bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Stress-mediating Inflammatory Cytokine Profiling Reveals Unique Patterns in Malaria and Typhoid Fever Patients
Authors: Bin Eric MacDonald , Netongo Palmer Masumbe , Kamdem Severin Donald , Christine Nzuno , Maxime Tchoutang Ange , Berenger Tchoupe Kamoua Eric , Buri Bongkiyung Donald , NGum Ngum Leslie , Chedjou Jean Paul , Nji Akindeh Mbu , Mbacham Wilfred Fon 
Published: June 2024

AbstractBackgroundMalaria and typhoid fever are known to cause severe morbidity and mortality if miss-treated or left untreated. The oxidant/antioxidant and immune responses to these diseases involve a complex interplay of stress-mediating inflammatory cytokines which orchestrate a coherent response that leads to pathogen clearance and recovery. This study investigated the stress-mediated cytokine profiles in patients attending the Obala District Hospital, Yaoundé, Cameroon and diagnosed with malaria and/or typhoid fever.MethodsIn this cross-sectional observational study, we measured the levels of cortisol and stress-mediating inflammatory cytokines in peripheral blood samples collected from 55 malaria and/or typhoid fever patients, along with a healthy control group (n = 15) using commercial ELISA kits. The psychological stress of the voluntary participants over the past 30 days was assessed using a 10-item Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) questionnaire.ResultsCompared to the control group, patients with co-infection showed significant differences in anemia, thrombocytopenia, and monocytosis. Psychological stress levels were insignificantly higher in patients with typhoid fever (18.20±5.5) compared to control (15.0±2.43), malaria (15.80±4.39), and comorbidity (15.40±5.26) groups. Cortisol levels were significantly (p<0.001) higher in all patient groups compared to the control group, with the typho-malaria group showing a 2.5-fold increase. Cytokine levels were also elevated in patients with malaria and typhoid comorbidity, particularly IL-1β, IL-2, TNF-α, and IFN-γ. While IL-6 concentrations were significantly higher in patients with malaria and typho-malaria comorbidity, IL-10 levels were reduced in the typho-malaria group but still higher than in the control group. The TNF-α/IL-10 ratio was significantly higher in the co-infected group, indicating a more intense inflammatory response. Interestingly, there was a positive correlation between perceived stress scores and IL-2 (r = 0.365, p=0.002), IFN-γ (r = 0.248, p=0.03) and IL-6 (r = 0.412, p=0.0001) in the typho-malaria group. Beside IL-6, no significant correlation was found between stress index and the other anti-inflammatory cytokines IL-4 (r = 0.204, p=0.09) and IL-10 (r = 0.153, p=0.20) in coinfected individuals.ConclusionThese results suggest that stress response may play a crucial role in shaping the inflammatory landscape during malaria and typhoid fever. Exposed to severe stressors may disrupt immune response and contribute to negative health outcomes. Understanding the immunopathogenesis of these diseases could potentially pave the way for the development of novel therapeutic strategies targeting the stress-cytokine axis.
Ethics in medical research: A quantitative analysis of the observations of Ethics Committees in research protocols
Authors: Vasco-Morales Santiago , Vasco-Toapanta Gabriel Alejandro , Vasco-Toapanta Cristhian Santiago , Toapanta-Pinta Paola 
Published: June 2024

AbstractObjectiveTo determine the frequency of observations made by Research Ethics Committees (RECs) regarding non-compliance with ethical principles in research.MethodsWe searched for articles published up to November 30, 2023. In the databases: PubMed, Scopus and Google Scholar. Single-proportion meta-analyses were performed with the R V.3.6.1 program.PROSPERO RegistryCRD42021291893Results9 publications were reviewed, including cross-sectional, retrospective cohort, and descriptive studies. Lack of adherence to the ethical principle of justice was detected in up to 100% of the protocols evaluated. In addition, 9% (95% CI: 7-12) of observations in Latin America and 15% (95% CI: 9-24) in Europe. Autonomy was observed in 26% (95% CI: 20-33) of the protocols, reaching 17% (95% CI: 13-22) in experimental studies. Beneficence, lack of adherence in the protocols evaluated from 41.17% to 77.38%, observations per protocol ranged from 5.26% to 27.11%.DiscussionThe findings highlighted disparities between regions and types of studies, reflecting cultural, interpretive, and human and institutional resource differences. RECs should ensure thorough and equitable assessments, promote fair selection, respect autonomy, and maximize benefits while minimizing risks to participants.This study provides an assessment of ethical practices in medical research, highlighting key areas for improving compliance with fundamental ethical principles.
RNA interactome of hypervirulentKlebsiella pneumoniaereveals a small RNA inhibitor of capsular mucoviscosity and virulence
Authors: Wu Kejing , Lin Xingyu , Lu Yujie , Dong Rui , Jiang Hongnian , Svensson Sarah L , Zheng Jiajia , Shen Ning , Camilli Andrew , Chao Yanjie 
Published: June 2024

ABSTRACTHypervirulentKlebsiella pneumoniae(HvKP) is an emerging bacterial pathogen causing invasive infection in immune-competent humans. The hypervirulence is strongly linked to the overproduction of hypermucovisous capsule, but the underlining regulatory mechanism of hypermucoviscosity (HMV) has been elusive, especially at the post-transcriptional level mediated by small noncoding RNAs (sRNAs). Using a recently developed RNA interactome profiling approach, we interrogate the Hfq-associated sRNA regulatory network and establish the intracellular RNA-RNA interactome in HvKP. Our data reveal numerous interactions between sRNAs and HMV-related mRNAs, and identify a plethora of sRNAs that repress or promote HMV. One of the strongest repressors of HMV is ArcZ, which is activated by catabolite regulator CRP and targets many HMV-related genes includingmlaAandfbp. We discover that MlaA and its function in phospholipid transport is crucial for capsule retention and HMV, inactivation of which abolishedKlebsiellavirulence in mice. ArcZ overexpression significantly reduced bacterial burden in mice and reduced HMV in multiple carbapenem-resistant and hypervirulent clinical isolates with diverse genetic background, indicating it is a potent RNA inhibitor of bacterial pneumonia with therapeutic potential. In summary, our work unravels a comprehensive map of the RNA-RNA interaction network of HvKP and identifies a novel CRP-ArcZ-MlaA regulatory circuit of HMV, providing mechanistic insights into the posttranscriptional virulence control in a superbug of global concern.HIGHLIGHTSGlobal RNA-RNA interactome map in hypervirulentKlebsiella pneumoniaeHfq and multiple small RNAs regulate capsular hypermucoviscosityArcZ targetsmlaAthat is required for lipid transport, hypermucoviscosity and virulenceCrp is a transcriptional activator of ArcZ governing a new virulence circuit
Exploring the potential causal effects of myopia: A phenome-wide Mendelian randomization association study
Authors: Hu Di , Jiang Junhong , Zhang Qi , Lin Zenan 
Published: June 2024

AbstractMyopia is a leading cause of visual impairment worldwide, whose pathogenesis remains poorly understood. We comprehensively performed phenome-wide Mendelian randomization analysis (MR-PheWAS) to explore causal factors and potential therapeutic targets for myopia in participants from the UK Biobank study. The analysis revealed that 55 robust associations (1 disease, 2 employment, 3 cognitive functions, 4 sex-specific factor, 4 mental health, 5 lifestyle and environment, 10 sociodemographic, 12 physical measures and 14 ocular measures/conditions phenotypes) were significantly causally correlated with myopia. The results indicate that myopia may be influenced by several factors, such as serum metabolic traits, fatty acids intake, fat-related indexes, mental health, as well as some previously acknowledged risk factors. Future clinical trials are needed to verify our results.
Questions of flavor physics and neutrino mass from a flipped hypercharge
Authors: Van Loi Duong , Van Dong Phung , Duy N. T. , Thao Nguyen Huy 
Published: June 2024

The flavor structure of quarks and leptons is not yet fully understood, but it hints a more fundamental theory of nonuniversal generations. We therefore propose a simple extension of the Standard Model by flipping (i.e., enlarging) the hypercharge U(1)Y to U(1)X⊗U(1)N for which both X and N depend on generations of both quark and lepton. By anomaly cancellation, this extension not only explains the existence of just three fermion generations as observed but also requires the presence of a right-handed neutrino per generation, which motivates seesaw neutrino mass generation. Furthermore, in its minimal version with a scalar doublet and two scalar singlets, the model naturally generates the measured fermion-mixing matrices while it successfully accommodates several flavor anomalies observed in the neutral meson mixings, B-meson decays, lepton-flavor-violating processes of charged leptons, as well as satisfying constraints from particle colliders.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Behavioural intention to adopt mobile wallets at the bottom of the pyramid: a developing economy perspective
Authors: Sodhay Sumit , Kathuria Lalit Mohan , Kaur Tanveen , Kaur Gurpreet 
Published: June 2024

Purpose
The study aims to investigate the factors influencing the behavioural intention of bottom-of-the-pyramid (BOP) consumers in developing economies, such as India, to adopt mobile wallets, drawing upon the framework of the uses and gratification theory. Furthermore, the study also examines the moderating effect of gender.

Design/methodology/approach
To achieve the objective, primary data were collected from a sample of 220 respondents using the survey method. The reliability and validity of the survey instrument were demonstrated through confirmatory factor analysis. Subsequently, structural equation modelling (SEM) was used for hypotheses testing.

Findings
The study revealed that only convenience and social influence have a positive significant influence on the behavioural intention to adopt mobile wallets whereas, innovativeness, trust and compatibility have no significant relationship with behavioural intention to adopt mobile wallets among the BOP consumers. Further, gender moderates the relationship between compatibility and behavioural intention to adopt mobile wallets in India.

Originality/value
This study contributes to the underexplored area of research concerning the behavioural intention to adopt mobile wallets among BOP consumers in a developing economy. It introduces a novel approach by using the uses and gratifications theory to uncover the underlying motivations behind adoption behaviour.
Preparation of multifunctional polypyrrole hydrogel/Fe3O4/calcium alginate composite aerogel with electromagnetic shielding and fire warning performance
Authors: Yu Zhicai , Wang Lili , Shao Yiwei , Liu Yun , Zhao Yuhang , Qin Yi , Zhang Yingzi , He Hualing 
Published: June 2024

Purpose
This study aims to fabricate a novel electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding composite aerogel with both thermal insulation and high temperature warning functions.

Design/methodology/approach
An emerging bio-based polypyrrole (PPy) gel/Fe3O4/calcium alginate (PFC) EMI shielding composite aerogel was prepared by freeze-drying and in situ polymerization method. First, Fe3O4/calcium alginate (CA) aerogel was obtained by freeze-drying the Fe3O4/CA mixture. Then, PPy/Fe3O4/CA was obtained by synthesizing PPy on the surface of CA/Fe3O4 aerogel through in situ polymerization. Finally, PPy/Fe3O4/CA was immersed in porphyrin solution (cross-linking agent) to get the final PFC EMI shielding composite aerogel.

Findings
Due to the matched impedance between Fe3O4 and PPy, the EMI shielding performance of PFC composite aerogel can reach up to −8 dB. In addition, the PFC EMI shielding composite aerogel also shows excellent self-extinguishing and thermal insulation properties. After leaving the flame, the burning PFC aerogel is quickly extinguished. When the PFC aerogel is placed on the heating plate at 230 °C, the temperature on the side of the aerogel away from the heating plate is only 90.3 °C after 5 min of heating. The electrical resistance of the PFC composite aerogel can be reduced from 3.62 × 104 O to 5 × 102 O to trigger the warning light after 3 s of exposure to the alcohol lamp flame. This reversible thermal resistance response characteristic can be used to give an early warning signal when the PFC encounters high temperature or flame.

Originality/value
This work provides a novel strategy for designing a multifunctional EMI shielding composite aerogel with repeatable high temperature warning performance. This PFC composite aerogel shows potential applications in the prevention of material combustion in high temperature electromagnetic environments.
Massive gastropathy due to gallstone obstruction of the duodenum (Bourveret syndrome)
Authors: Challakere Ramaswamy Vasudeva Murthy , Han Suyin Kathleen 
Published: June 2024

AbstractGallstones are common in the general population and are often asymptomatic, but they can also cause complications such as cholecystitis and pancreatitis. In rare instances, they can lead to the formation of a cholecystoduodenal fistula and gallstone ileus. Gastric dilatation and distension following gallstone ileus are extremely uncommon and have rarely been reported in the literature. We report a fatal case of massive gastropathy as a result of Bouveret syndrome secondary to gallstone obstruction.
Diminished antibody response to SARS‐CoV‐2 in rheumatoid arthritis compared to metabolic disorders following the primary series of vaccinations and its recovery with a booster: A single‐center prospective observational study
Authors: Sato Hidetomo , Nagatani Katsuya , Minota Seiji 
Published: June 2024

AbstractAimTo compare antibody responses after vaccinations between patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and patients with metabolic disorders (MD). The study places special emphasis on understanding how common diseases affect antibody responses in individuals with RA within real‐world settings.MethodsThe participants were 117 patients with RA (66 with RA only and 51 with RA and MD) and 37 patients with MD who received both the primary series of vaccinations and a booster. Antibody titers were compared after the primary series of vaccinations and a booster, and factors influencing the antibody response were assessed.ResultsFollowing the primary series of vaccinations, a significant reduction in antibody titers was observed in patients with longer days between vaccination and antibody measurement, the use of IL‐6 inhibitors, selective T cell co‐stimulation modulators, and methotrexate. Comorbid MD did not exhibit significant influences on antibody response in RA. Notably, the presence of RA itself was not significant in multivariate linear regression analysis. After the administration of the booster, however, day between vaccination and antibody measurement, the use of IL‐6 inhibitor, and methotrexate no longer remained significant. Only the use of selective T cell co‐stimulation modulators retained its significance.ConclusionsMD did not exhibit a significant impact on antibody responses in RA patients. The reduced antibody response following the primary series in RA patients appeared to be attributed more to specific RA medications rather than to the disease itself. Booster vaccines are vital in restoring the antibody response in RA.
Introduction: Development practice, power and public authority
Authors: Kirk Tom , Pinnington Rose 
Published: June 2024

AbstractDrawing upon research across multiple countries, the papers in this special issue explore how public authority dynamics affect development and humanitarian practices and processes. Some focus on places commonly labelled as in crisis or understood to be subject to multiple overlapping crises, where responses to epidemics, persistent conflict and migrations are in progress. Others examine how public authority dynamics affect the everyday governance of development in outwardly more stable contexts. The seven empirical papers are complimented by a conceptual framework for analysing how power permeates the foundations of public authority dynamics. Viewed together, they illuminate why exclusions, coercion and violence are often used by those claiming the legitimacy to govern, and how grasping what this may mean for well‐intended interventions or reform efforts remains a challenge for practitioners. However, they also point towards a pressing need for outsiders to recognise their own roles in constructing and legitimising, sometimes harmful, forms of public authority in the places they work. And they suggest the first step is to confront a reluctance to acknowledge public authority dynamics in their official depictions of programmes' progress, learnings and impacts.
Beta‐blockers for the treatment of infantile haemangiomas in premature infants
Authors: Ling Lynn Chua Ting , Aan Mark Koh Jean 
Published: June 2024

AbstractBeta‐blockers have been established as a treatment of infantile haemangiomas (IH) since its serendipitous discovery for use in IH in 2008. However, data on the safety of these beta‐blockers for use in IH in preterm infants are scarce. A retrospective study was performed to review the safety of oral propranolol and topical timolol in the treatment of IH in a cohort of preterm infants treated at our tertiary paediatric hospital. It was observed that there was an increased risk of adverse events amongst the preterm infants with chronic lung disease, retinopathy of prematurity and gastroesophageal reflux, when treated with oral propranolol.
Glycyrrhetinic acid blocks SARS‐CoV‐2 infection by activating the cGAS‐STING signalling pathway
Authors: Qi Hui , Ma Qin‐hai , Feng Wei , Chen Si‐mian , Wu Cai‐sheng , Wang Yanan , Wang Tong‐xing , Hou Yun‐long , Jia Zhen‐hua 
Published: June 2024

Background and PurposeTraditional Chinese medicine (TCM) played an important role in controlling the COVID‐19 pandemic, but the scientific basis and its active ingredients are still weakly studied. This study aims to decipher the underlying anti‐SARS‐CoV‐2 mechanisms of glycyrrhetinic acid (GA).Experimental ApproachGA's anti‐SARS‐CoV‐2 effect was verified both in vitro and in vivo. Homogeneous time‐resolved fluorescence assays, biolayer interferometry technology, and molecular docking were employed to examine interactions of GA with human stimulator of interferon genes (hSTING). Immunofluorescence staining, western blot, and RT‐qPCR were used to investigate nuclear translocation of interferon regulatory factor 3 (IRF3) and levels of STING target genes. Pharmacokinetics of GA was studied in mice.Key ResultsGA could directly bind to Ser162 and Tyr240 residues of hSTING, thus up‐regulating downstream targets and activation of the STING signalling pathway. Such activation is crucial for limiting the replication of SARS‐CoV‐2 Omicron in Calu‐3 cells and protecting against lung injury induced by SARS‐CoV‐2 Omicron infection in K18‐ACE2 transgenic mice. Immunofluorescence staining and western blot indicated that GA increased levels of phosphorylated STING, phosphorylated TANK‐binding kinase‐1, and cyclic GMP‐AMP synthase (cGAS). Importantly, GA increased nuclear translocation of IRF3. Pharmacokinetic analysis of GA in mice indicated it can be absorbed into circulation and detected in the lung at a stable level.Conclusion and ImplicationsActivation of the cGAS‐STING pathway through the GA‐STING‐IRF3 axis is essential for the antiviral activity of GA in mice, providing new insights into the potential translation of GA for treating SARS‐CoV‐2 in patients.
Higher intraoperative detection rate of suspicious non‐palpable lesions using wire marking in skin cancer patients
Authors: Tietze Julia K. , Emmert Steffen , Troitzsch Paulina , Rode Susen 
Published: June 2024

SummaryBackgroundFollow‐up protocols in patients after complete resection of high‐risk cutaneous tumors lead to a discovery of metastases in very early stages, but surgery on non‐palpable lesions proves to be challenging.Patients and methodsIn this monocenter retrospective study 39 patients suffering from malignant skin tumors with suspicious non‐palpable lesions located in the lymph nodes (90%) or deep subcutaneously/intramuscularly (10%) were included. In 21 patients the lesions were excised under ultrasound guidance, and 18 patients received a wire marking before surgery. Both patient groups were compared regarding successful intraoperative finding of the lesion, duration of the procedure, and complications.ResultsWire marking led to a significantly higher intraoperative detection rate of 100% versus 76% (p < 0.05). The average time needed for the complete procedure (p = 0.91) or the rate of complications (p = 0.70) did not differ significantly between both groups. The size of the malignant lesions successfully removed by wire marking was significantly smaller (p < 0.05). Of all 34 detected lesions only 20 (58.8%) were confirmed to be malignant.ConclusionsWire marking increases the detection rate of non‐palpable suspicious subcutaneous or lymphatic lesions. It leads to earlier diagnosis of metastasis but also allows to avoid unnecessary complete lymph node dissection.
Modifiable factors to prevent severe hypoglycaemic and diabetic ketoacidosis presentations in people with type 1 diabetes
Authors: Tamsett Zacchary , James Steven , Brown Fran , O'Neal David N. , Ekinci Elif I. 
Published: June 2024

AbstractAimsIn tackling rising diabetes‐related emergencies, the need to understand and address emergency service usage by people with type 1 diabetes is vital. This review aimed to quantify current trends in presentations for type 1 diabetes‐related emergencies and identify public health strategies that reduce the frequency of diabetes‐related emergencies and improve glycaemic management.MethodsMedline (OVID), Cochrane and CINAHL were searched for studies published between 2000 and 2023, focusing on people with type 1 diabetes, severe hypoglycaemia and/or diabetic ketoacidosis, and ambulance and/or emergency department usage. There were 1313 papers identified, with 37 publications meeting review criteria.ResultsThe incidence of type 1 diabetes‐related emergencies varied from 2.4 to 14.6% over one year for hypoglycaemic episodes, and between 0.07 and 11.8 events per 100 person‐years for hyperglycaemic episodes. Notably, our findings revealed that ongoing diabetes education and the integration of diabetes technology, such as continuous glucose monitoring and insulin pump therapy, significantly reduced the incidence of these emergencies. However, socio‐economic disparities posed barriers to accessing these technologies, subsequently shifting the cost to emergency healthcare and highlighting the need for governments to consider subsidising these technologies as part of preventative measures.ConclusionsImproving access to continuous glucose monitoring and insulin pump therapy, in combination with ongoing diabetes education focusing on symptom recognition and early management, will reduce the incidence of diabetes‐related emergencies. Concurrent research assessing emergency healthcare usage patterns during the implementation of such measures is essential to ensure these are cost‐effective.