bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Correlations between somatic symptoms and resilience among a group of Vietnamese : Lessons learned from Covid 19
Authors: Nguyen Thanh Tu , Le Mai Lien , Tran So Nhu , Tran Quoc Thuan , Diep Dai Hung , Pham Lien , Nguyen Hong Lien 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

This study aims to examine the relationships between somatic symptoms and resilience among a group of Vietnamese in the time of Covid 19. In earlier literature, no attention was paid to name what exactly somatic symptoms related to components of resilience among this group. In this research, 1252 willing participants were administered in August 2021, using an online survey on the demographic questionnaires, somatic symptoms (PHQ 15) and Resilience (RIS-CD, 2003).
Through descriptive statistics resulting from SPSS 26, self-efficacy was found significant in the expressions of resilience. In addition, the result from the correlation and regression analysis also showed the significantly negative relationships between somatic symptoms(e.g., insomnia, fatigue) and resilience (e.g., self-efficacy). The discussions on the main findings will address cultural implications. Lessons learned from Covid 19 and recommendations for future research in the fields of Scientific Reports also suggested.
Molecular Characterization and Antibacterial Potential of Endophytic Fungal isolates from selected Mangroves along the Coastline of Kenya
Authors: Wacira Teresia Nyambura , Makonde Huxley Mae , Bosire Carren Moraa , Kibiti Cromwell Mwiti 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
The increasing emergence and re-emergence of resistant pathogenic microbes causes a health threat to the human population. This study aimed to characterize mangrove endophytic fungi and evaluate their antibacterial activity. Heritiera littoralis, Rhizophora mucronata, Bruguiera gymnorrhiza, Avicennia marina and Xylocarpus granatum species were collected from Tudor Creek, Mida Creek and Gazi Bay. A total of 30 fungal isolates were subjected to molecular identification based on analysis of their ITS gene region. The isolates in the inferred phylogenetic trees were affiliated with the genus Aspergillus. Ethyl acetate and butanol crude extracts of 29 fungal isolates and eight mycelia samples were screened for antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC 27853), Escherichia coli (ATCC 25922) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (ATCC 25923) using the disc diffusion method. A. marina and R. mucronata harboured the most fungal endophytes that showed the highest antibacterial activity. Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) activity for the seven isolates that exhibited high antibacterial activities against the test microorganisms compared to the positive control was determined. The ethyl acetate extracts of isolates BE5, BA11, LB4 and RC6 showed significantly lower MIC activity compared to the positive control against test microorganisms (𝑃< 0.05). Therefore, this study confirms that mangrove species harbour fungal isolates that have antibacterial activity and hence could serve as a novel source of antibiotics.
Ultrasound peer-to-peer courses for medical students: a cross-sectional study of satisfaction and efficacy
Authors: Costantino Andrea , Galazzetti Marco , Etessami Julian David , Garbelotto Paolo Tito , Lorenzon Beatrice , Maregatti Margherita , Santagata Fabrizio , Vecchi Maurizio 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Background Point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) is ideal for providing rapid answers to many clinical problems. It is therefore important that instruction on ultrasound (US) basics be provided as part of university education. The aim of this study was to investigate how a peer-to-peer US course was perceived and if it improved knowledge among medical students.
Methods A web-based anonymous questionnaire was sent to medical students at the University of Milan (3rd–6th year) to evaluate: (1) their impressions of US usefulness; (2) their self-reported perception of their US abilities; and (3) their ability to recognize US images.
The results were compared between a group of students who participated in peer-to-peer US courses and a group who did not.
Results The questionnaire was sent to 803 students, of whom 196 (24.4%) replied. A significant increase in ability to interpret US images was demonstrated among participants taking peer-to-peer courses (n = 91), with a 27.8% reduction in errors (p < 0.05) compared with non-participants. Students from both groups considered US courses useful (4.79/5 and 4.77/5, p = 0.7), while a higher proportion of participants in peer-to-peer courses considered they had received sufficient (≥ 6/10) basic instruction (38% vs 19%, p = 0.003).
ConclusionsUS peer-to-peer courses are considered useful by medical students, and may improve skills, although acceptable training requires more than a few US lessons. Since POCUS is becoming increasingly useful in clinical practice as an extension of physical examination, a greater number of practical courses should be offered to medical students.
Dynamic Interplay of miR-155-5p Transfer in the Mechanisms Underlying Ibrutinib Resistance in DLBCL through Extracellular Vesicles
Authors: Park Bon , Choi Myung Eun , Ryu Kyung Ju , Park Chaehwa , Yoon Sang Eun , Kim Won Seog , Hong Jung Yong , Kim Seok Jin 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Ibrutinib, a Bruton Tyrosine Kinase (BTK) inhibitor, has exhibited efficacy in various B-cell lymphoid malignancies. However, prolonged usage may lead to resistance, impacting treatment outcomes. The oncogenic microRNA, miR-155-5p is related with poor prognosis in B-cell lymphomas, prompting our investigation into the mechanism of acquired ibrutinib resistance in B-cell lymphoma cells. To generate ibrutinib-resistant OCI-Ly1 cells (OCI-Ly1-IbtR), continuous exposure to 1µM and 2µM of ibrutinib was employed. microRNA profiling of OCI-Ly1-IbtR was conducted, and exosomes were isolated using ultracentrifugation. Comparative studies of microRNA levels in cells and exosomes, and targets of up-regulated microRNAs in OCI-Ly1-IbtR were explored. Target validation involved transfection of candidate microRNA, and co-culture experiments utilized OCI-Ly1 with exosomes from OCI-Ly1-IbtR. Elevated miR-155-5p levels were observed in OCI-Ly1-IbtR and exosomes from OCI-Ly1-IbtR, correlating with AKT and NF-κB activation. MiR-155-5p transfection induced AKT/NF-κB pathway activation in OCI-Ly1, resulting in ibrutinib resistance, enhanced colony formation and sustained BTK activity. Primary cell lines from ibrutinib-refractory B-cell lymphoma patients exhibited similar signaling protein activation. Target evaluation identified KDM5B and DEPTOR as miR-155-5p targets, confirmed by downregulation after transfection. KDM5B and DEPTOR enrichment in Ago2 during ibrutinib resistance and miR-155-5p transfection was observed. Co-culture experiments demonstrated exosome-mediated miR-155-5p transfer, inducing ibrutinib resistance and KDM5B/DEPTOR downregulation in OCI-Ly1. Our findings suggest that miR-155-5p overexpression is associated with AKT and NF-κB pathway activation in ibrutinib-resistant cells, proposing a potential role for acquired miR-155-5p upregulation in B-cell lymphoma ibrutinib resistance.
Increased incidence and diverse manifestations of Multiple Evanescent White Dot Syndrome during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Song Yong Yeon , Kim Jung Tae , Chang Young Suk , Lee Min-Woo , Lee Sung Chul 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
The advent of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has affected the incidence and course of various diseases and numerous studies have investigated ocular involvement associated with COVID-19 and corresponding vaccines. In this study, we compared the incidence rates of multiple evanescent white dot syndrome (MEWDS) before and during the COVID-19 pandemic at a single center in Korea and analyzed the demographic and clinical features of patients with MEWDS presenting during the COVID-19 pandemic. We categorized patients with MEWDS into two groups according to date of diagnosis. Group 1 included patients diagnosed during the pre-pandemic period (before March 10, 2020), whereas Group 2 included patients diagnosed during the pandemic period (after March 11, 2020). 6 and 12 patients were included in Groups 1 and Group 2, respectively. Among all hospital visits during the pre-pandemic and pandemic periods, 0.011% and 0.030% were due to MEWDS, indicating a significant increase during the pandemic (p = 0.029, B = 2.756). The annual visit rates of patients with MEWDS in 2017–2022 were 0.73, 0.75, 0.78, 1.32, 2.49, and 2.07 per 10,000 population, respectively, corresponding to a significant increase (p = 0.039, B = 1.316). Group 2 included a larger proportion of male patients compared with Group 1 (p < 0.001). Our results imply that the incidence and manifestation of MEWDS are likely to become more diverse in the COVID-19 pandemic era.
Prenatal Exposure to Psychotropics and Analgesics on Cognitive, Linguistic and Educational Outcomes – a Systematic Review with Focus on Validity and Reliability of Outcome Measures
Authors: Re Akhila Srinivas , Fawad Fatima , Leite Mila Apostolova , Olstad Emilie Willoch , Gervin Kristina , Kanduri Chakravarthi , Sandve Geir Kjetil , Brandlistuen Ragnhild , Lupattelli Angela , Torkildsen Janne von Koss , Nordeng Hedvig Marie Egeland 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Objective: To provide an overview of the observational studies on cognitive, linguistic, and educational outcomes following prenatal exposure to psychotropics and analgesics, including reporting of outcome measure validity and reliability.
Study design: We searched four databases, MEDLINE, Embase, PsycINFO, and PubMed from inception to July 2022. We included all original studies involving participants less than 18 years old, who were prenatally exposed to psychotropics and/or analgesics with cognitive, linguistic, and/or educational outcomes.
Results: 68 studies were identified. Most studies (47%) focused on the effects of prenatal exposure to antiepileptics on child cognition. Valproate showed a consistently increased risk of neurodevelopmental disorders, whereas the results for other medications were sparse and conflicting. Neurodevelopmental outcomes were measured by psychometric assessments in 62 studies and by diagnostic codes in health care registries in six studies. Only 29 of the 62 studies (46.8%) using psychometric measures mentioned the psychometric properties of the instruments used. In studies using diagnostic outcome measures, only one study reported positive predictive values and performed a sensitivity analysis to address outcome misclassification.
Conclusion: Except for valproate, there is a concerning lack of studies on the impact of prenatal exposure to psychotropics and analgesics on cognitive, linguistic, and educational outcomes. Regardless of whether psychometric measures or diagnostic codes were used, most studies lacked a robust assessment of outcome measures, which threatens their validity and interpretability. Future studies on long-term prenatal medication safety need to focus on the accuracy of neurodevelopmental outcome measures.
Genetic hallmarks and clinical implications of chromothripsis in childhood T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia
Authors: Pastorczak Agata , Urbanska Zuzanna , Styka Borys , Miarka-Walczyk Karolina , SĘDEK Łukasz , Wypyszczak Kamila , Wakulinska Anna , Nowicka Zuzanna , Szczepański Tomasz , Stańczak Marcin , Fendler Wojciech , Kowalczyk Jerzy , Mlynarski Wojciech , Lejman Monika 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Chromothripsis (cth) is a form of genomic instability leading to massive de novo structural chromosome rearrangements in a one-time catastrophic event. It can cause cancer-promoting alterations, such as loss of sequences for tumor-suppressor genes, formation of oncogenic fusions, and oncogene amplifications. We investigated the genetic background and clinical significance of cth in childhood T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL) patients. For this purpose, whole-genome copy number alterations were analyzed in 173 children with newly diagnosed T-ALL using high-density microarrays. Cth was identified in 10 T-ALL samples (5.78%). In six of them, cth occurred in a constitutional background of Nijmegen breakage syndrome (n = 5) or Li-Fraumeni syndrome (n = 1). Cth generated alterations, including deletions of CDKN2A/B (n = 4) and EZH2 (n = 4), amplifications of CDK6 (n = 2), and NUP214::ABL1 and TFG::GPR128 fusions. Cth-positive leukemias exhibited deletions involving the tumor-suppressor genes RB1 (n = 3), TP53 (n = 1) and MED12 (n = 2). Cth-positive T-ALL patients had a lower probability of 5-year overall survival (OS) [0.56 vs. 0.81; hazard ratio (HR) = 4.14 (1.42–12.02) p = 0.017] as did 5-year event-free survival [0.45 vs. 0.74; HR = 3.91 (1.52–10.08); p = 0.012]. Chromothripsis is an infrequent genomic phenomenon in pediatric T-ALL but is significantly associated with cancer-predisposing syndromes and inferior prognosis.
Photoprotective and antiphotomutagenic effect of Baccharis dracunculifolia optimized extract in the alternative Saccharomyces cerevisiae model
Authors: Vilas-Boas¹ Isis Tavares , Diniz Raiane Rosales , Faraco André Augusto Gomes , de Pádula Marcelo , Scopel Marina , Castilho Rachel Oliveira 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

The recent discovery of hazardous side effects associated with sunscreen ingredients has prompted the search for natural alternatives that can effectively absorb UV rays. This study focuses on evaluating the chemical profile and potential photoprotective and antiphotomutagenic effects of an ethanolic extract from Baccharis dracunculifolia using the Saccharomyces cerevisiae model. An analysis conducted using ESI-QToF-LC-MS confirmed the presence of flavonoids and phenylpropanoids in the B. dracunculifolia extract, including compounds such as apigenin, hydroxycinnamic acid derivatives, caffeoylquinic acids, and chlorogenic acid. In the yeast model, the extract demonstrated the ability to protect S. cerevisiae yno1 strain cells against cytotoxic lesions induced by high Solar Simulated Light (SSL) irradiation exposure. Furthermore, the extract exhibited antioxidant properties, as evidenced by its protection against SSL-induced oxidative damage in the yno1 strain, which is an indicator of oxidative damage. Additionally, the extract showed potential as an antiphotomutagenic agent, as the yno1-treated strain displayed a lower frequency of photomutagenicity in terms of CanR/107 mutant cells, thereby reducing both lethal cytotoxic lesions induced by SSL and protecting the cells against SSL-induced oxidative mutagenic lesions. These findings suggest that the B. dracunculifolia extract holds promise as a natural and effective photoprotective ingredient, offering a green alternative to traditional sunscreens by reducing the need for harmful chemical filters.
Machine learning predictive model for aspiration risk in early enteral nutrition patients with severe acute pancreatitis
Authors: Zhang Bo , Xu Huanqing , Xiao Qigui , Wei Wanzhen , Ma Yifei , Gu Jingtao , Lang Lan , Chen Xinlong , Ma Qingyong , Han Liang 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Background: The aim of this study was to build and validate a risk prediction model for aspiration in severe acute pancreatitis patients receiving enteral nutrition by identifying risk factors for aspiration in these patients.
Methods: The risk factors for aspiration were analyzed to build a prediction model based on the data collected from 339 patients receiving enteral nutrition. Subsequently, we used six machine learning algorithms and the model was validated by the area under the curve.
Results: In this study, the collected data were divided into two groups: a training cohort and a validation cohort. The results showed that 28.31% (77) of patients had aspiration and 71.69% (195) of patients had non-aspiration in training cohort. Moreover, age, consciousness, mechanical ventilation, aspiration history, nutritional risk and number of comorbidities were included as predictive factors for aspiration in patients receiving EN. The XGBoost model is the best of all machine learning models, with an AUROC of 0.992 and an F1 value of 0.902. The specificity and accuracy of XGBoost are higher than those of traditional logistic regression.
Conclusion: In accordance with the predictive factors, XGBoost model, characterized by excellent discrimination and high accuracy, can be used to clinically identify severe acute pancreatitis patients with a high risk of enteral nutrition aspiration.
Distinct histopathological features of post-COVID-19 cholangiopathy
Authors: Borges Valéria Ferreira de Almeida e , Cotrim Helma Pinchemel , Andrade Antônio Ricardo Cardia Ferraz , Mendes Liliana Sampaio Costa , Penna Francisco Guilherme Cancela , Silva Marcelo Costa , Salomão Frederico Chaves , Freitas Luiz Antônio Rodrigues 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Background: Cholangiopathy has been described in survivors of severe COVID-19, presenting significant clinical parallels to the pre-pandemic condition of secondary sclerosing cholangitis in critically ill patients (SSC-CIP).
Aim: Herein, we examined the liver histopathology of individuals with persistent cholestasis following severe COVID-19.
Methods: Post-COVID-19 cholestasis liver samples were subjected to routine staining techniques and cytokeratin 7 immunostaining, and the portal and parenchymal changes were semi-quantitatively analyzed.
Results: All ten patients, five men, median age 56, interquartile range (IQR) 51–60, requiring mechanical ventilation. The median and IQR liver enzyme concentrations proximal to biopsy were in IU/L: ALP, 605 (390–1,105); GGT, 925 (776–2,169); ALT, 92 (86–110); AST, 90 (68–108); and bilirubin, 3 (1–6) mg/dL. Imaging revealed intrahepatic bile duct anomalies and biliary casts. Biopsies were performed at a median of 203 (150–249) days after molecular confirmation of infection. Portal and periportal fibrosis, moderate-to-severe ductular proliferation, and bile duct dystrophy were found in all patients, while hepatocyte biliary metaplasia was observed in all tested cases. Mild-to-severe parenchymal cholestasis and bile plugs were observed in nine and six cases. Mild swelling of the arteriolar endothelial cells was observed in five patients. A thrombus in a small portal vein branch and mild periductal fibrosis were observed in one case each. One patient developed multiple small biliary infarctions. Ductopenia was not observed in any patient.
Conclusions: The alterations were similar to those observed in SSC-CIP; however, pronounced swelling of endothelial cells, necrosis of the vessel walls, and thrombosis in small vessels were notable.
Can Trigeminal Schwannomas in Middle Cranial Fossa Invade Cavernous Sinus
Authors: Yin Jie , Yang Zhijun , Zhang Yu , Zhang Heng , Wu Yihao , Zhang Zhe , Yan Minjun , Liu Pinan 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
This study reports trigeminal schwannomas (TSs) in 13 cases whose cancer invaded the cavernous sinus (CS) in the middle cranial fossa (MCF). Seventy-eight patients who underwent surgical treatment in Beijing Tiantan Hospital in the last 6 years were retrospectively analyzed and a literature review was conducted. The patients were divided into 2 groups by definitive evidence of CS invasion during surgery. Group A included 65 cases. Six patients suffered from diplopia. Tumor size in their MCF ranged from 7 mm to 48 mm (mean: 23.5 ± 8.0 mm), and the gross total resection(GTR) was 93.8%. Group B included 13 cases, among whom 5 developed diplopia (p < 0.05). Tumor size in their MCF ranged from 17 mm to 44 mm (mean: 30.0 ± 7.7 mm) (p < 0.05), and the GTR was 69.2% (p < 0.05). In patients with CS invasion, there was a higher incidence of diplopia and larger tumor diameter. Gender, age, classification, nature, width of channel, and other clinical symptoms did not show statistical significance. So the TSs can invade CS, which can lower GTR. Some features may help predict the invasion, and a thorough preoperative assessment is helpful.
Investigating the Antifungal Potential of Genetically Modified Hybrid Chitinase Enzymes Derived from Bacillus subtilis and Serratia marcescens
Authors: Bouqellah Nahla Alsayd , Jamil Lina , Faraag Ahmed Hassan Ibrahim 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Chitinases are glycosyl hydrolase enzymes that break down chitin, an integral component of fungal cell walls. Bacteria such as Bacillus subtilis and Serratia marcescens produce chitinases with antifungal properties. In this study, we aimed to generate hybrid chitinase enzymes with enhanced antifungal activity by combining functional domains from native chitinases produced by B. subtilis and S. marcescens. Chitinase genes were cloned from both bacteria and fused together using overlap extension PCR. The hybrid constructs were expressed in E. coli and the recombinant enzymes purified. Gel electrophoresis and computational analysis confirmed the molecular weights and isoelectric points of the hybrid chitinases were intermediate between the parental enzymes. Antifungal assays demonstrated that the hybrid chitinases inhibited growth of the fungus Fusarium oxysporumsignificantly more than the native enzymes. Our results indicate domain shuffling of bacterial chitinases is a promising approach to engineer novel antifungal proteins. This study provides insight into structure-function relationships of chitinases and strategies for generating biotherapeutics with enhanced bioactive properties.
Distribution of Copy Number Variants and Impact of Chromosome Arm Call Thresholds for Meningioma
Authors: Bi Wenya Linda , Patel Ruchit , Ghosh Hia , Meredith David , Ryall Scott , Claus Elizabeth , Beroukhim Rameen , Ligon Azra , Santagata Sandro 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Chromosome-arm copy number variants (CNVs) are an important component of cancer molecular classifiers. CNVs are often translated into binary chromosome arm calls (arm gain/loss) using an arm call threshold before integration into classification schemes. However, substantial variability exists in thresholds used to define arm calls from CNV data. We analyzed 1042 meningiomas with whole-genome microarray data and 12 meningiomas with multifocal sampling to characterize how CNV thresholds influence molecular classification and prognostication. Changing arm call thresholds shifted the association of chromosomal arm calls with meningioma recurrence in an arm-dependent manner and upgraded 21.5% of cases from low-grade to high-grade in a molecularly Integrated Grade (IG) scheme. The impact of threshold differences in IG prediction of recurrence was most evident amongst intermediate grade (IG-2) tumors and CNV call thresholds approaching whole-chromosome arm length (> 95%). The designation of chromosome loss or gain remained stable across a majority of thresholds, although this varied in a chromosome-dependent manner. CNVs fluctuated among paired primary-recurrent tumors, mostly growing on recurrence, but clustered in discrete sizes within a tumor. Appreciation of the impact of chromosome arm call thresholds can help ensure robustness of molecular classification paradigms.