bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
New insight into the role of the pathway NLRP1 and NLRP3 inflammasomes and IL-33 in ultraviolet-induced cutaneous carcinogenesis
Authors: Lesiak Aleksandra , Wodz Karolina , Ceryn Justyna , Sobolewska-Sztychny Dorota , Bednarski Igor , Piekarski Janusz , Pabianek Marta , Nejc Dariusz , Dróżdż Izabela , Narbutt Joanna , Noweta Marcin , Ciążyńska Magdalena
Published: January 2025

Introduction

Inflammasomes NLRP1 (NLR family pyrin domain containing 1) and NLRP3 are pivotal regulators of the innate immune response, activated by a spectrum of endogenous and exogenous stressors, including ultraviolet radiation (UVR). The precise molecular mechanisms underlying the activation of these inflammasomes remain unclear. Furthermore, the involvement of interleukin-33 (IL-33) in UVR-induced skin carcinogenesis is not well defined.

Purpose

The objective of this study is to evaluate the expression of interleukin genes (IL-33, IL-18, IL-1β) following the activation and silencing of NLRP1 and NLRP3 at various wavelengths and doses of UV radiation, and to correlate these expressions with pertinent tumor markers (e.g., Gli1, Gli2, FOXO3A, SerpinA1, SerpinA3, and EphB2).

Methods and materials

Cultures of keratinocyte cell lines were exposed to varying doses of UV radiation using specific lamps. To inhibit the expression of NLRP1 and NLRP3 genes, cells were transfected with targeted siRNAs. Gene expression of inflammasome components and effector proteins was quantified using Real-time PCR and ELISA.

Results

There was a marked upregulation in the expression levels of cytokine genes IL-18, IL-1β, and IL-33 upon exposure to UVB and UVA radiation, compared to non-irradiated keratinocytes. Silencing NLRP1 or NLRP3 via RNA interference in primary human keratinocytes resulted in a significant reduction of cytokine gene expression. Additionally, a notable increase in tumor marker gene expression was observed in cells with functional NLRP1 and NLRP3 following UV radiation, whereas silencing these inflammasome genes altered the expression profiles of these markers.

Conclusion

This study provides a pioneering comprehensive assessment of the roles of NLRP1, NLRP3, and IL-33 in the pathogenesis of UV-induced cutaneous carcinogenesis. Our findings substantiate the role of IL-33 as a critical early danger signal elicited in response to inflammatory UV radiation, presumably regulated by inflammasomes.
Colostrum feeding practice and associated factors among mothers who come for postnatal care to Asella referral and teaching hospital, Arsi Zone, South-East Ethiopia
Authors: Haji Gisha , Agero Gebi , Eshete Amde , Hasan Abdurahman , Hiko Ahmed
Published: January 2025

Background

Every day throughout the world more than 4,000 infants and young children die because colostrum feeding was not initiated within an hour of birth as recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO)/United Nations Children’s Fund. Even though breastfeeding is common in Ethiopia, the widespread belief that colostrum feeding causes morbidity and mortality among neonates still exists.

Objective

To assess the colostrum feeding practice and It’s associated factors among mothers who come for Post-natal care at Asella Referral and Teaching Hospital, Asella Town, Southeast Ethiopia from November 20, 2023, to January 25, 2024.

Method

This study employed an institutional-based cross-sectional study among 301 surveyed postnatal care mothers from November 20, 2023, to January 25, 2024. Systematic random sampling was employed to select study participants. A pretest was performed to check the reliability and clarity of the study questionnaires. The tool to examine the practice of colostrum feeding and related aspects was modified from earlier studies. The collected data were input into Epi Info version 7.2.5.0 and exported to SPSS version 26 for analysis. Bivariate and multivariable logistic regression analyses were used to identify variables associated with the practice of colostrum feeding. The variables with significant association were identified based on p-value < 0.05.

Results

In this study, 301 study participants took part, with a 99% response rate. The mean age of mothers was found to be 27.13 ± 5.46. This study’s overall prevalence of practice was 57.8% (95% CI, 52.2–63.35). Being Urban residence (AOR = 4.05, 95%CI: 2.18–7.52), health education counseling (AOR = 4.31, 95%CI: 1.27–10.73), and favorable attitude toward colostrum milk (AOR = 6.64, 95% CI: 3.61–12.2) were factors significantly associated with colostrum feeding practice.

Conclusion and recommendations

In comparison to WHO recommendations, the study area had a low rate of colostrum feeding practice. Additionally, this study also identified factors associated with maternal colostrum feeding practice level such as urban residence, counseling on timely initiation of breastfeeding during antenatal care, and good maternal attitude toward colostrum feeding. Therefore, Health education dissemination should be given to postnatal mothers regarding the importance of colostrum feeding.
The role of intestinal flora in metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease and treatment strategies
Authors: Wang Li Jun , Sun Jian Guang , Chen Shu Cheng , Sun Yu Li , Zheng Yang , Feng Jian Chao
Published: January 2025

Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) is a common multi-factorial liver disease, and its incidence is gradually increasing worldwide. Many reports have revealed that intestinal flora plays a crucial role for the occurrence and development of MASLD, through mechanisms such as flora translocation, endogenous ethanol production, dysregulation of choline metabolism and bile acid, and endotoxemia. Here, we review the relationship between intestinal flora and MASLD, as well as interventions for MASLD, such as prebiotics, probiotics, synbiotics, and intestinal flora transplantation. Intervention strategies targeting the intestinal flora along with its metabolites may be new targets for preventing and treating MASLD.
The lysosome-related characteristics affects the prognosis and tumor microenvironment of lung adenocarcinoma
Authors: Chang Wuguang , Gao Wuyou , Wu Yawei , Luo Bin , Zhong Lekai , Zhong Leqi , Lin Wenqian , Wen Zhesheng , Chen Youfang
Published: January 2025

Background

The lysosome plays a vitally crucial role in tumor development and is a major participant in the cell death process, involving aberrant functional and structural changes. However, there are few studies on lysosome-associated genes (LAGs) in lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD).

Methods

Bulk RNA-seq of LUAD was downloaded from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO). The lysosome risk signature was constructed after univariate and least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (Lasso) cox regression analysis of the TCGA training set, and its capability was validated by additional validation sets from GEO. Single cell sequencing (scRNA) was obtained from GEO to analyze the differences of lysosome risk signature at the single-cell level and the differences in the function and pathway. In vitro experiments have validated the function of CTSH in LUAD.

Results

The risk signature contained seven key LAGs, and patients were categorized into high- and low-risk groups based on a specific calculation formula. The LAG risk signature, which accurately predicted the prognostic status of LUAD patients, was still regarded as an independent prognostic indicator in multifactorial cox regression analysis. Subsequently, the combination of the signature and key clinical information was used to construct a column-line diagram for clinical assessment, which had a high discriminatory power. Immune infiltration analysis from bulk RNA-seq and scRNA-seq indicated that the low-risk group was immune-activated and had a better benefit in the prediction of immunotherapy. Finally, we validated its role in inhibiting tumor proliferation and metastasis in LUAD cells by knockdown of CTSH.

Conclusion

We defined a new biomarker that provided unique insights for individualized survival prediction and immunotherapy recommendations for LUAD patients.
From shadowing to active learning: exploring the impact of supervised teaching clinics on gynecology education
Authors: Ren Sangsang , Zhan Hong , Fernando Asanga , Xu Xiangrong , Lu Weiguo
Published: January 2025

Background

Supervised Teaching Clinics (STCs) have emerged as an innovative approach to medical education, particularly in specialties like gynecology, where hands-on experience is crucial. Traditional clinical rotations often leave students in passive roles, limiting their active participation and the development of essential clinical skills.

Aim

This study aimed to evaluate the impact of STCs on the clinical competencies and professional development of medical students within a gynecological clinic, comparing the outcomes with those of traditional clinic shadowing.

Methods

A total of 144 fifth-year medical students were randomly assigned to either a control group, which participated in traditional clinic shadowing, or an STC group, which engaged in both shadowing and supervised teaching activities. The study utilized the Generalized Self-Efficacy Scale (GSES) and the mini-Clinical Evaluation Exercise (mini-CEX) to assess clinical performance. Feedback was also collected from students, tutors, and patients to gage satisfaction and perceived effectiveness.

Results

Students in the STC group demonstrated significantly higher improvements in clinical skills, particularly in medical interviewing, counseling, and overall clinical competence, compared to the control group. The STC group also reported greater satisfaction with their learning experience, citing enhanced confidence and a deeper understanding of gynecological practice. Tutors and patients provided positive feedback, noting the STC’s role in fostering effective student-patient interactions and comprehensive learning.

Conclusion

The structured design of the STC, with a focus on goal direction, relationships, and supporting services, significantly improved educational outcomes in gynecology. By fostering active learning and delivering constructive feedback, STCs effectively enhance students’ clinical competencies and professional development. The study suggests that integrating STCs into traditional clinical education models could substantially optimize medical training.
A comparative cross-sectional study of psychological distress, fatigue, and physical activity in patients with rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, and Sjögren's disease
Authors: Beider Sonja , Stephan Michael , Seeliger Tabea , Skripuletz Thomas , Witte Torsten , Ernst Diana
Published: January 2025

Introduction

Anxiety and depression are common in patients with rheumatic diseases, but their impact across conditions like rheumatoid arthritis (RA), systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), and primary Sjögren's disease (SjD) is still not well understood. This study aims to compare depression, anxiety, and fatigue, and their effects on disease activity and physical activity in these conditions.

Methods

From January 2019 to March 2021, patients with RA, primary SjD and SLE were assessed consecutively in a monocentric cross-sectional study at the rheumatology outpatient clinic of the Hannover Medical School. Standardized questionnaires were used to assess depression, anxiety, fatigue, disease activity, functional impairment, and physical activity in these patients.

Results

Of 445 patients, 36.9% had RA, 32.8% SLE, and 30.3% SjD, with most being female (RA 76.2%, SLE 85.6%, SjD 87.4%). Depression (28.5%) and anxiety (31.2%) were common, particularly in SLE (28.8%) and SjD (36.3%) vs. RA (22%, p 0.002). Physical inactivity was higher in SLE (44.5%) and SjD (44.4%) than in RA (39.0%), especially in depressed patients (p 0.011). A significant proportion of patients retired early, especially in SLE (85%) and SjD (66%) vs. RA (49%, p 0.001). Disease activity correlated with psychological status (p < 0.05).

Conclusions

Depression and anxiety are highly prevalent in RA, SLE, and SjD, particularly in SLE and SjD. The study highlights the need for early psychological evaluation and integrated care involving rheumatologists and mental health professionals to address these issues and improve physical and mental well-being.
Invasive Klebsiella pneumoniae liver abscess syndrome complicated by carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii infection: a case report
Authors: Feng Qiupeng , Yuan Hua , Ma Jin , Guo Zhiqiang , Xia Xiaohua , Zhao Guang
Published: January 2025

Background

A liver abscess caused by hypervirulent Klebsiella pneumoniae can lead to multiple invasive extrahepatic infections, including lung abscesses, endophthalmitis, brain abscesses, and necrotizing fasciitis. This condition, known as Klebsiella pneumoniae liver abscess invasion syndrome, progresses rapidly and is associated with severe illness, high disability rates, and significant mortality. However, bloodstream infections with co-infection involving carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii are exceedingly rare.

Case presentation

The Emergency Medicine Department of the First People’s Hospital of Kunshan successfully treated a male patient diagnosed with liver, lung, and prostate abscesses. The patient underwent puncture and drainage, with analysis of the drainage fluid, sputum culture, and metagenomic next-generation sequencing (m-NGS) revealing a co-infection with blood-borne Klebsiella pneumoniae and Acinetobacter baumannii. Guided by drug sensitivity test results, the patient received treatment with polymyxin and cefoperazone sodium-sulbactam sodium for infection control and liver protection. The treatment was successful, and the patient fully recovered and was discharged.

Conclusion

By reporting this rare case and highlighting the drug resistance of the bacteria, we propose a new diagnosis and treatment plan for managing Klebsiella pneumoniae combined with carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii infection, along with a literature review.