bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Expanding the Middle-Income Group Through Education: Preliminary Evidence From China
Authors: Xie (谢晨) Chen , Yang (杨秀秀) Xiuxiu
Published: July 2024

Purpose

This study explores the role of education in fostering middle-income earners in China, elucidating the development and current status of the capabilities of education in this regard. This study uses the historical changes in this demographic in the United States as a frame of reference to explore future goal-setting and implementation pathways for expanding the middle-income group through education in China.

Design/Approach/Methods

This study uses data on variables such as income, educational attainment, and years since graduation from the China Family Panel Studies database to analyze the changing patterns in China's middle-income group regarding educational attainment. This study also uses data from the Panel Study of Income Dynamics to examine the historical changes in the middle-income group in the United States and compares the findings to those in China.

Findings

Results reveal the following: the changing patterns in the share of the middle-income group relative to educational attainment; the distribution of the low-, middle-, and high-income groups by educational attainment; the changing trends in the share of middle-income group by educational attainment between 2012 and 2018; and the changing trends in the share of middle- and high-income groups by educational attainment regarding the number of years since graduation.

Originality/Value

Rooted in and driven by current issues facing China, this study compares education in China and the United States and offers preliminary evidence of the role of education in expanding the middle-income group.
The relationship between science fiction and science popularization: A discussion based on literature review and conceptual analysis
Authors: Liu Bing , Feng Xige
Published: July 2024

The relationship between science fiction and science popularization has long been a controversial issue. Based on a brief historical review of the development of science fiction and science popularization in China, this paper analyses related literature and concepts and argues that the science–literature dispute can be somewhat lessened in that science fiction can be incorporated into science popularization under the framework of general science popularization.
Atrial Septal Defect Stent Compression During Resuscitation of an Infant With Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome
Authors: Elzein Chawki , Pena Emily , Hibino Narutoshi , Patel Dhaval , Vricella Luca
Published: July 2024

A newborn with hypoplastic left heart syndrome underwent a Norwood procedure with a Sano shunt. A month later, he had an atrial septal defect (ASD) stent placed due to ASD size and flow restriction. Three weeks later, he had sudden bradycardia and cardiac arrest in the intensive care unit. He was resuscitated and cannulated for extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) through a right neck approach. An attempt to wean him from ECMO a week later failed due to hypoxia. Echocardiography showed ASD flow restriction and a chest x-ray showed flattening of the left atrial side of the ASD stent from chest compression resulting in a restrictive ASD. The patient underwent surgical removal of the ASD stent with ASD enlargement and was successfully weaned from ECMO after surgery.
Outcomes of Patients Undergoing the Kawashima Procedure at an Early Age: A Single Center Experience
Authors: Bateson Brian P. , Files Matthew , Bohuta Lyubomyr
Published: July 2024

Background

Previous reports have demonstrated the safety and efficacy of performing early Kawashima procedure (KP). Despite this, more recent studies have shown that the average age at the time of operation remains greater than one year of age. We report our experience with performing KP at an earlier age than previously reported.

Methods

A retrospective review was completed of patients undergoing KP at a single center (January 2000 to June 2020). Clinical outcomes were examined.

Results

Initial palliation was performed in 11 out of 12 patients. Age and weight at time of KP were 8.25 months (6.4-9.7) and 7.7 kg (6.5-8.6). Intensive care unit stay was 3.16 days (1-12), overall length of stay was 9.5 days (3-22). There was one unplanned reoperation, and no mortality in the cohort. Discharge oxygen saturation was 88% (80%-98%). Seven patients developed pulmonary arteriovenous malformations (PAVMs) with six proceeding to hepatic vein incorporation (HVI). Interval time to development of PAVMs was 42.3 months (16-121). Four of the 12 patients were left with antegrade pulmonary blood flow (PBF) and three (75%) remain without PAVMs. Median follow-up was 10 years (1.5-22) with 11 of 12 (91.67%) survival for the cohort.

Conclusions

The KP can be done at a younger age than previously reported with adequate early and late results. Most patients will go on to develop PAVMs and require HVI but leaving patients with some antegrade PBF is likely protective but will need further investigation to show definitive benefit.
Can ChatGPT Fool the Match? Artificial Intelligence Personal Statements for Plastic Surgery Residency Applications: A Comparative Study
Authors: Chen Jeffrey , Tao Brendan K. , Park Shihyun , Bovill Esta
Published: July 2024

Introduction: Personal statements can be decisive in Canadian residency applications. With the rise in AI technology, ethical concerns regarding authenticity and originality become more pressing. This study explores the capability of ChatGPT in producing personal statements for plastic surgery residency that match the quality of statements written by successful applicants. Methods: ChatGPT was utilized to generate a cohort of personal statements for CaRMS (Canadian Residency Matching Service) to compare with previously successful Plastic Surgery applications. Each AI-generated and human-written statement was randomized and anonymized prior to assessment. Two retired members of the plastic surgery residency selection committee from the University of British Columbia, evaluated these on a 0 to 10 scale and provided a binary response judging whether each statement was AI or human written. Statistical analysis included Welch 2-sample t tests and Cohen's Kappa for agreement. Results: Twenty-two personal statements (11 AI-generated by ChatGPT and 11 human-written) were evaluated. The overall mean scores were 7.48 (SD 0.932) and 7.68 (SD 0.716), respectively, with no significant difference between AI and human groups ( P = .4129). The average accuracy in distinguishing between human and AI letters was 65.9%. The Cohen's Kappa value was 0.374. Conclusions: ChatGPT can generate personal statements for plastic surgery residency applications with quality indistinguishable from human-written counterparts, as evidenced by the lack of significant scoring difference and moderate accuracy in discrimination by experienced surgeons. These findings highlight the evolving role of AI and the need for updated evaluative criteria or guidelines in the residency application process.
Recommendations for Integrating Anti-Racist and Inclusive Pedagogy Strategies into Doctoral Teaching Training in Public Health
Authors: Walker Elizabeth Reisinger , Pathak Sarita , Comeau Dawn L.
Published: July 2024

Greater use of antiracist and inclusive pedagogy is necessary to address racism in public health education. To effectively prepare the next generation of public health faculty who can support diverse cohorts of students in developing the skills needed to promote health equity, such pedagogies must be integrated into doctoral teaching training. Based on our experiences as co-instructors and student of a doctoral-level course on teaching public health, we offer recommendations for integrating antiracist and inclusive pedagogies into doctoral teaching training. First, integrating student voices, such as letters to academic institutions demanding changes to address institutional racism, can prompt reflection and discussion on how doctoral students’ teaching can contribute to antiracist work. Second, pedagogy courses offer the opportunity to model inclusive teaching strategies that value the participation and perspectives of all students. Third, mentored teaching experiences provide doctoral students opportunities to meaningfully engage in course preparation and delivery, including reflexive consideration of positionality in the context of the course. Fourth, instructors and doctoral students must engage in ongoing and collaborative learning, reflection, discovery, and accountability. We encourage public health programs to assess how antiracist and inclusive pedagogies fit into doctoral teaching training and implement further steps to better prepare future faculty to become antiracist educators.
Start Generating: Harnessing Generative Artificial Intelligence for Sociological Research
Authors: Davidson Thomas
Published: July 2024

How can generative artificial intelligence (GAI) be used for sociological research? The author explores applications to the study of text and images across multiple domains, including computational, qualitative, and experimental research. Drawing upon recent research and stylized experiments with DALL·E and GPT-4, the author illustrates the potential applications of text-to-text, image-to-text, and text-to-image models for sociological research. Across these areas, GAI can make advanced computational methods more efficient, flexible, and accessible. The author also emphasizes several challenges raised by these technologies, including interpretability, transparency, reliability, reproducibility, ethics, and privacy, as well as the implications of bias and bias mitigation efforts and the trade-offs between proprietary models and open-source alternatives. When used with care, these technologies can help advance many different areas of sociological methodology, complementing and enhancing our existing toolkits.
Relevance of a Customized Version of ChatGPT Explaining Laboratory Test Results in Patient Education
Authors: Ojeda Meixueiro Víctor Hugo , Pérez-Campos Mayoral Laura , Hernández Huerta María Teresa , Matias-Cervantes Carlos Alberto , Pérez Campos Mayoral Eduardo , Cruz Parada Elí , Pérez-Campos Eduardo
Published: July 2024

ChatGPT is an artificial intelligence (AI) chatbot application. In this study, we explore the creation and use of a customized version of ChatGPT designed specifically for patient education, called “Lab Explainer.” Lab Explainer aims to simplify and clarify the results of complex laboratory tests for patients, using the sophisticated capabilities of AI in natural language processing; it analyses various laboratory test data and provides clear explanations and contextual information. The approach involved adapting OpenAI's ChatGPT model specifically to analyze laboratory test data. The results suggest that Lab Explainer has the potential to improve understanding by providing an interpretation of laboratory tests to the patient. In conclusion, the Lab Explainer can assist patient education by providing intelligible interpretations of laboratory tests.
Ecology of grief: Climatic events and disasters in the Himalaya
Authors: Ranjan Rahul
Published: July 2024

Entangled in the push for modernity and securing frontiers, the young and rising mountains of the Himalayas bear stark witness to the effects of climate change and anthropogenic activities. Much of these effects are evident in the register of disasters, which displays horrific events. While popular media have increased its focus on climate change in this region, especially Uttarakhand, the emphasis has heavily relied on a techno-managerial aspect. Valuable these approaches may seem, they render the emotive and affective dimensions of disaster an appendix to the explanation. Drawing on scholarship on grief, I argue that grief is a structuring affect in the Himalayas that can politicise the Anthropocene as a generative framework to reveal historical inequalities. I show how it is politically urgent to emphasise grief when framing the story of disaster, not merely as a footnote but as the core element for portraying the plot of human suffering in public remembrance. I propose that a turn to the political in grief should emerge in the form of public witnessing and grievability. In demonstrating these claims, the paper approaches an unsettling account of disaster in the Raini village of Uttarakhand (India). Through this, the article centres on a normative dimension of climate change that often characterises a disaster as an ‘eventful’ register – invisibilising the affective contours of loss.
Wet inrush susceptibility assessment at the Deep Ore Zone mine using a random forest machine learning model
Authors: Ghadirianniari Sahar , McDougall Scott , Eberhardt Erik , Varian Jovian , Llewelyn Karl , Campbell Ryan , Moss Allan
Published: July 2024

In cave mines, wet inrushes occur when there is an uncontrolled inflow of fine, wet material from drawpoints. Currently, uncertainty exists regarding the spatial-temporal pattern and severity of inrush incidents. This uncertainty arises from the limited understanding of wet inrush mechanisms within the complex conditions of a cave mine. In this study, the existing gaps in knowledge around the spatial and temporal patterns of inrush incidents were addressed using machine learning techniques. A random forest (RF) model was employed to analyse the inrush database collected at the Deep Ore Zone mine over several years. The conceptual understanding of inrush mechanisms and triggers, along with historical evidence, was employed to establish an initial set of key inrush variables to be used in the RF model. The developed RF model demonstrated promising performance with an accuracy of 85%. The feature importance results indicated that previous inrush history, fragment size, draw rate (short term and long term), differential draw index (short term and long term) and history of inrush at neighbouring drawpoints had the highest impact on inrush susceptibility. The insights gained provide an improved assessment of inrush susceptibility, thereby improving the strategies employed to mitigate inrush risk.
Applying the resource management principle to achieve community engagement and experimental rigor in the multiphase optimization strategy framework
Authors: O’Hara Karey L. , Guastaferro Kate , Hita Liza , Rhodes C. Aubrey , Thomas Nalani A. , Wolchik Sharlene A. , Berkel Cady
Published: July 2024

Preventing and treating mental health and substance use problems requires effective, affordable, scalable, and efficient interventions. The multiphase optimization strategy (MOST) framework guides researchers through a phased and systematic process of developing optimized interventions. However, new methods of systematically incorporating information about implementation constraints across MOST phases are needed. We propose that early and sustained integration of community-engaged methods within MOST is a promising strategy for enhancing an optimized intervention's potential for implementation. In this article, we outline the advantages of using community-engaged methods throughout the intervention optimization process, with a focus on the Preparation and Optimization Phases of MOST. We discuss the role of experimental designs in optimization research and highlight potential challenges in conducting rigorous experiments in community settings. We then demonstrate how relying on the resource management principle to select experimental designs across MOST phases is a promising strategy for maintaining both experimental rigor and community responsiveness. We end with an applied example illustrating a community-engaged approach to optimize an intervention to reduce the risk for mental health problems and substance use problems among children with incarcerated parents.
Experimental Networks: A Missing Link in Facilitating Systemic Transitions Through Projects?
Authors: Miterev Maxim , Engwall Mats
Published: July 2024

This article analyzes how firms can enable their innovation strategies through projects under various conditions. Previous research has identified an array of project-related means, such as explorative projects, project lineages, and ambidextrous programs, by which firms aim to realize their long-term innovation goals. These approaches, although powerful, are primarily focal firm-centered; address product-, platform-, and business-model levels; and tend to draw heavily on the firm’s resources and coordination efforts. However, systemic transitions are characterized by complex and unforeseen redefinitions of organizational and industrial boundaries, which require mobilization of resources by multiple actors, prompting firms to engage in time-limited experimental networks. This article introduces this concept to project studies and juxtaposes it with the key extant project-based concepts for enabling innovation by scrutinizing their definitions, intended scope of innovation, locus of attention, and coordination principles. Consequently, it draws attention to the importance of interorganizational aspects when facing a systemic transition and contributes to an emerging debate on the linkages among project studies, innovation management, and sociotechnical transitions.
Optimizing the post-CAR T monitoring period in recipients of axicabtagene ciloleucel, tisagenlecleucel, and lisocabtagene maraleucel
Authors: Ahmed Nausheen , Wesson William , Lutfi Forat , Porter David L. , Bachanova Veronika , Nastoupil Loretta J. , Perales Miguel-Angel , Maziarz Richard T. , Brower Jamie , Shah Gunjan L. , Chen Andy I. , Oluwole Olalekan O. , Schuster Stephen J. , Bishop Michael R. , McGuirk Joseph P. , Riedell Peter A.
Published: July 2024

CD19–directed chimeric antigen receptor T-cell (CAR T) therapies, including axicabtagene ciloleucel (axi-cel), tisagenlecleucel (tisa-cel), and lisocabtagene maraleucel (liso-cel), have transformed the treatment landscape for B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma, showcasing significant efficacy but also highlighting toxicity risks such as cytokine release syndrome (CRS) and immune effector cell–associated neurotoxicity syndrome (ICANS). The US Food and Drug Administration has mandated patients remain close to the treatment center for 4 weeks as part of a Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy to monitor and manage these toxicities, which, although cautious, may add to cost of care, be burdensome for patients and their families, and present challenges related to patient access and socioeconomic disparities. This retrospective study across 9 centers involving 475 patients infused with axi-cel, tisa-cel, and liso-cel from 2018 to 2023 aimed to assess CRS and ICANS onset and duration, as well as causes of nonrelapse mortality (NRM) in real-world CAR T recipients. Although differences were noted in the incidence and duration of CRS and ICANS between CAR T products, new-onset CRS and ICANS are exceedingly rare after 2 weeks after infusion (0% and 0.7% of patients, respectively). No new cases of CRS occurred after 2 weeks and a single case of new-onset ICANS occurred in the third week after infusion. NRM is driven by ICANS in the early follow-up period (1.1% until day 28) and then by infection through 3 months after infusion (1.2%). This study provides valuable insights into optimizing CAR T therapy monitoring, and our findings may provide a framework to reduce physical and financial constraints for patients.
Vibration Reduction by a Partitioned Dynamic Vibration Absorber with Acoustic Black Hole Features
Authors: Zhao Xiaoning , Wang Chaoyan , Ji Hongli , Qiu Jinhao , Cheng Li
Published: July 2024

Vibration quality is a vital indicator for assessing the progress of modern equipment. The dynamic vibration absorber (DVA) based on the acoustic black hole (ABH) feature is a new passive control method that manipulates waves. It offers efficient energy focalization and broad-spectrum vibration suppression, making it highly promising for applications in large equipment such as aircraft, trains, and ships. Despite previous advancements in ABH-DVA development, certain challenges remain, particularly in ensuring effective coupling with host structures during control. To address these issues, this study proposes a partitioned ABH-featured dynamic vibration absorber (PABH-DVA) with partitions in the radial direction of the disc. By employing a plate as the host structure, simulations and experiments were conducted, demonstrating that the PABH-DVA outperforms the original symmetric ABH-DVA in terms of damping performance. The study also calculated and compared the coupling coefficients of the two ABH-DVAs to uncover the mechanism behind the enhanced damping. Simulation results revealed that the PABH-DVA exhibits more coupled modes, occasionally with lower coupling coefficients than the symmetric ABH-DVA. The influence of frequency ratio and modal mass was further analyzed to explain the reasons behind the PABH-DVA's superior damping performance. Additionally, the study discussed the impact of the number of slits and their orientation. This research further explains the coupling mechanism between the ABH-DVA and the controlled structure, and provides new ideas for the further application of ABH in engineering.
Path-Dependent Progressive Failure Analysis for 3D-Printed Continuous Carbon Fibre Reinforced Composites
Authors: Chen Yuan , Ye Lin
Published: July 2024

In order to predict the damage behaviours of 3D-printed continuous carbon fibre (CCF) reinforced composites, when additional short carbon fibre (SCF) composite components are employed for continuous printing or special functionality, a novel path-dependent progressive failure (PDPF) numerical approach is developed. First, a progressive failure model using Hashin failure criteria with continuum damage mechanics to account for the damage initiation and evaluation of 3D-printed CCF reinforced polyamide (PA) composites is developed, based on actual fibre placement trajectories with physical measurements of 3D-printed CCF/PA constituents. Meanwhile, an elastic-plastic model is employed to predict the plastic damage behaviours of SCF/PA parts. Then, the accuracy of the PDPF model was validated so as to study 3D-printed CCF/PA composites with either negative Poisson’s ratio or high stiffness. The results demonstrate that the proposed PDPF model can achieve higher prediction accuracies in mechanical properties of these 3D-printed CCF/PA composites. Mechanism analyses show that the stress distribution is generally aggregated in the CCF areas along the fibre placement paths, and the shear damage and matrix tensile/compressive damage are the key damage modes. This study provides a new approach with valuable information for characterising complex 3D-printed continuous fibre-matrix composites with variable mechanical properties and multiple constituents.
The effect of P2X7 antagonism on subcortical spread of optogenetically-triggered cortical spreading depression and neuroinflammation
Authors: Uzay Burak , Donmez-Demir Buket , Ozcan Sinem Yilmaz , Kocak Emine Eren , Yemisci Muge , Ozdemir Yasemin Gursoy , Dalkara Turgay , Karatas Hulya
Published: July 2024

Migraine is a neurological disorder characterized by episodes of severe headache. Cortical spreading depression (CSD), the electrophysiological equivalent of migraine aura, results in opening of pannexin 1 megachannels that release ATP and triggers parenchymal neuroinflammatory signaling cascade in the cortex. Migraine symptoms suggesting subcortical dysfunction bring subcortical spread of CSD under the light. Here, we investigated the role of purinergic P2X7 receptors on the subcortical spread of CSD and its consequent neuroinflammation using a potent and selective P2X7R antagonist, JNJ-47965567. P2X7R antagonism had no effect on the CSD threshold and characteristics but increased the latency to hypothalamic voltage deflection following CSD suggesting that ATP acts as a mediator in the subcortical spread. P2X7R antagonism also prevented cortical and subcortical neuronal activation following CSD, revealed by bilateral decrease in c-fos positive neuron count, and halted CSD-induced neuroinflammation revealed by decreased neuronal HMGB1 release and decreased nuclear translocation of NF-kappa B-p65 in astrocytes. In conclusion, our data suggest that P2X7R plays a role in CSD-induced neuroinflammation, subcortical spread of CSD and CSD-induced neuronal activation hence can be a potential target.
Proteomic profile and predictive markers of outcome in patients with subarachnoid hemorrhage
Authors: Lolansen Sara Diana , Rostgaard Nina , Olsen Markus Harboe , Ottenheijm Maud Eline , Drici Lylia , Capion Tenna , Nørager Nicolas Hernandez , MacAulay Nanna , Juhler Marianne
Published: July 2024

Background

The molecular mechanisms underlying development of posthemorrhagic hydrocephalus (PHH) following subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) remain incompletely understood. Consequently, treatment strategies tailored towards the individual patient remain limited. This study aimed to identify proteomic cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) biomarkers capable of predicting shunt dependency and functional outcome in patients with SAH in order to improve informed clinical decision making.

Methods

Ventricular CSF samples were collected twice from 23 patients with SAH who required external ventricular drain (EVD) insertion (12 patients with successful EVD weaning, 11 patients in need of permanent CSF shunting due to development of PHH). The paired CSF samples were collected acutely after ictus and later upon EVD removal. Cisternal CSF samples were collected from 10 healthy control subjects undergoing vascular clipping of an unruptured aneurysm. All CSF samples were subjected to mass spectrometry-based proteomics analysis. Proteomic biomarkers were quantified using area under the curve (AUC) estimates from a receiver operating curve (ROC).

Results

CSF from patients with SAH displayed a distinct proteomic profile in comparison to that of healthy control subjects. The CSF collected acutely after ictus from patients with SAH was moreover distinct from that collected weeks later but appeared similar in the weaned and shunted patient groups. Sixteen unique proteins were identified as potential predictors of shunt dependency, while three proteins were identified as potential predictors of functional outcome assessed six months after ictus with the modified Rankin Scale.

Conclusions

We here identified several potential proteomic biomarkers in CSF from patients with SAH capable of predicting (i) shunt dependency and thus development of PHH and (ii) the functional outcome assessed six months after ictus. These proteomic biomarkers may have the potential to aid clinical decision making by predicting shunt dependency and functional outcome following SAH.
Urolithiasis unveiled: pathophysiology, stone dynamics, types, and inhibitory mechanisms: a review
Authors: Allam Essmat A. H.
Published: July 2024

Urolithiasis is a multifaceted and common urological disorder characterized by the development of renal calculi. Calcium oxalate stones are the most prevalent type of calculi, forming when calcium and oxalate combine to produce crystalline structures in the urine. The incidence rates of urolithiasis exhibit geographical variations, which are determined by factors such as geographic location, age, sex, dietary habits, and genetics. The increasing trend of urolithiasis has emerged as a noteworthy public health issue, potentially attributed to shifts in dietary and lifestyle habits. In response to this challenge, various inhibitors of calcium oxalate crystal formation, including small molecules, peptides, and proteins, have been developed. Moreover, substances such as citrate, magnesium, inter-alpha-trypsin inhibitors, phytate, potassium, and pyrophosphates show promise in preventing kidney stones. A comprehensive metabolic assessment is crucial, customized for each patient, to effectively manage and avoid the recurrence of urolithiasis. Although specific pharmacological treatments for urolithiasis are currently unavailable, some drugs can reduce pain. Some drugs, including calcium channel blockers like nifedipine, phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitors like tadalafil, and alpha-blockers like tamsulosin, are thought to lower ureteral contractions by making the ureteral smooth muscle relax. In acute and severe pain cases, intravenous administration of narcotic analgesics and anti-inflammatory agents may be employed in emergency medical settings. To enhance therapeutic approaches, it is essential to gain more knowledge about the pathophysiology of renal calculi. The development of inhibitors targeting calcium oxalate crystal formation offers a promising avenue for urolithiasis prophylaxis. Identifying and investigating potential inhibitors lays the framework for the creation of more effective and targeted therapeutic options.

Graphical Abstract
Insights into bs5 resistance mechanisms in pepper against Xanthomonas euvesicatoria through transcriptome profiling
Authors: Subedi Aastha , Minsavage Gerald V. , Roberts Pamela D. , Goss Erica M. , Sharma Anuj , Jones Jeffrey B.
Published: July 2024

Background

Bacterial spot of pepper (BSP), caused by four different Xanthomonas species, primarily X. euvesicatoria (Xe), poses a significant challenge in pepper cultivation. Host resistance is considered the most important approach for BSP control, offering long-term protection and sustainability. While breeding for resistance to BSP for many years focused on dominant R genes, introgression of recessive resistance has been a more recent focus of breeding programs. The molecular interactions underlying recessive resistance remain poorly understood.

Results

In this study, transcriptomic analyses were performed to elucidate defense responses triggered by Xe race P6 infection by two distinct pepper lines: the Xe-resistant line ECW50R containing bs5, a recessive resistance gene that confers resistance to all pepper Xe races, and the Xe-susceptible line ECW. The results revealed a total of 3357 upregulated and 4091 downregulated genes at 0, 1, 2, and 4 days post-inoculation (dpi), with the highest number of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) observed at 2 dpi. Pathway analysis highlighted DEGs in key pathways such as plant-pathogen interaction, MAPK signaling pathway, plant hormone signal transduction, and photosynthesis – antenna proteins, along with cysteine and methionine metabolism. Notably, upregulation of genes associated with PAMP-Triggered Immunity (PTI) was observed, including components like FLS2, Ca-dependent pathways, Rboh, and reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation. In support of these results, infiltration of ECW50R leaves with bacterial suspension of Xe led to observable hydrogen peroxide accumulation without a rapid increase in electrolyte leakage, suggestive of the absence of Effector-Triggered Immunity (ETI). Furthermore, the study confirmed that bs5 does not disrupt the effector delivery system, as evidenced by incompatible interactions between avirulence genes and their corresponding dominant resistant genes in the bs5 background.

Conclusion

Overall, these findings provide insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying bs5-mediated resistance in pepper against Xe and suggest a robust defense mechanism in ECW50R, primarily mediated through PTI. Given that bs5 provides early strong response for resistance, combining this resistance with other dominant resistance genes will enhance the durability of resistance to BSP.
Characterization and stress-responsive regulation of CmPHT1 genes involved in phosphate uptake and transport in Melon (Cucumis melo L.)
Authors: Li Pengli , Rehman Asad , Yu Jing , Weng Jinyang , Zhan Beibei , Wu Yueyue , Zhang Yidong , Chang Liying , Niu Qingliang
Published: July 2024

Background

Phosphorus (P) deficiency, a major nutrient stress, greatly hinders plant growth. Phosphate (Pi) uptake in plant roots relies on PHT1 family transporters. However, melon (Cucumis melo L.) lacks comprehensive identification and characterization of PHT1 genes, particularly their response patterns under diverse stresses.

Results

This study identified and analyzed seven putative CmPHT1 genes on chromosomes 3, 4, 5, 6, and 7 using the melon genome. Phylogenetic analysis revealed shared motifs, domain compositions, and evolutionary relationships among genes with close histories. Exon number varied from 1 to 3. Collinearity analysis suggested segmental and tandem duplications as the primary mechanisms for CmPHT1 gene family expansion. CmPHT1;4 and CmPHT1;5 emerged as a tandemly duplicated pair. Analysis of cis-elements in CmPHT1 promoters identified 14 functional categories, including putative PHR1-binding sites (P1BS) in CmPHT1;4, CmPHT1;6, and CmPHT1;7. We identified that three WRKY transcription factors regulated CmPHT1;5 expression by binding to its W-box element. Notably, CmPHT1 promoters harbored cis-elements responsive to hormones and abiotic factors. Different stresses regulated CmPHT1 expression differently, suggesting that the adjusted expression patterns might contribute to plant adaptation.

Conclusions

This study unveils the characteristics, evolutionary diversity, and stress responsiveness of CmPHT1 genes in melon. These findings lay the foundation for in-depth investigations into their functional mechanisms in Cucurbitaceae crops.
Comparing intravenous lidocaine and pethidine for pain management in emergency department patients with femoral bone fracture: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Eftekhar Seyed Parsa , Hazrati Ebrahim , Mosaed Reza , Dini Saeed Shiralizadeh , Galougahi Mohammad Hassan Kazemi , Namazi Mehrshad
Published: July 2024

Background

Intravenous lidocaine has shown promise as an effective analgesic in various clinical settings, but its utility for pain management in emergency departments, especially for bone fractures, remains relatively understudied.

Objective

This study compared intravenous lidocaine to pethidine for femoral bone fracture pain management.

Methods

This double-blind, randomized, controlled clinical trial was conducted in the emergency department of AJA University of Medical Sciences affiliated hospitals. Patients aged 18–70 years-old with femoral bone fracture and experiencing severe pain, defined as a numerical rating scale (NRS) of pain ≥ 7, were included in the study. One group received intravenous pethidine (25 mg), while the other group received intravenous lidocaine (3 mg/kg, not exceeding 200 mg), infused with 250 ml saline over 20 min. Pain levels were evaluated before treatment administration (0 min) and at 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, and 60 min after treatment administration using the NRS.

Results

Seventy-two patients were enrolled in the study. Demographic characteristics and pain scores were similar between the two groups. The mean pain scores upon arrival for the lidocaine and pethidine groups were 8.50 ± 1 and 8.0 ± 1, respectively; after one hour, they were 4.0 ± 1 and 4.0 ± 1, respectively. While there was a statistically significant reduction in pain in both groups after one hour, there were no clinically or statistically significant differences between the two groups (p = 0.262). Pethidine had a higher incidence of adverse events, though not statistically significant. Additionally, females required more rescue analgesics.

Conclusion

The administration of intravenous lidocaine is beneficial for managing pain in femoral bone fractures, suggesting that lidocaine could be a potent alternative to opioids.

Trial Registration

IRCT20231213060355N1 (https://irct.behdasht.gov.ir/trial/74624) (30/12/2023).
REEP5 mediates the function of CLEC5A to alleviate myocardial infarction by inhibiting endoplasmic reticulum stress-induced apoptosis
Authors: Wang Xin , Sun Limin
Published: July 2024

MI (myocardial infarction) often triggers severe heart failure and is one of the leading causes of death worldwide. Receptor expression-enhancing protein 5 (REEP5), a member of REEPs, acts as regulators of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) affecting cardiac functions. Based on GSE114695 profile data, REEP5 was decreased in the left ventricle of MI mice. However, its role and potential mechanism in MI remain to be investigated. In the present study, the mouse MI model was established by ligation of the left anterior descending artery. REEP5 expression was downregulated in the infarct penumbra area of MI mice. Next, its role during MI was explored by gain-of-function. Interestingly, REEP5 overexpression improved left ventricular function of mice with MI, accompanied with reduced infarct size. In cardiomyocytes, REEP5 overexpression inhibited ER stress, accompanied with repressive phosphorylation of PERK and IRE1α, and the decreased nuclear translocation of ATF6. Subsequently, REEP5 overexpression downregulated the levels of Chop and cleaved caspase-12, further alleviating ER stress-induced apoptosis, which was consistent with the in vivo results. Moreover, REEP5 was found to bind to C-type lectin member 5 A (CLEC5A), a protein that triggers cardiac dysfunction. CLEC5A, whose expression was elevated in hypoxia-induced cell models, led to cardiomyocyte apoptosis. Noteworthily, REEP5 overexpression markedly abolished the effects of CLEC5A on ER stress-induced apoptosis. Taken together, REEP5 mediated the function of CLEC5A to relieve MI via inhibiting ER stress-induced apoptosis in vivo and in vitro. REEP5 may be a promising target for treating MI.
The relationship between the systemic immune inflammation index and the nonalcoholic fatty liver disease in American adolescents
Authors: Fu Dong-fang , Chen Bin
Published: July 2024

Background

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a growing health crisis in the general population of the United States (U.S.), but the relationship between systemic immune-inflammation (SII) index and NAFLD is not known.

Methods

We collected data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2017–2018. Next, propensity score matching (PSM), collinearity analysis, restricted cubic spline (RCS) plot, logistic regression, quantile regression analysis, subgroup analysis, mediation analysis, and population attributable fraction were used to explore the association of the SII with risk of NAFLD.

Results

A total of 665 participants including the 532 Non-NAFLD and 133 NAFLD were enrolled for further analysis after PSM analysis. The RCS results indicated that there was a linear relationship between the SII and controlled attenuation parameter (p for nonlinear = 0.468), the relationship also existed after adjustment for covariates (p for nonlinear = 0.769). The logistic regression results indicated that a high SII level was an independent risk factor for NAFLD (OR = 3.505, 95% CI: 1.092–11.249, P < 0.05). The quantile regression indicated that at higher quantiles (0.90, and 0.95) the SII was significantly associated with NAFLD (p < 0.05). Mediation analysis indicated that alanine aminotransferase (ALT), triglycerides, and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) were partially contribute to the relationship between SII and NAFLD. The population attributable fractions indicated that 23.19% (95% CI: 8.22%, 38.17%) of NAFLD cases could be attributed to SII corresponding to 133 NAFLD cases.

Conclusion

There was a positive linear relationship between the SII and the risk of NAFLD. The ALT, triglycerides, and BUN had a partial mediating effect on the relationship between the SII and NAFLD.
Subgroup analyses from patients with pre-treated metastatic colorectal cancer receiving trifluridine/tipiracil: results of the TALLISUR trial
Authors: Karthaus Meinolf , Heinemann Volker , Riera-Knorrenschild Jorge , Kretzschmar Albrecht , Welslau Manfred , Kaiser Ulrich , Pelz Henning , Ettrich Thomas J. , Held Swantje , Kehmann Linde , Hess Jürgen , Reisländer Timo , Weiss Lena ,   on behalf of the TALLISUR study group
Published: July 2024

Background

In the pivotal phase III RECOURSE trial, trifluridine/tipiracil (FTD/TPI) improved progression-free and overall survival (PFS, OS) of patients with pre-treated metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC). Subsequently, the TALLISUR trial provided post-authorisation efficacy and safety data and patient-reported outcomes on quality of life (QoL) in a German patient cohort. The present analysis reports the final data on efficacy, safety and QoL and investigates the impact of baseline characteristics and associated prognostic subgroups on outcome.

Methods

In this prospective, multi-centre, Germany-wide, phase IV study, patients with pre-treated mCRC were given the choice to receive either FTD/TPI or best supportive care (BSC). To assess the primary endpoint, QoL, EORTC QLQ-C30 questionnaires were employed. Secondary endpoints included QoL assessed through EQ-5D-5L questionnaires, OS, PFS and safety. Additionally, 3 subgroups were defined according to a post-hoc analysis of the RECOURSE trial: best, good and poor prognostic characteristics (BPC, GPC, PPC). Patients with < 3 metastatic sites at inclusion and/or ≥ 18 months from diagnosis to inclusion were considered to have GPC. GPC patients without liver metastasis at inclusion were considered to have BPC. All remaining patients were considered to have PPC.

Results

Of 195 patients, 186 decided to receive FTD/TPI and 9 to receive BSC. The low number of patients in the BSC-arm did not allow statistically meaningful analyses. Treatment with FTD/TPI was associated with maintained QoL. For all patients, median OS was 6.9 months (95% CI 6.1 – 8.3) and for the defined subgroups (BPC n = 20 vs GPC n = 65 vs PPC n = 121) 12.2, 7.9 and 6.8 months (95% CI 6.0 – 18.2, 6.2 – 13.3, 5.4 – 8.1). The most frequent TEAEs were neutropenia (29.6%), anaemia (24.7%) and nausea (23.7%). Febrile neutropenia occurred in 1.1%.

Conclusions

Treatment of patients suffering from pre-treated mCRC with FTD/TPI was associated not only with prolonged survival and delayed progression, but also with maintained QoL. Independent of other baseline characteristics such as ECOG performance status and age, low metastatic burden and indolent disease were factors associated with favourable outcome.

Clinical trial registration

EudraCT-Number 2017–000292-83, first registration 19/06/2017.
Dynamics of postnatal depressive symptoms in early parenthood
Authors: Skjerdingstad Nora , Speyer Lydia G. , Isvoranu Adela-Maria , Moe Vibeke , Fredriksen Eivor
Published: July 2024

Background

New mothers and fathers are at risk of developing postnatal depressive problems. To understand how postnatal depressive symptoms unfold over time, analyses at the within-person level are necessary. Inspecting postnatal depressive problems at the symptom level provides a novel perspective, ultimately offering insight into which symptoms contribute to the elevation of other symptoms over time.

Methods

Panel graphical vector-autoregression (GVAR) models were applied to analyze the within-person temporal and contemporaneous relations between depressive symptoms across the postnatal period in new mothers and fathers (at T1; Nmothers = 869, Nfathers = 579). Depressive symptoms were assessed at 6-, 12-, and 18-months postpartum, using the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale.

Results

The results revealed that for mothers, sadness was a key symptom predicting symptom increases in multiple other depressive symptoms and itself (autoregressive effect) over time. Furthermore, anxiousness and feeling scared predicted each other across the postnatal period in mothers. For fathers, the most central predicting symptom in the overall network of symptoms was being anxious, while self-blame and being overwhelmed had strong self-maintaining roles in the fathers’ symptomatology, indicating that these could be key features in fathers experiencing postnatal depressive problems. The pattern of symptoms that mothers and fathers experienced within the same time window (contemporaneous associations), shared many of the same characteristics compared to the temporal structure.

Conclusions

This study suggests that across the postnatal period, from 6- to 18-months postpartum, depressive symptoms in mothers and fathers contribute differently to the pattern of depressive problems, highlighting sadness as a key feature in maternal symptomatology and anxiousness components in paternal symptomatology.
Cystatin C and sarcopenia index are associated with cardiovascular and all-cause death among adults in the United States
Authors: Wang Tianbo , Zhu Yuxin , Liu Xiaohan , Zhang Yue , Zhang Zhen , Wu Jing , Huang Gang , Xu Junbo
Published: July 2024

Objectives

This study aimed to investigate the association of cystatin C, serum creatinine and sarcopenia index with cardiovascular and all-cause death in general population.

Methods

Data of participants from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys (NHANES) from 1999 to 2004 were used and all participants were followed up regularly until December 31, 2019. Multivariable Cox analysis was used to investigate the association of cystatin C, serum creatinine and sarcopenia index with cardiovascular and all-cause death. Restricted cubic spline was conducted to evaluate the nonlinear association.

Results

A total of 9894 participants with a mean age of 45.64 years were enrolled and followed up for a mean duration of 15.62 ± 4.68 years. Approximately 50.3% were male and there were a total of 2681 all-cause deaths and 691 cardiovascular deaths recorded during the follow-up period. In final adjusted model, compared with the first quartile of cystatin C (< 0.659 mg/L), the risk of cardiovascular and all-cause death increased 2.36-fold and 1.71-fold for participants in the fourth quartile (≥ 0.877 mg/L) (HR: 3.36, 95% CI: 2.06–5.46, P < 0.001; HR: 2.71, 95% CI: 2.17–3.38, P < 0.001; respectively). Furthermore, a higher sarcopenia index (< 88.41 vs. ≥125.52) was associated with the reduced risk of cardiovascular death (HR: 0.41, 95% CI: 0.31–0.53, P < 0.001) as well as all-cause death (HR: 0.41, 95% CI: 0.35–0.49, P < 0.001). Additionally, restricted cubic splines showed that there was a nonlinear relationship between sarcopenia index levels and all-cause death while there was a linear relationship between sarcopenia index levels and cardiovascular death.

Conclusions

Higher sarcopenia index was associated with the decreased risk of cardiovascular and all-cause death in general population in the United States. Elevated cystatin C was positively associated with cardiovascular and all-cause death.
Management of a dentigerous cyst; a ten-year clinicopathological study
Authors: Aldelaimi Afrah A. K. , Enezei Hamid H. , Berum Hibah Ezzat Rashid , Abdulkaream Suzan M. , Mohammed Khalil Abdullah , Aldelaimi Tahrir N.
Published: July 2024

Background

Dentigerous cysts, deemed of developmental origin, are benign odontogenic cysts characterized by a gradual growth rate. Their occurrence is twice as prevalent in men compared to women. These cysts are recognized as the most frequent developmental cysts affecting the jaws, with a typical manifestation in individuals aged 20 to 40, while infrequently identified in young children. Notably, dentigerous cysts have the potential to attain significant dimensions, resulting in painless enlargement of the jaw and subsequent deformation.

Objectives

To assess the clinicopathological features and management of ten years of experience with dentigerous cysts.

Methods

A challenging cases were reported from reviewed records of the patients who were treated by the surgical intervention of various dentigerous cysts throughout the period of ten years, 2012–2022 and only histologically confirmed cases were selected, at Ramadi Teaching Hospital in addition to Rashid, Razi, Zuhur Private Hospitals and private clinics in Iraq.

Results

76 patients were included in this clinicopathological research. The highest age group affected was ≤ 18 years (68.4%), 54% were male, the mandible was more affected (63.1%) than the maxilla (36.9%). Marsupialization was applied to 30.3% of the cases, while enucleation was carried out in 69.7%.

Conclusions

The significance of meticulous examination of radiographs and the consequences associated with undetected and untreated ailments is affirmed by this case study. A comprehensive understanding of oral pathology serves as a valuable resource for dentists, facilitating accurate diagnosis, appropriate referrals, and the provision of anticipatory guidance to patients striving to achieve optimal oral health across various age groups.