bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Decreased aggressive care at the end of life among advanced cancer patients in the Republic of Korea: a nationwide study from 2012 to 2018
Authors: Kwon Sara , Kim Kyuwoong , Park Bohyun , Park So-Jung , Jho Hyun Jung , Choi Jin Young
Published: June 2024

Background

This study aimed to investigate the trends of aggressive care at the end-of-life (EoL) for patients with advanced cancer in Korea and to identify factors affecting such care analyzing nationwide data between 2012 to 2018.

Methods

This was a population-based, retrospective nationwide study. We used administrative data from the National Health Insurance Service and the Korea Central Cancer Registry to analyze 125,350 patients aged 20 years and above who died within one year of a stage IV cancer diagnosis between 2012 and 2018.

Results

The overall aggressiveness of EoL care decreased between 2012 and 2018. In patients’ last month of life, chemotherapy use (37.1% to 32.3%; p < 0.05), cardiopulmonary resuscitation (13.2% to 10.4%; p < 0.05), and intensive care unit admission (15.2% to 11.1%; p < 0.05) decreased during the study period, although no significant trend was noted in the number of emergency room visits. A steep increase was seen in inpatient hospice use in the last month of life (8.6% to 26.6%; p < 0.05), while downward trends were observed for hospice admission within three days prior to death (13.9% to 11%; p < 0.05). Patients were more likely to receive aggressive EoL care if they were younger, women, had treatment in tertiary hospitals, or had hematologic malignancies. In the subgroup analysis, the overall trend of aggressive EoL care decreased for all five major cancer types.

Conclusion

The aggressiveness of EoL care in stage IV cancer patients showed an overall decrease during 2012–2018 in Korea.
Health professionals’ acceptance of mobile-based clinical guideline application in a resource-limited setting: using a modified UTAUT model
Authors: Demsash Addisalem Workie , Kalayou Mulugeta Hayelom , Walle Agmasie Damtew
Published: June 2024

Introduction

Clinical guidelines are crucial for assisting health professionals to make correct clinical decisions. However, manual clinical guidelines are not accessible, and this increases the workload. So, a mobile-based clinical guideline application is needed to provide real-time information access. Hence, this study aimed to assess health professionals’ intention to accept mobile-based clinical guideline applications and verify the unified theory of acceptance and technology utilization model.

Methods

Institutional-based cross-sectional study design was used among 803 study participants. The sample size was determined based on structural equation model parameter estimation criteria with stratified random sampling. Amos version 23 software was used for analysis. Internal consistency of latent variable items, and convergent and divergent validity, were evaluated using composite reliability, AVE, and a cross-loading matrix. Model fitness of the data was assessed based on a set of criteria, and it was achieved. P-value < 0.05 was considered for assessing the formulated hypothesis.

Results

Effort expectancy and social influence had a significant effect on health professionals’ attitudes, with path coefficients of (β = 0.61, P-value < 0.01), and (β = 0.510, P-value < 0.01) respectively. Performance expectancy, facilitating condition, and attitude had significant effects on health professionals’ acceptance of mobile-based clinical guideline applications with path coefficients of (β = 0.37, P-value < 0.001), (β = 0.44, P-value < 0.001) and (β = 0.57, P-value < 0.05) respectively. Effort expectancy and social influence were mediated by attitude and had a significant partial relationship with health professionals’ acceptance of mobile-based clinical guideline application with standardized estimation coefficients of (β = 0.22, P-value = 0.027), and (β = 0.19, P-value = 0.031) respectively. All the latent variables accounted for 57% of health professionals’ attitudes, and latent variables with attitudes accounted for 63% of individuals’ acceptance of mobile-based clinical guideline applications.

Conclusions

The unified theory of acceptance and use of the technology model was a good model for assessing individuals’ acceptance of mobile-based clinical guidelines applications. So, enhancing health professionals’ attitudes, and computer literacy through training are needed. Mobile application development based on user requirements is critical for technology adoption, and people’s support is also important for health professionals to accept and use the application.
Factors influencing fatigue, mental workload and burnout among Chinese health care workers during public emergencies: an online cross-sectional study
Authors: Xiong Qian , Luo Feng , Chen Yue , Duan Yi , Huang Jie , Liu Hong , Jin Pengjuan , Li Rong
Published: June 2024

Objectives

The purpose of this study was to investigate fatigue, mental workload, and burnout among health care workers (HCWs) and explore the possible underlying factors.

Materials and methods

An online cross-sectional survey design was used to collect data from HCWs in Chongqing, China. The online survey included the Fatigue Severity Scale, NASA Task Load Index, and Chinese version of the Maslach Burnout Inventory-General Survey to assess fatigue, mental workload, and burnout, respectively, and was conducted from February 1 to March 1, 2023.

Results

In this study, the incidence of fatigue and burnout among HCWs was 76.40% and 89.14%, respectively, and the incidence of moderate to intolerable mental workloads was 90.26%. Work–family conflict, current symptoms, number of days of COVID-19 positivity, mental workload, burnout and reduced personal accomplishment were significantly associated with fatigue. Mental workload was affected by fatigue and reduced personal accomplishment. Furthermore, burnout was influenced by marital status and fatigue. Moreover, there was a correlation among mental workload, fatigue, and burnout.

Conclusions

Fatigue, mental workload and burnout had a high incidence and were influenced by multiple factors during COVID-19 public emergencies in China.
The relationship between organizational support, professional quality of life, decent work, and professional well-being among nurses: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Zheng Jie , Feng Shengya , Gao Rong , Gong Xiaoyan , Ji Xinyu , Li Yuling , Wang Xiangli , Xue Bowen
Published: June 2024

Background

Nurses often face challenges such as inadequate welfare protection, injustice, and workplace adversity including violence, bullying, and sexual harassment. In this context, providing sufficient support to nurses is crucial for the promotion of their professional well-being. This study examines the direct and indirect effects of perceived organizational support on nurses’ well-being, particularly highlighting the mediating roles of professional quality of life and the perception of decent work.

Methods

A cross-sectional survey design was employed in this study. Convenience sampling was used to survey 792 nurses from five tertiary A-grade hospitals in Shanxi Province in January 2024. Data collection tools included a custom demographic survey, the Perceived Organizational Support Scale, Professional Quality of Life Scale, Decent Work Perception Scale, and Nurse Occupational Well-being Questionnaire. Descriptive statistics, correlation analysis, and mediation effect analyses were performed.

Results

The findings demonstrate that perceived organizational support has a direct impact on nurses’ occupational well-being (β = 0.323,p < 0.001). Additionally, professional quality of life and the perception of decent work play chain mediating roles between perceived organizational support and nurses’ well-being (β = 0.019, BootLLCI = 0.010, BootULCI = 0.030).

Conclusions

This study highlighted the importance of organizational support in enhancing nurses’ well-being. Professional quality of life and decent work were key mediators. Healthcare institutions should prioritize support measures to improve nurses’ well-being. Future research should explore additional mediators and mechanisms to develop effective strategies for nursing policymakers and administrators.
Advancing arrhythmia education through the CDIO approach: a new paradigm in nursing student training
Authors: Chen Yu , Wen Heling , Huang Zheng , Zhang Rui , Peng Lei
Published: June 2024

Background

The accurate diagnosis and effective management of arrhythmias are crucial, with nurses playing a key role in the early detection and treatment, significantly impacting patient outcomes. Improving education on arrhythmias among nurses, especially in critical care and perioperative settings, can enhance patient safety and the quality of care.

Methods

A total of 116 trainee nurses were randomly divided into two groups: one utilizing the conceive-design-implement-operate (CDIO) model and the other employing a traditional lecture-based learning (LBL) method, to undergo arrhythmia training. The studyassessed the effects of the two teaching methods and investigated the students’ attitudes toward these educational practices, with all participants completing pre- and post-course tests.

Results

The CDIO model significantly enhances nursing students’ arrhythmia proficiency, yielding higher test scores and sustained improvement after 24-week compared to the traditional LBL method, alongside markedly better self-learning enthusiasm, understanding, satisfaction with the teaching approach and effectiveness, and interest in learning arrhythmia. The CDIO model in nursing arrhythmia courses boosts theoretical knowledge and application, showing potential in clinical skill enhancement.

Conclusions

Our study introduces the CDIO model in nursing arrhythmia courses, with improvement in knowledge and skills, and promise for broader application.
Association of maternal ultra-processed food consumption during pregnancy with atopic dermatitis in infancy: Korean Mothers and Children’s Environmental Health (MOCEH) study
Authors: Jang Won , Kim Minji , Ha Eunhee , Kim Hyesook
Published: June 2024

Background

Maternal diet during pregnancy might influence the development of childhood allergic disorders. There are few studies on the association between processed food intake and infant atopic dermatitis (AD) during pregnancy. The aim of the present study was to investigate the association of ultra-processed food (UPF) intake during pregnancy with infantile AD.

Methods

This study involved 861 pairs of pregnant women and their offspring from the Mothers’ and Children’s Environmental Health (MOCEH) study, a multi-center birth cohort project conducted in Korea. Dietary intake was estimated using a 24-h recall method at 12−28 weeks gestation. The NOVA classification was used to identify UPF, and UPF intake was calculated as the percentage of total energy consumption and categorized into quartiles. Infantile AD was assessed based on medical history and the criteria of the International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood (ISAAC). Associations were assessed by logistic regression with adjustment for confounding factors.

Results

Children born to mothers in the highest quartile of UPF consumption (15.5% or more of the total energy) compared to the lowest quartile (6.8% or less) showed a higher risk of AD within 12 months [odds ratio (OR) = 1.69; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.07−2.66, P for trend 0.0436]. After adjustment for the confounding factors under study, the association was strengthened; the adjusted OR between extreme quartiles was 2.19 (95% CI: 1.11–4.32, P for trend = 0.0418). This association was maintained even after an additional adjustment based on the Korean Healthy Eating Index (KHEI), an indicator of diet quality.

Conclusions

Higher maternal consumption of UPF during pregnancy was associated with a greater risk of infantile AD within the first year of life.
Magnesium malate-modified calcium phosphate bone cement promotes the repair of vertebral bone defects in minipigs via regulating CGRP
Authors: Xu Hailiang , Tian Fang , Liu Youjun , Liu Renfeng , Li Hui , Gao Xinlin , Ju Cheng , Lu Botao , Wu Weidong , Wang Zhiyuan , Zhu Lei , Hao Dingjun , Jia Shuaijun
Published: June 2024

Active artificial bone substitutes are crucial in bone repair and reconstruction. Calcium phosphate bone cement (CPC) is known for its biocompatibility, degradability, and ability to fill various shaped bone defects. However, its low osteoinductive capacity limits bone regeneration applications. Effectively integrating osteoinductive magnesium ions with CPC remains a challenge. Herein, we developed magnesium malate-modified CPC (MCPC). Incorporating 5% magnesium malate significantly enhances the compressive strength of CPC to (6.18 ± 0.49) MPa, reduces setting time and improves disintegration resistance. In vitro, MCPC steadily releases magnesium ions, promoting the proliferation of MC3T3-E1 cells without causing significant apoptosis, proving its biocompatibility. Molecularly, magnesium malate prompts macrophages to release prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) and synergistically stimulates dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons to synthesize and release calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP). The CGRP released by DRG neurons enhances the expression of the key osteogenic transcription factor Runt-related transcription factor-2 (RUNX2) in MC3T3-E1 cells, promoting osteogenesis. In vivo experiments using minipig vertebral bone defect model showed MCPC significantly increases the bone volume fraction, bone density, new bone formation, and proportion of mature bone in the defect area compared to CPC. Additionally, MCPC group exhibited significantly higher levels of osteogenesis and angiogenesis markers compared to CPC group, with no inflammation or necrosis observed in the hearts, livers, or kidneys, indicating its good biocompatibility. In conclusion, MCPC participates in the repair of bone defects in the complex post-fracture microenvironment through interactions among macrophages, DRG neurons, and osteoblasts. This demonstrates its significant potential for clinical application in bone defect repair.
Diagnosis and treatment status of inoperable locally advanced breast cancer and the application value of inorganic nanomaterials
Authors: Wu Linxuan , He Chuan , Zhao Tingting , Li Tianqi , Xu Hefeng , Wen Jian , Xu Xiaoqian , Gao Lin
Published: June 2024

Locally advanced breast cancer (LABC) is a heterogeneous group of breast cancer that accounts for 10–30% of breast cancer cases. Despite the ongoing development of current treatment methods, LABC remains a severe and complex public health concern around the world, thus prompting the urgent requirement for innovative diagnosis and treatment strategies. The primary treatment challenges are inoperable clinical status and ineffective local control methods. With the rapid advancement of nanotechnology, inorganic nanoparticles (INPs) exhibit a potential application prospect in diagnosing and treating breast cancer. Due to the unique inherent characteristics of INPs, different functions can be performed via appropriate modifications and constructions, thus making them suitable for different imaging technology strategies and treatment schemes. INPs can improve the efficacy of conventional local radiotherapy treatment. In the face of inoperable LABC, INPs have proposed new local therapeutic methods and fostered the evolution of novel strategies such as photothermal and photodynamic therapy, magnetothermal therapy, sonodynamic therapy, and multifunctional inorganic nanoplatform. This article reviews the advances of INPs in local accurate imaging and breast cancer treatment and offers insights to overcome the existing clinical difficulties in LABC management.

Graphical Abstract
Mitochondrial GCN5L1 acts as a novel regulator for iron homeostasis to promote sorafenib sensitivity in hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Hu Xiuya , Zhang Peiyu , Li Sai , Zhang Jiaqi , Wang Danni , Wang Zihan , Zhu Lu , Wang Lingdi
Published: June 2024

Background

Sorafenib resistance is becoming increasingly common and disadvantageous for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) treatment. Ferroptosis is an iron dependent programmed cell death underlying the mechanism of sorafenib. Iron is crucial for synthesis of cofactors essential to mitochondrial enzymes and necessary for HCC proliferation, while mitochondrial iron overload and oxidative stress are associated with sorafenib induced ferroptosis. However, the crosstalk among iron homeostasis and sorafenib resistance is unclear.

Methods

We conducted bioinformatics analysis of sorafenib treated HCC datasets to analyze GCN5L1 and iron related gene expression with sorafenib resistance. GCN5L1 deleted HCC cell lines were generated by CRISPR technology. Sorafenib resistant HCC cell line was established to validate dataset analysis and evaluate the effect of potential target.

Results

We identified GCN5L1, a regulator of mitochondrial acetylation, as a modulator in sorafenib-induced ferroptosis via affecting mitochondrial iron homeostasis. GCN5L1 deficiency significantly increased sorafenib sensitivity in HCC cells by down-regulating mitochondrial iron transporters CISD1 expression to induce iron accumulation. Mitochondrial iron accumulation leads to an acceleration in cellular and lipid ROS. Sorafenib resistance is related to CISD1 overexpression to release mitochondrial iron and maintaining mitochondrial homeostasis. We combined CISD1 inhibitor NL-1 with sorafenib, which significantly enhanced sorafenib-induced ferroptosis by promoting mitochondrial iron accumulation and lipid peroxidation. The combination of NL-1 with sorafenib enhanced sorafenib efficacy in vitro and in vivo.

Conclusions

Our findings demonstrate that GCN5L1/CISD1 axis is crucial for sorafenib resistance and would be a potential therapeutic strategy for sorafenib resistant HCC.
Completion of tuberculosis preventive therapy and associated factors among clients on antiretroviral therapy at Debre Berhan town health facilities, North Shoa Zone, Ethiopia
Authors: Tegegnework Alebachew Zewdu , Aemiro Muluken Tessema , Bilchut Awraris Hailu , Mekuria Abinet Dagnaw , Yehualashet Sisay Shewasinad
Published: June 2024

Background

Tuberculosis preventive therapy is vital in caring for HIV-positive individuals, as it prevents the progression from latent tuberculosis infection to tuberculosis disease. The aim of the study is to assess the completion of tuberculosis preventive therapy and associated factors among clients receiving antiretroviral therapy in Debre Berhan town, Ethiopia, in 2022.

Method

Institutional based cross sectional study was conducted. Random sampling methods were used to select both study participants and health facilities. Both bivariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed. P-values less than 0.05 were statistically significant.

Result

The study found that, 83% of participants were completed tuberculosis preventive therapy. Completed tuberculosis preventive therapy was associated with no adverse drug events, taking first-line ART, and good ART adherence.

Conclusion

According to the Ethiopian ART guidelines, the study found a low completion rate of tuberculosis preventive therapy among HIV-positive clients on antiretroviral therapy. Factors like no adverse drug events, first-line antiretroviral regimen, and good adherence were significantly associated with completing tuberculosis preventive therapy.
A feedback loop driven by H3K9 lactylation and HDAC2 in endothelial cells regulates VEGF-induced angiogenesis
Authors: Fan Wei , Zeng Shuhao , Wang Xiaotang , Wang Guoqing , Liao Dan , Li Ruonan , He Siyuan , Li Wanqian , Huang Jiaxing , Li Xingran , Liu Jiangyi , Li Na , Hou Shengping
Published: June 2024

Background

Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is one of the most powerful proangiogenic factors and plays an important role in multiple diseases. Increased glycolytic rates and lactate accumulation are associated with pathological angiogenesis.

Results

Here, we show that a feedback loop between H3K9 lactylation (H3K9la) and histone deacetylase 2 (HDAC2) in endothelial cells drives VEGF-induced angiogenesis. We find that the H3K9la levels are upregulated in endothelial cells in response to VEGF stimulation. Pharmacological inhibition of glycolysis decreases H3K9 lactylation and attenuates neovascularization. CUT& Tag analysis reveals that H3K9la is enriched at the promoters of a set of angiogenic genes and promotes their transcription. Interestingly, we find that hyperlactylation of H3K9 inhibits expression of the lactylation eraser HDAC2, whereas overexpression of HDAC2 decreases H3K9 lactylation and suppresses angiogenesis.

Conclusions

Collectively, our study illustrates that H3K9la is important for VEGF-induced angiogenesis, and interruption of the H3K9la/HDAC2 feedback loop may represent a novel therapeutic method for treating pathological neovascularization.
Robust coherent and incoherent statistics for detection of hidden periodicity in models with non-Gaussian additive noise
Authors: Żuławiński Wojciech , Antoni Jerome , Zimroz Radosław , Wyłomańska Agnieszka
Published: June 2024

We address the issue of detecting hidden periodicity when the signal exhibits periodic correlation, but is additionally affected by non-Gaussian noise with unknown characteristics. This scenario is common in various applications. The conventional approach for identifying periodically correlated (PC) behavior involves the frequency domain-based analysis. In our investigation, we also employ such an approach; however, we use a robust version of the discrete Fourier transform incorporating the Huber function-based M-estimation, unlike the classical algorithm. Building upon this approach, we propose robust coherent and incoherent statistics originally designed to identify hidden periodicity in pure PC models. The novelty of this paper lies in introducing robust coherent and incoherent statistics through the application of the robust discrete Fourier transform in classical algorithms and proposing a new technique for period estimation based on the proposed methodology. We explore two types of PC models and two types of additive noise, resulting in PC signals disturbed by non-Gaussian additive noise. Detecting hidden periodicity in such cases proves to be significantly more challenging than in classical scenarios. Through Monte Carlo simulations, we demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed robust approaches and their superiority over classical. To further substantiate our findings, we analyze three datasets in which hidden periodicity had previously been confirmed in the literature. Among them, two datasets correspond to the condition monitoring area, being a main motivation of our research.
Synergy of LIDAR and hyperspectral remote sensing: health status assessment of architectural heritage based on normal cloud theory and variable weight theory
Authors: Guo Ming , Shang Xiaoke , Zhao Jiawei , Huang Ming , Zhang Ying , Lv Shuqiang
Published: June 2024

Architectural heritage health assessment is the basis of scientific repair and maintenance. However, existing methods do not adequately take into account the fuzziness, randomness and uncertainties unique to architectural heritage assessment. In this paper, a new evaluation model of VM-NCM is constructed by combining variable weight theory and normal cloud model theory. The model enables the combination of qualitative ratings and quantitative calculation, deals with the fuzziness in the assessment process, and resolves the randomness and reflects the uncertainty to a certain extent. Based on constructing the index system combining qualitative and quantitative indexes, the structural index values are acquired by the synergistic coupling of the fine laser point cloud model and finite element structural analysis model. The acquisition of surface index values is completed by the hyperspectral intelligent detection technology of surface materials and diseases. These reduce the generation of ambiguous information in the index detection process. An evaluation study is conducted using the Yingxian wooden pagoda in China as an example. The results show that this method takes into account the fuzziness and randomness in the evaluation process, and obtains more scientific and reliable evaluation results, which provides a research paradigm for assessing the architectural heritage health status.
Examining the roles of spiritual motivation, religiosity, and L2 WTC in English
Authors: Sarwari Kawita , Pishghadam Reza , Shayesteh Shaghayegh
Published: June 2024

Recognizing the importance of students’ attitudes in enhancing their educational achievements, this study aimed to examine the roles of spiritual motivation, religiosity, and L2 WTC (Willingness to Communicate) in students’ English language achievements. The study aimed to create a scale to assess students’ spiritual motivation. Additionally, it scrutinized the relationship between spiritual motivation, religiosity, and L2 WTC. The data was collected from 194 students (97 males; 97 females) coming from both social and non-social sciences who completed three questionnaires: spiritual motivation, religiosity, and L2 WTC scales. Descriptive and inferential statistics were obtained using SPSS (Statistical Package for Social Sciences), and AMOS (Analysis of a Moment Structure). The analysis confirmed that both spiritual motivation and religiosity scales have reliable psychometric properties. SEM (Structural Equation Modeling) also revealed that spiritual motivation and religiosity are positively associated with L2 WTC. However, neither of the dependent variables emerged as predictors of English language acquisition. Notably, when mediated by spiritual motivation, SEM revealed that religiosity can predict L2 WTC. The study concludes with a discussion of the results and implications for research.
Biosynthesis of cupric oxide nanoparticles: its antiviral activities against TMV by directly destroying virion and inducing plant resistance
Authors: Liu Shuaikang , Tian Weiqiang , Liu Zhongwei , Wei Xuefeng , Yuan Kai , Du Wei , Chen Siang , Chen Shuhan , Zhou Dong , Cai Lin
Published: June 2024

Tobacco mosaic virus (TMV) is widely recognized as one of the most important plant viruses, causing significant agricultural losses in terms of both quality and yield worldwide each year. This study demonstrated the biosynthesis of copper oxide nanoparticles (CuONPs) using orange peel extract for effective control of TMV infection both in vitro and in vivo. After treatment with CuONPs (100 mg/L) for 2 h, TMV particles exhibited evident fragmentation in vitro, reducing infectivity on tobacco plants. Similarly, the application of CuONPs on Nicotiana benthamiana (N. benthamiana) positively impeded viral replication and accumulation in vivo. Interestingly, the expression of systemic resistance-related genes (PR1, PR2, ERF1, and JAZ3) in the host plant was up-regulated by CuONPs treatment, supporting that CuONPs activated plant immunity to inhibit TMV. Importantly, the application of CuONPs (100 mg/L) did not exhibit any toxic effects on tobacco and, instead, resulted in the promotion of chlorophyll content, as well as an increase in the fresh weight and dry weight of the plant when compared to the control treatment. Overall, we proposed that the appropriate concentration of CuONPs (100 mg/L) can directly break viral particles by passivating, boost plant immunity by stimulating systemic acquired resistance (SAR), and provide nutritional supplements to promote plant growth.
Gut microbiota and immune profiling of microbiota-humanised versus wildtype mouse models of hepatointestinal schistosomiasis
Authors: Stark K. A. , Rinaldi G. , Costain A. , Clare S. , Tolley C. , Almeida A. , McCarthy C. , Harcourt K. , Brandt C. , Lawley T. D. , Berriman M. , MacDonald A. S. , Forde-Thomas J. E. , Hulme B. J. , Hoffmann K. F. , Cantacessi C. , Cortés A.
Published: June 2024

Mounting evidence of the occurrence of direct and indirect interactions between the human blood fluke, Schistosoma mansoni, and the gut microbiota of rodent models raises questions on the potential role(s) of the latter in the pathophysiology of hepatointestinal schistosomiasis. However, substantial differences in both the composition and function between the gut microbiota of laboratory rodents and that of humans hinders an in-depth understanding of the significance of such interactions for human schistosomiasis. Taking advantage of the availability of a human microbiota-associated mouse model (HMA), we have previously highlighted differences in infection-associated changes in gut microbiota composition between HMA and wildtype (WT) mice. To further explore the dynamics of schistosome-microbiota relationships in HMA mice, in this study we (i) characterize qualitative and quantitative changes in gut microbiota composition of a distinct line of HMA mice (D2 HMA) infected with S. mansoni prior to and following the onset of parasite egg production; (ii) profile local and systemic immune responses against the parasite in HMA as well as WT mice and (iii) assess levels of faecal inflammatory markers and occult blood as indirect measures of gut tissue damage. We show that patent S. mansoni infection is associated with reduced bacterial alpha diversity in the gut of D2 HMA mice, alongside expansion of hydrogen sulphide-producing bacteria. Similar systemic humoral responses against S. mansoni in WT and D2 HMA mice, as well as levels of faecal lipocalin and markers of alternatively activated macrophages, suggest that these are independent of baseline gut microbiota composition. Qualitative comparative analyses between faecal microbial profiles of S. mansoni-infected WT and distinct lines of HMA mice reveal that, while infection-induced alterations of the gut microbiota composition are highly dependent on the baseline flora, bile acid composition and metabolism may represent key elements of schistosome-microbiota interactions through the gut-liver axis.
Synergizing MBR and MCDI systems as a sustainable solution for decentralized wastewater reclamation and reuse
Authors: Yu Wang-Sheng , Liu Huei-Cih , Lin Hsin-Chieh , Lee Mengshan , Hou Chia-Hung
Published: June 2024

Decentralized wastewater reclamation and reuse systems have drawn much attention due to their capability for reducing the energy demand for water conveyance and reclaiming wastewater for local re-use. While membrane bioreactor (MBR) stands as a mature technology offering comprehensive solid and liquid separation, membrane capacitive deionization (MCDI) presents a promising avenue for ion separation. Unfortunately, MCDI has seldom been incorporated into decentralized wastewater reclamation and reuse systems. This study aims to exemplify the design and the operation of the synergistic integration of MBR and MCDI system with a practical capacity of 1 m3 d− 1, showcasing its efficacy in reclaiming and reusing water at regional level. The integrated system demonstrated significant high removal of total organic carbon (from 97 to 2 mg L− 1) and chemical oxygen demand (COD, from 218 to < 3 mg L− 1). Meantime, nearly complete transformation (approximately 91%) of NH3 to NO3− within the MBR effluent was observed with a hydraulic retention time of 4.3–4.8 h and a food-to-microorganism of 0.15–0.20 kg COD kg− 1 MLSS d− 1 which can be further removed through the MCDI system (> 92% TN removal). A significant milestone of MCDI unit was reached with the remarkable removal efficiency of total ions (93%) and water recovery (80%) using a stop-flow regeneration approach coupled with an optimized voltage of 2.0 V. The MCDI unit not only proved its high stability but also featured low energy consumption (0.44 kWh m− 3). Overall, synergizing MBR and MCDI systems emerges as a sustainable and effective solution for decentralized wastewater reclamation and reuse, contributing to a more environmentally friendly and resource-efficient water management paradigm.
Impact of biopesticides on the probing and feeding behavior of
Aphis gossypii
Authors: Hamouche Zeinab , Zippari Caterina , Boucherf Abderrahmane , Cavallo Giuseppe , Djelouah Khaled , Tamburini Giovanni , Verrastro Vincenzo , Biondi Antonio , Cornara Daniele
Published: June 2024

Background

Pesticides-induced mortality has traditionally been the toxicological endpoint on which a chemical is selected for pest management strategies. However, the exposure to a pesticide might also cause behavioral alterations that can dramatically affect the dynamics of pest-plant interaction. Understanding these non-lethal effects is crucial for developing comprehensive and sustainable pest control measures.

Methods

Here, using the Electrical Penetration Graph (EPG) technique, we evaluated whether biopesticides routinely used in organic or conventional pest management might alter the probing and feeding behavior of the cotton aphid
Aphis gossypii
on treated plants. The post exposure persistence of feeding alterations when moving the insect onto clean plants was also assessed. The tested biopesticides were chosen for being aphicides or because used in those crops hosts of
A. gossypii
. Generalised linear mixed models were fitted to analyse the effects of biopesticides on the probing and feeding behavior of aphids, using untreated control data as a model baseline.

Results

Residuals of
Bacillus thuringiensis
,
Beauveria bassiana
, and sulfur significantly affected the dynamics of the stylets intercellular route compared to the control (namely, shorter pathways, fewer and shorter brief intracellular stylets probes, higher and longer derailed stylets events). Mineral oil, orange essential oil and pyrethrin delayed or impaired the onset of phloem sap ingestion. On the other hand, copper and potassium salts promoted feeding. Pyrethrin was the only biopesticides inducing persistent behavioral alterations, with insects displaying a higher frequency of occurrence of xylem ingestion events when moved to untreated plants after exposure.

Conclusions

Overall, this study demonstrates that biopesticides modulate the aphid-plant interactions by impairing or facilitating the exploitation of the host plant, also affecting the patterns conducive to plant pathogens transmission. This study also highlights the importance of considering in toxicological studies the impact of all the compounds the pest could be exposed to within the agroecosystem, including those not designed for that specific pest.
Overexpression of EspL inhibits autophagy and antigen presentation to promote the intracellular survival of Mycobacterium tuberculosis avirulent strains
Authors: Cai Luxia , Lei Yingying , Xie Tianyi , Liu Yiling , Fan Yutong , Yang Bing , Dong Shuang , Cao Gang , Chen Xi
Published: June 2024

Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) employs multiple mechanisms, such as phagocytosis and autophagy, to evade innate immune clearance and establish infection. In the present study, we identified the ESX-1 secretion-associated protein EspL, which promotes Mtb survival by inhibiting phagosome maturation and autophagy initiation. EspL knockout decreased Mtb intracellular survival, while EspL overexpression increased bacterial survival by interfering with phagocytosis and autophagy. EspL interacts with ULK1 and promotes its phosphorylation at Ser757, leading to the inhibition of autophagy initiation. Additionally, overexpression of EspL reduced antigen presentation and T-cell responses both in vitro and in vivo. Our findings revealed that EspL interferes with autophagy and antigen presentation by suppressing ULK1 activation. These insights provide a novel understanding of Mtb pathogenicity.
Role of Minimally Invasive Techniques in the Management of Early-Stage Carcinoma of the Uterine Cervix
Authors: Bercow Alexandra , del Carmen Marcela G. , Rauh-Hain J. Alejandro , Melamed Alexander
Published: June 2024

The Oncology Grand Rounds series is designed to place original reports published in the Journal into clinical context. A case presentation is followed by a description of diagnostic and management challenges, a review of the relevant literature, and a summary of the authors’ suggested management approaches. The goal of this series is to help readers better understand how to apply the results of key studies, including those published in Journal of Clinical Oncology , to patients seen in their own clinical practice.
Advocacy and Activism for Health Care Providers in a Post-Roe World
Authors: Perritt Jamila , Scencirro Andriana N.
Published: June 2024

Although the work of health care providers in delivering care for their patients and communities has always been impacted by legislative changes, reproductive health care services, especially abortion care, has received more scrutiny, undergone disparate and excessive attempts at overregulation, and has been subject to more restrictions than most fields of medicine. The June 2022 Supreme Court decision in Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization, essentially overturning the federal constitutional protections of the legal right to access abortion afforded by the Roe v. Wade decision in 1973, has brought this issue to the forefront for many clinicians across sectors and disciplines. As trusted voices, physicians and other health care providers are uniquely positioned to discuss the implications of policies that restrict access to comprehensive reproductive health care, including abortion services, as they bear witness to the challenges this creates for them in practice and the communities they care for. This article discusses the impact of the Dobbs ruling on medical providers and their patients as well as the responsibility of health care providers to advocate for abortion access.
Bynum, Gender, and the Western Christian Middle Ages
Authors: Harrison Anna
Published: June 2024

As a contribution to the Common Knowledge symposium “Caroline Walker Bynum across the Disciplines,” this article argues that Bynum's work on gender has overturned bedrock interpretations of the religious significance of the widespread ascetic practices of the Western Christian Middle Ages. Bynum's claim has been that medieval asceticism is best understood not as an upshot of dualism — of the soul and body understood as in opposition — but as “an effort to plumb and realize all the possibilities of the flesh.” Drawing on underused religious sources, analyzing in their larger social and cultural context the images that medieval women and men used, and employing a comparative analysis of female and male spiritualities, she has demonstrated that each had its own different emphases. In this effort, she has pioneered what is sometimes called a “history of masculinities.” Focusing on women's own experience and ferreting out basic assumptions of their religious thought and practice, she has argued for women's profound contributions to their contemporary theological culture by drawing on the dominant culture's hierarchical gender binaries in order to undermine them and accentuate their shared (bodily) humanity with Christ. Bynum has shown successfully that medieval women had confidence in their own ability to love and imitate Christ and thus to participate in the salvation of the world.
Caroline Bynum and Medieval Art History in America
Authors: Jung Jacqueline E.
Published: June 2024

As a contribution to the Common Knowledge symposium “Caroline Walker Bynum across the Disciplines,” this essay stresses Bynum's commitment to the methods and questions of history but also the unparalleled impact of her work on adjacent fields, including and perhaps even especially art history. Furthermore, her body of scholarship registers a consistent engagement with art historians. Weaving together personal memoir and historiography, this article sketches the manifold ways in which Bynum's publications have responded to and shaped the contours of medieval art history in America since the early 1990s — particularly with respect to questions of gender, body, identity, violence, and materiality — and the formative role that her mentorship and pedagogy have played in the author's development as an art historian.
Full-Endoscopic Sacroiliac Joint Denervation for Painful Sacroiliac Joint Dysfunction: A Prospective 2-Year Clinical Outcomes and Predictors for Improved Outcomes
Authors: Hasan Saqib , Halalmeh Dia Radi , Ansari Yusuf-Zain , Herrera Amy , Hofstetter Christoph P.
Published: June 2024

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES:

Full-endoscopic sacroiliac joint denervation (FE-SJD) is a novel technique for the management of pain secondary to sacroiliac joint dysfunction. The aim of this study was to assess the long-term efficacy, safety, clinical outcomes, and outcome predictors of uniportal full-endoscopic sacroiliac joint denervation.

METHODS:

From 2019 to 2021, a total of 47 consecutive patients with pain secondary to sacroiliac joint dysfunction underwent uniportal FE-SJD through posterior approach by a single fellowship-trained spine surgeon. A retrospective analysis of perioperative parameters, complications, and clinical outcomes were obtained prospectively.

RESULTS:

The patient cohort had a mean age of 59.4 ± 14.0 years, with 63.8% females. Symptom duration averaged 62.1 ± 53.7 months. The mean operative time was 57.1 ± 16.8 minutes. All patients were discharged on the same day of surgery. Significant improvement was noted in preoperative visual analog score (back) and Oswestry Disability Index scores at 3, 6, 12 months, and 2 years (P < .001). Thirty-four patients (72.3%) returned to normal functioning with an average of 82% pain relief and a satisfaction rate of 78.7% at a mean follow-up of 18.2 ± 13.1 months. There were no intraoperative complications. One patient had postoperative right L5 dysesthesia. Seven patients (14.9%) underwent contralateral FE-SJD due to satisfaction with the index procedure but residual pain on the contralateral side. Concomitant lumbar issues correlated with less functional improvement at 2 years (P = .009).

CONCLUSION:

The long-term clinical results of FE-SJD are favorable. Endoscopic denervation of the dorsal rami branches supplying the sacroiliac joint represents a safe, effective, and durable option to address pain secondary to sacroiliac joint dysfunction. A significant factor that influences outcomes is the presence of concomitant lumbar pathology. Further research is needed to compare this technique with current available treatment options.
Small molecule telomerase inhibitors are also potent inhibitors of telomeric C-strand synthesis
Authors: Johnson Kaitlin , Seidel Julia M. , Cech Thomas R.
Published: June 2024

Telomere replication is essential for continued proliferation of human cells, such as stem cells and cancer cells. Telomerase lengthens the telomeric G-strand, while C-strand replication is accomplished by CST–polymerase α–primase (CST–PP). Replication of both strands is inhibited by formation of G-quadruplex (GQ) structures in the G-rich single-stranded DNA. TMPyP4 and pyridostatin (PDS), which stabilize GQ structures in both DNA and RNA, inhibit telomerase in vitro, and in human cells they cause telomere shortening that has been attributed to telomerase inhibition. Here, we show that TMPyP4 and PDS also inhibit C-strand synthesis by stabilizing DNA secondary structures and thereby preventing CST–PP from binding to telomeric DNA. We also show that these small molecules inhibit CST–PP binding to a DNA sequence containing no consecutive guanine residues, which is unlikely to form GQs. Thus, while these “telomerase inhibitors” indeed inhibit telomerase, they are also robust inhibitors of telomeric C-strand synthesis. Furthermore, given their binding to GQ RNA and their limited specificity for GQ structures, they may disrupt many other protein–nucleic acid interactions in human cells.
Functional surfaces of polymers modified by layered inorganic nanoparticles
Authors: Σκούρα Εύα
Published: June 2024

Τα νανοσύνθετα πολυμερών με στρωματοποιημένα πυριτικά άλατα είναι πρόσφατα ένας από τους πιο πολλά υποσχόμενους τύπους υλικών, χάρη σε μεγάλο αριθμό πιθανών εφαρμογών. Αυτές περιλαμβάνουν κυρίως τεχνολογικές εφαρμογές στη βιομηχανία τροφίμων, αλλά και βιοϊατρικές εφαρμογές και χρήση στα καλλυντικά. Στα παραδοσιακά νανοσύνθετα, τα νανοπληρωτικά είναι ομοιόμορφα διασκορπισμένα στη μήτρα του πολυμερούς, αλλά η επίδραση των σωματιδίων στις επιφανειακές ιδιότητες του πολυμερούς χάνεται. Σε αυτή την εργασία, παρουσιάζεται μια νέα προσέγγιση για την ανάπτυξη νανοσύνθετων υλικών με φωτοδραστική επιφάνεια μέσω σύντηξης τήγματος μεταξύ ενός τροποποιημένου στρώματος πυριτικού και μιας πολυμερούς επιφάνειας. Αντί να διασπείρονται στη μήτρα του πολυμερούς, τα σωματίδια σχηματίζουν ένα σύνθετο ή νανοσύνθετο υλικό με τη μορφή λεπτής μεμβράνης μόνο πάνω ή κοντά στην επιφάνεια του πολυμερούς.Υβριδικά φιλμ βασισμένα σε νανοσωματίδια φυλλόμορφων αργίλων, σαπωνίτη (Sap) παρασκευάστηκαν με σύντηξη τήγματος στην επιφάνεια βιοαποδομήσιμου πολυμερούς, πολυαπρολακτόνης (PCL). Με αυτόν τον τρόπο παρασκευάστηκαν σύνθετες μεμβράνες με πάχος πολλών μικρομέτρων. Προκειμένου να επιτευχθεί καλή συμβατότητα μεταξύ των σωματιδίων σαπωνίτη και της επιφάνειας PCL, η άργιλος έπρεπε να τροποποιηθεί οργανικά. Οι τροποποιήσεις πραγματοποιήθηκαν με δύο διαφορετικά κατιόντα αλκυλαμμωνίου, βρωμιούχο δεκακυτριμεθυλαμμώνιο (HDTMA) και βρωμιούχο διμεθυλδιοκταδεκυλαμμώνιο (DODA). Οι οργανικά τροποποιημένοι άργιλοι χρησίμευσαν ως φορείς φωτοευαισθητοποιητικών μορίων και επομένως λειτουργικοποιήθηκαν στο δεύτερο στάδιο με οργανικές βαφές, μπλε του μεθυλενίου (MB) ή φλοξίνη Β (PhB). Η προσκόλληση της μεμβράνης στην επιφάνεια PCL εξαρτιόταν κυρίως από τη φύση του κατιονικού τασιενεργού. Η παρεμβολή στη διεπιφάνεια μεταξύ του φιλμ και της επιφάνειας του πολυμερούς επιτεύχθηκε μόνο για τα συστήματα με DODA, ενώ η παρεμβολή δεν ήταν επιτυχής για τα φιλμ με HDTMA. Ειδικότερα, διερευνήθηκαν οι οπτικές και φωτοφυσικές ιδιότητες των σύνθετων επιφανειών πολυμερούς. Η φωτοδραστικότητα της επιφάνειας δεν εξαρτιόταν σημαντικά από τον βαθμό τροποποίησης του επιφανειοδραστικού. Δύο διαφορετικές οργανικές βαφές, MB και PhB, προσδιόρισαν τις οπτικές ιδιότητες της επιφάνειας των σύνθετων υλικών. Τα συστήματα με PhB έδειξαν υψηλότερη φωτοδραστηριότητα σε σύγκριση με το MB. Επιπλέον, τα νανοσύνθετα που λειτουργικοποιήθηκαν με PhB έδειξαν επίσης σημαντική αντιμικροβιακή δράση υπό ακτινοβόληση και μείωσαν την ανάπτυξη των βιοφίλμ S. aureus.Η μορφολογία και η σύνθεση της επιφάνειας, καθώς και άλλες δομικές και οπτικές ιδιότητες, χαρακτηρίστηκαν από έναν συνδυασμό διαφόρων φυσικοχημικών και μικροσκοπικών μεθόδων, όπως ηλεκτρονική μικροσκοπία, περίθλαση ακτίνων Χ, τομογραφία ακτίνων Χ και φασματοσκοπία φωτοηλεκτρονίων ακτίνων Χ, γωνία επαφής νερού μετρήσεις, φασματοσκοπία ορατού, υπέρυθρου και φθορισμού, μετρήσεις κβαντικών αποδόσεων φθορισμού, χρονικά αναλυόμενη φωταύγεια και άλλες μέθοδοι.