bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
No suitable cut-off value of C-reactive protein for ruling out infection after cesarean section
Authors: Enengl Sabine , Oppelt Peter , Mayer Richard Bernhard , Brandlmayr Elisabeth , Trautner Philip Sebastian
Published: June 2024

Background Infection after cesarean section is a major contributor to maternal morbidity. Measurement of C-reactive protein (CRP) is a laboratory test frequently conducted to rule out or confirm postoperative infection.Objectives The present study aimed to evaluate whether CRP is a suitable tool for ruling out infection after cesarean section and whether there are any reliable cut-off values.Methods 2056 patients with cesarean section (CS) over a 3-year period were included in a retrospective analysis. Outcome parameters and risk factors for postoperative infection were collected. CRP values from preoperative and postoperative tests were compared. Cut-offs for ruling out infection were assessed.Results Among 2056 CSs, postoperative infection occurred in 78 cases (3.8%). The prevalence of infection in emergency CS was lowest, at four out of 134 (2.9%), and the highest prevalence was seen in secondary CS, at 42 of 903 (4.6%; P = 0.35). CRP values in the infection group were significantly higher (preoperative, 1.01 mg/dl vs. 0.62 mg/dl; day 1 postoperative, 7.91 mg/dl vs. 6.44 mg/dl; day 4 postoperative, 8.44 mg/dl vs. 4.09 mg/dl; P = 0.01). A suitable cut-off value for ruling out infection was not identified.Conclusion Although CRP values were significantly higher in the infection group, the clinical relevance of this appears to be negligible. CRP testing does not appear to be a reliable tool for diagnosing or ruling out postoperative infection.
Predictive Value of the Advanced Lung Cancer Inflammation Index for the Postoperative Complications of Lung Resections in Patients with Bronchiectasis: A Retrospective Study Short Title : Study on the Correlation between the Advanced Lung Cancer Inflammation Index and Patients with Bronchiectasis
Authors: Gu Yang , Miao Jin-Bai , Zheng Hang , Li Xin , Hu Bin
Published: June 2024

Background: Bronchiectasis patients often suffer from systemic inflammation and malnutrition, which negatively affect their prognosis. The advanced lung cancer inflammation index (ALI) has emerged as a novel biomarker that reflects systemic inflammation and malnutrition. However, its utility in predicting postoperative complications in bronchiectasis patients undergoing localized surgical resection remains to be clarified.
Method: This retrospective study included 160 patients with localized bronchiectasis who underwent a single lobectomy at our center from April 2012 to December 2022. The optimal ALI cutoff point was established using the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were employed to identify independent risk factors for postoperative complications.
Results: The optimal cutoff value for the ALI was determined to be 38.37. Compared to the high ALI group, the low ALI group exhibited a significantly greater incidence of open chest surgeries (P=0.001), increased duration of surgeries (P=0.024), greater intraoperative blood loss (P=0.016), prolonged postoperative chest tube drainage (P=0.001), extended hospital stays after the operation (P=0.001), and a greater rate of complications (P=0.006). Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that prolonged surgical duration, low body mass index (BMI), and low preoperative ALI were independent risk factors for postoperative complications. To predict the likelihood of these complications, we developed a nomogram incorporating these independent factors, which demonstrated predictive accuracy with an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.792.
Conclusion: The preoperative ALI serves as an independent predictor of postoperative complications in patients with localized bronchiectasis who underwent a single lobectomy.
Causal and common risk pathways linking childhood maltreatment to later intimate partner violence victimization
Authors: Pezzoli Patrizia , Pingault Jean-Baptiste , Eley Thalia , McCrory Eamon , Viding Essi
Published: June 2024

Childhood maltreatment and intimate partner violence (IPV) victimization are major psychiatric risk factors. Maltreatment substantially increases the likelihood of subsequent IPV victimization, but what drives this association is poorly understood.
We analyzed retrospective self-reports of maltreatment and IPV in 12794 participants (58% women, 42% men) from the Twins Early Development Study at ages 21 and 26 using quantitative genetic methods. We estimated the etiological influences common to maltreatment and IPV, and the direct causal effect of maltreatment on IPV beyond such common influences.
Participants exposed to maltreatment (~7% of the sample) were 3 times more likely to experience IPV victimization than their peers at age 21, 4 times more likely at 26. The association between maltreatment and IPV was mostly due to environmental influences shared by co-twins (42-43%) and genetic influences (30–33%). The association between maltreatment and IPV was similar for women and men, but its etiology partly differed by sex. Maltreatment had a moderate-to-large effect on IPV in phenotypic models (β = 0.23–0.34), decreasing to a small-to-moderate range in causal models accounting for their common etiology (β = 0.15–0.21).
Risk factors common to maltreatment and IPV victimization are largely familial in origin, environmental and genetic. Even considering common risk factors, experiencing maltreatment is causally related to subsequent IPV victimization. Interventions promoting safe intimate relationships among young adults exposed to maltreatment are warranted and should address family-level environmental risk and individual-level risk shaped by genetics.
Automatic Test Case Generation Mechanism with Natural Language based Korean Requirements
Authors: Jang Woosung , Kim Janghwan , Kim R. Young Chul
Published: June 2024

In software industry fields, software testers absolutely force on how to make test cases with Informal or formal requirements. In software validation perspective, to do user acceptance testing, we should manually have been created numerous test case to meet the desired test coverage based on the precise analysis of clear, unstructured requirements. Until now, defining and analysing the meaning of natural language-based requirements is challenging, and automation is also difficult. This is, rare research does generate test case with natural language requirements sentences especially in Korea. To solve this problem, we propose a mechanism for automatically generating test cases from natural language requirements. This approach involves (1) simplifying unstructured Korean requirements, (2) normalizing requirement sentences, (3) modelling the requirement simplification process (C3Tree modelling), (4) automatically generating cause-effect graph model, and then test cases via decision table model with the graph models through meta-model transformation methods, (5) semi-automatic generation of test scripts, (6) generating test result reports, and (7) finally automatic generation of requirement traceability matrices. Ultimately, simplifying unstructured Korean requirements sentences aids in understanding requirements among stakeholders and reduces test costs.
Real-time phenotyping measurement system for vegetable leaves
Authors: Huang Yourui , Liu Yuwen , Cheng Junhui , Fang Jie
Published: June 2024

In the process of vegetable growth, leaf area phenotypic information measurement is an effective means to evaluate the growth status of vegetables. Due to the irregular leaf shape, the accuracy of leaf area measurement is low, and real-time field measurement is difficult to achieve. According to the field situation, a real-time phenotypic measurement system for vegetable leaves was designed. The vegetable leaves are collected in real-time by the detection vehicle, and the YOLACT segmentation model is used to realize the real-time measurement of vegetable leaves. By introducing the Res2Net module after adding the ECA attention mechanism into the model backbone network Resnet50, the network receptive field is expanded and the segmentation performance of the network on the leaves is improved. In the field experiment, the segmentation accuracy and detection accuracy of vegetable leaves reached 41.51% and 39.39%, respectively, and the segmentation speed was 23.10 frame/s. The results show that the designed real-time phenotypic measurement system of vegetable leaves not only meets the accurate area measurement of irregular vegetable leaves, but also realizes the real-time requirement of vegetable leaf area measurement, and improves the reliability of leaf phenotypic information to evaluate the growth status of vegetables.
The associations of intra-operative risk factors on Surgical Site Infections: a retrospective cohort study in a Norwegian University Hospital
Authors: Aanes Mari-Anne , Pfeffer Frank , Eide Geir Egil , Ghavidel Fatemeh Zamanzad , Søfteland Eirik , Leonardsen Ann-Chatrin Linqvist , Flynn Fiona Mary , Boermeester Marja , Haugen Arvid Steinar
Published: June 2024

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate associations of intra-operative risk factors and the WHO Surgical Safety Checklist with the incidence of surgical site infections (SSIs) following abdominal surgery up to 30 days post-surgery.
Background: SSIs pose a significant challenge in healthcare, particularly after major abdominal surgery. Implementing the Surgical Safety Checklist is considered a strategy to mitigate the risk of SSIs. Evidence on intra-operative risk factors contributing to post-discharge SSIs, especially in abdominal surgery patients, is limited.
Method: A retrospective observational, cohort study was conducted over 5 years at a Norwegian university hospital, and included adult patients undergoing colon resection, cholecystectomy, and caesarean sections. Standardised anaesthetic techniques were applied, and core body temperatures were routinely recorded at the start and end of surgery. Data were collected from an administrative operation planning system and SSIs register. SSIs were monitored according to the Norwegian national surveillance system on Surgical Site Infections (NOIS) and The Healthcare-Associated Infections Surveillance Network (HAI-Net), with additional patient and physician-reported data on wound infections. The probability of SSIs was analysed using multiple logistic regression.
Results: A total of 11.2% (463/4142) of patients developed SSIs, of which 4.6% (189/4142) developed SSIs after discharge from hospital. Age, gender, forced air warming blankets, fluid warmer, volume of intravenous fluids, and the Surgical Safety Checklist use were not associated with the total number of SSIs. Perioperative temperature, duration of surgery, open surgical access, type of surgery, regional anaesthesia, and higher comorbidity were observed as risk factors. A significant association was found between omitting use of the WHO SSC Time-Out component and post-discharge SSIs, with a fully adjusted odds ratio of 1.95. The incidence of SSIs after discharge was also associated with factors such as perioperative temperature.
Conclusion: The WHO SSC may predominantly impact the incidence of SSIs after discharge. Moreover, intra-operative work processes such as shorter duration of surgery and maintaining perioperative normothermia may protect against SSIs.
Clinical Trial Identifier:NCT03112317
Signature of white bubbles in the equatorial ionosphere
Authors: Takahashi Hisao , Figueiredo Cosme A.O.B , Wrasse Cristiano M. , Barros Diego , Carmo Carolina S , Carrasco Alexander , Buriti Ricardo A. , Paulino Igo , Egito Fabio , Vital Luiz F. R. , Rosa Geangelo M. , Sampaio A. H. R.
Published: June 2024

From airglow OI 630 nm observations in the low-latitude ionosphere, we observed an enhancement of the emission rate inside of plasma bubbles (EPBs). It occurred, on some occasions, after the local midnight during the equinox seasons. The all-sky imager has been operated at Bom Jesus da Lapa (BJL) (13.3°S, 43.5°W, dip.14.1°S). In the night of 7–8 October 2021, a dark plasma bubble turned into a bright one due to an enhancement of the OI 630 nm emission rate, which we call it as White Bubble (WhB). Prior to the WhB appearance, the imager detected a presence of Midnight Brightness Wave (MBW) moving rapidly from the equator to the south of BJL. At the same time, a downward movement of the height of the F-layer was observed at Cachoeira Paulista (22.7 °S, 45.0 °W, dip. 18.1°S). We further observed that the WhB extended equatorward when the EPB eastward drift increased. Similar WhBs were observed on seven nights during 2021–2022. These observational facts suggested that the MBW interacted with EPB, causing the depletion inside of EPB to be filled with plasma, resulting in the generation of WhB.
Coastal debris survey in the remote beaches of the Great and Little Nicobar Islands, India.
Authors: DAS PRATYUSH , Mohanty Pratap Kumar , Maharana Dushmant , Padhi Sanjukta Rani , Kholia Bhupendra Singh , Swain Jatindra Nath , Barik Subhajit
Published: June 2024

Debris from four beaches of the Great Nicobar and five beaches of Little Nicobar Islands were collected using transect based approach during March-April 2016 for assessing the status of marine debris. The collected debris were segregated into five types; plastics, fisheries, medical waste, house waste and food packaging and were analysed to estimate their composition, abundance, number and weight per unit area. Percentage contribution (number) of plastic debris (Great Nicobar (GN): 59.95%; Little Nicobar (LN): 53.02%), fisheries (GN: 17.88%; LN: 25.76%), house waste (GN: 11.07%; LN: 8.89%), medical waste (GN: 5.93%; LN: 6.04%), and food packaging (GN: 5.16%; LN: 6.28%) were determined and compared. Debris of foreign origin, mostly plastics of various colours, were reported in all the beaches while medical wastes were of local origin. The study focuses on plastic debris and its deleterious effects on the marine environment and discusses the role of wind, waves and shipping activities on the accumulation/movement of debris in the Andaman sea.
The Influence of Preoperative Physical Activity on Intraoperative Brain Function in Cardiac Surgical patients
Authors: Ramachandran Rushil Vladimir , Ananthakrishnan Ajay , Orui Hibiki , Kveraga Kestutis , Subramaniam Balachundhar
Published: June 2024

Background
Preoperative physical activity and intraoperative brain health are recognized to influence postoperative delirium (POD). Electroencephalogram (EEG) burst suppression and cerebral desaturation are indicators of abnormal intraoperative brain health. Our study aimed to investigate the associations between preoperative physical activity and intraoperative EEG burst suppression and cerebral desaturation.
Methods
We retrospectively analyzed data from 67 patients from one of the institutions participating in a multisite randomized controlled trial, PANDORA, involving patients undergoing cardiac surgery. The preoperative PCS12 score calculated using the SF12 questionnaire was used as an indicator of preoperative physical activity. Intraoperative EEG and cerebral oximetry data (not the current standard of care in this facility) were collected, and the anesthesiologists were blinded to the information. We analyzed the following associations between the PCS12 score and i) burst suppression duration, ii) the number of cerebral desaturations, and iii) the number of observations with concurrent cerebral desaturation and burst suppression using a generalized linear model. The results are presented as percentage changes in outcomes, and a 95% C.I. p value < 0.05 was considered to indicate statistical significance.
Results
Each unit increase in the PCS12 score was associated with a 3.3% decrease in the duration of burst suppression (-3.3 [-5.3, -1.2], p value = 0.002). The duration of burst suppression decreased by 29.2% with each successive quartile increase in the PCS-12 score, indicating a dose‒response relationship (-29.2 [-41.6, -16], p < 0.001). Specifically, the patients in the last three quartiles exhibited a 55.4% reduction in BSD compared to those in the first quartile (-55.4 [-74.4, -24.6], p = 0.002) (Fig. 2). We did not observe any significant association between the PCS12 score and cerebral desaturation.
Conclusion
Decreased preoperative physical activity, as measured by the SF-12 questionnaire, is significantly associated with increased EEG burst suppression duration. Preoperative physical activity did not show any association with cerebral desaturations and concurrent cerebral desaturation and burst suppression.
Clinical Trial information
ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier- NCT04093219
https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04093219
Principal Investigator - Balachundhar Subramaniam
Date of registration - September 13, 2019
Characteristics of the Mandibular Canal in the Mandibular Angle Area and Its Significance in Minimally Invasive Treatment of Mandibular Angle Fractures
Authors: Li Lifeng , Acharya Kiran , Shi Jingyi , Tu Junbo , Hou Chengqun , Hu Xiaoyi
Published: June 2024

Objective
To explore the clinical significance of the characteristics of the mandibular canal in the mandibular angle area by measuring its position, with a focus on minimally invasive treatment of mandibular angle fractures.
Methods
Sixty individuals in good health, who received cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) scans at the Stomatological Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, were chosen for evaluation. Measurements were taken of the distances between the mandibular canal and the external oblique ridge, mandibular angle, and cortical bone on the buccal side. Statistical analysis was conducted to explore the positioning trends of the mandibular canal and to discern any gender-based disparities.
Results
The average distance from the mandibular canal to the external oblique ridge in the mandibular angle region was 14.41 ± 2.41 mm, and the average distance from the mandibular canal to the buccal cortical thickness was 4.67 ± 1.20 mm. A notable statistical contrast was observed in the distance from the mandibular canal to the mandibular angle between males and females (P < 0.05). Conversely, there were no statistically significant differences between genders for the other measured parameters (P > 0.05).
Conclusion
The distance from the mandibular canal to the external oblique ridge remains consistent, showing no statistical variance between genders. For safer management of mandibular angle fractures through minimally invasive techniques, it's recommended to maintain a minimum distance of 17 mm between internal fixation screws and the external oblique line to prevent injury to the inferior alveolar nerve. Moreover, the proximity of the canal to the buccal cortical bone is relatively short, suggesting that conventional single-cortical screws may not adequately mitigate the risk of nerve injury.
Cross-cultural adaptation and content validation of the Singapore English version of EQ-5D-Y: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Tan Rachel Lee-Yin , Ng Zhi Min , Chen Le Ann , Herdman Michael , Luo Nan
Published: June 2024

Background
The EQ-5D-Y is a generic preference-weighted measure for children and adolescents which was developed within Europe. Two versions exist, the EQ-5D-Y-3L (Y-3L) and EQ-5D-Y-5L (Y-5L). This study aimed to cross-culturally adapt the Y-3L and Y-5L for use in Singapore and to assess the content validity, specifically, the relevance and comprehensiveness of the EQ-5D-Y descriptive system (EQ-5D-Y DS) in Asia.
Methods
To culturally adapt the instruments, an expert panel consisting of paediatricians and primary school educators were consulted. Modifications suggested by the expert panel were tested via cognitive debriefing interviews with children aged 8–12 in Singapore. To assess the content validity of the EQ-5D-Y DS, interviews were conducted with both healthy (n = 8) and ill children (n = 6) aged 8–15. In the interviews, children discussed their experience with poor health and commented on the comprehensiveness and relevance of the EQ-5D-Y DS.
Results
The cross-cultural adaptation process led to minor modifications to the UK English Y-3L and Y-5L versions, including using phrases familiar to the local children and adding examples to facilitate understanding. The five health dimensions in the EQ-5D-Y DS were spontaneously elicited when children discussed their experience with poor health. All health dimensions related to poor health elicited from the interviews fell into three broad categories: physical health (e.g. Appetite, Mobility, and Sleep), mental well-being (e.g. Annoyed/Frustrated and Scared/Worried), and social relationships (e.g. Family and Friends). The EQ-5D-Y DS was generally found to be relevant and comprehensive, although some health dimensions that may be relevant to the local population (Social relationship and Appetite) were not covered.
Conclusions
The UK English EQ-5D-Y instruments were adapted to produce the Singapore English EQ-5D-Y instrument that were comprehensible to local children as young as 8 years old. The EQ-5D-Y DS was generally relevant and comprehensive to measure poor health of local children. Future studies should ascertain the benefits of adding bolt-on items related to social relationships and appetite to the EQ-5D-Y DS.
Evaluating the Outcomes and Patient Experience of Group and Individual Acupuncture in an NHS Cancer Care Setting: A Mixed Methods Study
Authors: Brass Mandy , Charlesworth Karen
Published: June 2024

Purpose
Acupuncture for cancer care is safe and effective and can be provided in group or individual settings. Previously, group acupuncture (GA) has been compared with individual acupuncture (IA) for specific cancer-related symptoms or patient experience, but has not correlated symptoms with patient experience between GA and IA. This service evaluation, using a mixed-methods design, aimed to compare GA with IA for symptom-related outcomes and patient experience and explore their inter-relationships, in order to inform future development of the service.
Methods
Cancer patients referred to the acupuncture service in a UK NHS hospital received six treatments of GA or IA. Outcomes were gathered using Measure Yourself Concerns and Wellbeing (MYCaW) questionnaires pre- and post-treatment. Experience of acupuncture was gathered post-treatment using a questionnaire and analysed using reflexive thematic analysis.
Results
48 participants’ data were analysed. There were statistically significant improvements in outcomes overall, with no difference between GA and IA. Most participants had a positive experience; IA participants focused more on the relationship with their acupuncturist whilst GA participants focused more on environmental factors. For a few GA participants, the group experience was negative, but data synthesis revealed this did not impact symptom-related outcomes.
Conclusion
In both GA and IA arms, symptom-related outcomes mostly improved alongside a positive experience. For those participants for whom GA was not an ideal setting, there was no effect on symptom-related outcomes. These results may be of relevance when establishing acupuncture services in supportive cancer care settings.
Coexistence of a BRCA2 germline and a DICER1 somatic variant in two first- degree young cousins: a potential cooperative role in determining cancer susceptibility?
Authors: Baldo Giada Del , Mastronuzzi Angela , Cipri Selene , Agolini Emanuele , Matraxia Marta , Novelli Antonio , Cacchione Antonella , Serra Annalisa , Carai Andrea , Boccuto Luigi , Colafati Giovanna Stefania , Paolo Pier Luigi Di , Miele Evelina , Barresi Sabina , Alaggio Rita , Rossi Sabrina , Giovannoni Isabella
Published: June 2024

Cancer predisposition syndromes are recognized in about 10% of pediatric malignancies with several genes specifically involved in a subset of pediatric tumors such as DICER1, in pleuropulmonary blastoma, cystic nephroma, and brain sarcomas. By contrast, the role of BRCA1/2 in pediatric cancer predisposition is still under investigation.
We present two cases of young first-degree cousins, both carrying a germinal BRCA2 variant and developing tumors characterized by somatic DICER1 mutations. Patient 1 presented with a cystic nephroma harboring a somatic DICER1 variant (p.Asp1810Tyr), while patient 2 had a primary intracranial DICER1-mutated sarcoma showing a distinct somatic DICER1 variant (p.Asp1709Glu) as well as biallelic inactivation of TP53 (p.Val173Leu, VAF 91%) and APC (p.Ile1307Lys, VAF 95%) and a pathogenic variant in KRAS (p.Gln61His). Both patients carried the same germline BRCA2 variant (p.Arg2842Cys) of unknown significance. The same variant was found in the mother of patient 2 and in the father of patient 1, who are siblings. A homologous recombination deficiency signature was not identified in any of the two tumors, possibly suggesting a reduction of BRCA2 activity.
The association of BRCA2 and DICER1 variants in our cases hints at a potential cooperative role in cancer pathogenesis. Further studies are warranted to elucidate the interplay between BRCA1/2 and DICER1 variants and their implications for cancer predisposition and treatment in pediatric patients.
“It is like they throw food to a dog”: a qualitative exploration of barriers and facilitators to retention in care among people with history of being lost to follow up from drug-resistant tuberculosis in Johannesburg, South Africa.
Authors: Mphothulo Ndiviwe , Hlangu Sindisiwe , Furin Jennifer , Moshabela Mosa , Loveday Marian
Published: June 2024

Background:There have been advances in drug-resistant tuberculosis (DR-TB) diagnosis, treatment, and service delivery. However, as DR-TB often affects those with limited resources, people with DR-TB struggle with socioeconomic and psychosocial challenges, which may impact retention in care. Consequently, advances in DR-TB diagnostics and treatment have not resulted in DR-TB programs meeting the 75% treatment success targets set by the World Health Organization (WHO).
Methods: We interviewed people with DR-TB who had previously disengaged from care and their family members to identify barriers and facilitators to retention in care as well as possible strategies to address these barriers. We recruited 16 people with DR-TB and 8 family members from five health facilities in Johannesburg, Gauteng Province, South Africa. All DR-TB patients disengaged from DR-TB care for ≥ 45 days. Semi-structured interviews and focus group discussions were used to collect data, which were analysed through thematic content analysis using a multidimensional adherence model.
Results: The facilitators of retention in care were positive interactions with health care workers (HCWs), nutritional support, transport from local clinics to DR-TB sites, self-motivation, and emotional support from family members. Barriers to optimal retention in care included a limited understanding of DR-TB disease and treatment, transport challenges, side effects of the medication, pill burden, stigma and discrimination experienced at health care facilities other than DR-TB facilities, food insecurity, and financial difficulties, which included loss of income and a lack of transport money and mental health challenges such as fear, anxiety and feeling lonely and unsupported.
Conclusion:The findings from this study highlight the need for TB treatment programs to collaborate with people being treated for DR-TB and their families to understand facilitators and barriers to retention in care and how these could be addressed to facilitate optimal retention in care.
Exploring the Therapeutic Potential of Native Plant Compounds: Unveiling the Therapeutic Potential of Ferula gummosa in Colorectal Cancer through Bioinformatics and Experimental Validation
Authors: Alibakhshi Abbas , Gharibi Shima , Shojaeian Ali , Asgari Atefeh , Amini Razieh , Rahimmalek Mehdi , Ahangarzadeh Shahrzad , Szumny Antoni
Published: June 2024

Colorectal cancer (CRC) presents a significant global health challenge, which demands advanced molecular understanding for personalised treatments. Molecular profiling has revealed biomarkers crucial for prognosis, treatment response, and targeted therapies. This study explores the role of native plant compounds, using bioinformatics and experimental assays to identify potential CRC-specific therapeutic targets. A drug-target network analysis identified four proteins (ANG, DPP4, INR, and MAPK14) as potential targets for further investigation. Molecular docking studies identified the cauferoside from Ferula gummosa as a compound with high binding affinity to these proteins. Molecular dynamics simulations confirmed stability in the compound-protein complexes. In vitro assays demonstrated the cytotoxic effects of F. gummosa extracts on CRC cells, with leaf extract significantly downregulating the expression of the ANG, DPP4, INR, and MAPK14 genes. Root extract exhibited differential effects on gene expression. These findings suggest the potential therapeutic efficacy of F. gummosa against CRC and emphasize the importance of a dual methodology involving bioinformatics and experimental validation in drug discovery. Further in vivo and clinical studies are warranted to validate these findings and advance potential therapeutic applications.
Case Evaluation of Structural Strength Improvement of Lateritic Soil Using Selected Binders
Authors: Yohanna Paul , Kufre Roland Etim , Ekene Nodebe Inechi , Toluwase Joshua Adekeye , Mbah Ernest Obasi , Ayodeji Oladapo Olatunde , Aliyu Umar Muhammed , Owoicho Moses Okoko , Mauris Kanyi Iaana
Published: June 2024

The research investigated the potential use of sisal fiber and plastic waste strips as a partial replacement for cement to enhance the geotechnical characteristics of lateritic soils. Various laboratory experiments were conducted, encompassing tests such as specific gravity determination, grain size distribution analysis, compaction assessment, Atterberg limit evaluation, unconfined compressive strength (UCS) testing, and microscopic analysis. Sisal fiber and plastic strips were each varied at 0, 0.5, 1.0, 1.5, 2.0 and 2.5% while maintaining a constant 5% cement added to all the mix proportions. Result of investigations revealed an enhancement in plasticity of the soils for both treatment methods. Liquid limit shows a steady drop from 43% in its natural state to 42% and 41% at 1% sisal fiber and 1% plastic strips content respectively, while plasticity index showed a decline from 14.8% in its natural form to 12.69% and 10.8% at 2% sisal fiber and 1% plastic strips content respectively. There is a considerable development in the compaction and strength properties of the treated soil. The analysis of the results via one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and regression recorded a significant effect on most of the measured parameters. Microanalysis of the natural and optimally modified soils showed alteration in the fabric arrangement of the particles of soils. Based on the results of the study, optimally 1-1.5% sisal fiber/5% cement and 1-1.5% plastic strips/5%cement meaningfully improved the soil strength and can both be used as sub-base materials for light trafficked roads.
Disruption of β-Catenin Destruction Complex by Ephexin1-Axin1 Interaction Promotes Colorectal Cancer Proliferation
Authors: You Ho Jin , Kim Jeeho , Jeon Young Jin , Chang In-Youb , Lee Jung-Hee
Published: June 2024

Wnt signaling is essential for cell growth and tumor formation, and is abnormally activated in colorectal cancer (CRC), contributing to tumor progression, but the specific role and regulatory mechanisms in tumor development are not yet clear. Here we show that Ephexin1, a guanine nucleotide exchange factor, is significantly overexpressed in CRC, correlating with increased Wnt/β-catenin pathway activity. Through comprehensive analysis, including RNA sequencing data from TCGA and functional assays, we demonstrated that Ephexin1 promotes tumor proliferation and migration by activating the Wnt/β-catenin pathway. This effect is mediated by the interaction of Ephexin1 with Axin1, a critical component of the β-catenin destruction complex, which in turn enhances stability and activity of β-catenin in signaling pathways critical for tumor development. Importantly, our findings also suggest that targeting Ephexin1 could enhance the efficacy of Wnt/β-catenin pathway inhibitors in CRC treatment. These findings highlight the potential of targeting Ephexin1 as a strategy for developing effective treatments for CRC, suggesting a novel and promising approach to therapy aimed at inhibiting cancer progression
Acute urinary retention and delirium in end-of-life cancer patients.
Authors: Borregón Miguel , Benítez-Fuentes Javier-David , Moya-Martínez Alejandro , Baeza María Victoria , Raja Inmaculada , Martínez Elia
Published: June 2024

Introduction:
Symptom management at end-of-life (EOL) is crucial for nurses, oncologists, and palliative care providers. Acute urinary retention (AUR) is a common issue at EOL, often influenced by various factors including medications and underlying disease. Despite its significance, literature on AUR in EOL cancer patients remains limited, especially regarding its association with delirium.
Methods:
We included patients at EOL admitted to the Palliative Care Unit (PCU) of Hospital Virgen de la Salud de Toledo, Spain, between January and February 2018. EOL was defined as patients presenting with conditions ultimately leading to their demise during the hospital admission. AUR was confirmed based on clinical assessment from electronic medical records, defined as the inability to voluntarily urinate, or AUR concordant physical examination, and the need for bladder catheterization to urinate. We evaluated delirium clinically, considering altered consciousness, cognition, and perception. We used descriptive statistics to summarize demographic characteristics and clinical features. We employed a logistic regression analysis to identify predictors of AUR and AUR-associated delirium.
Results:
Among 51 new admissions, 39 (76.4%) were EOL patients, with 13 (33.3%) experiencing AUR. Patients with AUR were older (mean age 78.8 years) compared to those without AUR (mean age 71.5 years). AUR was associated with butylscopolamine use, advanced age, lung cancer, and distant metastases. Physical examination revealed palpable distended bladders in most AUR cases, with a mean urine volume of 536 cc at catheterization. Delirium was present in over 50% of AUR cases, resolving after catheterization in the majority.
Conclusion:
Improving recognition of AUR symptoms and causes in the EOL setting could improve patient relief and comfort.
The association between Clonorchis sinensis infection and hepatocellular carcinoma in an endemic area: a study in Guangxi, China
Authors: Yang Qing-Li , Lu Xi-Wei , Fang Zhong-Liao , Gao Yu-Qiu , He Yi-Ning , Huang Yan , Dai Yue , Liang Ming-Yong , Chan Carlos H. F. , Jiang Zhi-Hua
Published: June 2024

Background
Chronic infection with Clonorchis sinensis (C. sinensis) has been associated with the development of intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC); however, the relationship between C. sinensis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains uncertain.
Methods
This study examined 120 patients with liver cancer in the clonorchiasis endemic area of Hengzhou, Guangxi, China. The type of cancer, the differentiation grade according to Edmondson Steiner's classification, and the pathological characteristics of HCC were determined through postoperative tissue biopsy. C. sinensis infection was detected by measuring serum specific IgG antibody, and hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection was determined by detecting serum HBsAg and HBV DNA in HCC tissues.
Results
Of the patients evaluated, 98 (81.7%) had HCC, 21 (17.5%) had ICC, and 1 (0.8%) had comorbidity of HCC/ICC. Among the HCC patients, 24 (24.5%) were solely infected with HBV, 71 (72.4%) were infected with C. sinensis, and 3 (3.1%) showed no evidence of infection. C. sinensis infection rates in HCC patients are much higher than in the general population, as well as in general outpatient and non-liver cancer inpatients in the local area (χ2 = 82.61/141.92, P < 0.001). There were no significant differences in the pathological type, differentiation grade, and lesion composition between the tumor associated with C. sinensis/HBV mono- and co-infection (P > 0.05). Among the patients with C. sinensis-related HCC, 8 (8.2%) were solely infected with C. sinensis, while 63 (64.3%) were co-infected with HBV. Infection with C. sinensis and HBV has a significant impact on the kind of liver cancer (χ2 = 22.858, cramer’V/φ = 0.444, contingency coefficient = 0.406, P < 0.001).
Conclusions
These findings indicate that HCC still accounts for the majority of liver cancer in this region. In addition to being most commonly related with HBV infection, HCC is also related with C. sinensis infection. The co-infection of HBV and C. sinensis is the leading cause of HCC in this region.
Epigenetic Modulation of Social Cognition: Exploring the Impact of Methylation in Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor and Oxytocin Receptor Genes Across Sex
Authors: Park Hye Yoon , Lee Suonaa , Koo Se Jun , Li Zhenxu , Seo Eunchong , Lee Eun , An Suk Kyoon
Published: June 2024

Background: Social cognition, which ranges from recognizing social cues to intricate inferential reasoning, is influenced by environmental factors and epigenetic mechanisms. Notably, methylation variations in stress-related genes like brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and the oxytocin receptor (OXTR) are linked to distinct social cognitive functions and exhibit sex-specific differences. This study investigates how these methylation differences affect social cognition across sexes, focusing on both perceptual and inferential cognitive levels.
Methods: Social cognitive abilities were assessed using the Korean version of the Reading the Mind in the Eyes Test (K-RMET) and Brune’s story-based Theory of Mind tasks (ToM-PST). DNA methylation levels in BDNF and OXTR were analyzed for correlations with performance on these cognitive tasks in a cohort of male and female participants. A moderation model was applied to determine if sex moderates the relationship between social cognition and DNA methylation.
Results: No significant overall correlation was found between social cognition and DNA methylation across participants. However, sex-specific correlations were identified, including a negative impact of BDNF methylation on K-RMET scores in males, and a similar effect of OXTR methylation on ToM-PST scores in females.
Conclusions: The findings underscore the complex relationship between epigenetic modifications and social cognition, revealing sex-specific effects and highlighting the importance of considering sex in epigenetic studies of social cognition. This research contributes to understanding how epigenetic factors, influenced by sex, shape social cognitive processes and supports the need for sex-specific therapeutic approaches.
Analysis of Phenotypic and Genetic Characteristics of 37 Children with SCN5A Variants: from A Single Tertiary Medical Center in China
Authors: Zhou Huiming , Li Xiaomei , Zhang Yi , Li Meiting , Chen Danlei
Published: June 2024

The clinical, electrocardiographic and genetic characteristics of children with SCN5A variants are complex and widely different from those of adults, but relevant reports are lacking. So, this study was designed to illustrate the characteristics of children with SCN5A variants in China with the largest sample size. Of arrhythmic children with SCN5A variants, clinical history and electrocardiographic and genetic results were integrated, and further follow-up was conducted to illustrate the disease spectrum, progression and genetics. Thirty-seven arrhythmic children with SCN5A variants were enrolled, whose electrocardiograms mainly presented as conduction disorders (60%), sinoatrial node dysfunction (46%), prolonged QT interval (38%) and Brugada pattern (5%). These electrocardiogram abnormalities could exist alone (54%) or form overlap syndrome (46%). Ventricular arrhythmia co-occurred in 57% of long QT syndrome patients. Of children with progressive cardiac conduction system disease (PCCD), 25% showed second-degree atrioventricular block (AVB) type II or third-degree AVB firstly and another 25% progressed from second-degree AVB type I to third-degree AVB. Forty-six percent of the sick sinus syndrome (SSS) children showed atrial tachycardia/flutter firstly, but sinus arrest/bradycardia was then triggered. Most of the overlap syndrome was SSS plus PCCD (65%) and the former took the predominance. The most prevalent culprit domain in NaV1.5 channel was the pore-loop (26%) and followed by the II-III linker (18%). In conclusion, conduction disorders and sinoatrial node dysfunction are the most popular abnormal electrocardiograms. The pore-loop and II-III linker of NaV1.5 channel are highly likely to be the key molecular structural regions determining the clinical phenotypes.
The enigmatic αIIb β-propeller: Structural insights from select missense mutations
Authors: Chandrasekaran Finola Priyadharshini , Nelson Everette Jacob Remington
Published: June 2024

Integrin αIIbβ3 is the predominant receptor for fibrinogen which mediates platelet aggregation, an important step in hemostasis and thrombosis. Several mutations have been reported in the genes encoding αIIb and β3 subunits among patients with Glanzmann thrombasthenia, of which 177 are in the β-propeller domain. The two subunits form a heterodimer at the interface between β-propeller and β-I domains of αIIb and β3 respectively with their stability critical for intracellular trafficking, surface expression, and ligand binding. Our study was aimed at retrieving the β-propeller mutations from various databases and study structural variations due to select mutations upon interaction with fibrinogen using molecular docking and molecular dynamics. Mutations were studied for their impact on phenotypic severity, structural stability, and evolutionary conservation. Molecular docking analysis and molecular dynamics simulations were carried out for αIIb-β3 complexes as well as αIIbβ3-fibrinogen complexes; in particular, E355K structure had more deviations, fluctuations, and other changes which compromised its structural stability and binding affinity when compared to both wild-type and G401C structures. Our comprehensive in silico analysis clearly reiterates that mutations in the β-propeller are not only responsible for structural changes in this domain but also have implications on the overall structure and function of integrin αIIbβ3.
Deterioration of neuroimmune homeostasis in Alzheimer’s Disease patients who survive a COVID-19 infection
Authors: Villareal Jonathan A. B. , Bathe Tim , Hery Gabriela P. , Phillips Jennifer L. , Tsering Wangchen , Prokop Stefan
Published: June 2024

Growing evidence has implicated systemic infection as a significant risk factor for the development and advancement of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). With the emergence of SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) and the resultant pandemic, many individuals from the same aging population vulnerable to AD suffered a severe systemic infection with potentially unidentified long-term consequences for survivors. To study the impact of COVID-19 survival on the brain’s intrinsic immune system in a population also suffering from AD, we profiled post-mortem brain tissue from patients in the UF Neuromedicine Human Brain and Tissue Bank with a diagnosis of AD who survived a COVID-19 infection (COVID-AD) and contrasted our findings with AD patients who did not experience a COVID-19 infection, including a group of brain donors who passed away before arrival of SARS-CoV-2 in the United States. We assessed disease-relevant protein pathology and microglial and astrocytic markers by quantitative immunohistochemistry and supplemented these data with whole tissue gene expression analysis performed on the NanoString nCounter® platform. COVID-AD patients showed slightly elevated Ab burden in the entorhinal, fusiform, and inferior temporal cortices compared to non-COVID-AD patients, while tau pathology burden did not differ between groups. Analysis of microglia revealed a significant loss of microglial homeostasis as well as exacerbated microgliosis in COVID-AD patients compared to non-COVID-AD patients in a brain region-dependent manner. Furthermore, COVID-AD patients showed reduced cortical astrocyte numbers, independent of functional subtype. Transcriptomic analysis supported these histological findings and, in addition, identified a dysregulation of oligodendrocyte and myelination pathways in the hippocampus of COVID-AD patients. In summary, our data demonstrate a profound impact of COVID-19 infection on neuroimmune and glial pathways in AD patients persisting for months post-infection, highlighting the importance of peripheral to central neuroimmune crosstalk in neurodegenerative diseases.
Direct 16S/ITS rRNA Gene PCR followed by Sanger Sequencing for Detection of Mycetoma causative Agents in Dakar, Senegal: A pilot study among patients with mycetoma attending Aristide Le Dantec University Hospital
Authors: DIONGUE Khadim , Dione Jean-Noël , Diop Abdoulaye , Kabtani Jihane , Diallo Mamadou Alpha , L’Ollivier Coralie , Seck Mame Cheikh , Ndiaye Mouhamadou , Badiane Aida Sadikh , Ndiaye Daouda , Ranque Stéphane
Published: June 2024

Introduction. A mycetoma is defined as “any pathological process in which fungal or actinomycotic agents of exogenous origin produce grains”. A precise identification of the causal agents is critical for the therapeutic outcome. Thus, the objective of this study was to identify the pathogens of mycetoma using direct 16S/ITS rRNA gene polymerase chain reaction (PCR) followed by Sanger sequencing directly on grains.
Materials and Methods. In sum, 32 samples including 15 black grains, 12 red grains, and five white/yellow grains collected from patients with mycetoma at the Aristide Le Dantec University Hospital in Dakar, Senegal, between October 2014 and September 2020 were submitted to PCR/sequencing in IHU Méditerranée Infection in Marseille, France. For black grain eumycetoma, the ITS rRNA region was targeted. Similarly, the 16S rRNA gene was targeted for red grain actinomycetoma. These two regions were targeted in parallel for white/yellow grains, which could be of either bacterial or fungal origin. The obtained sequences were assembled and searched using BLAST against the NCBI GenBank nucleotide database with DNA sequence-based species identification defined by ≥99% sequence similarity.
Results. The age of the patients ranged from 14 to 72 years with a mean age of 36±14 years. Thirteen (86%) of the 15 samples with black grains, were successfully sequenced with only one established eumycetoma pathogen, M. mycetomatisidentified in 11 (73%). Cladosporium sphaerospermum was identified in one sample. For the 16S rRNA sequencing about red grains, a 58.3% (7/12) success rate was obtained with Actinomadura pelletieri identified in six (06) samples. Among the five samples sequenced twice, the ITS rRNA sequencing success rate was 60% (3/5); and no mycetoma causative agent was identified. The 16S rRNA sequencing success rate was 40% (2/5) with the established actinomycetoma causative organism, Actinomadura madurae, identified in one. In the second, A. geliboluensis was identified.
Conclusion. Overall, direct 16S/ITS rRNA sequencing on grains for the detection and identification of mycetoma pathogens was successful in 59.4% of cases. The success rate depended on the colour of the grains. It was 80% for black, 50% for red and 40% for white/yellow grains. Fungi, led by Madurella mycetomatis, were the predominant pathogens identified. We identified two probable new causal agents, namely Cladosporium sphaerospermum, and Actinomadura geliboluensis. Yet, the involvement of both deserves confirmation.