bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Patient perspectives and preferences for rehabilitation among people living with frailty and chronic kidney disease: a qualitative evaluation
Authors: Kennard Alice L , Rainsford Suzanne , Hamilton Kelly L , Glasgow Nicholas J , Pumpa Kate L , Douglas Angela M , Talaulikar Girish S
Published: September 2024

Background

Understanding the patient perspective of frailty is critical to offering holistic patient-centred care. Rehabilitation strategies for patients with advanced chronic kidney disease (CKD) and frailty are limited in their ability to overcome patient-perceived barriers to participation, resulting in high rates of drop-out and non-adherence. The aim of this study was to explore patient perspectives and preferences regarding experiences with rehabilitation to inform a CKD/Frailty rehabilitation model.

Methods

This qualitative study involved two focus groups, six individual semi-structured interviews and three caregiver semi-structured interviews with lived experience of advanced kidney disease and frailty. Interviews were recorded, transcribed, and coded for meaningful concepts and analysed using inductive thematic analysis using constant comparative method of data analysis employing Social Cognitive Theory.

Results

Six major themes emerged including accommodating frailty is an act of resilience, exercise is endorsed for rehabilitation but existing programs have failed to meet end-users’ needs. Rehabilitation goals were framed around return to normative behaviours and rehabilitation should have a social dimension, offering understanding for “people like us”. Participants reported on barriers and disruptors to frailty rehabilitation in the CKD context. Participants valued peer-to-peer education, the camaraderie of socialisation and the benefit of feedback for maintaining motivation. Patients undertaking dialysis described the commodity of time and the burden of unresolved symptoms as barriers to participation. Participants reported difficulty envisioning strategies for frailty rehabilitation, maintaining a focus on the immediate and avoidance of future uncertainty.

Conclusions

Frailty rehabilitation efforts in CKD should leverage shared experiences, address comorbidity and symptom burden and focus on goals with normative value.
A case series of prenatal hepatic hilar cyst in the presence of a gallbladder - navigating the dilemma between biliary atresia and choledochal cyst
Authors: Calinescu Ana M. , Rougemont Anne-Laure , McLin Valérie A. , Rock Nathalie M. , Habre Céline , Wildhaber Barbara E.
Published: September 2024

Background

Prenatally diagnosed hepatic hilar cysts are a challenging finding for the clinician. They can either be a sign of cystic biliary atresia (BA) or a choledochal cyst (CC), two diagnoses with different postnatal management and prognosis. Based on a case report of four patients, we aim to propose a management algorithm for prenatally diagnosed “hepatic hilar cysts”.

Case presentation

A hepatic hilar cyst, ranging from 5 to 25 mm, was detected prenatally in all four girls confirmed postnatally along with the presence of a gallbladder. Stool color was normal until two weeks of life at which time the stool color became lighter, and the patients developed cholestasis. All were operated before seven weeks of life: Case 1 had a CC with patent but irregular intrahepatic bile ducts at intraoperative cholangiogram, and no communication with the duodenum. A Roux-en-Y bilioenteric anastomosis was performed. The cyst showed complete epithelial lining loss, and liver pathology showed BA features. Case 2 had the final diagnosis of cystic BA with patent but abnormal intrahepatic bile ducts. She underwent two operations: the first operation at four weeks as described for case 1, since intraoperative findings were similar, as was histology. As cholestasis increased postoperatively, she underwent a Kasai hepato-porto-enterostomy six weeks later, where distinct BA findings were found with complete scarring of the hilar plate. Case 3 had a cystic BA with the cyst located within the common bile duct and atretic bile ducts proximal to the porta hepatis. It exhibited no communication with the liver or duodenum. A Kasai operation was performed, with histology showing complete epithelial loss within the cyst wall and scarring of the hilar plate. Case 4 had a cystic BA presenting a completely obliterated hepatic duct with the cyst lying within the common bile duct. A Kasai procedure was performed. Histology showed a common bile duct with a residual lumen of 0.1 mm.

Conclusions

The spectrum of disease from CC to BA in the setting of a prenatally discovered hepatic hilar cyst is emphasized. Even if cholangiogram differentiates most patients with BA from those with CC, caution is advised for transitional types.
‘All for the well-being of the infant’: nurses’ perceptions of preterm infants’ eye examinations: a phenomenographic study
Authors: Misic Martina Carlsen , Olsson Emma , Andersen Randi Dovland , Anderzén-Carlsson Agneta
Published: September 2024

Background

Preterm infants are at risk of complications due to their prematurity and Retinopathy of Prematurity (ROP) is one of them. To discover and treat ROP the preterm infants regularly undergo eye examinations. Nurses are responsible for the infants’ care during this painful and stressful procedure.

Aim

The aim of this study was to explore nurses’ perceptions of preterm infants’ eye examinations.

Methods

Data were collected through semi-structured interviews with 10 nurses experienced in participating in preterm infants’ eye examinations. Data were analysed using a phenomenographic approach.

Results

The results showed several perceptions of the eye examinations, and the analysis resulted in four descriptive categories: Infants are affected by the eye examination; Nurses have comprehensive overall responsibility for the infants; Parents are important to their infants, but they need support to fulfil their parental role, and Collaboration is important for the examination’s favourable outcome. The category Nurses have comprehensive overall responsibility for the infants was regarded as the most comprehensive, covering all the other categories.

Conclusions

Nurses felt a great responsibility during a painful and stressful procedure for preterm infants. Infants’ well-being could be better protected by interprofessional collaboration, improved nursing care and involved parents.
Companion animals and child development outcomes: longitudinal and cross-sectional analysis of a UK birth cohort study
Authors: Purewal Rebecca , Christley Robert , Kordas Katarzyna , Joinson Carol , Meints Kerstin , Gee Nancy , Westgarth Carri
Published: September 2024

Background

Research into the impact of social relationships on childhood and adolescent health and wellbeing has been largely limited to children’s relationships with other humans, while studies into the impact of pet ownership are sparse and have generally not adjusted for potential confounders. This study aimed to investigate the association between pet ownership and a range of developmental outcomes in childhood and adolescence.

Methods

Data were self-reports and direct assessments of approx. 14,000 children from the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children (ALSPAC). Multivariable regression models adjusting for confounding factors examined associations between developmental outcome measures (emotional health, behavioural development, cognitive development, language development, educational attainment) and concurrent pet ownership, including species, and also longitudinal pet ownership history and pet-interaction where possible. Analyses model numbers using multiple imputation varied from n = 393–8963.

Results

In cross-sectional analyses, owning a dog (b = 0.24, [0.06–0.41], p = .004) and owning other/miscellaneous pets (b = 0.18, [0.03–0.33], p = .021) at age 3 were associated with higher prosocial behaviour score. Owning a pet was associated with a higher non-verbal communication score at age 2 (cross-sectional, b = 0.18, [0.04–0.32], p = .014), and a higher language development score at age 5 (cross-sectional, b = 1.01, [0.18–1.83], p = .017). However, pet ownership was associated with lower educational attainment across a number of academic subjects and timepoints, in both cross-sectional and longitudinal analyses. It was also cross-sectionally linked to hyperactivity at age 3 and conduct problems at age 3 and 11. Furthermore, at age 8, cross-sectional analysis showed that children who owned any pets (OR [95% CI]: 0.85 [0.73–0.98], p= ·026) or cats (0.83, [0.73–0.95], p= ·006) had lower odds of high self-esteem (scholastic competence).

Conclusions

Using a large, well-designed longitudinal study and adjusting for key confounders, we found little evidence of cross-sectional or longitudinal associations between pet ownership and emotional health or cognitive outcomes in children. There may, however, be some cross-sectional and longitudinal association with poorer educational attainment and a positive impact on social interactions as seen through associations with enhanced language development and prosocial behaviour. This study demonstrates the importance of adjustment for confounding variables and suggests that, contrary to popular belief, positive impacts of pet ownership on childhood development may be mainly limited to social behaviour and language development.
The wettability of complete denture base materials constructed by conventional versus digital techniques: an in-vitro study
Authors: Hanno Kenda I. , Metwally Nayrouz Adel
Published: September 2024

Background

Decreased salivary flow can make the patients uncomfortable with their complete dentures and affects the retention of the dentures. Milling and 3D printing have become an alternative to conventional denture construction techniques. The goal of this study was to evaluate the effect of conventional and digital techniques of the complete denture construction on the denture surface wettability with distilled water and saliva substitute before and after thermocycling.

Methods

A total of 30 specimens were utilized in the present study. Specimens were divided according to the construction techniques into 3 groups (n = 10 each). Group I: Heat-polymerized polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) group, group II: Milled group, and group III: 3-dimensional (3D)-printed group. All the specimens were subjected to 2000 cycles of thermal aging in a thermocycler. The wettability of all specimens to water and saliva substitute was measured via a contact angle goniometer (Olympus TGHM, Rame-hart Inc, USA) before and after thermocycling. Descriptive statistical analysis, plots, and the Shapiro-Wilk test were used to verify normality for each variable. One-way ANOVA was used to compare the 3 study groups, while paired samples t-test was used to compare the differences within each group (P < .05).

Results

The smallest contact angle of drop of water to the denture base specimens before and after thermocycling were recorded in the milled group (53.0 ± 4.77 and 50.27 ± 2.30, respectively), followed by the heat polymerized PMMA group (85.65 ± 4.71 and 65.06 ± 2.27, respectively), and the 3D-printed group (91.34 ± 6.74 and 90.86 ± 8.57, respectively). While the smallest contact angle of drop of saliva substitute to denture base specimens was recorded in the milled group (56.82 ± 2.29 and 34.85 ± 7.51, respectively), followed by the 3D-printed group (72.87 ± 4.83 and 58.14 ± 9.58, respectively) and the heat polymerized PMMA group (83.62 ± 4.12 and 67.82 ± 4.93, respectively). There was statistically significant difference between the groups (P < .05). A significant decline in the average contact angle of drop of saliva has been reported in all groups after thermocycling. The contact angle values differed significantly between saliva substitute and distilled water in both 3D-printed and milled groups after thermocycling (P < .001).

Conclusions

The milled denture base material presented the best wettability to water and saliva substitute than the 3D-printed and the heat-polymerized PMMA materials. Saliva substitutes improve the wetting ability of denture base materials manufactured by CAD/CAM compared with water.
Prosthodontic rehabilitation with all-on-four implant treatment combined CAD/CAM prosthesis in an oral cancer patient: a case report
Authors: Huang Yi-Fang , Chang Chung-Ta , Lin Chih-Hung , Shen Yu-Fu
Published: September 2024

Background

The microvascular free fibula (MFF) flap is a reliable treatment modality for mandibular reconstruction and is suitable for dental implant placement after oncologic surgery. The most common issue with the MFF flap is its limited bone height, which typically results in excessive interarch space and complicates prosthodontic therapy. Overcoming the physical limitations from tumor excision and reducing the treatment time for prosthodontic rehabilitation to improve quality of life are critical clinical challenges.

Case Presentation

A 64-year-old male with lower left gum and bilateral buccal cancer received a single-layer microvascular MFF flap to reconstruct a mandibular defect post-tumor excision. He underwent a bilateral modiolus Z-plasty combined with a skin flap debulking procedure to relieve oral contracture, achieving adequate mouth opening for prosthodontic rehabilitation. Scar tissue bands on the bilateral cheeks significantly affected retention and stability, hampering dental impression performance. The patient sought prosthodontic rehabilitation to enhance his chewing function and quality of life promptly. Prosthodontic rehabilitation with all-on-4 implant therapy, utilizing computer-aided design and computer-assisted manufacturing (CAD/CAM), was completed within one month.

Conclusion

This case utilized the all-on-4 implant system to address the insufficient fibular height for conventional dental implant placements. Dental CAD/CAM was employed to mill custom prosthetic abutments and a large titanium framework for the implant bar overdenture, compensating for the excessive interarch space between the grafted fibula and maxilla. This treatment approach successfully shortened the prosthodontic rehabilitation time and overcame anatomical limitations.
Adiposity and mortality among intensive care patients with COVID-19 and non-COVID-19 respiratory conditions: a cross-context comparison study in the UK
Authors: Bell Joshua A. , Carslake David , Hughes Amanda , Tilling Kate , Dodd James W. , Doidge James C. , Harrison David A. , Rowan Kathryn M. , Davey Smith George
Published: September 2024

Background

Adiposity shows opposing associations with mortality within COVID-19 versus non-COVID-19 respiratory conditions. We assessed the likely causality of adiposity for mortality among intensive care patients with COVID-19 versus non-COVID-19 by examining the consistency of associations across temporal and geographical contexts where biases vary.

Methods

We used data from 297 intensive care units (ICUs) in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland (Intensive Care National Audit and Research Centre Case Mix Programme). We examined associations of body mass index (BMI) with 30-day mortality, overall and by date and region of ICU admission, among patients admitted with COVID-19 (N = 34,701; February 2020–August 2021) and non-COVID-19 respiratory conditions (N = 25,205; February 2018–August 2019).

Results

Compared with non-COVID-19 patients, COVID-19 patients were younger, less often of a white ethnic group, and more often with extreme obesity. COVID-19 patients had fewer comorbidities but higher mortality. Socio-demographic and comorbidity factors and their associations with BMI and mortality varied more by date than region of ICU admission. Among COVID-19 patients, higher BMI was associated with excess mortality (hazard ratio (HR) per standard deviation (SD) = 1.05; 95% CI = 1.03–1.07). This was evident only for extreme obesity and only during February–April 2020 (HR = 1.52, 95% CI = 1.30–1.77 vs. recommended weight); this weakened thereafter. Among non-COVID-19 patients, higher BMI was associated with lower mortality (HR per SD = 0.83; 95% CI = 0.81–0.86), seen across all overweight/obesity groups and across dates and regions, albeit with a magnitude that varied over time.

Conclusions

Obesity is associated with higher mortality among COVID-19 patients, but lower mortality among non-COVID-19 respiratory patients. These associations appear vulnerable to confounding/selection bias in both patient groups, questioning the existence or stability of causal effects.
Turkish coffee has an antitumor effect on breast cancer cells in vitro and in vivo
Authors: Amin Mohamed N. , Abdelmohsen Usama Ramadan , Samra Yara A.
Published: September 2024

Background

Breast cancer is the most diagnosed cancer in women. Its pathogenesis includes several pathways in cancer proliferation, apoptosis, and metastasis. Some clinical data have indicated the association between coffee consumption and decreased cancer risk. However, little data is available on the effect of coffee on breast cancer cells in vitro and in vivo.

Methods

In our study, we assessed the effect of Turkish coffee and Fridamycin-H on different pathways in breast cancer, including apoptosis, proliferation, and oxidative stress. A human breast cancer cell line (MCF-7) was treated for 48 h with either coffee extract (5% or 10 v/v) or Fridamycin-H (10 ng/ml). Ehrlich solid tumors were induced in mice for in vivo modeling of breast cancer. Mice with Ehrlich solid tumors were treated orally with coffee extract in drinking water at a final concentration (v/v) of either 3%, 5%, or 10% daily for 21 days. Protein expression levels of Caspase-8 were determined in both in vitro and in vivo models using ELISA assay. Moreover, P-glycoprotein and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPAR-γ) protein expression levels were analyzed in the in vitro model. β-catenin protein expression was analyzed in tumor sections using immunohistochemical analysis. In addition, malondialdehyde (MDA) serum levels were analyzed using colorimetry.

Results

Both coffee extract and Fridamycin-H significantly increased Caspase-8, P-glycoprotein, and PPAR-γ protein levels in MCF-7 cells. Consistently, all doses of in vivo coffee treatment induced a significant increase in Caspase-8 and necrotic zones and a significant decrease in β- catenin, MDA, tumor volume, tumor weight, and viable tumor cell density.

Conclusion

These findings suggest that coffee extract and Fridamycin-H warrant further exploration as potential therapies for breast cancer.
Uncovering a novel SERPING1 pathogenic variant: insights into the aggregation of C1-INH in hereditary angioedema
Authors: Jiang Lingxi , Dai Chao , Duan Suyang , Wang Tingting , Xie Chunbao , Zhang Luhan , Ye Zimeng , Ma Xiumei , Shi Yi
Published: September 2024

Background

Hereditary angioedema (HAE) is a rare autosomal dominant genetic disease characterized by recurrent edema and a potentially fatal risk. Despite its severity, there is a notable lack of effective methods for predicting and preventing HAE attacks. This study aims to thoroughly investigate the underlying pathological mechanisms of HAE and identify potential biomarkers that could aid in its prediction and prevention.

Results

In our investigation, we have discovered a novel pathogenic variant of the SERPING1 gene, specifically c.708T > G, in a Han family affected by HAE. Our observations indicate that this variant leads to an increase in the accumulation of C1-INH within the endoplasmic reticulum (ER), resulting in the upregulation of GRP75 protein expression. This cascade of events resulted in Ca2+ overload, disruption of mitochondrial structure and function, and eventually triggered apoptosis. Using siRNA to knock down GRP75 mitigates cellular calcium overload and mitochondrial damage induced by the SERPING1 mutation.

Conclusion

Based on our findings, we propose that the detection of intracellular Ca2+ concentration could serve as a valuable biomarker for predicting acute attacks of HAE in patients. This discovery holds significant implications for the development of more targeted and effective strategies in the management of HAE.
Genomic and phenotypic landscapes of X-linked hereditary hearing loss in the Chinese population
Authors: Feng Haifeng , Huang Shasha , Ma Ying , Yang Jinyuan , Chen Yijin , Wang Guojian , Han Mingyu , Kang Dongyang , Zhang Xin , Dai Pu , Yuan Yongyi
Published: September 2024

Background

Hearing loss (HL) is the most common sensory birth deficit worldwide, with causative variants in more than 150 genes. However, the etiological contribution and clinical manifestations of X-linked inheritance in HL remain unclear within the Chinese HL population. In this study, we focused on X-linked hereditary HL and aimed to assess its contribution to hereditary HL and identify the genotype–phenotype relationship.

Methods

We performed a molecular epidemiological investigation of X-linked hereditary HL based on next-generation sequencing and third-generation sequencing in 3646 unrelated patients with HL. We also discussed the clinical features associated with X-linked non-syndromic HL-related genes based on a review of the literature.

Results

We obtained a diagnostic rate of 52.72% (1922/3646) among our patients; the aggregate contribution of HL caused by genes on the X chromosome in this cohort was ~ 1.14% (22/1922), and POU3F4 variants caused ~ 59% (13/22) of these cases. We found that X-linked HL was congenital or began during childhood in all cases, with representative audiological profiles or typical cochlear malformations in certain genes. Genotypic and phenotypic analyses showed that causative variants in PRPS1 and AIFM1 were mainly of the missense type, suggesting that phenotypic variability was correlated with the different effects that the replaced residues exert on structure and function. Variations in SMPX causing truncation of the protein product were associated with DFNX4, which resulted in typical audiological profiles before and after the age of 10 years, whereas nontruncated proteins typically led to distal myopathy. No phenotypic differences were identified in patients carrying POU3F4 or COL4A6 variants.

Conclusions

Our work constitutes a preliminary evaluation of the molecular contribution of X-linked genes in heritable HL (~ 1.14%). The 15 novel variants reported here expand the mutational spectrum of these genes. Analysis of the genotype–phenotype relationship is valuable for X-linked HL precise diagnostics and genetic counseling. Elucidation of the pathogenic mechanisms and audiological profiles of HL can also guide choices regarding treatment modalities.
Cooperation across healthcare service levels for medication reviews in older people with polypharmacy admitted to a municipal in-patient acute care unit (The COOP II Study): study protocol for a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Santervas Leonor Roa , Wyller Torgeir Bruun , Skovlund Eva , Jensen Janicke Liaaen , Fjeld Katrine Gahre , Hove Lene Hystad , Ringstad Ingrid Beate , Nordberg Lena Bugge , Mellingen Kristin Mæland , Kristoffersen Espen Saxhaug , Romskaug Rita
Published: September 2024

Background

Polypharmacy and inappropriate drug use are associated with adverse health outcomes in older people. Collaborative interventions between geriatricians and general practitioners have demonstrated effectiveness in improving clinical outcomes for complex medication regimens in home-dwelling patients. Since 2012, Norwegian municipalities have established municipal in-patient acute care (MipAC) units, designed to contribute towards reducing the number of hospital admissions. These units predominantly serve older people who typically benefit from multidisciplinary approaches. The primary objective of this study is to evaluate the effect of cooperative medication reviews conducted by MipAC physicians, supervised by geriatricians, and in collaboration with general practitioners, on health-related quality of life and clinical outcomes in MipAC patients ≥ 70 years with polypharmacy. Additionally, the study aims to assess the carbon footprint of the intervention.

Methods

This is a randomized, single-blind, controlled superiority trial with 16 weeks follow-up. Participants will be randomly assigned to either the control group, receiving usual care at the MipAC unit, or to the intervention group which in addition receive clinical medication reviews that go beyond what is considered usual care. The medication reviews will evaluate medication appropriateness using a structured but individualized framework, and the physicians will receive supervision from geriatricians. Following the clinical medication reviews, the MipAC physicians will arrange telephone meetings with the participants’ general practitioners to combine their assessments in a joint medication review. The primary outcome is health-related quality of life as measured by the 15D instrument. Secondary outcomes include physical and cognitive functioning, oral health, falls, admissions to healthcare facilities, and mortality.

Discussion

This study aims to identify potential clinical benefits of collaborative, clinical medication reviews within community-level MipAC units for older patients with polypharmacy. The results may offer valuable insights into optimizing patient care in comparable municipal healthcare settings.

Trial registration

The study was registered prospectively on ClinicalTrials.gov 30.08.2023 with identifier NCT06020391.
Oxindole–benzothiazole hybrids as CDK2 inhibitors and anticancer agents: design, synthesis and biological evaluation
Authors: Abdel-Mohsen Heba T.
Published: September 2024

In the current study, molecular hybridization between the oxindole core and benzothiazole system through an acetohydrazide moiety was accomplished for the design of a new series of oxindole–benzothiazole hybrids 9a–r targeting CDK2 for cancer therapy. The afforded hybrids displayed promising growth inhibitory activity on NCI cancer cell lines at 10 µM. Compound 9o displayed mean GI% = 55.91%. Based on the potent activity of 9o, it was further assessed for its cytotoxic activity at five dose level and it demonstrated GI50 reaching 2.02 µM. Analysis of the cell cycle of the prostate cancer cell line DU145 after treatment with 9o confirmed its ability to arrest its cell cycle at the G1 phase. Moreover, 9o proved its ability to potentiate the apoptosis and necrosis of the same cell line. Furthermore, the oxindole–benzothiazole hybrids 9b, 9f and 9o showed IC50 = 0.70, 0.20 and 0.21 µM, respectively on CDK2. Besides, molecular docking simulation of the synthesized oxindole–benzothiazole hybrid 9o proved the expected binding mode which involves the accommodation of the oxindole moiety in the ATP binding pocket where it is involved in hydrogen bonding and hydrophobic interactions with the essential amino acids in the hinge region while the benzothiazole moiety is oriented toward the solvent region. Investigation of the physicochemical properties of the hybrids 9a–r highlights their acceptable ADME properties that can be somewhat developed for the discovery of new anticancer agents.
Corrosion potential and theoretical studies of fabricated Schiff base for carbidic austempered ductile iron in 1M H2SO4 solution
Authors: Gaber Ghalia A. , Mohamed Lamiaa Z. , Aly Hayam A. , Hosny Shimaa
Published: September 2024

In this body of work, a chemical known as 2-cyano-N-(4-morpholino benzyl dine) acetohydrazide (CMBAH) is explored for its ability to suppress the carbidic austempered ductile iron (CADI) corrosion in 1M H2SO4. Density functional theory was used in experiments and theoretical investigations to investigate the inhibiting impact. The corrosion of CADI alloys in 1M H2SO4 produced a corrosion resistance superior to that of CADI heat treatment (H.T.). As-cast carbidic ductile iron (CDI) 4 alloy with 1.5%t Cr-Nb has a corrosion rate (C.R.) of 11.69 mm/year, which drops to 5.31 mm/year at HT-275 °C and 6.13 mm/year at HT-375 °C. When describing the adsorption of inhibitors, the Langmuir adsorption isotherm is the most effective method. The findings of the Gads show that the inhibition was induced mainly by the physisorption on the surface CADI alloys. In addition to this, it was found that the results of the experiments and the hypotheses were largely harmonious with one another. The formation of protective layers on the CADI surfaces is also visible in the images captured by the SEM. In 1M H2SO4, these Schiff base inhibitors effectively prevent corrosion caused by CADI. However, the combination of inhibitors leads to a fine microstructure with ausferrite and narrow ferrite needles, promoting corrosion resistance. The CADI needles rated an upper ausferritic microstructure with wide ferrite needles.
Myocardial infarction with non-obstructive coronary arteries in a young seropositive woman with human immunodeficiency virus: a case report and review of the literature
Authors: Boumaaz Meriem , Faraj Raid , Reggad Ahmed , Lakhal Zouhair , Asfalou Iliyasse
Published: September 2024

Background

Elevated susceptibility to acute myocardial infarction and various cardiovascular diseases has been observed in individuals infected with the human immunodeficiency virus compared with the uninfected population, as demonstrated in numerous studies. The precise mechanism by which human immunodeficiency virus infection heightens the risk of acute myocardial infarction remains elusive. The manifestation of acute coronary syndrome in young patients with human immunodeficiency virus may deviate from the typical, displaying distinct pathophysiological and clinical characteristics. The occurrence of myocardial infarction with non-obstructive coronary arteries in young patients with human immunodeficiency virus poses diagnostic and treatment challenges.

Case presentation

We present the case of a 46-year-old African woman with no traditional atherosclerotic risk factors. She was diagnosed with human immunodeficiency virus-1 infection 2 years prior to her current admission for chest pain. Her troponin levels were elevated, suggestive of acute coronary syndrome. Although coronary angiography ruled out coronary artery stenosis, it revealed mild myocardial bridging in the left anterior descending artery. Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging confirmed myocardial infarction, indicating a myocardial infarction with non-obstructive coronary arteries with an apical thrombus in the left ventricle. Following medical treatment, the patient experienced resolution of chest pain and improvement in ST-segment elevation.

Conclusions

In young female patients without traditional risk factors, human immunodeficiency virus infection is a possible etiological factor for myocardial infarction with non-obstructive coronary arteries. The likely pathophysiological pathway is superficial endothelial cell denudation as a result of chronic inflammation and immune activation.
New insights into the stromal interaction molecule 2 function and its impact on the immunomodulation of tumor microenvironment
Authors: Zhou Shishan , Liu Shujie , Jiang Anfeng , Li Zhiyuan , Duan Chaojun , Li Bin
Published: September 2024

Immune cells-enhanced immunotherapy exhibits unprecedented overall survival-prolongation even curable in some cancer patients. Although so, most of the patients show no response. Tumor microenvironment (TME) where immune cells settle down has multi-faceted influences, but usually creates an immunosuppressive niche that facilitating tumor cells escape from immune attack. The metabolites and malnutrition of TME exert enormous effects on the resident immune cells, but the underlying mechanism is largely unknown. The stromal interaction molecules 2 (STIM2) is an endoplasmic reticulum (ER) calcium (Ca2+) sensor to maintain Ca2+ homeostasis. Notably, the cytosol STIM2 C-terminus is long with various domains that are available for the combination or/and molecular modification. This distinct structure endows STIM2 with a high susceptibility to numerous permeable physico-chemical molecules or protein interactions. STIM2 and its variants are extensively expressed in various immune cells, especially in T immune cells. STIM2 was reported closely correlated with the function of immune cells via regulating Ca2+ signaling, energy metabolism and cell fitness. Herein, we sum the latest findings on the STIM2 structure, focusing on its distinct characteristics and profound effect on the regulation of Ca2+ homeostasis and multi-talented functionality. We also outline the advancements on the underlying mechanism how STIM2 anomalies influence the function of immune cells and on the turbulent expression or/and amenably modification of STIM2 within the tumor niches. Then we discuss the translation of these researches into antitumor approaches, emphasizing the potential of STIM2 as a therapeutic target for direct inhibition of tumor cells or more activation towards immune cells driving to flare TME. This review is an update on STIM2, aiming to rationalize the potential of STIM2 as a therapeutic target for immunomodulation, engaging immune cells to exert the utmost anti-tumor effect.
Assessing infection prevention and control structures in German hospitals after the COVID-19 pandemic using the WHO infection prevention and control assessment framework (IPCAF): results from 660 hospitals and comparison with a pre-pandemic survey
Authors: Rüther Ferenc Darius , Gropmann Alexander , Hansen Sonja , Behnke Michael , Geffers Christine , Aghdassi Seven Johannes Sam
Published: September 2024

Background

The WHO Infection Prevention and Control Assessment Framework (IPCAF) is a standardized tool to assess infection prevention and control (IPC) structures in healthcare facilities. The IPCAF reflects the eight WHO core components (CC) of IPC. Besides facility self-assessment, the IPCAF can be used for national surveys, and repeated usage can aid in describing trends concerning IPC structures. A previous survey in over 700 German hospitals conducted in 2018, yielded an overall high IPC level in participating hospitals, albeit with potentials for improvement. In 2023, the survey was repeated to describe once again the state of IPC implementation in German hospitals and compare findings to data from 2018.

Methods

The German National Reference Center for the Surveillance of Nosocomial Infections (NRC) invited 1,530 German acute care hospitals participating in the national surveillance network “KISS”, to complete a translated online version of the IPCAF between October 2023 and January 2024. The questionnaire-like nature of the IPCAF, where each answer corresponds to a number of points, allows for calculating an overall IPC score. Based on the overall score, hospitals were allocated to four different IPC levels: inadequate (0–200), basic (201–400), intermediate (401–600), and advanced (601–800). Aggregated scores were calculated and compared with results from 2018.

Results

Complete datasets from 660 hospitals were received and analyzed. The median overall IPCAF score was 692.5 (interquartile range: 642.5–737.5), with 572 hospitals (86.6%) classified as advanced, and 87 hospitals (13.2%) as intermediate. One hospital (0.2%) fell into the basic category. The overall median score was virtually unchanged when compared to 2018 (690; data from 736 hospitals). The median score for the CC on workload, staffing and bed occupancy was markedly higher (85 vs. 75), whereas the median score for the CC on multimodal strategies was slightly lower than in 2018 (75 vs. 80).

Conclusions

Repeated assessments of IPC structures at the national level with the IPCAF are feasible and a means to gain insights into the evolution of IPC structures. When comparing aggregated scores, a stable and high level of IPC key aspects in Germany was observed, with improvements over time in IPC indicators related to workload and staffing.
Optimization of fermentation conditions, physicochemical profile and sensory quality analysis of seedless wampee wine
Authors: Wang Hong , Liao Xiang , Lin Chunyao , Bai Weidong , Xiao Gengsheng , Huang Xingyuan , Liu Gongliang
Published: September 2024

The aims of the present stud were to optimize fermentation parameters of seedless wampee wine using response surface methodology (RSM) and evaluate the changes in flavor metabolites during fermentation. Seedless wampee wine of optimal sensory quality was produced using an inoculum concentration of 0.6%, initial sugar levels of 200 g/L, a fermentation temperature of 22 °C, and a fermentation period of 9 days. Then the flavor compound profiles (amino acids, organic acids and volatile aroma compounds) of seedless wampee wine during the fermentation under optimal conditions were analyzed using high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and gas chromatography–mass spectrometr (GC-MS). The main fermented phase of fermentation resulted in fluctuations in both total amino acids and organic acids, with stabilization occurring later on. A total of 54 volatile components, including esters, alcohols, terpenes, and acids, were putatively identified. Terpenes were the primary drivers of the flavor characteristics of seedless wampee. The rise of esters and decline of terpenes have the potential to significantly alter the flavor of wine during fermentation. These results would contribute to the further development of seedless wampee wine.

Graphical Abstract
No significant difference in salivary cortisol response on the Trier Social Stress Test-Online based on coffee consumption habits
Authors: Ueno Masaharu
Published: September 2024

Background

Coffee is widely consumed around the world. In Japan, it is a type of “Shikohin” (consumed for flavor, not nutrition). Several medical studies have reported the beneficial effects of coffee consumption, whereas others suggest that these beneficial effects on psychological aspects are marginal. The habit of consuming large amounts of caffeine through coffee may improve short-term resilience in stressful situations and may exhaust individuals in the long term. We hypothesized that people who habitually drink high amounts of coffee would have lower resilience scores and higher acute stress responses.

Methods

Adult Japanese men completed a questionnaire that included a resilience scale and Shikohin consumption habits. Experimental participants were recruited from the survey respondents and classified into three groups based on their coffee consumption per day: No Coffee, Low Coffee, and High Coffee. All participants were asked to join the Trier Social Stress Test-Online (TSST-OL). Subjective stress and salivary cortisol concentrations was measured at eight time points during the experiment. There were 16 participants in each group for the analysis (mean age = 46.10 years, SD = 12.58).

Results

Statistical analysis showed that both subjective stress and salivary cortisol concentrations significantly increased following TSST-OL exposure. However, there were no significant differences among the groups, and the hypotheses were not supported.

Conclusions

This study demonstrated the effectiveness and stability of the TSST-OL. Additionally, coffee consumption habits were not significantly related to resilience scale scores or acute stress responses.
Social media ostracism and creativity: moderating role of emotional intelligence
Authors: Amin Muhammad Waqas , Wang Jiuhe
Published: September 2024

The goal of this study is to learn more about social media ostracism, a stressor associated with online social networks, defined by feelings of rejection, exclusion, or ignoring. We investigate the connection between social media ostracism and worker creativity. We suggest that psychological safety and psychological rumination serve as intermediaries in this relationship. Furthermore, we investigate emotional intelligence as a relationship regulator. To verify our hypothesis, we gathered data with the help of the HR department from 244 workers of nine Chinese organizations. Our research shows that psychological rumination and social media exclusion are significantly correlated, but only in workers with low emotional intelligence. Furthermore, for individuals with strong emotional intelligence, we did not discover a statistically negative association between psychological safety and social media exclusion. Findings suggest that psychological safety and psychological rumination serve as mediating factors in the relationship between employee creativity and social media exclusion. This study illuminates the negative aspects of social media ostracism and reveals how it might hinder creativity. It also emphasizes how emotional intelligence functions as a moderator. Organizations may learn a lot from this study on how to lessen the negative impacts of social media exclusion on employee creativity.
Extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation: a comparison of two experimental approaches and systematic review of experimental models
Authors: Moreau Anthony , Su Fuhong , Annoni Filippo , Taccone Fabio Silvio
Published: September 2024

Background

In patients requiring extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation (ECPR), there is a need for studies to assess the potential benefits of therapeutic interventions to improve survival and reduce hypoxic-ischemic brain injuries. However, conducting human studies may be challenging. This study aimed to describe two experimental models developed in our laboratory and to conduct a systematic review of existing animal models of ECPR reported in the literature.

Results

In our experiments, pigs were subjected to 12 min (model 1) or 5 min (model 2) of untreated ventricular fibrillation, followed by 18 min (model 1) or 25 min (model 2) of conventional cardiopulmonary resuscitation. Results showed severe distributive shock, decreased brain oxygen pressure and increased intracranial pressure, with model 1 displaying more pronounced brain perfusion impairment. A systematic review of 52 studies, mostly conducted on pigs, revealed heterogeneity in cardiac arrest induction methods, cardiopulmonary resuscitation strategies, and evaluated outcomes.

Conclusions

This review emphasizes the significant impact of no-flow and low-flow durations on brain injury severity following ECPR. However, the diversity in experimental models hinders direct comparisons, urging the standardization of ECPR models to enhance consistency and comparability across studies.
Prediction of axillary lymph node metastasis using a magnetic resonance imaging radiomics model of invasive breast cancer primary tumor
Authors: Shi Wei , Su Yingshi , Zhang Rui , Xia Wei , Lian Zhenqiang , Mao Ning , Wang Yanyu , Zhang Anqin , Gao Xin , Zhang Yan
Published: September 2024

Background

This study investigated the clinical value of breast magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) radiomics for predicting axillary lymph node metastasis (ALNM) and to compare the discriminative abilities of different combinations of MRI sequences.

Methods

This study included 141 patients diagnosed with invasive breast cancer from two centers (center 1: n = 101, center 2: n = 40). Patients from center 1 were randomly divided into training set and test set 1. Patients from center 2 were assigned to the test set 2. All participants underwent preoperative MRI, and four distinct MRI sequences were obtained. The volume of interest (VOI) of the breast tumor was delineated on the dynamic contrast-enhanced (DCE) postcontrast phase 2 sequence, and the VOIs of other sequences were adjusted when required. Subsequently, radiomics features were extracted from the VOIs using an open-source package. Both single- and multisequence radiomics models were constructed using the logistic regression method in the training set. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC), accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, and precision of the radiomics model for the test set 1 and test set 2 were calculated. Finally, the diagnostic performance of each model was compared with the diagnostic level of junior and senior radiologists.

Results

The single-sequence ALNM classifier derived from DCE postcontrast phase 1 had the best performance for both test set 1 (AUC = 0.891) and test set 2 (AUC = 0.619). The best-performing multisequence ALNM classifiers for both test set 1 (AUC = 0.910) and test set 2 (AUC = 0.717) were generated from DCE postcontrast phase 1, T2-weighted imaging, and diffusion-weighted imaging single-sequence ALNM classifiers. Both had a higher diagnostic level than the junior and senior radiologists.

Conclusions

The combination of DCE postcontrast phase 1, T2-weighted imaging, and diffusion-weighted imaging radiomics features had the best performance in predicting ALNM from breast cancer. Our study presents a well-performing and noninvasive tool for ALNM prediction in patients with breast cancer.
Anti-protein phosphatase magnesium-dependent 1A-IgM levels in patients with active ankylosing spondylitis: a potential biomarker
Authors: Lee Yeo-Jin , Lee Eun-Ju , Ahn Soo Min , Hong Seokchan , Oh Ji Seon , Lee Chang-Keun , Yoo Bin , Kim Yong-Gil
Published: September 2024

Background

Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) has been known to have auto-inflammatory nature; hence, the efficacy of autoantibodies is low. However, studies on autoantibodies are ongoing, with some studies showing associations. Previous studies showed that anti-protein phosphatase magnesium-dependent 1A (PPM1A) IgG was increased in patients with AS and associated with radiographic progression. However, the diagnostic usefulness was limited due to relatively low sensitivity and specificity. This pilot study evaluated the diagnostic utility of anti-PPM1A-IgM and anti-PPM1A-IgG in patients with active AS.

Methods

Serum samples were obtained from the registry cohort of a single tertiary center in Korea. Serum levels of anti-PPM1A-IgG/IgM were measured by direct ELISA. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis was used to predict the diagnostic sensitivity and specificity of serum anti-PPM1A-IgG/IgM.

Results

Samples were collected from 28 patients with active AS, 16 healthy controls (HCs), and 28 patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Although total serum IgM was lower in the RA and AS groups than in the HC group, anti-PPM1A-IgM was significantly lower in the AS group than in the other groups. In evaluating the diagnostic utility of anti-PPM1A-IgG/IgM for AS patients compared with HCs, the area under the curve (AUC) of anti-PPM1A-IgM was 0.998 (sensitivity 96.4%, specificity 100.0%). When ROC analysis of anti-PPM1A-IgM for AS patients compared with RA patients was conducted, sensitivity was 78.6% and specificity was 71.4%, with an AUC of 0.839.

Conclusion

Decreased anti-PPM1A-IgM levels in AS patients suggests a potential role for anti-PPM1A-IgM in the diagnosis of active AS.