bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Decoding meningioma heterogeneity and neoplastic cell—macrophage interaction through single-cell transcriptome profiling across pathological grades
Authors: Fan Hailang , Song Lairong , Fan Jian , Ma Junpeng , Li Xiaojie , Zhang Junting , Hu Jian , Wu Zhen , Zhang Dake , Wang Liang
Published: October 2023

Background

Analyzing meningioma of distinct pathological types at the single-cell level can provide new and valuable insights into the specific biological mechanisms of each cellular subpopulation, as well as their vital interplay within the tumor microenvironment.

Methods

We recruited patients diagnosed with four distinct types of meningioma and performed single-cell RNA sequencing on their tumor samples, concurrently analyzing a publicly available dataset for comparison. Next, we separated the cells into discrete clusters and identified their unique identities. Using pseudotime analysis, we demonstrated cellular differentiation and dynamics. To investigate biological function, we employed weighted gene co-expression network analysis, gene regulatory network, and gene set enrichment analysis. Additionally, we conducted cell–cell communication analyses to characterize interactions among different clusters and validated a crucial interaction using multiple immunofluorescence staining.

Results

The single-cell transcriptomic profiles for five meningioma of different pathological types demonstrated that neoplastic cells exhibited high inter-sample heterogeneity and diverse biological functions featured by metabolic regulation. A small cluster of neoplastic cells (N5 cluster, < 3%) was most proliferative, indicated by high expression of MKI67 and TOP2A. They were primarily observed in our atypical and transitional meningioma samples and located at the beginning of the pseudotime differentiation branch for neoplastic cells. Macrophages, the most abundant immune cells present, showed two distinct developmental trajectories, one promoting and the other suppressing meningioma growth, with the MIF-CD74 interaction serving as the primary signaling pathway for MIF signals in the tumor environment. Unexpectedly, despite its small cluster size, the N5 cluster demonstrated a significant contribution in this interaction. By staining pathological sections of more samples, we found that this interaction was widely present in different types of meningiomas.

Conclusions

Meningioma neoplastic cells' diverse types cause inter-sample heterogeneity and a wide range of functions. Some proliferative neoplastic cell may educate macrophages, which promotes tumorigenesis possibly through the MIF-CD74 interaction. It provides novel clues for future potential therapeutic avenues.
Does dietary nitrate boost the effects of caloric restriction on brain health? Potential physiological mechanisms and implications for future research
Authors: Alharbi Mushari , Stephan Blossom CM , Shannon Oliver M , Siervo Mario
Published: October 2023

Dementia is a highly prevalent and costly disease characterised by deterioration of cognitive and physical capacity due to changes in brain function and structure. Given the absence of effective treatment options for dementia, dietary and other lifestyle approaches have been advocated as potential strategies to reduce the burden of this condition. Maintaining an optimal nutritional status is vital for the preservation of brain function and structure. Several studies have recognised the significant role of nutritional factors to protect and enhance metabolic, cerebrovascular, and neurocognitive functions. Caloric restriction (CR) positively impacts on brain function via a modulation of mitochondrial efficiency, endothelial function, neuro-inflammatory, antioxidant and autophagy responses. Dietary nitrate, which serves as a substrate for the ubiquitous gasotransmitter nitric oxide (NO), has been identified as a promising nutritional intervention that could have an important role in improving vascular and metabolic brain regulation by affecting oxidative metabolism, ROS production, and endothelial and neuronal integrity. Only one study has recently tested the combined effects of both interventions and showed preliminary, positive outcomes cognitive function. This paper explores the potential synergistic effects of a nutritional strategy based on the co-administration of CR and a high-nitrate diet as a potential and more effective (than either intervention alone) strategy to protect brain health and reduce dementia risk.
The effects of intermittent fasting diet alone or in combination with probiotic supplementation in comparison with calorie-restricted diet on metabolic and hormonal profile in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome: study protocol for a randomized clinical trial
Authors: Talebi Sepide , Shab-Bidar Sakineh , Mohammadi Hamed , Moini Ashraf , Djafarian Kurosh
Published: October 2023

Introduction

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is one of the most common endocrine disorders in females characterized by ovulatory dysfunction, hyperandrogenism, and other metabolic disorders. Both intermittent fasting and specific probiotics have been suggested to help improve patients with PCOS through changes in gut microbial composition, circadian clock, and metabolic regulation. Therefore, the present study aims to investigate the effects of intermittent fasting alone or in combination with probiotic supplementation compared to the calorie-restricted (CR) diet on anthropometric measures, metabolic status, inflammation, and oxidative stress in women with PCOS.

Methods

We will carry out a randomized clinical trial for 8 weeks. Participants will be randomly assigned (1:1:1) to one of the three groups: (1) a 14:10 early time-restricted feeding (TRF) diet with probiotic supplementation (n = 30); (2) a 14:10 early TRF diet with placebo supplementation (n = 30); (3) a CR diet (energy-restricted 25% of required calories) with placebo supplementation as a control group (n = 30). The primary outcomes will be changes in body weight and insulin resistance. However, glycemic control, lipid profile, metabolic parameters, sex hormone-binding globulin, dehydroepiandrosterone, anti-Mullerian hormone, free androgen index, hirsutism, acne, antioxidant and oxidant status, inflammation, anthropometric measures, mental health, sleep quality, appetite, eating behavior, food craving, and blood pressure are secondary outcomes. All outcomes of this study will be evaluated in pre- and post-intervention.

Discussion

We hypothesized that 10-h TRE administered alone or in combination with probiotic supplementation to overweight and obese PCOS subjects would lead to weight loss and improved metabolic, hormonal, inflammatory, and antioxidant markers compared to control subjects following a standard 3-meal-per-day CR diet.

Ethical aspects

The current trial received approval from the Medical Ethics Committee of Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran (IR.TUMS.MEDICNE.REC.1401.425).

Trial registration

Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials IRCT20121110011421N5. Registered on 3 October 2022.
SWAT 84: effects of same-day consent vs delayed consent on the recruitment and retention of trial participants—an observational SWAT
Authors: Elfghi M. , Jordan F. , Sultan S. , Tawfick W.
Published: October 2023

Background and aim

The recruitment process in a randomized trial can be challenging. Poor recruitment can have a negative impact on the allocated budget and estimated completion date of the study and may result in an underpowered study. We aimed to perform a Study Within A Trial (SWAT) to evaluate the impact of same-day consent or delayed consent on recruitment and retention in the host trial.

Methods

This SWAT is designed as a prospective cohort design. The host trial was a randomized controlled trial evaluating the effectiveness of an intensive lifestyle modification programme in participants with peripheral arterial disease. Researchers screened the participants for inclusion and exclusion criteria. Informed consents were obtained from the participants who were willing to participate in the study on a standardized consent form. Participants were given the option to consent on the same day or to delay their consent. Following the consent, the participants were allocated to two groups (same-day consent vs. delayed consent) based on pre-determined criteria for SWAT. One hundred sixteen participants were consented to take part in the host trial. Seventy-five participants were randomized to the host trial. The primary outcome was the proportion of participants who withdrew consent at the recruitment phase. Secondary outcomes were reasons for consent withdrawal and dropout, attrition rate, and adherence with the host trial intervention.

Results

There was a significantly lower consent-withdrawal rate in same-day consent (17.4%, n = 8/46), compared to the delayed consent group (47.1%, n = 33/70), p = 0.001. There was a significantly lower dropout rate in participants randomized following same-day consent (10.5%, n = 4/38), compared to those randomized after delayed consent (29.7%, n = 11/37), p = 0.038. Transport was the main reason mentioned for consent withdrawal and dropout. In participants randomized to the host trial intervention arm, there was a significant difference in adherence (percentage of the 12-week programme completed) between same-day consent (96.7% ± 4.9) and delayed consent participants (86.4% ± 11.2), p = 0.003, as well as number of weeks completed (mean difference =  − 1.547, 95% confidence intervals (− 2.237 to − 0.85)), p = 0.02.

Conclusion

This SWAT found evidence that participants who gave consent on the same day seemed to have better adherence and fewer-withdrawal and dropout rates.

SWAT registration

The SWAT was registered on the Northern Ireland Network for Trials Methodology Research, SWAT 84.
Investigating the effect of the inhibitory peptide on L.monocytogenes cell invasion: an in silico and in vitro study
Authors: Shivaee Ali , Bahonar Sara , Goudarzi Mehdi , Hematian Ali , Hajikhani Bahareh , Sadeghi Kalani Behrooz
Published: October 2023

Aims

L.monocytogenes monocytogenes is an omnipresent bacterium that causes a fatal food-borne illness, listeriosis. The connection of this bacterium to E-cadherin through internalin A plays a significant role in the internalization of the bacteria. In this study, this interaction has been investigated for the design of an inhibitory peptide.

Methods

The interaction of the proteins involved in the entry of bacteria was evaluated by molecular docking. According to their interactions, an inhibitory peptide was designed to bind to internalin A by server peptiderive. Its effects on L.monocytogenes invasion on the Caco-2 cell line and biofilm formation were also assessed.

Findings

Docking results showed that the peptide has a high affinity for binding to Internalin A. The synthesized peptide at a concentration of 64 µg/ml inhibited 80% of the invasion of L.monocytogenes into the Caco-2 cell line. Furthermore, the studied peptide at the highest concentration had a slight inhibitory effect on biofilm formation.

Conclusion

These results reveal that short polypeptides can impede the invasion of target cells by L. monocytogenes in vitro and could be advantageous as restoring agents in vivo.
Congenital lower urinary tract obstruction with spontaneous fetal bladder rupture due to posterior urethral valves: a case report
Authors: Adriaenssens Max , De Boe Veerle
Published: October 2023

Background

Congenital lower urinary tract obstruction (LUTO) is a rare but significant condition affecting fetal urinary tract development. LUTO has a range of etiologies, with posterior urethral valves (PUV) being the most common cause. The prenatal diagnosis of LUTO plays a crucial role in recognizing the condition and guiding management decisions. Prenatal ultrasound serves as the primary tool for identifying LUTO, with key findings including megacystis, bladder wall thickening, oligohydramnios, hydronephrosis, and the 'keyhole sign' indicating dilatation of the posterior urethra. We present a case of congenital LUTO with a rare complication of spontaneous fetal bladder rupture and urinary ascites, treated by peritoneo-amniotic shunt placement.

Case presentation

A 27-year-old pregnant Caucasian women was referred at 28 weeks of pregnancy due to the presence of megacystis and bilateral hydronephrosis on routine ultrasound and suspicion of LUTO. Repeat ultrasound at 29 weeks showed significant fetal ascites, oligohydramnios and resolution of megacystis and hydronephrosis, after which diagnosis of spontaneous bladder rupture was made. Despite ascites aspiration and amnio-infusion, there was persistent ascites and oligohydramnios. A peritoneo-amniotic shunt was placed with resolution of ascites and normalization of the amniotic fluid volume. At 35 weeks, relapse of the megacystis was observed with bilateral pyelectasis and oligohydramnios, possibly due to healing of the bladder rupture, after which elective cesarean section was planned. Cystography confirmed spontaneous healing of the bladder rupture and the presence of posterior urethral valves, which were resected in the neonatal period with cold knife incision. Total follow-up of 8 years continued to show positive ultrasonographic results and good renal function, but the child suffers from bladder dysfunction, manifesting as overactive bladder disease.

Conclusions

LUTO might lead to important renal dysfunction and pulmonary hypoplasia in case of increasing disease severity. Spontaneous bladder rupture might improve renal prognosis, acting as a pop-off mechanism by decompression of the urinary tract. However, fetal bladder rupture is rare and only few cases have been reported. Prenatal intervention can be considered for moderate or severe LUTO, but the benefit for long-term outcome remains uncertain and further studies are needed.
sRetor: a semi-centralized regular topology routing scheme for data center networking
Authors: Jia Zequn , Liu Qiang , Sun Yantao
Published: October 2023

The performance of the data center network is critical for lowering costs and increasing efficiency. The software-defined networks (SDN) technique has been adopted in data center networks due to the recent emergence of advanced network control and flexibility demand. However, the rapid growth of data centers increases the complexity of control and management processes. With the rapid adoption of SDN, the following critical challenges arise in large-scale data center networks: 1) extra packet delay on the separated control plane and 2) controller bottleneck in large-scale topology.

We propose sRetor in this paper, a topology-description-language-based routing approach for regular data center networks that leverages data center networks’ regularity. sRetor aims to reduce the packet waiting time and controller workload in software-defined data center networking. We propose to move partial forwarding decision-making from the controller to switches to eliminate unnecessary control plane delay and reduce controller workload. Therefore the sRetor controller is only responsible for troubleshooting complicated failures and on-demand traffic scheduling. Our numerical and experimental results show that sRetor reduces the flow start time by over 68% and the fail-over time by over 84%.
Factors associated with underweight, overweight, stunting and wasting among primary school-going children participating in a school health initiative in South Africa
Authors: Gwelo Netsai Bianca , Sumankuuro Joshua , Akintola Olagoke , Brieger William R.
Published: October 2023

Background

The double burden of malnutrition among children remains a public health challenge in South Africa. In response, the government of South Africa developed the National Health Policy and Implementation Guidelines for school-going children in 2003. This policy was subsequently upgraded to ‘The Integrated School Health Programme’ in 2012. An element of the programme is the provision of a meal to school-going children on school days. However, evidence suggests that one-third of school-going children continue to have nutritional deficiencies. This study investigated the sociodemographic as well as the nutritional characteristics of school-going children participating in a school health initiative in KwaZulu-Natal Province, South Africa.

Methods

This was a retrospective descriptive cross-sectional study involving 1,275 children (50.3% females and 49.7% males) aged 3 to 15 years. Epidemiological data on the screening of the children’s nutritional characteristics by school health nurses and school health nutritionists under the integrated school health programme (ISHP) was reviewed and analysed for the study.

Results

Nearly half (50.3%) and 49.7% of the population were females and males, respectively. The average age of participants was 8.4 years old. ‘Underweight’ (p = 0.000), ‘overweight’ (p = 0.000), ‘at risk of overweight’ (p = 0.000),‘stunting’ (p = 0.000),‘severe stunting’ (p = 0.005), ‘wasting’ (p = 0.010), and ‘obesity’ (p = 0.037) were associated with the ‘schools that children attended’. School-going children’ living conditions were significantly associated with ‘normal weight’ (p = 0.000), ‘underweight’ (p = 0.000), and ‘underweight’ (p = 0.028). However, the social grant to parents/guardians had some positive effects on the percentage of children who reported ‘normal weight’ (55.4%), ‘wasting’ (1.0%), ‘underweight’ (4.0%), and ‘at risk of overweight’ (20.2%).

Conclusion

Chronic nutritional deficiencies persist among children. Therefore, ISHP implementation must retarget specific regions of the country to ensure that national goals and gains on school-going children nutrition, are met and maintained. Indeed, considering the positive impact of the government’s social grant programme on the nutritional status of the children in this study, we recommend policy reforms that will increase parents’ and carers’ access to means of subsistence in order to meet the health and nutritional needs of children in the study communities.
Relationship between BDNF gene polymorphisms and alcohol-related liver cirrhosis
Authors: Peregud Danil I. , Baronets Valeria Yu. , Lobacheva Anna S. , Ivanov Alexandr S. , Garmash Irina V. , Arisheva Olga S. , Kobalava Zhanna D. , Pirozhkov Sergey V. , Terebilina Natalia N.
Published: October 2023

Background and aim

Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) functions not only in the brain but also in peripheral tissues such as the liver. Genetic factors determine the development of alcohol dependence and somatic consequences of chronic intoxication, especially liver cirrhosis. The BDNF gene polymorphisms are associated with alcohol dependence; however, their relationship with the development of alcohol-related liver cirrhosis (ALC) has not yet been established. This study evaluated the association between single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) within the BDNF gene and liver cirrhosis in heavy drinkers.

Methods

BDNF-related SNPs rs925946, rs6265, rs10835210, rs7103411, and rs75945125 were determined using real-time PCR in heavy drinkers with and without liver cirrhosis. Single SNPs and defined haplotypes within the BDNF gene were tested for association with ALC.

Results

According to both codominant and recessive genetic models, carriers of the rs925946 TT genotype have an elevated risk of liver cirrhosis development with odds ratios (confidence intervals) 6.287 (1.286–30.738) and 6.321 (1.317–30.348), respectively. BDNF SNPs rs6265, rs10835210, rs7103411, and rs75945125 do not associate with risk of ALC. One block of haplotypes consisting of rs10835210 and rs7103411 demonstrated linkage disequilibrium (D′ = 1 and r2 = 0.228). The revealed haplotypes do not associate with the development of liver cirrhosis in alcohol heavy drinkers.

Conclusion

Thus, the BDNF rs925946 SNP is associated with the risk of ALC in heavy drinkers. Future investigations of the BDNF gene-related genetic markers of ALC will help to objectively assess the risk and severity of liver damage and correct the corresponding therapy.
The Impact of Testosterone Therapy on Cardiovascular Risk Among Postmenopausal Women
Authors: Britton Rhys C , Beamish Nicole F
Published: October 2023

Purpose

To summarize the current state of knowledge surrounding the impact of testosterone therapy on cardiovascular risk factors in postmenopausal women.

Methodology

In this scoping review, a comprehensive search of peer-reviewed literature was conducted in adherence to a methodological framework comprising 4 distinct stages: conceptualizing a comprehensive search strategy, screening relevant publications, extracting pertinent data, and organizing and synthesizing the resultant findings. The search used electronic databases, including MEDLINE, Embase, and Google Scholar, to ensure an exhaustive survey of the available literature.

Results

The database search yielded 150 articles, including systematic reviews, registered trials, and peer-reviewed studies, of which 48 duplicates were removed. Following the title/abstract screening, 36 publications were included in the full-text review. On completion of the full-text review, using the inclusion/exclusion criteria, 29 articles were excluded and 7 remained for data extraction and qualitative synthesis.

Main Conclusion

Existing research provides promising insights into the benefits of low-dose testosterone therapy, typically combined with estrogen therapy. These benefits may include positive impacts on body composition, functional capacity, insulin sensitivity, inflammatory markers, and cholesterol. However, there remains a substantial lack of knowledge surrounding the effects and mechanisms behind testosterone therapy in postmenopausal women in relation to its impacts on cardiovascular risk. High-quality, evidence-based clinical intervention research is needed to investigate testosterone therapy's potential implication on cardiovascular risk factors in post-menopausal women.
From Suspicion to Sincerity in Composition Pedagogy
Authors: Colton Aaron
Published: October 2023

Recent advocates of postcritique urge scholars not to read texts suspiciously but instead to regard texts as capable of saying what they mean and, accordingly, to take those meanings seriously. While a suspicious disposition underlies much of introductory composition pedagogy, especially the teaching of argument, postcritique has made little entry into discourses of undergraduate instruction. Attending to the New Sincerity movement in American literature, film, and music after 1980, this essay examines how teaching texts that emphasize their own sincerity (and the difficulty of achieving sincere expression) can encourage students to regard argument and interpretation not as suspicious practices but as means for a generous mode of description that does not sacrifice the complexity of a given text.
Monastic and Convent Life as a City Phenomenon
Authors: Galeazzo Ludovica
Published: October 2023

In visual arts, historiographical writings, and literary texts, the image of the church recurs as a feature of civic identity and celebratory landmarks. Chapter 16 argues that Jacopo de’ Barbari’s View breaks with the tradition of “sacred topography” to depict monastic and convent communities as an integral part of Venetian socioeconomic life. Nearly spying beyond the impermeable spiritual walls, the artist captures the exigencies of the cenobites as well as their ties to the city. The abundance of orderly orchards, gardens, and vineyards that frame their precincts recalls these ecclesiastical spaces as fundamental food suppliers. While the range of accommodation facilities within the city’s maze—docks, boathouses, and magazines—elucidates the clergy’s involvement in everyday life activities, the strips of unsolidified soil testify to its adamant drainage activities. In the View religious life is not solely a spiritual and secluded world but a dynamic force that shapes the urban fabric.
Gendered Space(s) and theView
Authors: Hurlburt Holly
Published: October 2023

Using de’ Barbari’s View of Venice as its framing device, chapter 17 joins other recent scholarship in challenging the notion of a neat public/private, male/female divide in Venetian space. Women fulfilled significant roles in civic rituals and acted as conduits in informal politics. Although the presence of de’ Barbari’s brawny Neptune as guardian of Piazza San Marco seemingly underscores the Venetian Republic’s masculinity, neither the civic rituals that regularly filled the piazza and the Grand Canal nor the politics that radiated from the Doge’s Palace were the sole provenance of men. As this essay demonstrates, the bodies of women filled the ceremonial spaces depicted by de’ Barbari in unprecedented numbers, marking events of considerable political, diplomatic, and imperial significance. While sex technically prevented women from participating in Venetian governance, behind walls their social networks enabled them to become essential contributors to the informal world of Venetian political influence.
Medical students’ knowledge about curriculum development and implementation in public and private medical institutes
Authors: Ehsan Sumera , Ayub Ayesha , Sadiq Ayesha
Published: October 2023

Objective: To assess the knowledge of undergraduate medical students about curriculum development and implementation.

Methods: A quantitative descriptive study was conducted at a public sector institute and a private sector institute from September, 2022 to December, 2022. Simple random sampling was used and all the undergraduate MBBS students were included in study. Sample size was calculated using open epi and keeping confidence interval at 95% as 316 for FMU students and 218 for AFMDC students. Ethical approval was taken from FMU and permission to collect data was obtained from AFMDC. A Questionnaire was made and distributed among the students and data obtained was analyzed using SPSS 25.0.

Results: Two hundred and forty-seven (49.4%) participants responded that the students don’t have any say in their curriculum, 400 (80%) were of the view that the students must have their opinion in the curriculum and 397 (79.4%) said that students must be involved in the process of planning and implementation of curriculum. When asked about the areas of deficiencies in the current curriculum, 101 (20.2%) pointed new skill, 84 (16.8%) indicated New information, new skills, teaching Methodology and effective teachers, 68 (13.6%) said teaching methodology while 51 (10.2%) indicated new skills and teaching methodology both. Five main themes were identified from the comments of students regarding curriculum, its development and implementation including; 1. Content revision, 2. Teaching methodologies, 3. Assessment, 4. Guidance and orientation and 5. Teacher student relationship.

Conclusion: The undergraduate medical students are aware of the terms related to curriculum, its development and implementation but they are not being involved in any of this process. Content revision, clinical integration from initial years, quality assessment and faculty development are few areas that need improvement from students’ perspectives.

doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.40.1.7705

How to cite this: Ehsan S, Ayub A, Sadiq A. Medical students’ knowledge about curriculum development and implementation in public and private medical institutes. Pak J Med Sci. 2024;40(1):---------. doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.40.1.7705

This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
Association between intestinal microflora and renal function in patients with chronic renal failure: A case-control analysis
Authors: Chen Haixia , Xie Xiaoxiao , Tang Shuming
Published: October 2023

Objective: To identify the association between the changes in intestinal microflora and renal function in patients with chronic renal failure (CRF).

Methods: This retrospective case-control study included 50 patients with CRF (study group), admitted to the Clinical Laboratory Department of Shenzhen People’s Hospital from March 2021 to May 2022, and 50 healthy individuals (control group). The association between the distribution of intestinal microflora and the glomerular filtration rate (GFR), levels of serum creatinine (SCr), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), and serum cystatin C (CysC) were analyzed.

Results: Intestinal microflora of CRF patients had significantly higher levels of Enterococci compared to the control group (p-Value <0.05), while the levels of Bifidobacterium spp. and Escherichia coli were lower in the study group (p-Value <0.05). GFR was lower, and the levels of BUN, SCr, and CysC were higher in the study group compared to the control group (all p-Value <0.05). GFR, BUN, SCr and CysC levels in the study group negatively correlated with the levels of Bifidobacterium spp. and Lactobacillus spp. (r<0, P<0.05), and positively correlated with the abundance of Enterococcus spp. and Escherichia coli (r>0, P<0.05) in the intestinal microflora.

Conclusions: Changes in intestinal microbiota are associated with a significant decrease in GFR and a marked increase in serum levels of renal function indicators, and alterations in the balance of intestinal microbiota may lead to further aggravation of the renal function damage in patients with CRF.

doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.40.1.8194

How to cite this: Chen H, Xie X, Tang S. Association between intestinal microflora and renal function in patients with chronic renal failure: A case-control analysis. Pak J Med Sci. 2024;40(1):---------. doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.40.1.8194

This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
Targeted amplicon deep sequencing of ama1 and mdr1 to track within-host P. falciparum diversity throughout treatment in a clinical drug trial
Authors: Wamae Kevin , Ndwiga Leonard , Kharabora Oksana , Kimenyi Kelvin , Osoti Victor , de Laurent Zaydah , Wambua Juliana , Musyoki Jennifer , Ngetsa Caroline , Kalume Peter , Mwambingu Gabriel , Hamaluba Mainga , van der Pluijm Rob , Dondorp Arjen M. , Bailey Jeffrey , Juliano Jonathan , Bejon Philip , Ochola-Oyier Lynette
Published: October 2023

Introduction Antimalarial therapeutic efficacy studies are routinely conducted in malaria-endemic countries to assess the effectiveness of antimalarial treatment strategies. Targeted amplicon sequencing (AmpSeq) uniquely identifies and quantifies genetically distinct parasites within an infection. In this study, AmpSeq of Plasmodium falciparum apical membrane antigen 1 (ama1), and multidrug resistance gene 1 (mdr1), were used to characterise the complexity of infection (COI) and drug-resistance genotypes, respectively. Methods P. falciparum-positive samples were obtained from a triple artemisinin combination therapy clinical trial conducted in 30 children under 13 years of age between 2018 and 2019 in Kilifi, Kenya. Nine of the 30 participants presented with recurrent parasitemia from day 26 (624h) onwards. The ama1 and mdr1 genes were amplified and sequenced, while msp1, msp2 and glurp data were obtained from the original clinical study. Results The COI was comparable between ama1 and msp1, msp2 and glurp; overall, ama1 detected more microhaplotypes. Based on ama1, a stable number of microhaplotypes were detected throughout treatment until day 3. Additionally, a recrudescent infection was identified with an ama1 microhaplotype initially observed at 30h and later in an unscheduled follow-up visit. Using the relative frequencies of ama1 microhaplotypes and parasitemia, we identified a fast (<1h) and slow (>5h) clearing microhaplotype. As expected, only two mdr1 microhaplotypes (NF and NY) were identified based on the combination of amino acid polymorphisms at codons 86 and 184. Conclusions This study highlights AmpSeq as a tool for highly-resolution tracking of parasite microhaplotypes throughout treatment and can detect variation in microhaplotype clearance estimates. AmpSeq can also identify slow-clearing microhaplotypes, a potential early sign of selection during treatment. Consequently, AmpSeq has the capability of improving the discriminatory power to distinguish recrudescences from reinfections accurately.
Architecture and Icon: the Origin of the Stepped Gables in the Icon ‘The Vision of the Sexton Tarasiy of Khutyn’
Authors: Antipov Ilya , Trushnikova Alexandra , Kostyria Maksim
Published: October 2023

The article invites to look afresh at the late 16th century Novgorod icon‘The Vision of the Sexton Tarasiy of Khutyn`’ and the Faceted Palace,built in 1433 by German craftsmen. The stepped gables of the building,located west of St Sophia Cathedral in the icon, were interpreted asrealistic image of the upper parts of the Faceted Palace that havenot survived. However, the iconographic analysis of more than ahundred of the Russian icons and illuminated manuscripts datingback to the second half of the 16th – early 17th centuries proved thatthe stepped gable was a decorative architectural motive, widespreadsince the 1560s–1570s. The authors classified the images of buildingswith stepped gable in the late medieval Russian art, and determinedtheir possible sources among the Northern European prints of the15th – 16th centuries. The comprehensive study ascertained that thebuilding in the icon ‘The Vision of the Sexton Tarasiy’ can’t be used forreconstruction of the Faceted Palace. Since 1560s–1570s the schematicrepresentation of the city in Russian art often placed buildings withthe stepped gables (initially acquired from the European prints)next to the churches. Panorama of Novgorod in the Khutyn` iconfollowed this pattern and combined fantastic forms with ratherrealistic depiction of the church edifices.
‘Indifferent Things?’ Reflections on Reformation and Art in the Baltic Region
Authors: DaCosta Kaufmann Thomas
Published: October 2023

This chapter presents reflections on issues raised by IndifferentThings? Objects and Images in Post-Reformation Churches in the BalticSea Region. It discusses the recent historiography of interpretativeapproaches, periodisation, the canon, iconoclasm, theories ofresponse, comparative contexts, and issues of aesthetics.
VENUS GALLERY PROJECT BY YURI KOLOGRIVOV: THE LIST IN ITALIAN
Authors: Egorova Sofia
Published: October 2023

This article supplements what is known about the project to createan exhibition space for the Classical art collection at one of Peter theGreat’s suburban palaces (either in Kadriorg or Strelna). The projectwas proposed by Yuri Kologrivov (1680/1685–1754), whose main taskwas to source pieces of both modern and ancient art in Rome. A letterdetailing the plans has survived and consists of the followings items:1) a textual description (which has been published several times); 2) adrawing of the interior; 3) a scheme with statues numbered and listed onthe same sheet; and 4) an additional page in Italian, which has not beenpublished until now. This sheet contains a list of the purchased statuesin Italian. It was probably meant for Nicola Michetti, the architect incharge of the palace construction. The Italian text contains Gruppiwhich allows us to correct point 6 of the list in Russian, where inplace of Труп Венусовых забав (incomprehensible The Corpse of Venus’Amusements) one should read Груп Венусовых забав (The Group of Venus’Amusements, probably Venus and Cupid playing with a dove). Someother new details are discovered: the statues were divided into twokinds (‘statue isolate’ and ‘statue non isolate’, i.e. for display in niches);and six statues left without specification in point 9 of the list in Russianmust have represented male characters (Sign).
Cultural and Artistic Dialogues in Galicia in the Second Half of the 20th Century
Authors: Besaha Maryan , Babunych Yuliya , Holubets Orest
Published: October 2023

The research aims to define the dialogical nature of culturaland artistic processes in the historical environment of late 20thcentury Galicia, and to determine a list of significant events, artistassociations, and personalities. The Research methodology is basedon the principles of combining the system approach with historicalprinciples, comparison, and synthesis. Historical and cultural, andformal-analytical, approaches with elements of comparative anddescriptive analysis are used.The mutual impact of policy and authorities on the artisticenvironment and education processes is analysed for the first time.The movement of individual artistic practices and artist unions asthe main factors shaping the artistic environment in Galicia in thesecond half of the 20th century is highlighted.We conclude that pressure from the communist totalitarianauthorities on the artistic community in Galicia, deportations,bullying, and isolation failed to destroy the structure of artisticdialogue. With changes in leadership and control vectors, cultural andartistic life searched for a unique form of expression, and Lviv (beinga centre of culture and education) played an important role in shapingmany new names that would later influence the environment. Afterthe collapse of the Soviet Union and the appearance of independentUkraine, the processes to rehabilitate artistic values, based onnational form and the dialogical form of the first third of the 20thcentury, took place. Artist unions and new galleries that appearedto cater to the needs of cultural and artistic life in Galicia becameinstrumental in developing new artistic ideas both in Ukraine andbeyond. Consideration of views and the importance of the creativityof individual artists and artist associations in cultural and artisticprocesses in late 20th century Galicia created the preconditions bywhich to determine the importance and patterns of social and politicalinfluences on the development of Ukrainian art in the 20th and 21stcenturies.
Saint Dymphna by Goossen van der Weyden – An Up-to-date Princess
Authors: Palginõmm Kerttu
Published: October 2023

In 2020, two major exhibitions brought to Tallinn by the PhoebusFoundation, the largest private art collection in Belgium, opened atthe Art Museum of Estonia. While the exhibition at the KadriorgArt Museum exhibited numerous works from the Golden Age of theFlemish painting, the exhibition at the Niguliste Museum made theDymphna altarpiece from the Goossen van der Weyden workshop(ca 1505) its focus. The altarpiece was dismantled in the 19th centuryafter which the panel depicting the decapitation of Dymphna was lost.The exhibition was accompanied by a monograph reflecting on themajor topics connected to the Dymphna altarpiece and presentingthe results of the conservation work carried out between 2017 and2020. One of the aspects the book considers is the material culturerepresented in the Dymphna altarpiece.The clothing and textiles of the protagonists receive special attentionin the monograph, for example when questions such as if the garmentsworn by the princess and the king are fashionable or out of dateare raised. This article explores this question taking the portraitsof Habsburg and Castilian princesses painted in around 1500 andnot used for comparison in the monograph as its point of departure.In this paper I propose, that the clothing and accessories ofprincess Dymphna are modelled on the image of contemporaryHabsburg-Castilian princesses, and that such modelling has politicalimplications. The role of Antwerp as a merchant city must also notbe forgotten in this context, as the appearance of luxury objects in anartwork is in direct correlation with the city’s milieu of merchandise,luxury production, and the marketing of the city.
Research and the nurse consultant's role
Authors: Renwick Catherine
Published: October 2023

Catherine Renwick discusses her experience as a consultant nurse and how the role can be developed further in relation to the research domain of advanced practice.
UM ESTUDO DE CASO SOBRE A EDUCAÇÃO ESCOLAR INDÍGENA NO RIO GRANDE DO NORTE
Authors: Lelis Creusa , Aragão Wilson , Silva Givanildo da
Published: October 2023

A pesquisa teve como objetivo mostrar a contextualização histórica, política e social de uma escola indígena no município de Canguaretama, no estado do Rio Grande do Norte, a partir dos embates empreendidos pela comunidade escolar em busca da sua legalização e reconhecimento como escola indígena. A metodologia esteve pautada na abordagem qualitativa e o estudo de caso como técnica de pesquisa. Os dados foram coletados por meio da entrevista semiestruturada com 4 profissionais da escola. Como resultados, foi possível perceber que a comunidade do Catu vivenciou momentos de lutas e de tensões para alcançar a legitimidade e o reconhecimento da escola como indígena, a partir da implementação das políticas de ação afirmativa.
Challenges, Future and Policy Orientations: The 1960s−1970s as Decisive Years for Swiss Vocational Education and Training
Authors: Bonoli Lorenzo , Gonon Philipp
Published: October 2023

Purpose: The years 1960-1970 were decisive years in the development of Swiss vocational education and training (VET). The post-World War II economic boom, technological innovations and the debate concerning equal opportunities and the democratisation of education put the VET system under pressure. Reforms were thus undertaken to increase the attractiveness of the system and to respond to the urgent shortage of qualified workers at the time. At the same time, reforms were adopted increasing the theoretical and general knowledge content of VET and improving the quality of training. The aim of our article is to describe these reforms and to show how they relate to a certain image of the future of society.Method: Our article is based on an analysis of historical documents written between 1960 and 1972 in Switzerland on the subject of VET. These documents will, firstly, be used for a historical reconstruction of the situation and of the major challenges of the time; and secondly, they will be subjected to a discourse analysis in order to identify the main arguments that characterised the public debate at the time.Results: Our article shows how the reforms undertaken take shape on the basis of a certain image of the future of society and of VET held at the time: an image characterised by constant and rapid changes, increasing insecurity, need for adaptation and flexibility, complexification and specialisation of the work tasks.Conclusion: The article will also underline how the responses to the challenges posed by this image of the future will be at the origin of five trends that will characterise the evolution of Swiss VET until today: a trend towards academisation, with more academic and general content; a trend towards pedagogisation, with increased pedagogical attention to curricula and teacher training; differentiation, with the creation of new certifications; permeability, with the opening of vocational tracks to higher education; and “learnerisation”, with the gradual change of the figure of the apprentice from a “worker” to a “learner”. Far from being limited to the evolution of Swiss VET, these five trends describe movements that recent studies by CEDEFOP show also at the European level.
A Call-In for Allyship and Anti-Ableism in Intellectual Disability Research
Authors: McDonald Katherine E. , Schwartz Ariel E. , Feldman Micah Fialka , Nelis Tia , Raymaker Dora M.
Published: October 2023

Provoked by decades of grassroots activism, anti-ableist work is underway to advance disability rights. Intellectual disability (ID) researchers can integrate these social changes into their work by interrogating and transforming the beliefs and practices that underpin ID research. We share actionable ideas to foster anti-ableism and allyship in ID research. These include: (1) Learn from and nurture long-term, mutual relationships with people with ID; (2) Amplify the voices of people with ID in institutional structures that influence research; (3) Infuse anti-ableist frameworks into our own research; and (4) Embody a career-long commitment to disability rights, reflexive practice, and growth.
Haplotypic analysis of cox1 from Toxocara canis demonstrates five distinct clades that are not geographically defined
Authors: Martin Katy A. , Jesudoss Chelladurai Jeba R. J. , Bsrat Abrha , Pulaski Cassan , Lee Alice C. Y. , Starkey Lindsay A. , Brewer Matthew T.
Published: October 2023

Background

Toxocara canisis a cosmopolitan parasite of dogs that is transmitted transplacentally to puppies resulting in widespread shedding of eggs in the environment. However, it is not clear if there are dominant parasite genotypes that are more common, pathogenic, or likely to be zoonotic.

Methods/principle findings

Sequences of mitochondrialcox1gene from adult worms were used to compare parasites from the United States with submitted sequences from parasites isolated from dogs in different countries. Our analysis revealed at least 55 haplotypes. While we expected the North American worms to form a distinct cluster, we found haplotypes ofT.canisreported elsewhere existing in this population. Interestingly, combining the sequence data from our study with the available GenBank data, analysis ofcox1sequences results in five distinct clades that are not geographically defined.

Conclusions

The five clades ofT.canisrevealed in this study potentially have unique life histories, traits, or host preferences. Additional investigation is needed to see if these distinct clades represent cryptic species with clinically useful attributes or genotypes with taxonomic value. Evaluation of common mitochondrial genes may reveal distinct populations of zoonoticT.canis.
Evaluation of the efficacy of using indocyanine green associated with fluorescence in sentinel lymph node biopsy
Authors: da Silva Sá Rafael , Von Ah Rodrigues Raquel Fujinohara , Bugalho Luiz Antônio , da Silva Suelen Umbelino , Pinto Nazário Afonso Celso
Published: October 2023

Introduction

Sentinel lymph node biopsy is the technique recommended for the axillary staging of patients with breast cancer in the initial stages without clinical axillary involvement. Three techniques are widely used globally to detect sentinel lymph nodes: patent blue, the radiopharmaceutical technetium 99 with gamma probe, and the combination of these two.

Objectives

To evaluate the sentinel lymph node detection rate with an innovative technique: indocyanine green (ICG) associated with fluorescence in breast cancer patients, and compare it with patent blue and a combination of patent blue and indocyanine green.

Methods

99 patients were sequentially (not randomly) allocated into 3 arms with 33 patients submitted to sentinel lymph node techniques. One arm underwent patent blue dying, the other indocyanine green, and the third received a combination of both. The detection rates between arms were compared.

Results

The detection rate in identifying the sentinel lymph node was 78.8% with patent blue, 93.9% with indocyanine green, and 100% with the combination. Indocyanine green identified two sentinel nodes in 48.5% of patients; the other groups more commonly had only one node identified. The mean time to sentinel lymph node identification was 20.6 ± 10.7 SD (standard deviation) minutes among patients submitted to the patent blue dye, 8.6 ± 6.6 minutes in the indocyanine green arm, and 10 ± 8.9 minutes in the combined group (P<0.001; Student’s test). The mean surgery time was 69.4 ± 16.9; 55.1 ± 13.9; and 69.4 ± 19.3 minutes respectively (P<0.001; Student’s test).

Conclusions

The sentinel lymph node detection rate by fluorescence using indocyanine green was 93.9%, considered adequate. The rates using patent blue, indocyanine green, and patent blue plus indocyanine green (combined) were significantly different, and the indocyanine green alone is also acceptable, since it has a good performance in sentinel lymph node identification and it can avoid tattooing, with a 100% sentinel lymph node detection rate when combined with patent blue.