bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Efficacy and Patient Satisfaction of Urological Phone Call Versus WhatsApp Consultation During Covid-19 Lockdown
Authors: Alnazari Mansour , Abdullah Sulaiman , Bakhsh Abdulaziz , Alghamdi Musab M. , Moalwi Adel , Rajih Emad S.
Published: August 2024

Background
Telemedicine has evolved as an essential tool for delivering healthcare services, particularly amidst obstacles such as the COVID-19 pandemic. Recent studies have demonstrated good effects and greater patient satisfaction with telemedicine counseling. The purpose of this study is to assess the effectiveness and patient satisfaction of two telemedicine modalities: WhatsApp chat versus phone calls.
Methods
This cross-sectional study was conducted in December 2022 in Madinah, Saudi Arabia, consent forms were obtained, and 10-point scale questionnaires were utilized to determine patient satisfaction. The same measure was also used to assess urologists on their level of confidence in diagnosis. Conventional statistical tests like the t-test and Fisher's exact test were employed in statistical analyses.
Results
77 participants were included in this study, 32 (41.6%) used phone call consultations and 45 (58.4%) chose WhatsApp consultations. Most participants in both groups were male (74.2% and 68.2%; p = 0.616). The mean age was 37.9 ± 17.0 and 32.5 ± 16.2 years for the phone call group and WhatsApp group respectively (p = 0.163). The phone call group expressed significantly higher satisfaction at the time of the consultations compared to WhatsApp users (8.7 vs. 8.0; p = 0.030). However, there was no significant difference between the two groups regarding urologists' confidence in diagnosis (7.7 vs. 7.8; p = 0.935) or satisfaction with follow-up consultations (9.0 vs. 8.7; p = 0.570).
Conclusion
This study revealed no significant differences in patient outcomes or physician confidence in management using phone calls versus WhatsApp chats as a telemedicine modalities, indicating both the patients and healthcare professionals can make good use of both approaches. Notably, patients using phone calls achieved higher satisfaction at the time of consultation and tend to use this modality in urgent situations.
Convenient virtual reality exposure self-training for social anxiety: a randomized controlled study
Authors: Kan Chinghsiang , Wang Yifan , Hu Ruoyun , Chen Ke , Zhang Ya
Published: August 2024

People with social anxiety (SA) experience emotions that are disproportionate to the objective threat when facing social situations where they might be scrutinized by others. Virtual reality exposure (VRE) therapy has now been explored as a novel and cost-effective mode of psychological treatment, however, less previous randomized controlled trial has examined whether self-help VRE training using convenient appliances can effectively decrease SA symptoms with a long-term effect. Participants with high SA (n = 61) were randomly allocated to either an intervention group (n = 31) or a waiting list control group (n = 30). Mixed ANOVA revealed a significant interaction between TIME and GROUP for SA and negative emotion. Within-group analysis demonstrated that there was a significant reduction in measures from pre-intervention to post-intervention for the intervention group, however, the difference for the control group did not reach statistical significance. Additionally, participants in the intervention group showed significant improvements in SA symptoms, negative emotions and mental health state from pre-intervention to a one-month follow-up. These findings illustrate that self-help VRE training using convenient appliances is an efficacious way to significantly reduce SA and negative emotions, at least for one month.
Performance in community-based management of childhood illnesses and factors associated with its effective implementation in Burkina Faso
Authors: OUEDRAOGO Hamed Sidwaya , Kaboré Ahmed , Traore Badra Ali , Mano Moumai , SOME Sohinte , Ouoba/Kabore Boezemwende , Maiga Massoudou Harouna , SOURA Abdramane , Drabo Maxime Koine
Published: August 2024

Background
Burkina Faso gives high priority to improving maternal and child health. Several community interventions have been developed following the adoption of primary health care. Following the adoption of free community care services and the recruitment of community health workers to strengthen community management of childhood illnesses, we conducted a formative performance evaluation and a search for factors associated with its effective application.
Methods
We conducted a descriptive and analytical cross-sectional study using data collected from March 19 to 30, 2023 and January 12 to 30, 2024 in the health districts of Boussé and Boussouma in Burkina Faso through a survey, focus groups and a literature review, then analyzed with SPSS 25 and Nvivo.
Results
Community management of childhood illnesses is implemented in various ways in different health districts. Data from 2017 to 2022 clearly shows that the proportion of malaria cases confirmed with rapid diagnostic tests and treated at community level has evolved globally. On the other hand, management of diarrhea and pneumonia is inadequate. Factors such as the health district of origin, difficulties faced in transporting inputs and the regularity of Community based health workers premium payments determines significantly the availability of curative care in the community.
Conclusions
Despite the measures to provide free care and recruit CBHWs to support the implementation of the Community Integrated Management of Childhood Illness, health facility adherence and a number of other essential factors are hampering the availability of basic care in the desired community. There is an inequity of access to community health care reducing the impact of free health care and the recruitment of community-based health workers on certain populations.
Trial registration
This study used data generated by the system. Surveys and data extraction were carried out after obtaining authorization from the Ministry of Health's Health Research Ethics Committee.
Summary of emergency treatment experience of acute urethral trauma in girls
Authors: Wang Guannan , Sun Ning , Zhang Weiping , Tian Jun , Li Minglei , Song Hongcheng , Lin Defu , He Meng
Published: August 2024

Purpose
To summarize our treatment experience of acute urethral trauma in girls.
Methods
We retrospectively analyzed six girls with acute urethral trauma who were admitted to our hospital from April 2003 to April 2023 and followed up.
Results
All six patients had pelvic fractures and vaginal injuries, and one had a rectal injury. Five showed a large amount of fresh blood flowing from the perineum and an inability to urinate. However, the remaining patient had a more insidious onset, causing the emergency doctors to miss the diagnosis. Four had severe perineal tearing and had lost their normal urethral and vaginal openings, making urinary catheter insertion impossible. The diagnosis was very clear. The other two were diagnosed with urethrovaginal injury during cystourethroscopy. Five underwent urethral and vaginal repair surgery within 7 days after the injury, and two of them developed complications requiring endoscopy or reoperation. Postoperative questionnaire scoring showed that four patients had normal urinary function and two had mild dysfunction.
Conclusion
The diagnosis of acute urethral trauma in girls requires vigilance. If the patient’s vital signs are stable, emergency urethrovaginal repair surgery can be performed. Although this is difficult and requires experienced pediatric urologists, it facilitates discovery of concurrent injuries.
Association between lung cancer and bladder cancer risk: a bidirectional Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Zhou Jiaqi , Fei Chunyuan , Zhang Yingqing
Published: August 2024

Background
The second primary cancer (SPC) poses a significant threat to lung cancer survivors, with bladder cancer being one of the most common SPCs. The relationship between lung cancer and bladder cancer has remained unclear. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the causal effect between these two cancers through bidirectional two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis.
Methods
Genetic instruments associated with lung cancer and its subgroups were derived from the International Lung Cancer Consortium (ILCCO), while the data of bladder cancer was obtained from the FinnGen biobank. To estimate the causal relationship, we employed inverse-variance weighted (IVW) method, MR-Egger, and weighted-median method. Additionally, we conducted Cochran's Q test, MR-Egger regression, Mendelian Randomization Pleiotropy RESidual Sum and Outlier (MR-PRESSO) and leave-one-out analysis to assess potential pleiotropy effects.
Results
Our analysis revealed that genetically overall lung cancer increased the risk of bladder cancer based on the IVW and weighted median method. However, subgroup analysis showed no causal relationship between LUSC or LUAD and bladder cancer. In the reverse MR analysis, we found no evidence of any causal relationship between bladder cancer and overall lung cancer. Subgroup analysis suggested that bladder cancer increased the risk of LUSC. The assessment of heterogeneity and pleiotropy provided further support for the robustness and validity of these MR results.
Conclusions
Our study provided evidence in support of causality between lung cancer and bladder cancer in individuals of European ancestry. We should focus on SPC-bladder cancer or SPC-LUSC to intervene in time.
A Study on Mahjong Intervention to improve Cognitive Impairment in Patients with Schizophrenia: a pilot, single-blind, randomized, controlled trial
Authors: Hu Renqin , Xie Zongli , Li Junyao , Luo Huirong , Guo Yanwei , Tan Jinglan , Luo Qinghua
Published: August 2024

Objective
Mahjong, a traditional Chinese tile-based game, has been widely reported to be closely associated with better cognitive function. However, its effects on the cognitive function of patients with schizophrenia have not yet been studied.
Method
In a pilot study, 49 patients diagnosed with schizophrenia were randomly assigned to the intervention group (Mahjong combined with standard treatment) and the control group (standard treatment). The intervention group engaged in cognitive training through Mahjong for 2 hours per day, 4 days per week for 12 weeks. Primary cognitive outcomes were assessed using Cambridge Neuropsychological Test Automated Battery (CANTAB), while secondary outcomes were evaluated with the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS), and the Self-report Quality of Life Measure for People with Schizophrenia (SQLS). Assessments were conducted at baseline (T0), the 4th week (T1), the 8th week (T2), and the 12th week (T3).
Results
There is a significant group-by-time interaction effect in RTI and time effect in PAL. The intervention group showed significant improvements in reaction time and movement time of response to a visual target, visual memory and new learning at T3 compared to baseline. Additionally, the intervention group exhibited significant improvements in SQLS over time.
Conclusion
While this pilot study suggests that prolonged Mahjong intervention may benefit certain cognitive functions and quality of life in patients with schizophrenia, these findings should be interpreted with caution. Further research with larger, more diverse samples and longer follow-up periods is necessary to confirm and extend these findings.
Trial registration:
The trial is registered with https://www.chictr.org.cn/ under registration number ChiCTR2400083439 (date of registration: 2024-01-25).
Risk factors of Systemic inflammatory response syndrome after minimally invasive percutaneous nephrolithotomy with a controlled irrigation pressure
Authors: Lan Senlin , Liu BoHao , Xie Siwei , Yang Chunting
Published: August 2024

Objective
This study aims to identify the risk factors for systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) after minimally percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) with a controlled irrigation pressure and to find which patients undergoing PCNL are likely to develop SIRS under the pressure-controlled condition.
Methods
A total of 303 consecutive patients who underwent first-stage PCNL in our institute between July 2016 and June 2018 were retrospectively reviewed. All the procedures were performed with an 18F tract using an irrigation pump setting the irrigation fluid pressure at 110 mmHg and the flow rate of irrigation at 0.4L/min. SIRS and sepsis were recorded after PCNL. The demographic data, clinical features, and test results were analyzed.
Results
52 patients (17.2%) developed SIRS and only 3 patients (0.99%) further progressed to severe sepsis. The results of univariate analysis showed that the stone size, operative time, history of DM, the value of glycosylated hemoglobin, history of ipsilateral surgery, preoperative urine culture, Staghorn calculi, pelvic urine culture, stone culture, number of tracts, blood transfusion, and residual stones were found to have a significant correlation with post-PCNL SIRS (p < 0.05). In multivariate analysis, the stone size (OR = 3.743, p = 0.012), preoperative urine culture (OR = 2.526, p = 0.042), pelvic urine culture (OR = 13.523, p < 0.001), the number of access tract (OR = 8.945, p = 0.002), blood transfusion (OR = 26.308, p < 0.001) were identified as the independent risk factors for post-PCNL SIRS.
Conclusion
The stone size(>4cm2), positive preoperative urine culture, positive pelvic urine culture, multiple tracts, receipt of a blood transfusion are the independent risk factors for SIRS under the pressure-controlled condition. More attention should be paid when the PCNL patients have these risk factors.
Establishment and Characterization of Cri Du Chat Neuronal Stem Cells: A Novel Promising Resource to Study the Syndrome
Authors: Piovani Giovanna , Ferraro Rosalba Monica , Giliani Silvia Clara
Published: August 2024

The Cri Du Chat (CdC) Syndrome is a rare chromosome disease condition resulting from variable size deletion occurring on the short arm of one of the chromosomes 5. This disorder, which affects one in 50,000 births, is responsible for developmental retardation, the mechanism of which has remained unexplained. TERT, SEMA5A, CTNND2, TPPP, mapped in chromosome 5 short arm, are known to be expressed in the brain, and to play a role in the development of the nervous system, oligodentrocytes and in the regulation of glutamatergic and dopaminergic synaptic transmission. It is critical to understand how their haploinsufficiency might affect the development and presentation of the disease. In the absence of an animal model and of significant accessible, human tissue, human pluripotent stem cells (iPSC) directly reprogrammed from patient somatic cells open a new area of disease modeling as they can virtually be differentiated into any cell type. Our study reports, for the first time, the generation of neuronal stem cells (NSCs) from CdC-iPSCs line and in addition, subsequent differentiation into a heterogeneous population of neurons. Gene expression of the mentioned and single copy deleted genes was also evaluated by comparing their expression level in iPSC, NSCs and neuron lines. The present research represents the first and the most innovative approach, to create an in vitro CdC neuronal model to have a new translational framework to study the pathological processes.
Gaps in the implementation of RTS, S malaria vaccine contributing to the low uptake in an endemic area of western Kenya
Authors: Okanda Irine , Kwach Timon , Abuonji Emily , Seda John , Ayodo George , Okuto Erick
Published: August 2024

Background:
Globally in 2021, there were an estimated 247 million malaria cases in 85 malaria-endemic countries which accounted for over 619,000 deaths worldwide. In every 1000 live births, 84 die before attaining 5 years in Kenya. Nonetheless, presently, there is a malaria vaccine which an affordable intervention for children under 5 years of age. However, there is low uptake of 3rd and 4th doses with very limited information on the gaps in the implementation of this vaccine to inform strategies to improve the uptake.
Materials and Methods:
Study design:
The study employed an exploratory study design. Purposive sampling method was used to select participants for focus group discussions (FGDs) and key informant interviews (KIIs). Four FGDs were conducted, 3 of them were 25 parent/guardian whose children either completed or didn’t complete the recommended 4 doses of RTS, S or didn’t receive the vaccine at all, and one with 11 community health volunteers (CHVs). The KII involved 11 healthcare providers(nurses) in charge of maternal and child health (MCH) clinics. Open ended interview guides were used for the FGDs and KIIs. Data was analyzed thematically using NVIVO software version 12.
Results:
The gaps in malaria vaccine implementation are inadequate information/knowledge about the vaccine to both parents/guardians and healthcare providers, less confidence in the vaccine due to side effects and high number of doses. Others are the poor attitude of health care providers, vaccine unavailability, understaffing of the health providers resulting in long waiting times, and migration to non-implementing sub-counties.
Conclusion:
The gaps in the implementation of the malaria vaccine; Inadequate knowledge about the vaccine, less confidence about the vaccine, poor attitude of health care providers, migrations, vaccine unavailability, long waiting queue due to staff understaffing, economic activities, cultural beliefs and inadequate trainings of health care providers.
Recommendation: Adequate health education, adequate support of the vaccine implementation program, adequate staffing and continuous training of healthcare provider. There’s need to develop strategies for implementation of the vaccine in specific settings in malaria-endemic areas for improved and sustainable RTS, S vaccine uptake.
Differentiation between responders and non-responders to antibiotic treatment in mice using 18F-Fluorodeoxysorbitol/PET
Authors: Li Junling , Zheng Huaiyu , Olson Jenna , Warawa Jonathan M. , Ng Chin K.
Published: August 2024

PurposeBacterial infection causes significant mortality and morbidity worldwide despite the availability of antibiotics. Differentiation between responders and non-responders early on during antibiotic treatment will be informative to patients and healthcare providers. Our objective was to investigate whether PET imaging with18F-Fluorodeoxysorbitol (18F-FDS) or18F-FDG can be used to differentiate responders from non-responders to antibiotic treatment.ProceduresNTUH-K2044 was used for infection in Albino C57 female mice. Each mouse was inoculated intratrachealy with NTUH-K2044 to induce lung infection (n=8). For treatment studies, two bacterial doses for animal inoculation and two treatment starting times were compared to optimize treatment profiles.18F-FDS or8F-FDG /PET imaging was performed to monitor treatment progression.ResultsOur results demonstrated that the treatment profiles for using mice infected with 25 CFU hvKpand antibiotic treatment starting at 24 p.i. were not ideal due to no evidence of lung infection and lack of treatment efficacy. The optimal scheme is to use 250 CUF for infection and start antibiotic treatment at 24 h p.i. to monitor antimicrobial efficacy. 75% of the mice were classified as responders to antibiotic treatment. 25% of the mice were classified as non-responders.18F-FDG was used to compare with18F-FDS, but all mice showed increased lung uptake of18F-FDG during 3-day treatments.Conclusions18F-FDS is a promising PET tracer to image bacterial infection. It can be used to monitor response to treatment, and differentiate responders from non-responders to antibiotic treatment, but18F-FDG cannot, probably due to the presence of high degree of inflammation before and after treatment.
A Novel screening protocol for early detection of lung involvement in seropositive and ACPA positive rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Reichenberger Frank , Popp Florian , Hoffmann Martin , Fischinger Carina , von Wulffen Werner , Kneidinger Nikolaus , Welcker Martin
Published: August 2024

Background: Seropositive rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is associated with significant cardiovascular and pulmonary morbidity. However, screening for early detection of pulmonary involvement especially interstitial lung disease (ILD) is not established in RA.
Methods: We used a non-invasive radiation-free approach to screen for pulmonary, pleural, or vascular disease manifestation using a pulmonary function test (PFT), a cardiopulmonary exercise test (CPET), echocardiography (ECG), and pleuro-pulmonary transthoracic ultrasound (LUS). We included patients with confirmed diagnosis of seropositive RA according to ACR criteria, but without symptoms for or known cardiopulmonary disease.
Results: We included 67 consecutive patients (78% female, mean age 61±12 years, 48% active or previous smokers), who fulfilled the inclusion criteria and gave written informed consent.
We found 48% of patients with suspected changes in PFT with a diffusion capacity (DLCOc-SB) ≤ 80% among them 7% with forced vital capacity (FVC) ≤ 80%.
In 40% of patients, we found noticeable changes in LUS, 24% with an ILD compatible pattern. ILD was suspected when LUS abnormalities and additional PFT changes were present, which was found in 16% of cases. Other findings included obstructive lung disease (n=11), subpleural consolidation (n=6) including one confirmed lung cancer, minimal pleural effusion (n=6), severe aortic stenosis in bicuspid aortic valve (n=1), and ischemic cardiac disease (n=2). None of the patients showed signs of pulmonary vascular involvement on ECG or CPET.
Conclusions: Screening of asymptomatic RA patients for pulmonary involvement detects a variety of cardiopulmonary comorbidities. ILD was suspected in 16% of cases.
Trial registration: German Register of Clinical Studies (DRKS00028871).
Revealing the Confluences: Workplace Bullying and Suicidality Independent of Depression Presence
Authors: Kim Eun Soo , Oh Dae jong , Kim Junhyung , Oh Kang-Seob , Shin Young Chul , Shin Dong-Won , Cho Sung Joon , Jeon Sang-Won
Published: August 2024

This cross-sectional study analyzed data from 12,541 employees aged 19–65 across 26 companies and public institutions who underwent workplace mental health screening. Workplace bullying, categorized into non-exposure, high-risk, and targeted groups, was self-reported. Depression was assessed using the Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression scale, and suicidality was measured via a self-reported questionnaire from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Multivariable logistic regression revealed that 18.7% of women and 10.6% of men experienced bullying. High-risk and targeted bullying were significantly associated with increased odds of suicidal ideation (OR = 1.47, 95% CI = 1.27–1.69; OR = 1.81, 95% CI = 1.36–2.40) and suicide attempts (OR = 2.27, 95% CI = 1.34–3.85; OR = 4.43, 95% CI = 2.13–9.21). The association between bullying and suicidal ideation was significant for participants with and without depression (OR = 1.47, 95% CI = 1.28–1.69; OR = 1.86, 95% CI = 1.31–2.62). Men exhibited a stronger correlation (p for interaction < 0.001). Increased exposure to workplace bullying linked to higher suicidality risk, irrespective of depression status. The study highlights the need for companies to screen for bullying and provide mental health resources to prevent workplace-related suicides.
Synthesis and Characterization of Titanium Oxynitride Catalyst via Direct Ammonia Nitridation of Titanium Polyacrylate for Oxygen Reduction Reaction
Authors: Tamaki Yushi , Seino Satoshi , Shinyoshi Naoki , Uetake Yuta , Nagai Takaaki , Monden Ryuji , Ishihara Akimitsu , Nakagawa Takashi
Published: August 2024

A titanium oxynitride catalyst for the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) in polymer electrolyte fuel cells was synthesized through the direct ammonia nitridation of titanium complexes. Titanium polyacrylate was employed as the catalyst precursor, and the effect of the calcination temperature between 600 and 1000°C on the catalyst structure was studied. The catalysts were characterized via X-ray diffraction, X-ray absorption near edge structure, transmission electron microscopy, cyclic voltammetry, and powder electrical resistivity measurements. The formation of titanium oxynitride particles and deposited carbon were observed for all the samples; however, significant variations in the catalyst structure and catalytic activity were also observed. With an increase in the calcination temperature, nitridation of titanium oxynitride progressed, and the conductivity of the catalyst powder increased. The highest rest potential and ORR current density were achieved with calcination at 800°C. Importantly, the results suggest that maintaining an optimal nitrogen doping level within the catalyst particles, along with ensuring the formation of electroconductive deposited carbon, is essential for achieving a high ORR current. This work introduces the direct ammonia nitridation of metal complexes as a promising process for designing metal oxynitride catalysts.
Primary Malignant Melanoma of the Breast: a case report
Authors: Krongthong Issara , Serirodom Siwat , Thongprayoon Sunisa
Published: August 2024

Introduction
Primary malignant melanoma of the breast (PMMB) is a rare type of malignancy, and only a few case reports have been published.
Case presentation
We report the case of a 44-year-old Thai woman with PMMB. She was treated with wide local excision and sentinel axillary lymph node biopsy. She then underwent second-stage nipple reconstruction, and a 2-year follow-up conducted after the surgery showed satisfactory nipple architecture and tip projection and no evidence of the disease.
Conclusion
This case illustrates the importance of early diagnosis and effective treatment of PMMB for patient survival, as well as the importance of satisfactory breast reconstruction.
Comparative profiling of white matter development in the human and mouse brain reveals volumetric deficits and delayed myelination in Angelman syndrome
Authors: Ozarkar Siddhi , Patel Ridthi , Vulli Tasmai , Smith Audrey , Styner Martin , Hazlett Heather , Shen Mark , Burette Alain , Philpot Benjamin
Published: August 2024

Background
Angelman syndrome (AS), a severe neurodevelopmental disorder resulting from the loss of the maternal UBE3A gene, is marked by changes in the brain's white matter (WM). The extent of WM abnormalities seems to correlate with the severity of clinical symptoms, but these deficits are still not well characterized or understood. This study provides the first large-scale measurement of WM volume reduction in children with AS. Furthermore, we probed the underlying neuropathology by examining the progression of myelination in an AS mouse model.
Methods
We conducted magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) on children with AS (n=32) and neurotypical controls (n=99) aged 0.5-12 years. In parallel, we examined myelination in postnatal Ube3a maternal-null mice (Ube3am-/p+; AS model), Ube3a paternal-null mice (Ube3am+/p-), and wildtype controls (Ube3am+/p+) using immunohistochemistry, Western blotting, and electron microscopy.
Results
Our data revealed that AS individuals exhibit significant reductions in brain volume by ~1 year of age, with WM reduced by 26% and gray matter by 21% by 6-12 years of age—approximately twice the reductions observed in the adult AS mouse model. In our AS mouse model, we saw a global delay in the onset of myelination, which normalized within days (likely corresponding to months or years in human development). This myelination delay is caused by the loss of UBE3A in neurons rather than UBE3A haploinsufficiency in oligodendrocytes. Interestingly, ultrastructural analyses did not reveal any abnormalities in myelinated or unmyelinated axons.
Limitations: It is difficult to extrapolate the timing and duration of the myelination delay observed in AS model mice to individuals with AS.
Conclusions
This study reveals WM deficits as a hallmark in children with AS, demonstrating for the first time that these deficits are already apparent at 1 year of age. Parallel studies in a mouse model of AS show that these deficits may be associated with delayed onset of myelination due to the loss of neuronal (but not glial) UBE3A. These findings emphasize the potential of WM as both a therapeutic target for interventions and a valuable biomarker for tracking the progression of AS and the effectiveness of potential treatments.
Male gamete copies to characterize genome inheritance and generate progenies
Authors: Palermo Gianpiero , Xie Philip , Takeuchi Takumi , Cheung Stephanie , Rosenwaks Zev
Published: August 2024

Male factor infertility accounts for approximately 30% of infertile couples. When spermatozoa are extremely scarce, replicating the male gamete to fertilize a large cohort of oocytes would be ideal. Additionally, patients with inherited disorders currently rely on pre-implantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) to select healthy embryos, which raises ethical concerns due to the generation of multiple embryos to select one healthy conceptus. Therefore, it would be beneficial to decode the genetics of a single sperm cell before conceptus generation. In this study, we demonstrated the feasibility of replicating the sperm genome via androgenesis and selecting the desired gamete before fertilization to preserve a specific paternal genotype, confirmed by phenotypic observation and genetic testing, in a murine model. We achieved satisfactory pre-implantation developmental rates with replicated male gametes and were able to generate healthy offspring. Specifically, using 8-cell stage androgenetic embryos, a single spermatozoon can yield up to three conceptuses carrying the identical paternal haplotype.
Effects of steroid-resistant nephrotic syndrome serum on AA pathway in podocytes cultured in 3D in vitro glomerular model
Authors: Bianchi Gaia , Bellucci Linda , Morello William , Turolo Stefano , Cricrì Giulia , Caicci Federico , Tamburello Chiara , Villa Stefania , Prati Daniele , Montini Giovanni , Collino Federica
Published: August 2024

Background and hypothesis.
Steroid-resistant nephrotic syndrome (SRNS) is the most severe form of nephrotic syndrome, with genetic or unidentified immunological origins and rapidly progressing to the need for kidney replacement therapy. Lipotoxicity can affect podocytes inducing kidney damage. In this study, we evaluate the effects of SRNS serum on podocyte functionality and lipid metabolism.
Methods.
A three-dimensional (3D) dynamic in vitro glomerulus was incubated with serum from multi-drug resistant (MDR) and genetic SRNS or healthy controls. The glomerular filtration barrier (GFB) integrity, podocyte viability, and fatty acids (FAs) composition were evaluated by serum albumin permeability estimation, cytofluorimetric analysis and gas chromatography, respectively. Expression of slit diaphragm molecules and FA-related enzymes was analyzed by immunofluorescence and PCR.
Results.
Serum from SRNS patients induced cell granularity, increased GFB permeability, and disrupted slit diaphragm protein structure. The podocyte damage was most severe when MDR serum was administered compared to the serum of genetic-SRNS. This was associated with a significant upregulation of the transcripts coding for nephrin, synaptopodin, and CD2AP. An alteration of fatty acid profile in MDR-treated podocytes was observed, with increased monounsaturated FAs following the decrease of saturated FAs. The exposure of cultured podocytes to MDR- and genetic-SRNS serum induced disruption of arachidonic acid (AA) synthesis pathway, with different intermediate players involved.
Conclusion.
This study highlights the detrimental effects of serum from SRNS patients on podocyte function and the association of AA synthesis pathway with the podocyte damage.
The survival outcome in proximal and distal gastric neuroendocrine carcinoma - A SEER-based competing risk nomogram
Authors: Kong Lingjie , Yan Chaobiao , Nie Shijiao , Jin Haijuan , Li XiaoWen
Published: August 2024

Objective
The occurrence of gastric neuroendocrine carcinoma (GNEC) is on the rise, and its prognosis is extremely poor. We compared survival outcomes between distal and proximal GNEC and developed a nomogram incorporating tumor site to enhance personalized management for patients of GNEC.
Methods
1807 patients were divided them into DGNEC and PGNEC groups. We performed analyses by using propensity score matching (PSM) and Fine-Gray competing risk methods. A predictive nomogram about prognosis of GNEC was constructed and validated.
Results
The cumulative incidence of cancer-specific death (CSD) in DGNEC group was lower than that in PGNEC group. Subgroup analysis showed lower CSD of DGNEC in male, female, tumor size (≤ 2 cm, 2 < tumor size ≤ 5 cm, > 5 cm and unkown), grade stage I-II, and AJCC stage I-Ⅲ, chemotherapy yes or none, surgery yes or none groups (p < 0.05). Multivariate analysis revealed a significant association between PGNEC and CSD (HR, 1.4; 95% CI, 1.13–1.73; P = 0.02). The independent predictors of CSD in patients with GNEC were primary site, gender, age, tumor size, AJCC stage, T stage, N stage, grade stage, and surgery. A predictive model based on multivariate analysis was constructed to estimate the probability of CSD at 1-, 3-, and 5- year. The calibration curves demonstrated excellent consistency between the predicted and observed probabilities of the CSD.
Conclusion
Patients with DGNEC have a better prognosis than those with PGNEC. The model exhibits strong predictive capability for these patients.
CXCL10-related T lymphocyte infiltration and breast cancer metastasis are regulated by CXCL12
Authors: Liu Xianfu , Chen Yansong , Tang Jingwei , Zhang Hao , Zhang Xiaojing
Published: August 2024

Background
Breast cancer (BC) is a malignant tumor with the highest incidence rate in women. This work explored the function of CXCL10 and CXCL12 in tumor metastasis.
Methods
CXCL12 and CXCL10 protein expression levels were assessed by IHC in breast cancer tissues. String revealed that CXCL12 interacts with CXCL10 protein molecules. The GEPIA2 database revealed that CXCL12 was negatively correlated with CXCL10. CXCL12. The effects of CXCL12 on invasion and migration were detected by scratch and transwell experiments in breast cancer cells. CD4 + T and CD8 + T cells in the inflammatory microenvironment of breast cancer patients were evaluated with the NGDC database and verified by IHC.
Results
CXCL12 knockdown inhibited migration and invasion and enhanced the expression and secretion of CXCL10 in BC. CXCL10 is responsible for the recruitment of CD4 + and CD8 + T lymphocytes into tumors and enhances antitumor effects. The single-cell data showed that the patients in the CXCL10 + CD4+/CD8 + T-cell group and the CXCL12-CD4+/CD8 + T-cell group had better prognoses.
Conclusions
CXCL12 promoted BC migration and invasion. On the other hand, CXCL12 inhibited the expression and secretion of CXCL10, further inhibiting T lymphocyte infiltration and promoting breast cancer metastasis in the TME.
How Environmental Perception influence Depression and Anxiety: The Mediating Role of Social Interaction
Authors: Yang Guang , Zuo Ying , Cheng Haoxuan , Zhang Lufa
Published: August 2024

Background: With the economic and social transformations, depression and anxiety disorders are presenting an increasingly common trend globally, becoming a widely addressed issue in mental health. Research has shown that livable natural environments and high-quality social interactions can influence residents’ psychological health and happiness. However, Studies on Whether residents’ perception of the environment affects depression and anxiety, and the underlying mechanisms are remained limited.
Methods: This study relies on Health Life Satisfaction Survey of Yangtze River Phase II Delta (HLSSYRD II), collected during waves spanning 2021 and 2023. The primary objective is to examine the relationship between environmental perception, social interaction, and degree of depression and anxiety of individuals. Linear mixed-effects models were used to analyze the data.
Results: A total of 1752 observations were included in this paper. The “Depression and Anxiety (HAD)” variable has a mean score of 26.01 (SE = 6.99), with “Depression” scoring at 13.15 (SE = 3.78) and “Anxiety” scoring at 12.85 (SE = 3.75) among individuals in YRDC. There is a strong negative correlation between depression, anxiety and environmental perception (β = -0.187, SE = 0.03, p < 0.001; β = -0.152, SE = 0.03, p < 0.001). Moreover, there was significant mediating effects of social interaction in the association between environmental perception and HAD. In addition, gender, chronic disease，marital status, occupation, education level, monthly personal income were associated with depression and anxiety.
Conclusions: Individuals with worse environmental perception have more possibility to develop depressive and anxiety symptoms than those with better environmental perception YRDC, and such a relationship can be partly mediated by social interaction.
Epidemiology and Economic Impact of Bovine Trypanosomosis in Jawi District, Northwest Ethiopia
Authors: Adane Mamo , Teshome Yechale , Jemberu Wudu T. , Kebede Nigatu
Published: August 2024

Background
Bovine trypanosomosis is a debilitating cattle disease considered as a bottleneck to sufficient food production and economic growth in sub-Saharan countries including Ethiopia. A cross-sectional study was carried out from November 2021 to April 2022 in the Jawi district of Northwest Ethiopia to estimate the prevalence of bovine trypanosomosis, determine the apparent density (AP) of tsetse flies, identify potential risk factors, and assess the economic impact of the disease. For the parasitological study, blood samples were collected from 384 randomly selected zebu breed cattle and examined using the buffy coat technique and Giemsa-stained thin smears. For the entomological survey, a total of 60 monoconical traps were deployed in two randomly selected kebeles. For the economic impact assessment, economic data were collected through interviews using comprehensive and pretested structured questionnaires administered to 100 households.
Results
The overall prevalence was 9.11% (95% CI = 6.43–12.45). The trypanosome species identified were Trypanosoma congolense (57.14%, n = 20), T. vivax (37.14%, n = 13) and mixed infection with T. congolense and T. vivax (5.72%, n = 2). There was a statistically significant association (p < 0.05) between sex, body condition score (BCS) and packed cell volume (PCV) of cattle and trypanosome infection, but no statistically significant differences were observed for age, coat color, altitude or kebele (p > 0.05). The mean PCV of the infected group (22.46 ± 2.56) was significantly (P < 0.001) lower than that of the non-infected group (27.77 ± 2.22). A total of 154 flies were captured, 110 tsetse and 44 other biting flies (Stomoxys, n = 26 and Tabanus, n = 18). The species of tsetse identified was Glossina tachinoides, and the apparent density was 0.61 flies/trap/day (FTD). The overall economic losses per household and per individual cattle were US$ 1,204.34 and US$ 79.55, respectively.
Conclusion
The prevalence and estimated mean total economic losses due to bovine trypanosomosis indicated that this disease is highly economically important to farmers; therefore, sustainable and integrated control methods must be be designed and implemented in this area to minimize its impact.
Current Situation Analysis of Construction of Mobile Medical Service Platform for Domestic General Hospitals
Authors: Wang Jialin , Zhang Shenyu , Yang Shuangyu , Weng Yuanyuan , He Dong , Xiong Jun
Published: August 2024

Objective
To understand the construction of mobile App medical service platforms in general hospitals in China.
Methods
50 hospitals were randomly selected from seven regions of China. The user interface score and the number of service functions were statistically described and statistical tables, and analyzing the differences in user interface scores by region using analysis of variance.
Results
The average score of user interface evaluation of hospitals in all regions was above 70 points, and the number of service functions was between 12–14 items, 8–11 items and 5–7 items accounted for 38%, 52% and 10% of the overall hospitals, respectively, and the ANOVA results showed that the differences in the user interface scores of hospitals in different regions were statistically significant in terms of image design (p = 0.021), testing and iterating (p = 0.012), and functional categorization (p = 0.047).
Conclusions
Hospitals should upgrade and develop mobile medical service platforms in terms of color system construction, broadening feedback channels, and safeguarding user privacy and security.
How are C, N, and P Distributed in Soils of the Caatinga Dryforest?
Authors: Souza Ramon Santos , Souza Bartolomeu Israel , Oliveira Tatiana Custódio , Pereira Luís Flávio , Silva Glauciene Justino Ferreira , Filho Elpidio Inacio Fernandes , Xavier Rafael Albuquerque , Silva Fagner Lucas Pontes , Madeiro Ellen Luana Brasilino Lemos , Ibraim Lucas Souza , Souza Jose Joao Lelis Leal
Published: August 2024

Soil nutrients play a fundamental role in terrestrial ecosystems and are essential for understanding the effects of global changes. Carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus are required in specific quantities by plants and are related to soil fertility. In the Caatinga, one of the largest and most diverse tropical dry forests in the world, there are still some studies that seek to understand the determinants of the spatial variability of organic carbon (OC), N, and P in the soil and, even fewer, those that explored the use of ML modeling. In this work, we predict the spatial variability of the properties of these elements at depths between 0 and 20 cm in this biome and evaluate the predictive capacity of environmental and geographic variables. We used the Random Forest model in Google Earth Engine to forecast maps with a spatial resolution of 30 m. The highest result was obtained for predicting P (LCCC of 0.32 and R2 of 0.25), followed by OC (LCCC of 0.25 and R2 of 0.17), N (LCCC of 0.21 and R2 of 0.12) and C/N ratio (LCCC of 0.14 and R2 of 0.10). The final maps showed good spatial consistency, with OC, N, C/N distributed according to climatic covariates, topographic data, and geographic regions (longitude and latitude). The P content varies mainly depending on the parent material in the soil. We highlight the relevance of ecotones, which recorded the highest average levels of C and N and C/N, demonstrating the importance of these areas for the maintenance and dynamics of these ecosystems.
Platelet-rich Plasma Therapy Reduces Dermatological Neurological Symptoms in Patients with Severe Rib Fractures
Authors: Lin Yi-Han , Hsu Han-Shui
Published: August 2024

Purpose: This study aimed to compare the efficacy of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy and rib reduction surgery in managing severe rib fractures, focusing on pain relief, medication usage, pulmonary function, and long-term thoracic numbness.
Method: We assessed 137 patients with severe rib fractures and included 104 patients who met the criteria (36 and 68 in the PRP therapy and surgery groups, respectively). Pain scores using the Numeric Rating Scale, medication usage, pulmonary function tests at week 4, and rates of thoracic numbness at 1 and 6 months post-treatment were recorded and compared between the two groups.
Result: Compared with the surgery group, the PRP therapy group exhibited significantly lower pain scores during the follow-up period (weeks 1, 2, 4, and 8), reduced medication usage (weeks 2 and 4), and better pulmonary function (week 4). Moreover, PRP therapy significantly lowered the rates of thoracic numbness at 1 and 6 months post-treatment compared with surgery.
Conclusion: PRP therapy is a promising alternative to rib reduction surgery for severe rib fractures, providing superior pain management, reducing medication dependency, improving pulmonary function recovery, and significantly lowering the risk of long-term thoracic numbness. These findings indicate that PRP therapy can be considered a preferred treatment option for severe rib fractures, offering a noninvasive approach with favorable outcomes.
Cholestasis after Kasai operation predicts portal hypertension in native liver survivors of biliary atresia – A multicentre study
Authors: Chung Patrick Ho Yu , Harumatsu Toshio , Nakagawa Yoichi , Tsuboi Koichi , Chan Edwin Kin Wai , Leung Michael , Yeung Fanny , Muto Mitsuru , Kawano Takafumi , Amano Hizuru , Shirota Chiyoe , Nakamura Hiroki , Koga Hiroyuki , Miyano Go , Yamataka Atsuyuki , Ieiri Satoshi , Uchida Hiroo , Wong Kenneth Kak Yuen
Published: August 2024

Purpose
This study evaluated portal hypertension (PHT) and its predictors among native liver survivors (NLS) of biliary atresia (BA) after Kasai portoenterostomy (KPE).
Methods
This was a multicenter study using prospectively collected data. The subjects were patients who remained transplant-free for 5 years after KPE. Their status of PHT was evaluated and variables that predicted PHT were determined by regression analysis and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve.
Results
Six centers from East Asia participated in this study and 320 subjects with KPE between 1980 to 2018 were analyzed. The mean follow-up period was 10.6 +/- 6.2 years. At the 5th year after KPE, PHT was found in 37.8% of the subjects (n=121). Patients with KPE done before day 41 of life had the lowest percentage of PHT compared to operation at older age. At 12 months after KPE, PHT +ve subjects had a higher bilirubin level (27.1 +/- 11.7 vs 12.3+/-7.9 µmol/L, p=0.000) and persistent jaundice conferred a higher risk for PHT (OR=12.9 [9.2 – 15.4], p=0.000). ROC analysis demonstrated that a bilirubin level above 38 µmol/L at 12 months after KPE predicted PHT development (sensitivity: 78%, specificity: 60%, AUROC: 0.75).
Conclusions
In BA, early KPE protects against the development of PHT among NLSs. Patients with persistent cholestasis at one year after KPE are at a higher risk of this complication. They should receive a more vigilant follow up.
Level of evidence: Level III
The relationship between exposure to long-term training, neuromuscular function and muscular structure in adolescents with cerebral palsy and typically-developed peers: a cross-sectional follow-up analysis
Authors: Minghetti Alice , Roth Ralf , Büttiker Sereina , Lichtenstein Eric , Ritsche Paul , Keller Martin
Published: August 2024

Background
This cross-sectional study examined whether exposure to long-term resistance and endurance training can counteract muscular weakness on a functional, neurological and structural level in adolescents with cerebral palsy (CP) compared with typically-developed peers (TD) in dependence of training status.
Methods
Five trained (4 males; mean age: 19.8) and four untrained adolescents with CP (3 males; 20.2) were compared with nine age- and sex-matched TD trained (7 males; 19.8) and nine untrained TD peers (7 males; 20.3). Isometric and isokinetic measurements assessed strength in knee flexion and extension, voluntary activation (VA) was assessed by the twitch interpolation technique and ultrasound imaging of the m. quadriceps was performed to assess anatomical cross sectional area (ACSA). Both legs were assessed in all participants.
Results
CP trained showed lower absolute isometric strength (dominant: -18% [-48; 11]; non-dominant: -35% [-58; -11]) than TD untrained while CP untrained showed between 29% and 33% lower strength than TD untrained. VA in CP trained (dominant: -13% [-23; -3]; non-dominant: -10% [-30; 11]) and CP untrained (dominant: -14% [-23; -4]; non-dominant: -8% [-29; 13]) showed similar deficits compared with TD untrained. CP trained showed higher ACSA than TD untrained in the dominant leg of the m. vastus lateralis (+ 16% [-7; 38]), while the non-dominant side showed lower values (-18% [-45; 9]).
Conclusion
Exposure to long-term resistance and endurance training is associated with a smaller gap in maximum strength and muscle volume in the dominant leg of adolescents with CP while neural drive does not seem to be affected by training exposure.
Trial registration
ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier NCT05859360 / Registration date May 4, 2023