bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
An experimental design for obtaining DNA of a target species and its diet from a single non‐invasive genetic protocol
Authors: Paul Shrutarshi , Shahar Naama , Seifan Merav , Bar‐David Shirli 
Published: October 2023

AbstractNext‐generation sequencing technology has enabled accurate insights into the diet of wildlife species. The protocols for faecal sample collection and DNA extraction for diet analysis have differed from those focusing on target species, even in most studies combining questions on both aspects. We designed an experiment to evaluate two protocols using 11 parameters and select a single one that will generate both target species (Asiatic wild ass, Equus hemionus, in Israel) and diet DNA, as an effective strategy to minimise time, effort, and cost without hampering efficiency. In Protocol A, we swabbed the outer surface of faecal boluses and extracted DNA using a Stool Kit, while for Protocol B, we homogenised faecal matter from inside the bolus followed by extraction using a Powersoil Kit. Protocol A performed significantly better for four parameters, which included, for the target species, microsatellite amplification success and the quantity of the GAPDH gene; and for its diet, the number of exact sequence variants (ESVs) obtained at genus level and plant genus richness. However, there was no significant difference in the amplification success of sex‐linked and plant markers, total reads at genus level, number of genera obtained and plant genus composition. Although we chose Protocol A, both protocols yielded results for the target species and its diet, demonstrating that one single protocol can be used for both purposes, although a pilot study is recommended to optimise the protocol for specific systems. This strategy may also be useful for studies combining target species and their gut microbiome and parasitic load.
Customized targeted massively parallel sequencing enables the identification of novel pathogenic variants in Tunisian patients with developmental and epileptic encephalopathy
Authors: Ben Said Mariem , Jallouli Olfa , Ben Aissa Abir , Souissi Amal , Kamoun Fatma , Fakhfakh Faiza , Masmoudi Saber , Ben Ayed Ikhlas , Charfi Triki Chahnez 
Published: October 2023

AbstractObjectiveTo develop a high‐throughput sequencing panel for the diagnosis of developmental and epileptic encephalopathy in Tunisia and to clarify the frequency of disease‐causing genes in this region.MethodsWe developed a custom panel for next‐generation sequencing of the coding sequences of 116 genes in individuals with developmental and epileptic encephalopathy from the Tunisian population. Segregation analyses and in silico studies have been conducted to assess the identified variants' pathogenicity.ResultsWe report 12 pathogenic variants in SCN1A, CHD2, CDKL5, SZT2, KCNT1, GNAO1, PCDH19, MECP2, GRIN2A, and SYNGAP1 in patients with developmental and epileptic encephalopathy. Five of these variants are novel: “c.149delA, p.(Asn50MetfsTer26)” in CDKL5; “c.3616C > T, p.(Arg1206Ter)” in SZT2; “c.111_113del, p.(Leu39del)” in GNAO1; “c.1435G>C, p.(Asp479His)” in PCDH19; and “c.2143delC, p.(Arg716GlyfsTer10)” in SYNGAP1. Additionally, for four of our patients, the genetic result facilitated the choice of the appropriate treatment.SignificanceThis is the first report of a custom gene panel to identify genetic variants implicated in developmental and epileptic encephalopathy in the Tunisian population as well as the North African region (Tunisia, Egypt, Libya, Algeria, Morocco) with a diagnostic rate of 30%. This high‐throughput sequencing panel has considerably improved the rate of positive diagnosis of developmental and epileptic encephalopathy in the Tunisian population, which was less than 15% using Sanger sequencing. The benefit of genetic testing in these patients was approved by both physicians and parents.
Drosophila tweety facilitates autophagy to regulate mitochondrial homeostasis and bioenergetics in Glia
Authors: Leung Ho Hang , Mansour Christina , Rousseau Morgan , Nakhla Anwar , Kiselyov Kirill , Venkatachalam Kartik , Wong Ching‐On 
Published: October 2023

AbstractMitochondria support the energetic demands of the cells. Autophagic turnover of mitochondria serves as a critical pathway for mitochondrial homeostasis. It is unclear how bioenergetics and autophagy are functionally connected. Here, we identify an endolysosomal membrane protein that facilitates autophagy to regulate ATP production in glia. We determined that Drosophila tweety (tty) is highly expressed in glia and localized to endolysosomes. Diminished fusion between autophagosomes and endolysosomes in tty‐deficient glia was rescued by expressing the human Tweety Homolog 1 (TTYH1). Loss of tty in glia attenuated mitochondrial turnover, elevated mitochondrial oxidative stress, and impaired locomotor functions. The cellular and organismal defects were partially reversed by antioxidant treatment. We performed live‐cell imaging of genetically encoded metabolite sensors to determine the impact of tty and autophagy deficiencies on glial bioenergetics. We found that tty‐deficient glia exhibited reduced mitochondrial pyruvate consumption accompanied by a shift toward glycolysis for ATP production. Likewise, genetic inhibition of autophagy in glia resulted in a similar glycolytic shift in bioenergetics. Furthermore, the survival of mutant flies became more sensitive to starvation, underlining the significance of tty in the crosstalk between autophagy and bioenergetics. Together, our findings uncover the role for tty in mitochondrial homeostasis via facilitating autophagy, which determines bioenergetic balance in glia.
Salvage total laryngectomy for squamous cell carcinoma of the larynx and hypopharynx: Validated prognostic nomograms predicting oncological outcomes
Authors: Meulemans Jeroen , Van Boven Alexander , Debacker Jens , Laenen Annouschka , Delaere Pierre , Van Lierde Charlotte , Huvenne Wouter , Vander Poorten Vincent 
Published: October 2023

AbstractBackgroundSalvage total laryngectomy (STL) is a preferred treatment for patients with residual, recurrent, and second primary squamous cell carcinoma of the larynx/hypopharynx after (chemo)radiation. To individually estimate postoperative oncological outcomes, we designed and validated prognostic nomograms.MethodsWe used a dataset of 290 patients who underwent STL. Nomograms predicting 2‐ and 5‐year OS, DFS, and DSS were developed, using variables which are identified pre‐ or postoperatively. The nomograms were externally validated on a dataset of 109 patients.ResultsThe nomograms based on postoperative variables performed better than those based on preoperative variables (OS: C = 0.68 vs. 0.64; DFS: C = 0.70 vs. 0.64; DSS: C = 0.74 vs. 0.64). The nomogram predicting DSS based on postoperative variables performed best.ConclusionsThe presented prognostic nomograms for predicting oncological outcomes in patients who undergo STL are tools which allow for a reliable prognostic assessment.
Advance on fiber optic‐based biosensors for precision medicine: From diagnosis to therapy
Authors: Luo Zewei , Li Mingyue , Kong Xinyu , Li Yu , Li Wenwen , Tian Ze , Cao Qun , Zaman Muhammad Haider , Li Yongxin , Xiao Wei , Duan Yixiang 
Published: October 2023

AbstractPrecision medicine that takes individual variability into account is a new way to minimize the individual variability for precise diagnosis and to establish the certain strategies of efficient therapy. Due to miniaturization sensing area, remoting detection, and flexible operation of light, fiber optics have been successfully used to develop in vitro, wearable, and implanted biosensors, exhibiting high potential in precision medicine from the diagnosis in vitro to therapy in vivo. When modified with the recognition element, the fiber optic‐based biosensor enables the point of care testing for the detection of disease biomarkers. Meanwhile, the fiber optics packaged in a needle/catheter also monitor the medical Internet of things for the continuous assessment of human health. Moreover, the light from the cladding or leaky mode in the fiber optics excites the strong photothermal effect for therapy. The fiber optic‐based biosensor addressed the drawbacks of plasmonic photothermal therapy that limited penetration depths and non‐selectivity therapy. When integrated with a photothermal agent, the fiber optic‐based biosensors provide in situ information for the diagnosis as well as specifically and efficiently kill the tumor cells in deep tissues. In this review, we summarized the advances of fiber optic‐based biosensors in the diagnosis in vitro and therapy in vivo. The challenges and prospection of the fiber optic‐based biosensor application in precision medicine were also explored in depth.
1992 National Clinical Pharmacy Services Study
Authors: Bond C.A. , Raehl Cynthia L. , Pitterle Michael E. 
Published: October 2023

Study Objective. To determine the extent of hospital‐based clinical pharmacy services in 1992.Design. National survey with trend comparison to 1989.Setting. All 1597 United States acute care, general medical‐surgical and pediatric hospitals with 50 or more licensed beds and one or more full‐time pharmacists (43% of all U.S. hospitals).Measurements and Main Results. Fourteen clinical pharmacy services, carefully defined to indicate pharmacist proactive or concurrent patient care provision, were assessed to determine pharmacists' specific patient care responsibilities. The percentage of hospitals offering each of the services increased from 1989 to 1992, with greatest growth in management of adverse drug reactions (22% increase), pharmacokinetic consultations (14%), and drug therapy protocols (12%). The mean percentage of patients actually receiving clinical pharmacy services ranged from 0.2% for pharmacist participation on the cardiac arrest team to 36.1% for daily monitoring of drug therapy. Pharmacists conducted clinical research in 13% of all hospitals, averaging 3.9 ± 4.3 protocols per year with a total budget of $79,765 ± $128,641.Conclusions. Clinical pharmacy services continue to expand; however, even the most common direct patient care service is provided to a small number of inpatients.
LHRH Agonists A Nonsurgical Treatment for Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia
Authors: OESTERLING JOSEPH E. 
Published: October 2023

AbstractLuteinizing hormone‐releasing hormone (LHRH) agonist, when administered in a continuous, nonpulsatile manner, causes desensitization of the LHRH receptor complex on the gonadotroph cells in the anterior pituitary gland. Biosynthesis and secretion of luteinizing hormone cease, and testicular androgenic production is inhibited. When used in this capacity, LHRH agonists can be an effective treatment for benign prostatic hyperplasia. After 4 to 6 months of therapy, prostatic volume decreases by 25% to 30%, voiding symptoms improve significantly in approximately 25% to 33% of patients, and the peak urinary flow rate increases substantially (more than 15 ml/second) in approximately 25% to 33% of patients. During the first month of treatment, serum luteinizing hormone, follicle‐stimulating hormone, testosterone, dihydrotestosterone, 17β‐estradiol, and prostate‐specific antigen decline to low values and remain low throughout treatment. Prostatic 5α‐reductase activity and androgen receptor content also decrease with treatment. Side effects are significant: impotence, decreased libido, and hot flushes are the most common. Because the effect of LHRH agonist therapy on the serum testosterone concentration is reversible, treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia with an LHRH agonist must be considered life‐long therapy. Thus, this therapy should be reserved for patients who are impotent or who are poor surgical risks.
Atamestane, a New Aromatase Inhibitor for the Management of Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia
Authors: ETREBY M. FATHY EL , NISHINO YUKISHIGE , HABENICHT URSULA‐F. , HENDERSON DAVID 
Published: October 2023

AbstractAtamestane is a new, competitive, and irreversible inhibitor of estrogen biosynthesis. Its pharmacologic action has been evaluated in mice, rats, rabbits, dogs, monkeys, and humans. In rats, atamestane leads to a decrease of pregnant mare serum gonadotropin‐stimulated ovarian estrogen production, and inhibits androstenedione‐induced estrogenic effects such as uterine growth and abortion. In all species tested, atamestane lacks other intrinsic hormonal or antihormonal activities, and shows no inhibition of other cytochrome P450‐dependent enzymes of adrenal steroidogenesis. However, it inhibits estrogen‐related negative feedback. The extent and consequences of the induced counterregulation of the pituitary‐hypothalamic axis show major sex‐ and species‐specific differences. Atamestane is highly effective in inhibiting estrogen‐induced hyperplastic changes in the fibromuscular stroma of the prostate in androstenedione‐treated dogs and monkeys. In male volunteers and patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), atamestane induces an expected reduction of serum (and BPH tissue) estrogen concentrations without significant changes in androgen levels. In conclusion, all available results indicate that atamestane is a selective (no inhibition of adrenal function), pure (no endocrine side effects), and highly effective steroidal aromatase inhibitor, with an excellent safety profile. Based on the discussion of its clinical potential, atamestane seems to be a promising compound for the management of BPH.
Clinical cut scores for the Persian version of the personality inventory for DSM‐5
Authors: Komasi Saeid , Rezaei Farzin , Hemmati Azad , Nazari Amin , Nasiri Yeganeh , Faridmarandi Behrooz , Zakiei Ali , Saeidi Mozhgan , Hopwood Christopher J. 
Published: October 2023

AbstractBackgroundThe cut points of psychological tools to diagnose clinical conditions are not universal and depend on the region and prevalence of the disorder. Thus, we aimed to identify the cutoff points of the Persian original version of the personality inventory for DSM‐5 (PID‐5; 220 items) that would optimally distinguish nonclinical from clinical groups.MethodsBoth nonclinical (N = 634, 73% female, 34.0 ± 10.8 years) and clinical (N = 454, 29% female, 29.5 ± 7.4 years) samples from the West of Iran participated in the study. Data were analyzed using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) and Youden's index was used to determine the cutoff scores across the PID‐5 domains and facets. The means and standard deviations of both the clinical male and female were compared with the nonclinical group using Cohen's d and independent t‐tests.ResultsAll the PID‐5 algorithms and facets significantly distinguished clinical from nonclinical samples with some unique findings for male and female samples. The mean score of all the PID‐5 algorithms and facets in the clinical male and female samples were respectively 1.0−2.0 SD and 0.5−1.0 SD above the mean for the nonclinical counterparts. A score higher than 1.5 on ranging from 0 to 3 in each domain or facet indicated clinical status.ConclusionRaw cutting scores throughout the PID‐5 algorithms can be well used to diagnose any pathology of personality and the severity of the disorder in clinical patients. The cut scores provide a useful tool for the clinical use of the original version of PID‐5 in Iran.
Pain and quality of life in persons with spinal cord injury: Mediating effects of mindfulness, self‐efficacy, social support, and functional independence
Authors: Bhattarai Muna , McDaniels Bradley , Jin Yuanyuan , Smedema Susan M. 
Published: October 2023

AbstractObjectiveTo identify mediating roles of mindfulness, self‐efficacy, social support, and functional independence in the relationship between pain and quality of life (QOL) in persons with spinal cord injury (SCI).MethodsA cross‐sectional descriptive study was conducted using a sample of 272 persons with SCI living in the United States. The participants completed self‐report standardized questionnaires on a Qualtrics survey. A parallel mediation analysis adjusting for covariates was performed to test the hypotheses.ResultsFindings showed significant direct effects of pain on functional independence, self‐efficacy, mindfulness, and social support. Self‐efficacy, mindfulness, and social support had significant direct effects on QOL. In the mediation analysis, mindfulness, self‐efficacy, and social support significantly mediated the relationship between pain and QOL, controlling for other variables in the model.ConclusionsThis study adds to the extant literature by providing evidence that mindfulness, self‐efficacy, and social support not only directly contribute to QOL but are likely to mitigate the negative effect of pain on QOL in persons with SCI. Identifying these potential factors that can assuage the adverse effects of pain on QOL is a first step toward active intervention to facilitate the adjustment of persons with SCI.
“Out of the blue”: A qualitative study exploring the experiences of women and next of kin receiving unexpected results from BRA‐STRAP research gene panel testing
Authors: Morrow April , Speechly Catherine , Young Alison Luk , Tucker Kathy , Harris Rebecca , Poplawski Nicola , Andrews Lesley , Nguyen Dumont Tu , Kirk Judy , Southey Melissa C. , Willis Amanda 
Published: October 2023

AbstractIn the genomic era, the availability of gene panel and whole genome/exome sequencing is rapidly increasing. Opportunities for providing former patients with new genetic information are also increasing over time and recontacting former patients with new information is likely to become more common. Breast cancer Refined Analysis of Sequence Tests—Risk And Penetrance (BRA‐STRAP) is an Australian study of individuals who had previously undertaken BRCA1 and BRCA2 genetic testing, with no pathogenic variants detected. Using a waiver of consent, stored DNA samples were retested using a breast/ovarian cancer gene panel and clinically significant results returned to the patient (or next of kin, if deceased). This qualitative study aimed to explore patient experiences, opinions, and expectations of recontacting in the Australian hereditary cancer setting. Participants were familial cancer clinic patients (or next of kin) who were notified of a new pathogenic variant identified via BRA‐STRAP. In‐depth, semi‐structured interviews were conducted approximately 6 weeks post‐result. Interviews were transcribed verbatim and analyzed using an inductive thematic approach. Thirty participants (all female; average age = 57; range 36–84) were interviewed. Twenty‐five were probands, and five were next of kin. Most women reported initial shock upon being recontacted with unexpected news, after having obtained a sense of closure related to their initial genetic testing experiences and cancer diagnosis. For most, this initial distress was short‐lived, followed by a process of readjustment, meaning‐making and adaptation that was facilitated by perceived clinical and personal utility of the information. Women were overall satisfied with the waiver of consent approach and recontacting process. Results are in line with previous studies suggesting that patients have positive attitudes about recontacting. Women in this study valued new genetic information gained from retesting and were satisfied with the BRA‐STRAP recontact model. Practice implications to facilitate readjustment and promote psychosocial adaptation were identified.
Characteristics, disposition, and outcomes of children hospitalized for mental health boarding at a children's hospital
Authors: Dalton Evan M. , Krass Polina , Bouchelle Zoe , Fillmore Adam , Katz Tanner , Andrade Gabriela , Camacho Peter , Candon Molly , Kane Emily , Doupnik Stephanie K. 
Published: October 2023

AbstractIncreasingly, youth experiencing mental health crises present to acute care medical hospitals and “board” on medical units due to inpatient psychiatric bed shortages. We conducted a retrospective cohort study of children experiencing mental health boarding at a US children's hospital from October 2020 to September 2022. We examined associations between patients' characteristics and their disposition and outcomes. Our cohort included 1891 boarding hospitalizations: 53.9% transferred to an inpatient psychiatric hospital and 46.1% discharged home. Characteristics associated with not being transferred to an inpatient psychiatric hospital included age <13 years (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 0.6; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.4–0.7), disruptive or aggressive behavior (aOR 0.6; 95% CI: 0.4–0.8), psychosis (aOR 0.5; 95% CI: 0.3–0.8), COVID‐19 infection (aOR 0.3; 95% CI: 0.2–0.6), or a complex chronic medical condition (aOR 0.8; 95% CI: 0.6–1.0). Our findings suggest that certain populations of children experiencing mental health boarding face disparate access to inpatient psychiatric care.
Encapsulation of rutin in protein nanoparticles by pH‐driven method: impact of rutin solubility and mechanisms
Authors: Luo Shunjing , Fu Yuteng , Ye Jiangping , Liu Chengmei 
Published: October 2023

AbstractBACKGROUNDThe use of rutin in the food industry is limited by its poor solubility. Encapsulation can be used as an effective way to improve polyphenol solubility. Proteins with high safety, biocompatibility and multiple binding sites are known as the most promising encapsulating carriers. Therefore, the improvement of rutin solubility by pH‐driven encapsulation of rutin in soy protein isolate (SPI) nanoparticles, as well as the form of rutin after encapsulation and rutin–protein binding index were investigated.RESULTSSPI had a high encapsulation efficiency (87.5%) and loading amount (10.6%) for rutin. When the mass ratio of protein to rutin was 5:1, the highest concentration of rutin in solution was 3.27 g L−1, which was a 51.57‐fold increase compared to the original rutin. At this situation, rutin transformed from crystalline to amorphous form. During the formation of nanoparticles, SPI was in a dynamic change of unfolding and refolding. Rutin deprotonated in alkaline conditions increasing its solubility and bound to protein to form nanoparticles during the process of returning to neutral. Hydrophobic interactions and hydrogen bonding promoted the formation of the nanoparticles and there were at least 1–2 binding sites between rutin and each SPI molecule.CONCLUSIONThe results suggested that encapsulation of rutin in protein nanoparticles can effectively increase the solubility of rutin. This study may provide important information for the effective utilization of polyphenol functional foods. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.