bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Tunnel Vision: A Novel Approach for Blood Clot Retrieval Using Cryotherapy through a Flexible Bronchoscope
Authors: Rodriguez Fernando Figueroa , Minhas Parminder , Youness Houssein A.
Published: November 2023

Cryoprobes inserted through a bronchoscope in the airways have frequently been used for the removal of foreign bodies and clots. We present a case of a 72-year-old man who presented with COVID-19 pneumonia and respiratory failure, requiring intubation and proning. During his stay, he developed pneumothoraces in the left hemithorax, which necessitated the placement of two large-bore chest tubes. However, the pneumothorax recurred. There was no air leak in either chest tube, and attempts to restore their patency through flushing or suctioning were unsuccessful. A disposable flexible bronchoscope was inserted into the chest tubes, allowing visualization of the source of occlusion and identification of a blood clot obstructing both tubes. These clots were successfully removed using a cryoprobe inserted through the working channel of the bronchoscope, leading to the restoration of chest tube patency and resolution of the pneumothorax.
Gossypol Affects Viral Replication by Inhibiting Pseudorabies Virus Adsorption
Authors: Bai Yilin , Su Bingqian , Cheng Xuan , Liu Qianwen , Zeng Lei , Fu Pengfei
Published: November 2023

Pseudorabies virus (PRV) has spread widely in swine herds since it was introduced into China, and PRV variants have appeared in many regions in China since 2011. Owing to the ongoing emergence of viral mutations, the protective efficacy of PRV vaccines faces great challenges. Gossypol is a polyphenolic natural compound purified from cotton roots, stems, or seeds. This study found that gossypol has a notable inhibitory effect on PRV. Based on the biological effects of gossypol, the anti-PRV effect of gossypol was studied from the aspects of mitochondrial damage, reactive oxygen species, energy metabolism, and autophagy. The results showed that gossypol had no direct inactivation effect on PRV in solution within concentrations of ≤3 µM; gossypol did not stimulate interferon-β to exert an anti-PRV effect by triggering mitochondrial DNA leakage; the anti-PRV effect of gossypol was reactive oxygen species and ATP-independent in cells; and the PRV-inhibitory effect of gossypol was independent of its induced autophagy. By adding gossypol to PRV-infected cells at different stages of infection and performing virus titer detection, atomic force microscopy, qPCR, fluorescence microscopy, and firefly luciferase activity assays, we found that gossypol exerted an anti-PRV effect by inhibiting the adsorption of PRV on the cell surface.
Bullying y cyberbullying en el contexto peruano (2017-2021): una revisión sistemática
Authors: Puma-Maque Oscar Carlos , Cárdenas-Zúñiga María del Carmen
Published: November 2023

(analytical)Bullying is a relevant social issue due to its negative impact on the health and well-being of those affected. Therefore, it is crucial to conduct a systematic review in Peru that encompasses previousresearch in this area. The objectives of this review are to identify, evaluate, and synthesize all relevant studies on bullying conducted in Peru between 2017 and 2021. For its presentation, the PRISMA 2020 guidelines were employed, drawing upon the databases WoS, Scopus, ScienceDirect, Scielo, Redalyc, and PubMed. After completing the searches and applying the criteria, 11 articles were selected. The results were grouped into three factors: environmental, personal, and psychological, which provide a comprehensive understanding of bullying in the Peruvian context. Possible implications for future research are discussed.
Keywords: Violence; student behavior; peer abuse; harassment; systematic literature review.
Revisiting the Plantation Society: The New World Group and the Critique of Capitalism
Authors: Timcke Scott
Published: November 2023

This paper examines the critique of capitalism provided by the New World Group. Emerging from the West Indian Society for the Study of Social Issues at The University of The West Indies, Mona, the Group was formed in 1963 specifically to address the reconfiguration of social and political forces in the wake of Caribbean territories gaining formal independence from European colonial powers. This reconfiguration went beyond matters of political economy, and included psychological and ideological reworkings, all items necessary to evaluate the kinds of societies West Indians could strive for. Set within intra-Marxist debates on early capitalist development, this paper focuses on the collaboration and creative tensions between Norman Girvan, George Beckford, and Lloyd Best as they helped one another construct their respective political philosophy, social theory, and economic analysis of the logic of plantation societies, which while incomplete from our vantage point, did mostly capture the historical dynamics found in the Caribbean.
Knowing War
Authors: Suchman Lucy
Published: November 2023

This commentary reflects on contributions to the pariss special issue Datawar. My readings highlight the implications of war’s remediations for practices through which it is rendered knowable. Critical engagement with martial epistemologies requires an articulation of the irremediable locatedness and partiality of knowledge practices, and the fallacy of data-solutionism as the latest promise of an end to ‘the fog of war.’ I conclude with some reflections on the possibilities that these writings suggest for counter-knowledges that might further destabilize military logics, to open spaces for modes of relation not based on the violence of claims to omniscience.
A novel three-layer woven fabric composite reinforced by (polyaniline + carbonyl iron) core-shell/carbonyl iron/polyaniline fillers for high-performance broadband radar absorbing structure
Authors: Danesh Mohammad , Beheshti Hamid , Heidari-Rarani Mohammad
Published: November 2023

One of the most important applications of electromagnetic wave absorption is in stealth aircrafts and electromagnetic protection of avionic systems. The main limitations in the design of these structures are aerodynamics, thickness or weight, mechanical strength, manufacturing process, and reasonable cost. In this study, a novel three-layer woven fabric composite laminate (with a total thickness of about 3 mm) is proposed which each layer is reinforced by individual polyaniline, carbonyl iron, or (PANI + CI) core-shell fillers. The developed Non-dominated Sorting Genetic Algorithm II optimization algorithm suggests the stacking sequence of layers, the appropriate thickness of each layer, and the filler weight fraction in each layer to achieve a broadband absorption. Due to using both dielectric and magnetic absorbing fillers, this structure shows well-impedance matching and approximately absorbs 80% of the X-band (8-12 GHz) electromagnetic waves. The maximum reflection loss is about −14dB. Finally, the effect of the addition of absorbent particles on the mechanical properties has been investigated. Experimental results showed that the tensile modulus and strength decrease by about 21.5% and 20.6%, respectively, and the flexural modulus and strength reduce by 21.7% and 19.7%, respectively. However, the (PANI + CI) core-shell filler can be introduced as a high performance absorber filler because it suggests maximum reflection loss with low weight fraction compared to other fillers and consequently the minimum reduction in mechanical properties.
Nothing new under the sun: the Five Scrolls read Houellebecq
Authors: Goldingay John
Published: November 2023

The novels of Michel Houellebecq and the Five Scrolls in the Jewish Scriptures are mutually illuminating in their portrayal of human life in the context of a secular or post-secular world with its wistfulness about meaning and about God.
‘Living the liturgical action’: some principles for Christian liturgical formation in Desiderio desideravi
Authors: Salisbury Matthew Cheung
Published: November 2023

This article introduces the key principles of Desiderio desideravi, Pope Francis’s 2022 Apostolic Letter on liturgical formation. The Letter is read in the context of the liturgical renewal associated with the Second Vatican Council and the more recent rise and suppression of the Extraordinary Form of the Roman Rite and the aesthetic and theological discourse surrounding it. I argue that the themes of this discourse are not unique to the Catholic Church, and the Pope’s call to imagine afresh the realms of the theological sense of the liturgy, the need for ‘serious and vital’ liturgical formation, and the refinement and development of the ars celebrandi are important appeals to the whole Body of Christ, especially in the context of the celebration of the Eucharist.
Examining the Context and Content of Organizational Solidarity Statements on Black Americans’ Expectations of Identity Safety
Authors: Derricks Veronica , Pietri Eva S. , Dinh Tuyen , Johnson India R.
Published: November 2023

Despite the increasing use of organizational solidarity statements following instances of social injustice, little-to-no research has examined whether these statements signal inclusion for minoritized groups. The present work investigates how different types of solidarity statements affect Black Americans’ sense of identity safety and assesses mechanisms underlying their responses. Across three online experiments, Black Americans recruited from Prolific Academic ( N = 1,668) saw solidarity statements from a fictional organization that were either written in response to a race-related event at the societal level (e.g., George Floyd’s murder; Studies 1–2) or an instance of racism occurring at the organizational level (Study 3). The statements were manipulated on three dimensions: acknowledgment of systemic racism, acknowledgment of organizational racism, and inclusion of concrete actions to address racism (Study 2). Findings showed that statements which acknowledged systemic racism or included actions to address racism were more likely to increase identity safety, whereas statements acknowledging racist organizational practices were relatively less effective at promoting identity safety. Feelings of identity safety emerged via decreased perceptions that the organization was engaging in performative allyship and/or increased perceptions of procedural fairness. Collectively, findings elucidate features of organizational solidarity statements that are more (versus less) effective for promoting identity safety among Black Americans.
How New Mothers’ and Fathers’ Allocation of Tasks Relate to Their Coparenting Relationship
Authors: Martin Esmeralda , Dahlin Melissa , Ocampo Clarielisa , Reich Stephanie M. , Cabrera Natasha
Published: November 2023

New parents must decide how to divide household, childcare, and financial responsibilities. These divisions can be difficult, especially when couples’ wants do not align. Interviewing ethnically and racially diverse new parents ( n = 198 couples), we explore how parents’ desired allocation of childcare, household, and financial tasks differ from perceived distribution and whether discrepancies relate to coparenting relationship quality. All parents perceived mothers doing more housework and childcare and fathers contributing more financially. When women reported doing more housework and childcare than wanted, coparenting relationship quality was lower. For women, discrepancies between what they and their partners report was associated with lower coparenting relationship quality. Findings reflect traditional gender roles among new parents and women’s desire for their partners to take on more household and childcare work. Such findings can help inform parenting interventions for new parents, encouraging communication between partners about the division of tasks to support their coparenting relationship.
MYL9 promotes squamous cervical cancer migration and invasion by enhancing aerobic glycolysis
Authors: Wen Bin , Luo Limei , Zeng Zhaoyang , Luo Xiping
Published: November 2023

Objective

This study explored the mechanism of squamous cervical cancer (SCC) progression.

Methods

Reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction and western blotting were used to evaluate the expression of myosin light chain 9 ( MYL9) in SCC tissues and cell lines. Furthermore, Transwell and Boyden assays were used to assess the function of MYL9 in SCC progression. In addition, the levels of lactate and aerobic glycolysis were used to explore the detailed mechanism of MYL9 in SCC.

Results

The mRNA and protein levels of MYL9 were elevated in SCC tissues, and MYL9 knockdown inhibited the migration and invasion of SCC cell lines. A mechanistic study demonstrated that MYL9 promotes SCC migration and invasion by enhancing aerobic glycolysis and increasing the activity of the Janus kinase 2 (JAK2)/signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) pathway.

Conclusions

MYL9 was upregulated in SCC, and it enhanced JAK2/STAT3 pathway activity and promoted metastasis and glycolysis in SCC.
Impact of Care-Recipient Relationship Type on Quality of Life in Community-Dwelling Older Adults With Dementia Over Time
Authors: Lai Aiping , Griffith Lauren E , Kuspinar Ayse , Turchyn Jenna-Smith , Richardson Julie
Published: November 2023

Introduction

Maintaining quality of life (QoL) has been identified as the primary goal of care services for person living with dementia (PLWD).

Methods

A secondary analysis was conducted on five rounds of the National Health and Aging Trends Study (NHATS) over 4 years. A generalized estimating equation (GEE) was used to examine the prediction of relationship type on older adults’ QoL through four domains: mental health, general health, functional limitations, and pain.

Results

older adults cared for by an adult-child or multiple caregivers predicted increased risk for functional limitations after adjustment for their socio-demographic and dementia status (IRR = 1.53, CI [1.26, 1.86]; IRR = 1.36, CI [1.14, 1.61], respectively). The interaction between the relationship type and education was significant. Older adults with a high school education or below, who were cared for by an adult child, had a significantly higher risk of increasing functional limitations over 4 years compared to those cared for by a spouse/partner (contrast = .50, P = .01, 95% CI [.07, .93]; contrast=.52, P = .03, 95% CI [.03, 1.02]; respectively). Similarly, older adults with a high school education, who were cared for by multiple caregivers, also experienced a significantly higher risk of increasing functional limitations than those cared for by a spouse/partner (contrast = .44, P = .03, 95% CI [.02, .85]).

Conclusion

Our findings provide evidence of the significant contribution of relationship type on PLWD’s QoL changes over time. They also help to prioritize resource allocation while addressing PLWD’s demands by socio-demographics such as education level.
Integrative analysis of renal microRNA and mRNA to identify hub genes and pivotal pathways associated with cyclosporine-induced acute kidney injury in mice
Authors: Yang Qiaoling , Wang Xunjiang , Li Hongjing , Yin Xuedong , Liu Hongxia , Hu Wenjuan , Qing Ying , Ding Lili , Yang Li , Li Zhiling , Sun Huajun
Published: November 2023

Cyclosporine (CsA) is an immunosuppressive agent that often causes acute kidney injury (AKI) in children. The specific mechanisms underlying CsA-induced AKI are currently unknown. This study used an integrated network analysis of microRNA (miRNA) and mRNA expression profiles, biochemical and pathological analyses to further investigate these potential mechanisms of CsA-induced AKI. Small RNA sequence analysis identified 25 differentially expressed miRNAs, RNA sequencing analysis identified 4,109 differentially expressed mRNAs. We obtained a total of 4,367 target genes from the 25 differentially expressed miRNAs based on three algorithms, including the Mirdb, Mirtarbase, and TargetScan. 971 target genes overlapped between the 4,367 target genes and 4,109 differentially expressed mRNAs were identified for further bioinformatics analysis. Finally, 30 hub genes and two main modules were recognized. Functional enrichment analysis of 30 hub genes indicated that inflammation and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) related genes were mainly concentrated together. Pathway analysis revealed that the PI3K-Akt signaling pathway plays an integral role in CsA-induced AKI. Network analysis identified 3 important miRNAs, mmu‐miR-17b‐5p, mmu-miR-19b-3p, and mmu-mir-423-5p that may further promote the development of inflammatory responses and EMT by mediating a complex network of factors. Our research provides a clearer understanding the molecular mechanism of this specific drug-induced AKI by CsA use, which is useful for discovering potential targets for gene therapies, and drug development in CsA-induced AKI.
Acoustic adjustments of clear speech in Korean heritage vowel production
Authors: Chang Seung-Eun
Published: November 2023

Aims and objectives:

This study aims to explore the segmental and suprasegmental acoustic adjustments in the clear speech of Korean vowels produced by English-dominant Korean-heritage speakers and native Korean speakers.

Methodology:

Native Korean students at a university in the United States and Korean-American students enrolled in an intermediate Korean language course at the same university read isolated sentences featuring three representative Korean vowels (i.e., /i, a, u/), once in casual speech, and once in clear speech. They repeated this sequence five times.

Data and analysis:

The vowel space of the first and second formants (F1 and F2) in the clear speech was expanded for both heritage and native speakers, and the heritage vowel space was more fronted than the native vowel space, suggesting the influence of English among heritage speakers. However, the peripheral extent and direction in the clear speech and the dominant language effect in heritage speakers were inconsistent across the vowels. Also, pitch dynamics were highly significant in clear speech, exhibiting the salient fundamental frequency (F0) rising at the syllable offset for both heritage and native speakers. The vowel length enhancement in the clear speech was also confirmed in both native and heritage Korean vowels.

Conclusions:

The results confirmed the cross-language tendency in clear speech to induce the modification of vowel quality, pitch, and duration, which also applies to Korean heritage vowel production. Furthermore, the asymmetrical acoustic modifications across the vowels in heritage clear speech support the Speech Learning Model (SLM) prediction.

Originality and implications:

The findings present new data for the clear speech effects of Korean heritage vowel production and a further enhancement strategy of syllable offset pitch raising in clear speech for both native and heritage groups. The results contribute to the theoretical implication of bilingualism by connecting the SLM premise and heritage clear speech.
A feminism of the soul? Postfeminism, postsecular feminism and contemporary feminine spiritualities
Authors: Poutiainen Ella
Published: November 2023

Increasingly popular ‘feminine spiritualities’ urge women to foster personal transformation and social change through spiritual empowerment and healing of ‘the feminine’. However, in spite of feminist undertones, feminism is rarely explicitly evoked, and is often even rejected. Gender scholars have debated over the ambivalent feminism of contemporary spiritualities, which are readily seen as closer to postfeminist rather than feminist ideals, or framed as a form of old-fashioned cultural feminism. While some recent analyses do explore the feminist potential of feminine spiritualities in more positive terms, the debates often lack practitioner perspectives on feminism and deeper considerations of the practitioners’ own self-definitions. Based on ethnographic interview material across Finnish and Anglo-American contexts, this article explores how adherents of feminine spirituality imagine feminism, and whether they consider their spirituality to be feminist or not and why. I argue that while practitioners hold varying, often ambiguous positions in relation to feminism, the narratives iterate shared themes that render feminism and feminine spirituality as incompatible: an emphasis on femininity over feminism, and a focus on spirituality instead of politics. Furthermore, practitioners critique mainstream feminism for being too secular, while often simultaneously agreeing with feminist criticisms of both cultural feminist and postfeminist ideals. I suggest that failing to take the voices of spiritual women into account prevents constructive dialogue and solidarity among secular and spiritual feminists as well as non-feminist women, and offers little room for emerging postsecular feminist identities.
Prevalence, patterns, and predictors of patient-reported non-motor outcomes at 30 days after acute stroke: Prospective observational hospital cohort study
Authors: Ozkan Hatice , Ambler Gareth , Banerjee Gargi , Browning Simone , Leff Alex P , Ward Nick S , Simister Robert J , Werring David J
Published: November 2023

Background:

Adverse non-motor outcomes are common after acute stroke and likely to substantially affect quality of life, yet few studies have comprehensively assessed their prevalence, patterns, and predictors across multiple health domains.

Aims:

We aimed to identify the prevalence, patterns, and the factors associated with non-motor outcomes 30 days after stroke.

Methods:

This prospective observational hospital cohort study—Stroke Investigation in North and Central London (SIGNAL)—identified patients with acute ischemic stroke or intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) admitted to the Hyperacute Stroke Unit (HASU) at University College Hospital (UCH), London, between August 1, 2018 and August 31, 2019. We assessed non-motor outcomes (anxiety, depression, fatigue, sleep, participation in social roles and activities, pain, bowel function, and bladder function) at 30-day follow-up using the Patient-Reported Outcome Measurement Information System-Version 29 (PROMIS-29) scale and Barthel Index scale.

Results:

We obtained follow-up data for 605/719 (84.1%) eligible patients (mean age 72.0 years; 48.3% female; 521 with ischemic stroke, 84 with ICH). Anxiety (57.0%), fatigue (52.7%), bladder dysfunction (50.2%), reduced social participation (49.2%), and pain (47.9%) were the commonest adverse non-motor outcomes. The rates of adverse non-motor outcomes in ⩾ 1, ⩾ 2 and ⩾ 3 domains were 89%, 66.3%, and 45.8%, respectively; in adjusted analyses, stroke due to ICH (compared to ischemic stroke) and admission stroke severity were the strongest and most consistent predictors. There were significant correlations between bowel dysfunction and bladder dysfunction (κ = 0.908); reduced social participation and bladder dysfunction (κ = 0.844); and anxiety and fatigue (κ = 0.613). We did not identify correlations for other pairs of non-motor domains.

Conclusion:

Adverse non-motor outcomes were very common at 30 days after stroke, affecting nearly 90% of evaluated patients in at least one health domain, about two-thirds in two or more domains, and almost 50% in three or more domains. Stroke due to ICH and admission stroke severity were the strongest and most consistent predictors. Adverse outcomes occurred in pairs of domains, such as with anxiety and fatigue. Our findings emphasize the importance of a multi-domain approach to effectively identify adverse non-motor outcomes after stroke to inform the development of more holistic patient care pathways after stroke.
CF33-hNIS-anti-PD-L1 oncolytic virus followed by trastuzumab-deruxtecan in a patient with metastatic triple negative breast cancer: a case study
Authors: Yuan Yuan , Egelston Colt , Colunga Flores Oscar , Chaurasiya Shyambabu , Lin David , Chang Helen , Chong Leslie Mi Ok , Seiz Amanda , Shah Monil , Meisen W. Hans , Tang Aileen , Martinez Norma , Pickett Wichanee , Murga Mireya , Yost Susan E. , Stewart Daphne , Zhang Jianying , Ede Nicholas , Modi Badri , Kessler Jonathan , Rand Jamie , Fong Yuman
Published: November 2023

Prognosis of metastatic triple negative breast cancer (mTNBC) remains poor despite recent advances in therapeutic options. Trastuzumab deruxtecan (T-DXd) has shown promising efficacy in patients with human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)-low breast cancer, which is defined by immunohistochemistry (IHC) 1+ or 2+ and lack of HER2 amplification by fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) testing. The purpose of the study is to evaluate the safety and initial evidence of efficacy of intratumoral administration of CF33-hNIS-anti-PD-L1 (CHECKvacc) against mTNBC. Oncolytic virus CHECKvacc intratumoral injection is currently undergoing investigation in patients with mTNBC as a single agent (NCT05081492). The patient was enrolled on the clinical trial CHECKvacc for the Treatment of Metastatic Triple Negative Breast Cancer, received a single dose of CHECKvacc, and discontinued the study due to lack of immediate response. We report a case of a patient with mTNBC who was heavily pretreated and presented with extensive dermal metastasis. Two dermal metastasis biopsies in 2021 showed HER2 0 by IHC. The patient received a single dose of CHECKvacc and discontinued the study due to lack of immediate response. Twenty-five days later, the patient received treatment with T-DXd, and her tumor regressed significantly. The patient’s disease-free survival was 10 months (December 2021–October 2022). The sequential treatment with intratumoral injection of CHECKvacc followed by T-DXd may have significant clinical activity in select patients with heavily pretreated mTNBC. ClinicalTrials.gov NCT05081492.
Breaking the Invisible Chains With Policy: How Insurance Companies Can Help End Human Trafficking in the Hotel Industry
Authors: Ludlow John , Paraskevas Alexandros
Published: November 2023

Human trafficking in the hotel industry represents a hidden threat that demands decisive action. Despite public commitments, the sector’s initiatives remain inconsistent, and a wave of lawsuits imposes both financial and reputational risks. Through analysis of relevant legislation and case law, the article demonstrates hotels’ potential liability as venues enabling trafficking. However, inconsistent self-regulation and lawsuits reveal limited progress. The authors advocate for insurance companies to play a pivotal role in combatting human trafficking in the hotel industry by strategically adjusting coverage provisions. They trace the historical influence of insurers on the trajectory of slavery when 18th-century British insurers’ actions contributed to the rise of abolitionism and argue that similar private regulation today can incentivize hotels’ proactive measures against trafficking. The article proposes that insurers possess diverse tools, including exclusions, premium adjustments, auditing, and loss prevention, to compel action rather than complacency. Mandated self-insured retentions can also hold hotels financially accountable for their negligence. However, relying solely on pricing alterations faces challenges due to market competition and inconsistent judicial rulings on liability exclusions. Ultimately, addressing this complex issue requires a collaborative, multi-stakeholder approach. Government fines and prosecutions can further incentivize self-disclosure and cooperation, while publicized settlements can promote transparency and empower consumers to make informed choices for hotel venues. This combined framework can transition hotels from passive enablers to active contributors in the fight against human trafficking, fulfilling their duty of care and catalyzing meaningful progress against human exploitation.
Demand-Side and Supply-Side Determinants of Financial Inclusion in Indian States: Evidence from Post-Liberalization Period
Authors: Barik Rajesh , Lenka Sanjaya Kumar
Published: November 2023

An initiative of financial inclusion helps to boost the economies of poorer regions and countries. Also, greater financial inclusion is a prime driver for attaining social inclusion in most of the developing nations across the globe. So, the main purpose of this article is to investigate the determinants of financial inclusion from both demand- and supply-side variables in Indian states during the post-liberalization periods (1993–2015). Furthermore, the study uses different econometric models such as fixed effect, random effect, panel-corrected standard errors, and feasible generalized least squares for analysis purpose. The empirical findings of this study suggest that among the demand-side factors, literacy and per capita state GDP have a positive impact on financial inclusion, whereas other two variables like rate of unemployment and percentage of rural population have a negative impact on financial inclusion. Likewise, from the supply-side factors, our empirical findings depict that all four variables (i.e., road length, electricity supply, social sector expenditure, and capital receipt) have a positive and significant effect on financial inclusion in the post-liberalized Indian states.
Fellows Corner: QUIZ
Authors: Nagula Praveen , Parvathareddy Krishna Mala Konda Reddy
Published: November 2023

20 questions in basic sciences, drug interactions, imaging, important signs, advances, and congenital heart disease are presented. The answers are given after the questions.
Role of environmental specificity in CASP results
Authors: Roterman Irena , Stapor Katarzyna , Konieczny Leszek
Published: November 2023

Background

Recently, significant progress has been made in the field of protein structure prediction by the application of artificial intelligence techniques, as shown by the results of the CASP13 and CASP14 (Critical Assessment of Structure Prediction) competition. However, the question of the mechanism behind the protein folding process itself remains unanswered. Correctly predicting the structure also does not solve the problem of, for example, amyloid proteins, where a polypeptide chain with an unaltered sequence adopts a different 3D structure.

Results

This work was an attempt at explaining the structural variation by considering the contribution of the environment to protein structuring. The application of the fuzzy oil drop (FOD) model to assess the validity of the selected models provided in the CASP13, CASP14 and CASP15 projects reveals the need for an environmental factor to determine the 3D structure of proteins. Consideration of the external force field in the form of polar water (Fuzzy Oil Drop) and a version modified by the presence of the hydrophobic compounds, FOD-M (FOD-Modified) reveals that the protein folding process is environmentally dependent. An analysis of selected models from the CASP competitions indicates the need for structure prediction as dependent on the consideration of the protein folding environment.

Conclusions

The conditions governed by the environment direct the protein folding process occurring in a certain environment. Therefore, the variation of the external force field should be taken into account in the models used in protein structure prediction.
Development of a robust TaqMan probe-based one-step multiplex RT-qPCR for simultaneous detection of SARS-CoV-2 and Influenza A/B viruses
Authors: Abbasi Hamidreza , Nikoo Hadi Razavi , Fotouhi Fatemeh , Khosravi Ayyoob
Published: November 2023

Background

During the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, the simultaneous detection of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and Influenza A, and Influenza B viruses is essential for rapid differential diagnosis in patients with similar symptoms, especially during “flu season” in the post-pandemic era. So far, several multiplex methods have been approved for the simultaneous detection of SARS-CoV-2, Influenza A, and Influenza B. However, due to the rapid mutation rate of the SARS-CoV-2 genome and the emergence of new variants, existing methods must be improved and updated.

Methods

To identify a highly conserved region in the SARS-CoV-2 N-gene, a genomic survey was performed to increase the sensitivity and specificity of primer and probe sets targeting the SARS-CoV-2 genome. The 95% LLOD (95% lower limits of detection) were calculated by probit analysis. A total of 70 predetermined clinical samples using singleplex RT-qPCR assays, were included. The clinical performance of the multiplex RT-qPCR assay was determined and compared with a commercial multiplex kit. The Cohen’s kappa coefficient, P-value (McNemar’s test), Passing-Bablok regression, and Bland Altman agreement analysis were determined to monitor the agreement of the assays.

Results

The novel SARS-CoV-2 primer and probe set designed in this assay was able to detect all variants of concern (VOCs) and variants of interest (VOIs) with high analytical and clinical performance. The 95% LLOD for the multiplex RT-qPCR was 20 copies per reaction for the N gene of SARS-CoV-2, 2 copies per reaction for M1 gene of Influenza A and NS1 gene of Influenza B. The diagnostic sensitivity of the multiplex RT-qPCR was 94.4%, 93.7%, and 100% for the detection of SARS-CoV-2, Influenza A, and Influenza B genomes, respectively. Moreover, the specificity was identical (100%) in both assays. According to the agreement analysis results, there was no statistical difference between our multiplex assay and the commercial kit.

Conclusions

In this study, we developed a novel in-house made multiplex RT-qPCR assay, with high sensitivity, specificity, and reliability for the diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2 infection in clinical samples. This is valuable during Influenza seasons when influenza co-circulates with SARS-CoV-2, as it saves costs, time, and thus specific and timely treatment of patients.
First identification and coinfection detection of Enterocytozoon bieneusi, Encephalitozoon spp., Cryptosporidium spp. and Giardia duodenalis in diarrheic pigs in Southwest China
Authors: Ghebremichael Samson Teweldeberhan , Meng Xianzhi , Yang Yujiao , Andegiorgish Amanuel Kidane , Wu Zongrun , Chen Jie , Wei Junhong , Li Tian , Bao Jialing , Zhou Zeyang , Pan Guoqing
Published: November 2023

Background

Enterocytozoon bieneusi, Encephalitozoon spp., Cryptosporidium spp., and Giardia duodenalis (G. intestinalis) are enteric pathogens that cause diarrhea in pigs. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of these enteric parasites and their coinfection with E. bieneusi in diarrheic pigs in Southwest China (Chongqing and Sichuan) using nested polymerase chain reaction (nPCR) based methods.

Results

A total of 514 fecal samples were collected from diarrheic pigs from 14 pig farms in Chongqing (five farms) and Sichuan (nine farms) Provinces. The prevalence of Encephalitozoon spp., Cryptosporidium spp. and G. duodenalis was 16.14% (83/514), 0% (0/514), and 8.95% (46/514), respectively. Nested PCR revealed 305 mono-infections of E. bieneusi, six of E. cuniculi, two of E. hellem, and nine of G. duodenalis and 106 concurrent infections of E. bieneusi with the other enteric pathogens. No infections of E. intestinalis and Cryptosporidium species were detected. The highest coinfection was detected between E. bieneusi and E. cuniculi (10.5%, 54/514), followed by E. bieneusi and G. duodenalis (5.8%, 30/514) and E. bieneusi and E. hellem (2.9%, 15/514). E. bieneusi was the most frequently detected enteric pathogen, followed by E. cuniculi, G. duodenalis and E. hellem. There was a significant age-related difference in the prevalence of E. cuniculi in fattening pigs (χ2 = 15.266, df = 3, P = 0.002) and G. duodenalis in suckling pigs (χ2 = 11.92, df = 3, P = 0.008) compared with the other age groups. Sequence analysis of the ITS region of Encephalitozoon species showed two genotypes (II and III) for E. cuniculi and one (TURK1B) for E. hellem. Only G. duodenalis assemblage A was identified in all nested PCR-positive samples. E. bieneusi was found more often than other enteric pathogens.

Conclusions

This study showed that E. bieneusi, Encephalitozoon spp. [E. cuniculi and E. hellem] and G. duodenalis were common enteric parasites in diarrheic pigs in Chongqing and Sichuan Provinces. In case of both mono-infection and coinfection, E. bieneusi was the most common enteric pathogen in diarrheic pigs. Thus, it may be a significant cause of diarrhea in pigs. Precautions should be taken to prevent the spread of these enteric parasites.
Expression of OsHARBI1-1 enhances the tolerance of Arabidopsis thaliana to cadmium
Authors: Jiang Nan , Shi Yang , Li Mingyu , Du Zhiye , Chen Ji , Jiang Wenjun , Huang Yanyan , Zhong Min , Yang Ju , Hu Binhua , Huang Jin
Published: November 2023

Background

As one of the major food crops in the world, rice is vulnerable to cadmium (Cd) pollution. Understanding of the molecular mechanisms of Cd uptake, transport and detoxification in rice is essential for the breeding of low-Cd rice. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying the response of rice to Cd stress remains to be further clarified.

Results

In this study, a novel Cd-responsive gene OsHARBI1-1 was identified in the rice genome and its expression pattern and function were characterized. Bioinformatics analysis showed that the promoter region of OsHARBI1-1 had multiple cis-acting elements in response to phytohormones and stress, and the expression of OsHARBI1-1 was induced by phytohormones. OsHARBI1-1 protein was targeted to the nucleus. qRT-PCR analysis results showed that the expression of OsHARBI1-1 in the roots was repressed while the expression in the shoots was increased under Cd stress. Heterologous expression of OsHARBI1-1 in yeast conferred tolerance to Cd and reduced Cd content in the cells. Meanwhile, the expression of OsHARBI1-1 in Arabidopsis thaliana (A. thaliana) enhanced the tolerance of A. thaliana to Cd stress. In addition, compared with the wild type plants, the POD activity of transgenic plants was increased, while the SOD and CAT activities were decreased. Interestingly, the accumulation of Cd in the roots of A. thaliana expressing OsHARBI1-1 was significantly increased, whereas the Cd accumulation in the shoots was slightly decreased. Compared to the WT plants, the expression of genes related to Cd absorption and chelation was upregulated in transgenic A. thaliana under Cd stress, while the expression of genes responsible for the translocation of Cd from the roots to the shoots was downregulated. Moreover, the expression of phytohormone-related genes was significantly influenced by the expression of OsHARBI1-1 with and without Cd treatment.

Conclusions

Findings of this study suggest that OsHARBI1-1 might play a role in the response of plants to Cd response by affecting antioxidant enzyme activities, Cd chelation, absorption and transport, and phytohormone homeostasis and signaling.
Impact of a positive end-expiratory pressure strategy on oxygenation, respiratory compliance, and hemodynamics during laparoscopic surgery in non-obese patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Yessenbayeva Gulfairus A. , Yukhnevich Yekaterina A. , Khamitova Zaukiya K. , Kim Sergey I. , Zhumabayev Murat B. , Berdiyarova Gulbanu S. , Shalekenov Sanzhar B. , Mukatova Irina Y. , Yaroshetskiy Andrey I.
Published: November 2023

Background

Higher positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) during laparoscopic surgery may increase oxygenation and respiratory compliance. This meta-analysis aimed to compare the impact of different intraoperative PEEP strategies on arterial oxygenation, compliance, and hemodynamics during laparoscopic surgery in non-obese patients.

Methods

We searched RCTs in PubMed, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, and Google Scholar from January 2012 to April 2022 comparing the different intraoperative PEEP (Low PEEP (LPEEP): 0–4 mbar; Moderate PEEP (MPEEP): 5–8 mbar; high PEEP (HPEEP): >8 mbar; individualized PEEP - iPEEP) on arterial oxygenation, respiratory compliance (Cdyn), mean arterial pressure (MAP), and heart rate (HR). We calculated mean differences (MD) with 95% confidence intervals (CI), and predictive intervals (PI) using random-effects models. The Cochrane Bias Risk Assessment Tool was applied.

Results

21 RCTs (n = 1554) met the inclusion criteria. HPEEP vs. LPEEP increased PaO2 (+ 29.38 [16.20; 42.56] mmHg, p < 0.0001) or PaO2/FiO2 (+ 36.7 [+ 2.23; +71.70] mmHg, p = 0.04). HPEEP vs. MPEEP increased PaO2 (+ 22.00 [+ 1.11; +42.88] mmHg, p = 0.04) or PaO2/FiO2 (+ 42.7 [+ 2.74; +82.67] mmHg, p = 0.04). iPEEP vs. MPEEP increased PaO2/FiO2 (+ 115.2 [+ 87.21; +143.20] mmHg, p < 0.001). MPEEP vs. LPEP, and HPEEP vs. MPEEP increased PaO2 or PaO2/FiO2 significantly with different heterogeneity. HPEEP vs. LPEEP increased Cdyn (+ 7.87 [+ 1.49; +14.25] ml/mbar, p = 0.02). MPEEP vs. LPEEP, and HPEEP vs. MPEEP did not impact Cdyn (p = 0.14 and 0.38, respectively). iPEEP vs. LPEEP decreased driving pressure (-4.13 [-2.63; -5.63] mbar, p < 0.001). No significant differences in MAP or HR were found between any subgroups.

Conclusion

HPEEP and iPEEP during PNP in non-obese patients could promote oxygenation and increase Cdyn without clinically significant changes in MAP and HR. MPEEP could be insufficient to increase respiratory compliance and improve oxygenation. LPEEP may lead to decreased respiratory compliance and worsened oxygenation.

Prospero registration

CRD42022362379; registered October 09, 2022.
Optimal trial design selection: a comparative analysis between two-arm and three-arm trials incorporating network meta-analysis for evaluating a new treatment
Authors: Ye Fangshu , Wang Chong , O’Connor Annette M.
Published: November 2023

Background

Planning the design of a new trial comparing two treatments already in a network of trials with an a-priori plan to estimate the effect size using a network meta-analysis increases power or reduces the sample size requirements. However, when the comparison of interest is between a treatment already in the existing network (old treatment) and a treatment that hasn’t been studied previously (new treatment), the impact of leveraging information from the existing network to inform trial design has not been extensively investigated. We aim to identify the most powerful trial design for a comparison of interest between an old treatment A and a new treatment Z, given a fixed total sample size. We consider three possible designs: a two-arm trial between A and Z (’direct two-arm’), a two-arm trial between another old treatment B and Z (’indirect two-arm’), and a three-arm trial among A, B, and Z.

Methods

We compare the standard error of the estimated effect size between treatments A and Z for each of the three trial designs using formulas. For continuous outcomes, the direct two-arm trial always has the largest power, while for a binary outcome, the minimum variances among the three trial designs are conclusive only when $$p_A(1-p_A) \ge p_B(1-p_B)$$

p
A

(
1
-

p
A

)

≥

p
B

(
1
-

p
B

)

. Simulation studies are conducted to demonstrate the potential for the indirect two-arm and three-arm trials to outperform the direct two-arm trial in terms of power under the condition of $$p_A(1-p_A) < p_B(1-p_B)$$

p
A

(
1
-

p
A

)

<

p
B

(
1
-

p
B

)

.

Results

Based on the simulation results, we observe that the indirect two-arm and three-arm trials have the potential to be more powerful than a direct two-arm trial only when $$p_A(1-p_A) < p_B(1-p_B)$$

p
A

(
1
-

p
A

)

<

p
B

(
1
-

p
B

)

. This power advantage is influenced by various factors, including the risk of the three treatments, the total sample size, and the standard error of the estimated effect size from the existing network meta-analysis.

Conclusions

The standard two-arm trial design between two treatments in the comparison of interest may not always be the most powerful design. Utilizing information from the existing network meta-analysis, incorporating an additional old treatment into the trial design through an indirect two-arm trial or a three-arm trial can increase power.
Multi-disciplinary cooperation for the micro-elimination of hepatitis C in China: a hospital-based experience
Authors: Zheng Lingling , Zhang Xiaoli , Nian Yuxia , Zhou Wenjuan , Li Dan , Wu Yong
Published: November 2023

Background

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is one of the main causes of liver cancer and imposes an enormous social and economic burden. The blood-borne virus screening policy for preventing iatrogenic infections renders hospitals important for identifying individuals infected with hepatitis C. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the establishment of a multi-disciplinary cooperation model in medical institutions to leverage the screening results of patients with hepatitis C. Our objective is to ensure that patients receive timely and effective diagnosis and treatment, thereby enabling the elimination of hepatitis C by 2030.

Method

A multi-disciplinary cooperation model was established in October 2021. This retrospective study was based on the establishment of antibody-positive and HCV RNA-positive patient databases. A Chi-square test was used to compare the HCV RNA confirmation rate in anti-HCV-positive patients, as well as the hepatitis C diagnosis rate and treatment rate in RNA-positive patients before and after the multi-disciplinary cooperation. A multivariable logistic regression was used to analyse the factors affecting the treatment of patients with hepatitis C. In addition, we examined changes in the level of hepatitis C knowledge among medical staff.

Results

After the implementation of the multi-disciplinary cooperation model, the RNA confirmation rate of hepatitis C antibody-positive patients increased from 36.426% to 88.737%, the diagnostic accuracy rate of RNA-positive patients increased from 67.456% to 98.113%, and the treatment rate of patients with hepatitis C increased from 12.426% to 58.491%. Significant improvements were observed among the clinicians regarding their ability to understand the characteristics of hepatitis C (93.711% vs. 58.861%), identify people at high risk (94.340% vs. 53.797%), manage patients with hepatitis C after diagnosis (88.679% vs. 67.089%), and effectively treat hepatitis C (84.277% vs. 51.899%). Multi-disciplinary cooperation in medical institutions was the most important factor for patients to undergo HCV treatment (odds ratio: 0.024, 95% confidence interval: 0.007–0.074).

Conclusions

This study showed that the use of a multi-disciplinary cooperation model to utilise the results of HCV antibody screening fully in patients through further tracking, referral, and treatment may facilitate the detection and treatment of patients with hepatitis C and accelerate the elimination of HCV in China.