bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Erysipelas with preferential brain and skin involvement in a Mediterranean bottlenose dolphin Tursiops truncatus
Authors: Martino L , Serrano B , Alomar J , Pérez L , Aragon V , Cobos A , Abarca ML , Yazdi Z , Soto E , Domingo M
Published: December 2023

Infections by Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae occur in domestic animals and cause the disease known as ‘erysipelas’. The ubiquity of Erysipelothrix spp. makes infection possible in a wide range of vertebrates and invertebrates. Cetaceans are highly susceptible to erysipelas, especially those under human care. The number of cases documented in wild cetaceans is low, the pathogenesis is incompletely understood, and the full spectrum of lesions is not well defined. The possible serotypes and species of the genus that can cause disease are unknown. In October 2022, a common bottlenose dolphin Tursiops truncatus stranded in Vilassar de Mar (Catalonia) showing skin lesions consistent with ‘diamond skin disease’, a characteristic lesion of erysipelas shared by swine and cetaceans. Necropsy was performed following standardized procedures, and multiple samples were taken for histopathology and bacteriology. Erysipelothrix sp. grew in pure culture in many tissue samples. Genetic characterization by multi-locus sequence analysis identified the species as E. rhusiopathiae. Histologically, the main lesions were an intense suppurative vasculitis of leptomeningeal arteries and veins with abundant intramural Gram-positive bacilli and meningeal hemorrhages. Meningeal lesions were considered the cause of death. The affected skin showed moderate suppurative dermatitis. Herein we document a case of erysipelas in a Mediterranean common bottlenose dolphin with unusual lesions in the leptomeningeal vessels and marked skin tropism. To our knowledge, this is the first case of severe brain involvement in erysipelas in a cetacean. We also provide a review of available cases in wild cetaceans, to highlight the characteristics of the disease and improve future diagnosis.
Behind the curtain: A narrative inquiry into nurses’ working experience in the COVID-19 referral facility in Southern Philippines
Authors: Rangaig Norhanisa D. , Bangcola Ashley A.
Published: December 2023

Background: During the global spread of the COVID-19 pandemic, nurses emerged as the forefront responders, directly confronting the outbreak and risking their well-being to provide essential care to patients afflicted by the virus. However, there is a lack of studies focusing on Filipino nurses’ working experiences.
Objective: This study explored nurses’ working experiences in a COVID-19 referral facility in Lanao del Sur, Southern Philippines.
Methods: A qualitative narrative inquiry design was employed. A semi-structured interview was used in the study to evaluate the nurses’ experiences at the COVID-19 referral center during the early stages of the pandemic. Data were collected from April to May 2022. A thematic analysis process was used for data analysis.
Results: Three main themes were generated: 1) Working in a COVID-19 referral facility is not a matter of choice, skills mastery, or readiness, 2) Actual experience of working in the COVID-19 referral facility can be both physically and psychologically exhausting, but it brings about self-fulfillment, and 3) Social support and non-scientific sources of support can assist nurses in coping with difficulty and stress associated with working the COVID-19 facility.
Conclusion: Getting through the pandemic was not easy. This study lifted the curtain that has been kept closed from the eyes of the general public for more than two years. Despite nurses being seen as resilient towards their job, it exposed their vulnerable sides that they never talked about. It also helped us grasp what it meant for nurses who worked tirelessly in the COVID-19 isolation area, a task that only a few nurses took on. These findings can provide insights for healthcare leaders on how to help nurses during tough times.
Patients’ perceptions of quality health services delivery in Tanzania: Engendering gaps for policy action
Authors: Tandika Emmanuel L.
Published: December 2023

Background: Patients’ perceptions drive healthcare quality globally. Therefore, understanding their views on professionalism and satisfaction is crucial. A patient-centric approach is essential, offering insights into meeting their needs and expectations.
Objective: This study aimed to determine patients’ perception of the quality of health service provision in Tanzanian zonal referral hospitals.
Methods: The study employed a cross-sectional design in four zonal referral hospitals in Tanzania. Data were collected using a questionnaire survey from 376 participants conveniently selected from May to June 2023. Data were analyzed using IBM SPSS version 26 for descriptive analysis and one-way ANOVA.
Results: The proficiency of care and health workers’ ability to instill trust and confidence in patients and their ability and willingness to provide services accurately and reliably influenced patients’ perceptions. Furthermore, personalized attention, workers’ appearance, physical facilities, and other working materials increased patients’ ratings of the health service delivery.
Conclusion: The proficiency of care, promptness, and accuracy of service delivery are essential components in health service provision that can influence patients’ ratings. Therefore, policymakers, government, and other stakeholders should train health workers continuously to improve their competencies while ensuring the entire health system is effectively monitored.
The nutritional knowledge of nurses working at the medical college hospital in the northern district of Bangladesh: A cross-sectional study
Authors: Reza Md. Sajib Al , Rahim Md. Abdur , Azad Md. Abul Kalam , Biswas Vivekananda , Rahman Abdur , Amin Md. Al , Akter Nargis , Hasan Habiba Benta , Adrita Senjuti Sharif
Published: December 2023

Background: Nutrition significantly impacts disease prevention and patient recovery. As healthcare providers across various health sectors, nurses often have the opportunity to offer dietary guidance to patients. However, there is a dearth of studies in the literature that assess nurses’ nutritional knowledge in Bangladesh.
Objective: This study aimed to determine the nutritional knowledge of nurses employed at a tertiary-level medical college hospital in the Dinajpur district of Bangladesh.
Methods: An observational descriptive cross-sectional study design was employed, with 109 staff nurses completing a self-administered questionnaire. This questionnaire covered demographic characteristics, work-related information, and 20 multiple-choice questions (MCQs) aimed at assessing nurses’ nutrition knowledge. Data were collected between April and May 2022. Statistical analyses included descriptive statistics, chi-square (χ2) tests, and one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA).
Results: The average score of nutrition knowledge was 63.4% (SD = 13.94) for all nurses, falling within the low to moderate range. Nurses with a Bachelor’s degree in nursing (22.2%) and 11 - 15 years of work experience (14.7%) demonstrated a very good level of nutrition knowledge. Education level (χ2 = 18.659; p <0.05) and work experience (χ2 = 22.356; p <0.01) significantly influenced knowledge levels. Most nurses sought nutritional advice from less than 25% of patients, with doctors/physicians being the most common source of nutrition information provided by nurses.
Conclusion: The average nutritional knowledge score of Bangladeshi nurses was low to moderate. Education level and length of work experience significantly impacted knowledge levels. Therefore, it is recommended that effective ongoing nutrition education programs, nursing curriculum reforms, and in-service training are crucial to enhancing nurses’ nutritional knowledge.
Optimalisasi Penerapan E-Government Pada Program SISABAR Dalam Upaya Meningkatkan Perlindungan Anak (Studi Kasus Dinas Pemberdayaan Perempuan Dan Perlindungan Anak Kabupaten Tangerang)
Authors: Viani Okta , Suherman Agus , Utami Pri
Published: December 2023

E-Government merupakan pemanfaatan teknologi informasi dan komunikasi untuk menunjang program yang dibuat oleh pemerintah. Salah satu bentuk penerapan e-Government ada pada Program SISABAR untuk menangani kasus pelaporan kekerasan pada anak agar anak merasa semakin terlindungi. Tujuan penelitian ini untuk mengetahui pelaksanaan e-Government pada Program SISABAR serta mengetahui hambatan dan serta upaya pengoptimalisasian oleh Dinas Pemberdayaan Perempuan dan Perlindungan Anak Kabupaten Tangerang. Penelitian ini menggunakan jenis penelitian kualitatif deskriptif dan di analisis menggunakan tiga indikator keberhasilan yaitu support, capacity, dan value. Berdasarkan hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa penerapan e-Government di Kabupaten Tangerang pada Program SISABAR sudah dinilai optimal karena dinilai dari indikator pertama yaitu support yang diberikan sudah baik dilihat dari dukungan dinas terkait serta masyarakat. Namun, belum adanya landasan yuridis secara khusus yang mengatur Program SISABAR itu sendiri. Sementara untuk indikator capacity ketersediaan sumber daya manusia, ketersediaan infrastruktur teknologi sudah memadai, namun sumber daya finansial dalam pengalokasian jaringan internet menjadi penghambat pelaksanaa e-Government. Kemudian indikator value sudah baik dilihat dari manfaat yang dirasakan oleh aparatur kecamatan dan dinas terkait serta masyarakat yang menjadi pelapor sudah menerima pelayanan dengan baik.
Thermoplastic Composite Rate Enhanced Stiffened Skin: A Case Study
Authors: Heil Joseph P. , Wadsworth Mark A. , Dando Kerrick R. , Jones Ron E. , Tymes Matt , Slater Sam J , Bahr Rodney E. , Bearden Bryan T.
Published: December 2023

Spirit AeroSystems is developing a thermoplastic technology demonstrator featuring an out of autoclave fabrication approach. Furthermore, the intent is to demonstrate the capability in the United States and preferably at our own domestic facility. The chosen configuration is a fuselage skin panel about 1.2 m wide and 2.2 m long with five stringers and four frames. Laser assisted thermoplastic Automated Fiber Placement (AFP) is used to manufacture the skin; stringers are stamp formed, and frames used two fabrication paths: stamp forming and oven consolidation. Co-Fusion simultaneously consolidates the skin and welds stringers to the skin followed by a separate frame welding process.
The Influence of Carbon Fiber on Crystallization and Morphology of Poly(Ether Ketone Ketone) Composites Towards High Rate Thermoplastic Manufacturing Processes
Authors: Enos Nicholas R. , McNair Olivia D. , Wiggins Jeffrey S.
Published: December 2023

Recent interest in thermoplastic composites for aerospace applications is driven by the need for high-volume manufacturing of materials that display excellent mechanical, thermal, and solvent resistive properties. Specifically, a large component of the composite properties of thermoplastic composites are highly dependent on the crystalline fraction of the semi-crystalline polymer matrix of the reinforced system. This work investigates the melting behavior of poly (ether ketone ketone) (PEKK) and the influence of temperature and fiber on crystallization kinetics and morphology of (PEKK) composites utilizing, differential scanning calorimetry, Velaris-Sefaris modelling, and polarized optical microscopy (POM). Annealing temperatures of 380°C and above were required to fully erase crystalline ordering in the PEKK matrix. Furthermore, carbon fibers accelerated crystallization kinetics in PEKK at a range of temperatures observed via DSC, and Velaris-Sefaris modelling implied a shift from bulk to surface induced nucleation by the addition carbon fiber to the PEKK matrix, reducing activation energy of crystallization events. This nucleation behavior was visually confirmed through POM with observation of transcrystalline domains nucleated from the surface of a single carbon fiber.
SANAL-DİJİTAL KÜLTÜR ORTAMINDA YEREL İMGESİ: YOUTUBE ÖRNEKLEMİ
Authors: GÜMÜŞ Tülin
Published: December 2023

Teknolojik gelişmelere paralel olarak ortaya çıkan yenilikler toplumsal, siyasi ve ekonomik hayatı etkilediği gibi folklorun de inceleme alanını etkilemiştir. Kültür biliminin yaşam bilimine dönüşmeye başlaması ile birlikte folklorun inceleme alanı köyden kente, kentten ise sanal-dijital kültür ortamına taşınmıştır. Sanal-dijital kültür bağlamı farklılık ve özgünlük kaynağı olarak kabul edilen kültürel bellekten, kültürel bellekte var olan imgelerden beslenmektedir. Toplumun değer yargıları ile üretilen yine toplumun aktarım araçlarını kullanarak geleceğe aktarılan imgeler değişime ve dönüşüme açıktır. İmge çözümlemeleri ile birlikte yaşayan kültürel kodlar anlam kazanmıştır. Bu çalışmada sanal-dijital kültür ortamında yerel imgesini ve bu imgenin oluşmasına etki eden aktörler olan yerel ve postmodern yerel ele alınacaktır. Yerel imgesi YouTube örneklemi üzerinden çözümlenerek yaşayan kültür içerisindeki yerini ortaya çıkarmak amaçlanmıştır.
Alexithymia in Alcohol Dependence – A Case Control Study from a Rural Tertiary Health Care Center
Authors: Sathe Harshal Shriram , Borhade Shraddha , Awalekar Aishwarya , Purandare Janhavi , Karia Sagar
Published: December 2023

Background: Alexithymia is a personality trait characterized by difficulty in identifying, expressing, and describing one’s emotions. In recent years, there has been a growing interest in the relationship between alexithymia and alcohol dependence. Several studies have found that alexithymia is more prevalent in individuals with alcohol dependence compared to healthy controls.

Objectives: The current research aimed to compare alexithymia between individuals with Alcohol Dependence Syndrome (ADS) and healthy controls among residents of rural India. Additionally, the study sought to assess the association of alexithymia with the duration, severity of drinking, and obsessive-compulsive drinking behaviors.

Materials and Methods: A case-control study was conducted involving 49 patients with alcohol dependence and 52 healthy controls in the Psychiatry department of a rural tertiary healthcare center in central India. The Toronto Alexithymia Scale (TAS-20) was utilized to evaluate alexithymia, while patterns of drinking were assessed using the Alcohol Use Disorder Identification Test (AUDIT) and the Obsessive-Compulsive Drinking Scale (OCDS).

Results: Significant differences were observed in alexithymia levels between patients with alcohol dependence and healthy controls. Furthermore, alexithymia levels were significantly associated with the duration and severity of alcohol consumption, as well as with the presence of obsessive-compulsive drinking patterns.

Conclusion: This study underscores the noteworthy association between alexithymia and obsessive-compulsive drinking behaviors in individuals with alcohol dependence. The findings underscore the importance of addressing emotional difficulties and alexithymia in patients with alcohol dependence.
Comparative study between scan sampling behavioral observations and an automatic monitoring image system on a commercial fattening pig farm
Authors: Allueva Molina Queralt , Ko Heng-Lun , Gómez Yaneth , Manteca Xavier , Llonch Pol
Published: December 2023

Automation is an important element in modern livestock farming. Image computer analysis is the automation technology aiming to monitor farm animals by recording continuous images. Further analysis can be carried out to assess more precisely and effectively farm animals’ welfare. The aim of this study was to determine the applicability of the commercial multi-sensor device (Peek Analytics) developed by Copeeks SAS (France), in comparison to human-based observations used to assess behaviors in pigs, including posture (standing/resting), area within the pen (feeding/drinking/resting/enrichment), and activity level (number of active pigs). Two Peek Analytics (Peek 3 and Peek 4) were installed on a commercial fattening pig farm in Murcia (Spain). Each device recorded data of two pens (39 pigs in four pens in total). Scan sampling was the human-based behavioral observation method used in this study. Data was collected for five consecutive days, in the following intervals: 09:00-11:00, 13:00-15:00, and 16:00-18:00 (30 hours of observation in total). Every pig was observed six times per hour and hence the information analyzed includes 7020 observations (180 observations/pig). The comparison between data from human observation and Peek Analytics was performed by using Pearson correlation tests. Posture, areas of interest, and activity level were analyzed separately, as well as data recorded by Peek 3 and 4. Results indicated that Peek Analytics showed a better agreement with human observation, when recording posture(r=0.77, P<0.01) and area within the pen (r=0.77, P<0.01), than when recording activity level (r=0.35, P<0.01). Two devices performed differently in general, with Peek 3 having better agreement than Peek 4 with human observation, regardless of posture, area within the pen, and activity level. The better agreement in Peek 3 may be attributed to the smaller number of pigs in Peek 3 (18) compared to Peek 4 (22). We can conclude from the study that image computer analysis may be reliable in assessing posture and area within the pen of pigs. On the other hand, a moderate agreement in activity level between human observation and computer vision can be due to different methodologies of recording the activity, rather than due to low accuracy of Peek Analytics.
Establishing a green biodesulfurization process for iron ore concentrates in stirred tank and leaching column bioreactors using Acidithiobacillus thiooxidans
Authors: Bobadilla-Fazzini Roberto A. , Poblete-Castro Ignacio
Published: December 2023

The presence of sulfur impurities in complex iron ores represents a significant challenge for the iron mining and steel-making industries as their removal often necessitates the use of hazardous chemicals and energy-intensive processes. Here, we examined the microbial and mineralogical composition of both primary and secondary iron concentrates, identifying the presence of Sulfobacillus spp. and Leptospirillum spp., while sulfur-oxidizing bacteria were absent. We also observed that these concentrates displayed up to 85% exposed pyrrhotite. These observations led us to explore the capacity of Acidithiobacillus thiooxidans to remove pyrrhotite-sulfur impurities from iron concentrates. Employing stirred tank bioreactors operating at 30°C and inoculated with 5·106 (At. thiooxidans cells mL-1), we achieved 45.6% sulfur removal over 16 days. Then, we evaluated packed leaching columns operated at 30°C, where the At. thiooxidans enriched system reached 43.5% desulfurization over 60 days. Remarkably, sulfur removal increased to 80% within 21 days under potassium limitation. We then compared the At. thiooxidans-mediated desulfurization process, with and without air supply, under potassium limitation, varying the initial biomass concentration in 1-m columns. Aerated systems facilitated approximately 70% sulfur removal across the entire column with minimal iron loss. In contrast, non-aerated leaching columns achieved desulfurization levels of only 6% and 26% in the lower and middle sections of the column, respectively. Collectively, we have developed an efficient, scalable biological sulfur-removal technology for processing complex iron ores, aligning with the burgeoning demand for sustainable practices in the mining industry.
Efficient polymalic acid production from corn straw hydrolysate by detoxification of phenolic inhibitors
Authors: Xia Jun , Qiu Zhongyang , Ma Shibiao , Liu Qianqian , Han Renxian , Liu Xiaoyan , Xu Jiaxing
Published: December 2023

Inhibitory compounds generated from lignocellulose pretreatment would inhibit Poly (malic acid) (PMA) production by Aureobasidium pullulans, but the tolerance mechanism of A. pullulans to lignocellulosic inhibitor is poorly understood. In this study, the cellular response of A. pullulans to lignocellulosic inhibitor stress was studied. Among the three groups of inhibitors (furans, weak acids and phenolic aldehydes), phenolic aldehyde was the dominant inhibitor for PMA production. Phenolic aldehyde was mainly converted into phenolic alcohol by A. pullulans, and phenolic alcohol also exhibited severe inhibition on PMA production. Furthermore, the effect of detoxification methods on inhibitor-removal and PMA fermentation was investigated, both CaCO3 and overliming presented poor detoxification effect, whereas resin H103 could remove both furan derivatives and phenolic compounds efficiently, thereby producing 26.27 g/L of PMA with a yield of 0.30 g/g in batch fermentation. This study will be beneficial for the development of PMA production from lignocellulosic biomass.
Effects of secretin gene knockout on the diversity, composition, and function of gut microbiota in adult male mice
Authors: Zhang Fengwei , Tao Zhengyi , Chen Congjia , Chow Billy Kwok Chong
Published: December 2023

The gut microbiota plays a vital role in maintaining gastrointestinal homeostasis, however, whether it is influenced by gut hormones remains unknown. Secretin is a well-known gastrointestinal hormone produced by enteroendocrine S cells. This study utilized 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing to characterize the effect of SCT deficiency on the gut microbiota. Our results show that systemic SCT knockout alters the composition and abundance of the mouse gut microbiota but does not affect fecal short-chain fatty acids and lipids concentrations. At the genus level, the abundance of Turicibacter, Bacteroides, Ruminococcu, Romboutsia, Asaccharobacter, and Parasutterella increased in SCT-/- mice, whereas the abundance of Akkermansia and Escherichia decreased. Functional prediction results showed that lack of SCT reduced the abundance of carbohydrate metabolism-related pathways but increased the abundance of linoleic acid metabolism and branched-chain amino acid degradation. Overall, systemic SCT knockout had only minor effects on gut microbiota composition and function in adult male mice fed a standard chow diet.
Culture media influences Candida parapsilosis growth, susceptibility, and virulence
Authors: Arévalo-Jaimes Betsy V. , Admella Joana , Blanco-Cabra Núria , Torrents Eduard
Published: December 2023

Introduction

Candida parapsilosis, a pathogenic yeast associated with systemic infections, exhibits metabolic adaptability in response to nutrient availability.

Methods

We investigated the impact of RPMI glucose supplemented (RPMId), TSB, BHI and YPD media on C. parapsilosis growth, morphology, susceptibility (caspofungin and amphotericin B), and in vivo virulence (Galleria mellonella) in planktonic and biofilm states.

Results

High-glucose media favors growth but hinders metabolic activity and filamentation. Media promoting carbohydrate production reduces biofilm susceptibility. Virulence differences between planktonic cells and biofilm suspensions from the same media shows that biofilm-related factors influence infection outcome depending on nutrient availability. Pseudohyphal growth occurred in biofilms under low oxygen and shear stress, but its presence is not exclusively correlated with virulence.

Discussion

This study provides valuable insights into the intricate interplay between nutrient availability and C. parapsilosis pathogenicity. It emphasizes the importance of considering pathogen behavior in diverse conditions when designing research protocols and therapeutic strategies.
How to study biofilms: technological advancements in clinical biofilm research
Authors: Cleaver Leanne , Garnett James A.
Published: December 2023

Biofilm formation is an important survival strategy commonly used by bacteria and fungi, which are embedded in a protective extracellular matrix of organic polymers. They are ubiquitous in nature, including humans and other animals, and they can be surface- and non-surface-associated, making them capable of growing in and on many different parts of the body. Biofilms are also complex, forming polymicrobial communities that are difficult to eradicate due to their unique growth dynamics, and clinical infections associated with biofilms are a huge burden in the healthcare setting, as they are often difficult to diagnose and to treat. Our understanding of biofilm formation and development is a fast-paced and important research focus. This review aims to describe the advancements in clinical biofilm research, including both in vitro and in vivo biofilm models, imaging techniques and techniques to analyse the biological functions of the biofilm.
Serum uric acid was non-linearly associated with the risk of all-cause and cardiovascular death in individuals with coronary heart disease: a large prospective cohort study
Authors: Yan Xuejiao , Gong Jing , Wang Zhenwei , Wu Qiyong , Qi Chunjian , Wang Fangfang
Published: December 2023

Objective

To investigate the association of serum uric acid (SUA) with all-cause and cardiovascular death in individuals with coronary heart disease (CHD).

Methods

In this prospective cohort study, 1556 individuals from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (1999-2015) were included in the analysis. Multivariate COX regression analysis, restricted cubic spline plot (RCS) and threshold effect were used to investigate the association between SUA and all-cause and cardiovascular death in individuals with CHD.

Results

In the fully adjusted model, when SUA was regarded as a continuous variable, it was closely associated with the risk of all-cause and cardiovascular death (P < 0.01). When all participants were divided into four groups according to the quartile of SUA, compared with Q1 group, only individuals in Q4 group had higher risk of all-cause and cardiovascular death (P = 0.002 and 0.034). The following subgroup analysis showed that the association between SUA and all-cause death risk was still statistically significant in individuals over 60 years old, male, with hypertension, without diabetes and with chronic kidney disease, while the association with cardiovascular death risk only persisted in individuals over 60 years old and male (P < 0.05). Further sensitivity analysis showed that SUA was still closely associated with all-cause and cardiovascular death, whether as a continuous variable or a classified variable (P = 0.007 and 0.044). RCS analysis revealed that SUA had a nonlinear association with all-cause and cardiovascular death risk (P for nonlinearity < 0.01). Threshold effect analysis showed that SUA below 345 umol/L was negatively associated with all-cause and cardiovascular death risk (P < 0.05), while SUA above 345 umol/L was positively associated with all-cause and cardiovascular death risk (P < 0.001), and the 2-piecewise regression model was better than the 1-line regression model (P for likelihood ratio test < 0.05).

Conclusion

SUA had a nonlinear association with all-cause and cardiovascular death risk in individuals with CHD.
MYRF-related mild encephalopathy with reversible myelin vacuolization: a case report and literature review
Authors: Yao Shumei , Mo Xiufeng , Luo Changjiang , Qu Chuanqiang
Published: December 2023

Background:MYRF-related mild encephalopathy with reversible myelin vacuolization (MMERV) is an inherited neurological disorder characterized by dysfunction in the central nervous system and widespread reversible leukoencephalopathy. This paper presents a confirmed case of familial MMERV and summarizes pertinent features to offer guidance for future diagnosis and treatment of MMERV.

Case Introduction: We have diagnosed a case of MMERV based on a history of seizures during early childhood and recurrent speech fluency issues in adulthood, reversible abnormal intensities in bilateral white matter in the centrum semiovale and corpus callosum, and the identification of myelin regulatory factor (MYRF) heterozygous variants.

Conclusion:MYRF-related mild encephalopathy with reversible myelin vacuolization is a rare autosomal dominant genetic disease, with early clinical manifestations often being seizures. The definitive diagnosis of MMERV can be confirmed through genetic analysis. Minimizing infections can help reduce disease recurrence. However, future research should explore the impact of MYRF heterozygous variants in the wider MMERV population.
Causal analysis of the gut microbiota in differentiated thyroid carcinoma: a two-sample Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Quan Zheng , Zhang Xiaoyu , Wang Shilong , Meng Yong
Published: December 2023

Objective: Numerous studies have highlighted an association between the gut microbiota (GM) and thyroid tumors. Employing Mendelian randomization methodology, we seek to elucidate the causal link between the gut microbiota and thyroid neoplasms.

Methods: We procured data from the Mibiogen database encompassing 211 distinct gut microbiota taxa, alongside extensive genome-wide association studies (GWAS) summary data for differentiated thyroid carcinoma (DTC). Our principal analytical approach involved the application of the Inverse-Variance Weighted method (IVW) within the framework of Mendelian randomization. Simultaneously, we conducted sensitivity analyses to assess result heterogeneity, horizontal pleiotropy, and outcome stability.

Results: IVW analysis revealed a dual role of the GM in thyroid carcinoma. The phylum Actinobacteria (OR, 0.249 [95% CI, 0.121–0.515]; p < 0.001) was associated with a decreased risk of DTC. Conversely, the genus Ruminiclostridium9 (OR, 11.276 [95% CI, 4.406–28.860]; p < 0.001), class Mollicutes (OR, 5.902 [95% CI, 1.768–19.699]; p = 0.004), genus RuminococcaceaeUCG004 (OR, 3.831 [95% CI, 1.516–9.683]; p = 0.005), genus Paraprevotella (OR, 3.536 [95% CI, 1.330–9.401]; p = 0.011), and phylum Tenericutes (OR, 5.902 [95% CI, 1.768–19.699]; p = 0.004) were associated with an increased risk of DTC.

Conclusion: Our findings underscore that the presence of genus Ruminiclostridium9, class Mollicutes, genus RuminococcaceaeUCG004, genus Paraprevotella, and phylum Tenericutes is associated with an elevated risk of DTC, whereas the presence of the phylum Actinobacteria is linked to a decreased risk. These discoveries enhance our comprehension of the relationship between the GM and DTC.
High-efficiency adsorption of Cd2+ and Cr3+ by sodium vanadate nanowire arrays
Authors: Peng Dengzeyu , Fan Xin , Fang Dong
Published: December 2023

With the development of economy, the problem of heavy metal pollution in water environment is becoming more and more serious, so it is urgent to find a kind of efficient water purification material. The current work aimed to investigate the potential power of sodium vanadate nanowire arrays (Na5V12O32) to remove cadmium (Cd2+) and chromium (Cr3+) from simulated aqueous solutions. The adsorption effects of Na5V12O32 on Cd2+ and Cr3+ under different adsorption conditions were analyzed. The products before and after adsorption were compared by XRD, SEM, TEM, FTIR and XPS. The results showed that the irregular grass-like structure of Na5V12O32 nanowire arrays provided more active sites for the ion exchange reaction, and the maximum adsorption capacity of Cd2+ and Cr3+ was 541.2 and 251.8 mg·g-1, respectively. The pseudo-second-order kinetic model was more suitable to describe the adsorption behavior by kinetic study. The research demonstrated that Na5V12O32 nanowire arrays exhibited excellent adsorption performance, which provided an effective parameter basis for the future adsorption of heavy metal ions.
Exploration of the mechanism of Qi-Xian decoction in asthmatic mice using metabolomics combined with network pharmacology
Authors: Lin Yuhua , Wu Yue , Ma Fuqi , Shan Cuiting , Ma Jialu , Li Wenguan , Pan Huayang , Miao Xiayi , Liu Jinjin , Wang Xiongbiao , Ni Zhenhua
Published: December 2023

Introduction: Qi-Xian Decoction (QXD), a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) formula consisting of eight herbs, has been clinically used to treat asthma. However, the underlying mechanisms have not been completely elucidated. This study aimed to combine metabolomics and network pharmacology to reveal the mechanism of action of QXD in asthma treatment.

Methods: An ovalbumin (OVA)-induced asthma mouse model was constructed to evaluate the therapeutic effects of QXD. Serum metabolomics and network pharmacology were combined to study the mechanism of anti-asthma action as well as the potential target, and related biological functions were validated.

Results: The QXD treatment has demonstrated significant protective effects in OVA-induced asthmatic mice, as evidenced by its ability to inhibit inflammation, IgE, mucus overproduction, and airway hyperreactivity (AHR). Metabolomic analysis has revealed a total of 140 differential metabolites associated with QXD treatment. In addition, network pharmacology has identified 126 genes that are linked to the effects of QXD, including TNF, IL-6, IL1β, STAT3, MMP9, EGFR, JUN, CCL2, TLR4, MAPK3 and MAPK8. Through comprehensive gene-metabolite interaction network analysis, seven key metabolites have been identified and associated with the potential anti-asthmatic effect of QXD, with palmitic acid (PA) being the most notable among them. In vitro validation studies have confirmed the gene-metabolite interaction involving PA, IL-6, and MAPK8. Furthermore, our research has demonstrated that QXD treatment can effectively inhibit PA-promoted IL-6 expression in MH-S cells and reduce PA concentration in OVA-induced asthmatic mice.

Conclusion: The regulation of metabolic pathways by QXD was found to be associated with its anti-asthmatic action, which provides insight into the mechanism of QXD in treating asthma.
Lipid kinases PIP5Ks and PIP4Ks: potential drug targets for breast cancer
Authors: Jin Yue , Xue Jian
Published: December 2023

Phosphoinositides, a small group of lipids found in all cellular membranes, have recently garnered heightened attention due to their crucial roles in diverse biological processes and different diseases. Among these, phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate (PI(4,5)P2), the most abundant bis-phosphorylated phosphoinositide within the signaling system, stands notably connected to breast cancer. Not only does it serve as a key activator of the frequently altered phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) pathway in breast cancer, but also its conversion to phosphatidylinositol-3,4,5-triphosphate (PI(3,4,5)P3) is an important direction for breast cancer research. The generation and degradation of phosphoinositides intricately involve phosphoinositide kinases. PI(4,5)P2 generation emanates from the phosphorylation of PI4P or PI5P by two lipid kinase families: Type I phosphatidylinositol-4-phosphate 5-kinases (PIP5Ks) and Type II phosphatidylinositol-5-phosphate 4-kinases (PIP4Ks). In this comprehensive review, we focus on these two lipid kinases and delineate their compositions and respective cellular localization. Moreover, we shed light on the expression patterns and functions of distinct isoforms of these kinases in breast cancer. For a deeper understanding of their functional dynamics, we expound upon various mechanisms governing the regulation of PIP5Ks and PIP4Ks activities. A summary of effective and specific small molecule inhibitors designed for PIP5Ks or PIP4Ks are also provided. These growing evidences support PIP5Ks and PIP4Ks as promising drug targets for breast cancer.
Effect of potassium-competitive acid blockers on human gut microbiota: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Ouyang Meng-Ling , Zou Shu-Peng , Cheng Qian , Shi Xuan , Zhao Ya-Zheng , Sun Ming-Hui
Published: December 2023

Background: Vonoprazan has been reported to exert more potent and long-lasting gastric acid inhibition than proton pump inhibitors, potentially leading to a greater impact on the gut microbiota. This study aimed to clarify changes in microbial diversity and bacterial composition after VPZ treatments.

Methods: We searched from PubMed, Embase, WOS, Scopus, Cochrane Library, and ClinicalTrials.gov (all years up to May 2023). The primary outcomes were alpha and beta diversity, as well as differences in gut microbiota composition between before and after VPZ treatments. We performed a meta-analysis to uncover the potential changes in human gut microbiota among VPZ users by pooled mean difference (MD) with a 95% confidence interval (CI). The risk of bias was assessed using the ROBINS-I tool.

Results: A total of 12 studies were included to compare differences before and after VPZ treatments. Compared with baseline, alpha diversity was significantly reduced after VPZ treatments and gradually returned to baseline with longer follow-up. At the phylum level, there was a decrease in the relative abundance of Firmicutes and Actinobacteria, while Bacteroidetes increased compared with baseline. At the genus level, we found a significant decrease in the relative abundance of Coprococcus and Bifidobacterium and a significant increase in the relative abundance of Bacteroides compared with those before treatment. In subgroup analyses according to country and participants, we found differences in microbial changes after VPZ treatments.

Conclusion: Vonoprazan can affect the changes of gut microbiota, which may be potentially associated with its strong ability of acid inhibition. However, due to the large heterogeneity, further studies are required to validate these findings.

Systematic Review Registration:https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/, identifier CRD42023412265.
Do people with different sociodemographic backgrounds value their health differently? Evaluating the role of positional objectivity
Authors: Jyani Gaurav , Prinja Shankar , Goyal Aarti , Garg Basant , Kaur Manmeet , Grover Sandeep
Published: December 2023

Objective

The fundamental disconnect between the actual and the perceived health of an individual raises considerable skepticism on the self-reported health data as it may be confounded by an individual’s socio-economic status. In this light, the present study aims to assess if people with different sociodemographic backgrounds value their health differently.

Methods

The health-state valuation using time-trade off was performed in a cross-sectional survey among a representative sample of 2,311 adults from India. Individuals were selected using a multistage stratified random sampling from five Indian states to elicit their present health-state, and to perform the health-state valuation exercise using computer assisted personal interviewing. A single block of standardized health-states was valued by multiple individuals, each belonging to different socio-demographic group. The difference in the valuation of health was assessed using bivariate analysis. The impact of different sociodemographic factors on the health-state valuation was evaluated using Tobit regression model.

Results

Differences in the valuation of health were observed among different groups of age, religion, family type, state of residence, substance abuse, presence of ailments at the time of valuation, and number of dependent members in the household. Even after controlling for the severity of the administered health states, factors having a significant association with the valuation of health are age, religion, state of residence, substance abuse, family type, number of dependent members in the household, and presence of chronic or both acute and chronic ailments. Younger individuals place a higher value to their health as compared to their older counterparts. As compared to a healthy individual, a person with ailments rates the same health-state as worse.

Conclusion

Inequalities in self-reported ill-health cannot be attributed to positional objectivity; age, religion, state of residence, substance abuse, family type, dependents, and ailments impact individual health valuation.
The protective role of CD73 in periodontitis: preventing hyper-inflammatory fibroblasts and driving osteoclast energy metabolism
Authors: Ramos-Junior Erivan S. , Dawson Shantiece , Ryan Weston , Clinebell Braden , Serrano-Lopez Rogelio , Russell Marsha , Brumbaugh Rylee , Zhong Roger , Gonçalves Fernandes Jussara , Shaddox Luciana M. , Cutler Christopher W. , Morandini Ana Carolina
Published: December 2023

Introduction

Periodontitis is an immune-mediated inflammatory disease affecting almost half of the adult population and is the leading cause of tooth loss in the United States. The role of extracellular nucleotide signaling including nucleotide metabolizing enzyme CD73 adds an important layer of interaction of purine mediators capable of orchestrating inflammatory outcomes. CD73 is able to catabolize 5′-adenosine monophosphate into adenosine at the extracellular level, playing a critical role in regulating many processes under physiological and pathological conditions. Here, we explored the role of CD73 in ligature-induced periodontitis in vivo comparing wild-type C57Bl/6J and CD73-deficient mice.

Methods

We assessed gingival levels of inflammatory cytokines in vivo and in murine gingival fibroblasts in vitro, as well as bone loss, and RANKL-induced osteoclastogenesis. We have also analyzed CD73 mRNA in samples derived from patients diagnosed with severe periodontitis.

Results

Our results in mice show that lack of CD73 resulted in increased inflammatory cytokines and chemokines such as IL-1β, IL-17, Cxcl1 and Cxcl2 in diseased gingiva relative to the healthy-controls and in comparison with the wild type. CD73-deficient gingival fibroblasts also manifested a defective healing response with higher MMP-13 levels. CD73-deficient animals also showed increased osteoclastogenesis in vitro with increased mitochondrial metabolism typified by excessive activation of oxidative phosphorylation, increased mitochondrial membrane potential and accumulation of hydrogen peroxide. Micro-CT analysis revealed that lack of CD73 resulted in decreased bone mineral density, decreased trabecular bone volume and thickness as well as decreased bone volume in long bones. CD73 deficiency also resulted in increased alveolar bone loss in experimental periodontitis. Correlative studies of gingival samples from severe (Grade C) periodontitis showed decreased levels of CD73 compared to healthy controls, further supporting the relevance of our murine results.

Conclusion

In conclusion, CD73 appears to play a protective role in the gingival periodontal tissue and bone homeostasis, regulating hyper-inflammatory state of stromal fibroblasts and osteoclast energy metabolism and being an important candidate for future target therapies to prevent or control immune-mediated inflammatory and osteolytic diseases.
Robotic Retromuscular (Recurrent) Parastomal Hernia Repair (r-Pauli-Repair) With Synthetically Reinforced Biological Mesh; Technique, Early Experience, and Short-Term Follow-Up
Authors: Bloemendaal A. L. A.
Published: December 2023

Introduction: Parastomal hernia repair remains a challenge. We describe a robotic retromuscular non-keyhole mesh repair using a synthetically reinforced biological mesh (Ovitex) for the repair of complex and/or recurrent parastomal hernia and technical modifications we made along the way to improve our technique.

Methods: All patients underwent the described retromuscular parastomal hernia repair. Data was collected in a database and a retrospective analysis was performed on direct postoperative results and early follow-up.

Results: Eleven patients underwent the operation. Median follow-up was 12 months. Median LOS was 6 days. Two recurrences occurred. One patient suffered postoperative hematoma and skin necrosis, which healed completely, but did lead to a recurrence. One patient had a significant seroma, which subsided without intervention. Both recurrences were reoperated, and a local repair was performed.

Conclusion: This paper is the first to describe a modified robotic Pauli repair for complex and recurrent parastomal hernia, using a synthetically reinforced biological mesh. Results are satisfying so far, especially considering the complexity of the cases.
Third-line treatment patterns in HER2-positive metastatic breast cancer: a retrospective analysis of real-world data in Canada
Authors: Gambaro Karen , Groleau Mélanie , McNamara Suzan , Awan Arif , Salem Maged , Abdelsalam Mahmoud , St-Hilaire Eve , Vincent François , Carrier Julie , MacKay Helen , Provencher Louise , Boudreau Dominique , Hamilou Zineb , Saad Fred , Ferrario Cristiano , Batist Gerald , Marques Maud
Published: December 2023

There is an increasing demand for real-world data pertaining to the usage of cancer treatments, especially in settings where no standard treatment is specifically recommended. This study presents the first real-world analysis of third-line treatment patterns in HER2-positive metastatic breast cancer (mBC) patients in Canada. The purpose was to assess evolution of clinical practice and identify unmet needs in post-second-line therapy. Retrospective data from medical records of 66 patients who received third-line treatment before 31st October 2018, and data from 56 patients who received third-line treatment after this date, extracted from the Personalize My Treatment (PMT) cancer patient registry, were analyzed. In the first cohort, the study revealed heterogeneity in the third-line setting, with trastuzumab, lapatinib, and T-DM1 being the main treatment options. Even though data were collected before the wide availability of tucatinib, neratinib and trastuzumab deruxtecan in Canada, the PMT cohort revealed the emergence of new therapeutic combinations and a shift from lapatinib usage to T-DM1 choice was observed. These findings underscore the evolving nature of third-line treatment strategies in Canada, a facet that is intrinsically tied to the availability of new drugs. The absence of a consensus on post-second-line treatment highlights the pressing need for more efficient therapeutic alternatives beyond the currently available options. This study not only offers valuable insights into the present landscape of third-line treatment in Canada but validates the significance and effectiveness of the PMT registry as a tool for generating pan-Canadian real-world evidence in oncology and its capacity to provide information on evolution of therapeutic practices.
One-Time Mixed Nitrogen Fertilizers Application Enhances Yield and Eating Quality of Late-Maturing Medium Japonica Rice in the Yangtze River Delta
Authors: Hu Qun , Jiang Weiqin , Ma Zhongtao , Cheng Shuang , Liu Guodong , Gu Dalu , Zhang Hongcheng , Wei Haiyan
Published: December 2023

This study addresses the uncertainty regarding the potential of a one-time basal application of mixed nitrogen (N) fertilizer to optimize both yield and eating quality of late-maturing medium japonica rice Nangeng 9108 and Fenggeng 1606 in the Yangtze River Delta. Six distinct combinations of blended N fertilizers were evaluated, with conventional split fertilization serving as the control. The blended formulations combined controlled-release N fertilizer (CRNF) and quick-acting N fertilizer (CNF) at a 1:1 ratio. Furthermore, the CRNF component was a combination of two CRNF types with varied N-release durations at a 4:1 ratio, leading to treatments labeled A1, A2, B1, B2, C1, and C2. Over a 2-year study, treatments B1, B2, C1, and C2 matched or surpassed the control in grain yield, with C1 and C2 yielding 2.83–4.85% more. Among the above high-yield treatments, C1 showcased the best rice eating quality, which exhibited increased peak viscosity, hot viscosity, cool viscosity, breakdown, and taste value of milled rice, and a decrease in rice protein content (PC). This enhancement in quality correlated with N accumulation patterns and their interplay with sink capacity. Specifically, a higher N accumulation resulted in a robust sink capacity under the C1 treatment, thus reducing N availability per unit sink capacity (NAV) and rice PC, ultimately enhancing the overall palatability of milled rice. Conclusively, the C1 fertilizer blend demonstrates potential in concurrently boosting yield and eating quality of late-maturing medium japonica rice in the region.