bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Influence of previous experience with and beliefs regarding anal cancer screening on willingness to be screened among men living with HIV
Authors: Gillis Jennifer L. , Grennan Troy , Grewal Ramandip , Ogilvie Gina , Gaspar Mark , Grace Daniel , Lofters Aisha , Raboud Janet M. , Saarela Olli , MacPherson Paul , Rosenes Ron , Salit Irving E. , Burchell Ann N. ,   for the OHTN Cohort Study Team, Kroch Abigail , Burchell Ann , Rueda Sergio , Arbess Gordon , Cohen Jeffrey , Cooper Curtis , Lavoie Elizabeth , Crouzat Fred , Andany Nisha , Walmsley Sharon , Silverman Michael , Sandre Roger , Tharao Wangari , Gauvin Holly , Smaill Fiona
Published: December 2022

Background

Implementation of anal cancer screening requires the procedure to be acceptable to the target population. Our objective was to assess the beliefs of men living with HIV regarding anal cancer screening and identify factors associated with their willingness to participate in screening.

Methods

We developed a cross-sectional questionnaire using the Theory of Planned Behavior to examine beliefs regarding prevention of human papillomavirus (HPV)-related diseases, administered to men living with HIV in 2016–2017 in a multi-site HIV clinical cohort. Correspondence analysis was used to examine the interrelationships between men’s beliefs and willingness to undergo anal cancer screening. We used multivariable proportional odds models to identify factors associated with increasing willingness. Results were reported as adjusted odds ratios (aOR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI).

Results

Among 1677 male participants, the vast majority (90%) would be willing to undergo screening by “anal Pap test”; willingness clustered with positive beliefs (e.g. confident they can get screened; disagree that they will feel pain) in the correspondence analysis. Higher self-perceived risk for anal cancer and positive beliefs regarding screening were associated with higher willingness to be screened. Gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men had higher willingness (aOR = 1.62; 95% CI: 1.15, 2.29) than heterosexual men. Racialized men reported lower willingness (aOR = 0.68; 95% CI: 0.54, 0.89) than white men.

Conclusions

Men generally had positive beliefs and were willing to undergo screening, though there were differences by sexual orientation and racial identity. Tailored community-led initiatives could focus on men’s understanding of their risk and expectations of anal cancer screening to facilitate participation.
Factor affecting the discrepancy in the coronal alignment of the lower limb between the standing and supine radiographs
Authors: Moon Hyun-Soo , Kim Sung-Hwan , Kwak Dae-Kyung , Lee Seung-Hun , Lee Yung-Hong , Yoo Je-Hyun
Published: December 2022

Background

Conflicting results have been reported regarding the factors that can predict the discrepancy in the coronal alignment of the lower limb between radiographs taken in the standing and supine positions. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate factors that can predict discrepancies in the coronal alignment of the lower limb between radiographs taken in the standing and supine positions.

Methods

We retrospectively evaluated the medical records of patients who underwent full-length anteroposterior radiographs of the lower limb in both standing and supine positions between January 2019 and September 2021. The discrepancy in the coronal alignment of the lower limb between the standing and supine radiographs was defined as the absolute value of the difference in the hip-knee-ankle (HKA) angle between the two radiographs, which is presented as the ΔHKA angle. Correlation and regression analyses were performed to analyse the relationship among ΔHKA angle, demographic data, and several radiographic parameters.

Results

In total, 147 limbs (94 patients) were included in this study. The mean ΔHKA angle was 1.3 ± 1.1° (range, 0–6.5°). The ΔHKA angle was significantly correlated with body mass index and several radiographic parameters, including the HKA angle, joint line convergence angle, and osteoarthritis grade. Subsequent multiple linear regression analysis was performed using the radiographic parameters measured on the supine radiographs with the two separate models from the two observers, which revealed that body mass index and advanced osteoarthritis (Kellgren–Lawrence grades 3 and 4) had a positive correlation with the ΔHKA angle.

Conclusions

Body mass index and advanced osteoarthritis affected the discrepancy in the coronal alignment of the lower limb between standing and supine radiographs. A discrepancy in the coronal alignment of the lower limb could be more prominent in patients with an increased body mass index and advanced osteoarthritis, corresponding to Kellgren-Lawrence grades 3 and 4.
Comparing the quality of life of endometriotic patients’ before and after treatment with normal and infertile patients based on the EHP30 questionnaire
Authors: Poordast Tahereh , Alborzi Saeed , Askary Elham , Tavabe Malihe Sousani , Najib Fatemeh Sadat , Salehi Alireza , Vardanjani Hossein Molavi , Haghighat Neda , Leilami Kimia
Published: December 2022

Objective

This study aimed to determine the quality of life (QOL), in patients with endometriosis ± infertility (B and C groups) and compare those to healthy women, and also infertile groups without endometriosis as a control groups (A and D), considering the fact that endometriosis and infertility reduces the quality of life in patients.

Methods

The present prospective comparative study was carried out between January 2018 and September 2020. A total of 400 women were included (100 women in each group). The participants filled in a validated questionnaire of quality of life, Endometriosis Health Profile-30 (EHP-30), and a visual analog scale of pain used, at the first visit, and 3 months after the medical or surgical treatment in the endometriosis group without infertility, additionally.

Results

The majority of the patients were married, categorized in the middle-class of socio-economic state and housewives. They were of Persian descent. BMI was high in the infertile groups; however, the time of infertility was not different between the two groups of B and C (P = 0.054). The mean score of QOL was significantly lower in B, C, and D groups in comparison to the healthy women as the control group (A) (P < 0.001). Moreover, the infertile group (B), in comparison to endometriosis ± infertility groups (C and D), had the lowest mean score of QOL (P < 0.001). In each group, those who were older and had better educational level reported a better quality of life than other participants in that group. Social support plays a very important role in reducing the endometriosis related pain symptoms both before and after treatment. Three months after the treatment of endometriosis (D), a significant improvement was observed in all the aspects of QOL-related endometriosis. Nonetheless, the improvement of the quality of life in the surgical group was significantly higher than that in the medical treatment. The mean visual analog score of pain decreased from 62.22 ± 22.78, to 5.15 ± 2.73 following the surgical treatment (P < 0.001).

Conclusion

The lowest quality of life belonged to the infertile group, followed by the endometriosis group. The quality of life of the endometriosis group improved after the treatment. Thus, endometriotic patients’ treatment in terms of improvement of quality of life should be considered by all professional health care teams.
Knowledge, attitude, perceived effectiveness and self-practice of complementary and alternative medicine: a cross-sectional comparison between medical and non-medical students of Bangladesh
Authors: Iktidar Mohammad Azmain , Chowdhury Sreshtha , Roy Simanta , Liza Mowshomi Mannan , Akter Sharmin , Islam A. M. Khairul , Pranto Sefat Alam , Chowdhury Sristi , Rahman Md Asikur , Shafiul Chowdhury Shama Binte , Dev Dipa , Tanvir Syed Md Sayeem , Nabi Mohammad Hayatun
Published: December 2022

Background

Bangladesh’s population commonly utilizes Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) to treat their health issues. Despite the increasing interest in CAM, it has been excluded from conventional medical training in Bangladesh for many years. Therefore, this study assessed and compared the knowledge level, attitude, perceived effectiveness, and self-practice of CAM among undergraduate students of Bangladesh.

Methods

This cross-sectional group comparison study was conducted among undergraduate (both medical and non-medical) students of Bangladesh between November and December 2021. Data was collected using a self-reported pretested semi-structured online questionnaire. The questionnaire contained questions regarding background information, knowledge regarding CAM, source of CAM knowledge, attitude towards CAM, interest in attaining CAM knowledge, perceived effectiveness of CAM, perceived adverse effects of CAM, self-practice of CAM, and whether would they refer CAM to others. A total of 576 students responded and the data gathered allowed for the following: (1) an overview of the study groups, (2) respondents’ general perception and knowledge regarding CAM, and (3) a comparison of respondents’ CAM knowledge, general perception, and usage by area of study. Data were analyzed using STATA (v.16) and descriptive statistics, Pearson’s chi-square test, and Mann-Whitney U test were performed.

Results

A total of 329 medical students and 247 non-medical students participated in the study. The mean age of the participants was 21.57 ± 1.8 years and 56.2% of them were male. The most known CAM among medical (M) students was homeopathy (44.6%) and among non-medical (NM) students were herbal medicine (45.7%). Non-medical students had significantly better knowledge about nine out of twelve CAM modalities included in the study, and no significant differences were present for the rest of the modalities. Medical (81.1%) and non-medical students (86.2%) perceived traditional Chinese medicine and homeopathy to be the most effective respectively. “Incorporating CAM with conventional medicine would result in increased patient satisfaction” showed the most statistically significant (p = 0.0002) difference among both groups. Yoga was the most often practiced modality among medical students and homeopathy among non-medical students.

Conclusion

Medical students have a lacking of knowledge and a positive attitude towards CAM, despite its very common practice among the people of Bangladesh. Therefore, emphasis should be put on the inclusion of CAM modules in medical training.
Syrian medical students’ acceptance of peer physical examination and its associating factors: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Soqia Jameel , Shamaa Mohamad Ashraf , Alhomsi Dima , Yakoub-Agha Laila , Alameer Mhd Basheer , Alhomsi Rawan , Hakok Mohmad Nour , Khalil Rim , Zaitouna Mazen
Published: December 2022

Background

This study aimed to evaluate the acceptance of Peer Physical Examination (PPE) in middle Eastern society with its associate factors, and PPE acceptance during Covid-19 pandemic. The acceptance of PPE is considered high in multiple studies carried out in the west, but there were nearly no studies investigating the acceptance of PPE in the middle east or low-income countries.

Methods

A questionnaire was shared through social media with students with focus on clinical-year students. A total number of 657 medical students were collected with a 74.5% response rate. The questionnaire gathered demographic information and recorded previous experience of PPE. A 5-point-likert scale was used to assess acceptance of PPE, factors affecting it, and the influence of COVID-19 pandemic. It also considered body’s areas students would accept to be examined. Associations between participants’ demographic and other details were tested using independent-samples T Test and other tests, and a p-value of < 0.05 was considered significant.

Results

Eighty percent of medical students accepted PPE, while 3% did not, and 17% were neutral. Males had statistically significantly higher acceptance rates of PPE (M = 3.94 out of 5). Also, females had lower acceptance of being examined by other gender than males but did not mind examining other gender. Furthermore, the groin area (thigh) was the most rejected area for examination (20% only accept it), followed by the breast (23%).

There was no statistically significant difference between different Universities groups or between different academic performance groups, finally there was statistically significant effect of religion and society on acceptance of PPE and religion has affected females more than males (p- value = 0.002).

70.8% of students supported PPE during the COVID-19 pandemic, while 6.8% did not, and 22.4% were neutral. There was not a significant difference in acceptance and supporting of PPE during the COVID-19 pandemic between males and females.

Conclusions

With an 80% acceptance rate, PPE represents an effective alternative to the absent life models in Syrian universities. The application of PPE is less likely to go without difficulties, but authors suggest the presence of a supervisor and single-gender groups with friends paired together if possible.
The relationship between futile medical care and respect for patient dignity: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Nazari Faezeh , Chegeni Maryam , Shahrbabaki Parvin Mongolian
Published: December 2022

Background

Various technologies and interventions at intensive care units can lead to futile medical care for critically ill patients. Futile medical care increases patients’ suffering and costs, reduces nurses' attention to patients, and thus affects patients’ dignity. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between futile medical care and respect for patient dignity from the perspective of nurses working in intensive care units of medical centers.

Methods

We conducted this cross-sectional study on 160 nurses working in intensive care units in Kerman. We measured nurses’ perceptions of futile care and respect for patient dignity using futile care and patients’ dignity questionnaire. We used linear regression model to investigate the effect of futile care on the patient dignity.

Results

The mean severity and frequency of futile care in the intensive care unit were 57.2 ± 14.3 and 54.1 ± 19, respectively. Respect for patient privacy and respectful communication were desirable, while patients’ autonomy was not desirable. We found a significant direct relationship (p = 0.006) between the severity of futile care and respect for patient dignity, with every unit increase in futile care, a 0.01 unit increase was available in patient dignity. We observed no significant association between frequency of futile care and dignity.

Conclusion

Our results indicated the effect of futile care on nurses’ respect for patient dignity. Nurses must raise their awareness through participating in training classes and specialized workshops to improve the level of care, the quality of care, and respect for patient dignity.
Implementation barriers and facilitators to a COVID-19 intervention in Bangladesh: The benefits of engaging the community for the delivery of the programme
Authors: Akter Fahmida , Tamim Malika , Saha Avijit , Chowdhury Imran Ahmed , Faruque Omor , Talukder Animesh , Chowdhury Mohiuddin Ahsanul Kabir , Patwary Monzur Morshed , Rahman Albaab-Ur , Chowdhury Morseda , Sarker Malabika
Published: December 2022

Background

BRAC (Bangladesh Rural Advancement Committee), the largest NGO globally, implemented a community-based comprehensive social behavior communication intervention to increase community resilience through prevention, protection, and care for COVID-19. We conducted implementation research to assess fidelity and explore the barriers and facilitators of this intervention implementation.

Methods

We adopted a concurrent mixed-method triangulation design. We interviewed 666 members of 60 Community Corona Protection Committees (CCPCs) and 80 members of 60 Community Support Teams (CSTs) through multi-stage cluster sampling using a structured questionnaire. The qualitative components relied on 54 key informant interviews with BRAC implementers and government providers.

Results

The knowledge about wearing mask, keeping social distance, washing hands and COVID-19 symptoms were high (on average more than 70%) among CCPC and CST members. While 422 (63.4%) CCPC members reported they ‘always’ wear a mask while going out, 69 (86.3%) CST members reported the same practice. Only 247 (37.1%) CCPC members distributed masks, and 229 (34.4%) donated soap to the underprivileged population during the last two weeks preceding the survey. The key facilitators included influential community members in the CCPC, greater acceptability of the front-line health workers, free-of-cost materials, and telemedicine services. The important barriers identified were insufficient training, irregular participation of the CCPC members, favouritism of CCPC members in distributing essential COVID-19 preventive materials, disruption in supply and shortage of the COVID-19 preventative materials, improper use of handwashing station, the non-compliant attitude of the community people, challenges to ensure home quarantine, challenges regarding telemedicine with network interruptions, lack of coordination among stakeholders, the short duration of the project.

Conclusions

Engaging the community in combination with health services through a Government-NGO partnership is a sustainable strategy for implementing the COVID-19 prevention program. Engaging the community should be promoted as an integral component of any public health intervention for sustainability. Engagement structures should incorporate a systems perspective to facilitate the relationships, ensure the quality of the delivery program, and be mindful of the heterogeneity of different community members concerning capacity building. Finally, reaching out to the underprivileged through community engagement is also an effective mechanism to progress through universal health coverage.
Clinical value and potential mechanisms of BUB1B up-regulation in nasopharyngeal carcinoma
Authors: Qin Li-Ting , Huang Si-Wei , Huang Zhi-Guang , Dang Yi-Wu , Fang Ye-Ying , He Juan , Niu Yi-Tong , Lin Cai-Xing , Wu Ji-Yun , Wei Zhu-Xin
Published: December 2022

Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) has insidious onset, late clinical diagnosis and high recurrence rate, which leads to poor quality of patient life. Therefore, it is necessary to further explore the pathogenesis and therapy targets of NPC. BUB1 mitotic checkpoint serine/threonine kinase B (BUB1B) was found to be up-regulated in a variety of cancers, but only two previous study showed that BUB1B was overexpressed in NPC and the sample size was small. The clinical role of BUB1B expression and its underlying mechanism in NPC require more in-depth research. Immunohistochemical samples and public RNA-seq data indicated that BUB1B protein and mRNA expression levels were up-regulated in NPC, and summary receiver operating characteristic curve indicated that BUB1B expression level had a strong ability to distinguish NPC tissues from non-NPC tissues. Gene ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of genes and genomes were performed and revealed that BUB1B and its related genes were mainly involved in cell cycle and DNA replication. Protein- Protein Interaction were built to interpret the BUB1B molecular mechanism. Histone deacetylase 2 (HDAC2) could be the upstream regulation factor of BUB1B, which was verified by Chromatin Immunoprecipitation Sequencing samples. In summary, BUB1B was highly expressed in NPC, and HDAC2 may affect cell cycle by regulating BUB1B to promote cancer progression.
Amphiregulin induces CCN2 and fibronectin expression by TGF-β through EGFR-dependent pathway in lung epithelial cells
Authors: Cheng Wun-Hao , Kao Shih-Ya , Chen Chia-Ling , Yuliani Fara Silvia , Lin Lee-Yuan , Lin Chien-Huang , Chen Bing-Chang
Published: December 2022

Background

Airway fibrosis is one of the pathological characteristics of severe asthma. Transforming growth factor (TGF)-β has been known to promote epithelial-mesenchymal transition formation and to play a role in the progression of tissue fibrosis. Cellular communication network factor 2 (CCN2) and fibronectin (FN) are well-known markers of EMT and fibrosis. However, whether AREG is involved in TGF-β-induced CCN2 and FN expression in human lung epithelial cells is unknown.

Methods

AREG and FN were analyzed by immunofluorescence staining on ovalbumin-challenged mice. CCN2 and FN expression were evaluated in human lung epithelial (A459) cells following TGF or AREG treatment for the indicated times. Secreted AREG from A549 cells was detected by ELISA. Cell migration was observed by a wound healing assay. Chromatin immunoprecipitation was used to detect the c-Jun binding to the CCN2 promoter.

Results

AREG and FN expression colocalized in lung tissues from mice with ovalbumin-induced asthma by immunofluorescence staining. Moreover, TGF-β caused the release of AREG from A549 cells into the medium. Smad3 siRNA down-regulated AREG expression. AREG also stimulated CCN2 and FN expression, JNK and c-Jun phosphorylation, and cell migration in A549 cells. AREG small interfering (si) RNA inhibited TGF-β-induced expression of CCN2, FN, and cell migration. Furthermore, AREG-induced CCN2 and FN expression were inhibited by EGFR siRNA, a JNK inhibitor (SP600125), and an activator protein-1 (AP-1) inhibitor (curcumin). EGFR siRNA attenuated AREG-induced JNK and c-Jun phosphorylation. Moreover, SP600125 downregulated AREG-induced c-Jun phosphorylation.

Conclusion

These results suggested that AREG mediates the TGF-β-induced EMT in human lung epithelial cells through EGFR/JNK/AP-1 activation. Understanding the role of AREG in the EMT could foster the development of therapeutic strategies for airway remodeling in severe asthma.
Differential effects of bariatric surgery and lifestyle interventions on plasma levels of Lp(a) and fatty acids
Authors: Berk Kirsten A. , Borgeraas Heidi , Narverud Ingunn , Mulder Monique T. , Øyri Linn K. L. , Verhoeven Adrie J. M. , Småstuen Milada Cvancarova , Bogsrud Martin P. , Omland Torbjørn , Hertel Jens Kristoffer , Gjevestad Espen , Nordstrand Njord , Holven Kirsten B. , Hjelmesæth Jøran
Published: December 2022

Background

Limited evidence suggests that surgical and non-surgical obesity treatment differentially influence plasma Lipoprotein (a) [Lp(a)] levels. Further, a novel association between plasma arachidonic acid and Lp(a) has recently been shown, suggesting that fatty acids are a possible target to influence Lp(a). Here, the effects of bariatric surgery and lifestyle interventions on plasma levels of Lp(a) were compared, and it was examined whether the effects were mediated by changes in plasma fatty acid (FA) levels.

Methods

The study includes two independent trials of patients with overweight or obesity. Trial 1: Two-armed intervention study including 82 patients who underwent a 7-week low energy diet (LED), followed by Roux-en-Y gastric bypass and 52-week follow-up (surgery-group), and 77 patients who underwent a 59-week energy restricted diet- and exercise-program (lifestyle-group). Trial 2: A clinical study including 134 patients who underwent a 20-week very-LED/LED (lifestyle-cohort).

Results

In the surgery-group, Lp(a) levels [median (interquartile range)] tended to increase in the pre-surgical LED-phase [17(7–68)-21(7–81)nmol/L, P = 0.05], but decreased by 48% after surgery [21(7–81)—11(7–56)nmol/L, P < 0.001]. In the lifestyle-group and lifestyle-cohort, Lp(a) increased by 36%[14(7–77)—19(7–94)nmol/L, P < 0.001] and 14%[50(14–160)—57(19–208)nmol/L, P < 0.001], respectively. Changes in Lp(a) were independent of weight loss. Plasma levels of total saturated FAs remained unchanged after surgery, but decreased after lifestyle interventions. Arachidonic acid and total n-3 FAs decreased after surgery, but increased after lifestyle interventions. Plasma FAs did not mediate the effects on Lp(a).

Conclusion

Bariatric surgery reduced, whereas lifestyle interventions increased plasma Lp(a), independent of weight loss. The interventions differentially influenced changes in plasma FAs, but these changes did not mediate changes in Lp(a).

Trial registration

Trial 1: Clinicaltrials.gov NCT00626964.

Trial 2: Netherlands Trial Register NL2140 (NTR2264).

Graphical abstract
Different coatings on magnetic nanoparticles dictate their degradation kinetics in vivo for 15 months after intravenous administration in mice
Authors: Portilla Yadileiny , Fernández-Afonso Yilian , Pérez-Yagüe Sonia , Mulens-Arias Vladimir , Morales M. Puerto , Gutiérrez Lucía , Barber Domingo F.
Published: December 2022

Background

The surface coating of iron oxide magnetic nanoparticle (MNPs) drives their intracellular trafficking and degradation in endolysosomes, as well as dictating other cellular outcomes. As such, we assessed whether MNP coatings might influence their biodistribution, their accumulation in certain organs and their turnover therein, processes that must be understood in vivo to optimize the design of nanoformulations for specific therapeutic/diagnostic needs.

Results

In this study, three different MNP coatings were analyzed, each conferring the identical 12 nm iron oxide cores with different physicochemical characteristics: 3-aminopropyl-triethoxysilane (APS), dextran (DEX), and dimercaptosuccinic acid (DMSA). When the biodistribution of these MNPs was analyzed in C57BL/6 mice, they all mainly accumulated in the spleen and liver one week after administration. The coating influenced the proportion of the MNPs in each organ, with more APS-MNPs accumulating in the spleen and more DMSA-MNPs accumulating in the liver, remaining there until they were fully degraded. The changes in the physicochemical properties of the MNPs (core size and magnetic properties) was also assessed during their intracellular degradation when internalized by two murine macrophage cell lines. The decrease in the size of the MNPs iron core was influenced by their coating and the organ in which they accumulated. Finally, MNP degradation was analyzed in the liver and spleen of C57BL/6 mice from 7 days to 15 months after the last intravenous MNP administration.

Conclusions

The MNPs degraded at different rates depending on the organ and their coating, the former representing the feature that was fundamental in determining the time they persisted. In the liver, the rate of degradation was similar for all three coatings, and it was faster than in the spleen. This information regarding the influence of coatings on the in vivo degradation of MNPs will help to choose the best coating for each biomedical application depending on the specific clinical requirements.

Graphical Abstract
Directly targeting ASC by lonidamine alleviates inflammasome-driven diseases
Authors: Chen Chen , Zhou YuWei , Ning XinPeng , Li ShengLong , Xue DongDong , Wei CaiLv , Zhu Zhu , Sheng LongXiang , Lu BingZheng , Li Yuan , Ye XiaoYuan , Fu YunZhao , Bai Chuan , Cai Wei , Ding YuXuan , Lin SuiZhen , Yan GuangMei , Huang YiJun , Yin Wei
Published: December 2022

Background

Dysregulated activation of the inflammasome is involved in various human diseases including acute cerebral ischemia, multiple sclerosis and sepsis. Though many inflammasome inhibitors targeting NOD-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3) have been designed and developed, none of the inhibitors are clinically available. Growing evidence suggests that targeting apoptosis-associated speck-like protein containing a CARD (ASC), the oligomerization of which is the key event for the assembly of inflammasome, may be another promising therapeutic strategy. Lonidamine (LND), a small-molecule inhibitor of glycolysis used as an antineoplastic drug, has been evidenced to have anti-inflammation effects. However, its anti-inflammatory mechanism is still largely unknown.

Methods

Middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO), experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) and LPS-induced sepsis mice models were constructed to investigate the therapeutic and anti-inflammasome effects of LND. The inhibition of inflammasome activation and ASC oligomerization by LND was evaluated using western blot (WB), immunofluorescence (IF), quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) in murine bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMDMs). Direct binding of LND with ASC was assessed using molecular mock docking, surface plasmon resonance (SPR), and drug affinity responsive target stability (DARTS).

Results

Here, we find that LND strongly attenuates the inflammatory injury in experimental models of inflammasome-associated diseases including autoimmune disease-multiple sclerosis (MS), ischemic stroke and sepsis. Moreover, LND blocks diverse types of inflammasome activation independent of its known targets including hexokinase 2 (HK2). We further reveal that LND directly binds to the inflammasome ligand ASC and inhibits its oligomerization.

Conclusions

Taken together, our results identify LND as a broad-spectrum inflammasome inhibitor by directly targeting ASC, providing a novel candidate drug for the treatment of inflammasome-driven diseases in clinic.
Intraductal oncocytic papillary neoplasm arising in Peutz-Jeghers Syndrome bile duct: a unique case report
Authors: Liu Qingyue , Wang Zhiyu , Yu Chaoran , Zhu Jianping , Liu Chengli , Li Xiangsheng , Ren Li , Li Teng
Published: December 2022

Background

Peutz-Jeghers syndrome (PJS) is a rare, autosomal dominant disorder caused by germline mutations of STK11/LKB1, with an increased risk of tumors at multiple sites. Intraductal oncocytic papillary neoplasm (IOPN) is a unique subtype of intraductal papillary neoplasm of the bile duct (IPNB) defined by a premalignant neoplasm with intraductal papillary or villous growth of biliary-type epithelium. IOPN has a distinct mutation profile compared with both IPNB and intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm (IPMN).

Case presentation

We herein describe the case of a 44-year-old woman who presented as polyps in the intestinal lumen of sigmoid colon and a 3.1 × 2.1 cm mass in the left lobe of liver. Gross feature revealed a cystic papillary mass and the neoplasm had a clear boundary with the surrounding liver tissue. Histology revealed complex papillary structures, a small amount of fine fibrovascular cores and immunohistochemistry showed extensive positive for MUC5AC, MUC6, CD117. Therefore, histological and immunohistochemical examination of the liver tumor suggested the diagnosis of IOPN. Next-generation sequencing (NGS) revealed other than STK11 germline mutation, the tumor also harbors GNAS somatic mutation at codon 478 and EGFR amplification.

Conclusion

To our knowledge, this is the first report of IOPN arising in PJS. This case enlarges the spectrum of PJS related tumors and genetic rearrangements in IOPN.
Feasibility of linac-based fractionated stereotactic radiotherapy and stereotactic radiosurgery for patients with up to ten brain metastases
Authors: Hirata Masanori , Yasui Kazuaki , Oota Naofumi , Ogawa Hirofumi , Onoe Tsuyoshi , Maki Sayo , Ito Yusuke , Hayashi Kenji , Asakura Hirofumi , Murayama Shigeyuki , Mitsuya Koichi , Deguchi Shoichi , Nakamura Katsumasa , Hayashi Nakamasa , Nishimura Tetsuo , Harada Hideyuki
Published: December 2022

Background

Linac-based fractionated stereotactic radiotherapy (fSRT) and stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) are increasingly being used to manage patients with multiple metastases. This retrospective cohort study aimed to compare the outcomes after linac-based fSRT and SRS between three patient groups classified based on the number of brain metastases (BMs): 1 BM, 2–4 BM, 5–10 BM.

Methods

The data of consecutive patients with 1–10 BMs treated with fSRT or SRS between July 2016 and June 2018 at a single institution were collected. Patients with previous whole-brain radiotherapy (WBRT), concurrent use of WBRT, or surgical resection were excluded from the analysis. A total of 176 patients were classified into three groups according to the number of BMs: 78, 67, and 31 patients in 1 BM, 2–4 BM, and 5–10 BM, respectively. The Kaplan–Meier method was used to estimate overall survival (OS) curves, and the cumulative incidence with competing risks was used to estimate local control (LC), distant intracranial failure (DIF), and radiation necrosis (RN).

Results

Median OS was 19.8 months (95% confidence interval [CI] 10.2–27.5), 7.3 months (4.9–11.1), and 5.1 months (4.0–9.0) in 1 BM, 2–4 BM, and 5–10 BM, respectively. Compared to 2–4 BM, 1 BM had significantly better OS (hazard ratio [HR] 0.59, 95% CI 0.40–0.87; p = 0.0075); however, 5–10 BM had comparable OS (HR 1.36, 95% CI 0.85–2.19; p = 0.199). There was no significant difference in LC, DIF, and RN between tumor number groups, but DIF was lower in 1 BM. RN of grade 2 or higher occurred in 21 patients (13.5%); grade 4 and 5 RN were not observed.

Conclusions

The linac-based fSRT and SRS for patients with 5–10 BMs is comparable to that for patients with 2–4 BMs in OS, LC, DIF, and RN. It seems reasonable to use linac-based fSRT and SRS in patients with 5–10 BMs.
Single coronary ostium with obstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy treated using the Morrow procedure: a case report
Authors: Lv Xin , Li Jianhua , Liu Chuanzhen , Wei Ruyuan , Meng Lingwei , Kong Xiangjin , Wei Kaiming , Cao Guangqing , Liu Kai
Published: December 2022

Background

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is a commonly inherited heart disease. In addition, single coronary artery (SCA) is a rare
congenital anomaly of the coronary arteries. And SCA concomitant with severe
hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy (HOCM) has seldom
been reported in the literature. However, such cases
have not been reported to be treated with the Morrow procedure.

Case presentation

Herein, we presented a case of a 64-year-old female diagnosed with a single left coronary artery with severe HOCM. The HOCM was treated with the Morrow procedure. The patient was discharged on the seventh postoperative day and was asymptomatic during the follow-up.

Conclusion

To our knowledge, this is the first study reporting a single left coronary artery with severe HOCM treated with the Morrow procedure. In addition, myocardial protection by cardioplegia antegrade perfusion was safe for the patient with SCA and HOCM.
Effect of ginsenoside compound K on alleviating colitis via modulating gut microbiota
Authors: Wang Li , Shao Li , Chen Man-Yun , Wang Lin , Zhang Wei , Tan Feng-Bo , Huang Wei-Hua
Published: December 2022

Background

Ginsenoside compound K (GC-K) potentially alleviates ulcerative colitis involved in gut microbiota, which is significantly associated with the occurrence and development of colitis. However, the effect and mechanism of GC-K on anti-colitis in relation to gut microbiota are not clear. This study focused on the prevention and mechanism of GC-K on Dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced colitis of mice pertinent to gut microbiota.

Methods

DSS was used to establish a chronic colitis mouse model. Body weight analysis, colon length measurement, HE staining, and inflammatory factors levels were processed in animal experiments. Flow cytometry was employed to analyze Th17/Treg cells in the mouse spleen and blood. 16S rRNA sequencing was utilized to analyze gut microbiota. Fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) experiment was employed to verify the anti-colitis efficacy of GC-K by reshaping gut microbiota.

Results

GC-K significantly relieved colitis-related symptoms due to decreased disease activity index (DAI) scores, spleen weight, and increased colon length. Additionally, the tight junction proteins were increased, and the pro-inflammatory cytokines, such as TNF-α, IL-6, IL-1β and IL-17, were decreased after GC-K treatment. Furthermore, Bacteroides spp. significantly increased after modeling. Moreover, FMT experiments confirmed that GC-K-driven gut microbiota greatly relieved DSS-induced colitis.

Conclusion

GC-K alleviated colitis via the modulation of gut microbiota.

Graphical Abstract
Ovarian tissue transplantation ameliorates osteoporosis and dyslipidaemia in ovariectomised mice
Authors: Zhou Encheng , Xiang Du , Yu Bin , Yao Hanlin , Sun Chao , Wang Yanfeng
Published: December 2022

Background

Ovarian insufficiency frequently renders postmenopausal women susceptible to osteoporosis and dyslipidaemia. Postmenopausal transplant women are at a higher risk developing osteoporosis and dyslipidaemia due to the concomitant application of glucocorticoids and immunosuppressants after solid organ transplantation. Thus, this study aimed to explore the feasibility of ovarian tissue transplantation (OTT) as an alternative to Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) for postmenopausal women with solid organ transplant needs.

Results

Sixty mice were randomly divided into four groups: sham operation, ovariectomised (OVX group), ovariectomy plus oestrogen (E2 group), and ovariectomy plus OTT (OTT group). The inhibin levels in the OTT group were increased and the follicle stimulating hormone and luteinizing hormone were suppressed to normal levels, which could not be achieved in the E2 group. The femoral bone mineral density in the OTT group was significantly increased than the E2 group (P < 0.05), and the probability of fracture was reduced by 1.4–2.6 times. Additionally, the high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels were higher in the OTT group than in the E2 group and the triglyceride levels were lower in the OTT group than in the E2 group (P < 0.05).

Conclusion

OTT not only achieves certain endocrine effects by participating in the regulation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian feedback control loop, but also ameliorates osteoporosis and dyslipidaemia, which may be an alternative to traditional HRT for postmenopausal women with solid organ transplant needs.
Application of Pender’s health promotion model for type 2 diabetes treatment adherence: protocol for a mixed methods study in southern Iran
Authors: Shahabi Nahid , Hosseini Zahra , Aghamolaei Teamur , Ghanbarnejad Amin , Behzad Ahmad
Published: December 2022

Background

Type 2 diabetes (T2D) mellitus treatment as a chronic disease requires adequate adherence to treatment including controlling blood glucose levels and lifestyle management. The aim of this study is to investigate the factors affecting of adherence to T2D treatment from the perspective of patients and design an intervention program based on Pender’s health promotion model (HPM) to increase T2D treatment adherence in Bandar Abbas, a city located in the south of Iran.

Methods

This mixed method study will consist of qualitative stage, questionnaire design and a randomized, open-label, parallel-group interventional study based on HPM in southern Iran. Sampling for qualitative stage will continue until reaching the saturation. In the intervention stage, participants will be 166 T2D patients referring to the Bandar Abbas Diabetes Clinic will be randomized into intervention and control groups (allocation 1:1). After identifying the factors affecting adherence to treatment in T2D patients by qualitative study and literature review, a questionnaire based on HPM will be designed. In the next stage, 10 sessions of intervention for the intervention group will be designed. To evaluate the effect of the intervention, intervention and control groups will be tested for hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) before and 3 months after the intervention.

Discussion

This designed study is a program for improving treatment adherence in T2D based on the HPM model and contributes to a better understanding of effective factors in adherence to treatment in T2D patients. The results of this project can be used for macro-diabetic planning.

Trial registration

This study is registered on the Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials (IRCT20211228053558N1: https://www.irct.ir/trial/61741) and first release date of 17th March 2022.
Association of nutritional glycaemic indices with global DNA methylation patterns: results from the Moli-sani cohort
Authors: Noro Fabrizia , Santonastaso Federica , Marotta Annalisa , Bonaccio Marialaura , Orlandi Sabatino , Tirozzi Alfonsina , Costanzo Simona , De Curtis Amalia , Gianfagna Francesco , Di Castelnuovo Augusto , Brighenti Furio , Cerletti Chiara , Donati Maria Benedetta , de Gaetano Giovanni , Iacoviello Licia , Gialluisi Alessandro , Izzi Benedetta ,   for the Moli-sani Study Investigators, Iacoviello Licia , de Gaetano Giovanni , Donati Maria Benedetta , Bonaccio Marialaura , Bonanni Americo , Cerletti Chiara , Costanzo Simona , De Curtis Amalia , Di Castelnuovo Augusto , Gialluisi Alessandro , Gianfagna Francesco , Persichillo Mariarosaria , Di Prospero Teresa , Vermylen Jos , Pegoraro Renzo , Spagnolo Antonio , Assanelli Deodato , Rago Livia , Costanzo Simona , Olivieri Marco , Panzera Teresa , Di Castelnuovo Augusto , Bonaccio Marialaura , Costanzo Simona , Esposito Simona , Gialluisi Alessandro , Gianfagna Francesco , Orlandi Sabatino , Ruggiero Emilia , Tirozzi Alfonsina , De Curtis Amalia , Magnacca Sara , Noro Fabrizia , Tirozzi Alfonsina , Persichillo Mariarosaria , Bracone Francesca , Panzera Teresa , Bonanni Americo
Published: December 2022

Background

High dietary glycaemic index (GI) and load (GL) have been associated with increased risk of various cardiometabolic conditions. Among the molecular potential mechanisms underlying this relationship, DNA methylation has been studied, but a direct link between high GI and/or GL of diet and global DNA methylation levels has not been proved yet. We analyzed the associations between GI and GL and global DNA methylation patterns within an Italian population.

Results

Genomic DNA methylation (5mC) and hydroxymethylation (5hmC) levels were measured in 1080 buffy coat samples from participants of the Moli-sani study (mean(SD) = 54.9(11.5) years; 52% women) via ELISA. A 188-item Food Frequency Questionnaire was used to assess food intake and dietary GI and GL for each participant were calculated. Multiple linear regressions were used to investigate the associations between dietary GI and GL and global 5mC and 5hmC levels, as well as the proportion of effect explained by metabolic and inflammatory markers. We found negative associations of GI with both 5mC (β(SE) = − 0.073 (0.027),p = 0.007) and 5hmC (− 0.084 (0.030),p = 0.006), and of GL with 5mC (− 0.14 (0.060),p = 0.014). Circulating biomarkers did not explain the above-mentioned associations. Gender interaction analyses revealed a significant association of the gender-x-GL interaction with 5mC levels, with men showing an inverse association three times as negative as in women (interactionβ(SE) = − 0.16 (0.06),p = 0.005).

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that global DNA methylation and hydroxymethylation patterns represent a biomarker of carbohydrate intake. Based on the differential association of GL with 5mC between men and women, further gender-based separate approaches are warranted.
Porphyria: a case report
Authors: Baidya Sujata , Kandel Pratibha , Rajkarnikar Smrity , Kadel Anuradha , Niraula Apeksha , Dubey Raju Kumar , Lamichhane Machhindra , Raut Mithileshwer , Bhattarai Aseem , Tuladhar Eans Tara , Sharma Vijay Kumar
Published: December 2022

Background

Prompt diagnosis of metabolic disorders in a resource-limited country like Nepal is daunting. Acute intermittent porphyria is a rare but common hepatic porphyria mostly seen in females of the reproductive age group. As its incidence is quite uncommon, conjectures about porphyria diagnosis are often duped into a diagnostic conundrum.

Case presentation

Here we unravel a case of a 15-year-old Hindu Nepalese girl distraught by the myriad of symptoms in the setting of severe abdominal pain accompanied by constipation and limb pain as the chief complaints. She presented with acute severe hypertension with marked persistent hyponatremia (up to 109 mEq/L). Despite conservative management of hypertension and electrolytes, unresolved electrolyte imbalance led us to the speculation of disturbance in the renin–angiotensin–aldosterone system. Due to her exacerbating neurovisceral status, she also required intensive care during the disease course. After thorough investigations and exemption of presumed provisional diagnoses, based on sustained symptomatic presentation, the clinical suspicion was driven towards a diagnosis of porphyria-related disorders. Positive Watson-Schwartz test substantiated the diagnosis of acute intermittent porphyria. Her symptoms gradually abated after the consumption of high carbohydrate diets.

Conclusion

This case highlights the baffling amalgamation of symptoms that simulate common diseases of concern yet are buried in the realm of porphyric disorders. Porphyria can be diagnosed using simple screening tools and timely treatment can diminish serious consequences.
Dendrometric data from the silvicultural scenarios developed by Office National des Forêts (ONF) in France: a tool for applied research and carbon storage estimates
Authors: Fournier Salomé , Sardin Thierry , Dreyfus Philippe , Francois Didier , Mandret Xavier , Simeoni Marion , Renaud Jean-Pierre , Akroume Emila , Bouvet Alain , Berthelot Alain , Wernsdörfer Holger , Riviere Miguel , Sainte-Marie Julien , Breteau-Amores Sandrine , De Coligny François , Deleuze Christine
Published: December 2022

Key message

We provide a database of 52 silvicultural scenarios recommended in French public forests including relevant dendrometric variables and metrics for carbon accounting. The dataset is available at https://doi.org/10.57745/QARRFS. Associated metadata are available at https://metadata-afs.nancy.inra.fr/geonetwork/srv/fre/catalog.search#/metadata/f76ed27f-325d-493b-8731-0995dcaa7805. Special attention was paid to offer carbon metrics required for the French Label Bas Carbone offset projects.
The governance of energy transitions in Africa: a sketch of plural perspectives
Authors: Späth Philipp , Castán Broto Vanesa , Bawakyillenuo Simon , Pregernig Michael
Published: December 2022

Building on the contributions to the article collection “The Governance of Sustainable Energy Transitions in the Global South “, this editorial offers a sketch for a research agenda on transitions research with a main focus on Africa. Still being ill-defined in its concrete contours, this research agenda engages with the central themes of heterogeneity, politics, and the material basis of energy transitions. In this editorial, we address both procedural and content-related questions. Regarding procedural questions, we inform about the context in which this collection emerged. On that, a workshop held in Accra in September 2019 was a key milestone. We contextualise the challenges that some workshop participants had with developing their contributions into publishable articles in the context of uneven academic support structures and knowledge hegemonies. Finally, we introduce the contributions to our article collection, emphasising how they connect and contribute to our draft research agenda. With regard to the content dimension, this article collection builds and proclaims the need for plural approaches to understanding energy transitions in Africa. A plurality of specific context conditions calls for pluralistic analytical perspectives. Not taking for granted hegemonic, western ways of understanding energy systems and explaining change, we rather depart from engagements with the diversity of changes that aggregate into transition pathways—a diversity that in the context of Africa is impossible to overlook. To implement such a pluralistic research agenda, scholars need more opportunities to network, exchange and publish.