bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Inhibition of PNCK inflames tumor microenvironment and sensitizes head and neck squamous cell carcinoma to immune checkpoint inhibitors
Authors: Ding Qin , Weng Youliang , Li Ying , Lin Wanzun , Lin Xiaosan , Lin Tingting , Yang Hanxuan , Xu Wenqian , Wang Jianmin , Ying Hongmei , Qiu Sufang 
Published: October 2024

BackgroundThe landscape of the tumor microenvironment (TME) is intricately linked to the development of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) and significantly influences immunotherapy efficacy. Recent research has underscored the pivotal role of PNCK in cancer progression, yet its relationship with immunotherapy remains elusive.MethodsWe leveraged sequencing data from our cohort and public databases to evaluate PNCK expression, prognostic significance, and immune efficacy prediction. In vitro and in vivo experiments explored the role of PNCK in HNSCC progression. Animal models assessed the therapeutic effects and survival benefits of PNCK knockdown combined with immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs). Single-cell transcriptomics analyzed the impact of PNCK on the TME, and proteomic studies elucidated the mechanisms.ResultsPNCK exerts multifaceted critical roles in the progression of HNSCC. Lower PNCK expression is associated with improved prognosis, enhanced immune cell infiltration, and increased responsiveness to ICIs. Conversely, PNCK promotes HNSCC cell migration, invasion, proliferation, colony formation, zebrafish angiogenesis, and tumor growth in mice. Moreover, targeting PNCK enhances sensitivity to ICIs and leads to significant alterations in the T-cell and B-cell ratios within the TME. These changes are attributed to the inhibition of nuclear transcription of PNCK-phosphorylated ZEB1, which restricts cytokine release and inflames the immune microenvironment to regulate the TME.ConclusionsInhibition of PNCK may be a potential strategy for treating HNSCC, as it may activate the immune response and improve the TME, thereby enhancing the efficacy of immunotherapy for HNSCC patients.
Early placement of a non-invasive, pressure-regulated, fascial reapproximation device improves reduction of the fascial gap in open abdomens: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Naveed Asad , Martin Niels D , Bawazeer Mohammed , Jastaniah Atif , Rezende-Neto Joao B 
Published: October 2024

BackgroundSince current fascial traction methods involve invasive procedures, they are generally employed late in the management of the open abdomen (OA). This study aimed to evaluate early versus late placement of a non-invasive, pressure-regulated device for fascial reapproximation and gap reduction in OA patients.MethodsThe study included all patients who had the abdominal fascia intentionally left open after damage control operation for trauma and emergency general surgery and were managed with the device in an academic hospital between January 1, 2020, and December 31, 2023. Time of device placement in relation to the end of index laparotomy was defined as early (≤24 hours) versus late (>24 hours). Time-related mid-incisional width reduction of the fascial gap and fascial closure were assessed using descriptive and linear regression analysis.ResultsThere was a significantly higher percent reduction in the fascial gap at the midpoint of the laparotomies in the early (≤24 hours) AbClo placement group compared with the late (>24 hours) AbClo placement group, respectively, median 76% versus 43%, p<0.001. Linear regression adjusting for body mass index and the number of takebacks indicated that fascial approximation was 22% higher for early placement (β=0.22; CI 0.12, 0.33, p<0.001). Primary myofascial closure rate with early (≤24 hours) application of the device was 98% versus 85% with late application.ConclusionEarly non-invasive application of the device (≤24 hours) after the initial laparotomy resulted in greater reduction of the fascial gap and higher primary fascial closure rate compared with late placement (>24 hours). Early non-invasive intervention could prevent abdominal wall myofascial retraction in OA patients.Level of evidenceIV.
Epidemiologic, Clinical and Mycological Profile of Onychomycosis in the Hospital Setting in Benin
Authors: Akpadjan Fabrice , Sissinto Savi De Tove Yolande , Tidjani Aminath Fèmie , Balola Cordule , Dotsop Laura , Degboe Bérénice , Agbessi Nadège , Koudoukpo Christiane , Adegbidi Hugues , Atadokpede Félix , Ango-Padonou Florencia do 
Published: October 2024

Introduction: Onychomycosis accounts for 50% of nail disorders and remains one of the most frequent reasons for consultation in dermatology. Several factors favour the development of onychomycosis, such as age, morphological abnormalities of the nails, immunodeficiency and certain underlying pathologies. The aim was to study the epidemiological and diagnostic profile of onychomycosis in patients treated in the dermatology and venerology department of the Benin referral hospital.Patients and Methods: This was a retrospective study conducted from 2003 to 2022, covering patients treated for onychomycosis in the Dermatology–Venerology University Clinic at the National University Hospital Center Hubert Koutoukou Maga (NUHC‐HKM) in Cotonou.Results: During the study period, 389 new patients were seen for onychopathy, 301 of whom had a clinical suspicion of onychomycosis. Of these, 128 were confirmed by mycological examination, giving a hospital frequency of onychomycosis of 32.90% compared with onychopathy. The mean age was 44.93 ± 12.50 years; the patients were predominantly female, with a sex ratio (M/F) of 0.41. Aesthetic complaints (76.47%) were the most frequent reason for consultation, and the nail of the hand was the most common lesion location. Melanonychia was the most frequent morphological anomaly, and distolateral subungual onychomycosis was the most frequent clinical form. Yeasts (86.92%) were the most isolated group of fungi, followed, respectively, by moulds (08.44%) and dermatophytes (04.64%). Candida albicans (21.52%) was the most common species.Conclusion: Onychomycosis is relatively uncommon in hospitals in Benin. This is underestimated because most patients with a clinical suspicion of onychomycosis do not undergo a mycological examination before being put on antifungal treatment.
Serum Levels of Selected Cytokines and Chemokines and IgG4 in Children With Recurrent Respiratory Tract Infections
Authors: Machura Edyta , Krakowczyk Helena , Kleszyk Magdalena , Swiętochowska Elzbieta , Grzywna-Rozenek Ewa , Rusek Malgorzata , Góra Anna , Chrobak Ewelina , Pukas-Bochenek Anna , Szczepanska Maria 
Published: October 2024

Background: Respiratory tract infections are a common health problem. Cytokines/chemokines play a critical role in the regulation of the immune system. Their defective production may predispose to recurrent respiratory tract infections (RRIs), and an excessive immune response may lead to chronic inflammation and cause damage to the respiratory tract. Another biomarker of respiratory infections may be immunoglobulin—IgG4. Its meaning has still been little explored. We wanted to assess the suitability of the levels of biomarkers tested: interleukin (IL)‐17A, IL‐18, IL‐23, normal T cells expressed and secreted (RANTES), and induced protein (IP)‐10, as well as immunoglobilun G4 (IgG4) to predict recurrent infections.Methods: The study group (SG) included a total of 130 children (68 girls, 62 boys) between 3 and 17 years of age with RRI. The control group (CG) included 86 healthy children with no symptoms of inflammatory or allergic diseases (44 girls and 42 boys) of the same age. Blood samples were collected in fasting state and then serum samples were frozen and stored until biomarker assay.Results: Serum RANTES, IL‐18, IL‐23, and IgG4 concentration were higher in all children with recurrent infections vs. those in the CG (p  < 0001). Serum levels of IL‐17A and IP‐10 were also significantly higher in the SG than in the CG, but only in the youngest children. Among the six serum markers, RANTES demonstrated the highest area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (area under curve) value (0.998, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.98–1.0, p < 0.001) for the diagnosis of RRIs, followed by IL‐23 (0.99, 95% CI 0.966–0,999, p < 0.001) and IL‐18 (0.957, 95% CI 0.921–0.980, p < 0.001).Conclusions: RANTES, IL‐23, and IL‐18 could be strong predictors of respiratory infections recurrence in children.
Hemodynamic Assessment via Echocardiography During Propofol Anesthetic Induction in Healthy Dogs
Authors: Oliveira Thais Cabral de , Bispo Guilherme Andraus , Poleto Laura Beatriz de Socorro , Martinez Francisco Dantas de Maio , Souza Max Túlio Rocha de , Linhares Lais Calazans Menescal , Taffarel Marilda Onghero , Ferreira Wagner Luís , Santos e Paulo Sérgio Patto dos 
Published: October 2024

Introduction: Propofol is an intravenous anesthetic administered as a bolus or continuous infusion during anesthetic induction and maintenance. Its pharmacokinetic characteristics include hepatic and extrahepatic metabolism with a rapid onset of action and short duration, which provides a smooth anesthetic induction without excitatory effects.Objective: To evaluate whether the isolated use of propofol in anesthetic induction in dogs changes the hemodynamic variables assessed via echocardiography.Study Design: Prospective clinical study.Animals: Twelve healthy dogs.Methods: The dogs were induced with propofol (dose/effect) at 3 mg/kg/minute, and echocardiographic evaluations were performed immediately before anesthetic induction (MB) and immediately after its interruption (MI), at the end of the supply of the anesthetic agent.Results: A significant reduction was observed between the values of the following hemodynamic variables: Ejection Fraction (EF%), which varied from 70% to 65% (p = 0.011) between moments, and the Doppler Ejection Index (DEI), which ranged from 27.1 mL/beat/m2 to 22.4 mL/beat/m2 (p = 0.044). The heart rate (HR) and the other studied hemodynamic variables showed no significant differences between the evaluated moments.Conclusion and Clinical Relevance: Propofol was a safe anesthetic‐inducing agent, maintaining stable hemodynamic indices during anesthetic induction at the used rate.
What It Means To Be Palestinian
Authors: Matar Dina 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
In this essay, I argue that during moments of extreme flux and danger, such as the ongoing Israeli war against Gaza, it becomes relevant to consider how Palestinian identity is constructed and performed by a variety of actors, by Palestinians and by their supporters, as the most compelling contemporary form of a transnational anti-colonial identity emerging within and in opposition to persisting colonial structures, oppression and subjugation. It is also in these moments, I propose, that it becomes necessary to resituate, reconfigure and re-center Palestine in the imagination, not as a pre-determined bounded entity, but as an entity that is always in conversation with its imagined spatiality and temporality and with national and transnational communal anti-colonial struggles.
Gaza and the Chronology of Perpetual Return
Authors: Abou-Hodeib Toufoul 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
It doesn’t take much effort for a Palestinian to fall back on a narrative of recurring catastrophe, nakba, with Gaza the latest and most horrific in a long series of catastrophes. With Israel forbidding international media to enter Gaza, this newest catastrophe is mediated to us by the Gazans themselves. They try to communicate to us their suffering, but also other ways in which they want us to see them. How do we make sense of songs, smiles and small moments of hope in the middle of so much death and destruction? In their explicit defiance to being reduced to numbers, victims and refugees, Palestinians in Gaza challenge us who remain at a distance to think differently about the chronology of being Palestinian and re-inscribe it with a series of returns rather than catastrophes.
Echoes of Solidarity in the Gaza Protests
Authors: Haugbolle Sune 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
This article provides an overview of the historical development of Palestine solidarity globally since the 1960s and compares the historical evidence to today’s protest movement since the 7 October 2023 Gaza War. Through a reading of a recent collection of testimonies by activists worldwide, the article reflects on the historical coherence of the movement from the formation of the Palestinian liberation movements in the 1960s, the emergence of global solidarity groups in the 1970s and the fragmentation of the Palestinian political landscape since then. The article asks what this decades-long development of solidarity registers and strategies has meant for the Gaza protests since 2023. What is the significance of the structure and scope of early Palestine solidarity for the mobilization we are witnessing today? Which echoes can we observe from the earlier periods of protests, and how are memories and histories of the development of the movement reactivated today?
But I Do Not ♥ Genocide
Authors: Tawil-Souri Helga 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
A short and personal reflection on “liking” Instagram posts during the early months of the genocide in Gaza that addresses the platform limitations of social media. While the reasons for “liking” posts include attempting to inform the algorithm, combat shadow-banning, build a (limited) digital archive, and communicate support, doing so also demonstrates the built-in constraints of tech-platforms, shortcomings of digital resistance, and the inability to stop the violence.
Uncle, Look at This!
Authors: Alvarez Murillo Pablo 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
This article considers the epistemic value of Iraqi first-person documentaries of family life, or domestic ethnographies, during the Iraq War (2003–2011). The article analyses Life After the Fall (Abid 2008) and Homeland: Iraq Year Zero (Fahdel 2015), two documentaries about the everyday life of the videomakers’ family members in the advent of the US-led 2003 invasion and shortly after the occupation. The article examines how Iraqi domestic ethnographies dispute and complement dominant (Western) media, filmic and historical discourses of the conflict. I argue that these videos provide a nuanced understanding of the complex social, cultural and historical dynamics of this period, exceeding essentialisms and hegemonic discourses of violence, terror and victimhood. In addition, I demonstrate how this approach facilitates the participation of historically marginalized voices of young female family members, particularly in the representation of the conflict, and situates otherwise unusual discussions around Iraqi women’s rights and gender issues at the core of everyday life in post-invasion Iraq.
Zionist Settler-Colonialist Identity
Authors: Bresheeth-Žabner Haim 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
This essay addresses a poignantly critical question: how did Israel enter into such an unsustainable, illegal, immoral and rather impractical position in the span of a few months following the bloody slaughter of 7 October 2023? It explains the problem triggering the move towards genocide, the fact that ethnic cleansing of Palestinians had run its course, and not enough Palestinians have departed Palestine since 1967 despite terrifying war crimes against them. The essay advances that the step-change from the decades of ‘good-old ethnic cleansing’ to a new level of criminality and depravity—genocide—was not a simple issue of turning up the volume; it required a mindset which sees genocide not only as an ‘option’, but one perceiving it as the only option. This was made possible after 7 October 2023.
Blackout in Gaza
Authors: Yaqub Nadia 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
How are we to treat images of genocide that flood our screens? I address this question by discussing the circulation of these images in the wake of a long history of variously documented Palestinian disasters. I frame my comments around two axes: the potential danger and efficacy of the humanitarian image and the practice of young Palestinians smiling to the camera as they were arrested during the attacks on the Sheikh Jarrah neighborhood of Jerusalem in 2021, and consider them in relation to the production and circulation of images about the 1976 siege and fall of Tall al-Zaʿtar in Lebanon.
Agronomic potential of Hermetia illucens frass in the cultivation of ryegrass in distinct soils
Authors: Rehan I. , Lopes I.G. , Murta D. , Lidon F. , Fareleira P. , Esteves C. , Moreira O. , Menino R. 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
Cropping systems are strongly dependent on mineral fertilisers, which are effective in achieving high crop productivities. However, these chemical inputs end up compromising soil quality in the long-term. Frass from black soldier fly (BSF) larvae is a novel organic fertiliser that is rich in organic matter and advocated as a material that can sustain crop productivity while increasing soil quality. This study aimed at evaluating distinct fertilisation regimes in the cultivation of ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum Lam. or annual ryegrass) in soils of different types (sandy, loamy and clay) and fertility levels. In a 7-month pot experiment conducted in a glass greenhouse, plants were cultivated with exclusive mineral (MT) or organic (OT) fertilisation, in addition to combinations between both (mineral and organic, MOTs) in different proportions (25:50; 50:50 and 75:25), considering a 140 kg per hectare N demand. Crop yield was favoured by the combination of organic and mineral fertilisers in all soils, which also had its fertility increased, especially regarding organic matter build-up and nutrient accumulation. In addition, the presence of frass in the sandy soil stimulated microbial activity, which was measured by the enzyme dehydrogenase. Frass derived from BSF larvae can be considered an adequate organic fertiliser in the cultivation of ryegrass in distinct soil types, when applied in partial (25% to 75%) replacement of mineral fertilisers, enabling high crop productivity and nutritional quality of the crop, while increasing soil fertility.
The Qualitative Election Study of Britain Party Leader Evaluations Database, 2010–2019
Authors: Reichelt Juliane , Carvalho Edzia , Winters Kristi , Oliver Thom 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
The authors describe the Qualitative Election Study of Britain (qesb) Party Leader Evaluation Database, a database containing 4,119 words and phrases evaluating British political party leaders. The data were collected during pre-election focus groups and interviews with participants from England, Scotland, and Wales during the General Election campaigns of 2010, 2015, 2017, and 2019. A supplementary dataset of leaders’ evaluation data from Dundee residents after the Scottish Independence Referendum in 2014 is also provided. To collect the data, participants viewed headshot pictures of major and minor party leaders (depending on where in Britain they lived) taken from party websites. Participants wrote down words or phrases they associated with each leader and coded their assessment as positive, negative, or neutral. These data are suitable for content, sentiment, and discourse analysis or analytic generalization.
Evaluating Racial Disparities in 30-day Outcomes for African Americans Following Colectomy for Volvulus
Authors: Li Renxi , Kartiko Susan 
Published: October 2024

Background Surgery is the definitive treatment for colonic volvulus despite initial decompression therapy. In general surgery, African Americans were found to have higher risks of mortality and morbidities. However, racial disparity in colectomy outcomes for volvulus among African Americans had not been explored. This study examined the 30-day outcomes for African Americans following colectomy for volvulus. Methods The National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP) targeted colectomy database from 2012 to 2022 was used. Only patients with volvulus as the primary indication for colectomy were selected. A 1:1 propensity score matching was applied to African Americans and Caucasians to match sex, age, baseline characteristics, preoperative preparation, indication for surgery (if emergent), and operative approaches. Thirty-day postoperative outcomes were examined. Results There were 1027 and 7451 African Americans and Caucasians who underwent colectomy for volvulus, respectively. All African Americans were 1:1 propensity-score matched to their Caucasian counterparts. African Americans and Caucasians had a comparable mortality rate (7.21% vs 7.89%, P = 0.62). While African Americans had a higher risk of pulmonary complications (16.85% vs 13.53%, P = 0.04), other surgical complications were all comparable between African Americans and Caucasians. However, African Americans had a longer time from admission to operation (2.70 ± 3.99 vs 2.17 ± 3.36 days, P < 0.01) and a longer length of stay (LOS; 12.81 ± 10.28 vs 10.50 ± 7.72 days, P < 0.01). Conclusion African Americans were found to have higher risks of pulmonary complications, delayed operation, and extended LOS. These disparities raise concerns and warrant further investigation into their underlying causes. Effective targeted interventions may be necessary to address these issues.
Cognitive effects, pharmacokinetics, and safety of zuranolone administered alone or with alprazolam or ethanol in healthy adults in a phase 1 trial
Authors: Dunbar Joi , Walling David P , Hassman Howard A , Jain Rakesh , Czysz Andy , Nandy Indrani , Ona Victor , Moseley Margaret K , Levin Seth , Maruff Paul 
Published: October 2024

Background: Zuranolone is an oral, once-daily, 14-day treatment course approved for adults with postpartum depression in the United States. Aims: To assess cognitive effects, pharmacokinetics, and safety of zuranolone, alone or with alprazolam/ethanol. Methods: This was a phase 1, two-part, two-period, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover trial. Participants received zuranolone 50 mg or placebo once daily for 9 days, and additionally received alprazolam (1 mg, Part A), ethanol (males: 0.7 g/kg; females: 0.6 g/kg, Part B), or corresponding placebo on days 1, 5, and 9. Within each part, participants received all treatment combinations. Cognition was assessed using a computerized test battery; pharmacokinetics and safety were also evaluated. Results: All participants (Part A, N = 24; Part B, N = 25) received ⩾1 dose of zuranolone/placebo. Compared to placebo, zuranolone produced small-to-moderate cognitive decline (Cohen’s | d| = 0.126–0.76); effects were larger with alprazolam (Cohen’s | d| = 0.523–0.93) and ethanol (Cohen’s | d| = 0.345–0.88). Zuranolone coadministration with alprazolam (Cohen’s | d| = 0.6–1.227) or ethanol (Cohen’s | d| = 0.054–0.5) generally worsened cognitive decline when compared with zuranolone alone. Maximal pharmacodynamic effects occurred at approximately 5 h and were resolved by 12 h postbaseline. No pharmacokinetic interactions were observed. Incidence of adverse events was similar between groups; most events were mild or moderate in severity. Conclusion: A general small-to-moderate magnitude decline in cognition occurred with zuranolone alone. Coadministration with alprazolam/ethanol increased the magnitude, but not the duration, of effects compared with single-agent administration. Zuranolone prescribers and patients should be aware of the potential for increased central nervous system-depressant effects if coadministered with GABAergic active compounds such as alprazolam and ethanol.