bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Efficacy of high-flow nasal cannula in patients with acute heart failure: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Yan Liming , Lu Ye , Deng Mingming , Zhang Qin , Bian Yiding , Zhou Xiaoming , Hou Gang
Published: November 2023

Background

Acute heart failure (AHF) is often associated with diffuse insufficiency and arterial hypoxemia, requiring respiratory support for rapid and effective correction. We aimed to compare the effects of high-flow nasal cannula(HFNC) with those of conventional oxygen therapy(COT) or non-invasive ventilation(NIV) on the prognosis of patients with AHF.

Methods

We performed the search using PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, MEDLINE, the Cochrane Library, CNKI, Wanfang, and VIP databases from the inception to August 31, 2023 for relevant studies in English and Chinese. We included controlled studies comparing HFNC with COT or NIV in patients with AHF. Primary outcomes included the intubation rate, respiratory rate (RR), heart rate (HR), and oxygenation status.

Results

From the 1288 original papers identified, 16 studies met the inclusion criteria, and 1333 patients were included. Compared with COT, HFNC reduced the intubation rate (odds ratio [OR]: 0.29, 95% CI: 0.14–0.58, P = 0.0005), RR (standardized mean difference [SMD]: -0.73 95% CI: -0.99 – -0.47, P < 0.00001) and HR (SMD: -0.88, 95% CI: -1.07 – -0.69, P < 0.00001), and hospital stay (SMD: -0.94, 95% CI: -1.76 – -0.12, P = 0.03), and increase arterial oxygen partial pressure (PaO2), (SMD: 0.88, 95% CI: 0.70–1.06, P < 0.00001) and oxygen saturation (SpO2 [%], SMD: 0.70, 95% CI: 0.34–1.06, P = 0.0001).

Conclusions

There were no significant differences in intubation rate, RR, HR, arterial blood gas parameters, and dyspnea scores between the HFNC and NIV groups. Compared with COT, HFNC effectively reduced the intubation rate and provided greater clinical benefits to patients with AHF. However, there was no significant difference in the clinical prognosis of patients with AHF between the HFNC and NIV groups.

Trial registration

PROSPERO (identifier: CRD42022365611).
Increasing serum miR-409-3p predicts the major adverse cardiac adverse events in elderly patients after hip fracture surgery
Authors: Sun Zhengtao , Cheng Kai , Jin Guochao , Jia Jian
Published: November 2023

Background

Major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) are critical complications responsible for the morbidity and mortality of elderly hip fracture patients. There was an urgent need to explore an effect biomarker for predicting MACE in elderly patients receiving hip fracture surgery.

Objective

This study focused on an age-related miRNA, miR-409-3p, and assessed its significance in elderly hip fracture patients.

Methods

A total of 267 hip fracture patients were enrolled in this study including 104 elderly patients (age ≥ 60 years). All patients were followed up for 1 year to monitor the occurrence of MACE. The risk factors for the occurrence of MACE were evaluated by the logistic regression analysis.

Results

Elderly age and reduced cardiac and renal function were identified as risk factors for MACE in hip fracture patients. Elderly patients also showed a high incidence of MACE. In elderly hip fracture patients, significant upregulation of miR-409-3p was observed, which was associated with patients’ elderly age, higher level of revised cardiac risk index (RCRI), lower left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), and higher levels of N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP), creatine kinase-MB (CK-MB), and high sensitivity troponin I (hsTnI). Additionally, miR-409-3p was identified as an independent factor for the MACE in elderly patients received hip fracture surgery.

Conclusion

Upregulated miR-409-3p was an age-related miRNA and could predict the occurrence of MACE in elderly hip fracture patients.
Mechanisms underlying linear ubiquitination and implications in tumorigenesis and drug discovery
Authors: Li Jack , Liu Sijin , Li Shitao
Published: November 2023

Linear ubiquitination is a distinct type of ubiquitination that involves attaching a head-to-tail polyubiquitin chain to a substrate protein. Early studies found that linear ubiquitin chains are essential for the TNFα- and IL-1-mediated NF-κB signaling pathways. However, recent studies have discovered at least sixteen linear ubiquitination substrates, which exhibit a broader activity than expected and mediate many other signaling pathways beyond NF-κB signaling. Dysregulation of linear ubiquitination in these pathways has been linked to many types of cancers, such as lymphoma, liver cancer, and breast cancer. Since the discovery of linear ubiquitin, extensive effort has been made to delineate the molecular mechanisms of how dysregulation of linear ubiquitination causes tumorigenesis and cancer development. In this review, we highlight newly discovered linear ubiquitination-mediated signaling pathways, recent advances in the role of linear ubiquitin in different types of cancers, and the development of linear ubiquitin inhibitors.
Effects of Lianhuaqingwen Capsules in adults with mild-to-moderate coronavirus disease 2019: an international, multicenter, double-blind, randomized controlled trial
Authors: Zheng Jin-ping , Ling Yun , Jiang Liang-shuang , Mootsikapun Piroon , Lu Hong-zhou , Chayakulkeeree Methee , Zhang Li-xiu , Arttawejkul Pureepat , Hu Feng-yu , Truong Thi Ngoc Lan , Perez Roxan A. , Gu Xing , Sun Hui-min , Jiang Jian-jie , Liu Ren-jie , Ding Zhen , Zhan Yang-qing , Yang Zi-feng , Guan Wei-jie , Zhong Nan-shan
Published: November 2023

Background

In a randomized trial, Lianhuaqingwen (LHQW) capsule was effective for accelerating symptom recovery among patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). However, the lack of blinding and limited sample sizes decreased the level of clinical evidence.

Objectives

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of LHQW capsule in adults with mild-to-moderate COVID-19.

Methods

We conducted a double-blind randomized controlled trial in adults with mild-to-moderate COVID-19 (17 sites from China, Thailand, Philippine and Vietnam). Patients received standard-of-care alone or plus LHQW capsules (4 capsules, thrice daily) for 14 days. The primary endpoint was the median time to sustained clinical improvement or resolution of nine major symptoms.

Results

The full-analysis set consisted of 410 patients in LHQW capsules and 405 in placebo group. LHQW significantly shortened the primary endpoint in the full-analysis set (4.0 vs. 6.7 days, hazards ratio: 1.63, 95% confidence interval: 1.39-1.90). LHQW capsules shortened the median time to sustained clinical improvement or resolution of stuffy or runny nose (2.8 vs. 3.7 days), sore throat (2.0 vs. 2.6 days), cough (3.2 vs. 4.9 days), feeling hot or feverish (1.0 vs. 1.3 days), low energy or tiredness (1.3 vs. 1.9 days), and myalgia (1.5 vs. 2.0 days). The duration to sustained clinical improvement or resolution of shortness of breath, headache, and chills or shivering did not differ significantly between the two groups. Safety was comparable between the two groups. No serious adverse events were reported.

Interpretation

LHQW capsules promote recovery of mild-to-moderate COVID-19 via accelerating symptom resolution and were well tolerated.

Trial registrationChiCTR2200056727.
Targeting PEG10 as a novel therapeutic approach to overcome CDK4/6 inhibitor resistance in breast cancer
Authors: Katuwal Nar Bahadur , Kang Min Sil , Ghosh Mithun , Hong Sa Deok , Jeong Yeong Gyu , Park Seong Min , Kim Seul-Gi , Sohn Joohyuk , Kim Tae Hoen , Moon Yong Wha
Published: November 2023

Background

Breast cancer is the global leading cancer burden in women and the hormone receptor-positive (HR+) subtype is a major part of breast cancer. Though cyclin-dependent kinase 4 and 6 (CDK4/6) inhibitors are highly effective therapy for HR+ subtype, acquired resistance is inevitable in most cases. Herein, we investigated the paternally expressed gene 10 (PEG10)-associated mechanism of acquired resistance to CDK4/6 inhibitors.

Methods

Palbociclib-resistant cells were generated by exposing human HR+ breast cancer cell lines to palbociclib for 7–9 months. In vitro mechanistic study and in vivo xenograft assay were performed. For clinical relevance, public mRNA microarray data sets of early breast cancer were analyzed and PEG10 immunohistochemical staining was performed using pre-CDK4/6 inhibitor tumor samples.

Results

We observed that PEG10 was significantly upregulated in palbociclib-resistant cells. Ectopic overexpression of PEG10 in parental cells caused CDK4/6 inhibitor resistance and enhanced epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT). On the contrary, PEG10-targeting siRNA or antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs) combined with palbociclib synergistically inhibited proliferation of palbociclib-resistant cells and growth of palbociclib-resistant xenograft in mice and suppressed EMT as well. The mechanistic study confirmed that high PEG10 expression suppressed p21, a natural CDK inhibitor, and SIAH1, a post-translational degrader of ZEB1, augmenting CDK4/6 inhibitor resistance. Then PEG10 siRNA combined with palbociclib suppressed cell cycle progression and EMT via activating p21 and SIAH1, respectively. Consequently, combined PEG10 inhibition and palbociclib overcame CDK4/6 inhibitor resistance. Furthermore, high PEG10 expression was significantly associated with a shorter recurrence-free survival (RFS) based on public mRNA expression data. In pre-CDK4/6 inhibitor treatment tissues, PEG10 positivity by IHC also showed a trend toward a shorter progression-free survival (PFS) with CDK4/6 inhibitor. These results support clinical relevance of PEG10 as a therapeutic target.

Conclusions

We demonstrated a novel PEG10-associated mechanism of CDK4/6 inhibitor resistance. We propose PEG10 as a promising therapeutic target for overcoming PEG10-associated resistance to CDK4/6 inhibitors.
Foot biomechanics in patients with advanced subtalar‐ and mid‐tarsal joint osteoarthritis and poorly responding to conservative treatment
Authors: Deschamps Kevin , Mercken Karel , Verschuren Pieter , Eerdekens Maarten , Vanstraelen Eline , Wuite Sander , Matricali Giovanni A.
Published: November 2023

Background

A comprehensive insight into the effects of subtalar‐ and mid‐tarsal joint osteoarthritis on lower limb's biomechanical characteristics during walking is lacking. Our goal was to assess joint kinematics and kinetics and compensatory mechanisms in patients with subtalar and mid‐tarsal joint osteoarthritis.

Methods

Patients with symptomatic and radiographically confirmed osteoarthritis of the subtalar and mid‐tarsal (n = 10) and an asymptomatic control group (n = 10) were compared. Foot joint kinematics and kinetics during the stance phase of walking were quantified using a four‐segment foot model.

Results

During pre‐swing phase, the tibio‐talar range of motion in the sagittal plane of the patient group decreased significantly (P = 0.001), whereas the tarso‐metatarsal joint range of motion in the sagittal plane was greater in the pre‐swing phase (P = 0.003). The mid‐tarsal joint showed lower transverse plane range of motion in the patient group during the loading response and pre‐swing phase (P < 0.001 resp. P = 0.002). The patient group showed a lower Tibio‐talar joint peak plantarflexion moment (P = 0.004), peak plantarflexion velocity (P < 0.001) and peak power generation in the sagittal plane (P < 0.001), and a lower mid‐tarsal joint peak adduction and abduction velocity (P < 0.001 resp. P < 0.001) and peak power absorption (P < 0.001).

Conclusions

These findings suggest that patients with subtalar and mid‐tarsal joint osteoarthritis adopt a cautious walking strategy potentially dictated by pain, muscle weakness, kinesiophobia and stiffness. Since this poorly responding population faces surgical intervention on the short term, we recommend careful follow‐up after fusion surgery since biomechanical outcome measures associated to this post‐surgical stage is lacking.
Eco-friendly monitoring of triclosan as an emerging antimicrobial environmental contaminant utilizing electrochemical sensors modified with CNTs nanocomposite transducer layer
Authors: Safwat Nardine , Mahmoud Amr M. , Abdel-Ghany Maha F. , Ayad Miriam F.
Published: November 2023

Environmental appearance of antimicrobials due to frequent use of personal care products as recommended by WHO can cause serious flare-up of antimicrobial resistance. In this work, three eco-friendly microfabricated copper solid-state sensors were developed for measuring triclosan in water. Multi-walled carbon nanotubes were incorporated in sensor 2 and 3 as hydrophobic conductive inner layer. Meanwhile, β-cyclodextrin was incorporated in sensor 3 as an ionophore for selective binding of TCS in presence of interfering compounds. The obtained linear responses of sensors 1, 2 and 3 were (1 × 10− 8–1 × 10− 3 M), (1 × 10− 9–1 × 10− 3 M) and (1 × 10− 10– 1 × 10− 3 M), respectively. Limit of detection was 9.87 × 10− 9 M, 9.62 × 10− 10 M, and 9.94 × 10− 11 M, respectively. The miniaturized sensors were utilized for monitoring of triclosan in water samples.
Long-term follow-up of children with chronic non-bacterial osteomyelitis—assessment of disease activity, risk factors, and outcome
Authors: Reiser Christiane , Klotsche Jens , Hospach Toni , Heubner Georg , Windschall Daniel , Trauzeddel Ralf , Groesch Nadine , Niewerth Martina , Minden Kirsten , Girschick Hermann
Published: November 2023

Introduction

Chronic non-bacterial osteomyelitis (CNO) is an autoinflammatory bone-disease of unknown origin. The National Pediatric Rheumatologic Database (NPRD) collects long-term data of children and adolescents with rheumatic diseases including CNO.

Objective

To assess characteristics, courses, and outcomes of CNO with onset in childhood and adolescence and to identify outcome predictors.

Methods

From 2015 to 2021 patients with a confirmed diagnosis of CNO, who were registered in the NPRD during their first year of disease and at least one follow-up visit, were included in this analysis and observed for up to 4 years.

Results

Four hundred patients with recent diagnosis of CNO were enrolled in the NRPD during the study period. After 4 years, patient data documentation was sufficient to be analyzed in 81 patients. A significant decline of clinical and radiological lesions is reported: at inclusion in the registry, the mean number of clinical lesions was 2.0 and 3.0 MRI lesions per patient. A significant decrease of manifestations during 4 years of follow-up (mean clinical lesions 0.5, p < 0.001; mean MRI lesions 0.9 (p < 0.001)) was documented. A significant improvement of physician global disease activity (PGDA), patient-reported overall well-being, and childhood health assessment questionnaire (C-HAQ) was documented. Therapeutically, an increase of disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs over the years can be stated, while bisphosphonates rather seem to be considered as a therapeutic DMARD option in the first years of disease. Only 5–7% of the patients had a severe disease course as defined by a PGDA >  = 4. Predictors associated with a severe disease course include the site of inflammation (pelvis, lower extremity, clavicle), increased erythrocyte sedimentation rate, and multifocal disease at first documentation. The previously published composite PedCNO disease activity score was analyzed revealing a PedCNO70 in 55% of the patients at 4YFU.

Conclusion

An improvement of physician global disease activity (PGDA), patient reported overall well-being and imaging-defined disease activity measures was documented, suggesting that inactivity of CNO disease can be reached. PedCNO score and especially PGDA, MRI-defined lesions and in a number of patients also the C-HAQ seem to be reliable parameters for describing disease activity. The identification of risk factors at the beginning of the disease might influence treatment decision in the future.
Longitudinal changes in youth baseball batting based on body rotation and separation
Authors: Tsutsui Toshiharu , Sakata Jun , Sakamaki Wataru , Maemichi Toshihiro , Torii Suguru
Published: November 2023

Background

Identifying the characteristics of batting mechanics, such as the proper angle and position of each body segment in youth baseball players, is important for proper instructions. This study aimed to identify the age-related changes in batting kinematics including rotational and separational movements of the head, upper trunk, pelvis, and arms, in youth baseball players.

Methods

Over the three seasons, we measured the batting motion of baseball players aged 6- to 12 years using three high-speed cameras. Participants were divided into six age categories according to the little league eligibility rules (players were classified according to their age as of July 31 of a given year). Toss batting was performed using an automatic tossing machine set obliquely in front of the batter. Additionally, we analyzed the rotation angles of the head, upper trunk, pelvis, and arm direction, and the separation angles—calculated using the difference of each rotational angle and the head movement distance and step width—at five points in batting phase: stance, load, foot contact, pre-swing, and ball contact. Finally, 17 players from under 8 (U8, i.e., approximately 7–8 years) to U10 and 13 from U11 to U13 were analyzed. A one-way repeated measures analysis of variance was performed to analyze age-related changes in batting kinematics.

Results

Several age-related changes in batting kinematics at various batting point were observed. The head-to-upper trunk separation angle increased with age from U8 to U10 during the foot contact (effect sizes [ES] = 0.658) and from U11 to U13 during the pre-swing (ES = 0.630). Additionally, the U13 showed a significantly increase in the upper and pelvis separation angles during load, foot contact, and pre–swing compared with U11 and U12 (ES = 0.131, 0.793, and 0.480).

Conclusion

Various changes in batting kinematics occurred among each age group. Notably, U12 and U13 had the greater upper trunk-to-pelvis separation angle at foot contact and pre-swing compared to U11. Therefore, it would be important for the instruction of younger baseball players to understand the underdevelopment of trunk separation when batting and encourage the acquisition of such separation movements.
N6-methyladenosine-modified circRIMS2 mediates synaptic and memory impairments by activating GluN2B ubiquitination in Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Wang Xiong , Xie Jiazhao , Tan Lu , Lu Yanjun , Shen Na , Li Jiaoyuan , Hu Hui , Li Huijun , Li Xiaoguang , Cheng Liming
Published: November 2023

Background

Synaptic degeneration occurs in the early stage of Alzheimer's disease (AD) before devastating symptoms, strongly correlated with cognitive decline. Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are abundantly enriched in neural tissues, and aberrant expression of circRNAs precedes AD symptoms, significantly correlated with clinical dementia severity. However, the direct relationship between circRNA dysregulation and synaptic impairment in the early stage of AD remains poorly understood.

Methods

Hippocampal whole-transcriptome sequencing was performed to identify dysregulated circRNAs and miRNAs in 4-month-old wild-type and APP/PS1 mice. RNA antisense purification and mass spectrometry were utilized to unveil interactions between circRIMS2 and methyltransferase 3, N6-adenosine-methyltransferase complex catalytic subunit (METTL3). The roles of circRIMS2/miR-3968 in synaptic targeting of UBE2K-mediated ubiquitination of GluN2B subunit of NMDA receptor were evaluated via numerous lentiviruses followed by morphological staining, co-immunoprecipitation and behavioral testing. Further, a membrane-permeable peptide was used to block the ubiquitination of K1082 on GluN2B in AD mice.

Results

circRIMS2 was significantly upregulated in 4-month-old APP/PS1 mice, which was mediated by METTL3-dependent N6-methyladenosine (m6A) modification. Overexpression of circRIMS2 led to synaptic and memory impairments in 4-month-old C57BL/6 mice. MiR-3968/UBE2K was validated as the downstream of circRIMS2. Elevated UBE2K induced synaptic dysfunction of AD through ubiquitinating K1082 on GluN2B. Silencing METTL3 or blocking the ubiquitination of K1082 on GluN2B with a short membrane-permeable peptide remarkably rescued synaptic dysfunction in AD mice.

Conclusions

In conclusion, our study demonstrated that m6A-modified circRIMS2 mediates the synaptic and memory impairments in AD by activating the UBE2K-dependent ubiquitination and degradation of GluN2B via sponging miR-3968, providing novel therapeutic strategies for AD.
In silico prediction of bioequivalence of atorvastatin tablets based on GastroPlus™ software
Authors: Wang Lu , Chen Jinliang , Chen Wenjun , Ruan Zourong , Lou Honggang , Yang Dandan , Jiang Bo
Published: November 2023

The prediction of intestinal absorption of various drugs based on computer simulations has been a reality. However, in vivo pharmacokinetic simulations and virtual bioequivalence evaluation based on GastroPlus™ have not been found. This study aimed to simulate plasma concentrations with different dissolution profiles and run population simulations to evaluate the bioequivalence of test and reference products of atorvastation using GastroPlus software. The dissolution profiles of the reference and test products of atorvastatin (20 mg tablets), and clinical plasma concentration-time data of the reference product were used for the simulations. The results showed that the simulated models were successfully established for atorvastatin tablets. Population simulation results indicated that the test formulation was bioequivalent to the reference formulation. The findings suggest that modelling is an essential tool to demonstrating the possibility of pharmacokinetic and bioequivalence for atorvastatin. It will contribute to understanding the potential risks during the development of generic products.
Association of dietary behaviour and depression among adolescents in Malaysia: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Sahril Norhafizah , Adnan Muhammad Azri Adam , Khalil Muhamad Khairul Nazrin , Chan Yee Mang , Yoga Ratnam Kishwen Kanna , Lai Wai Kent , Ahmad Noor Ani
Published: November 2023

Background

Depression is on the rise and has become a significant concern for public health. Limited research has explored the connection between dietary patterns and depression. This investigation aimed to examine how dietary behaviours relate to depression among adolescents attending school in Malaysia.

Methods

The study utilized data from the National School-Based Health Survey 2022, a nationwide survey involving school-going adolescents aged 13–17, with a total of 33,523 participants from 239 schools. To assess depression, the study employed the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9), considering a score of 10 or higher as indicative of depression. Dietary behaviours were assessed using a validated self-administered questionnaire adapted from the World Health Organization's Global School-based Student Health Survey. Descriptive analysis and complex sample logistic regression were carried out using SPSS version 26.0.

Results

The study revealed a 26.9% overall prevalence of depression, with higher risks among female adolescents (AOR 2.71, 95% CI 2.51, 2.92) and those in higher grades. Malays (AOR 1.71, 95% CI 1.41, 2.07), Other Bumiputeras (AOR 1.69, 95% CI 1.32, 2.17), and Others (AOR 1.63, 95% CI 1.16, 2.30) had elevated odds of depression compared to Indians. Healthy dietary habits, like consuming less than two servings of fruits daily, correlated with depression (AOR 1.44 95% CI 1.35, 1.54). Additionally, unhealthy dietary behaviours such as fast food consumption (AOR 1.73 [95% CI 1.55, 1.93]) and carbonated soft drink intake (AOR 1.59 [95% CI 1.48, 1.70]) were positively associated with depression.

Conclusions

One out of every four Malaysian adolescents was identified to experience depression. Depression was linked to several factors, such as being female, belonging to higher grade levels, identifying as Malays, Other Bumiputeras, or belonging to other ethnicities, and participating in the consumption of fast food, carbonated soft drinks, and fruits. To address these observations, it is crucial to formulate effective public health programmes that prioritize adolescent mental health and encourage the adoption of healthy eating habits.
The Prose of Our Land: Ban Kōkei, Translation, and National Language Consciousness in Eighteenth-Century Japan
Authors: Clements Rebekah
Published: November 2023

Today, Ban Kōkei 伴蒿蹊 (1733–1806) is mostly known as the author of a collection of biographies, which became one of the best-selling books of Japan's late eighteenth century. However, he also devoted much of his career to developing the expressive potential of Japanese prose writing. This article locates Kōkei's promotion of language reform within the context of contemporaneous developments in translation from classical into vernacular Japanese and explains the role of translation in Kōkei's attempts to develop Japanese prose writing nearly one hundred years before the better-known national language advocacy of the “Unification of the Spoken and Written Languages” (Genbun itchi 言文一致) movement of the Meiji period (1868–1912). Considered alongside canonical figures like Motoori Norinaga and Ogyū Sorai, Kōkei's lesser-known work is evidence of a nascent “national” language consciousness among Japanese intellectuals prior to the Meiji period.
The Ends of Research
Authors: Özden-Schilling Tom
Published: November 2023

In The Ends of Research Tom Özden-Schilling explores the afterlives of several research initiatives that emerged in the wake of the “War in the Woods,” a period of anti-logging blockades in Canada in the late twentieth century. Drawing on ethnographic fieldwork among neighboring communities of White environmental scientists and First Nations mapmakers in northwest British Columbia, Özden-Schilling examines these researchers’ lasting investments and the ways they struggle to continue their work long after the loss of government funding. He charts their use of planning documents, Indigenous territory maps, land use plots, reports, and other documents that help them not only to survive institutional restructuring but to hold on to the practices that they hope will enable future researchers to continue their work. He also shows how their lives and aspirations shape and are shaped by decades-long battles over resource extraction and Indigenous land claims. By focusing on researchers’ experiences and personal attachments, Özden-Schilling illustrates the complex relationships between researchers and rural histories of conservation, environmental conflict, resource extraction, and the long-term legacies of scientific research.
The threat of a non-native oligochaete species in Iran's freshwater: Assessment of the diversity and origin of Eiseniella tetraedra (Savigny, 1826) and its response to climate change
Authors: Bagheri Maryam , Azimi Maryam , Khoshnamvand Hadi , Abdoli Asghar , Ahmadzadeh Faraham
Published: November 2023

Oligochaetes are the most abundant benthic taxa in aquatic ecosystems that play an important role in food webs. The present study aims to assess the diversity and origin of Eiseniella tetraedra as a non-native species in the Lar National Park of Iran and also its response to current and future climate change. To this, we obtained the specimen from rivers and sequenced the mitochondrial gene Cytochrome Oxidase subunit I (COI) and combined them with 117 sequences from the Jajroud and Karaj rivers in Iran and native regions from GenBank (NCBI). We also run Species Distribution Modelings (SDMs) using an ensemble model approach that was estimated according to two Shared Socio-economic Pathways (SSPs): 126 and 585 of the MRI-ESM2 based on CMIP6. According to the results, all the samples examined in the current study originated from Spanish rivers, and no unique haplotype was found in the Lar National Park. Moreover, the results also show high haplotype diversity that can positively affect the success of this non-native species in different freshwater. Also, the results of SDMs depict that climate change would remarkably affect the distribution of E. tetraedra and it verifies the invasion power of E. tetraedra in Iran's freshwater ecosystems over time.
Partes interessadas ou partes interessantes?
Authors: Belinky Aron
Published: November 2023

Ao ganhar relevância no mainstream, a abordagem ESG confronta-se com dilemas existenciais. No momento em que surgem novos standards para reporte de sustentabilidade, é fundamental refletirmos sobre a maneira de resolvê-los.
Liver metastases from colorectal carcinoma: performance of pathological response scores
Authors: ben slama Sana , Mallek Ines , Ben Othman Nadia , Bouchabou Bochra , Nakhli Abdelwahab , Hajri Mohammed , Mestiri Hafedh , Lahmar Ahlem , Bacha Dhouha
Published: November 2023

Background: Pathological response of liver metastases (LM) from colorectal carcinoma (CRC) to neoadjuvant therapy is one of the prognostic factors correlated with recurrence and survival. The aim of this study was to compare the performance of two prognostic scores in patients operated for colorectal cancer liver metastases (CRCLM).  

Methods: A study was performed of patients who underwent preoperative chemotherapy (CT), followed by resection of LM, from 2015-2021. Pathological response was evaluated according to Rubbia-Brandt tumor regression grade (TRG) and the Blazer scoring system. Then, we studied the performance of these two prognostic scores, based on homogeneity using the likelihood Ratio (LR+), monotonicity and discriminative ability using the area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve (AUC).  

Results: 70 cases were included in the study. Mean age was 56 years. The sex ratio was 2.2. Forty patients were stage IV (57%) with synchronous all CRCLMs. The overall survival, all stages combined, was 85.5% at 12 months, 41.7% at 24 months and 19.3% at 36 months. The mean survival was better in case of major response (TRG1/TRG2) evaluated at 40.1 and 41.1 months after diagnosis. In cases of partial response (TRG3), the mean survival was 32.1 months. In cases with no response (TRG4/TRG5), survival was estimated at 29.9 and 18.5 months. The Rubbia-Brandt TRG had the highest LR+ (10.95). The LR+ of the Rubbia-Brandt score was greater than 10, so it was a test with very strong contribution. The LR+ of the Blazer score was between 5 and 10, it was a test with strong contribution. The Rubbia-Brandt TRG had the highest linearity value (10.73). With a higher AUC of the ROC curve (0.8), the Rubbia-Brandt TRG was better at predicting survival than the Blazer score.
Encrucijadas queer en el derecho
Authors: van Pelt Eder
Published: November 2023

Este libro examina la posibilidad de una aproximación entre el derecho y la crítica queer. Para ello aborda el fenómeno de la crítica queer, sus interrogantes iniciales y sus problematizaciones más importantes, principalmente las relacionadas con los procesos de sujeción y los modos sociales de comportamiento hegemónicos. Luego desarrolla el sujeto del derecho moderno, a partir de las comprensiones más tradicio- nales de la teoría del derecho. Y tras explicar cómo el derecho estructura al sujeto, el libro efectúa una crítica a los procesos de sujeción y debate las alternativas eman- cipatorias constituidas por medio del derecho. Por lo tanto, esta obra propone un “modelo escalonado de prácticas de libertad”, basado en Michel Foucault y adaptado para el derecho. Además, presenta algunos ejes de las innumerables expansiones de esta energía queer, para demostrar que su fuerza no puede controlarse, ya que es la que nos ayuda a mantener vivas las posibilidades de realizar nuestras prácticas de libertad.
Screening of Fast-Neutron Mutant Population to Identify Candidate Rice Blast Defense Response Genes
Authors:   Department of Genetics, Faculty of Science, Kasetsart University, Bangkok 10900, Thailand, Suksirt Mantira , Ariyaanundech Kasirapat ,   Department of Genetics, Faculty of Science, Kasetsart University, Bangkok 10900, Thailand, Jantasuriyarat Chatchawan ,   Department of Genetics, Faculty of Science, Kasetsart University, Bangkok 10900, Thailand
Published: November 2023

Rice is the most widely consumed staple food in the world, feeding over half of global population. Thailand has long been an important rice producer and exporter, ranked 6th in the world regarding total milled rice yield. Unfortunately, the major problem of rice production worldwide is rice blast disease which caused by the fungus Magnaporthe oryzae. The most effective method for managing rice blast disease is using resistant rice varieties. One of Thai rice variety that show highly resistance against various rice blast fungus isolates is Jao Hom Nin (JHN) rice, containing broad-spectrum resistance gene, Pi7. However, the identification of resistance genes other than the R gene will confer long-lasting and sustainable resistance to the plant, which lead to identification of genes involved in the plant’s defense against the rice blast fungus in this study. JHN were previously mutagenized with fast-neutron radiation. 2,200 JHN M4 lines were inoculated with mixture of five Thai rice blast fungus isolates. Five susceptible lines lost their resistance due to mutations in the Pi7 gene, while one susceptible line with an intact Pi7 gene could not be characterized as it failed to produce an F1 population. Two moderate resistance lines with intact Pi7 gene were sent for whole-genome resequencing along with JHN wildtype. The sequence comparison between JHN and two mutant lines revealed 491,759 Indel variants. The Indel variants, whose nucleotide sequences differed by less than 10 bp between JHN and mutants, were filtered out. Consequently 33 candidate rice blast defense response genes were predicted to contain high-impact effect Indels, with only 15 of them having predicted functions. Eleven genes were identified as transposons or retrotransposons. Four genes with predicted functions stand out as interesting candidates for future characterization.
Dioscorea alata L. Tubers Ethanol Extract Improves Insulin Resistance and Estrogen Defectively in Type 2 Diabetic Ovariectomized Rats
Authors:   Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Mahasarakham University, Maha Sarakham Province 44150, Thailand, Chatan Wannachai , Khunwong Chanapon ,   Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Mahasarakham University, Maha Sarakham Province 44150, Thailand, Kupittayanant Sajeera ,   School of Pre-clinic, Institute of Science, Suranaree University of Technology, Nakhon Ratchasima Province, 30000, Thailand, Kerdsuknirund Sasitorn , Rojviriya Catleya ,   Synchrotron Light Research Institute, Nakhon Ratchasima Province, 30000, Thailand, Promprom Wilawan ,   Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Mahasarakham University, Maha Sarakham Province 44150, Thailand,   Plant and Innovation Research Unit, Mahasarakham University, Maha Sarakham Province 44150, Thailand
Published: November 2023

Dioscorea alata L., commonly known as water yam, has attracted the attention of scientific researchers for its potential anti-diabetic and estrogenic properties. However, the existing literature lacks specific studies on the anti-diabetic and estrogenic effects of D. alata in the context of type 2 diabetic ovariectomized rats. Thus, Our research focuses on investigating the influence of D. alata on the antidiabetic and estrogenic properties in rats. These rats have developed diabetes through a high-fat diet and streptozotocin induction and have also undergone ovariectomy, making them type 2 diabetic ovariectomized rats (T2DM OVX). This comprehensive study both in vitro and in vivo methodologies. We conducted a phytochemical analysis, revealing the presence of key bioactive constituents, including flavonoids, alkaloids, terpenoids, tannins, saponins, cardiac glycosides, and steroids. The results of our phytochemical screening confirm the remarkable antidiabetic properties of the D. alata extract, as it effectively inhibits α-glucosidase activity, leading to a significant reduction in fasting blood glucose levels. Additionally, it enhances body weight, serum insulin levels, and pancreatic islet size. The extract also demonstrates notable estrogenic effects by significantly increasing uterine wet weight, endometrial and myometrium thickness, bone calcium, and overall bone density, while reducing bone porosity in the T2DM OVX rats. It is important to note that while the D. alata extract exhibits slightly less potent α-glucosidase inhibition compared to acarbose, it showcases potent antidiabetic activity at a dose of 1,000 mg/kg body weight, comparable to Metformin (250 mg/kg body weight). In terms of estrogenic activity, it is slightly less potent than 17β-estradiol (1 mg/kg body weight). These findings provide robust evidence supporting the traditional use of D. alata and its efficacy in the context of antidiabetic and estrogenic properties within the T2DM OVX model.
Factors affecting consumers’ perception and willingness to pay for Fairtrade bananas during a cost-of-living crisis
Authors: Jahae Timo , Tremma Ourania , Aguiar Luís Kluwe
Published: November 2023

The study set out to investigate factors affecting consumers’ ethical perception and willingness to pay for Fairtrade bananas during the cost-of-living crisis in the UK. A survey was distributed via social media resulting in 357 valid responses which were analyzed using IBM-SPSS-28. The main influencing factors on consumers’ perception of Fairtrade are still strong ethical beliefs towards socio-economic benefits to farmers followed by cost, convenience and quality. No demographic factors significantly influenced purchase behaviour. A framework representing the factors influencing consumers was proposed.

During a cost-of-living crisis, despite some consumers’ price sensitivity, they are still willing to purchase and pay more for Fairtrade bananas. Ethical knowledge and personal values sustain the purchase of ethically produced bananas. However, consumption would remain strong provided the price premium paid is not substantially high. When targeting consumers, the focus on overall awareness of Fairtrade and its values should be the key features in promotion campaigns.
Ideology as misrecognition
Authors: Stahl Titus
Published: November 2023

Theories of recognition often acknowledge that some forms of recognition can be ideological. Only recently have authors also begun to ask whether all ideological phenomena involve a more basic form of misrecognition of epistemic agents. I argue that an expressivist reconstruction of the Marxian theory of ideology can help us to understand what forms of misrecognition are involved in ideology. According to this understanding, ideological discourses reflect the rules of hierarchical social practices and impose limits on the capacity of subjects to challenge dominant conceptual distinctions. While rational epistemic subjects will tend to experience such limits as misrecognition, this does not require any negative interpersonal attitudes on the part of others. Therefore, at least some forms of ideology involve primarily structural, rather than interpersonal, misrecognition. I argue that ideologies that persist without involving widespread false beliefs can best be understood in this way and that neoliberalism is a paradigmatic example of such an ideology.
Global social challenges for development studies in the Crisis in the Anthropocene
Authors: Simon David , Gómez Oscar A. , Gasper Des , Bennett Kate , Washbourne Carla-Leanne , Abasli Ilaha , Mukhtarov Farhad , Dias Sonia , Sarkar Amitabha
Published: November 2023

This panel discussion session explores some of the central dimensions of the Crisis in the Anthropocene that constitute global social challenges in the context of development studies. The conference theme highlighted the profound human impact on our blue-green-brown planet, that is already breaching planetary boundaries and pushing us beyond the roughly 1.5°C tipping point. This threatens liveability and sustainability in many localities and regions and may well rapidly be ‘off the scale’ of imaginability and survivability. Inevitably, as mounting empirical evidence and increasingly clear projections by the IPCC and other authoritative bodies show, these impacts are unevenly spread, both socially and spatially, both now and over the coming decades. The urgency of appropriate action is undeniable and we already know many dimensions of the required adaptations and transformations. Yet progress mostly remains too slow. These challenges are vital to the development studies community – heterogenous as it is – with our concerns for tackling poverty, inequality, deprivation and environmental degradation globally and locally.

Hence this symposium asks what the crisis means for development theory, policy and practice and what development studies can and should be contributing to – and, indeed, whether it is capable of – addressing some key dimensions that warrant greater attention.
Assessing Effects of China's Party Diplomacy vis-à-vis Southeast Asia: Ideas, Interests, and Controversies
Authors: Wen Yao
Published: November 2023

Abstract: China's party diplomacy—the Communist Party of China's own international outreach—has become an important component of China's foreign relations. Given Southeast Asia's strategic importance, the Communist Party of China (CPC) has been proactively engaging political elites in the region. What are the immediate changes party diplomacy brings about for Southeast Asian actors, and how do they translate into long-term consequences? I propose a three-pronged framework to explore the local effects of China's party diplomacy, respectively, concerning exposure to ideas, the pursuit of interests, and the emergence of controversies. Drawing on a novel dataset and using illustrative cases of Vietnam, Singapore, Myanmar, and Malaysia, I show how the effects are contingent on the agency of Southeast Asian actors and domestic dynamics in each country. From the standpoint of Southeast Asian elites, engagement with the CPC could bring about ideational and material benefits, while domestic pushback, if any, is easy to deflect and tends to fade away over time. China's party diplomacy is best described as a moderate status quo multiplier that leads to noticeable changes without triggering structural shifts.
China's Belt and Road Initiative in Myanmar: Governance and State-Society Implications
Authors: Tritto Angela , Huang Roger Lee
Published: November 2023

Abstract: Sino-Myanmar relations entail a complex and deep-rooted web of connections linking state and non-state actors with state and private capital. Based on qualitative fieldwork conducted in 2019, this article argues that Chinese investments in Myanmar have exacerbated the precarious state-societal relations. Our argument is based on three interconnected reasons: the lack of engagement and corporate social responsibility in Chinese projects, China's engagement with Myanmar's Ethnic Armed Organizations (EAOs), and the large presence of Chinese capital in the country's informal and often illicit economy. Such dynamics have increased the anti-China sentiment and heightened frictions in an already fragmented political and economic situation. As a result, contrary to China's "win-win" claims, Belt and Road Inititative projects have not contributed to equitable socioeconomic developments but have exacerbated state-society tensions. We conclude by considering the implications of the 2021 coup d'état, its impact on Sino-Myanmar relations, and the prospects for BRI implementation.
How Chinese Capital Exacerbates Structural Violence: Externalization, Extraction, and Reaffirmation against Ethnic Minorities in the Global South
Authors: Camba Alvin , Kam Stefanie
Published: November 2023

Abstract: How does Chinese capital exacerbate structural violence against ethnic minorities in host countries? While a growing number of works examine the effects of Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and non-BRI Chinese projects, these works focus on economic effects, political impacts, or negative socioenvironmental ramifications on communities. However, there has yet to be work on the specific relationship between Chinese capital and ethnic relations in the host country. In the form of major BRI and non-BRI projects, we suggest that Chinese capital acts as an external stimulus that gives ethnic coalitions, which often comprise host country elites who represent the majority ethnic groups, the power to design and finance large-scale ventures. We argue that three mechanisms, particularly externalization, extraction, and reaffirmation, exacerbate structural violence against ethnic minorities. Through field research, analysis of government documents, and literature review, the cases of the Philippines, Pakistan, and Myanmar illustrate our argument. The shadow case of Xinjiang strengthens our argument as well.
Twitter Diplomacy and China's Strategic Narrative during the Early COVID-19 Crisis
Authors: Song Weiqing , Ruan Yinyan , Sun Sibei
Published: November 2023

Abstract: This article examines Chinese diplomats' use of Twitter during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. Although Twitter is blocked in China, Chinese officials use the platform to experiment with new public diplomacy channels and directly communicate with foreign audiences. We argue that China's utilization of Twitter in 2020 functioned as a crisis management and public relations tool and as a mechanism for disseminating a strategic narrative (SN) that articulated foreign policy priorities. To illustrate this, we apply a qualitative content analysis to a selection of tweets from two China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) spokespersons and divided into three stages. In each stage, distinct narrative themes emerge and construct a cohesive SN across three dimensions: issues, role identity, and the international system. This study reveals that China's public diplomacy apparatus effectively reaches global audiences with well-structured narratives but also that this effectiveness remains very limited.
An Assessment of the Relationship Between Individual Farmland Bird Species Abundance and the Field Boundary Evaluation and Grading System
Authors: Quinn Stephanie , Sheridan Helen , Kinsella Anne , McMahon Barry J.
Published: November 2023

ABSTRACT: Field boundaries, including hedgerows, are important semi-natural habitats for many Irish farmland birds. There is a need for proactive conservation measures targeted towards common species. An investigation was conducted into the relationship between the Field Boundary Evaluation and Grading System index (FBEGS) and individual farmland bird species in Ireland. FBEGS is a tool that can be used to assess the ecological quality of field boundaries and is a useful predictor of total farmland bird communities. Here, we used data collected during 2005–06 to evaluate the relationship between field boundary quality (using FBEGS) and the abundance of a range of individual bird species recorded in the winter and breeding seasons. Blackbird Turdus merula and robin Erithacus rubecula had positive relationships with FBEGS in winter, and blackbird T. merula , wren Troglodytes troglodytes and woodpigeon Columba palumbus had positive relationships with FBEGS in the breeding season. This indicates that FBEGS can be used to predict the abundance of particular bird species within hedgerows. However, there are limitations to this predictive ability, likely due to species-specific preferences in terms of the ecological quality of hedgerows.