bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
O129 Patient satisfaction with long-term sacral neuromodulation for faecal incontinence: experience from a single tertiary centre
Authors: Martin S A , O'Connor A D , Selvakumar D , Baraza W , Faulkner G , Mullins D , Kiff E S , Telford K J , Sharma A 
Published: May 2023

Abstract

Introduction
Sacral neuromodulation is an established intervention for faecal incontinence (FI). This investigation aimed to determine the relationship between patient satisfaction and (1) device status (active/inactive) and (2) long-term functional outcomes.

Methods
Patients treated with sacral neuromodulation for at least 5 years reported bowel habits, FI severity, and impact on quality of life via bowel diaries, St. Marks incontinence score, and the Manchester Health Questionnaire at baseline and follow-up. On all measures, lower scores represent favourable outcomes. Satisfaction since treatment initiation and over the preceding 2 weeks was assessed using visual analogue scales (0%-100%). Individuals with inactive devices were awaiting battery revision surgery due to service delays encountered during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Results
In total, 74/110 eligible individuals completed follow-up measures (median: 130 months). Median overall satisfaction was high at 80% (IQR:60%-95%, n=70). Median two-week satisfaction was 75% (IQR:40%-90%, n=50) for individuals with active devices, and 20% (IQR:0%-45%, n=17) for those with inactive devices. Between-group differences were significant for two-week satisfaction (p&lt;0.001), but not overall satisfaction (p=0.114). Two-week satisfaction was negatively correlated with all outcome measures (FI episodes: -0.46, faecal urgency episodes: -0.52, St. Marks incontinence score: -0.68, Manchester Health Questionnaire: -0.62 [all p&lt;0.001]). However, of 12 individuals with active devices who did not meet the conventional treatment success threshold (50% FI reduction), 4 still reported ≥80% two-week satisfaction.

Conclusion
Standardised outcome measures reflect subjective satisfaction but cannot be used alone to assess positive outcomes as perceived by patients. Timely device revision is imperative for continued success of treatment.
O158 Telephone post-operative follow-ups can be safely used for thyroidectomy and parathyroidectomy patients
Authors: Charakopoulou A , Zahari F , Tunstall L , Carvell J , Wheatley S , Ketton L , Adeleye A , Bintichedin N , Chadwick D , Christakis I 
Published: May 2023

Abstract

Introduction
The aim of this study was to implement and evaluate the efficiency of telephone post-operative follow-ups (TFUs) in an Endocrine Surgical Unit.

Methods
Patients operated [thyroidectomy (Tx) or parathyroidectomy (PTx)] in the Department of Endocrine Surgery between 6/2019 and 1/2021 were included in this study. Patients with a cancer diagnosis on histology were automatically converted to a clinic appointment.

Results
155 patients were included. There were 75 and 80 patients with a Tx or a PTx operation respectively. The mean age for Tx and PTx patients was 50 (SD:17) and 56 (SD:15) respectively. The male/female ratio for Tx and PTx patients was 1:5. and 1:4 respectively. The main indication for an operation was Thy3a/f tumour and PHPT. The mean hospital stay for Tx and PTx patients was 1.3 (SD:1.5) and 1.2 (SD:0.9) days respectively. The % of patients discharged back to the GP after the 1st TFU was 50% and 46% for Tx and PTx patients respectively. 15% and 8% of Tx and PTx patients respectively required a 3rd FU. 8%, and 5% of Tx and PTx patients respectively required a conversion a subsequent clinic appointment. The mean (SD) distance of the patient's residence from hospital was 16 km (SD:25) and 23 km (SD: 20) for Tx and PTx patients respectively. There were no complaints from the patients in this study.

Conclusion
Post-operative TFUs are suitable for patients undergoing a Tx and/or PTx. A small percentage of patients will require conversion to a face-to-face clinic follow-up.
O163 The secretome of adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCS): exploring anti-fibrotic effects in skin fibrosis
Authors: Frommer M , Abu-Hanna J , Awad L , Langridge B , Butler P 
Published: May 2023

Abstract

Introduction
As part of surgical reconstruction with autologous fat grafting, ADSCs are believed to play a pivotal role in the observed anti-fibrotic effect, however, the exact mechanisms remain unknown. Here, we explored the changes in the ADSC secretome after proinflammatory and profibrotic stimulation in-vitro to gain further mechanistic insights.

Methods
ADSCs were obtained from five non-obese patients (BMI&lt;30) without systemic disease (n=5). ADSCs were exposed to either TGF-β1, IL-1β, hypoxia (1%O2) or 10% fetal bovine serum (FBS) for 24 hours. 0.1%FBS was used as control group. Samples were then analysed by RT-qPCR for nine target genes. Selected targets were validated in the secretome through ELISA. Further, expression of surface markers was explored by RT-qPCR.

Results
VEGF, FGF2, CSF1, and CCN5 were explored at protein level. VEGF secretion increased significantly in all treatment groups. IL-1β significantly increased the production of FGF2 at protein level (p=0.043). CSF1 was secreted in similar amounts across groups. CCN5 secretion varied little, although higher amounts were detected in the 10%FBS group. Hypoxia and IL-1β increased expression of ADSC markers (CD90, CD73, CD26), while TGF-β1 and 10%FBS decreased it. However, CD105 was upregulated in the 10%FBS group. Additionally, TIMP1, MMP2, APP, and OGN were explored.

Conclusion
ADSCs secreted VEGF, FGF2, CCN5, and CSF1 in an in-vitro fibrotic environment. Further investigation of these pathways may lead to the development of novel treatments for fibrotic diseases such as scleroderma and radiation-induced fibrosis.
Assessing chronic stress in wild mammals using claw-derived cortisol: a validation using European badgers (Meles meles)
Authors: Fokidis H Bobby , Brock Taylor , Newman Chris , Macdonald David W , Buesching Christina D 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
Measuring stress experienced by wild mammals is increasingly important in the context of human-induced rapid environmental change and initiatives to mitigate human-wildlife conflicts. Glucocorticoids (GC), such as cortisol, mediate responses by promoting physiological adjustments during environmental perturbations. Measuring cortisol is a popular technique; however, this often reveals only recent short-term stress such as that incurred by restraining the animal to sample blood, corrupting the veracity of this approach. Here we present a protocol using claw cortisol, compared with hair cortisol, as a long-term stress bio-indicator, which circumvents this constraint, where claw tissue archives the individual’s GC concentration over preceding weeks. We then correlate our findings against detailed knowledge of European badger life history stressors. Based on a solid-phase extraction method, we assessed how claw cortisol concentrations related to season and badger sex, age and body-condition using a combination of generalized linear mixed models (GLMM) (n = 668 samples from 273 unique individuals) followed by finer scale mixed models for repeated measures (MMRM) (n = 152 re-captured individuals). Claw and hair cortisol assays achieved high accuracy, precision and repeatability, with similar sensitivity. The top GLMM model for claw cortisol included age, sex, season and the sex*season interaction. Overall, claw cortisol levels were significantly higher among males than females, but strongly influenced by season, where females had higher levels than males in autumn. The top fine scale MMRM model included sex, age and body condition, with claw cortisol significantly higher in males, older and thinner individuals. Hair cortisol was more variable than claw; nevertheless, there was a positive correlation after removing 34 outliers. We discuss strong support for these stress-related claw cortisol patterns from previous studies of badger biology. Given the potential of this technique, we conclude that it has broad application in conservation biology.
Ocean warming favours a northern Argyrosomus species over its southern congener, whereas preliminary metabolic evidence suggests that hybridization may promote their adaptation
Authors: Pringle Brett A , Duncan Murray I , Winkler Alexander C , Mafwila Samuel , Jagger Charmaine , McKeown Niall J , Shaw Paul W , Henriques Romina , Potts Warren M 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
Anthropogenic-induced climate change is having profound impacts on aquatic ecosystems, and the resilience of fish populations will be determined by their response to these impacts. The northern Namibian coast is an ocean warming hotspot, with temperatures rising faster than the global average. The rapid warming in Namibia has had considerable impacts on marine fauna, such as the southern extension of the distribution of Argyrosomus coronus from southern Angola into northern Namibian waters, where it now overlaps and hybridizes with the closely related Namibian species, A. inodorus. Understanding how these species (and their hybrids) perform at current and future temperatures is vital to optimize adaptive management for Argyrosomus species. Intermittent flow-through respirometry was used to quantify standard and maximum metabolic rates for Argyrosomus individuals across a range of temperatures. The modelled aerobic scope (AS) of A. inodorus was notably higher at cooler temperatures (12, 15, 18 and 21°C) compared with that of A. coronus, whereas the AS was similar at 24°C. Although only five hybrids were detected and three modelled, their AS was in the upper bounds of the models at 15, 18 and 24°C. These findings suggest that the warming conditions in northern Namibia may increasingly favour A. coronus and promote the poleward movement of the leading edge of their southern distribution. In contrast, the poor aerobic performance of both species at cold temperatures (12°C) suggests that the cold water associated with the permanent Lüderitz Upwelling Cell in the south may constrain both species to central Namibia. This is most concerning for A. inodorus because it may be subjected to a considerable coastal squeeze.
CaviDB: a database of cavities and their features in the structural and conformational space of proteins
Authors: Velez Rueda Ana Julia , Bulgarelli Franco Leonardo , Palopoli Nicolás , Parisi Gustavo 
Published: May 2023

AbstractProteins are the structural, functional and evolutionary units of cells. On their surface, proteins are shaped into numerous depressions and protrusions that provide unique microenvironments for ligand binding and catalysis. The dynamics, size and chemical properties of these cavities are essential for a mechanistic understanding of protein function. Here, we present CaviDB, a novel database of cavities and their features in known protein structures. It integrates the results of commonly used cavity detection software with protein features derived from sequence, structural and functional analyses. Each protein in CaviDB is linked to its corresponding conformers, which also facilitates the study of conformational changes in cavities. Our initial release includes ∼927 773 distinct proteins, as well as the characterization of 36 136 869 cavities, of which 1 147 034 were predicted to be drug targets. The structural focus of CaviDB provides the ability to compare cavities and their properties from different conformational states of the protein. CaviDB not only aims to provide a comprehensive database that can be used for various aspects of drug design and discovery but also contributes to a better understanding of the fundamentals of protein structure–function relationships. With its unique approach, CaviDB represents an indispensable resource for the large community of bioinformaticians in particular and biologists in general.Database URL https://www.cavidb.org
MantaID: a machine learning–based tool to automate the identification of biological database IDs
Authors: Zeng Zhengpeng , Hu Jiamin , Cao Miyuan , Li Bingbing , Wang Xiting , Yu Feng , Mao Longfei 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
The number of biological databases is growing rapidly, but different databases use different identifiers (IDs) to refer to the same biological entity. The inconsistency in IDs impedes the integration of various types of biological data. To resolve the problem, we developed MantaID, a data-driven, machine learning–based approach that automates identifying IDs on a large scale. The MantaID model’s prediction accuracy was proven to be 99%, and it correctly and effectively predicted 100,000 ID entries within 2 min. MantaID supports the discovery and exploitation of ID from large quantities of databases (e.g. up to 542 biological databases). An easy-to-use freely available open-source software R package, a user-friendly web application and application programming interfaces were also developed for MantaID to improve applicability. To our knowledge, MantaID is the first tool that enables an automatic, quick, accurate and comprehensive identification of large quantities of IDs and can therefore be used as a starting point to facilitate the complex assimilation and aggregation of biological data across diverse databases.
Genome sequence and salinity adaptation of the desert shrub Nitraria sibirica (Nitrariaceae, Sapindales)
Authors: Ma Xiaohui , Ru Dafu , Morales-Briones Diego F , Mei Fengyuan , Wu Jingjing , Liu Jianquan , Wu Shengdan 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
The genetic bases of halophytes for salinity tolerance are crucial for genetically breeding salt-tolerant crops. All natural Nitrariaceae species that exclusively occur in arid environments are highly tolerant to salt stress, but the underlying genomic bases to this adaptation remain unknown. Here we present a high-quality, chromosome-level genome sequence of Nitraria sibirica, with an assembled size of 456.66 Mb and 23,365 annotated genes. Phylogenomic analyses confirmed N. sibirica as the sister to all other sampled representatives from other families in Sapindales, and no lineage-specific whole-genome duplication was found except the gamma triplication event. Still, we found that the genes involved in K+ retention, energy supply, and Fe absorption expanded greatly in N. sibirica. Deep transcriptome analyses showed that leaf photosynthesis and cuticular wax formation in roots were enhanced under salt treatments. Furthermore, many transcription factors involved in salt tolerance changed their expressions significantly and displayed tissue- and concentration-dependent signalling in response to salt stress. Additionally, we found vacuolar Na+ compartmentalization is an ongoing process under salt treatment, while Na+ exclusion tends to function at high salt concentrations. These genomic and transcriptomic changes conferred salt tolerance in N. sibirica and pave the way for the future breeding of salt-tolerant crops.
Assessment of Stool DNA Markers to Detect Colorectal Neoplasia in Patients with Inflammatory Bowel Disease: A Multi-site Case-control Study
Authors: Itzkowitz Steven , Farraye Francis A , Limburg Paul J , Gagrat Zubin , Olson Marilyn C , Zella Julia , Kisiel John B 
Published: May 2023

Abstract

Background and Aims
The FDA-approved multitarget stool-DNA [mt-sDNA] test is a successful colorectal cancer [CRC] screening tool in average-risk individuals but is not indicated for patients with inflammatory bowel disease [IBD]. We determined the performance of the mt-sDNA assay without the haemoglobin component [mt-sDNAHgb-] in patients with IBD, while measuring sensitivity for colorectal cancer and advanced colorectal neoplasia [ACRN].

Methods
This was a multi-centre, proof-of-concept investigation in persons aged 18–84 years with a diagnosis of IBD, or primary sclerosing cholangitis [PSC] with IBD. Enrolment occurred between March 2013 and May 2016. Stool was tested with the mt-sDNA molecular markers only, minus the immunochemical haemoglobin component.

Results
The analysis set contained 355 samples. The median age was 52 [range 39–62] years, 45.6% were female and 93% were White. Two-thirds [63%] had ulcerative colitis [UC] and 10.1% had PSC/IBD. Colonoscopy revealed cancer in 8.5% [N = 30], advanced precancerous lesions [APLs] in 9.3% [N = 33] and non-advanced precancerous lesions in 7.6% [N = 27], and three-quarters [74.7%, N = 265] had negative findings. mt-sDNAHgb- sensitivity was 73.3% for any stage cancers, and 76.2% for ACRN. Sensitivity was highest for IBD-associated high-grade dysplasia at 100% and 84.6% for IBD-associated low-grade dysplasia ≥1 cm. The test showed higher sensitivity and lower specificity in UC than in Crohn’s disease. Increasing inflammation score was associated with a significant decrease in mt-sDNAHgb- test score [ = 0.028] amongst neoplasia-negative individuals, but not in patients with ACRN.

Conclusions
These data highlight the potential of multitarget stool-DNA marker testing as an important addition to colorectal cancer surveillance by complementing colonoscopic evaluations in IBD patients.
Distinct Alterations in Central Pain Processing of Visceral and Somatic Pain in Quiescent Ulcerative Colitis Compared to Irritable Bowel Syndrome and Health
Authors: Öhlmann Hanna , Lanters Laura Ricarda , Theysohn Nina , Langhorst Jost , Engler Harald , Icenhour Adriane , Elsenbruch Sigrid 
Published: May 2023

Abstract

Background and Aims
Despite relevance to pain chronicity, disease burden, and treatment, mechanisms of pain perception for different types of acute pain remain incompletely understood in patients with inflammatory bowel disease [IBD]. Building on experimental research across pain modalities, we herein addressed behavioural and neural correlates of visceral versus somatic pain processing in women with quiescent ulcerative colitis [UC] compared to irritable bowel syndrome [IBS] as a patient control group and healthy women [HC].

Methods
Thresholds for visceral and somatic pain were assessed with rectal distensions and cutaneous thermal pain, respectively. Using functional magnetic resonance imaging, neural and behavioural responses to individually calibrated and intensity-matched painful stimuli from both modalities were compared.

Results
Pain thresholds were comparable across groups, but visceral thresholds correlated with gastrointestinal symptom severity and chronic stress burden exclusively within UC. Upon experience of visceral and somatic pain, both control groups demonstrated enhanced visceral pain-induced neural activation and greater perceived pain intensity, whereas UC patients failed to differentiate between pain modalities at both behavioural and neural levels.

Conclusions
When confronted with acute pain from multiple bodily sites, UC patients’ responses are distinctly altered. Their failure to prioritise pain arising from the viscera may reflect a lack of adaptive behavioural flexibility, possibly resulting from long-lasting central effects of repeated intestinal inflammatory insults persisting during remission. The role of psychological factors, particularly chronic stress, in visceral sensitivity and disease-specific alterations in the response to acute pain call for dedicated mechanistic research as a basis for tailoring interventions for intestinal and extraintestinal pain symptoms in IBD.
The AppCare-HF randomized clinical trial: a feasibility study of a novel self-care support mobile app for individuals with chronic heart failure
Authors: Yokota Takashi , Fukushima Arata , Tsuchihashi-Makaya Miyuki , Abe Takahiro , Takada Shingo , Furihata Takaaki , Ishimori Naoki , Fujino Takeo , Kinugawa Shintaro , Ohta Masayuki , Kakinoki Shigeo , Yokota Isao , Endoh Akira , Yoshino Masanori , Tsutsui Hiroyuki 
Published: May 2023

Abstract

Aims
We evaluated a self-care intervention with a novel mobile application (app) in chronic heart failure (HF) patients. To facilitate patient-centred care in HF management, we developed a self-care support mobile app to boost HF patients’ optimal self-care.

Methods and results
We conducted a multicentre, randomized, controlled study evaluating the feasibility of the self-care support mobile app designed for use by HF patients. The app consists of a self-monitoring assistant, education, and automated alerts of possible worsening HF. The intervention group received a tablet personal computer (PC) with the self-care support app installed, and the control group received a HF diary. All patients performed self-monitoring at home for 2 months. Their self-care behaviours were evaluated by the European Heart Failure Self-Care Behaviour Scale. We enrolled 24 outpatients with chronic HF (ages 31–78 years; 6 women, 18 men) who had a history of HF hospitalization. During the 2 month study period, the intervention group (n = 13) showed excellent adherence to the self-monitoring of each vital sign, with a median [interquartile range (IQR)] ratio of self-monitoring adherence for blood pressure, body weight, and body temperature at 100% (92–100%) and for oxygen saturation at 100% (91–100%). At 2 months, the intervention group’s self-care behaviour score was significantly improved compared with the control group (n = 11) [median (IQR): 16 (16–22) vs. 28 (20–36), P = 0.02], but the HF Knowledge Scale, the General Self-Efficacy Scale, and the Short Form-8 Health Survey scores did not differ between the groups.

Conclusion
The novel mobile app for HF is feasible.
Age moderates change in disease-related stress among congenital heart disease survivors: a 6-year follow-up
Authors: Swenski Taylor N , Fox Kristen R , Udaipuria Shivika , Korth Christina X , Daniels Curt J , Jackson Jamie L 
Published: May 2023

Abstract

Aims
As congenital heart disease (CHD) survivors age, they are confronted with elevated risk of cardiovascular morbidity and increasingly complex disease self-management demands. Given that stress is associated with poor physical and psychosocial outcomes, it is crucial to examine how disease-related stress changes over time in this population. However, this outcome has received little research attention to date. This study aimed to identify demographic and clinical predictors of change in disease-related stress over 6 years among CHD survivors.

Methods and results
Congenital heart disease survivors (N = 252, Mage = 25.6 ± 7.1, 52.9% female) completed the first 13 items of the Responses to Stress Questionnaire, adapted for use among CHD survivors, to assess disease-related stressors at study entry (T1) and 6-year follow-up (T2). Age, gender, estimated family income, and New York Heart Association (NYHA) functional class at T1 were entered into mixed linear models to determine their impact on change in disease-related stress. Older age (P &lt; 0.001), lower income (P &lt; 0.001), and presence of functional limitations (NYHA ≥ II) (P &lt; 0.001) predicted greater increases in disease-related stress. When controlling for NYHA, functional class, and income, a significant time by age interaction was identified such that disease-related stress increased over time among those who were adolescents at T1 [b = 4.20, P = 0.010, 95% confidence interval (1.01, 7.40)], but remained stable among young adults.

Conclusion
The transition from adolescence to adulthood may be a period of increasing disease-related stress. Healthcare providers should consider screening adolescents for elevated disease-related stress during transition education and provide resources to bolster resilience.