bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Change in microbiota profile after vaginal estriol cream in postmenopausal women with stress incontinence
Authors: Moore Kate H. , Ognenovska Samantha , Chua Xin-Yi , Chen Zhuoran , Hicks Chloe , El-Assaad Fatima , te West Nevine , El-Omar Emad 
Published: March 2024

IntroductionVaginal estrogen is a treatment for genitourinary symptoms of menopause (GSM), which comprises vaginal atrophy and urinary dysfunction, including incontinence. Previous studies show that estrogen therapy promotes lactobacilli abundance and is associated with reduced GSM symptoms, including reduction of stress incontinence. However, detailed longitudinal studies that characterize how the microbiome changes in response to estrogen are scarce. We aimed to compare the vaginal microbiota of postmenopausal women, before and 12 weeks after vaginal estrogen cream.MethodsA total of 44 paired samples from 22 postmenopausal women with vaginal atrophy and stress incontinence were collected pre-vaginal estrogens and were compared to 12 weeks post-vaginal estrogen. Microbiota was characterized by 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing and biodiversity was investigated by comparing the alpha- and beta-diversity and potential markers were identified using differential abundance analysis.ResultsVaginal estrogen treatment was associated with a reduction in vaginal pH and corresponded with a significant reduction in alpha diversity of the microbiota. Healthy vaginal community state type was associated with lower mean pH 4.89 (SD = 0.6), in contrast to dysbiotic state which had a higher mean pH 6.4 (SD = 0.74). Women with lactobacilli dominant community pre-treatment, showed stable microbiota and minimal change in their pH. Women with lactobacilli deficient microbiome pre-treatment improved markedly (p = 0.004) with decrease in pH −1.31 and change to heathier community state types.ConclusionIn postmenopausal women with stress incontinence, vaginal estrogen promotes Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium growth and lowers vaginal pH. Maximum response is seen in those with a dysbiotic vaginal microbiota pre-treatment.
Digital spatial profiling identifies molecular changes involved in development of colitis-associated colorectal cancer
Authors: Glyn Tamara , Williams Sarah , Whitehead Martin , Eglinton Tim , West Nicholas , Purcell Rachel V. 
Published: March 2024

ObjectiveChronic colonic inflammation seen in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a risk factor for colorectal cancer (CRC). Colitis-associated cancers (CAC) are molecularly different from sporadic CRC. This study aimed to evaluate spatially defined molecular changes associated with neoplastic progression to identify mechanisms of action and potential biomarkers for prognostication.DesignIBD patients who had undergone colectomy for treatment of their IBD or dysplasia were identified from an institutional database. Formalin-fixed paraffin embedded samples from areas of normal, inflamed, dysplastic and adenocarcinoma tissue were identified for digital spatial profiling using the Nanostring GeoMx™ Cancer Transcriptome Atlas. RNA expression and quantification of 1812 genes was measured and analysed in a spatial context to compare differences in gene expression.ResultsSixteen patients were included, nine patients had CAC, two had dysplasia only and five had colitis only. Significant, step-wise differences in gene expression were seen between tissue types, mainly involving progressive over-expression of collagen genes associated with stromal remodelling. Similarly, MYC over-expression was associated with neoplastic progression. Comparison of normal and inflamed tissue from patients who progressed to those who did not also showed significant differences in immune-related genes, including under-expression of thte chemokines CCL18, CCL25 and IL-R7, as well as CD3, CD6 and lysozyme. The known oncogene CD24 was significantly overexpressed.ConclusionBoth tissue types and patient groups are molecularly distinguishable on the basis of their gene expression patterns. Further prospective work is necessary to confirm these differences and establish their clinical significance and potential utility as biomarkers.
The reciprocity of skeletal muscle and bone: an evolving view from mechanical coupling, secretory crosstalk to stem cell exchange
Authors: Sui Hao , Dou Jinfeng , Shi Bing , Cheng Xu 
Published: March 2024

Introduction: Muscle and bone constitute the two main parts of the musculoskeletal system and generate an intricately coordinated motion system. The crosstalk between muscle and bone has been under investigation, leading to revolutionary perspectives in recent years.Method and results: In this review, the evolving concept of muscle-bone interaction from mechanical coupling, secretory crosstalk to stem cell exchange was explained in sequence. The theory of mechanical coupling stems from the observation that the development and maintenance of bone mass are largely dependent on muscle-derived mechanical loads, which was later proved by Wolff’s law, Utah paradigm and Mechanostat hypothesis. Then bone and muscle are gradually recognized as endocrine organs, which can secrete various cytokines to modulate the tissue homeostasis and remodeling to each other. The latest view presented muscle-bone interaction in a more direct way: the resident mesenchymal stromal cell in the skeletal muscle, i.e., fibro-adipogenic progenitors (FAPs), could migrate to the bone injury site and contribute to bone regeneration. Emerging evidence even reveals the ectopic source of FAPs from tissue outside the musculoskeletal system, highlighting its dynamic property.Conclusion: FAPs have been established as the critical cell connecting muscle and bone, which provides a new modality to study inter-tissue communication. A comprehensive and integrated perspective of muscle and bone will facilitate in-depth research in the musculoskeletal system and promote novel therapeutic avenues in treating musculoskeletal disorders.
The effect of an e-intervention on intellectual disability stigma among Nigerian and Kenyan internet users: a comparative randomised controlled trial
Authors: Odukoya Deborah , Chege Winfred , Scior Katrina 
Published: March 2024

IntroductionThe negative consequences of stigma for the wellbeing of people with disabilities have raised public and global health concerns. This study assessed the impact of an e-intervention to reduce intellectual disability (ID) stigma among Nigerian and Kenyan internet-users.MethodParticipants aged 18+ and citizens of Nigeria and Kenya were recruited through online advertising. Qualtrics, a web survey platform, randomly assigned (1:1) participants to watch either a short experimental or control film, while masked to their assignment. The experimental film featured education about ID and indirect contact. The control film was on an unrelated topic. Their attitudes were measured on three dimensions (affect, cognitions and behaviour) at three time points (baseline, post intervention and one-month follow-up). Between October 2016 and April 2017, 933 participants were randomised, 469 to the experimental condition and 464 to the control condition. Of these, 827 (89%) provided pre-and post-intervention data but only 287 (31%) were retained at follow-up.ResultsAn intent-to-treat analysis revealed that participants in the experimental but not the control condition showed a positive shift in their attitudes towards people with ID over time. Their willingness to interact with people with ID increased post-intervention.DiscussionA brief intervention that integrates education and indirect contact can make an effective contribution to efforts to reduce stigma faced by people with ID in Africa. Trial registered with the ISRCTN trial registry (number ISRCTN92574712).
Changes in real-world dispensing of ADHD stimulants in youth from 2019 to 2021 in California
Authors: Patel Anika , Chavan Rishikesh , Rakovski Cyril , Beuttler Richard , Yang Sun 
Published: March 2024

IntroductionAttention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is one of the most common pediatric neurobehavioral disorders in the U.S. Stimulants, classified as controlled substances, are commonly used for ADHD management. We conducted an analysis of real-world stimulants dispensing data to evaluate the pandemic’s impact on young patients (≤ 26 years) in California.MethodsAnnual prevalence of patients on stimulants per capita across various California counties from 2019 and 2021 were analyzed and further compared across different years, sexes, and age groups. New patients initiating simulants therapy were also examined. A case study was conducted to determine the impact of socioeconomic status on patient prevalence within different quintiles in Los Angeles County using patient zip codes. Logistic regression analysis using R Project was employed to determine demographic factors associated with concurrent use of stimulants with other controlled substances.ResultsThere was a notable reduction in prevalence of patients ≤26 years old on stimulants during and after the pandemic per 100,000 people (777 in 2019; 743 in 2020; 751 in 2021). These decreases were more evident among the elementary and adolescent age groups. The most prevalent age group on stimulants were adolescents (12–17 years) irrespective of the pandemic. A significant rise in the number of female patients using stimulants was observed, increasing from 107,957 (35.2%) in 2019 to 121,241 (41.1%) in 2021. New patients initiating stimulants rose from 102,754 in 2020 to 106,660 in 2021, with 33.2% being young adults. In Los Angeles County, there was an increasing trend in patient prevalence from Q1 to Q5 income quintiles among patients ≥6 years. Consistently each year, the highest average income quintile exhibited the highest per capita prevalence. Age was associated with higher risk of concurrent use of benzodiazepines (OR, 1.198 [95% CI, 1.195–1.201], p &lt; 0.0001) and opioids (OR, 1.132 [95% CI, 1.130–1.134], p &lt; 0.0001) with stimulants.DiscussionOur study provides real-world information on dispensing of ADHD stimulants in California youth from 2019 to 2021. The results underscore the importance of optimizing evidence-based ADHD management in pediatric patients and young adults to mitigate disparities in the use of stimulants.
Symptom trajectories of post-COVID sequelae in patients with acute Delta or Omicron infection in Bergen, Norway
Authors: Iversen Arild , Blomberg Bjørn , Haug Kjell , Kittang Bård , Özgümüs Türküler , Cox Rebecca Jane , Langeland Nina 
Published: March 2024

IntroductionA substantial proportion of the over 700 million COVID-19 cases world-wide experience long-term symptoms. The objectives of this study were to compare symptom trajectories and risk factors for post-COVID-19 condition after Delta and Omicron infection.MethodsThis study consecutively recruited patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection from November 2021 to March 2022. We recorded demographics, comorbidities, vaccination status, sick leave, and 18 symptoms during acute infection and after 4 months. The primary outcome measures were symptoms during acute infection and after 4 months. Secondary outcome measures were work and school absenteeism.ResultsWe followed a cohort of 1,374 non-hospitalized COVID-19 patients in Bergen, Norway, at three time points. The median age was 39.8 years and 11% were children &lt;16 years. Common acute upper respiratory symptoms waned during follow-up. Fatigue remained common from acute infection (40%) until after 4 months (37%). Four months post-infection, patients reported increased frequencies of dyspnea (from 15% during acute illness to 25% at 4 months, p &lt; 0.001), cognitive symptoms (from 9 to 32%, p &lt; 0.001) and depression (from 1 to 17%, p &lt; 0.001). Patients infected with Omicron reported less dyspnea (22% versus 27%, p = 0.046) and smell/taste problems (5% versus 19%, p &lt; 0.001) at 4 months follow-up than those with Delta infection. Comorbidities and female sex were risk factors for persistent dyspnea and cognitive symptoms. Ten percent reported sick leave after acute illness, and vaccination reduced the risk of absenteeism (adjusted risk ratio: 0.36, 95% confidence interval: 0.15, 0.72, p = 0.008).ConclusionAt 4 months, home-isolated patients infected with Omicron reported overall comparable symptom burden, but less dyspnea and smell/taste problems than Delta infected patients. Several acute symptoms waned during follow-up. It is worrying that dyspnea, neurocognitive symptoms, and particularly depression, increased significantly during the first 4 months after acute infection. Previous vaccination was protective against prolonged sick leave.
The influence of increasing mineral fertilizer application on nitrogen leaching of arable land and grassland—results of a long-term lysimeter study
Authors: Rupp Holger , Tauchnitz Nadine , Meissner Ralph 
Published: March 2024

IntroductionDespite various efforts to reduce nitrogen leaching from agricultural land, the permissible nitrate concentrations in groundwater have often been exceeded in the past. Intensive farming is often seen as the cause of the deterioration in water quality. Therefore, the present lysimeter study aimed to quantify nitrogen (N) leaching at different N fertilization levels for the agricultural land use systems of arable land and grassland to derive suitable management measures for improving groundwater quality.MethodsThe effects of three different of mineral fertilization treatments (50%, 100%, and 150%) in arable land and grassland use on four distinct soil types (loamy sand, sand, loam, loess) concerning seepage formation, nitrogen concentrations, nitrogen loads, dry matter yields and nitrogen balances were tested. The study was conducted at the lysimeter facility of the Helmholtz Centre of Environmental Research – UFZ at Falkenberg (northeast Germany). Twenty-four non-weighable lysimeters with a surface area of 1 m² and a depth of 1.25 m were managed as grassland and arable land with three different fertilization treatments since 1985.Results and DiscussionFor arable land use, N leaching differed between the studied soil types, with the highest N loads from the sand (36.6 kg ha–1 yr–1 ) and loamy sand (30.7 kg ha–1 yr–1 ) and the lowest N loads from loess (12.1 kg ha–1 yr–1) and loam soil (13.1 kg ha–1 yr–1). In contrast to grassland use, a reduction of N fertilization level by 50 % did not result in reduced N leaching for arable land, whereas a maximal 29% reduced dry matter yields was observed. An increase of N fertilization by 50 % did not cause significant enhanced N leaching at arable land use. Soil-and management-related factors (soil type, texture, soil tillage, crop rotation, and others) mask the effect of increased N fertilization rates in arable land using lysimeters. For arable land use, a reduction of N fertilizer levels as the only measure was insufficient to reduce NO3– leaching, and other strategies besides N fertilization levels are required to improve groundwater quality. Measures should be targeted to reduce N losses by mineralization processes.
Case Report: Unique management strategy for rare case of esophageal foreign body
Authors: Rustemov Dastan , Bilal Ruslan , Tukinov Ruslan , Nekessov Adilzhan , Dzhenalaev Damir , Ermeshev Erbulat , Mukhamedov Zarip , Mustafinov Dulat , Utebaliev Ruslan , Sakuov Zhenis , Kaliev Baurzhan 
Published: March 2024

BackgroundForeign bodies that enter the esophagus can cause serious complications that may require extensive surgical intervention, including open surgery. The treatment method depends on the location, size, configuration, and number of foreign bodies in the esophagus, but to date, the best method to remove foreign bodies from the esophagus remains uncertain. Foreign bodies which can damage the walls of esophagus varies from bones and bone fragments, to metallic objects and batteries. In this article, we present a rare case of a “fish bone” penetrating through the esophagus walls and directly punctured the aorta, forming a post-traumatic saccular pseudoaneurysm of the descending thoracic aorta, which was successfully treated with endovascular stent placement to the aorta and with endoscopic foreign body removal.Case summaryWe reported a case of a 16-year-old male with a 6-day history of chest pain after consuming fish. As result of immediate test in regional hospital using oral flexible esophagogastroduodenoscopy abnormalities were not reported. Due to persistence of beforementioned symptoms, a fiberoptic esophagogastroduodenoscopy was performed 3 days later, revealing a 1.5–2.0 cm long altered area with contact bleeding 33.0 cm from the incisors, but no visualization of any foreign body. Computed tomography revealed a fish bone that had completely passed through walls of the esophagus and punctured the aortic wall, forming an aneurysm. Patient was urgently hospitalized by air ambulance to our hospital for high-specialized medical intervention after 6 days. After the endovascular placement of a stent graft, the fish bone was successfully removed by endoscopic intervention. 12 months follow up showed no abnormalities.ConclusionEndoscopic removal of foreign bodies in the esophagus and extracting a foreign body after thoracic endovascular aortic stent may be a feasible option for some cases.
Uterine Commensal Peptostreptococcus Species Contribute to IDO1 Induction in Endometrial Cancer via Indoleacrylic Acid
Authors: Wang Qiong , Liu Yaqiong , Chen Weiwei , Chen Sha , Su Minting , Zheng Yanqin , Liu Wenjie , Li Li , Zeng Liang , Shi Quan , He Juan , Qian Yuanmin , Xuan Xingcui , Wen Qirong , Lash Gendie E. , Shi Kun 
Published: March 2024

Microbial dysbiosis has an increasingly appreciated impact on carcinogenesis, and the cervicovaginal microbiome plays a critical role in microenvironmental inflammation. Here, we investigated the involvement of the female genital tract Peptostreptococcus species in gynecological cancer via indoleacrylic acid (IAA). IAA production from Peptostreptococcus species and the effect of bacterial culture on tumor growth in vivo were examined. The impact of IAA on cytokine production and indoleamine-2,3-dioxygenase 1 (IDO1) expression in an endometrial cancer (EC) cell line, as well as their effect on Treg and Teff cells, and M1 and M2 macrophage populations were examined in EC patients and tumor-grafted mice. Clinically, Peptostreptococcus species abundance, IAA, and IDO1 expression were verified in EC patients. The results showed that IAA production was induced in the uteri of BALB/c nude mice by Peptostreptococcus species transplantation, and the intratumoral injection of a conditioned medium from Peptostreptococcus cultures into tumor-grafted mice promoted tumor growth. IL-10 expression was upregulated by IAA; IFN-γ expression was increased by IL-10. IFN-γ induced IDO1 expression in the EC cell line. The co-culture of IDO1-expressing EC cells with peripheral blood mononuclear cells upregulated the Treg proportion and decreased the M1/M2 ratio. Clinically, P. anaerobius was more abundant amongst the uterine microbiota of EC patients than the control. The IAA, IDO1, and kynurenine/tryptophan ratios were all higher in EC tissue, and the M1/M2 ratio was lower. Our study sheds light on the link between IDO1 induction and uterine Peptostreptococcus dysbiosis and provides a potential rationale for the role of Peptostreptococcus species in immune tolerance induction in type I endometrial cancer.
TECHNOLOGY «CARE ASSISTANT»: ORGANIZATION OF CARE ASSISTANT’ ACTIVITIES AND QUALITY OF SERVICE (BASED ON MATERIALS OF THE VOLGOGRAD REGION)
Authors: Скобелина Н.А. 
Published: March 2024

В системе долговременного ухода услуги сиделок осуществляются по технологии «Помощник по уходу», по индивидуальной программе и договору о предоставлении социальных услуг нуждающимся в обслуживании пожилым гражданам. В статье представлен многоуровневый механизм технологии. Формальные правила, регулирующие деятельность субъектов системы долговременного ухода, составляют макроуровень технологии. К мезоуровню относятся формы и способы деятельности специалистов по уходу в рамках отдельной организации социального обслуживания. Микроуровень предполагает взаимодействие сиделок с различными специалистами на всех этапах предоставления социальных услуг в долговременном уходе. Предметом рассмотрения в данном исследовании является организация деятельности помощника по уходу в Волгоградском регионе. Опираясь на результаты экспертного опроса сиделок и анкетного опроса получателей услуг, а также на положения структуралистской теории Э. Гидденса, автор проанализировал особенности организации деятельности специалистов по уходу. Как показывают результаты экспертного опроса, для повышения качества обслуживания пожилых людей на практике выстраивается многоуровневый механизм технологии. В ходе эмпирического исследования выявлены проблемы, касающиеся условий работы помощников по уходу, оказания ими дополнительных услуг и оформления отчетных документов. Результаты анкетного опроса свидетельствуют о том, что получатели услуг удовлетворены качеством обслуживания, их устраивает доступность и своевременность оказания социальных услуг.
The organization of the activity of сare assistant using the «Care Assistant» technology in the Volgograd region is the subject of consideration in this study. The provisions of E.Giddens’ structural theory help to determine the specifics of the organization of the care assistant’s activities. The analysis of the activities of care professionals and the assessment of the quality of service is based on the results of an expert survey of сare assistant and a questionnaire survey of service recipients in the region. The formal rules governing the activities of the subjects of the long-term care system constitute the macro-level of the «Care Assistant» technology. The meso-level includes the forms and methods of care professionals’ activities within a separate social service organization. The micro-level is the interaction of сare assistant with various specialists at all stages of providing social services in long-term care. The survey results showed that care assistants provide free services included in the social package of long-term care. Defining the specifics of the organization of the care assistants, the author identified problems related to working conditions, the provision of additional services, paperwork, education. The results of the questionnaire survey of service recipients indicate that respondents are satisfied with the quality of service, availability and timeliness of social services.