown that G9a and GLP appear to play a critical role in several lymphoid hematologic malignancies. Importantly, the key roles played by both enzymes in various diseases made them attractive targets for drug development. In fact, in recent years, several groups have tried to develop small molecule inhibitors targeting their epigenetic activities as potential anticancer therapeutic tools. In this review, we discuss the physiological role of GLP and G9a, their oncogenic functions in hematologic malignancies of the lymphoid lineage, and the therapeutic potential of epigenetic drugs targeting G9a/GLP for cancer treatment.
Non-falciparum malaria infections in Uganda, does it matter? A review of the published literature
Authors: Ranjbar Mansour , Tegegn Woldemariam Yonas
Published: July 2024

Background

Plasmodium falciparum is the dominant malaria species in the sub-Saharan Africa and the main cause of severe disease and death. Notwithstanding, severe malaria and death due to non-falciparum infections have been reported, but at much lower rates than P. falciparum infections. Following increasing use of molecular detection techniques in epidemiological studies, a higher prevalence of non-falciparum species has been reported in the region than previously thought. This article reviews the literature on the prevalence of non-falciparum malaria species in Uganda and the clinical figures of their severe diseases. It aims to elucidate the extent to which mono non-falciparum malaria infections in a highly malaria-endemic country contribute to malaria mortality and outline its policy implications on malaria case management.

Methods

The available English-language published peer-reviewed literature up to March 2024 was sought via PubMed and Google Scholar. The keywords used were severe malaria, AND P. falciparum, P. malariae, P. vivax, P. ovale spp., mixed infections AND Uganda. The review encompassed 53 articles. Articles using molecular diagnosis methods were accounted for analysis.

Results

The literature reported a substantial prevalence of non-falciparum infections in Uganda. Plasmodium malariae and Plasmodium ovale spp. were the second and third most prevalent reported malaria species respectively after P. falciparum as dominant species. Non-falciparum malaria infections often occur as mixed infections rather than mono-infections. Besides, molecular diagnostics revealed that 21% of initially reported mono-infections of P. falciparum were, in fact, mixed infections. No article was found on the prevalence of severe malaria or case fatality rate due to mixed or non-falciparum infections.

Conclusion

A critical knowledge gap exists regarding the impact of mixed and non-falciparum species on severe malaria and death in Uganda. Robust evidence on prevalence, recurrent parasitaemia, and severe clinical manifestations of mixed and non-falciparum malaria infections is crucial for evidence-based and effective policymaking regarding malaria case management.
Safety of embryo cryopreservation: insights from mid-term placental transcriptional changes
Authors: Luo Qin-Yu , Zhang Si-Wei , Wu Hai-Yan , Mo Jia-Ying , Yu Jia-En , He Ren-Ke , Jiang Zhao-Ying , Zhu Ke-Jing , Liu Xue-Ying , Lin Zhong-Liang , Sheng Jian-Zhong , Zhang Yu , Wu Yan-Ting , Huang He-Feng
Published: July 2024

Background

In recent years, with benefits from the continuous improvement of clinical technology and the advantage of fertility preservation, the application of embryo cryopreservation has been growing rapidly worldwide. However, amidst this growth, concerns about its safety persist. Numerous studies have highlighted the elevated risk of perinatal complications linked to frozen embryo transfer (FET), such as large for gestational age (LGA) and hypertensive disorders during pregnancy. Thus, it is imperative to explore the potential risk of embryo cryopreservation and its related mechanisms.

Methods

Given the strict ethical constraints on clinical samples, we employed mouse models in this study. Three experimental groups were established: the naturally conceived (NC) group, the fresh embryo transfer (Fresh-ET) group, and the FET group. Blastocyst formation rates and implantation rates were calculated post-embryo cryopreservation. The impact of FET on fetal growth was evaluated upon fetal and placental weight. Placental RNA-seq was conducted, encompassing comprehensive analyses of various comparisons (Fresh-ET vs. NC, FET vs. NC, and FET vs. Fresh-ET).

Results

Reduced rates of blastocyst formation and implantation were observed post-embryo cryopreservation. Fresh-ET resulted in a significant decrease in fetal weight compared to NC group, whereas FET reversed this decline. RNA-seq analysis indicated that the majority of the expression changes in FET were inherited from Fresh-ET, and alterations solely attributed to embryo cryopreservation were moderate. Unexpectedly, certain genes that showed alterations in Fresh-ET tended to be restored in FET. Further analysis suggested that this regression may underlie the improvement of fetal growth restriction in FET. The expression of imprinted genes was disrupted in both FET and Fresh-ET groups.

Conclusion

Based on our experimental data on mouse models, the impact of embryo cryopreservation is less pronounced than other in vitro manipulations in Fresh-ET. However, the impairment of the embryonic developmental potential and the gene alterations in placenta still suggested it to be a risky operation.
Improvement of early miscarriage rates in women with adenomyosis via oxytocin receptor antagonist during frozen embryo transfer-a propensity score-matched study
Authors: Lin Po-Wen , Chern Chyi-Uei , Li Chia-Jung , Lin Pei-Hsuan , Tsui Kuan-Hao , Lin Li-Te
Published: July 2024

Background

Dysfunctional uterine peristalsis seems to play a pivotal role in hindering embryo implantation among women diagnosed with adenomyosis. This research aims to investigate whether administering an oxytocin receptor antagonist during a frozen embryo transfer (FET) cycle using a hormone replacement therapy (HRT) protocol can enhance in vitro fertilization (IVF) outcomes for infertile women affected by adenomyosis.

Methods

Between January 2018 and June 2022, our reproductive center conducted IVF-FET HRT cycles for infertile women diagnosed with adenomyosis. Propensity score matching was employed to select matched subjects between the two groups in a 1:1 ratio. Following this, 168 women received an oxytocin receptor antagonist during FET, constituting the study group, while the matched 168 women underwent FET without this antagonist, forming the control group. We conducted comparative analyses of baseline and cycle characteristics between the two groups, along with additional subgroup analyses.

Results

The study group exhibited notably lower rates of early miscarriage compared to the control group, although there were no significant differences in clinical pregnancy rates, ongoing pregnancy rates, and live birth rates between the two groups. Multivariate analysis revealed a negative correlation between the use of oxytocin receptor antagonists and early miscarriage rates in women with adenomyosis. Subgroup analyses, categorized by age, infertility types, and embryo transfer day, showed a substantial decrease in early miscarriage rates within specific subgroups: women aged ≥ 37 years, those with secondary infertility, and individuals undergoing day 3 embryo transfers in the study group compared to the control group. Furthermore, subgroup analysis based on adenomyosis types indicated significantly higher clinical pregnancy rates, ongoing pregnancy rates and live birth rates in the study group compared to the control group among women with diffuse adenomyosis.

Conclusions

Administering an oxytocin receptor antagonist during FET may reduce the early miscarriage rates in women with adenomyosis.
Polygenic risk score of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease amplifies the health impact on severe liver disease and metabolism-related outcomes
Authors: Xiao Lushan , Li Yan , Hong Chang , Ma Pengcheng , Zhu Hongbo , Cui Hao , Zou Xuejing , Wang Jiaren , Li Ruining , He Jingzhe , Liang Shengxing , Li Zeyang , Zeng Lin , Liu Li
Published: July 2024

Background

Although the inherited risk factors associated with fatty liver disease are well understood, little is known about the genetic background of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) and its related health impacts. Compared to non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), MASLD presents significantly distinct diagnostic criteria, and epidemiological and clinical features, but the related genetic variants are yet to be investigated. Therefore, we conducted this study to assess the genetic background of MASLD and interactions between MASLD-related genetic variants and metabolism-related outcomes.

Methods

Participants from the UK Biobank were grouped into discovery and replication cohorts for an MASLD genome-wide association study (GWAS), and base and target cohorts for polygenic risk score (PRS) analysis. Autosomal genetic variants associated with NAFLD were compared with the MASLD GWAS results. Kaplan–Meier and Cox regression analyses were used to assess associations between MASLD and metabolism-related outcomes.

Results

Sixteen single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were identified at genome-wide significance levels for MASLD and duplicated in the replication cohort. Differences were found after comparing these SNPs with the results of NAFLD-related genetic variants. MASLD cases with high PRS had a multivariate-adjusted hazard ratio of 3.15 (95% confidence interval, 2.54–3.90) for severe liver disease (SLD), and 2.81 (2.60–3.03) for type 2 diabetes mellitus. The high PRS amplified the impact of MASLD on SLD and extrahepatic outcomes.

Conclusions

High PRS of MASLD GWAS amplified the impact of MASLD on SLD and metabolism-related outcomes, thereby refining the process of identification of individuals at high risk of MASLD. Supplementation of this process with relevant genetic backgrounds may lead to more effective MASLD prevention and management.
Shionone relieves oxygen-glucose deprivation/reoxygenation induced SH-SY5Y cells injury by inhibiting the p38 MAPK/NF-κB pathway
Authors: Zhou Xiaoli , Luo Xueting
Published: July 2024

Background

Cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury (I/R) can affect patient outcomes and can even be life-threatening. This study aimed to explore the role of Shionone in cerebral I/R and reveal its mechanism of action through the cerebral I/R in vitro model.

Methods

SH-SY5Y cells were subjected to oxygen-glucose deprivation/reoxygenation (OGD/R) to induce cerebral I/R in vitro model. SH-SY5Y cells were treated with different concentrations of Shionone. Cell counting kit-8 and flow cytometry assays were used to detect cell viability and apoptosis levels. The levels of superoxide dismutase, catalase, and malondialdehyde were determined using their corresponding kits to examine the level of oxidative stress. The inflammation response was detected by IL-6, IL-1β, and TNF-α levels, using enzyme-linked-immunosorbent-assay. RT-qPCR was performed to measure the mRNA levels of p38 and NF-κB. Western blotting was used to quantify the apoptosis-related proteins and p38MAPK/NF-κB signaling pathway proteins.

Results

Shionone exhibited no toxic effects on SH-SY5Y cells. Shionone inhibited OGD/R-induced cell apoptosis, improved the inflammatory response caused by OGD/R, and reduced the level of oxidative stress in cells. Western blot assay results showed that Shionone alleviated OGD/R-induced injury by inhibiting the activity of the p38 MAPK/NF-κB signaling pathway. The p38/MAPK agonist P79350 reversed the beneficial effects of Shionone.

Conclusion

Shionone alleviates cerebral I/R and may thus be a novel therapeutic strategy for treating cerebral I/R.
Pharmacological activity and clinical application analysis of traditional Chinese medicine ginger from the perspective of one source and multiple substances
Authors: Zhang Cheng , Rao Anyang , Chen Cui , Li Yuqing , Tan Xiuchi , Long Jiaxin , Wang Xinyue , Cai Junjie , Huang Jiquan , Luo Hua , Li Chuwen , Dang Yuanye
Published: July 2024

All types of ginger have common fundamental components, although they possess distinct strengths and inclinations when it comes to effectiveness and medicinal applications. Fresh ginger possesses the ability to effectively stimulate movement within the body, alleviate the act of vomiting, induce sweating, and provide relief for external syndromes. Dried ginger possesses both defensive and stimulant characteristics, which effectively raise the internal temperature and enhance the Yang energy. Fresh ginger is more hydrating than dried ginger, highly skilled at heating the Middle-jiao, alleviating pain, halting bleeding, and managing diarrhea. Dried ginger possesses the ability to alleviate coldness when consumed in a heated form, as well as to alleviate diarrhea when consumed in a heated form. It thrives in warm conditions and has a tendency to revert back to its warm nature. The moisture content of baked ginger is inferior to that of dried ginger, but it is highly effective in alleviating pain, bleeding, and diarrhea by warming the Middle-jiao. Ginger charcoal and stir-fried charcoal, produced through carbonization, have excellent heat retention properties and are effective in warming meridians and stopping bleeding. The potency and ability to spread of roasted ginger is less intense compared to fresh ginger, and its moisture content is not as low as that of dried ginger. The medicinal characteristics of this substance are gentle, making it beneficial for alleviating vomiting in patients who are physically frail. Its primary mode of action is on the Middle-jiao. Nevertheless, the main chemical compositions of various traditional Chinese medicines are nearly identical due to their shared base element. Ginger, in particular, possesses a range of pharmacological activities including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-tumor, anti-bacterial, and anticoagulant properties. However, modern pharmacological research has not fully acknowledged the clinical medicinal value of ginger and consequently, fails to provide accurate guidance for clinical medication. This situation has a negative impact on the contemporary advancement of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). The research on modernizing ginger is conducted by analyzing and considering the prospects. It is based on Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) theory and incorporates the comprehensive perspective of TCM philosophy. In order to modernize ginger, it is essential to have a proper knowledge of the concepts of “recognizing nature by efficacy, homology, and mutual expression of nature and efficacy” and “rationally utilizing modern drug research technology”. By applying these principles, we can construct a bridge towards the advancement of ginger.
Sow dimensions and loose-housed farrowing pen sizes on commercial piglet-producing farms in Sweden
Authors: Hannius Linda Marie Backeman , Endrésen Emelie , Carlzén Helena , Wallenbeck Anna , Westin Rebecka
Published: July 2024

International interest in loose-housed farrowing is growing and there are ongoing discussions within the European Union (EU) on new legal requirements. However, there is a lack of empirical data on loose-housed farrowing pen sizes and sow dimensions in commercial production. The aim of this study was to map and describe sow size and loose-housing farrowing pen size on commercial piglet-producing farms in Sweden. The study included 146 sows and 51 pen types on 35 medium sized to large Swedish piglet-producing farms (ranging from 106 to 1300 sows in production). Sow length ranged from 129 to 238 cm (mean ± SD 191.3 ± 19.3 cm) and sow height from 74 to 133 cm (86.7 ± 7.7 cm). Floor space occupied by the sow when lying down (length x height) ranged from 1.0 to 3.2 m2 (1.7 ± 0.3 m2). Pen length ranged from 259 to 415 cm (315.1 ± 24.3 cm), pen width from 188 to 245 cm (207.0 ± 10.7 cm), total pen area from 5.7 to 8.9 m2 (6.5 ± 0.5 m2), piglet corner area from 0.5 to 1.8 m2 (1.1 ± 0.4 m2) and area available for the sow (total area - piglet corner area) from 3.9 to 6.4 m2 (5.4 ± 0.6 m2). These results show that there is substantial variation in sow, pen and piglet corner size on commercial piglet-producing farms in Sweden. This poses a risk of mismatches between sow and pen size (pens too short in relation to sow dimensions), especially for older sows. These findings are of practical significance for animal welfare and production and emphasise the importance of designing loose-housed pens adapted to future sow, litter and piglet size.
The role of upper airway ultrasonography in tracheal necrosis diagnosis: a case report
Authors: Fazlin Mohd Jailaini Mas , Jazman Che Rahim Mohd , Aireene Wan Ahmed Wan , Farid Abdull Wahab Shaik , Faisal Abdul Hamid Mohamed , Zara Mohammad Nasseri Fahrin
Published: July 2024

Background

Tracheal necrosis post endotracheal intubation is a rare life-threatening disease that can compromise airway patency. We demonstrated a novel usage of upper airway ultrasonography (USG) to diagnose tracheal necrosis.

Case presentation

A middle-aged smoking male presented with productive cough, noisy breathing and exertional dyspnea for 2 weeks. He was intubated one month prior due to a traumatic brain injury. Upper airway USG findings showed irregular air-mucosal interface (AMI) and comet tail artefacts over the 1st and 2nd tracheal ring. A direct laryngoscopy in the operating room showed thick mucopus inferior to the vocal cords, with necrotic tracheal cartilages and debris obstructing the airway. He was successfully treated with parenteral antibiotics, wound debridement and tracheostomy.

Conclusion

Our case highlights the first documented USG findings of tracheal necrosis. Upper airway USG serves as a potential diagnostic modality in managing the condition.