bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Anxiety and Depression in Patients with Histiocytic Neoplasms and their Associated Clinical Features
Authors: Reiner Anne S. , Alici Yesne , Correa Denise D , Bossert Dana , Sigler Allison M , Fournier Deanna , Brewer Kathleen , Goyal Gaurav , Atkinson Thomas M , Marathe Priya H , Mao Jun , Panageas Katherine S , Diamond Eli L
Published: December 2024

Anxiety and depression are common in many cancers but have not been systematically studied in patients with histiocytic neoplasms (HN). We sought to estimate rates of anxiety and depression and identify clinical features and patient-reported outcomes (PROs) associated with anxiety and depression in patients with HN. A registry-based cohort of patients with HN completing PROs including the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) from 2018-2023 was identified. Moderate or severe anxiety or depression were respectively defined as a score of 11+ on the HADS anxiety or depression subscales. Associations of variables, including other validated PROs, with moderate or severe anxiety or depression were modeled with logistic regression to estimate odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI). In 215 patients, approximately 1 in 3 met the criteria for anxiety or depression and 1 in 7 met the criteria for moderate or severe anxiety or depression. These estimates remained stable over a twelve-month trajectory. Rates of depression, but not anxiety, significantly differed across HN types with patients with Erdheim-Chester Disease experiencing the highest rate. In addition, neurologic involvement, unemployment, and longer undiagnosed illness interval were significantly associated with increased risk of depression. Financial burden, financial worry, and severe disease-related symptoms were correlated with increased risk of both anxiety and depression. Conversely, increased general and cognitive health-related quality of life (HRQoL) were correlated with decreased risk of both anxiety and depression. In patients with HN, anxiety and depression are prevalent, stable over time, and correlated with financial burden, symptom severity, and HRQoL.
Effect of Pulsed Current Treatment on Microstructure and Properties of 304 Stainless Steel Ultra-Thin Strip after Rolling
Authors: Liu Qi , Fan Wanwan , Ren Zhongkai , Wang Tao , Huang Qingxue
Published: December 2024

The annealing process is usually used to heat-treat cold-deformed 304 stainless steel to improve its microstructure and properties to a certain extent; however, it requires a high temperature and a long time. Because the thickness of the ultrathin strip reaches the micrometer level, it has only one or several layers of grains in the thickness direction, and the control of morphology and performance is complex. In this study, pulsed current loading was used to replace traditional annealing for treating ultrathin strips of cold-rolled 304 stainless steel. After loading a 25 W pulsed current treatment for 5 min on the cold-rolled sample, which had a thickness of 0.035 mm and width of 6 mm, complete recrystallization occurred, and the mechanical properties were significantly improved. At this point, the measured temperature was 540 °C. When annealing was used to treat the sample with the same temperature and for the same duration, the microstructure was still dominated by deformed crystals, and the mechanical properties were poor. When annealing was used to obtain a microstructure and properties similar to those obtained via 25 W electrical treatment, the required annealing temperature and time were 810 °C and 60 min, respectively. Pulsed current can increase the vacancy diffusion flux in the sample, accelerate the atomic movement, reduce the recrystallization activation energy, and make the cold-rolled 304 stainless steel ultrathin strip completely recrystallize at a lower temperature and in a shorter time. As the current power continued to increase, the recrystallized grains grew. When the pulsed current power was increased to 25 W, the recrystallized grains grew negligibly. Both recrystallization and grain growth have power thresholds. This study provides a novel approach for regulating the microstructure and mechanical properties of ultrathin cold-rolled 304 stainless steel strips.
Research on Parameters Optimization of Rectangular Pole Teeth for Magnetic Fluid Seals
Authors: Wang Lu , Zhang Zhili , Li Decai , Liang Zhiqi , Di Nannan , Li Liu
Published: December 2024

To optimize the magnetic fluid seal design, the single-factor method is usually used to study the effect of the rectangular pole teeth structure parameters on the sealing capacity of the magnetic fluid seal by current research, and the design formula is obtained. However, the supporting data is too few to make the results universalizable. In this paper, to obtain a wider range of applicable design formulas, a large number of modeling and simulation experiments are conducted using the co-simulation analysis experimental method of MATLAB and COMSOL. The influence of structure parameters of rectangular pole teeth and the coupling effects of the structure parameters on the sealing capacity of sealing devices has been studied under different lengths of pole piece (Lp) and seal gap (Lg). The results explain the influences of tooth height (Lh), tooth width (Lt), groove width (Ls), and their coupling effects on the theoretical sealing capacity of magnetic fluid seals, and more widely applicable design formulas for pole teeth structure parameters are given. The design formulas can help to obtain good design parameters directly or reduce the optimization range when the magnetic fluid seals need to be optimized to meet the miniaturization and lightweight requirements of magnetic fluid sealing devices or improve the sealing capacity under the same seal size.
Response strategies of five common warm temperate plant species to insect defoliation
Authors: Wang Ning , Li Qiang , Wu Pan , Yi Shijie , Ji Hongliang , Liu Xiao , He Tongli
Published: December 2024

Under the background of global climate change, climate warming has led to an increase in insect herbivory, which significantly affects the growth, survival, and regeneration of forest plants in the warm temperate zone of China. Plants can adopt defense responses to adapt to insect defoliation. Therefore, field experiments were conducted on five common warm temperate species, Quercus acutissima, Quercus serrata, Quercus aliena, Quercus dentata, and Robinia pseudoacacia. We measured the leaf traits of healthy trees and insect defoliated trees, to explore the response strategies of common species in warm temperate zones to insect defoliation. Our results showed that native species stored more carbon in extreme environments for survival rather than growth, while the alien species R. pseudoacacia tended to adopt active resource acquisition strategies and were more inclined towards growth. The content of tannins and flavonoids in the alien species R. pseudoacacia did not significantly increase after leaf damage, while the content of secondary metabolites such as tannins, flavonoids, and total phenols in the native species Q. acutissima, Q. serrata, Q. aliena, Q. dentata increased significantly after leaf damage. This indicated that compared to alien species, native species invested more resources in defense, which might reduce resource allocation for growth. Thus, the native Quercus species have stronger resistance than the alien species R. pseudoacacia after insect defoliation.
A digital and nurse-led support intervention, first year after prostate cancer treatment: a single-arm feasibility study in a Swedish primary care setting
Authors: Kelmendi Nazmije , Langius-Eklöf Ann , Taloyan Marina , Sundberg Kay , Craftman Åsa , Nilsson Marie
Published: December 2024

Background

The prevalence of patients with prostate cancer is increasing, and the first year after treatment is a vulnerable period for patients as they experience symptoms and unmet needs. Although electronic patient-reported outcomes that focus on patient self-management have demonstrated benefits, evidence is sparse regarding patients with prostate cancer in primary care settings and the role of nurses as a supportive resource. The significant role of primary care in future cancer care is on the agenda. This study aims to test the feasibility of a complex intervention that includes electronic patient-reported outcomes and self-management advice in an app, combined with nurse-led support, in primary care settings during the first year after curative intended prostate cancer treatment.

Methods

The intervention lasted four weeks and was a single-arm study. Feasibility was assessed by examining the recruitment process, retention rate, adherence to the reporting of symptoms in the app, and acceptability of the intervention. Data was collected through (1) logged data from the app that included patient-reported outcomes and self-management advice, (2) field notes by the nurse, and (3) semi-structured interviews with patients. Descriptive statistics were applied to logged data. The interviews and the field notes were analysed using qualitative content analysis.

Results

The recruitment rate was 55%, yielding 11 patients with high retention as all completed the intervention. Adherence to reporting was 100%, and all functions in the app were used. Individual variation in how patients used the app was found, which was attributed to patients’ current needs. In total, 36 health dialogues with the nurse (virtual, face-to-face, telephone) were performed; all first dialogues lasted longer, while follow-ups were shorter. Patients described that the health dialogues covered relevant subjects and that the combination of using the app and health dialogues was tailored and provided supplementary support. No adverse events occurred; however, a few technical difficulties interfered with the intervention, and the patients gave valuable suggestions for improvement. Furthermore, patients suggested that the intervention should start immediately after treatment.

Conclusion

As the patients adhered to and accepted the intervention, it was considered feasible. Findings suggest intervention should start directly after treatment ends.
CKD in reproductive-aged women: a call for early nephrology referral and multidisciplinary care
Authors: Srialluri Nityasree , Thavarajah Sumeska
Published: December 2024

Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) affects millions globally, with a notable impact on biological females of reproductive age. This population faces specific issues such as fertility concerns, complex contraceptive decisions, and complications related to pregnancy that can exacerbate CKD. Given the increasing prevalence of CKD among young men and women owing to rising rates of hypertension, obesity, and diabetes, there is a need for early and tailored interventions among women of childbearing age. Current Kidney Disease Improving Global Outcomes (KDIGO) guidelines suggest nephrology referral primarily for advanced CKD stages or significant proteinuria. However, women at any CKD stage may face complex pregnancy-related decisions and increased risks that are not adequately addressed by these guidelines, warranting early specialty care. This review explores the distinct needs of women of reproductive age with CKD, identifies gaps in the existing management framework, and advocates for earlier and more comprehensive nephrology involvement. By focusing on preconception planning, risk factor management, adverse pregnancy outcomes, and existing disparities in care, this review seeks to improve understanding of the needs of women of reproductive age with CKD and calls for a shift towards more proactive, nephrology-driven care.
Psychological distress does not predict decisional regret in patients undergoing spinal reconstruction for adult spinal deformity
Authors: Shen Jesse , Louie Philip , Fujii Takeshi , Drolet Caroline E. , Bansal Aiyush , Nemani Venu , Leveque Jean-Christophe , Sethi Rajiv
Published: December 2024

Purpose

The study aimed to assess the link between preoperative psychological distress and postoperative decisional regret in adult spinal deformity (ASD) surgery patients. We hypothesized that greater pre-surgery distress would correlate with higher post-surgery regret. This evaluation was based on a retrospective case series from an institution with standardized surgical guidelines for ASD.

Methods

This IRB-approved retrospective study analyzed our institution’s ASD database from 2014 to 2020. Eligible patients had a minimum two-year post-op follow-up and preoperative psychological distress assessment. Patients were grouped based on psychological distress levels: green, yellow, and yellow minus. Regret post-surgery was assessed using the Decision Regret Scale and SRS-22 Question 22. Logistic regression evaluated the impact of distress levels on regret, controlling for age and sex.

Results

Out of 167 eligible patients, 112 responded and were analyzed. No significant demographic differences were observed between responders and non-responders. Using the Decision Regret Scale, 41% expressed no regret, while 63% expressed no regret with the SRS-22 questionnaire’s Single-Item scale. Only the yellow minus group showed significant regret difference based on osteotomy, with non-recipients more likely to express regret.

Conclusion

This study found no significant link between psychological distress and post-operative regret in adult spinal deformity surgery after a minimum 2-year follow-up. Although nearly 60% exhibited some post-surgery regret, predicting regret based on psychological burden or demographics remains challenging. Further research is essential to identify factors contributing to post-operative regret in spinal deformity surgery patients.
Talent management in volatility, uncertainty, complexity, and ambiguity (VUCA) health environment, nurses’ psychological contract fulfillment, cordial relation and generation: moderation-mediation model
Authors: Ellethiey Nancy Sabry , Ashour Heba Mohamed Al-Anwer Ali , Awad Nadia Hassan Ali
Published: December 2024

Background

The VUCA in the healthcare environment requires combating volatility, uncertainty, complexity, and ambiguity through highly talented employees and implementing a talent management strategy. This encompasses a range of operations designed to find, attract, nurture, and utilize competent workers that impact how well nurses fulfill their psychological contracts. However, as the researchers had anticipated, several factors, such as cordial relationships and generation differences, may mediate or influence this correlation.

Methods

For a cross-sectional study, a non-probability convenience sampling technique was used to include n = 375 nurses from among the 600 total nurses at three private hospitals in Alexandria, Egypt. Three validated measures were used to measure the study variables and develop a mediation-moderation structural equation model.

Results

The result of this study revealed that nurses perceived a moderate level of talent management with a mean score of (48.91 ± 18.15), a low mean score (8.89 ± 3.93) of psychological contract fulfillment, and a moderate mean score (185.11 ± 27.02) of cordial relation. Additionally, more than half of the participants were in the Gen Z. Also, this study concluded that there is a positive mediation role of cordial relation and a negative moderation role of Gen between talent management and psychological contract fulfillment.

Conclusions

Using Gen as a moderating variable and cordial relations as a mediating factor, a moderating mediating structural equation model is created and validates the important influence of talent management on nurses’ psychological fulfillment, confirming the mediating effect of cordial relations and the moderating effect of genes in this relationship. GEN negatively predicted psychological contract fulfillment, meaning baby boomers predicted more psychological contract fulfillment than Z gen. Furthermore, talent management could positively predict cordial relations and psychological contract fulfillment, and cordial relations partially mediated the relationship between talent management and psychological contract fulfillment. Nurse mangers should be aware of and implement effective and talent management strategies with respecting gen difference, and apply tailored strategies for fostering nurses’ cordial relation and psychological contract fulfillment to deal with the VUCA challenging healthcare environment.
Lysosomal gene ATP6AP1 promotes doxorubicin resistance via up-regulating autophagic flux in breast cancer
Authors: Fei Yinjiao , Yan Xueqin , Liang Mingxing , Zhou Shu , Xu Di , Li Lei , Xu Weilin , Song Yuxin , Zhu Zhen , Zhang Jian
Published: December 2024

Background

Breast cancer remains the most prevalent malignancy in women. Chemotherapy is the primary systemic treatment modality, and the effectiveness of treatment is often hampered by chemoresistance. Autophagy has been implicated in promoting chemoresistance, as elevated autophagic flux supports tumor cell survival under therapeutic stress. Since lysosomes are essential for the completion of autophagy, their role in autophagy-related chemoresistance has been insufficiently studied. This study aims to elucidate the role of the lysosomal gene ATP6AP1 in promoting chemoresistance in breast cancer by upregulating autophagic flux.

Methods

Doxorubicin-induced cell death was assessed by cytotoxicity, flow cytometry, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release assays in various breast cancer cell lines. Autophagic flux was assessed with western blot and the mRFP-GFP-LC3 fluorescence imaging. Breast cancer cells were infected with shRNA lentivirus targeting ATP6AP1, allowing investigation its tole in doxorubicin-induced cell death. ATP6AP1 expression and its association with prognosis were evaluated using public databases and immunohistochemistry.

Results

Doxorubicin-induced cell death in breast cancer cells is negatively correlated with increased autophagic flux and lysosomal acidification. The lysosomal gene ATP6AP1, which plays a role in autophagic processes, is upregulated in breast cancer tissues. Knocking down ATP6AP1 reduces autophagy-mediated doxorubicin resistance by inhibiting autophagic flux and lysosomal acidification in breast cancer cells. Data analysis from public databases and our cohort indicate that elevated ATP6AP1 expression correlates with poor response to doxorubicin-based neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) and worse prognosis.

Conclusions

Doxorubicin-induced cytotoxicity is associated with autophagy flux in breast cancer. The lysosomal gene ATP6AP1 facilitates autolysosome acidification and contributes to doxorubicin resistance in breast cancer.
Larval source management in Ethiopia: modelling to assess its effectiveness in curbing malaria surge in dire Dawa and Batu Towns
Authors: Ayana Galana Mamo , Jalilian Abdollah , Ashine Temesgen , Molla Eshetu , Hailemeskel Elifaged , Yemane Dagmawi Hailu , Yirgu Hailegiorgis , Negash Nigatu , Teferi Natnael , Teshome Daniel , Reynolds Alison M. , Weetman David , Wilson Anne L. , Kenate Birhanu , Donnelly Martin J. , Sedda Luigi , Gadisa Endalamaw
Published: December 2024

Background

Ethiopia faces several severe challenges in terms of malaria elimination, including drug resistance and diagnostic evasion in the Plasmodium falciparum parasite, insecticide resistance in the primary Anopheles malaria vector, and, most recently, the invasion of the Asian malaria vector Anopheles stephensi. Novel malaria control methods are therefore needed, and in this paper, we describe the evaluation of a larval source management (LSM) strategy implemented in response to An. stephensi. The primary outcome was the malaria incidence rate compared between intervention and non-intervention sites in the presence of An. stephensi.

Methods

Intervention (Batu and Dire Dawa) and control (Metehara) towns were selected, and weekly malaria passive case detection data collected between 2014 and 2023 were obtained from the Oromia regional state and Dire Dawa City Administration Health Bureau. In addition, data regarding intervention were obtained from the President’s Malaria Initiative (PMI) reports. Weekly malaria passive case data were used to evaluate the change in the estimated malaria incidence rate and trends of temporal patterns of the estimated malaria incidence rate before and after interventions. An interrupted time series model with a cyclic second-order random walk structure periodic seasonal term was used to assess the impact of LSM on malaria incidence rate in the intervention and control settings.

Results

An upsurge in malaria cases occurred after 2020 at both the intervention and control sites. The temporal patterns of malaria incidence rate showed an increasing trend after the intervention. The ITS model depicted that the LSM has no impact in reducing the malaria incidence rate at both intervention site Dire Dawa [immediate impact = 1.462 (0.891, 2.035)], [Lasting impact = 0.003 (− 0.012, 0.018)], and Batu [Immediate impact 0.007 (− 0.235, 0.249), [Lasting impact = 0.008 (− 0.003, 0.013)].

Conclusions

An overall increasing trend in the malaria incidence rate was observed irrespective of the implementation of LSM in the urban settings of Ethiopia, where An. stephensi has been found. Further investigations and validations of the incorporation of LSM into control activities are warranted.
Evidence is not enough: health technology reassessment to de-implement low-value care
Authors: Ingvarsson Sara , Hasson Henna , von Thiele Schwarz Ulrica , Nilsen Per , Roczniewska Marta , Augustsson Hanna
Published: December 2024

Background

The use of low-value care (LVC) is a persistent challenge in health care. Health technology reassessment (HTR) assesses the effects of technologies currently used in the health care system to guide optimal use of these technologies. Consequently, HTR holds promises for identifying and reducing, i.e., de-implementing, the use of LVC. There is limited research on how HTR is executed to support the de-implementation of LVC and whether and how HTR outcomes are translated into practical application. The aim of this study is to investigate how HTR is conducted to facilitate de-implementation of LVC and to investigate how the results of HTR are received and acted on in health care settings.

Methods

This study is a qualitative interview study with representatives from health technology assessment agencies (n = 16) that support the regional health care organizations in Sweden and with representatives from the health care organizations (n = 7). Interviews were analysed with qualitative content analysis.

Results

We identified three overarching categories for how HTR facilitates de-implementation of LVC and how the results are received and acted on in health care settings: (1) involving key stakeholders to facilitate de-implementation of LVC in identifying potential LVC practices, having criteria for accepting HTR targets, ascertaining high-quality reports and disseminating the reports; (2) actions taken by health care organization to de-implement LVC by priority setting and decision-making, networking between health care organizations and monitoring changes in the use of LVC practices; and (3) sustaining use of LVC by not questioning continued use, continued funding of LVC and by creating opinion against de-implementation.

Conclusions

Evidence is not enough to achieve de-implementation of LVC. This has made health technology assessment agencies and health care organizations widen the scope of HTR to encompass strategies to facilitate de-implementation, including involving key stakeholders in the HTR process and taking actions to support de-implementation. Despite these efforts, there can still be resistance to de-implementation of LVC in passive forms, involving continued use of the practice and more active resistance such as continued funding and opinion-making opposing de-implementation. Knowledge from implementation and de-implementation research can offer guidance in how to support the execution phase of HTR.
Enhancing striatal acetylcholine facilitates dopamine release and striatal output in parkinsonian mice
Authors: Li Hongxia , Chen Ziluo , Tan Yuyan , Luo Huoqing , Lu Chen , Gao Chao , Shen Xin , Cai Fang , Hu Ji , Chen Shengdi
Published: December 2024

Background

L-DOPA has been considered the first-line therapy for treating Parkinson’s disease (PD) via restoring striatal dopamine (DA) to normalize the activity of local spiny projection neurons (SPNs) in the direct (dSPNs) pathway and the indirect (iSPNs) pathway. While the changes in striatal acetylcholine (ACh) induced by increasing DA have been extensively discussed, their validity remains controversial. Inhibition of striatal cholinergic signaling attenuates PD motor deficits. Interestingly, enhancing striatal ACh triggers local DA release, suggesting the pro-kinetic effects of ACh in movement control. Here, we investigated the in-vivo dynamics of ACh in the dorsolateral striatum (DLS) of the 6-OHDA-lesioned mouse model after L-DOPA administration, as well as its underlying mechanism, and to explore its modulatory role and mechanism in parkinsonian symptoms.

Results

Using in vivo fiber photometry recordings with genetically encoded fluorescent DA or ACh indicator, we found L-DOPA selectively decreased DLS ACh levels in parkinsonian conditions. DA inhibited ACh release via dopamine D2 receptors and dSPNs-mediated activation of type-A γ-aminobutyric acid receptors on cholinergic interneurons. Restoring DLS ACh levels during L-DOPA treatment induced additional DA release by activating nicotinic acetylcholine receptors, thereby promoting the activity of dSPNs and iSPNs. Enhancing DLS ACh facilitated L-DOPA-induced turning behavior but not dyskinesia in parkinsonian mice.

Conclusions

Our results demonstrated that enhancing striatal ACh facilitated the effect of L-DOPA by modulating DA tone. It may challenge the classical hypothesis of a purely competitive interaction between dopaminergic and cholinergic neuromodulation in improving PD motor deficits. Modulating ACh levels within the dopaminergic system may improve striatal DA availability in PD patients.
Impact of anemia on renal outcomes in elderly patients with chronic kidney disease: a cohort study
Authors: Mori Daisuke , Hayashi Masato , Honda Ryoko , Tanoue Haruna , Kobayashi Midori , Shimada Motoko , Tamai Shinjiro , Nomi Hiroki , Nagatoya Katsuyuki , Yamauchi Atsushi
Published: December 2024

Background

We aimed to examine the impact of anemia on the risk of further deterioration in renal function among elderly and nonelderly patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD).

Methods

In this retrospective cohort study, we included 1098 predialysis patients with CKD hospitalized for an educational program on CKD between January 2010 and December 2018. Patients aged < 75 years (657) were considered nonelderly, and those aged ≥ 75 years (441) were considered elderly; each category was stratified by hemoglobin level to evaluate the incidence of CKD progression: < 9.0 g/dL, 9.0–10.9 g/dL, 11.0–12.9 g/dL, and ≥ 13.0 g/dL. The study was terminated after 3 years of observation.

Results

CKD progression occurred in 550 and 304 patients in the nonelderly and elderly group, respectively. In the nonelderly group, multivariate Cox models revealed that an increased risk of CKD progression was observed in patients with low hemoglobin levels compared with those with hemoglobin levels of 11.0–12.9 g/dL. However, in the elderly group, adverse renal outcomes occurred at rates that did not differ significantly according to the hemoglobin level. Furthermore, we isolated patients with hemoglobin levels of 9.0–10.9 g/dL and 11.0–12.9 g/dL and analyzed the risk of renal outcomes in both nonelderly and elderly people among them. Examination of renal outcomes in 1:1 the propensity-score-matched cohort of patients with hemoglobin levels of 9.0–10.9 g/dL versus patients with levels of 11.0–12.9 g/dL yielded consistent results.

Conclusions

Mild anemia may be poorly associated with renal prognosis in elderly patients with CKD.
Salt stress-induced polyamine biosynthesis contributes to blast resistance in rice
Authors: Mahmud Md. Rubel , Islam Md. Azizul , Hu Qian , Zhang Xianyu , Wang Wei , Xu Ning , Yang Chao , Liu Jun
Published: December 2024

Rice blast, caused by the fungal pathogen Magnaporthe oryzae, is a destructive disease that affects rice (Oryzae sativa L.) on a global scale. Polyamines (PAs) play diverse roles in plant growth and development and responses to biotic and abiotic stimuli. Putrescine (PUT), spermidine (SPD), and spermine (SPM) are the primary forms of polyamines (PAs). In this study, we observed that the accumulation of apoplastic PAs significantly increased in rice plants after treatment with salt or M. oryzae. The salt-treated plants exhibited enhanced resistance to rice blast disease. RNA sequencing data indicate that S-adenosylmethionine decarboxylase (SAMDC), a key enzyme involved in the synthesis of polyamines, plays a significant role in enhancing plant resistance. Overexpression of rice SAMDC (OsSAMDC) led to a significant decrease of pathogen infection in the transgenic rice plants. Additionally, OsSAMDC overexpression plants accumulated polyamines in the cytosol and apoplast, particularly SPD and SPM. Conversely, the disease resistance and accumulation of PAs were reduced in OsSAMDC-silenced plants. Exogenous application of PAs inhibited the mycelium growth, spore germination, germ tube elongation, and appressorium formation in M. oryzae. These results demonstrated that OsSAMDC-mediated polyamine biosynthesis, especially SPD and SPM, plays an essential role in rice plants to resist biotic and abiotic stresses.
Insights into grape-derived health benefits: a comprehensive overview
Authors: de Almeida Sousa Cruz Marta Angela , de Barros Elias Monique , Calina Daniela , Sharifi-Rad Javad , Teodoro Anderson Junger
Published: December 2024

Grapes, renowned for their diverse phytochemical composition, have long been recognized for their health-promoting properties. This narrative review aims to synthesize the current research on grapes, with a particular emphasis on their role in disease prevention and health enhancement through bioactive compounds.

A comprehensive review of peer-reviewed studies, including in vitro, in vivo, and clinical investigations, was conducted to elucidate the relationship between grape consumption and health outcomes. The review highlights the positive association of grape intake with a decreased risk of chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, and certain cancers. Notable bioactive components like resveratrol are emphasized for their neuroprotective and antioxidative capabilities. Additionally, the review explores emerging research on the impact of grapes on gut microbiota and its implications for metabolic health and immune function.

This updated review underscores the importance of future research to fully leverage and understand the therapeutic potential of grape-derived compounds, aiming to refine dietary guidelines and functional food formulations. Further translational studies are expected to clarify the specific bioactive interactions and their impacts on health.

Graphical Abstract
Pathologically altered articular cartilage attracts intense chondrocyte invasion into the extracellular matrix: in vitro pilot study
Authors: Shestakova Victoria A. , Klabukov Ilya D. , Kolobaev Ilya V. , Rao Longfeng , Atiakshin Dmitry A. , Ignatyuk Michael A. , Krasheninnikov Mikhail E. , Ahmedov Bagavdin G. , Ivanov Sergey A. , Shegay Peter V. , Kaprin Andrey D. , Baranovskii Denis S.
Published: December 2024

Background

Due to non-vascularized and aneural structure, articular cartilage has limited self-repairing capacity. The aim of this study was to investigate the revitalization of inflammatory injured articular cartilage matrices by human nasal chondrocytes (hNC).

Materials and methods

Cartilage matrix was prepared by devitalization of articular cartilage samples obtained intraoperatively from an adult patient undergoing knee joint replacement. hNC were obtained from native tissues by enzymatic digestion with further expansion over two passages. The obtained nasal chondrocytes were used to seed decellularized scaffolds, which were then cultured in vitro for 7, 14, or 21 days in chondrogenic medium. Migration was observed by histologic staining with fast green, safranin-O, and hematoxylin and scanning electron microscopy. Biochemical analysis was performed to determine the glycosaminoglycan (GAG) and DNA content of the cartilage using dimethylmethylene blue and CyQuant Cell Proliferation Assay Kit.

Results

We seeded healthy and inflamed cartilage with nasal chondrocytes and found that the cells actively invade mainly pathologically altered cartilage. The results of biochemical quantitative analysis showed that the amount of DNA significantly increased by day 7 and decreased by day 14, while the quantitative values of GAGs had the opposite trend. Histological staining showed that cartilage formation occurred on day 7, intercellular spaces were filled with de novo synthesized cartilage matrix with significantly low GAG content on day 14, and newly formed GAG-rich cartilage was observed on day 21. The obtained data on cartilage regeneration were confirmed by scanning electron microscopy.

Conclusions

Our preliminary results showed that human nasal chondrocytes are capable of infiltrating the pathologically altered extracellular matrix of articular cartilage damaged by arthritis, thereby promoting its repair to a physiologically relevant state.

Graphical Abstract
Isolation, partial characterization, therapeutic, and safety evaluation of carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii lytic phage in a mouse model
Authors: Ahmed Hany S. , Eid Mohammed A. , Kamer Amal M. Abo , Hatem Eman A. , Yahya Galal , Mahmoud Yehia A.-G.
Published: December 2024

Background

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a major worldwide health concern, characterized by the ability of microorganisms to withstand the effects of medications that once effectively treated infections. Phage therapy has emerged as a promising alternative for management of multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacterial infections. Acinetobacter baumannii (A. baumannii) exemplifies the emergence of bacteria resistant to clinically relevant antimicrobials, leading to severe nosocomial infections and exhibiting extensive and pan drug-resistant (XDR and PDR) traits. In response, this study isolated A. baumannii virulent phage designated as vB_AbaP_PhE54 against carbapenem-resistant A. baumannii (CRAB) pathogen and examined its morphological characteristics using an electron micrograph. Phage stability at different temperatures, pH, chloroform, safety, therapeutic evaluation, and growth kinetics have been analyzed.

Results

The A. baumannii phage vB_AbaP_PhE54 belongs morphologically to the Podoviridae family with very short, noncontractile tails, the phage demonstrated high thermal tolerance and infectivity across a pH range of 4–11, although it displayed a narrow host range. One-step growth kinetics indicated a burst size of 85 PFU (Plaque Forming Unit) per infected cell and a latent period of 20 min. Additionally, therapeutic efficiency in a mouse model showed total elimination of CRAB pathogen from lungs homogenates of mice and recovery from lung inflammation in all infected mice. On the other hand, safety evaluation of isolated phage revealed no adverse effects on structural or morphological tissue integrity.

Conclusions

These findings suggest that A. baumannii phage vB_AbaP_PhE54 could be a viable safe therapeutic option against A. baumannii infections, warranting further research into its clinical applications.
Spectrophotometric and HPLC analysis of amoxicillin trihydrate in presence of acetaminophen in different pH media
Authors: Bala Aditi , Mandal Sanchita
Published: December 2024

Background

This study is aimed to develop a simple, effective and economic method for the UV spectrophotometric analysis of amoxicillin trihydrate in the presence of acetaminophen. The Beer–Lambert law was obeyed in the concentration range of 2–10 µg/ml for amoxicillin trihydrate, acetaminophen and combinations, in all the different pH media: pH 1.2, 6.8, 7.4 and neutral (double-distilled water). For the simultaneous equation method, the absorbance maxima of amoxicillin trihydrate was found at 228 nm, and for acetaminophen, it was found at 243 nm, after scanning the solutions in respective buffers.

Result

The standard curve of amoxicillin trihydrate and acetaminophen was plotted, and the correlation coefficient (R2) value was found to be in the range of 0.991–0.994 and 0.993–0.999, respectively. These two drugs were combined in a ratio of 5:3 (amoxicillin trihydrate: acetaminophen), and its absorbance maxima was discovered at 232 nm (isoabsorptive point), where its correlation coefficient was calculated from the standard curve which is in range of 0.993–0.996. The above-mentioned method was found to comply all the validation parameters as per the ICH guidelines such as accuracy, precision, linearity, LOD, LOQ, reproducibility and recovery. This method is successfully applied to estimate the combination of these two drugs in their pharmaceutical dosage forms without and interaction of their excipients. This method is based on to check the stability of amoxicillin trihydrate in different pH media in the presence of acetaminophen.

Conclusion

Hydrolysis of beta-lactam ring of amoxicillin trihydrate occurs in acidic pH (below 2) which causes the formation of amoxicilloic acid which may cause reduction in its microbial activity but neither shifting of wavelength nor appearance of extra peak occurred in UV spectroscopy. Although some changes of % area of amoxicillin trihydrate is observed in acidic media in HPLC method, there are no significant changes observed among the amoxicillin trihydrate solutions with acetaminophen prepared in different pH media, when using UV spectrophotometric method.
Multigene Copy Number Alteration Risk Score Biomarker–Based Enrichment Study Designs in Metastatic Castrate-Resistant Prostate Cancer
Authors: Jo Yeonjung , Chipman Jonathan J. , Haaland Benjamin , Greene Tom , Kohli Manish
Published: December 2024

PURPOSE

A composite multigene risk score derived from tumor-biology alterations specific to metastatic castrate-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) state was evaluated as a classifier to design biomarker-based enrichment clinical trials.

METHODS

A plasma cell-free DNA copy number alteration risk score based on alterations in 24 genes was simulated to develop a biomarker classifier–based clinical trial design enriched for high-risk patients to detect a survival advantage of a novel treatment (hazard ratio of 0.70 with 80% power). We determined the design trade-offs between the number of patients screened and enrolled when varying the type of patients to enrich and the extent of enrichment needed.

RESULTS

For a 2-year overall survival end point in mCRPC state, fully enriching patients with mCRPC having a high-risk score of 3 or more (the 95th percentile of a range of risk scores in patients with mCRPC) was determined to require screening to a maximum of 4,149 patients to enroll 259 patients for the targeted effect size. A nonenriched trial was determined to require enrolling 689 patients to be equivalently powered. We identified a pragmatic alternative, which is to enrich patients with mCRPC with a risk score of 1 or more (the 67th percentile) and an enrichment fraction of 0.25. This would require screening 658 patients to enroll 584 patients, and it maximizes the ability to detect a difference in treatment effect by risk score.

CONCLUSION

A plasma multi-CNA risk score classifier can feasibly be leveraged to design an enrichment trial in mCRPC. Enriching 25% of patients screened with a risk score >1 was observed to be optimal for obtaining an adequately powered, biomarker-based mCRPC-enriched clinical trial.
Can Endovascular Repair of Unruptured Intracranial Aneurysms Be Safely Performed in an Outpatient Setting? Lessons Learned from Spine Outcome Control Groups
Authors: McPheeters Matthew J. , Waqas Muhammad , Lim Jaims , Rho Kyungduk , Jaikumar Vinay , Gong Andrew , Raygor Kunal P. , Housley Steven B. , Scullen Tyler A. , Bouslama Mehdi , Levy Elad I.
Published: December 2024

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES:

The performance of select neurosurgical procedures is being transitioned to an outpatient setting rather than an inpatient setting to increase healthcare cost-effectiveness. Despite numerous technological advancements in the treatment of unruptured intracranial aneurysms (UIAs), the procedures are solely performed in an inpatient setting. We aimed to compare the rate of short-term outcomes associated with inpatient endovascular treatment of UIAs with those for established outpatient neurosurgical procedures, including anterior cervical discectomy and fusions (ACDFs) and lumbar discectomies.

METHODS:

We performed a retrospective analysis on the data of healthy (Charlson Comorbidity Index ≤4) adult patients undergoing elective neurosurgical procedures including endovascular repair of UIAs, ACDF, and discectomy between January 1, 2012, and August 31, 2019, at a single tertiary facility. Clinical complications and outcomes data were collected and analyzed. The primary outcome variable was the 30-day readmission rate with subgroup analyses of readmission <48 hours and 48 hours to 30 days.

RESULTS:

A total of 586 patients and a total of 606 procedures were identified, comprising 205 endovascular UIA treatments, 201 ACDFs, and 200 discectomies. Fourteen UIA procedures were excluded from analysis (n = 191) on the basis of anatomic high-risk features. For the primary outcome, there was no statistically significant difference in 30-day readmission rates among the comparison groups (P = .36). For the subgroup analyses, there were no differences in readmission rates for <48 hours (P = .06) and 48 hours to 30 days (P = .71). In addition, there was no significant difference in intraprocedural complication rates among the groups (P = .19).

CONCLUSION:

Inpatient elective endovascular treatment of UIAs had similarly low rates of intraprocedural complications and short-term readmissions compared with the established outpatient spine procedures. We hope that our findings may serve as the foundation for future, prospective studies assessing the safety and utility of performing endovascular procedures for UIAs in an outpatient setting.
Investigating the Role of MUC19 in Glioblastoma Multiforme: Genetic Alterations and Implications for Patient Survival and Therapeutic Targeting
Authors: Arafah Abdallah , Lee Woo Rin
Published: December 2024

Abstract* Background Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is the most aggressive and lethal form of brain cancer, and is characterized by rapid progression and poor patient survival. Genetic mutations play a significant role in cancer development and recurrence. This study investigated the role of Mucin 19 (MUC19), a member of the mucin family that has been implicated in cancer progression. We aimed to assess whether MUC19 mutations are associated with a worse prognosis in patients with GBM and explore its potential as a therapeutic target. Methods Data from 16 independent GBM patient datasets were retrieved from the cBioPortal for Cancer Genomics, comprising over 5,600 patients. These patients were categorized into two groups based on their survival status: living and deceased. Clinical attributes, including mutation frequencies and survival outcomes, were analyzed to identify significant genetic alterations in the deceased group. MUC19 is one of the most prominent mutations. To functionally investigate the role of MUC19, we conducted RNA interference (RNAi) experiments using A172 glioblastoma cells. Small interfering RNA (siRNA) specific to MUC19 (siMUC19) was used to knock down MUC19 expression, whereas the negative control group was treated with non-targeting siRNA. The effects on cell viability, proliferation, and MUC19 expression were also assessed. Results Our analysis identified 10 significantly mutated genes in deceased GBM patients, with MUC19 showing the most prominent association with poor outcome. siRNA-mediated knockdown of MUC19 resulted in a significant reduction in cell growth and viability compared to the control group, supporting its role in GBM progression. Conclusion MUC19 plays a significant role in GBM progression, and its suppression leads to reduced tumor cell growth. These findings suggest that MUC19 may be a promising therapeutic target for improving outcomes in patients with GBM. Further research is needed to explore its potential in clinical settings.
The genome sequence of wych elm, Ulmus glabra Huds.
Authors: Coleman Max , Ruhsam Markus ,   Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh Genome Acquisition Lab,   Darwin Tree of Life Barcoding collective,   Plant Genome Sizing collective,   Wellcome Sanger Institute Tree of Life Management, Samples and Laboratory team,   Wellcome Sanger Institute Scientific Operations: Sequencing Operations,   Wellcome Sanger Institute Tree of Life Core Informatics team,   Tree of Life Core Informatics collective,   Darwin Tree of Life Consortium
Published: December 2024

We present a genome assembly from a diploid specimen of Ulmus glabra (wych elm; Streptophyta; Magnoliopsida; Rosales; Ulmaceae). The assembly contains two haplotypes with total lengths of 1,788.20 megabases and 1,860.20 megabases, respectively. Most of haplotype 1 (97.9%) is scaffolded into 14 chromosomal pseudomolecules. Haplotype 2 was submitted as a scaffold-level assembly. The mitochondrial and plastid genome assemblies have lengths of 520.46 kilobases and 159.28 kilobases, respectively.
The genome sequence of the crisped pincushion, Ulota crispa (Hedw.) Brid.
Authors: Bell David ,   Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh Genome Acquisition Lab,   Darwin Tree of Life Barcoding collective,   Wellcome Sanger Institute Tree of Life Management, Samples and Laboratory team,   Wellcome Sanger Institute Scientific Operations: Sequencing Operations,   Wellcome Sanger Institute Tree of Life Core Informatics team,   Tree of Life Core Informatics collective,   Darwin Tree of Life Consortium
Published: December 2024

We present a genome assembly from a haploid Ulota crispa gametophyte (the crisped pincushion; Streptophyta; Bryopsida; Orthotrichales; Orthotrichaceae). The genome sequence spans 275.00 megabases. Most of the assembly is scaffolded into 11 chromosomal pseudomolecules. The mitochondrial and plastid genome assemblies have lengths of 104.64 kilobases and 123.54 kilobases, respectively.
The genome sequence of a tachinid fly, Gymnocheta viridis (Fallén, 1810)
Authors: Barclay Maxwell V.L. , Falk Steven , Sivell Olga ,   Natural History Museum Genome Acquisition Lab,   University of Oxford and Wytham Woods Genome Acquisition Lab,   Darwin Tree of Life Barcoding collective,   Wellcome Sanger Institute Tree of Life Management, Samples and Laboratory team,   Wellcome Sanger Institute Scientific Operations: Sequencing Operations,   Wellcome Sanger Institute Tree of Life Core Informatics team,   Tree of Life Core Informatics collective,   Darwin Tree of Life Consortium
Published: December 2024

We present a genome assembly from an individual male specimen of Gymnocheta viridis (tachinid fly; Arthropoda; Insecta; Diptera; Tachinidae). The genome sequence has a total length of 600.30 megabases. Most of the assembly (98.1%) is scaffolded into 6 chromosomal pseudomolecules, including the X sex chromosome. The mitochondrial genome has also been assembled and is 19.34 kilobases in length. Gene annotation of this assembly on Ensembl identified 12,716 protein-coding genes.