bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Receptor‐interacting protein 3‐phosphorylated Ca2+/calmodulin‐dependent protein kinase II and mixed lineage kinase domain‐like protein mediate intracerebral hemorrhage‐induced neuronal necroptosis
Authors: Yuan Guiqiang , Cao Cheng , Cao Demao , Li Bing , Li Xiang , Li Haiying , Shen Haitao , Wang Zhong , Chen Gang
Published: November 2022

Necroptosis‐mediated cell death is an important mechanism in intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH)‐induced secondary brain injury (SBI). Our previous study has demonstrated that receptor‐interacting protein 1 (RIP1) mediated necroptosis in SBI after ICH. However, further mechanisms, such as the roles of receptor‐interacting protein 3 (RIP3), mixed lineage kinase domain‐like protein (MLKL), and Ca2+/calmodulin‐dependent protein kinase II (CaMK II), remain unclear. We hypothesized that RIP3, MLKL, and CaMK II might participate in necroptosis after ICH, including their phosphorylation. The ICH model was induced by autologous blood injection. First, we found the activation of necroptosis after ICH in brain tissues surrounding the hematoma (propidium iodide staining). Meanwhile, the phosphorylation and expression of RIP3, MLKL, and CaMK II were differently up‐regulated (western blotting and immunofluorescent staining). The specific inhibitors could suppress RIP3, MLKL, and CaMK II (GSK'872 for RIP3, necrosulfonamide for MLKL, and KN‐93 for CaMK II). We found the necroptosis surrounding the hematoma and the concrete interactions in RIP3‐MLKL/RIP3‐CaMK II also both decreased after the specific intervention (co‐immunoprecipitation). Then we conducted the short‐/long‐term neurobehavioral tests, and the rats with specific inhibition mostly had better performance. We also found less blood–brain barrier (BBB) injury, and less neuron loss (Nissl staining) in intervention groups, which supported the neurobehavioral tests. Besides, oxidative stress and inflammation were also alleviated with intervention, which had significant less reactive oxygen species (ROS), tumor necrosis factor (TNF)‐α, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), Iba1, and GFAP surrounding the hematoma. These results confirmed that RIP3‐phosphorylated MLKL and CaMK II participate in ICH‐induced necroptosis and could provide potential targets for the treatment of ICH patients.

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Stroke survivors', caregivers' and nurse coaches' perspectives on health coaching program towards hospital‐to‐home transition care: A qualitative descriptive process evaluation
Authors: Lin Shuanglan , Xie Shiqi , Zhou Jianrong , Tu Qiang , Wang Chunli , Chen Liping
Published: November 2022

Aims and Objectives

To explore the perspectives of stroke survivors, caregivers and nurse coaches on a health coaching program during hospital‐to‐home transitional care.

Background

Stroke is a major public health problem that seriously affects the health and safety of people in China. Nurse‐led health coaching is a promising support option in enabling smooth hospital‐to‐home transition for stroke survivors and family caregivers. A qualitative study is valuable for gaining insight into their perspectives on using this program.

Design

An exploratory, descriptive qualitative process evaluation was conducted parallel with a former randomised controlled trial. Data were obtained from 26 stroke survivors, 33 caregivers and four nurse coaches with semi‐structured interviews. The inductive reflexive thematic analysis approach was used for data analysis. The COREQ checklist was followed in reporting this study.

Results

Seven themes were generated from the data: (1) the applicability of individualised health coaching sessions, (2) driving self‐efficacy to establish self‐care skills, (3) the key role of nurse coaches, (4) coordination among healthcare teams during the transition, (5) adequate community and social support, (6) insufficient rehabilitative services after discharge and (7) perceived extra workload for nurse coaches.

Conclusions

The study captured perspectives on a nurse‐led health coaching program towards hospital‐to‐home transition care from stroke survivors, caregivers and nurse coaches. Individualised health coaching sessions and driving self‐efficacy were perceived as facilitators for empowering the self‐care skills of stroke survivors and caregivers. The key role of nurse coaches in coordinating healthcare teams and adequate community and social support were detected as the power frame of the program's implementation. However, health system obstacles, such as insufficient rehabilitative services and the high workload of nurses, still need to be addressed to ensure the sustainability of health coaching intervention in transitional care.

Relevance to Clinical Practice

The study suggested the feasibility of implementing nurse‐led health coaching to smooth post‐stroke hospital‐to‐home transitional care. The findings also highlighted the importance of qualitative process evaluation when implementing evidence‐based interventions in health care.

Trial Registration

The trial was registered with the Australia New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (ID: ACTRN12619000321145).
Brainstem volume, diffusion, and metabolism are associated with chronic consciousness disorders after traumatic brain injury
Authors: Sawamura Shogo , Ikegame Yuka , Kawasaki Tomohiro , Nakayama Noriyuki , Yano Hirohito , Shinoda Jun
Published: November 2022

Background and Purpose

We aimed to identify reliable neuroradiological features of the brainstem reflecting the neurological symptoms of patients with chronic disorders of consciousness (DOCs) due to severe traumatic brain injury (TBI).

Methods

We retrospectively examined 86 patients with chronic DOCs due to severe TBI caused by automobile accidents. We studied the relationships among (1) neurological symptoms, including consciousness level, (2) integrated cognitive/physical condition, and (3) neuroradiological features of the brainstem (brainstem volume on MRI, fractional anisotropy [FA] value in the brainstem, and standardized uptake value [SUV] of 18F‐fluorodeoxyglucose [FDG] on positron emission tomography in the brainstem).

Results

Brainstem volume was significantly larger and FA values were significantly higher in patients with a better level of consciousness. However, brainstem volumes were significantly decreased and the maximum SUV (SUVmax) of FDG significantly increased at 2 years following admission regardless of the level of consciousness at admission. The brainstem volume was significantly larger and the FA value and SUVmax of FDG were significantly higher in patients with better National Agency for Automotive Safety and Victims’ Aid (NASVA) scores at admission. The decrease in the brainstem volume was significantly minimized and the SUVmax of FDG significantly increased in patients with more improvement in the NASVA score 2 years after admission.

Conclusions

The volume, FA value, and SUVmax of FDG of the brainstem are important neuroradiological features associated with the neurological conditions of patients with chronic DOCs due to severe TBI.
Occasions for Scarcity: From Ecology towards Theology by Way of Poetry
Authors: Larkin Peter
Published: November 2022

This article begins with an examination of the contested term ‘scarcity’, tracing it through its signal presence in economics, then mutating within ecology, eventually appearing on the margins of theology. If poetry is to offer some degree of mediation, the article considers what would be the basis of an appropriate poetics, one which must be derived from the underlying material basis of composition, but by which poems can ‘think’. Finally, the article considers whether there is any way in which poems might ‘pray’ out of their own ontological limitations, but decides, through a consideration of one of the author's own poems, that poetry does not strictly do so, except indirectly by revoicing within its own dynamic field the word ‘prayer’ itself.
Analysis of planting practices and post‐planting stewardship intention of participants of Arbor Day
Authors: Osman Adams , Adu‐Boahen Kofi , Arko Benedict , Okyere Emmanuel Yeboah
Published: November 2022

Arbor Day (World Tree Planting Day) is an action to help replace dwindling tree cover globally. However, millions of the seedlings planted do not survive because of low regard for best planting practices and post‐planting maintenance activities. This study focused on the planting practices of Arbor Day participants at the Muni‐Pomadze Ramsar Site in Ghana and how that influenced their perception about seedling survival rate and their stewardship intention. The study used electronic questionnaire to solicit information from 229 participants (university students) at a 2021 Arbor Day planting event organized by the Forestry Commission and the Department of Geography Education, University of Education, Winneba. The study found four components of planting practices influenced perceptions including assessment of seedling quality, soil characteristics, surrounding environmental characteristics and planting operation. A multivariate analysis of variance showed that the academic year of participants influenced planting practices specifically planting operations with a post hoc test indicating respondents in academic year 1 observed better planting operations than third year students. A generalized linear model showed that respondents who planted seedlings within areas with good surrounding characteristics (enough spacing between successive seedlings and trees) perceived seedlings survival rate to be higher. Respondents who planted more seedlings were likely to provide time and money for post‐Arbor Day tree monitoring and maintenance. The findings also suggest that organizers of Arbor Day tree planting exercises should educate participants on proper planting practices and organize days for monitoring and maintenance of planted trees to improve participant perceptions and on‐going involvement.
Taking the current when it serves: Prospects and challenges for an ITLOS advisory opinion on oceans and climate change
Authors: Roland Holst Rozemarijn J.
Published: November 2022

The 2021 Agreement for the Establishment of the Commission of Small Island States on Climate Change and International Law has brought the prospect of an advisory opinion on climate change from the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea (ITLOS) a step closer to reality. The Agreement authorizes COSIS to submit a request to the full Tribunal, following the road paved for the first time—and not uncontroversially—by the 2015 ITLOS Sub‐regional Fisheries Commission Advisory Opinion. This article explores the potential for progressive development of (erga omnes) obligations under the law of the sea in relation to climate change by means of an advisory opinion, as well as challenges that may be encountered. Drawing on previous case law, it reflects on the suitability of the ITLOS advisory route, substantive and strategic considerations and potential future implications of an ITLOS advisory opinion on climate change.
High‐intensity interval training improves metabolic syndrome in women with breast cancer receiving Anthracyclines
Authors: Gonzalo‐Encabo Paola , Christopher Cami N. , Lee Kyuwan , Normann Amber J. , Yunker Alexandra G. , Norris Mary K. , Wang Ellice , Dieli‐Conwright Christina M.
Published: November 2022

Introduction

Anthracycline chemotherapy is a frequent treatment for breast cancer, whereas it can increase risk of physiologic side‐effects, such as metabolic syndrome (MetS). Exercise has been used as a non‐pharmacological strategy to decrease MetS. Specifically, high‐intensity interval training (HIIT) has been shown to improve MetS in patients with diabetes or cardiac rehabilitation patients; however, the effects of HIIT on MetS and associated biomarkers in patients with breast cancer receiving anthracycline chemotherapy have not been previously explored. Therefore, we purposed to determine the effects of HIIT on MetS in breast cancer patients undergoing anthracycline chemotherapy.

Methods

In total, 30 patients with breast cancer were recruited prior to initiating treatment and randomized into HIIT (n = 15) or control (n = 15). The HIIT group attended supervised cycling sessions 3 days/week for 8 weeks. MetS was assessed by waist circumference, blood pressure, fasting levels of high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL–C), triglycerides, and glucose. Circulating levels of MetS‐related biomarkers were also measured (total cholesterol, insulin, HbA1c, leptin, adiponectin, and c‐reactive protein).

Results

After 8 weeks, MetS z‐score was significantly improved in the HIIT group compared with controls (−7.60, 95% CI: −9.08 to −6.13, p < 0.001). MetS variables (HDL–C, glucose, and triglycerides) and circulating levels of MetS‐related biomarkers were significantly improved in the HIIT group compared with controls (p < 0.001). Non‐significant differences were found in body composition outcomes at the end of the study.

Conclusions

HIIT may be an effective strategy to improve MetS in breast cancer patients undergoing anthracycline chemotherapy. Furthermore, changes in MetS were independent of changes in body composition.
Analysis of Writing Programs and Students’ Errors to Increase the Students’ Writing Skill
Authors: Widijantie Nunung
Published: November 2022

This study presents the analysis of writing programs which can increase the students’ writing skill by concerning students’ errors. The method used qualitative and quantitative analyses. The participants involved in this study were 30 students of the third level majoring in analytical chemistry department in Politeknik AKA Bogor, academic year 2021/2022. The Researcher wanted to know the area of errors in each writing program. The result shows that the average of grade students got in the program of teaching reading and vocabulary was 68.75% with 31.25% error in the area of identifying the words: analysis, analyze, analytical, analyst, prepare, preparation, determine, determination, require, and statistically. In the program of teaching grammar and structure, the students’ score average was 70% which was bigger than the first program. Meanwhile the average of error was 30% in the area of using past tense, present tense, present perfect tense, modal auxiliary, passive voice, relative clause, past and present participle. In the next program, analyzing sentences from chemistry textbook, the students had difficulty in identifying main and relative clauses, and analyzing present and past participles in a sentence. The students obtained 71.25% for the average of grade and 28.75% error. In writing from simple to complex sentences, the students got score 77.5% and 22.5% error in the area of making sentences consisting of main and relative clauses and applying present and past participles as verb in a sentence. Finally, after having 4 programs stated above, in the program of writing practice report, the students got average of grade 80% meaning excellent, and 20% error in the area of interpreting data in writing and developing main idea. This research finds that the writing programs: teaching reading vocabulary, teaching grammar and structure, analyzing sentences from chemistry textbook, writing from simple to complex sentences, and writing practical report are the writing programs that can increase the students’ writing skill. To make the decision which area of writing programs needs to have more attention, it can be determined by analyzing the students’ errors.
Control of Gα
q
signaling dynamics and GPCR cross-talk by GRKs
Authors: Xiang Guoqing , Acosta-Ruiz Amanda , Radoux-Mergault Arthur , Kristt Melanie , Kim Jihye , Moon Jared D. , Broichhagen Johannes , Inoue Asuka , Lee Francis S. , Stoeber Miriam , Dittman Jeremy S. , Levitz Joshua
Published: November 2022

Numerous processes contribute to the regulation of G protein–coupled receptors (GPCRs), but relatively little is known about rapid mechanisms that control signaling on the seconds time scale or regulate cross-talk between receptors. Here, we reveal that the ability of some GPCR kinases (GRKs) to bind Gα
q
both drives acute signaling desensitization and regulates functional interactions between GPCRs. GRK2/3-mediated acute desensitization occurs within seconds, is rapidly reversible, and can occur upon local, subcellular activation. This rapid desensitization is kinase independent, insensitive to pharmacological inhibition, and generalizable across receptor families and effectors. We also find that the ability of GRK2 to bind G proteins also enables it to regulate the extent and timing of Gα
q
-dependent signaling cross-talk between GPCRs. Last, we find that G protein/GRK2 interactions enable a novel form of GPCR trafficking cross-talk. Together, this work reveals potent forms of Gα
q
-dependent GPCR regulation with wide-ranging pharmacological and physiological implications.
Supplemental Material: Picture Gorge Basalt: Internal stratigraphy, eruptive patterns, and its importance for understanding CRBG magmatism
Authors: Cahoon E.B. , al. et
Published: November 2022

File A: Sample location and geochemical table (XRF and ICP-MS data). File B. Geochemical correlation of PGB samples. File C: Principal component analysis code. File D: Age spectra: Age plateaus and inverse isochrons. File E: ArArCALC age summary table. 
Protocol for a randomised controlled trial: reducing reintubation among high-risk cardiac surgery patients with high-flow nasal cannula (I-CAN)
Authors: Freundlich Robert E , Wanderer Jonathan P , French Benjamin , Moore Ryan P , Hernandez Antonio , Shah Ashish S , Byrne Daniel W , Pandharipande Pratik P
Published: November 2022

Introduction

Heated, humidified, high-flow nasal cannula oxygen therapy has been used as a therapy for hypoxic respiratory failure in numerous clinical settings. To date, limited data exist to guide appropriate use following cardiac surgery, particularly among patients at risk for experiencing reintubation. We hypothesised that postextubation treatment with high-flow nasal cannula would decrease the all-cause reintubation rate within the 48 hours following initial extubation, compared with usual care.

Methods and analysis

Adult patients undergoing cardiac surgery (open surgery on the heart or thoracic aorta) will be automatically enrolled, randomised and allocated to one of two treatment arms in a pragmatic randomised controlled trial at the time of initial extubation. The two treatment arms are administration of heated, humidified, high-flow nasal cannula oxygen postextubation and usual care (treatment at the discretion of the treating provider). The primary outcome will be all-cause reintubation within 48 hours of initial extubation. Secondary outcomes include all-cause 30-day mortality, hospital length of stay, intensive care unit length of stay and ventilator-free days. Interaction analyses will be conducted to assess the differential impact of the intervention within strata of predicted risk of reintubation, calculated according to our previously published and validated prognostic model.

Ethics and dissemination

Vanderbilt University Medical Center IRB approval, 15 March 2021 with waiver of written informed consent. Plan for publication of study protocol prior to study completion, as well as publication of results.

Trial registration number

clinicaltrials.gov,NCT04782817submitted 25 February 2021.

Date of protocol

29 August 2022. Version 2.0.
Theory-based evaluation of three research–practice partnerships designed to deliver novel, sustainable collaborations between adult social care research and practice in the UK: a research protocol for a ‘layered’ contributions analysis and realist evaluation
Authors: Malley Juliette , Bauer Annette , Boaz Annette , Kendrick Hannah , Knapp Martin
Published: November 2022

Introduction

Research–practice partnerships (RPPs) are long-term collaborations between research and practice that aim to conduct research that can be used to make practice-based improvements. They intentionally bring together diverse experience in decision making and seek to shift power dynamics so that all partners have a say. The Creating Care Partnerships project aims to explore whether the RPP approach developed within the US educational context can be successfully applied to the English care home context. The project involves a programme of codesign, implementation and evaluation within three case study sites. This protocol set outs the aims, research design and governance of the evaluation.

Methods and analysis

The evaluation takes a theory-based approach to explore how, why and in what circumstances RPPs in the care home context contribute to enhancing research and research use in local care homes and informing wider improvement efforts. A mixed-methods design will be used for each case study, including semistructured interviews, observations of RPP events and meetings, an online survey, activity diary and review of local data and documents. Data collection will proceed in waves, with the theory of change (ToC) being continually refined and used to guide further data collection and analysis. Insights will be drawn using Contribution Analysis, Realist Evaluation and systems perspectives to assess the contribution made by the case study sites to achieving outcomes and the influence of contextual factors. Economic consequences will be identified through the ToC, using a narrative economic analysis to assess costs, consequences and value for money.

Ethics and dissemination

The study has undergone ethics review by HRA Research Ethics Committee. It does not pose major ethical issues. A final report will be published and articles will be submitted to international journals.
A Novel Random Number Generator and Its Application in Sound Encryption Based on a Fractional-Order Chaotic System
Authors: Akmeşe Ömer Faruk
Published: November 2022

Random number generator design is one of the practical applications of nonlinear systems. This study used random number generation and sound encryption application with a fractional chaotic system. Random numbers were generated with the Langford chaotic system, and a sound encryption application was carried out for the secure transmission of voice messages. Randomization performance of numbers was evaluated by employing NIST-800-22 statistical tests, which meet the highest international requirements. It was observed that the distributions of these generated random numbers reached the desired level of randomness after the examination. Unlike the integer-order random number generators widely used in the literature, the fractional-order Langford chaotic system was employed to generate and analyze random numbers and demonstrate their utilization in sound encryption. Random numbers generated from a fractional degree-based chaotic system developed in this study can be used in cryptology, secret writing, stamping, statistical sampling, computer simulations, dynamic information compression and coding.
DEEP QUALITY-CONSTRAINED LSTM FOR TEXTUAL DATA ANALYSIS
Authors: LI LINYU , LUO XIAOYU
Published: November 2022

The creation of language models is a vital object of natural language processing because it creates a possible distribution in a sequence of words and offers a unique representation of each occurrence of a word. Therefore, an intelligent language model can differentiate the subtle nuances of language and model its syntax and semantics. It also allows the acquisition of high-level representations. In addition, it serves as an initial model with helpful information, which can be transferred to various other word processing methods for a deeper and more complete understanding of the language. This work proposes an innovative Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM) neural network whose implementation is based on the use of an attention mechanism as a measure of alignment of the output with the input sequence and a corresponding coverage optimization mechanism. The optimization mechanism informs the model about the possible outcomes at each step which have already been produced in previous actions. The adaptation and evaluation of the system’s design parameters were tested in multidimensional and challenging data sets We were considering parametric and heuristic procedures for finding the optimal combination of hyper-parameters. Experimental results demonstrate the quality of the proposed system, revealing essential directions for the design of similar systems.
An Offline Image Auditing System for Legacy Meter Reading Systems in Developing Countries: A Machine Learning Approach
Authors: Nigar Natasha , Muhammad Faisal Hafiz , Kashif Shahzad Muhammad , Islam Shahid , Oki Olukayode
Published: November 2022

The developing countries are challenged with overbilling and underbilling, due to manual meter reading, which results in consumer dissatisfaction and loss of revenue. The existing automated meter reading (AMR) solutions are expensive; hence, sample-based manual snap auditing systems are introduced to control such meter reading inaccuracies. In these systems, the meter reader, besides reading, also collects meter images, which are used to manually audit the meter’s accuracy. Although such systems are inexpensive, they are limited in their ability to be sustainable and ensure 100% accurate meter readings. In this paper, a novel offline optical character recognition (OCR) system-based Snap Audit system is proposed and tested for its efficient and real-time 100% accurate meter reading capabilities. The experimental results on 5,000 real-world instances show that the proposed approach processes an image in 0.05 seconds with 94% accuracy. Moreover, the developed approach is evaluated with four state-of-the-art algorithms: region convolution neural network (RCNN), nanonets, Fast-OCR, and PyTesseract. The results provide evidence that our new system design along with novel approach is more robust and efficient as compared to existing algorithms by 43.6%.
Long-Term Esthetically Depigmented Gingiva in a Short Operative Duration, Using Two Modes of 940 nm Diode Lasers—A Randomized Clinical Trial
Authors: Hamzah Baydaa F. , Alattar Abrar N. , Salman Tiba A.
Published: November 2022

Aim. This study aims to compare the effectiveness of the two modes of 940 nm diode lasers on gingival depigmentation. Methods. Twenty patients (11 females and 9 males) participated in this study; they were free of any systemic or local condition and randomly assembled into two groups: continuous wave (CW) and pulsed groups, in contact modes. The diode laser was of 940 nm wavelength and 1-2 W irradiation power for the two modes in all cases. A single session of irradiation was applied to the facial gingivae of the upper and lower anterior segments. Photographs were taken preoperatively and postoperatively for all patients, and a questionnaire and follow-up were carried out for the next four weeks and after three years. Results. The intraoperative duration of both modes was considerably short, with a short chair time subsequently. A statistically significant decrease in the intensity of pain, discomfort, and bleedingp≤0.05was noticed during the first week of follow-up within each group. Nonetheless, the two groups showed a close pattern of decline with no statistically significant differences between them. It was also clear that pain and discomfort were strongly correlated with each other within each group, and the correlation was statistically significant. On the other hand, carbonization was minimal in a few cases treated with CW mode but still not statistically significant. Finally, although the gingival pigmentation index (GPI) differences were not statistically significant between the two groups, they were significant within each group. Conclusions. The diode laser (940 nm) offered an effective and safe modality, providing an optimal aesthetic result that can meet patient satisfaction with minimal pain, bleeding, discomfort, intraoperative time, and the possibility of recurrence in the treatment of gingival hyperpigmentation.
Effectiveness of Peer Support on Quality of Life and Anxiety in Breast Cancer Patients: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Tan Yingyao , Qin Meijiao , Liao Bing , Wang Lixia , Chang Guangting , Wei Fengxiang , Cai Shu
Published: November 2022

Background: Breast cancer patients report high levels of psychosocial maladjustment after hospital discharge. Peer support may play an important role in improving anxiety and quality of life in breast cancer patients. This study aimed to assess the effect of peer support on quality of life and anxiety in breast cancer patients. Method: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled studies were conducted, using data sourced from PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Web of Science, SinoMed, China Science and Technology Periodical Database, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, and Wanfang Data for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) from inception to October 15, 2021. The RCTs reporting the effect of peer support intervention on quality of life and anxiety in breast cancer patients were included. The quality of evidence was assessed using the Cochrane risk of bias tool, that is, the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE). Standardized mean differences (SMDs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated for the pooled effect size. Results: A total of 14 studies were included in the systematic review and 11 in the meta-analysis. The pooled results revealed that peer support significantly improved quality of life (SMD = 0.69, 95% CI = 0.28–1.11) and anxiety (SMD = −0.45, 95% CI = −0.88 to −0.02) in breast cancer patients. The quality of evidence was low as all studies showed the risk of bias and inconsistency. Conclusion: Peer support intervention has the potential to effectively improve psychosocial adaptations in breast cancer patients. Future studies with a robust design and larger sample size are needed to investigate the potential factors associated with the beneficial effects of peer support.
One Health, One Welfare, One Right: Introducing Animal Rights in Europe
Authors: Verniers Elien
Published: November 2022

The increasing interlinkage between humans and animals has led to the emergence of the ‘One Health’ and ‘One Welfare’ discourse. The covid-19 pandemic has proven the intersectionality between humans and animals and fueled these campaigns even more. The concept of One Health has in particular found its way into regulatory policy. A World Health Assembly resolution of 19 May 2020 includes a specific reference to One Health as an approach that could guide the research into the origin and transmission of covid-19 and the prevention of future pandemics. The EU also devotes attention to the One Health concept and approach, for instance with regard to its Action Plan against Antimicrobial Resistance and a study requested by the committee on the Environment, Public Health and Food Safety that examines the relation between different zoonotic pandemics and the livestock sector. While we acknowledge the interwoven connection between animal and human welfare and health, a similar approach regarding legal protection has been almost totally ignored. Hence, regarding the current momentum of animal-human integration and following the example of these movements, the time has come to consider a ‘One Right’ approach to address legal rights for (nonhuman) animals in Europe. This contribution will canvass two possibilities for legal animal rights within the framework of the European Convention for the Protection of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms (echr). Firstly, the umbrella of article 8 of the echr and the case for a human right to animal protection will be explored. Currently, it has been accepted that this right to respect for private and family life also entails the right to a healthy environment. It is contended that likewise simple animal rights can be created under Article 8 following a responsible anthropocentric angle. In contrast, a second entry-point which will be scrutinized concerns a biocentric viewpoint and departs from an extensive interpretation of Article 1 of the echr. Through a dynamic and (r)evolutionary interpretation the personal scope of the echr can be extended to include (certain) animals.
The Everything Cult: Multiphrenic Faith and the QAnon Movement
Authors: Hughes Brian
Published: November 2022

This article undertakes an analysis of QAnon marketing and metaphysics through a holistic lens of mediatization theory and medium theory. It proposes a means of understanding the movement as an example of mediatization in the sense of a social environment in which behavior comes to resemble the logic of the media, and mediatization in the sense of an institution—that is, the Q movement as a media entity operating as a social agent in the world at large. It will be argued that the specific character of these mediatizations comes about partly—and perhaps largely—as a consequence of the technical affordances of key digital platforms through which QAnon conspiracy culture spreads. The marketing of the QAnon faith-brand is both strategic and decentralized. It comes about as both the result of conscious planning by key figures within the movement and the emergent consequence of countless would-be marketers’ efforts (both true believers and cynics). The speed, anonymity, and ephemerality of the 8chan and 8kun imageboards favor the cryptic, rapid-fire messages which characterized Q’s writing. The collective anonymity and anonymous collectivity fostered by the design and engineering of online messageboards like 8chan and 8kun (Zeng & Schäfer, 2021) likewise fostered a social environment of mass anonymous exegesis. Simultaneously, the entrepreneurial design and engineering (and ideology) of social media platforms intersect with this anonymous collectivity to produce a class of “Q-fluencers,” individuals who market the QAnon conspiracy theory, its politics and metaphysics, as a lifestyle brand—and who market themselves as Q-based brand-personalities. Through this analysis, this article aims to shed light on the socio-technical conditions out of which Q arose and to critique the assumptions of digital ideology which produce technologies and use-behaviors amenable to extremist swindles such as QAnon.
Korean Judicial Decisions
Authors: Baek Buhm-Suk , Ahn Hosung
Published: November 2022

This paper reviews three selected major decisions by domestic courts of Korea from the second half of 2021 to the first half of 2022 by taking a closer look at the changing legal practices and attitudes of the Korean judiciary in applying international law in domestic cases.
Acantholimon assadii (Plumbaginaceae), a new species from flora of Iran
Authors: BORDBAR FIROUZEH , MIRTADZADINI MANSOUR
Published: November 2022

A new species, Acantholimon assadii from mountainous slopes of N of Kerman, Zarend, Kerman Province, south-east of Iran is here described and illustrated. The new species is morphologically distinguished from the other species of Acantholimon sect. Acantholimon by short spike-like inflorescence, length and width of bract and bracteoles, shape of bract and bracteoles, color of calyx and corolla.
CX3CR1 deficiency exacerbates immune-mediated hepatitis by increasing NF-κB-mediated cytokine production in macrophage and T cell
Authors: Ren Mi , Zhang Jinyan , Dai Shen , Wang Chenxiao , Chen Zheng , Zhang Siqi , Xu Junming , Qin Xuebin , Liu Fengming
Published: November 2022

Immune-mediated hepatitis is marked by liver inflammation characterized by immune cell infiltration, chemokine/cytokine production, and hepatocyte injury. C-X3C motif receptor 1 (CX3CR1), as the receptor of chemokine C-X3C motif ligand 1 (CX3CL1)/fractalkine, is mainly expressed on immune cells including monocytes and T cells. Previous studies have shown that CX3CR1 protects against liver fibrosis, but the exact role of CX3CL1/CX3CR1 in acute immune-mediated hepatitis remains unknown. Here, we investigate the role of the CX3CL1/CX3CR1 axis in immune-mediated hepatitis using concanavalin A (ConA)-induced liver injury model in CX3CR1-deficient (Cx3cr1−/−) mice. We observed that Cx3cr1−/− mice had severe liver injury and increased pro-inflammatory cytokines (tumor necrosis factor-alpha [TNF-α], interferon-gamma [IFN-γ], interleukin-1 beta [IL-1β], and IL-6) in serum and liver compared to wild-type ( Cx3cr1+/+) mice after ConA injection. The deficiency of CX3CR1 did not affect ConA-induced immune cell infiltration in liver but led to elevated production of TNF-α in macrophages as well as IFN-γ in T cells after ConA treatment. On the contrary, exogenous CX3CL1 attenuated ConA-induced cytokine production in wild type, but not CX3CR1-deficient macrophages and T cells. Furthermore, in vitro results showed that CX3CR1 deficiency promoted the pro-inflammatory cytokine expression by increasing the phosphorylation of nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) p65 (p-NF-κB p65). Finally, pre-treatment of p-NF-κB p65 inhibitor, resveratrol, attenuated ConA-induced liver injury and inflammatory responses, especially in Cx3cr1−/− mice. In conclusion, our data show that the deficiency of CX3CR1 promotes pro-inflammatory cytokine production in macrophages and T cells by enhancing the phosphorylation of NF-κB p65, which exacerbates liver injury in ConA-induced hepatitis.
Osteogenesis in the presence of chemotherapy: A biomimetic approach
Authors: Brozovich Ava A , Lenna Stefania , Paradiso Francesca , Serpelloni Stefano , McCulloch Patrick , Weiner Bradley , Yustein Jason T , Taraballi Francesca
Published: November 2022

Osteosarcoma (OS) is the most common bone tumor in pediatrics. After resection, allografts or metal endoprostheses reconstruct bone voids, and systemic chemotherapy is used to prevent recurrence. This urges the development of novel treatment options for the regeneration of bone after excision. We utilized a previously developed biomimetic, biodegradable magnesium-doped hydroxyapatite/type I collagen composite material (MHA/Coll) to promote bone regeneration in the presence of chemotherapy. We also performed experiments to determine if human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) seeded on MHA/Coll scaffold migrate less toward OS cells, suggesting that hMSCs will not contribute to tumor growth and therefore the potential of oncologic safety in vitro. Also, hMSCs seeded on MHA/Coll had increased expression of osteogenic genes ( BGLAP, SPP1, ALP) compared to hMSCs in the 2D condition, even when exposed to chemotherapeutics. This is the first study to demonstrate that a highly osteogenic scaffold can potentially be oncologically safe because hMSCs on MHA/Coll tend to differentiate and lose the ability to migrate toward tumor cells. Therefore, hMSCs on MHA/Coll could potentially be utilized for bone regeneration after OS excision.
Patterns of Adverse Childhood Experiences Predict Event-Related Distress in Young Adults Following the 2016 Presidential Election
Authors: Chaku Natasha , Hagan Melissa , Lu Laura , Holley Sarah
Published: November 2022

Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and sociopolitical stressors have negative consequences for young adults’ mental health. The current study examined how patterns of ACEs were associated with event-related clinical distress following the 2016 United States presidential election and tested whether difficulties in emotion regulation exacerbated ACE effects in 751 young adults. A latent class analysis (LCA) identified four classes of ACE exposure: Minimal Exposure (55.2%), Moderate Household Dysfunction (21.3%), High Verbal and Physical Abuse (17.8%), and Systemic Exposure (5.6%). Young adults in the Systemic Exposure class reported more event-related intrusion symptoms compared to all other classes. Lower levels of difficulty in emotion regulation were protective for classes with lower ACE exposure but were not relevant for classes with higher ACE exposure. Thus, ACEs may occur in unique constellations that have implications for sociopolitical stressors and mental health outcomes in young adulthood.
Book review: Koushiki Dasgupta, Sadhus in Indian Politics: Dynamics of Hindutva
Authors: Chaturvedi Shashank
Published: November 2022

Koushiki Dasgupta, Sadhus in Indian Politics: Dynamics of Hindutva. New Delhi: SAGE Publications. 2021. 284 pages. ₹847. ISBN: 9789391370961.
Small-scale population structuring results in differential susceptibility to pesticide exposure
Authors: Grethlein Martin , Pelikan Lars , Dombrowski Andrea , Kabus Jana , Oehlmann Jörg , Weigand Alexander , Jourdan Jonas
Published: November 2022

Central European riverine networks are subject to widely varying local anthropogenic pressures, forcing species with limited dispersal abilities to adapt or become locally extinct. Previous catchment-wide studies have shown that some invertebrates tend to have pronounced population structuring throughout mountainous river networks, raising the question of whether this also translates into small-scale phenotypic differentiation and adaptation to local stressors. One such species is the headwater crustacean species Gammarus fossarum clade 11 (or lineage B), which we restudied in terms of population structure four years after first assessment. Our aim was not only to document the temporal stability/dynamics of the population structure, but we asked whether a small-scale genetic structuring also results in phenotypic differentiation and different susceptibility to a commonly applied pesticide. Therefore, we re-assessed population structure based on COI haplotypes and their frequencies, and quantified key parameters related to morphological and life-history differentiation. Furthermore, we examined the difference in sensitivity towards the pyrethroid insecticide deltamethrin. COI haplotype patterns were found to be stable over time and confirmed the small-scale population structuring within the catchment, with isolated headwater populations and connected downstream populations. While little life-history differentiation was observed, marked differences in susceptibility to the pyrethroid insecticide were found. Populations from pristine sites responded significantly more tolerant than populations from anthropogenically impacted sites—showing that prior exposure to a spectrum of stressors does not automatically increase tolerance to a specific stressor. Therefore, our study demonstrates that limited dispersal capacity is reflected not only in population structure, but also in small-scale variation in susceptibility to anthropogenic disturbance. The system thus provides a suitable experimental landscape to test the impact of further stressors (e.g., other novel entities, including pesticides with other modes of action) on locally isolated populations. Based on these findings, important recommendations for the protection of riverine species and their intraspecific genetic variation can be developed.
Serum LDL-C/HDL-C ratio and the risk of carotid plaques: a longitudinal study
Authors: Wu Zhuchao , Li Xiaona , Wen Qin , Tao Bilin , Qiu Beibei , Zhang Qun , Wang Jianming
Published: November 2022

Background

Dyslipidemia contributes to an increased risk of carotid atherosclerosis. However, the association between the ratio of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) to high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) and carotid plaque formation has not been well documented. This study aims to assess the role of LDL-C/HDL-C in the risk of carotid plaque formation in a Chinese population.

Methods

We followed 2,191 participants who attended the annual routine health examination. Cox proportional hazards regression, restricted cubic spline (RCS), and subgroup analysis were applied to evaluate the association between the LDL-C/HDL-C ratio and carotid plaques. The hazard ratio (HR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) were used to estimate the strength of the association.

Results

Among 2,191 participants, 388 had incident carotid plaques detected, with a median follow-up time of 1.05 years. Compared with subjects younger than 45 years, those aged 45 to 59 years (HR: 2.00, 95% CI: 1.55–2.58) and over 60 years (HR: 3.36, 95% CI: 2.47–4.58) had an increased risk of carotid plaque formation. Males (HR: 1.26, 95% CI: 1.01–1.56), diabetes (HR: 1.46, 95% CI: 1.06–2.01) and a high LDL-C/HDL-C ratio (HR: 1.22, 95% CI: 1.07–1.38) were significantly linked with the occurrence of carotid plaques. After adjusting for potential confounding factors, we observed that a high LDL-C/HDL-C ratio promoted carotid plaque events (HR: 1.30, 95% CI: 1.12–1.50). The RCS analysis revealed a significant nonlinear association. The association was stronger among females (P-interaction < 0.05).

Conclusion

A high LDL-C/HDL-C ratio could accelerate the occurrence of carotid plaques. Older men with diabetes and dyslipidemia are the critical target population. Women may be more likely to benefit from lipid-lowering interventions and thus avoid carotid plaque formation.
Favorable locoregional control in clinically node-negative hormone-receptor positive breast cancer with low 21-gene recurrence scores: a single-institution study with 10-year follow-up
Authors: Uras Cihan , Cabioglu Neslihan , Tokat Fatma , Er Ozlem , Kara Halil , Korkmaz Taner , Bese Nuran , Ince Umit
Published: November 2022

Background

Recent studies have shown a lower likelihood of locoregional recurrences in patients with a low 21-gene recurrence score (RS). In this single-institution study, we investigated whether there are any associations between different cutoff values of 21-gene RS, histopathological factors, and outcome in patients with long-term follow-up.

Methods

The study included 61 patients who had early-stage (I-II) clinically node-negative hormone receptor-positive and HER2-negative breast cancer and were tested with the 21-gene RS assay between February 2010 and February 2013. Demographic, clinicopathological, treatment, and outcome characteristics were analyzed.

Results

The median age was 48 years (range, 29–72 years). Patients with high histologic grade (HG), Ki-67 ≥ 25%, or Ki-67 ≥ 30% were more likely to have intermediate/high RS (≥ 18). Based on the 21-gene RS assay, only 19 patients (31%) received adjuvant chemotherapy. At a median follow-up of 112 months, 3 patients developed locoregional recurrences (4.9%), which were treated with endocrine therapy alone. Among patients treated with endocrine treatment alone (n = 42), the following clinicopathological characteristics were not found to be significantly associated with 10-year locoregional recurrence free survival (LRRFS): age < 40 years, age < 50 years, high histological or nuclear grade, high Ki-67-scores (≥ 15%, ≥ 20%, ≥ 25%, ≥ 30%), presence of lymphovascular invasion, luminal-A type, multifocality, lymph node positivity, tumor size more than 2 cm, RS ≥ 18, and RS > 11. However, patients with RS ≥ 16 had significantly poorer 10-year LRRFS compared to those with RS < 16 (75% vs. 100%, respectively; p = 0.039).

Conclusions

The results suggest that patients with clinically node-negative disease and RS ≥ 16 are more likely to benefit from adjuvant chemotherapies. However, those with RS < 16 have an excellent outcome and local control in long-term follow-up with endocrine treatment alone.