bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Phytochemical profile and antimicrobial activity of essential oils from two Syzygium species against selected oral pathogens
Authors: Salem Sahar S. , Elsayed Heba E. , Shabana Samah , Khazaal Mohamed T. , Moharram Fatma A.
Published: December 2023

Background

The genus Syzygium (Myrtaceae) comprises several essential oil-rich species that are utilized traditionally for treating tooth infections and toothache. The current study aimed to extract essential oils (EOs) from the leaves of Syzygium samarangense and Syzygium malaccense cultivated in Egypt for the first time and screen their antimicrobial potential against oral-related pathogens.

Methods

The intended EOs were extracted using hydrodistillation (HD) by boiling fresh leaves with distilled water; supercritical fluid (SF) by extracting the dried leaves using supercritical CO2 at 40 °C and 150 bar; and the headspace (HS) in which the fresh leaves were heated in a glass vial and the vaporized aroma were analyzed. The volatile constituents were analyzed using GC/MS and identified by comparing the experimental Kovats' retention indices with the literature. The antimicrobial activity was assessed against Staphylococcus aureus, Enterococcus faecalis, Escherichia coli, and Candida albicans using agar diffusion, microwell dilution, and biofilm formation assays. Statistical significance (p < 0.05) was determined by applying one-way ANOVA and Duncan's post hoc test.

Results

The yield of the extracted EOs differs between the applied methods, and the SF approach harvested the maximum (0.52–0.46%). The GC–MS analysis of SF EOs revealed a discrepancy between the two species. Since S. malaccense showed an abundance of hydrocarbons represented mainly by squalene (60.60%), S. samarangense was deemed to have oxygenated sesquiterpenes exemplified in globulol (52.09%). On the other side, the HD and HS EOs were sequentially comparable, while differed in the percentage of their majors. γ-terpinene (33.06%) pioneered the HS-derived aroma of S. malaccense, while S. samarangense was abundant with α-pinene (30.18%). Concurrently, the HD EOs of S. malaccense and S. samarangense were commonly denoted by caryophyllene oxide (8.19%-18.48%), p-cymene (16.02%- 19.50%), and γ-terpinene (12.20%-17.84). Ultimately, both species EOs exhibited broad-spectrum antimicrobial potential, although the HD EO was more potent than the SF EO. The HD EOs of both species potently inhibited the growth of E. coli (MIC 3.75 µL/mL) and suppressed C. albicans biofilm formation by 83.43 and 87.27%, respectively. The SF-EOs efficiently suppressed the biofilm formation of Gram-positive bacteria by 76.45%-82.95%.

Conclusion

EOs extracted from both species by different methods possessed a unique blend of volatile components with broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity. They were promoted as bioactive hits for controlling oral infections, however further investigations concerning their safety in clinical settings are needed.
“None of us are lying”: an interpretive description of the search for legitimacy and the journey to access quality health services by individuals living with Long COVID
Authors: Brehon Katelyn , Miciak Maxi , Hung Pam , Chen Shu-Ping , Perreault Kadija , Hudon Anne , Wieler Marguerite , Hunter Simone , Hoddinott Lance , Hall Mark , Churchill Katie , Brown Darren A. , Brown Cary A. , Bostick Geoffrey , Skolnik Kate , Lam Grace , Weatherald Jason , Gross Douglas P.
Published: December 2023

Background

Understanding of Long COVID has advanced through patient-led initiatives. However, research about barriers to accessing Long COVID services is limited. This study aimed to better understand the need for, access to, and quality of, Long COVID services. We explored health needs and experiences of services, including ability of services to address needs.

Methods

Our study was informed by the Levesque et al.’s (2013) “conceptual framework of access to health care.” We used Interpretive Description, a qualitative approach partly aimed at informing clinical decisions. We recruited participants across five settings. Participants engaged in one-time, semi-structured, virtual interviews. Interviews were transcribed verbatim. We used reflexive thematic analysis. Best practice to ensure methodological rigour was employed.

Results

Three key themes were generated from 56 interviews. The first theme illustrated the rollercoaster-like nature of participants’ Long COVID symptoms and the resulting impact on function and health. The second theme highlighted participants’ attempts to access Long COVID services. Guidance received from healthcare professionals and self-advocacy impacted initial access. When navigating Long COVID services within the broader system, participants encountered barriers to access around stigma; appointment logistics; testing and ‘normal’ results; and financial precarity and affordability of services. The third theme illuminated common factors participants liked and disliked about Long COVID services. We framed each sub-theme as the key lesson (stemming from all likes and dislikes) that, if acted upon, the health system can use to improve the quality of Long COVID services. This provides tangible ways to improve the system based directly on what we heard from participants.

Conclusion

With Long COVID services continuously evolving, our findings can inform decision makers within the health system to better understand the lived experiences of Long COVID and tailor services and policies appropriately.
BMC3PM: bioinformatics multidrug combination protocol for personalized precision medicine and its application in cancer treatment
Authors: Mokhtari Majid , Khoshbakht Samane , Akbari Mohammad Esmaeil , Moravveji Sayyed Sajjad
Published: December 2023

Background

In recent years, drug screening has been one of the most significant challenges in the field of personalized medicine, particularly in cancer treatment. However, several new platforms have been introduced to address this issue, providing reliable solutions for personalized drug validation and safety testing. In this study, we developed a personalized drug combination protocol as the primary input to such platforms.

Methods

To achieve this, we utilized data from whole-genome expression profiles of 6173 breast cancer patients, 312 healthy individuals, and 691 drugs. Our approach involved developing an individual pattern of perturbed gene expression (IPPGE) for each patient, which was used as the basis for drug selection. An algorithm was designed to extract personalized drug combinations by comparing the IPPGE and drug signatures. Additionally, we employed the concept of drug repurposing, searching for new benefits of existing drugs that may regulate the desired genes.

Results

Our study revealed that drug combinations obtained from both specialized and non-specialized cancer medicines were more effective than those extracted from only specialized medicines. Furthermore, we observed that the individual pattern of perturbed gene expression (IPPGE) was unique to each patient, akin to a fingerprint.

Conclusions

The personalized drug combination protocol developed in this study offers a methodological interface between drug repurposing and combination drug therapy in cancer treatment. This protocol enables personalized drug combinations to be extracted from hundreds of drugs and thousands of drug combinations, potentially offering more effective treatment options for cancer patients.
Association of lncRNA THRIL, HOTAIR genes variations and expression levels with pulmonary tuberculosis
Authors: Wang Li-Jun , Li Rui , Zhang Tian-Ping , Li Hong-Miao
Published: December 2023

Background

Long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) has been implicated in the pathogenesis of pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB). This study aims to investigate the involvement of lncRNA THRIL and HOTAIR gene single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and their expression levels in PTB susceptibility.

Methods

A total of 456 PTB patients and 464 healthy controls participated in our study. we genotyped six SNPs of THRIL and HOTAIR genes using an improved multiple ligase detection reaction (iMLDR). Additionally, real-time reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction was employed to detect the expression levels of THRIL and HOTAIR in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) from 78 PTB patients and 84 healthy controls.

Results

No significant differences in allele and genotype frequencies were observed for THRIL rs1055472, rs11058000, and HOTAIR rs12427129, rs1899663, rs4759314, and rs7958904 polymorphisms between PTB patients and healthy controls (all P > 0.05). Moreover, genotype frequencies of all SNPs did not show any association with PTB susceptibility in the dominant–recessive model. However, the frequencies of rs7958904 CC genotype and C allele in the HOTAIR gene were significantly correlated with leukopenia in PTB patients. Furthermore, the expression levels of the HOTAIR gene were significantly elevated in PTB patients compared to controls.

Conclusions

Our study indicates that THRIL and HOTAIR gene SNPs might not contribute to PTB susceptibility, while the level of HOTAIR was increased in PTB patients.
Artificial intelligence-driven new drug discovery targeting serine/threonine kinase 33 for cancer treatment
Authors: Tran Na Ly , Kim Hyerim , Shin Cheol-Hee , Ko Eun , Oh Seung Ja
Published: December 2023

Background

Artificial intelligence (AI) is capable of integrating a large amount of related information to predict therapeutic relationships such as disease treatment with known drugs, gene expression, and drug-target binding. AI has gained increasing attention as a promising tool for next-generation drug development.

Methods

An AI method was used for drug repurposing and target identification for cancer. Among 8 survived candidates after background checking, N-(1-propyl-1H-1,3-benzodiazol-2-yl)-3-(pyrrolidine-1-sulfonyl) benzamide (Z29077885) was newly selected as an new anti-cancer drug, and the anti-cancer efficacy of Z29077885 was confirmed using cell viability, western blot, cell cycle, apoptosis assay in MDA-MB 231 and A549 in vitro. Then, anti-tumor efficacy of Z29077885 was validated in an in vivo A549 xenograft in BALB/c nude mice.

Results

First, we discovered an antiviral agent, Z29077885, as a new anticancer drug candidate using the AI deep learning method. Next, we demonstrated that Z29077885 inhibits Serine/threonine kinase 33 (STK33) enzymatic function in vitro and showed the anticancer efficacy in various cancer cells. Then, we found enhanced apoptosis via S-phase cell cycle arrest as the mechanism underlying the anticancer efficacy of Z29077885 in both lung and breast cancer cells. Finally, we confirmed the anti-tumor efficacy of Z29077885 in an in vivo A549 xenograft.

Conclusions

In this study, we used an AI-driven screening strategy to find a novel anticancer medication targeting STK33 that triggers cancer cell apoptosis and cell cycle arrest at the s phase. It will pave a way to efficiently discover new anticancer drugs.
Effects of vibration therapy for post-stroke spasticity: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Zeng Duchun , Lei Wei , Kong Yurou , Ma Fenghao , Zhao Kun , Ye Xiangming , Tan Tongcai
Published: December 2023

Background

The efficacy of vibration therapy (VT) in people with post-stroke spasticity (PSS) remains uncertain. This study aims to conduct a comprehensive meta-analysis to assess the effectiveness of VT in PSS.

Methods

PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, Physiotherapy Evidence Database, and Web of Science were searched from inception to October 2022 for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of VT in people with PSS. The primary outcome was spasticity, and secondary outcomes included pain, motor function, gait performance, and adverse events. A meta‑analysis was performed by pooling the standardized mean difference (SMD) with 95% confidence intervals (CI).

Results

A total of 12 studies met the inclusion criteria. Overall, VT had significant effects on reducing spasticity (SMD = − 0.77, 95% CI − 1.17 to − 0.36, P < 0.01) and pain (SMD =  − 1.09, 95% CI − 1.74 to − 0.45, P < 0.01), and improving motor function (SMD = 0.42, 95% CI 0.21 to 0.64, P < 0.01) in people with PSS. However, VT had no significant effect on gait performance (SMD =  − 0.23, 95% CI − 0.56–0.10). In addition, subgroup differences in short-term anti-spasticity effects between different vibration subtypes, vibration frequencies, vibration durations, frequency of sessions, control therapy, spasticity distribution, and population classification were not significant.

Conclusion

We found that VT significantly alleviated spasticity and pain in people with PSS and improved motor function, but its effect on gait performance was unclear. However, further studies are needed to validate these findings.
Delineating family needs in the transition from hospital to home for children with medical complexity: part 1, a meta-aggregation of qualitative studies
Authors: van de Riet L. , Alsem M. W. , van der Leest E. C. , van Etten-Jamaludin F. S. , Maaskant J. M. , van Woensel J. B. M. , van Karnebeek C. D.
Published: December 2023

Background

Advances in diagnostic and therapeutic interventions for rare diseases result in greater survival rates, with on the flipside an expanding group of children with medical complexity (CMC). When CMC leave the protective hospital environment to be cared for at home, their parents face many challenges as they take on a new role, that of caregiver rather than care-recipient. However, an overview of needs and experiences of parents of CMC during transition from hospital-to-home (H2H) is lacking, which hampers the creation of a tailored H2H care pathway. Here we address this unmet medical need by performing a literature review to systematically identify, assess and synthesize all existing qualitative evidence on H2H transition needs of CMC parents.

Methods

An extensive search in Medline, PsychINFO and CINAHL (up to September 2022); selection was performed to include all qualitative studies describing parental needs and experiences during H2H transition of CMC. All papers were assessed by two independent investigators for methodological quality before data (study findings) were extracted and pooled. A meta-aggregation method categorized the study findings into categories and formulated overarching synthesized findings, which were assigned a level of confidence, following the ConQual approach.

Results

The search yielded 1880 papers of which 25 met eligible criteria. A total of 402 study findings were extracted from the included studies and subsequently aggregated into 50 categories and 9 synthesized findings: (1) parental empowerment: shifting from care recipient to caregiver (2) coordination of care (3) communication and information (4) training skills (5) preparation for discharge (6) access to resources and support system (7) emotional experiences: fatigue, fear, isolation and guilt (8) parent-professional relationship (9) changing perspective: finding new routines and practices. The overall ConQual Score was low for 7 synthesized findings and very low for 2 synthesized findings.

Conclusions

Despite the variability in CMC symptoms and underlying (rare disease) diagnoses, overarching themes in parental needs during H2H transition emerged. We will augment this new knowledge with an interview study in the Dutch setting to ultimately translate into an evidence-based tailored care pathway for implementation by our interdisciplinary team in the newly established ‘Jeroen Pit Huis’, an innovative care unit which aims for a safe and sustainable H2H transition for CMC and their families.
Leptospirosis in Malaysia: current status, insights, and future prospects
Authors: Philip Noraini , Ahmed Kamruddin
Published: December 2023

Among zoonotic infections, leptospirosis has a worldwide distribution and high prevalence in tropical regions. It has a broad clinical presentation from mild to severe, life-threatening infection. Leptospires, the etiological agent of leptospirosis, are found in varied ecological niches and animal species, providing a significant source of human infection. This review aims to provide the current status of leptospirosis in Malaysia and the direction for future studies. The literature search for this review was performed using PubMed, Web of Sciences, and Google Scholar databases. The incidence of leptospirosis in Malaysia from 2004 to 2020 varied; however, a large number of cases occurred during floods. Leptospira has been isolated from wild and domestic animals as well as from the environment; among them, several novel species have been identified. In Malaysia, leptospirosis infection and death were mostly associated with recreational and non-recreational water activities. Despite the endemicity of leptospirosis, the public’s knowledge, attitude, and practice level are relatively low in this country. More studies are needed in Malaysia to explore the extent of leptospirosis in different settings and locations.
Gut microbiota-related metabolite alpha-linolenic acid mitigates intestinal inflammation induced by oral infection with Toxoplasma gondii
Authors: Yang Jing , Liu Songhao , Zhao Qian , Li Xiaobing , Jiang Kangfeng
Published: December 2023

Background

Oral infection with cysts is the main transmission route of Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii), which leads to lethal intestinal inflammation. It has been widely recognized that T. gondii infection alters the composition and metabolism of the gut microbiota, thereby affecting the progression of toxoplasmosis. However, the potential mechanisms remain unclear. In our previous study, there was a decrease in the severity of toxoplasmosis after T. gondii α-amylase (α-AMY) was knocked out. Here, we established mouse models of ME49 and Δα-amy cyst infection and then took advantage of 16S rRNA gene sequencing and metabolomics analysis to identify specific gut microbiota-related metabolites that mitigate T. gondii-induced intestinal inflammation and analyzed the underlying mechanism.

Results

There were significant differences in the intestinal inflammation between ME49 cyst- and Δα-amy cyst-infected mice, and transferring feces from mice infected with Δα-amy cysts into antibiotic-treated mice mitigated colitis caused by T. gondii infection. 16S rRNA gene sequencing showed that the relative abundances of gut bacteria, such as Lactobacillus and Bacteroides, Bifidobacterium, [Prevotella], Paraprevotella and Macellibacteroides, were enriched in mice challenged with Δα-amy cysts. Spearman correlation analysis between gut microbiota and metabolites indicated that some fatty acids, including azelaic acid, suberic acid, alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), and citramalic acid, were highly positively correlated with the identified bacterial genera. Both oral administration of ALA and fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) decreased the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines and restrained the MyD88/NF-κB pathway, which mitigated colitis and ultimately improved host survival. Furthermore, transferring feces from mice treated with ALA reshaped the colonization of beneficial bacteria, such as Enterobacteriaceae, Proteobacteria, Shigella, Lactobacillus, and Enterococcus.

Conclusions

The present findings demonstrate that the host gut microbiota is closely associated with the severity of T. gondii infection. We provide the first evidence that ALA can alleviate T. gondii-induced colitis by improving the dysregulation of the host gut microbiota and suppressing the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines via the MyD88/NF-κB pathway. Our study provides new insight into the medical application of ALA for the treatment of lethal intestinal inflammation caused by Toxoplasma infection.
Microbial degradation of pyridine: a proposed nitrogen metabolism pathway deciphered in marine mangrove Bacillus aryabhattai strain NM1-A2
Authors: Kashif Muhammad , Bai Lirong , Xiong Jianwen , Mo Shuming , Sang Yimeng , Huang Kunmei , Song Jingjing , Shah Syed Jalil , Khan Sohail , Khan Taj Malook , Jiang Chengjian
Published: December 2023

Background

Diverse microbes, such as bacteria, are of immense worth to mangrove ecosystems due to their adaptability to salinity and variable environmental characteristics conditions. Pyridine and its derivatives compose most heterocyclic aromatic compounds largely produced by human activities that lead to environmental pollution. Bacteria have a crucial role in the nutrient cycling of carbon and nitrogen etc., to understand their functional involvement with environmental factors or ecosystem functioning as well as the species invasion and domestic or agriculture pyridine degradation pollution activities that threaten the mangrove ecosystem.

Methods

This work established the genetic-based molecular degradation of organic compounds in the mangrove ecosystem, which ultimately makes the availability of nutrients. As well as the effects of various abiotic factors on pyridine degradation to discover the pyridine degradation and the removal of ammonia nitrogen and the proposed nitrogen metabolism pathway.

Results

The novel bacterial strain NM1-A2 was isolated from mangrove sediments and, after 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis identified as Bacillus aryabhattai. NM1-A2 completely degraded pyridine within a 100 h incubation period at a temperature of 35 °C, an initial pH of 7.0, glucose and a pyridine concentration of 500 mg/L. The pseudo-first-order kinetics model described the pyridine biodegradation profile of NM1-A2 well. Interestingly, within 96 h the strain achieved almost complete pyridine degradation with a total organic carbon (TOC) removal of 87.9% ± 0.19% (from 377.52 ± 6.9 mg/L to 45.65 ± 0.14 mg/L). Within 96 h, the pyridine ring in the total nitrogen (TN) fraction at the maximum concentration of 55.31 ± 0.17 mg/L, furtherly 51.3% ± 2.39% of (TN) converted into Ammonia nitrogen (NH4+-N). Furthermore, NM1-A2 exhibited its pyridine biodegradation activity decreased by only 4% after three consecutive cycles (48 h each). Moreover, NM1-A2 possessed nrt-ABCD nitrate transport family and gltABCD operons that participate in the activities of glutamine and glutamate synthetase in NH4+ conversion in the nitrogen cycle. Furthermore, the nitrogen metabolism genes (nrtA, nrtB, nrtC, nirB, nirD, gltB, gltD, glnA) exhibited expression in NM1-A2.

Conclusion

This research offers a potential treatment strategy for pyridine degradation in the mangrove ecosystem.

Graphical Abstract
Altering chromatic aberration: how this latest trend in intraocular-lens design affects visual quality in pseudophakic patients
Authors: Łabuz Grzegorz , Güngör Helin , Auffarth Gerd U. , Yildirim Timur M. , Khoramnia Ramin
Published: December 2023

Background

Chromatic aberration of the eye results from the dispersion of polychromatic light at the interfaces of ocular media. An intraocular lens (IOL) based approach utilizing the diffractive-multifocal principle has been proposed for its correction, but the clinical evidence on the impact of reducing or increasing chromatic aberration on the visual quality of pseudophakic patients remains scarce.

Methods

In this cross-sectional study, longitudinal chromatic aberration (LCA) effects were studied monocularly in 37 patients implanted with a monofocal lens. LogMAR corrected distance visual acuity (VA) and defocus curve at the + 1.0 D to − 2.0 D range were assessed. Contrast sensitivity (CS) was evaluated at far and at four spatial frequencies. Measurements were performed with the eye's natural conditions, as well as with increased and corrected (by the same amount) LCA, which was altered by introducing zero-power trial triplets.

Results

The mean (± standard deviation) logMAR VA was − 0.11 ± 0.07 for the natural condition, − 0.13 ± 0.07 for the LCA-corrected eye, and − 0.06 ± 0.08 for the eye with increased LCA. A sharp decline of the defocus tolerance was found after the LCA correction with the VA value of 0.38 ± 0.15 logMAR at − 1.5 D. However, for the natural and increased LCA, it was 0.32 ± 0.16 logMAR and 0.25 ± 0.13 logMAR, respectively. CS was improved at all spatial frequencies after the LCA correction, which was closely followed by the natural-eye performance. Increased LCA resulted in reduced CS, mainly at higher spatial frequencies.

Conclusions

We demonstrated that elevating chromatic aberration above the natural level of monofocal patients extends their depth of focus while causing a measurable albeit minimal reduction in visual function. Still, the observed changes indicate that neither correction nor increase of LCA yields a substantial clinical effect on distance VA and CS in monofocal pseudophakia.
Variability of transient elastography-based spleen stiffness performed at 100 Hz
Authors: Armandi Angelo , Merizian Talal , Werner Merle Marie , Coxson Harvey O. , Sanavia Tiziana , Birolo Giovanni , Gashaw Isabella , Ertle Judith , Michel Maurice , Galle Peter R. , Labenz Christian , Emrich Tilman , Schattenberg Jörn M.
Published: December 2023

Background

Spleen stiffness measurement (SSM) performed by transient elastography at 100 Hz is a novel technology for the evaluation of portal hypertension in advanced chronic liver disease, but technical aspects are lacking. We aimed to evaluate the intraexamination variability of SSM and to determine the best transient elastography protocol for obtaining robust measurements to be used in clinical practice.

Methods

We analyzed 253 SSM exams with up to 20 scans for each examination, performed between April 2021 and June 2022. All SSM results were evaluated according to different protocols by dividing data into groups of n measurements (from 2 to 19). Considering as reference the median SSM values across all the 20 measurements, we calculated the distribution of the absolute deviations of each protocol from the reference median. This analysis was repeated 1,000 times by resampling the data. Distributions were also stratified by etiology (chronic liver disease versus clinically significant portal hypertension) and different SSM ranges: < 25 kPa, 25–75, and > 75 kPa.

Results

Overall, we observed that the spleen stiffness exam had less variability if it exceeded 12 measurements, i.e., absolute deviations ≤ 5 kPa at 95% confidence. For exams with higher SSM values (> 75 kPa), as seen in clinically significant portal hypertension, at least 15 measurements are highly recommendable.

Conclusions

Fifteen scans per examination should be considered for each SSM exam performed at 100 Hz to achieve a low intraexamination variability within a reasonable time in clinical practice.

Relevance statement

Performing at least 15 scans per examination is recommended for 100 Hz SSM in order to achieve a low intraexamination variability, in particular for values > 75 kPa compatible with clinically significant portal hypertension.

Key points

• Spleen stiffness measurement by transient elastography is used for stratification in patients with portal hypertension.

• At 100 Hz, this method may have intraexamination variability.

• A minimum of 15 scans per examination achieves a low intraexamination variability.

Graphical Abstract
A new genus and two new species with some new records of the subfamily Campopleginae (Hymenoptera: Ichneumonidae) from Iran
Authors: Karimi Soroush , Ghassemi-Kahrizeh Akbar , Hosseinzadeh Abbas , Lotfalizadeh Hossein , Riedel Matthias
Published: December 2023

Background

The Campopleginae is the third largest subfamily of Ichneumonidae in the world and Iran.

Results

During a study of the family Ichneumonidae in northwestern Iran, we collected 30 species of the subfamily Campopleginae. One genus,ParameloborisRiedel, and two species,Diadegma persicumRiedelsp. nov.andParameloboris nigrocephalusRiedelsp. nov., are new to science described and illustrated here. Nine species are recorded for the first time for the fauna of Iran. A checklist of the Iranian members of Campopleginae was provided showing the geographical distribution in Iran. A new name,Dusona rufigasterRiedel, Mohammadi-Khoramabadib and Khayrandish, 2019 proposed for preoccupied by Walley, 1940 a new name,Dusona rufitergusRiedel & Karimi is proposed here.

Conclusions

The number of identified species of the subfamily Campopelgine in Iran increased to 94 species.
Impulsivity, depression, and suicide in female patients with polycystic ovary syndrome and infertility
Authors: Gomaa Maged A. , Desoky Asmaa A. , Amer Dalal , Alaa Doaa , Khalil Mohamed A.
Published: December 2023

Background

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common cause of infertility associated with multiple medical and psychiatric complications. The study compared suicide, impulsivity, and depression in females with PCOS to females with other causes of infertility.

Methods

Sixty females with infertility were included in two groups. Group A included 30 females with PCOS and infertility, while group B included 30 females with infertility for other causes than PCOS. The assessment included infertility workup, medical history, hormonal profile, Beck depression inventory (BDI), Short Version of the UPPS-P Impulsive Behavior Scale, and Columbia Suicide Severity Rating Scale.

Results

Group A had higher numbers of patients with depression (p-value = 0.04) and higher BDI (p-value = 0.001). Negative urgency, positive urgency, and sensation-seeking were higher in PCOS patients (p-value = 0.001, 0.03, 0.04). A significant positive correlation was found between sensation-seeking, BDI scores (p = 0.01), and LH level (p = 0.03).

Conclusions

It was concluded that patients with PCOS have more depression and impulsivity than patients with other causes of infertility. Suicide was not different in both groups.
Investigation of the relationship between oral motor feeding development and gross motor development between preterm and term infants at 10- to 12-month postnatal age
Authors: Erol Erkan , Apaydın Umut , Demir Numan , Elbasan Bülent
Published: December 2023

Background

Immature central nervous system, extended stay in the neonatal intensive care unit, and sensory experience deficiency may contribute to oral and gross motor delay in preterm infants. Current study aimed to investigate oral and motor development in preterm infants.

Methods

Twenty-nine preterm infants and 28 term infants were evaluated within the scope of the study. Oral motor feeding development was assessed with the Schedule for Oral Motor Assessment, and motor development was evaluated with the Alberta Infant Motor Scale. All analyses were performed using SPSS 22. The study was approved by the Gazi University Clinical Researches Ethics Committee (no: 25901600–23).

Results

There was a correlation between the Schedule for Oral Motor Assessment categories (solid, semisolid, cracker, puree, bottle, and cup) and the Alberta Infant Motor Scale score (p < 0.05). There was a significant difference between groups in the Schedule for Oral Motor Assessment’s solid, semisolid, cracker, and puree categories and total score (p < 0.05). There was a significant difference between groups regarding the Alberta Infant Motor Scale score (p < 0.05).

Conclusion

Preterm infants come behind their term peers in motor and oral motor feeding performance. These two areas of development can influence each other. For this reason, oral motor feeding problems should be emphasized as well as motor problems in physiotherapy rehabilitation evaluations.
Efficacy of a short message service brief contact intervention (SMS-SOS) in reducing repetition of hospital-treated self-harm: randomised controlled trial
Authors: Stevens Garry John , Sperandei Sandro , Carter Gregory Leigh , Munasinghe Sithum , Hammond Trent Ernest , Gunja Naren , de la Riva Anabel , Brakoulias Vlasios , Page Andrew
Published: December 2023

Background

Hospital-treated self-harm is common and costly, and is associated with repeated self-harm and suicide.

Aims

To investigate the effectiveness of a brief contact intervention delivered via short message service (SMS) text messages in reducing hospital-treated self-harm re-presentations in three hospitals in Sydney (2017–2019), Australia. Trial registration number: ACTRN12617000607370.

Method

A randomised controlled trial with parallel arms allocated 804 participants presenting with self-harm, stratified by previous self-harm, to a control condition of treatment as usual (TAU) (n = 431) or an intervention condition of nine automated SMS contacts (plus TAU) (n = 373), over 12 months following the index self-harm episode. The primary outcomes were (a) repeat self-harm event rate (number of self-harm events per person per year) at 6-, 12- and 24-month follow-up and (b) the time to first repeat at 24-month follow-up.

Results

The event rate for self-harm repetition was lower for the SMS compared with TAU group at 6 months (IRR = 0.79, 95% CI 0.61–1.01), 12 months (IRR = 0.78, 95% CI 0.64–0.95) and 24 months (IRR = 0.78, 95% CI 0.66–0.91). There was no difference between the SMS and TAU groups in the time to first repeat self-harm event over 24 months (HR = 0.96, 95% CI 0.72–1.26). There were four suicides in the TAU group and none in the SMS group.

Conclusions

The 22% reduction in repetition of hospital-treated self-harm was clinically meaningful. SMS text messages are an inexpensive, scalable and universal intervention that can be used in hospital-treated self-harm populations but further work is needed to establish efficacy and cost-effectiveness across settings.
Endotrophin, a Key Marker and Driver for Fibroinflammatory Disease
Authors: Henriksen Kim , Genovese Federica , Reese-Petersen Alexander , Audoly Laurent P , Sun Kai , Karsdal Morten A , Scherer Philipp E
Published: December 2023

Our overview covers several key areas related to recent results obtained for collagen type VI and endotrophin (ETP). (1) An introduction to the history of ETP, including how it was identified, how it is released, and its function and potential receptors. (2) An introduction to the collagen family, with a focus on what differentiates collagen type VI from an evolutionary standpoint. (3) An overview of collagen type VI, the 6 individual chains (COL6A1, A2, A3, A4, A5, and A6), their differences and similarities, as well as their expression profiles and function. (4) A detailed analysis of COL6A3, including the cleaved product endotrophin, and what separates it from the other 5 collagen 6 molecules, including its suggested function based on insights gained from knockout and gain of function mouse models. (5) The pathology of ETP. What leads to its presence and release and what are the consequences thereof? (6) Functional implications of circulating ETP. Here we review the data with the functional roles of ETP in mind. (7) We propose that ETP is a mediator for fibrotic (or fibroinflammatory) disorders. Based on what we know about ETP, we have to consider it as a target for the treatment of fibrotic (or fibroinflammatory) disorders. What segment(s) of the patient population would most dramatically respond to an ETP-targeted intervention? How can we find the population that would profit most from an intervention? We aim to present a broad overview over the ETP field at large, providing an assessment of where the future research efforts need to be placed to tap into the vast potential of ETP, both as a marker and as a target in different diseases.
Gonadal Function in Boys with Bilateral Undescended Testes
Authors: Lucas-Herald Angela K , Alkanhal Khalid I , Caney Emma , Malik Iman , Alimussina Malika , McNeilly Jane D , Bradnock Timothy , Lee Boma , Steven Mairi , Flett Martyn , O’Toole Stuart , McGowan Ruth , Faisal Ahmed S
Published: December 2023

Background

Bilateral undescended testes (BUDT) may be a marker of an underlying condition that affects sex development or maturation.

Aims

To describe the extent of gonadal dysfunction in cases of BUDT who had systematic endocrine and genetic evaluation at a single tertiary pediatric center.

Methods

A retrospective review was conducted of all boys with BUDT who had endocrine evaluation between 2008 and 2021 at the Royal Hospital for Children, Glasgow (RHCG). Continuous variables were analyzed using Mann–Whitney U and non-continuous variables using Fisher’s exact, via Graphpad Prism v 8.0. Multivariable logistic regression was used to identify any associations between groups. A P < .05 was considered statistically significant.

Results

A total of 243 bilateral orchidopexies were performed at RHCG between 2008 and 2021. Of these 130 (53%) boys were seen by the endocrine team. The median (range) age at first orchidopexy was 1 year (0.2, 18.0) with 16 (12%) requiring re-do orchidopexy. The median External Masculinization Score of the group was 10 (2, 11) with 33 (25%) having additional genital features. Of the 130 boys, 71 (55%) had extragenital anomalies. Of the 70 who were tested, a genetic abnormality was detected in 38 (54%), most commonly a chromosomal variant in 16 (40%). Of the 100 who were tested, endocrine dysfunction was identified in 38 (38%).

Conclusion

Genetic findings and evidence of gonadal dysfunction are common in boys who are investigated secondary to presentation with BUDT. Endocrine and genetic evaluation should be part of routine clinical management of all cases of BUDT.
Palliative Care and Care Partner Support in Neuro-oncology
Authors: Sharma Akanksha
Published: December 2023

The journey for a patient with a brain tumor and their loved ones can be extremely challenging due to the high burden of physical symptoms and the emotional distress caused by the diagnosis. Optimizing quality of life by addressing symptoms and reducing this emotional distress can improve treatment tolerance and outcomes and alleviate care partner distress and burden. Symptoms in patients with central nervous system (CNS) tumors can vary in onset and intensity, ranging from headaches, seizures, and focal weakness to emotional distress and cognitive dysfunction. Additionally, care partners may demonstrate distress due to the high burden of care and need appropriate support structures and access to resources to alleviate this stress. Evidence-based recommendations are unfortunately limited given the lack of high-quality research in this area, but patients living with CNS tumors and their loved ones can benefit from early and routine symptom identification and management, compassionate and transparent communication, and practical guidance for the future. These principles are part of palliative care, a field of medicine focused on alleviating suffering in patients with serious, chronic illness. Clinicians involved in the care of patients with CNS tumors must be educated in these important primary palliative care principles. This article focuses on key symptom management, strategies for high-quality communication, a discussion of advance care planning, and an overview of end-of-life care.
Neurologic Complications of Conventional Chemotherapy and Radiation Therapy
Authors: Taylor Jennie W.
Published: December 2023

OBJECTIVE

Neurologic complications are among the most common and feared outcomes of cancer treatments. This review discusses the signs and symptoms, mechanisms, and management of the most common peripheral and central neurologic complications of chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and antiangiogenic therapy during cancer treatment and in survivors.

LATEST DEVELOPMENTS

The landscape of cancer treatments is evolving to include more targeted and biologic therapies, in addition to more traditional cytotoxic therapies and radiation therapy. With increasingly complex regimens and longer survival for patients with cancer, the early recognition and management of neurologic complications is key to improving the morbidity and mortality of patients living with cancer.

ESSENTIAL POINTS

Neurologists should be familiar with acute central and peripheral toxicities that can occur during cancer treatment and delayed toxicities that can occur years after exposure. Neurologists should be familiar with the clinical and radiologic presentations of these complications and strategies for management.
America, Jump-Started: World War II R&D and the Takeoff of the US Innovation System
Authors: Gross Daniel P. , Sampat Bhaven N.
Published: December 2023

During World War II, the US government’s Office of Scientific Research and Development (OSRD) supported one of the largest public investments in applied R&D in US history. Using data on all OSRD-funded invention, we show this shock had a formative impact on the US innovation system, catalyzing technology clusters across the country, with accompanying increases in high-tech entrepreneur-ship and employment. These effects persist until at least the 1970s and appear to be driven by agglomerative forces and endogenous growth. In addition to creating technology clusters, wartime R&D permanently changed the trajectory of overall US innovation in the direction of OSRD-funded technologies. (JEL H56, N42, N72, O31, O33, O38, R11)
Children and the Remaining Gender Gaps in the Labor Market
Authors: Cortés Patricia , Pan Jessica
Published: December 2023

The past five decades have seen a remarkable convergence in the economic roles of men and women in society. Yet, persistently large gender gaps in terms of labor supply, earnings, and representation in top jobs remain. Moreover, in countries like the United States, convergence in labor market outcomes appears to have slowed in recent decades. In this article, we focus on the role of children and show that many potential explanations for the remaining gender disparities in labor market outcomes are related to the fact that children impose significantly larger penalties on the career trajectories of women relative to men. We document that, in the United States, more than two-thirds of the overall gender earnings gap can be accounted for by the differential impacts of children on women and men. We propose a simple model of household decision-making to motivate the link between children and gender gaps in the labor market, and to help rationalize how various factors potentially interact with parenthood to produce differential outcomes by gender. We discuss several forces that might make the road to gender equity even more challenging for modern cohorts of parents, and offer a critical discussion of public policies that seek to address the remaining gaps. (JEL D13, J12, J13, J16, J22, J31, J71)
The Myth That Made Us: How False Beliefs about Racism and Meritocracy Broke Our Economy (and How to Fix It)
Authors: Vosters Kelly
Published: December 2023

Kelly Vosters of University of North Carolina at Charlotte reviews “The Myth That Made Us: How False Beliefs about Racism and Meritocracy Broke Our Economy (and How to Fix It)” by Jeff Fuhrer. The Econlit abstract of this book begins: “Examines the ways that false narratives concerning race, poverty, and the sources of success in the United States negatively affect the economy, detailing how those with wealth and power have used such narratives to maintain the status quo in a system that slants outcomes toward the already successful.”
Διδακτική παρέμβαση στο νηπιαγωγείο: «Το αλφαβητάρι του ονόματός
μου»
Authors: Τζήλου Γεωργία , Μακρή Κονδυλία
Published: December 2023

Στην παρούσα εργασία παρουσιάζεται ο σχεδιασμός, η
πραγματοποίηση και η αξιολόγηση των αποτελεσμάτων μίας διδακτικής παρέμβασης, που
εκπονήθηκε σε δημόσιο νηπιαγωγείο, κατά το Α τρίμηνο του σχολικού έτους 2022-2023, στο
πλαίσιο της τάξης. Περιλαμβάνει μία σειρά από δραστηριότητες με στόχο
οι μαθητές κατά τη διαδικασία της μάθησης, παράλληλα με την ενδελεχή εξάσκησή τους στη
διατύπωση λόγου, να αναπτύξουν τη δημιουργικότητά τους και δεξιότητες κριτικής
σκέψης.  Σκοπό έχει να βοηθήσει τα παιδιά αξιοποιώντας τα βασικά
εργαλεία του θεματικού πεδίου «Παιδί και Επικοινωνία», να γνωρίσουν τα γράμματα του
ονόματός τους και την τέχνη της βιβλιοδεσίας και μέσα από δημιουργική αναζήτηση και
σύνθεση απόψεων να παράγουν εκφραστικό και γραπτό λόγο, να εκφραστούν καλλιτεχνικά και να
εξοικειωθούν με τη δημιουργία βιβλίου-αλφαβηταρίου.
Μεσογειακή διατροφή: H ιδανική διατροφή για την καρδιά
Authors: Κάππου Μαρία
Published: December 2023

Το άρθρο παρουσιάζει τα οφέλης της μεσογειακής διατροφής
και τον  προστατευτικό της ρόλο  στην  πρόληψη και την αντιμετώπιση των καρδιαγγειακών
νοσημάτων.
Χαιρετισμός από την Αντιδήμαρχο Παιδείας
Authors: Αγγελή Μαρία
Published: December 2023

Χαιρετισμός νέας έκδοσης περιοδικού
Editorial από τη Διευθύντρια της Δημόσιας Κεντρικής Βιβλιοθήκης
Καλαμάτας
Authors: Σουλιώτη Μάγδα
Published: December 2023

Editorial
Editorial
Authors: Σουλιώτη Μάγδα
Published: December 2023

Editorial
Η λεξιπλαστική δύναμη της Θουκυδίδειας γλώσσας
Authors: Μακρυπούλιας Βασίλειος
Published: December 2023

O Θουκυδίδης, ως πιστός μαθητής της νοερής Αθήνας, του ανθρωπίνου Νοός, πιστεύει στη δυναμική εξέλιξη των πραγμάτων δια του νοήμονος ανθρώπου. Μέσω της λεξιπλασίας του προσπάθησε ακριβώς να αποκαλύψει ότι ο άνθρωπος αποτελεί ένα μέγεθος το οποίο κινείται με βάση τις νοητικές ενέργειες που ανακαλύπτει οι οποίες τελικά τον καθοδηγούν και στο επίγειο ταξίδι του καθορίζοντας μεγάλο κομμάτι των πράξεών του.
Δώδεκα χρονών
Authors: Κοσμόπουλος Δημήτρης
Published: December 2023

Ποίηση
Μεγαλόφωνη ανάγνωση και βιβλία γνώσεων
Authors: Κοσκινίδου Ζωή
Published: December 2023

Το άρθρο γράφτηκε με αφορμή τη διοργάνωση του εργαστηρίου «Μεγαλόφωνη ανάγνωση και βιβλία γνώσεων» που απευθυνόταν σε γονείς, εκπαιδευτικούς και βιβλιοθηκονόμους και διεξήχθη πρώτη φορά στο Παράρτημα Τριφυλίας της Δημόσιας Κεντρικής Βιβλιοθήκης Καλαμάτας στα Φιλιατρά. Έγινε στο πλαίσιο της παρουσίασης του βιβλίου “Έχω δικαίωμα; Έχω δικαίωμα” και του δίσκου “Αν σας τα τραγουδήσουμε;», μια συνδιοργάγωση του Δικτύου για τα Δικαιώματα του Παιδιού, των εκδόσεων Μικρή Σελήνη και του Παραρτήματος της Δημόσιας Κεντρικής ΒιβλιοθήκηςΚαλαμάτας.
Ολόκληρο το 2ο τεύχος
Authors: ISSUE FULL
Published: December 2023

Ολόκληρο το τεύχος
MOSAIC: A cohort study of human mpox virus disease
Authors: Pesonel Elise , Hoffmann Isabelle , Guiraud Laetitia , Bourner Josephine , Diallo Alpha , Dunning Jake , Horby Peter , Kali Sabrina , Laouénan Cédric , Mentré France , Merson Laura , Molino Diana , Palich Romain , Rojek Amanda , Tacconelli Evelina , Tardivon Coralie ,   MOSAIC study group, Yazdanpanah Yazdan , Calmy Alexandra , Lescure F-Xavier , Olliaro Piero
Published: December 2023

Background Human mpox is a viral disease caused by an Orthopoxvirus, human mpox virus (hMPXV), typically causing fever and a rash. Mpox has historically been endemic to parts of Central and West Africa, with small numbers of imported cases reported elsewhere, but starting May 2022 an unprecedented global outbreak caused by clade IIb hMPXV was reported outside traditionally endemic countries. This prompted the initiation of MOSAIC, a cohort study implemented in Europe and Asia that aims to describe clinical and virologic outcomes of PCR-confirmed hMPXV disease, including those who receive antiviral therapy. The focus of this article, however, is on describing the study protocol itself with implementation process and operational challenges. Methods MOSAIC recruits participants of any age with laboratory-confirmed mpox disease who provide informed consent. Participants enrol in the cohort for a total of six months. Blood, lesion and throat samples are collected at several timepoints from the day of diagnosis or the first day of treatment (Day 1) until Day 28 for PCR detection of hMPXV. Clinical data are collected by clinicians and participants (via a self-completion questionnaire) for six months to characterize the signs and symptoms associated with the illness, as well as short- and more long-term outcomes. Discussion The design and prompt implementation of clinical research response is key in addressing emerging outbreaks. MOSAIC began enrolment within two months of the start of the international mpox epidemic. Enrolment has been stopped and the last follow-up visits are expected in January 2024. ICTRP registration EU CT number: 2022-501132-42-00 (22/06/2022)