bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Validation and optimal cut-off score of the World Health Organization Well-being Index (WHO-5) as a screening tool for depression among patients with schizophrenia
Authors: Fekih-Romdhane Feten , Al Mouzakzak Fadila , Abilmona Ghinwa , Dahdouh Oussama , Hallit Souheil
Published: May 2024

Background

The utility of the World Health Organization Wellbeing Index (WHO-5) as rapid screening tool for depression has not yet been researched in the context of schizophrenia. The goals of this study were twofold: (1) to test the psychometric properties of the WHO-5 in a sample of Arabic-speaking patients with schizophrenia from Lebanon, with particular emphasis on validating the WHO-5 as a screening tool for wellbeing and depression in patients with schizophrenia; and (2) to determine the optimal cut-off point to identify schizophrenia patients with depression.

Methods

Chronic, remitted patients with schizophrenia took part in this cross-sectional study between August and October 2023 (n = 117; mean age of 57.86 ± 10.88 years and 63.3% males). The Calgary Depression Scale for Schizophrenia (CDSS) was included as index of validity. For the validation of the WHO-5 scale, we performed a confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) using the original structure of the scale. To assess the discriminatory validity of the Arabic version of the WHO-5 as a screening tool for depression, we conducted a Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis, taking the WHO-5 reversed score against the dichotomized CDSS score at a cut off value of 6.

Results

The results of CFA supported the originally proposed unidimensional structure of the measure, with good internal consistency reliability (α = 0.80), concurrent validity, and cross-sex measurement invariance. The WHO-5 showed a sensitivity of 0.8 and a specificity of 0.7 in the detection of depression with a cut-off point of 9.5. The validity of the WHO-5 as a screening tool for depression was supported by the excellent discrimination AUC value of 0.838. Based on this WHO-5 cut-off value, 42.6% of the patients were screened as having a depression.

Conclusion

The study contributes to the field by showing that the WHO-5 is a concise and convenient self-report measure for quickly screening and monitoring depressive symptoms in patients with schizophrenia. It is therefore highly recommended to apply this cut-off point for screening and follow-up assessments. The current findings will hopefully encourage clinicians and researchers working in Arab settings, who are often confronted with significant time and resource constraints, to start using the WHO-5 to aid their efforts in mitigating depression in this vulnerable population and fostering research in this under-researched area.
Treatment of harmful gambling: a scoping review of United Kingdom-based intervention research
Authors: Seel Christopher J. , Jones Matthew , Christensen Darren R. , May Richard , Hoon Alice E. , Dymond Simon
Published: May 2024

Background

Understanding and treating the harm caused by gambling is a growing international psychiatric and public health challenge. Treatment of gambling harm may involve psychological and pharmacological intervention, in conjunction with peer support. This scoping review was conducted to identify, for the first time, the characteristics and extent of United Kingdom (UK) based gambling treatment research. We reviewed studies conducted among people seeking treatment for disordered or harmful gambling in the UK, the settings, research designs, and outcome measures used, and to identify any treatment research gaps.

Methods

Systematic searches of PsycInfo, PsycArticles, Scopus, PubMed, and Web of Science databases were carried out for gambling treatment research or evaluation studies conducted in the UK. Studies were included if they evaluated the effectiveness of an intervention or treatment designed to improve symptoms of harmful or problematic gambling, reported outcomes of interventions on treatment adherence, gambling symptoms, or behaviours using standardised measures, were conducted in the UK, and were published since 2000.

Results

Eight studies met the inclusion criteria. Four were retrospective chart reviews, two were single-participant case reports, one described a retrospective case series, and one employed a cross-sectional design. None used an experimental design.

Conclusion

The limited number of studies included in this review highlights a relative paucity of gambling treatment research conducted in UK settings. Further work should seek to identify potential barriers and obstacles to conducting gambling treatment research in the UK.
Effects of acute normovolemic hemodilution and allogeneic blood transfusion on postoperative complications of oral and maxillofacial flap reconstruction: a retrospective study
Authors: Li Wenhao , Li Xueer , Chen Yanhong , Li Yanling , Chen Rui , Kang Ziqin , Huang Zhiquan , Zhao Yili
Published: May 2024

Objective

Patients undergoing oral and maxillofacial flap reconstruction often need blood transfusions due to massive blood loss. With the increasing limitations of allogeneic blood transfusion (ABT), doctors are considering acute normovolemic hemodilution (ANH) because of its advantages. By comparing the differences in the (Δ) blood indices and postoperative complications of patients receiving ABT or ANH during the reconstruction and repair of oral and maxillofacial tumor flaps, this study’s purpose was to provide a reference for the clinical application of ANH.

Methods

The clinical data of 276 patients who underwent oral and maxillofacial flap reconstruction from September 25, 2017, to October 11, 2021, in the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, were retrospectively analyzed. According to the intraoperative blood transfusion mode, the patients were divided into two groups: ABT and ANH. The differences in the (Δ) blood indices and the incidence of postoperative complications between the groups were analyzed.

Results

Among the 276 patients who had ANH (124/276) and ABT (152/276), there were no differences in (Δ) Hb, (Δ) PT, or (Δ) FIB (P > 0.05), while (Δ) WBC, (Δ) PLT, (Δ) APTT and (Δ) D-dimer were significantly different (P < 0.05). The blood transfusion method was not an independent factor for flap crisis (P > 0.05). The wound infection probability in patients with high post-PTs was 1.953 times greater than that in patients with low post-PTs (OR = 1.953, 95% CI: 1.232 ∼ 3.095, P = 0.004). A normal or overweight BMI was a protective factor for pulmonary infection, and the incidence of pulmonary infection in these patients was only 0.089 times that of patients with a low BMI (OR = 0.089, 95% CI: 0.017 ∼ 0.462). Moreover, a high ASA grade promoted the occurrence of pulmonary infection (OR = 6.373, 95% CI: 1.681 ∼ 24.163). The blood transfusion mode (B = 0.310, β = 0.360, P < 0.001; ANH: ln hospital stay = 2.20 ± 0.37; ABT: ln hospital stay = 2.54 ± 0.42) improved the length of hospital stay.

Conclusion

Preoperative and postoperative blood transfusion (Δ) Hb, (Δ) PT, and (Δ) FIB did not differ; (Δ) WBC, (Δ) PLT, (Δ) APTT, and (Δ) D-dimer did differ. There was no difference in the effects of the two blood transfusion methods on flap crisis, incision infection or lung infection after flap reconstruction, but ANH resulted in a 3.65 day shorter average hospital stay than did ABT.
Evaluating the accuracy of Chat Generative Pre-trained Transformer version 4 (ChatGPT-4) responses to United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) frequently asked questions about dental amalgam
Authors: Buldur Mehmet , Sezer Berkant
Published: May 2024

Background

The use of artificial intelligence in the field of health sciences is becoming widespread. It is known that patients benefit from artificial intelligence applications on various health issues, especially after the pandemic period. One of the most important issues in this regard is the accuracy of the information provided by artificial intelligence applications.

Objective

The purpose of this study was to the frequently asked questions about dental amalgam, as determined by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA), which is one of these information resources, to Chat Generative Pre-trained Transformer version 4 (ChatGPT-4) and to compare the content of the answers given by the application with the answers of the FDA.

Methods

The questions were directed to ChatGPT-4 on May 8th and May 16th, 2023, and the responses were recorded and compared at the word and meaning levels using ChatGPT. The answers from the FDA webpage were also recorded. The responses were compared for content similarity in “Main Idea”, “Quality Analysis”, “Common Ideas”, and “Inconsistent Ideas” between ChatGPT-4’s responses and FDA’s responses.

Results

ChatGPT-4 provided similar responses at one-week intervals. In comparison with FDA guidance, it provided answers with similar information content to frequently asked questions. However, although there were some similarities in the general aspects of the recommendation regarding amalgam removal in the question, the two texts are not the same, and they offered different perspectives on the replacement of fillings.

Conclusions

The findings of this study indicate that ChatGPT-4, an artificial intelligence based application, encompasses current and accurate information regarding dental amalgam and its removal, providing it to individuals seeking access to such information. Nevertheless, we believe that numerous studies are required to assess the validity and reliability of ChatGPT-4 across diverse subjects.
Effect of yoga in medical students to reduce the level of depression, anxiety, and stress: pilot study (Goodbye Stress with Yoga GSY)
Authors: Chauhan Shalini , Babu Ann Mary , Galgalo Dahabo Adi , Melczer Csaba , Prémusz Viktória , Karsai István
Published: May 2024

Introduction

Globally medical students reported high level of stress sensitivity, stress intensity and depression or anxiety. Yoga is proven to be a one of the most effective anxiolytic tools. The current study specifically designed to investigate the effect of yoga intervention on the level of stress, depression, and anxiety of medical student at the University of Pécs.

Methods

Twenty-eight medical students from the University of Pécs, with an average age of 23.54 ± 4.36 years and a BMI of 22.42 ± 3.42 kg/m2, participated in a 10-week yoga intervention. In the current study, the DASS-21 was employed to gather information on stress, depression, and anxiety, while self-reported health and quality of life were assessed using the WHOQOL-BREF Questionnaire. The Shapiro-Wilk test was employed to examine the distribution of the data. The choice between the paired sampled T-test and the Wilcoxon signed test was determined based on the distribution of the data.

Results

The intervention group exhibited a mean and standard deviation of depression pre- and post-yoga 10.14 ± 10.60 and 7.21 ± 8.56, similarly the values for anxiety were 8.57 ± 10.09 and 5.51 ± 7.42, and for stress values were 12.79 ± 10.73 and 9.64 ± 9.71 respectively. Notably, this outcome attribute to a significant in decreased depression (p = 0.019), anxiety (p = 0.049) among the participants.

Conclusions

Introduction of Yoga Intervention significantly decreased in levels of depression and anxiety. By this current study we were able to confirm the necessity of Yoga Intervention with our primary survey.
Identification of differentially expressed ER stress-related genes and their association with pulmonary arterial hypertension
Authors: Yang Qi , Lai Banghui , Xie Hao , Deng Mingbin , Li Jun , Yang Yan , Wan Juyi , Liao Bin , Liu Feng
Published: May 2024

Background

Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a complex and progressive illness that has a multifaceted origin, significant fatality rates, and profound effects on health. The pathogenesis of PAH is poorly defined due to the insufficient understanding of the combined impact of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress and immune infiltration, both of which play vital roles in PAH development. This study aims to identify potential ER stress-related biomarkers in PAH and investigate their involvement in immune infiltration.

Methods

The GEO database was used to download gene expression profiles. Genes associated with ER stress were obtained from the MSigDB database. Weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA), GO, KEGG, and protein-protein interaction (PPI) were utilized to conduct screening of hub genes and explore potential molecular mechanisms. Furthermore, the investigation also delved into the presence of immune cells in PAH tissues and the correlation between hub genes and the immune system. Finally, we validated the diagnostic value and expression levels of the hub genes in PAH using subject-workup characterization curves and real-time quantitative PCR.

Results

In the PAH and control groups, a total of 31 genes related to ER stress were found to be differentially expressed. The enrichment analysis revealed that these genes were primarily enriched in reacting to stress in the endoplasmic reticulum, dealing with unfolded proteins, transporting proteins, and processing proteins within the endoplasmic reticulum. EIF2S1, NPLOC4, SEC61B, SYVN1, and DERL1 were identified as the top 5 hub genes in the PPI network. Immune infiltration analysis revealed that these hub genes were closely related to immune cells. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves revealed that the hub genes exhibited excellent diagnostic efficacy for PAH. The levels of SEC61B, NPLOC4, and EIF2S1 expression were in agreement with the findings of bioinformatics analysis in the PAH group.

Conclusions

Potential biomarkers that could be utilized are SEC61B, NPLOC4, and EIF2S1, as identified in this study. The infiltration of immune cells was crucial to the development and advancement of PAH. This study provided new potential therapeutic targets for PAH.
Rates of bronchopulmonary dysplasia in very low birth weight neonates: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Moreira Alvaro , Noronha Michelle , Joy Jooby , Bierwirth Noah , Tarriela Aina , Naqvi Aliha , Zoretic Sarah , Jones Maxwell , Marotta Ali , Valadie Taylor , Brick Jonathan , Winter Caitlyn , Porter Melissa , Decker Isabelle , Bruschettini Matteo , Ahuja Sunil K.
Published: May 2024

Importance

Large-scale estimates of bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) are warranted for adequate prevention and treatment. However, systematic approaches to ascertain rates of BPD are lacking.

Objective

To conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis to assess the prevalence of BPD in very low birth weight (≤ 1,500 g) or very low gestational age (< 32 weeks) neonates.

Data sources

A search of MEDLINE from January 1990 until September 2019 using search terms related to BPD and prevalence was performed.

Study selection

Randomized controlled trials and observational studies evaluating rates of BPD in very low birth weight or very low gestational age infants were eligible. Included studies defined BPD as positive pressure ventilation or oxygen requirement at 28 days (BPD28) or at 36 weeks postmenstrual age (BPD36).

Data extraction and synthesis

Two reviewers independently conducted all stages of the review. Random-effects meta-analysis was used to calculate the pooled prevalence. Subgroup analyses included gestational age group, birth weight group, setting, study period, continent, and gross domestic product. Sensitivity analyses were performed to reduce study heterogeneity.

Main outcomes and measures

Prevalence of BPD defined as BPD28, BPD36, and by subgroups.

Results

A total of 105 articles or databases and 780,936 patients were included in this review. The pooled prevalence was 35% (95% CI, 28-42%) for BPD28 (n = 26 datasets, 132,247 neonates), and 21% (95% CI, 19-24%) for BPD36 (n = 70 studies, 672,769 neonates). In subgroup meta-analyses, birth weight category, gestational age category, and continent were strong drivers of the pooled prevalence of BPD.

Conclusions and relevance

This study provides a global estimation of BPD prevalence in very low birth weight/low gestation neonates.
SLC7A5 correlated with malignancies and immunotherapy response in bladder cancer
Authors: Zhang Chunyu , Wang Yanan , Guo Xiangdong , Wang Zhihua , Xiao Jiatong , Liu Zhi
Published: May 2024

Background

Metabolic reprogramming contributes to bladder cancer development. This study aimed to understand the role of SLC7A5 in bladder cancer.

Methods

We systematically analyzed the correlation between SLC7A5 and bladder cancer through various approaches, including bioinformatics, western blotting, cell cycle analysis, cell proliferation assays, and invasion experiments. We also investigated the immunological features within the tumor microenvironment (TME), encompassing cancer immune cycles, immune modulators, immune checkpoints, tumor-infiltrating immune cells (TIIC), T cell inflammation scores, and treatment responses. Additionally, for a comprehensive assessment of the expression patterns and immunological roles of SLC7A5, pan-cancer analysis was performed using cancer genomics datasets.

Results

SLC7A5 was associated with adverse prognosis in bladder cancer patients, activating the Wnt pathway and promoting bladder cancer cell cycle progression, proliferation, migration, and invasion. Based on the evidence that SLC7A5 positively correlated with immunomodulators, TIIC, the cancer immune cycle, immune checkpoint and T cell inflammation scores, we also found that SLC7A5 was associated with the inflammatory tumor immune microenvironment. EGFR-targeted therapy, cancer immunotherapy, and radiation therapy were effective for patients with high SLC7A5 expression in bladder cancer. Low SLC7A5 patients were, however, sensitive to targeted therapies and anti-angiogenic therapy, such as blocking β-catenin network, PPAR-γ and FGFR3 signaling. Anti-SLC7A5 combined with cancer immunotherapy may have greater effectiveness than either therapy alone. Furthermore, we observed specific overexpression of SLC7A5 in TME of various cancers.

Conclusion

SLC7A5 can predict therapeutic response to immunotherapy, radiotherapy and chemotherapy in bladder cancer patients. Targeting SLC7A5 in combination with immunotherapy may be a potentially appropriate treatment option.
Efficient isolated microspore culture protocol for callus induction and plantlet regeneration in japonica rice (Oryza sativa L.)
Authors: Gao Runhong , Zong Yingjie , Zhang Shuwei , Guo Guimei , Zhang Wenqi , Chen Zhiwei , Lu Ruiju , Liu Chenghong , Wang Yifei , Li Yingbo
Published: May 2024

Background

Isolated microspore culture is a useful biotechnological technique applied in modern plant breeding programs as it can produce doubled haploid (DH) plants and accelerate the development of new varieties. Furthermore, as a single-cell culture technique, the isolated microspore culture provides an excellent platform for studying microspore embryogenesis. However, the reports on isolated microspore culture are rather limited in rice due to the low callus induction rate, poor regeneration capability, and high genotypic dependency. The present study developed an effective isolated microspore culture protocol for high-frequency androgenesis in four japonica rice genotypes. Several factors affecting the isolated microspore culture were studied to evaluate their effects on callus induction and plantlet regeneration.

Results

Low-temperature pre-treatment at 4 ℃ for 10–15 days could effectively promote microspore embryogenesis in japonica rice. A simple and efficient method was proposed for identifying the microspore developmental stage. The anthers in yellow-green florets located on the second type of primary branch on the rice panicle were found to be the optimal stage for isolated microspore culture. The most effective induction media for callus induction were IM2 and IM3, depending on the genotype. The optimal concentration of 2, 4-D in the medium for callus induction was 1 mg/L. Callus induction was negatively affected by a high concentration of KT over 1.5 mg/L. The differentiation medium suitable for japonica rice microspore callus comprised 1/2 MS, 2 mg/L 6-BA, 0.5 mg/L NAA, 30 g/L sucrose, and 6 g/L agar. The regeneration frequency of the four genotypes ranged from 61–211 green plantlets per 100 mg calli, with Chongxiangjing showing the highest regeneration frequency.

Conclusions

This study presented an efficient protocol for improved callus induction and green plantlet regeneration in japonica rice via isolated microspore culture, which could provide valuable support for rice breeding and genetic research.
Chemokines in diabetic eye disease
Authors: Pan Xiongfeng , Tan Xinrui , McDonald Judy , Kaminga Atipatsa Chiwanda , Chen Yuyao , Dai Feizhao , Qiu Jun , Zhao Kunyan , Peng Yunlong
Published: May 2024

Background

Diabetic eye disease is a common micro-vascular complication of diabetes and a leading cause of decreased vision and blindness in people of working age worldwide.Although previous studies have shown that chemokines system may be a player in pathogenesis of diabetic eye disease, it is unclear which chemokines play the most important role.To date, there is no meta-analysis which has investigated the role of chemokines in diabetic eye disease.We hope this study will contribute to a better understanding of both the signaling pathways of the chemokines in the pathophysiological process, and more reliable therapeutic targets for diabetic eye disease.

Methods

Embase, PubMed, Web of Science and Cochrane Library systematically searched for relevant studies from inception to Sep 1, 2023. A random-effect model was used and standardized mean differences (SMDs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated to summarize the associated measure between chemokines concentrations and diabetic eye disease. Network meta-analysis to rank chemokines-effect values according to ranked probabilities.

Results

A total of 33 different chemokines involving 11,465 subjects (6559 cases and 4906 controls) were included in the meta-analysis. Results of the meta-analysis showed that concentrations of CC and CXC chemokines in the diabetic eye disease patients were significantly higher than those in the controls. Moreover, network meta-analysis showed that the effect of CCL8, CCL2, CXCL8 and CXCL10 were ranked highest in terms of probabilities. Concentrations of CCL8, CCL2, CXCL8 and CXCL10 may be associated with diabetic eye disease, especially in diabetic retinopathy and diabetic macular edema.

Conclusion

Our study suggests that CCL2 and CXCL8 may play key roles in pathogenesis of diabetic eye disease. Future research should explore putative mechanisms underlying these links, with the commitment to develop novel prophylactic and therapeutic for diabetic eye disease.
Bacterial dynamics of the plastisphere microbiome exposed to sub-lethal antibiotic pollution
Authors: Joannard Brune , Sanchez-Cid Concepcion
Published: May 2024

Background

Antibiotics and microplastics are two major aquatic pollutants that have been associated to antibiotic resistance selection in the environment and are considered a risk to human health. However, little is known about the interaction of these pollutants at environmental concentrations and the response of the microbial communities in the plastisphere to sub-lethal antibiotic pollution. Here, we describe the bacterial dynamics underlying this response in surface water bacteria at the community, resistome and mobilome level using a combination of methods (next-generation sequencing and qPCR), sequencing targets (16S rRNA gene, pre-clinical and clinical class 1 integron cassettes and metagenomes), technologies (short and long read sequencing), and assembly approaches (non-assembled reads, genome assembly, bacteriophage and plasmid assembly).

Results

Our results show a shift in the microbial community response to antibiotics in the plastisphere microbiome compared to surface water communities and describe the bacterial subpopulations that respond differently to antibiotic and microplastic pollution. The plastisphere showed an increased tolerance to antibiotics and selected different antibiotic resistance bacteria (ARB) and antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs). Several metagenome assembled genomes (MAGs) derived from the antibiotic-exposed plastisphere contained ARGs, virulence factors, and genes involved in plasmid conjugation. These include Comamonas, Chryseobacterium, the opportunistic pathogen Stenotrophomonas maltophilia, and other MAGs belonging to genera that have been associated to human infections, such as Achromobacter. The abundance of the integron-associated ciprofloxacin resistance gene aac(6’)-Ib-cr increased under ciprofloxacin exposure in both freshwater microbial communities and in the plastisphere. Regarding the antibiotic mobilome, although no significant changes in ARG load in class 1 integrons and plasmids were observed in polluted samples, we identified three ARG-containing viral contigs that were integrated into MAGs as prophages.

Conclusions

This study illustrates how the selective nature of the plastisphere influences bacterial response to antibiotics at sub-lethal selective pressure. The microbial changes identified here help define the selective role of the plastisphere and its impact on the maintenance of environmental antibiotic resistance in combination with other anthropogenic pollutants. This research highlights the need to evaluate the impact of aquatic pollutants in environmental microbial communities using complex scenarios with combined stresses.
Sex differences in electrolyte abnormalities indicating refeeding syndrome risk among hospitalized adolescents and young adults with eating disorders
Authors: Nagata Jason M. , Nguyen Anthony , Vargas Ruben , Downey Amanda E. , Chaphekar Anita V. , Ganson Kyle T. , Buckelew Sara M. , Garber Andrea K.
Published: May 2024

Background

Refeeding syndrome is the gravest possible medical complication in malnourished patients undergoing refeeding in the hospital. We previously reported that males with malnutrition secondary to eating disorders required more calories and had longer hospital stays than females; however, sex differences in electrolyte abnormalities indicating refeeding syndrome risk remain unknown. The objective of this study was to assess differences in electrolyte abnormalities indicating refeeding syndrome risk among male and female adolescents and young adults with eating disorders hospitalized for medical instability.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed the electronic medical records of 558 patients aged 9–25 years admitted to the University of California, San Francisco Eating Disorders Program for medical instability between May 2012 and August 2020. Serum was drawn per standard of care between 5 and 7 am each morning and electrolyte abnormalities indicating refeeding syndrome risk were defined as: hypophosphatemia (< 3.0 mg/dL), hypokalemia (< 3.5 mEq/L), and hypomagnesemia (< 1.8 mg/dL). Logistic regression was used to assess factors associated with electrolyte abnormalities indicating refeeding syndrome risk.

Results

Participants included 86 (15.4%) males and 472 (84.6%) females, mean (SD) age 15.5 (2.8) years. Rates of refeeding hypophosphatemia (3.5%), hypokalemia (8.1%), and hypomagnesemia (11.6%) in males hospitalized with eating disorders were low, with no statistically significant differences from females. Older age was associated with higher odds of refeeding hypophosphatemia and hypomagnesemia. Lower percent median body mass index and greater weight suppression at admission were associated with higher odds of refeeding hypophosphatemia.

Conclusions

Rates of electrolyte abnormalities indicating refeeding syndrome risk were low in males hospitalized for eating disorders and rates did not significantly differ from females. Together with our finding that males have higher caloric requirements and longer hospital length of stay, the finding that electrolyte abnormalities indicating refeeding syndrome risk were not greater in males than females supports future research to evaluate the safety and efficacy of higher calorie and/or faster advancing refeeding protocols for males.
Changes in intestinal microbiota, immunity and metabolism caused by mixed Lactiplantibacillus plantarum and Bacillus subtilis-fermented feed in Bamei pigs
Authors: Wang Lei , Chen Jun , Zhang Jianbo , Xu Fafang , Luo Xuan , Pang Huili , Zhang Miao , Duan Yaoke , Cai Yimin , Wu Guofang , Tan Zhongfang
Published: May 2024

Background

The Chinese pig breed Bamei faces numerous challenges, such as antibiotic abuse, feed shortages, weaning stress, low immunity and disease resistance after weaning. Probiotic-fermented feed is an ideal profile that can improve the intestinal microbiota, promote the digestion and absorption of nutrients, and improve immunity. However, the combined effect of long-term intake of probiotic-fermented feeds on the intestinal microbiota, intestinal metabolic profiles, and immunity in pigs is not well understood. Here, we investigated the effects of feeding basal feed, Lactiplantibacillus-fermented feed, Bacillus subtilis-fermented feed, mixed-fermented feed, and antibiotic-added feed for 100 days on the gut microbiota, immunity, and metabolism of Bamei pigs after feeding five different fermented feeds by using 16S rDNA high-throughput sequencing, enzyme-linked immunoassay, and untargeted metabolomics, respectively.

Results

16S rDNA sequencing revealed that after the piglets were fed five different feeds for 50 days, the structure of the intestinal microbiota of the Bamei pigs was significantly altered, and feeding the mixed Lactiplantibacillus (L.) plantarum and Bacillus (B.) subtilis-fermented feed not only increased the α-diversity of the intestinal microbiota and the relative abundance of Lactobacillus, but also suppressed the growth of the conditional pathogens, Clostridium and Streptococcus. The Sobs and Shannon indices were significantly lower (p < 0.05) on Day 10 in Group A, which was fed feed supplemented with antibiotics. Feeding mixed-fermented feed not only significantly increased the production of anti-inflammatory cytokines, but also significantly decreased the production of several proinflammatory cytokines and inhibited the TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB inflammatory-related signaling pathway (p < 0.05), even more so than antibiotics. The results of untargeted metabolomics showed that feeding mixed-fermented feed improved the metabolism of Bamei pigs by increasing the content of narceine and alpha-cephalin; promoting bile secretion; and facilitating the synthesis of phenylalanine, tyrosine, and steroid hormones. ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporters were significantly enriched in the antibiotic group.

Conclusion

The mixed L. plantarum QP28-1a and B. subtilis QB8a-fermented feed not only improved the intestinal microbiota structure and metabolic profiles and regulated the metabolic pathways of tryptophan, phenylalanine, and steroid hormone biosynthesis, but also improved the immunity of Bamei pigs. This research provides an ideal, healthful, and environmentally sustainable approach for Bamei pig breeding and conservation.

Graphical Abstract
Common Sense Oncology: Equity, Value, and Outcomes That Matter
Authors: Wilson Brooke E. , Sengar Manju , Tregear Michelle , van der Graaf Winette T.A. , Luca Battisti Nicolò Matteo , Csaba Degi Laszlo , Soto-Perez-de-Celis Enrique , Gyawali Bishal , Booth Christopher M.
Published: May 2024

While some recent drug treatments have been transformative for patients with cancer, many treatments offer small benefits despite high clinical toxicity, time toxicity and financial toxicity. Moreover, treatments that do provide substantial clinical benefits are not available to many patients globally due to issues with availability and affordability. The Common Sense Oncology's vision is that patients will have access to treatments that provide meaningful improvements in outcomes that matter, regardless of where they live. In recognition of the growing challenges in the field of oncology, Common Sense Oncology seeks to achieve this vision by improving evidence generation, evidence interpretation and evidence communication.
Evolving Landscape of Ethics in Oncology: A Journey Through the Past, Present, and Future
Authors: Nortje Nico , Palmer Amitabha , Enck Gavin , Masciari Christopher Frank , Neumann Joyce , Gallagher Colleen Mary
Published: May 2024

Providing a brief overview of past, present, and future ethics issues in oncology, this article begins with historical contexts, including the paternalistic approach to cancer care. It delves into present-day challenges such as navigating cancer treatment during pregnancy and addressing health care disparities faced by LGBTQ+ individuals. It also explores the ethical implications of emerging technologies, notably artificial intelligence and Big Data, in clinical decision making and medical education.
Let Us Have the Conversation: Serious Illness Communication in Oncology: Definitions, Barriers, and Successful Approaches
Authors: Shilling Danielle M. , Manz Christopher R. , Strand Jacob J. , Patel Manali I.
Published: May 2024

Serious illness communications are crucial elements of care delivery for patients with cancer. High-quality serious illness communications are composed of open, honest discussions between patients, caregivers, and clinicians regarding patient's communication preferences, expected illness trajectory, prognosis, and risks and benefits of any recommended care. High-quality communication ideally starts at the time of a patients' cancer diagnosis, allows space for and response to patient emotions, elicits patients' values and care preferences, and is iterative and longitudinal. When integrated into cancer care, such communication can result in improved patient experiences with their care, care that matches patients' goals, and reduced care intensity at the end of life. Despite national recommendations for routine integration of these communication into cancer care, a minority of patients with cancer receive such communication. In this chapter, we describe elements of high-quality serious illness communication, patient-, clinician-, institution-, and payer-level barriers, and successful strategies that can routinely integrate such communication into cancer care delivery.
Unbinding the Subject: James Baldwin on the Evil That Is in the World
Authors: Tuhkanen Mikko
Published: May 2024

The essay argues that, with the trope of “un/binding,” James Baldwin, most notably in “Everybody’s Protest Novel” (1949), Go Tell It on the Mountain (1953), and Another Country (1962), thinks through the central ethical idea in his oeuvre: the call for “transformation.” Such transformation comes about when the subject yields to the forces of sex and finitude. These forces—which Baldwin also calls “corruption”—have two functions. First, the subject’s unbinding, through corruption, enables the emergence of what Baldwin calls “the self.” Only with such emergence can we break from the structures that have created the subject, specular identifications that, as Baldwin saw it, entrapped Bigger Thomas (Native Son) and Gabriel Grimes (Go Tell It on the Mountain). Second, the “transformation” demanded by sex and finitude can preempt the “evil” that, writing in the immediate aftermath of World War II and engaging the work of Richard Wright and Albert Camus, Baldwin identifies in fascism. The seductions of fascism are obviated by the “acts of creation” by which “the individual” emerges.
Radical Hope
Authors: Huang Yizhou
Published: May 2024

In this article, Yizhou Huang considers the transnational transmission of devised theater, focusing on the Shanghai-based performance group Grass Stage (Caotaiban) led by Zhao Chuan. She discusses the group’s devising process from two symbiotic aspects, the corporeal and the political. Attending to Grass Stage’s eclectic inspirations and international collaborations, Huang compares the collective to world renowned ensembles such as Théâtre du Soleil and parses out the unequal transactions between Asian performance traditions and devised theater techniques. She warns against a neo-Orientalism that positions non-Western artists and their works solely into an epistemological framework that applauds liberal democracy and argues for devised theater as a site of minor interventions, world making, as well as radical hope.
Vice and Immoral Spaces
Authors: Martin Annalisa
Published: May 2024

In the aftermath of the Second World War, local authorities across West Germany implemented Sperrbezirke, or restricted areas for prostitution. These restricted areas became a central element of Germany’s system of managing commercial sex. This article considers both the legacies of former systems of state-regulated prostitution in the development of Sperrbezirke and regional variations in restricted-area regulations since the 1960s. It examines their relation to red-light districts through regulations on brothels and tolerance zones, as well as the common associations of Sperrbezirke with vice in popular culture. The article then uses prostitutes’ responses to restricted-area regulations to assess their impact in practice.
A Multispecies Caribbean
Authors: Rogers Charlotte
Published: May 2024

In an era of deepening social and ecological calamity, artists from Puerto Rico currently address perennial questions of catastrophe in ways that foreground the island archipelago’s multispecies relationships: the dynamic assemblages of human and more-than-human organisms that confront the ongoing depredations of environmental colonialism. This essay takes a first step toward establishing a field of multispecies Caribbean studies by analyzing the work of the contemporary Puerto Rican artist Dhara Rivera. Rivera’s installations critically reimagine multispecies relations by crafting an aesthetics of ecological reinvention that neither hearkens back to a falsely harmonious ecological past nor foretells an entirely apocalyptic planetary future. Caribbean multispecies studies complicate commonplaces of ecocriticism by troubling the neat division between spectacular disaster and slow violence, questioning the mobilization of the assemblage as a straightforward and positive compositional attribute and bringing together environmental justice and environmental humanities scholarship with an eye to a livable present.
Denial, Responsibility, Bad Faith, and Blues in Lewis Gordon’s Fear of Black Consciousness
Authors: Etoke Nathalie
Published: May 2024

Lewis R. Gordon investigates myriad questions in Fear of Black Consciousness (2022). He brings out the complexity of Black consciousness and the psychological, ontological, and epistemic upheavals that it provokes in a White world. Gordon examines contradictions, paradoxes, and aporias that find their coherence in his continual call to an emerging form of transcendence. Struck by Gordon’s analysis of denial, responsibility, bad faith, and the blues, the author does not explain or summarize Gordon’s thought but rather uses it as a base for an exploration of the psychic life of White power. Denial and bad faith are not mere features of this psychic life; rather, they are fundamental conditions for its continued refusal to acknowledge the epistemic and ontological dimensions of Black humanity. This discussion essay examines how Gordon allows us to see the blues as a musical genre whose relationship to suffering reflects a responsible and liberating way of existing in the world.
Bad Faith and the Contours of Black Consciousness
Authors: Johnson Terrence L.
Published: May 2024

This discussion essay examines Lewis R. Gordon’s Fear of Black Consciousness (2022) and his analysis of ethics and politics within Black political philosophy. Gordon’s interdisciplinary book weaves together film, jazz, Judaism, and Egyptology (for instance) to interrogate the limits of political liberal concepts such as liberty, justice, and equality for analyzing and addressing anti-Black racism. A central concern facing Gordon is the degree to which bad faith is ignored or underexamined in political philosophy and public debates on social justice and freedom. Exploring how the racialization of the “Black” informs competing responses to anti-Blackness among Black and non-Black communities, this essay weighs the usefulness of Gordon’s metareflective framing for understanding the tension and significance of religion and moral claims in developing theories of freedom within Black political philosophy.
Marriage Equality and the Transnational Flow of Skilled Labor: The Impact of Same-Sex Marriage Legalization in the United States on the Inflow of Skilled Labor
Authors: Awad Koroles , McCluskey Jill J.
Published: May 2024

This paper examines the impact on skilled labor migration to the United States of same-sex marriage legalization in European countries and US federal recognition of foreign same-sex marriages. Analyzing US Department of Homeland Security data, we find that European legalization decreased skilled labor admissions to the United States by 22 percent, most notably after six years. However, US recognition of foreign same-sex marriages mitigated this effect post-2013, indicating that such legalizations facilitate skilled labor movement between nations.
Creating the “American Way” of Business: Evidence from WWII in the United States
Authors: Giorcelli Michela
Published: May 2024

World War II was arguably one of history's largest shocks to the US economic and production system. In this paper, I argue that “managerial technology” played a key role in shaping US WWII production and its capacity to defeat some of the most advanced economies in the world. The large-scale diffusion of innovative management practices to US firms involved in war production acted as a technology that put them on a higher growth path for decades. Moreover, it made US managerial practices internationally distinctive and created the “American Way” of doing business—exported worldwide in the aftermath of the war.
Early Home Visiting Delivery Model and Maternal and Child Mental Health at Primary School Age
Authors: Conti Gabriella , Kliem Sören , Sandner Malte
Published: May 2024

We study the impacts of a prenatal and infancy home visiting program targeting disadvantaged families on mental health outcomes, assessed through diagnostic interviews. The program significantly reduced the prevalence of mental health conditions for both mothers and children, measured at primary-school age, and broke the intergenerational association of these conditions. The impacts are predominantly associated with a particular delivery model, wherein a single home visitor interacts with the family, as opposed to a model involving two home visitors.
The Effects of Unemployment Insurance Caseworkers on Job Search Effort
Authors: Schiprowski Amelie , Schmidtke Julia , Schmieder Johannes , Trenkle Simon
Published: May 2024

We combine a high-frequency survey on job search effort with administrative data on caseworker interactions from the German unemployment insurance system to estimate how the dynamics of search effort respond to caseworker meetings and vacancy referrals. Meetings alone do not increase individuals' search time beyond a mechanical meeting-day effect; however, we find suggestive evidence that they do when combined with a formal contract on job search obligations. Referrals lead to a modest increase in effort over the three weeks following the event. Our findings leave room for caseworkers affecting employment outcomes through other channels, for example, by altering search effectiveness.
Import Constraints
Authors: Comin Diego , Johnson Robert C. , Jones Callum
Published: May 2024

During the recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic, international shipping and logistics capacity was strained, limiting the quantity of imports. We investigate the impact of an import constraint on inflation, following an increase in domestic demand. Whether the binding import constraint raises inflation depends on how it affects trade intermediation costs. If the binding constraint raises trade costs, then import price inflation also increases. In this case, however, foreign producer price inflation falls and import quantities rise more for inputs than final goods. Both these model results appear counterfactual, which suggests that import constraints may not explain observed import price inflation.
Examining the Long-Run Impacts of Racial Terror with Data on Historical Lynchings of Mexicans in Texas
Authors: Antman Francisca M. , Duncan Brian
Published: May 2024

We merge the longitudinally linked historical US Census records with data on lynchings of Hispanics in Texas to investigate the impacts of historical lynchings of ethnic Mexicans in Texas on US-born Mexican Americans. Using variation in lynching incidents across counties over time, we explore the impacts of local exposure to lynchings during childhood on long-run outcomes such as earnings, education, and home ownership of adults in 1940. Our findings are suggestive of small, negative impacts, but we caution that more research in this area is needed for a more robust interpretation of the results.
The Impact of COVID-19 on Fertility in Spain
Authors: González Libertad , Trommlerová Sofia
Published: May 2024

We study the effect of the first wave of COVID-19 and the accompanying containment measures on fertility in Spain. We use earlier years to predict births in the absence of the pandemic and then compare our prediction to actual births. We document a large fall in births in December 2020 and January 2021 and a complete catch-up during the rest of 2021. The fall in fertility was moderate among native women, with a substantial rebound and a positive net effect of 5% by the end of 2021, while the decline in births among foreign women started early and was persistent.
DOJ Intervention and the Checkpoint Shift: Profiling Hispanic Motorists under the 287 (g) Program
Authors: Rubalcaba Joaquin Alfredo-Angel , Ortega Alberto , Dantzler Prentiss A.
Published: May 2024

This research examines whether the Department of Justice's (DOJ's) investigation into the Alamance County Sheriff's Office, a 287(g) program participant, influenced the policing behavior of other 287(g)-participating agencies in North Carolina. The study reveals that these agencies increased stops of Hispanic drivers at checkpoints following the DOJ lawsuit, indicating a strategic shift in response to potential DOJ scrutiny. Our findings suggest a phenomenon where 287(g) agencies, under threat of investigation, modify their discriminatory strategies, perpetuating racial and ethnic disparities in policing. This adds to the understanding of 287(g) and its role in fostering racial profiling.