bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Functional MRI and Diffusion Tensor Imaging in Migraine: A Review of Migraine Functional and White Matter Microstructural Changes
Authors: Chou Brendon C. , Lerner Alexander , Barisano Giuseppe , Phung Daniel , Xu Wilson , Pinto Soniya N. , Sheikh-Bahaei Nasim
Published: October 2023

Migraine is a complex and heterogenous disorder whose disease mechanisms remain disputed. This narrative review summarizes functional MRI (fMRI) and diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) findings and interprets their association with migraine symptoms and subtype to support and expand our current understanding of migraine pathophysiology. Our PubMed search evaluated and included fMRI and DTI studies involving comparisons between migraineurs vs healthy controls, migraineurs with vs without aura, and episodic vs chronic migraineurs. Migraineurs demonstrate changes in functional connectivity (FC) and regional activation in numerous pain-related networks depending on migraine phase, presence of aura, and chronicity. Changes to diffusion indices are observed in major cortical white matter tracts extending to the brainstem and cerebellum, more prominent in chronic migraine and associated with FC changes. Reported changes in FC and regional activation likely relate to pain processing and sensory hypersensitivities. Diffuse white matter microstructural changes in dysfunctional cortical pain and sensory pathways complement these functional differences. Interpretations of reported fMRI and DTI measure trends have not achieved a clear consensus due to inconsistencies in the migraine neuroimaging literature. Future fMRI and DTI studies should establish and implement a uniform methodology that reproduces existing results and directly compares migraineurs with different subtypes. Combined fMRI and DTI imaging may provide better pathophysiological explanations for nonspecific FC and white matter microstructural differences.
The implications when offering percutaneous nephrostomy for the management of malignant obstructive uropathy secondary to urological malignancy: can we be more selective?
Authors: Osinibi Elizabeth , Doan Hong , Mercado-Campero Alejandro , Abbaraju Jayasimha , Masood Shikohe , Madaan Sanjeev
Published: October 2023

Background & Objectives:

Percutaneous nephrostomy (PN) for malignant ureteric obstruction (MUO) is increasingly accessible with high success rates. However, it is not without associated risks and morbidity, impacting quality of life, while not improving overall survival. In two UK hospitals, we investigated the outcomes of undergoing PN for MUO, to inform future patient counselling and selection for this intervention.

Methods:

A retrospective audit of electronic records identified patients that received PN for bladder, and prostate cancer (PCa) between January 2015 and December 2018. Hospital 1 had a 24-h nephrostomy service, while Hospital 2 had a limited service; Group A: recurrent or treatment-resistant PCa, Group B: primary PCa, Group C: Bladder cancer.

Results:

A total of 261 patients (Hospital 1 = 186, Hospital 2 = 75), had PN insertion. Seventy-eight had prostate or bladder cancer. Group A n = 30, Group B n = 12, Group C n = 36. Median age = 79 [interquartile range (IQR) = 72–86]. Following PN insertion, 12-month mortality was significantly greater in Hospital 1 at 82%, versus 52% in Hospital 2 ( p = 0.015). Median survival: Group A: 177 days (IQR = 80–266), Group B: 209 days (IQR = 77–352), Group C: 145 days (IQR = 97–362). There was no significant difference in same-admission mortality, although group A had the greatest same-admission mortality at 17%. A total of 69% of all patients received bilateral nephrostomies. Patients with bilateral versus unilateral PN had no difference in mortality or nadir creatinine.

Conclusion:

Most patients with malignant obstruction secondary to prostate or bladder cancer lived less than 12 months after PN insertion. When offering PN, careful consideration of disease prognosis should be made, and frank discussion of the implications of a life-long nephrostomy with patients and relatives.
Understanding the success of a deaf-funder’s restaurant between food and empathy’s appeal: The case of 1001 signes
Authors: Billion Julien , Lejealle Catherine
Published: October 2023

Deaf from birth and of Moroccan origin, Sid Mouar has been a successful restaurant owner for 8 years. His restaurant specializes in serving Moroccan cuisine and employs individuals with disabilities. The ordering process utilizes sign language for communication. This case study delves into the reasons behind the restaurant’s success by examining the story of the deaf entrepreneur with a disability and by identifying all the service attributes mentioned in customer feedback. By utilizing the tetraclass model, the impact of each service attribute on customer satisfaction and dissatisfaction is evaluated. This analysis offers insights into what aspects are fundamental, crucial, additional, or secondary in terms of customer satisfaction, thus contributing to an understanding of the restaurant’s achievement. The case also delves into topics related to service quality, customer satisfaction, competitive advantages, promotional elements, and the restaurant’s future adaptations to remain competitive.
Urinary and anal incontinence in pregnancy in a Nigerian population: A prospective longitudinal study
Authors: UGWU Emmanuel Onyebuchi , DIM Cyril Chukwudi , ELEJE George Uchenna
Published: October 2023

Objectives:

There are several studies from sub-Saharan Africa on postpartum urinary incontinence and anal incontinence, but very rare in pregnancy. Such data will guide obstetric caregivers in providing appropriate counseling to the women as well as in minimizing the risk factors. This study aimed to determine the comparative effects of different trimesters of pregnancy on urinary incontinence and anal incontinence, and their possible risk factors.

Methods:

The study was longitudinal in design, and the study population consisted of 223 pregnant women receiving care at the two largest tertiary health institutions in Enugu, South-East Nigeria. The recruitment was in the first trimester and the women were followed up to term. Interviews were conducted at specific times in the three trimesters and data regarding urinary incontinence and anal incontinence symptoms were obtained using validated questionnaires.

Results:

The incidence of urinary incontinence increased across the trimesters: 22%, 30.5%, and 48% in the first trimester, second, and third trimesters, respectively, with a cumulative incidence rate of 50.2%. The incidence of anal incontinence also increased across the trimesters but not as high as urinary incontinence: 1.7%, 3.6%, and 5.8%, respectively, with a cumulative incidence rate of 6.7%. The risk factors for urinary incontinence were maternal age >35 years, multiparity, previous prolonged second-stage labor, and previous history of neonatal macrosomia, while that of anal incontinence were previous instrumental vaginal delivery and previous prolonged second stage of labor.

Conclusion:

Our study demonstrated an increase in the incidence of urinary incontinence and anal incontinence as pregnancy advances. Obstetricians are therefore encouraged to discuss these pelvic floor issues during antenatal care services and make more efforts toward reducing the modifying obstetric risk factors.
Factors Associated With Humeral Avulsion of Glenohumeral Ligament Lesions in Patients With Anterior Shoulder Instability: An Analysis of the MOON Shoulder Instability Cohort
Authors: Freshman Ryan D. , Zhang Alan L. , Benjamin Ma C. , Feeley Brian T. , Ortiz Shannon , Patel Jhillika , Dunn Warren , Wolf Brian R. , Hettrich Carolyn , Lansdown Drew ,   MOON Shoulder Group collaborators, Baumgarten Keith M. , Bishop Julie Y. , Bollier Matthew J. , Brophy Robert H. , Bravman Jonathan T. , Cox Charles L. , Cvetanovich Gregory L. , Grant John A. , Frank Rachel M. , Jones Grant L. , Kuhn John E. , Mair Scott D. , Marx Robert G. , McCarty Eric C. , Miller Bruce S. , Seidl Adam J. , Smith Matthew V. , Wright Rick W.
Published: October 2023

Background:

Humeral avulsion of the glenohumeral ligament (HAGL) lesions are an uncommon cause of anterior glenohumeral instability and may occur in isolation or combination with other pathologies. As HAGL lesions are difficult to detect via magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and arthroscopy, they can remain unrecognized and result in continued glenohumeral instability.

Purpose:

To compare patients with anterior shoulder instability from a large multicenter cohort with and without a diagnosis of a HAGL lesion and identify preoperative physical examination findings, patient-reported outcomes, imaging findings, and surgical management trends associated with HAGL lesions.

Study Design:

Cross-sectional study; Level of evidence, 3.

Methods:

Patients with anterior glenohumeral instability who underwent surgical management between 2012 and 2020 at 11 orthopaedic centers were enrolled. Patients with HAGL lesions identified intraoperatively were compared with patients without HAGL lesions. Preoperative characteristics, physical examinations, imaging findings, intraoperative findings, and surgical procedures were collected. The Student t test, Kruskal-Wallis H test, Fisher exact test, and chi-square test were used to compare groups.

Results:

A total of 21 HAGL lesions were identified in 915 (2.3%) patients; approximately one-third (28.6%) of all lesions were visualized intraoperatively but not identified on preoperative MRI. Baseline characteristics did not differ between study cohorts. Compared with non-HAGL patients, HAGL patients were less likely to have a Hill-Sachs lesion (54.7% vs 28.6%; P = .03) or an anterior labral tear (87.2% vs 66.7%; P = .01) on preoperative MRI and demonstrated increased external rotation when their affected arm was positioned at 90° of abduction (85° vs 90°; P = .03). Additionally, HAGL lesions were independently associated with an increased risk of undergoing an open stabilization surgery (odds ratio, 74.6 [95% CI, 25.2-221.1]; P < .001).

Conclusion:

Approximately one-third of HAGL lesions were missed on preoperative MRI. HAGL patients were less likely to exhibit preoperative imaging findings associated with anterior shoulder instability, such as Hill-Sachs lesions or anterior labral pathology. These patients underwent open procedures more frequently than patients without HAGL lesions.
OralOpioids: Harnessing R Programming and Data Science to Combat Opioid Misuse
Authors: Banerjee Ankona , Stricker Erik
Published: October 2023

Aims

This study aims to introduce the OralOpioids R package, a novel research tool for the in-depth study and analysis of opioid prescriptions in Canada, which reports a significant per-capita pharmaceutical opioid consumption.

Methods

The OralOpioids R package employs data from Health Canada's Drug Product Database (DPD), focusing on authorized oral opioids. It systematically filters drug identification numbers (DINs) by narcotic schedules and administration routes. Moreover, it calculates the morphine equivalent dose (MED) for each DIN using the CDC table. Core functions include MED calculation for specific drugs, brand name retrieval, opioid content extraction, and unit computations based on Canadian MED guidelines.

Results

When juxtaposed against renowned opioid calculators such as MDCalc, Oregon Pain, and Ohio Pain, the OralOpioids package exhibited a near-perfect correlation, with R-squared values consistently at 0.99.

Conclusions

The OralOpioids package, distinctively tailored for research, marks a significant stride in understanding and monitoring Canada's opioid milieu. By encompassing data on discontinued opioids, it fosters a nuanced comprehension of the opioid panorama, enabling historical insight and post-marketing watchfulness. Primarily targeting researchers, its scope extends to healthcare providers, insurers, and administrative boards, all of whom can leverage its potent capabilities for informed decision-making. Although currently centered on Canadian opioids, its flexible design is primed for future expansion, potentially capturing a global audience and catalyzing efforts against the opioid crisis.
Incidence and Predictors of Inpatient Mortality Rate After Cases Started Care in the Intensive Care Unit in Debre Markos Referral Hospital
Authors: Shumet Tesfaye , Kebede Fassikaw
Published: October 2023

Background

The intensive care unit (ICU) is a separate area in which potential health care services for patients who are in critical condition with detailed observation, monitoring, and advanced treatment than other units. This study aimed to assess the incidence and predictors of inpatient mortality after inpatient treatment was started in Debre Markos Comprehensive Specialized Hospital.

Methods

A facility-based retrospective cohort study was employed among 384 ICU-admitted patients from December 30, 2020 to January 1, 2022. The collected data were entered into Epi Data version 4.2 and exported to STATA 14.0 for further analysis. The Cox proportional hazard regression model was fitted after checking using the Schoenfeld residual and log-log plot test. A categorical variable with an adjusted hazard ratio of 95% CI was claimed for predictors.

Result

Overall, 384 admitted adult patients were included in the final analysis with a mean (±SD) age of 42.1 (±17.1) years. At the end of the follow-up period, 150 (39.06%) cases died in the ICU. The overall incidence of the mortality rate was 16.9 (95% CI: 13.7-19.55) per 100 person per day. Epidemiologically, 347 (90.36%) cases were medical illness, 25 (6.51%) surgical, and 12 (3.13%) were obstetric cases, respectively. The median length of inpatient stay was found to be 4.9 (IQR  ±  2.8) days. In multivariable analysis; being (+) for human immunodeficiency virus (AHR  =  0.59, 95% CI: 0.39-0.91), age ≥65yearas (AHR  =  1.61, 95% CI: 1.11-2.32), and admission on weekend-time (AHR  =  1.48, 95% CI: 1.06-2.06) were predictors of inpatient death.

Conclusion

The overall in-hospital mortality rate was significantly higher than in the previous study in this hospital with a short median survival time. The inpatient mortality rate was significantly associated with age ≥65 years, being HIV positive, and admission during weekend time. Therefore, effective intervention strategies should be highly needed for ICU team members for early risk factors prevention.
The Compassionate Communities Connectors program: Effect on healthcare usage
Authors: Aoun Samar M. , Bear Natasha , Rumbold Bruce
Published: October 2023

Background:

Public health approaches to palliative and end-of-life care focus on enhancing the integration of services and providing a comprehensive approach that engages the assets of local communities. However, few studies have evaluated the relative costs and benefits of providing care using these service models.

Objectives:

To assess the effect on healthcare usage of a community-based palliative care program (‘Compassionate Communities Connectors’) where practical and social support was delivered by community volunteers to people living with advanced life-limiting illnesses in regional Western Australia.

Design:

Controlled before-and-after study/Cost-consequence analysis.

Methods:

A total of 43 community-based patients participated in the program during the period 2020–2022. A comparator population of 172 individuals with advanced life-limiting illnesses was randomly selected from usage data from the same set of health services.

Results:

Relative to controls, the intervention group had lower hospitalizations per month [Incidence rate ratio (IRR): 0.37; 95% CI: 0.18–0.77, p = 0.007], less hospital days per month (IRR: 0.23; 95% CI: 0.11–0.49, p < 0.001) and less emergency presentations (IRR: 0.56; 95% CI: 0.34–0.94, p = 0.028. The frequency of outpatient contacts overall was two times higher for the intervention group (IRR: 2.07; 95% CI: 1.11–3.86, p = 0.022), indicating the Connector program may have shifted individuals away from the hospital system and toward community-based care. Estimated net savings of $AUD 518,701 would be achieved from adopting the Connector program, assuming enrollment of 100 patients over an average 6-month participation period.

Conclusion:

This combined healthcare usage and economic analysis of the ‘Compassionate Communities Connectors’ program demonstrates the benefits of optimizing palliative care services using home-based and community-centered interventions, with gains for the health system through improved patient outcomes and reduced total healthcare costs (including fewer hospitalizations and readmissions). These findings, coupled with the other published results, suggest that investment in the Connectors program has the capacity to reduce net health sector expenditure while also improving outcomes for people with life-limiting illnesses.

Trial Registration:

Australian and New Zealand Clinical Trial Registry: ACTRN12620000326998.
Knowledge Society and Information Technologies in the 21st Century
Authors: Sharma Jogen , Tarmali Dayawanti
Published: October 2023

The prosperity that gives greater credit to society, in terms of quality of life, is that which is based on knowledge. Information technologies (IT), particularly those applied in the field of education, play a crucial role in shaping innovative, creative and competitive actors in the contemporary global world. ‘The utilization of information and data, as well as the knowledge, skills, and talents present within communities, as well as their views, commitments, and motives for making wise judgments, are among the fundamental components of knowledge management’ (Stevenson-Perez, 2009, U.S. Patent Application No. 11/904,120). It has been argued by several eminent social scientists on this subject that organizational knowledge ought to be viewed as a strategic advantage. To solve issues and take advantage of opportunities, communities are being pushed to create effective and efficient means of assembling, identifying, capturing and distributing their collective knowledge and expertise. This understanding of the significance of doing so is developing. People all around the world are interested in putting knowledge management practices and technology into practice, and many of them have made knowledge management an essential component of their overall growth plans. Management of knowledge is becoming more and more crucial to the growth of the world economy. Organizations should not neglect knowledge management and developing technologies if they want to stay relevant in the current world.
Material Removal Mechanism and Force Modeling in Ultrasonic Vibration-Assisted Micro-Grinding Biological Bone
Authors: Sun Jingang , Li Changhe , Zhou Zongming , Liu Bo , Zhang Yanbin , Yang Min , Gao Teng , Liu Mingzheng , Cui Xin , Li Benkai , Li Runze , Dambatta Yusuf Suleiman , Sharma Shubham
Published: October 2023

Micro-grinding with a spherical grinding head has been deemed an indispensable method in high-risk surgeries, such as neurosurgery and spine surgery, where bone grinding has long been plagued by the technical bottleneck of mechanical stress-induced crack damage. In response to this challenge, the ultrasound-assisted biological bone micro-grinding novel process with a spherical grinding head has been proposed by researchers. Force modeling is a prerequisite for process parameter determination in orthopedic surgery, and the difficulty in establishing and accurately predicting bone micro-grinding force prediction models is due to the geometric distribution of abrasive grains and the dynamic changes in geometry and kinematics during the cutting process. In addressing these critical needs and technical problems, the shape and protrusion heights of the wear particle of the spherical grinding head were first studied, and the gradual rule of the contact arc length under the action of high-speed rotating ultrasonic vibration was proposed. Second, the mathematical model of the maximum thickness of undeformed chips under ultrasonic vibration of the spherical grinding head was established. Results showed that ultrasonic vibration can reduce the maximum thickness of undeformed chips and increase the range of ductile and bone meal removals, revealing the mechanism of reducing grinding force. Further, the dynamic grinding behavior of different layers of abrasive particles under different instantaneous interaction states was studied. Finally, a prediction model of micro-grinding force was established in accordance with the relationship between grinding force and cutting depth, revealing the mechanism of micro-grinding force transfer under ultrasonic vibration. The theoretical model’s average deviations are 10.37% inx-axis direction, 6.85% iny-axis direction, and 7.81% inz-axis direction compared with the experimental results. This study provides theoretical guidance and technical support for clinical bone micro-grinding.
Bovine oviductal organoids: a multi-omics approach to capture the cellular and extracellular molecular response of the oviduct to heat stress
Authors: Menjivar Nico G. , Gad Ahmed , Thompson Riley E. , Meyers Mindy A. , Hollinshead Fiona K. , Tesfaye Dawit
Published: October 2023

Background

The mammalian oviduct is a complex, fibromuscular organ known for its role in orchestrating a series of timely and dynamic changes to suitably support early embryogenesis. Climate change-induced heat stress (HS) is one of the largest single stressors compromising reproductive function in humans and farm animals via systemic changes in the redox status of the maternal environment, adversely affecting fertilization and early embryonic development. Oviductal organoids represent a unique 3-dimensional, biomimetic model to study the physiology of the oviduct and its subsequent impact on embryo development under various environmental conditions.

Results

Our study is the first to demonstrate an innovative approach to understanding the cascade of molecular changes sustained by bovine oviductal organoids under HS and the subsequent maternal signals harnessed within their secreted extracellular vesicles (EVs). Transcriptomic analysis of oviductal organoids exposed to HS revealed 2,570 differentially expressed genes (1,222 up‐ and 1,348 downregulated), while EV-coupled miRNome analysis disclosed 18 miRNAs with significant differential expression (12 up- and 6 downregulated) in EVs from thermally stressed organoids compared to EVs released from organoids cultured under thermoneutral conditions. Genes activated in oviductal organoids in response to thermal stress, include: COX1, ACTB, CST6, TPT1, and HSPB1, while miR-1246, miR-148a, miR21-5p, miR-451, and miR-92a represent the top highly abundant EV-coupled miRNAs released in response to HS. Pathway analysis of genes enriched in organoids exposed to thermal stress showed the enrichment of endocrine resistance, cellular senescence, and notch signaling pathways. Similarly, EV-coupled miRNAs released from thermally stressed organoids showed their potential regulation of genes involved in cellular senescence, p53 signaling, and TGF-beta signaling pathways.

Conclusions

In conclusion, the cellular and extracellular response of bovine oviductal organoids to in vitro HS conditions reveal the prospective impact of environmental HS on the physiology of the oviduct and the probable subsequent impacts on oocyte fertilization and early embryo development. Future studies elucidating the potential impact of HS-associated EVs from oviductal organoids on oocyte fertilization and preimplantation embryo development, would justify the use of an organoid model to optimally understand the oviduct-embryo communication under suboptimal environments.
Determinants of immunosuppressive therapy in renal transplant recipients: an Italian observational study (the CESIT project)
Authors: Rosa Alessandro C. , Finocchietti Marco , Agabiti Nera , Menè Paolo , Bracaccia Maria Elena , Bellini Arianna , Massari Marco , Spila Alegiani Stefania , Masiero Lucia , Bedeschi Gaia , Cardillo Massimo , Lucenteforte Ersilia , Piccolo Giuseppe , Leoni Olivia , Ferroni Eliana , Pierobon Silvia , Nordio Maurizio , Ledda Stefano , Garau Donatella , Davoli Marina , Addis Antonio , Belleudi Valeria ,   on behalf of CESIT study group, Poggi Francesca R. , Marino Maria Lucia , Marino Claudia , Kirchmayer Ursula , Ricci Andrea , Puoti Francesca , Sparacino Vito , Fiaschetti Pamela , Trapani Silvia , Oliveti Alessandra , Peritore Daniela , Lombardozzi Lorella , Zorzi Manuel , Zanforlini Martina , Mazzone Arianna , Ercolanoni Michele , Nisic Andrea Angelo , Carta Paolo , Ientile Valentina , L’Abbate Luca , Tanaglia Matilde , Trifirò Gianluca , Moretti Ugo
Published: October 2023

Background

Very scanty evidence is available on factors influencing the choice of immunosuppressive drug therapy after kidney transplantation.

Methods

An Italian multiregional real-world study was conducted integrating national transplant information system and claims data. All patients undergoing kidney transplantation for the first time during 2009–2019 (incident patients) were considered. Multilevel logistic models were used to estimate Odds Ratio (OR) and corresponding 95% Confidence intervals. Factors with statistically significance were identified as characteristics associated with treatment regimens: cyclosporin-CsA vs tacrolimus-Tac and, within the latter group, mTOR inhibitors vs mycophenolate-MMF.

Results

We identified 3,622 kidney patients undergoing transplantation in 17 hospitals located in 4 Italian regions, 78.3% was treated with TAC-based therapy, of which 78% and 22% in combination with MMF and mTOR, respectively. For both comparison groups, the choice of immunosuppressive regimens was mostly guided by standard hospital practices. Only few recipient and donor characteristics were found associated with specific regimen (donor/receipt age, immunological risk and diabetes).

Conclusions

The choice of post-renal transplant immunosuppressive therapy seems to be mostly driven by standard Centre practices, while only partially based on patient’s characteristics and recognized international guidelines.
Demand-oriented design of telemedical services in gynecologic oncology
Authors: Hoffmann Sascha , Beissner Julia , Hieber Rebekka , Jacoby Johann , Engler Tobias , Walter Christina Barbara
Published: October 2023

Background

The medical field is in the midst of a massive expansion in telemedical services. However, it is not possible to say to what extent telemedical offerings can be designed to meet needs in the German healthcare system. This study provides insights into demand-oriented care using telemedical services for gynecological patients.

Methods

A total of 262 patients who received systemic therapy for gynecological oncology were surveyed anonymously using a questionnaire regarding their acceptance of telemedicine from February 2021 to April 2021.

Results

Insufficient computer skills were associated with less acceptance of telemedicine treatment by gynecological oncology patients and presented a barrier. However, the patient’s level of education was not related to the level of acceptance. Long travel distances from medical facilities and some types of patient occupations significantly increased the acceptance of telemedicine services. A high level of education, on the other hand, was not associated with the approval of telemedical approaches. Long journeys and work commitments increased the acceptance of telemedical visits.

Conclusions

The results of this study show that the factors investigated have an influence on the acceptance of telemedical offerings by patients. Barriers such as insufficient computer skills must be taken into account when implementing telemedicine services. Telemedicine can provide physical and economic relief for patients if telemedical planning is tailored to their needs.
Analysis of different plant- and animal-based dietary patterns and their relationship with serum uric acid levels in Chinese adults
Authors: Mao Danhui , Feng Jin , Zhou Yangzilin , Li Honggang
Published: October 2023

Background

Dietary patterns play an important role in regulating serum uric acid levels in the body, but evidence for the association between different kinds of plant-based and animal-based dietary patterns and individual serum uric acid levels is scarce and inconsistent.

Methods

We analyzed data from the sixth wave of the China Health and Nutrition Survey. The plant-based diet of 7,806 participants was determined using three consecutive 24-hour dietary recalls, and latent profile analysis was used to identify dietary patterns among participants. Serum uric acid levels were analyzed using the enzymatic colorimetric method. The association between intakes of different types of dietary pattern and individual serum uric acid levels was analyzed using linear regression analysis, after adjusting for confounding variables.

Results

We identified three types of plant-based dietary patterns, namely, low tuber starches and vegetable plant-based diet (LTVP), high cereal, tuber starches and vegetable plant-based diet (HCTVP), and high legume and fruit plant-based diet (HLFP). We also identified three types of animal-based dietary patterns, namely, high milk and egg animal-based diet (HMiEA), low egg and fish animal-based diet, and high meat and fish animal-based diet (HMeFA). Significant coefficients for participant serum uric acid levels were observed for the HCTVP diet (β = −0.022, P = 0.031) and HMeFA diet (β = 0.061, P < 0.001). The median intake of foods in the HCTVP diet was as follows: cereals and cereal products, 444.83 g/d; tubers and starch products, 166.67 g/d; dried legumes and legume products, 8.33 g/d; vegetables and vegetable products, 333.33 g/d; and fruits and fruit products, 0 g/d. The median intake of foods in the HMeFA diet was as follows: meat and meat products, 73.33 g/d; poultry and poultry products, 0 g/d; milk and milk products, 0 g/d; eggs and egg products, 26.67 g/d; and fish, shellfish, and mollusks, 180.00 g/d.

Conclusion

We showed that individual serum uric acid levels (1) might decrease under the plant-based HCTVP diet, (2) might increase under the animal-based HMeFA diet, (3) might not decrease under the plant-based HLFP diet, and (4) might not increase under the animal-based HMiEA diet. Further studies are needed to confirm these associations.
Negative consequences of conflict-related sexual violence on survivors: a systematic review of qualitative evidence
Authors: Rubini Elena , Valente Martina , Trentin Monica , Facci Giulia , Ragazzoni Luca , Gino Sarah
Published: October 2023

Background

Conflicts exacerbate dynamics of power and inequalities through violence normalization, which acts as a facilitator for conflict-related sexual violence. Literature addressing its negative outcomes on survivors is scant. The aim of this systematic review was to analyze the qualitative evidence reported in scientific literature and focusing on the negative consequences of conflict-related sexual violence on victims’ physical, psychological, and social dimensions of health in a gender-inclusive and disaggregated form.

Methods

A literature search was conducted on January 13, 2023 on Pubmed, Scopus, and PsychArticles. The search strings combined two blocks of terms related to sexual violence and conflict. A time filter was applied, limiting the search to studies published in the last ten years. Information regarding the main characteristics and design of the study, survivors and their experience, and about conflict-related sexual violence was collected. The negative consequences of conflict-related sexual violence on the physical, psychological, and social dimension of victims were extracted according to the Biopsychosocial model of health. The review followed the Joanna Briggs Institute methodology for systematic reviews and relied on the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses.

Results

After full text review, 23 articles met the inclusion criteria, with 18 of them reporting negative repercussions on physical health, all of them highlighting adverse psychological outcomes, and 21 disclosing unfavorable social consequences. The negative outcomes described in multiple studies were sexual and reproductive health issues, the most mentioned being pregnancy, manifestations of symptoms attributable to post-traumatic stress disorder, and stigma. A number of barriers to access to care were presented as emerging findings.

Conclusions

This review provided an analysis of the negative consequences of conflict-related sexual violence on survivors, thus highlighting the importance of qualitative evidence in understanding these outcomes and addressing barriers to access to care. Conflict-related sexual violence is a sexual and reproductive health issue. Sexuality education is needed at individual, community, and provider level, challenging gender norms and roles and encompassing gender-based violence. Gender-inclusive protocols and services need to be implemented to address the specific needs of all victims. Governments should advocate for SRHRs and translate health policies into services targeting survivors of CRSV.
The potential of swine pseudorabies virus attenuated vaccine for oncolytic therapy against malignant tumors
Authors: Wang Guosong , Cao Jiali , Gui Mengxuan , Huang Pengfei , Zhang Liang , Qi Ruoyao , Chen Ruiqi , Lin Lina , Han Qiangyuan , Lin Yanhua , Chen Tian , He Peiqing , Ma Jian , Fu Rao , Hong Junping , Wu Qian , Yu Hai , Chen Junyu , Huang Chenghao , Zhang Tianying , Yuan Quan , Zhang Jun , Chen Yixin , Xia Ningshao
Published: October 2023

Background

Oncolytic viruses are now well recognized as potential immunotherapeutic agents against cancer. However, the first FDA-approved oncolytic herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV-1), T-VEC, showed limited benefits in some patients in clinical trials. Thus, the identification of novel oncolytic viruses that can strengthen oncolytic virus therapy is warranted. Here, we identified a live-attenuated swine pseudorabies virus (PRV-LAV) as a promising oncolytic agent with broad-spectrum antitumor activity in vitro and in vivo.

Methods

PRV cytotoxicity against tumor cells and normal cells was tested in vitro using a CCK8 cell viability assay. A cell kinase inhibitor library was used to screen for key targets that affect the proliferation of PRV-LAV. The potential therapeutic efficacy of PRV-LAV was tested against syngeneic tumors in immunocompetent mice, and against subcutaneous xenografts of human cancer cell lines in nude mice. Cytometry by time of flight (CyTOF) and flow cytometry were used to uncover the immunological mechanism of PRV-LAV treatment in regulating the tumor immune microenvironment.

Results

Through various tumor-specific analyses, we show that PRV-LAV infects cancer cells via the NRP1/EGFR signaling pathway, which is commonly overexpressed in cancer. Further, we show that PRV-LAV kills cancer cells by inducing endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress. Moreover, PRV-LAV is responsible for reprogramming the tumor microenvironment from immunologically naïve (“cold”) to inflamed (“hot”), thereby increasing immune cell infiltration and restoring CD8+ T cell function against cancer. When delivered in combination with immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs), the anti-tumor response is augmented, suggestive of synergistic activity.

Conclusions

PRV-LAV can infect cancer cells via NRP1/EGFR signaling and induce cancer cells apoptosis via ER stress. PRV-LAV treatment also restores CD8+ T cell function against cancer. The combination of PRV-LAV and immune checkpoint inhibitors has a significant synergistic effect. Overall, these findings point to PRV-LAV as a serious potential candidate for the treatment of NRP1/EGFR pathway-associated tumors.
Greenness assessment of two chromatographic methods developed for the determination of Mupirocin in two binary mixtures along with its impurity
Authors: Galal Maha M. , Abdullah Shaaban A. , Mohamed Ola Y. , Moustafa Azza A.
Published: October 2023

Two simple, accurate and precise chromatographic methods have been developed and validated for estimating Mupirocin (MUP) in two binary mixtures. Mixture (1); with Fluticasone propionate (FLU) together with two of their impurities, namely; Pseudomonic acid-D (Pseud-D) and Fluticasone impurity C (FIC). Mixture (2); with Mometasone furoate (MF) along with Pseud-D impurity. High performance thin layer chromatography (HPTLC-densitometry) and high performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC) were the two proposed methods. In the HPTLC method, good separation of both mixtures was achieved by using HPTLC plates pre-coated with silica gel 60 F254 as stationary phase and the mobile phase consisted of toluene: chloroform: ethanol at a ratio of (5: 4: 2, by volume). The detection was carried out at 220 nm for MUP and 254 nm for FLU, MF, Pseud-D and FIC. In the HPLC method, chromatographic separation was carried out using Agilent Eclipse XDB (250 mm×4.6 mm, 5 μm) C18 column. For mixture (1), a mobile phase of methanol: sodium di-hydrogen phosphate (pH 3.0) was applied in stepwise gradient elution starting at ratios of (50: 50, v/v) and then switching to (80: 20, v/v) after 7 min at a flow rate of 1 mL.min− 1. Detection was performed using diode array detector at 220 nm for MUP and Pseud-D and 240 nm for FLU and FIC. For mixture (2), the same mobile phase was used, but in isocratic elution in the ratio (80: 20, v/v) at flow rate of 1 mL.min− 1 and detection at 220 nm for MUP and Pseud-D and 248 nm for MF. The two methods successfully separated the cited drugs and were used to determine the drugs in pure form as well as pharmaceutical dosage forms. Validation was done as per International Council on Harmonization guidelines. Furthermore, the greenness of the proposed methods compared to the reported method, was evaluated as per the National Environmental Method Index, analytical Eco scale, Green Analytical Procedure Index and Analytical Greenness metric approaches.
Expression of dengue virus and Zika virus NS2B-NS3pro constructs alter cellular fatty acids, but co-expression with a Zika virus virus-like particle is detrimental to virus-like particle expression
Authors: Ramphan Suwipa , Yimpring Nathamon , Tangsongcharoen Chontida , Sornprasert Suthatta , Hitakarun Atitaya , Sornjai Wannapa , Roytrakul Sittiruk , Panya Atikorn , Smith Duncan R.
Published: October 2023

Objective

Studies have shown that Flavivirus infection remodels the host cell to favour viral replication. In particular, the host cell lipid profile is altered, and it has been proposed that this process alters membrane fluidity to allow wrapping of the outer structural proteins around the viral nucleocapsid. We investigated whether expression of the Zika virus (ZIKV) and dengue virus (DENV) protease induced alterations in the cellular lipid profile, and subsequently whether co-expression of these proteases with VLP constructs was able to improve VLP yield.

Results

Our results showed that both ZIKV and DENV proteases induced alterations in the lipid profile, but that both active and inactive proteases induced many of the same changes. Neither co-transfection of protease and VLP constructs nor bicistronic vectors allowing expression of both protease and VLP separated by a cell cleavable linker improved VLP yield, and indeed many of the constructs showed significantly reduced VLP production. Further work in developing improved VLP expression platforms is required.
Visualization of breast cancer-related protein synthesis from the perspective of bibliometric analysis
Authors: Xu Jiawei , Yu Chengdong , Zeng Xiaoqiang , Tang Weifeng , Xu Siyi , Tang Lei , Huang Yanxiao , Sun Zhengkui , Yu Tenghua
Published: October 2023

Breast cancer, as a daunting global health threat, has driven an exponential growth in related research activity in recent decades. An area of research of paramount importance is protein synthesis, and the analysis of specific proteins inextricably linked to breast cancer. In this article, we undertake a bibliometric analysis of the literature on breast cancer and protein synthesis, aiming to provide crucial insights into this esoteric realm of investigation. Our approach was to scour the Web of Science database, between 2003 and 2022, for articles containing the keywords “breast cancer” and “protein synthesis” in their title, abstract, or keywords. We deployed bibliometric analysis software, exploring a range of measures such as publication output, citation counts, co-citation analysis, and keyword analysis. Our search yielded 2998 articles that met our inclusion criteria. The number of publications in this area has steadily increased, with a significant rise observed after 2003. Most of the articles were published in oncology or biology-related journals, with the most publications in Journal of Biological Chemistry, Cancer Research, Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America, and Oncogene. Keyword analysis revealed that “breast cancer,” “expression,” “cancer,” “protein,” and “translation” were the most commonly researched topics. In conclusion, our bibliometric analysis of breast cancer and related protein synthesis literature underscores the burgeoning interest in this research. The focus of the research is primarily on the relationship between protein expression in breast cancer and the development and treatment of tumors. These studies have been instrumental in the diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer. Sustained research in this area will yield essential insights into the biology of breast cancer and the genesis of cutting-edge therapies.
Clinical implications of heat shock protein 70 in oral carcinogenesis and prediction of progression and recurrence in oral squamous cell carcinoma patients: a retrospective clinicopathological study
Authors: Elhendawy Heba A.
Published: October 2023

Background

Oral cancer is a common cause of death worldwide. The search for novel biomarkers for oral cancer is an ongoing struggle. Prognostic biomarkers are of great importance in diagnosis, and prediction of the cancer outcome. There are several disagreements in oral cancer studies over the role of heat shock proteins as prognostic markers. The current study investigated HSP70 expression in diverse tissues ranging from normal oral mucosa to dysplastic oral epithelium and oral squamous cell carcinoma to determine its role in oral carcinogenesis. Moreover, HSP70 was evaluated concerning different prognostic parameters to determine its capability in predicting cancer progression. Recurrence of tumor was recorded, and patients` disease-free survival was calculated and analyzed considering HSP70 expression to determine the potential utility of HSP70 immuno-expression in predicting recurrence.

Methods

A retrospective study was accomplished on 50 cases of OSCC. Biopsies from the cancerous tissue, the free surgical margin, and the normal oral mucosa were used. The grading of dysplastic epithelium and OSCCs followed the criteria of WHO classification (2017). The clinicopathological and follow-up records for each patient were retrieved. Pearson’s Chi-square test, one-way ANOVA, and post hoc tests were used to analyze the variance of HSP70 immuno-expression concerning different parameters. The Kaplan–Meier method was used to compute and visualize disease-free survival, and the log-rank test was used to analyze the data. With Cox regression, univariate and multivariate survival analyses were run. A P-value of 0.05 or less was regarded as statistically significant.

Results

A significant increased expression of HSP70 was observed as the tissue progressed from normal to dysplastic epithelium, and carcinoma (P = 0.000). HSP70 revealed a significant increased expression by progression from mild to severe dysplasia (P = 0.023), and also from well to moderately and poorly differentiated carcinoma (P = 0.000). High HSP70 immuno-expression was significantly associated with progression of OSCC; large-sized tumors (P = 0.002), advanced TNM clinical stages (P = 0.001), positive nodal involvement (P = 0.001), presence of recurrence (P = .008), and reduced DFS (P = 0.014).

Conclusion

HSP70 has a crucial contribution to oral carcinogenesis, and its immune-expression could potentially be used as predictor of progression and recurrence of OSCC patients.

Trial registration: Retrospectively registered.
Training cognition in older male prisoners: lessons learned from a feasibility study
Authors: Verhülsdonk Sandra , Bohn Claire , Neyer Nora , Supprian Tillmann , Christl Julia , Kalbe Elke , Folkerts Ann-Kristin
Published: October 2023

With increasing numbers of older prisoners, effective strategies for preventing and treating age-associated diseases, such as cognitive disorders, are needed. As pharmacological therapies are limited, non-pharmacological interventions are increasingly recognized as potential treatment strategies. One approach is cognitive training (CT). However, no study has investigated CT in the prison setting. Thus, this one-arm feasibility trial aims to analyze the feasibility of (i) the study protocol and (ii) the implementation of multimodal CT for older prisoners. Eighteen older male prisoners from two specific divisions for older prisoner participated in 12 weekly CT sessions using the NEUROvitalis program. The feasibility analysis included recruitment, dropout, and CT participation rates, and motivation for and satisfaction with CT (using 6-point Likert-scales). The study protocol demonstrated sufficient feasibility with high recruitment rates between 46 and 50%. Therefore, the CT implementation was successful: Only one prisoner ceased participation; all others completed the CT sessions (i.e., attended > 75% of the sessions). Prisoners reported high CT motivation and satisfaction, and would recommend CT. This is the first study to demonstrate CT feasibility in older prisoners. Although more research is needed, these results are a starting point for expanding services to include cognitively enhancing activities for older prisoners.

This one-arm feasibility study was pre-registered in the German Clinical Trials Register (DRKS; ID: DRKS00020227).), Registered 11 Mai 2021 https://drks.de/search/de/trial/DRKS00020227.
Individuals of a group-living shorebird show smaller home range overlap when food availability is low
Authors: Peng He-Bo , Choi Chi-Yeung , Ma Zhijun , Bijleveld Allert I. , Melville David S. , Piersma Theunis
Published: October 2023

Background

Group living animals, such as shorebirds foraging on intertidal mudflats, may use social information about where to find hidden food items. However, flocking also increases intraspecific competition for resources, which may be exacerbated by food scarcity. Therefore, although aggregation may bring benefits, it may also increase the intensity of intraspecific competition.

Methods

We examined this trade-off in adult great knotsCalidris tenuirostris, a molluscivorous long-distance migrating shorebird species, using interannual variation based on 2 years with different levels of food availability during their northward migratory staging in the northern Yellow Sea, China. We estimated individual home ranges and the extent of spatial overlap of home ranges of individually tagged birds in 2012 and 2015, whilst discounting for possible differences in body size, body mass, sex and migration schedule between years.

Results

We found that home range size was not associated with body mass, arrival date, body size, or sex of the individual. Despite a significant difference in food availability between the two study years, there was no significant change in the 50% and 95% home range size of great knots in the contrasting situations. However, there was a significantly smaller spatial overlap between individuals in the year when food was less available, suggesting that great knots operated more independently when food was scarce than when it was abundant.

Conclusions

These results suggest that minimizing intraspecific competition became more important when food was scarce. Where it is impossible to monitor all habitatsen route, monitoring the local movements of shorebirds may offer a way to detect changes in habitat quality in real time.