bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Female genital mutilation and cutting: a survey of child abuse pediatricians
Authors: Pipes Grace , Dunleavy Spencer , Brown Jocelyn 
Published: June 2024

Abstract
Background
As global immigration from countries with a high prevalence of female genital mutilation and cutting (FGM/C) has grown in the United States (US), there is need for pediatricians to have adequate training to care for these patients. The objective of this study is to determine the level of knowledge and attitudes of child abuse pediatricians (CAPs) towards FGM/C in the US.

Methods
This cross-sectional study distributed a peer-reviewed survey to US CAPs—members of the Helfer Society—to assess their attitudes, knowledge, clinical practice, and education about FGM/C. Data was analyzed using descriptive statistics, Kruskal–Wallis tests, and Fisher’s exact test.

Results
Most of the 65 respondents were aware that FGM/C is illegal (92%) and agreed that it violated human rights (99%). Individuals reporting previous training related to FGM/C were significantly more likely to correctly identify World Health Organization types of FGM/C (p < 0.05) and report confidence in doing so (p < 0.05). Only 21% of respondents felt comfortable discussing FGM/C with parents from countries with a high prevalence of FGM/C. Sixty-three percent were not aware of the federal law, and 74% were not aware of their own state’s laws about FGM/C.

Conclusions
US CAPs have high rates of training related to FGM/C; however, they need additional training to increase confidence and ability to identify FGM/C. FGM/C remains a topic that CAPs find difficult to discuss with families. With culturally sensitive training, CAPs have the opportunity to help manage and prevent the practice by serving as educators and experts for general pediatricians.
The design and implementation of a novel music-based curriculum for dementia care professionals: The experience of SOUND in Italy, Portugal and Romania
Authors: Quattrini Sabrina , Merizzi Alessandra , Caciula Ioana , Napradean Lena , Azevedo Maria João , Costa Sandra , Santini Sara 
Published: June 2024

Abstract
Background
The positive effects of active and passive music activities on older people with dementia are well and largely documented by the literature. Nevertheless, the use of music as a non-pharmacological intervention is not so common both in private and public older people care facilities because in-home staff have no competencies for delivering such activities. Conversely, the realization and implementation of a co-designed music-based curriculum for dementia care professionals may help the diffusion of music in the older people care facilities. This study was aimed at evaluating the learning outcomes of the SOUND training, based on an original co-designed music-based curriculum for dementia care professionals and implemented in Italy, Portugal and Romania.

Methods
The SOUND training study was developed through three phases: a) the co-design of the music-based curriculum for dementia care professionals, involving 55 people in the three participating countries; b) the teaching of the training curriculum to 63 dementia care professionals (29 in Italy, 17 in Portugal and 17 in Romania), delivered both in person and via a Moodle platform named Virtual Music Circle; c) the learning outcomes assessment, carried out by means of 13 self-evaluation tests, and a practical test, and the trainees’ course evaluation by a questionnaire.

Results
Most of the trainees reached the highest score in the evaluation of the theoretical competencies in the three study countries. Conversely, some practical competencies in the facilitation of music activities need to be fine-tuned. The SOUND training course was evaluated very positively in the overall structure, theoretical contents, and practical workshops by the trainees. Nevertheless, they preferred the face-to-face compared to the distance learning methodology in the three countries.

Conclusions
The SOUND training curriculum was effective in teaching music techniques and neurocognitive knowledge to dementia care professionals. Nevertheless, future courses should be differentiated for dementia care professionals with or without previous music knowledge and competencies. Moreover, the course is fully sustainable, because it does not require additional costs given that the curriculum is fully accessible online and it is also replicable because it trains professionals who can continue to apply the method in their working routine.
SLC40A1-related hemochromatosis associated with a p.Y333H mutation in mainland China: a pedigree report and literature review
Authors: Li Yue , Duan Fangfang , Yang Song 
Published: June 2024

Abstract
Background
Haemochromatosis is a genetic disease characterized by the excessive deposition of iron in various tissues and organs, eventually results in organ damage including cirrhosis, diabetes, cardiomyopathy, etc. SLC40A1-related haemochromatosis is associated with gain-of-function mutations in the SLC40A1 gene, which encodes ferroportin. While sporadic reports of this condition exist in mainland China, the understanding of the phenotype and genetic pattern associated with the SLC40A1 p.Y333H mutation remains incomplete.

Case presentation
We report a pedigree with heterozygous p.Y333H mutation in Chinese Han population. The proband is a 64-year-old man complaining of persistent abnormality of liver enzyme levels for 1 year, with a history of knee joint pain, diabetes and skin pigmentation. He displayed markedly elevated serum ferritin level and transferrin saturation. Magnetic resonance imaging showed iron deposition in the liver, spleen, and pancreas, along with cirrhosis and splenomegaly. Whole exome sequencing identified a heterozygous allelic variant c.997T > C (p.Y333H). Genetic screening of family members identified four first-degree relatives and three second-degree relatives having the same mutation. Additional cases with this mutation from two published studies were included. Among the probands and screened relatives, all eight males aged over 30 y had ferritin level > 1000 µg/L, transferrin saturation > 90%. Four patients with organ damage in the present study received therapeutic phlebotomy, alleviating clinical symptoms and improving in transferrin saturation and serum ferritin.

Conclusions
This study reports the largest pedigree with heterozygous SLC40A1 p.Y333H mutation in the Chinese population to date. In Chinese families, males over 30 years old with hemochromatosis due to SLC40A1 p.Y333H mutation exhibit severe iron overload phenotypes.
Current state of signaling pathways associated with the pathogenesis of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis
Authors: Zhou Yang , Ling Tingting , Shi Weihong 
Published: June 2024

AbstractIdiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF) represents a chronic and progressive pulmonary disorder distinguished by a notable mortality rate. Despite the elusive nature of the pathogenic mechanisms, several signaling pathways have been elucidated for their pivotal roles in the progression of this ailment. This manuscript aims to comprehensively review the existing literature on the signaling pathways linked to the pathogenesis of IPF, both within national and international contexts. The objective is to enhance the comprehension of the pathogenic mechanisms underlying IPF and offer a scholarly foundation for the advancement of more efficacious therapeutic strategies, thereby fostering research and clinical practices within this domain.
Occurrence of carbapenem-resistant hypervirulent Klebsiella pneumoniae in oysters in Egypt: a significant public health issue
Authors: Mohammed Rahma , Nader Sara M. , Hamza Dalia A. , Sabry Maha A. 
Published: June 2024

Abstract
Background
The global dissemination of critical-priority carbapenem-resistant hypervirulent Klebsiella pneumoniae (CR-hvKp) via food sources represents a significant public health concern. Epidemiological data on CR-hvKp in oysters in Egypt is limited. This study aimed to investigate the potential role of oysters sold in Egypt as a source for carbapenem-resistant K. pneumoniae (CRKP), hypervirulent K. pneumoniae (hvKp), and CR-hvKp and assess associated zoonotic risks.

Methods
A sample of 330 fresh oysters was randomly purchased from various retail fish markets in Egypt and divided into 33 pools. Bacteriological examination and the identification of Klebsiella pneumoniae were performed. Carbapenem resistance in K. pneumoniae isolates was determined by phenotypic and molecular methods. Additionally, the presence of hypervirulent K. pneumoniae was identified based on virulence gene markers (peg-344, rmpA, rmpA2, iucA, and iroB), followed by a string test. The clustering of CR-hvKp strains was carried out using R with the pheatmap package.

Results
The overall prevalence of K. pneumoniae was 48.5% (16 out of 33), with 13 isolates displaying carbapenem resistance, one intermediate resistance, and two sensitive. Both carbapenem-resistant K. pneumoniae and carbapenem-intermediate-resistant K. pneumoniae strains exhibited carbapenemase production, predominantly linked to the blaVIM gene (68.8%). HvKp strains were identified at a rate of 62.5% (10/16); notably, peg-344 was the most prevalent gene. Significantly, 10 of the 13 CRKP isolates possessed hypervirulence genes, contributing to the emergence of CR-hvKp. Moreover, cluster analysis revealed the clustering of two CR-hvKp isolates from the same retail fish market.

Conclusion
This study provides the first insight into the emergence of CR-hvKp among oysters in Egypt. It underscores the potential role of oysters as a source for disseminating CR-hvKp within aquatic ecosystems, presenting a possible threat to public health.
A school-based intervention programme to prevent anxiety and depression among Chinese children during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Li Jiameng , Hesketh Therese 
Published: June 2024

Abstract
Background
Child and adolescent mental health is a major public health concern worldwide. The development of children’s social and emotional skills helps to improve mental health and wellbeing, and prevent anxiety and depression. The school-based social emotional learning (SEL) programmes have proved effective in a number of countries. But in Mainland China, there has been no empirical research of the effectiveness on children’s mental health. The study conducted a SEL programme in China during the COVID-19 pandemic and aimed to determine whether: (1) a SEL programme can reduce anxiety and depression, (2) the intervention effect is influenced by sociodemographic characteristics, (3) the programme effects change children’s emotion management and communication.

Methods
Participants were 230 children aged 8–12 years in the intervention school and 325 in the control school in two poor villages in central China. The study was a quasi-experimental trial, comprising 16 weekly 90-minute sessions. It used a mixed-methods design, with a quantitative survey administered at baseline, post-intervention, and 5-month follow-up, and qualitative interviews. Linear mixed effects regression modeling was used to analyse the intervention effectiveness, linear models were conducted to examine the moderation effect of sociodemographic variables, and the inductive thematic analysis approach was used for interview data.

Results
The intervention had no significant effect on anxiety or depression, except that intervention school children who lived with neither parent (left behind children) reported lower depression scores than control school at post-intervention and 5-month follow-up. Qualitative interviews showed after intervention children were more able to control tempers and better communicated their thoughts and feelings, improving their relationships with family and friends.

Conclusions
The programme was cheap, easy to implement, and warmly welcomed by children, schools and caregivers, suggesting it was feasible and potentially sustainable. More research is needed on the adaptation of the SEL programme in the Chinese context.
Ice nucleation active bacteria metabolites as antibiofilm agent to control Aeromonas hydrophila and Streptococcus agalactiae infections in Aquaculture
Authors: Kurniawan Jessica , Waturangi Diana Elizabeth , Julyantoro Pande Gde Sasmita , Papuangan Nurmaya 
Published: June 2024

Abstract
Objectives
The aim of this study was to quantify and identify metabolites of Ice Nucleation Active (INA) bacteria as an anti-biofilm agent against biofilms of fish pathogens such as Aeromonas hydrophila and Streptococcus agalactiae.

Results
Ice nucleation active bacteria, which have the ability to catalyze ice nucleation, isolated from rainwater in previous studies, were used. All INA isolates were tested in several assays, including the antimicrobial test, which uses streptomycin as the positive control and none of the isolates were found positive in the antimicrobial test. As for the quorum quenching assay, it was found that four out of ten isolates were able to disturb the communication system in Chromobacterium violaceum wild type, which was used as the indicator bacteria. On the next assay, all ten isolates were tested for Biofilm Inhibition and Destruction and showed anti-biofilm activity with the highest percentage inhibition of 33.49% by isolate A40 against A. hydrophila and 77.26% by isolate A19 against S. agalactiae. C1 performed the highest destruction against A. hydrophila and S. agalactiae, with percentages of 32.11% and 51.88%, respectively. As for the GC-MS analysis, supernatants of INA bacteria contain bioactive compounds such as sarcosine and fatty acids, which are known to have antibiofilm activity against several biofilm-forming bacteria. Through 16s rRNA sequencing, identified bacteria are from the Pantoea, Enterobacter, and Acinetobacter genera. As for the conclusion, ice nucleation active bacteria metabolites tested showed positive results against pathogenic bacteria Aeromonas hydrophila and Streptococcus agalactiae in destructing and inhibiting biofilm growth.
Comprehensive bioinformatics analysis of human cytomegalovirus pathway genes in pan-cancer
Authors: Yan Tengyue , Pang Xianwu , Liang Boying , Meng Qiuxia , Wei Huilin , Li Wen , Liu Dahai , Hu Yanling 
Published: June 2024

Abstract
Background
Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) is a herpesvirus that can infect various cell types and modulate host gene expression and immune response. It has been associated with the pathogenesis of various cancers, but its molecular mechanisms remain elusive.

Methods
We comprehensively analyzed the expression of HCMV pathway genes across 26 cancer types using the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and The Genotype-Tissue Expression (GTEx) databases. We also used bioinformatics tools to study immune invasion and tumor microenvironment in pan-cancer. Cox regression and machine learning were used to analyze prognostic genes and their relationship with drug sensitivity.

Results
We found that HCMV pathway genes are widely expressed in various cancers. Immune infiltration and the tumor microenvironment revealed that HCMV is involved in complex immune processes. We obtained prognostic genes for 25 cancers and significantly found 23 key genes in the HCMV pathway, which are significantly enriched in cellular chemotaxis and synaptic function and may be involved in disease progression. Notably, CaM family genes were up-regulated and AC family genes were down-regulated in most tumors. These hub genes correlate with sensitivity or resistance to various drugs, suggesting their potential as therapeutic targets.

Conclusions
Our study has revealed the role of the HCMV pathway in various cancers and provided insights into its molecular mechanism and therapeutic significance. It is worth noting that the key genes of the HCMV pathway may open up new doors for cancer prevention and treatment.
Subthalamic deep brain stimulation in advanced Parkinson’s disease using the STarFix system
Authors: Elnaggar Amr , Elshanawany Ahmad , Elgheriany Ahmad Ebrahim , Ragab Mahmoud Hasan , Nouby Ahmad Radwan 
Published: June 2024

Abstract
Background
Deep brain stimulation (DBS) is a well-established and highly effective treatment for patients with medically uncontrolled Parkinson’s disease (PD). This study presents the outcome of patients with PD after subthalamic deep brain stimulation (STN DBS) using the microtargeting the platform (MTP) stereotactic system (the STarFixSystem, FHC Inc., Bowdoin, Me., USA) for accurate localization of the target and precise placement of DBs electrodes. Patients were evaluated preoperatively and the follow up period was 1 year utilizing the Unified Parkinson’s Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS II and III) in on and off medication-stimulation conditions. It included 18 STN DBS procedures in 10 patients over a 2-year period. The technical features and the practical application of the STarFix system and the clinical outcome are reported. Also lead location analysis is done by doing postoperative CT to evaluate the clinical accuracy of the stereotactic system.

Results
The mean age of PD patients was 67.7 years. Six patients were males (60%) and 4 patients were females (40%). The mean postoperative improvement in ADL was 83.47 ± 2.39 over Dopa therapy alone. The mean postoperative improvement in UPDRs motor score was 78.96 ± 7.74 over Dopa therapy alone. The STarFix system showed high accuracy with target error 1.89 mm (SD 0.8) without accounting for brain shift.

Conclusion
Deep brain stimulation (DBS) targeting the subthalamic nucleus (STN) offers fundamental benefits for patients with advanced Parkinson’s disease (PD). The usage of the STarFix system for implanting DBS electrodes in the STN provides an accurate, safe, and effective alternative to traditional stereotactic techniques. This approach simplifies the surgical procedure, boosts patient comfort, and minimizes the duration of the operation.
Clinical trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT03562403. Registered 19 June 2018, https://classic.clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03562403.
Lactobacillus alleviates intestinal epithelial barrier function through GPR43-mediated M2 macrophage polarization
Authors: Yao Yong , Zhang Yuhan , Song Mengzhen , Fan Jinping , Feng Shengkai , Li Jingjing , Wu Zhifeng , Zuo Bo , Tao Shiyu , Liu Xiangdong 
Published: June 2024

AbstractLactobacillus species have excellent abilities to reduce intestinal inflammation and enhance gut barrier function. This study elucidated the potential mechanisms through which Lactobacillus mitigates lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced intestinal injury from the perspective of macrophage–intestinal epithelial cell interactions. Lactobacillus intervention improved the histopathological score; elevated ZO-1 and Occludin protein production; reduced CD16+ cell numbers; diminished IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α levels; decreased inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) expression; increased CD163+ cell numbers; elevated IL-10 concentration; and increased arginase-1 (Arg1) expression in LPS-challenged piglets. Lactobacillus pretreatment also altered the colonic microbiota, thereby increasing the butyric acid concentration and GPR43 expression in the LPS-challenged piglets. Compared with those in the LPS group, sodium butyrate (SB) pretreatment decreased IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α secretion and iNOS expression but increased IL-10 secretion and Arg1 expression in macrophages. The SB-pretreated macrophages reduced the protein expression of TLR4, MyD88, and phosphorylated NF-κB p65 but increased the protein expression of ZO-1 and Occludin in intestinal epithelial cells. Moreover, GLPG0974 blocked the beneficial effects of SB on macrophages and intestinal epithelial cells. This study demonstrated that Lactobacillus improves intestinal barrier function by regulating the macrophage phenotype through the control of butyric acid and GPR43 levels to further control inflammation.
Safety and efficacy of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) in patients (pts) with pre-existing neurologic autoimmune diseases (NAID) and Parkinson's disease.
Authors: Fletcher Kylie , Nassar Amin , Menzies Alexander M. , Long Georgina V. , Aboubakar Nana Frank , Malgeri Andrea , Cortellini Alessio , Shah Shailee , Hassel Jessica Cecile , Kim So Yeon , Naqash Abdul Rafeh , Challa Pavan , Johnson Douglas Buckner 
Published: June 2024

2653 Background: Patients with pre-existing NAID often flare with ICIs; neurological (neuro) immune related adverse events (irAEs) are often morbid or fatal, and little is known about safety of ICI in pts with NAID and other neuro conditions (e.g. Parkinson’s). Thus, we aimed to determine their safety and efficacy in these contexts. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed 71 pts from 5 institutions receiving ICIs with NAIDs and Parkinson’s disease. NAIDs included multiple sclerosis (MS), myasthenia gravis (MG), inflammatory neuropathy, transverse myelitis, Lambert-Eaton, myotonic dystrophy, and multifocal motor neuropathy. We collected demographics, cancer outcomes, NAID characteristics, and safety outcomes. We used descriptive statistics to analyze treatment outcomes, NAID flares, and irAEs. Results: We collected 71 pts, 40 with NAID and 31 with Parkinson’s. 24 had melanoma, 12 non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), 3 small cell lung cancer (SCLC), 6 urothelial/bladder, 4 renal cell carcinoma, and 22 other; 60 had metastatic and 11 had localized disease. Median age at ICI start was 72 years (61% male, 39% female); 8 received combination ICI and 63 received monotherapy. Of 40 pts with NAID, 30% had either NAID flares or neurologic irAEs and 33% experienced other (non-neuro) irAEs (Table). Toxicities were particularly severe in MG; 70% (n=7) had MG flare/neuro irAE, 3 of which were fatal. In addition, 31 had Parkinson’s; of these, 12.9% (n=4) had Parkinson’s flares, 3% (n=1) had neuro-irAEs, and 42% (n=13) had other irAEs. One pt died of grade 5 myocarditis/myositis following combination ICI (Table). 5 MS patients responded to therapy (23%), but none were those with NAID flare/neuro irAE. Both MG patients who had non-neuro irAEs responded to treatment. Conclusions: In this cohort of ICI treated pts with prior neuro disorders, we demonstrated that MG pts have high rates of MG flare/neuro irAEs, hospitalizations, and fatalities, but low response rates. In contrast, other NAID (particularly MS) as well as Parkinson’s appeared to have modest risks of flares/neuro irAEs. Notably, Parkinson’s pts had high rates of non-neuro irAEs and response rates. [Table: see text]