bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Exploring the pharmacological and molecular mechanisms of Salvia chinensis Benth in colorectal cancer: A network pharmacology and molecular docking study
Authors: Zheng Qian , Wang Xin , Gao Tian , Zhang Bingzhou , Zhao Ning , Du Runsen , Zhao Zengren
Published: December 2023

While Salvia chinensis Benth (commonly known as “Shijianchuan” in Chinese, and abbreviated as SJC) is commonly used in adjuvant therapy for colorectal cancer (CRC) in traditional Chinese medicine, its mechanism of action remains unclear. In this study, Initially, we examined the impact of SJC on CRC cells in an in vitro setting. Next, we initially retrieved the primary active components and targets of SJC from databases such as TCMSP and existing literature. Subsequently, we integrated differential gene expression data from the GEO database and collected CRC-related targets from resources like DisGeNET. The matching of these datasets enabled the identification of SJC-CRC targets. We constructed a protein-protein interaction network and identified core targets through topological analysis. GO and KEGG enrichment analyses were performed using clusterProfiler. We established networks linking traditional Chinese medicine components to targets and core targets to signaling pathways. Additionally, we performed molecular docking to validate interactions between the main compounds and targets, and employed Western blot analysis to explore how the major components of SJC affect crucial signaling pathways. In this study, SJC inhibited the viability of HCT-116 and HT-29 cells. We identified a total of 11 active components in SJC along with 317 target genes. Among these, there were 8612 target genes associated with CRC, and we successfully matched 276 SJC-CRC target genes. Through topological analysis of the protein-protein interaction network, we pinpointed 20 core targets. It was revealed that SJC effects are linked to genes governing processes like cell apoptosis, proliferation, hypoxia, oxidative stress, and signaling pathways such as PI3K-Akt through GO and KEGG pathway enrichment analyses. Additionally, we applied molecular docking techniques and observed that the majority of active compounds displayed robust binding affinity with the selected targets. In vitro experiments suggested that SJC and its key component, Ursolic acid, may exert its anti-CRC effects by modulating the core PI3K/AKT signaling pathway through inhibiting the phosphorylation of the target Akt1. This discovery is consistent with the predictions derived from network pharmacology methods. This study marks the inaugural utilization of bioinformatics methods in conjunction with in vitro experiments to comprehensively investigate the pharmacological and molecular mechanisms responsible for SJC anti-CRC effects.
A review focusing on the role of pyroptosis in prostate cancer
Authors: Liu Zhewen , Kuang Shida , Chen Qihua
Published: December 2023

As one of the types of programmed cell death, pyroptosis has become a focus of research in recent years. Numerous studies have shown that pyroptosis plays a regulatory role in tumor cell invasiveness, differentiation, proliferation, and metastasis. It has been demonstrated that pyroptosis is involved in the regulation of signaling pathways implicated in the pathogenesis of prostate cancer (PCa). Furthermore, the loss of expression of pyroptosis-related genes in PCa has been reported, and pyroptosis-related genes have demonstrated a considerable ability in predicting the prognosis of PCa. Therefore, the potential role of pyroptosis in regulating the development of PCa warrants further investigation and attention. In this review, we summarize the basics of the role of pyroptosis and also discuss research into the mechanisms of action associated with pyroptosis in PCa. It is hoped that by exploring the potential of the pyroptosis pathway in intervening in PCa, it will provide a viable direction for the diversification of PCa treatment.
Myxofibrosarcoma involving brachial plexus diagnoses by contrast-enhanced ultrasound: A case report
Authors: Liu Weijie , Yan Yumei , Wu Xiaohang , Hou Xiukun , Qu Xiaomeng
Published: December 2023

Rationale:

Myxofibrosarcoma most commonly arises as a slowly enlarging, painless mass. We describe an unusual case of low-grade myxofibrosarcoma in the axillary fossa, which infiltrated the brachial plexus, axillary artery, and axillary vein, causing severe pain. The low incidence and complex anatomical structure make imaging examination and surgery face great challenges. To the best of our knowledge, such presentation of a low-grade myxofibrosarcoma that showed an extreme infiltrative growth pattern and presented severe pain has not been reported before.

Patient concerns:

We reported a case of low-grade myxofibrosarcoma developed around the axillary neurovascular bundle, with multiple peripheral metastases in an 87-year-old male. Physical examination revealed a mass on the right axillary fossa measuring 5 × 4 cm. The patient underwent computed tomography but no definite diagnosis was obtained. Because he had claustrophobia and could not perform MRI examination. Thus, he underwent conventional ultrasound and contrast-enhanced ultrasound. Ultrasonic examination not only accurately determines the invasion scope of the tumor, but also clearly shows that the nerve has suffered from the invasion of the exogenous tumor and multiple metastatic foci around it. The contrast enhancement mode of the tumor showed centripetal high-enhancement, uneven internal enhancement, visible enhanced bridge, and non-enhancing central area.

Diagnoses:

Combined with the results of conventional ultrasound and contrast-enhanced ultrasound, we highly suspected it to be soft tissue sarcoma, giving strong clinical assistance.

Interventions:

Given the risk of sarcoma implantation along the needle track and the underestimation of tumor malignancy, an excisional biopsy was considered the most practical choice to avoid unnecessary pain and potential implantation.

Outcomes:

The patient underwent surgery and a histopathological examination of the lesion confirmed it as low-grade myxofibrosarcoma.

Lessons subsections:

This report describes a rare case of myxofibrosarcoma of the axillary fossa. High-resolution ultrasound is increasingly used for the initial assessment of soft-tissue masses. However, there are few reports about the ultrasound and contrast-enhanced ultrasound examinations of myxofibrosarcoma. Accurate preoperative diagnosis and proper treatment strategies are critical in managing patients with myxofibrosarcoma. Our case may provide diagnosis experiences and will help better understand and treat this disease.
RNF213 vasculopathy manifested in various forms within a family: A case report
Authors: Lim Seong-Soo , Park Sangshin , Oh Byeong Ho , Jung Kiwook , Bae Jang-Whan , Bae Dae-Hwan
Published: December 2023

Rationale:

The ring finger protein 213 (RNF213) p.R4810K variant has been identified as being associated with Moyamoya disease (MMD), a condition that is more prevalent in East Asians. This association extends beyond cerebral vessels and has been implicated in coronary artery disease.

Patient concerns:

A 36-year-old female was admitted to the emergency room with chest pain. Although the patient had no known underlying conditions or risk factors for atherosclerosis, she was diagnosed with unstable angina and underwent percutaneous coronary intervention. Given her older sister’s ongoing treatment for MMD, it was suspected that the patient’s coronary artery disease might be linked to the MMD-associated gene mutation.

Diagnoses:

Coronary angiography revealed 80% narrowing of the proximal left anterior descending artery. Based on clinical symptoms and coronary angiography, we diagnosed it as unstable angina.

Intervention:

Due to the family history of MMD and detection of the RNF213 p.R4810K heterozygous variant in the patient’s older sister, genetic counseling was recommended. Next-generation sequencing for vascular diseases was performed.

Outcomes:

Genetic testing confirmed the presence of an RNF213 p.R4810K heterozygous variant in the patient, mirroring that in her sister. An RNF213 p.C4397R heterozygous variant was identified concomitantly, although it was categorized as a variant of uncertain significance. Coronary artery disease has been attributed to the RNF213 p.R4810K variant.

Lessons:

Although MMD is rare in Western populations, it is more common in East Asian populations. Traditionally, MMD diagnoses have focused solely on the cerebral vessels without guidelines for the assessment of other vascular involvements. This familial case underscores the fact that a single genetic mutation can manifest in diverse ways in different diseases. Hence, the need and regularity of systemic vessel screening should be thoughtfully considered in such a context.
Seasonality of syphilis in males through the 2011 to 2019 mandatory surveillance period: A cross-sectional study in South Korea
Authors: Song Yeong-Jun , Choi Hoyong
Published: December 2023

Although the effects of seasonality on syphilis have been discussed previously, no previous study has evaluated the seasonality of syphilis incidence by sex and age group. We examined the seasonality of syphilis incidence by sex and age group in Korea from 2011 to 2019. The incidence of syphilis was calculated on the basis of Korea Diseases Control and Prevention Agency data, and an autoregressive integrated moving average (ARIMA) model and seasonal and trend decomposition using Loess were used to analyze the seasonality of the incidence in relation to epidemiological factors. The annual age-standardized incidence rates of primary, secondary, and congenital syphilis were 21.1, 8.8, and 64.0 cases/million persons, respectively, from 2011 to 2019. The highest incidence rates for primary and secondary syphilis were observed among those aged 20 to 29, 13 to 19, and 30 to 49 years, but not among the lower age groups. In analyses based on the ARIMA model, all univariate time series showed the highest goodness-of-fit results with ARIMA for primary syphilis (1,1,2), secondary syphilis (1,1,1), and congenital syphilis (0,1,2) (2,0,0) models. This study suggests that the incidence of secondary syphilis shows a summer seasonality for males and the highest incidence rate in the 20 to 29-year age group for both males and females in Korea. Public health action is needed to prevent an increase in syphilis incidence associated with sex, age group, and seasonal patterns.
Metabolic syndrome and the risk of coronary artery disease among the physicians
Authors: Tangjitgamol Siriwan , Udayachalerm Wasan , Preeyanont Piyanart , Kaewwanna Watcharagan , Ativanichayapong Natapon , Wanishsawad Chad
Published: December 2023

Background:

Physicians, due to their work and lifestyle patterns, can be at risk for metabolic syndrome (MetS). We aimed to evaluate the prevalence of MetS among physicians and its association with coronary artery disease (CAD).

Materials and methods:

This retrospective cross-sectional study collected data on Thai physicians who had medical examination including cardiovascular testing from 14 February to 31 October 2022, in our hospital. Inclusion criteria were those who had complete data for MetS diagnosis per Adult Treatment Panel III criteria and CAD diagnosis information. Outcome measures were prevalence of MetS and CAD prevalence in affected vs non-affected physicians.

Results:

Of 1194 physicians, the median age was 48.0±10.29 years. The authors found 4.5% were obese, 30.6% having high blood pressure, 26.6% high fasting blood sugar (FBS), 12.7% high triglycerides, and 13.7% low high-density lipoprotein (HDL). The prevalence of MetS was 8.9%. Increasing age, systolic blood pressure, body mass index, FBS, triglyceride, and decreasing HDL were identified as independent risk factors of MetS. The prevalence of CAD was 11.4%: 47.2% vs. 7.9% among the physicians with and without MetS respectively (odds ratio 10.41: 95% CI, 6.70–16.16%, P<0.001).

Conclusion:

The prevalence of MetS among Thai physicians in this study was 8.9%. Those physicians with MetS were associated with a 10-fold higher risk of CAD. Physicians who were at risk of developing MetS should consider modifying their health habits and being vigilant about the potential consequences of CAD. Further prospective cohort studies are warranted to validate these results.
Social Determinants of Health in Graduate Nursing Simulation Education
Authors: Murillo Crystal L. , Díaz Desiree A. , Tamanna Nowrin , Worthy Karen , Jenerette Coretta
Published: December 2023

Background:

This integrative review examined how simulation is being used to teach graduate nursing students about the social determinants of health (SDH).

Methods:

The literature search focused on studies that included a sample of graduate nursing students who participated in an SDH simulation-based education (SBE). The timeframe used was 2013 to 2023 as this is when SBE emerged in graduate nursing education. Databases searched included Academic Search Complete, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, PubMed, and Web of Science.

Results:

Nine studies included a sample of graduate nursing students and were included in this review. Published studies ranged from 2013 to 2023.

Conclusion:

The findings of this review highlight the need for graduate nursing faculty to design, implement, and evaluate transformative SDH-specific SBE that prepares students to understand their role as social justice advocates for health equity.
Quantifying the association of individual-level characteristics with disparities in kidney transplant waitlist addition among people with HIV
Authors: Shelton Brittany A. , Sen Bisakha , Becker David J. , MacLennan Paul A. , Budhwani Henna , Locke Jayme E.
Published: December 2023

Background:

Over 45% of people with HIV (PWH) in the United States at least 50 years old and are at heightened risk of aging-related comorbidities including end-stage kidney disease (ESKD), for which kidney transplant is the optimal treatment. Among ESKD patients, PWH have lower likelihood of waitlisting, a requisite step in the transplant process, than individuals without HIV. It is unknown what proportion of the inequity by HIV status can be explained by demographics, medical characteristics, substance use history, and geography.

Methods:

The United States Renal Data System, a national database of all individuals ESKD, was used to create a cohort of people with and without HIV through Medicare claims linkage (2007–2017). The primary outcome was waitlisting. Inverse odds ratio weighting was conducted to assess what proportion of the disparity by HIV status could be explained by individual characteristics.

Results:

Six thousand two hundred and fifty PWH were significantly younger at ESKD diagnosis and more commonly Black with fewer comorbidities. PWH were more frequently characterized as using tobacco, alcohol and drugs. Positive HIV-status was associated with 57% lower likelihood of waitlisting [adjusted hazard ratio (aHR): 0.43, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.46–0.48, P < 0.001]. Controlling for demographics, medical characteristics, substance use and geography explained 39.8% of this observed disparity (aHR: 0.69, 95% CI: 0.59–0.79, P < 0.001).

Conclusion:

PWH were significantly less likely to be waitlisted, and 60.2% of that disparity remained unexplained. HIV characteristics such as CD4+ counts, viral loads, antiretroviral therapy adherence, as well as patient preferences and provider decision-making warrant further study.
BOA
Authors: Haubold Johannes , Baldini Giulia , Parmar Vicky , Schaarschmidt Benedikt Michael , Koitka Sven , Kroll Lennard , van Landeghem Natalie , Umutlu Lale , Forsting Michael , Nensa Felix , Hosch René
Published: December 2023

Purpose

The study aimed to develop the open-source body and organ analysis (BOA), a comprehensive computed tomography (CT) image segmentation algorithm with a focus on workflow integration.

Methods

The BOA combines 2 segmentation algorithms: body composition analysis (BCA) and TotalSegmentator. The BCA was trained with the nnU-Net framework using a dataset including 300 CT examinations. The CTs were manually annotated with 11 semantic body regions: subcutaneous tissue, muscle, bone, abdominal cavity, thoracic cavity, glands, mediastinum, pericardium, breast implant, brain, and spinal cord. The models were trained using 5-fold cross-validation, and at inference time, an ensemble was used. Afterward, the segmentation efficiency was evaluated on a separate test set comprising 60 CT scans. In a postprocessing step, a tissue segmentation (muscle, subcutaneous adipose tissue, visceral adipose tissue, intermuscular adipose tissue, epicardial adipose tissue, and paracardial adipose tissue) is created by subclassifying the body regions. The BOA combines this algorithm and the open-source segmentation software TotalSegmentator to have an all-in-one comprehensive selection of segmentations. In addition, it integrates into clinical workflows as a DICOM node–triggered service using the open-source Orthanc research PACS (Picture Archiving and Communication System) server to make the automated segmentation algorithms available to clinicians. The BCA model's performance was evaluated using the Sørensen-Dice score. Finally, the segmentations from the 3 different tools (BCA, TotalSegmentator, and BOA) were compared by assessing the overall percentage of the segmented human body on a separate cohort of 150 whole-body CT scans.

Results

The results showed that the BCA outperformed the previous publication, achieving a higher Sørensen-Dice score for the previously existing classes, including subcutaneous tissue (0.971 vs 0.962), muscle (0.959 vs 0.933), abdominal cavity (0.983 vs 0.973), thoracic cavity (0.982 vs 0.965), bone (0.961 vs 0.942), and an overall good segmentation efficiency for newly introduced classes: brain (0.985), breast implant (0.943), glands (0.766), mediastinum (0.880), pericardium (0.964), and spinal cord (0.896). All in all, it achieved a 0.935 average Sørensen-Dice score, which is comparable to the one of the TotalSegmentator (0.94). The TotalSegmentator had a mean voxel body coverage of 31% ± 6%, whereas BCA had a coverage of 75% ± 6% and BOA achieved 93% ± 2%.

Conclusions

The open-source BOA merges different segmentation algorithms with a focus on workflow integration through DICOM node integration, offering a comprehensive body segmentation in CT images with a high coverage of the body volume.
Extracorporeal life support in trauma: Indications and techniques
Authors: Lee Alex , Romano Kali , Tansley Gavin , Al-Khaboori Sadiq , Thiara Sonny , Garraway Naisan , Finlayson Gordon , Kanji Hussein D. , Isac George , Ta Kim Long , Sidhu Amandeep , Carolan Mark , Triana Eleanor , Summers Cara , Joos Emilie , Ball Chad G. , Hameed Syed Morad
Published: December 2023

BACKGROUND

Clarity about indications and techniques in extracorporeal life support (ECLS) in trauma is essential for timely and effective deployment, and to ensure good stewardship of an important resource. Extracorporeal life support deployments in a tertiary trauma center were reviewed to understand the indications, strategies, and tactics of ECLS in trauma.

METHODS

The provincial trauma registry was used to identify patients who received ECLS at a Level I trauma center and ECLS organization–accredited site between January 2014 and February 2021. Charts were reviewed for indications, technical factors, and outcomes following ECLS deployment. Based on this data, consensus around indications and techniques for ECLS in trauma was reached and refined by a multidisciplinary team discussion.

RESULTS

A total of 25 patients underwent ECLS as part of a comprehensive trauma resuscitation strategy. Eighteen patients underwent venovenous ECLS and seven received venoarterial ECLS. Nineteen patients survived the ECLS run, of which 15 survived to discharge. Four patients developed vascular injuries secondary to cannula insertion while four patients developed circuit clots. On multidisciplinary consensus, three broad indications for ECLS and their respective techniques were described: gas exchange for lung injury, extended damage control for severe injuries associated with the lethal triad, and circulatory support for cardiogenic shock or hypothermia.

CONCLUSION

The three broad indications for ECLS in trauma (gas exchange, extended damage control and circulatory support) require specific advanced planning and standardization of corresponding techniques (cannulation, circuit configuration, anticoagulation, and duration). When appropriately and effectively integrated into the trauma response, ECLS can extend the damage control paradigm to enable the management of complex multisystem injuries.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Therapeutic/Care Management; Level IV.
Maximizing wound coverage in full-thickness skin defects: A randomized-controlled trial of autologous skin cell suspension and widely meshed autograft versus standard autografting
Authors: Henry Sharon , Mapula Steven , Grevious Mark , Foster Kevin N. , Phelan Herbert , Shupp Jeffrey , Chan Rodney , Harrington David , Mashruwala Neil , Brown David A. , Mir Haaris , Singer George , Cordova Alfredo , Rae Lisa , Chin Theresa , Castanon Lourdes , Bell Derek , Hughes William , Molnar Joseph A.
Published: December 2023

BACKGROUND

Traumatic insults, infection, and surgical procedures can leave skin defects that are not amenable to primary closure. Split-thickness skin grafting (STSG) is frequently used to achieve closure of these wounds. Although effective, STSG can be associated with donor site morbidity, compounding the burden of illness in patients undergoing soft tissue reconstruction procedures. With an expansion ratio of 1:80, autologous skin cell suspension (ASCS) has been demonstrated to significantly decrease donor skin requirements compared with traditional STSG in burn injuries. We hypothesized that the clinical performance of ASCS would be similar for soft tissue reconstruction of nonburn wounds.

METHODS

A multicenter, within-patient, evaluator-blinded, randomized-controlled trial was conducted of 65 patients with acute, nonthermal, full-thickness skin defects requiring autografting. For each patient, two treatment areas were randomly assigned to concurrently receive a predefined standard-of-care meshed STSG (control) or ASCS + more widely meshed STSG (ASCS+STSG). Coprimary endpoints were noninferiority of ASCS+STSG for complete treatment area closure by Week 8, and superiority for relative reduction in donor skin area.

RESULTS

At 8 weeks, complete closure was observed for 58% of control areas compared with 65% of ASCS+STSG areas (p = 0.005), establishing noninferiority of ASCS+STSG. On average, 27.4% less donor skin was required with ASCS+ STSG, establishing superiority over control (p < 0.001). Clinical healing (≥95% reepithelialization) was achieved in 87% and 85% of Control and ASCS+STSG areas, respectively, at 8 weeks. The treatment approaches had similar long-term scarring outcomes and safety profiles, with no unanticipated events and no serious ASCS device-related events.

CONCLUSION

ASCS+STSG represents a clinically effective and safe solution to reduce the amount of skin required to achieve definitive closure of full-thickness defects without compromising healing, scarring, or safety outcomes. This can lead to reduced donor site morbidity and potentially decreased cost associated with patient care.

Clincaltrials.gov identifier: NCT04091672

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Therapeutic/Care Management; Level I.
Nephrogenic diabetes insipidus in a geriatric patient affected by SARS-CoV-2: complexity of a diagnosis, complexity of a virus
Authors: Corich Maria Ada , Niero Michele , Corich Lucia , Ferretti Elisabetta , De Colle Paolo , Bernardi Stella , Ceschia Giuliano , Sanson Gianfranco , Zanetti Michela
Published: December 2023

Background. We describe the alteration of the last part of the nephron induced by Sars-CoV-2. Most previous studies have highlighted lesions caused by this virus in the early segments of the nephron. Starting from the pharmacological complexity and comorbidities of the geriatric patient and tracing a pathophysiological and molecular path, we demonstrate a new etiology of nephrogenic diabetes insipidus compared to those most commonly possible.
Methods. A 71 years old man with a respiratory failure in Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) pneumonia presented the typical symptoms of diabetes insipidus after about 20 days of hospitalization. The water deprivation test led to the diagnosis of nephrogenic diabetes insipidus.
The etiological study was complex particularly because due to the patient’s previous lithium therapy.
Results. The sequence of pathognomonic events typical of diabetes insipidus associated with anamnestic, clinical and laboratory evidences supported strongly the diagnosis of nephrogenic diabetes insipidus due to SARS-CoV-2, rather than to other etiologies.
Conclusions. The collecting duct could represent a target for SARS-CoV-2 infection, directly or indirectly as a result of lesions of upstream portions of the nephron which would cascade into the distal segment. Other molecules, besides angiotensin 2 converting enzyme, might be involved in facilitating the viral aggression. The complexity of the geriatric patient shows the importance of a comprehensive approach which integrates a careful monitoring of clinical signs and symptoms,  laboratory and instrumental tests. This is especially important in the context of SARS-CoV-2 infection and in the management of its unexpected complications.
Detection of clinically relevant antibiotic-resistant bacteria in shared fomites, waste water and municipal solid wastes disposed near residential areas of a Nigerian city
Authors: Yusuf Ibrahim , Muhammad Zainab Damji , Muhammad Amin Binta , Shuaibu Maryam Danladi , Hamza Nafisatu , Isah Hajara Dauda , Abdullahi Nasir Bako , Ene Patience James , Shuaibu Sameera Salisu , Doguwa Nasir , Pedro Shamsudeen Lekan , Muhammad Maryam Adamu
Published: December 2023

Studies investigating environmental hotspots of antibiotic-resistant bacteria (ARB) and antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) in Nigeria are limited. This study was designed to assess various environmental sources and commonly touched surfaces as potential carriers of ARB and ARGs with implications for public health. A total of 392 samples, including sewage (36), sludge (36), diapers (20), plastics (20), water sachet polythene bags (20), food wastes (20), soil beneath dump sites (20), and frequently touched surfaces such as restroom floors (80), corridors (24), door handles (56), and room floors and walls (60), were collected and screened for the presence of resistant bacteria carrying genes such as bla

KPC
, bla

NDM-1
, bla

CMY-2
, bla

IMP
, bla

OXA66
and MecA. Additionally, we employed standard techniques to detect methicillin-resistant

Staphylococcus aureus

(MRSA) and extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL)-producing Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and

Acinetobacter baumannii

. We also evaluated the effectiveness of routine disinfection procedures in eliminating ARB from restroom floors. Our findings revealed that sewage, sludge, diapers, food wastes and restroom floors are frequently contaminated with highly and moderately resistant strains of E. coli, K. pneumoniae, P. aeruginosa and MRSA. Notably, we identified two variants of the bla

OXA51-like
gene (bla

OXA-66
and bla

OXA-180
) in

A. baumannii

isolated from these environmental sources. Furthermore, we detected seven ESBL-

K. pneumoniae

, five ESBL-

A. baumannii

, two ESBL-

E. coli

and one ESBL-

P. aeruginosa

, all carrying one or more ARGs (bla

KPC
, bla

NDM-1
, bla

CMY-2
), in isolates recovered from sewage, sludge, restroom floors and plastics. It is of note that ARB persisted on restroom floors even after disinfection procedures. In conclusion, this study highlights that environmental wastes indiscriminately discarded in residential areas and shared surfaces among individuals are heavily colonized by ARB carrying ARGs of significant public health importance.
Frankia nepalensis sp. nov., a non-infective non-nitrogen-fixing isolate from root nodules of Coriaria nepalensis Wall
Authors: Nouioui Imen , Neumann-Schaal Meina , Pujic Petar , Fournier Pascale , Normand Philippe , Herrera-Belaroussi Aude , Vemulapally Spandana , Guerra Trina , Hahn Dittmar
Published: December 2023

Strains CN4T, CN6, CN7 and CNm7 were isolated from root nodules of Coriaria nepalensis from Murree in Pakistan. They do not form root nodules on C. nepalensis nor on Alnus glutinosa although they deformed root hairs of Alnus. The colonies are bright red-pigmented, the strains form hyphae and sporangia but no N2-fixing vesicles and do not fix nitrogen in vitro. The peptidoglycan of strain CN4T contains meso-diaminopimelic acid; whole cell sugars consist of ribose, mannose, glucose, galactose and rhamnose. Diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylinositol and two unknown lipids represent the major polar lipids; MK-9(H4) and MK-9(H6) are the predominant menaquinones (>15 %), and iso-C16 : 0 and C17 : 1ω8c are the major fatty acids (>15 %). The results of comparative 16S rRNA gene sequence analyses indicated that strain CN4T is most closely related to

Frankia saprophytica

CN 3T. An MLSA phylogeny using amino acids sequences of AtpD, DnaA, FtsZ, Pgk and RpoB, assigned the strain to cluster 4 non-nodulating species, close to

F. saprophytica

CN 3T
, Frankia asymbiotica M16386T and

Frankia inefficax

EuI1cT with 0.04 substitutions per site, while that value was 0.075 with other strains. Digital DNA–DNA hybridization (dDDH) and average nucleotide identity (ANI) values between CN4T and all species of the genus

Frankia

with validly published names were below the defined threshold for prokaryotic species demarcation, with dDDH and ANI values at or below 27.8 and 83.7 %, respectively. The four strains CN4T, CN6, CN7 and CNm7 had dDDH (98.6–99.6 %) and ANI values that grouped them as representing a single species. CN4T has a 10.76 Mb genome. CN4T was different from its close phylogenetic neighbours with validly published names in being red-pigmented, in having several lantibiotic-coding clusters, a carbon monoxide dehydrogenase cluster and a clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR) cluster. The results of phenotypic, physiological and phylogenomic analyses confirmed the assignment of strain CN4T (=DSM 114740T = LMG 32595T) to a novel species, with CN4T as type strain, for which the name Frankia nepalensis sp. nov. is proposed.
Multi-drug-resistant tuberculosis and its associated factors among pulmonary tuberculosis patients linked to first-line anti-tuberculosis drugs in north-west Ethiopia
Authors: Erkihun Mulat , Kiros Teklehaimanot , Berhan Ayenew , Ayele Bayu
Published: December 2023

Introduction. Multi-drug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) is an emerging global challenge. Ethiopia is one of the 20 top countries with the highest estimated numbers of incidents of MDR-TB. Recently, the World Health Organization warned that drug-resistant TB is escalating and called for concerted action to reduce the spread of drug resistance.

Hypothesis. The current study investigated MDR-TB in patients receiving first-line anti-TB drug treatment and associated factors.

Aim. The study aimed to determine the prevalence of MDR-TB and its associated factors among smear-positive pulmonary TB patients receiving first-line anti-TB drug treatment.

Methodology. An institution-based cross-sectional study was employed. All data were collected from laboratory result log books and information via a questionnaire. Samples from 205 smear-positive pulmonary TB patients were selected among first-line drug treatment by a systematic sampling method. Specimens were transported to Felege Hiwot referral hospital laboratory for GeneXpert testing. Factors associated with an outcome variable in binary multi-variable logistic regression analysis at P<0.05 were considered statistically significant variables. An ethical approval letter was taken to the respective health facility and written consent was obtained from each participant.

Results. The overall prevalence of MDR-TB was 9.3 % (95 % CI, 5.4 13.7 %). Sign and symptom experience of anti-TB drug side effects [adjusted odds ratio (AOR)=0.18, 95 % CI=0.03–0.99, P=0.049] and co-morbidity (AOR=0.03, 95 % CI=0.01–0.55, P=0.02) were statistically associated with the development of MDR-TB infection

Conclusion. The prevalence of MDR-TB was high (9.3 %) and contributed highly to new cases (8.3 %). Factors associated with MDR-TB were previous treatment, co-morbidity and laboratory diagnosis method prior to TB treatment. Therefore, this finding aims to maximize early detection and treatment, strengthening TB infection control, and proper implementation of directly observed therapy short course recommendations to reduce the burden of MDR-TB.
Revealing the biology behind MRI signatures in high grade glioma
Authors: Lewis Erika M , Mao Lingchao , Wang Lujia , Swanson Kristin R , Barajas Ramon F , Li Jing , Tran Nhan L , Hu Leland S , Plaisier Christopher L
Published: December 2023

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) measurements are routinely collected during the treatment of high-grade gliomas (HGGs) to characterize tumor boundaries and guide surgical tumor resection. Using spatially matched MRI and transcriptomics we discovered HGG tumor biology captured by MRI measurements. We strategically overlaid the spatially matched omics characterizations onto a pre-existing transcriptional map of glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) to enhance the robustness of our analyses. We discovered that T1+C measurements, designed to capture vasculature and blood brain barrier (BBB) breakdown and subsequent contrast extravasation, also indirectly reveal immune cell infiltration. The disruption of the vasculature and BBB within the tumor creates a permissive infiltrative environment that enables the transmigration of anti-inflammatory macrophages into tumors. These relationships were validated through histology and enrichment of genes associated with immune cell transmigration and proliferation. Additionally, T2-weighted (T2W) and mean diffusivity (MD) measurements were associated with angiogenesis and validated using histology and enrichment of genes involved in neovascularization. Furthermore, we establish an unbiased approach for identifying additional linkages between MRI measurements and tumor biology in future studies, particularly with the integration of novel MRI techniques. Lastly, we illustrated how noninvasive MRI can be used to map HGG biology spatially across a tumor, and this provides a platform to develop diagnostics, prognostics, or treatment efficacy biomarkers to improve patient outcomes.
Time of surgery for aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage in patients ≥70 years
Authors: Zhang Hengrui , Wang Bangyue , Wang Ruyi , Peng Chao , Hou Changkai , Zhao Yan , Huan Linchun , Chai Yanfen , Yang Xinyu , Yu Jianjun
Published: December 2023

Objective

To establish a time-to-surgery threshold for elderly aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage patients before the risk of mortality increases.

Methods

A cohort study using data with consecutive patients 70 years and older(N=743). Risk-adjusted restricted cubic splines modeled the mortality according to wait-time. The inflection point (in hours) when mortality began to increase was used to define early-time, middle-time and late-time surgery. To evaluate the robustness of this definition, outcomes among propensity-score matched non-middle surgical and middle-time surgical patients were compared using percent absolute risk differences.

Results

There were a total of 535 patients who met inclusion. Their mean age was 74.3 (4.38) years. Cox models with restricted cubic spline showed a statistically significant U shaped association for onset-to-surgery time with two year all cause mortality. 66 patients (12.3%) received middle-time surgery and 469 patients (87.7%) received early-time or late-time surgery. There were 60 (91%) patients in the middle-time surgery group matched to those in the non-middle-time group. Of the 60 matched patients who received surgery after less than 49 hours or more than 68 hours, 23 patients (38.3%) died within 24 months vs 14 patients (23.3%) of 60 who received surgery within 49 to 68 hours, for an absolute risk difference of 15% (95% CI, -2.68% to 31.50%).

Conclusions

In this study, onset-to-treatment time showed a U shaped association with 24 months all cause mortality. Early surgery was superior to delayed surgery in reducing death rate. Elderly patients with poor tolerance to ultra-early surgery in whom operation was probably postponed.
Microplastics are detected in bull and dog sperm and polystyrene microparticles impair sperm fertilization
Authors: Grechi N. , Ferronato G.A. , Devkota S. , Ferraz M.A.M.M.
Published: December 2023

The alarming increase in global infertility rates has coincided with the pervasive accumulation of microplastics (MPs) resulting from the poor management of plastic waste. This concerning trend is particularly troubling because only 10% of male infertility cases can be attributed to identifiable causes, leaving a significant knowledge gap in our understanding of their underlying factors. To bridge this critical gap, it is important to explore the connection between the accumulation of MPs and the observed decline in male fertility. Here, the presence of microplastics in reproductive fluids from bulls and dogs was assessed and used as baseline concentrations for bull sperm exposure. Bovine epididymal sperm (ES) presented a mean of 72.5 MP particles mL-1(0.3691 μg mL−1) while canine seminal plasma had an average of 35.4 MP particles mL-1(0.0066 μg mL−1). Bovine sperm was exposed to three different concentrations of a mixture of 1.1, 0.5, and 0.3 µm polystyrene (PS) beads: (1) 0.7 μg mL−1, blood concentration of PS in cows (bPS); (2) 0.37 μg mL−1, concentration of total MPs in ES (esMP); and (3) 0.026 μg mL−1, concentration of PS in ES (esPS). All sperm samples incubated with PS exhibited reduced motility compared with the CT at 0.5 h. However, PS exposure did not affect acrosome or induced oxidative stress. When used forin vitrofertilization, the sperm exposed to PS had decreased blastocyst rates, in addition to inducing ROS formation and apoptosis on resulting embryos. By employing realistic exposure concentrations, this research sought to shed light on the comprehensive impact of MPs on bovine sperm and the quality of resulting embryos, providing the first evidence of MPs in bovine and dog sperm and demonstrating the detrimental effect of PS MPs on sperm motility and functionality.

Graphical Abstract

Highlights

Microplastics were found across the most diverse range of environments and their presence have been shown to affect reproductive parameters within different species.

True-to-life concentrations of exposure were used to assess the potential effects of polystyrene in sperm parameters and fertilization.

Polystyrene microplastics attach to sperm and decrease motility, also reducing sperm functionality as seen by decreased blastocyst rate and increased oxidative stress in embryos.
Consumer food choice motives and willingness to try plant-based meat: moderating effect of meat attachment
Authors: Chen Mei-Fang
Published: December 2023

Purpose

The adverse effects on environmental sustainability, human health and animal welfare are often cited as the main reasons for reducing animal-based meat production and consumption. This study explored the food choice motives that determine consumer attitude toward plant-based meat (PBM) as a sustainable meat alternative. The theory of planned behavior (TPB) was applied to further determine whether an individual’s attitude toward PBM, subjective norms and perceived behavioral control influence their willingness to try novel meat substitutes (i.e. PBM). Finally, the moderating effect of meat attachment was also considered.

Design/methodology/approach

Online self-reported questionnaires were administered in Taiwan, and 294 valid questionnaires were collected. Structural equation modeling (SEM) and moderated regression were employed for analysis.

Findings

The results clarified the food choice motives that influenced consumer attitude toward PBM and revealed that attitude and subjective norms pertaining to trying PBM explained up to 35.03% of the variance in consumer willingness to try PBM. Notably, consumer meat attachment moderated the positive relationship between consumer attitude toward PBM and willingness to try PBM such that it became negative.

Practical implications

On the basis of the empirical findings regarding the food choice motives that influence consumer attitude and willingness to try PBM, this study provided practical implications for marketers seeking to increase consumer willingness to try PBM.

Originality/value

The main theoretical contribution of this research is that food choice motives should be considered in a TPB model to explain consumer willingness to try PBM. The moderating effect of consumer meat attachment should also be considered.
Green certification practices and process innovation alignment: diminishing point and catching up in nation's economic development
Authors: Nguyen Hung , Onofrei George , Yang Ying , Nguyen Kevin , Akbari Mohammadreza , Pham Hiep
Published: December 2023

Purpose

The manufacturing investment shift from developed countries to emerging and developing regions creates further needs for identifying appropriate green certification strategies. This study proposes that alignments between green certification practices (GCRs) and process innovation (PIN) could help identify appropriate strategies that national economic development can influence.

Design/methodology/approach

Drawing on the diffusion of innovation theories, this study proposed a taxonomy to examine whether sustainable performance differs depending on the levels of alignment and the role of national economic development. The study uses an empirical survey approach to highlight alignments between GCRs and PIN among developed, developing and emerging economic nations, addressing resource allocation for the world's sustainable development goals (SDGs).

Findings

Manufacturers need to align PIN practices with the level of green certification to achieve sustainable performance. Manufacturers experiencing higher payoffs from various improvements successfully align in GCR and PIN. The alignment between these two concepts can derive different taxonomies, which highlight performance and managerial implications for manufacturers. The manufacturers followed three distinct typologies: minimalist, process active and proactive. Besides, building on the theory of performance frontiers, the findings indicated that manufacturers in developing and emerging economies placed the most substantial GCR effort compared to their counterparts in developed nations. Manufacturers in developed countries are increasingly reaching the “diminishing points” and investing limited resources in GCR just enough to keep their competitive positioning as order qualifiers rather than order winners. Developing economies are catching up very quickly in attaining GCRs and business performance.

Research limitations/implications

This insight is essential for managers to adapt to nations' economic development conditions and appropriately and effectively align resources.

Practical implications

The findings offer a decision-making process and provide straightforward guidelines for supply chain managers' green certification adoption.

Originality/value

In including both PIN and green certification, this paper adds greater comprehensiveness and richness to the supply chain literature.
Moving beyond delinking, decoloniality and the pluriverse: reflections on the “decolonizing international business” debate
Authors: Zagelmeyer Stefan
Published: December 2023

Purpose

This viewpoint adds context and variety to the “decolonizing international business” debate by engaging in a discussion of the decolonial thinking approach and proposing a broader framework for analysing the link between international business (IB) activities on the one hand and colonisation and decolonisation on the other. The purpose of this paper is to inspire a more intensive engagement of IB scholarship with issues related to colonisation and decolonisation.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper involves taking a reflexive review on recent calls to decolonise IB, contextualising and extending the decolonisation debate in the academic field of IB.

Findings

This paper argues that the current discussion of decolonisation should be extended beyond the decolonial thinking approach and its focus on knowledge and the cultural dimension towards a broader framework that covers both colonisation and decolonisation as well as the respective economic, political, social and cultural dimensions. It introduces the varieties of colonisation and decolonisation approach, which considers the complexities of the phenomenon and covers the economic, social, political and cultural dimensions.

Research limitations/implications

Through its focus on foreign market expansion, international trade, global value chains and formal and informal institutions in the business environment, the academic field of IB provides several starting points for research on the link between IB activities and colonisation and decolonisation. The decolonisation debate can be used to inspire future research in IB, for example, with respect to the role of multinational corporations in colonisation and neo-colonisation processes and the implications of the emerging multipolar world order for IB.

Practical implications

IB scholars will be better informed when engaging in discussions on decolonisation and the decolonise IB project. This paper suggests considering both colonisation and decolonisation processes as well as the respective economic, political, social and cultural dimensions in research and teaching. The varieties of colonisation and decolonisation approach provides a comprehensive and flexible alternative framework to analyse issues related to colonisation and decolonisation.

Social implications

A balanced view of the implications of colonisation and decolonisation with respect to economic, political, social and cultural dimensions may suitably be incorporated in the field of IB and contribute to tackling grand societal challenges. This applies likewise to past, current and future processes of colonisation and decolonisation.

Originality/value

This paper contextualises and adds a new perspective and variety to the current debate on decolonising IB. This is valuable for engaging in discussions on decolonisation and future conceptual and empirical research on the topic.