bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of the dietary supplementation with extracts of chestnut wood and grape pomace on performance and jejunum response in female and male broiler chickens at different ages
Authors: Pascual A. , Pauletto M. , Trocino A. , Birolo M. , Dacasto M. , Giantin M. , Bordignon F. , Ballarin C. , Bortoletti M. , Pillan G. , Xiccato G.
Published: August 2022

Background

Recently, interest in the use of herbs and phytogenic compounds has grown because of their potential role in the production and health of livestock animals. Among these compounds, several tannins have been tested in poultry, but those from chestnut wood and grape-industry byproducts have attracted remarkable interest. Thus, the present study aimed to gain further insights into the mechanisms involved in the response to the dietary supplementation with extracts of chestnut wood or grape pomace. To this purpose, 864 broiler chickens were fed a control diet (C) or the same diet supplemented 0.2% chestnut wood (CN) extract or 0.2% grape pomace (GP) extract from hatching until commercial slaughtering (at 45 days of age) to assess their effects on performance, meat quality, jejunum immune response and whole-transcriptome profiling in both sexes at different ages (15 and 35 d).

Results

Final live weight and daily weight gain significantly increased (P < 0.01) in chickens fed GP diets compared to CN and C diets. The villi height was lower in chickens fed the CN diet than in those fed the C diet (P < 0.001); moreover, a lower density of CD45+ cells was observed in chickens fed the CN diet (P < 0.05) compared to those fed the C and GP diets. Genes involved in either pro- or anti-inflammatory response pathways, and antimicrobial and antioxidant responses were affected by GP and CN diets. There was no effect of the dietary treatment on meat quality. Regarding sex, in addition to a lower growth performance, females showed a lower occurrence of wooden breast (16.7% vs. 55.6%; P < 0.001) and a higher occurrence of spaghetti meat (48.6% vs. 4.17%; P < 0.001) in pectoralis major muscles after slaughtering than those in males. Based on the results of whole-transcriptome profiling, a significant activation of some molecular pathways related to immunity was observed in males compared with those of females.

Conclusions

The GP supplementation improved chicken performance and promoted immune responses in the intestinal mucosa; moreover, age and sex were associated with the most relevant transcriptional changes.
Activity of erythrocyte antioxidant enzymes in healthy women depends on age, BMI, physical activity, and diet
Authors: Cecerska-Heryć Elżbieta , Krauze Klaudia , Szczęśniak Angelika , Goryniak-Mikołajczyk Aleksandra , Serwin Natalia , Śleboda-Taront Daria , Jacek Roksana , Heryć Rafał , Michalczyk Anna , Dołęgowska Barbara
Published: August 2022

Introduction

Antioxidant enzymes protect the human body against the harmful effects of oxidative stress. The activity of antioxidant enzymes changes with age and depends on dietary nutrients such as fats and vitamins, which can have a significant impact on minimizing or exacerbating oxidative stress.

Aim

To examine the effect of age, BMI, diet, physical activity, and smoking status on the activity of erythrocyte antioxidant enzymes catalase, glutathione reductase, glutathione peroxidase glutathione S-transferase, superoxide dismutase, and glutathione concentrations in healthy women.

Material and methods

This study included 98 healthy women aged between 20 and 65 years. All women underwent anthropometric tests: body weight, height, hip, and waist circumference. Antioxidant activity in erythrocytes was measured by spectrophotometric methods.

Results

Catalase activity increased significantly with age (p < 0.001), while superoxide dismutase activities and glutathione decreased with age (p = 0.008, p = 0.023, respectively). Women with a lower BMI (emaciation) had higher superoxide dismutase activity than those in the first degree of obesity (p = 0.009).

Conclusions

(1) Increased catalase activity with age may signify a large amount of hydrogen peroxide resulting from malfunctioning antioxidant systems in old age. (2) A decline in superoxide dismutase activity with age may indicate inactivation of this enzyme, inappropriate SOD function in the presence of excessive amounts of hydrogen peroxide, and glycation of superoxide dismutase molecules. (3) A negative correlation between superoxide dismutase activity and the BMI index may indicate a decreased enzymatic activity in obese people.
Assessing digital competence and its relationship with the socioeconomic level of Chilean university students
Authors: Silva-Quiroz Juan , Morales-Morgado Erla Mariela
Published: August 2022

Digital competence (DC) is one of the key aspects in citizen development in the digital age. The DC is particularly important in forming university students and future teachers. This article presents the main results of a study to evaluate DC and its relationship with the socioeconomic level of first-year students of pedagogy in three Chilean public universities, located in the north, center, and south of the country. A quantitative research methodology was used, with a sample of 817 students, the data were collected through the DIGCOMP-PED evaluation instrument, which evaluates DC development using the DIGCOMP framework. The results were analyzed at the general and socioeconomic level on the variables of the educational establishment where they attended high school and the territorial area of the university they attended. The main results indicate that the level of DC achievement is intermediate, the areas with the highest levels of achievement were “network security” and “online communication and collaboration.” On the other hand, the lowest levels of achievement were reached in the areas “information and digital literacy,” “digital content creation,” and “problem solving.” The level of DC is higher among students of private establishments and those who attend universities located in the central area.
Examining enablers of vaccine hesitancy toward routine childhood and adolescent vaccination in Malawi
Authors: Adeyanju Gbadebo Collins , Betsch Cornelia , Adamu Abdu A. , Gumbi Khadijah Sanusi , Head Michael G. , Aplogan Aristide , Tall Haoua , Essoh Tene-Alima
Published: August 2022

Background

The contribution of vaccination to global public health and community wellbeing has been described as one of the greatest success stories of modern medicine. However, 13.5 million children still miss at least one of their routine vaccinations, and this contributes to about 1.5 million deaths from vaccine-preventable diseases. One of the contributing factors has been associated with vaccine hesitancy. Vaccine hesitancy is the delay or refusal of vaccines despite their availability. The study explored factors from multiple perspectives that influence hesitancy among caregivers of children and adolescent girls eligible for childhood routine immunisation and the Human Papillomavirus vaccine in Malawi.

Methods

The methodology used was qualitative such as key informant interviews and focus-group discussion. Information was obtained from caregivers, community and religious leaders, leaders of civil society groups, teachers in schools where Human Papillomavirus vaccine were piloted, healthcare workers, national and district-level officials of the expanded program on immunisation. There were 25 key informant interviews and two focus-group discussions, with 13 participants. The study was conducted between April to May 2020. The Interviews and discussions were audio-recorded, transcribed, and analysed using a thematic content approach.

Results

Most vaccine-hesitancy drivers for routine immunisation were also relevant for the HPV vaccine. The drivers included inadequate awareness of the vaccination schedule, rumours and conspiracy theories exacerbated by religious beliefs, low literacy levels of caregivers, distance and transport to the vaccination clinic, gender role and a disconnect between community healthcare workers and community leaders.

Conclusions

The study demonstrated that a network of factors determines vaccine hesitancy for childhood Routine Immunisation and Human Papillomavirus, and some of them are interrelated with one another. This has implications both for current levels of vaccine acceptance and the introduction of any new vaccine, such as those against Malaria, HIV/AIDS, HPV or COVID-19 (coronavirus disease 2019). Therefore, strategies developed to address vaccine hesitancy must be multi-component and wide-ranging.
Eublemma scitula (Rambur) (Lepidoptera: Erebidae): first evidence of a predator of the invasive barnacle scale, Ceroplastes cirripediformis comstock (Hemiptera: Coccidae)
Authors: Gaikwad Mahesh B. , Kedar Santosh C. , Kalyani Dayanand C. , Shashank Pathour R.
Published: August 2022

Background

The invasive barnacle scale, Ceroplastes cirripediformis Comstock (Hemiptera: Coccidae), is a pest native to South America and the Caribbean islands that has recently emerged as a serious threat to agricultural, horticultural, ornamental, medicinal, and aromatic plants. Finding indigenous natural enemies to control the invasive pests is the first step for developing a biological control program.

Results

The present study reports Eublemma scitula (Rambur) (Lepidoptera: Erebidae) for the first time as a predator of C. cirripediformis in India. The identity of E. scitula was confirmed morphologically based on male genitalia and mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase I (mt COI) gene sequences. E. scitula larvae were found as dominant predators of C. cirripediformis. The predatory activity of E. scitula was observed from June to September, with its peak population recorded during mid-July (2.1 larvae per 25 cm of infested shoot).

Conclusion

This is the first global record of E. scitula predating on an invasive barnacle scale insects from India. Furthermore, studies on the feeding potential of E. scitula under controlled and field conditions need to be evaluated for utilizing them as a biocontrol agent against C. cirripediformis.
Characterization and pathogenicity of Beauveria bassiana strains isolated from Galleria mellonella L. (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) in Turkey
Authors: Gençer Dönüş , Bayramoğlu Zeynep
Published: August 2022

Background

The greater wax moth, Galleria mellonella L. (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae), is among the most important wax pests economically. In the larval stage, the pest feeds on honeycomb wax and seriously damages the combs that were left unattended by the bees. Recently, the interest in ecologically safer alternatives to chemical insecticides has increased due to the significant success achieved with entomopathogenic microorganisms in the control of several lepidopteran pest larvae with minimum or no harm to the bees, natural rivals, animals, and humans. The current study was conducted to investigate the pathogenicity of two entomopathogenic fungus isolates (Beauveria bassiana G-A and G-B) isolated from dead G. mellonella larvae and their efficacy in pest control under laboratory conditions.

Results

Morphological and molecular identification revealed that the two isolates corresponded to B. bassiana species G-A and G-B strains. The response to the inoculation with the two fungal strains was conducted on G. mellonella larvae at 1 × 105–9 conidia/ml concentrations. The concentrations led to 96.54 and 89.66% mortality in G-A and G-B B. bassiana isolates at the highest concentration on day 10, respectively. LC50 was calculated between 0.2 × 106 (0.03 – 1.6) and 0.6 × 106 (0.07 – 6.1) conidia/ml.

Conclusion

The present study findings demonstrated that these isolates had the potential for G. mellonella control and B. bassiana isolates were a safe alternative to chemical control and could be recommended for use to protect stored wax products.
Delivering transcutaneous auricular neurostimulation (tAN) to improve symptoms associated with opioid withdrawal: results from a prospective clinical trial
Authors: Tirado Carlos F. , Washburn Stephanie N. , Covalin Alejandro , Hedenberg Caroline , Vanderpool Heather , Benner Caroline , Powell Daniel P. , McWade Melanie A. , Khodaparast Navid
Published: August 2022

Background

As pharmacological treatments are the primary option for opioid use disorder, neuromodulation has recently demonstrated efficacy in managing opioid withdrawal syndrome (OWS). This study investigated the safety and effectiveness of transcutaneous auricular neurostimulation (tAN) for managing OWS.

Methods

This prospective inpatient trial included a 30-minute randomized, sham-controlled, double-blind period followed by a 5-day open-label period. Adults with physical dependence on opioids were randomized to receive active or sham tAN following abrupt opioid discontinuation. The Clinical Opiate Withdrawal Scale (COWS) was used to determine withdrawal level, and participants were required to have a baseline COWS score ≥ 13 before enrollment. The double-blind period of the study occurred during the first 30-minutes to assess the acute effects of tAN therapy compared to a sham control. Group 1 received active tAN during both the 30-minute double-blind period and the 5-day open-label period. Group 2 received passive sham tAN (no stimulation) during the double-blind period, followed by active tAN during the 5-day open-label period. The primary outcome was change in COWS from baseline to 60-minutes of active tAN (pooled across groups, accounting for 30-minute delay). Secondary outcomes included difference in change in COWS scores between groups after 30-minutes of active or sham tAN, change in COWS scores after 120-minutes of active tAN, and change in COWS scores on Days 2–5. Non-opioid comfort medications were administered during the trial.

Results

Across all thirty-one participants, the mean (SD) COWS scores relative to baseline were reduced by 7.0 (4.7) points after 60-minutes of active tAN across both groups (p < 0.0001; Cohen’s d = 2.0), demonstrating a significant and clinically meaningful reduction of 45.9%. After 30-minutes of active tAN (Group 1) or sham tAN (Group 2), the active tAN group demonstrated a significantly greater COWS score reduction than the sham tAN group (41.7% vs. 24.1%; p = 0.036). Participants across both groups achieved an average COWS reduction up to 74.7% on Days 2–5.

Conclusion

Results demonstrate tAN is a safe and effective non-opioid approach for reducing symptoms of OWS. This study supported an FDA clearance.

Clinical trial registration

clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04075214, Identifier: NCT04075214, Release Date: August 28, 2019.
Worse outcome of debridement, antibiotics, and implant retention in acute hematogenous infections than in postsurgical infections after total knee arthroplasty: a multicenter study
Authors: Chang Moon Jong , Ro Du Hyun , Kim Tae Woo , Lee Yong Seuk , Han Hyuk-Soo , Chang Chong Bum , Kang Seung-Baik , Lee Myung Chul
Published: August 2022

Background

We sought to determine (1) the success rate of debridement, antibiotics, and implant retention (DAIR) for acute periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) of the knee in patients with acute postsurgical infection and in those with acute hematogenous infection via a multicenter study, (2) the factors related to the failure of DAIR for overall acute PJI and acute hematogenous PJI via subgroup analysis, and (3) whether the PJI recurrence patterns differed between the two groups over time after DAIR.

Methods

This retrospective multicenter study included 101 acute knee PJI. Acute postsurgical PJI was defined as PJI diagnosed < 3 months following initial knee arthroplasty surgery. DAIR was performed for 34 cases of acute postsurgical PJIs (postsurgical group) and 67 cases of acute hematogenous PJIs (hematogenous group). The success rates between groups were compared, and factors related to DAIR failure were analyzed.

Results

The overall success rate of DAIR was 77%. The success rate tended to be higher in the postsurgical group than in the hematogenous group (p = 0.060). However, there was no significant factor related to DAIR failure in the subgroup analysis of acute hematogenous PJIs. In the postsurgical group, the recurrence of PJI occurred until 3 months, whereas in the hematogenous group, recurrence occurred for up to 2 years.

Conclusions

The failure rate tended to be higher in the acute hematogenous PJI group than in the acute postsurgical PJI group. Since acute hematogenous infections may recur for a longer period than postsurgical infections, careful follow-up is required after DAIR.
Implementation strategy mapping methods to improve autism intervention use in community settings: a study protocol
Authors: Sridhar Aksheya , Drahota Amy , Tschida Jessica E.
Published: August 2022

Background

Implementation strategies are purported to facilitate adoption and use of evidence-based practices (EBPs) across settings. The use of tailored implementation strategies may be particularly effective, as they are selected with the explicit purpose of addressing setting-specific implementation determinants. However, methods to select and tailor implementation strategies, including in community settings, remain understudied. This project will identify and describe implementation strategy mapping methods (ISMMs) from extant peer-reviewed literature and pilot test a method to match implementation strategies with determinants in low-resourced community mental health (CMH) agencies that deliver services to children on the autism spectrum.

Methods

Aim 1: A scoping review, following PRISMA guidelines, will be conducted to identify implementation strategy mapping methods (ISMMs) utilized in child mental health settings. Data extraction will identify and describe each ISMM, including identifying methodological and procedural steps, analyzing the frequency of ISMM use, and identifying outcomes measured in eligible ISMM studies.

Aim 2: Using scoping review findings, select and pilot test one ISMM within five community mental health agencies in Michigan that provide services to autistic children. We will recruit five directors/agency leaders, supervisors, and direct providers at each of the eligible agencies (expected N = 25). A sequential explanatory (QUAN➔ QUAL) mixed methods design will be used. Participants will complete a demographics and client survey, as well as a needs assessment to identify implementation determinants. The impact of the ISMM on organizational readiness for change (from pre- to post-ISMM), as well as implementation outcomes of the ISMM (feasibility, acceptability, appropriateness, usability), will be examined. Semi-structured interviews will elicit stakeholder perspectives on the mapping method.

Discussion

The current project aims to advance our knowledge of methods for selecting, tailoring, and mapping implementation strategies to address context-specific determinants to implementation. Additionally, this project will contribute to growing science found at the intersection of implementation science and autism research by utilizing the implementation determinants framework, the CFIR, to guide data collection, analysis, and interpretation of findings. Finally, these findings may support future EBP implementation efforts within low-resourced communities, with the ultimate goal of increasing equity in access to EBPs for autistic children.
The validity of Arabic version of Vestibular Disorder Activities of Daily Living Scale in common episodic vestibular disorders during and in between the attacks: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Badawood Halla , Aldosari Manar , Alshugihi Sara , Mohamad Alfarghal , Al-Hakami Hadi , Al-Garni Mohammed
Published: August 2022

Background

Activities of daily living (ADLs) are activities oriented toward taking care of one’s own body independently. Vestibular Disorder Activities of Daily Living Scale (VADL) includes 28 questions designed to specifically assess the effects of different vestibular disorders on activities of daily living and assess the validity and reliability of the Arabic version of VADL and applying it to assess severity of the attacks related to most common episodic vestibular disorders. The Arabic version of VADL was distributed to 52 participants, recruiting two participants per question. The participants filled up the Arabic version of VADL scale, in-between and during the vertigo episodes.

Results

All participants have been diagnosed as having one of these vestibular disorders benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV), vestibular migraine, and Meniere’s disease. The reliability analysis was calculated with Cronbach’s alpha score, and it was 0.980, indicating high reliability. There was a positive correlation between the VADL scores during and in between the attacks of vertigo for the three diseases (p = 0.03). There was a statistical difference between the three disorders during and in between the attacks (p-value during the attack < 0.0001, p-value in between the attacks = 0.046). Meniere’s disease had the most negative impacts on daily activities performance, followed by BPPV, and vestibular migraine had the least effect. There was statistically significant correlation between VADL and visual analog scale (VAS) during and in between the attacks (Pearson correlation 0.74, p < 0.0001).

Conclusion

The Arabic version of VADL scale has high validity and an excellent reliability among our demographic population. Meniere’s disease has the worst impact on patients’ performance in activities of daily living compared to BPPV and vestibular migraine.
A time-efficient protocol for transthoracic echocardiography during transfemoral transcatheter aortic valve implantation: early identification and effective management of intraprocedural complications
Authors: Savvoulidis Panagiotis , Moody William E. , Steeds Rick , Ludman Peter F. , Bradley Joseph R. , Singh Aldrin , Lawton Ewa , Nadir M. Adnan , Doshi Sagar N.
Published: August 2022

Transfemoral transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) under conscious sedation is the most widely used method of implantation. Echocardiography is used to detect complications and to assess the implantation result. The aim of this paper is to provide a time-efficient protocol when transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) is used to guide TAVI procedures.
Tumor Mutational Burden as a Predictor of First-Line Immune Checkpoint Inhibitor Versus Carboplatin Benefit in Cisplatin-Unfit Patients With Urothelial Carcinoma
Authors: Graf Ryon P. , Fisher Virginia , Huang Richard S.P. , Hamdani Omar , Gjoerup Ole V. , Stanke Jennifer , Creeden James , Levy Mia A. , Oxnard Geoffrey R. , Gupta Shilpa
Published: August 2022

PURPOSE

In real-world settings, patients with metastatic urothelial carcinoma (mUC) are often more frail than clinical trials, underscoring an unmet need to identify patients who might be spared first-line chemotherapy. We sought to determine whether tumor mutational burden (TMB) identifies patients with comparable or superior clinical benefit of first-line single-agent immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICPI) in real-world patients deemed cisplatin-unfit.

METHODS

Patients with mUC treated in first-line advanced setting (N = 401) received ICPI (n = 245) or carboplatin regiment without ICPI (n = 156) at physician's discretion in standard-of-care settings across approximately 280 US academic or community-based cancer clinics between March 2014 and July 2021. Deidentified data were captured into a real-world clinicogenomic database. All patients underwent testing using Foundation Medicine assays. Progression-free survival (PFS), time to next treatment (TTNT), and overall survival (OS) comparing ICPI versus chemotherapy were adjusted for known treatment assignment imbalances using propensity scores.

RESULTS

TMB ≥ 10 was detected in 122 of 401 (30.4%) patients. Among patients receiving ICPI, those with TMB ≥ 10 had more favorable PFS (HR, 0.59; 95% CI, 0.41 to 0.85), TTNT (HR, 0.59; 95% CI, 0.43 to 0.83), and OS (HR, 0.47; 95% CI, 0.32 to 0.68). Comparing ICPI versus carboplatin, adjusting for imbalances, patients with TMB ≥ 10 had more favorable PFS (HR, 0.51; 95% CI, 0.32 to 0.82), TTNT (HR, 0.56; 95% CI, 0.35 to 0.91), and OS (HR, 0.56; 95% CI, 0.29 to 1.08) on ICPI versus chemotherapy, but not TMB < 10. Comparisons unadjusted for imbalances had similar associations.

CONCLUSIONS

In real-world settings, mUC patients with TMB ≥ 10 have more favorable outcomes on first-line single-agent ICPI than carboplatin, adding clinical validity to TMB assessed by an existing US Food and Drug Administration–approved platform.
Targeted Therapies in Pheochromocytoma and Paraganglioma
Authors: Wang Katharina , Crona Joakim , Beuschlein Felix , Grossman Ashley B , Pacak Karel , Nölting Svenja
Published: August 2022

Molecular targeted therapy plays an increasingly important role in the treatment of metastatic pheochromocytomas and paragangliomas (PPGLs), which are rare tumors but remain difficult to treat. This mini-review provides an overview of established molecular targeted therapies in present use, and perspectives on those currently under development and evaluation in clinical trials. Recently published research articles, guidelines, and expert views on molecular targeted therapies in PPGLs are systematically reviewed and summarized. Some tyrosine kinase inhibitors (sunitinib, cabozantinib) are already in clinical use with some promising results, but without formal approval for the treatment of PPGLs. Sunitinib is the only therapeutic option which has been investigated in a randomized placebo-controlled clinical trial. It is clinically used as a first-, second-, or third-line therapeutic option for the treatment of progressive metastatic PPGLs. Some other promising molecular targeted therapies (hypoxia-inducible factor 2 alpha [HIF2α] inhibitors, tumor vaccination together with checkpoint inhibitors, antiangiogenic therapies, kinase signaling inhibitors) are under evaluation in clinical trials. The HIF2α inhibitor belzutifan may prove to be particularly interesting for cluster 1B-/VHL/EPAS1-related PPGLs, whereas antiangiogenic therapies seem to be primarily effective in cluster 1A-/SDHx-related PPGLs. Some combination therapies currently being evaluated in clinical trials, such as temozolomide/olaparib, temozolomide/talazoparib, or cabozantinib/atezolizumab, will provide data for novel therapy for metastatic PPGLs. It is likely that advances in such molecular targeted therapies will play an essential role in the future treatment of these tumors, with more personalized therapy options paving the way towards improved therapeutic outcomes.
Metabolic and Genetic Markers Improve Prediction of Incident Type 2 Diabetes: A Nested Case-Control Study in Chinese
Authors: Liu Jia , Wang Lu , Qian Yun , Shen Qian , Yang Man , Dong Yunqiu , Chen Hai , Yang Zhijie , Liu Yaqi , Cui Xuan , Ma Hongxia , Jin Guangfu
Published: August 2022

Context

It is essential to improve the current predictive ability for type 2 diabetes (T2D) risk.

Objective

We aimed to identify novel metabolic markers for future T2D in Chinese individuals of Han ethnicity and to determine whether the combined effect of metabolic and genetic markers improves the accuracy of prediction models containing clinical factors.

Methods

A nested case-control study containing 220 incident T2D patients and 220 age- and sex- matched controls from normoglycemic Chinese individuals of Han ethnicity was conducted within the Wuxi Non-Communicable Disease cohort with a 12-year follow-up. Metabolic profiling detection was performed by high-performance liquid chromatography‒mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS) by an untargeted strategy and 20 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) associated with T2D were genotyped using the Iplex Sequenom MassARRAY platform. Machine learning methods were used to identify metabolites associated with future T2D risk.

Results

We found that abnormal levels of 5 metabolites were associated with increased risk of future T2D: riboflavin, cnidioside A, 2-methoxy-5-(1H-1, 2, 4-triazol-5-yl)- 4-(trifluoromethyl) pyridine, 7-methylxanthine, and mestranol. The genetic risk score (GRS) based on 20 SNPs was significantly associated with T2D risk (OR = 1.35; 95% CI, 1.08-1.70 per SD). The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) was greater for the model containing metabolites, GRS, and clinical traits than for the model containing clinical traits only (0.960 vs 0.798, P = 7.91 × 10-16).

Conclusion

In individuals with normal fasting glucose levels, abnormal levels of 5 metabolites were associated with future T2D. The combination of newly discovered metabolic markers and genetic markers could improve the prediction of incident T2D.
Cardiac-specific Trim44 knockout in rat attenuates isoproterenol-induced cardiac remodeling via inhibition of AKT/mTOR pathway
Authors: Jiang Xiao-yu , Guan Fei-fei , Ma Jia-xin , Dong Wei , Qi Xiao-long , Zhang Xu , Chen Wei , Gao Shan , Gao Xiang , Pan Shuo , Wang Ji-zheng , Ma Yuan-wu , Zhang Lian-feng , Lu Dan
Published: August 2022

When pathological hypertrophy progresses to heart failure (HF), the prognosis is often very poor. Therefore, it is crucial to find new and effective intervention targets. Here, myocardium-specific Trim44 knockout rats were generated using CRISPR-Cas9 technology. Cardiac phenotypic observations revealed that Trim44 knockout affected cardiac morphology at baseline. Rats with Trim44 deficiency exhibited resistance to cardiac pathological changes in response to stimulation via isoproterenol (ISO) treatment, including improvement of cardiac remodeling and dysfunction by morphological and functional observations, reduced myocardial fibrosis and reduced expression of molecular markers of cardiac stress. Furthermore, signal transduction validation associated with growth and hypertrophy development in vivo and in vitro demonstrated that Trim44 deficiency inhibited the activation of signaling pathways involved in myocardial hypertrophy, especially response to pathological stress. In conclusion, the present study indicates that Trim44 knockout attenuates ISO-induced pathological cardiac remodeling through blocking the AKT/mTOR/GSK3β/P70S6K signaling pathway. This is the first study to demonstrate the function and importance of Trim44 in the heart at baseline and under pathological stress. Trim44 could be a novel therapeutic target for prevention of cardiac hypertrophy and HF.
Proteasome granule formation is regulated through mitochondrial respiration and kinase signaling
Authors: Waite Kenrick A. , Roelofs Jeroen
Published: August 2022

In the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae, proteasomes are enriched in cell nuclei, in which they execute important cellular functions. Nutrient stress can change this localization, indicating that proteasomes respond to the metabolic state of the cell. However, the signals that connect these processes remain poorly understood. Carbon starvation triggers a reversible translocation of proteasomes to cytosolic condensates known as proteasome storage granules. Surprisingly, we observed strongly reduced levels of proteasome granules when cells had active cellular respiration prior to starvation. This suggests that the mitochondrial activity of cells is a determining factor in the response of proteasomes to carbon starvation. Consistent with this, upon inhibition of mitochondrial function, we observed that proteasomes relocalize to granules. These links between proteasomes and metabolism involve specific signaling pathways, as we identified a mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) cascade that is critical to the formation of proteasome granules after respiratory growth but not following glycolytic growth. Furthermore, the yeast homolog of AMP kinase, Snf1, is important for proteasome granule formation induced by mitochondrial inhibitors, but it is dispensable for granule formation following carbon starvation. We propose a model in which mitochondrial activity promotes nuclear localization of the proteasome.

This article has an associated First Person interview with the first author of the paper.
TORC1 and PKA activity towards ribosome biogenesis oscillates in synchrony with the budding yeast cell cycle
Authors: Guerra Paolo , Vuillemenot Luc-Alban P. E. , van Oppen Yulan B. , Been Marije , Milias-Argeitis Andreas
Published: August 2022

Recent studies have revealed that the growth rate of budding yeast and mammalian cells varies during the cell cycle. By linking a multitude of signals to cell growth, the highly conserved target of rapamycin complex 1 (TORC1) and protein kinase A (PKA) pathways are prime candidates for mediating the dynamic coupling between growth and division. However, measurements of TORC1 and PKA activity during the cell cycle are still lacking. By following the localization dynamics of two TORC1 and PKA targets via time-lapse microscopy in hundreds of yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) cells, we found that the activity of these pathways towards ribosome biogenesis fluctuates in synchrony with the cell cycle even under constant external conditions. Analysis of the effects of mutations of upstream TORC1 and PKA regulators suggests that internal metabolic signals partially mediate these activity changes. Our study reveals a new aspect of TORC1 and PKA signaling, which will be important for understanding growth regulation during the cell cycle.
Clinical and Histopathological Predictors of Recurrence in Uterine Smooth Muscle Tumor of Uncertain Malignant Potential (STUMP): A Multicenter Retrospective Cohort Study of Tertiary Centers
Authors: Borella Fulvio , Cosma Stefano , Ferraioli Domenico , Ray-Coquard Isabelle , Chopin Nicolas , Meeus Pierre , Cockenpot Vincent , Valabrega Giorgio , Scotto Giulia , Turinetto Margherita , Biglia Nicoletta , Fuso Luca , Mariani Luca , Franchi Dorella , Vidal Urbinati Ailyn Mariela , Pino Ida , Bertschy Gianluca , Preti Mario , Benedetto Chiara , Castellano Isabella , Cassoni Paola , Bertero Luca
Published: August 2022

Background

The term uterine smooth muscle tumor of uncertain malignant potential (STUMP) indicates a rare, equivocal entity between benign leiomyomas and leiomyosarcomas. In the present study, we evaluated a comprehensive range of clinical, surgical, and pathological features in a large multicenter series of patients with STUMP to identify risk factors for recurrence.

Methods

This is a retrospective study performed by collecting consecutive cases diagnosed between January 2000 and December 2020 in five tertiary centers. Associations between STUMP recurrence and clinicopathological characteristics as well as surgical treatment modality were investigated.

Results

Eighty-seven patients affected by STUMP were considered. Of them, 18 cases (20.7%) recurred: 11 as leiomyosarcoma (LMS) and 7 as STUMP. The mean time to recurrence was 79 months. We found that fragmentation/morcellation, epithelioid features, high mitotic count, Ki-67 value > 20%, progesterone receptor (PR) < 83%, and p16 diffuse expression were associated with higher risk of recurrence and shorter recurrence-free survival (RFS). Furthermore, morcellation/fragmentation and mitotic count remained independent risk factors for recurrence and shorter RFS after multivariate analysis, while the presence of epithelioid features was an independent risk factor for recurrence only.

Conclusions

Our results suggest that morcellation is associated with risk of recurrence and shorter RFS, thus it should be avoided if a STUMP is suspected preoperatively. Epithelioid features, high proliferation activity, low PR expression, and diffuse p16 expression are also unfavorable prognostic factors, so patients presenting these features should be closely followed up.
Synthesis of Self-Doped Conductive Poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT) Bearing Phosphonic Acid Moieties
Authors: Kiriyama Kahori , Daijo Masato , Tsuchiya Keiho , Hatai Tomohiro , Hirao Toshikazu , Amaya Toru
Published: August 2022

The synthesis of self-doped conductive poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT) bearing phosphonic acid moieties is first reported. The UV-vis-NIR spectrum of the film clearly confirmed self-doping. The polymer exhibited good water solubility as a salt with NMe3, as demonstrated by filtration tests with a membrane filter (0.02 µm). This result is in contrast to a PEDOT/poly(4-styrene sulfonate) dispersion, which cannot pass through the filter. The conductivity of a drop-cast film reached 1.3 × 102 S cm−1. The thermogravimetric analysis and elementary analysis of the drop-cast film showed that the conductive polymer presents as a NMe3 salt, which might protect the materials from acid-induced corrosion. The developed conductive polymer has the potential for being applied in various organic electronic materials.
Association between Sleep, Sedentary Time, Physical Activity, and Adiposity in Adolescents: A Prospective Observational Study
Authors: KRACHT CHELSEA L. , KATZMARZYK PETER T. , CHAMPAGNE CATHERINE M. , BROYLES STEPHANIE T. , HSIA DANIEL S. , NEWTON ROBERT L. , STAIANO AMANDA E.
Published: August 2022

Purpose

This study aimed to examine the effects of substituting sedentary time with sleep or physical activity on adiposity in a longitudinal sample of adolescents.

Methods

Adolescents (10–16 yr) were recruited for a prospective observational cohort. Parents and adolescents reported demographic characteristics and pubertal development. Accelerometry was used to measure sleep, physical activity, and sedentary time. Adiposity was quantified with imaging techniques. Isotemporal substitution modeling was conducted to examine the effect of substituting 10 min of sedentary time with sleep or differing intensities of physical activity. Results were stratified by sex and race and adjusted for covariates.

Results

A total of 217 adolescents provided complete measures at both baseline and 2 yr later (58.1% White, 51.8% girls; 12.9 ± 1.9 yr at baseline). Sleep was negatively related to adiposity 2 yr later when considering other movement behaviors, but substituting baseline sedentary time with sleep was not related to future adiposity (P > 0.05). In boys and non-White adolescents, substituting sedentary time with vigorous-intensity physical activity was related to lower adiposity 2 yr later (P < 0.05). Substituting sedentary time for moderate- to vigorous-intensity physical activity was not associated with future adiposity.

Conclusions

Substituting sedentary time with vigorous-intensity physical activity was related to lower adiposity in later adolescence in certain groups. Opportunities to promote an adequate balance of sleep, sedentary time, and physical activity in all adolescents are encouraged for optimal development.
Role of interventional oncology for treatment of liver metastases: evidence based best practice
Authors: Stavrovski Tomislav , Pereira Philippe
Published: August 2022

The presence of liver metastases is associated with a poor prognosis in many cancer diseases. Multiple studies during the last decades aimed to find out the best multimodal therapy to achieve an ideal, safe and highly effective treatment. In addition to established therapies such as systemic therapy, surgery and radiation therapy, interventional oncology with thermal ablation, transarterial chemoembolisation and radioembolisation, is becoming the fourth pillar of cancer therapies and is part of a personalised treatments’ strategy. This review informs about the most popular currently performed interventional oncological treatments in patients with liver metastases.
Η ανακάλυψη και διαχείριση των ελληνικών χορών και η συγκρότηση της εθνικής ταυτότητας
Authors: Χαρμαντά Αναστασία
Published: August 2022

Η παρούσα διατριβή ερευνά τους παράγοντες που ανέδειξαν τη σημασία του ελληνικού χορού ως μέσο προβολής της εθνικής ταυτότητας. Ο ελληνικός χορός φορτίζεται μέχρι σήμερα με αφηγήματα, που τον συνδέουν με την Αρχαιότητα και προβάλλονται ως ιστορικές αλήθειες. Η τάση αυτή εισάγεται από τους ξένους ταξιδιώτες, που περιηγούνται τον ευρύτερο ελλαδικό χώρο και έρχονται σε επαφή με τις εκφάνσεις του δημόσιου και ιδιωτικού βίου των Ελλήνων. Σταδιακά αναπτύσσεται μία φιλολογία που, με επιχειρήματα από την αρχαία γραμματεία, προσπαθεί να τεκμηριώσει τη συνέχεια του νεότερου ελληνικού πολιτισμού, και ιδιαίτερα του χορού, με την Αρχαιότητα. Στο ανεξάρτητο Ελληνικό Κράτος, καθιερώνονται από την ξενόφερτη εξουσία και τους νεόφερτους του έξωθεν ελληνισμού, οι ευρωπαϊκού τύπου χοροεσπερίδες με αποκλειστικά ευρωπαϊκούς χορούς και οι τοπικοί χοροί περιορίζονται εν πολλοίς στο αγροτικό περιβάλλον. Κατά τη διαδικασία ανάδειξης των στοιχείων που συγκροτούν την εθνική ταυτότητα, δόθηκε από το Κράτος και τη λογιοσύνη προτεραιότητα στη γλώσσα και στη θρησκεία, ενώ άλλες μορφές έκφρασης έμειναν στο περιθώριο. Ο προβληματισμός και οι αναζητήσεις της γενιάς του 1880, υπό την επίδραση της επιστήμης της Λαογραφίας, οδήγησε στην ανάδειξη εθνικών ‘Σχολών’ στη λογοτεχνία, στα εικαστικά και στη μουσική. Ο χορός ως τέχνη είναι ανύπαρκτος στο ελληνικό περιβάλλον και οι ελληνικοί χοροί αντιμετωπίζονται μόνο ως τρόπος διασκέδασης, που φαίνεται σταδιακά να κερδίζει έδαφος καί στα αστικά κέντρα. Στις αρχές του 20ού αιώνα, όταν η γυναίκα καλείται να θέσει ως κυρίαρχο καθήκον της το πρόταγμα της εθνικής αναγέννησης, η πρωτοπόρος της γυναικείας κίνησης Καλλιρρόη Σιγανού-Παρρέν, ιδρύει το Λύκειο των Ελληνίδων και συγκαταλέγει στους βασικούς σκοπούς του την ανάδειξη των εθνικών χορών. Το Λύκειο πραγματοποιεί μια πρώτη γιορτή/παράσταση με ελληνικούς εθνικούς χορούς, συστηματοποιημένους και αποκαθαρμένους, σύμφωνα με την αστική αντίληψη για το ήθος που πρέπει να τους διακρίνει, κατ’ αναλογία με το υποτιθέμενο αρχαιοελληνικό. Η παράσταση αυτή, αποτέλεσε σημείο εκκίνησης για μία διαφορετική προσέγγιση του ελληνικού χορού, ο οποίος καλείται πλέον να εξυπηρετήσει εθνικούς σκοπούς, μέσω της θεατροποιημένης προβολής του. Τότε έρχεται στην επιφάνεια ο περιηγητικός λόγος που χρησιμοποιείται επιλεκτικά, για να ενσωματώσει στο εθνικό αφήγημα καί τους χορούς. Η έρευνα παρακολουθεί την παρουσία και τον λόγο περί ελληνικού χορού, από την πρώτη αναφορά σε ταξιδιωτικό κείμενο του 16ου αιώνα μέχρι την παράσταση του Λυκείου των Ελληνίδων, την Πρωτομαγιά του 1911.
Case Report: A rare presentation of prostate cancer with peritoneal carcinomatosis and malignant ascites complicated by tumor lysis syndrome
Authors: Venkateswaran Aparajit Ram , Elzein Safa F. , Sulpizio Emilio D. , Chang Bernard , Kosty Michael P.
Published: August 2022

Background: Only 32 cases of prostate cancer with peritoneal carcinomatosis and ascites have currently been reported in the literature. We present the first reported case of prostate cancer with peritoneal carcinomatosis and malignant ascites whose treatment was complicated by tumor lysis syndrome along with a literature review evaluating similar cases.

Case: We present a rare case of a 78-year-old retired Caucasian male with recurrent metastatic prostate cancer and malignant ascites. He had previously received definitive radiotherapy for localized prostate cancer but presented with bilateral hydronephrosis and right-sided bladder wall thickening 10 years later. He had imaging evidence of locoregional recurrence with elevated prostate specific antigen (PSA) and was initiated on combined androgen blockade with intramuscular leuprolide and oral bicalutamide. After being transferred to Scripps Clinic, he was found to have a solitary right upper lobe pulmonary lesion for which he completed stereotactic body radiation therapy. Then, 10 months later, he developed new onset malignant ascites and was treated with two cycles of intravenous docetaxel. Treatment resulted in improvement in his ascites and reduction in PSA. Unfortunately, his course was complicated by tumor lysis syndrome, encephalopathy, Escherichia coli bacteremia, and a fatal saddle pulmonary embolism. Conclusions: (1) Occurrence of ascites in prostate cancer patients is associated with worse prognosis than non-ascitic variants. (2) More common etiologies of ascites must be evaluated for. (3) Ascitic fluid prostate specific antigen (PSA) measurement may aid in diagnosis of malignant ascites in cases with diagnostic uncertainty. (4) Patients with advanced disease may benefit from combined hormonal and cytotoxic therapies. (5) Awareness of the occurrence of tumor lysis syndrome (TLS) in patients treated for prostate cancer can help identify patients in whom prophylaxis would be beneficial.
A cross-sectional observational study to assess socio-demographic factors in newly diagnosed TB DM comorbidity
Authors: Hullalli Rashmi , Gudadinni M R , Motappa Rohith
Published: August 2022

Background:Tuberculosis (TB) and diabetes mellitus (DM) co-morbidity is one of the rising public health problems. There is growing evidence that DM is an important risk factor for TB. This study was carried out to know the prevalence of DM among newly detected sputum positive pulmonary TB patients registered in District Tuberculosis Centre and to assess the risk factors of DM among TB patients.

Methods:In a cross-sectional study, newly detected sputum positive pulmonary TB patients were screened for DM (those having symptoms of DM). Furthermore, they were diagnosed by detecting blood glucose levels (≥200 mg/dL). Mean, standard deviation (SD), Chi-squared and Fisher-Freeman-Halton exact tests were used to determine the significant associations. P-values less than 0.05 were considered to be statistically significant.

Results:A total of 215 TB patients were included in this study. The prevalence of DM among TB patients was found to be 23.7% (2.8% known and 97.8% new cases). Significant associations were found between age (>46 years old), educational status, smoking habits, alcohol consumption, physical activity, presence of DM symptoms and family history of DM.

Conclusions:Routine screening for DM is mandatory due to its increasing prevalence, which may help in early diagnosis and to reduce complications by proper management that in turn helps in the successful outcome of TB treatment.
Parental stress and depression symptoms among B40 wives of drug addicts in Malaysia: Resilience as a mediator
Authors: Ahmad Shahril Nurul Saidatus Shaja'ah , Arshat Zarinah , Adnan Haikal Anuar
Published: August 2022

Background: The prevalence of depression is higher among women in the general population. While previous studies have contributed to demonstrating a higher risk of depression among women, there is a scarcity of studies on depression issues among women who experienced life as a spouse to drug addicts. Therefore, the present study aimed to investigate the association between parental stress faced in raising children and depression. Moreover, the study intended to examine the impact of parental stress on depression as mediated by resilience.

Methods: Using the purposive sampling method, a total of 132 B40 wives of drug addicts were chosen to participate in this study. Data were collected from six states in Malaysia using a structured questionnaire consisting of the Parental Stress Scale (PSS), Brief Resilience Scale (BRS), and Zung’s Self-Rating Depression Scale (SDS). SmartPLS software version 3.3.7 was used to analyze the data collected.

Results: Path analysis revealed that parental stress was significantly associated with depression through resilience. Specifically, the indirect effect highlighted that resilience was a partial mediator in the association between parental stress and depression. Nevertheless, it is also shown that even after accounting for the mediating role of resilience, parental stress still has a positive impact on depression.

Conclusions: The present study proffers additional strategies to drug addicts’ wives, advocates, academicians, practitioners, and policymakers to approach depression issues in this community for better well-being.