bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Bacterial microbiome profiles of the inflamed terminal ileum mucosa in active Crohn’s disease patients
Authors: Yin Juan , Hu Tong , Zhang Liping , Xu Lijuan , Zhu Jianyun , Ye Yulan , Pang Zhi 
Published: April 2023

Abstract

Background:The dysbiosis of the intestinal microbiome relates to the pathogenesis of Crohn’s disease (CD). Previous studies have focused on microbiota diversity and composition in CD patients in comparison with healthy individuals. Nonetheless, intestinal flora varies greatly among individuals. The aim of this study was to characterize the bacterial microbiome profiles of inflamed mucosa in comparison with those of noninflamed mucosa from Crohn’s disease patients.Methods:Sequencing of 16S rDNA V4 was used to identify the bacterial microbiome profiles of twelve pairs of inflamed and noninflamed mucosa from active CD patients.Results:753 OTUs were specific to inflamed tissues. Alpha diversity demonstrated that the biodiversity of the bacterial microbiota in the inflamed mucosa was increased, but it was not significantly different from that in the noninflamed mucosa. LEfSe Clustergram showedMicrococcaceae,Bifidobacteriaceae,Bifidobacteriales,FlavobacteriaceaeandMethylobacteriaceaeas potential biomarkers in the inflamed mucosa of active CD patients. Wilcox test results of genus differences indicatedMethylobacterium,Rothia,Shinella,Capnocytophaga,Actinomyces,Gardnerella,Leucobacter, andBifidobacteriumas significantly upregulated genera in the inflamed mucosa of active CD patients compared with their own noninflamed mucosa.Conclusions:These findings provide new evidence that the dysbiosis of mucosa-associated microbiota contributes to CD development, from a self-comparison perspective.
Mpox emergence in Japan: risks of establishment in Asia and the global resurgence
Authors: Endo Akira , Jung Sung-mok , Miura Fuminari 
Published: April 2023

Abstract

In late January 2023, mpox cases without a travel history started to be frequently reported in Japan. As of 31 March 2023, the total number of cases reached 82 with an apparent sign of sustained local transmission. Compared with many of the previously affected countries, Japan is more closely connected with other Asian countries. In the current global mpox outbreak, Asia has been the least affected region so far with limited or no vaccine rollout. As a result, many countries in this region (including low- and middle-income countries) are left with a large susceptible population to mpox. If local transmission is established in these countries, the global spread of mpox may reemerge.
Vitamin D Receptor Gene polymorphisms and Genetic susceptibility to Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis
Authors: Siddiq Amer , Naveed Abdul Khaliq , Khan Javed Ahmad , Fatima Noor , Muzaffar Maryam 
Published: April 2023

Abstract
Background
The severity and complexity of autoimmune disorders is dependent on the genetic capability of individuals. Genetic studies have revealed association between polymorphisms of Vitamin D Receptor gene and individuals’ predisposition to autoimmune diseases. Therefore, this study aimed to develop relationship between vitamin D receptor gene polymorphisms and hypothyroidism.
Materials and Methods
A total of 144 individuals were studies, including 72 patients presenting with symptoms of Hashimoto’s disease. The amplicon sequencing was performed on samples bearing M13 tail tags. Statistical analysis was carried out using SPSS software to establish correlations of genotypes and alleles among control and diseased individuals.
Results
The mean concentrations of vitamin D were observed to be critically low in patients with Hashimoto’s thyroiditis. Of the four SNPs studied, only rs7975232 was found to be significantly related with disease progression. Other three rs1544410, rs731236 and rs2228570 did not show significant correlation in the individuals studied.
Conclusion
Altered VDR expressions because of various VDR polymorphisms have been shown to exhibit differently among various races and ethnic groups. Furthermore, these VDR polymorphisms also vary among populations in different environmental and genetic predispositions. This study suggests the homozygous CC genotype at rs7975232 to be more as a risk factor for development of Hashimoto’s disease in the population studied.
Students Perspectives of the Effect of Ethnicity On Experiences in a Graduate Entry Medicine Course in Wales: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Zulfiqar Mehwaish Haseefah , Moughal Mariam , Rahim Arian , Tomlin Jamie , Tin Kimberly , Obilanade Funminiyi , Brown Lydia Emma Lucy , Hawthorne Kamila 
Published: April 2023

Abstract

Objectives:To explore the clinical experiences of graduate-entry medical students; whether ethnicity impacts this and how medical education can better prepare students from a diverse range of backgroundsDesign:Qualitative study using semi-structured interviewsSetting:A medical school in WalesParticipants:17 graduate-entry MBChB students were recruited using volunteer and snowball sampling; 9 students self-identified as being from Black, Asian or Minority Ethnic backgrounds (BAME) and 8 from White Caucasian backgrounds.Results:When asked whether they felt they had experienced disadvantage during their time on the course, 6 BAME students report feeling disadvantaged during their studies and 2 were unsure. This was compared to 2 white students who felt disadvantaged. Gender was most frequently linked to disadvantage, followed by ethnicity and racial background. Patients were reported to be the main causes of microaggressions and overt racism, leading to uncomfortable situations for BAME and White students. Clinician interactions were identified as a source of disadvantage, often linked to students’ being overlooked in teaching and opportunities. ‘Unfamiliar’ names were associated with negative experiences, which ranged from being blanked for having a name perceived as difficult to pronounce to being disrespected. Microaggressions by clinicians and patients were identified by BAME and White participants alike, with participants feeling unsure of how to handle them. Institutional factors were divided into language used by lecturers and clinicians and lack of support. Language was felt to be out-dated and furthering the feeling of ‘other’ felt by BAME students. Students reported feeling unsupported and dismissed when trying to escalate issues, leading to a lack of trying after a while.Conclusion:In this cohort, although patients were most commonly associated with discrimination, the disadvantage in medical education was perceived to be linked to clinician interactions. Names and being ignored by clinicians most impacted on learning experiences. Institutional factors compounded the aforementioned and furthered the feeling of ‘other’ by BAME students.
Biochanin A abrogates osteoclastogenesis in type 2 diabetic osteoporosis via regulating ROS/MAPK signaling pathway based on integrating molecular docking and experimental validation
Authors: He Qi , Yang Junzheng , Chen Weijian , Pan Zhaofeng , Chen Baihao , Zeng Jiaxu , Zhang Nenling , Lin Yuewei , Chen Chuyi , Xiao Jiacong , Li Miao , Li Shaocong , Wang Haibin , Chen Peng 
Published: April 2023

Abstract

Background:There are accumulating type 2 diabetes patients who have osteoporosis simultaneously. More effective therapeutic strategies should be discovered. Biochanin A (BCA) has been indicated that can play a role in improving metabolic disorders of type 2 diabetes and preventing osteoporosis. But whether BCA can treat type 2 diabetic osteoporosis has not been studied.Purpose:To investigate if the BCA can protect against type 2 diabetic osteoporosis and clarify the mechanism.Methods:Micro-CT and histology assays were performed to detect the trabecular bone and analyze the bone histomorphology effect of BCA. CCK-8 assay was performed to detect the toxicity of BCA. TRAcP staining, immunofluorescence and hydroxyapatite resorption assay were used to observe osteoclasts differentiation and resorptive activity. Molecular docking provided evidence about BCA regulating the MAPK axis via prediction by the algorithm. QRT-PCR and Western Blotting were utilized to detect the expression of osteoclastogenesis-related markers and MAPK signaling pathway.Results:Accumulation of bone volume after BCA treatment could be found based on the 3D reconstruction. Besides, there were fewer osteoclasts indb/dbmice treated with BCA thandb/dbmice treated with saline. In vitro, we found that BCA hadn’t toxicity in osteoclasts precursor, but also inhibited differentiation of osteoclasts. Further, we found that BCA suppresses osteoclastogenesis via ROS/MAPK signaling pathway.Conclusion:BCA can prevent type 2 diabetic osteoporosis by restricting osteoclast differentiation via ROS/MAPK signaling pathway.
Assessment of Covid-19 Vaccine Confidence Among Healthcare Personnel in The Safety-Net Sector in The United States and Puerto Rico
Authors: Miles Thomas T. , Li Shang-Ju , Danzig Tija , Marrero Miguel , Morales Ivelisse , Babazadeh Saleh 
Published: April 2023

Abstract

Background: This study aimed to assess COVID-19 vaccine confidence among healthcare personnel in the safety net sector of the United States and Puerto Rico. The study aimed to examine the extent to which increased knowledge and positive attitudes about COVID-19 vaccine safety and efficacy were associated with healthcare workers' COVID-19 vaccination status and their recommendation of the vaccine to all patients.
Methods: The study collected online survey data from healthcare workers working in Free and Charitable Clinics across the United States and Federally Qualified Health Centers in Puerto Rico. The survey consisted of 62 questions covering various demographic measures and constructs related to healthcare workers' vaccination status, beliefs, and their recommendation of COVID-19 vaccination to all patients. Statistical analyses, including multivariate analysis, were conducted to identify the factors associated with COVID-19 vaccine status and recommendation among healthcare personnel.
Results: Among the 2273 respondents, 93% reported being vaccinated against COVID-19. The analysis revealed that respondents who believed that COVID-19 vaccines were efficacious and safe were three times more likely to be vaccinated and two times more likely to recommend the vaccine to all their patients. Respondents who believed they had received adequate information about COVID-19 vaccination were 10 times more likely to be vaccinated and four times more likely to recommend it to all their patients.
Conclusions: The study findings suggest that healthcare personnel's COVID-19 vaccine confidence is associated with increased knowledge and holding positive beliefs and attitudes about COVID-19 vaccine safety and efficacy. The results also highlight the importance of healthcare personnel feeling adequately informed and confident in their knowledge to recommend the vaccine to their patients. These findings have important implications for developing strategies to increase COVID-19 vaccine confidence among healthcare personnel and improve vaccine uptake among their patients.
Bacteriospermia in Men Among Infertile Couples in Nepalese Population
Authors: Shrestha Anima , Joshi Dev Raj , Vaidya Dijan , Shrestha Sanu Maiya , Singh Anjana 
Published: April 2023

Abstract

Infection of male urogenital tract or male accessory glands is considered as one of the important causes of male infertility, and results in the presence of bacteria in semen affecting fertility potential of men. It is important to know the composition of bacteria in semen to understand the etiology of urogenital infections and its association with infertility. This study aims to know the rate of infection in semen of infertile men, and the association of seminal bacteria with semen parameters related to fertility potential. A cross-sectional study was carried out from June 2021 to July 2022, in which 213 semen samples were collected from the male partners of couples consulting for fertility problems in an infertility center of Nepal. All the samples were processed following WHO guidelines, 2021. Analysis of semen parameters was done immediately after the liquefaction of collected samples. Microbiological assessment was also done for identification of bacteria in semen by conventional method, which showed 25.4% of samples had bacteriospermia. S. aureus and Corynebacterium were predominant bacteria in semen. The volume of semen was significantly associated with bacteriospermia. The concentration of sperms, percentage of total sperm motility, sperms with normal forms and vitality were found to be less in semen with bacteria compared to those without bacteria, which was statistically insignificant. This study provides a baseline data on bacterial infection in semen of infertile men in Nepal.
Community-based perinatal mental health peer support: a realist review
Authors: McLeish Jenny , Ayers Susan , McCourt Christine 
Published: April 2023

Abstract

Background Peer support has been suggested as an alternative or complement to professional support for mothers with perinatal mental health difficulties. The aim of this realist review was to synthesise the evidence on perinatal mental health peer support programmes outside mental health services, to understand what is it about community-based perinatal mental health peer support that works, for whom, in what circumstances, in what respects, and why. Methods Applying realist methodology, an initial theoretical model was tested against evidence from empirical studies. 29 empirical studies were included, covering 22 antenatal and postnatal mental health interventions that offered one-to-one or group peer support, in person or by telephone. Data extraction identified the configurations of contexts (C), mechanisms (M) and outcomes (O) relevant to mothers’ use of peer support and to the positive and negative effects of using peer support. Results 13 C-M-O configurations explained take-up of peer support. These were based on mothers’ perceptions that peer support would offer empathetic understanding and non-judgemental acceptance outside their social circle; their relationships with primary health professionals; their cultural background and perspectives on mental health; their desire for professional support; overcoming barriers; the format of the support; and the use of volunteers. A further 13 C-M-O configurations explained positive impact on mothers. These were based on receiving empathetic listening, acceptance, affirmation and normalisation; peers sharing ideas about self-care, coping, and services; peers using therapeutic techniques; the opportunity to give support to others; meaningful social relationships with volunteers and other mothers; and other benefits of attending a group. There were 8 C-M-O configurations explaining negative impact. These were based on lack of validation; self-criticism from downward and upward social comparison; a culture of negativity; peers being judgemental or directive; not feeling heard; peer support as a stressful social relationship; and distress at endings. Conclusions Peer support works in complex ways that are affected by personal and social contexts. Applying insights from this review could enable programmes to train peer supporters to maximise the benefits and minimise potential risks, and to devise new ways of reaching mothers who do not currently engage with peer support.
Monitoring compliance to topical therapy in children and young people with uveitis
Authors: Green Elspeth , McGrath Orlaith , Steeples Laura , Ashworth Jane 
Published: April 2023

Abstract

Background/Objectives: Uveitis in children and young people is a rare but potentially debilitating condition. Steroid eye drops are the first step in treatment and poor compliance may result in vision-threatening complications. This study aims to measure compliance with prescribed eye drops prospectively, evaluate techniques for assessing compliance and investigate reasons for non-compliance in a child-specific manner.
Subjects/Methods: 50 patients aged 0-18 years attending a tertiary paediatric uveitis clinic using steroid drops were recruited. Both the child or young person, and parent completed questionnaires about compliance. A subgroup had bottles of Prednisolone 1% drops dispensed and weighed at the first appointment and reweighed at follow-up. The weight reduction was compared with expected weight change over the interval.
Results: The study was completed by 42 patients. Drop errors for all eye drops were reported more than “once a week” by 13 children and young people (33.3% of respondents), and 3 parents (9.7% of respondents). A large proportion of parents could not recall the frequency of drops prescribed (n=13, 40.6% of respondents). Insufficient bottle weight reduction was found in 9 (75% of returned bottles). Within the eye drop weighing subgroup three participants (25% of returned bottles) used <50% the expected weight of drops.
Conclusions: This study demonstrated poor eye drop compliance by all the study outcomes in children and young people with uveitis. Self-reported compliance was unreliable in this population. Worryingly, some patients miss more than 50% of drops and may suffer sub-optimal disease control and a higher risk of uveitis associated complications.
Laboratory indices of hospitalized Sickle Cell Disease Patients, Prevalence and Antimicrobial Susceptibility of pathogenic bacterial isolates at MRCG Ward in the Gambia
Authors: Dibbasey Mustapha , Dahaba Mamudou , Sarfo Francess , Jallow-Manneh Ida , Umukoro Solomon , Ceesay Buntung , Diop Muhamadou Fadel , Amambua-Ngwa Alfred 
Published: April 2023

Abstract

Background: The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of invasive bacterial infections and their antimicrobial susceptibility patterns in sickle cell disease (SCD) patients admitted at the Medical Research Council the Gambia (MRCG) Ward in the era of PCV and Hib vaccination in the Gambia.
Methods and Results: This study was conducted in the clinical laboratory department of MRCG. We retrospectively generated haematological, and blood culture data from our electronic medical records from 2015 to 2022 of SCD patients admitted to MRCG Ward. Of 380 sickle cell disease patients, blood culture was requested only for 159. Of the 159 admitted SCD, 11 (6.9%) patients had qualified positive blood cultures. Five different types of pathogens were isolated from these positive blood cultures: 4 Staphylococcus aureus(36.4 %), 3 Streptococcus pneumoniae(27.2%), 2 Salmonella species(18.2%), 1 Enterococcus species(9%), and 1 Shigella boydii(9%). No episode of bacteremia caused by Haemophilus influenzae type b was identified and one patient was serologed as positive for hepatitis B. The molecular serotyping of the Streptococcus pneumoniae isolates revealed non-vaccine serotypes 10A, 12F and 12F. Penicillin resistance was recorded in two of the three Streptococcus pneumoniae and all the Staphylococcus aureus pathogens isolated in blood cultures. However, all isolated pathogens were sensitive to chloramphenicol, cloxacillin and vancomycin.
Conclusion: Streptococcus pneumoniae and Staphylococcus aureus were the most common cause of bacteremia in these admitted SCD patients. Penicillin resistance should be considered during penicillin prophylaxis and empirical treatment regimens for SCD patients and future SCD management policies in the Gambia.
Personal sustained cooperation based on Networked Evolutionary Game Theory
Authors: Yan Jun 
Published: April 2023

Abstract

Evolutionary game theory on complex networks provides an effective theoretical tool to explain the emergence of sustained cooperative behavior. Human society has formed various organizational networks. The network structure and individual behavior take on a variety of forms. This diversity provides the basis for choice, so it is crucial for the emergence of cooperation. This article provides a dynamic algorithm for individual network evolution, and calculates the importance of different nodes in the network evolution process. In the dynamic evolution simulation, the probability of the cooperation strategy and betrayal strategy is described. In the individual interaction network, cooperative behavior will promote the continuous evolution of individual relationships and form a better aggregative interpersonal network. The interpersonal network of betrayal has been in a relatively loose state, and its continuity must rely on the participation of new nodes, but there will be certain "weak links" in the existing nodes of the network.
Behavioural intervention to promote the uptake of planned care in urgent dental care attenders: a feasibility randomised controlled trial
Authors: Harris Rebecca , Lowers Victoria , Best Ashley , Burnside Girvan , Clarkson Janet , Hulme Claire 
Published: April 2023

Abstract

Background
Urgent dental care may be the only place where many people, especially vulnerable groups, access care. This presents an opportunity for delivery of a behavioural intervention promoting planned dental visiting, which may help address one of the factors contributing to a socio-economic gradient in oral health. Although we know that cueing events such as having a cancer diagnosis may create a ‘teachable moment’ stimulating positive changes in health behaviour, we do not know whether delivering an opportunistic intervention in urgent dental care is feasible and acceptable to patients.
Methods
The feasibility study aimed to recruit 60 patients in a Dental Hospital and dental practices delivering urgent care within and outside working hours. Follow-up was by telephone, e mail and post over 4 months.
Results
Although the recruitment window was shortened because of COVID-19, of 47 patients assessed for eligibility, 28 were enrolled (70.1% of screened patients provided consent). A relatively high proportion were from disadvantaged backgrounds (46.4%, 13/28 receiving State benefits). Retention was 82.1% (23/28), which was also the rate of completion of the Oral Health Impact Profile co-primary outcome. The other primary outcome involved linking participant details at recruitment, with centrally-held data on services provided, with 84.6% (22/26) records partly or fully successfully matched. All intervention participants received at least some of the intervention, although we identified aspects of dental nurse training which would improve intervention fidelity.
Conclusions
Despite recruitment being impacted by the pandemic, when the majority of clinical trials experienced reduced rates of recruitment, we found a high recruitment and consenting rate, even though patients were approached opportunistically to be enrolled in the trial and potentially receive an intervention. Retention rates were also high even though a relatively high proportion had a low socio-economic background. Therefore, even though patients may be in pain, and have not anticipated involvement before their urgent care visit, the study indicated that this was a feasible and acceptable setting in which to position an opportunistic intervention. This has the potential to harness the potential of the ‘teachable moment’ in people’s lives, and provide support to help address health inequalities.
Trial registration:
ISRCTN 10853330 07/10/2019