bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Thymoquinone Nanoparticles (TQ-NPs) in Kidney Toxicity Induced by Ehrlich Ascites Carcinoma (EAC): An In Vivo Study
Authors: Eltahir Zakaria , Ibrahim Maha , Mohieldeen Muniera Y. , Bayoumi Ammar , Ahmed Samia M.
Published: June 2024

Background:

Cisplatin (Cis) is potent chemotherapy used to treating already many different types of cancer; however, it is found to correlate with nephrotoxicity and other adverse health consequences. Thymoquinone (TQ) is an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory molecule that may defend against the consequences of different chemotherapies. Thymoquinone uses, although, are negatively impacted by its weak solubility and inadequate biological availability.

Objectives:

This investigation examined the efficacy of a new nanoparticle (NP) absorbing TQ in an Ehrlich Ascites Carcinoma (EAC) mice model to address its low solubility, enhance its bioavailability, and protect against Cis-induced nephrotoxicity.

Methods:

Following 4 treatment groups were included in this research: (1) control, (2) EAC, (3) EAC + Cis + Thymoquinone nanoparticle (TQ-NP) treated, and (4) EAC + Cis-treated.

Results:

The study revealed that TQ-NP was efficacious in avoiding Cis-induced kidney problems in EAC mice, as well as restoring kidney function and pathology. Thymoquinone nanoparticle considerably reduced Cis-induced oxidative damage in renal tissue by augmenting antioxidant levels. According to tumor weight and histological investigation results, TQ-NP did not impair Cis’s anticancer efficacy.

Conclusion:

Thymoquinone nanoparticle might be used as a potential drug along with Cis anticancer therapy to reduce nephrotoxicity and other side effects while maintaining Cis anticancer properties.
Social media communication and public engagement in different health crisis stages: The framing of COVID-19 in Chinese official media
Authors: Lu Wenze , Cindy Ngai Sing Bik
Published: June 2024

Effective government social media communication plays a crucial role in mitigating public panic amid various public health crises, such as the H1N1 pandemic, the Ebola epidemic, the Zika epidemic, and the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. A research gap exists in investigating government official social media communication strategies and effects on public engagement at specific COVID-19 crisis stages. This study examines the COVID-19 communication strategies the Chinese government used and the corresponding effects on public engagement at different COVID-19 crisis stages on social media. The Crisis and Emergency Risk Communication Model, Framing Theory, and Situational Crisis Communication Theory are combined to develop a conceptual framework. Content analysis and coding were performed on two dimensions: health content theme (four sub-dimensions) and transparent communication style (three sub-dimensions). Public engagement was measured by the number of shares, comments, and likes. The results indicate a strong need for disease prevention information at the initial event/maintenance and resolution stages, while reassurance and government actions are highly valued at the resolution stage. Interactive features promote public engagement in key crisis stages.
Information cues and fear as moderators of the predictors of compliance to Indigenous People of Biafra sit-at-home communication messages among small-scale business operators in South-East Nigeria
Authors: Verlumun Celestine Gever , Basil Chuka Okoli , Talabi Felix Olajide , Aiyesimoju Ayodeji Boluwatife , Talabi Joseph Moyinoluwa , Aderibigbe Adebola Adewunmi , Bello Samson Adedapo , Apuke Oberiri Destiny
Published: June 2024

Limited literature exists to explain why the masses comply or do not comply with orders from separatist groups. In this study, the researchers used variables from frustration-aggression theory, cognitive dissonance theory, and theory of fear to suggest a model that explains why operators of micro, small and medium enterprises comply with messages from Indigenous People of Biafra. The researchers made use of a descriptive survey research design with a structured questionnaire as the instrument for data collection. A total of 470 participants who were sampled using respondent-driven sampling chain referrals took part in the study. Results from the structural equation model analysis showed that predictors of compliance to Indigenous People of Biafra sit-at-home order among micro, small and medium enterprises operators include perceived injustice, believe in government as well as believe in Biafra agitation. Additional results showed that fear and information cues moderate this relationship. Recommendations are made based on the outcome of the study. The result of this study could inform policies on how to communicate messages aimed at addressing issues that have the potential of fuelling separatist agitations.
Interactive cue matters: The moderation role of situational factors in the effects of user comments on news sharing
Authors: Bi Nicky Chang , Zhang Ruonan , Chen Peiqin
Published: June 2024

Communicators often find it challenging to prioritize the public and manage their comments during risk communication. This study explored the effects of comments as interactivity cues on news diffusion while considering situational factors under the framework of the Situational Theory of Problem Solving in the context of the US-China trade conflict. For this purpose, the researchers conducted an experiment to investigate the effects of interactivity cues and public segmentations on news sharing. The findings suggest that comments elicit different news-sharing behaviors among different segments of the public. The aware public shares more news than the activists/active public who are more likely to share when exposed to news posts with disabled comments than those with enabled comments. The results regarding the different segments of the public suggest the absence of the latent public in hot issues. Furthermore, the results suggest that message attributes have a limited effect on individuals’ information-processing behavior unless considering situational factors. The theoretical contributions and practical implications for communicators are further discussed.
Dynamics of COVID-19 blame attribution: A corpus-based analysis of readers’ comments in response to UK online news
Authors: Matthews Jamie
Published: June 2024

This study adopts a longitudinal approach to analyse the attribution of blame in online comments for the emergence, continuation and consequences of COVID-19. It uses an innovative approach to distil a specialised corpus of readers’ comments in response to UK online news articles about COVID-19, before applying corpus linguistic techniques to identify the principal actors attributed as blame agents. The research found that both internal (the government and the prime minister) and external actors (China and the World Health Organization) were identified as blame agents in comments. The analysis also indicates the presence of blame attribution towards people, their own actions and behaviours, which, in part, may be a consequence of government and public health messaging that emphasised individual responsibility to reduce transmission of the virus. This is distinctive, with significance for public understanding of COVID-19 and for future pandemic communication planning.
A new framework for the analysis of media systems and media organisations
Authors: Fuchs Christian
Published: June 2024

This article asks: How can we best conceptualise and analyse media systems and media organisations today?

A discussion of approaches to media systems and organisation analysis shows that many of them seem to assume the correctness of Francis Fukuyama’s claim that liberal democracy has after the breakdown of the Soviet system been universalised. This article argues that the contemporary world situation shows that Fukuyama’s concept of the end of history is wrong and that we, therefore, need to rethink approaches to media systems and organisation analysis. This article introduces one such approach that is based on a concept of society that argues that all social systems and organisations have economic, political and cultural dimensions and that there is an antagonism between self-management and alienation. The article builds on and extends a typology of media organisations introduced by Colin Sparks. It introduces a systematic model of 12 different types of media organisation and six types of media systems. It stresses the importance of discerning between and analysing the interactions of capitalist media, public service media, civil society media, state media, authoritarian media and democratic media.
Propensity Score Matching Analysis of the Influence of Waiting Time Satisfaction on Community Resident’s Satisfaction With Medical Institutions: An Extensive Survey of Outpatient Population in Shantou City of Southern China
Authors: Tian Jiahong , Chen Shoupei , Zhou Yuqiu , Guo Weiying , Huang Xueqin , Fan Guanhua
Published: June 2024

Objective:

This study was designed to perform a nuanced analysis of the multifaceted association between community residents’ satisfaction and their perceived satisfaction concerning the visit duration at medical facilities, that could be harnessed to enhance and streamline the process of hierarchical diagnosis and treatment, thereby augmenting healthcare outcomes and patient experiences.

Methods:

Respondents who had utilized services from medical institutions were invited to fill out questionnaires by scanning QR codes. Additionally, surveys also distributed questionnaires through WeChat groups of community residents in densely populated areas of the community, as well as WeChat groups for patients who had previously visited local hospitals. To balance differences between groups, propensity score matching was applied to analyze the contrast between residents satisfied and dissatisfied with their medical visits. After eliminating the interference of confounding factors, a comparative analysis was conducted on the relationship between resident satisfaction and medical institution experience.After eliminating the interference of confounding factors, a comparative analysis was conducted to delve deeply into the relationship between residents’ satisfaction and their experiences at medical facilities.

Results:

The study incorporated a large dataset encompassing 2356 community residents. Upon successful propensity score matching, logistic regression analysis elucidated several determinants of overall resident satisfaction. Notably, the grade of the medical institution (χ2 = 8.226, P < .05), satisfaction with the time invested in the registration process (χ2 = 11.04, P < .05), satisfaction with the waiting duration for consultation (χ2 = 15.759, P < .05), and satisfaction with the travel time to the hospital (χ2 = 45.157, P < .05) each exerted significant influence on the holistic satisfaction of residents with their medical experience.

Conclusion:

Factors such as the grade of the medical institution, satisfaction related to registration and waiting durations, and travel time to the hospital emerged as crucial determinants shaping community residents’ holistic satisfaction with their medical encounters. These findings underscore the exigency for strategic allocation and optimization of medical resources, refinement of the classification system, and enhancement of public health education on the graded diagnosis and treatment schema. The study also demonstrates the value of employing advanced propensity score matching and predictive modelling techniques in health services research.
Standardization of the Norwood Procedure Improves Outcomes in a Medium-Sized Volume Center
Authors: Hampton Gray W. , Sorabella Robert A. , Moellinger Ashely B. , Zaccagni Hayden , Padilla Luz A. , Santiago Borasino , Sindelar Melissa , Dabal Robert J.
Published: June 2024

The Norwood operation has become common practice to palliate patients with hypoplastic left heart structures. Surgical technique and postoperative care have improved; yet, there remains significant attrition prior to stage II palliation. The objective of this study is to report outcomes before and after standardizing our approach to the Norwood operation. Patients who underwent the Norwood operation at Children's of Alabama were identified, those who underwent hybrid palliation operations were excluded. Pre- (2015-2020) and post- (2020-January 2023) standardization groups were compared and outcomes analyzed. Ninety-one patients were included (pre-standardization 44 (48.3%) and 47 (51.7%) post-standardization). There were no differences in baseline and intraoperative characteristics at Norwood between the pre- and post-standardization groups. Compared with pre-standardization, post-standardization was associated with decreased time to extubation (OR 0.87, 95%CI 0.79-0.96), inotrope duration (OR 0.92, 95%CI 0.86-0.98) and hospital length of stay (OR 0.98, 95%CI 0.96-0.99). There was a trend toward decreased cardiac arrest, reintervention rates, and interstage mortality for the post-standardization group. A standardized approach to complex neonatal cardiac operations such as the Norwood procedure may improve morbidity and decrease hospital resource utilization. We recommend establishing protocols at an institutional level to optimize outcomes in such high-risk patient populations.
An Empirical Study on the Willingness and Behavior of Higher Vocational College Students to Participate in Modern Apprenticeship: Based on Theory of Planned Behavior
Authors: Zhang Yuanbao , Song Jinyu
Published: June 2024

The modern apprenticeship system is an essential strategy for human resources development in China. It is the institutional carrier for training high-level technical and skilled talents. Based on the perspective of the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB), a survey of 495 first-year college students’ willingness and behavior to participate in modern apprenticeship in N vocational college in Jiangsu Province found that perceived benefits, prescriptive norms, exemplary norms, external conditions, and self-efficacy have significant positive effects on college students’ willingness to participate in modern apprenticeship. Behavioral willingness and external conditions have a significant positive impact on college students’ participation in modern apprenticeship. Situational factors have a significant positive moderating effect on college students’ willingness and behavior to participate in modern apprenticeship. For this reason, the article proposes the following actions to push on modern apprenticeship. We should establish a high-quality employment security mechanism to enhance the inherent attraction of modern apprenticeship, attach importance to career planning education to improve students’ self-cognition, pay attention to career cognition education to enhance students’ career development awareness, improve the modern apprenticeship “1+X” certificate system to enhance college students’ sense of academic achievement.
Toward a Modern Gender Gap in Left-Right Self-Placement: A Study Case of the Population Aged Over 64 Years in Spain
Authors: Roig Rosa , Aybar Cristina , Pavía José M.
Published: June 2024

The gender gap in political/ideological self-positioning literature usually considers that Spain is stagnant within traditional parameters, where women are more right-wing than men. However, an analysis of more than 87,000 opinion polls collected by the CIS over a period of almost 40 years shows that Spain is moving toward the modern gender gap, although following a particular path conditioned by its own history of the 20th century. These findings disagree with the conclusions reached by Inglehart and Norris about Spanish women in their study about the development of modern gender gap. Our research investigates the impact of cohort and period effects on the population aged over 64, whose political identity, in accordance with the theories of political socialization, was formed in a context alien to the modernization process, largely coinciding with the Franco dictatorship in Spain.
Overtourism in A Luxury Mountain Town: The Case of Telluride, Colorado
Authors: Taylor Lorraine L.
Published: June 2024

As the Sales Manager for Revelation Resort in Telluride, Colorado, Ben Sullivan noticed significant changes in the community and hospitality industry as tourists flocked to the area in 2021. Affordable housing had long been an issue, but real estate sales swelled from the Covid-19 pandemic and residents were being pushed out of the community. The subsequent labor shortage left businesses struggling to find employees and also maintain five-star service standards. Telluride started to exhibit symptoms of over tourism. As a long-time resident and leader in the hospitality industry, Sullivan was set to weigh in on possible solutions. The purpose of this study is to consider the personal and professional impacts of a tourism destination that is experiencing an imbalance within sustainable development principles.
It Must Be Excellent If an Instagram Star Endorses It, Right? Inquiring About the Parasocial Interactions and Online Purchase Intention
Authors: Gopakumar Sridevi , Dananjayan Madhava Priya
Published: June 2024

In an era dominated by social media, the power of Instagram influencers on consumer purchase intentions is undeniable and profound. This study explores the complex dynamics between parasocial interactions, influencer credibility, product–influencer congruence, attitude, and consumer purchase intentions in the context of Instagram beauty influencers. Employing a quantitative research approach, an online survey was conducted among 326 female Instagram users who follow beauty influencers. The findings underscore the pivotal role of influencer credibility and product–influencer congruence in shaping consumers’ attitudes and purchase intentions. Furthermore, results reveal that parasocial interactions cultivate feelings of trust and positivity toward influencers, thereby enhancing consumers’ purchasing intentions. A novel contribution of this research lies in the identification of influencer credibility and product–influencer congruence as significant mediators in the relationship between parasocial interactions and purchase intentions. Although the research focuses primarily on beauty influencers on Instagram, the insights gleaned offer critical practical implications for broader influencer marketing strategies, emphasizing the need for influencer authenticity, alignment with endorsed products, and strong parasocial interactions. While limited to Instagram beauty influencers and reliant on self-reported measures, the study suggests a need for further exploration into variables like trust and perceived value.
The Effect of Greater Area Deprivation and Medicaid Insurance Status on Timing of Care and Rate of Reinjury After Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction
Authors: Cherelstein Rachel E. , Natal-Albelo Eduardo J. , Kuenze Christopher M. , Curley Andrew J. , Bodendorfer Blake M. , Hopkins Mark , Conroy Christine M. , Fryar Caroline M. , Wang David X. , Chang Edward S.
Published: June 2024

Background:

Lower socioeconomic status and public insurance lead to a longer delay to surgery and a higher likelihood of concomitant pathology before undergoing anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR). However, few studies have examined the influence of community deprivation on ACLR timing and outcomes.

Purpose/Hypothesis:

The primary aim of this study was to define the effect of the area deprivation index (ADI) and insurance classification on access to orthopaedic care after an ACL rupture, and the secondary aim was to determine whether these variables were associated with a second ACL injury after primary ACLR. It was hypothesized that patients with a greater national ADI percentile and Medicaid insurance would experience longer delays to care and an increased risk of reinjury after ACLR.

Study Design:

Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3.

Methods:

A retrospective study was performed to evaluate patients undergoing primary ACLR between 2016 and 2019. The national ADI percentile was obtained utilizing the Neighborhood Atlas website. The relationship between national ADI percentile and care characteristics (eg, time to specialized care) was investigated using the Spearman rho correlation coefficient ( r). The association between patient and care characteristics and second ACL injury after the index procedure (ie, graft rerupture or contralateral ACL rupture) was investigated using binary logistic regression.

Results:

A total of 197 patients met the inclusion criteria. Longer times from injury to surgery ( r = 0.238; P < .001) and from specialized care to surgery ( r = 0.217; P = .002) were associated with a greater national ADI percentile. The second injury group reported significantly greater national ADI ( P = .026) and included a greater percentage of patients with Medicaid insurance (31.3%) compared with the no second injury group. Patients experienced 5.1% greater odds of a second ACL injury for each additional month between evaluation and surgery.

Conclusion:

Greater national ADI percentile and Medicaid insurance status were associated with adverse ACLR timing and outcomes. Patients with a greater national ADI percentile took significantly longer to obtain surgery after ACL injury. Those who sustained a second ACL injury after ACLR had an overall higher mean national ADI percentile and included a greater proportion of patients with Medicaid compared with those who did not sustain a second ACL injury. Future studies should critically investigate the underlying factors of these associations to reach equity in orthopaedic care.
A Rhetorical Approach for Reimagining Business Writing Instruction in the AI Age
Authors: DeJeu Emily
Published: June 2024

Generative AI could disrupt professional writing instruction, but banning AI tools seems unproductive. This article outlines a rhetorical approach for adapting business writing instruction for the AI age: It suggests AI use cases that align with the rhetorical canons, illustrates each with real-world business examples, and ends with suggestions for using AI to build students’ critical genre awareness. This approach should prove useful for business writing instructors who want to ground their AI-related instruction in enduring pedagogical theory.
A case of biopsy proven acute tubular injury from cyclin dependent kinase 4/6 inhibitor
Authors: Gwinn Meghan , Henriksen Kammi , Bonilla Marco
Published: June 2024

Cyclin-dependent kinase (CDK) 4/6 inhibitors, combined with endocrine therapy, stand as one of the preferred first-line treatment regimens for patients with hormone receptor-positive, human epidermal growth factor receptor 2-negative metastatic breast cancer. However, data regarding renal toxicities from CDK 4/6 inhibitors is conflicting. Some literature suggests a link to pseudo-acute kidney injury (AKI), while others indicate a potential intrinsic injury. These conflicting findings are compounded by the novelty of the treatment. We report a case of a 66-year-old woman with metastatic breast cancer who developed a true AKI on ribociclib, a CDK4/6 inhibitor. Upon evaluation, her urinalysis demonstrated proteinuria, and her serologic workup (including complements and free light chains) was within normal limits. Her Cystatin C-based eGFR was also found to be decreased. She ultimately underwent a kidney biopsy that demonstrated acute tubular injury (ATI). The etiology of her ATI was thought to be secondary to her CDK 4/6 inhibitor, as other factors causing ATI were ruled out. This case highlights that although much attention is put on CDK 4/6 inhibitors causing pseudo-AKI, it is imperative to ensure that patients are not experiencing true AKIs by assessing kidney function with alternative methods outside of creatinine, such as Cystatin C and exogenous filtration markers such as radionuclides, along with pursuing a renal biopsy when appropriate.
The interface between politics, ethics and urban planning: The case of land and space barons in Harare, Zimbabwe
Authors: Matamanda Abraham R , Chirisa Innocent , Mazanhi Patience , Toriro Percy
Published: June 2024

The ideals and fundamentals of urban planning are largely to ensure habitable and liveable environments for the citizens. However, while planning is an apolitical profession that is supposed to advance human well-being and urban liveability, we argue that the planning process has been compromised by political interference that jeorpadises the realisation of the envisaged planning outcomes. Applying an exploratory qualitative research design in the context of Harare, Zimbabwe, this article interrogates the nexus between politics, ethics and urban planning, focusing on the provision of land and space. The article uses a desktop study with literature and document review as the major methods of reference to explore the nexus in land provision and ethics. The findings of the study show that land barons are exploiting the hard-earned monies of the desperate Harare residents together with the space barons who take advantage of the street vendors. Therefore, this article recommends the resuscitation of ethics and values in urban management to foster fairness and satisfy the public good.
Raising the carbonized forest: Science and technologies of singularization
Authors: Turnhout Esther , Lynch Casey R.
Published: June 2024

Recognizing the potential of forests to store carbon, various policies and programs have emerged to enhance this potential as a climate mitigation strategy. While the effectiveness of these policies is highly debated, there can be no doubt that they have profoundly affected how forests are conceptualized, valued, and governed. In this article, we discuss how science supports this increasing carbonization of forests not just by focusing knowledge production processes on carbon, but also by supporting policies and programs that aim to efficiently manage forests to optimize their carbon value. We situate this process in a longer history to show how science operates as technology of singularization that, guided by principles of optimization and efficiency, contributes to the depoliticization and normalization of specific versions of the forest that foreground singular priority values, while subsuming and marginalizing of other ways of knowing, valuing, and living with forests. Although emerging practices in techno-science, including the adoption of smart technologies and automated forms of data generation and analysis, can potentially enhance understanding of multiple forest values, we argue that they are likely to intensify singularization and create ever tighter relationships between knowledge production and forest management. We conclude by discussing the need to counter and refuse singularization.
Socio-environmental balance: How environmental conflicts can support the climate-security nexus
Authors: Hubert Nicolas
Published: June 2024

This article relies on interdisciplinary debates in geography, political ecology and political sciences in order to explore how interpretative analyses of environmental conflict can support the climate and security nexus debate. It analyses mining and environmental conflicts in Burkina Faso and mobilises a framework highlighting the co-constitutive relationship between the environment and human societies. From this perspective, environmental alterations are considered a central and multicausal factor that can lead to a profound change in social and political structures and thus lead to conflicts. This article will first contextualise mining development, environmental conservation and armed conflict in Burkina Faso before reviewing the literature on climate change, environment and conflicts and describing the conceptual and methodological framework. Then, it addresses the case study of four large-scale mining sites in Burkina Faso. Finally, the last subsection explains how this case study can enrich the climate and security debate with an interpretative understanding.
PACAP-38 and sex hormones in women with migraine: exploratory analysis of a cross-sectional, matched cohort study
Authors: Storch Elisabeth , Overeem Lucas H. , Terhart Maria , Fitzek Mira P. , Lange Kristin S. , Reuter Uwe , Raffaelli Bianca
Published: June 2024

Background

Endogeneous and exogeneous sex hormones can impact the frequency and severity of migraine attacks, but the underlying mechanisms are poorly understood. In this study, we investigate the relationship between female sex hormones and Pituitary Adenylate Cyclase-Activating Polypeptide-38 (PACAP-38) concentrations in plasma of women with migraine and healthy controls, aiming to elucidate potential hormonal influences on PACAP dynamics and their relevance to migraine pathophysiology.

Methods

This analysis is part of a cross-sectional, matched-cohort study. We recruited two groups of women with episodic migraine: one with a regular menstrual cycle (M-RMC) and another undergoing combined oral contraceptive treatment (M-COC). Additionally, we included corresponding age-matched control groups without migraine for both categories (C-RMC and C-COC). For participants with a RMC, the study visits were scheduled during the perimenstrual period (menstrual cycle day 2 ± 2) and periovulatory period (day 13 ± 2). Participants using COC were examined at day 4 ± 2 of the hormone-free interval and between day 7–14 of the hormone intake phase. During these visits, PACAP-38 concentrations in plasma were measured using a commercial Enzyme-linked-immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kit.

Results

The study included 120 women, with 30 participants in each group. Women with migraine and a RMC had significantly higher PACAP-38 plasma concentrations compared to healthy controls at both study visits [day 2 ± 2: M-RMC: 2547.41 pg/ml (IQR 814.27 – 4473.48) vs. C-RMC: 1129.49 pg/ml (IQR 257.34 – 2684.88), p = 0.025; day 13 ± 2: M-RMC: 3098.89 pg/ml (IQR 1186.29 – 4379.47) vs. C-RMC: 1626.89 (IQR 383.83 – 3038.36), p = 0.028]. In contrast, PACAP-38 levels were comparable between migraine and control groups receiving COC. Women with migraine and a RMC exhibited higher PACAP-38 concentrations during menstruation compared to those using COC during the hormone-free interval.

Conclusion

Systemic PACAP-38 concentrations in women vary based on the presence of migraine diagnosis and their hormonal status.
Implementing enhanced extracorporeal membrane oxygenation for CPR (ECPR) in the emergency department
Authors: Oliver Matthew , Coggins Andrew , Kruit Natalie , Burns Brian , Plunkett Brian , Morgan Steve , Southwood Tim J. , Totaro Richard , Forrest Paul , Russell Saartje Berendsen , Carey Ruaidhri , Dennis Mark
Published: June 2024

Refractory out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) has a very poor prognosis, with survival rates at around 10%. Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) for patients in refractory arrest, known as ECPR, aims to provide perfusion to the patient whilst the underlying cause of arrest can be addressed. ECPR use has increased substantially, with varying survival rates to hospital discharge. The best outcomes for ECPR occur when the time from cardiac arrest to implementation of ECPR is minimised. To reduce this time, systems must be in place to identify the correct patient, expedite transfer to hospital, facilitate rapid cannulation and ECMO circuit flows. We describe the process of activation of ECPR, patient selection, and the steps that emergency department clinicians can utilise to facilitate timely cannulation to ensure the best outcomes for patients in refractory cardiac arrest. With these processes in place our survival to hospital discharge for OHCA patients is 35%, with most patients having a good neurological function.
Prediction of the most deleterious non-synonymous SNPs in the human IL1B gene: evidence from bioinformatics analyses
Authors: Abuzaid Ola , Idris Abeer Babiker , Yılmaz Semih , Idris Einass Babikir , Idris Leena Babiker , Hassan Mohamed A.
Published: June 2024

Background

Polymorphisms in IL1B play a significant role in depression, multiple inflammatory-associated disorders, and susceptibility to infection. Functional non-synonymous SNPs (nsSNPs) result in changes in the encoded amino acids, potentially leading to structural and functional alterations in the mutant proteins. So far, most genetic studies have concentrated on SNPs located in the IL1B promoter region, without addressing nsSNPs and their association with multifactorial diseases. Therefore, this study aimed to explore the impact of deleterious nsSNPs retrieved from the dbSNP database on the structure and functions of the IL1B protein.

Results

Six web servers (SIFT, PolyPhen-2, PROVEAN, SNPs&GO, PHD-SNP, PANTHER) were used to analyze the impact of 222 missense SNPs on the function and structure of IL1B protein. Five novel nsSNPs (E100K, T240I, S53Y, D128Y, and F228S) were found to be deleterious and had a mutational impact on the structure and function of the IL1B protein. The I-mutant v2.0 and MUPro servers predicted that these mutations decreased the stability of the IL1B protein. Additionally, these five mutations were found to be conserved, underscoring their significance in protein structure and function. Three of them (T240I, D128Y, and F228S) were predicted to be cancer-causing nsSNPs. To analyze the behavior of the mutant structures under physiological conditions, we conducted a 50 ns molecular dynamics simulation using the WebGro online tool. Our findings indicate that the mutant values differ from those of the IL1B wild type in terms of RMSD, RMSF, Rg, SASA, and the number of hydrogen bonds.

Conclusions

This study provides valuable insights into nsSNPs located in the coding regions of IL1B, which lead to direct deleterious effects on the functional and structural aspects of the IL1B protein. Thus, these nsSNPs could be considered significant candidates in the pathogenesis of disorders caused by IL1B dysfunction, contributing to effective drug discovery and the development of precision medications. Thorough research and wet lab experiments are required to verify our findings. Moreover, bioinformatic tools were found valuable in the prediction of deleterious nsSNPs.
Genome-wide identification of quantitative trait loci and candidate genes for seven carcass traits in a four-way intercross porcine population
Authors: Wang Huiyu , Wang Xiaoyi , Yang Yongli , Zhu Yixuan , Wang Shuyan , Chen Qiang , Yan Dawei , Dong Xinxing , Li Mingli , Lu Shaoxiong
Published: June 2024

Background

Carcass traits are essential economic traits in the commercial pig industry. However, the genetic mechanism of carcass traits is still unclear. In this study, we performed a genome-wide association study (GWAS) based on the specific-locus amplified fragment sequencing (SLAF-seq) to study seven carcass traits on 223 four-way intercross pigs, including dressing percentage (DP), number of ribs (RIB), skin thinkness (ST), carcass straight length (CSL), carcass diagonal length (CDL), loin eye width (LEW), and loin eye thickness (LET).

Results

A total of 227,921 high-quality single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were detected to perform GWAS. A total of 30 SNPs were identified for seven carcass traits using the mixed linear model (MLM) (p < 1.0 × 10− 5), of which 9 SNPs were located in previously reported quantitative trait loci (QTL) regions. The phenotypic variation explained (PVE) by the significant SNPs was from 2.43 to 16.32%. Furthermore, 11 candidate genes (LYPLAL1, EPC1, MATN2, ZFAT, ZBTB10, ZNF704, INHBA, SMYD3, PAK1, SPTBN2, and ACTN3) were found for carcass traits in pigs.

Conclusions

The GWAS results will improve our understanding of the genetic basis of carcass traits. We hypothesized that the candidate genes associated with these discovered SNPs would offer a biological basis for enhancing the carcass quality of pigs in swine breeding.
Genetic assessment and candidate genes identification for breed-specific characteristics of Qingyuan partridge chicken based on runs of homozygosity
Authors: Zhang Xing , Yang Liu , Xie Zhuojun , Gan Jiankang , Zhu Piao , Song Jiani , Kang Huimin , Zhang Zhengfen , Liu Lingbin , Xiang Hai , Li Hua
Published: June 2024

Background

Several core breeding and supporting lines of the Qingyuan partridge chicken, a representative local chicken breed in China, have been developed over 20 years. Consequently, its economic traits related to growth and reproduction have been significantly improved by breeding selection and commercial utilization, but some characteristic traits, such as partridge feathers, high meat quality and sufficient flavor, have always been retained. However, effective methods for genetic assessment and functional gene exploration of similar trait groups are lacking. The presence of identical haplotype fragments transmitted from parent to offspring results in runs of homozygosity (ROH), which offer an efficient solution. In this study, genomes of 134 Qingyuan partridge chickens representing two breeding populations and one preserved population were re-sequenced to evaluate the genetic diversity and explore functional genes by analyzing the diversity, distribution, and frequency of ROH.

Results

The results showed a low level of genomic linkage and degree of inbreeding within both the bred and preserved populations, suggesting abundant genetic diversity and an adequate genetic potential of the Qingyuan partridge chicken. Throughout the long-term selection process, 21 genes, including GLI3, ANO5, BLVRA, EFNB2, SLC5A12, and SVIP, associated with breed-specific characteristics were accumulated within three ROH islands, whereas another 21 genes associated with growth traits including IRX1, IRX2, EGFR, TPK1, NOVA1, BDNF and so on were accumulated within five ROH islands.

Conclusions

These findings provide new insights into the genetic assessment and identification of genes with breed-specific and selective characteristics, offering a solid genetic basis for breeding and protection of Qingyuan partridge chickens.
Pepper immunity against Ralstonia solanacearum is positively regulated by CaWRKY3 through modulation of different WRKY transcription factors
Authors: Hussain Ansar , Qayyum Abdul , Farooq Shahid , Almutairi Saeedah Musaed , Rasheed Rabab Ahmed , Qadir Masood , Vyhnánek Tomáš , Sun Yunhao
Published: June 2024

Background

Several WRKY transcription factors (TFs), including CaWRKY6, CaWRKY22, CaWRKY27, and CaWRKY40 are known to govern the resistance of pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) plants to Ralstonia solanacearum infestation (RSI) and other abiotic stresses. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying these processes remain elusive.

Methods

This study functionally described CaWRKY3 for its role in pepper immunity against RSI. The roles of phytohormones in mediating the expression levels of CaWRKY3 were investigated by subjecting pepper plants to 1 mM salicylic acid (SA), 100 µM methyl jasmonate (MeJA), and 100 µM ethylene (ETH) at 4-leaf stage. A virus-induced gene silencing (VIGS) approach based on the Tobacco Rattle Virus (TRV) was used to silence CaWRKY3 in pepper, and transiently over-expressed to infer its role against RSI.

Results

Phytohormones and RSI increased CaWRKY3 transcription. The transcriptions of defense-associated marker genes, including CaNPR1, CaPR1, CaDEF1, and CaHIR1 were decreased in VIGS experiment, which made pepper less resistant to RSI. Significant hypersensitive (HR)-like cell death, H2O2 buildup, and transcriptional up-regulation of immunological marker genes were noticed in pepper when CaWRKY3 was transiently overexpressed. Transcriptional activity of CaWRKY3 was increased with overexpression of CaWRKY6, CaWRKY22, CaWRKY27, and CaWRKY40, and vice versa. In contrast, Pseudomonas syringae pv tomato DC3000 (Pst DC3000) was easily repelled by the innate immune system of transgenic Arabidopsis thaliana that overexpressed CaWRKY3. The transcriptions of defense-related marker genes like AtPR1, AtPR2, and AtNPR1 were increased in CaWRKY3-overexpressing transgenic A. thaliana plants.

Conclusion

It is concluded that CaWRKY3 favorably regulates phytohormone-mediated synergistic signaling, which controls cell death in plant and immunity of pepper plant against bacterial infections.
Comparison of the effects of remimazolam tosylate and propofol on immune function and hemodynamics in patients undergoing laparoscopic partial hepatectomy: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Xing Qi , Zhou Xuelong , Zhou Yin , Shi Chonglong , Jin Wenjie
Published: June 2024

Background

Laparoscopic partial hepatectomy inevitably decrease patient immune function. Propofol has been shown to have immunomodulatory effects but is associated with hemodynamic side effects. Despite studies showing a negligible impact of remimazolam tosylate on hemodynamics, it has not been reported for partial hepatectomy patients. Its influence on immune function also remains unexplored. This study sought to investigate the differences in immune function and intraoperative hemodynamics between patients who underwent laparoscopic partial hepatectomy with remimazolam tosylate and those who underwent laparoscopic partial hepatectomy with propofol.

Methods

This was a single-center, randomized controlled trial involving 70 patients, who underwent elective laparoscopic partial hepatectomy. The patients were randomly divided into two groups: the remimazolam group (group R) and the propofol group (group P). In this study, the primary outcomes assessed included the patient’s immune function and hemodynamic parameters, and the secondary outcomes encompassed the patient’s liver function and adverse events.

Results

Data from 64 patients (group R, n = 31; group P, n = 33) were analyzed. The differences in the percentages of CD3+, CD4+, CD8+, and NK cells and the CD4+/CD8+ ratio between the two groups were not statistically significant at 1 day or 3 days after surgery. Compared with those in group P, the MAP and HR at T2 and the MAP at T1 in group R were significantly increased(P < 0.05). The differences in HR and MAP at T0, T3, T4, T5, T6, and T7 and HR at T1 between the two groups were not statistically significant. There were no differences in liver function or adverse effects between the two groups, suggesting that remimazolam tosylate is a safe sedative drug(P > 0.05).

Conclusion

The effects of remimazolam tosylate on the immune function of patients after partial hepatectomy are comparable to those of propofol. Additionally, its minimal effect on hemodynamics significantly decreases the incidence of hypotension during anesthesia induction, thereby enhancing overall perioperative safety.

Trial registration

The trial was registered on May 9, 2022 in the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry, registration number ChiCTR2200059715 (09/05/2022).
Perceived risk for HIV acquisition and sexual HIV exposure among sexual and gender minorities: a systematic review
Authors: Vega-Ramirez Hamid , Guillen-Diaz-Barriga Centli , Luz Paula M. , Torres Thiago S.
Published: June 2024

We conducted a systematic review to explore the relationship between perceived risk for HIV acquisition and sexual HIV exposure among sexual and gender minorities. We included 39 studies divided into (i) correlations or associations, (ii) models using sexual HIV exposure as the outcome, and (iii) models using perceived risk for HIV acquisition as the outcome. The sample size range was from 55 to 16,667 participants, primarily cisgender men who have sex with men (73.3%) and White (51.3%). Sexual HIV exposure and perceived risk for HIV acquisition assessments and recall time frames across studies differed markedly. Most of studies (84.6%) found significant correlations, comparisons, or associations between different levels of perceived risk for HIV acquisition and high sexual HIV exposure. In addition, 51.3% of studies reported other variables associated with high sexual HIV exposure (i.e., misuse of substances or alcohol) or with high perceived risk for HIV acquisition (i.e., younger age). In conclusion, the association between perceived risk for HIV acquisition and sexual HIV exposure has shown to be consistent. However, the assessment for perceived risk for HIV acquisition should include more components of perception (i.e., an affective component), or for sexual HIV exposure should consider the different estimated sexual per-acts probability of acquiring HIV.
Alterations in structural integrity of superior longitudinal fasciculus III associated with cognitive performance in cerebral small vessel disease
Authors: Wang Yifan , Wang Tianyao , Yu Zekuan , Wang Junjie , Liu Fang , Ye Mengwen , Fang Xianjin , Liu Yinhong , Liu Jun
Published: June 2024

Background

This study aimed to investigate the alterations in structural integrity of superior longitudinal fasciculus subcomponents with increasing white matter hyperintensity severity as well as the relationship to cognitive performance in cerebral small vessel disease.

Methods

110 cerebral small vessel disease study participants with white matter hyperintensities were recruited. According to Fazekas grade scale, white matter hyperintensities of each subject were graded. All subjects were divided into two groups. The probabilistic fiber tracking method was used for analyzing microstructure characteristics of superior longitudinal fasciculus subcomponents.

Results

Probabilistic fiber tracking results showed that mean diffusion, radial diffusion, and axial diffusion values of the left arcuate fasciculus as well as the mean diffusion value of the right arcuate fasciculus and left superior longitudinal fasciculus III in high white matter hyperintensities rating group were significantly higher than those in low white matter hyperintensities rating group (p < 0.05). The mean diffusion value of the left superior longitudinal fasciculus III was negatively related to the Montreal Cognitive Assessment score of study participants (p < 0.05).

Conclusions

The structural integrity injury of bilateral arcuate fasciculus and left superior longitudinal fasciculus III is more severe with the aggravation of white matter hyperintensities. The structural integrity injury of the left superior longitudinal fasciculus III correlates to cognitive impairment in cerebral small vessel disease.
Neuroform atlas stent treatment for 533 intracranial aneurysms in a large Chinese cohort: complication risk factor analysis
Authors: Chen Shibao , Kang Huibin , Wang Dili , Li Yan , Aikebaier Jamali , Li Yabo , Wu Xinshan , Guan Yuhua , Zhang Yisen
Published: June 2024

Background

The newest generation of Neuroform Atlas stent™ (Stryker, Fremont, California) represents a recent advance of cerebral laser-cut microstents for the treatment of intracranial wide-necked aneurysms, and postoperative complications have been observed among Western patients. We assessed predictors of complications, morbidity, and unfavourable outcomes in a large cohort of patients with aneurysms that were treated with Neuroform Atlas stents in China.

Methods

This retrospective study included subjects who were treated with Atlas stents in China from November 2020 to January 2022.

Results

A total of 522 consecutive patients (mean age, 58.9 ± 9.9 years; female, 65.3% [341/522]) with 533 aneurysms were included in the study. In the early postoperative period, the neurological morbidity rate was 7.3% (38/522), the ischaemic stroke rate was 5.0% (26/522), the aneurysm rupture subarachnoid haemorrhage rate was 2.3% (12/522), and the mRS score deterioration rate was 5.4% (28/522). The mortality rate was 0.8% (4/522) in the postoperative period. The rate of neurological morbidity during the follow-up period was 1.2% (6/486). In the multifactor prediction analysis, cerebral infarction, Hunt–Hess grade (3–5), procedure duration, stent length and coil protrusion into the parent artery were found to be independent predictors of neurologic morbidity. The procedure duration, stent length and coil protrusion into the parent artery were found to be independent predictors of mRS score deterioration.

Conclusions

The incidence of SCA (stent-assisted coiling)-related complications with the Atlas stent in this study population was comparable to that in Western populations. We identified the procedure duration and stent length as novel independent predictors of SCA-related ischaemic stroke, neurological morbidity, and mRS score deterioration among the Chinese population.