bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Seeking support and treatment: A thematic analysis of tweets about the experience of endometriosis
Authors: Tragantzopoulou Panagiota , Giannouli Vaitsa
Published: January 2025

Background:

Endometriosis significantly affects women’s quality of life, yet remains underrepresented in public discourse. This study aimed to explore the lived experiences and challenges of women with endometriosis as expressed on Twitter/X.

Methods:

A total of 2000 tweets were collected between September 2023 to November 2023 using relevant hashtags. Tweets were thematically analyzed using NVivo to identify recurring patterns in women’s experiences with endometriosis.

Results:

Findings indicated that 35% of the tweets described chronic pain, difficulty completing daily tasks, and concerns about infertility. In 30% of the tweets, women also discussed various treatments, including surgery, medication, and dietary modifications, with a notable focus on weight loss and healthy eating. However, a problematic preoccupation with food and weight was observed in discussions about dietary changes. A recurring theme observed in the remaining tweets was the feeling of being dismissed by healthcare providers, with many addressing gender dynamics and bias in the medical field.

Conclusion:

This study highlights the power of Twitter/X as a platform for raising awareness about endometriosis. The findings underscore the need for improved healthcare services and the development of supportive communities for women with the condition.
Situational Fluidity and the Use of Identity Labels in Interactions
Authors: Holmes Andy , Ghaziani Amin
Published: January 2025

The number of people who identify as LGBTQ+ more than doubled in the past decade, and with this growth has come an upsurge of expressive identity labels. However, that there are more labels available does not explain how people decide which to use. On the basis of 52 interviews, the authors show that LGBTQ+ people adopt multiple terms and adjust their usage relative to the interactional demands at hand. Inspired by research in psychology and population studies on sexual fluidity, the authors call the sociological variant situational fluidity. Two pathways motivate it. First, respondents anchor newer labels with established terms in the interest of smoother interpersonal interactions. Second, anticipating resistance encourages some individuals to alter their preferred labels in order to buffer against possible policing or pushback. This process-based account offers an alternative to traditional linear models that propose the achievement of a self that is articulated with a single and stable term.
Heritage Crop Diversity in Transition: Ragi’s Role in Mitigating Food Security Challenges in India
Authors: Kumar Diwakar , Dubey Maneesh
Published: January 2025

The Green Revolution’s achievement and subsequent effects on agricultural output and economic benefits continue to resonate in certain parts of Asia, where the introduction of novel agricultural technologies coincided with infrastructural and commercial advancements. Despite these accomplishments, the task of eliminating global hunger has demonstrated itself to be a multi-faceted and demanding undertaking, entangled with challenges like poverty and climate change. Genetic variety is a crucial factor that influences both the availability and security of food. It is strongly linked to the cultural heritage associated with the historical domestication of crops. Agriculture and food encompass both tangible and intangible elements of cultural heritage; however, the connection between food and cultural heritage has only recently begun to be explored. Furthermore, there has been a widespread failure to properly acknowledge both the tangible and intangible elements of the cultural context around regional foods. Additionally, there has been a notable absence of involvement from key stakeholders in the processes of preserving culinary heritage. Food was officially acknowledged by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization as an intangible cultural asset in 2010. Furthermore, it is important to highlight that placing food within the context of cultural heritage has broader consequences that extend beyond its role as a cultural marker. There has been a paradigm change in thinking about intangible and tangible forms of cultural legacy, and this change is especially noticeable in food systems, which are highly dependent on commercial entities. Numerous studies have demonstrated how cultural heritage has impacted and continues to shape various facets of identities related to food production and consumption. The relationship between cultural heritage and the ‘farm to fork’ production, supply and demand cycles is not widely acknowledged. However, recognizing this connection can be utilized to improve food security. The literature, meanwhile, has been rather silent regarding the ways in which India might strengthen and improve food security through the use of cultural legacy. This study aims to investigate the relationship between cultural legacy and food systems and how this relationship might be utilized to tackle food insecurity in India.
In the weeds: Thinking through anthropological and other social science approaches to invasive plant species and their control
Authors: Reardon-Smith Mardi
Published: January 2025

As climate change and biodiversity loss dismantle the world's ecosystems, we are becoming a planet of weeds. The spread of invasive plant species poses acute challenges to human and non-human life, threatening biodiversity, economic livelihoods, and human health. In anthropology, there has been an embrace of the concept of “weediness” as generative in recent years, both as a way to think through unexpected flourishings amidst the ruins of capitalism, and to challenge an anthropocentric view of vegetal value. However, in contexts where the spread of invasive plant species threatens livelihoods, lifeworlds, biodiversity and ecosystems, there is an urgent need to take seriously the negative consequences of weedy proliferation, something that is perhaps best achieved through a vegetal political ecology approach. This paper traces recent developments in anthropological and social science scholarship related to invasive plants and the techniques used to control them. Literatures investigating the role that weeds play in the social world, across anthropology, geography, critical plant studies and related disciplines are brought into conversation with toxicities literatures to think about how the histories and futures of weeds and their control sit in (and shape) landscapes and bodies in uneven ways.
Continuous Glucose Monitoring Attrition in Youth With Type 1 Diabetes
Authors: Meighan Seema , Lipman Terri H. , VanGraafeiland Brigit , Marks Brynn E.
Published: January 2025

Purpose

The purpose of the study was to identify the most common reasons for and timing of continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) attrition in youth with type 1 diabetes (T1DM).

Methods

This single center retrospective chart review included youth with T1DM <22 years seen between November 1, 2021, and October 31, 2022. Data were gathered from CGM cloud-based software and the electronic medical record.

Results

Among 2663 youth, 88.3% (n = 2351) actively used CGM, and 5.9% (n = 311) had CGM attrition. Those who discontinued CGM were older (17.0 vs 14.9 years, P = .0001), had a longer T1DM duration (7.4 vs 5.1 years), higher A1C (9% vs 7.4%), and were non-Hispanic Black (NHB; 34.0% vs 11.5%). The odds of CGM attrition were 5.0 and 2.8 times higher in NHB and Latine youth, respectively, compared to non-Hispanic White youth. Median time to CGM discontinuation was 4 months, 21 days after initiation; 57% of youth who discontinued did so in the first 6 months of use. The most common reasons for CGM attrition were problems with device adhesion (18.4%), dislike device on the body (10.8%), insurance problems (9.5%), pain with device use (8.3%), and system mistrust due to inaccurate readings (8.2%). NHB and Latine youth were more likely to discontinue CGM due to insurance problems (3.2% vs 15.1% vs 16.7%).

Conclusions

To support equitable, uninterrupted CGM use, education at CGM initiation should address practical approaches to improve adhesion and wearability and provide a clear pathway to obtaining supplies. Interventions to support sustained CGM use should occur within the first 6 months of initiation.
Symbolic Sovereignty and the Decolonizing and Indigenizing Potentials of Skateboarding
Authors: Geckle Bethany
Published: January 2025

Skateboarding is a practice that reimagines and repurposes the urban landscape by manipulating its designs for unintended purposes and creating new relationships with space. In this way, skateboarding may challenge the exclusionary urban logics in colonized cities. Extending this line of thought, I explore the decolonizing and indigenizing potential of skateboarding through the concepts of visual sovereignty and placemaking. I suggest skateboarding diversifies and contemporizes Indigenous arts and practices, translates indigeneity into urban contexts that traditionally preclude Indigenous peoples and cultures, builds communities between Indigenous groups and across rural and urban geographies, and imagines other ways of being, doing, and relating to space that signals more Indigenous futures.
Investigating why pupils in a range of primary and secondary schools in Southeast Wales, UK, do not report racist incidents / racist bullying. Implications and recommendations for practice
Authors: Davis Susan , Haughton Chantelle , Olusola Jeremiah , Andrews Leon , Akmal Batool , Maiorano Gemma , Fernandes John FT
Published: January 2025

Our research explores and documents reasons why pupils in five local authority areas (LAs) in Southeast Wales (SEW), UK, are under-reporting incidents of racism/racist bullying in schools. We engaged with pupils from Black and Racially Minoritised (BRM) backgrounds, eliciting their views through focus group conversations with them, their parents and teachers. The research sample included 10 schools in the SEW area: five primary schools and five secondary schools. We adopted a social justice lens which is critical of ‘race’ and racialised social formations. Through this lens we uncovered a number of findings. We found that racist incidents/racist bullying impact and affect young people in detrimental ways. Pupils who had experienced racist incidents / racist bullying valued the opportunity of having their voices heard during the research process but were sceptical that it would make a difference to them in their everyday school lives. We suggest that schools put in place clear policies, which record and address incidents, along with robust training for all school staff. Our conclusions are currently being used in the co-construction and implementation of recommendations for professional learning for teachers, educational strategy and policy reform to negate racist incidents/racist bullying in schools within the SEW region.
Targeting WDR5/ATAD2 signaling by the CK2/Ikaros axis demonstrates therapeutic efficacy in T-ALL
Authors: Han Qi , Gu Yan , Xiang Huimin , Zhang Linyao , Wang Yan , Yang Chan , Li Jun , Steiner Chelsea , Lapalombella Rosa , Woyach Jennifer A. , Yang Yiping , Dovat Sinisa , Song Chunhua , Ge Zheng
Published: January 2025

T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL) is an aggressive hematological malignancy with a poor prognosis and limited options for targeted therapies. Identifying new molecular targets to develop novel therapeutic strategies is the pressing immediate issue in T-ALL. Here, we observed high expression of WD Repeat-Containing Protein 5 (WDR5) in T-ALL; with in vitro and in vivo models we demonstrated the oncogenic role of WDR5 in T-ALL by activating cell cycle signaling through its new downstream effector, ATPase family AAA domain-containing 2 (ATAD2). Moreover, IKAROS' function is often impaired by genetic alteration as well as casein kinase II (CK2) which is overexpressed in T-ALL. We found IKAROS directly regulates WDR5 transcription; CK2 inhibitor, CX-4945 strongly suppresses WDR5 expression by restoring IKAROS function. Lastly, combining CX-4945 with WDR5 inhibitor demonstrates synergistic efficacy in the patient-derived xenograft mouse models. In conclusion, our results demonstrated that WDR5/ATAD2 is a new oncogenic signaling pathway in T-ALL, and simultaneous targeting of WRD5 and CK2/IKAROS has synergistic anti-leukemic efficacy and represents a promising potential strategy for T-ALL therapy.
Pre-biologic disease trajectories are associated with morbidity burden and biologic treatment response in severe asthma
Authors: Soendergaard Marianne Baastrup , Hjortdahl Frederikke , Hansen Susanne , Bjerrum Anne-Sofie , von Bülow Anna , Hilberg Ole , Bonnesen Bertelsen Barbara , Johnsen Claus Rikard , Lock-Johansson Sofie , Vijdea Roxana , Rasmussen Linda Makowska , Schmid Johannes Martin , Ulrik Charlotte Suppli , Porsbjerg Celeste , Håkansson Kjell Erik Julius
Published: January 2025

Background

Biologics can induce remission in some patients with severe asthma, however, little is known about pre-biologic disease trajectories and their association with outcomes from biological treatment. We aimed to identify long-term trajectories of disease progression in patients initiating biologics and investigate trajectory associations with disease burden and impact on biologic therapy efficacy.

Methods

Patients in the Danish Severe Asthma Registry initiating biologic therapy between 2016–2022 were included and followed retrospectively in prescription databases starting 1995. We performed sequence analysis for inhaled corticosteroid (ICS) treatment intensity over time combined with unsupervised trajectory clustering.

Results

In total, 755 patients were included and three pre-biologic disease trajectories were identified: Chronic severe asthma (26%), Gradual onset severe asthma (35%), Recent, sudden onset severe asthma (39%). Chronic severe asthma patients were older, had the longest disease duration (35 years), the most impaired pulmonary function, the highest comorbidity prevalence and the lowest employment rate.Recent, sudden onset severe asthmapatients were younger, had shorter disease duration (5 years), more tobacco exposure and the least impaired lung function.Gradual onset severe asthmahad an intermediate burden of disease. TheChronic severe asthmacluster demonstrated the lowest prevalence of remission (17%) compared to theGradual onset severe asthma(29%) andRecent onset severe asthma(32%) clusters.

Conclusions

Three pre-biologic disease trajectories were identified, with increased disease duration and activity associating with asthma- and comorbidity burden. Early intervention may be key to prevent irreversible adverse outcomes for patients with severe asthma.
A composite score of polygraphic oximetry parameters predicts left ventricular hypertrophy in patients with obstructive sleep Apnea
Authors: Landolfo Matteo , Giulietti Federico , Spannella Francesco , Sarnari Silvia , Di Pentima Chiara , Giordano Piero , Sarzani Riccardo
Published: January 2025

Background

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is linked to cardiovascular diseases (CVD). The obstructive apnea-hypopnea index (oAHI) used for diagnosing and grading OSA has limitations in predicting CVD. The present study assessed and compared the association between nocturnal hypoxemia parameters and left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH).

Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted on 187 consecutive adult outpatients diagnosed with OSA after home cardiorespiratory polygraphy. Blood pressure (BP) control was tested with ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM). A standard transthoracic cardiac ultrasound examination assessed LVH. Oximetry parameters were grouped into a single parameter (Oxy-score) using factor analysis (the higher the Oxy-score, the better nocturnal oxygenation), which was tested for association with LVH.

Results

Mean age: 60±12 years. Male sex: 75%. Overweight/obese: 94%. The prevalence of arterial hypertension and LVH were 92% and 75%, respectively. The prevalence of severe OSA was 44%, with a mean oAHI of 32±19. Patients with LVH had significantly higher oAHI (34±19versus27±18, p=0.030), oxygen desaturation index (ODI) (41±23versus30±18, p=0.004), and worse oximetry parameters. Oxy-score results were independently associated with LVH (adj. OR=0.45, p=0.044). oAHI lost its independent relationship with LVH when the model included the Oxy-score. ROCs showed that oAHI was less accurate in predicting LVH than Oxy-score [AUC 0.63 (95% CI 0.59–0.68)versusAUC 0.70 (95% CI 0.65–0.74), respectively, p=0.005].

Conclusion

Nocturnal oximetry parameters, grouped into a single parameter as a proxy of the global hypoxic burden, proved to be a better and independent predictor of LVH than oAHI, supporting the pivotal relevance of oximetry parameters in OSA patients beyond oAHI.
Modified 1-min sit-to-stand test for evaluating exercise capacity in pulmonary fibrosis
Authors: Berger Ingrid , Mortada Sadek , Gachie Clémence , Beaussier Hélène , Sacco Emmanuelle , Chatellier Gilles , Fels Audrey , Cachanado Marine , Naccache Jean-Marc
Published: January 2025

Question

The reference test for the functional evaluation of pulmonary fibrosis (PF) during exercise is the 6-minute walk test (6MWT). However, the 6MWT involves temporal and spatial constraints that the 1-minute sit-to-stand test (1-MSTST) does not have. Previous studies have not validated 1-MSTST use in this context, mainly because of far less oxygen desaturation. We hypothesize that the modified 1-MSTST (m1-MSTST), taking into account the recovery phase, could compensate this shortcoming.

Patients and Methods

Randomized, cross-over, single-center trial conducted in 36 patients with PF. 6MWT and 1-MSTST were performed 30 min apart for each patient in a randomized order. An equivalence test was performed on the saturation (SpO2) nadir.

Results

The 36 patients included 8 idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, 5 nonspecific idiopathic pneumonia, 8 collagen tissue disease-associated PF, 4 hypersensitivity pneumonitis, 2 sarcoidosis and 9 other PF. Mean±sdnadir desaturation was 84.9±4.3% at 6MWT and 88±3.5% at m1-MSTST with a strong correlation between both tests. 33 patients (91.7%) had concordant result in the two tests regarding significant desaturation (SpO2 delta>4% or nadir<88%) known as prognosis factor.

Conclusion

The m1-MSTST, taking into account the recovery phase, is a sensible compromise to the 6MWT in measuring exercise performance in people with PF. As many clinical endpoints are transferring from hospital to outpatient care, m1-MSTST is technically easier and more practical for patients. Further studies are warranted for determination of minimal clinically important difference and norms in healthy subjects.
AeroVax: study protocol for a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled phase 2 trial to evaluate safety and immunogenicity of a next-generation COVID-19 vaccine delivered by inhaled aerosol to humans
Authors: Komorowski Adam S. , Mbuagbaw Lawrence , Jeyanathan Mangalakumari , Afkhami Sam , Swinton Marilyn , D'Agostino Michael R. , Howie Karen , Medina Maria Fe C. , Gauvreau Gail M. , Brister Danica L. , Satia Imran , Lichty Brian D. , Miller Matthew S. , Cameron Donald W. , Halperin Scott , Thabane Lehana , Loeb Mark , Xing Zhou , Smaill Fiona M.
Published: January 2025

Background

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) continues to have a significant impact worldwide, in part due to a reduction in neutralising antibody protection provided by vaccines targeting monovalent spike antigens related to immune escape. Development of vaccines amenable for respiratory mucosal delivery that provide broad and durable immunity are needed.

Objective

This study aims to determine the safety and immunogenicity of a single inhaled dose of a replication-deficient chimpanzee adenovirus type 68 vector expressing a trivalent transgene cassette of SARS-CoV-2 S1 domain of spike, nucleocapsid, and RNA polymerase genes (ChAd-triCoV/Mac).

Methods

We plan to recruit 350 non-pregnant adults aged 18–65 who have previously received three intramuscular SARS-CoV-2 mRNA vaccines in this 24-week, multicentre, double-blind, parallel group, phase II, two-sided superiority randomised controlled trial. Participants will be randomised 2:1 to receive either a single inhaled dose of ChAd-triCoV/Mac or placebo, both aerosolizedviathe AeroNeb® Solo vibrating mesh nebuliser. A subset of separately-randomised participants will undergo bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL). The co-primary outcome to be analysed in the per-protocol population is SARS-CoV-2 antigen-specific CD4+ and CD8+ T cell responses measured at 2 weeks in the peripheral blood; solicited adverse events (AEs) frequency to day 7 and unsolicited to day 28. In the BAL sub-study, the co-primary outcome will also include BAL fluid SARS-CoV-2 antigen-specific CD4+ and CD8+ T cell responses measured at 4 weeks.

Conclusion

This placebo-controlled phase 2 randomised trial will test the safety and immunogenicity of an inhaled, nebulised ChAd-triCoV/Mac SARS-CoV-2 vaccine that is novel in its administration route and targeting of multiple viral epitopes. The results will provide further information regarding the mucosal T cell response to immunisation.
Lack of weight gain and increased mortality during and after treatment among adults with drug-resistant tuberculosis: a retrospective cohort study in Georgia, 2009–2020
Authors: Chakhaia Tsira , Blumberg Henry M , Kempker Russell R , Luo Ruiyan , Dzidzikashvili Nino , Chincharauli Mamuka , Tukvadze Nestan , Avaliani Zaza , Stauber Christine , Magee Matthew J.
Published: January 2025

Background

While low body mass index (BMI) is associated with poor tuberculosis (TB) treatment outcomes, the impact of weight gain during TB treatment is unclear. To address this knowledge gap, we assessed if lack of weight gain is associated with all-cause mortality during and after TB treatment.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective cohort study among adults with newly diagnosed multi- or extensively drug-resistant (M/XDR) pulmonary TB in Georgia between 2009–2020. The exposure was a change in BMI during the first 3–6 months of TB treatment. All-cause mortality during and after TB treatment was assessed using the National Death Registry. We used competing-risk Cox proportional hazard models to estimate adjusted hazard ratios (aHR) between BMI change and all-cause mortality.

Results

Among 720 adult participants, 21% had low BMI (<18.5 kg·m−2) at treatment initiation and 9% died either during (n=16) or after treatment (n=50). During the first 3–6 months of TB treatment, 17% lost weight and 14% had no weight change. Among 479 adults with normal baseline BMI (≥18.5–24.9 kg·m−2), weight loss was associated with an increased risk of death during TB treatment (aHR=5.25; 95%CI: 1.31–21.10). Among 149 adults with a low baseline BMI, no change in BMI was associated with increased post-TB treatment mortality (aHR=4.99; 95%CI: 1.25–19.94).

Conclusions

Weight loss during TB treatment (among those with normal baseline BMI) or no weight gain (among those with low baseline BMI) was associated with increased rates of all-cause mortality. Our findings suggest that scaling up weight management interventions among those with M/XDR TB may be beneficial.
Exacerbation and Mortality Risk in Individuals with Bronchiectasis Post-COVID-19 Recovery
Authors: Kim Sang Hyuk , Kim Jong Seung , Kim Min Ji , Jin Sorin , Kim Bo-Guen , Moon Seong Mi , Yang Bumhee , Moon Ji-Yong , Min Kyung Hoon , Choi Hayoung , Lee Hyun
Published: January 2025

Background

Individuals with bronchiectasis have an increased risk of exacerbation by coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19), even after recovery from COVID-19. However, the impact of COVID-19 severity on severe exacerbation and mortality remains uncertain.

Methods

We enrolled 48 342 individuals diagnosed with bronchiectasis between January 1, 2015 and October 7, 2020 from Korea National Health Insurance Service. Of these individuals, 2711 with bronchiectasis were identified as also having recovered from COVID-19. A COVID-19 and matched cohort (n=2711 for both) were established after 1:1 propensity matching. The exposure was COVID-19 (non-severe and severe), and outcomes were severe exacerbation of bronchiectasis and death following the COVID-19 recovery date.

Results

During a median follow-up of 70 days (interquartile range [IQR], 31–216 days) for severe exacerbation and a median of 71 days (IQR, 32–129 days) for death, including 14 days of recovery time, the incidence of severe exacerbation and death were 402.2/10 000 person-years and 342.9/10 000 person-years in the COVID-19 cohort. Although the COVID-19 cohort did not show higher risk of severe exacerbation, the cohort exhibited a significantly higher risk of mortality (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR] 1.46, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.06–2.01) compared with the matched cohort. In a stratified analysis, the severe COVID-19 cohort showed a significantly higher risk of severe exacerbation (aHR 2.38, 95% CI 1.25–4.51) and mortality (aHR 2.99, 95% CI 2.08–4.28) compared with the matched cohort.

Conclusion

The risk of severe exacerbation and mortality in individuals with bronchiectasis was increased after recovery from COVID-19, particularly in those who experienced severe COVID-19.
Upper lobe CT imaging features improve prediction of lung function decline in COPD
Authors: Makimoto Kalysta , Virdee Sukhraj , Koo Meghan , Hogg James C. , Bourbeau Jean , Tan Wan C. , Kirby Miranda
Published: January 2025

Background

It is unknown if prediction models for lung function decline using computed tomography (CT) imaging-derived features from the upper-lobes improve performance compared to globally-derived features in individuals at risk of and with COPD.

Materials and Methods

Individuals at risk (current or former smokers) and those with COPD from the Canadian Cohort Obstructive Lung Disease (CanCOLD), a retrospective study, were investigated. A total of 103 CT features were extracted globally and regionally, and were used with 12 clinical features (demographics, questionnaires, and spirometry) to predict rapid lung function decline for individuals at risk and those with COPD. Machine learning models were evaluated in a hold-out test set using the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) with DeLong's test for comparison.

Results

A total of 780 participants were included (n=276 at risk; n=298 GOLD 1 COPD; n=206 GOLD 2+ COPD). For predicting rapid lung function decline in those at risk, the upper-lobe CT model obtained a significantly higher AUC (AUC=0.80) than the lower-lobe CT model (AUC=0.63) and global model (AUC=0.66; p<0.05). For predicting rapid lung function decline in COPD, there was no significant differences between the upper-lobe (AUC=0.63), lower-lobe (AUC=0.59) or global CT features model (AUC=059; p>0.05).

Conclusion

CT features extracted from the upper-lobes obtained significantly improved prediction performance compared to globally extracted features for rapid lung function decline in early/mild COPD.
Suture button systems for coronoid fracture fixation: a biomechanical time-zero pilot study
Authors: Lappen Sebastian , Kadantsev Pavel , Bohnet Daniel , Geyer Stephanie , Hinz Maximilian , Marx Christian , Braun Sepp , Siebenlist Sebastian
Published: January 2025

Purpose

This study aims to describe a fixation technique for coronoid fractures using suture buttons, and to biomechanically evaluate this technique in comparison to screw fixation as a time-zero pilot study.

Methods

An O’Driscoll type 2 anteromedial coronoid facet (AMCF) fracture was simulated in 20 fresh-frozen human elbows. The specimens were randomized into two groups and fracture fixation was performed with either a suture button system or a 3.5 mm cannulated screw. Ultimate load-to-failure (N) was then tested for each specimen.

Results

The mean load-to-failure was 322.6 ± 75.9 N for suture button fixation and 314.2 ± 85.9 N for screw fixation. The differences were not statistically significant (p = 0.432). Additional fracturing of the coronoid fragment was observed in two specimens with screw fixation.

Conclusion

Promising biomechanical evaluations show that this fixation technique using suture buttons in the treatment of coronoid fractures provides equal construct stability as screw fixation. Further studies are required to fully validate this procedure.
Impact of hopelessness on migration intentions of nursing students: a path analysis
Authors: Berşe Soner , Karacan Emine , Zivdir Yeşılyurt Pelin , Güngörmüş Zeynep
Published: January 2025

Background

Brain drain refers to the migration of qualified professionals to developed countries in search of better living and working conditions, and has become a global concern, particularly in the healthcare sector. Migration of highly skilled nurses results in increased workload for the remaining nursing staff, limited access to quality healthcare services, and contributes to disparities in healthcare. Therefore, nursing students represent a critical demographic group for understanding the drivers of brain drain in the healthcare sector.

Purpose

This study aimed to assess the levels of hopelessness experienced by nursing students in Turkey throughout their education and to examine the impact of hopelessness on their decisions to move abroad.

Materials and methods

The study was conducted on 795 students enrolled in the nursing departments of two public universities in Gaziantep. Data were collected using a Demographic Data Form, the Beck Hopelessness Scale, and the Attitudes Towards Brain Drain Scale. The data were analyzed using the SPSS 24.0 statistical software.

Results

57% of the nursing students considered moving abroad, with 20.2% preferring Germany. The primary reasons for their desire to migrate included poor living conditions (11.1%), economic problems (12.9%), unfavorable working conditions (8.3%), and educational challenges (5.4%). The findings highlight the significant role of future hopelessness in influencing the migration intentions of nursing students.

Conclusion

More than half of Turkish nursing students consider moving abroad to seek better working conditions, higher living standards, financial gains and educational opportunities, with Germany being their top destination country. Despite low levels of hopelessness observed among the students, the tendency for migration persisted. A retention policy needs to be developed with strategic actions to prevent nurses from migrating to other countries.

Clinical trial number

not applicable.
Semi-field experiments reveal contrasted predation and movement patterns of aquatic macroinvertebrate predators of Anopheles gambiae larvae
Authors: Onen Hudson , Kaindoa Emmanuel W. , Nkya Joel , Limwagu Alex , Kaddumukasa Martha A. , Okumu Fredros O. , Kayondo Jonathan K. , Akol Anne M. , Tripet Frédéric
Published: January 2025

Background

Members of the Anopheles gambiae complex are major malaria vectors in sub-Saharan Africa. Their larval stages inhabit a variety of aquatic habitats in which, under natural circumstances, they are preyed upon by different taxa of aquatic macroinvertebrate predators. Understanding the potential impact of predators on malaria vector larval population dynamics is important for enabling integrated local mosquito control programmes with a stronger emphasis on biocontrol approaches. This study experimentally evaluated the predation efficacy and foraging strategy of three common aquatic macroinvertebrate predators of An. gambiae, diving beetles (Coleoptera), backswimmers (Hemiptera), and dragonfly nymphs (Odonata) in a semi-field system in South-Eastern Tanzania.

Methods

An array of alternating small and large basins used as aquatic habitats was created in two compartments of a semi-field system and filled with well water. Field-collected adult diving beetles, backswimmers or dragonfly nymphs were randomly assigned to these habitats and Anopheles arabiensis larvae were added as prey in half of the habitats. The number of mosquito larvae consumed, predator mobility across habitats and mortality were recorded at 24, 48 and 72 h.

Results

The presence of An. gambiae larvae in habitats significantly increased the survival of backswimmer and dragonfly nymphs, which are not mobile. In contrast, diving beetles survived well under any initial condition by preferentially flying away from habitats without prey to nearby larger habitats with prey. The larval predation rates of predacious diving beetle, backswimmer and dragonfly nymphs were stable over time at a mean of 3.2, 7.0 and 9.6 larvae consumed each day.

Conclusion

This study demonstrates that aquatic macroinvertebrate predators display adaptive foraging behaviour in response to prey presence and aquatic habitat size. It also confirms the ability of these predators to significantly reduce An. gambiae larval densities in aquatic habitats, thus their potential for consideration as additional biocontrol tools for mosquito population reduction.
Preimplantation genetic testing for four families with severe combined immunodeficiency: Three unaffected livebirths
Authors: Zhang Lingyun , Feng Lei , Shi Hao , Niu Wenbin , Wang Yanchi , Bu Bei , Liu Yidong , Bao Xiao , Song Wenyan , Jin Haixia , Sun Yingpu
Published: January 2025

Purpose

Severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID) is a set of rare monogenic inherited diseases that together represent the most severe form of the primary immunodeficiency disease phenotype. Preimplantation genetic testing for monogenic defects (PGT-M) is an effective reproductive technology strategy to prevent disease-causing gene mutations from being transmitted to offspring. The aim of this study was to report the use of PGT-M strategy based on karyomapping in four families to avoid the birth of SCID children.

Methods

Four couples underwent the PGT-M strategy due to SCID. The strategy of PGT-M started with a biopsy of the trophectoderm cells of embryos, and the whole genome was amplified by multiple replacement amplification (MDA). Then, the single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the region upstream and downstream of the mutation site were subsequently identified via karyomapping, and the results were analyzed via SNPs linkage analysis. The aneuploids of the embryos were identified simultaneously. Finally, prenatal amniocentesis was used to verify the validity of the PGT-M results.

Results

We identified three novel variants (case1: IL2RG c.720_726delGAGCCAC; case 3: RAG2 c.770 C > T; and case 4: LIG4 c.1347 A > T). All four couples with SCID pathogenic gene mutations were subjected to karyomapping linkage analysis, and embryos with the pathogenic gene mutation were successfully identified. Euploid blastocysts without pathogenic alleles were transplanted, and healthy offspring were ultimately born. Prenatal diagnosis also confirmed the validity of our results.

Conclusion

This study revealed that karyomapping is an efficient approach for identifying SCID. Through PGT-M with karyomapping linkage analysis, healthy babies were born to families carrying mutations in the SCID pathogenic gene.
Crohn’s disease, irritable bowel syndrome, and chronic fatigue: the importance of communication and symptom management—a case report
Authors: Haedrich Johannes , Huber Roman
Published: January 2025

Background

Crohn’s disease and irritable bowel syndrome may both cause abdominal pain and diarrhea. Irritable bowel syndrome not only is an important differential diagnosis for Crohn’s disease but also occurs in one out of three patients with Crohn’s disease in remission in parallel. If not adequately diagnosed and treated, additional functional symptoms such as fatigue and/or muscle pain may develop, indicating a more severe course.

Case presentation

A 64-year-old Caucasian male with long-standing, widely inactive Crohn’s disease presented with persistent diarrhea, bloating, abdominal pain, general fatigue, unexplained hip pain, and frequent shivering with cold extremities, which had worsened following a gastrointestinal infection and psychological stress. A plausible explanation of his symptoms, based on an understanding of mind–body interactions, the autonomic nervous system, and temperature regulation, combined with symptom relief, was associated with rapid and sustainable improvement. After 2.5 years of follow-up, the patient is almost symptom-free.

Conclusions

This case report exemplifies the interrelation between organic (Crohn’s disease) and functional diseases (irritable bowel syndrome, chronic fatigue syndrome, and somatoform pain). It further demonstrates that these connections may be overlooked in daily practice and that providing a plausible explanation in combination with symptom relief may be important for patients with functional syndromes.
A novel treatment strategy with hyperbaric oxygen of chronic osteomyelitis and pseudoarthrosis in a child with congenital hereditary sensory and autonomic neuropathy type 4 congenital insensitivity to pain with anhidrosis syndrome: a case report
Authors: Kjellberg Anders , Gustafsson Rebecca , Antonsson Pavel , Hedelin Henrik
Published: January 2025

Background

Congenital insensitivity to pain with anhidrosis is a rare but devastating hereditary disease. Congenital insensitivity to pain with anhidrosis is caused by a mutation in the neurotrophic receptor tyrosine kinase 1 gene (NRTK1). The condition is characterized by multiple injuries, recurrent infections, and mental retardation.

Case presentation

A 7-year-old Kurdish female patient, with a known case of congenital insensitivity to pain with anhidrosis, presented with a left tibial fracture, complicated by incorrect healing, osteomyelitis, and pseudoarthrosis spanning over a number of years. The osteomyelitis and pseudoarthrosis eventually healed after treatment with a combination of a long course of antibiotics, CERAMENT with gentamicin, and 40 sessions of hyperbaric oxygen treatment at 2.4 bar, 113 minutes with two air breaks. This is the first reported case of using hyperbaric oxygen treatment in children with congenital insensitivity to pain with anhidrosis. We discuss potential mechanistic explanations of the association between healing and hyperbaric oxygen treatment.

Conclusion

Hyperbaric oxygen treatment may be considered in other cases of complicated infections or treatment-resistant pseudoarthrosis in patients with this rare disease.
Sarcolemma resilience and skeletal muscle health require O-mannosylation of dystroglycan
Authors: Hord Jeffrey M. , Burns Sarah , Willer Tobias , Goddeeris Matthew M. , Venzke David , Campbell Kevin P.
Published: January 2025

Background

Maintaining the connection between skeletal muscle fibers and the surrounding basement membrane is essential for muscle function. Dystroglycan (DG) serves as a basement membrane extracellular matrix (ECM) receptor in many cells, and is also expressed in the outward-facing membrane, or sarcolemma, of skeletal muscle fibers. DG is a transmembrane protein comprised of two subunits: alpha-DG (α-DG), which resides in the peripheral membrane, and beta-DG (β-DG), which spans the membrane to intracellular regions. Extensive post-translational processing and O-mannosylation are required for α-DG to bind ECM proteins, which is mediated by a glycan structure known as matriglycan. O-mannose glycan biosynthesis is initiated by the protein O-mannosyltransferase 1 (POMT1) and POMT2 enzyme complex and leads to three subtypes of glycans called core M1, M2, and M3. The lengthy core M3 is capped with matriglycan. Genetic defects in post-translational O-mannosylation of DG interfere with its receptor function and result in muscular dystrophy with central nervous system and skeletal muscle pathophysiology.

Methods

To evaluate how the loss of O-mannosylated DG in skeletal muscle affects the development and progression of myopathology, we generated and characterized mice in which the Pomt1 gene was specifically deleted in skeletal muscle (Pomt1skm) to interfere with POMT1/2 enzyme activity. To investigate whether matriglycan is the primary core M glycan structure that provides the stabilizing link between the sarcolemma and ECM, we generated mice that retained cores M1, M2, and M3, but lacked matriglycan (conditional deletion of like-acetylglucosaminyltransferase 1; Large1skm). Next, we restored Pomt1 using gene transfer via AAV2/9-MCK-mPOMT1 and determined the effect on Pomt1skm pathophysiology.

Results

Our data showed that in Pomt1skm mice O-mannosylated DG is required for sarcolemma resilience, remodeling of muscle fibers and muscle tissue, and neuromuscular function. Notably, we observed similar body size limitations, sarcolemma weakness, and neuromuscular weakness in Large1skm mice that only lacked matriglycan. Furthermore, our data indicate that genetic rescue of Pomt1 in Pomt1skm mice limits contraction-induced sarcolemma damage and skeletal muscle pathology.

Conclusions

Collectively, our data indicate that DG modification by Pomt1/2 results in core M3 capped with matriglycan, and that this is required to reinforce the sarcolemma and enable skeletal muscle health and neuromuscular strength.
Alchornea cordifolia leaf-extract ameliorates bisphenol A-induced obesity in male Wistar rats
Authors: Agboola Abdulhakeem Rotimi , Itam Ako Hogan , Ekeleme Chinedum Martins , Agwupuye Eyuwa Ignatius , Ahmed Zuwairatu Oyiza , Igiakong Godswill Peter , Agbor Gideon Bassey , Abubakar Asmau Niwoye , Adamu Zainab , David-Oku Esien , Atangwho Item Justin
Published: January 2025

Background

Bisphenol-A (BPA), a chemical impregnated into plastic bottles which has been linked to obesity and its associated health problems, was used to induce obesity in this study. The cost and reported limitations and side effects of orthodox medications employed for weight management, have necessitated a shift in attention to medicinal plants, given their comparative advantage and the common belief amongst locals that plants are free from negative side effects. One plant that has found application for weight loss amongst the local population in Nigeria is Alchornea cordifolia which commonly grows in Africa and has been confirmed to possess numerous medicinal properties including anti-inflammatory, anti-diarrheal, hepaprotective, antiviral, and anti-diabetic effects.

Objective

To evaluate the obesity attenuation effect of Alchornea cordifolia ethanol extract (ACEE) and other associated macrovascular health risks in BPA-induced obesity rat model.

Methods

Thirty (30) young male Wistar rats (80–100 g) divided into five groups of six rats each, were administered BPA (50 mg/kg), once a day, p.o. for four weeks in order to induce obesity. Afterwards, obesity was confirmed using anthropometric indicators, and the animals were treated for another four weeks as follows: Group 1 (Normal control) received drug/extract reconstitution solvent, olive oil, Group 2 (obese control) received 50 mg/kg of BPA, Group 3 received a conventional anti-obesity drug, Orlistat (30 mg/kg), Group 4 received ACEE (500 mg/kg), and Group 5 received ACEE (1000 mg/kg). At the end of study, anthropometric indicators and relevant serum biochemical indicators were determined using standard procedures.

Results

The results obtained showed that oral BPA administration caused obesity i.e. increased body weight, Lee’s Index and waist circumference, compared to the normal control (p < 0.05). Moreover, BPA treatment was found to alter measured serum biochemical indicators, (FBG, lipid profile, liver and kidney function indicators) and the lipid regulating enzymes (pancreatic lipase and HMG-CoA reductase activities), relative to the normal control (p < 0.05). However, upon 4-week ACEE oral treatment at 500 and 1000 mg/kg b.w., there was observed significant attenuation of the anthropometric indices, serum biochemical indices and lipid metabolizing enzymes studied (p < 0.05).

Conclusion

Together, the results obtained from this study have scientifically validated the traditional use of Alchornea cordifolia leaves in body weight control, hence suggest that the leaves may possess natural products useful in the management of obesity and its related complications.
Unraveling the mystery of dieback in Dalbergia sissoo: a review
Authors: Latif Muhammad Zunair , Habib Amer , Lu ChongChong , Ding Xinhua
Published: January 2025

The shisham tree (Dalbergia sissoo) is a keystone hardwood species of South Asia, highly valued in economic value in forestry, agroforestry, and landscape horticulture due to its durable, fragrant, and decay-resistant wood. However, shisham's health on both public and private lands is seriously compromised by recurrent outbreaks of dieback disease. Shisham has a history of severe dieback over the last century throughout its natural and introduced range. Since 1918, mortality associated with shisham dieback has been studied to determine its spread and underlying causes. Like most pathosystems, shisham dieback involves complex interactions among multiple biotic and abiotic factors, with certain site- and stand-level factors exacerbating disease severity across various regions and times. Recent outbreaks of shisham dieback in Pakistan have been linked to Ceratocystis dalbergicans. Previously, Fusarium was linked to wilt/dieback disease in Shisham. This disease has been differentiated from often-confusing Fusarium wilt/dieback on the same plant and explains dieback, a separate disease of shisham. Currently, published guidelines for managing Ceratocystis infections in shisham are limited. While researchers have explored potential management strategies, including identifying host resistance genes and chemical control methods, achieving sustainable disease control will require long-term, dedicated efforts due to the extended lifespan of shisham trees. This review provides a historical and updated perspective on the investigation and establishment of the pathogenic basis of shisham dieback, focusing on the role of Ceratocystis species. This work aims to clarify existing knowledge gaps, resolve controversies surrounding disease causation, and inform future research to enhance shisham conservation efforts.