bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
NLRP1 and NLRP3 trigger inflammasome activation in CD8+ T cells of ART-treated HIV patients and contribute differently to their chronic activation
Authors: Roa Mariela Vera , Cambui Raylane Gonçalves , Yamada Suemy , Gonçalves Luis Duarte , Lara Amanda , Leal Vinicius Nunes Cordeiro , Pontillo Alessandra
Published: January 2024

Chronic HIV infection leads to persistent immune activation and inflammation, which can impair the function of CD8+ T cells and their immune competence against infections and tumours. Independently from anti-retroviral treatment, in HIV patients, circulating leukocytes exhibit heightened expression of exhaustion markers and inflammasome-related genes.
This study delves into the dysregulation of the inflammasome in CD8+ T lymphocytes of HIV-infected individuals and explores its impact on cell functionality, contributing to persistent inflammation.
Our findings demonstrate that HIV CD8+ cells present a basal moderate activation of caspase-1, further increased by DPP-8/9 inhibition and TCR stimulation through activating the NLRP1/ASC and NLRP3/ASC pathways, respectively. Due to inflammasome activation, the HIV CD8+ T cells undergo GSDMD-induced pyroptosis. Compared with healthy donors’ CD8+ T cells, we observed resistance to NLRP1/caspase-1/GSDMD pyroptosis in HIV cells, compatible with the constitutive activation state of those cells. Moreover, the activation of the inflammasome is directly correlated with IFN-Ɣ secretion and with the expression of exhaustion markers on CD8+ T cells. Genotype-guided assays confirmed the presence of NLRP1 and NLRP3 inflammasomes in CD8+ T cells and revealed differential activation in HIV patients.
In summary, we confirmed the presence of NLRP1 and NLRP3 inflammasomes in CD8+ T cells. We addressed how they are differentially activated in HIV patients, suggesting the inflammasome as a potential novel therapeutic target for HIV-related chronic inflammation. Keywords: HIV, CD8+ lymphocytes, inflammasome, pyroptosis, NLRP3, NLRP1, CARD8.
The Impact of Intergenerational Support on Mental Health among Young Rural Women
Authors: Liu Ting , Tian Yuhe , Yang Jie
Published: January 2024

Background: Intergenerational support is an essential source of psychological support for young rural women that impacts women's mental health.
Methods: In 2017, data were collected from the Chinese General Social Survey (CGSS), and an ordered logit regression model was used to analyze the impact of intergenerational economic support, intergenerational care support, and intergenerational emotional support on the mental health of young rural women.
Results: The findings of the present research indicated that intergenerational economic support and intergenerational emotional support had positive effects on the mental health of young rural women. The mental health of young rural women who frequently received economic and emotional support from their parents was much better than that of young rural women who did not. However, intergenerational care support did not correlate with young rural women’s mental health. Furthermore, the logic behind the role of intergenerational economic support was the compensatory mechanism. Due to its low cost and high utility, intergenerational emotional support was proven to have more significant positive impacts than intergenerational economic support. The results of the heterogeneity analysis illustrated that intergenerational economic support and emotional support mainly promoted the mental health of young rural women from middle-income families.
Conclusions: This study provides support for the following arguments: improving rural parents' capacity to provide intergenerational support, lowering the cost of intergenerational support, and facilitating the matching of intergenerational support needs and supply are vital.
Association between postcesarean delivery inpatient opioid consumption & post-discharge opioid usage: A Prospective Observational Study
Authors: Veade Ashley , kosmacki alison , Hamilton Owen , KELLY Jeannie , Huang Ruizhi , Zhang Fan , Hincker Alex , Keasler Paige , Hoang Sandy
Published: January 2024

Background
The United States continues to experience increasing moribity and mortality from opioid misuse with prescription opioids. Prescription opioids account for 32% of opioid related deaths. Cesarean delivery is the most common surgery among females. This makes this patient population directly at risk for opioid misuse as 75% of opioid prescriptions are filled after a cesarean delivery. Creating a plan for optimizing postpartum opioid pain control while limiting narcotic usage is a must. Primary objective was to identify an association of inpatient opioid use and post-discharge opioid consumption after cesarean delivery (CD).
Methods
This prospective, observational study at a single academic tertiary hospital included patients undergoing CD between February to October of 2021. 142 patients met inclusion criteria with 110 (77%) patients completing the follow up phone call. Post-CD inpatient opioid consumption, discharge opioid prescription amount, and sociodemographics were recorded from the electronic medical record. Women with opioid use disorder, wound complication, peripartum hysterectomy, general anesthesia for delivery, or readmission for infection or surgery were excluded. Patients were then contacted by phone approximately two weeks post-discharge to assess the status of their opioid tablets and their subjective pain control. Opioid amounts were recorded as Oxycodone 5 milligram (mg) tablets. Primary outcome was the association between inpatient opioid use and post-discharge opioid consumption. Secondary outcomes included disposition of tablets at two weeks post-discharge. Outcomes were analyzed using multivariable logistic regression between quartiles of inpatient and post-discharge opioid consumption.
Results
After CD, inpatient opioid use predicted outpatient opioid use (r2 = 0.25; p < 0.001): patients in the highest quartile of inpatient use (≥ 13 tablets) consumed a mean of 16.6 tablets as inpatients and 13.1 tablets as outpatients. The lowest quartile of inpatient opioid users (≤ 5 tablets) consumed a mean of 1.0 tablet as inpatients and 1.7 tablets as outpatients (t = 18.1, p < 0.001 and t = 7.8, p < 0.001, respectively). 80/110 (73%) of patients had leftover opioids, with only 5 patients (6%) disposing of their tablets.
Conclusion:
The amount of tablets consumed post-CD as an inpatient is predictive of outpatient opioid consumption with minimal disposal of unused opioid tablets at two weeks post-discharge.
RING1 missense variants reveal sensitivity of DNA damage repair to H2A monoubiquitination dosage during neurogenesis.
Authors: Ryan Charles , Regan Samantha , Tsan Yao-Chang , Mills Eleanor , Gong Emily , Lai Yi-Ting , Sheingold Jason , Patel Khushboo , Horowitz Theodore , Moccia Amanda , Srivast Anshika , Bielas Stephanie
Published: January 2024

Polycomb repressive complex 1 (PRC1) modifies chromatin through catalysis of histone 2A lysine 119 monoubiquitination (H2AK119ub1). RING1 and RNF2 interchangeably serve as the catalytic subunit within PRC1. Pathogenic missense variants in PRC1 core components reveal functions of these proteins that are obscured in knockout models. While Ring1a knockout models remain healthy, the microcephaly and neuropsychiatric phenotypes associated with a pathogenic RING1 missense variant implicate unappreciated functions. Using an in-vitro model of neurodevelopment, we observe that RING1 contributes to the broad placement of H2AK119ub1, and that its targets overlap with those of RNF2. PRC1 complexes harboring hypomorphic RING1 bind target loci but do not catalyze H2AK119ub1, reducing H2AK119ub1 by preventing catalytically active complexes from accessing the locus. This results in delayed DNA damage repair and cell cycle progression in neural progenitor cells (NPCs). Conversely, reduced H2AK119ub1 due to hypomorphic RING1 does not generate differential expression that impacts NPC differentiation. The greater reduction of H2AK119ub1 dosage observed in NPCs expressing hypomorphic RNF2, however, exhibited defects in both DNA repair and transcriptional regulation. These findings suggest that the DNA damage response is more sensitive to H2AK119ub1 dosage change than is regulation of gene expression.
Higher Inflammatory Response in Hepatocellular Carcinoma is Associated with Immune Cell Infiltration and a Better Outcome
Authors: Oshi Masanori , Chida Kohei , Roy Arya Mariam , Mann Gabriella Kim , An Nan , Yan Li , Endo Itaru , Takabe Kazuaki
Published: January 2024

Background & Aims: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) often develops from chronic liver inflammation. Inflammation within a tumor can either promote cancer progression or activate an immune response against it. This study aims to determine the clinical significance of enhanced inflammation in HCC.
Methods: Data from 655 HCC patients across four cohorts (TCGA, GSE6764, GSE76427, GSE89377) were examined. Inflammatory response was quantified using a scoring system derived from the gene set variation analysis of the “INFLAMMATORY_RESPONSE” gene set.
Results: A stepwise increase in inflammatory response was noted from normal liver to cirrhosis, with consistently lower levels in HCC across both GSE6764 and GSE89377 cohorts (both p<0.001). Similar trends were observed in interferon response, pathways such as IL6/JAK/STAT3 and complement signaling, coagulation cascade, and allograft rejection (all p<0.02). HCCs with high inflammatory response were associated with increased immune cell infiltrations (p<0.01) and cytolytic activity (p<0.001). Interestingly, these HCCs had reduced mutation rates, no relationship with cell proliferation, and displayed both immune responses and pro-cancerous signals including epithelial-mesenchymal transition, KRAS, and hypoxia. Further, a high inflammatory score correlated with improved disease-free survival in TCGA (p=0.034) and overall survival in GSE76427 (p=0.008).
Conclusion: HCC with higher levels of inflammatory response demonstrated increased immune cell infiltration, enhanced immune-related and other pro-cancerous-related signaling, and better patient prognosis.
Adverse childhood experiences、marital status and depressive symptoms in later life among the middle-aged and elderly Chinese adults : the mediating role of marital status
Authors: Yu Pengfei , Wang Xiaoman , Liu Jianmo , Luo Haowen , Yi Yingping
Published: January 2024

Background
Many studies have shown that adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) lead to adverse social relations in middle-aged and elderly people and harm physical and mental health, but few studies have focused on the impact of ACEs on marital status in middle-aged and elderly people and the potential influence of marital status between ACEs and depressive symptoms.
Purpose
This study aimed to analyze the effect of ACEs on marital status and depressive symptoms in the middle-aged and elderly Chinese population, and to explore the mediating role of marital status in the association between ACEs and depressive symptoms in middle-aged and older adults.
Method
This study used the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS) 2014 life history survey and 2015 and 2018 follow-up data to analyze,ten ACEs conditions and marital status were collected by questionnaire,using the Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale (CESD-10) 10-item short form to assess depressive symptoms. The association between cumulative ACEs and marital status was assessed by constructing a multinomial logistic regression (MLR) model, as well as a binary logistic regression model to assess the association between ACEs and depressive symptoms. The mediating role of marital status in the association between ACEs and depressive symptoms was also assessed.
Results
A total of 10,246 individuals aged 45 years or older were included in the analysis. Compared to individuals who did not experience ACEs, those who experienced two or more ACEs had a higher risk of being unmarried (divorced/never married) (OR = 1.67, 95% CI=[1.10,2.51]) and a higher risk of depressive symptoms (OR = 1.66, 95% CI=[1.49,1.84]) in middle and old age.There was a significant dose-response relationship between cumulative ACEs counts and both divorce/unmarried and depressive symptoms. Unmarried status partially mediated the association of ACEs with depressive symptoms.
Conclusion
Chinese middle-aged and older people who experienced two or more ACEs have higher risks of unmarried status and depressive symptoms, and unmarried status partially mediated the ACEs-depressive symptom association. These findings reveal the fact that we need to develop life-cycle public health strategies to reduce exposure to ACEs and improve the marital status of middle-aged people, thereby reducing the risk of depression among middle-aged and older adults in China.
NEU4-mediated desialylation ignites the oncogenic receptors for the dissemination of ovarian carcinoma
Authors: Wang Long , Shi Jie , Zhou Rui , Wang Shuo , Liu Yuxin , Tian Baorui , Liu Yanhua , Chen Yanan , Hu Taoyu , Mu Yuhao , Wang Shufan , Shao Xintao , Yan Jie , Qu Pengpeng , Wei Ding , Yang Shuang , Shi Yi , Li Jia
Published: January 2024

Glycosylation profoundly influences the interactions between cancer cells and microenvironmental stromal cells during the peritoneal disseminated metastasis of ovarian carcinoma (OC), which is the major cause of cancer-related death. Although the characteristic cancer glycoconjugates are widely used as biomarkers for cancer diagnosis, our knowledge about cancer glycome remains quite fragmented due to the technique limitations in analyzing glycan chains with tremendous structural and functional heterogeneity. Given the dysregulated cancer glycome is defined by the altered glycosylation machinery, here we performed a systematic loss-of-function screen on 498 genes involved in glycosylation for key regulators of OC dissemination. We identified neuraminidase 4 (NEU4), an enzyme capable of hydrolyzing terminal sialic acid from glycoconjugates, as a vital peritoneal dissemination-promoting modifier of OC glycome. In human patients with high-grade serous OC (HGSOC), increased NEU4 was detected in the disseminated OC cells when compared with that in the primary tumor cells, which significantly correlated with the worse survival. Among three alternative splice-generated isoforms of human NEU4, we revealed that only the plasma membrane-localized NEU4 isoform 2 (NEU4-iso2) and intracellular isoform 3 promoted the peritoneal dissemination of OC by enhancing the cell motility and epithelial-mesenchymal transition. We also identified NEU4-iso2-regulated cell surface glycoproteome and found that NEU4-iso2 desialylated the epithelial growth factor receptor (EGFR), in particular at N196 residue, for the hyperactivation of EGFR and its downstream tumor-promoting signaling cascades. Our results provide new insights into how the OC glycome is dysregulated during OC progression and reveals a functionally important glycosite on EGFR for its abnormal activation in cancer.
Knowledge of Modifiable Risk Factors For Cardiovascular Diseases, Primary Prevention Practices And Associated Factors Among Type-II Diabetic Patients Attending Public HospitalsAt Shashemene, Oromia Region, Ethiopia
Authors: kumsa kebede , Bosha Tafese
Published: January 2024

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are the most common cause of morbidity and mortality globally. This is due to the increasing prevalence of modifiable CVDs risk factors such as high blood glucose, high systolic blood pressure, high low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and obesity. Certain evidence also indicates that increased burden and severity of CVD due to the additive and synergistic effect of the presence of multiple modifiable CVD risk factors. However, there is a scarcity of information about knowledge of modifiable risk factors for CVD among Type-II diabetic patients attending public hospitals at Shashemene, Oromia Region, Ethiopia. Therefore, this study was designed with major objectives to assess the diabetic patients' knowledge about modifiable cardiovascular disease and primary prevention practices, and to identify risk factors in Shashemene public hospital, West Arsi zone, Oromia, Southern Ethiopia, in 2023. To this end, an institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted among diabetes mellitus patients on follow-up at public hospitals in Shashemene Town in March 2023. The collected data was checked for completeness, coded and compiled. The data were entered into SPSS version 20 for further analysis. Both descriptive and analytical results were used to present the findings. In this study 418 type II diabetes patients were participated. Of these, 64.6% were male and the mean age of study participants was 44 ± 15 year. The diabetic clients who had good knowledge of modifiable CVD risk factors were 51.4% and also about 41.4% showed good practices. Moreover, the patients attained primary school had more than 2 times knowledge of CVD risk factors than illiterate ones [AOR: 2.78 (1.64,4.71)p-0.01. Similarly, females had 39% less knowledge and about the modifiable risk factors compared to men [AOR: 0.61 (0.40, 0.92)P-0.01]. Singles were more than 2 times knowledgeable about modifiable risk factors [AOR: 2.42(1.33, 4.40) p-0.00]. Furthermore, college educated patients were more likely to be aware of modifiable CVD risk factors [(AOR: 2.13(1.05, 4.34), p0.03)] than others. In the same way, merchants had more knowledge and showed better primary prevention practices of modifiable CVD than farmers [AOR: 2.33(1.11, 4.89), p-0.01]. In conclusion, the proportion of diabetic patients having good knowledge of modifiable cardiovascular disease and good primary prevention practices were 51.4% and 41.4%, respectively in Shashemene. Besides, illiteracy, sex, marital status, education level and occupation were identified as risk factors for knowledge about modifiable CVD and primary prevention practices. These results may provide some hints for programs targeting fighting against CVD among type-II diabetic patients in Oromia Region.
Investigations on milling performance of Polyetheretherketone (PEEK)
Authors: Beșliu Irina , Tamașag Ioan , Slătineanu Laurențiu
Published: January 2024

This paper presents a comprehensive investigation into the milling performance of Polyetheretherketone (PEEK), a high-performance thermoplastic polymer widely used in various engineering applications. The study focuses on understanding the impact of cutting feed and machining strategies (zig, zig-zag, and follow periphery) on surface texture and integrity during milling processes. Additionally, key factors such as maximum cutting temperature, cutting forces, and variation in surface hardness are systematically examined and analyzed. Two cutting feed ranges, 0.0167–0.025 mm/tooth and 0.05–0.15 mm/tooth, are employed in experimental setups to explore their influence on the machined surfaces. Different machining strategies are applied to assess their effects on surface quality and integrity. The investigation involves the use of advanced tools, including a confocal microscope and an interferometer (Mahrsurf CWM100, Mahr, Germany), for precise surface texture analysis. In-depth discussions and analyses are provided on the observed variations in maximum cutting temperature, cutting forces, and surface hardness during the milling of PEEK. The findings aim to enhance the understanding of the milling behavior of PEEK and offer valuable insights for optimizing machining parameters to achieve desired surface characteristics. This research contributes to the broader knowledge of polymer machining and provides practical implications for the precision milling of PEEK in engineering applications.
The role of local indigenous institutions in enhancing social capital for adoption of agricultural innovations: A special emphasis in Ethiopia
Authors: Lakew Molla Tadesse
Published: January 2024

Researchers tried to find out the socioeconomic and supply-side constraint factors to adoption. However, they overlooked the role of social networks and relationships among the community. Therefore, the aims of this review were to review the roles and negative effects of social capital. Based on its contents, relevancy, and time duration, only 129 (82 journals, 29 books, and 18 paper reports) were selected. It concludes that social capital has an indispensable role in facilitating cooperation and connection between members of the farmers' community, informal and experiential knowledge sharing, and access to research-based knowledge and contributes to reducing the transaction cost of adoption. On the contrary, inside the black box of social capital, the negative effects include the exclusion of outsider’s knowledge and experiences, excessive claims on group members, and restrictions on individual freedom.
Methods for Evaluating the Efficacy and Effectiveness of Direct-to-Consumer Mobile Health Apps: A Scoping Review
Authors: Prentice Carley , Peven Kimberly , Zhaunova Liudmila , Nayak Vaaruni , Radovic Tara , Klepchukova Anna , Potts Henry W. W. , Ponzo Sonia
Published: January 2024

Background
There is an evaluation crisis in mobile health (mHealth). The majority of mHealth apps are released with little evidence base. While many agree on the need for comprehensive evaluations to assess the efficacy and effectiveness of mHealth apps, the field is some way from achieving that. This scoping review describes the current state of direct-to-consumer mHealth app evaluations so as to inform how the situation can be improved.
Results
Findings showed a predominance of wellness management apps, focusing on fitness, diet, mental health, or other lifestyle factors. Evaluations were conducted by companies at varied financing stages, with a mix of start-ups, scale-ups, and public companies. Most studies employed full-scale or pilot randomised controlled trial designs.
Conclusions
Participant demographics indicate a need for more inclusive recruitment strategies around ethnicity and gender so as to avoid worsening health inequalities. Measurement tools varied widely, highlighting the lack of standardisation in assessing mHealth apps. Promoting evidence-based practices in digital health should be a priority for organisations in this space.
Molecular Analysis of Antibiotic Resistance Development in Shigella flexneri isolated from Pediatric Diarrheal Patients
Authors: Hossain A K M Zakir , Mina Sohana Akter , Chowdhury A M Masudul Azad
Published: January 2024

Antibiotic resistance is a growing concern, particularly in developing countries, and Shigella flexneri is a leading cause of pediatric diarrheal infections. This study aimed to investigate the development of antibiotic resistance in Shigella flexneri isolated from pediatric diarrheal patients. We conducted a comprehensive investigation involving 29 Shigella isolates previously identified from 204 pediatric diarrheal patients. Antibiotic susceptibility testing was performed using antibiotics commonly used in pediatric cases. Conventional PCR assays were employed to detect antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) int1, sul2, and gyrA. Gene expression levels were assessed through RT-PCR analysis. Additionally, plasmid profiling was conducted to elucidate the transmission of antibiotic-resistant genes among pediatric patients. Our findings reveal a concerning surge in multidrug-resistant S. flexneri strains among pediatric patients, with a particularly alarming 100% multidrug resistance observed in infants aged 1 day to 6 months. Multiple antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) were identified in the studied isolates. Furthermore, RT-PCR analysis demonstrated a significant correlation between elevated ARG expression and antibiotic resistance. Plasmid profiling revealed a diverse plasmid population, including the novel plasmid pNV-Y394 harboring multiple antibiotic resistance genes. Collectively, these findings emphasize the critical importance of addressing antibiotic resistance in pediatric diarrheal cases, demanding immediate and decisive interventions.
Experimental Validation of FOPI Controllers and Modelling of DC Motor for Robotics Applications
Authors: Kumar Pravin , Kumar Vishal , Tyagi Barjeev
Published: January 2024

This work introduces the modelling of the DC servo motor for robotics applications. For the modelled system, it proposes the fractional-order proportional-integral controller. The analysis of different components of the modular servo system has been stated. Various transient responses, like overshoot, steady-state error, delay time, etc., have been considered to evaluate the performance of the proposed controller for the modelled system. The proposed controller has been simulated for various ranges of gain to assess stability. In the last, the experimental validations of the proposed model for the various proportional-integral controllers have also been carried out for the comparative analysis, and the found results are significantly superior.
Characterizing the intestinal chondroitin sulfate glycosaminoglycan sulfation signature in inflammatory bowel disease
Authors: Francis Kendra L. , Zheng Hengqi (Betty) , Suskind David L. , Phan Bao Anh , Nuding Mason , Hudson Alexandra , Morton Gregory J. , Schwartz Michael W. , Alonge Kimberly M. , Scarlett Jarrad M.
Published: January 2024

The intestinal extracellular matrix (ECM) helps maintain intestinal homeostasis, and pathologic ECM remodeling is implicated in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Chondroitin sulfate and dermatan sulfate glycosaminoglycans (CS/DS-GAGs) are integral components of the ECM, and alterations in CS/DS-GAGs significantly influence its function. However, it is unknown whether changes in CS/DS-GAG composition are linked to IBD. Our aim was to characterize the intestinal ECM CS/DS-GAG composition in active IBD using mass spectrometry to analyze intestinal biopsy samples. We characterized the intestinal CS/DS-GAG composition in 50 pediatric and young adult patients (n = 13 control, n = 37 IBD; age 7–23) and 6 adult patients (n = 6 control, age 24–67). The abundance of isomers associated with matrix stability (CS-A and DS) was significantly decreased in patients with IBD compared to controls, while isomers implicated in inflammation (CS-C and CS-E) were significantly increased. This imbalance of intestinal CS/DS isomers was restored among patients achieving clinical remission. Across the entire cohort, the abundance of pro-stabilizing CS/DS isomers negatively correlated with clinical disease activity scores, whereas both CS-C and CS-E content positively correlated with disease activity scores. Thus, pediatric patients with active IBD exhibited increased pro-inflammatory and decreased pro-stabilizing CS/DS isomer composition, and future studies are needed to determine whether changes in the CS/DS-GAG composition play a pathogenic role in IBD.
Influence of the delivery mode on the short-term outcomes of extremely preterm infants
Authors: Huang Qianmeng , Wu Jie , Wang Rongyue
Published: January 2024

Objective: To study the influence of the delivery mode on the short-term outcomes of extremely preterm infants, and to provide a basis for delivery mode selection. Methods: A total of 166 extremely preterm infants who were born from 2018 to 2022 were enrolled. According to the delivery mode, they were divided into two groups: natural birth group ( N = 103 ) and caesarean birth group ( N = 63 ) . A statistical analysis was performed for maternal data and short-term outcomes.
Results: Compared with the caesarean birth group, the natural birth group had significantly higher incidence rates of early-onset sepsis and necrotizing enterocolitis ( NEC ) ( P＜0.05 ) . The logistic regression analysis showed that natural birth was an independent risk factor for early-onset sepsis and NEC ( OR = 2.032 and 2.731 respectively，P＜0.05 ) , and the gestational diabetes was an independent risk factor for NEC.
Conclusions: Caesarean birth decreased the incidence of early-onset sepsis and NEC in extremely premature infants and did not decrease the incidence rates of other adverse outcomes.
Intraosseous lipoma of the calcaneus：A Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: wang yu , Wang Zihao , Yang Xin , Yang Yihao , Guo Yinghan , Ou Jie , Mo Xingkui , Yuan Tao
Published: January 2024

Intraosseous lipoma is a rare, benign primary tumor occurring in the bone. It typically occurs in long bones, such as the femur, tibia, and fiblua. While irregular bone and flat bones occur very rarely. Patients with intraosseous lipomas are asymptomatic in the early stages, but symptoms may appear in the later stages, accompanied by complications such as pain and fracture. On the X-ray plain, an intraosseous lipoma presents as an osteolytic lesion with well-circumscribed, and accompanied with a sclerotic margin and unevenly calcified parts. Recurrence and malignant transformation of intraosseous lipoma are extremely rare, and usually not requiring surgery. The possibility of malignant transformation and recurrence may be low, and usually not requiring surgery. In this article, we report a case of intraosseous calcaneal lipoma complicated with pathological fractures that was treated by curettage of the lesion and bone grafting , and local plate osteosyntheses showed good results. Combining this case with similar cases at home and aboard and reviewing related literature, we formed conclusions based on the manifestations, diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis of this disease and provided treatments and a new idea for the study of similar cases.
Preliminary feasibility assessment of a targeted, pharmacist-led intervention for older adults with polypharmacy: a mixed-methods study
Authors: Liu Lisheng , Brokenshire Bernadette , Davies Deborah , Harrison Jeffrey
Published: January 2024

Background: Polypharmacy is associated with inappropriate prescribing and avoidable medicines-related harm. A novel pharmacist-led intervention has been developed to facilitate a targeted approach to identify and resolve inappropriate prescribing in older adults with polypharmacy.
Aim: To conduct a preliminary feasibility assessment of the intervention in primary care, testing whether specific components of the intervention procedures and processes can be executed as intended.
Method: In this mixed-methods study, patients were recruited from a New Zealand general practice clinic over a four-week recruitment period to receive the intervention. Process fidelity, patient, and clinician perspectives were collected. Quantitative data were analysed based on the study's progression criteria to determine whether a clinical trial of the full-scale intervention is warranted. Qualitative data were subjected to thematic analysis to identify facilitators and barriers to implementation.
Results: The intervention met the study's progression criteria, including patient recruitment, retention, and adherence to the intervention procedures. However, several modifications were identified, including: 1) enhancing patient recruitment, 2) conducting a preliminary meeting between the patient and pharmacist, 3) supporting pharmacists in maintaining a patient-centred approach, 4) reviewing the choice of patient-reported outcome measure, 5) extending the eight-week follow-up period, 6) allocating more time for pharmacists to conduct the intervention.
Conclusion: The study concluded that the intervention is feasible; however, additional development is required before progressing to a full-scale trial. This intervention holds the potential to provide an efficient approach to reducing medication-related harm and improving outcomes for older adults with polypharmacy.

Trial registration number: ACTRN12621000268842 Date registered:
11/03/2021
Predicting Clinical Outcomes of Severe Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia through New Definitions and Phenotypes
Authors: McAnany Susan , AKANGIRE GANGARAM , Sherman Ashley , Sampath Venkatesh , Manimtim Winston
Published: January 2024

Objective: To compare the accuracy of three newly proposed definitions of bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) in predicting outcomes, and to assess the impact of BPD phenotypes (large airway vs. parenchymal vs. vascular disease) on BPD outcomes.
Study Design: Retrospective chart review of 100 infants with severe BPD discharged from a Children’s hospital between 2020-2021. Multivariable models evaluated the associations between BPD definitions and phenotypes with tracheostomy and death.
Result: Jensen’s and BPD collaborative criteria best predicted outcomes associated with tracheostomy and/or death (p < 0.001). Among the three BPD phenotypes, large airway disease independently predicted death or tracheostomy (OR 10.5, 95% CI 1.6, 68.1). The combination of all three phenotypes also predicted death or tracheostomy (OR 9.8, 95% CI 1.0, 93.5).
Conclusion: Newly proposed definitions of BPD better predict outcomes compared to the 2001 NIH definition with BPD phenotypes impacting mortality and short-term outcomes. These data may be useful for counseling families and developing phenotype-based individualized treatment plans.
Women's Political Participation in City Council, Debretabor City Administration, Ethiopia: An Exploration of Barriers
Authors: Kebede Agenagn
Published: January 2024

Introduction
Women have traditionally been marginalized within the political sphere, notwithstanding their significant achievements. The study looks at the barriers that stand in the way of women participating actively in politics, with a particular emphasis on the Debretabor City Administration Council.
Method
A case study research design was used in the study. The sample techniques used were maximum variation, deviant case, and intensity sampling. Semi-structured interviews, life histories, and focus group discussions (FGD) were also used to obtain the data.
Results
The findings showed that women's political engagement in city council was in danger due to a variety of factors, including gender bias in decision-making processes, the country's shifting political landscape, and Islamic religion fellows' perspectives.
Conclusion
Women faced certain obstacles when attempting to participate in city council politics. This case was critical in city administration, particularly, in city council.
Policy implication
In light of this, the research findings urged the need for gender-sensitive policy formulation within the city administration council.
Comparison of the 2022 World Health Organization Classification and International Consensus Classification in Myelodysplastic Syndromes/Neoplasms
Authors: Hou Hsin-An , Lee Wan-Hsuan , Lin Chien-Chin , Tsai Cheng-Hong , Tien Feng-Ming , lo Min-Yen , Tseng Mei-Hsuan , Kuo Yuan-Yeh , Yu Shan-Chi , Liu Ming-Chih , Yuan Chang-Tsu , Yang Yi-Tsung , Chuang Ming-Kai , Ko Bor-Sheng , Tang Jih-Luh , Sun Hsun-I , Chuang Yi-Kuang , Tien Hwei-Fang , Chou Wen-Chien
Published: January 2024

In 2022, two novel classification systems for myelodysplastic syndromes/neoplasms (MDS) have been proposed: the International Consensus Classification (ICC) and the 2022 World Health Organization (WHO-2022) classification. These two contemporary systems exhibit numerous shared features but also diverge significantly in terminology and the definition of new entities. Thus, we retrospectively validated the ICC and WHO-2022 classification and found that both systems promoted efficient segregation of this heterogeneous disease. After examining the distinction between the two systems, we showed that a peripheral blood blast percentage ≥ 5% indicates adverse survival. Identifying MDS/acute myeloid leukemia with MDS-related gene mutations or cytogenetic abnormalities helps differentiate survival outcomes. In MDS, not otherwise specified patients, those diagnosed with hypoplastic MDS displayed a trend of superior survival compared to other low-risk MDS patients. Furthermore, the impact of bone marrow fibrosis on survival was less pronounced within the ICC framework. Allogeneic transplantation appears to improve outcomes for patients diagnosed with MDS with excess blasts in the ICC and those with MDS with increased blasts in WHO-2022 classification. Therefore, we proposed an integrated system that may lead to the accurate diagnosis and advancement of future research for MDS. Prospective studies are warranted to validate this refined classification.
The invisible enemy: a systematic review and meta-analysis of maternal smokeless tobacco use as a risk factor for low birth weight
Authors: Mahajan Akanksha , Gupta Bhawna
Published: January 2024

Introduction
Smokeless tobacco use is a growing public health concern, with potential adverse implications for foetal outcomes if consumed during pregnancy. Birth weight is an important predictive measure for health outcomes of a child throughout their lifespan, from infancy through to adulthood. Although the association between maternal smoking and reduction in birth weight of infants has been studied extensively, it is unclear whether smokeless tobacco has similar effects. Hence, this review was conducted to determine whether an association exists between maternal smokeless tobacco consumption during pregnancy and birth weight of infants.
Aims and Methods
Systematic literature search was performed in Medline (via PubMed), Embase, Scopus, and CINAHL with no restrictions on language or time until January 2023. All observational studies (case control, cohort and cross sectional) that examined the relationship between maternal smokeless tobacco use and low birth weight of infants were eligible for inclusion. The methodological quality of included studies was assessed using the Newcastle Ottawa Scale.
Results
Thirty-one studies were eligible for the review, including twenty-seven cohort studies, two case-control and two cross-sectional studies. These studies examined various forms of smokeless tobacco use including khat, betel/areca nut, mishri, snuff, iqmik and pituri. A statistically significant association between use of smokeless tobacco and low birth weight was reported in thirteen studies. An additional eleven studies reported a statistically significant reduction in mean birth weight in maternal smokeless tobacco users. Meta-analysis using a random effects model showed that there was a statistically significant association (OR = 1.91 [1.38, 2.65], P < 0.00001); between maternal smokeless tobacco use during pregnancy and low birth weight. Subgroup analysis found a significant association between maternal mishri consumption during pregnancy and low birth weight (OR = 10.98 [2.03, 59.34], P < 0.05), but not betel nut, betel quid or khat.
Conclusions
This review found that there is a significant association between maternal smokeless tobacco use and low birth weight of infants, as well as reduction in mean birth weight independent of confounding variables. It is suggested that maternal use of smokeless tobacco should receive specific attention as a part of routine prenatal care.
Implications
The results of this study highlight the need for further preventive public health campaigns to create awareness about the detrimental effects of smokeless tobacco on foetal outcomes patient education by healthcare workers in the primary care setting will aid in promoting smokeless tobacco cessation prior to pregnancy.
Analysis of the regulating PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway and anti-apoptosis activity of Shenqi granule through Network Pharmacology and in vitro experiments
Authors: Wei Lifeng , Guo Xiaoping , Zhu Yiyun , Jun Yong , Chen Shixiu , Xu Rui , Chen Yiping , Wang Lin
Published: January 2024

Idiopathic membranous nephropathy (IMN), a common pathological type of nephrotic syndrome. Shenqi granule(SQ) is a traditional Chinese medical formula that has been used for decades to treat IMN, and there is a large amount of clinical data confirming its effectiveness,but the mechanism is unclear. This study explores the potential mechanisms and targets of action of SQ through network pharmacology and validates them through in vitro experiments and molecular docking techniques. Network pharmacology is a method that can determine how TCM works through pharmacokinetic evaluation, allowing us to study its molecular mechanisms. Through in vitro experiments, MPC5 cells are used to establish puromycin aminonucleoside (PAN)-induced podocytes damage models to extract cell protein, western blot detection signal pathway protein and related target proteins, molecular docking was performed for the validation. The network pharmacology study results indicate that SQ has 106 compounds, and 195 shared targets with MN. The treatment of IMN with SQ is mainly related to the apoptosis, PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway and other significant signaling pathways. In vitro experiments showed that SQ could effectively inhibit the activity of the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway, increase the expression of Bcl2, and suppress the expression levels of apoptosis-related proteins such as Calaspase-3 and Bax in MPC5 cells. This study initially investigated the pharmacological effects of SQ, which effectively ameliorates IMN by potentially regulating the phosphorylation level of the AKT/mTOR pathway, inhibiting apoptotic activity, and restoring skeletal proteins.
Purine permease (PUP) family gene PUP11 positively regulates the rice seed setting rate by influencing seed development
Authors: Rong Chenyu , Zhang Renren , Liu Yuexin , Chang Zhongyuan , Liu Ziyu , Ding Yanfeng , Ding Chengqiang
Published: January 2024

The distribution of cytokinins in plant tissues determines plant growth and development and is regulated by several cytokinin transporters. Purine permease (PUP) is a cytokinin transporter found in plants. Although 13 PUP genes have been identified in the rice genome, however, most of their functions remain unknown. We found that pup11mutants showed extremely low seed setting rates and a unique filled seed distribution. Our research revealed that pup11 mutants showed seed formation arrest because the accumulated starch disappeared 10 days after flowering. PUP11 has two major transcripts with different expression patterns and subcellular locations, and further studies revealed that they have redundant positive roles in regulating the seed setting rate. We also found that type-A RR genes were upregulated in the developing grains of the pup11 mutant compared with the wild type. The results also showed that PUP11 altered the expression of several sucrose transporters and significantly upregulated certain starch biosynthesis genes. In summary, our results indicate that PUP11 influences the rice seed setting rate by regulating sucrose transport and starch accumulation during grain filling. This research provides new insights into the relationship between cytokinins and seed development, which may help improve cereal yield.
Validation of the Dermatology Life Quality Index. A Structural Validity, Internal Consistency and Item Response Analysis.
Authors: Sanclemente Gloria , Mora Cristian , Aguirre Daniel-Camilo
Published: January 2024

Background: Although the classical test theory (CTT) has been one of the most widely used approaches for QoL scales validation in dermatology, some of its assumptions are problematic as it is sample dependent and does not take into account that scoring can be affected by patients´ variables and the measurement process. Previous results of the Dermatology-Life-Quality-Index validation in Colombia (DLQI-COL) based on the CTT perspective have showed the need to deep into the measurement properties of the instrument through the item response theory (IRT) or the Rasch model.
Methods: In this cross-sectional study we aimed to: 1- Assess the dimensionality of the DLQI, to determine its difficulty, discrimination and differential functioning, to evaluate its internal consistency and to assess its discriminative validity between patients with inflammatory and non-inflammatory skin disease. We recruited Colombian patients with any skin disease. Skin diseases were stratified as inflammatory and non-inflammatory. Floor and ceiling effects were examined in addition to the internal-consistency of the instrument. For Rash analysis, a partial credit model was applied. The following model assumptions and measurement properties were tested: dimensionality and differential item functioning (DIF).
Results: Data of 461 patients (mean age: 46.8 years) and 56% females, were included. DLQI-COL-scores ranged from 0-29 (median=5). Internal consistency for dichotomous item 7, showed a McDonald’s Omega coefficient of 0.85 (95%CI:0.84-0.87) and a Cronbach's αcoefficient of 0.86 (95%CI:0.84-0.88). For ordinal item 7, McDonald's Omega coefficient was 0.87 (95%IC:0.85-0.89) and Cronbach's αcoefficient of 0.85 (95%CI: 0.82-0.87). Horn’s parallel analysis indicated DLQI unidimensionality with a one-factor solution. Only item 1 fitted the PCM model. The remaining items, including item 9, did not show adequate fit. Differences in scores were found between patients with non-inflammatory and inflammatory skin diseases and between age with no differences between gender.
Conclusions: The validity of DLQI-COL based on Rasch analysis proved not to be a suitable instrument to evaluate QoL in our dermatologic population. A refined version of the scale with an adequate cross-cultural adaptation and validation process are needed to obtain an appropriate and reliable version of the instrument for measuring QOL in Colombian patients with skin diseases.
Fermentative production of L-lactic acid from starch-based waste by engineered Lactiplantibacillus plantarum CAUH2-4
Authors: Zhao Zhaoer , Wang Chun , Di Wenxuan , Hao Yanling , Shi Suan , Zhai Zhengyuan
Published: January 2024

The demand for high-purity L-lactic acid, a precursor for poly-lactic acid synthesis, is increasing. Costly carbon and nitrogen sources contribute significantly to lactic acid fermentation costs. Biomass waste is a promising low-cost substrate. However, producing L-lactic acid from biomass is a challenge due to its complex composition. Wild-type Lactiplantibacillus plantarum strains, although environmentally adaptable, produce a racemic mixture of D- and L-lactic acid and are usually unable to metabolize starch. In this study, Lactiplantibacillus plantarum CAUH2-1 with the highest glucose-lactate conversion efficiency was selected for lactic acid fermentation. By knocking out specific genes, the purity of L-lactate production by this mutant increased from 48.35–99.61%. The introduction of the α-amylase gene enabled the mutant to achieve a starch-to-L-lactic acid conversion rate of 88.49%. While mutants displayed lower efficiency when utilizing ginseng residue (GR) and wheat middlings (WM), the addition of the pullulan enzyme increased WM utilization efficiency to 65.58%.
Stress and temperature constrained thermoelastic topology optimization of support structures for additive manufacturing
Authors: Zhou Chongwei , Zhao Qinghai , Jiang Nan
Published: January 2024

This paper presents a thermoelastic topology optimization formulation for the design of support structures in layer-by-layer printed additive manufacturing. The formulation is written in the form of structural compliance minimization with two competing constraint functions, one related to mechanical performance (stress) considering mechanical stress and thermal stress and one related to thermal performance (temperature). The optimization problem is solved by applying the p-norm function to handle global stress constraints and overall temperature constraints, separately. The sensitivity information of the objective function and constraints is derived using the adjoint variable method. The design variables are updated using the Method of Moving Asymptotes (MMA). We present several examples that explore the ability of the formulation to obtain optimized support structures for additive manufacturing under different volume constraints, various performance constraints and print orientations, which addresses the issues of mechanical and thermal stress concentration when considering thermoelastic coupled effect, thus validating the effectiveness of the proposed method.