bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Navigating relationship dynamics, pregnancy and fatherhood in the Bukhali trial: a qualitative study with men in Soweto, South Africa
Authors: Draper Catherine E. , Motlhatlhedi Molebogeng , Mabasa Jackson , Headman Tshepang , Klingberg Sonja , Pentecost Michelle , Lye Stephen J. , Norris Shane A. , Nyati Lukhanyo H.
Published: November 2023

Background

South Africa has a complex range of historical, social, political, and economic factors that have shaped fatherhood. In the context of the Bukhali randomised controlled trial with young women in Soweto, South Africa, a qualitative study was conducted with the male partners of young women who had become pregnant during the trial. This exploratory study aimed to explore individual perceptions around relationship dynamics, their partner’s pregnancy, and fatherhood of partners of young women in Soweto, South Africa.

Methods

Individual, in-depth interviews were conducted with male partners (fathers, n = 19, 25–46 years old) of Bukhali participants. A thematic approach was taken to the descriptive and exploratory process of analysis, and three final themes and subthemes were identified: (1) relationship dynamics (nature of relationship, relationship challenges); (2) pregnancy (feelings about the pregnancy, effect of the pregnancy on their relationship, providing support during pregnancy; and 3) fatherhood (view of fatherhood, roles of fathers, influences on views and motivation, challenges of fatherhood).

Results

While most male participants were in a committed (“serious”) relationship with their female partner, less than half of them were cohabiting. Most reported that their partner’s pregnancy was not planned, and shared mixed feelings about the pregnancy (e.g., happy, excited, shocked, nervous), although their views about fatherhood were overwhelmingly positive. Many were concerned about how they would economically provide for their child and partner, particularly those who were unemployed. Participants identified both general and specific ways in which they provided support for their partner, e.g., being present, co-attending antenatal check-ups, providing material resources. For many, the most challenging aspect of fatherhood was having to provide financially. They seemed to understand the level of responsibility expected of them as a father, and that their involvement and presence related to love for and connection with their child. Participants’ responses indicated that there were some changes in the norms around fatherhood, suggesting that there is a possibility for a shift in the fatherhood narrative in their context.

Conclusions

These findings suggest that the complex array of factors influencing fatherhood in South Africa continue to play out in this generation, although promising changes are evident.
Protocol for a randomized controlled trial exploring the brain mechanism and therapeutic effect of electroacupuncture on cognitive function and sleep quality in chronic insomnia
Authors: Lu Linhao , Liao Lizhen , Zheng Jiaorong , Lin Weiyi , Wang TaiShun , Wen Xiuyun
Published: November 2023

Background

Insomnia is a prevalent sleep disorder that affects up to 15% of the population worldwide and is the second most common mental health issue. There is increasing interest in the effects of long-term insomnia on cognitive function. Electroacupuncture can effectively improve cognitive function and sleep quality, yet the underlying brain network mechanisms remain unclear. This study aims to explore the network regulatory mechanisms associated with enhanced cognitive function and sleep quality, providing theoretical support for the use of electroacupuncture in the clinical treatment of chronic insomnia.

Methods

This study is divided into two parts. Sixteen individuals with chronic insomnia and 16 healthy controls of similar age and gender will be recruited in Study 1 to examine the brain network topology of individuals with chronic insomnia. Study 2 will be a randomized controlled trial with 120 chronic insomnia patients divided into three groups: Group A (electroacupuncture plus placebo drug), Group B (drug plus placebo electroacupuncture), and Group C (placebo electroacupuncture plus placebo drug). Participants will be exposed to 24 treatments over an 8-week period (3 times per week) and monitored for 12 additional weeks. The primary outcome measure will be changes in brainwave data from before to after the treatment. In addition, the Wisconsin Card Sorting Test and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index will be utilized as secondary outcomes to measure from before to after treatment and during the follow-up. A correlation analysis will be conducted to explore links among modifications in brainwave patterns, Wisconsin Card Sorting Test scores, and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index scores. Additionally, any adverse events will be strictly monitored.

Discussion

Electroacupuncture may represent an alternative treatment for chronic insomnia, and this trial is expected to reveal the brain mechanism by which electroacupuncture improves cognitive function and sleep quality in chronic insomnia patients.

Trial registration

ChiCTR2200060150 (Chinese Clinical Trial Registry, http://www.chictr.org.cn, registered on 20 May 2022).
Non-medical practitioners in the staffing of emergency departments and urgent treatment centres in England: a mixed qualitative methods study of policy implementation
Authors: Drennan Vari M. , Halter Mary , Taylor Francesca , Gabe Jonathan , Jarman Heather
Published: November 2023

Background

Patient demand, internationally, on emergency departments and urgent care treatment centres has grown. Shortages of staff, particularly of emergency medicine doctors, have compounded problems. Some countries are pursuing solutions of including non-medical practitioners e.g., nurse practitioners and physician associates/assistants in their emergency department workforces. This study investigated at the macro and meso level of the health system in England: what the rationale was and the factors influencing the current and future employment, or otherwise, of non-medical practitioners in emergency departments and urgent treatment centres.

Methods

Mixed qualitative methods in the interpretative tradition were employed. We undertook, in 2021–2022, a documentary analysis of national, regional and subregional policy (2017–2021), followed by semi-structured interviews of a purposive sample (n = 18) of stakeholders from national, regional and subregional levels. The data were thematically analysed and then synthesised.

Results

There was general national policy support for increasing the presence of non-medical practitioners as part of the solution to shortages of emergency medicine doctors. However, evidence of policy support dissipated at regional and subregional levels. There were no published numbers for non-medical practitioners in emergency departments, but stakeholders suggested they were relatively small in number, unevenly distributed and faced uncertain growth. While the experience of the COVID-19 pandemic and its aftermath were said to have made senior decision makers more receptive to workforce innovation, many factors contributed to the uncertain growth. These factors included: limited evidence on the relative advantage of including non-medical practitioners; variation in the models of service being pursued to address patient demand on emergency departments and the place of non-medical practitioners within them; the lack of a national workforce plan with clear directives; and the variation in training for non-medical practitioner roles, combined with the lack of regulation of that level of practice.

Conclusions

We identified many features of a system ready to introduce non-medical practitioners in emergency departments and urgent treatment centres but there were uncertainties and the potential for conflict with other professional groups. One area of uncertainty was evidence of relative advantage in including non-medical practitioners in staffing. This requires urgent attention to inform decision making for short- and long-term workforce planning. Further investigation is required to consider whether these findings are generalisable to other specialties, and to similar health systems in other countries.
Hospital doctors’ and general practitioners’ perspectives of outpatient discharge processes in Australia: an interpretive approach
Authors: Kruys Edwin , WU Chiung-Jung
Published: November 2023

Background

Unnecessary delays in patient discharge from hospital outpatient clinics have direct consequences for timely access of new patients and the length of outpatient waiting times. The aim of this study was to gain better understanding of hospital doctors’ and general practitioners’ perspectives of the barriers and facilitators when discharging from hospital outpatients to general practice.

Methods

An interpretative approach incorporating semi-structured interviews with 15 participants enabled both hospital doctors and general practitioners to give their perspectives on hospital outpatient discharge processes.

Results

Participants mentioned various system problems hampering discharge from hospital outpatient clinics to general practice, such as limitations of electronic communication tools, workforce and workload challenges, the absence of agreed discharge principles, and lack of benchmark data. Hospital clinicians may keep patients under their care out of a concern about lack of follow-up and an inability to escalate timely hospital care following discharge. Some hospital clinicians may have a personal preference to provide ongoing care in the outpatient setting. Other factors mentioned were insufficient supervision of junior doctors, a patient preference to remain under hospital care, and the ease of scheduling follow-up appointments.

An effective handover process requires protected time, a systematic approach, and a supportive clinical environment including user-friendly electronic communication and clinical handover tools. Several system improvements and models of care were suggested, such as agreed discharge processes, co-designed between hospitals and general practice. Recording and sharing outpatient discharge data may assist to inform and motivate hospital clinicians and support the training of junior doctors.

General practitioners participating in the study were prepared to provide continuation of care but require timely clinical management plans that can be applied in the community setting. A hospital re-entry pathway providing rapid access to outpatient hospital resources after discharge could act as a safety net and may be an alternative to the standard 12-month review in hospital outpatient clinics.

Conclusion

Our study supports the barriers to discharge as mentioned in the literature and adds the perspectives of both hospital clinicians and general practitioners. Potential solutions were suggested including co-designed discharge policies, improved electronic communication tools and a rapid hospital review pathway following discharge.
Anlotinib as a third-line or further treatment for recurrent or metastatic nasopharyngeal carcinoma: a single-arm, phase 2 clinical trial
Authors: Fang Yu , Su Ning , Zou Qihua , Cao Yi , Xia Yi , Tang Linquan , Tian Xiaopeng , Liu Panpan , Cai Qingqing
Published: November 2023

Background

Treatment options beyond the first-line setting for recurrent or metastatic nasopharyngeal carcinoma (RM-NPC) are limited. The role of the multitarget tyrosine kinase inhibitor anlotinib in RM-NPC is unclear.

Methods

In this prospective, single-arm, phase 2 trial, patients with histologically confirmed RM-NPC and failure of at least two lines of prior systemic treatments were eligible. Anlotinib was given at 12 mg once daily on days 1–14 every 3 weeks until disease progression or intolerable toxicities. The primary end point was disease control rate, defined as the percentage of patients achieving complete response, partial response, or stable disease by RECIST criteria.

Results

From April 2019 to March 2021, 39 patients were enrolled and received a median of 4 cycles (range, 0.5–20) of anlotinib treatment. Partial response and stable disease were observed in 8 and 20 patients, respectively. The disease control rate was 71.8%, and objective response rate was 20.5%. With a median follow-up of 17.2 months, the median progression-free survival was 5.7 months. The 12-month overall survival was 58.3%, and the median overall survival was not reached. The most frequent grade 3/4 treatment-related adverse events were hand-foot syndrome (23.7%), oral mucositis (21.0%), hypertension (7.9%), and triglyceride elevation (7.9%). Hemorrhage, all grade 1 or 2, occurred in 34.2% of the patients.

Conclusions

Anlotinib monotherapy exhibited promising anti-tumor activities and disease control for heavily pretreated RM-NPC patients with a tolerable toxicity profile.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT03906058.
Interplay between lncRNA RP11-367G18.1 variant 2 and YY1 plays a vital role in hypoxia-mediated gene expression and tumorigenesis
Authors: Peng Pei-Hua , Chen Ji-Lin , Wu Heng-Hsiung , Yang Wen-Hao , Lin Li-Jie , Lai Joseph Chieh-Yu , Chang Jeng-Shou , Syu Jia-Ling , Wu Han-Tsang , Hsu Fei-Ting , Cheng Wei-Chung , Hsu Kai-Wen
Published: November 2023

Background

The hypoxia-responsive long non-coding RNA, RP11-367G18.1, has recently been reported to induce histone 4 lysine 16 acetylation (H4K16Ac) through its variant 2; however, the underlying molecular mechanism remains poorly understood.

Methods

RNA pull-down assay and liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry were performed to identify RP11-367G18.1 variant 2-binding partner. The molecular events were examined utilizing western blot analysis, real-time PCR, luciferase reporter assay, chromatin immunoprecipitation, and chromatin isolation by RNA purification assays. The migration, invasion, soft agar colony formation, and in vivo xenograft experiments were conducted to evaluate the impact of RP11-367G18.1 variant 2–YY1 complex on tumor progression.

Results

In this study, RNA sequencing data revealed that hypoxia and RP11-367G18.1 variant 2 co-regulated genes were enriched in tumor-related pathways. YY1 was identified as an RP11-367G18.1 variant 2-binding partner that activates the H4K16Ac mark. YY1 was upregulated under hypoxic conditions and served as a target gene for hypoxia-inducible factor-1α. RP11-367G18.1 variant 2 colocalized with YY1 and H4K16Ac in the nucleus under hypoxic conditions. Head and neck cancer tissues had higher levels of RP11-367G18.1 and YY1 which were associated with poor patient outcomes. RP11-367G18.1 variant 2–YY1 complex contributes to hypoxia-induced epithelial–mesenchymal transition, cell migration, invasion, and tumorigenicity. YY1 regulated hypoxia-induced genes dependent on RP11-367G18.1 variant 2.

Conclusions

RP11-367G18.1 variant 2–YY1 complex mediates the tumor-promoting effects of hypoxia, suggesting that this complex can be targeted as a novel therapeutic strategy for cancer treatment.
Effect of non-human hosts on the human biting rate of primary and secondary malaria vectors in Tanzania
Authors: Katusi Godfrey C. , Hermy Marie R. G. , Makayula Samwely M. , Ignell Rickard , Mnyone Ladslaus L. , Hill Sharon R. , Govella Nicodem J.
Published: November 2023

Background

Malaria vectors vary in feeding preference depending on their innate behaviour, host availability and abundance. Host preference and human biting rate in malaria vectors are key factors in establishing zooprophylaxis and zoopotentiation. This study aimed at assessing the impact of non-human hosts in close proximity to humans on the human biting rate of primary and secondary malaria vectors, with varying host preferences.

Methods

The effect of the presence of non-human hosts in close proximity to the human host on the mean catches per person per night, as a proxy for mosquito biting rate, was measured using mosquito-electrocuting traps (METs), in Sagamaganga, Kilombero Valley, Tanzania. Two experiments were designed: (1) a human versus a calf, each enclosed in a MET, and (2) a human surrounded by three calves versus a human alone, with each human volunteer enclosed individually in a MET spaced 10 m apart. Each experiment was conducted on alternate days and lasted for 36 nights per experiment. During each experiment, the positions of hosts were exchanged daily (except the human in experiment 2). All anopheline mosquitoes caught were assayed for Plasmodium sporozoites using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.

Results

A total of 20,574 mosquitoes were captured and identified during the study, of which 3608 were anophelines (84.4% primary and 15.6% secondary malaria vectors) and 17,146 were culicines. In experiment 1, the primary malaria vector, Anopheles arabiensis, along with Culex spp. demonstrated a preference for cattle, while the primary vectors, Anopheles funestus, preferred humans. In experiment 2, both primary vectors, An. arabiensis and An. funestus, as well as the secondary vector Anopheles rivolurum, demonstrated behaviours amenable to zooprophylaxis, whereas Culex spp. increased their attraction to humans in the presence of nearby cattle. All anopheline mosquitoes tested negative for sporozoites.

Conclusions

The findings of this study provide support for the zooprophylaxis model for malaria vectors present in the Kilombero Valley, and for the zoopotentiation model, as it pertains to the Culex spp. in the region. However, the factors regulating zooprophylaxis and zoopotentiation are complex, with different species-dependent mechanisms regulating these behaviours, that need to be considered when designing integrated vector management programmes.
Catheter-related bloodstream infection caused by Tsukamurella tyrosinosolvens identified by secA1sequencing in an immunocompromised child: a case report
Authors: Mizuno Shinsuke , Tsukamura Yoshiyuki , Nishio Shuro , Ishida Toshiaki , Hasegawa Daiichiro , Kosaka Yoshiyuki , Ooka Tadasuke , Nishi Junichiro , Kasai Masashi
Published: November 2023

Background

Tsukamurella spp. are obligate aerobic, gram-positive, non-motile, and slightly acid-fast bacilli belonging to the Actinomycetes family. They share many characteristics with Nocardia, Rhodococcus, Gordonia, and the rapidly growing Mycobacterium species. Therefore, standard testing may misidentify Tsukamurella spp. as another species. Accurate and rapid diagnosis is critical for proper infection management, but identification of this bacterium is difficult in the standard laboratory setting.

Case presentation

A bloodstream infection caused by a gram-positive bacterium and related to a central venous catheter was identified in an immunocompromised 2-year-old girl. Tsukamurella tyrosinosolvens was identified by modified secA1 sequencing. Antibiotic treatment and removal of the central venous catheter resolved the infection. Inappropriate management of the catheter during an overnight stay outside of the hospital was considered as a possible source of infection.

Conclusions

SecA1 sequencing may be a useful diagnostic tool in the identification of T. tyrosinosolvens. Providing proper central venous catheter care instructions to patients, their families, and medical staff is important for infection prevention.
Effects of greenery at different heights in neighbourhood streetscapes on leisure walking: a cross-sectional study using machine learning of streetscape images in Sendai City, Japan
Authors: Sakamoto Shusuke , Kogure Mana , Hanibuchi Tomoya , Nakaya Naoki , Hozawa Atsushi , Nakaya Tomoki
Published: November 2023

Background

It has been pointed out that eye-level greenery streetscape promotes leisure walking which is known to be a health -positive physical activity. Most previous studies have focused on the total amount of greenery in the eye-level streetscape to investigate its association with walking behaviour. While it is acknowledged that taller trees contribute to greener environments, providing enhanced physical and psychological comfort compared to lawns and shrubs, the examination of streetscape metrics specifically focused on greenery height remains largely unexplored. Therefore, this study examined the relationship between objective indicators of street greenery categorized by height from a pedestrian viewpoint and leisure walking time.

Methods

We created streetscape indices of street greenery using Google Street View Images at 50-m intervals in an urban area in Sendai City, Japan. The indices were classified into four ranges according to the latitude of the virtual hemisphere centred on the viewer. We then investigated their relationship to self-reported leisure walking.

Results

Positive associations were identified between the street greenery in higher positions and leisure walking time, while there was no significant association between the greenery in lower positions.

Conclusion

The findings indicated that streets with rich greenery in high positions may promote residents’ leisure walking, indicating that greenery in higher positions contributes to thermally comfortable and aesthetic streetscapes, thus promoting leisure walking. Increasing the amount of greenery in higher positions may encourage residents to increase the time spent leisure walking.
Factor structure of the Oxford Shoulder Score: secondary analyses of the UK FROST and PROFHER trial populations
Authors: Simpson J. , Keding A. , Spencer S. , Brealey S. , Rangan A.
Published: November 2023

Aims

Frozen shoulder and proximal humeral fracture can cause pain, stiffness and loss of function. The impact of these symptoms on patients can be measured using the comprehensively validated, 12-item Oxford Shoulder Score (OSS). Evidence suggests that pain and function may have a differential impact on patients’ experience of shoulder conditions, and this may be important for clinical management. We therefore explored the factor structure of the OSS within the UK FROST and PROFHER trial populations.

Methods

We performed exploratory factor analysis (EFA), followed by confirmatory factor analysis (CFA), on baseline UK FROST data from 490 of the 503 trial participants. Data at 6 months post-randomisation were used for 228 of the 250 participants for the PROFHER trial.

Results

UK FROST factor extraction results, using Velicer's Minimum Average Partial and Horn's Parallel Analysis tests, suggested a unifactorial solution, but two factors were weakly indicated by the less reliable ‘Kaiser’s eigenvalue > 1’ and scree tests. We explored this further using EFA. Eight items (2 to 7, 9 and 10) loaded onto a ‘Function’ factor, three on a ‘Pain’ factor (1, 8 and 12) and item 11 cross-loaded. However, one- and two-factor models were rejected in CFA. Factor extraction of PROFHER data at 6 months demonstrated a single first-order factor solution, which was also subsequently rejected in CFA.

Conclusion

Insufficient evidence was found, within the constraints of the data available, to support the use of ‘Pain’ and ‘Function’ sub-scales of the OSS in either patient population.
A catchment and location-allocation analysis of mammography access in Delaware, US: implications for disparities in geographic access to breast cancer screening
Authors: Webster Jessica L. , Goldstein Neal D. , Rowland Jennifer P. , Tuite Catherine M. , Siegel Scott D.
Published: November 2023

Background

Despite a 40% reduction in breast cancer mortality over the last 30 years, not all groups have benefited equally from these gains. A consistent link between later stage of diagnosis and disparities in breast cancer mortality has been observed by race, socioeconomic status, and rurality. Therefore, ensuring equitable geographic access to screening mammography represents an important priority for reducing breast cancer disparities. Access to breast cancer screening was evaluated in Delaware, a state that experiences an elevated burden from breast cancer but is otherwise representative of the US in terms of race and urban–rural characteristics. We first conducted a catchment analysis of mammography facilities. Finding evidence of disparities by race and rurality, we next conducted a location-allocation analysis to identify candidate locations for the establishment of new mammography facilities to optimize equitable access.

Methods

A catchment analysis using the ArcGIS Pro Service Area analytic tool characterized the geographic distribution of mammography sites and Breast Imaging Centers of Excellence (BICOEs). Poisson regression analyses identified census tract-level correlates of access. Next, the ArcGIS Pro Location-Allocation analytic tool identified candidate locations for the placement of additional mammography sites in Delaware according to several sets of breast cancer screening guidelines.

Results

The catchment analysis showed that for each standard deviation increase in the number of Black women in a census tract, there were 68% (95% CI 38–85%) fewer mammography units and 89% (95% CI 60–98%) fewer BICOEs. The more rural counties in the state accounted for 41% of the population but only 22% of the BICOEs. The results of the location-allocation analysis depended on which set of screening guidelines were adopted, which included increasing mammography sites in communities with a greater proportion of younger Black women and in rural areas.

Conclusions

The results of this study illustrate how catchment and location-allocation analytic tools can be leveraged to guide the equitable selection of new mammography facility locations as part of a larger strategy to close breast cancer disparities.
Effect of chewing gum on orthodontic pain in patients receiving fixed orthodontic treatment: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Guo Qiushuang , Liao Chengcheng , Guan Xiaoyan , Xiao Linlin , Xiang Meiling , Long Sicen , Liu Jianguo , Xiang Mingli
Published: November 2023

Objectives

The objective of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to evaluate the effect of chewing gum on orthodontic pain and to determine the rate of bracket breakage associated with fixed orthodontic appliances.

Methods

This review and its reporting were performed according to the Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions and the PRISMA guidelines. Six electronic databases were searched up to March 16, 2023, to identify relevant studies that met the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Furthermore, grey literature resources were searched. The Cochrane Collaboration Risk of Bias tool 2 was used to assess the quality of the included studies. Meta-analysis was conducted using RevMan, and sensitivity analysis and publication bias analysis were performed using STATA software. GRADE tool was used to evaluate the certainty of evidence.

Results

Fifteen studies with 2116 participants were ultimately included in this review, and 14 studies were included in the meta-analysis. Compared with the blank group, chewing gum had a significant pain relieving effect at all times after fixation of the initial archwire (P ≤ 0.05). No significant difference was found between the chewing gum group and the analgesics group at any timepoints (P > 0.05). Only four studies evaluated the rate of bracket breakage and revealed that chewing gum did not increase the rate of bracket breakage. The sensitivity analysis showed that there was no significant difference in the pooled outcomes after the included studies were removed one at times, and Egger analysis revealed no significant publication bias in included studies (P > 0.05).

Conclusions

Chewing gum is a non-invasive, low-cost and convenient method that has a significant effect on relieving orthodontic pain and has no effect on the rate of bracket breakage. Therefore, chewing gum can be recommended as a suitable substitute for analgesics to reduce orthodontic pain.
Activation of the p53 signaling pathway by piRNA-MW557525 overexpression induces a G0/G1 phase arrest thus inhibiting neuroblastoma growth
Authors: Mi Tao , Tan Xiaojun , Wang Zhang , Zhang Zhaoxia , Jin Liming , Wang Jinkui , Li Mujie , Wu Xin , He Dawei
Published: November 2023

Background

Neuroblastoma (NB) is the most common extracranial malignant solid tumor in children. Due to drug resistance to radiotherapy and chemotherapy, mainly due to the existence of cancer stem cells (CSCs), some children still have a poor prognosis. Therefore, researchers have focused their attention on CSCs. Our research group successfully constructed cancer stem cell-like cells named Piwil2-iCSCs by reprogramming human preputial fibroblasts (FBs) with the PIWIL2 gene in the early stage, and Piwil2-iCSCs were confirmed to induce the formation of embryonic tumors. PiRNAs, noncoding small RNAs that interact with PIWI proteins, play important roles in a variety of tumors. Therefore, our study aimed to explore the role of differentially expressed (DE) piRNAs derived from sequencing of Piwil2-iCSCs in NB.

Methods

The DE piRNAs in Piwil2-iCSCs were screened using high-throughput sequencing and further verified in NB tissues and cells. An unknown piRNA, named piRNA-MW557525, showed obvious downregulation in NB. Thus we studied the effect of piRNA-MW557525 on the biological behavior of NB through in vitro and in vivo experiments. On this basis, we successfully constructed a stably transfected NB cell line overexpressing piRNA-MW557525 and performed transcriptome sequencing to further explore the mechanism of piRNA-MW557525 in NB.

Results

In vitro, piRNA-MW557525 inhibited NB cell proliferation, migration and invasion and induced apoptosis; in vivo, piRNA-MW557525 significantly reduced the volume and weight of tumors and inhibited their proliferation, migration and invasion. piRNA-MW557525 overexpression induced G0/G1 phase arrest in NB cells via activation of the P53-P21-CDK2-Cyclin E signaling pathway thus inhibiting NB growth.

Conclusions

Our findings show that piRNA-MW557525 functions as a tumor suppressor gene in NB and may serve as an innovative biomarker and possible therapeutic target for NB.
Study on incentive factors and incentive effect differences of teachers in universities and colleges under the view of demographic variables
Authors: Hao Danna
Published: November 2023

The purpose of this study is to explore the factors of University Teachers’ motivation and the differences among the factors under different background variables. Based on a great deal of literatures, this paper classifies the incentive content of teachers in universities and colleges into two aspects: internal incentive and external incentive. Through constructing the incentive structure equation model, this paper analyzes and summarizes the influence factors of the incentive of teachers in universities and colleges from two aspects: internal incentive and external incentive, and finds that external incentive is divided into salary and welfare, organizational environment, career development, and internal incentive is divided into work achievement, individual value, as well as innovation incentive. On this basis, we find that there are significant differences in incentive level based on the characteristics of demographics. Among them, there are significant differences in the factors, including marital status and external incentive. There are significant differences in salary and welfare, organizational environment, work achievement and individual value among different ages. There are significant differences in career development of whether undertaking part-time administrative posts. There are significant differences in salary and welfare, organizational environment and career development among different teaching ages. There are significant differences in organizational environment and career development between different titles. There are significant differences in salary and welfare, organizational environment and incentive between different educational backgrounds, and there are significant differences in innovation incentive between different school types.
Hypothetical impact of the Mexican front-of-pack labeling on intake of critical nutrients and energy
Authors: Villaverde Paola , Tolentino-Mayo Lizbeth , Cruz-Casarrubias Carlos , Salgado Juan C. , Aburto Tania C. , Barquera Simón
Published: November 2023

Background

Since 2020 in Mexico, front-of-pack warning labels (FOPWL) have been implemented in processed products. Evidence supports warning labels allow consumers to identify unhealthy products. We aimed to evaluate the hypothetical impact of the FOPWL regulation on the Mexican population’s intake of critical nutrients and energy, based on the replacement of food and beverages using 4 hypothetical scenarios which represented the phases of the regulation.

Methods

Dietary data were collected using a standardized 24-h dietary recall from the 2016 Mexican National Health and Nutrition Survey (n = 4184). To evaluate the hypothetical impact of FOPWL, the nutritional content of critical nutrients in processed products was evaluated according to the Mexican Official Standard 051 (NOM-051). Then, we replaced products with several warning labels (WL) with those with a fewer number of them or with non-processed food. For the replacement, 4 hypothetical scenarios were established: scenario 1: the current consumption of the Mexican Population, scenario 2: the replacement during the first phase of the norm, scenario 3: the replacement in the second phase and scenario 4: the replacement in the last phase. We estimated the means, confidence intervals (CI 95%), and the mean percentage change of energy, saturated fat, trans-fat, added sugars, and sodium intake during the second, third, and the fourth scenarios.

Results

According to the norm, in the second scenario, the majority of the products presented a label for energy (52.6%) whereas in the third (56.4%) and fourth (61.2%) scenarios were for sodium. In contrast, trans-fat was the least labeled nutrient in all the scenarios (from 2.1 to 4.1%). In the fourth scenario, we observed a reduction of the intake of energy intake to 15.4% as well as saturated fat (− 20%, CI 95% − 18.4; − 21.6), trans-fat (− 8.2%, CI 95% − 6.4; − 10.1) and sodium (− 12.7%, CI 95% − 11.3; − 14.1). The most important reduction was observed for added sugars intake (until − 54.1%, CI 95% − 51; − 57.1).

Conclusions

FOPWL could be an effective strategy to decrease energy consumption and nutrients of concern. If consumers use the FOPWL, it would be an important change in critical nutrients intake. These results support that FOPWL might help the Mexican population to choose healthier nutrition alternatives.
Gateway reflexes describe novel neuro-immune communications that establish immune cell gateways at specific vessels
Authors: Tanaka Hiroki , Hasebe Rie , Murakami Kaoru , Sugawara Toshiki , Yamasaki Takeshi , Murakami Masaaki
Published: November 2023

Neuroinflammation is an important biological process induced by complex interactions between immune cells and neuronal cells in the central nervous system (CNS). Recent research on the bidirectional communication between neuronal and immunological systems has provided evidence for how immune and inflammatory processes are regulated by nerve activation. One example is the gateway reflex, in which immune cells bypass the blood brain barrier and infiltrate the CNS to cause neuroinflammation. We have found several modes of the gateway reflex in mouse models, in which gateways for immune cells are established at specific blood vessels in the spinal cords and brain in experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis and systemic lupus erythematosus models, at retinal blood vessels in an experimental autoimmune uveitis model, and the ankle joints in an inflammatory arthritis model. Several environmental stimulations, including physical and psychological stresses, activate neurological pathways that alter immunological responses via the gateway reflex, thus contributing to the development/suppression of autoimmune diseases. In the manuscript, we describe the discovery of the gateway reflex and recent insights on how they regulate disease development. We hypothesize that artificial manipulation of specific neural pathways can establish and/or close the gateways to control the development of autoimmune diseases.
Can foliar application of natural biostimulants reduce nitrate and fiber content in fresh green bean under soil nutrient deficiency?
Authors: Fawzy Zakaria Fouad , El-Ramady Hassan , Azab Mohamed AbdAllah , Mahdy Hayam A. A.
Published: November 2023

Background

There is a growing body of literature that recognizes the importance of natural biostimulants in the agricultural productivity. This potential can play an important role in addressing the issue of cultivation on sandy soil, which is well-known with soil nutrient deficiency stress. In the current study, the selected biostimulants (i.e., chitosan, amino acids, yeast extract, and humic acid) were foliar applied on green bean in the open field of alkaline sandy soils.

Results

The main results that obtained after harvesting the fresh green bean pods were confirmed that all studied biostimulants improved the quantity and quality of green bean production compared to the control. Chitosan was the best applied biostimulants for producing green bean in a lower fiber and nitrate content of pods, a higher crude protein content of pods, and higher NPK content in the leaves.

Conclusion

The role of studies biostimulants in promoting green bean productivity under nutrient deficiency stress may back to increase the uptake of nutrients (NPK), plant physiological (higher dry matter) and biochemical attributes (higher crude protein). More studies are needed using different applied doses and more different kinds of natural biostimulants.
Efficacy of polyherbal formulation along with standard care of treatment in early recovery of COVID-19 patients: a randomized placebo-controlled trial
Authors: Arun Abhishek , Subramanian Saumya , Kanchibhotla Divya
Published: November 2023

Background

The coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic crisis has affected millions of people worldwide. The emergence of mutant strains one after the other, breakthrough infections post-vaccination and reinfection of the virus have made it difficult to fight the pandemic and bring an end to it. Naturally available compounds with an array of phytochemicals and potent antiviral properties can provide an alternate solution in improving innate immunity, early recovery and symptomatic cure from COVID-19.

Objective

The present study investigates the efficacy of a polyherbal formulation, NAOQ19, on the rate of recovery and clinical improvement among COVID-19-infected patients who were not on a ventilator or in intensive care unit.

Methods

A randomized placebo-controlled study design was adopted for the study. The study enrolled 124 patients with 62 patients included in the NAOQ19 arm and other 62 patients enrolled in the placebo arm along with standard care of treatment. Key outcomes of the study included improvement from COVID-19 based on RT-PCR negative test tested on day 3, 5, 7 and 10, CRP inflammatory rate and drug safety. Data analysis included intention to treat approach. Significance was accepted with a two-sided p value < 0.05 for the outcome measures.

Results

The results of the present study demonstrated higher proportion of patients recovering in NAOQ19 arm compared to placebo arm on day 3 (33.8% vs. 8%; p < 0.001). The mean number of days required to turn RT-PCR (Real-time reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction) negative was also lower in NAOQ19 arm by a day compared to placebo arm (5.4 vs. 6.2; p = 0.022). Inflammatory marker CRP (C-reactive protein) significantly reduced in the NAOQ19 arm at exit compared to placebo arm (6.25 mg/L vs. 10.26 mg/L; p = 0.048). Liver function test and kidney function test profiles were within normal limits during exit demonstrating the drug safety.

Conclusion

NAOQ19 along with standard care of treatment demonstrated higher percentage of population recovering from COVID-19 in comparison with those who were on standard care of treatment.

Trial registration: The trial was also registered in Clinical Trial Registry India with registration number CTRI/2021/10/037423.
JAK-STAT signaling in inflammation and stress-related diseases: implications for therapeutic interventions
Authors: Sarapultsev Alexey , Gusev Evgenii , Komelkova Maria , Utepova Irina , Luo Shanshan , Hu Desheng
Published: November 2023

The Janus kinase-signal transducer and transcription activator pathway (JAK-STAT) serves as a cornerstone in cellular signaling, regulating physiological and pathological processes such as inflammation and stress. Dysregulation in this pathway can lead to severe immunodeficiencies and malignancies, and its role extends to neurotransduction and pro-inflammatory signaling mechanisms. Although JAK inhibitors (Jakinibs) have successfully treated immunological and inflammatory disorders, their application has generally been limited to diseases with similar pathogenic features. Despite the modest expression of JAK-STAT in the CNS, it is crucial for functions in the cortex, hippocampus, and cerebellum, making it relevant in conditions like Parkinson's disease and other neuroinflammatory disorders. Furthermore, the influence of the pathway on serotonin receptors and phospholipase C has implications for stress and mood disorders. This review expands the understanding of JAK-STAT, moving beyond traditional immunological contexts to explore its role in stress-related disorders and CNS function. Recent findings, such as the effectiveness of Jakinibs in chronic conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, expand their therapeutic applicability. Advances in isoform-specific inhibitors, including filgotinib and upadacitinib, promise greater specificity with fewer off-target effects. Combination therapies, involving Jakinibs and monoclonal antibodies, aiming to enhance therapeutic specificity and efficacy also give great hope. Overall, this review bridges the gap between basic science and clinical application, elucidating the complex influence of the JAK-STAT pathway on human health and guiding future interventions.

Graphical Abstract
Access to Care for Adolescents and Young Adults With Cancer in the United States: State of the Literature
Authors: Kirchhoff Anne C. , Waters Austin R. , Chevrier Amy , Wolfson Julie A.
Published: November 2023

Access to care remains a persistent challenge for adolescents and young adults (AYAs) with cancer. We review key findings in the science to date. (1) Location of care matters. There is survival benefit for AYAs treated either at a pediatric center or site with special status (eg, Children's Oncology Group, National Cancer Institute [NCI]–designated Comprehensive Cancer Center). (2) Socioeconomic status and insurance require further investigation. Medicaid expansion has had a moderate effect on AYA outcomes. The dependent care expansion benefit has come largely from improvements in coverage for younger populations whose parents have insurance, while some subgroups likely still face insurance gaps. (3) Clinical trial enrollment remains poor, but access may be improving. Numerous barriers and facilitators of clinical trial enrollment include those that are system level and patient level. NCI has established several initiatives over the past decade to improve enrollment, and newer collaboratives have recently brought together multidisciplinary US teams to increase clinical trial enrollment. (4) Effective AYA programs require provider and system flexibility and program reflection. With flexibility comes a need for metrics to assess program effectiveness in the context of the program model. Centers treating AYAs with cancer could submit a subset of metrics (appropriate to their program and/or services) to maintain their status; persistence would require an entity with staying power committed to overseeing the metrics and the system. Substantial clinical and biological advances are anticipated over the next 20 years that will benefit all patients with cancer. In parallel, it is crucial to prioritize research regarding access to health care and cancer care delivery; only with equitable access to care for AYAs can they, too, benefit from these advances.
Radiation-induced Undifferentiated Malignant Pituitary Tumor After 5 Years of Treatment for Cushing Disease
Authors: Bakshi Gazal , Mishra Sunil Kumar , AR Vishnupriya , Singh Virendera Pal
Published: November 2023

The occurrence of a second neoplasm possibly constitutes an adverse and uncommon complication after radiotherapy. The incidence of a second pituitary tumor in patients irradiated for adrenocorticotropic hormone secreting pituitary adenoma is rare. We report a case of a 40-year-old female with Cushing disease who underwent surgical management followed by radiotherapy. After 5 years of initial treatment, an increase in tumor size was evident at the same location, with a significant interval growth of the parasellar component of the lesion. Histology revealed an undifferentiated highly malignant sarcoma. In the span of next 2 years, the patient was followed with 2 repeat decompression surgeries and radiotherapy because of significant recurrent compressive symptoms by locally invasive malignant tumor. Despite the best efforts, the patient remained unresponsive to multiple treatment strategies (eg, surgical resections and radiotherapy) and succumbed to death.
German Media Studies: A Critical Update
Authors: Born Erik
Published: November 2023

This essay outlines a program for updating German media studies by reformatting, repartitioning, and potentially rebooting German media theory. As a temporary placeholder, German media studies 2.0 describes current transatlantic research committed to fixing bugs and patching vulnerabilities that emerged from historical encounters between media and critique, ideology and epistemology, and the Frankfurt School and the Kittler Network. To update German media studies in a critical mode, we need to keep defining our concepts and delimiting our disciplines, accounting for the effects of media change on our research methods, and negotiating our field’s complex relations to culture, history, and politics.
Undisciplined Knowledge: Intersectional Black European Studies
Authors: El-Tayeb Fatima
Published: November 2023

This article explores the structural dependence of humanities disciplines on a Eurocentric model of knowledge production that inevitably marginalizes racialized communities, scholars of color, and their intellectual productions. Using the increasing attacks on the interdisciplines in the United States as its starting point, the article shows that a defense of the humanities as “above politics” contributes to this delegitimization of marginalized knowledge. Turning to the European context, it suggests that a decolonizing of academe must include a reckoning with the Continent’s colonial past (and present), including the role of the Left, and involve a radically different approach to disciplinarity. Finally, the article offers the recent intersectional Black European studies initiative as an example of such a radically different model of academic knowledge production.