bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Nuclear respiratory factor 1 drives hepatocellular carcinoma progression by activating LPCAT1-ERK1/2-CREB axis
Authors: Liu Ran , Yin Chuanzheng , Zhao Peng , Guo Bing , Ke Wenbo , Zheng Xichuan , Xie Dawei , Wang Yaofeng , Wang Gengqiao , Jia Yinzhao , Gao Yang , Hu Wenjun , Liu Gang Logan , Song Zifang
Published: October 2023

Background

Nuclear respiratory factor 1 (NRF1) is a transcription factor that participates in several kinds of tumor, but its role in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains elusive. This study aims to explore the role of NRF1 in HCC progression and investigate the underlying mechanisms.

Results

NRF1 was overexpressed and hyperactive in HCC tissue and cell lines and high expression of NRF1 indicated unfavorable prognosis of HCC patients. NRF1 promoted proliferation, migration and invasion of HCC cells both in vitro and in vivo. Mechanistically, NRF1 activated ERK1/2-CREB signaling pathway by transactivating lysophosphatidylcholine acyltransferase 1 (LPCAT1), thus promoting cell cycle progression and epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT) of HCC cells. Meanwhile, LPCAT1 upregulated the expression of NRF1 by activating ERK1/2-CREB signaling pathway, forming a positive feedback loop.

Conclusions

NRF1 is overexpressed in HCC and promotes HCC progression by activating LPCAT1-ERK1/2-CREB axis. NRF1 is a promising therapeutic target for HCC patients.
The Study of Ketamine for Youth Depression (SKY-D): study protocol for a randomised controlled trial of low-dose ketamine for young people with major depressive disorder
Authors: Schwartz Orli S. , Amminger Paul , Baune Bernard T. , Bedi Gillinder , Berk Michael , Cotton Sue M. , Daglas-Georgiou Rothanthi , Glozier Nick , Harrison Ben , Hermens Daniel F. , Jennings Emma , Lagopoulos Jim , Loo Colleen , Mallawaarachchi Sumudu , Martin Donel , Phelan Bethany , Read Nikki , Rodgers Anthony , Schmaal Lianne , Somogyi Andrew A. , Thurston Lily , Weller Amber , Davey Christopher G.
Published: October 2023

Background

Existing treatments for young people with severe depression have limited effectiveness. The aim of the Study of Ketamine for Youth Depression (SKY-D) trial is to determine whether a 4-week course of low-dose subcutaneous ketamine is an effective adjunct to treatment-as-usual in young people with major depressive disorder (MDD).

Methods

SKY-D is a double-masked, randomised controlled trial funded by the Australian Government’s National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC). Participants aged between 16 and 25 years (inclusive) with moderate-to-severe MDD will be randomised to receive either low-dose ketamine (intervention) or midazolam (active control) via subcutaneous injection once per week for 4 weeks. The primary outcome is change in depressive symptoms on the Montgomery-Åsberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS) after 4 weeks of treatment. Further follow-up assessment will occur at 8 and 26 weeks from treatment commencement to determine whether treatment effects are sustained and to investigate safety outcomes.

Discussion

Results from this trial will be important in determining whether low-dose subcutaneous ketamine is an effective treatment for young people with moderate-to-severe MDD. This will be the largest randomised trial to investigate the effects of ketamine to treat depression in young people.

Trial registration

Australian and New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry ID: ACTRN12619000683134. Registered on May 7, 2019. https://www.anzctr.org.au/Trial/Registration/TrialReview.aspx?id=377513.
Community-based type 2 diabetes care by lay village health workers in rural Lesotho: protocol for a cluster-randomized trial within the ComBaCaL cohort study (ComBaCaL T2D TwiC)
Authors: Gerber Felix , Gupta Ravi , Lejone Thabo Ishmael , Tahirsylaj Thesar , Lee Tristan , Kohler Maurus , Haldemann Maria Ines , Räber Fabian , Chitja Mamakhala , Manthabiseng Molulela , Khomolishoele Makhebe , Mota Mota , Bane Matumaole , Sematle Pauline Mamorontsane , Makabateng Retselisitsoe , Mphunyane Madavida , Phaaroe Sejojo , Basler Dave , Kindler Kevin , Seelig Eleonora , Briel Matthias , Chammartin Frédérique , Labhardt Niklaus Daniel , Amstutz Alain
Published: October 2023

Background

Type 2 diabetes (T2D) poses a growing public health burden, especially in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Task-shifting to lay village health workers (VHWs) and the use of digital clinical decision support systems (CDSS) are promising approaches to tackle the current T2D care gap in LMICs. However, evidence on the effectiveness of lay worker-led T2D care models, in which VHWs initiate and monitor drug treatment in addition to community-based screening and referral services, is lacking.

Methods

We are conducting a cluster-randomized trial nested within the Community-Based Chronic Disease Care Lesotho (ComBaCaL) cohort study (NCT05596773) using the trial within cohort (TwiC) design to assess the effectiveness of a VHW-led, CDSS-assisted T2D care model in rural Lesotho. Participants are non-pregnant members of the ComBaCaL cohort study with T2D. The ComBaCaL cohort study is conducted in approximately 100 villages in two rural districts in Lesotho and is managed by trained and supervised VHWs. In intervention villages, VHWs offer a community-based T2D care package including lifestyle counselling, first-line oral antidiabetic, lipid-lowering, and antiplatelet treatment guided by a tablet-based CDSS to participants who are clinically eligible, as well as treatment support to participants who prefer or clinically require facility-based T2D care. In control clusters, all participants will be referred to a health facility for T2D management. The primary endpoint is the mean glycosylated haemoglobin (HbA1c) 12 months after enrolment. Secondary endpoints include the 10-year risk for cardiovascular events estimated using the World Health Organization risk prediction tool.

Discussion

The trial was launched on May 13, 2023, and has enrolled 226 participants at the date of submission (October 6, 2023). To our knowledge, the trial is the first to assess task-shifting of T2D care to VHWs at the community level, including the prescription of first-line antidiabetic, lipid-lowering, and antiplatelet medication in sub-Saharan Africa, and will thus provide the missing evidence on the effectiveness of such a T2D care model in this setting. The study is operating within the established Lesotho VHW programme. Similar community health worker programmes which exist across sub-Saharan Africa may benefit from the findings.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT05743387. Registered on February 24 2023.
Prognostic value of the prognostic nutritional index for patients with acute myocardial infarction undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention with variable glucose metabolism statuses: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Ling Xuebin , Lin Chufen , Liu Jin , He Yibo , Yang Yongquan , Lu Na , Jie Wei , Liu Yong , Chen Shiqun , Guo Junli
Published: October 2023

Background

The prognostic nutritional index (PNI) and different glucose metabolisms have been separately reported to be correlated with long-term prognosis in patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). However, PNI application in patients with an impaired glucose metabolism has not been well validated, especially in pre-diabetic patients. This study evaluated whether PNI influences a long-term risk of mortality along different glucose metabolism statuses.

Methods

A total of 17,697 patients with AMI and a history of PCI were enrolled in this retrospective observational cohort study from January 2007 to December 2020. Three subgroups with different glucose metabolism statuses, including normal glucose regulation (NGR), pre-diabetes mellitus (pre-DM), and diabetes mellitus (DM), were divided into three groups according to the tertiles of PNI, respectively.

Results

All-cause mortality occurred in 2613 (14.8%) patients within a median of 4.1 years of follow-up. Upon analyzing the Kaplan–Meier plots for the NGR, pre-DM, and DM groups, the incidence of all-cause or cardiovascular mortality in the low PNI (PNI-L, ≤ 42.7) subgroup was significantly higher than that in the median PNI (PNI-M, > 42.7 and ≤ 48.2) and high PNI (PNI-H, > 48.2) subgroups (all, P < 0.001). After adjusting for confounding factors, the hazard ratio (HR) for all-cause mortality in the PNI-L group significantly increased compared to that in the PNI-H subgroups of the NGR group (HR, 1.35; 95% CI 1.14–1.66; P < 0.001), pre-DM group (HR, 1.29; 95% CI 1.02–1.62; P < 0.001), and DM group (HR, 1.36; 95% CI 1.13–1.63; P < 0.001). Given that there was evidence of interactions between PNI and different glucose statuses (P for interaction < 0.001), patients were divided into nine subgroups, and we found that DM patients with PNI-L statuses had the highest risk of all-cause mortality compared to NGR patients with PNI-H statuses (HR, 1.69; 95% CI 1.42–2.01; P < 0.001).

Conclusion

Lower PNI is a significant and independent risk factor for all-cause mortality in AMI patients undergoing PCI with different glucose metabolism statuses, and this risk further increases with DM compared to NGR or pre-DM statuses.
Quantitative profiling and diagnostic potential of one-carbon and central metabolism pools in MODY2 and T1DM
Authors: Liu Jieying , Xie Ziyan , Fu Junling , Yu Miao , Wang Tong , Qi Cuijuan , Liu Peng , Hui Xiangyi , Wang Dongmei , Ding Lu , Zhang Qian , Xie Ting , Xiao Xinhua
Published: October 2023

Background

Maturity-onset diabetes of the young type 2 (MODY2) is a rare genetic disorder characterized as mild fasting hyperglycemia with low risk of vascular complications caused by glucokinase gene mutation. This study aims to investigate metabolites alteration associated with MODY2, exploring possible mechanism underlying characteristic clinical manifestations and low cardiovascular risks of MODY2 and providing serum metabolite biomarkers to facilitating MODY2 diagnosis.

Methods

Fasting serum samples from MODY2, type 1 diabetes (T1DM) and healthy individuals were collected. By using targeted metabolomics via liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry platform, we quantified the metabolites involved in tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle and one-carbon metabolism.

Results

Metabolomic profiling revealed significant difference of intermediates from central metabolism cycle, methionine cycle and several amino acids between MODY2 and T1DM groups. Among these, serum citrate, α-ketoglutaric acid, serine, glycine, glutamine and homocysteine were significantly elevated in MODY2 patients compared with T1DM patients; and compared with healthy subjects, malate and methionine levels were significantly increased in the two groups of diabetic patients. The correlation analysis with clinical indexes showed that α- ketoglutarate, serine, glycine, and glutamine were negatively correlated with blood glucose indicators including fasting blood glucose, HbA1c, and GA, while citrate was positively correlated with C-peptide. And homocysteine displayed positive correlation with HDL and negative with C-reactive protein, which shed light on the mechanism of mild symptoms and low risk of cardiovascular complications in MODY2 patients. A panel of 4 metabolites differentiated MODY2 from T1DM with AUC of 0.924, and a combination of clinical indices and metabolite also gained good diagnostic value with AUC 0.948.

Conclusion

In this research, we characterized the metabolite profiles of TCA cycle and one-carbon metabolism in MODY2 and T1DM and identified promising diagnostic biomarkers for MODY2. This study may provide novel insights into the pathogenesis and clinical manifestations of MODY2.
Association between follicle size, endometrial thickness, and types of ovarian stimulation (Clomiphene citrate and Letrozole) with biochemical pregnancy rate in women undergone intrauterine insemination
Authors: Rachmawati Anita , Krisnadi Sofie Rifayani , Santoso Shasya Aniza , Nugrahani Annisa Dewi
Published: October 2023

Objective

There was also a lack of data regarding the effect of follicle size, endometrial thickness, and ovarian stimulation as predictors of intrauterine insemination (IUI) success rate in Indonesia, especially in the Aster Clinic and Bandung Fertility Centre. This study was performed to explore the relationship between follicle size, endometrial thickness, and types of ovarian stimulation (Clomiphene citrate/CC vs Letrozole) with biochemical pregnancy rate in women undergone IUI. We performed a case–control study in 122 women aged 20–40 years with unexplained infertility who had completed the IUI program for a maximum of three cycles. Data were extracted from medical records. Independent T-test and multivariate analyses were used to analyse the difference between variables using IBM SPSS 24.0. P-value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Result

Follicle sizes of 18–22 mm in both Clomiphene citrate (CC) and Letrozole groups were shown to increase biochemical pregnancy rate (P = 0.001). There is no relationship between endometrial thickness and pregnancy rate. Biochemical pregnancy rate in women using Letrozole was 1.513 times higher than women using CC. The follicle size of 18–22 mm and using Letrozole rather than CC as ovarian stimulators are predictive factors associated with a higher pregnancy rate in women undergone IUI.
Real-time assessment of hypnotic depth, using an EEG-based brain-computer interface: a preliminary study
Authors: Obukhov Nikita V. , Naish Peter L.N. , Solnyshkina Irina E. , Siourdaki Tatiana G. , Martynov Ilya A.
Published: October 2023

Objective

Hypnosis can be an effective treatment for many conditions, and there have been attempts to develop instrumental approaches to continuously monitor hypnotic state level (“depth”). However, there is no method that addresses the individual variability of electrophysiological hypnotic correlates. We explore the possibility of using an EEG-based passive brain-computer interface (pBCI) for real-time, individualised estimation of the hypnosis deepening process.

Results

The wakefulness and deep hypnosis intervals were manually defined and labelled in 27 electroencephalographic (EEG) recordings obtained from eight outpatients after hypnosis sessions. Spectral analysis showed that EEG correlates of deep hypnosis were relatively stable in each patient throughout the treatment but varied between patients. Data from each first session was used to train classification models to continuously assess deep hypnosis probability in subsequent sessions. Models trained using four frequency bands (1.5–45, 1.5–8, 1.5–14, and 4–15 Hz) showed accuracy mostly exceeding 85% in a 10-fold cross-validation. Real-time classification accuracy was also acceptable, so at least one of the four bands yielded results exceeding 74% in any session. The best results averaged across all sessions were obtained using 1.5–14 and 4–15 Hz, with an accuracy of 82%. The revealed issues are also discussed.
Dural arteriovenous fistula with spinal dural arteriovenous fistula: a case report and review of the literature
Authors: Wang Peixin , Zhang Lele , Zhang Wenqian , Shi Tiejun , Sun Yikun , Cui Shaojie , Zhang Dan , Kong Fanxuan , Wang Tao
Published: October 2023

Background

This paper analyzed the cases of dural arteriovenous fistula (DAVF) with spinal dural arteriovenous fistula (SDAVF) in the diagnosis and treatment process.

Case presentation

One case involving dural arteriovenous fistula (DAVF) with spinal dural arteriovenous fistula (SDAVF) from the 306th Hospital of PLA was retrospectively analyzed. The patient consulted the doctor due to lower limb sensory and motor disorders while exhibiting symptoms of urinary dysfunction. A computed tomographic angiography (CTA) and cerebral angiography confirmed the diagnosis of dural arteriovenous fistula (DAVF), necessitating surgical treatment. The patient was referred to our hospital for an magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and a spinal angiography to obtain a confirmed diagnosis for spinal arteriovenous fistula, after which they underwent surgical fistula resection. The invasive intracranial dural arteriovenous fistula (DAVF) resection proceeded smoothly but did not ease the patient's symptoms. However, postoperative symptoms were partially relieved by the lumbar open spinal dural arteriovenous fistula adminstration.

Conclusions

Since not enough is understood about these two diseases, the rate of misdiagnosis is significantly increased. Early diagnosis and treatment of spinal dural arteriovenous fistula (SDAVF) can play a positive role during the recovery from neural function damage.
Salmonella adhesion is decreased by hypoxia due to adhesion and motility structure crosstalk
Authors: Grzymajło Krzysztof , Dutkiewicz Agata , Czajkowska Joanna , Carolak Ewa , Aleksandrowicz Adrianna , Waszczuk Wiktoria
Published: October 2023

Initial stages of Salmonella Typhimurium infection involve a series of coordinated events aimed at reaching, attaching to, and invading host cells. Virulence factors such as flagella, fimbriae, and secretion systems play crucial roles in these events and are regulated in response to the host environment. The first point of contact between the pathogen and host is the intestinal epithelial layer, which normally serves as a barrier against invading pathogens, but can also be an entry site for pathogens. The integrity of this barrier can be modulated by the hypoxic environment of the intestines, created by the presence of trillions of microbes. Variable oxygen concentrations can strongly affect many functions of the gut, including secretion of cytokines and growth factors from the host site and affect the ability of Salmonella to persist, invade, and replicate. In this study, we investigated the first stages of Salmonella Typhimurium infection under hypoxic conditions in vitro and found that low oxygen levels significantly decreased bacterial adhesion. Using adhesion and motility assays, biofilm formation tests, as well as gene expression and cytokine secretion analysis, we identified a hypoxia-specific cross-talk between the expression of type 1 fimbriae and flagella, suggesting that altered flagellin expression levels affect the motility of bacteria and further impact their adhesion level, biofilm formation ability, and innate immune response. Overall, understanding how Salmonella interacts with its variable host environment provides insights into the virulence mechanisms of the bacterium and information regarding strategies for preventing or treating infections. Further research is required to fully understand the complex interplay between Salmonella and its host environment.
ZSCAN4 interacts with PARP1 to promote DNA repair in mouse embryonic stem cells
Authors: Tsai Li-Kuang , Peng Min , Chang Chia-Chun , Wen Luan , Liu Lin , Liang Xiubin , Chen Y. Eugene , Xu Jie , Sung Li-Ying
Published: October 2023

Background

In eukaryotic cells, DNA double strand breaks (DSB) are primarily repaired by canonical non-homologous end joining (c-NHEJ), homologous recombination (HR) and alternative NHEJ (alt-NHEJ). Zinc finger and SCAN domain containing 4 (ZSCAN4), sporadically expressed in 1–5% mouse embryonic stem cells (mESCs), is known to regulate genome stability by promoting HR.

Results

Here we show that ZSCAN4 promotes DNA repair by acting with Poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase 1 (PARP1), which is a key member of the alt-NHEJ pathway. In the presence of PARP1, ZSCAN4-expressing mESCs are associated with lower extent of endogenous or chemical induced DSB comparing to ZSCAN4-negative ones. Reduced DSBs associated with ZSCAN4 are abolished by PARP1 inhibition, achieved either through small molecule inhibitor or gene knockout in mESCs. Furthermore, PARP1 binds directly to ZSCAN4, and the second ⍺-helix and the fourth zinc finger motif of ZSCAN4 are critical for this binding.

Conclusions

These data reveal that PARP1 and ZSCAN4 have a protein–protein interaction, and shed light on the molecular mechanisms by which ZSCAN4 reduces DSB in mESCs.
Fast algorithms for band-limited extrapolation by over sampling and Fourier series
Authors: Chen Weidong
Published: October 2023

In this paper, fast algorithms for the extrapolation of band-limited signals are presented by the sampling theorem and Fourier series in the case of over sampling. Assume the band-limited signal is known in a finite interval. We update the signal outside the interval by the Shannon sampling theorem in the case of over sampling. Then we obtain a fast algorithm in the form of Fourier series instead of the Fourier transform in the Papoulis–Gerchberg algorithm. Gibbs phenomena is analyzed in the method. An algorithm is presented to control the Gibbs phenomena, and some examples are given in the experimental results.
Generalized Hyers–Ulam stability of ρ-functional inequalities
Authors: Nawaz Sundas , Bariq Abdul , Batool Afshan , Akgül Ali
Published: October 2023

In our research work generalized Hyers-Ulam stability of the following functional inequalities is analyzed by using fixed point approach: $$\begin{aligned}& \biggl\Vert f(2x+y)+f(2x-y)-2f(x+y)-2f(x-y)-12f(x) \\& \quad {}-\rho \biggl(4f\biggl(x+\frac{y}{2}\biggr)+4\biggl(f\biggl(x- \frac{y}{2}\biggr)-f(x+y)-f(x-y)\biggr)-6f(x),r\biggr) \biggr\Vert \geq \frac{r}{r+\varphi (x, y)} \end{aligned}$$

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and $$\begin{aligned}& \biggl\Vert f(2x+y)+f(2x-y)-4f(x+y)-4f(x-y)-24f(x)+6f(y) \\& \qquad {}-\rho \biggl(8f\biggl(x+\frac{y}{2}\biggr)+8\biggl(f\biggl(x- \frac{y}{2}\biggr)-2f(x+y)-2f(x-y)\biggr)-12f(x)+3f(y),r\biggr) \biggr\Vert \\& \quad \geq \frac{r}{r+\varphi (x, y)} \end{aligned}$$

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We also discussed Hyers-Ulam stability from the application point of view.
A 13-item Health of the Nation Outcome Scale (HoNOS-13): validation by item response theory (IRT) in patients with substance use disorder
Authors: Chatton Anne , Khazaal Yasser , Penzenstadler Louise
Published: October 2023

Background

The Health of the Nation Outcome Scale (HoNOS) is a widely used 12-item tool to assess mental health and social functioning. The French version has an added 13th item measuring adherence to psychotropic medication. The aim of the current study is to uncover the unknown pattern of the new item 13 and to compare the unidimensional and multidimensional fit of the new HoNOS-13 using Item Response Theory (IRT). This research question was studied among inpatients with substance use disorder (SUD).

Methods

Six hundred and nine valid questionnaires of HoNOS-13 were analyzed using unidimensional (one-factor) and multidimensional (two-factor) IRT modeling.

Results

The multidimensional model suggesting a first factor capturing psychiatric/impairment-related issues and a second factor reflecting social-related issues yielded better goodness-of-fit values compared to the unidimensional solution. This resulted in an improvement of all slope parameters which in turn translates to better discriminative power. Significant improvement in item location parameters were observed as well. The new item 13 had a good discriminative power (1.17) and covered a wide range of the latent trait (− 0.14 to 2.64).

Conclusions

We were able to validate the 13-item questionnaire including medication compliance and suggest that the HoNOS-13 can be recommended as a clinical evaluation tool to assess the problems and treatment needs for inpatients with SUD. Interestingly, the majority of item response categories are endorsed by respondents who are below and above the average levels of HoNOS. This indicates that the scale is able to discriminate between participants both at the low and at the high ends of the latent trait continuum. More importantly, the new item 13 has a good discriminative power and covers a broad range of the latent trait below and above the mean. It therefore has the desired profile of a good item and is a useful measure for the assessment of mental health and social functioning.

Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov, Identifier: NCT03551301. Registered: 11.06.2018. Retrospectively registered, https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03551301.
Problematic substance use among patients in a Swedish outpatient psychiatry setting: staff and manager perceptions of digital options for increased intervention access
Authors: Petersén Elisabeth , Augustsson Hanna , Berman Anne H.
Published: October 2023

Background

Approximately 50% of the patients who globally seek help in psychiatry have been assessed with problematic substance use or been diagnosed with substance use disorder (SUD). Given the high treatment gap for mental health care, in particular SUD, these individuals risk poorer treatment outcomes in psychiatry. Integrated treatment for psychiatric and SUD disorders has been proposed to reduce the treatment gap for SUD, but access to integrated treatment is low. Digital interventions addressing SUD in psychiatry could potentially make treatment available to patients who otherwise would not have access. In this study “digital interventions” comprise an umbrella term covering all kinds of interventions from minimal motivational app-based interventions to internet-based interventions with and without human guidance, up to remote sessions in telepsychiatry. This study aims to explore healthcare staff perceptions of referring patients to digital interventions for reducing problematic substance use, whether or not diagnosed as SUD, in the psychiatric outpatient setting.

Method

The study was exploratory with a qualitative design. Data were collected in the Swedish outpatient psychiatry setting, via individual semi-structured interviews with managers, and focus groups with healthcare staff. An adapted form of phenomenological hermeneutical analysis was used to analyze the data.

Results

Three themes emerged from the analysis. The first theme was Encountering obstacles on the path to future implementation of digital interventions, with sub-themes: Lacking resources and Feeling concerned about technical solutions. The second theme was Searching for ways forward to achieve increased access to care, with sub-themes: Blended care could facilitate integrated care and Addressing variations in patients’ technical skills. The third theme was Taking steps towards the future, with sub-themes: Wanting to know more about digital interventions and Formulating a vision for the future.

Conclusions

The study reveals a concern that implementing digital interventions in psychiatry will create additional work or be technically challenging. The staff see significant advantages from the patient perspective, but they feel that they themselves need training in implementing digital interventions. In order to establish constructive implementation of digital interventions for SUD in psychiatry, staff attitudes and concerns need to be considered and addressed. This study was conducted within the Swedish healthcare system and the findings may not generalize to other countries with differing healthcare systems.
Acute cholecystitis with sepsis due to Edwardsiella tarda: a case report
Authors: Hara Chisato , Tanaka Tetsuya , Nishiwada Satoshi , Kirihataya Yuki , Yoshimura Atsushi
Published: October 2023

Background

Edwardsiella tarda (E. tarda) is a Gram-negative facultative anaerobe belonging to Enterobacteriales and is commonly isolated from fishes and reptiles. Infection due to E. tarda is uncommon among humans, with a reported human retention rate of 0.001%. It can cause sepsis in the elderly or those with pre-existing conditions such as liver failure, autoimmune disease, or malignancy. E. tarda is susceptible to many antibiotics; however, a high mortality rate (approximately 40%) has been reported with sepsis.

Case presentation

A 65-year-old woman presented to our hospital with a chief complaint of fever and abdominal pain for 2 days. Her blood tests showed elevated inflammatory markers, and contrast-enhanced computed tomography showed distention and wall thickening of the gallbladder and inflammation of peri-gallbladder fat. Subsequently, a diagnosis of cholecystitis with systemic inflammatory response syndrome was made. Laparoscopic cholecystectomy was performed after starting antimicrobial therapy. Blood culture of samples obtained on admission were positive for E. tarda, which was also detected in bile juice culture. Therefore, she was diagnosed with bacteremia caused by E. tarda, and postoperative antimicrobial therapy was continued. The patient improved, and there were no complications.

Conclusions

We experienced an extremely rare case of acute cholecystitis caused by E. tarda. Only a few cases of acute cholecystitis due to E. tarda have been reported. Furthermore, similar to this case, no previous study has reported the detection of E. tarda in both blood and bile cultures in acute cholecystitis cases. In addition to appropriate surgical intervention, continuous administration of antibiotics based on culture results resulted in a favorable outcome.
Commercial complementary food feeding and associated factors among mothers of children aged 6–23 months old in Mettu Town, Southwest Ethiopia, 2022
Authors: Debessa Tirunesh , Befkadu Zewudu , Darge Tefera , Mitiku Abeza , Negera Ebisa
Published: October 2023

Background

Commercial complementary foods (CCF) are unhealthy products for children under 24 months, containing unhealthy fats, refined starches, sugars, salt, and additives. The consumption of CCF is linked to non-communicable diseases, making it crucial to assess intake in Ethiopia, especially in Mettu town.

Objective

To assess the prevalence of commercial complementary food feeding and associated factors among mothers of 6–23 months old children in Mettu Town, 2022.

Method

A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted in Mettu town, involving 386 randomly selected mothers of children aged 6–23 months. Data was collected using a pre-tested semi-structured questionnaire and analyzed using SPSS version 25. Variables with a P-value < 0.05 in the multivariable logistic regression were declared as having a statistically significant association with CCF feeding.

Results

The prevalence of CCF feeding within 24 h before the reporting period was 44.3%. In multivariable regression analysis, the age of index child 0-11months (AOR = 2.43, 95%CI: 1.53–3.85), non-exclusive breastfeeding (AOR = 2.18, 95%CI: 1.34–3.52), exposure to CCF promotions (AOR = 2.15, 95%CI: 1.32–3.50), maternal employment (AOR = 2.10, 95%CI: 1.28–3.44), and higher tertile wealth status (AOR = 2.19, 95%CI: 1.17–4.10) were significantly associated with CCF feeding.

Conclusion

The current study revealed that nearly half of the mothers in Mettu town were feeding their children with commercially produced complementary foods. Age of child, non-exclusive breastfeeding, CCF promotions, maternal employment, and higher wealth status were found to have a significant association with CCF feeding. Therefore, continuous health education should be given to mothers to encourage exclusive breastfeeding until 6 months of age and to improve home-made complementary food feeding.
Streptococcus equi subspecies zooepidemicus – a case report of sudden death in a German sow farm
Authors: Geiping Lukas , Detlefsen Henrik , Trittmacher Sara , Baums Christoph Georg , Bergmann René , Hennig-Pauka Isabel
Published: October 2023

A farm in North-West Germany experienced a high morbidity and mortality in their sow herd. Sows showed fever, lethargy, oedema, mucosal discharge and dyspnoea. Necropsy revealed a severe fibrinous and purulent polyserositis. Haematological and histological examinations confirmed septicaemia. Streptococcus equi subspecies zooepidemicus was isolated in high yields from major organs. Sequence typing of this isolate (21/455) revealed a new sequence type showing a significantly higher proliferation rate in comparison to two other isolates. Other infectious agents (influenza A virus, Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome Virus, Porcine Circovirus 2, african swine fever virus, classical swine fever virus, Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae) were excluded by routine diagnostic examinations. A climate check revealed an insufficient air supply in the area for the gestating sows. This case describes the first disease outbreak in swine due to S. zooepidemicus in Germany.
The value of co-creating a clinical outcome assessment strategy for clinical trial research: process and lessons learnt
Authors: Morel Thomas , Schroeder Karlin , Cleanthous Sophie , Andrejack John , Blavat Geraldine , Brooks William , Gosden Lesley , Siu Carroll , Ratcliffe Natasha , Slagle Ashley F.
Published: October 2023

Background

In support of UCB pharmaceutical research programs, the aim of this research was to implement a novel process for patient involvement in a multidisciplinary research group to co-create a clinical outcome assessment strategy to accurately reflect the experience of people living with early-stage Parkinson’s. Patient experts were an integral part of the decision-making process for patient-reported outcome (PRO) research and instrument development.

Methods

In partnership with two patient organizations (Parkinson’s UK and the Parkinson’s Foundation), 6 patient experts were recruited into a multidisciplinary research group alongside clinical, patient engagement and involvement, regulatory science, and outcome measurement experts. The group was involved across two phases of research; the first phase identified what symptoms are cardinal to the experience of living with early-stage Parkinson’s and the second phase involved the development of PRO instruments to better assess the symptoms that are important to people living with early-stage Parkinson’s. Patient experts were important in performing a variety of roles, in particular, qualitative study protocol design, conceptual model development, and subsequent co-creation of two PRO instruments.

Results

Involving people with Parkinson’s in PRO research ensured that the expertise of these representatives from the Parkinson’s community shaped and drove the research; as such, PRO instruments were being developed with the patient at the forefront. Working with patient experts required considerable resource and time allocation for planning, communication, document development, and organizing meetings; however, their input enriched the development of PRO instruments and was vital in developing PRO instruments that are more meaningful for people with Parkinson’s and clinicians.

Conclusions

Conducting PRO research, in the context of clinical development involving pharmaceutical companies, requires balancing regulatory and scientific rigor with tight time constraints. Incorporating a multi-stakeholder perspective, which included patient experts as joint investigators, had a strong positive impact on our research, despite the logistical complexities of their involvement. Due to the input of patient experts, the innovative clinical outcome assessment strategy and the co-created novel PRO instruments were more relevant and holistic to the patient experience of early-stage Parkinson’s.

Graphical abstract
PyMERRY: A Python solution for an improved interpretation of electrical resistivity tomography images
Authors: Gautier Maxime , Gautier Stéphanie , Cattin Rodolphe
Published: October 2023

Electrical resistivity tomography (ERT) is a widely used geophysical method for studying geologic hazards, civil engineering, and environmental remediation. It provides information about the subsurface’s resistivity distribution by analyzing electrical data collected at the surface or in boreholes. However, interpreting ERT images can be complex due to ambiguities in their resolution. To address this issue, we develop a postprocessing method called Python iMprovement of Electrical Resistivity tomography ReliabilitY (PyMERRY) to improve the reliability of ERT images. The PyMERRY code can be applied to any 2D resistivity model obtained from ERT inversion software. It computes a coverage mask that defines the domain well constrained by the data and the inversion process. It also evaluates the resistivity uncertainties in the ERT models. In addition to the sensitivity approaches, PyMERRY provides low- and high-resistivity values for all covered cells. Synthetic tests indicate that the approach is efficient and highlight the importance of resistivity contrasts, mesh selection, electrode spacing, and profile length in the reliability of ERT images. Compared with previous studies, using PyMERRY in south-central Bhutan allows a more accurate interpretation of ERT images. It confirms a high-resistivity contrast across the topographic frontal thrust and reveals the existence of small-scale variations.
Percutaneous liver interventions with robotic systems: a systematic review of available clinical solutions
Authors: Bodard Sylvain , Guinebert Sylvain , N. Petre Elena , Marinelli Brett , Sarkar Debkumar , Barral Matthias , H Cornelis Francois
Published: October 2023

Objective

Robotic-guided interventions are emerging techniques that are gradually becoming a common tool for performing biopsies and tumor ablations in liver. This systematic review aims to evaluate their advancements, challenges, and outcomes.

Methods

A systematic review was conducted using the PubMed database to identify relevant articles published between January 2000 and February 2023. Inclusion criteria focused on studies that assessed robotic systems for percutaneous liver biopsies and tumor ablations. Data extraction was performed to collect information on study characteristics; robotic systems; components and software; imaging modality; degree of freedom; and needle insertion methods. The outcome measures analyzed were procedure time, radiation dose, and accuracy.

Results

10 studies met the inclusion criteria. The robotic devices used included MAXIO, EPIONE, ROBIO-EX, AcuBot, and ACE robotic systems. The data set consisted of 429 percutaneous thermal ablations and 57 biopsies, both robot-guided. On average, the mean deviation of probes was reduced by 30% (from 1.6 vs 3.3 mm to 2.4 vs 3.9 mm (p < 0.001)), and 40% (p < 0.05) fewer readjustments were required during the robotic-assisted interventions. Moreover, robotic systems contributed to a reduction in operating time, ranging from 15% (18.3 vs 21.7 min, p < 0.001) to 25% (63.5 vs 87.4 min, p < 0.001). Finally, the radiation dose delivered to both the patient and the operator was decreased by an average of 50% (p < 0.05) compared to manual procedures.

Advances in knowledge

Robotic systems could provide precise navigation and guidance during liver biopsies and percutaneous ablations.
Examining the Structural and Technical Characteristics of the Water Buffalo Farms in Sivas Province from the Perspective of Animal Welfare
Authors: Özdemir G
Published: October 2023

In Turkey, water buffalo husbandry is conducted generally by using the traditional methods in shelters designed for cattle. The present study reports the data of the items of a questionnaire, which was conducted with 122 water buffalo breeders which are located in Central, Şarkışla, and Suşehri districts of Sivas province, regarding the structural and technical aspects of shelters such as shelter location, shelter type, building material, ventilation, and lighting. It was determined that, among the water buffalo breeders in Sivas province, the shelters were generally (73.5%) located nearby the house, that the building materials used in construction of the shelters were stone in 55.4%, concrete in 21.5% and briquette in 16.5% (p<0.0001), and that the floor materials used were concrete in 99.2% (p<0.05), whereas the roofing material was sheet metal/eternit in 80% (p<0.0001). It was found that water buffalos and cattle were held together in closed tethered systems (95.8%) and the space needs of animals were met by using chains having 40-60cm in length (63.1%). In conclusion, considering the animal welfare and behaviors, it was concluded that the infrastructural improvements to ensure the standardization in water buffalo shelters should be prioritized, that the old shelters should be re-organized, and that the watering systems in shelters should be analyzed.
Effects of rosemary essential oil as a feed additive on performance, rumen fermentation, and blood parameters in preweaning Holstein calves
Authors: Biyik F , Biricik H , Urkmez E , Kara C , Cetin I , Udum D
Published: October 2023

The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of rosemary essential oil (REO) supplementation on growth performance, some blood metabolites and rumen fermentation in calves throughout the suckling period. Fourty Holstein calves were randomly divided to four dietary groups. Each group consisted of 10 calves; control with no REO supplementation (CON), supplementation of 500 mg/d REO (REO1), supplementation of 1000 mg/d REO (REO2) and supplementation of 2000 mg/d REO (REO3). REO supplementation quadratically increased (P<0.05) the calf starter (CS) intake, average daily gain (ADG) and feed efficiency. Calves fed REO1 and REO2 had the highest CS intake and ADG. Ruminal ammonia-N concentration was lower (P=0.02) for calves fed REO3 than calves fed REO1, but total volatile fatty acids concentration was higher (P<0.01) for calves fed REO1 compared with calves fed CON and REO3. The concentrations of ghrelin, NEFA and BHBA increased linearly (P<0.05) with increasing levels of REO. Calves fed REO2 and REO3 had the highest concentration of ghrelin. Cholesterol concentration decreased linearly (P<0.01) with increasing REO levels on d 56. Calves fed REO2 and REO3 had the lowest cholesterol concentration. Also, serum IgG concentration was higher (P<0.01) in calves fed REO2 and REO3 compared with calves fed CON on d 28. It was concluded that the addition of different amounts of rosemary essential oil can positively change some rumen and blood metabolites of calves, as well as the supplementation of REO may have a beneficial effect on growth performance by increasing ghrelin.
Duodenal volvulus of the sigmoid flexure in five cows. A retrospective study
Authors: Proios I , Hoedemaker M , Kiossis E
Published: October 2023

Medical data of five Holstein Friesian cows with duodenal volvulus of the sigmoid flexure admitted to the Clinic for Cattle, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, Hannover, Germany during a two-year period were reviewed in this study. The aim of this study was to present the clinical, laboratory and surgical findings as well as the postoperative healing progress and therapy of these five cases. All cows showed a loss of appetite and were dehydrated, with a marked drop in milk yield. The rumen motility was severely reduced and an untypical tympanic resonance or ping and a splashing sound were present at the right flank at auscultation. All the cows had only a small amount of faeces. All animals had hypochloraemic metabolic alkalosis and most of them hyperlactatemia. Two of the cows were hypokalaemic. Hyperbilirubinaemia was revealed in all cows. Four of the cows had an increased haematocrit level. A standing right flank laparotomy was performed in all cows. A common surgical finding was the severely dilated, dorsally dislocated and twisted sigmoid flexure of the duodenum, and the empty descending duodenum. The abomasum of all cows was dilated, but not displaced. An enlarged gall bladder was found in four animals. The duodenal sigmoid loop was manually untwisted, followed by promoting gas and ingesta flow aborally in the descending duodenum. Omentopexy was performed in each cow. No cow had had any history of omentopexy or other abdominal surgery. All cows received intravenous fluid therapy after the surgery. A total of 10-20 L 0.9 % NaCl solution containing an additional KCL (30 mmol/L) was administered intravenously via drip infusion daily for the first two days after surgery. Amoxicillin (10 mg/kg; s.c.) was administered once daily (SID) in two cases. Three of the cows were additionally drenched with 30 L water and 100-150 g KCL via an orogastric tube once per day for two days postoperatively. Four cows received neostigmine s.c. after surgery and for the following one to two days (every 8 or 12 hours; 0.02 mg/kg or 0.025 mg/kg, respectively). All cows were administered meloxicam (0.5 mg/kg; s.c.) before and on the first postoperative day. Sodium sulphate (250 g per os; SID) was administered to four cows for one to two days. Feed intake, rumen motility and defaecation were normalised gradually after surgery. All cows had a positive post-surgical outcome and were discharged from the clinic after 7 to 15 days.

Keywords: ileus; dairy cattle; duodenum; intestinal obstruction
Cointegration and causality relationship of Indian stock market with selected world markets
Authors: Ali Farman , Suri Pradeep , Kaur Tarunpreet , Bisht Deepa
Published: October 2023

Background: The purpose of this study is to explore the trends and causes of established and emerging nations’ stock market integration with India. The National Stock Exchange (NSE) indices act as a counterweight to international market indices. This study investigates the sustained interest of foreign investors in the Indian stock market in the wake of capital market reforms, as well as whether it moves in tandem with other markets in Asia and the United States. Methods: Our study examined the possibility of cross-country cointegration between the largest economies and indices around the world using multiple financial econometric models, such as Augmented Dickey-Fuller, Unit Root, Correlation, and Johansen Cointegration. Results: The findings of this study significantly support the notion that Indian and international financial markets are highly integrated. Vector error correction model indicates that the Indian market (NSE) is highly cointegrated with the US market (National Association of Securities Dealers Automated Quotations) and increased volatility signifies global contagion. Conclusion: A cursory examination of the data reveals distinct investment and portfolio diversification options for global investors. This could assist regulators in formulating more effective rules regarding price discovery processes.