bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Data from Lnc-C/EBPβ Negatively Regulates the Suppressive Function of Myeloid-Derived Suppressor Cells
Authors: Gao Yunhuan , Sun Wei , Shang Wencong , Li Yuanyuan , Zhang Dan , Wang Tianze , Zhang Xipeng , Zhang Shiwu , Zhang Yuan , Yang Rongcun
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSC) are regulators of immune responses in cancer. The differentiation and function of these MDSCs may be regulated through multiple factors, such as microRNAs. However, the effect of long noncoding RNAs (lncRNA) on the differentiation and function of MDSCs is poorly understood. We identified a long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) named lnc-C/EBPβ in MDSCs, which may control suppressive functions of MDSCs. Lnc-C/EBPβ could be induced in in vitro and in vivo tumor and inflammatory environments. It regulated a set of target transcripts, such as Arg-1, NOS2, NOX2, and COX2, to control immune-suppressive function and differentiation of MDSCs. This lncRNA was also able to bind to the C/EBPβ isoform LIP to inhibit the activation of C/EBPβ. We also found that the conserved homologue lnc-C/EBPβ has a similar function to murine lnc-C/EBPβ. These findings suggest a negative feedback role for lnc-C/EBPβ in controlling the immunosuppressive functions of MDSC in the tumor environment. Cancer Immunol Res; 6(11); 1352–63. ©2018 AACR.
Supplementary Figure 4 from Ex Vivo Efficacy of SAR442257 Anti-CD38 Trispecific T-cell Engager in Multiple Myeloma Relapsed After Daratumumab and BCMA-targeted Therapies
Authors: Keller Alana L. , Reiman Lauren T. , Perez de Acha Olivia , Parzych Sarah E. , Forsberg Peter A. , Kim Peter S. , Bisht Kamlesh , Wang Hongfang , van de Velde Helgi , Sherbenou Daniel W.
Published: March 2024

Ratio of CD8+ to CD4+ T cells does not appear to affect sensitivity to SAR442257
Complications of Implanted Vagus Nerve Stimulation: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Kalagara Roshini , Chennareddy Susmita , Reford Emma , Bhimani Abhiraj D. , Cummins Daniel D. , Downes Margaret H. , Tosto Jenna M. , Bederson Joshua B. , Mocco  , Putrino David , Kellner Christopher P. , Panov Fedor
Published: March 2024

Introduction: Vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) has emerged as a promising tool in ischemic stroke rehabilitation. However, there has been no systematic review summarizing its adverse effects, critical information for patients and providers when obtaining informed consent for this novel treatment. This systematic review and meta-analysis reports the adverse effects of VNS. Methods: A systematic review was performed in accordance with PRISMA guidelines to identify common complications after VNS therapy. The search was executed in Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Embase, and Ovid MEDLINE. All prospective, randomized controlled trials using implanted VNS therapy in adult patients were eligible for inclusion. Case studies and studies lacking complete complication reports were excluded. Extracted data included technology name, location of implantation, follow-up duration, purpose of VNS, and adverse event rates. Results: After title-and-abstract screening of 4,933 studies, 21 were selected for final inclusion. Across these studies, 1,474 patients received VNS implantation. VNS was used as a potential therapy for epilepsy (9), depression (8), anxiety (1), ischemic stroke (1), chronic heart failure (1), and fibromyalgia (1). The 5 most common post-implant adverse events were voice alteration/hoarseness (n = 671, 45.5%), paresthesia (n = 233, 15.8%), cough (n = 221, 15.0%), dyspnea (n = 211, 14.3%), and pain (n = 170, 11.5%). Conclusions: Complications from VNS are mild and transient, with reduction in severity and number of adverse events with increasing follow-up time. In prior studies, VNS has served as treatment option in several instances of treatment-resistant conditions, such as epilepsy and psychiatric conditions, and its use in stroke recovery and rehabilitation should continue to be explored.
A Retrospective Observational Study of Patterns of Biologic Drug Change in Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Authors: Mosli Mahmoud
Published: March 2024

Introduction: Multiple therapies are currently available for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD); it is therefore crucial to understand patterns of drug change. This study aimed to examine the patterns of biological drug change and identify predictors of change in patients with IBD.
Materials and Methods: We performed a retrospective study of patients diagnosed with IBD who were initiated on treatment with biologics between June 2017 and October 2022. The study's primary objective was to describe biologics drug change patterns. Secondary outcomes included identifying predictors of drug change.
Results: 910 patients were screened; 475 patients were eligible. 319 (67%) had Crohn’s disease (CD), and 253 (53.3%) were males. The most selected first and second choice of biologic was adalimumab (58.2% and 39.1%, p<0.001) and infliximab (37.6% and 48.9%, p=0.004) for both CD and UC, respectively. On multiple regression analysis, a history of venous thromboembolism (VTE) (OR=3.60, p=0.025) and smoking (OR=0.34, p=0.026) were associated with drug change for all patients. When stratified by disease subtype, drug change was associated with a diagnosis made between age 17 and 40 years (OR=0.46, p=0.024) and extra intestinal manifestations (EIMs) (OR=2.07, p=0.015) in CD while selecting vedolizumab as first biologic (OR=0.30, p=0.041), male gender (OR=2.40, p=0.043), and history of VTE (OR=7.32, p=0.031) were associated with drug change in ulcerative colitis (UC).
Conclusions: Despite introducing several new biologics, anti-TNF therapies remain the preferred first and second choice of biologics for patients with IBD. Multiple predictors of drug change over time exist for both diseases. Selecting vedolizumab as the first biologic for UC is associated with a lower risk of drug change.
A Prince, the Literati, and the Emperor: Two Faces of One Shuihu Play by Zhu Youdun
Authors: Chang Wenbo
Published: March 2024

Zhu Youdun, the prince of Zhou and the grandson of the Ming founding emperor, wrote and published thirty-one zaju plays. While Zhu Youdun’s plays have been well-researched in drama scholarship, their publication, circulation, and textual variations emerging from transmission among different audiences are rarely studied. Situating Zhu Youdun’s zaju writing and publishing activities as part of Ming princely publishing, this paper examines and compares two editions of Black Whirlwind Li Spurns Riches Out of Righteousness as a case study, one the printed edition circulating mainly among literati audience/readers and the other the heavily adapted manuscript edition based on inner palace performance for the imperial audience.
Collecting and Collectors in A Sea of Tales Past and Present
Authors: Zhang Jing
Published: March 2024

Printed in 1544, Gujin shuohai 古今說海 (A Sea of Tales from Past and Present; hereafter GJSH), was a distinct example of the genre of congshu 叢書 (collectanea). Thirteen collators are listed, nine of whom are also noted for their contribution of texts from their own collections. They were all connected in kinship or officialdom to Lu Shen 陸深 (zi Ziyuan 子淵; 1477–1544), a renowned official, calligrapher, poet, and bibliophile of Songjiang 松江 (today’s Shanghai) whose family owned the Yanshan Academy 儼山書院 that published GJSH. This congshu therefore presents an exemplary case to study how book-collecting and private publishing in early sixteenth-century Songjiang enabled its local literati community to perform their cultural authority – alternative to officialdom – in collecting and curating the narrative space of heteroglossia drawn from a miscellany of sources, social registers, and paratexts.
Late-Ming Book Culture and the Fujian Christian Community: a Case Study of Lixiu yijian 勵修一鑑 (A Mirror to Encourage Self-cultivation)
Authors: Xu Yunjing
Published: March 2024

This study demonstrates the importance of book culture in the building of a religious community and in the preservation and interpretation of local experiences, through the making of a book titled Lixiu yijian 勵修一鑑 (A mirror to encourage self-cultivation) around 1645. The main author, Li Jiugong 李久功, mobilized members of the Fujian Christian community to collaborate on this communal book project outside the Christian church. Both xylographic print culture and manuscript culture were involved in the process and in the final product of this project. Through genre affiliation, content categorization, and the addition of commentaries, Li and his associates transformed the diverse source materials into a cohesive guidebook for their fellow Christian readers. The book provided Chinese references or contexts to stories of Western origin. Meanwhile, it also portrayed a group image of devoted and resourceful local Chinese Christians among their Western peers, thus promoting Chinese Christians’ experience as an invaluable part of a universal religious system.
Subaltern-centred Pedagogy: Field Notes and Reflections from Tunisia
Authors: Fulco Carmen , Tatarević Dalila
Published: March 2024

This essay responds to the challenge of deconstructing the concept of democracy and decolonizing knowledge production. The authors, educators in secondary and higher education, grapple with the pedagogical dilemma of how to re-tell the stories of the marginalized and silenced ‘others’ in their classrooms. They explore the concept of ‘subalternity’ as a decolonial critique and a methodological perspective, with the aim of shifting the epistemic location of narratives about migration.

This essay proposes a radical change in educational approaches, urging practitioners to listen to the subaltern rather than speaking for them, and to adopt a ‘subaltern-centered pedagogy’ (Reed 2013) to counter hegemonic and dehumanizing narratives about migration. By doing so, this reflective essay emphasizes the role of educators in fostering critical thinking and awareness about positionality. Before concluding, the authors call for a bold epistemic intervention in education systems, aiming to leave a lasting impact on pedagogical practices. They propose a process of unlearning through critical reflexivity to deconstruct Eurocentric and nationalist narratives, ultimately empowering students to become global citizens in a globalized world.
Nowcasting of High-Intensity Rainfall for Urban Applications in the Netherlands
Authors: Lin Guo-Shiuan , Imhoff Ruben , Schleiss Marc , Uijlenhoet Remko
Published: March 2024

Radar rainfall nowcasting has mostly been applied to relatively large (often rural) domains (e.g., river basins), although rainfall nowcasting in small urban areas is expected to be more challenging. Here, we selected 80 events with high rainfall intensities (at least one 1-km2 grid cell experiences precipitation >15 mm h−1 for 1-h events or 30 mm day−1 for 24-h events) in five urban areas (Maastricht, Eindhoven, The Hague, Amsterdam, and Groningen) in the Netherlands. We evaluated the performance of 9060 probabilistic nowcasts with 20 ensemble members by applying the short-term ensemble prediction system (STEPS) from Pysteps to every 10-min issue time for the selected events. We found that nowcast errors increased with decreasing (urban) areas especially when below 100 km2. In addition, at 30-min lead time, the underestimation of nowcasts was 38% larger and the discrimination ability was 11% lower for 1-h events than for 24-h events. A set of gridded correction factors for the Netherlands, CARROTS (Climatology-based Adjustments for Radar Rainfall in an Operational Setting) could adjust the bias in real-time QPE and nowcasts by 70%. Yet, nowcasts were still found to underestimate rainfall more than 50% above 40-min lead time relative to the reference, which indicates that this error originates from the nowcasting model itself. Also, CARROTS did not adjust the rainfall spatial distribution in urban areas much. In summary, radar-based nowcasting for urban areas (between 67 and 213 km2) in the Netherlands exhibits a short skillful lead time of about 20 min, which can only be used for last-minute warning and preparation.
Highlighting models of Indigenous leadership and self-governance for COVID-19 vaccination programmes
Authors: Clark Katrina , Crooks Kristy , Jeyanathan Bavatharane , Ahmed Fatima , Kataquapit Gisele , Sutherland Celine , Tsuji Leonard J.S. , Moriarity Robert J. , Spence Nicholas D. , Sekercioglu Fatih , Liberda Eric N. , Charania Nadia A.
Published: March 2024

The COVID-19 pandemic has disproportionately impacted Indigenous populations worldwide placing much importance on rapid and equitable vaccination. Nevertheless, many Indigenous communities have reported high vaccine hesitancy and low COVID-19 vaccine uptake. This may be attributed to various factors, including a lack of support for Indigenous leadership efforts to protect their communities and the pervasive infodemic targeting First Nations Peoples. In August 2022, we hosted an international symposium to bring together Indigenous and non-Indigenous community leaders, clinicians, and researchers to discuss pandemic experiences and lessons learnt. This commentary highlights examples of harnessing Indigenous leadership and self-governance to design and deliver tailored community-based and culturally appropriate COVID-19 vaccination programmes that improved vaccine uptake in Australia and Canada. These case studies demonstrate that Indigenous social-governance systems need to be valued, respected, and upheld if we are to make meaningful efforts to address health inequities among Indigenous communities during future pandemics.
Tensions in digital welfare states: Three perspectives on care and control
Authors: Zakharova Irina , Jarke Juliane , Kaun Anne
Published: March 2024

Proponents of digital transformation in welfare provision argue that digital technologies can take over tedious tasks and free resources to provide better care for those in need. Digital technologies, however, are often developed in line with a logic of control and dispositions around surveillance and efficiency which challenge careful engagements. In this conceptual article, we explore emerging tensions in digital welfare arrangements and propose an analytical framework to illuminate interrelations between care and control in values, infrastructures, and work related to the provision of welfare services. Illustrating the application of this framework with three empirical vignettes, we discuss how digital welfare technologies shape relations between state care and control. Considering theories of care in relation to the digital welfare state, we give a nuanced perspective on the contingencies of the digital transformation and add to the literature concerned with social justice by attending to everyday lived experiences in-between control and care.
Prevalence of burnout among urologist and its risk factors in Indonesia
Authors: Rustandi Reginald , Rahman Fakhri , Manduaru Raga , Mochtar Chaidir Arif
Published: March 2024

Objective

To evaluate burnout syndrome among Indonesian urologists by describing its prevalence and risk factors.

Materials and methods

This is a cross-sectional study conducted from February to April 2020. A validated Indonesian version of the Maslach Burnout Inventory that consists of 22 questions addressing emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and personal achievement was utilized. The questionnaire was constructed using Google Forms (Google, Inc.) and was distributed via e-mail and WhatsApp Messenger (Facebook, Inc.). Burnout was defined as either high score on emotional exhaustion, or high score on depersonalization, or low score on personal achievement. Several variables were analyzed as risk factors to burnout using multivariate analysis. All statistical analyses were carried out using Statistical Software for Social Science (SPSS) version 23.

Results

From 486 eligible members of IUA, 184 (37%) respondents completed the questionnaire. Burnout syndrome was detected in 43 respondents (23.4%). From the results, most of the respondents have low EE (54.9%), low DP (77.7%), and moderate PA (45.7%). Bivariate analysis showed that age of less than 44 years old and being single were associated with increased risk of burnout with OR 2.2 (1.0–5.1, 95% CI, p-value 0.04) while being married decreases risk of burnout with OR 0.2 (0.1–0.8, 95% CI, p-value < 0.01). Lower work load in COVID-19–19 era was related to protective results with OR 0.4 (0.2–0.9, 95% CI, p-value 0.03). Multivariate analysis showed that being married decreases risk of burnout with OR 0.3 (0.1–0.9, 95% CI, p-value 0.04). Multivariate analysis showed that being married was the only significantly protective factor from burnout.

Conclusion

Burnout syndrome among majority of urologists in Indonesia has a moderate degree of burnout, with being married the only significant factor influencing burnout in this study.
Chromatin profiling reveals TFAP4 as a critical transcriptional regulator of bovine satellite cell differentiation
Authors: Lyu Pengcheng , Jiang Honglin
Published: March 2024

Background

Satellite cells are myogenic precursor cells in adult skeletal muscle and play a crucial role in skeletal muscle regeneration, maintenance, and growth. Like embryonic myoblasts, satellite cells have the ability to proliferate, differentiate, and fuse to form multinucleated myofibers. In this study, we aimed to identify additional transcription factors that control gene expression during bovine satellite cell proliferation and differentiation.

Results

Using chromatin immunoprecipitation followed by sequencing, we identified 56,973 and 54,470 genomic regions marked with both the histone modifications H3K4me1 and H3K27ac, which were considered active enhancers, and 50,956 and 59,174 genomic regions marked with H3K27me3, which were considered repressed enhancers, in proliferating and differentiating bovine satellite cells, respectively. In addition, we identified 1,216 and 1,171 super-enhancers in proliferating and differentiating bovine satellite cells, respectively. Analyzing these enhancers showed that in proliferating bovine satellite cells, active enhancers were associated with genes stimulating cell proliferation or inhibiting myoblast differentiation whereas repressed enhancers were associated with genes essential for myoblast differentiation, and that in differentiating satellite cells, active enhancers were associated with genes essential for myoblast differentiation or muscle contraction whereas repressed enhancers were associated with genes stimulating cell proliferation or inhibiting myoblast differentiation. Active enhancers in proliferating bovine satellite cells were enriched with binding sites for many transcription factors such as MYF5 and the AP-1 family transcription factors; active enhancers in differentiating bovine satellite cells were enriched with binding sites for many transcription factors such as MYOG and TFAP4; and repressed enhancers in both proliferating and differentiating bovine satellite cells were enriched with binding sites for NF-kB, ZEB-1, and several other transcription factors. The role of TFAP4 in satellite cell or myoblast differentiation was previously unknown, and through gene knockdown and overexpression, we experimentally validated a critical role for TFAP4 in the differentiation and fusion of bovine satellite cells into myofibers.

Conclusions

Satellite cell proliferation and differentiation are controlled by many transcription factors such as AP-1, TFAP4, NF-kB, and ZEB-1 whose roles in these processes were previously unknown in addition to those transcription factors such as MYF5 and MYOG whose roles in these processes are widely known.
Serum interleukin-17 A and homocysteine levels in children with autism
Authors: Li Hui , Dang Yunhao , Yan Ying
Published: March 2024

Background

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition that typically emerges early in childhood. This study aimed to explore the potential link between serum levels of vitamin B12 and homocysteine (Hcy) and the severity of ASD symptoms in children.

Methods

In this study, 50 children diagnosed with ASD comprised the observation group, while 50 healthy children constituted the control group. Serum levels of IL-17 A, Hcy, folate, and vitamin B12 were compared between the study group and control group, as well as among children with different degrees of ASD severity. The correlation between the Childhood Autism Rating Scale (CARS) score and serum levels of IL-17 A, Hcy, folate, and vitamin B12 was examined. Additionally, the relationship between serum IL-17 A and Hcy levels and their association with the severity ASD were explored.

Results

Compared to the control group, the observation group demonstrated elevated serum Hcy and IL-17 A levels alongside decreased folate and vitamin B12 levels. Individuals with severe ASD exhibited higher Hcy and IL-17 A levels but lower folate and vitamin B12 levels compared to those with mild to moderate ASD. The CARS score showed negative correlations with serum folate and vitamin B12 levels and positive correlations with serum IL-17 A and Hcy levels in ASD patients. Additionally, serum Hcy and IL-17 A levels were correlated with ASD severity.

Conclusion

Children diagnosed with ASD presented with reduced serum vitamin B12 levels and increased levels of Hcy, potentially contributing to the onset and severity of ASD.
Laparoscopy for emergency abdominal surgery is associated with reduced physical functional decline in older patients: a cohort study
Authors: Yamaguchi Keishi , Abe Takeru , Matsumoto Shokei , Nakajima Kento , Shimizu Masayuki , Takeuchi Ichiro
Published: March 2024

Background

An increasing number of older patients require emergency abdominal surgery for acute abdomen. They are susceptible to surgical stress and lose their independence in performing daily activities. Laparoscopic surgery is associated with faster recovery, less postoperative pain, and shorter hospital stay. However, few studies have examined the relationship between laparoscopic surgery and physical functional decline. Thus, we aimed to examine the relationship between changes in physical function and the surgical procedure.

Methods

In this was a single-center, retrospective cohort study, we enrolled patients who were aged ≥ 65 years and underwent emergency abdominal surgery for acute abdomen between January 1, 2019, and December 31, 2021. We assessed their activities of daily living using the Barthel Index. Functional decline was defined as a decrease of ≥ 20 points in Barthel Index at 28 days postoperatively, compared with the preoperative value. We evaluated an association between functional decline and surgical procedures among older patients, using multiple logistic regression analysis.

Results

During the study period, 852 patients underwent emergency abdominal surgery. Among these, 280 patients were eligible for the analysis. Among them, 94 underwent laparoscopic surgery, while 186 underwent open surgery. Patients who underwent laparoscopic surgery showed a less functional decline at 28 days postoperatively (6 vs. 49, p < 0.001). After adjustments for other covariates, laparoscopic surgery was an independent preventive factor for postoperative functional decline (OR, 0.22; 95% CI, 0.05–0.83; p < 0.05).

Conclusions

In emergency abdominal surgery, laparoscopic surgery reduces postoperative physical functional decline in older patients. Widespread use of laparoscopic surgery can potentially preserve patient quality of life and may be important for the better development of emergency abdominal surgery.
Association between Lifelines Diet Score (LLDS) and some novel anthropometric indices, including Body Roundness Index (BRI), A Body Shape Index (ABSI), Visceral Adiposity Index (VAI), and Body Adiposity Index (BAI), in Iranian women: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Nazari Matin , Mirzaie Khadijeh , Keshavarz Seyedali
Published: March 2024

Background

Anthropometry is a reliable method to assess obesity status, and previous studies have shown the association of several dietary quality scores with obesity using anthropometric indices. This study aimed to evaluate the association between LLDS and anthropometric measurements.

Methods

A total of 217 women between the ages of 18 and 48 participated in the study. Anthropometric values, biochemical tests, and body composition were assessed for each participant using standard protocols and methods. The LLDS was determined based on 12 components using a reliable and valid food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) that contained 147 items.

Results

We detected a marginally significant inverse association between the LLDS and VAI scores in the second tertile. Study participants in the second tertile of LLDS had lower odds of having high VAI than those in the reference tertile after adjusting for age, energy intake, physical activity, education, and economic status (OR: -0.16; 95% CI: -0.8, 0.06; P = 0.06). There was no statistically significant trend for the association between LLDS and all assessed anthropometric indices, including BRI, ABSI, VAI, and BAI, across tertiles of LLDS in the crude and all adjusted models (P-trend > 0.05).

Conclusions

There was no significant association between LLDS and some novel anthropometric indices, including BRI, ABSI, VAI, and BAI. However, after adjusting for probable confounders, a marginally significant inverse association between LLDS and VAI was detected.
Knowledge, attitudes and practices among medical workers toward outpatient diabetes information platform
Authors: Peng Yi , Duan Jianying , Hou Jian , Xu Nan , Wu Jiaming , Bao Xijing , Yao Qian , Li Yang
Published: March 2024

Background

This study aimed to assess the knowledge, attitudes and practices among medical workers toward outpatient diabetes information platform.

Methods

This web-based cross-sectional study was conducted between May 2023 and June 2023 at the First Hospital of Zhangjiakou, China. A self-designed questionnaire was developed to collect demographic information of medical workers, and assess their knowledge, attitudes and practices toward outpatient diabetes information platform.

Results

A total of 685 questionnaires were collected. Among the participants, 603 (88.03%) were female, 432 (63.07%) work in a tertiary hospital, 548 (80.00%) have a bachelor degree, 270 (39.42%) of them work in the department of internal medicine and 315 (45.99%) of them received previous training on outpatient diabetes information platform. The mean knowledge, attitudes and practices scores were 4.32 ± 1.27 (possible range: 0–6), 56.76 ± 5.72 (possible range: 14–70), and 32.22 ± 8.42 (possible range: 9–45), respectively. 350 (51.09%) of them have sufficient knowledge, 168 (24.53%) have positive attitudes and 395 (57.66%) have active practices. Pearson correlation analysis showed that knowledge was positively correlated with attitudes (r = 0.397, P < 0.001), and attitudes were positively correlated with practices (r = 0.306, P < 0.001). Multivariate analysis showed that primary hospital (OR = 0.32, 95% CI: 0.14–0.71, P = 0.005), secondary hospital (OR = 0.48, 95% CI: 0.32–0.72, P < 0.001), doctor (OR = 2.44, 95% CI: 1.39–4.28, P = 0.002) were independently associated with sufficient knowledge. Knowledge (OR = 1.49, 95% CI: 1.29–1.73, P < 0.001), community hospital staff (OR = 0.21, 95% CI: 0.05–0.88, P = 0.032) were independently associated with positive attitudes. Attitudes (OR = 1.13, 95% CI: 1.09–1.17, P < 0.001), junior college (OR = 1.72, 95% CI: 1.07–2.77, P = 0.026) were independently associated with active practices. The structural equation model demonstrated that knowledge had a direct effect on attitudes (path coefficient = 0.521, P < 0.001), and attitudes had a direct effect on practices (path coefficient = 0.542, P < 0.001). Moreover, the type of hospital had a direct effect on knowledge (path coefficient = 0.085, P < 0.001). Additionally, previous training on the outpatient diabetes platform had direct effects on attitudes (path coefficient = 0.191, P < 0.001) and practices (path coefficient = 0.184, P < 0.001).

Conclusion

These findings revealed that medical workers have insufficient knowledge, positive attitudes and inactive practices toward the outpatient diabetes information platform. Comprehensive training programs are needed to improve medical staff’s practices in this area.
Associations of dietary patterns and longitudinal brain-volume change in Japanese community-dwelling adults: results from the national institute for longevity sciences-longitudinal study of aging
Authors: Zhang Shu , Sala Giovanni , Nakamura Akinori , Kato Takashi , Furuya Kanae , Shimokata Hiroshi , Gao Xiang , Nishita Yukiko , Otsuka Rei
Published: March 2024

Background

The association of dietary patterns and longitudinal changes in brain volume has rarely been investigated in Japanese individuals. We prospectively investigated this association in middle-aged and older Japanese community-dwelling adults.

Methods

Data with a 2-year follow-up from the sixth wave (July 2008 to July 2010; baseline) to the seventh (July 2010 to July 2012; follow-up) of the National Institute for Longevity Sciences-Longitudinal Study of Aging project were analyzed. Dietary intake was assessed using a 3-day dietary record, and longitudinal volume changes (%) in the total gray matter (TGM), total white matter, and frontal, parietal, occipital, temporal, and insular lobes were assessed using 3-dimensional T1 magnetic resonance imaging scans. Multiple factor analysis and hierarchical clustering revealed sex-specific dietary patterns. Associations between dietary patterns and annual brain-volume changes (%) were evaluated using general linear models adjusted for age, apoprotein E genotype, body mass index, medical history, lifestyle behaviors, socioeconomic factors, and energy intake.

Results

Among the 1636 participants (age: 40.3–89.2 years), three dietary patterns were determined for men (n = 815; Western; Vegetable-Fruit-Dairy; and Traditional Japanese diets) and women (n = 821; Western; Grain-Vegetable-Fruit; and Traditional Japanese diets). Compared to women following the Western diet, those on the Traditional Japanese diet had less TGM atrophy. Multivariable-adjusted β (95% confidence interval) of the annual change (%) of TGM was − 0.145 (-0.287 to -0.002; P = 0.047), which correlated with reduced parietal lobe atrophy. No association between dietary pattern and brain atrophy was observed in men.

Conclusions

Adherence to healthy dietary patterns, with higher consumption of whole grains, seafood, vegetables, fruits, mushrooms, soybean products, and green tea, potentially confers a protective effect against brain atrophy in middle-aged and older Japanese women but not in men. Further research to confirm these results and ascertain the underlying mechanisms is required. This study highlights the importance of sex-specific effects on the relationship between dietary patterns and brain health in diverse populations.
Systematic integration of molecular and clinical approaches in HCV-induced hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Shabangu Ciniso Sylvester , Su Wen-Hsiu , Li Chia-Yang , Yu Ming-Lung , Dai Chia-Yen , Huang Jee-Fu , Chuang Wan-Long , Wang Shu-Chi
Published: March 2024

Background

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) play a crucial role in gene expression and regulation, with dysregulation of miRNA function linked to various diseases, including hepatitis C virus (HCV)-related hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). There is still a gap in understanding the regulatory relationship between miRNAs and mRNAs in HCV-HCC. This study aimed to investigate the function and effects of persistent HCV-induced miRNA expression on gene regulation in HCC.

Methods

MiRNA array data were used to identify differentially expressed miRNAs and their targets, and miRNAs were analyzed via DIANA for KEGG pathways, gene ontology (GO) functional enrichment, and Ingenuity Pathways Analysis (IPA) for hepatotoxicity, canonical pathways, associated network functions, and interactive networks.

Results

Seventeen miRNAs in L-HCV and 9 miRNAs in S-HCV were differentially expressed, and 5 miRNAs in L-HCV and 5 miRNAs in S-HCV were significantly expressed in liver hepatocellular carcinoma (LIHC) tumors. Grouped miRNA survival analysis showed that L-HCV miRNAs were associated with survival in LIHC, and miRNA‒mRNA targets regulated viral carcinogenesis and cell cycle alteration through cancer pathways in LIHC. MiRNA-regulated RCN1 was suppressed through miRNA-oncogene interactions, and suppression of RCN1 inhibited invasion and migration in HCC.

Conclusion

Persistent HCV infection induced the expression of miRNAs that act as tumor suppressors by inhibiting oncogenes in HCC. RCN1 was suppressed while miRNAs were upregulated, demonstrating an inverse relationship. Therefore, hsa-miR-215-5p, hsa-miR-10b-5p, hsa-let-7a-5p and their target RCN1 may be ideal biomarkers for monitoring HCV-HCC progression.

Graphical Abstract
Differential contribution of canonical and noncanonical NLGN3 pathways to early social development and memory performance
Authors: Li Lin-Yu , Imai Ayako , Izumi Hironori , Inoue Ran , Koshidaka Yumie , Takao Keizo , Mori Hisashi , Yoshida Tomoyuki
Published: March 2024

Neuroligin (NLGN) 3 is a postsynaptic cell adhesion protein organizing synapse formation through two different types of transsynaptic interactions, canonical interaction with neurexins (NRXNs) and a recently identified noncanonical interaction with protein tyrosine phosphatase (PTP) δ. Although, NLGN3 gene is known as a risk gene for neurodevelopmental disorders such as autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and intellectual disability (ID), the pathogenic contribution of the canonical NLGN3-NRXN and noncanonical NLGN3-PTPδ pathways to these disorders remains elusive. In this study, we utilized Nlgn3 mutant mice selectively lacking the interaction with either NRXNs or PTPδ and investigated their social and memory performance. Neither Nlgn3 mutants showed any social cognitive deficiency in the social novelty recognition test. However, the Nlgn3 mutant mice lacking the PTPδ pathway exhibited significant decline in the social conditioned place preference (sCPP) at the juvenile stage, suggesting the involvement of the NLGN3-PTPδ pathway in the regulation of social motivation and reward. In terms of learning and memory, disrupting the canonical NRXN pathway attenuated contextual fear conditioning while disrupting the noncanonical NLGN3-PTPδ pathway enhanced it. Furthermore, disruption of the NLGN3-PTPδ pathway negatively affected the remote spatial reference memory in the Barnes maze test. These findings highlight the differential contributions of the canonical NLGN3-NRXN and noncanonical NLGN3-PTPδ synaptogenic pathways to the regulation of higher order brain functions associated with ASD and ID.
Breast composition during and after puberty: the Chilean Growth and Obesity Cohort Study
Authors: Pereira Ana , Garmendia María Luisa , Leiva Valeria , Corvalán Camila , Michels Karin B. , Shepherd John
Published: March 2024

Background

Breast density (BD) is a strong risk factor for breast cancer. Little is known about how BD develops during puberty. Understanding BD trajectories during puberty and its determinants could be crucial for promoting preventive actions against breast cancer (BC) at early ages. The objective of this research is to characterize % fibroglandular volume (%FGV), absolute fibroglandular volume (AFGV), and breast volume (BV) at different breast Tanner stages until 4-year post menarche in a Latino cohort and to assess determinants of high %FGV and AFGV during puberty and in a fully mature breast.

Methods

This is a longitudinal follow-up of 509 girls from low-middle socioeconomic status of the Southeast area of Santiago, recruited at a mean age of 3.5 years. The inclusion criteria were singleton birth born, birthweight between 2500 and 4500 g with no medical or mental disorder. A trained dietitian measured weight and height since 3.5 years old and sexual maturation from 8 years old (breast Tanner stages and age at menarche onset). Using standardized methods, BD was measured using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) in various developmental periods (breast Tanner stage B1 until 4 years after menarche onset).

Results

In the 509 girls, we collected 1,442 breast DXA scans; the mean age at Tanner B4 was 11.3 years. %FGV increased across breast Tanner stages and peaked 250 days after menarche. AFGV and BV peaked 2 years after menarche onset. Girls in the highest quartiles of %FGV, AFGV, and BV at Tanner B4 and B5 before menarche onset had the highest values thereafter until 4 years after menarche onset. The most important determinants of %FGV and AFGV variability were BMI z-score (R2 = 44%) and time since menarche (R2 = 42%), respectively.

Conclusion

We characterize the breast development during puberty, a critical window of susceptibility. Although the onset of menarche is a key milestone for breast development, we observed that girls in the highest quartiles of %FGV and AFGV tracked in that group afterwards. Following these participants in adulthood would be of interest to understand the changes in breast composition during this period and its potential link with BC risk.
Segmental artery angioembolization as an efficient treatment modality for delayed hematuria with normal angiography: two case reports
Authors: Pakdel Alireza , Asgari Fardin , Bahri Razman Arabzadeh , Aghamir Seyed Mohammad Kazem
Published: March 2024

Background

Percutaneous nephrolithotomy is the most commonly used modality for the removal of kidney stones larger than 2 cm in size. Like other stone removal methods, percutaneous nephrolithotomy also has some complications, including bleeding and delayed hematuria. These complications are improved with conservative management and bed rest most of the time. However, it may require more invasive treatments. Angioembolization following an abnormal renal angiography is an efficient treatment modality for delayed hematuria. Furthermore, nephrectomy is suggested in uncontrolled cases of delayed hematuria when renal angiography is normal.

Case presentation

We described two cases of uncontrolled delayed hematuria after percutaneous nephrolithotomy and angioembolization were carried out rather than potential nephrectomies. The first case was a 61-year-old Iranian man with left kidney stones, for whom percutaneous nephrolithotomy was planned. The patient was referred to the hospital after discharge with massive hematuria and had normal angiographic findings. An angioembolization was suggested for the patient and was carried out. His hematuria was dramatically improved within 30 minutes, and his hemoglobin level started to increase 2 days later. The second case was a 53-year-old Iranian man with kidney stones who was a candidate for right kidney percutaneous nephrolithotomy. The patient was referred to the hospital 4 days after discharge with a decreased hemoglobin level and massive hematuria. The patient had normal angiographic findings and was planned for angioembolization to control his hemorrhage, which dramatically decreased after the angioembolization within 60 minutes.

Conclusion

Embolization of the segmental arteries of the targeted calyx can eliminate hematuria of the patient and prevent further nephrectomy.
Acute Pain Services and pain-related patient-reported outcomes in Hungarian hospitals
Authors: Lovasi Orsolya , Gaál Péter , Frank Krisztián , Lám Judit
Published: March 2024

Background

Postoperative pain management is an important part of surgical care, where Acute Pain Service offers added value in terms of patient outcomes and costs. The technology, however, has hardly been adopted in Hungary, with only two hospitals operating Acute Pain Service and whose performance has not been evaluated yet. This research compared pain management outcomes of surgical, orthopedic, and traumatology patients in Hungarian hospitals with and without Acute Pain Service.

Methods

We recruited 348 patients, 120 in the APS group and 228 in the control group, whose experience was surveyed with an adapted version of the American Pain Society Patient Outcome Questionnaire. The questionnaire covered pain intensity, pain interference with physical and emotional functions, side effects, patient satisfaction, information received, and participation in treatment decisions. The differences were analyzed by Fisher’s exact test and Mann–Whitney U test.

Results

The APS group showed better results with lower pain intensity scores regarding worst postoperative pain (χ2 = 18.919, p = 0.0043). They reported less pain interference with activities in bed (χ2 = 21.978, p = 0.0006) and out of bed (χ2 = 14.341, p = 0.0129). Furthermore, patients in the APS group experienced fewer pain-management-related side effects, like nausea (χ2 = 15.240, p = 0.0101), drowsiness (χ2 = 26.965, p = 0.0001), and dizziness (χ2 = 13.980, p = 0.0124). However, patient information (χ2 = 3.480, p = 0.0945) and patient satisfaction (χ2 = 5.781, p = 0.2127) did not differ significantly between the two groups.

Conclusions

Our findings confirm earlier international evidence on the benefits of Acute Pain Service in postoperative pain management and support the wider adoption of the technology in Hungarian hospitals. Nevertheless, close attention should be paid to patient information and involvement as better outcomes alone do not necessarily increase patient satisfaction.
Increasing the angle between caudal screw and the transverse plane may aggravate the risk of femoral head necrosis by deteriorating the fixation stability in patients with femoral neck fracture
Authors: Zhang Jian , Wan Shengyu , Luo Xiaozhong , Zhang Caidong , Wu Chao , He Lipeng , Li Jingchi
Published: March 2024

Necrosis of the femoral head is the main complication in femoral neck fracture patients with triangle cannulated screw fixation. Instant postoperative fixation instability is a main reason for the higher risk of femoral head necrosis. Biomechanical studies have shown that cross screw fixation can effectively optimize fixation stability in patients with proximal humerus fractures and pedicle screw fixation, but whether this method can also effectively optimize the fixation stability of femoral neck fractures and reduce the corresponding risk of femoral head necrosis has yet to be identified. In this study, a retrospective review of imaging data in femoral neck fracture patients was performed. The cross angle between the femoral neck and the caudal cannulated screw was reported; if the angle between the screw and the transverse plane increased, it was recorded as positive; otherwise, it was recorded as negative. Angle values and their corresponding absolute values were compared in patients with and without femoral head necrosis. Regression analysis identified potential risk factors for femoral head necrosis. Moreover, the biomechanical effect of the screw–femoral neck angle on fixation stability was also verified by numerical mechanical simulations. Clinical review presented significantly larger positive angle values in patients with femoral head necrosis, which was also proven to be an independent risk factor for this complication. Moreover, fixation stability progressively deteriorated with increasing angle between the caudal screw and the transverse plane. Therefore, increasing the angle between the caudal screw and the transverse plane may aggravate the risk of femoral head necrosis by deteriorating the fixation stability in patients with femoral neck fracture.
An increase in SNHG5 expression is associated with poor cancer prognosis, according to a meta-analysis
Authors: Huang Qiang , Xia Yi-gui , Huang Yong-jian , Qin Hai-feng , Zhang Qun-xian , Wei Chun-feng , Tang Wu-ru , Liao Yuan
Published: March 2024

Background

He long noncoding RNA small nucleolar host RNA 5 (SNHG5) is highly expressed in many cancers, and there is a notable correlation between the elevated expression of SNHG5 and survival outcome in cancer patients. The objective of this study was to conduct a meta-analysis to evaluate the correlation between SNHG5 expression and the clinical outcome of cancer patients.

Methods

Six relevant electronic databases were exhaustively searched, and, depending on the inclusion and exclusion criteria, appropriate literature was obtained. The Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS) score was utilized to evaluate the quality of the research for every article included, and pertinent data from each study were carefully extracted. Hazard ratios (HRs), odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were combined to explore the association of SNHG5 expression levels with cancer prognosis, and sensitivity analyses and assessments of publication bias were also conducted to investigate any possibility in the publication of the studies.

Results

Eleven studies encompassing 721 patients were ultimately collected. When combined, the hazard ratios (HRs) revealed a substantial direct correlation between elevated SNHG5 expression and an unfavourable prognosis for cancer patients (HR = 1.90, 95% CI 0.87–4.15); however, the correlation did not reach statistical significance. Furthermore, high SNHG5 expression was predictive of advanced TNM stage (OR: 1.988, 95% CI 1.205–3.278) and larger tumour size (OR: 1.571, 95% CI 1.090–2.264); moreover, there were nonsignificant relationships between SNHG5 expression and DM (OR: 0.449, 95% CI 0.077–2.630), lymph node metastasis (OR: 1.443, 95% CI 0.709–2.939), histological grade (OR: 2.098, 95% CI 0.910–4.838), depth of invasion (OR: 1.106, 95% CI 0.376–3.248), age (OR: 0.946, 95% CI 0.718–1.247) and sex (OR: 0.762, 95% CI 0.521–1.115).

Conclusion

SNHG5 expression is typically increased in the majority of tumour tissues. Elevated SNHG5 expression may indicate poor prognosis in cancer patients. Therefore, SNHG5 is a promising potential therapeutic target for tumours and a reliable prognostic biomarker.
Analysis of related factors for neuropsychiatric comorbidities in children with epilepsy
Authors: Zhang Xin-Ying , Sun Meng , Wang Jiang-Ya , Du Fang-Fang , Liu Xue-Fei , Wang Ling-Jun , Hou Zhen-De , Cheng Ya-Ying
Published: March 2024

Objective

To analyze the risk factors affecting psychiatric behavior and study the psychobehavioral conditions of children with epilepsy.

Method

We randomly selected and enrolled 294 children with epilepsy who visited and were hospitalized in the pediatric clinic of Hebei General Hospital between January 2017 and January 2022, as the study participants. We comprehensively assessed their cognitive functions using the Gesell development schedule or Wechsler Intelligence Scales. The participants were divided into the study group (n = 123) with cognitive impairment and the control group (n = 171) with normal cognitive functions, for analysis.

Results

There were statistically significant differences between the two groups in disease course, frequency of epilepsy, status epilepticus, and the number of antiseizure medications (ASMs) used (P < 0.05), while there were no statistically significant differences in age, gender, age of onset, form of onset, interictal epileptiform discharge, history of febrile convulsion, and the time from onset to initial visit (P > 0.05). Based on multivariate logistic regression analysis, the course of disease, frequency of onset, status epilepticus and number of ASMs used were identified as high-risk factors for cognitive impairment in children with epilepsy. Similarly, early onset, long course of disease, known etiology, and combination of multiple drugs have a negative impact on behavioral problems, school education, and social adaptability.

Conclusion

The course of disease, the frequency of onset, status epilepticus, and the number of ASMs used are high-risk factors for cognitive impairment in children with epilepsy, which can be prevented and controlled early. When selecting ASMs, their advantages and disadvantages should be weighed. Moreover, the availability of alternative treatment options must be considered. With the help of genomic technology, the causes of epilepsy should be identified as early as possible, and precision medicine and gene therapy for children with epilepsy should be actively developed.