bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Anti-Black Racism in the Ontario Public School System: Problematizing the Labeling of Young Black Students as Troublemakers
Authors: Radebe Patrick
Published: April 2024

This paper examines anti-Black racism in the Ontario public school system. Using the West-Hill Catholic Elementary School (a pseudonym) as a case study, it foregrounds the selective application of punishments inflicted upon Black students, including those often motivated by racist perceptions on the part of teachers, principals, and School Boards. Using the theories of biological determinism1 and the culture of poverty2 as conceptual frameworks, this paper investigates the factors to which school authorities attribute violent behavior on the part of Black students. This paper provides recommendations aimed at mitigating anti-Black racism in the Ontario public school system.
Book review: Anand Teltumbde, Dalits: Past, Present and Future
Authors: Mahi Seema
Published: April 2024

Anand Teltumbde, Dalits: Past, Present and Future (2nd ed.), Routledge, 2024, 194 pp., ₹995, ISBN 9780367633233 (Paperback).
Perioperative management of a double valve replacement and coronary artery bypass graft in a patient with carcinoid syndrome; a case report and literature review
Authors: Sarridou Despoina G , Gkiouliava Anna , Argiriadou Helena , Mouratoglou Sophia Anastasia , Mitchell Jeremy B , Walker Christopher P
Published: April 2024

Introduction

Carcinoid tumors are rare neuroendocrine tumors; about 5% of patients develop the carcinoid syndrome. We present the case of a patient with carcinoid syndrome undergoing cardiac surgery.

Case report

A 74-year-old patient with carcinoid heart disease and hepatic metastases underwent double valve replacement and CABG. The patient was on octreotide therapy and antihypertensive medication. An octreotide infusion was commenced perioperatively. Pharmaceutical agents that could potentially precipitate histamine release or exacerbate catecholamine secretion and carcinoid crises were avoided. Postoperatively, recovery was complicated by atrial fibrillation, chest infection, pleural effusions, acute kidney injury and delirium.

Discussion

Hepatic metastases cause systemic hormones’ secretion, which cause a carcinoid crisis. Perioperative administration of octreotide is used, while vigilance is required to differentiate between hemodynamic effects related to the operation or disease specific factors.

Conclusion

No carcinoid crisis was evident perioperatively. High vigilance with appropriate monitoring, aggressive management combined with meticulous choice of pharmaceutical agents led to this outcome.
Do medical devices contribute to sustainability? Environmental, societal and governance aspects
Authors: Boccato Carlo , Vienken Jörg
Published: April 2024

Sustainability of a product or device is currently primarily related to its environmental footprint. Here, a wider concept of sustainability is introduced for medical devices and their components in healthcare provision. Such devices sustain healthcare and patient wellbeing due to their quality specifications for material composition, product design and performance. The term quality must be intended in the most comprehensive term, including purity and biocompatibility of materials, device reliability, limited number of recalls and reduced risks as well as acceptability for patients. A close look on medical device specification shows, however, that additional parameters, such as societal, demographic and economic factors also determine medical device sustainability. The medical device life cycle, from design phase, production process to clinical application and the final disposal, also determines its impact. Recommendations for healthcare operators and managers will complete the hypothesis of this paper, that a thoroughly outlined device choice and operation together with a careful waste management of spent medical devices and their components positively affects medical device sustainability. As an example, the limited quantity of wastes and the reduced risks for adverse reaction have a positive impact on both the environmental pollution and on the costs sustained by the healthcare organisations and by the community. These factors determine both, the success of healthcare manoeuvres and the related environmental footprint.
Does CSR Perception Matter to Brand Loyalty? The Mediating Roles of Brand Trust and Brand Image
Authors: Min Kong Hui , Leong Lin Woon
Published: April 2024

It is no secret that the grocery retail industry has played a critical role in food security, nutrition and sustainability, but what happens if these practices result in food waste? Recent reports suggest that supermarkets may contribute to this global issue by using unethical promotion strategies that lead to consumers buying more food than they need. This not only affects the environment but also has the potential to damage brand loyalty. To address these issues, this study aims to determine whether the three dimensions of consumer Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) perceptions create more positive outcomes, such as brand trust, image and loyalty, in the Malaysian grocery retail sector. Grounded in stakeholder and resource-based view theories, scholars support the notion that brands need to embrace purpose and sustainability to fulfil their responsibility to stakeholders and enhance their competitive advantage. A multistage sampling technique was used with 536 Malaysian grocery retail consumers. Partial least squares structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM) results revealed that consumer CSR perception matters to brand loyalty, with the mediating effects of brand trust and image. These findings have theoretical and practical implications for supermarkets and policymakers seeking to improve the effectiveness of CSR activities and brand loyalty.
Mixing User- and Publisher-Generated Content: Quantifying the Spillover Effect of User-Generated Content in a Hybrid Content Environment
Authors: Chae Inyoung , Schweidel David A. , Evgeniou Theodoros , Padmanabhan V.
Published: April 2024

Publishers are increasingly turning to user-generated content (UGC) to supplement the content they produce. However, what is the relationship between the consumption of UGC and that of publisher-generated content (PGC)? Consumption of different types of UGC may have different effects, one creating a positive synergy with PGC consumption that nets more ad revenue, while another stymies PGC consumption and has adverse financial consequences. In this research, the authors empirically investigate content consumption in a hybrid content environment when publishers’ main revenue resource relies on traffic on PGC pages. Using data from a major online portal, the authors examine the spillover effect generated by different types of UGC, including how soon users are likely to return to the website and the type of content they are likely to consume. Although higher forum consumption promotes revisits and increased PGC consumption, blog and album consumption do not contribute positively to revisits and PGC consumption. The study illustrates via simulations that one type of UGC may increase PGC consumption by 18% more than other types and that ignoring the UGC spillover effect can significantly affect the publisher's monetization strategy. The authors quantify these spillover effects by UGC type and compare strategies for optimizing the mix of PGC and different types of UGC for monetization.
The effects of incidental news exposure on social media on Chinese youth: News diversity and online expression
Authors: Zhou Shuhuan , Yang Xiaokun
Published: April 2024

Chinese youths––the “mobile internet generation”––are increasingly exposed to news incidentally through mobile social media. Based on the theory of incidental news exposure and semi-structured interviews with 41 Chinese youths, this study inductively explored the effects of incidental news exposure on news diversity and expression on social media from an audience-centered perspective. The results question previous findings of positive impacts of incidental news exposure on democratization, evidencing potential negative effects of incidental news exposure on news diversity and civic expression. This paper indicates possible reasons for those effects, highlighting the influence of citizens’ trust in official information sources and the social media censorship environment in China.
Application of enhanced combustion strategies and optimized ignition timing for achieving high thermal efficiency and low N2O emissions of marine ammonia engine at full-load condition
Authors: Gao Yuanxin , Feng Yongming , Wu Xuefei , Zhu Yuanqing , Wang Tong , Qu Jinbo , Liu Junting
Published: April 2024

To meet the requirement of reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, the application of carbon-free fuel ammonia in marine engines has gained importance. However, the use of ammonia as fuel leads to low thermal efficiency and high emissions of pollutants in engines. Increasing the rate of combustion of the fuel mixture in the engine helps to solve this problem. Therefore, the influence of hydrogen volume fraction (XH2) and oxygen volume fraction (XO2) in the main chamber, via numerical simulations, on the combustion and emission characteristics of a marine ammonia engine featuring a pre-chamber. Further analysis was conducted via adjustments in the start of ignition (SOI) to optimize both engine performance and emissions. The results showed that the increase of both XH2 and XO2 contributed to the improvement of indicated thermal efficiency (ITE) and the reduction of N2O emissions. However, this is usually accompanied by higher NOx emissions, especially in the case of high XO2. In addition, adjusting the SOI resulted in the engine ITE is greater than 47.6% in each case and reduces GHG emissions by about 80% (<40 ppm N2O). Finally, chemical kinetic analysis showed that oxygen-enriched or hydrogen-enriched conditions did not change the main reaction pathway.
All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Delhi: Cyberattack Puts Digitalisation Under Scanner
Authors: Gandhi Priyanka , Pahwa Sonal
Published: April 2024

‘I Dream of a Digital India where cyber security becomes an integral part of National Security’—Narendra Modi Fulling this dream one as to realise the fact ‘Cyber Security is not easy. But it comes down to three basic principles—PROTECT, DETECT AND RESPOND as early as possible’—Advent from AIIMS Case The All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), a top public medical research facility and hospital with headquarters in New Delhi, India, announced a sophisticated cyber-incident on its servers on 23 November 2022. Several patient care services were rendered unavailable as a result of the incident, including registration, admission, billing and discharge. Several news sources claim that this cyber event, which affected the e-services of the AIIMS (New Delhi) starting at 7:00 a.m. on 23 November 2022, was of the ransomware variety. The testing runs of the e-hospital server were successful, and the majority of the lost data had been recovered during the previous few days, according to AIIMS authorities’ confirmation on 6 December 2022. The case provides background on the healthcare industry and a brief analysis of the incident, along with the measures taken to prevent such attacks in the future.
Piloting Rasch model scoring of the National Eye Institute Visual Function Questionnaire in uveitis
Authors: Gittel Lisa , Li Jeany Q. , Dell Jennifer , Wintergerst Maximilian W. M. , Heinz Carsten , Finger Robert P. , Terheyden Jan Henrik
Published: April 2024

Introduction

The National Eye Institute Visual Function Questionnaire (NEI VFQ) is a common patient-reported outcome measure (PROM) in uveitis trials. Its psychometric properties using state-of-the-art scoring based on Rasch models, a latent trait model that improves accuracy of PROMs assessment, has not yet been investigated.

Methods

The study participants were recruited online from uveitis patient organizations, where individuals self-reported their uveitis diagnosis and visual acuity level. These participants then completed the NEI VFQ-25. The visual function (VF) and socioemotional (SE) subscales were psychometrically analysed in terms of item fit, targeting, internal consistency, dimensionality, and differential item functioning (DIF), using Rasch models. Criterion validity was examined based on associations between NEI VFQ person measures and recent visual acuity (VA) levels.

Results

Ninety-nine participants recruited online from uveitis patient organizations (68 women, 31 men; mean age 50 ± 15 years; 46.5% self-reported receiving systematic therapy for uveitis, 0.6% NEI VFQ-25 missing data) were included. The mean difficulty of items was lower than the average person ability. None of the items demonstrated misfit to an extent that would induce noise into the measurement. The consistency metrics person reliability and person separation index of the subscales were 0.85 and 2.34 (NEI VFQ-VF), 0.86 and 2.52 (NEI VFQ-SE), respectively. There was no evidence of multidimensionality and none of the items showed DIF by gender. The differences between item and person measures were 1.44 (NEI VFQ-VF) and 1.03 (NEI VFQ-SE). NEI VFQ-25 person measures were significantly lower in participants with visual impairment (all p values ≤ 0.007).

Conclusion

Rasch model-based scoring of the re-engineered NEI VFQ-25 demonstrates acceptable internal consistency, item fit and construct validity for assessing two key domains of quality of life in individuals self-reporting uveitis. The PROM was targeted at a higher level of difficulty than present in our heterogeneous sample.
Tooth replacement in the early-diverging neornithischian Jeholosaurus shangyuanensis and implications for dental evolution and herbivorous adaptation in Ornithischia
Authors: Hu Jinfeng , Xu Xing , Li Fuqiang , Han Fenglu
Published: April 2024

Background

Tooth replacement patterns of early-diverging ornithischians, which are important for understanding the evolution of the highly specialized dental systems in hadrosaurid and ceratopsid dinosaurs, are poorly known. The early-diverging neornithischian Jeholosaurus, a small, bipedal herbivorous dinosaur from the Early Cretaceous Jehol Biota, is an important taxon for understanding ornithischian dental evolution, but its dental morphology was only briefly described previously and its tooth replacement is poorly known.

Results

CT scanning of six specimens representing different ontogenetic stages of Jeholosaurus reveals significant new information regarding the dental system of Jeholosaurus, including one or two replacement teeth in nearly all alveoli, relatively complete tooth resorption, and an increase in the numbers of alveoli and replacement teeth during ontogeny. Reconstructions of Zahnreihen indicate that the replacement pattern of the maxillary dentition is similar to that of the dentary dentition but with a cyclical difference. The maxillary tooth replacement rate in Jeholosaurus is probably 46 days, which is faster than that of most other early-diverging ornithischians. During the ontogeny of Jeholosaurus, the premaxillary tooth replacement rate slows from 25 days to 33 days with similar daily dentine formation.

Conclusions

The tooth replacement rate exhibits a decreasing trend with ontogeny, as in Alligator. In a phylogenetic context, fast tooth replacement and multi-generation replacement teeth have evolved at least twice independently in Ornithopoda, and our analyses suggest that the early-diverging members of the major ornithischian clades exhibit different tooth replacement patterns as an adaption to herbivory.
Genome-wide identification of polyamine metabolism and ethylene synthesis genes in Chenopodium quinoa Willd. and their responses to low-temperature stress
Authors: Zhao Xiaoxue , Wang Shiyu , Guo Fenggen , Xia Pan
Published: April 2024

Background

Quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd.) is valued for its nutritional richness. However, pre-harvest sprouting poses a significant threat to yield and grain quality. This study aims to enhance our understanding of pre-harvest sprouting mitigation strategies, specifically through delayed sowing and avoiding rainy seasons during quinoa maturation. The overarching goal is to identify cold-resistant varieties and unravel the molecular mechanisms behind the low-temperature response of quinoa. We employed bioinformatics and genomics tools for a comprehensive genome-wide analysis of polyamines (PAs) and ethylene synthesis gene families in quinoa under low-temperature stress.

Results

This involved the identification of 37 PA biosynthesis and 30 PA catabolism genes, alongside 227 ethylene synthesis. Structural and phylogenetic analyses showcased conserved patterns, and subcellular localization predictions indicated diverse cellular distributions. The results indicate that the PA metabolism of quinoa is closely linked to ethylene synthesis, with multiple genes showing an upregulation in response to cold stress. However, differential expression within gene families suggests a nuanced regulatory network.

Conclusions

Overall, this study contributes valuable insights for the functional characterization of the PA metabolism and ethylene synthesis of quinoa, which emphasize their roles in plant low-temperature tolerance and providing a foundation for future research in this domain.
Investigating pigeon circovirus infection in a pigeon farm: molecular detection, phylogenetic analysis and complete genome analysis
Authors: Li Xiaobo , Wang Shujing , Li Wei , Wang Shasha , Qin Xiao , Wang Ji , Fu Rui
Published: April 2024

Background

Pigeon circovirus infections in pigeons (Columba livia domestica) have been reported worldwide. Pigeons should be PiCV-free when utilized as qualified experimental animals. However, pigeons can be freely purchased as experimental animals without any clear guidelines to follow. Herein, we investigated the status quo of PiCV infections on a pigeon farm in Beijing, China, which provides pigeons for experimental use.

Results

PiCV infection was verified in at least three types of tissues in all forty pigeons tested. A total of 29 full-length genomes were obtained and deposited in GenBank. The whole genome sequence comparison among the 29 identified PiCV strains revealed nucleotide homologies of 85.8–100%, and these sequences exhibited nucleotide homologies of 82.7–98.9% as compared with those of the reference sequences. The cap gene displayed genetic diversity, with a wide range of amino acid homologies ranging from 64.5% to 100%. Phylogenetic analysis of the 29 full-genome sequences revealed that the PiCV strains in this study could be further divided into four clades: A (17.2%), B (10.4%), C (37.9%) and D (34.5%). Thirteen recombination events were also detected in 18 out of the 29 PiCV genomes obtained in this study. Phylogenetic research using the rep and cap genes verified the recombination events, which occurred between clades A/F, A/B, C/D, and B/D among the 18 PiCV strains studied.

Conclusions

In conclusion, PiCV infection, which is highly genetically varied, is extremely widespread on pigeon farms in Beijing. These findings indicate that if pigeons are to be used as experimental animals, it is necessary to evaluate the impact of PiCV infection on the results.
Fine mapping of TFL, a major gene regulating fruit length in snake gourd (Trichosanthes anguina L)
Authors: Jiang Qingwei , Wang Peng , Xu Yuanchao , Zou Bingying , Huang Shishi , Wu Yuancai , Li Yongqiang , Zhong Chuan , Yu Wenjin
Published: April 2024

Fruit length is a crucial agronomic trait of snake gourd (Trichosanthes anguina L); however, genes associated with fruit length have not been characterised. In this study, F2 snake gourd populations were generated by crossing the inbred lines, S1 and S2 (fruit lengths: 110 and 20 cm, respectively). Subsequently, bulk segregant analysis, sequencing, and fine-mapping were performed on the F2 population to identify target genes. Our findings suggest that the fruit length of snake gourd is regulated by a major-effect regulatory gene. Mining of genes regulating fruit length in snake gourd to provide a basis for subsequent selection and breeding of new varieties. Genotype-phenotype association analysis was performed on the segregating F2 population comprising 6,000 plants; the results indicate that the target gene is located on Chr4 (61,846,126–61,865,087 bp, 18.9-kb interval), which only carries the annotated candidate gene, Tan0010544 (designated TFL). TFL belongs to the MADS-box family, one of the largest transcription factor families. Sequence analysis revealed a non-synonymous mutation of base C to G at position 202 in the coding sequence of TFL, resulting in the substitution of amino acid Gln to Glu at position 68 in the protein sequence. Subsequently, an InDel marker was developed to aid the marker-assisted selection of TFL. The TFL in the expression parents within the same period was analysed using quantitative real-time PCR; the TFL expression was significantly higher in short fruits than long fruits. Therefore, TFL can be a candidate gene for determining the fruit length in snake gourd. Collectively, these findings improve our understanding of the genetic components associated with fruit length in snake gourds, which could aid the development of enhanced breeding strategies for plant species.
Transcriptome analysis reveals the potential lncRNA-mRNA modules involved in genetic male sterility and fertility of Chinese cabbage (brassica rapa L. ssp. pekinensis)
Authors: Wei Xiaochun , Wang Xiaoqing , Zhao Yanyan , Chen Weiwei , Nath Ujjal Kumar , Yang Shuangjuan , Su Henan , Wang Zhiyong , Zhang Wenjing , Tian Baoming , Wei Fang , Yuan Yuxiang , Zhang Xiaowei
Published: April 2024

Background

Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) play a crucial role in regulating gene expression vital for the growth and development of plants. Despite this, the role of lncRNAs in Chinese cabbage (Brassica rapa L. ssp. pekinensis) pollen development and male fertility remains poorly understood.

Results

In this study, we characterized a recessive genic male sterile mutant (366–2 S), where the delayed degradation of tapetum and the failure of tetrad separation primarily led to the inability to form single microspores, resulting in male sterility. To analyze the role of lncRNAs in pollen development, we conducted a comparative lncRNA sequencing using anthers from the male sterile mutant line (366–2 S) and the wild-type male fertile line (366–2 F). We identified 385 differentially expressed lncRNAs between the 366–2 F and 366–2 S lines, with 172 of them potentially associated with target genes. To further understand the alterations in mRNA expression and explore potential lncRNA-target genes (mRNAs), we performed comparative mRNA transcriptome analysis in the anthers of 366–2 S and 366–2 F at two stages. We identified 1,176 differentially expressed mRNAs. Remarkably, GO analysis revealed significant enrichment in five GO terms, most notably involving mRNAs annotated as pectinesterase and polygalacturonase, which play roles in cell wall degradation. The considerable downregulation of these genes might contribute to the delayed degradation of tapetum in 366–2 S. Furthermore, we identified 15 lncRNA-mRNA modules through Venn diagram analysis. Among them, MSTRG.9997-BraA04g004630.3 C (β-1,3-glucanase) is associated with callose degradation and tetrad separation. Additionally, MSTRG.5212-BraA02g040020.3 C (pectinesterase) and MSTRG.13,532-BraA05g030320.3 C (pectinesterase) are associated with cell wall degradation of the tapetum, indicating that these three candidate lncRNA-mRNA modules potentially regulate pollen development.

Conclusion

This study lays the foundation for understanding the roles of lncRNAs in pollen development and for elucidating their molecular mechanisms in regulating male sterility in Chinese cabbage.
The efficacy and safety of perioperative glucocorticoid for total knee arthroplasty: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Liu Fangyan , Duan Mei , Fu Huiqun , Wang Tianlong
Published: April 2024

Background

An increasing number of individuals undergo total knee arthroplasty (TKA), which can result in pain, limited motor function and adverse complications such as infection, nausea and vomiting. Glucocorticoids have been shown anti-inflammatory and antiemetic effects, but can also elevate blood glucose levels and increase the risk of wound infection. Thus, it is essential to investigate the efficacy and safety of glucocorticoid usage in TKA.

Method

A comprehensive systematic search of PubMed, Medline, EMBASE, Cochrane databases, to identify relevant randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of glucocorticoid application in TKA. The primary outcomes assessed were the postoperative pain assessment. Secondary outcomes included the range of motion in knee joint, levels of inflammatory cytokines, adverse complications, and the length of hospital stay.

Results

Thirty-six randomized controlled trials were included in the final analysis. The glucocorticoid group exhibited significant reduction in the resting VAS scores on postoperative days 1, 2 (POD1, 2)and postoperative 3 months (POM3), as well as decreased morphine consumption on POD1 and increased range of motion (ROM) in knee joint on POD1, 3. Additionally, the glucocorticoid group exhibited decreased levels of postoperative inflammatory cytokines and the incidence of PONV along with a shorter length of hospital stay. The blood glucose concentration was significantly increased in the glucocorticoid group on POD1 compared with the control group. While the blood glucose on POD2 and occurrence of postoperative adverse complications were similar between two groups including wound infection and venous thrombosis. The periarticular injection analgesia (PIA) group demonstrated lower VAS scores on POD2 comparing to the systemic administration (SA) group according to two studies. However, there was no significant difference of the resting VAS on POD1 and POD2 between PIA and SA group across all studies.

Conclusion

Perioperative glucocorticoids treatment in TKA significantly reduced short-term pain score and opioid-use which was probably not patient relevant. The application of glucocorticoids in TKA implied a beneficial trend in analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and antiemetic effects, as well as improved range of motion and shortened hospital stay. While it will not increase the risk of continued high glucose, postoperative wound infection and venous thrombosis.
Transgenic human C-reactive protein affects oxidative stress but not inflammation biomarkers in the aorta of spontaneously hypertensive rats
Authors: Nemeckova Ivana , Eissazadeh Samira , Rathouska Jana Urbankova , Silhavy Jan , Malinska Hana , Pravenec Michal , Nachtigal Petr
Published: April 2024

Background

C-reactive protein (CRP) is an acute inflammatory protein detected in obese patients with metabolic syndrome. Moreover, increased CRP levels have been linked with atherosclerotic disease, congestive heart failure, and ischemic heart disease, suggesting that it is not only a biomarker but also plays an active role in the pathophysiology of cardiovascular diseases. Since endothelial dysfunction plays an essential role in various cardiovascular pathologies and is characterized by increased expression of cell adhesion molecules and inflammatory markers, we aimed to detect specific markers of endothelial dysfunction, inflammation, and oxidative stress in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) expressing human CRP. This model is genetically predisposed to the development of the metabolic syndrome.

Methods

Transgenic SHR male rats (SHR-CRP) and non-transgenic SHR (SHR) at the age of 8 months were used. Metabolic profile (including serum and tissue triglyceride (TAG), serum insulin concentrations, insulin-stimulated incorporation of glucose, and serum non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA) levels) was measured. In addition, human serum CRP, MCP-1 (monocyte chemoattractant protein-1), and adiponectin were evaluated by means of ELISA, histological analysis was used to study morphological changes in the aorta, and western blot analysis of aortic tissue was performed to detect expression of endothelial, inflammatory, and oxidative stress markers.

Results

The presence of human CRP was associated with significantly decreased insulin-stimulated glycogenesis in skeletal muscle, increased muscle and hepatic accumulation of TAG and decreased plasmatic cGMP concentrations, reduced adiponectin levels, and increased monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) levels in the blood, suggesting pro-inflammatory and presence of multiple features of metabolic syndrome in SHR-CRP animals. Histological analysis of aortic sections did not reveal any visible morphological changes in animals from both SHR and SHR-CRP rats. Western blot analysis of the expression of proteins related to the proper function of endothelium demonstrated significant differences in the expression of p-eNOS/eNOS in the aorta, although endoglin (ENG) protein expression remained unaffected. In addition, the presence of human CRP in SHR in this study did not affect the expression of inflammatory markers, namely p-NFkB, P-selectin, and COX2 in the aorta. On the other hand, biomarkers related to oxidative stress, such as HO-1 and SOD3, were significantly changed, indicating the induction of oxidative stress.

Conclusions

Our findings demonstrate that CRP alone cannot fully induce the expression of endothelial dysfunction biomarkers, suggesting other risk factors of cardiovascular disorders are necessary to be involved to induce endothelial dysfunction with CRP.
Lymph node metastasis prediction and biological pathway associations underlying DCE-MRI deep learning radiomics in invasive breast cancer
Authors: Liu Wenci , Chen Wubiao , Xia Jun , Lu Zhendong , Fu Youwen , Li Yuange , Tan Zhi
Published: April 2024

Background

The relationship between the biological pathways related to deep learning radiomics (DLR) and lymph node metastasis (LNM) of breast cancer is still poorly understood. This study explored the value of DLR based on dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (DCE-MRI) in LNM of invasive breast cancer. It also analyzed the biological significance of DLR phenotype based on genomics.

Methods

Two cohorts from the Cancer Imaging Archive project were used, one as the training cohort (TCGA-Breast, n = 88) and one as the validation cohort (Breast-MRI-NACT Pilot, n = 57). Radiomics and deep learning features were extracted from preoperative DCE-MRI. After dual selection by principal components analysis (PCA) and relief methods, radiomics and deep learning models for predicting LNM were constructed by the random forest (RF) method. A post-fusion strategy was used to construct the DLR nomograms (DLRNs) for predicting LNM. The performance of the models was evaluated using the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve and Delong test. In the training cohort, transcriptome data were downloaded from the UCSC Xena online database, and biological pathways related to the DLR phenotypes were identified. Finally, hub genes were identified to obtain DLR gene expression (RadDeepGene) scores.

Results

DLRNs were based on area under curve (AUC) evaluation (training cohort, AUC = 0.98; validation cohort, AUC = 0.87), which were higher than single radiomics models or GoogLeNet models. The Delong test (radiomics model, P = 0.04; GoogLeNet model, P = 0.01) also validated the above results in the training cohorts, but they were not statistically significant in the validation cohort. The GoogLeNet phenotypes were related to multiple classical tumor signaling pathways, characterizing the biological significance of immune response, signal transduction, and cell death. In all, 20 genes related to GoogLeNet phenotypes were identified, and the RadDeepGene score represented a high risk of LNM (odd ratio = 164.00, P < 0.001).

Conclusions

DLRNs combining radiomics and deep learning features of DCE-MRI images improved the preoperative prediction of LNM in breast cancer, and the potential biological characteristics of DLRN were identified through genomics.
Review on epidemiology, disease burden, and treatment patterns of IgA nephropathy in select APAC countries
Authors: Zaidi Omer , Du Fen , Tang Zhaoli , Bhattacharjee Sandipan , Pareja Kristin
Published: April 2024

Background

Immunoglobulin type A (IgA) nephropathy is the most common primary glomerulonephritis (GN) worldwide with higher rates in East and Pacific Asia compared to North America and Europe. Despite high reported prevalence of IgAN in these countries, the overall disease prevalence across Asia is not available. Treatment patterns of IgAN patients across Asian countries have also not been summarized. The aim of this study was to review and summarize evidence on IgA nephropathy prevalence, treatment patterns, and humanistic and economic burden in mainland China, Taiwan, South Korea, Japan, and Australia.

Methods

A targeted literature review was conducted in PubMed and local databases in China (including Taiwan), South Korea, Japan, and Australia between January 2010-December 2021. Website literature searches were conducted using Google Scholar and Baidu.

Results

Sixty-nine publications and 3 clinical guidelines were included. Incidence ranged from 0 to 10.7 per 100 000 people per year in Australia, Japan, and Taiwan, and ranged from 6.3 to 24.70% among patients who underwent renal biopsy in mainland China. Prevalence and diagnosis rates ranged from 0 to 72.1% in mainland China, South Korea, Taiwan, Japan, and Australia. Mortality rates in mainland China, South Korea, and Japan varied widely. The top 3 commonly used therapies were angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor/angiotensin receptor blockers (0.9-99.6%), corticosteroids (3.5-100%), and immunosuppressants (1.6-85.5%) in Japan, mainland China, and South Korea. Patient quality of life was measured by different tools, and annual hospitalization costs ranged from $1 284.73 to $2 252.12 (2015–2018) in China.

Conclusions

The prevalence of IgA nephropathy among the general population in select countries/regions is not commonly available, despite evidence from studies and clinical guidelines. In addition, it is observed across geographic regions that heterogeneity exists in prevalence rates, and large variations exist in treatment patterns. There is need to fill in these gaps to understand the contributing factors behind the differences through population-based, multi-center, and real-world studies.
Prevalence of major depressive disorder and its associated factors among adult patients with neurolathyrism in Dawunt District, Ethiopia; 2022: community-based cross-sectional study
Authors: Bimerew Melaku , Gebremeskel Teshome , Beletew Biruk , Ayaliew Wondye , Wodaje Mulugeta , Ayalneh Manay
Published: April 2024

Introduction

Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) is one of the commonest mental disorders affecting more than 250 million people globally. Patients with chronic illnesses had higher risks for developing MDD than the general population. Neurolathyrism is a chronic illness characterized by lifelong incurable spastic paralysis of lower extremities; causing permanent disability. It is highly prevalent in Dawunt district, Ethiopia; with a point prevalence of 2.4%. Despite this, there were no previous studies assessing the prevalence of MDD among patients with neurolathyrism in Ethiopia.

Objective

To assess the prevalence of MDD and to identify its associated factors among patients with neurolathyrism in Dawunt district, Ethiopia.

Methods

A community based cross-sectional study was conducted on 260 samples in Dawunt district from February 01 to March 30/ 2021. Multistage sampling technique was used to select study participants. The patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) depression screening tool was used to diagnose MDD. PHQ-9 is a standardized depression screening tool and a PHQ-9 score of ≥ 10 has a sensitivity and specificity of 88.0% [95% CI (83.0–92.0%)] and 85.0% [95% CI (82.0–88.0%)] for screening MDD. Data were collected by interview; entered to EpiData version 4.2.0; exported to SPSS version 25.0 for analysis; descriptive statistics and binary logistic regression model were used; AOR with 95% CI was used to interpret the associations; and finally results were presented by texts, charts, graphs, and tables.

Results

A total of 256 adult patients with neurolathyrism were participated; and the prevalence of MDD was found to be 38.7%. Being female [AOR = 3.00; 95% CI (1.15, 7.84)], living alone [AOR = 2.77; 95% CI (1.02–7.53)], being on neurolathyrism stage-3 [AOR = 3.22; 95% CI (1.09, 9.54)] or stage-4 [AOR = 4.00; 95% CI (1.28, 12.48)], stigma [AOR = 2.69; 95% CI (1.34, 5.39)], and lack of social/ family support [AOR = 3.61; 95% CI (1.80, 7.24)] were found to have statistically significant association with an increased odds of MDD; while regular exercise and ever formal counselling were found to have statistically significant association with a decreased odds of MDD.

Conclusion

The prevalence of MDD among neurolathyrism patients in Dawunt district was high. Lack of social support, stigma, not getting formal counselling, and not involving in regular exercise were modifiable risk factors. Therefore, social support, reducing stigma, formal counselling, and encouraging regular exercise might help to reduce the burden of MDD among neurolathyrism patients.
Atypical brain structural connectivity and social cognition in childhood maltreatment and peer victimisation
Authors: Lim Lena , Talozzi Lia , Howells Henrietta
Published: April 2024

Background

Childhood maltreatment (CM) is associated with neurobiological aberrations and atypical social cognition. Few studies have examined the neural effects of another common early-life interpersonal stressor, namely peer victimisation (PV). This study examines the associations between tract aberrations and childhood interpersonal stress from caregivers (CM) and peers (PV), and explores how the observed tract alterations are in turn related to affective theory of mind (ToM).

Methods

Data from 107 age-and gender-matched youths (34 CM [age = 19.9 ± 1.68; 36%male], 35 PV [age = 19.9 ± 1.65; 43%male], 38 comparison subjects [age = 20.0 ± 1.66; 42%male] were analysed using tractography and whole-brain tract-based spatial statistics (TBSS).

Results

At the whole-brain level using TBSS, the CM group had higher fractional anisotropy (FA) than the PV and comparison groups in a cluster of predominantly limbic and corpus callosal pathways. Segmented tractography indicated the CM group had higher FA in right uncinate fasciculus compared to both groups. They also had smaller right anterior thalamic radiation (ATR) tract volume than the comparison group and higher left ATR FA than the PV group, with these metrics associated with higher emotional abuse and enhanced affective ToM within the CM group, respectively. The PV group had lower inferior fronto-occipital fasciculus FA than the other two groups, which was related to lower affective ToM within the PV group.

Conclusion

Findings suggest that exposure to early-life stress from caregivers and peers are differentially associated with alterations of neural pathways connecting the frontal, temporal and occipital cortices involved in cognitive and affective control, with possible links to their atypical social cognition.
Evaluating compliance with local and International Food Labelling Standards in urban Tanzania: a cross-sectional study of pre-packaged snacks in Dar Es Salaam
Authors: Rusobya Hassan , Mashili Fredirick , Ebrahim Ashabilan A , Kimera Zuhura
Published: April 2024

Background

Urbanization influences food culture, particularly in low- and middle-income countries where there is an increasing consumption of processed and pre-packaged foods. This shift is contributing to a rise in non-communicable diseases. Food labelling standards are crucial for regulating manufacturing practices and helping consumers make healthy food choices. We aimed to assess the compliance of local and imported pre-packaged snacks with Tanzanian and international labelling standards in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.

Methodology

A cross-sectional study was conducted on 180 snack products. A checklist based on Tanzanian and Codex labelling standards was used to evaluate adherence. We also examined factors influencing adherence, such as product origin, price, category, purchase location, and package size.

Results

The majority of the snacks demonstrated partial adherence to Tanzania (n = 97; 54%) and International (Codex) (n = 120; 67%) labelling standards. Imported products showed significantly better adherence to both Tanzanian (n = 46; 53%) and international (n = 42; 48%) standards. Notably, more than half (n = 110; 66.7%) of the products used English for labelling, and infrequently (n = 74; 41.4%) used the recommended World Health Organization Front-of-Pack Nutrition Labelling. Product category, origin, and package size were significantly associated with higher levels of international standard adherence (p < 0.05).

Conclusion

The inadequate adherence to mandatory labelling standards and the scarce use of Swahili and FoPL highlight the need to strengthen labelling practices and potential challenges faced by consumers in understanding nutritional information. Thus, strengthening and emphasizing good labelling practices are urgently needed as we seek to address diet-related noncommunicable diseases.
Health effects of holistic housing renovation in a disadvantaged neighbourhood in the Netherlands: a qualitative exploration among residents and professionals
Authors: Koops-Van Hoffen H.E. , Vendrig-De Punder Y.M.R. , Van Lenthe F.J. , Borlée F. , Jambroes M. , Kamphuis C.B.M.
Published: April 2024

Background

Holistic housing renovations combine physical housing improvements with social and socioeconomic interventions (e.g. referral to social services, debt counselling, involvement in decision-making, promoting social cohesion). In a deprived neighbourhood in Utrecht, the Netherlands, this paper examined residents’ and professionals’ experiences, ideas, and perceptions regarding holistic housing renovation, its health effects, and underlying mechanisms explaining those effects.

Methods

Semi-structured in-depth interviews were conducted with 21 social housing residents exposed to holistic housing renovation, and 12 professionals involved in either the physical renovation or social interventions implemented. Residents were interviewed in various renovation stages (before, during, after renovation). Transcripts were deductively and inductively coded using qualitative software.

Results

Residents experienced and professionals acknowledged renovation stress caused by nuisance from construction work (noise, dust), having to move stuff around, and temporary moving; lack of information and control; and perceived violation of privacy. Involvement in design choices was appreciated, and mental health improvement was expected on the long term due to improved housing quality and visual amenity benefits. Social contact between residents increased as the renovation became topic for small talk. Few comments were made regarding physical health effects. The interviews revealed a certain amount of distrust in and dissatisfaction with the housing corporation, construction company, and other authorities.

Conclusions

Renovation stress, aggravated by lack of information and poor accessibility of housing corporation and construction company, negatively affects mental health and sense of control. Potential stress relievers are practical help with packing and moving furniture, and increased predictability by good and targeted communication. Social interventions can best be offered after renovation, when residents live in their renovated apartment and the nuisance and stress from the renovation is behind them. Social partners can use the period leading up to the renovation to show their faces, offer practical help to reduce renovation stress, and increase residents’ trust in their organization and authorities in general. This might also contribute to residents’ willingness to accept help with problems in the social domain after renovation.
Adenocarcinoma originating in the anterior mediastinum diagnosed by endobronchial ultrasound-guided transbronchial cryobiopsy: a case report
Authors: Tsuchida Hiroyuki , Matsumoto Yuji , Furuse Hideaki , Tsuchida Takaaki
Published: April 2024

Background

Endobronchial ultrasound-guided transbronchial cryobiopsy (EBUS-cryobiopsy) is advantageous for collecting larger specimens with minimal crushing; however, it has not been widely used for mediastinal tumors.

Case presentation

A 73-year-old woman with a history of left breast cancer underwent surgery followed by radiotherapy. Computed tomography showed a mass in the anterior mediastinum that was in extensive contact with the sternum on the ventral side and partly with the trachea on the dorsal side. Two computed tomography-guided needle biopsies (CTNBs) were performed on the mass; however, a definitive diagnosis was not made because of severe crush artifacts. Subsequently, we performed EBUS-cryobiopsy and safely obtained sufficient specimen volume with minimal crushing. The histopathological diagnosis was adenocarcinoma, with immunobiological features distinct from those of previous breast cancers. Her overall diagnosis was a rare tumor originating in the anterior mediastinum.

Conclusions

EBUS-cryobiopsy can be safely performed in narrow areas surrounded by major blood vessels, and the obtained specimens may be superior to CTNBs for histopathological diagnosis.
Percutaneous kyphoplasty through unilateral puncture on the convex side for the treatment of painful osteoporotic vertebral compression fracture with scoliosis
Authors: Li Qiuhan , Wang Song , Wang Qing , Yan Pijun , Yang Jin
Published: April 2024

Purpose

To assess the clinical safety, accuracy, and efficacy of percutaneous kyphoplasty (PKP) surgery using an enhanced method of unilateral puncture on the convex side for the treatment of painful osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures (P-OVCF) with scoliosis.

Methods

Clinical and radiographic data of P-OVCF patients with scoliosis who underwent PKP via unilateral puncture on the convex side from January 2018 to December 2021 were retrospectively analyzed. This technique’s detailed surgical steps and tips were described. The local kyphosis angle (LKA), scoliosis Cobb angle (SCA), and local scoliosis Cobb angle (LSCA) were measured using X-ray and compared at pre-operation, post-operation, and the last follow-up. The width of pedicle (POW), inner inclination angle (IIA), lateral distance (LD), and puncture course length (PCL) were measured on the axial computed tomography image and compared between two sides. Postoperative computed tomography was employed to evaluate the condition of cement distribution and puncture. Clinical outcomes were evaluated using the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) and Visual Analog Scale (VAS) for back pain (BP).

Results

Thirty-six patients, 23 women and 13 men, with an average age of 76.31 ± 6.28 years were monitored for 17.69 ± 4.70 months. The median surgical duration of single vertebrae was 35 min. The volume of bone cement for single vertebrae was 3.81 ± 0.87 ml and the proportion of sufficient cement distribution of the patients was 97.22. LKA was considerably improved from pre-operation to post-operation and sustained at the last follow-up. SCA and LSCA were not significantly modified between these three-time points. IIA, PCL, and LD were lower on the convex side than on the concave side. POW was considerably wider on the convex side. The ODI and VAS-BP scores were significantly improved after surgery and sustained during the follow-up.

Conclusions

Combining with the proper assessment of the pre-injured life status of patients, PKP surgery using unilateral puncture on the convex side for the treatment of P-OVCF with scoliosis can achieve safe, excellent clinical, and radiographic outcomes.