bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Integrated analysis of microbiota and gut microbial metabolites in blood for breast cancer
Authors: Peng Yu , Gu Jiale , Liu Fubin , Wang Peng , Wang Xixuan , Si Changyu , Gong Jianxiao , Zhou Huijun , Qin Ailing , Song Fangfang 
Published: October 2024

ABSTRACT

Gut microbiota and associated metabolites have been linked to breast carcinogenesis. Evidences demonstrate blood microbiota primarily originates from the gut and may act as a biomarker for breast cancer. We aimed to characterize the microbiota–gut microbial metabolites cross-talk in blood and develop a composite diagnostic panel for breast cancer. We performed 16S rRNA gene sequencing and metabolomics profiling on blood samples from 107 breast cancer cases and 107 age-paired controls. We found that the alpha diversity of the blood microbiota was decreased in breast cancer compared to controls. There were significantly different profiles of microbiota and gut microbial metabolites in blood between these two groups, with nine bacterial genera and four gut microbial metabolites increased in patients, while thirty-nine bacterial genera and two gut microbial metabolites increased in controls. Some breast cancer-associated gut microbial metabolites were linked to differential blood microbiota, and a composite microbiota–metabolite diagnostic panel was further developed with an area under the curve of 0.963 for breast cancer. This study underscored the pivotal role of microbiota and gut microbial metabolites in blood and their interactions for breast carcinogenesis, as well as the potential of a composite diagnostic panel as a non-invasive biomarker for breast cancer.

IMPORTANCE
Our integrated analysis demonstrated altered profiles of microbiota and gut microbial metabolites in blood for breast cancer patients. The extensive correlation between microbiota and gut microbial metabolites in blood assisted the understanding of the pathogenesis of breast cancer. The good performance of a composite microbiota–gut microbial metabolites panel in blood suggested a non-invasive approach for breast cancer detection and a novel strategy for better diagnosis and prevention of breast cancer in the future.
VAL-1221 for the treatment of patients with Lafora disease: study protocol for a single-arm, open-label clinical trial
Authors: Muccioli Lorenzo , Vignatelli Luca , Tappatà Maria , Mazzone Serena , Zenesini Corrado , Armstrong Dustin ,   DEFEAT-LD study group, Michelucci Roberto , Bisulli Francesca 
Published: October 2024

IntroductionLafora disease (LD) is an ultrarare fatal progressive myoclonic epilepsy, causing drug-resistant epilepsy, myoclonus and psychomotor deterioration. LD is caused by mutations in EPM2A or NHLRC1, which lead to the accumulation of polyglucosans in the brain and neurodegeneration. There are no approved treatments for LD. VAL-1221 is a fusion protein comprising the Fab portion of a cell-penetrating antibody and recombinant human acid alpha glucosidase, and has demonstrated an ability to clear polyglucosans. We hypothesise that intravenous infusion of VAL-1221 might be able to degrade cerebral polyglucosans and stabilise or improve disease outcomes. The aim of this study is to assess the safety and preliminary efficacy of VAL-1221 in patients with LD.Methods and analysisThe study is a phase 2, single-arm, open-label, baseline-controlled clinical trial which will be conducted in a single investigational study centre in Italy, namely the sponsor ‘IRCCS Istituto delle Scienze Neurologiche di Bologna—Azienda USL di Bologna’. The study will enrol six genetically confirmed patients with mid- to late-stage LD. The global duration of the study for each participant will be 18 months, including screening period, open-label treatment (12 months) and follow-up period. VAL-1221 20 mg/kg will be administered as an intravenous infusion every week for 3 weeks, then every other week. Patients will undergo full clinical assessments at baseline, at an intermediate and at the end-of-treatment visit. The primary objective is to evaluate the safety. The exploratory efficacy endpoints will be related to epilepsy, neuropsychological and motor functions, global assessment and disease burden, in addition to biomarkers. Statistical analyses will be primarily descriptive.Ethics and disseminationThe study protocol was approved by the local ethics committee (number 232-2023-FARM-AUSLBO-23020, 22 March 2023). The results of this study will be disseminated by the investigators through presentations at international scientific conferences and reported in peer-reviewed scientific journals.Trial registration numberEuropean Union Clinical Trials Register (EudraCT 2023-000185-34).
Barriers and facilitators for the adoption of peritoneal dialysis: protocol for a systematic review of qualitative studies
Authors: Shankar Ravi , Bundele Anjali , Low Joshua , Hong Wei Zhen , Mukhopadhyay Amartya 
Published: October 2024

IntroductionPeritoneal dialysis (PD) is an effective home-based treatment for end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) that offers several advantages over in-centre haemodialysis, including better quality of life, increased autonomy and lower costs. Despite these benefits, PD remains underused globally, with wide variations in adoption rates across countries. Qualitative studies have explored the experiences, perceptions and decision-making processes of patients, caregivers and healthcare providers regarding PD, but their findings have not been systematically synthesised. This protocol outlines a systematic review of qualitative studies to identify and synthesise the multilevel factors that influence PD adoption.Methods and analysisWe will conduct a comprehensive search of electronic databases (PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, CINAHL, MEDLINE, The Cochrane Library, PsycINFO, Scopus) and grey literature sources for qualitative studies published in English from each database inception to June 2024 that explore barriers and facilitators to PD adoption. Two reviewers will independently screen titles, abstracts and full texts for eligibility based on predefined criteria. Eligible studies will include those that use qualitative methods (eg, interviews, focus groups, observations) to explore the perspectives of adult ESKD patients, their caregivers and/or healthcare providers on factors influencing PD adoption, initiation or maintenance. Data will be extracted using a standardised form and synthesised using thematic analysis. The methodological quality of included studies will be appraised using the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme Qualitative Checklist. Confidence in the review findings will be assessed using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation-Confidence in the Evidence from Reviews of Qualitative research approach.Ethics and disseminationEthics approval is not required as this study will merely synthesise data from published studies. The results will be disseminated through peer-reviewed publications as well as conference presentations.Study registrationPROSPERO, CRD42024570521.
Characteristics and health insurance profile of brought-in-dead children in a rural tertiary hospital
Authors: Owobu Adaugo Chizoma , Ike Chiedozie , Ogbogu Michael , Chukwu IfeanyiChukwu , Onyeke Frank , Ugbeni Henrietta , Apeleokha Matthew 
Published: October 2024

BackgroundDespite the regular occurrence of brought-in-dead (BID) phenomenon, little is known about their prevalence, pattern and prehospital contributors in rural settings in Nigeria. In addition, the impact of health insurance in this context has not been described in our locale. Our study aimed at identifying the characteristics and access to health insurance of paediatric BID cases.DesignA cross-sectional, retrospective study in the paediatric emergency department of a rural tertiary hospital.MethodsData were obtained from the medical records of BID cases from January 2019 to December 2023. Their sociodemographic details, the nature and duration of preceding illnesses/complaints, prior treatment, referral and health insurance types were obtained.ResultsSixty-seven (1.38%) of the 4872 admissions were BID. Their ages ranged between 12 hours and 14 years with a male:female ratio of 1.1:1. Forty-four (69.84%) were under 5s. Acute encephalitis syndrome, gastroenteritis and sepsis/severe malaria were the most prevalent presumed causes of death. Prior to arrival, 30.56% had obtained treatment outside the hospital setting (medicine vendors, herbal treatment, home nurse and religious centres). Almost half of the referrals were informal referrals by family and neighbours. None (0%) presented health insurance records nor was brought in by an ambulance.ConclusionInfectious diseases were the most common presumed causes of death and under 5s bore the greatest burden of BID. The healthcare choices were poor, but the informal sociocultural support system was strong. There was a dearth of health insurance enrolment, a poor patient referral and transfer system, and poor documentation of BID cases. We identify the need for concerted health education, improved patient referral and transfer, well-coordinated death registration and appropriate health insurance schemes in rural communities.
Effect of aortic valve phenotype and sex on aorta dilation in patients with aortic stenosis
Authors: Fleury Marie-Ange , Tastet Lionel , Bernard Jérémy , Shen Mylène , Capoulade Romain , Abdoun Kathia , Bédard Élisabeth , Arsenault Marie , Chetaille Philippe , Beaudoin Jonathan , Bernier Mathieu , Salaun Erwan , Côté Nancy , Clavel Marie-Annick , Pibarot Philippe , Hecht Sébastien 
Published: October 2024

BackgroundBicuspid aortic valve (BAV) is often associated with a concomitant aortopathy. However, few studies have evaluated the effect of the aortic valve (AV) phenotype on the rate of dilation of the aorta. This study aimed to compare the progression rate of aorta dimensions according to AV phenotype (BAV vs tricuspid AV (TAV)), fusion type and sex in patients with aortic stenosis (AS).Methods310 patients with AS (224 TAV and 86 BAV) recruited in the Metabolic Determinants of the Progression of Aortic Stenosis study (PROGRESSA,NCT01679431) were included in this analysis. Doppler echocardiography was performed annually to assess AS severity and measure ascending aorta (AA) dimensions. Baseline and last follow-up visit measurements were used to assess the annualised change.ResultsMedian AA annualised change was larger in BAV versus TAV (0.33±0.65 mm/year vs 0.21±0.56 mm/year, p=0.04). In the whole cohort, BAV phenotype and higher low-density lipoprotein (LDL) levels were significantly associated with fast progression of AA dilation in univariate analysis (OR 1.80, 95% CI 1.08 to 2.98, p=0.02; 1.37, 95% CI 1.04 to 1.80, p=0.03, respectively). AA dilation rate did not vary according to the BAV subtype (p=0.142). Predictors of AA progression rate were different between valve phenotypes, with higher apolipoprotein B/apolipoprotein A-I ratio, higher baseline peak aortic jet velocity (Vpeak) and smaller baseline AA diameter in the TAV cohort (all p<0.05) versus absence of hypertension, higher LDL levels and smaller baseline AA diameter in the BAV cohort (all p<0.02). In men, higher baseline Vpeakand smaller baseline AA (p<0.001) were independently associated with increased annualised AA dilation, while in women, higher LDL levels (p=0.026) were independently associated with faster AA dilation.ConclusionThis study suggests that BAV is associated with faster dilation of the AA. Predictors of AA dilation are different between valve phenotype and sex, with higher LDL levels being associated with faster AA dilation in BAV.
Effects of graphene oxide composite additive on the species abundance and diversity of microorganisms in saline–alkali soil
Authors: Song Jie , He Xianbo , Qiao Jun , Zhao Jianguo , Chen Zhiwen , Ren Jing , Ma Guibin 
Published: October 2024

Saline–alkali soil is common in north China, especially in the Datong district in north Shanxi province. Improving the soil will benefit the environment and society. Graphene oxide (GO) has been shown to benefit agricultural and forest soils. Herein, we explore three different experimental conditions of CK (CK means irrigated with tap water), CJ (CJ means 0.2 g of bacteria addition and irrigated with tap water), and CJ25 (CJ25 means 0.2 g of composited bacteria plus 25.0 mg/L of GO added and irrigated with tap water) for saline–alkali soil by the addition of optimized amounts of GO and external bacteria. Our results show that the addition of 25.0 mg/L GO and microbial agents increases the number of bacteria and fungi in the soil and improves the species abundance of bacteria and fungi in the saline–alkali soil, while having little effect on species richness. The GO and bacterial treatment increased the abundance of Proteobacteria, Actinobacteriota, Chloroflexi, Pseudomonas, Ascomycota, Mortierella, and Fusarium. These bacteria have been shown to produce proteolytic enzymes and cellulases that decompose lignin and cellulose in litter, and thus play important roles in carbon and nutrient cycling. The addition of GO and microorganisms provides a viable way to improve saline–alkali soils.
The Darboux Transformation for a New Fractional Schrödinger Equation Hierarchy
Authors: Zhu Xiao-ming , Zhang Jian-bing , Chen Shou-ting 
Published: October 2024

It is well established that many integrable soliton equations can be constrained from the famous AKNS system. In this paper, aiming to generate new integrable soliton equations, the potentials of the AKNS system are constrained to a pair of fractional conjugate ones. The resulted equations include two fractional Scrödinger equations which are integrable for their own Lax pairs. Furthermore, odd‐soliton solutions are obtained through N‐fold Darboux transformations. Dynamic properties of the obtained solutions are analyzed in detail. These results suggest that the AKNS system allows a new type of potential constraints.PACS: 02.30.Ik, 05.45.Yv.
A View of Myeloid Transformation through the Hallmarks of Cancer
Authors: Fernández-Maestre Inés , Cai Sheng F. , Levine Ross L. 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
The development of myeloid malignancies is influenced by a range of cell-intrinsic and cell-extrinsic factors, which can be conceptualized using the hallmarks of cancer. Although many facets of myeloid transformation are similar to those in solid tumors, there are also notable differences. Unlike solid tumors, hematologic malignancies typically exhibit fewer genetic mutations, which have been well characterized. However, understanding the cell-extrinsic factors contributing to myeloid malignancies can be challenging due to the complex interactions in the hematopoietic microenvironment. Researchers need to focus on these intricate factors to prevent the early onset of myeloid transformation and develop appropriate interventions.
Significance: Myeloid malignancies are common in the elderly, and acute myeloid leukemia has an adverse prognosis in older patients. Investigating cell-extrinsic factors influencing myeloid malignancies is crucial to developing approaches for preventing or halting disease progression and predicting clinical outcomes in patients with advanced disease. Whereas successful intervention may require targeting various mechanisms, understanding the contribution of each cell-extrinsic factor will help prioritize clinical targets.
Dynamic Partnership
Authors: Puyenbroek Marleen 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
This essay reevaluates the roles of married women in Dutch seventeenth-century artists’ households, challenging the idea that women ceased professional artistic pursuits upon marriage. Using diverse sources – including archival documents, artist biographies, moralistic literature, contemporary socio-economic studies, and an updated overview of female artists – this study expands the established understanding that family businesses provided work opportunities for daughters by demonstrating that married women were also actively engaged in art production, both directly and indirectly. Women performed various tasks beyond domestic duties, ranging from financial management and marketing artworks to creating art and generating additional income. By introducing the concept of “dynamic partnership,” and featuring well-known cases like Judith Leyster alongside new examples, this analysis offers a nuanced understanding of the diversity and flexibility of labor division within these households. As such, this study not only highlights the economic and creative contributions of married women to the Dutch art world but also illuminates the integrated functioning of artists’ workshops.
Culture and ICD-11 personality disorder: Implications for clinical practice across diverse ethnic groups
Authors: Hualparuca-Olivera Luis , Caycho-Rodríguez Tomás , Torales Julio , Ramos-Vera Cristian , Ramos-Campos Dayana , Córdova-Gónzales Luis , Vigo-Ayasta Elsa 
Published: October 2024

Background: Personality disorder (PD) in ICD-11 is defined primarily by self and interpersonal dysfunction and optionally by other qualifiers. This definition is inseparable from relativism of cultural determinants. Aims: This review aimed to synthesize the relevant aspects of the influence of culture on clinical practice and health management for this condition, aligning them to the ICD-11 PD model. Method: In Scopus, we systematically searched for studies that included the text strings: cultur* | personality AND (disorder* OR patholog*) without any restrictions on publication date or language or other exclusion criteria, up to November 2022. Results: Evidence suggests that cultural variables in ethnic groups (Western and non-Western) such as the individualist/collectivist philosophy, historical/generational trauma, immigration, acculturation, religion, and gender influence the etiology, semiology, epidemiology, evaluation, diagnosis, treatment, and management of health services for ICD-11 PD. We discuss the limitations and propose future lines of research on this topic based on our knowledge and experience. In this review, we provide the scientific community and clinicians with relevant cultural information to guide their practice and propose strategies to manage PD from the ICD-11 model. Conclusions: More research is needed using mixed study methodologies on stigma, the experiences of patients, clinicians, and health agencies, to reduce the care gaps and achieve a culturally comprehensive, inclusive, and competent use of this new model.
Experiences of Sexual and Gender Minorities with Health Care in the Philippines: A Qualitative Study
Authors: De Torres Ryan Q. , Pacquiao Dula F. 
Published: October 2024

Background: There is limited availability and accessibility of health care facilities and services tailored to the specific health care needs of sexual and gender minorities (SGMs) in the Philippines. Objective: The purpose of this study was to describe SGMs’ experiences with health care services in the Philippines. Methods: Using a phenomenological design, interviews were conducted with participants recruited online through SGM networks and organizations. Individual, online-recorded interviews were conducted with 14 participants who were at least 18 years old, were Filipino nationals residing in the Philippines, self-identified as SGM, could comprehend and write in Filipino, and received any health care service within the past year. Data were entered and analyzed using the NVivo software. Results: Three major themes emerged: patient-centered communication and relationship, holistic care, and caring environment. Participants identified the significance of genuine, affirming, and respectful communication in building positive relationships and continuing engagement with health care. Holistic care is embedded in clinical competence, gender sensitivity, continuity of care, and collaborative practice with other disciplines. A caring environment minimizes gender-related stigma and discrimination and promotes acceptance of diverse sexual identities. Conclusion: Filipino SGMs face several multifaceted health care concerns and challenges stemming at the individual, institutional, and societal levels. Sexual and gender biases, stigma, and discrimination are major barriers to health care among SGMs. Promotion of culturally and gender-sensitive care among Filipino SGMs should involve training of health care providers and creation of programs and policies to understand and respect SGMs while considering social, cultural, and political influences on their health and well-being.
Ketamine use in a large global sample: Characteristics, patterns of use and emergency medical treatment
Authors: Barrios Karen P , Connolly Dean J , Ferris Jason A , Maier Larissa J , Barratt Monica J , Winstock Adam R , Puljević Cheneal , Gilchrist Gail 
Published: October 2024

Background: Ketamine’s popularity has surged globally in the past decade, especially among young men. Emergency department visits due to its toxicity remain relatively rare, often linked to co-occurring use of other substances. Aims: Using data from the Global Drug Survey (GDS) 2018, this study explored the correlates associated with lifetime and past-year ketamine use, and estimated the socio-demographic characteristics, usage patterns and experiences of respondents seeking emergency medical treatment (EMT) after ketamine use. Methods: Secondary analysis of GDS 2018, an online cross-sectional survey on drug use patterns conducted between November 2017 and January 2018. Results: The survey received 130,761 valid responses, with 5.93% reporting lifetime ketamine use, of which 57.70% used ketamine within the past year. Predominantly, respondents were from Germany, England and Denmark. Within the past year, 8.55% met the criteria for ketamine dependence. Respondents who used ketamine in their lifetime tended to be young (mean (x̄) = 27.37 years), men, heterosexual and of white ethnicity. Younger age (x̄ = 24.84 years), gay sexual orientation, student status, past-year use of other drugs and no lifetime mental health diagnosis were associated with past-year ketamine use. Among 4477 respondents reporting past-year ketamine use, 120 adverse events were reported, with less than 0.10% prompting EMT seeking. Conclusion: The study reveals frequent ketamine use but low harm occurrence, underscoring the complex interplay between ketamine use, substance use and dependence, and related factors. This underscores the need to reassess EMT priorities, implement tailored harm reduction strategies and incorporate comprehensive screening for addressing ketamine and substance dependence challenges.