bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Bacteria-driven nanosonosensitizer delivery system for enhanced breast cancer treatment through sonodynamic therapy-induced immunogenic cell death
Authors: Du Meng , Wang Ting , Peng Wangrui , Feng Renjie , Goh MeeiChyn , Chen Zhiyi
Published: April 2024

Background

Sonodynamic therapy (SDT) has shown promise as a non-invasive cancer treatment due to its local effects and excellent tissue penetration. However, the limited accumulation of sonosensitizers at the tumor site hinders its therapeutic efficacy. Although nanosonosensitizers have improved local tumor accumulation through passive targeting via the enhanced permeability and retention effect (EPR), achieving sufficient accumulation and penetration into tumors remains challenging due to tumor heterogeneity and inaccurate targeting. Bacteria have become a promising biological carrier due to their unique characteristic of active targeting and deeper penetration into the tumor.

Methods

In this study, we developed nanosonosensitizers consisting of sonosensitizer, hematoporphyrin monomethyl ether (HMME), and perfluoro-n-pentane (PFP) loaded poly (lactic-co-glycolic) acid (PLGA) nanodroplets (HPNDs). These HPNDs were covalently conjugated onto the surface of Escherichia coli Nissle 1917 (EcN) using carbodiimine chemistry. EcN acted as an active targeting micromotor for efficient transportation of the nanosonosensitizers to the tumor site in triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) treatment. Under ultrasound cavitation, the HPNDs were disrupted, releasing HMME and facilitating its uptakes by cancer cells. This process induced reactive oxygen species (ROS)-mediated cell apoptosis and immunogenic cell death (ICD) in vitro and in vivo.

Results

Our bacteria-driven nanosonosensitizer delivery system (HPNDs@EcN) achieved superior tumor localization of HMME in vivo compared to the group treated with only nanosonosensitizers. This enhanced local accumulation further improved the therapeutic effect of SDT induced-ICD therapeutic effect and inhibited tumor metastasis under ultrasound stimulation.

Conclusions

Our research demonstrates the potential of this ultrasound-responsive bacteria-driven nanosonosensitizer delivery system for SDT in TNBC. The combination of targeted delivery using bacteria and nanosonosensitizer-based therapy holds promise for achieving improved treatment outcomes by enhancing local tumor accumulation and stimulating ICD.

Graphical Abstract
Successful ECMO treatment in patients with cerebral hemorrhage and PROC gene mutation associated with VTE: a case report
Authors: Wang Lijie , Ma Chengyong , Wang Luping , Ding Qianrong , Yang Hao , Wang Bo , Wu Qin
Published: April 2024

In this report, we report a case of a middle-aged male, admitted to the ICU with cerebral hemorrhage resulting from a severe high-altitude fall. The patient encountered significant challenges in oxygenation index correction, attributed to extensive embolism in both the primary and branch pulmonary arteries. Consequently, the patient underwent an immediate initiation of veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA-ECMO) therapy, persisting for 20 days. During this treatment period, a mutation in the protein C (PROC) gene was identified. The medical team meticulously navigated the delicate balance between anticoagulation and bleeding risks. Eventually, the patient was successfully weaned off VA-ECMO and subsequently discharged. This report aims to delve into the etiology and therapeutic approaches of this uncommon case, with the intention of offering insightful reference for managing similar clinical scenarios in the future.
RUNX1-BMP2 promotes vasculogenic mimicry in laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma via activation of the PI3K-AKT signaling pathway
Authors: Zhu Qingwen , Zhang Xinyu , Lu Fei , Miao Siyu , Zhang Chunyang , Liu Zhenzhen , Gao Zejun , Qi Meihao , An Xiaogang , Geng Panling , Wang Sufang , Ren Hongbo , Han Fugen , Zhang Ruyue , Zha DingJun
Published: April 2024

Background

Laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma (LSCC) is one of the most common malignant tumors of the head and neck. Vasculogenic mimicry (VM) is crucial for tumor growth and metastasis and refers to the formation of fluid channels by invasive tumor cells rather than endothelial cells. However, the regulatory mechanisms underlying VM during the malignant progression of LSCC remain largely unknown.

Methods

Gene expression and clinical data for LSCC were obtained from the TCGA and Gene GEO (GSE27020) databases. A risk prediction model associated with VM was established using LASSO and Cox regression analyses. Based on their risk scores, patients with LSCC were categorized into high- and low-risk groups. The disparities in immune infiltration, tumor mutational burden (TMB), and functional enrichment between these two groups were examined. The core genes in LSCC were identified using the machine learning (SVM-RFE) and WGCNA algorithms. Subsequently, the involvement of bone morphogenetic protein 2 (BMP2) in VM and metastasis was investigated both in vitro and in vivo. To elucidate the downstream signaling pathways regulated by BMP2, western blotting was performed. Additionally, ChIP experiments were employed to identify the key transcription factors responsible for modulating the expression of BMP2.

Results

We established a new precise prognostic model for LSCC related to VM based on three genes: BMP2, EPO, and AGPS. The ROC curves from both TCGA and GSE27020 validation cohorts demonstrated precision survival prediction capabilities, with the nomogram showing some net clinical benefit. Multiple algorithm analyses indicated BMP2 as a potential core gene. Further experiments suggested that BMP2 promotes VM and metastasis in LSCC. The malignant progression of LSCC is promoted by BMP2 via the activation of the PI3K-AKT signaling pathway, with the high expression of BMP2 in LSCC resulting from its transcriptional activation by runt-related transcription factor 1 (RUNX1).

Conclusion

BMP2 predicts poor prognosis in LSCC, promotes LSCC VM and metastasis through the PI3K-AKT signaling pathway, and is transcriptionally regulated by RUNX1. BMP2 may be a novel, precise, diagnostic, and therapeutic biomarker of LSCC.
Exploring indicators of natural recovery from alcohol and drug use problems: findings from the life in recovery survey in Flanders
Authors: De Meyer Florian , Zerrouk Amine , De Ruysscher Clara , Vanderplasschen Wouter
Published: April 2024

Introduction

Research has established natural recovery (NR) as an important pathway to substance use recovery. Studies investigating correlates of NR have mainly focused on demographic and substance use variables rather than life circumstances. This study seeks to better understand the phenomenon of natural recovery by (i) validating the international scientific literature concerning demographic and substance use indicators of NR in Flanders and (ii) assessing the additional explanatory power of recovery strengths and barriers during active addiction, controlling for demographic and substance use covariates.

Methods

A total of 343 persons in recovery from alcohol or drug use problems (≥ 3 months) completed an online cross-sectional survey in Flanders. Participants in NR and in recovery after following treatment were compared using multivariate linear regression models. Reasons for not following treatment were analyzed using inductive thematic analysis.

Results

Higher education level, lower severity of dependence, and cannabis use as the main problem substance (vs. alcohol) were statistically significant (p < 0.05) correlates of NR. When scores for the number of barriers and strengths associated with active addiction were added, barriers (but not strengths) were significantly associated with NR. When barrier items were individually tested, having untreated emotional or mental health problems, having a driver’s license revoked and damaging property were statistically significant correlates. The most reported reason for not entering treatment was not experiencing any need to do so.

Conclusion

The results highlight the importance of a holistic approach to recovery support across multiple life domains. Limitations and opportunities for further research are discussed.
A novel model of locking plate and locking spongious screw: a biomechanical in vitro comparison study with classical locking plate
Authors: Parmaksizoglu Fatih , Kilic Sinan , Cetin Onur
Published: April 2024

Background

Locking plates are commonly used for the fixation of comminuted, periprosthetic and osteoporotic bone fractures. These plates are secured to the bone with screws, creating a stable connection with fixed angle between the plate and the screws. In this biomechanical in vitro study, our aim is to evaluate and compare the novel locking plate-locking spongious screw model with FDA approved classical locking plate.

Methods

Sawbone PCF-15 osteoporotic bone model was utilized to simulate osteoporotic bone conditions. Two screws were used to attach both the classical locking plate and the novel locking plate-locking spongious screw model to these bone models. The attachment strength of the screws to the bone blocks was measured by pull-out tests.

Results

Novel locking plate-locking spongious screw model exhibited an 84.38% stronger attachment to the osteoporotic bone model compared to the current locking plate model.

Conclusions

In conclusion, one of the important problems in the locking plates which is the high Pull-out risk of the locking spongious screws can been resolved with our proposed new model and has a chance of having a better purchase especially in osteoporotic bones.
Genetic analysis of 37 cases with primary periodic paralysis in Chinese patients
Authors: Zhao Xuechao , Ning Haofeng , Liu Lina , Zhu Chaofeng , Zhang Yinghui , Sun Guifang , Ren Huanan , Kong Xiangdong
Published: April 2024

Background

Primary periodic paralysis (PPP) is an inherited disorders of ion channel dysfunction characterized by recurrent episodes of flaccid muscle weakness, which can classified as hypokalemic (HypoPP), normokalemic (NormoPP), or hyperkalemic (HyperPP) according to the potassium level during the paralytic attacks. However, PPP is charactered by remarkable clinical and genetic heterogeneity, and the diagnosis of suspected patients is based on the characteristic clinical presentation then confirmed by genetic testing. At present, there are only limited cohort studies on PPP in the Chinese population.

Results

We included 37 patients with a clinical diagnosis of PPP. Eleven (29.7%) patients were tested using a specific gene panel and 26 (70.3%) by the whole-exome sequencing (WES). Twenty-two cases had a genetic variant identified, representing a diagnostic rate of 59.5% (22/37). All the identified mutations were either in the SCN4A or the CACNA1S gene. The overall detection rate was comparable between the panel (54.5%: 6/11) and WES (61.5%: 16/26). The remaining patients unresolved through panel sequencing were further analyzed by WES, without the detection of any mutation. The novel atypical splicing variant c.2020-5G > A affects the normal splicing of the SCN4A mRNA, which was confirmed by minigene splicing assay. Among 21 patients with HypoPP, 15 patients were classified as HypoPP-2 with SCN4A variants, and 6 HypoPP-1 patients had CACNA1S variants.

Conclusions

Our results suggest that SCN4A alleles are the main cause in our cohort, with the remainder caused by CACNA1S alleles, which are the predominant cause in Europe and the United States. Additionally, this study identified 3 novel SCN4A and 2 novel CACNA1S variants, broadening the mutation spectrum of genes associated with PPP.
Supported exercise TrAining for Men wIth prostate caNcer on Androgen deprivation therapy (STAMINA): study protocol for a randomised controlled trial of the clinical and cost-effectiveness of the STAMINA lifestyle intervention compared with optimised usual care, including internal pilot and parallel process evaluation
Authors: McNaught Emma , Reale Sophie , Bourke Liam , Brown Janet E. , Collinson Michelle , Day Florence , Hewison Jenny , Farrin Amanda J. , Ibeggazene Saïd , Innes Aidan Q. , Mason Ellen , Meads David , Scope Alison , Taylor Chris , Taylor Steph JC. , Turner Rebecca R. , Rosario Derek J. ,   on behalf of the STAMINA co-investigators
Published: April 2024

Background

UK national clinical guidance recommends that men with prostate cancer on androgen deprivation therapy are offered twice weekly supervised aerobic and resistance exercise to address iatrogenic harm caused by treatment. Very few NHS trusts have established adequate provision of such services. Furthermore, interventions fail to demonstrate sustained behaviour change. The STAMINA lifestyle intervention offers a system-level change to clinical care delivery addressing barriers to long-term behaviour change and implementation of new prostate cancer care pathways. This trial aims to establish whether STAMINA is clinically and cost-effective in improving cancer-specific quality of life and/or reducing fatigue compared to optimised usual care. The process evaluation aims to inform the interpretation of results and, if the intervention is shown to benefit patients, to inform the implementation of the intervention into the NHS.

Methods

Men with prostate cancer on androgen deprivation therapy (n = 697) will be identified from a minimum of 12 UK NHS trusts to participate in a multi-centre, two-arm, individually randomised controlled trial. Consenting men will have a ‘safety to exercise’ check and be randomly allocated (5:4) to the STAMINA lifestyle intervention (n = 384) or optimised usual care (n = 313). Outcomes will be collected at baseline, 3-, 6- and 12-month post-randomisation. The two primary outcomes are cancer-specific quality of life and fatigue. The parallel process evaluation will follow a mixed-methods approach to explore recruitment and aspects of the intervention including, reach, fidelity, acceptability, and implementation. An economic evaluation will estimate the cost-effectiveness of the STAMINA lifestyle intervention versus optimised usual care and a discrete choice experiment will explore patient preferences.

Discussion

The STAMINA lifestyle intervention has the potential to improve quality of life and reduce fatigue in men on androgen deprivation therapy for prostate cancer. Embedding supervised exercise into prostate cancer care may also support long-term positive behaviour change and reduce adverse events caused by treatment. Findings will inform future clinical care and could provide a blueprint for the integration of supervised exercise and behavioural support into other cancer and/or clinical services.

Trial registration

ISRCTN 46385239, registered on 30/07/2020. Cancer Research UK 17002, retrospectively registered on 24/08/2022.
Remote or in-clinic? The effect of service delivery mode on hearing aid output: study protocol for a double-blinded, randomised trial in adults with mild to moderate sensorineural hearing loss
Authors: Lett Craig , Welch David , Dobson Rosie
Published: April 2024

Background

Teleaudiology can potentially improve access to hearing healthcare services. Remote hearing aid fittings offer a new mode of service delivery that removes barriers of geography and access to an audiologist. Real-ear measurements (REMs) are the gold standard for hearing aid output verification but require in-clinic appointments. This study will investigate whether remote hearing aid fittings can provide clinically equivalent outcomes when compared to current, in-clinic, best practice guidelines.

Research design

A repeated measure, double-blinded crossover design will be used. Participants will be randomly allocated to one of two groups to determine order of intervention, balanced for degree of hearing loss.

Study sample

Sixty adults with mild to moderate hearing loss and at least 1 year of experience with hearing aids will be recruited.

Data collection and analysis

Participants will complete two hearing aid fitting protocols, one using an in-clinic fitting process and the other using a remote (at-home) fitting process. In-clinic fittings will include REMs with adjustments to standard (NAL-NL2) prescription targets. The two fitting protocols will then be randomly assigned to participants in a crossover design, so participants and researchers will be blinded to the order of the two fitting protocols. Participants will then have a 4-week period with follow-up appointments for participant-directed gain adjustment. For each fitting protocol, participants will complete objective measurements of final hearing aid output with REMs, speech-in-noise testing, subjective measurements of hearing aid performance, and quality of life measurements. They will then begin an identical period of living with, adjusting, and objective assessment with the other fitting protocol. Data will be analysed as repeated measures with statistical control for potential confounding variables.

Results

Data will compare the four-frequency average real-ear aided response (4FREAR) for hearing aids programmed in-clinic and hearing aids programmed remotely, after participant-directed gain adjustments. Secondary measures will assess clinically significant differences in estimated speech intelligibility, hearing-related quality of life, hearing aid benefit, sound quality and preference, and speech-in-noise ability.

Conclusions

This study will inform the development of best practice guidelines for remote hearing aid fittings. If no clinically significant differences are found between in-clinic and remote fit hearing aids, it has the potential to expand teleaudiology initiatives.

Trial registration

Australian New Zealand Clinical Trial Registry, ACTRN12623000028606p. Date of registration: 12 January 2023.
Preparation and characterization of liquefied eggplant branch bio-based controlled-release fertilizer
Authors: Guo Yanle , Zhuang Fengyuan , Cui Qunxiang , Zhang Shugang , Hao Zhenping , Shi Yiyun , Lu Hao , Shi Xiaoqing
Published: April 2024

Bio-based coating materials have received increased attention because of their low-cost, environmentally friendly, and sustainable properties. In this paper, a novel coating material was developed to coat ureas using bio-based coating material derived from liquefied eggplant branches to form controlled-release ureas (CRUs). Also, the optimum proportion of liquefier was studied. Furthermore, dimethyl siloxane was used to modify liquified eggplant branches to make them hydrophobic, resulting in hydrophobic controlled-release ureas (SCRUs). This hydrophobic-enabled coating is environmentally friendly and highly efficient. The products were characterized by specific scanning electron microscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, and differential scanning calorimetry, and the water contact angles of CRUs and SCRUs were determined. The nutrient-release characteristics of the SCRUs in water were determined at 25 °C and compared with those of CRUs. The results showed that the modification with dimethyl siloxane reduced the N release rate and increased the longevity of the fertilizer coated with hydrophobic bio-based coating material. In addition, organosilicon atoms on the SCRU surface also block the micro-holes on the coating and thus reduce the entry of water onto the coating. The results suggest that the new coating technology can create a hydrophobic surface on bio-based coating material and thus improve their controlled-release characteristics.
Sharp coefficient inequalities of starlike functions connected with secant hyperbolic function
Authors: Raza Mohsan , Bano Khadija , Xin Qin , Tchier Fairouz , Malik Sarfraz Nawaz
Published: April 2024

This article comprises the study of class $\mathcal{S}_{E}^{\ast }$

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ς

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. The geometry of functions of class $\mathcal{S}_{E}^{\ast }$

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. We also investigate the same sharp results for inverse coefficients.
Tyrosine hydroxylase inhibits HCC progression by downregulating TGFβ/Smad signaling
Authors: Liu Guoqian , Li Mengwei , Zeng Zimei , Fan Qi , Ren Xinxin , Wang Zhexin , Sun Yaoqi , He Yulin , Sun Lunquan , Deng Yuezhen , Liu Shupeng , Zhong Chenxi , Gao Jie
Published: April 2024

The alteration of metabolic processes has been found to have significant impacts on the development of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Nevertheless, the effects of dysfunction of tyrosine metabolism on the development of HCC remains to be discovered. This research demonstrated that tyrosine hydroxylase (TH), which responsible for the initial and limiting step in the bio-generation of the neuro-transmitters dopamine and adrenaline, et al. was shown to be reduced in HCC. Increased expression of TH was found facilitates the survival of HCC patients. In addition, decreased TH indicated larger tumor size, much more numbers of tumor, higher level of AFP, and the presence of cirrhosis. TH effectively impairs the growth and metastasis of HCC cells, a process dependent on the phosphorylation of serine residues (S19/S40). TH directly binds to Smad2 and hinders the cascade activation of TGFβ/Smad signaling with the treatment of TGFβ1. In summary, our study uncovered the non-metabolic functions of TH in the development of HCC and proposes that TH might be a promising biomarker for diagnosis as well as an innovative target for metastatic HCC.
Circ-10720 as a ceRNA adsorbs microRNA-1238 and modulates ZEB2 to boost NSCLC development by activating EMT
Authors: Zhang Wei , Xiao Ping , Liu Bin , Zhang Yan
Published: April 2024

Background

Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are critical regulators in the progression of tumors. This experimental design aimed to explore the mechanism of circ-10720 in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

Methods

We used RT-qPCR to measure circ-10720 expression in clinical samples and analyzed its relationship with the clinicopathological characteristics of NSCLC patients. The expression levels of microRNA-1238 (miR-1238) and Zinc Finger E-box-binding Homeobox 2 (ZEB2) in clinical samples were detected by RT-qPCR. NSCLC cells were transfected with relevant plasmids or sequences. Circ-10720, miR-1238, and ZEB2 expressions in cells were analyzed via RT-qPCR or western blot. Cell proliferation, apoptosis, migration, and invasion were assessed with CCK-8, flow cytometry, and transwell assay, respectively. The protein expression of ZEB2 and epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT)-related markers (E-cadherin, Vimentin, N-cadherin) were detected via western blot. Xenograft assay was used to determine the effect of circ-10720 on NSCLC in vivo. Circ-10720 and ZEB2 expressions in tumors were detected using RT-qPCR or Western blot. Immunohistochemistry was used to evaluate E-cadherin and N-cadherin expression in tumors. Finally, the binding relationship between miR-1238 with circ-10720 or ZEB2 was verified by the bioinformatics website, dual luciferase reporter assay, RNA pull-down assay, and RIP assay.

Results

Circ-10720 was upregulated in NSCLC and correlated with TNM stage of NSCLC patients. MiR-1238 was lowly expressed but ZEB2 was highly expressed in NSCLC. Circ-10720 silencing suppressed the proliferation, metastasis, and EMT of NSCLC cells. Mechanically, circ-10720 was a competitive endogenous RNA (ceRNA) for miR-1238, and ZEB2 was a target of miR-1238. circ-10720-modulated ZEB2 via competitively binding with miR-1238 to control NSCLC progression. In addition, circ-10720 knockdown suppressed tumor growth in vivo.

Conclusions

Circ-10720 acts as a ceRNA to adsorb miR-1238 and modulate ZEB2 to facilitate the proliferation, migration, invasion, and EMT of NSCLC cells.

Graphical Abstract
Trait emotional intelligence and ecological outcomes: the role of connectedness to nature
Authors: Marchetti Vanessa , Panno Angelo , Scopelliti Massimiliano , Romano Luciano , Angelini Giacomo , Rinallo Elena , Barni Daniela , Fiorilli Caterina
Published: April 2024

Background

Global climate change is recognized as a major and irreversible challenge for humanity, requiring people’s responsible and sustainable behaviors toward the environment. So far, the literature has widely investigated the role of cognitive determinants of ecological outcomes (e.g., pro-environmental behaviors and climate change perception), while less attention has been devoted to emotional processes, such as trait emotional intelligence (TEI). The current double study investigates whether TEI is directly and indirectly associated with climate change perception (CCP, Study 1) and pro-environmental behaviors (PEBs, Study 2) among young adults. Furthermore, the mediating role of connectedness to nature (CN), both as cognitive and emotional factors, was also analyzed. We hypothesized that CN (i.e., cognitive mediator) would positively mediate the relationship between TEI and CCP (H1), and Love and Care for Nature (LCN, i.e., emotional mediator) would positively mediate the relationship between TEI and PEBs (H2).

Methods

The study involved 342 young adults (F = 60.7%; age 19–40; Mage=22.99; SD = 2.66) in Study 1 and 365 young adults (F = 71.2%; age 17–35; Mage=22.2; SD = 3.98) in Study 2. Data were collected through an online tool shared by the snowball method. We administered the following self-reports: Trait Emotional Intelligence Questionnaire- Short Form (TEIQue- SF), Global Climate Change (GCC), and Connectedness to Nature Scale (CNS) (Study 1); Trait Emotional Intelligence Questionnaire- Short Form (TEIQue-SF), General Environmental Behaviors Scale (GEB), and Love and Care for Nature (LCN) (Study 2).

Results

Findings from Study 1 showed that higher TEI levels enhance CN (i.e., cognitive mediator), positively influencing CCP (estimate = 0.14; 95% CI = 0.07 to 0.23). Findings from Study 2 showed that higher TEI levels are associated with higher LCN levels (i.e., emotional mediator), influencing people’s engagement in PEBs (estimate = 0.7; 95% CI = 0.03 to 0.11).

Conclusion

It is crucial to design environmental education programs that promote greater emotional intelligence ability and encourage individuals’ involvement in ecological outcomes.
DAPS diagrams for defining Data Science projects
Authors: de Mast Jeroen , Lokkerbol Joran
Published: April 2024

Background

Models for structuring big-data and data-analytics projects typically start with a definition of the project’s goals and the business value they are expected to create. The literature identifies proper project definition as crucial for a project’s success, and also recognizes that the translation of business objectives into data-analytic problems is a difficult task. Unfortunately, common project structures, such as CRISP-DM, provide little guidance for this crucial stage when compared to subsequent project stages such as data preparation and modeling.

Contribution

This paper contributes structure to the project-definition stage of data-analytic projects by proposing the Data-Analytic Problem Structure (DAPS). The diagrammatic technique facilitates the collaborative development of a consistent and precise definition of a data-analytic problem, and the articulation of how it contributes to the organization’s goals. In addition, the technique helps to identify important assumptions, and to break down large ambitions in manageable subprojects.

Methods

The semi-formal specification technique took other models for problem structuring — common in fields such as operations research and business analytics — as a point of departure. The proposed technique was applied in 47 real data-analytic projects and refined based on the results, following a design-science approach.
Oxygenation and ventilation during prolonged experimental cardiopulmonary resuscitation with either continuous or 30:2 compression-to-ventilation ratios together with 10 cmH20 positive end-expiratory pressure
Authors: Kopra Jukka , Litonius Erik , Pekkarinen Pirkka T. , Laitinen Merja , Heinonen Juho A. , Fontanelli Luca , Skrifvars Markus B.
Published: April 2024

Background

In refractory out-of-hospital cardiac arrest, the patient is commonly transported to hospital with mechanical continuous chest compressions (CCC). Limited data are available on the optimal ventilation strategy. Accordingly, we compared arterial oxygenation and haemodynamics during manual asynchronous continuous ventilation and compressions with a 30:2 compression-to-ventilation ratio together with the use of 10 cmH2O positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP).

Methods

Intubated and anaesthetized landrace pigs with electrically induced ventricular fibrillation were left untreated for 5 min (n = 31, weight ca. 55 kg), after which they were randomized to either the CCC group or the 30:2 group with the the LUCAS® 2 piston device and bag-valve ventilation with 100% oxygen targeting a tidal volume of 8 ml/kg with a PEEP of 10 cmH2O for 35 min. Arterial blood samples were analysed every 5 min, vital signs, near-infrared spectroscopy and electrical impedance tomography (EIT) were measured continuously, and post-mortem CT scans of the lungs were obtained.

Results

The arterial blood values (median + interquartile range) at the 30-min time point were as follows: PaO2: 180 (86–302) mmHg for the 30:2 group; 70 (49–358) mmHg for the CCC group; PaCO2: 41 (29–53) mmHg for the 30:2 group; 44 (21–67) mmHg for the CCC group; and lactate: 12.8 (10.4–15.5) mmol/l for the 30:2 group; 14.7 (11.8–16.1) mmol/l for the CCC group. The differences were not statistically significant. In linear mixed models, there were no significant differences between the groups. The mean arterial pressures from the femoral artery, end-tidal CO2, distributions of ventilation from EIT and mean aeration of lung tissue in post-mortem CTs were similar between the groups. Eight pneumothoraces occurred in the CCC group and 2 in the 30:2 group, a statistically significant difference (p = 0.04).

Conclusions

The 30:2 and CCC protocols with a PEEP of 10 cmH2O resulted in similar gas exchange and vital sign outcomes in an experimental model of prolonged cardiac arrest with mechanical compressions, but the CCC protocol resulted in more post-mortem pneumothoraces.
Alterations in white matter integrity in Egyptian youth with smartphone dependence: does DTI have a role?
Authors: Reda Alaa Mohamed , Elsharkawy Ahmed , Kamel Mostafa Mamdouh , Hasby Sara Essam
Published: April 2024

Background

Smartphones provide various functions that facilitate our communication, organization, and entertainment in different situations. Diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) is a method measuring tissue microstructure as well as white matter integrity of the brain and detecting early changes. Several research studies recently aim to utilize conventional MRI for assessing brain structural alterations among smartphone users, but our study was aimed at identifying the DTI value while assessing white matter alterations in Egyptian youth with smartphone dependence.

Results

Our prospective case–control study involved fifty-three individuals with smart phone dependence (SPD group) as well as twenty-five volunteers who represented the control group. SPD individuals and controls were right-handed. The SPD group mean age exhibited 20.54 ± 1.56 years, while controls exhibited 26.8 ± 15.1 years. When utilizing smart phone addiction scale-short version, SPD group median total score exhibited 33. The diagnostic performance of fornix (fractional anisotropy) FA and external capsule fractional anisotropy (EC FA) regarding area under curve (AUC) exhibited significant increase as opposed to all other tested regions, with a sensitivity of 90.6% as well as a specificity of 96%. While regarding the mean diffusivity (MD), the greatest (AUC) was for EC (0.927, p < 0.001), in which the MD value = 0.825 was the cutoff value and able to diagnose the smart phone dependency with a sensitivity of 92.5% as well as a specificity of 76%.

Conclusions

Quantitative DTI parameters (FA, MD) in different white matter regions can diagnose and detect white matter changes in excessive smartphone users even when conventional MRI data are normal. This study demonstrates the recent noninvasive MRI technique value while revealing covered brain white matter alterations in Egyptian youth due to smartphone overuse.
Measuring countries relative efficiencies in using development assistance: a data envelopment analysis approach
Authors: Sakr Mohamed F. , Selim Kamal Samy , Taha Sherin Gamaleldin
Published: April 2024

Despite the presence of a considerable corpus of literature investigating the impact of aid on nations' development, the efficiency of utilizing this finite pool of development finance remains ambiguous. The main aim of this study is to address the existing research gap by examining the efficiency of utilizing such development assistance in achieving three specific Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) from 2002 to 2020 using a Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) methodology. Moreover, this study examines the theoretical underpinnings that show a correlation between the impact of aid on development and the governance and political structure of countries. The findings indicate that the efficiency of development assistance often falls short of optimal, underscoring the necessity for more attention to its administration, particularly in low-income countries. The efficiency of development assistance can be significantly enhanced by organizational improvements, resulting in a significant increase beyond 80%. The confirmation of the robustness of the findings was attained by the application of the bootstrapping methodology. Hence, it is crucial to recognize that while augmenting the levels of development assistance may hold significance, it alone may not be adequate to guarantee efficient utilization in bridging the financial gap required to meet the desired objectives of the SDGs by 2030.
Antidepressant treatment and mortality in people with comorbid depression and type 2 diabetes: UK electronic health record study
Authors: Jeffery Annie , Walters Kate , Wong Ian C. K. , Osborn David , Hayes Joseph F.
Published: April 2024

Background

Depression is associated with higher rates of premature mortality in people with physical comorbidities, such as type 2 diabetes. Conceptually, the successful treatment of depression in people with type 2 diabetes could prevent premature mortality.

Aims

To investigate the association between antidepressant prescribing and the rates of all-cause and cause-specific (endocrine, cardiovascular, respiratory, cancer, unnatural) mortality in individuals with comorbid depression and type 2 diabetes.

Method

Using UK primary care records between years 2000 and 2018, we completed a nested case–control study in a cohort of people with comorbid depression and type 2 diabetes who were starting oral antidiabetic treatment for the first time. We used incident density sampling to identify cases who died and matched controls who remained alive after the same number of days observation. We estimated incidence rate ratios for the association between antidepressant prescribing and mortality, adjusting for demographic characteristics, comorbidities, medication use and health behaviours.

Results

We included 5222 cases with a recorded date of death, and 18 675 controls, observed for a median of 7 years. Increased rates of all-cause mortality were associated with any antidepressant prescribing during the observation period (incidence rate ratio 2.77, 95% CI 2.48–3.10). These results were consistent across all causes of mortality that we investigated.

Conclusions

Antidepressant prescribing was highly associated with higher rates of mortality. However, we suspect that this is not a direct causal effect, but that antidepressant treatment is a marker of more severe and unsuccessfully treated depression.
Photoacoustic effect from an oscillating source in a one-dimensional resonator
Authors: Yan Xingchi , Song Siyuan , Diebold Gerald J.
Published: April 2024

Although the photoacoustic effect is most commonly generated by pulsed or amplitude modulated continuous optical sources, it is possible to generate acoustic waves by moving a constant amplitude, continuous light beam. If the light beam moves at the speed of sound, an amplification effect takes place which can be used in trace gas detection. Here, the properties of the photoacoustic effect are investigated for a continuous optical beam moving in a one-dimensional resonator. The solution shows the additive effects of sweeping the optical beam the length of the cell and back.
Honoring the Ancestors and Creator
Authors: Lee Ruthann
Published: April 2024

Contemporary feminist scholars problematize the difficulties of creating meaningful political alliances between Indigenous and diasporic communities in settler states such as Canada and the United States. This essay uses a relational framework to trace how two feminist artists, one Indigenous and one diasporic, creatively resist the ongoing and uneven conditions of settler colonial capitalism. The essay examines artwork by Tannis Nielsen, a midcareer Indigenous artist with Métis, Anishnawbe, and Danish ancestry, and Rosa Sungjoo Park, an emerging diasporic Korean artist with landed status in Canada. Taken together, the artists’ works offer fruitful opportunities to think through difficult questions about power, history, and representation on Turtle Island. Both Nielsen and Park engage “pedagogies of the Sacred” to honor ancestral traditions and spiritual practices while disrupting binary narratives of tradition vs. modernity. I contend that their creative use of digital media draws on lived experience, embodied knowledge, and spirituality to refuse colonialism’s hyper-individualism and imagine alternative worlds.
“A Rape of the Earth”
Authors: Knobblock Ina
Published: April 2024

This article is a Sámi feminist analysis of large-scale resource extraction in Sábme, the transnational Sámi territory spanning northern Fenno-Scandinavia and the Murmansk peninsula. Specifically, it centers on the mining of Indigenous land within the borders of the Swedish nation-state to explore the knowledge evolving from Sámi feminists engaged in the anti-mining struggle. Here, I argue that Indigenous epistemes—that is, the foregrounding of relationality and interdependency between land, humans, nonhuman beings, and the natural environment—are foundational to the research participants’ struggles against mining in Sábme. From within a Sámi knowledge system, mining entails fracturing the relational web of connection. Consequently, mining represents a multigenerational threat against the survival of Sámi body lands and lifeworlds.
Becoming “Welfare Island”
Authors: Briggs Laura
Published: April 2024

From the era of enslavement to contemporary structures of debt, governing entities and capital have denied state support to Puerto Ricans, demanding instead that payments flow from the archipelago first to Spain and then to the United States. While the US welfare state is notoriously stingy, even its limited benefits have never gone to Puerto Ricans on an equal basis to residents of the states. How, then, have Puerto Ricans been perennially accused of receiving too much welfare? This article argues that Puerto Rico marks the vanishing point of the coherence of the discourse of the “welfare queen” and reveals its underlying logic: it marks Black and impoverished people’s resistance, and the refusal to birth babies and raise children who are docile participants in the kind of labor force sought by capital. The “welfare queen,” generalized to the archipelago as a whole, marks rebellion and fugitivity.
Expression of steroidogenic enzymes in placentome of ewes with pregnancy toxemia after two parturition induction methods
Authors: Özalp G , Ortaç CT , Bozkurt B , Rişvanlı A , Aktar A , Yavuz A , Korlu Y , Şeker İ
Published: April 2024

The regulation pattern of important enzymes in placental steroidogenesis and prostaglandins in ewes with pregnancy toxemia is reviewed. The alterations of gene expressions after the administration of aglepristone and dexamethasone are also discussed. Four healthy and 22 ewes with pregnancy toxemia were included to the study. Group AG (n=9) and Group DEX (n=9) in which ewes were injected twice with 10 mg/kg of aglepristone and once with 5 ml dexamethasone, respectively; whereas negative control [Group CG (n=4)] and pregnancy toxemia [Group PT (n=4)] groups received no treatment for parturition induction. Placentomes were collected either right after parturition or C-section. mRNA extraction from total placentome, caruncle, cotyledon and caruncle part of placentomes was carried out and Real-Time PCR was performed. Serum samples were collected and cortisol, PGFM, PGE2 and estrone sulfate concentrations were measured after treatments until parturition. The lowest mRNA expressions of steroidogenic enzymes were detected in group PT. Interestingly similar expression pattern of steroidogenic enzymes in group AG was as similar as group PT. No difference was found in expressions of 3βHSD and CYP19. PTGS2/COX2 and PGFS mRNA expressions were statistically different between groups AG-DEX and in caruncle between groups, respectively (P<0.005). Significant difference could clearly be observed in EP3 expression in caruncle of DEX and AG compared to CG (P<0.005); however PTGES, EP1, EP2 and EP4 expressions were not statistically different among groups (P>0,05). Ostrone sulfate, PGE2 and PGFM concentrations were statistically different according to the sampling time between groups however no difference was observed in cortisol. The present study has suggests that the endocrinologic pathway controlling parturition is clearly different in ewes with pregnancy toxemia. Spontaneous parturition could occur as a consequence of immune and inflammatory processes, which could be activated by by-products of fat metabolism. Dexamethasone applications has mimicked normal parturition, however the gene expression regulations, controlling uterine contractions, are observed as similar as group PT. Probably expressions of EP1 and tissue-specific counter-expressions of cervical EP genes could refer the pathogenesis of insufficient cervical dilatation, observed in pregnancy toxemia and dexamethsone applications.
Eosinophilic Granulomatous Dermatitis Due to Hairy vetch (Vicia villosa Roth) Poisoning in a Holstein Cow
Authors: Eroksuz Y , Polat E , Akdeniz Incili C , Karabulut B , Sagliyan A , Eroksuz H
Published: April 2024

Eosinophilic granulomatous dermatitis is reported due to Hairy vetch (Vicia villosa Roth) consumption in a 3-year-old Holstein cow. Cow showed dermatitis over the face, neck and perineum in last 2-month of period.  Biopsy samples were taken surgically by local anestesia. The lesions were characterized by multifocal eosinophilic granulomatous dermatitis. Immunohistochemistry demonstrated a marked and diffuse and immunostaining CD3, whereas CD20 and CD68 staining were not so prominent. The plant-lesion relationship was well-established. After the owner stopped feeding the vetch, skin lesions were regressed 6 months later and completely resolved 12 months.
Long-term observations of feline meningoencephalitis of unknown etiology: clinical, CSF, and MRI findings
Authors: Yun T , Koo Y , Chae Y , Lee D , Park J , Son M , Kim H , Yang MP , Kang BT
Published: April 2024

A 4-year-old neutered female Turkish Angora cat presented with acute onset of obtundation, right-sided head turn, and rolling. On neurologic examination, postural reactions were found either absent or decreased in all four limbs. Cranial nerve examination, such as menace response, pupillary light, and oculocephalic reflex, showed absent or decreased results. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) demonstrated demarcated lesions in the thalamus and brainstem, which were marked hyperintense on T2-weighted and FLAIR images and isointense on T1-weighted images. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) nucleated cell count was markedly elevated (258 cells/µl) with a neutrophilic pattern. The CSF polymerase chain reaction for infectious agents was negative. Based on these results, a diagnosed of feline meningoencephalitis of unknown etiology (FMUE) was made. The cat was treated with prednisolone (3 mg/kg, twice a daily), which was gradually tapered off. The follow-up of clinical signs, MRI, and CSF analysis was performed at 33, 118, and 611 days after the initial therapy. At 33 days, abnormalities of clinical signs, MRI, and CSF almost disappeared. At 139 days, because all examinations showed normal findings, the treatment was stopped. At 611 days, the final examinations showed no remarkable findings. This is the first case describing changes in the clinical signs, MRI findings, and CSF analysis of FMUE with long-term follow-up.
A study of biochemical changes in river buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis) naturally infected with Anaplasma marginale
Authors: Jalali SM , Nikvand AA , Gharibi D , Razi Jalali M , Yazdkhasti M , Kaviani F
Published: April 2024

Anaplasma marginale as an intracellular rickettsia, endemic in tropical and subtropical regions of the world. This study was performed to determine A. marginale infection, molecularly, and to investigate its effects on some serum biochemical parameters in river buffaloes referred to Ahvaz abattoir, Southwest Iran. A total of 103 apparently healthy river buffaloes were randomly sampled. Whole blood samples were subjected to PCR analysis and blood smears were examined microscopically for the presence of Anaplasma inclusions. Serum biochemical parameters including total protein, albumin, glucose, urea, iron, total bilirubin, total cholesterol, Calcium, Phosphorus and Magnesium concentrations, aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activities and also serum electrolytes comprising Na and K were assessed. The results revealed that 16 and 32 samples were infected with A. marginale in microscopic and PCR assessment, respectively. Serum biochemical analysis showed no significant difference between A. marginale infected and non-infected buffalo groups. It can be concluded that infection with A. marginale does not lead to much pathogenicity in river buffaloes, so that in infected animals, no clinical signs or abnormalities in the performance indicators of various organs can be detected at the laboratory level. However, the role of this species as a reservoir of this microorganism in nature and in the epidemiology and transmission of anaplasmosis to other species remains significant. Buffaloes can be a substitute to raising cattle in regions with high occurrence of anaplasmosis.
Assessment of piscicidal effect of five toxicants for the eradication of weed fish Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus)
Authors: Aman S , Aftab B , Ahmad S
Published: April 2024

Unwanted or weed fish in aquaculture pond may affect the growth and development of cultured fish species. The current investigation aimed to assess the piscicidal effect of five commercial toxicants on weed fish, Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) for a short period. The fish was exposed to four concentrations (0.5, 1.0, 1.5, and 2.0 ppm) of dimethoate, pyrethroid lambda-cyhalothrin, cypermethrin, malathion, and Chillas along with control (without any toxicants) during a 48-hour static bioassay. Fish mortality and physicochemical parameters i.e., pH and dissolved oxygen (DO) of water were checked after every 8 hours. The pH of water varied from 3.46to 6.5 and DO range 2.70-5.66 during all experiments. After 48 hours of exposure, the maximum fish mortality was achieved by dimethoate (4.15, 8.30%), cypermethrin (4.16, 8.32%), malathion (4.0, 8.00%), and Chillas (4.0, 8.00%) at the highest applied concentration (2.0 ppm). While pyrethroid lambda-cyhalothrin showed the highest mortality at 1.5 ppm (4.16) with 8.32% as well as on 2.0 ppm (4.16, 8.32%). In conclusion, pyrethroid lambda-cyhalothrin was observed as the best toxicant as piscicide causing overall higher mortality on all applied concentrations. However, the long-term experiment is further needed to clarify the mortality trend and optimization of toxicants in a long-term experiment.