bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The establishment of a multiple myeloma clinical registry in the Asia–Pacific region: The Asia–Pacific Myeloma and Related Diseases Registry (APAC MRDR)
Authors: Aoki Naomi , Chen Pin-Yen , Chen Wenming , Chng Wee Joo , Gan Gin Gin , Goh Yeow Tee , Hou Jian , Huang Jeffrey , Kim Kihyun , Lee Je Jung , Lu Jin , McQuilten Zoe K. , Min Chang Ki , Moore Elizabeth , Oliver Laura , Waters Neil A. , Wellard Cameron , Wood Erica M. , Yeh Su-Peng , Spencer Andrew ,   the APAC MRDR Investigators
Published: May 2024

Background

Multiple myeloma (MM) is the second most common haematological cancer worldwide. Along with related diseases including monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS), plasma cell leukaemia (PCL) and plasmacytoma, MM incidence is rising, yet it remains incurable and represents a significant disease burden. Clinical registries can provide important information on management and outcomes, and are vital platforms for clinical trials and other research. The Asia–Pacific Myeloma and Related Diseases Registry (APAC MRDR) was developed to monitor and explore variation in epidemiology, treatment regimens and their impact on clinical outcomes across this region. Here we describe the registry’s design and development, initial data, progress and future plans.

Methods

The APAC MRDR was established in 2018 as a multicentre collaboration across the Asia–Pacific, collecting prospective data on patients newly diagnosed with MM, MGUS, PCL and plasmacytoma in Korea, Singapore, Malaysia and Taiwan, with China recently joining. Development of the registry required a multidisciplinary team of clinicians, researchers, legal and information technology support, and financial resources, as well as local clinical context from key opinion leaders in the APAC region. Written informed consent is obtained and data are routinely collected throughout treatment by hospital staff. Data are stored securely, meeting all local privacy and ethics requirements. Data were collected from October 2018 to March 2024.

Results

Over 1700 patients from 24 hospitals have been enrolled onto the APAC MRDR to date, with the majority (86%) being newly diagnosed with MM. Bortezomib with an immunomodulatory drug was most frequently used in first-line MM therapy, and lenalidomide-based therapy was most common in second-line. Establishment and implementation challenges include regulatory and a range of operational issues.

Conclusion

The APAC MRDR is providing ‘real-world’ data to participating sites, clinicians and policy-makers to explore factors influencing outcomes and survival, and to support high quality studies. It is already a valuable resource that will continue to grow and support research and clinical collaboration in MM and related diseases across the APAC region.
Haemorrhoidal disease in pregnancy: results from a self-assessment questionnaire administered by means of a social network
Authors: D’Alfonso Angela , De Carolis Francesca , Serva Alessandro , Valiyeva Sayali , Guido Maurizio , Pietroletti Renato
Published: May 2024

Background

The anal symptoms occurring during pregnancy and post-partum, mainly related to Haemorrhoidal Disease (HD), have been reported with in a wide range of incidence in the literature. Although in many cases the course of the disease is mild and self-limiting, sometimes it is severe enough to affect quality of life.

Methods

Our study has been conducted through a questionnaire administered via social media with the aim of obtaining epidemiologic data on the incidence of the symptoms of HD in an unselected population of pregnant women. In addition, we looked for the presence of those factors notoriously predisposing or associated to HD (constipation, straining on the toilet, low dietary fibres and fluid intake).

Results

Out of 133 patients 51% reported symptoms of HD during pregnancy, mainly in the second and third trimester. Constipation, straining on the toilet, low dietary fibres and fluid intake were not significantly related to incidence of HD. Only a previous history of HD was correlated to onset of symptoms of HD in pregnancy and reached a statistical significance (odds ratio = 5.2, p < 0.001).

Conclusion

Although with the limitations posed by the nature of our retrospective study via a self-assessment interview, our results suggest that the occurrence of HD in pregnancy seems not sustained by the classical risk factors observed in the general population. At the moment, specific therapeutic measures are lacking and treatment relies on empiric suggestions concerning diet, fluid intake, bowel care, local ointment. Further studies are needed in order to identify a targeted etiologic treatment.
Systematic review and meta-analysis: the efficacy and safety of radiofrequency ablation for early superficial esophageal squamous cell neoplasia
Authors: Cheng Hsu-En , Shiu Sz-Iuan , Ko Chung-Wang
Published: May 2024

Background and Aim

Esophageal squamous cell neoplasia (ESCN) is predominant in Asia. Endoscopic mucosal resection and endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) have both been recommended worldwide, however the application of endoscopic radiofrequency ablation (RFA) for treatment of early superficial ESCN remains inconclusive. We conducted a meta-analysis to study the effectiveness of RFA for early superficial ESCN.

Methods

Three major bibliographic databases were reviewed for the enrollment of case series and cohort trials prior to August 23, 2023. We included adults diagnosed with early superficial ESCN who had been receiving endoscopic RFA or ESD if the treatments were available. Our focus was on the 12-month histological complete response rate (CR) and 3-month histological CR, as well as the acute and late postoperative adverse events (AEs) rate during the at follow-up periods.

Results

Nine studies were enrolled for qualitative synthesis of narrative review, with eight trials involving a total of 447 participants for analysis. The pooled 12-month and 3-month histological CR were 0.83 (95% CI, 0.59–0.94, I2 = 80%) and 0.74 (95% CI, 0.67–0.80, I2 = 0%), respectively. As for safety, the acute and late postoperative AEs were 0.11 (95% CI, 0.05–0.26, I2 = 68%) and 0.19 (95% CI, 0.14–0.26, I2 = 0%), respectively. In subgroup analysis, the incidence of bleeding, laceration and perforation after endoscopic RFA showed 0.06, 0.06 and 0.02, respectively. When compared with ESD, RFA showed lower acute AEs and late AEs without any obvious significance.

Conclusions

For early superficial ESCN, endoscopic RFA achieved both higher 12-month complete remission and late complication postoperatively when compared to 3-month histological CR and acute AEs separately, while the stricture was encountered most commonly. The choice between endoscopic RFA and ESD remains inconclusive.
Evaluation of the exit screening policy among travelers arriving from Asian and pacific nations
Authors: Liu Shiqi , Anzai Asami , Nishiura Hiroshi
Published: May 2024

Background

The Japanese government has instituted border control measures against COVID-19, including entry and exit screening of people arriving from overseas. We sought to evaluate the effectiveness of the exit screening policy in Japan in reducing the risk of importing COVID-19 cases among travelers from Asian and Pacific countries.

Methods

The study period was stratified based on the timing of exit screening: (i) the control period (the pre-exit screening period from 25 October 2020 to 16 January 2021), (ii) the time period with the Alpha variant from 17 January to 10 April 2021, and (iii) the time period with the Delta variant from 2 May to 2 October 2021. Incidence data in the countries of origin were used to adjust for the risk of infection among travelers. The positivity rate of entry screening in Japan was compared among the three different study periods, adjusting for the risk of infection in the country of origin.

Results

The adjusted relative risk of positivity was greatly reduced and substantially below the value of 1 during the Alpha variant period compared with the control period. Although the relative risks increased when comparing the Delta variant period against control, the estimate remained below 1, except for among travelers from India and Myanmar. The relative risk reduction was greatest in high-income countries, with estimates of 100% and 96% risk reduction during the Alpha and Delta variant periods, respectively, followed by upper-middle-income countries with estimates of 90% and 76%, respectively.

Conclusions

Even in the presence of the Alpha and Delta variants, exit screening clearly reduced the risk of infection among travelers arriving from Asian and Pacific nations. As the testing relies on the country of origin, the effectiveness varied greatly by the socioeconomic income status and epidemiological situation of those countries. Test standardization and quality assurance may be required in low- and middle-income countries.
Efficacy of sucrose and povidone–iodine mixtures in peritoneal dialysis catheter exit-site care
Authors: Nakayama Takashin , Morimoto Kohkichi , Uchiyama Kiyotaka , Washida Naoki , Kusahana Ei , Hama Eriko Yoshida , Mitsuno Ryunosuke , Tonomura Shun , Yoshimoto Norifumi , Hishikawa Akihito , Hagiwara Aika , Azegami Tatsuhiko , Yoshino Jun , Monkawa Toshiaki , Yoshida Tadashi , Yamaguchi Shintaro , Hayashi Kaori
Published: May 2024

Background

Exit-site infection (ESI) is a common recurring complication in patients undergoing peritoneal dialysis (PD). Sucrose and povidone–iodine (SPI) mixtures, antimicrobial ointments that promote wound healing, have been used for the treatment of ulcers and burns, but their efficacy in exit–site care is still unclear.

Methods

This single-center retrospective observational study included patients who underwent PD between May 2010 and June 2022 and presented with episodes of ESI. Patients were divided into SPI and non-SPI groups and followed up from initial ESI onset until PD cessation, death, transfer to another facility, or June 2023.

Results

Among the 82 patients (mean age 62, [54–72] years), 23 were treated with SPI. The median follow-up duration was 39 months (range, 14–64), with an overall ESI incidence of 0.70 episodes per patient-year. Additionally, 43.1% of second and 25.6% of third ESI were caused by the same pathogen as the first. The log-rank test demonstrated significantly better second and third ESI-free survival in the SPI group than that in the non-SPI group (p < 0.01 and p < 0.01, respectively). In a Cox regression analysis, adjusting for potential confounders, SPI use was a significant predictor of decreased second and third ESI episodes (hazard ratio [HR], 0.22; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.10–0.52 and HR, 0.22; 95%CI, 0.07–0.73, respectively).

Conclusions

Our results showed that the use of SPI may be a promising option for preventing the incidence of ESI in patients with PD.

Trial registration

This study was approved by the Keio University School of Medicine Ethics Committee (approval number 20231078) on August 28, 2023. Retrospectively registered.
Determination of drug-related problems in the hematology service: a prospective interventional study
Authors: Albayrak Aslınur , Özbalcı Demircan
Published: May 2024

Background

Patients with hematological malignancies often require multidrug therapy using a variety of antineoplastic agents and supportive care medications. This increases the risk of drug-related problems (DRPs). Determining DRPs in patients hospitalized in hematology services is important for patients to achieve their drug treatment goals and prevent adverse effects. This study aims to identify DRPs by the clinical pharmacist in the multidisciplinary team in patients hospitalized in the hematology service of a university hospital in Turkey.

Methods

This study was conducted prospectively between December 2022 and May 2023 in the hematology service of Suleyman Demirel University Research and Application Hospital in Isparta, Turkey. DRPs were determined using the Pharmaceutical Care Network Europe (PCNE) 9.1 Turkish version.

Results

This study included 140 patients. Older age, longer hospital stay, presence of acute lymphoblastic leukemia, presence of comorbidities, higher number of medications used, and polypharmacy rate were statistically significantly higher in the DRP group than in the non-DRP group (p < 0.05). According to multivariate logistic regression analysis, the probability of DRP in patients with polypharmacy was statistically significant 7.921 times (95% CI: 3.033–20.689) higher than in patients without polypharmacy (p < 0.001).Every 5-day increase in the length of hospital stay increased the likelihood of DRP at a statistically significant level (OR = 1.476, 95% CI: 1.125–1.938 p = 0.005). In this study, at least one DRP was detected in 69 (49.3%) patients and the total number of DRPs was 152. Possible or actual adverse drug events (96.7%) were the most common DRPs. The most important cause of DRPs was drug choice (94.7%), and the highest frequency within its subcategories was the combination of inappropriate drugs (93.4%).

Conclusions

This study shows the importance of including a clinical pharmacist in a multidisciplinary team in identifying and preventing DRPs in the hematology service.
The effect of a neck-specific exercise program on cervical kinesthesia for patients with chronic whiplash-associated disorders: a case-control study
Authors: Ragnarsdottir Harpa , Peterson Gunnel , Gislason Magnus K , Oddsdottir Gudny L , Peolsson Anneli
Published: May 2024

Introduction

Cervical kinesthesia is an important part of movement control and of great importance for daily function. Previous research on kinesthesia in whiplash-associated disorders (WAD) has focused on grades I-II. More research is needed on WAD grade III. The aim of this study was to investigate cervical kinesthesia in individuals with WAD grades II-III before and after a neck-specific exercise intervention and compare them to healthy controls.

Methods

A prospective, case-control study with a treatment arm (n = 30) and a healthy control arm (n = 30) was conducted in Sweden. The WAD group received a neck-specific exercise program for 12 weeks. The primary outcome to evaluate kinesthesia was neck movement control (the Fly test). Secondary outcomes were neck disability, dizziness and neck pain intensity before and after the Fly test. Outcomes were measured at baseline and post-treatment. The control arm underwent measurements at baseline except for the dizziness questionnaire. A linear mixed model was used to evaluate difference between groups (WAD and control) and over time, with difficulty level in the Fly test and gender as factors.

Results

Between-group analysis showed statistically significant differences in three out of five kinesthetic metrics (p = 0.002 to 0.008), but not for the WAD-group follow-up versus healthy control baseline measurements. Results showed significant improvements for the WAD-group over time for three out of five kinaesthesia metrics (p < 0.001 to 0.008) and for neck disability (p < 0.001) and pain (p = 0.005), but not for dizziness (p = 0.70).

Conclusions

The exercise program shows promising results in improving kinesthesia and reducing neck pain and disability in the chronic WAD phase. Future research might benefit from focusing on adding kinesthetic exercises to the exercise protocol and evaluating its beneficial effects on dizziness or further improvement in kinesthesia.

Impact statement

Kinesthesia can be improved in chronic WAD patients without the use of specific kinesthetic exercises.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT03664934), first registration approved 11/09/2018.
Antibacterial activity of Dioscorea bulbifera Linn. extract and its active component flavanthrinin against skin-associated bacteria
Authors: Sanguansermsri Donruedee , Sanguansermsri Phanchana , Buaban Kittisak , Choommongkol Vachira , Akekawatchai Chareeporn , Charoensri Noree , Fraser Ian , Wongkattiya Nalin
Published: May 2024

Background

Dioscorea bulbifera Linn. has been used for wound care in Thailand. However, a comprehensive evaluation of its antibacterial activity is required. This study aimed to investigate the antibacterial efficacy of D. bulbifera extract against skin-associated bacteria and isolate and characterize its active antibacterial agent, flavanthrinin.

Methods

Air-dried bulbils of D. bulbifera were pulverised and extracted with hexane, dichloromethane, ethyl acetate, methanol, ethanol, and distilled water; vacuum filtered; concentrated; freeze-dried; and stored at -20 ºC. Antibacterial activity of the extracts was assessed using microdilution techniques against several skin-associated bacteria. Thin-layer chromatography (TLC) bioautography was used to identify the active compounds in the extract, which were fractionated by column chromatography and purified by preparative TLC. The chemical structures of the purified compounds were analysed using nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR). The cytotoxicity of the extract and its active compounds was evaluated in Vero cells.

Results

The ethyl acetate extract exhibited distinct inhibition zones against bacteria compared to other extracts. Therefore, the ethyl acetate extract of D. bulbifera in the ethyl acetate layer was used for subsequent analyses. D. bulbifera extract exhibited antibacterial activity, with minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of 0.78–1.56 mg/mL. An active compound, identified through TLC-bioautography, demonstrated enhanced antibacterial activity, with MICs of 0.02–0.78 mg/mL. NMR analysis identified this bioactive compound as flavanthrinin. Both D. bulbifera extract and flavanthrinin-containing fraction demonstrated potent antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus, methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA), and S. epidermidis. The flavanthrinin containing fraction demonstrated low cytotoxicity against Vero cells, showing CC50 values of 0.41 ± 0.03 mg/mL. These values are lower than the MIC value, indicating that this fraction is safer than the initial ethyl acetate extract.

Conclusions

Dioscorea bulbifera extract and its bioactive component flavanthrinin demonstrated significant antibacterial activity against the skin-associated bacteria Staphylococci, including MRSA. Flavanthrinin has potential as a complementary therapeutic agent for managing skin infections owing to its potent antibacterial effects and low cytotoxicity.
Exploring machine learning strategies for predicting cardiovascular disease risk factors from multi-omic data
Authors: Drouard Gabin , Mykkänen Juha , Heiskanen Jarkko , Pohjonen Joona , Ruohonen Saku , Pahkala Katja , Lehtimäki Terho , Wang Xiaoling , Ollikainen Miina , Ripatti Samuli , Pirinen Matti , Raitakari Olli , Kaprio Jaakko
Published: May 2024

Background

Machine learning (ML) classifiers are increasingly used for predicting cardiovascular disease (CVD) and related risk factors using omics data, although these outcomes often exhibit categorical nature and class imbalances. However, little is known about which ML classifier, omics data, or upstream dimension reduction strategy has the strongest influence on prediction quality in such settings. Our study aimed to illustrate and compare different machine learning strategies to predict CVD risk factors under different scenarios.

Methods

We compared the use of six ML classifiers in predicting CVD risk factors using blood-derived metabolomics, epigenetics and transcriptomics data. Upstream omic dimension reduction was performed using either unsupervised or semi-supervised autoencoders, whose downstream ML classifier performance we compared. CVD risk factors included systolic and diastolic blood pressure measurements and ultrasound-based biomarkers of left ventricular diastolic dysfunction (LVDD; E/e' ratio, E/A ratio, LAVI) collected from 1,249 Finnish participants, of which 80% were used for model fitting. We predicted individuals with low, high or average levels of CVD risk factors, the latter class being the most common. We constructed multi-omic predictions using a meta-learner that weighted single-omic predictions. Model performance comparisons were based on the F1 score. Finally, we investigated whether learned omic representations from pre-trained semi-supervised autoencoders could improve outcome prediction in an external cohort using transfer learning.

Results

Depending on the ML classifier or omic used, the quality of single-omic predictions varied. Multi-omics predictions outperformed single-omics predictions in most cases, particularly in the prediction of individuals with high or low CVD risk factor levels. Semi-supervised autoencoders improved downstream predictions compared to the use of unsupervised autoencoders. In addition, median gains in Area Under the Curve by transfer learning compared to modelling from scratch ranged from 0.09 to 0.14 and 0.07 to 0.11 units for transcriptomic and metabolomic data, respectively.

Conclusions

By illustrating the use of different machine learning strategies in different scenarios, our study provides a platform for researchers to evaluate how the choice of omics, ML classifiers, and dimension reduction can influence the quality of CVD risk factor predictions.
Barriers and facilitators to implementing a Canadian shared-care ADHD program in pediatric settings in Shanghai: a consolidated framework for implementation research approach
Authors: Bahraini Sayna , Maisonneuve Alexander R. , Wu Danping , Huang Minhui , Xu Mingyu , Yang Li , Li Fei , Samson André , Li Feng , Robaey Philippe
Published: May 2024

Objectives

The vast majority of children with Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) do not have access to proper diagnosis and treatment in China. The goal of this project is to identify the challenges and facilitators in implementing a Canadian ADHD Shared Care Pathways program in pediatric settings in Shanghai region.

Methods

Purposive semi-structured focus groups were conducted on a total of 13 healthcare practitioners from the Shanghai Xinuha, Ninghai and Chongming hospitals. Two independent researchers conducted a thematic analysis of the data with themes emerging based on the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR).

Results

Notable barriers identified by participants included: (1) lack of knowledge in the management of ADHD, primarily among general practitioners; (2) lack of resources such as lack of staff, time, and medication for ADHD; (3) challenges in implementing an international multicentre intervention (such as communication difficulties between teams and integration of resources available in different hospitals); and (4) mental health stigma, difficulties in identifying ADHD patients, and logistical problems related to medication procurement rules put in place by provincial governments. Notable facilitators included: (1) the strong motivation of stakeholders and their confidence in their ability to learn and subsequently execute action plans to achieve the implementation goal; (2) the compatibility between the values and goals of the stakeholders and those of the program despite some cultural tension, a positive learning climate, strong tensions for change, and the high interest of organization leaders in engaging in the program (3) the perceived benefits of the program, such as standardization of the diagnostic and treatment process, and engaging primary care providers in ADHD management; and (4) the strong relationship between participating institutions and schools as well as provincial health initiatives available to support collaborative models of care. Mixed factors to implementation were also explored.

Conclusions

Appropriate training of health care providers, cultural adaptation of the program, increase public awareness about ADHD to decrease stigma, as well as strong project management and guidelines that clearly describe the role and expectations of each team member appeared essential to successful implementation.
Digital dermatitis in Swedish dairy herds assessed by ELISA targeting Treponema phagedenis in bulk tank milk
Authors: Roelofs Lex , Frössling Jenny , Rosander Anna , Bjerketorp Joakim , Belaghi Reza Arabi , Hansson Ingrid , Frosth Sara
Published: May 2024

Background

Digital dermatitis (DD) is a contagious hoof infection affecting cattle worldwide. The disease causes lameness and a reduction in animal welfare, which ultimately leads to major decreases in milk production in dairy cattle. The disease is most likely of polymicrobial origin with Treponema phagedenis and other Treponema spp. playing a key role; however, the etiology is not fully understood. Diagnosis of the disease is based on visual assessment of the feet by trained hoof-trimmers and veterinarians, as a more reliable diagnostic method is lacking. The aim of this study was to evaluate the use of an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) on bulk tank milk samples testing for the presence of T. phagedenis antibodies as a proxy to assess herd prevalence of DD in Swedish dairy cattle herds.

Results

Bulk tank milk samples were collected in 2013 from 612 dairy herds spread across Sweden. A nationwide DD apparent prevalence of 11.9% (8.1–14.4% CI95%) was found, with the highest proportion of test-positive herds in the South Swedish regions (31.3%; 19.9–42.4% CI95%).

Conclusions

This study reveals an underestimation of DD prevalence based on test results compared to hoof trimming data, highlighting the critical need for a reliable and accurate diagnostic method. Such a method is essential for disease monitoring and the development of effective control strategies. The novelty of ELISA-based diagnostic methods for DD, coupled with the disease’s polymicrobial origin, suggests an avenue for improvement. Developing an expanded ELISA, incorporating antigens from various bacterial species implicated in the disease, could enhance diagnostic accuracy. The significance of this study is underscored by the extensive analysis of a substantial sample size (612). Notably, this investigation stands as the largest assessment to date, evaluating the application of ELISA on bulk tank milk for DD diagnosis at the herd level.
A lava-inspired proteolytic enzyme therapy on cancer with a PEG-based hydrogel enhances tumor distribution and penetration of liposomes
Authors: Li Jiaojiao , Mi Dandan , Wang Rujing , Li Yuke , Zhao Mengnan , Shi Sanjun
Published: May 2024

The enhanced permeability and retention (EPR) effect has become the guiding principle for nanomedicine against cancer for a long time. However, several biological barriers severely resist therapeutic agents’ penetration and retention into the deep tumor tissues, resulting in poor EPR effect and high tumor mortality. Inspired by lava, we proposed a proteolytic enzyme therapy to improve the tumor distribution and penetration of nanomedicine. A trypsin-crosslinked hydrogel (Trypsin@PSA Gel) was developed to maintain trypsin’s activity. The hydrogel postponed trypsin’s self-degradation and sustained the release. Trypsin promoted the cellular uptake of nanoformulations in breast cancer cells, enhanced the penetration through endothelial cells, and degraded total and membrane proteins. Proteomic analysis reveals that trypsin affected ECM components and down-regulated multiple pathways associated with cancer progression. Intratumoral injection of Trypsin@PSA Gel significantly increased the distribution of liposomes in tumors and reduced tumor vasculature. Combination treatment with intravenous injection of gambogic acid-loaded liposomes and intratumoral injection of Trypsin@PSA Gel inhibited tumor growth. The current study provides one of the first investigations into the enhanced tumor distribution of liposomes induced by a novel proteolytic enzyme therapy.

Graphic Abstract
Two remarkable serine/leucine polymorphisms in Helicobacter pylori: functional importance for serine protease HtrA and adhesin BabA
Authors: Backert Steffen , Tegtmeyer Nicole , Horn Anselm H. C. , Sticht Heinrich , Linz Bodo
Published: May 2024

Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) account for significant genomic variability in microbes, including the highly diverse gastric pathogen Helicobacter pylori. However, data on the effects of specific SNPs in pathogen-host interactions are scarce. Recent functional studies unravelled how a serine/leucine polymorphism in serine protease HtrA affects the formation of proteolytically active trimers and modulates cleavage of host cell-to-cell junction proteins during infection. A similar serine/leucine mutation in the carbohydrate binding domain of the adhesin BabA controls binding of ABO blood group antigens, enabling binding of either only the short Lewis b/H antigens of blood group O or also the larger antigens of blood groups A and B. Here we summarize the functional importance of these two remarkable bacterial SNPs and their effect on the outcome of pathogen-host interactions.
Knowledge and practices of traditional management of child malnutrition and associated pathologies in Benin
Authors: Vissoh Ahamidé Carel Sosthène , Klotoé Jean Robert , Fah Lauris , Agbodjento Eric , Koudokpon Hornel , Togbe Eskyl , Saïdou Souad , Dougnon Victorien
Published: May 2024

Background

Child malnutrition is a major public health challenge, affecting millions of children worldwide, with alarming proportions of children under five in Benin. The complexity of managing this condition is increased by its potential association with opportunistic pathologies. An interesting approach arises from the use of medicinal plants, to address child malnutrition and its associated pathologies. This study aimed to document the knowledge and practices of Beninese mothers and traditional practitioners with regard to the use of medicinal plants to treat child malnutrition and associated diseases.

Methods

A total of 844 Beninese mothers and 201 traditional healers were surveyed between March 2022 and August 2023 in the communes of Karimama, Bopa and Za-Kpota in Benin. The respondents’ knowledge of child malnutrition and associated pathologies was explored. The ethnobotanical data collected from the subjects concerned the medicinal recipes used to treat child malnutrition, the medicinal plants that make them up and the methods of use. These data were analyzed using ethnobotanical indices such as the Informant Consensus Factor, the frequency of citation of medicinal recipes types and medicinal plants, and the contribution of plants to medicinal recipes.

Results

All respondents cited a total of 82 plant species used to treat child malnutrition and associated diseases. These plants were grouped into 37 botanical families, the most common of which were Fabaceae, Malvaceae and Annonaceae. The leaves were the most commonly used part of the plant species identified. The mothers shared 122 medicinal recipes, ranging from recipes based on a single plant to more complex compositions involving five plants. The most notable plants were Moringa oleifera Lam, Phyllanthus amarus Schumach & Thonn, Senna siamea (Lam.) H.S.Irwin & Barneby, Carica papaya L. and Ocimum gratissimum L. Traditional healers provided 52 plants in 71 recipes, with Moringa oleifera featuring prominently in both single-plant and multiplant formulations.

Conclusion

This study made it possible to constitute a rich base of medicinal recipes used against malnutrition and associated pathologies, with the preponderant involvement of certain plant species. It is therefore necessary to deepen research on these different identified species in order to scientifically assess their potential.
Tunisian Artemisia campestris L.: a potential therapeutic agent against myeloma - phytochemical and pharmacological insights
Authors: Limam Inès , Ghali Ridha , Abdelkarim Mohamed , Ouni Anis , Araoud Manel , Abdelkarim Mouaadh , Hedhili Abderrazek , Ben-Aissa Fennira Fatma
Published: May 2024

Background

Artemisia campestris L. (AC) leaves are widely recognized for their importance in traditional medicine. Despite the considerable amount of research conducted on this plant overworld, the chemical composition and the biological activity of the leaves grown in Tunisia remains poorly investigated. In this study of AC, a successive extraction method was employed (hexane, ethyl acetate and methanol) to investigate its bioactive constituents by LC-MS analysis, and their antioxidant, antibacterial, antifungal, and anticancer activities.

Results

Data analysis revealed diverse compound profiles in AC extracts. Methanolic and ethyl acetate extracts exhibited higher polyphenolic content and antioxidant activities, while Hexane showed superior phytosterol extraction. Ethyl acetate extract displayed potent antibacterial activity against multi-resistant Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Additionally, all extracts demonstrated, for the first time, robust antifungal efficacy against Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus niger. Cytotoxicity assays revealed the significant impact of methanolic and ethyl acetate extracts on metastatic breast cancer and multiple myeloma, examined for the first time in our study. Moreover, further analysis on multiple myeloma cells highlighted that the ethyl acetate extract induced apoptotic and necrotic cell death and resulted in an S phase cell cycle blockage, underscoring its therapeutic potential.

Conclusions

This investigation uncovers novel findings in Tunisian AC, notably the identification of lupeol, oleanolic acid, ursolic acid, stigmasterol and β-sitosterol. The study sheds light on the promising role of AC extracts in therapeutic interventions and underscores the need for continued research to harness its full potential in medicine and pharmaceutical development.
GTSE1 promotes nasopharyngeal carcinoma proliferation and angiogenesis by upregulating STMN1
Authors: Dong Jiadi , Chen Jingjing , Wu Yidong , Yan Jiangyu
Published: May 2024

Background

Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is a malignant tumor with poor survival rate. G2 and S phase-expressed‐1 (GTSE1) takes part in the progression of diverse tumors as an oncogene, but its role and potential mechanism in NPC remain unknown.

Methods

The GTSE1 expression was analyzed by western blot in NPC tissues and cells. Knock-down experiments were conducted to determine the function of GTSE1 in NPC by cell counting kit-8, the 5-ethynyl-2′-deoxyuridine (EdU) incorporation experiment, cell scratch wound-healing experiment, transwell assays, tube forming experiment and western blot. In addition, the in vivo role of GTSE1 was addressed in tumor-bearing mice.

Results

The expression of was increased in NPC. Silencing of GTSE1 suppressed cell viability, the percent of EdU positive cells, and the number of invasion cells and tubes, but enhanced the scratch ratio in NPC cells. Mechanically, downregulation of GTSE1 decreased the expressions of FOXM1 and STMN1, which were restored with the upregulation of FOXM1. Increased expression of STMN1 reversed the effects of the GTSE1 silencing on proliferation, migration, invasion and angiogenesis of NPC cells. Furthermore, knockdown of GTSE1 repressed the tumor volume and tumor weight of xenografted mice.

Conclusion

GTSE1 was highly expressed in NPC, and silencing of GTSE1 ameliorated the malignant processes of NPC cells by upregulating STMN1, suggesting a possible therapeutical target for NPC.
Clinical characteristics, radiological features and outcomes in pulmonary involvement of cryoglobulinemia
Authors: Han Hong-xiao , Su Wei , Tian Xinlun , Zhou Dao-bin , Li Jian , Cao Xin-xin
Published: May 2024

Background

Cryoglobulinemia with pulmonary involvement is rare, and its characteristics, radiological findings, and outcomes are still poorly understood.

Methods

Ten patients with pulmonary involvement of 491 cryoglobulinemia patients at Peking Union Medical College Hospital were enrolled in this retrospective study. We analyzed the characteristics, radiological features and management of pulmonary involvement patients, and compared with those of non-pulmonary involvement with cryoglobulinemia.

Results

The 10 patients with pulmonary involvement (2 males; median age, 53 years) included three patients with type I cryoglobulinemia and seven patients with mixed cryoglobulinemia. All of 10 patients were IgM isotype cryoglobulinemia. All type I patients were secondary to B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Four mixed patients were essential, and the remaining patients were secondary to infections (n = 2) and systemic lupus erythematosus (n = 1), respectively. Six patients had additional affected organs, including skin (60%), kidney (50%), peripheral nerves (30%), joints (20%), and heart (20%). The pulmonary symptoms included dyspnea (50%), dry cough (30%), chest tightness (30%), and hemoptysis (10%). Chest computed tomography (CT) showed diffuse ground-glass opacity (80%), nodules (40%), pleural effusions (30%), and reticulation (20%). Two patients experienced life-threatening diffuse alveolar hemorrhage. Five patients received corticosteroid-based regimens, and four received rituximab-based regimens. All patients on rituximab-based regimens achieved clinical remission. The estimated two-year overall survival (OS) was 40%. Patients with pulmonary involvement had significantly worse OS and progression-free survival than non-pulmonary involvement patients of cryoglobulinemia (P < 0.0001).

Conclusions

A diagnosis of pulmonary involvement should be highly suspected for patients with cryoglobulinemia and chest CT-indicated infiltrates without other explanations. Patients with pulmonary involvement had a poor prognosis. Rituximab-based treatment may improve the outcome.
LncRNA PCED1B-AS1 mediates miR-3681-3p/MAP2K7 axis to promote metastasis, invasion and EMT in gastric cancer
Authors: Cao Jia , Yang Yicheng , Duan Bensong , Zhang Haibin , Xu Qinwei , Han Junyi , Lu Bing
Published: May 2024

Background

LncRNA PCED1B-AS1 is abnormally expressed in multiple cancers and has been confirmed as an oncogene. Our study aimed to investigate the regulatory mechanism of lncRNA PCED1B-AS1 in gastric cancer.

Methods

TCGA database was used to analyze the abnormal expression of lncRNA PCED1B-AS1 in gastric cancer. By database prediction and mass spectrometric analysis, miR-3681-3p and MAP2K7 are potential downstream target molecules of lncRNA PCED1B-AS1 and verified by dual-luciferase report assay. RT-qPCR analysis and western blot were performed to detect the expressions of PCED1B-AS1 and MAP2K7 in gastric cancer cell lines and tissues. CCK-8 kit was applied to measure the cell viability. Wound healing and Transwell experiment were used to detect the migration and invasion. Western blot and immunohistochemical staining were performed to detect the expressions of EMT-related proteins in tissues. The changes of tumor proliferation were detected by xenograft experiment in nude mice.

Results

PCED1B-AS1 expression was higher but miR-3681-3 expression was lower in gastric cancer cell lines or tissues, compared to normal group. Function analysis verified PCED1B-AS1 promoted cell proliferation and inhibited cell apoptosis in gastric cancer cells in vitro and in vivo. LncRNA PCED1B-AS1 could bind directly to miR-3681-3p, and MAP2K7 was found to be a downstream target of miR-3681-3p. MiR-3681-3p mimics or si-MAP2K7 could partly reverse the effect of PCED1B-AS1 on gastric cancer cells.

Conclusion

PCED1B-AS1 accelerated cell proliferation and inhibited cell apoptosis through sponging miR-3681-3p to upregulate MAP2K7 expression in gastric cancer, which indicated PCED1B-AS1/miR-3681-3p/MAP2K7 axis may serve as a potential therapeutic target for gastric cancer.
Lymphoma presenting as preauricular tumor in unilateral parotid gland agenesis: a case report and review of literature
Authors: Giotakis Aris I. , Masaoutis Christos , Delides Alexander , Giotakis Evangelos I.
Published: May 2024

Background

Parotid gland agenesis is a rare, congenital, usually asymptomatic disorder. Until now, only 24 cases with unilateral, incidentally found, parotid gland agenesis have been described. Here, we present the first reported case of an ipsilateral preauricular neoplasm in a patient with unilateral parotid gland agenesis. During surgery, the position of the greater auricular- and facial nerves was documented. Furthermore, we performed the first sialendoscopy for this rare disorder to assess the number of duct branches, which might be indicative of the abundance of parotid tissue. Moreover, we looked for sialendoscopic characteristic features that could aid in identifying these patients in the ambulatory setting.

Case presentation

A 50-year-old Greek man presented with a painless, slowly enlarging mass in the right parotid space. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed a complete absence of the right parotid gland without accessory parotid tissue. The right parotid gland was replaced by fatty tissue and the radiologist suggested a benign parotid tumor. Fine needle aspiration was indicative of a reactive lymph node. Sialendoscopy revealed only two branches within the right parotid duct. Surgical resection was performed through a conventional lateral parotidectomy. This revealed typical anatomic position of the greater auricular- and facial nerves despite the parotid tissue agenesis. Histopathology revealed a small lymphocytic lymphoma.

Conclusions

Surgeons should feel confident to resect tumors of the parotid space in patients with parotid gland agenesis. Reduced branching observed during sialendoscopy might indicate parotid gland agenesis. Physicians should be even more cautious than usual with the watch and wait strategy in patients with tumors of parotid gland agenesis, since the probability of a tumor being a benign salivary gland tumor might be lower than usual.
Prehospital anesthesia in postcardiac arrest patients: a multicenter retrospective cohort study
Authors: Jansen Gerrit , Latka Eugen , Bernhard Michael , Deicke Martin , Fischer Daniel , Hoyer Annika , Keller Yacin , Kobiella André , Strickmann Bernd , Strototte Lisa Marie , Thies Karl-Christian , Johanning Kai
Published: May 2024

Background

Currently, the data regarding the impact of prehospital postcardiac arrest anesthesia on target hemodynamic and ventilatory parameters of early postresuscitation care and recommendations on its implementation are rare. The present study examines the incidence and impact of prehospital postcardiac arrest anesthesia on hemodynamic and ventilatory target parameters of postresuscitation care.

Methods

In this multicentre observational study between 2019 and 2021 unconscious adult patients after out-of-hospital-cardiac arrest with the presence of a return-of-spontaneous circulation until hospital admission were included. Primary endpoint was the application of postarrest anesthesia. Secondary endpoints included the medication group used, predisposing factors to its implementation, and its influence on achieving target parameters of postresuscitation care (systolic blood pressure: ≥ 100 mmHg, etCO2:35–45 mmHg, SpO2: 94–98%) at hospital handover.

Results

During the study period 2,335 out-of-hospital resuscitations out of 391,305 prehospital emergency operations (incidence: 0.58%; 95% CI 0.54–0.63) were observed with a return of spontaneous circulation to hospital admission in 706 patients (30.7%; 95% CI 28.8–32.6; female: 34.3%; age:68.3 ± 14.2 years). Postcardiac arrest anesthesia was performed in 482 patients (68.3%; 95% CI 64.7–71.7) with application of hypnotics in 93.4% (n = 451), analgesics in 53.7% (n = 259) and relaxants in 45.6% (n = 220). Factors influencing postcardiac arrest sedation were emergency care by an anesthetist (odds ratio: 2.10; 95% CI 1.34–3.30; P < 0.001) and treatment-free interval ≤ 5 min (odds ratio: 1.59; 95% CI 1.01–2.49; P = 0.04). Although there was no evidence of the impact of performing postcardiac arrest anesthesia on achieving a systolic blood pressure ≥ 100 mmHg at the end of operation (odds ratio: 1.14; 95% CI 0.78–1.68; P = 0.48), patients with postcardiac arrest anesthesia were significantly more likely to achieve the recommended ventilation (odds ratio: 1.59; 95% CI 1.06–2.40; P = 0.02) and oxygenation (odds ratio:1.56; 95% CI 1.04–2.35; P = 0.03) targets. Comparing the substance groups, the use of hypnotics significantly more often enabled the target values for etCO2 to be reached alone (odds ratio:2.79; 95% CI 1.04–7.50; P = 0.04) as well as in combination with a systolic blood pressure ≥ 100 mmHg (odds ratio:4.42; 95% CI 1.03–19.01; P = 0.04).

Conclusions

Postcardiac arrest anesthesia in out-of-hospital cardiac arrest is associated with early achievement of respiratory target parameters in prehospital postresuscitation care without evidence of more frequent hemodynamic complications.
Harnessing the power of wind: a comprehensive analysis of wind energy potential in Dhaka city
Authors: Hossain Mohammad Liton , Shams S. M. Nasif , Ullah Saeed Mahmud
Published: May 2024

This study gives a thorough analysis on the wind energy potential in Dhaka, Bangladesh, utilizing data from NASA Power's remote sensing tools and weather data from the Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD). The wind speed data collected over a 22 year period at an altitude of 10 m. The results indicate that 3.07 m per second (ms−1) is Dhaka city's typical wind speed, while the maximum wind speeds were recorded in June and July. A Weibull distribution is used to observe the wind data, as well as to calculate the Weibull form parameter of 2.65 and the scale parameter of 3.43 ms−1. Based on these parameters, the most probable wind speed along with the wind speed carrying maximum energy were calculated 2.83 ms−1 and 4.28 ms−1, respectively. The highest density of energy has been found in the month of July with a value of 52.11 W/m2. According to the study, the south is the most prominent wind direction for Dhaka city. Moreover, the study analyzes the relations between energy density and other variables, like wind speed, humidity, dry bulb temperature, etc. Positive correlations between energy density, wind speed, and dry bulb temperature imply that the higher wind speeds and dry bulb temperatures result in greater energies. The study's conclusions offer intuitive information about Dhaka City's potential for wind energy and can support direct future efforts to pursue this green resource in alignment with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of Bangladesh.