bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Complicações associadas a toxoplasmose gestacional - congênita: Uma revisão integrativa
Authors: Silva Henrique França , Silva Júlia Coelho da , Ferreira Juliana Oliveira , Cecim Michelle Milene Perdigão Moreira , Oliveira Luma Bertão de , Trindade Eliane Leite da
Published: September 2024

Objetivo: Revisar as complicações associadas à toxoplasmose gestacional congênita. Metodologia: Estudo descritivo qualitativo, utilizando levantamento bibliográfico na Biblioteca Virtual em Saúde (BVS). Foram considerados artigos publicados entre 2018 e 2022, escritos em português e que abordam a temática proposta. Resultados e Discussão: A busca resultou em 4 trabalhos que abordam complicações da toxoplasmose gestacional, como anomalias congênitas e déficits visuais. A maioria dos casos estudados destaca a importância do diagnóstico precoce e intervenções para prevenir complicações graves. Conclusão: A toxoplasmose gestacional representa um grande desafio para a saúde pública devido às suas graves implicações para a saúde materna e neonatal. Estratégias robustas de triagem e monitoramento, juntamente com a educação sobre práticas preventivas, são essenciais para mitigar os riscos associados à doença.
Pengaruh Disiplin Kerja dan Motivasi Terhadap Kinerja Pegawai pada Dinas Bangunan di Kabupaten Bekasi
Authors: - Wandiyanto , Kuswandi Aos
Published: September 2024

Dalam penelitian ini bertujuan untuk menganalisis Pengaruh antara Disiplin dan Motivasi Terhadap Kinerja Pegawai Pada Dinas Bangunan di Kabupaten Bekasi. Penelitian ini mengambil sampel sebanyak 63 dari 71 Pegawai Dinas Bangunan Kabupaten Bekasi. Pengambilan sampel dilakukan dengan menggunakan metode stratifikasi random sampling. Analisis yang digunakan adalah regresi berganda dengan menggunakan batas signifikansi 0,05. Dalam penelitian ini diperoleh nilai fhitung sebesar 4,000. Jika dibandingkan ftabel sebesar 2,76 pada taraf signifikansi 5%, maka nilai fhitung > ftabel yaitu 4,000 > 2,76. Hasil ini menunjukkan bahwa terdapat pengaruh positif dan signifikan antara disiplin dan motivasi kerja secara bersama-sama terhadap kinerja pegawai di Dinas Bangunan Kabupaten Bekasi. Kemudian berdasarkan hasil perhitungan data dan analisis yang digunakan, diperoleh persamaan regresi yaitu: Y = 4,765+0,197X1+0,090 X2 serta nilai (R2) sebesar 0,409 atau 40,9%. Hasil ini menginformasikan bahwa kinerja pegawai dapat dijelaskan oleh variabel disiplin kerja pegawai dan motivasi kerja pegawai sebesar 40,9%. Nilai R2 adalah sebesar 40,9% hal ini menunjukkan bahwa adanya pengaruh X1 (Disiplin) dan X2 (Motivasi) secara bersama-sama (simultan) terhadap Y ( Kinerja ).
Hubungan Politik Antara Pemerintah Pusat dan Pemerintah Daerah
Authors: . Sudiyono
Published: September 2024

Hubungan kewenangan antara Pemerintah Pusat dan Daerah, merupakan implementasi dari Undang-undang Pemerintahan Daerah Nomor 32 Tahun 2004 mengenai Otonomi Daerah. Melalui desentralisasi bahwa pemberian kewenangan pemerintah pusat ke pemerintah daerah untuk menjalankan pemerintahan di daerah berdasarkan aspirasi masyarakat, yang didasarkan pada Undang - Undang No. 32 tahun 2004 tentang Pemerintahan Daerah. Hubungan-hubungan tersebut memiliki empat dimensi penting untuk dicermati, yaitu meliputi: kelembagaan, keuangan, dan pengawasan, dan hubungan kewenangan.
Tujuan dibentuknya UU tersebut agar Pemerintahan Daerah yang menjadi dasar hukum hubungan kewenangan tersebut adalah sebagai pelaksanaan lebih lanjut dari dasar konstitusional,yaitu Pasal 18 UUD RI 45 berupa satuan pemerintahan di bawah pemerintah pusat yaitu daerah provinsi dan kabupaten/kota memiliki urusan yang bersifat wajib dan pilihan, Provinsi memiliki urusan wajib dan urusan pilihan. Selain itu ditetapkan pula kewenangan pemerintah Pusat menjadi urusan Pemerintahan yang meliputi,: a) politik luar negeri; b) pertahanan; c) keamanan; d) yustisi; e) moneter dan fiskal nasional; dan f) agama. Pemberian otonomi luas kepada daerah ini diarahkan untuk mempercepat terwujudnya kesejahteraan masyarakat melalui peningkatan pelayanan, pemberdayaan dan peran serta masyarakat. Disamping itu melalui otonomi luas, daerah diharapkan mampu meningkatkan daya saing dengan memperhatikan prinsip demokrasi, pemerataan, keadilan, keistimewaan dan kekhususan serta potensi dan keanekaragaman daerah dalam sistem Negara Kesatuan Republik Indonesia.
Species composition of summer diatoms complex
of Ceratophyllum demersum L. epiphyton in the Pripyat river
(The national park «Pripyatsky»)
Authors: Svirid Anna A. , Mikheyeva Tamara M. , Petrov Vladimir N.
Published: September 2024

The diatom complex of the Ceratophyllum demersum L. epiphyton collected in July 2010 from Pripyat river includes 58 species. They belong to 3 classes, 9 orders, 13 families, 23 genera. The dominants (of the number of valves in the preparation) were Cocconeis lineata Ehrenberg (34,8%), Cyclostephanos dubius (Fricke) Round (11,3%), subdominants – Сocconeis euglipta Ehrenberg (8,8%), Aulacoseira ambigua (Grunow) Simonsen (5,9%) and Gyrosigma spencerii (Bailey ex Quekett) Griffith et Henfrey (5,6%).
Pride and Politics: The Varied Influence of National Pride on Political Behavior in South Korea, Japan, and China
Authors: Seo Hyerin
Published: September 2024

This study investigates the relationship between national pride and political participation in three East Asian countries: South Korea, Japan, and China. Utilizing data from the most recent wave of the Asia Barometer survey, the analysis reveals that national pride significantly increases conventional political participation—voting—particularly in South Korea, while its impact is less pronounced in China and Japan. Conversely, national pride exhibits a minimal or even negative association with unconventional political participation, such as protests or signing petitions, especially in Japan. The study highlights the variability of national pride's influence across different national contexts, suggesting that the unique political environments and histories of these countries shape how national pride affects civic engagement. Methodological limitations, including the reliance on survey data and the temporal disconnect between reported political actions and current national pride, are acknowledged, pointing to need for future research using longitudinal data and qualitative methods to further explore these dynamics.
Distinctive features and prognostic utility of neutrophil in severe patients with Klebsiella pneumoniae infection
Authors: Du Chunjing , Lu Ming , Zheng Jiajia , Liu Chao , Yang Ping , Yi Juan , Zhu Liuluan , Shen Ning
Published: September 2024

Background

Neutrophil plays a pivotal role in the management of Klebsiella pneumoniae infection. Delineate the clinical characteristics and prognostic utility of neutrophil in severe patients with K. pneumoniae infection are crucial for clinical management and prognostic assessment.

Methods

K. pneumoniae patients with different infection sites were enrolled from Medical Information Mart for Intensive Care IV and eICU Collaborative Research Database. Temporal variations of neutrophil counts within 30 days of clinical onset were examined using locally weighted scatterplot smoothing curves. Logistic regression analysis was performed to assess the relationship between neutrophil counts and hospital mortality.

Results

A total of 1,705 patients caused by K. pneumonia were included in the study. The non-survivor group exhibited a comparatively older age and a higher proportion of K. pneumoniae infections originating from respiratory and bloodstream sources compared to the survivor group (38.4% vs 21.1%, p<0.0001, and 15.1% vs 10.3%, p=0.021). Patients combined with multiple drug resistance strains, respiratory infection, liver disease, and above 60 years exhibited a specific dynamic process of neutrophil levels. Neutrophils counts peaked at admission and 1-2 weeks later. There was a ‘U’-shaped relationship between neutrophil counts and hospital mortality.

Conclusions

Neutrophils in K. pneumoniae infected patients have distinctive features and dynamic clinical trajectories. Close monitoring of severe patients infected with K. pneumoniae upon admission and during the first 1-2 weeks after admission is of utmost importance, particularly for patients with a neutrophil count exceeding 8.0×109/L.
Effect of stress unloading rate on fine-scale deformation mechanism of rock under high osmotic pressure
Authors: Sun Weiji , Qin Xu , Liu Qiang , Zhang Yujun , Ma Wenfei , Ma Yangqi , Gao Jingang
Published: September 2024

To explore the influence of the working face excavation rate on the rock deformation mechanism and seepage characteristics, deformation and seepage tests of sandstone under different loading and unloading stress paths, such as constant axial pressure unloading confining pressure and loading axial pressure unloading confining pressure, were carried out. Particle Flow Code in 3 Dimensions (PFC3D) and Python were used to realize fluid-solid coupling, and numerical simulation calculations were performed along the test path to analyze the influence of the unloading rate on the fine-scale deformation mechanism and permeability characteristics of sandstone, and the relationship between crack type and permeability was obtained. A sandstone fracture mechanics model is established to analyze the stress concentration degree at the end of the branch crack of the test path. The results show that the rate of confining pressure unloading is inversely proportional to the strain. Additionally, permeability correlates with the principal stress difference in an exponential manner. Interestingly, the sensitivity of permeability to stress shows an inverse trend with the unloading rate of confining pressure. Furthermore, there exists a linear relationship between permeability and the number of cracks. During the unloading process, tensile cracks predominate, and the propagation of shear cracks lags behind that of tensile cracks. The proportion of tensile cracks decreases with the increase of the unloading rate when the axial pressure is unchanged but increases when axial pressure is added, resulting in axial compression deformation and expansion deformation along the unloading direction. These research outcomes offer theoretical insights for the prudent selection of mining rates, and they hold significant implications for mitigating water inrush disasters in deep mining operations.
Effect of the immune cells and plasma metabolites on rheumatoid arthritis: a mediated mendelian randomization study
Authors: Liu Qi-Pei , Du Hong-Cheng , Xie Ping-Jin , Chai Sheng-Ting
Published: September 2024

Background

Increasing evidence indicates a close relationship between alterations in human immune cells and plasma metabolites with Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA). However, limited studies have left the causal relationships behind these links unclear.

Methods

A bidirectional Mendelian Randomization (MR) study was conducted, combined with mediation analysis, using data from genome-wide association study database covering 731 immune cell phenotypes and 1,400 plasma metabolite traits to explore their causal relationships with RA and potential mediating effects. The primary method used for MR analysis was inverse-variance weighted and False Discovery Rate (FDR) correction was applied to verify the robustness of our results.

Results

HLA DR on CD33- HLA DR+ (myeloid cell group) (OR, 1.422; 95% CI, 1.194–1.694; P < 0.001; PFDR = 0.012) increased the risk of developing RA. CD19 on IgD+ CD38- naive (B cell group) (OR, 0.969; 95% CI, 0.954–0.985; P < 0.001; PFDR = 0.021) reduced the risk of developing RA. RA was a risk factor for HLA DR on CD14- CD16+ monocytes (monocyte group) (OR, 1.242; 95% CI, 1.102–1.401; P < 0.001; PFDR  = 0.047). RA was a protective factor for memory B cell %lymphocyte (B cell group) (OR, 0.861; 95% CI, 0.795–0.933; P < 0.001; PFDR = 0.050), CD4+ CD8dim T cell %lymphocyte (TBNK group) (OR, 0.802; 95% CI, 0.711–0.904; P < 0.001; PFDR  = 0.043), CD4+ CD8dim T cell %leukocyte (TBNK group) (OR, 0.814; 95% CI, 0.726–0.913; P < 0.001; PFDR  = 0.046), CD24 on IgD+ CD24+ B cells (B cell group) (OR, 0.857; 95% CI, 0.793–0.927; P < 0.001; PFDR  = 0.038), and CD24 on unswitched memory B cells (B cell group) (OR, 0.867; 95% CI, 0.797–0.942; P < 0.001; PFDR  = 0.050). Increasing levels of docosatrienoate (22:3n3) (OR, 0.886; 95% CI, 0.838–0.936; P < 0.001; PFDR = 0.023) significantly reduced the risk of developing RA. The mediating effect of plasma metabolites in this context was not established.

Conclusion

This study provides genetic evidence for the intricate relationships between immune cells, plasma metabolites, and RA, highlighting the potential mechanisms involved. This will contribute to future directions in precision medicine and research.
Minimizing unnecessary brain magnetic resonance imaging in pediatric endocrinology: a retrospective cohort analysis
Authors: Marin Maura , Murru Flora Maria , Baldo Francesco , Tamaro Gianluca , Faleschini Elena , Barbi Egidio , Tornese Gianluca
Published: September 2024

Background

Brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is mandatory or highly recommended in many pediatric endocrinological conditions to detect causative anatomic anomalies and rule out neoplastic lesions. However, MRI can also show findings associated with the underlying clinical condition, as well as unrelated “incidentalomas”. These latter findings are often abnormalities with a high incidence in the general population for which there is no clear literature regarding their management, especially in pediatric patients. The present study aimed to evaluate the number of unnecessary performed MRIs in pediatric endocrinology.

Methods

Retrospective analysis on 584 MRI scans performed in 414 patients (254 growth hormone deficiency, 41 other causes of short stature, 116 central precocious puberty).

Results

The MRI scans were completely normal in 67% of the individuals, and the prevalence of individuals who underwent more than one MRI was 18%, with no significant differences among the groups. The overall prevalence of incidentalomas was 17%. Among 170 repeated MRI scans, 147 (86%) were not required according to a dedicated protocol. Only five patients (four GHD, one Noonan) correctly repeated the MRI. All the repeated MRI scans did not reveal any progression in the findings. If we include the MRIs performed in cases of OCSS other than Noonan syndrome (n=32) and girls with CPP older than 6 years (n=89), an additional 121 MRIs could have been avoided, leading to a total number of unnecessary MRIs to 268 (46%).

Conclusions

Only a few specific neuroimaging findings in endocrinologic pediatric patients warrant further investigation, while too often repeated imaging is carried out unnecessarily. We advocate the importance of guidelines to reduce costs for both the healthcare system and patients’ families, as well as to alleviate physical and psychological distress for patients and caregivers.
Construction of circRNA-mediated ceRNA network and immunoassay for investigating pathogenesis of COPD
Authors: Yang Ting , Xu Wenya , Zhao Jie , Chen Jie , Li Siguang , Lin Lingsang , Zhong Yi , Yang Zehua , Xie Tian , Ding Yipeng
Published: September 2024

Background

The chronic respiratory condition known as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) was one of the main causes of death and disability worldwide. This study aimed to explore and elucidate new targets and molecular mechanisms of COPD by constructing competitive endogenous RNA (ceRNA) networks.

Methods

GSE38974 and GSE106986 were used to select DEGs in COPD samples and normal samples. Cytoscape software was used to construct and present protein-protein interaction (PPI) network, mRNA-miRNA co-expression network and ceRNA network. The CIBERSORT algorithm and the Lasso model were used to screen the immune infiltrating cells and hub genes associated with COPD, and the correlation between them was analyzed. COPD cell models were constructed in vitro and the expression level of ceRNA network factors mediated by hub gene was detected by reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR).

Results

In this study, 852 differentially expressed genes were screened in the GSE38974 dataset, including 439 upregulated genes and 413 downregulated genes. Gene clustering analysis of PPI network results was performed using the Minimum Common Tumor Data Element (MCODE) in Cytoscape, and seven hub genes were screened using five algorithms in cytoHubba. CCL20 was verified as an important hub gene based on mRNA-miRNA co-expression network, GSE106986 database validation and the analysis of ROC curve results. Finally, we successfully constructed the circDTL-hsa-miR-330-3p-CCL20 network by Cytoscape. Immune infiltration analysis suggested that CCL20 can co-regulate immune cell migration and infiltration through chemokines CCL7 and CXCL3. In vitro experiments, the expression of circDTL and CCL20 was increased, while the expression of hsa-miR-330-3p was decreased in the COPD cell model.

Conclusion

By constructing the circDTL-hsa-miR-330-3p-CCL20 network, this study contributes to a better understanding of the molecular mechanism of COPD development, which also provides important clues for the development of new therapeutic strategies and drug targets.
Estimating the number of Canadians suffering from fecal incontinence using pooled prevalence data from meta-analysis
Authors: Oliaei Ava , Elterman Dean , Sadri Salar , Zimmerman Eric , Pezeshki Padina , Chughtai Bilal , Sadri Hamid
Published: September 2024

Background and aim

Fecal incontinence (FI) is defined as the unintended loss of solid or liquid stool. FI adversely affects the patient’s quality of life. However, due to stigma, lack of awareness, and underdiagnosis, there is a notable gap in the knowledge regarding its prevalence. This study aimed to conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis of published literature reporting on FI prevalence and estimate the number of people afflicted by FI.

Methods

A systematic review was conducted following the PRISMA 2020 guidelines, using the Embase, MEDLINE, CINHAL, and PubMed databases to identify relevant publications in the English language. Two reviewers independently screened the articles and extracted data. The reference sections and content of the review papers were also evaluated. Thirty-two articles were selected and included. A meta-analysis of proportions was performed using RStudio software. A sub-analysis was conducted to account for the variation between sample population age groups to minimize heterogeneity. The pooled prevalence was extrapolated to the Canadian population and a sample of ten densely populated countries to estimate the number of people affected by FI.

Results

The Mean pooled FI prevalence in men and women was 7% (95% CI: 6-9%) and 10% (95% CI: 8-12%), respectively. The sub-analysis mean pooled prevalence of FI in men and women was 8% (95% CI: 6-10%) and 10% (95% CI: 8-12%), respectively. The authors estimate that between 1 and 1.5 million Canadians and 320 to 500 million people in the ten most populous countries suffer from FI.

Conclusion

Fecal incontinence is a prevalent underdiagnosed condition requiring appropriate and timely treatment to improve a patient’s quality of life.
The dual role of glucocorticoid regeneration in inflammation at parturition
Authors: Ling Li-Jun , Zhou Qiong , Zhang Fan , Lei Wen-Jia , Li Meng-Die , Lu Jiang-Wen , Wang Wang-Sheng , Sun Kang , Ying Hao
Published: September 2024

Introduction

Fetal membrane inflammation is an integral event of parturition. However, excessive pro-inflammatory cytokines can impose threats to the fetus. Coincidentally, the fetal membranes express abundant 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase 1 (11β-HSD1), which generates biologically active cortisol to promote labor through induction of prostaglandin synthesis. Given the well-recognized anti-inflammatory actions of glucocorticoids, we hypothesized that cortisol regenerated in the fetal membranes might be engaged in restraining fetus-hazardous pro-inflammatory cytokine production for the safety of the fetus, while reserving pro-labor effect on prostaglandin synthesis to ensure safe delivery of the fetus.

Methods

The hypothesis was examined in human amnion tissue and cultured primary human amnion fibroblasts as well as a mouse model.

Results

11β-HSD1 was significantly increased in the human amnion in infection-induced preterm birth. Studies in human amnion fibroblasts showed that lipopolysaccharide (LPS) induced 11β-HSD1 expression synergistically with cortisol. Cortisol completely blocked NF-κB-mediated pro-inflammatory cytokine expression by LPS, but STAT3-mediated cyclooxygenase 2 expression, a crucial prostaglandin synthetic enzyme, remained. Further studies in pregnant mice showed that corticosterone did not delay LPS-induced preterm birth, but alleviated LPS-induced fetal organ damages, along with increased 11β-HSD1, cyclooxygenase 2, and decreased pro-inflammatory cytokine in the fetal membranes.

Discussion

There is a feed-forward cortisol regeneration in the fetal membranes in infection, and cortisol regenerated restrains pro-inflammatory cytokine expression, while reserves pro-labor effect on prostaglandin synthesis. This dual role of cortisol regeneration can prevent excessive pro-inflammatory cytokine production, while ensure in-time delivery for the safety of the fetus.
Movement and diving behavior of satellite-tagged male sperm whales in the Gulf of Alaska
Authors: Wild Lauren A. , Mueter Franz J. , Straley Jan M. , Andrews Russ D.
Published: September 2024

Male sperm whales (Physeter macrocephalus) are known to interact with and depredate from commercial longline fishing vessels targeting sablefish (Anoplopoma fimbria) in the Gulf of Alaska (GOA). This study aims to better understand their movement patterns and diving behavior in this region, and in relation to depredation behavior. Between 2007 and 2016 a total of 33 satellite tags were deployed on sperm whales interacting with fishing vessels in the eastern GOA. A subset of these tags also collected dive characteristics. We used state space models to interpolate hourly positions from tags and estimate behavioral state from 29 usable tag records, 14 of which had associated dive information. Whales exhibited slower horizontal movement (1.4 km/hr) within GOA waters compared to south of the GOA (5.5 km/hr), indicating tagged whales sped up when they left the region. Behavioral states indicated primarily foraging behavior (82% of locations) in the GOA and primarily transiting behavior (74% of locations) when whales left the GOA. Dive data showed average ( ± Standard Deviation) maximum dive depths of 396 m ( ± 166), and dive durations of 32 min (± 9). Generalized additive models indicated that dives were significantly deeper and longer during the daytime than dawn, dusk, or nighttime, and dives were significantly deeper and shorter during quarter moons, when tidal currents are weakest. Maximum dive depth decreased in areas of higher sablefish CPUE, suggesting a potential link between the sablefish fishery and depredation behavior. As seafloor depth increased, up to 800 m, dives became deeper, indicating that whales were likely targeting both bathypelagic and mesopelagic prey. This highlights the importance of the GOA continental slope as a foraging ground for male sperm whales. This enhanced understanding of sperm whale foraging ecology informs management and conservation efforts in high latitude foraging grounds.
Source-to-sink processes and genetic mechanism of progradational and lateral accretion submarine fans in the Qiongdongnan Basin, South China Sea
Authors: Feng Congjun , Fan Guozhang , Yang Zhili , Yao Xingzong , Song Xinglei , Li Weiqiang , Qu Hongjun , Zhang Qiang , Wang Xuefeng
Published: September 2024

Submarine fan reservoirs are important accumulation zones for oil, gas, and natural gas hydrates, offering significant potential for hydrocarbon exploration. During the deposition period of the Sanya Formation in the southern part of the Changchang Sag of the Qiongdongnan Basin, a large submarine fan developed. However, the internal structure, source-sink system, and formation mechanism of this fan remain poorly understood, posing significant challenges to exploration in this area. This paper examines the source-to-sink sedimentary processes and deposition of submarine fans, using the Changchang Sag, in the Qiongdongnan Basin in the Northern South China Sea, as an example, which will provide valuable general guidance for deep water oil and gas exploration. Based on the theories of seismic stratigraphy and seismic sedimentology, this paper utilizes techniques such as seismic facies analysis, seismic attribute optimization, paleogeomorphology reconstruction, and source-to-sink sedimentary system analysis to analyze the 3D seismic data of the study area. Research indicates that the Sanya Formation in the Changchang Sag of the Qiongdongnan Basin comprises three depositional units: submarine fan, feeder channel, and Semi-deep marine to deep marine mudstone. The submarine fan is a fan formed by the coupling and convergence of submarine fans sourced from the southwest and southeast. Internally, it is divided into three sub-facies: the proximal fan of the sand-rich submarine fan, the main body of the sand-rich submarine fan lobes, and the distal lobes of the sand-rich submarine fan. The submarine fan sourced from the southwest extends nearly north-south and is primarily fed by sediment transported through three large, banded ancient valleys. The sedimentary filling is characterized by three-phase progradation. The submarine fan sourced from the southeast extends nearly east-west and is primarily fed by sediment transported through a single large, banded ancient valley. The sedimentary filling is characterized by two-phase lateral accumulation. During the deposition period of the Sanya Formation, certain areas of the southern uplift belt were exposed for extended periods and subjected to weathering and erosion. Sediments are transported to large ancient valleys through small supply channels. A large number of sediments were transported to the southern slope of the Changchang sag through the provenance channel system such as large ancient valleys and slope belts and deposited in the center of the sag. These make up a complete system of large ancient uplifts and submarine fan source-to-sink sedimentary systems.The sedimentary model is a lobed submarine fan controlled by semi-restricted ancient valleys and expansive basins.
Professional development is the key to securing a future rheumatology workforce. Long term evaluation of a summer school for medical students—a national scientific society’s educational initiative
Authors: Sautner Judith , Puchner Rudolf , Reisch Myriam , Alkin Alois , Duftner Christina , Dejaco Christian
Published: September 2024

Objectives

A cumulative imbalance between rheumatologic need and an inadequate number of young colleagues entering the field leads to a dearth of rheumatologists in the near future. The Austrian Society for Rheumatology and Rehabilitation (ÖGR) has been organizing an annual Rheumatology Summer School (RSS) for medical students since 2017. The aim of this study was to analyze the annual RSS evaluations, the RSS’ overall effects on attracting new talent into the field and the lasting promotion of rheumatology.

Methods

A questionnaire was distributed immediately after each RSS meeting. Additionally, we conducted an electronic survey among RSS participants (2017–2022) to assess their career development trajectories.

Results

From 2017–2023, a total of 220 students attended the RSS. They all completed the annual evaluation. Accordingly, students’ expectations were met in 80% (2017) to 97% (2023) of cases. The electronic survey was completed by 64/133 (48%) students; 49 (77%) indicated that the RSS had markedly increased their desire to specialize in rheumatology. Among the 36 graduates, 10 (28%) had already been working in the field of rheumatology and 6 (17%) were considering this specialty but had not decided yet. RSS attendees in their 6th study year were influenced to a greater extent by the RSS to choose rheumatology as their primary specialty than 4th or 5th year students. The participants indicated that they benefited most from the RSS in terms of knowledge gain, personal awareness of rheumatology, networking among fellow students as well as gaining access to RSS faculty.

Conclusion

The RSS enhanced students’ intention to choose rheumatology, particularly in those close to graduation, and led to increased awareness and deeper knowledge about rheumatology.
Impact of ovalbumin allergy on oral and gut microbiome dynamics in 6-week-old BALB/c mice
Authors: Qiao Chuanyue , Bian Shuang , Huang Hao , Xiao Han , Ma Lei , Han Rui
Published: September 2024

Background

The gut microbiota is known to have a significant impact on the development of food allergy, and several recent studies have suggested that both oral microbiota, which first come into contact with allergenic foods, may have a profound influence on the development of food allergy.

Methods

In this study, we have established an ovalbumin-sensitive mice model by utilizing ovalbumin as a sensitizing agent. Subsequently, we performed a comprehensive analysis of the gut and oral microbiota in ovalbumin-sensitive mice and the control mice using full-length 16S rRNA sequencing analysis.

Results

Interestingly, both the gut and oral microbiota of ovalbumin-sensitized mice exhibited significant dysbiosis. The relative abundance of s__Lactobacillus_intestinalis in the gut microbiota of ovalbumin-sensitive mice exhibited a significant decrease, whereas the abundance of s__Agrobacterium_radiobacter and s__Acinetobacter_sp__CIP_56_2 displayed a significant increase. Furthermore, the relative abundance of s__unclassified_g__Staphylococcus, s__Streptococcus_hyointestinalis, and s__unclassified_g__Dechloromonas in the oral microbiota of ovalbumin-sensitive mice revealed a significant decrease. In contrast, the abundance of 63 other species, including s__Proteiniclasticum_ruminis, s__Guggenheimella_bovis, and s__Romboutsia_timonensis, demonstrated a significant increase. The random forest classifier achieved the best accuracy in predicting the outcome of food allergy using three gut and three oral biomarkers, with accuracies of 94.12 and 100%, respectively. Based on the predictions of the PICRUSt2 analysis, the only consistent finding observed across multiple samples from both the groups of mice was a significant up-regulation of the nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain (NOD)-like receptor signaling pathway in the ovalbumin-sensitized mice.

Conclusion

Our study demonstrates that ovalbumin-sensitized mice experience substantial alterations in both gut and oral microbial composition and structure, and specific strains identified in this study may serve as potential biomarkers for food allergy screening. Moreover, our findings highlight that the oral environment, under the same experimental conditions, exhibited greater precision in detecting a larger number of species. Additionally, it is worth noting that the NOD-like receptor signaling pathway plays a vital role in the pathogenesis of OVA (ovalbumin)-induced allergy. These findings will generate novel concepts and strategies in the realm of food allergy prevention and treatment.
A comprehensive review on the co-occurrence of scurvy and anorexia nervosa
Authors: Cui Sunny
Published: September 2024

Scurvy, a rare disease resulting from vitamin C deficiency, can occur in individuals with restrictive eating disorders like anorexia nervosa (AN), leading to severe health complications. This review explores the complex relationship between scurvy and AN, highlighting the overlapping symptoms and challenges in diagnosis and treatment. Vitamin C is essential for collagen synthesis, immune function, and neurotransmitter production, and its deficiency manifests as fatigue, gingival bleeding, joint pain, and perifollicular hemorrhages. AN exacerbates these symptoms through extreme food restriction, causing severe nutritional deficiencies. Analyzing nine case reports, this review reveals that patients with co-occurring AN and scurvy often present with gastrointestinal, psychiatric, and dermatological symptoms. Treatment with vitamin C supplementation typically results in rapid symptom improvement. However, the malnutrition inherent in AN complicates the clinical picture, making timely diagnosis and intervention crucial. This review underscores the importance of a comprehensive, multidisciplinary approach to managing these conditions, emphasizing the need for early recognition and treatment to prevent severe complications. Future research should include a more diverse patient population to enhance understanding of the interplay between AN and scurvy, aiming to improve patient outcomes through tailored treatment strategies.
Exploring the influence of anemia and inflammation indices on colorectal cancer: analysis of the national health and nutrition examination survey From 2011 to 2018
Authors: Qu Chao , Yang Shuting , Shen Tianli , Peng Qiuting , Sun Xuejun , Lin Yuyao
Published: September 2024

Purpose

Patients with colorectal cancer (CRC) frequently present with anemia and signs of infection. However, the relationships between these factors remain unclear. This study investigated the potential association between anemia, inflammatory indices, and CRC.

Methods

We analyzed data from the 2011–2018 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey to investigate links between anemia, inflammation, and CRC. Inflammatory indices, including the neutrophil-percentage-to-albumin ratio, neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio, and eosinophil-to-lymphocyte ratio, were analyzed. Following rigorous inclusion criteria, 14,114 participants were included. Statistical methods such as logistic regression and subgroup analyses were employed. Moreover, survival analysis was performed.

Results

Among the 14,114 participants, 0.6% had CRC and 11.0% were diagnosed with anemia. Anemia and inflammatory indices were associated with CRC, suggesting an increased risk (OR range: 2.03-2.50, P<0.05). Patients with CRC had lower red blood cell counts, reduced hemoglobin levels, and higher inflammatory indices. This is accompanied by an increase in the inflammatory indices, which is also a risk factor for CRC (OR range: 1.12-7.00, P<0.05). Survival analyses indicated that anemia was associated with lower survival rates, impacting all-cause, cancer, and CRC mortality.

Conclusion

Our results indicate that anemia and inflammatory indices are correlated with CRC. Patients with CRC tend to exhibit increased inflammatory indices and decreased red blood cell count and albumin levels, potentially impacting survival.
Diagnostic accuracy of a modularized, virtual-reality-based automated pupillometer for detection of relative afferent pupillary defect in unilateral optic neuropathies
Authors: Negi Rahul , Kalivemula Manasa , Bisht Karan , Bhate Manjushree , Sachdeva Virender , Bharadwaj Shrikant R.
Published: September 2024

Purpose

To describe the construction and diagnostic accuracy of a modularized, virtual reality (VR)-based, pupillometer for detecting relative afferent pupillary defect (RAPD) in unilateral optic neuropathies, vis-à-vis, clinical grading by experienced neuro-ophthalmologists.

Methods

Protocols for the swinging flashlight test and pupillary light response analysis used in a previous stand-alone pupillometer was integrated into the hardware of a Pico Neo 2 Eye® VR headset with built-in eye tracker. Each eye of 77 cases (mean ± 1SD age: 39.1 ± 14.9yrs) and 77 age-similar controls were stimulated independently thrice for 1sec at 125lux light intensity, followed by 3sec of darkness. RAPD was quantified as the ratio of the direct reflex of the stronger to the weaker eye. Device performance was evaluated using standard ROC analysis.

Results

The median (25th – 75th quartiles) pupil constriction of the affected eye of cases was 38% (17 – 23%) smaller than their fellow eye (p<0.001), compared to an interocular difference of +/-6% (3 – 15%) in controls. The sensitivity of RAPD detection was 78.5% for the entire dataset and it improved to 85.1% when the physiological asymmetries in the bilateral pupillary miosis were accounted for. Specificity and the area under ROC curve remained between 81 – 96.3% across all analyses.

Conclusions

RAPD may be successfully quantified in unilateral neuro-ophthalmic pathology using a VR-technology-based modularized pupillometer. Such an objective estimation of RAPD provides immunity against biases and variability in the clinical grading, overall enhancing its value for clinical decision making.
Signal mining of adverse events of proteasome inhibitors in multiple myeloma based on FAERS
Authors: Peng Yuan , Zhou Yuying , Shu Kaisen , Jia Xu , Zhong Yan
Published: September 2024

Objective

To mine and analyze adverse events (AEs) related to proteasome inhibitors in multiple myeloma based on the FDA Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS), providing references for rational clinical medication.

Methods

AE data related to multiple myeloma proteasome inhibitors were collected from the FAERS from the first quarter of 2010 to the first quarter of 2024. Signal mining of AEs was conducted using the reporting odds ratio method and Bayesian confidence propagation neural network method.

Results

A total of 8,805 reports for bortezomib, 5,264 for carfilzomib, and 8,771 for ixazomib were collected, with corresponding AE signals of 474, 279, and 287, respectively, involving 23, 21, and 22 System Organ Classes (SOCs). The report information for the three drugs tended to be consistent: more cases were reported in males than in females; the majority of patients were 65 years and over; AEs mostly occurred within 6 months of medication; the outcomes primarily consisted of hospitalization, prolonged hospital stay, and other serious adverse events; the primary reporting country was the United States. The most affected SOCs were infections and infestations, general disorders and administration site conditions, and blood and lymphatic system disorders.

Conclusion

The overall distribution of AEs for the three multiple myeloma proteasome inhibitors was consistent, but there were certain differences in specific AE signal characteristics, which should be noted in clinical applications.
Activation of EphrinB2/EphB2 signaling in the spine cord alters glia-neuron interactions in mice with visceral hyperalgesia following maternal separation
Authors: Guo Shufen , Wang Yu , Duan Qingling , Gu Wei , Fu Qun , Ma Zhengliang , Ruan Jiaping
Published: September 2024

Background

Sress early in life has been linked to visceral hyperalgesia and associated functional gastrointestinal disorders. In a mouse model of visceral hyperalgesia, we investigated whether the EphB2 receptor and its EphrinB2 ligand in spinal cord contribute to dysregulation of glia-neuron interactions.

Methods

An established mouse model of stress due to maternal separation (MS). Pups were separated from their mothers for 14 days during early development, then analyzed several weeks later in terms of visceral sensitivity based on the abdominal withdrawal reflex score and in terms of expression of c-fos, EphrinB2, EphB2, and phosphorylated MAP kinases (ERK, p38, JNK).

Results

Visceral hyperalgesia due to MS upregulated EphB2, EphrinB2 and c-fos in the spinal cord, and c-fos levels positively correlated with those of EphB2 and EphrinB2. Spinal astrocytes, microglia, and neurons showed upregulation of EphB2, EphrinB2 and phosphorylated MAP kinases. Blocking EphrinB2/EphB2 signaling in MS mice reduced visceral sensitivity, activation of neurons and glia, and phosphorylation of NMDA receptor. Activating EphrinB2/EphB2 signaling in unstressed mice induced visceral hyperalgesia, upregulation of c-fos, and activation of NMDA receptor similar to maternal separation.

Conclusion

The stress of MS during early development may lead to visceral hyperalgesia by upregulating EphrinB2/EphB2 in the spinal cord and thereby altering neuron-glia interactions.
Quantitative proteomic analysis reveals hub proteins for high temperature-induced male sterility in bread wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)
Authors: Liu Hongzhan , Li Jinlei , Xie Liuyong , Wu Huanhuan , Han Shuying , Hu Lizong , Zhang Fuli , Wang Hongxing
Published: September 2024

High-temperature (HT) stress can induce male sterility in wheat; however, the underlying mechanisms remain poorly understood. This study examined proteomic alterations across three developmental stages between normal and HT-induced male-sterile (HT-ms) anthers in wheat. Utilizing tandem mass tags-based proteomics, we identified 2532 differentially abundant proteins (DAPs): 27 in the tetrad stage, 157 in the binuclear stage, and 2348 in the trinuclear stage. Analyses through Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathways indicated significant enrichment of these DAPs in seven pathways, namely phenylpropanoid biosynthesis, flavonoid biosynthesis, sphingolipid metabolism, MAPK signaling pathway, starch and sucrose metabolism, response to heat, and response to reactive oxygen species (ROS). Our results indicated the downregulation of DAPs associated with phenylpropanoid biosynthesis and starch and sucrose metabolism, which aligns with anther indehiscence and the lack of starch in HT-ms anthers. By contrast, DAPs in the ROS pathway were upregulated, which aligns with excessive ROS accumulation in HT-ms anthers. Additionally, we conducted protein–protein interaction analysis for the DAPs of these pathways, identifying 15 hub DAPs. The abundance of these hub proteins was confirmed through qRT-PCR, assessing mRNA expression levels of the corresponding transcripts. Collectively, these results offer insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying HT-induced male sterility in wheat at the proteomic level, providing a valuable resource for further research in plant sexual reproduction.
Genetic mapping and molecular marker development for white flesh color in tomato
Authors: Liu Jie , Fang Xiaoxue , Yu Fangjie , Zhang Chengfeng , Fan Pengfei , Wang Ningdong , Shao Qiao , Gan Ning , Lv Xiaolong , Ouyang Bo , Zhang Mingfang , Wu Xinsheng , Liao Nanqiao
Published: September 2024

Introduction

Fruit color significantly influences the quality of horticultural crops, which affects phytochemical diversity and consumer preferences. Despite its importance, the genetic basis of the white-colored fruit in tomatoes remains poorly understood.

Methods

In this study, we demonstrate that white-fleshed tomato varieties accumulate fewer carotenoids than yellow-fleshed varieties. We developed various segregating populations by hybridizing red, yellow, and white fruit tomato cultivars.

Results

Genetic analysis revealed that the white fruit color trait is controlled by a single gene that dominates both red and yellow fruits. Bulk segregant RNA sequencing provided a preliminary map of a 3.17 Mb region on chromosome 3 associated with the white color trait. Based on kompetitive allele-specific PCR (KASP) markers, we narrowed the candidate gene region to 819 kb. Within this region, we identified a 4906-bp sequence absence variation near Phytoene Synthase 1 (SlPSY1) specific to white-colored tomatoes. Genotyping of the progeny and natural populations using a single nucleotide polymorphism adjacent to this absence of variation confirmed its key role in white fruit formation.

Discussion

Collectively, our findings provide insights into white fruit trait formation in tomatoes, enabling tomato breeders to precisely introduce white fruit traits for commercial exploitation.
The psychometric properties of the Swahili version of the Primary Care Post Traumatic Stress Disorder screen for DSM-5 among adults in Kenya
Authors: Mwangala Patrick N. , Guni Joseph Newton , Mwangi Paul , Makandi Millicent , Kerubo Anita , Odhiambo Rachel , Abubakar Amina
Published: September 2024

Background

The psychometric properties of the Primary Care PTSD Screen for DSM-5 (PC-PTSD-5) are undocumented in Kenya and sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) at large. This study aimed to evaluate the psychometric properties of the Swahili version of the tool, S-PC-PTSD-5, in a community sample of adults 18 years and older drawn from Nairobi, Mombasa and Kwale counties in Kenya.

Methods

Analysis of cross-sectional data from 1431 adults from the community was conducted, examining the reliability, factorial structure, measurement invariance, and convergent and divergent validity of the interviewer-administered S-PC-PTSD-5.

Results

Out of 1431 adults who completed the S-PC-PTSD-5, 666 (46.5%) reported experiencing at least one traumatic event. Internal consistency of the S-PC-PTSD-5 was good overall, with alpha and omega values above 0.7. Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) results indicated a one-factor structure of the S-PC-PTSD-5 for the overall sample. Multigroup CFA also demonstrated factorial invariance for sex for the one-factor structure of S-PC-PTSD-5. Scores for S-PC-PTSD-5 significantly correlated (positively) with those of generalized anxiety disorder (GAD7) and depressive symptoms (PHQ9), indicating convergent validity. S-PC-PTSD-5 scores also significantly correlated (negatively) with the WHO-5 wellbeing index, supporting divergent validity.

Conclusions

The S-PC-PTSD-5 is a reliable and valid unidimensional measure. It appears to be a valuable screening measure for probable PTSD in both urban and rural community settings in Kenya. Nonetheless, to confidently identify those who may need treatment/additional support, further research on the reliability and validity of S-PC-PTSD-5 is required, especially its diagnostic accuracy at different cutoff scores.
Mental health challenges of recent immigrants in precarious work environments — a qualitative study
Authors: Shankar Janki , Chen Shu-Ping , Lai Daniel W. L. , Joseph Shawn , Narayanan Rhea , Suleman Zabin , Ali H M Ashraf , Kharat Priyadarshini
Published: September 2024

Introduction

Recent immigrants from racialized minority backgrounds and those who are not proficient in the local language are some of the most vulnerable members of society. Despite having postsecondary educational qualifications and permanent residency status, many are engaged in precarious employment. There is a scarcity of research that has explicitly focused on the work experiences and mental health challenges faced by these immigrants.

Methods

Using a grounded theory approach and semi-structured face-to-face interviews, this study examined the work experiences and mental health challenges of 42 recent immigrant employees from two cities in Canada who were working in various industries and engaged in precarious employment.

Findings

Eighty-one percent of the employee participants were overqualified for their jobs. Findings highlighted several ongoing mental problems that participants experienced, stemming from challenging physical and psychological workplace conditions, negative mindsets associated with their recent immigrant status, and other contextual factors and barriers. However, various coping strategies, both constructive and unconstructive, were used to address this mental distress.

Discussion

The study proposes a multidimensional approach to address workplace conditions to promote good mental health for these employees. This includes preventative programs for raising awareness among employers about the importance of recent immigrant employees’ mental health and well-being and policy and legislation changes to ensure the employer’s commitment to creating a safe and culturally friendly workplace. The approach also recommends that recent immigrant employees receive occupational health and safety training, learn about Canadian workplace norms and culture, and have access to professional healthcare services.