bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Striatal–hippocampal functional connectivity contributes to real-life positive anticipatory experiences and subjective well-being
Authors: Shin Won-Gyo , Jyung Mina , Choi Jong-An , Choi Incheol , Sul Sunhae 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
Positive anticipatory experiences are key to daily well-being. However, the brain’s functional architecture underlying real-world positive anticipatory experiences and well-being remains unexplored. In the present study, we combined an ecological momentary assessment and resting-state functional neuroimaging to identify the neural predictors of real-world positive anticipatory experiences and explore their relationships with subjective well-being (SWB). With a model-based approach, we quantified participants’ accuracy in predicting positive events and the degree to which participants’ affective states were influenced by the positive anticipation. We found that individuals with higher accuracy in predicting upcoming positive events showed greater SWB, and this relationship was mediated by greater positive anticipatory feelings. Importantly, functional connectivity of the dorsal and ventral striatal–hippocampal networks significantly predicted the accuracy and positive anticipatory feelings, respectively. These functional networks were further predictive of SWB. Our findings provide novel and ecologically valid evidence that the interaction between neural systems for reward-processing and memory plays an important role in real-life positive anticipatory experiences and everyday SWB.
Varieties of platform capitalism? Competition, regime types and the diversity of food delivery platforms across Europe and North America
Authors: Ametowobla Dzifa , Kirchner Stefan 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
This article challenges the idea of platform capitalism, that digital platforms implement a uniform model based on a self-employed labor force. Expanding on empirical evidence of a diversity of platform models, we theorize expectations about platform diversity from competition and comparative capitalism research. Using a unique cross-national dataset of leading food delivery platforms in 32 countries across North America and Europe, we compare platform models and competitive relations across national institutional regimes. Our analyses uncover a considerable diversity of platform models across Europe, in contrast to a clear uniformity in North America. We also find that the use of self-employment varies across and within large multinational corporations and is most prevalent in countries of the lightly regulated regime type. Our results call for an economic sociology perspective on the platform economy that integrates a general concept of platforms but allows for diversity stemming from competition and different national regimes.
Fucoxanthin alleviates the cytotoxic effects of cadmium and lead on a human osteoblast cell line
Authors: Elmorsy Ekramy M , Al-Ghafari Ayat B , Al Doghaither Huda A 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
Objective: Cadmium (Cd) and lead (Pb) are non-biodegradable heavy metals (HMs) that persistently contaminate ecosystems and accumulate in bones, where they exert harmful effects. This study aimed to investigate the protective effect of fucoxanthin (FX) against the chemical toxicity induced by Cd and Pb in human bone osteoblasts in vitro, using various biochemical and molecular assays. Methods: The effect of metals and FX on osteoblasts viability was assayed by MTT, then the effect of Pb, Cd, and FX on the cells’ mitochondrial parameters was studied via assays for ATP, mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), mitochondrial complexes, and lactate production. Also, the effect of metals on oxidative stress was assessed by reactive oxygen species, lipid peroxidation and antioxidant enzymes assays. Also the effect of FX and metals on apoptosis caspases and related genes was assessed. Results: When Cd and Pb were added to human osteoblast cultures at concentrations ranging from 1–20 μM for 72 h, they significantly reduced osteoblast viability in a time and concentration-dependent manner. The cytotoxic effect of Cd on osteoblasts was greater than that of Pb, with estimated EC50 of 8 and 12 μM, respectively, after 72 h of exposure. FX (10 and 20 μM) alleviated the cytotoxicity of the metals. Bioenergetics assays, including ATP, MMP, and mitochondrial complexes I and III activities, revealed that HMs at 1 and 10 μM concentrations inhibited cellular bioenergetics after 72 h of exposure. Cd and Pb also increased lipid peroxidation and reactive oxygen species while reducing catalase and superoxide dismutase antioxidant activities and oxidative stress-related genes. This was accompanied by increased caspases −3, −8, and − 9 and Bax/bCl-2 ratio. Co-treatment with FX (10 and 20 μM) mitigated the disruption of bioenergetics, oxidative damage, and apoptosis induced by the metals, showing a concentration-dependent pattern to varying extents. Conclusion: These findings strongly support the role of FX in managing toxicities induced by environmental pollutants in bones and in addressing bone diseases associated with molecular bases of oxidative stress, apoptosis, and bioenergetic disruption.
Iron addition promotes mercury removal from soil by Robinia pseudoacacia–rhizobia symbiosis
Authors: Wang Shufeng , Wang Tao , Gao Lan , Du Hongxia , Wang Dingyong , Ma Ming , Rennenberg Heinz 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
Iron plaques on the root surface can promote or inhibit the absorption and accumulation of heavy metals by plants. However, the mechanism by which iron regulates the response of Robinia pseudoacacia to mercury (Hg) has not been elucidated, which hinders its application in divalent Hg (Hg2+) removal from Hg-contaminated soil. In this study, association analyses between transcriptome and metabolome were used to investigate effects of iron on the rhizosphere microenvironment and performance of R. pseudoacacia to assess its potential for Hg2+ removal. The results showed that the addition of 10 mg kg−1 iron significantly increased the development of iron plaques on the root surface and reduced the secretion of low-molecular-weight organic acids by roots, thereby changing rhizosphere soil characteristics and decreasing total Hg in roots. In addition, the secretion of choline supported signal transduction and enhanced the interaction between R. pseudoacacia and rhizobia, thereby inducing resistance to Hg2+. Anti-oxidative enzyme activities were increased and Hg2+ exposure of plants was reduced. Enhanced Hg2+ resistance was indicated by improved photosynthesis and growth, despite promoted xylem loading and transport of Hg2+, resulting in its accumulation in aboveground tissues, which is essential for Hg2+ removal. These results indicate that iron addition has a great potential to improve the growth of R. pseudoacacia in Hg-contaminated soil and promote the accumulation of Hg2+ in aboveground tissues for phytoremediation approaches.
Lung ultrasound on first postoperative day predicts out-of-hospital pulmonary complications following video-assisted thoracic surgery
Authors: Lu ZiYun , Sun Hang , Niu Shujie , Wang Min , Zhong Yiwei , Li Bingbing 
Published: December 2024

BACKGROUND
The integration of enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) protocols into the peri-operative management of video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS) has facilitated rapid patient recovery, enabling discharge within 48 h. However, postoperative pulmonary complications (PPCs) postdischarge pose significant concerns for patient welfare. Despite the established utility of lung ultrasound (LUS) in diagnosing the causes of dyspnoea, the effectiveness of quantitative LUS in predicting PPCs after VATS remains uncertain.

OBJECTIVES
To determine whether quantitative LUS performed 24 h after surgery can identify patients with a higher risk of developing PPCs within 30 days after discharge from hospital.

DESIGN
Single-centre prospective cohort study.

SETTING
Academic tertiary care medical centre.

PATIENTS
Adults scheduled for elective VATS under general anaesthesia from November 2022 to January 2023.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES
This primary aim was to verify the association between lung ultrasound score (LUSS) on postoperative day 1 (POD1) and PPCs. The secondary aim was to identify other relevant peri-operative factors closely related to PPCs and establish a model capable of predicting the risk of PPCs in patients undergoing fast-track VATS.

RESULTS
Of the 200 recruited patients, 182 completed the LUS examination and 30-day follow-up. Of these, 66 (36.2%) developed various types of PPCs. These patients had a higher LUSS on POD 1 (P < 0.001), and more subpleural consolidation areas compared to those without PPCs (P < 0.001). Receiver-operating characteristics (ROC) analysis identified the optimal LUSS cut-off value at 6 points for predicting the occurrence of PPCs, with an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.838 (95% CI, 0.768 to 0.909). Patients with PPCs had higher rates of immune system diseases and ARISCAT score, longer hospital stay and procalcitonin levels, increased frequency of lobar resection, longer durations of surgical and mechanical ventilation, and greater incidence of unplanned hospital readmissions within 30 days postdischarge, compared with those without PPCs (all P < 0.001). Multivariable logistic regression analysis indicated that the comorbidity of immune system disease, along with postoperative 24 h LUSS, were independent risk factor for PPCs within 30 days after VATS.

CONCLUSION
LUSS on POD 1 emerged as an independent risk factor for PPCs in fast-track VATS patients and reliably predicted the occurrence of PPCs within 30 days of hospital discharge.

TRIAL REGISTRATION
ClinicalTrials. gov No. ChiCTR2200065865.
Cyclophosphamide-induced atrial fibrillation in the context of ANCA-associated vasculitis: a case report
Authors: Pandey Sakar , Dhakal Aayusha , Singh Roshan , Shakya Rahul , Dhakal Sweta , Bhandari Sagar 
Published: December 2024

Introduction and importance:
Cyclophosphamide is a widely used immunosuppressant for inducing remission in various immune-mediated conditions. However, its potential for cardiotoxicity is well documented. One of the earliest possible manifestations of this cardiotoxicity following cyclophosphamide infusion is atrial fibrillation (AF), which typically presents within 48 h of the infusion.

Case presentation:
The authors present a case of a 58-year-old male with anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies (ANCA)-associated vasculitis who presented to the emergency department with clinical features of acute kidney injury. Following subsequent assessment and evaluation, the patient was managed in the intensive care unit with hemodialysis and intravenous corticosteroids. He was aimed at inducing remission with cyclophosphamide infusion. However, a few hours following induction with cyclophosphamide infusion, the patient developed palpitation, sweating, and tachycardia with a heart rate of 140–180/min. The electrocardiogram showed an irregular QRS complex with an absent p-wave. AF was diagnosed and managed with amiodarone infusion for 24 h followed by oral maintenance dosing. No further episode of AF occurred following cessation of cyclophosphamide and switching to rituximab for the treatment of ANCA-associated vasculitis.

Clinical discussion:
Cyclophosphamide, even at lower dosages, can cause cardiotoxicity in patients with renal impairment due to the delayed elimination of its toxic metabolites. In addition, patients who receive CYP 450 inducers, such as prednisone, may experience the accelerated build-up of its toxic metabolites, thereby raising the risk for cardiotoxicity.

Conclusion:
The cardiotoxic manifestation of cyclophosphamide can arise from its use in several immune-mediated conditions. Given its potential for cardiotoxicity, careful cardiac monitoring during and after cyclophosphamide infusion is essential to ensure timely intervention, if needed.
Metaplastic breast carcinoma: a rare and aggressive entity
Authors: Zaiter Manar , Naccour Jessica , Khalil Faten , El-Helou Etienne 
Published: December 2024

Introduction:
Breast cancer (BC) remains the most prevalent malignancy among women globally, encompassing a variety of tumor subtypes with differing biological behaviors, prognoses, and responses to treatment. Among these, invasive ductal carcinoma (IDC) is the most common, followed by other subtypes such as lobular carcinoma and triple-negative breast cancer. Metaplastic breast carcinoma (MpBC) is a rare and highly aggressive form of BC, representing less than 2% of cases. Characterized by its heterogeneous nature and poorer prognosis compared to other BC subtypes, MpBC often presents significant diagnostic and therapeutic challenges.

Case description:
We present the case of a 70-year-old woman who presented to our breast care clinic with right mastodynia following a recent trauma. She reported a palpable retro-areolar mass in the right breast that had increased in size over several years and was associated with calcifications. Imaging studies, including mammography and ultrasound, revealed a 3-cm irregular, heavily calcified mass with indistinct borders. Histological analysis of a biopsy confirmed metaplastic carcinoma with chondrosarcoma and osteosarcoma elements, high histological grade, and lymphovascular involvement. The patient underwent successful tumor excision with sentinel lymph node removal. Adjuvant chemotherapy and radiotherapy were planned based on a multidisciplinary team’s recommendations.

Discussion:
MpBC typically presents as a palpable, irregular mass that may exhibit rapid growth or changes, often complicating its differentiation from other breast malignancies. Standard imaging techniques like mammography and ultrasound may fail to clearly distinguish MpBC from other tumors, leading to potential misdiagnosis. The heterogeneous nature of MpBC, with both epithelial and mesenchymal components, poses additional challenges in diagnosis and treatment. Although MpBC is generally more aggressive and less responsive to conventional therapies compared to IDC, recent analyses suggest that, when adjusted for confounding factors, survival outcomes for MpBC may align more closely with those of aggressive IDC subtypes. Current treatment strategies include surgery, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy, with emerging targeted therapies offering potential for improved outcomes.

Conclusion:
MpBC remains a rare and challenging BC subtype with a typically poor prognosis. Our case highlights the diagnostic difficulties and the aggressive nature of MpBC. Despite its severe clinical features and histological grades, survival outcomes for MpBC may be comparable to those of aggressive IDC subtypes when appropriate treatment adjustments are made. Continued research into targeted therapies and novel treatment approaches is essential to enhance management strategies and improve outcomes for patients with MpBC.
The effect of propranolol on cesarean section rate in prolonged labor: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Shrateh Oadi N. , Habib Ashna , Nazir Zainab , Zeer Zahraa M. M. , Ali Tooba , Matter Saleh , Tanina Sadeq F. S. , Naasan Mashhour 
Published: December 2024

Background:
Propranolol is widely recognized as a nonselective β-adrenergic receptor blocker known to enhance uterine activity in both pregnant and non-pregnant women. Prolonged labor and serious concerns about maternal and neonatal health prompted us to investigate medical issues. The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to assess the effect of propranolol on cesarean deliveries during prolonged labor.

Methods:
A systematic search was conducted in databases including PubMed, Cochrane CENTRAL, Science Direct, Google Scholar, Embase, and Web of Science from inception to 1 November 2023. We included randomized clinical trials that evaluated maternal and neonatal outcomes in patients receiving intrapartum propranolol during prolonged labor. Unadjusted risk ratios with 95% confidence intervals were calculated using a fixed-effects model. The I2 statistic was used to measure and assess heterogeneity. The primary outcome was cesarean delivery rate, and secondary outcomes included Apgar score, cord arterial pH, neonatal birth weight, neonatal intensive care unit admission, postpartum hemorrhage, and composite maternal and neonatal morbidity.

Results:
Of the 704 identified articles, six were included in the meta-analyses. There was a significant difference in cesarean deliveries between propranolol and placebo (RR 0.80, 95% confidence interval 0.59–1.09, P = 0.02). In addition, there was no significant difference between study groups in secondary outcomes.

Conclusion:
In this meta-analysis, a notable reduction in cesarean rates was observed when propranolol was given to women in prolonged labor. The results of this meta-analysis show that the use of propranolol safely reduces the need for cesarean deliveries due to labor arrest disorders.
Beyond convention: non-compacted myocardium, ventricular tachycardia, and systolic dysfunction in dextrocardia patients: a case series
Authors: Nazarenko Natalia , Maliha Maisha , Cerna Luis , Abittan Nathaniel , Borkowski Pawel , Csecs Ibolya , Garcia Mario 
Published: December 2024

Background:
Noncompaction of the left ventricle (LVNC) is linked to a higher risk of sudden cardiac death and stroke. Its prevalence ranges from 0.014% to 1.3% in the general population, rising to 7.5% in patients with dextrocardia.

Case summary:
A male in his late 70s presented with worsening dyspnea and leg swelling, with dextrocardia and frequent extrasystoles. Imaging revealed right-sided pleural effusion, severely reduced ejection fraction, and ventricular and atrial dilatation. He developed sustained monomorphic VT, was treated with amiodarone, had successful coronary stenting, and received an ICD with no further hospital readmissions or ICD events. A second case involved a male in his late 50s who presented with dyspnea. He had dextrocardia with situs inversus, subsegmental pulmonary embolism, and LVNC. He was treated with enoxaparin, medical therapy, and Holter monitoring, which showed mild arrhythmias. He declined ICD placement but remained event-free during the first year of follow-up.

Discussion:
LVNC is a rare condition resulting from abnormal myocardial development during embryogenesis, leading to a two-layered myocardial structure. Diagnosis is based on imaging criteria. LVNC is linked to arrhythmias, heart failure, and conduction abnormalities, requiring interventions such as ICD placement, arrhythmia monitoring, and genetic testing. Further research is needed on genetic associations and long-term outcomes in dextrocardia patients.
Incidental diagnosis of tracheal trifurcation detected during general anesthesia from Nepal: a case report
Authors: Gaire Sandesh , Shrestha Bibhush , Acharya Ashish , Bhattarai Kritika , Basyal Santosh , Bhattarai Roshani 
Published: December 2024

Introduction and importance:
Tracheal trifurcation is an uncommon condition characterized by a three-branched bronchial structure that can be directed either to the right or the left, most commonly on the right. It is associated with tracheobronchial anomalies, cardiovascular defects, and esophageal malformations. The intraoperative diagnosis of tracheal trifurcation is important when lung isolation is needed.

Presentation of case:
A three-branched structure at the carina was incidentally found in a 55-year-old female via a bronchoscope after the induction of general anesthesia when the lungs could not get isolated for a tricuspid valve replacement procedure, which was planned via right-sided thoracotomy. Initially, the patient complained of shortness of breath on exertion with concomitant multiple episodes of sore throat and fever. The patient was undergoing tricuspid valve replacement for rheumatic heart disease. There was no postoperative complication encountered.

Discussion:
Tracheal trifurcation or tracheal bronchus is an aberrant bronchus arising most commonly from the right side in the right upper bronchus between the carina and the cricoid cartilage. It is a very uncommon condition with most cases being asymptomatic. The condition has anesthetic implications, especially with the placement of endotracheal tube. These include lung field hypoxemia, shunting, and atelectasis.

Conclusion:
Through our case report, we aim to highlight the importance of viewing the bronchial morphology if the lung cannot be isolated after double-lumen endotracheal tube insertion. Hence, a careful assessment of both anatomical and physiological parameters of the bronchial tree and the lungs is to be done for such cases.
Fluid replacement and acute systemic inflammatory response syndrome during prolonged eight-hour extreme heat exposure in young men
Authors: Wang Faming , Lu Caiping , Lei Tze-Huan , Lei Ying 
Published: December 2024

AbstractProlonged exposure to extreme heat poses significant risks, including systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS), organ damage and hormonal imbalance. While fluid replacement is commonly recommended to mitigate these effects, its efficacy under uncompensable heat stress remains unclear. This study investigated the impacts of fluid replacement on thermoregulation, systemic inflammation, organ stress, cortisol levels and plasma electrolyte balance during eight-hour of extreme heat exposure in healthy young men. Twelve participants (age: 24.7±1.6 years; body surface area: 1.9±0.1 m²) underwent two randomized trials (dehydration: 125 mL/hour; euhydration: 375 mL/hour) in a heat chamber (40 °C, 55% RH). Biomarkers of inflammation (e.g., IL-6, IL-1β), oxidative stress (e.g., MDA, SOD), organ function (ALT, BUN), cortisol, and electrolytes (sodium, potassium, chloride) were measured before and after exposure. Core temperature (Tcore) was continuously monitored. Results showed that fluid replacement significantly reducedTcoreat the end of the exposure (38.0±0.12 °C vs. 38.2±0.10 °C,p=0.046). However, it exacerbated systemic inflammation (IL-6: euhydration 19.8±4.3 pg/mL vs. dehydration 12.5±2.8 pg/mL,p<0.01) and liver stress (ALT: euhydration 45.3±6.7 U/L vs. dehydration 34.1±5.5 U/L,p=0.03). Cortisol levels decreased significantly in the euhydration group (p=0.041), potentially indicating attenuated stress resilience. Electrolyte imbalances (reduced sodium and potassium concentrations) were observed in the euhydration condition. Taken together, while fluid replacement reducedTcore, it did not mitigate SIRS and instead exacerbated systemic inflammation, liver stress, and electrolyte imbalances, potentially through hypotonic osmotic stress. These findings underscore the need for personalized hydration strategies that balance fluid and electrolyte intake during extreme heat exposure to minimize health risks.Key pointsThis study investigated the effects of fluid replacement on acute inflammatory responses, thermoregulation, and organ stress markers in healthy young males exposed to eight hours of uncompensable heat stress.Fluid replacement did not mitigate acute systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) but exacerbated inflammatory and organ stress markers despite reducing core temperature.Core temperatures remained significantly lower in the euhydration group, but systemic and hepatic inflammatory markers worsened, highlighting the complexity of hydration strategies under extreme heat.We emphasize the need for individualized hydration strategies incorporating electrolyte balance and sweat rate monitoring to minimize SIRS risk.We provide actionable insights into heat stress physiology, with implications for occupational health guidelines, public health policies, and climate change adaptation.