bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Associations of obesity and body shape with erythrocyte and reticulocyte parameters in the UK Biobank cohort
Authors: Christakoudi Sofia , Tsilidis Konstantinos K. , Evangelou Evangelos , Riboli Elio
Published: August 2023

Background

Obesity is associated with type 2 diabetes mellitus and chronic low-grade inflammation. Although chronic inflammatory conditions and diabetes are associated with anaemia, less is known about associations of obesity and body shape, independent of each other, with erythrocyte and reticulocyte parameters.

Methods

We investigated the associations of body mass index (BMI) and the allometric body shape index (ABSI) and hip index (HI), which are uncorrelated with BMI, with erythrocyte and reticulocyte parameters (all continuous, on a standard deviation (SD) scale) in UK Biobank participants without known metabolic, endocrine, or major inflammatory conditions (glycated haemoglobin HbA1c < 48 mmol/mol, C-reactive protein CRP < 10 mg/L). We examined erythrocyte count, total reticulocyte count and percent, immature reticulocyte count and fraction (IRF), haemoglobin, haematocrit, mean corpuscular haemoglobin mass (MCH) and concentration (MCHC), mean corpuscular and reticulocyte volumes (MCV, MRV), and red cell distribution width (RDW) in multivariable linear regression models. We additionally defined body shape phenotypes with dichotomised ABSI (≥ 73 women; ≥ 80 men) and HI (≥ 64 women; ≥ 49 men), including “pear” (small-ABSI-large-HI) and “apple” (large-ABSI-small-HI), and examined these in groups according to BMI (18.5–25 normal weight; 25–30 overweight; 30–45 kg/m2 obese).

Results

In 105,853 women and 100,854 men, BMI and ABSI were associated positively with haemoglobin, haematocrit, and erythrocyte count, and more strongly with total reticulocyte count and percent, immature reticulocyte count and IRF. HI was associated inversely with all, but least with IRF. Associations were comparable in women and men. In groups according to obesity and body shape, erythrocyte count was ~ 0.6 SD higher for obese-“apple” compared to normal-weight-“pear” phenotype (SD = 0.31*1012/L women, SD = 0.34*1012/L men), total reticulocyte count was ~ 1.1 SD higher (SD = 21.1*109/L women, SD = 23.6*109/L men), immature reticulocyte count was ~ 1.2 SD higher (SD = 7.9*109/L women, SD = 8.8*109/L men), total reticulocyte percent was ~ 1.0 SD higher (SD = 0.48% women and men), and IFR was over 0.7 SD higher (SD = 5.7% women and men). BMI but not ABSI or HI was associated more weakly inversely with MCV, MRV, and MCH, but positively with MCHC in men and RDW in women.

Conclusions

In obesity uncomplicated with diabetes, larger BMI and ABSI are associated with increased erythropoiesis and reticulocyte immaturity.
More older adults died at their preferred place after implementation of a transmural care pathway for older adults at the end of life: a before-after study
Authors: van Doorne Iris , de Meij Marike A. , Parlevliet Juliette L. , van Schie Vera M. W. , Willems Dick L. , Buurman Bianca M. , van Rijn Marjon
Published: August 2023

Background

To improve transmural palliative care for older adults acutely admitted to hospital, the PalliSupport intervention, comprising an educational programme and transmural palliative care pathway, was developed. This care pathway involves timely identification of palliative care needs, advance care planning, multidisciplinary team meetings, warm handover, and follow-up home visits. With this study, we evaluate changes in patient-related outcomes and transmural collaboration after implementation of the care pathway.

Methods

We conducted a before-after study, in which we compared 1) unplanned hospital admission and death at place of preference and 2) transmural collaboration before implementation, up to six months, and six to 18 months after implementation. Data from palliative care team consultations were collected between February 2017 and February 2020 in a teaching hospital in the Netherlands.

Results

The palliative care team held 711 first-time consultations. The number of consultation, as well as the number of consultations for patients with non-malignant diseases, and consultations for advance care planning increased after implementation. The implementation of the pathway had no statistically significant effect on unplanned hospitalization but associated positively with death at place of preference more than six months after implementation (during/shortly after adjusted OR: 2.12; 95% CI: 0.84–5.35; p-value: 0.11, long term after adjusted OR: 3.14; 95% CI: 1.49–6.62; p-value: 0.003). Effects on transmural collaboration showed that there were more warm handovers during/shortly after implementation, but not on long term. Primary care professionals attended multidisciplinary team meetings more often during and shortly after implementation, but did not more than six months after implementation.

Conclusions

The pathway did not affect unplanned hospital admissions, but more patients died at their place of preference after implementation. Implementation of the pathway increased attention to- and awareness for in-hospital palliative care, but did not improve transmural collaboration on long-term. For some patients, the hospital admissions might helped in facilitating death at place of preference.
The use and effects of telemedicine on complementary, alternative, and integrative medicine practices: a scoping review
Authors: Shah Aimun Qadeer , Noronha Noella , Chin-See Robert , Hanna Christina , Kadri Zeest , Marwaha Amn , Rambharack Neetu , Ng Jeremy Y.
Published: August 2023

Background

Telemedicine includes the delivery of health-care services and sharing of health information across distances. Past research has found that telemedicine can play a role in enhancing complementary, alternative, and integrative medicine (CAIM) while allowing the maintenance of cultural values and ancestral knowledge. This scoping review synthesized evidence regarding the use of telemedicine in the context of CAIM.

Methods

Following Arksey and O’Malley’s scoping review framework, CINAHL, PsycINFO, MEDLINE, EMBASE and AMED databases were searched systematically. The CADTH website was also searched for grey literature. Eligible articles included a CAIM practice or therapy offered through telemedicine, with no restrictions placed on the type of telemedicine technology used. Inductive thematic analysis was conducted to synthesise common themes among the included studies.

Results

Sixty-two articles were included in this synthesis. The following themes emerged: 1) the practitioner view of CAIM delivered through telemedicine, 2) the patient view of CAIM delivered through telemedicine, and 3) the technological impacts of telemedicine delivery of CAIM.

Conclusions

Studies have shown that telemedicine delivery of CAIM is feasible, acceptable, and results in positive health outcomes. Some barriers remain such as the presence of chronic illness and morbidity, inability to form strong patient-provider relationships relative to face-to-face approaches, and technological difficulties. Future intervention research should focus on reducing such barriers, as well as explore which patient population would realize the greatest benefit from CAIM delivered via telemedicine, and the impact of interventions on providers and caregivers.
Validating a measure of motivational climate in health science courses
Authors: Jones Brett D. , Wilkins Jesse L. M. , Schram Ásta B. , Gladman Tehmina , Kenwright Diane , A. Lucio-Ramírez César
Published: August 2023

Purpose

The aim of the study was to examine the validity evidence for the 19-item form of the MUSIC Model of Academic Motivation Inventory (College Student version) within health science schools in three different countries. The MUSIC Inventory includes five scales that assess the motivational climate by measuring students’ perceptions related to five separate constructs: empowerment, usefulness, success, interest, and caring.

Background

The 26-item form of the MUSIC Inventory has been validated for use with undergraduate students and with students in professional schools, including students at a veterinary medicine school, a pharmacy school, and a medical school. A 19-item form of the MUSIC Inventory has also been validated for use with undergraduate students, but it has not yet been validated for use with medical school students. The purpose of this study was to provide validity evidence for the use of the 19-item form in heath science schools in three different countries to determine if this version is acceptable for use in different cultures. If validated, this shorter form of the MUSIC Inventory would provide more differentiation between the Interest and Usefulness scales and could reduce respondent fatigue.

Methodology

Cook et al’s [1] practical guidelines were followed to implement Kane’s [2] validity framework as a means to examine the evidence of validity through scoring inferences, generalization inferences, and extrapolation inferences. Students (n = 667) in health science schools within three countries were surveyed.

Results

The results produced evidence to support all five hypotheses related to scoring, generalization, and extrapolation inferences.

Conclusions

Scores from the 19-item form of the MUSIC Inventory are valid for use in health science courses within professional schools in different countries. Therefore, the MUSIC Inventory can be used in these schools to assess students’ perceptions of the motivational climate.
How does patient-centered hospital culture affect clinical physicians’ medical professional attitudes and behaviours in Chinese public hospitals: a cross-sectional study?
Authors: Chen Jing , Yang Qiu-xia , Zhang Rui , Tan Yan , Long Yu-chen
Published: August 2023

Background

An increasing number of studies on physicians’ professionalism have been done since the 2002 publication of Medical Professionalism in the New Millennium: A Physician Charter. The Charter proposed three fundamental principles and ten responsibilities. However, most studies were done in developed countries, and few have been done in China. Additionally, few studies have examined the effect of patient-centered hospital culture (PCHC) on physicians’ professionalism. We aimed to investigate physicians’ medical professionalism in public hospitals in China, and to assess mediating effect of professional attitudes in the relationship of PCHC with professional behaviours.

Methods

Self-administered questionnaires including professional attitudes (20 items) and behaviours (10 items) survey and PCHC scale (22 items) were given to clinical physicians in five public hospitals, China. The mediating effect of professional attitudes in the relationship of PCHC with professional behaviours was tested.

Result

232 valid questionnaires were collected. More than 90% (208) respondents agreed with 15 of 20 specific statements on medical professionalism. As for the responsibility of improving quality of care, 54 (23%) respondents disagreed with reporting of incompetent colleagues and as for the responsibility of maintaining professional competence, 49 (21%) disagreed with recertification. More than 185 (83%) respondents reported that they sometimes, usually, or always showed the four positive behaviours on the questionnaire, and 173 (77%) reported that they never showed the six negative behaviours. Mediating effect analysis revealed that two dimensions of PCHC (i.e. value/institution culture and behaviour/material culture) had a significant positive impact on physicians’ professional behaviour, and professional attitude played a complete mediation role between them, but another dimension of PCHC (i.e. negative evaluation of hospital) directly affected professional behaviour without influencing professional attitude.

Conclusion

Chinese physicians showed positive professional attitudes and behaviours. Different dimensions of PCHC affected physicians’ attitudes and behaviours in different ways.
Production of a chimeric porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV)-2 vaccine using a lab-scale packed-bed bioreactor CelCradle
Authors: Choi Hwi-Yeon , Choi Jong-Chul , Kang Yeong-Lim , Ahn So-Hyeun , Lee Sang-Won , Park Seung-Yong , Song Chang-Seon , Choi In-Soo , Lee Joong-Bok
Published: August 2023

Background

We developed a MARC-145 cell culture and porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome (PRRS) vaccine production using a novel CelCradle bioreactor. CelCradle is a packed-bed bioreactor capable of both batch and perfusion culture, and the operating parameters are easy to optimize.

Results

In this study, CelCradle reached a maximum cell density of 8.94 × 105cells/mL at 5 days post-seeding when seeded at 8.60 × 104cells/mL (doubling time = 35.52 h). Inoculation of PRRS vaccine candidate, K418DM1.1, was performed at a multiplicity of infection (MOI) of 0.01 at 5 days post-seeding, which resulted in a high viral titer of 2.04 × 108TCID50/mL and total viral load of 1.02 × 1011TCID50/500 mL at 2 days post-infection (dpi). The multilayer cultivation system, BioFactory culture, yielded a higher doubling time (37.14 h) and lower viral titer (i.e., 8.15 × 107TCID50/mL) compared to the CelCradle culture. Thus, the culture medium productivity of the CelCradle culture was 2-fold higher than that of the BioFactory culture. In the animal experiment, the CelCradle-produced vaccine induced high levels of neutralizing antibodies and effectively protected pigs against homologous challenge, as shown by the significantly lower levels of viremia at 1- and 7-days post-challenge (dpc) compared to the non-vaccinated pigs.

Conclusions

Overall, this study demonstrates that the CelCradle system is an economical platform for PRRS vaccine production.
Exosomal PGE2 from M2 macrophages inhibits neutrophil recruitment and NET formation through lipid mediator class switching in sepsis
Authors: Jiao Yang , Zhang Ti , Liu Mei , Zhou Luyang , Qi Mengzhi , Xie Xin , Shi Xueyin , Gu Xiaoping , Ma Zhengliang
Published: August 2023

Background

Excess polymorphonuclear neutrophil (PMN) recruitment or excessive neutrophil extracellular trap (NET) formation can lead to the development of multiple organ dysfunction during sepsis. M2 macrophage-derived exosomes (M2-Exos) have exhibited anti-inflammatory activities in some inflammatory diseases to mediate organ functional protection, but their role in treating sepsis-related acute lung injury (ALI) remains unclear. In this study, we sought to investigate whether M2-Exos could prevent potentially deleterious inflammatory effects during sepsis-related ALI by modulating abnormal PMN behaviours.

Methods

C57BL/6 wild-type mice were subjected to a caecal ligation and puncture (CLP) mouse model to mimic sepsis in vivo, and M2-Exos were administered intraperitoneally 1 h after CLP. H&E staining, immunofluorescence and immunohistochemistry were conducted to investigate lung tissue injury, PMN infiltration and NET formation in the lung. We further demonstrated the role of M2-Exos on PMN function and explored the potential mechanisms through an in vitro coculture experiment using PMNs isolated from both healthy volunteers and septic patients.

Results

Here, we report that M2-Exos inhibited PMN migration and NET formation, alleviated lung injury and reduced mortality in a sepsis mouse model. In vitro, M2-Exos significantly decreased PMN migration and NET formation capacity, leading to lipid mediator class switching from proinflammatory leukotriene B4 (LTB4) to anti-inflammatory lipoxin A4 (LXA4) by upregulating 15-lipoxygenase (15-LO) expression in PMNs. Treatment with LXA4 receptor antagonist attenuated the effect of M2-Exos on PMNs and lung injury. Mechanistically, prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) enriched in M2-Exos was necessary to increase 15-LO expression in PMNs by functioning on the EP4 receptor, upregulate LXA4 production to downregulate chemokine (C-X-C motif) receptor 2 (CXCR2) and reactive oxygen species (ROS) expressions, and finally inhibit PMN function.

Conclusions

Our findings reveal a previously unknown role of M2-Exos in regulating PMN migration and NET formation through lipid mediator class switching, thus highlighting the potential application of M2-Exos in controlling PMN-mediated tissue injury in patients with sepsis.
Xanthohumol hinders invasion and cell cycle progression in cancer cells through targeting MMP2, MMP9, FAK and P53 genes in three-dimensional breast and lung cancer cells culture
Authors: Gholizadeh Siahmazgi Zohreh , Irani Shiva , Ghiaseddin Ali , Fallah Parviz , Haghpanah Vahid
Published: August 2023

Background

Despite recent advances in the treatment of lung and breast cancer, the mortality with these two types of cancer is high. Xanthohumol (XN) is known as a bioactive compound that shows an anticancer effect on cancer cells. Here, we intended to investigate the anticancer effects of XN on the breast and lung cancer cell lines, using the three-dimensional (3D) cell culture.

Methods

XN was isolated from Humulus lupulus using Preparative-Thin Layer Chromatography (P-TLC) method and its authenticity was documented through Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) and Hydrogen Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (H-NMR) methods. The spheroids of the breast (MCF-7) and lung (A549) cancer cell lines were prepared by the Hanging Drop (HD) method. Subsequently, the IC50s of XN were determined using the MTT assay in 2D and 3D cultures. Apoptosis was evaluated by Annexin V/PI flow cytometry and NFκB1/2, BAX, BCL2, and SURVIVIN expressions. Cell cycle progression was determined by P21, and P53 expressions as well as PI flow cytometry assays. Multidrug resistance was investigated through examining the expression of MDR1 and ABCG2. The invasion was examined by MMP2, MMP9, and FAK expression and F-actin labeling with Phalloidin-iFluor.

Results

While the IC50s for the XN treatment were 1.9 µM and 4.74 µM in 2D cultures, these values were 12.37 µM and 31.17 µM in 3D cultures of MCF-7 and A549 cells, respectively. XN induced apoptosis in MCF-7 and A549 cell lines. Furthermore, XN treatment reduced cell cycle progression, multidrug resistance, and invasion at the molecular and/or cellular levels.

Conclusions

According to our results of XN treatment in 3D conditions, this bioactive compound can be introduced as an adjuvant anti-cancer agent for breast and lung cancer.
Risk factors associated with colistin resistance in carbapenemase-producing Enterobacterales: a multicenter study from a low-income country
Authors: Claudia Soria-Segarra , Carmen Soria-Segarra , Andrés Diaz , Marcela Miranda-Ayala , Kerly Cevallos-Apolo , Bryan Bombón Moreno , John Chuzan J. , José Gutierrez-Fernández
Published: August 2023

Purpose

The aim of this study was to assess the risk factors for colistin-resistant carbapenemase-producing Enterobacterales (CR-CPE), and describe the mortality associated with this organism, in a low-income country.

Methods

A descriptive, observational, and prospective multicenter study was carried out in Guayaquil, Ecuador. All patients with carbapenem-resistant Enterobacterales admitted between December 2021 and May 2022 were enrolled. Infection definitions were established according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) protocols. The presence of carbapenemase-producing Enterobacterales was confirmed with a multiplex PCR for blaKPC,blaNDM,blaOXA-48,blaVIM, and blaIMP genes. MCR-1 production was studied molecularly, and MLST assays were carried out.

Results

Out of 114 patients enrolled in the study, 32 (28.07%) had at least one positive sample for CR-CPE. Klebsiella pneumoniae ST512-KPC-3 was the most frequent microorganism isolated. Parenteral feeding, β-lactamase inhibitor use, recent hemodialysis, and renal failure were all considered independent risk factors for carrying CR-CPE. A mortality of 41.22% was detected, but we could not find any difference between colistin-resistant and colistin-susceptible CPE. MCR-1 production was not detected in any of the isolates studied.

Conclusion

A significant burden for CR-CPE was found in a South American country that was mainly caused by the high-risk clone K. pneumoniae ST512-KPC-3 and not mediated by mcr-1 production. Its acquisition involved parenteral feeding, β-lactamase inhibitor use, recent hemodialysis, and renal failure as independent risk factors, demonstrating the critical need for infection prevention and stewardship programs to avoid dissemination to other countries in the region.
Research trends on nanomaterials in gastric cancer: a bibliometric analysis from 2004 to 2023
Authors: Ling Li-Xiang , Ouyang Yaobin , Hu Yi
Published: August 2023

Background

Gastric cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths worldwide. In recent years, an increasing number of studies aimed at designing and developing nanomaterials for use in diagnosing and treating gastric cancer have been conducted. In this study, we aimed to comprehensively assess the current status and trends of the research on the application of nanomaterials in gastric cancer through a bibliometric analysis.

Methods

Studies focusing on nanomaterials and gastric cancer were retrieved from the Web of Science Core Collection database and relevant articles were selected for inclusion in the study according to the inclusion criteria. Bibliometric and visual analysis of the included publications was performed using VOSviewer and CiteSpace.

Results

A total of 793 studies were included. An increase in annual publications was observed from 2004 to 2023. China, Iran and the USA were the dominant countries in this field, accounting for 66.1%, 11.5% and 7.2% of publications, respectively. Shanghai Jiao Tong University and Cui DX were the most influential institution and author, respectively. The International Journal of Nanomedicine was the most prolific journal; Biomaterials was the most cited and most cocited journal. Nanomaterial-related drug delivery and anticancer mechanisms were found to be the most widely researched aspects, and green synthesis and anticancer mechanisms are recent research hotspots.

Conclusion

In this study, we summarized the characteristics of publications and identified the most influential countries, institutions, authors, journals, hot topics and trends regarding the application of nanomaterials in gastric cancer.

Graphical Abstract
Perceived need for care and stigma experiences among individuals with methamphetamine-related admissions to inpatient mental health wards
Authors: Wilson Lochlan , Karnik Niketa , Wong Jacquelyne Y. , Barchet Lyra , Sareen Jitender , Jwely Ahmed , Nickel Nathan , Konrad Geoffrey , Nepon Joshua , Bolton James M.
Published: August 2023

Background

There are gaps in our understanding of treatment needs among people who use methamphetamine. We examined the demographics, perceived treatment needs, barriers to accessing care, and stigma experienced by an inpatient sample of people who use methamphetamine.

Methods

This study surveyed a convenience sample of patients admitted to psychiatry wards with a history of methamphetamine use in Winnipeg, Canada, between May 1 and July 31, 2019. The Perceived Need for Care Questionnaire (PNCQ-9) was used to assess treatment needs and barriers to care, and the Substance Use Stigma Mechanisms Scale (SU-SMS) was used to assess enacted, anticipated, and internalized stigma. Prevalence rates of perceived need, stigma, and demographic variables were determined.

Results

A total of 103 potential participants were identified, with 34 completing the survey. The most common age group was 21–30 years of age (41.2%); an approximate equal number of men and women; and almost all were single and never married (91.1%). Rates of perceived need for care were very high across all treatment types, including 91% identifying a need for medication treatment for their mental health or substance use. Despite the majority receiving care across the seven types of care described in the PNCQ-9, most felt they did not receive enough care. Unmet need for care was therefore high in many categories, including rates of 87% for counselling and skills training. The most common barriers to having needs met were a desire to self-manage substance use, and not receiving care after asking for help. Almost all participants reported experiencing stigma (94%). Stigma from family was endorsed significantly more than stigma from health care providers (p = 0.005).

Conclusions

The average hospitalized person who uses methamphetamine in this sample is young, single, and has not completed any post-secondary education. High rates of perceived treatment need suggest an awareness of problems with methamphetamine, yet most interventions are perceived as inadequate. People who used methamphetamine felt highly stigmatized, particularly by their family members.

Trial registration Registered with the Health Research Ethics Board at the University of Manitoba (Number HS22605 (H2019:072), renewed February 14, 2022).
Costs of fall injuries in the STRIDE study: an economic evaluation of healthcare system heterogeneity and heterogeneity of treatment effect
Authors: Ganz David A. , Gill Thomas M. , Reuben David B. , Bhasin Shalender , Latham Nancy K. , Peduzzi Peter , Greene Erich J.
Published: August 2023

Objectives

The Strategies to Reduce Injuries and Develop Confidence in Elders (STRIDE) Study cluster-randomized 86 primary care practices in 10 healthcare systems to a patient-centered multifactorial fall injury prevention intervention or enhanced usual care, enrolling 5451 participants. We estimated total healthcare costs from participant-reported fall injuries receiving medical attention (FIMA) that were averted by the STRIDE intervention and tested for healthcare-system-level heterogeneity and heterogeneity of treatment effect (HTE).

Methods

Participants were community-dwelling adults age ≥ 70 at increased fall injury risk. We estimated practice-level total costs per person-year of follow-up (PYF), assigning unit costs to FIMA with and without an overnight hospital stay. Using independent variables for treatment arm, healthcare system, and their interaction, we fit a generalized linear model with log link, log follow-up time offset, and Tweedie error distribution.

Results

Unadjusted total costs per PYF were $2,034 (intervention) and $2,289 (control). The adjusted (intervention minus control) cost difference per PYF was -$167 (95% confidence interval (CI), -$491, $216). Cost heterogeneity by healthcare system was present (p = 0.035), as well as HTE (p = 0.090). Adjusted total costs per PYF in control practices varied from $1,529 to $3,684 for individual healthcare systems; one system with mean intervention minus control costs of -$2092 (95% CI, -$3,686 to -$944) per PYF accounted for HTE, but not healthcare system cost heterogeneity.

Conclusions

We observed substantial heterogeneity of healthcare system costs in the STRIDE study, with small reductions in healthcare costs for FIMA in the STRIDE intervention accounted for by a single healthcare system.

Trial registration

Clinicaltrials.gov (NCT02475850).
UCP1 alleviates renal interstitial fibrosis progression through oxidative stress pathway mediated by SIRT3 protein stability
Authors: Xiong Wei , Xiong Zhiyong , Song Anni , Lei Chuntao , Ye Chen , Su Hua , Zhang Chun
Published: August 2023

Background

Renal interstitial fibrosis is a common pathway for the progressive development of chronic renal diseases (CKD) with different etiology, and is the main pathological basis leading to end-stage renal disease. Although the current research on renal interstitial fibrosis is gradually deepening, the diagnosis and treatment methods are still very lacking. Uncoupling protein 1 (UCP1) is a nuclear encoded protein in mitochondria inner membrane and plays an important role in regulating energy metabolism and mitochondrial homeostasis. However, the biological significance of UCP1 and potential regulatory mechanisms in the development of CKD remain unclear.

Methods

Unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO) model was used to construct the animal model of renal fibrosis, and TGF-β1 stimulation of HK2 cells was used to construct the vitro model of renal fibrosis. UCP1 expression was detected by Western blot, immunoblot analysis and immunohistochemistry. UCP1 was upregulated by UCP1 overexpressing lentivirus and UCP1 agonist CL316243. Western blot and immunofluorescence were used to detect epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT)-related markers, such as collagen I, fibronectin, antioxidant enzyme SOD2 and CAT. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) production was detected by ROS detection kit. SIRT3 knockdown was performed by siRNA.

Results

This study presents that UCP1 is significantly downregulated in patients with renal fibrosis and UUO model. Further studies discover that UCP1 overexpression and CL316243 treatments (UCP1 agonists) reversed EMT and extracellular matrix (ECM) accumulation in renal fibrosis models in vivo and in vitro. Simultaneously, UCP1 reduced the ROS production by increasing the stability of SIRT3. When SIRT3 was knocked down, the production of ROS decreased.

Conclusions

Elevating the expression of UCP1 can inhibit the occurrence of oxidative stress by stabilizing SIRT3, thereby reducing EMT and ECM accumulation, and ultimately alleviating renal interstitial fibrosis. It will provide new instructions and targets for the treatment of CKD.
Sabin polio virus protein 1 (VP1) evolution in patients with acute flaccid paralysis from 2010 to 2016 in Uganda
Authors: Nanteza Mary Bridget , Bakamutumaho Barnabas , Tushabe Phionah , Namuwulya Prossy , Birungi Molly , Dhatemwa Rajab , Eliku James Peter , Tibanagwa Mayi , Kakooza Proscovia , Bukenya Henry , Bwogi Josephine , Byabamazima Charles Rutebarika
Published: August 2023

Acute flaccid paralysis (AFP) is a rare side effect of the oral polio vaccine but can be associated with outbreaks and permanent disability in patients harboring circulating vaccine-derived polioviruses (cVDPVs). With the advancement of polio abolition in a glimpse, cVDPVs are causing outbreaks and slowing the polio eradication process. The polio virus protein 1 (VP1) contains the binding site that is key for virus transmission. Understanding the evolution of VP1 among AFP patients could yield more insight into the early events of cVDPVs. Polioviruses were identified from stool specimens of AFP patients using cell culture; and confirmed by the real time RT PCR intra-typic differentiation and vaccine-derived poliovirus assays. Seventy-nine (79) Sabin-like poliovirus 1 (SL1) and 86 Sabin-like poliovirus 3 (SL3) were sequenced. The VP1 amino acid substitutions T106A in Sabin poliovirus 1 and A54V in Sabin poliovirus 3 were common among the AFP patients as has been found in previous studies. Other substitutions that were associated with AFP were: T290A and A54T in SL1 and SL3 respectively. Nucleotide mutations that were common among the AFP patients included T402C, C670A, and T816C in SL1, and G22A, C375Y, A472R, and A694T in SL3 polioviruses. Characterizing mutations that are associated with AFP could contribute to efforts pursued to mitigate the risk of vaccine-derived polioviruses and promote development of safer vaccines.
Impact of delay extubation on the reintubation rate in patients after cervical spine surgery: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Jing Xin , Zhu Zhengfang , Fan Hairong , Wang Junjie , Fu Qing , Kong Rongrong , Long Yanling , Wang Sheng , Wang Qixing
Published: August 2023

Background

The incidence of cervical airway obstruction after cervical spine surgery (CSS) ranges from 1.2 to 14%, and some require reintubation. If not addressed promptly, the consequences can be fatal. This study investigated delayed extubation's effect on patients' reintubation rate after cervical spine surgery.

Methods

We performed a retrospective case–control analysis of cervical spine surgery from our ICU from January 2021 to October 2022. Demographic and preoperative characteristics, intraoperative data, and postoperative clinical outcomes were collected for all 94 patients. Univariable analysis and multivariable logistic regression were used to analyze postoperative unsuccessful extubation risk factors following cervical spine surgery.

Results

The patients in the early extubation (n = 73) and delayed extubation (n = 21) groups had similar demographic characteristics. No significant differences were found in the reintubation rate (0 vs. 6.8%, p = 0.584). However, the delayed extubation group had significantly more patients with 4 and more cervical fusion segments (42.9 vs. 15.1%, p = 0.013),more patients with an operative time greater than 4 h (33.3 vs. 6.8%, p = 0.004)and all patients involved C2-4 (78 vs. 100%, p = 0.019).Also, patients in the delayed extubation group had a longer duration of ICU stay (152.9 ± 197.1 h vs. 27.2 ± 45.4 h, p < 0.001) and longer duration of hospital stay (15.2 ± 6.9 days vs. 11.6 ± 4.1 days, p = 0.003). Univariate and multivariate analysis identified the presences of cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM) (OR 0.02, 95% CI 0–0.39, p = 0.009) and respiratory diseases (OR: 23.2, 95% CI 2.35–229.51, p = 0.007) as unfavorable prognostic factor for reintubation.

Conclusions

Our analysis of patients with cervical spondylosis who received CSS indicated that delayed extubation was associated with the presence of respiratory diseases and CSM, longer operative time, more cervical fusion segments, and longer duration of ICU and hospital stays.
The use of digital outcome measures in clinical trials in rare neurological diseases: a systematic literature review
Authors: Poleur Margaux , Markati Theodora , Servais Laurent
Published: August 2023

Developing drugs for rare diseases is challenging, and the precision and objectivity of outcome measures is critical to this process. In recent years, a number of technologies have increasingly been used for remote monitoring of patient health. We report a systematic literature review that aims to summarize the current state of progress with regard to the use of digital outcome measures for real-life motor function assessment of patients with rare neurological diseases. Our search of published literature identified 3826 records, of which 139 were included across 27 different diseases. This review shows that use of digital outcome measures for motor function outside a clinical setting is feasible and employed in a broad range of diseases, although we found few outcome measures that have been robustly validated and adopted as endpoints in clinical trials. Future research should focus on validation of devices, variables, and algorithms to allow for regulatory qualification and widespread adoption.
Evaluation of commercially available point-of-care ultrasound for automated optic nerve sheath measurement
Authors: Moore Brad T. , Osika Tom , Satterly Steven , Shah Shreyansh , Thirion Tim , Hampton Spencer , Aylward Stephen , Montgomery Sean
Published: August 2023

Background

Measurement of the optic nerve sheath diameter (ONSD) via ultrasonography has been proposed as a non-invasive metric of intracranial pressure that may be employed during in-field patient triage. However, first responders are not typically trained to conduct sonographic exams and/or do not have access to an expensive ultrasound device. Therefore, for successful deployment of ONSD measurement in-field, we believe that first responders must have access to low-cost, portable ultrasound and be assisted by artificial intelligence (AI) systems that can automatically interpret the optic nerve sheath ultrasound scan.

We examine the suitability of five commercially available, low-cost, portable ultrasound devices that can be combined with future artificial intelligence algorithms to reduce the training required for and cost of in-field optic nerve sheath diameter measurement. This paper is focused on the quality of the images generated by these low-cost probes. We report results of a clinician preference survey and compare with a lab analysis of three quantitative image quality metrics across devices. We also examine the suitability of the devices in a hypothetical far-forward deployment using operators unskilled in ultrasound, with the assumption of a future onboard AI video interpreter.

Results

We find statistically significant differences in clinician ranking of the devices in the following categories: “Image Quality”, “Ease of Acquisition”, “Software”, and “Overall ONSD”. We show differences in signal-to-noise ratio, generalized contrast-to-noise ratio, point-spread function across the devices. These differences in image quality result in a statistically significant difference in manual ONSD measurement. Finally, we show that sufficiently wide transducers can capture the optic nerve sheath during blind (no visible B-mode) scans performed by operators unskilled in sonography.

Conclusions

Ultrasound of the optic nerve sheath has the potential to be a convenient, non-invasive, point-of-injury or triage measure for elevated intracranial pressure in cases of traumatic brain injury. When transducer width is sufficient, briefly trained operators may obtain video sequences of the optic nerve sheath without guidance. This data suggest that unskilled operators are able to achieve the images needed for AI interpretation. However, we also show that image quality differences between ultrasound probes may influence manual ONSD measurements.
PAX1 hypomethylation as a prognostic biomarker for radioresistance of cervical cancer
Authors: Li Xuanxuan , Liu Huan , Zhou Xue , Zhou Yangying , Zhang Yu , Liou Yu-Ligh , Zeng Manting , Zhu Hong
Published: August 2023

Background

PAX1 gene methylation plays an important role in the development of cervical cancer. However, its prognostic value after radiotherapy for locally advanced cervical cancer is unknown, so this study aimed to investigate the value of PAX1 gene methylation for predicting the sensitivity of radiotherapy for cervical cancer.

Methods

We selected 125 patients with primary cervical cancer who underwent concurrent chemo-radiotherapy as the study population, quantitative methylation-specific polymerase chain reaction (QMSP) was used for detecting PAX1 methylation status of cervical exfoliated cells. Logistic regression model was used to analyze the risk factors associated with the short-term efficacy and to establish a prediction model of radiotherapy sensitivity based on PAX1 gene methylation. Cell viability after radiation of Hela and SiHa cells transfected with PAX1 or control vector was evaluated by CCK8. Furthermore, RNA-Seq analyses identified different expressed genes (DEGs) in PAX1 overexpressed SiHa cells. Gene Ontology (GO) and pathway enrichment analysis was carried out to determine the biological function of DEGs.

Results

PAX1 methylation level was associated with HPV16/18-positive rate. PAX1 hypomethylation was found to be a risk factor for tumor residual after chemo-radiotherapy. A nomogram containing the risk factors for PAX1 methylation status, lymph node metastasis, pathological type and tumor size was further constructed to predict the probability of tumor residual after chemo-radiotherapy (AUC = 0.823, 95% CI 0.736–0.910). High PAX1 protein level was more likely to cause radioresistance in both Hela and SiHa cells. Transcriptomic sequencing of PAX1 overexpressed and control cells identified 615 differentially expressed genes, and GO enrichment analysis suggested that PAX1 may be involved in the regulation of signaling receptor activity and response to viruses.

Conclusion

PAX1 hypomethylation status could be used as a promising biomarker to predict radioresistance in cervical cancer. This further provides a new idea for the individualized treatment strategy of simultaneous radiotherapy for cervical cancer.
Insights into the prokaryotic communities of the abyssal-hadal benthic-boundary layer of the Kuril Kamchatka Trench
Authors: Gorrasi Susanna , Franzetti Andrea , Brandt Angelika , Minzlaff Ulrike , Pasqualetti Marcella , Fenice Massimiliano
Published: August 2023

Background

The Kuril–Kamchatka Trench (maximum depth 9604 m), located in the NW Pacific Ocean, is among the top seven deepest hadal trenches. The work aimed to investigate the unexplored abyssal-hadal prokaryotic communities of this fascinating, but underrated environment.

Results

As for the bacterial communities, we found that Proteobacteria (56.1–74.5%), Bacteroidetes (6.5–19.1%), and Actinobacteria (0.9–16.1%) were the most represented bacterial phyla over all samples. Thaumarchaeota (52.9–91.1%) was the most abundant phylum in the archaeal communities. The archaeal diversity was highly represented by the ammonia-oxidizing Nitrosopumilus, and the potential hydrocarbon-degrading bacteria Acinetobacter, Zhongshania, and Colwellia were the main bacterial genera. The α-diversity analysis evidenced that both prokaryotic communities were characterized by low evenness, as indicated by the high Gini index values (> 0.9). The β-diversity analysis (Redundancy Analysis) indicated that, as expected, the depth significantly affected the structure of the prokaryotic communities. The co-occurrence network revealed seven prokaryotic groups that covaried across the abyssal-hadal zone of the Kuril–Kamchatka Trench. Among them, the main group included the most abundant archaeal and bacterial OTUs (Nitrosopumilus OTU A2 and OTU A1; Acinetobacter OTU B1), which were ubiquitous across the trench.

Conclusions

This manuscript represents the first attempt to characterize the prokaryotic communities of the KKT abyssal-hadal zone. Our results reveal that the most abundant prokaryotes harbored by the abyssal-hadal zone of Kuril–Kamchatka Trench were chemolithotrophic archaea and heterotrophic bacteria, which did not show a distinctive pattern distribution according to depth. In particular, Acinetobacter, Zhongshania, and Colwellia (potential hydrocarbon degraders) were the main bacterial genera, and Nitrosopumilus (ammonia oxidizer) was the dominant representative of the archaeal diversity.
Engaging people who use drugs in clinical research: integrating facilitated telemedicine for HCV into substance use treatment
Authors: Talal Andrew H. , George Saliyah J. , Talal Lillian A. , Dharia Arpan , Ventuneac Ana , Baciewicz Gloria , Perumalswami Ponni V. , Dickerson Suzanne S.
Published: August 2023

Background

People who use drugs (PWUD) have difficulty participating in clinical research. We evaluated approaches to engage PWUD in clinical research, using facilitated telemedicine for hepatitis C virus (HCV) care as an example.

Methods

We analyzed stakeholder interview transcripts and study-related data (i.e., progress reports, meeting minutes) from interrelated studies to understand engagement experiences at the patient, site, and organizational levels. Stakeholders include patient-participants, opioid treatment program (OTP) staff and administrators, and research team members involved in HCV management through facilitated telemedicine integrated into OTPs.

Results

Three themes emerged. Initially, the research team sought understanding of the unique culture and community of each OTP (Theme 1). The team built trusting relationships through education, communication, and feedback (Theme 2). Finally, the research team enhanced collaborative care and incorporated the patients’ voice to improve health outcomes (Theme 3). Patient-participants and OTP staff endorsed the integrated HCV care approach. Engagement practices are summarized as the CREATE framework (C = culture, R = respect, E = educate, A = advantage, T = trust, E = endorse).

Conclusions

PWUD engagement in clinical research is maximized by building trusting relationships with open communication channels. Understanding the community, demonstrating respect, and augmenting knowledge are foundational for engaging PWUD in clinical research. These practices are transferable to engagement of PWUD in clinical research broadly.
The relationship between physical activity and interpersonal distress in college students: the chain mediating role of self-control and mobile phone addiction
Authors: Liu Chong , Sun Zongchen
Published: August 2023

Objective of the study

Interpersonal relationships, as an important variable affecting the physical and mental health and future development of individuals, were used to construct a structural equation model between physical activity and interpersonal relationships in order to help college students better adapt to society and achieve a high level of mental health.

Methods

SPSS 27.0 software was used to statistically analyze the data, and Amos 28.0 software was used to construct the model between variables. The results showed that physical activity directly predicted the interpersonal relationship status of college students (β =  − 0.108, 95% CI [− 0.210, − 0.005]), and the chain mediating effect of physical activity → self-control → mobile phone addiction tendency → interpersonal relationship distress was significant (β =  − 0.012, 95% CI [− 0.033, − 0.003]). The results of this study suggest that physical activity may be viewed as an effective intervention strategy to mitigate the interpersonal challenges that college students may face in the future.
Investigating the different domains of environmental knowledge acquired from virtual navigation and their relationship to cognitive factors and wayfinding inclinations
Authors: Muffato Veronica , Miola Laura , Pellegrini Marilina , Pazzaglia Francesca , Meneghetti Chiara
Published: August 2023

When learning an environment from virtual navigation people gain knowledge about landmarks, their locations, and the paths that connect them. The present study newly aimed to investigate all these domains of knowledge and how cognitive factors such as visuospatial abilities and wayfinding inclinations might support virtual passive navigation. A total of 270 participants (145 women) were tested online. They: (i) completed visuospatial tasks and answered questionnaires on their wayfinding inclinations; and (ii) learnt a virtual path. The environmental knowledge they gained was assessed on their free recall of landmarks, their egocentric and allocentric pointing accuracy (location knowledge), and their performance in route direction and landmark location tasks (path knowledge). Visuospatial abilities and wayfinding inclinations emerged as two separate factors, and environmental knowledge as a single factor. The SEM model showed that both visuospatial abilities and wayfinding inclinations support the environmental knowledge factor, with similar pattern of relationships in men and women. Overall, factors related to the individual are relevant to the environmental knowledge gained from an online virtual passive navigation.
Exploring the energy informatics and energy citizenship domains: a systematic literature review
Authors: Kumar Ajesh , Naqvi Bilal , Wolff Annika
Published: August 2023

To effectively address the challenges posed by the increasing share of the energy sector in global greenhouse effects, the domains of energy informatics and energy citizenship play a critical role. Energy informatics aims at using information systems and channels to reduce energy consumption. However, there is a realization that the challenges posed by global greenhouse effects cannot be catered to alone by the energy information systems. Therefore, there is a need for engaging human inhabitants to actively engage toward more sustainable means (i.e., energy citizenship) thus reducing the energy sector’s share in the global greenhouse effect. This paper presents a systematic literature review (SLR) after analysis of (n = 115) articles on the topic to identify (i) the themes considered in energy informatics and energy citizenship domains, and (ii) the interconnection between energy informatics and energy citizenship domains, (iii) energy information needs among stakeholders which establish a clear interconnect with energy citizenship. These identified themes and their interconnections are critical for energy researchers, policymakers, and energy businesses to identify relevant research topics, identify energy consumers’ needs, and create just energy transition policies. The paper additionally summarizes the gaps in the state of the art by mentioning the open research questions that arise due to the identified interconnection between energy informatics and energy citizenship.