bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The secret meal of Antarctic mesopelagic fish (Myctophidae: Electrona) revealed by multi-marker metabarcoding
Authors: Ruiz Micaela Belen , Saunders Ryan Alexander , Tarling Geraint A. , Murray Ayla , Leese Florian , Havermans Charlotte 
Published: November 2024

IntroductionIn the Southern Ocean, myctophids are the most successful pelagic fish group in terms of diversity, biomass, and abundance. They play a crucial role in linking primary consumers and coupling carbon flux between surface and mesopelagic depths. Understanding their trophodynamics is key to assessing pelagic ecosystem resilience under environmental change. Conventional stomach content analyses indicate that myctophids predominantly feed on crustaceans, such as copepods and euphausiids, but are less effective at detecting easily digestible, soft-bodied organisms like gelatinous zooplankton (GZP) and pteropods. MethodsThis study used multimarker (COI Leray-XT and 18S v1-v2) DNA metabarcoding to analyze the diets of two abundant myctophids in the Scotia Sea, Electrona antarctica and Electrona carlsbergi.Results and discussionWe found a diverse diet dominated by copepods and euphausiids, followed by pteropods and GZP in terms of frequency of occurrence and relative read abundances. Within the GZP, salps and appendicularians were major components of the diet for E. carlsbergi, while hydrozoans were prominent in E. antarctica. With regards seasonal and spatial variability in the dietary contribution of GZP, E. carlsbergi consumed primarily appendicularians, chaetognaths, and hydrozoans during spring (2006) in the northern region, and more salps (predominantly Ilhea racovitzai) and other cnidarians in autumn (2009) in the southern region. Our study reveals the dietary diversity of myctophid fish as well as the importance GZP consumption as a key trophic pathway in the Southern Ocean.
Beneficial effects of non-invasive physical plasma on human periodontal ligament cells in vitro
Authors: Eggers Benedikt , Seher Lennard , Marciniak Jana , Pauck Tristan , Deschner James , Eick Sigrun , Stope Matthias Bernhard , Kramer Franz-Josef , Küchler Erika Calvano , Kirschneck Christian , Nokhbehsaim Marjan , Beisel-Memmert Svenja 
Published: November 2024

IntroductionPeriodontitis is a chronic inflammatory disease of the periodontium that can lead to the loss of affected teeth if left untreated. It is induced by a multifactorial process centered on microbial pathogens such as Fusobacterium nucleatum (F.n.). Non-invasive physical plasma (NIPP), a highly reactive gas, has become a focus of research, not only for its hemostatic, proliferation-enhancing and apoptotic properties, but also for its antimicrobial potential. The objective of this study was to examine the impact of NIPP on human periodontal ligament (PDL) cells that had been induced into a state of periodontal infection in vitro.MethodsInitially, the solitary effect of NIPP was evaluated by measuring temperature and pH and analyzing reactive oxygen species (ROS). Additionally, DAPI and phalloidin staining were employed to investigate possible cytotoxic effects. The cells were pre-incubated with F.n. and treated with NIPP after 24 hours. Interleukin (IL)-6 and IL-8 were analyzed at mRNA and protein levels, respectively, by real-time PCR and ELISA.ResultsNIPP alone had no significant effect on PDL cells. However, the F.n.-induced upregulation of IL-6 and IL-8 was counteracted by NIPP.DiscussionThus, the utilization of NIPP may be regarded as a promising therapeutic strategy for the treatment of periodontal diseases.
Efficacy of thumbtack needle acupuncture combined with PCIA on patients after laparoscopic myomectomy: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Mao Peiyu , Meng Weijie , Mao Tongxin , Li Hui , Xu Xuqun , Jiang Xuelu , Yang Huadi 
Published: November 2024

BackgroundPain and gastrointestinal dysfunction after laparoscopic myomectomy (LM) are significant issues that prevent this procedure from being classified as a “Day Surgery.” This study aims to assess the effectiveness and safety of thumbtack needle acupuncture (TNA) combined with patient-controlled intravenous analgesia (PCIA) for promoting enhanced recovery after LM.MethodsA total of 52 patients were enrolled in the study, divided into a treatment group receiving TNA and a control group. Both groups were administered PCIA without background sufentanil. For rescue analgesia or antiemetic needs, a bolus infusion of flurbiprofen axetil (50 mg) or intravenous metoclopramide (10 mg) was provided. The primary outcomes measured were the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) scores at awakening, as well as at 36 h, 48 h, and 60 h after LM. Secondary outcomes included VAS scores at 6 h, 12 h, 24 h, and 72 h after LM, total sufentanil consumption, the number of PCIA analgesic requests (attempts), the number of doses of rescue flurbiprofen axel analgesia required, preoperative anxiety scores, gastrointestinal function recovery assessment, first ambulation time, length of hospital stay, and patient satisfaction. Adverse events were also recorded.ResultsCompared to the control group, the treatment group showed significantly lower VAS scores, fewer analgesia attempts, reduced total sufentanil consumption, and a smaller number of rescue analgesia doses after LM, along with lower preoperative anxiety scores and higher satisfaction with pain management (p &lt; 0.05). Gastrointestinal function recovery was enhanced in the treatment group, as indicated by earlier flatus and defecation, a lower incidence of postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV), and a smaller number of metoclopramide doses required (p &lt; 0.05). Additionally, ambulation occurred earlier, and the length of hospital stay was shorter in the treatment group (p &lt; 0.05). No adverse events were observed in patients receiving TNA.ConclusionTNA is a safe intervention that effectively alleviates postoperative pain, decreases the total consumption of sufentanil, reduces preoperative anxiety, enhances the recovery of gastrointestinal function, and shortens the duration of hospitalization, making it an ideal adjunct treatment for postoperative recovery after LM. Further research is required to understand the mechanisms underlying this intervention.Clinical trial registrationwww.chictr.org.cn, ChiCTR2300069015.
Metagenomics insights into bacterial diversity and antibiotic resistome of the sewage in the city of Belém, Pará, Brazil
Authors: Ramos Sérgio , Júnior Edivaldo , Alegria Oscar , Vieira Elianne , Patroca Sandro , Cecília Ana , Moreira Fabiano , Nunes Adriana 
Published: November 2024

IntroductionThe advancement of antimicrobial resistance is a significant public health issue today. With the spread of resistant bacterial strains in water resources, especially in urban sewage, metagenomic studies enable the investigation of the microbial composition and resistance genes present in these locations. This study characterized the bacterial community and antibiotic resistance genes in a sewage system that receives effluents from various sources through metagenomics.MethodsOne liter of surface water was collected at four points of a sewage channel, and after filtration, the total DNA was extracted and then sequenced on an NGS platform (Illumina® NextSeq). The sequenced data were trimmed, and the microbiome was predicted using the Kraken software, while the resistome was analyzed on the CARD webserver. All ecological and statistical analyses were performed using the. RStudio tool.Results and discussionThe complete metagenome results showed a community with high diversity at the beginning and more restricted diversity at the end of the sampling, with a predominance of the phyla Bacteroidetes, Actinobacteria, Firmicutes, and Proteobacteria. Most species were considered pathogenic, with an emphasis on those belonging to the Enterobacteriaceae family. It was possible to identify bacterial groups of different threat levels to human health according to a report by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The resistome analysis predominantly revealed genes that confer resistance to multiple drugs, followed by aminoglycosides and macrolides, with efflux pumps and drug inactivation being the most prevalent resistance mechanisms. This work was pioneering in characterizing resistance in a sanitary environment in the Amazon region and reinforces that sanitation measures for urban sewage are necessary to prevent the advancement of antibiotic resistance and the contamination of water resources, as evidenced by the process of eutrophication.
Laparoscopic liver resection versus radiofrequency ablation for hepatocellular carcinoma within Milan criteria: a meta-analysis and systematic review
Authors: Xu Lin , Lin Zhenyu , Chen Dong , Huang Zhangkan , Huang Xiaozhun , Che Xu 
Published: November 2024

BackgroundMinimally invasive techniques have significantly gained popularity for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) based on the Milan criteria. However, whether or not laparoscopic liver resection (LLR) or radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is a better treatment option remains debatable. We conducted a meta-analysis to review the published data comparing LLR and RFA for HCC through Milan criteria depending on tumor recurrence risk and survival.MethodsPubMed, OvidSP, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library databases were searched from inception to December 31, 2023. The studies comparing the outcomes and methods between LLR and RFA for HCC within the Milan criteria were included.ResultsWe recruited 19 cohort studies with 2532 patients. The postoperative complication rate was low, and hospital stays were shorter in the RFA group than in the LLR group. The total tumor recurrence, the local tumor recurrence rate, and the intrahepatic tumor recurrence rate were lower within the LLR group than in the RFA group. There was no significant difference in the extrahepatic recurrence rate between the two groups. Moreover, no significant differences were observed between the groups concerning 1-, 3-, and 5-year overall survival (OS) and 1-year recurrence-free survival (RFS). However, 3-year and 5-year RFS were better within the LLR group than among the RFA group.ConclusionsThe treatment of HCC within the Milan criteria is moving toward multidisciplinary and minimally invasive approaches. Our meta-analysis identified a lower postoperative complication rate and higher recurrence rate for RFA than LLR. RFA could be an alternative treatment due to its comparable long-term efficacy with LLR.
Case Report: Nephrocalcinosis in an infant due to vitamin-D food supplement overdose
Authors: Pizzini Carla , Ossato Andrea , Realdon Nicola , Tessari Roberto 
Published: November 2024

BackgroundVitamin D is a vital lipophilic vitamin that plays a pivotal role in calcium regulation, bone metabolism, and overall health. It is of the utmost importance to maintain appropriate serum levels of vitamin D from the moment of birth. The recommended daily intake for infants under the age of 12 months is 400 IU. In Europe, vitamin D is available in two forms: as a medicinal product and as a food supplement. The food supplement market is experiencing rapid growth, yet it is characterised by a lack of harmonised regulations, which may give rise to potential risks associated with their widespread use. While food supplements are typically regarded as safe, there is a potential for adverse effects, particularly when dosages are not properly managed.Case report and managementThis report presents the case of a 22-month-old girl who developed nephrocalcinosis as a result of an overdose of vitamin D from a dietary supplement purchased online. The initial presentation was characterised by symptoms such as polydipsia, polyuria and decreased growth. It was subsequently revealed that the child had been receiving an excessively high dose of vitamin D, amounting to 25 times the recommended amount, over a period of seven months. Despite normal calcium levels and renal function at the time of presentation, ultrasound imaging revealed the presence of early-stage nephrocalcinosis. The treatment plan involved hospital admission, intravenous hydration, a thiazide diuretic, potassium citrate, and a low-calcium diet. The vitamin D supplement was ceased. Over the course of a year, the patient demonstrated recovery in growth and normalization of vitamin D levels, although nephrocalcinosis remained stable.ConclusionThis case study highlights the potential dangers of unsupervised vitamin D supplementation, emphasising the importance of healthcare professionals exercising vigilance in prescribing and advising on vitamin D use, particularly in children. Furthermore, it underscores the necessity of establishing a database to track long-term outcomes in paediatric vitamin D intoxication cases, given the rarity of such incidents. This would facilitate the development of appropriate treatment protocols and provide valuable information to parents.
Preliminary investigation of the in vitro anti-Helicobacter pylori activity of Triphala
Authors: Zhu Zhixiang , Zou Yuanjing , Ou Ling , Chen Meiyun , Pang Yujiang , Li Hui , Hao Yajie , Su Bingmei , Lai Yuqian , Zhang Liping , Jia Junwei , Wei Ruixia , Zhang Guimin , Yao Meicun , Feng Zhong 
Published: November 2024

BackgroundTriphala, is a composite of three individual botanical drugs: Terminalia chebula, Terminalia bellirica, and Emblica officinalis. It exhibits properties such as heatclearing, anti-inflammatory, anti-fatigue, antioxidant, and antibacterial effects,making it extensively utilized in India and Tibet. It has been found to exhibitinhibitory effects on Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori); however, further comprehensive research is still needed to elucidate its specific antibacterial mechanism. The present study investigates the in vitro antibacterial activity and antibacterial mechanism of Triphala against H. pylori.MethodsOurs research investigates the in vitro inhibitory activity of Triphala on multiple standard and clinical strains using microdilution broth method, time-kill curve, time-bactericidal curve and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Furthermore, the antibacterial mechanism of Triphala is further explored through experiments on urease activity, biofilm formation, anti-adhesion properties, virulence actor assays using RT-qPCR and Western Blotting techniques.ResultsThe research findings indicate that Triphala exhibits a minimum inhibitory concentration of 80–320 μg/mL against both standard and clinical strains of H. pylori. Triphala exerts its anti-H. pylori effect by perturbing the microstructure of H. pylori, downregulating adhesion-associated genes (alpA, alpB, babA), urease-related genes (ureA, ureB, ureE, ureF), and flagellar genes (flaA, flaB); inhibiting bacterial adhesion, biofilm formation, urease activity as well as CagA protein expression.DiscussionThese findings suggest that Triphala exerts inhibitory effects on H. pylori activity through multiple mechanisms, underscoring its potential as a new drug for the prevention and treatment of H. pylori infection.
Meta-analysis of the effect of sophora flavescens on tumor metastasis-induced bone neuropathic pain
Authors: Chang Cheng , Sun Di , Zhang Zhilei , He Lei , Wang Qiang , Shen Yingchao , Zhu Hengzhou , Fan Donghua 
Published: November 2024

BackgroundTumor metastasis to bone is a critical and painful stage in cancer progression, significantly affecting patients’ quality of life. Traditional treatments for bone neuropathic pain often exhibit limited efficacy and undesirable side effects. Sophora flavescens, an herb used in traditional Chinese medicine, has shown potential analgesic and anti-cancer properties, but the existing evidence is fragmented and inconsistent.MethodsIn accordance with PRISMA guidelines, an extensive literature search was performed across PubMed, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library databases, Embase, Medline, CNKI, VIP, Wanfang Database, CBMdisc to identify relevant studies. The inclusion criteria focused on randomized controlled trials (RCTs) investigating the use of Sophora flavescens for bone neuropathic pain. Data related to pain intensity, mechanisms of action, and safety were extracted and analyzed using meta-analysis techniques. The quality of the studies was assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias tool.ResultsSeven studies met the inclusion criteria, involving a total of 463 patients with bone neuropathic pain induced by tumor metastasis. The meta-analysis revealed a significant overall reduction in pain intensity for patients treated with Sophora flavescens compared to control groups (mean difference = 26.45, 95% CI: 13.89, 39.00, P &lt; 0.0001). Specifically, the Karnofsky Performance Status (KPS) increase rate showed a combined risk ratio of 1.62 (95% CI: 1.32, 1.99, P &lt; 0.0001), indicating improved performance status with treatment. Pain scores also significantly decreased (mean difference = 26.45, 95% CI: 13.89, 39.00, P &lt; 0.0001) despite substantial heterogeneity among studies (I2 = 91%). Funnel plots suggested minimal publication bias, and sensitivity analyses confirmed the stability of these results. The included studies reported minimal adverse effects, indicating good tolerability of Sophora flavescens.ConclusionSophora flavescens demonstrates significant potential as an adjunctive therapy for managing bone neuropathic pain induced by tumor metastasis, offering substantial pain relief with minimal adverse effects.
Mindfulness's moderating role applied on online SEL education
Authors: Ho Chun-Heng , Zhang Hang-qin , Li Juan , Liu An'an 
Published: November 2024

IntroductionMild to moderate depression, anxiety, and stress imbalances are prevalent emotional issues among college students and are primary factors leading to deficiencies in social-emotional skills within this population. Without timely intervention, these mild to moderate emotional issues may escalate into more severe conditions. Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) programs are effective for building social-emotional skills. However, current research on SEL programs has not adequately addressed the issue of high-quality teacher-student interactions for students who suffer emotional problems. To tackle this issue, this study proposes a curriculum approach that integrates mindfulness with rhythmic music? and evaluated the emotional changes of students after mindfulness with rhythmic music curriculum.MethodsThis study adopted a pre-post experimental design. Two hundred and ninety-four firefighting universities students participated in a one-semester “online mindfulness combined with music rhythm SEL course”. The study used the Beck Anxiety Inventory, Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale and Perceived Stress Scale to measure the anxiety, depression and stress levels of the participants before and after the course, and used the participants' self-reflection reports as a method to explore the students' emotional transformation patterns.ResultsThe research findings indicate that: (1) eighth-note, quarter-note, and sixteenth-note rhythmic music significantly improve the emotional wellbeing of students with depression, anxiety, and stress imbalances, respectively. (2) The degree of emotional improvement has a certain impact on academic performance. (3) Students with anxiety require more instructional support focused on attention concentration during the early phases of the course; students with depression should not be scheduled for social skills learning modules in the short term and need long-term instructional guidance; individuals experiencing stress imbalances require attention to their personal music preferences and benefit from additional listening activities and exercise.DiscussionThese findings assist teachers in accurately identifying emotional changes among students with emotional problems and managing the patterns of these emotional transitions, thereby providing effective instructional support and promoting high-quality interactions between teachers and students.
Social determinants of health and upper gastrointestinal cancer outcomes in the United States: a systematic review
Authors: Santellano Brenda , Agrawal Rashi , Duchesne Gabriela , Sharara Muhannad , Agrawal Gagan , Balas E. Andrew , Tsai Meng-Han , Nayak Asha , Cortes Jorge E. 
Published: November 2024

IntroductionSocial determinants of health (SDOH) are the conditions in which individuals are born, grow, work, live, and age.MethodsWe examined the literature on the association between SDOH and survival of patients with gastrointestinal (GI) cancer [esophageal, duodenal and gastric cancer (GC)] in the United States from 2001 to 2022.ResultsFrom 38,654 studies across COCHRANE, EMBASE, SCOPUS, WEB OF SCIENCE, and PubMed, we identified 14 relevant studies focusing on GI cancer using the PRISMA flowchart. Eight of the 12 GC studies specifically focused on gastric adenocarcinoma (GAC), the most common histologic subtype. Uninsured patients had a significantly worse overall survival probability. For patients with GI cancer, the highest income level (i.e., in the highest quartile) was associated with improved survival. Being unmarried had a negative impact on overall survival. Overall, people with insurance, higher incomes, and who were married had better overall survival rates.DiscussionOur findings suggest a clear association between SDOH and survival for patients with GI cancers. However, there is great variability in the factors studied and how these are measured and reported. A better understanding of SDOH is needed to design strategies with an aim to improve patient outcomes.Systematic review registrationhttps://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/, PROSPERO (CRD42022346854).
Total neoadjuvant therapy followed by total mesorectal excision for rectal cancer in older patients real world data and proof of concept
Authors: Montroni Isacco , Di Candido Francesca , Taffurelli Giovanni , Tamberi Stefano , Grassi Elisa , Corbelli Jody , Mauro Floranna , Raggi Enrico , Garutti Anna , Ugolini Giampaolo 
Published: November 2024

BackgroundRectal cancer (RC) commonly affects older patients. Total Neoadjuvant Therapy (TNT) has been introduced to improve local and systemic control of RC. The aim was to present real-world data of older patients receiving TNT followed by surgery after a frailty assessment and verify feasibility and safety of this approach.MethodsThis was a single-center retrospective study which enrolled all patients ≥70 years of age with RC who underwent TNT followed by surgery between November 2017 and April 2022. Data regarding cancer characteristics, neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (CRT), and toxicity were recorded. All patients underwent surgery 12–16 weeks after the end of therapy. Intra- and postoperative outcomes were recorded. Pre- and postoperative functional evaluation was carried out.ResultsFifteen patients were enrolled. Mean age was 74 (70–81) years. Mean distance of the tumor from the anal verge was 5.2 cm. Fourteen patients had positive nodes (93.3%), 11 (73.3%) showed involvement of the circumferential margin (CRM+) and 10 (66.6%) had extramural vascular invasion (EMVI+). Ten patients (66.6%) received mFOLFOX-6 and 5 CAPOX (33.3%) followed by CRT. After CRT, positive nodes were reported in 4 cases (26.6%), CRM+ in 4 (26.6%), and EMVI+ in 1 (6.6%). Transanal total mesorectal excision (taTME) was performed in all cases. Median operative time was 280 min (110–420). Median length of stay was 4 days (3–29). One Clavien-Dindo grade 4 complication, no readmissions, and no variations in pre- and postoperative functional status within 30 days from surgery were reported. No positive distal or CRMs were detected. Three pathologic complete responses were reported (20%).ConclusionsTNT followed by TME is feasible and safe in older patients, with good clinical and oncologic outcomes. Patient evaluation is crucial for maximizing cancer care in fit older patients.