bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Electroacupuncture alters brain network functional connectivity in subacute stroke: A randomised crossover trial
Authors: Li Mingfen , Zou Fei , Zheng Tingting , Zou Weigeng , Li Haifeng , Lin Yifang , Peng Li , Zheng Su 
Published: April 2024

Background:Electroacupuncture (EA) is a promising rehabilitation treatment for upper-limb motor recovery in stroke patients. However, the neurophysiological mechanisms underlying its clinical efficacy remain unclear. This study aimed to explore the immediate modulatory effects of EA on brain network functional connectivity and topological properties.Methods:The randomized, single-blinded, self-controlled two-period crossover trial was conducted among 52 patients with subacute subcortical stroke. These patients were randomly allocated to receive either EA as the initial intervention or sham electroacupuncture (SEA) as the initial intervention. After a washout period of 24 hours, participants underwent the alternate intervention (SEA or EA). Resting state electroencephalography signals were recorded synchronously throughout both phases of the intervention. The functional connectivity (FC) of the parietofrontal network and small-world (SW) property indices of the whole-brain network were compared across the entire course of the two interventions.Results:The results demonstrated that EA significantly altered ipsilesional parietofrontal network connectivity in the alpha and beta bands (alpha: F = 5.05,P = .011; beta: F = 3.295,P = .047), whereas no significant changes were observed in the SEA group. When comparing between groups, EA significantly downregulated ipsilesional parietofrontal network connectivity in both the alpha and beta bands during stimulation (alpha:t = −1.998,P = .049; beta:t = −2.342,P = .022). Significant differences were also observed in the main effects of time and the group × time interaction for the SW index (time: F = 5.516,P = .026; group × time: F = 6.892,P = .01). In terms of between-group comparisons, the EA group exhibited a significantly higher SW index than the SEA group at the post-stimulation stage (t = 2.379,P = .018).Conclusion:These findings suggest that EA downregulates ipsilesional parietofrontal network connectivity and enhances SW properties, providing a potential neurophysiological mechanism for facilitating motor performance in stroke patients.
A 10-year-old female with Cor triatriatum sinister (CTS): a rare case report and literature review from Syria
Authors: Sleiay Mouhammmed , Sleiay Bilal , Hussein Bassam , Jawad Ali , Hassan Bassam , Masri Mahmod , Stitieh Youmna , Alokla Abdulrahim , Mansour Marah 
Published: April 2024

Introduction and importance:
Cor triatriatum sinister (CTS) is an uncommon heterogeneous congenital cardiac defect that may manifest in adulthood when symptomatic blockage manifests due to a change in hemodynamic physiology or when a condition such as atrial fibrillation (AF) arises. The incidence of cor triatriatum with cardiomyopathy and congenital heart illness ranges from 0.1 to 0.4%.

Case presentation:
The Department of Cardiology examined a 10-year-old girl for a diastolic murmur. The patient’s medical history was ordinary, and no previously known co-morbid illnesses were present. Pneumonia was the patient’s original medical condition. A cardiac murmur was also discovered during the physical examination, and the patient was forwarded for more research. Physical examination revealed just a diastolic murmur, which was noteworthy. The patient’s care plan includes routine echocardiographic monitoring. Since the deformity was not clinically significant, surgical repair was not advised.

Clinical discussion:
It is unclear what caused this flaw. A full, incomplete, or fenestrated septum may be the result of the common pulmonary vein failing to merge with the left atrium during embryonic development. The existence of a fibromuscular membrane, which separates the left atrium (LA) into two chambers—the proximal chamber receiving the pulmonary veins (PVs) and the distal chamber contains the mitral valves and LA appendages defines the disease.

Conclusion:
The diagnostic procedure should be carried out in the optimal settings, however, in cases of frail health systems, employing accessible alternatives might help the early diagnosis. Early referral to a cardiologist is required in case of CTS suspicion.
Clinico-radiological correlation with outcome in acute epidural haematoma: a tertiary centre experience from Nepal
Authors: Chakradhar Rupesh , Harrylal Kayleigh Anjali , Kumari Khusbu , Karki Susmin , Sedain Gopal , Pradhanang Amit , Shilpakar Sushil K. , Sharma Mohan Raj 
Published: April 2024

Background:
Epidural haematoma (EDH) accounts for up to 15% of severe traumatic brain injury (TBI) cases and remains the most common cause of mortality and disability. Several clinical and radiological factors affect patient outcomes. This study aims to correlate patients’ clinical and radiological profiles with acute EDH outcomes.

Methods:
A retrospective, single-centred, consecutive case series was conducted on the patients diagnosed with an acute EDH admitted to Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital (TUTH) between May 2019 and April 2023. The modified Rankin scale (mRS) was used to assess the outcome. Univariate analysis and Kruskal–Wallis H test with Dunn-Bonferroni post-hoc test was conducted.

Results:
There were 107 patients diagnosed with EDH, of which 52.3% were less than 20 years old with male preponderance. Falls were the most common mechanism of injury (64.5%), and most cases were referred to, not brought directly. The majority had a GCS score greater than or equal to 13 (85%) at presentation, and only 5.5% had a GCS score less than or equal to 8. According to the mRS, most patients had favourable outcomes, with 88.7% having no significant disability and 11.3% having a slight disability.

Conclusion:
This case series is the largest and most recent report from Nepal and demonstrated that GCS, pupillary response, skull fracture, neurological symptoms, pre-hospital and intra-hospital delay, and management modalities are critical factors in determining the total hospital and ICU stay but did not have an impact on the mRS scores.
Effects of Lactococcus lactis on colorectal cancer in various terms: a narrative review
Authors: Rivai Muhammad Iqbal , Lusikooy Ronald Erasio , Putra Andani Eka , Elliyanti Aisyah 
Published: April 2024

Introduction:
Colorectal cancer is one of the most common cancers with an increasing number of cases. Various studies have found an association between the gut microbiota balance and colorectal cancer incidence. Lactococcus lactis is a probiotic bacterium found in fermented foods, particularly yogurt and cheese. This probiotic has been shown to reduce various anti-inflammatory and pro-inflammatory agents that trigger cancer, such as interleukin (IL)-6, IL-18, tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), and natural killer (NK) cells.

Methods:
Full-text articles and original research published in the last ten years were used as references, and “Lactococcus and colorectal cancer” as keywords. The reference search is on several databases, such as PubMed, ScienceDirect, ProQuest, and Nature. Searching results obtained eleven articles.

Discussion:

Lactococcus lactis does have a perfect role in suppressing cancer cells. Lactococcus lactis has anti-proliferative effects associated with decreased cyclin D1 expression in SW480 cell lines, decreased NK cells, reduced cancer cell viability, decreased IL-8 levels, and decreased IL-6.

Conclusion:

Lactococcus lactis contains nisin, which can suppress various gene, protein, and cytokine expressions that play a role in cancer cell growth. Probiotics can inhibit colorectal cancer without significant side effects.
Discovery of a novel antibiotic, Transitmycin, fromStreptomycessp unveils highly efficient activities against tuberculosis and human immunodeficiency virus
Authors: Kumar Vanaja , Ramasamy Balagurunathan , Doble Mukesh , Manikkam Radhakrishnan , Hanna Luke Elizabeth , Arumugam Gandarvakottai Senthilkumar , Damodharan Kannan , Ganesan Suresh , Dusthakeer Azger , Lucia Precilla , Saadhali Shainaba A , John Shanthi , Eswaran Poongothai , Nagamiah Selvakumar , UCA Jaleel , M Rakhila , Safeeda Ayisha , S Sathish 
Published: April 2024

AbstractHIV is identified as a factor that aggravates tuberculosis disease pathogenesis and its progression to latent TB. While, TB is declared as one of the major causes for AIDS-associated mortality. So there is a dire need for new drugs to combat such ailments that have a synergistic interaction.This has led us to study a novel antibiotic purified from a marine Streptomyces sp isolated from the coral reef ecosystem of South Indian coast. Streptomyces sp. R2 (MTCC 5597; DSM 26035)., isolated from the marine water was grown on agar plates and the crude yellowish orange pigment secreted was extracted using various solvents. The antibiotic, named as Transitmycin, was purified and tested against M. tuberculosis, drug resistant strains, and M. tuberculosis biofilm. The compound was also tested against HIV-1 viruses belonging to six subtypes. Several characterisation tools were used to elucidate the structure of this novel antibiotic. Transitmycin was derivitaised to elucidate the absolute configurations of the amino acids present in it. Tr, unlike actinomycin D, has L-valine in both the rings instead of D-valine (found in the latter). Also, one of the proline in Tr is in D–configuration while it is in L configuration in actinomycin D suggesting that ours is a novel compound and is not reported so far. It exhibits dual activities against the standard H37Rv, 49 drug sensitive clinical isolates, and MtB biofilm as well as standard and 20 clinical isolates of HIV. This is the first paper that reports the isolation of a new antibiotic from marine actinobacteria exhibiting unusual anti-TB and HIV activities which could be exploited further as a lead molecule in the quest for the design of drug with dual activities.HighlightsA novel antibiotic was purified from a marine Streptomyces sp isolated from the coral reef of S. IndiaPresence of L-valine, not observed in actinomycin D, and one of the proline in D configuration suggest that it is a novel structure not reported beforeIt exhibits activity against standard MtB strain as well as clinical isolates and drug resistance onesIt exhibits anti-HIV activity against several clinical isolates
Reach and effectiveness of a HEARTS hypertension control pilot project in Guatemala
Authors: Wellmann Irmgardt Alicia , Rodríguez José Javier , Batzin Benilda , Hegel Guillermo , Ayala Luis Fernando , Ozano Kim , Fort Meredith P. , Flores Walter , Ramirez Lesly , Palacios Eduardo , Martínez Mayron , Ramirez-Zea Manuel , Flood David 
Published: April 2024

AbstractThe World Health Organization’s HEARTS Technical Package aims to improve the primary care management of hypertension and other cardiovascular risk disease factors at the population level. This study describes the first HEARTS implementation project in the Ministry of Health primary care system in Guatemala. This pilot project was implemented from April to December 2022 in 6 primary health facilities in 3 rural, Indigenous municipalities. The project consisted of HEARTS-aligned strategies that were adapted to foster program sustainability in Guatemala. Outcomes were defined using the RE-AIM framework. The primaryreachoutcome was treatment rate, defined as the absolute number of patients each month receiving medication treatment for hypertension. The primaryeffectivenessoutcomes were mean systolic blood pressure (BP), mean diastolic BP, and proportion with BP control. In the first month of the post-implementation period, there was a significant increase of 25 patients treated (P=0.002), followed by a significant increase thereafter of 2.4 additional patients treated each month (P=0.007). The mean change in systolic BP was -4.4 (95 CI -8.2 to -0.5, P=0.028) mmHg and mean change in diastolic BP was -0.9 (95 CI -2.8 to 1.1, P=0.376) mmHg. The proportion of the cohort with BP control increased from 33.4% at baseline to 47.1% at 6 months (adjusted change of 13.7% [95 CI 2.2% to 25.2%, P=0.027]). These findings support the feasibility of implementing the HEARTS model for blood pressure control in the Guatemalan MOH primary care system where the vast majority of hypertension patients seek care.
Equilibrium dialysis with HPLC detection to measure substrate binding affinity of a non-heme iron halogenase
Authors: Smithwick Elizabeth R. , Bhagi-Damodaran Ambika , Damodaran Anoop Rama 
Published: April 2024

AbstractDetermination of substrate binding affinity (Kd) is critical to understanding enzyme function. An extensive number of methods have been developed and employed to study ligand/substrate binding, but the best approach depends greatly on the substrate and the enzyme in question. Below we describe how to measure theKdof BesD, a non-heme iron halogenase, for its native substrate lysine using equilibrium dialysis with subsequent detection with High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC). This method can be performed in anaerobic glove bag settings, requires readily available HPLC instrumentation for subsequent detection, and is adaptable to meet the needs of a variety of substrate affinity measurements.
Synaptic proteome diversity is primarily driven by gene regulation of glutamate receptors and their regulatory proteins
Authors: Reig-Viader Rita , del Castillo-Berges Diego , Burgas-Pau Albert , Arco-Alonso Daniel , Ramos-Vicente David , Sindreu Carlos , Bayés Àlex 
Published: April 2024

AbstractElectrophysiological features of excitatory synapses vary widely throughout the brain, granting neuronal circuits the ability to decode and store diverse patterns of information. Synapses formed by the same neurons have similar electrophysiological characteristics, belonging to the same type. However, these are generally confined to microscopic brain regions, precluding their proteomic analysis. This has greatly limited our ability to investigate the molecular basis of synaptic physiology. Here we introduce a procedure to characterise the proteome of individual synaptic types. We reveal a remarkable proteomic diversity among the synaptic types of the trisynaptic circuit. Differentially expressed proteins participate in well-known synaptic processes, controlling the signalling pathways preferentially used among diverse synapses. Noteworthy, all synaptic types differentially express proteins directly involved in the function of glutamate receptors. Moreover, neuron-specific gene expression programs would participate in their regulation. Indeed, genes coding for these proteins exhibit such distinct expression profiles between neuronal types that they greatly contribute to their classification. Our data is an important resource for exploring the molecular mechanisms behind electrophysiological properties of different hippocampal synaptic types. Our combined analysis of proteomics and transcriptomics data uncovers a previously unrecognised neuron-specific transcriptomic control of synaptic proteome diversity, directed towards the regulation of glutamate receptors and their regulatory proteins.
The role of change readiness in the relationship between learning organisation and successful change implementation
Authors: Abdul-Nasiru Inusah 
Published: April 2024

PurposeAlthough change is a necessary part of organisational life, achieving a successful change is complex. Change readiness is a critical element in successful change implementation, yet studies assessing change readiness as an underlying mechanism in the link between organisational-level factors and successful change implementation are scarce, particularly in the African context. Accordingly, the present study examined the extent to which change readiness mediates the link between learning organisation and successful change implementation in the Ghanaian context.Design/methodology/approachThe study utilized a standardized questionnaire to collect data from 364 participants, working in public and private universities in Ghana. The participants were selected via the convenience sampling strategy to complete the survey on the main variables at a single point in time. The study was purely quantitative, as path analysis – a form of structural equation modelling was employed to test the hypothesized relationships in the study.FindingsThe results show that both learning organisation and change readiness facilitated successful change implementation. Finally, it was observed that change readiness served as an important mediating mechanism in the link between learning organisation and successful change implementation.Practical implicationsChange readiness was found to explain the link between learning organisation and successful change implementation. Thus, it is important that managers and leaders of public and private sector educational institutions in Ghana invest resources into preparing and getting employees to accept, be committed to and ready for change.Originality/valueThe present study contributes to the scarce knowledge of the mediating role of change readiness in the link between learning organisation and successful change implementation in the African context.
The value of a ‘just’ firm
Authors: Desir Rosemond , Ryan Patricia A. , Albert Lumina 
Published: April 2024

Purpose
The study aims to investigate market reactions associated with the JUST 100 rankings published by JUST Capital, a non-profit organization, as well as differences in financial reporting quality and performance between selected firms and their industry peers.

Design/methodology/approach
This study uses a sample of 431 firms selected as the 100 America’s Most Just Companies between 2016 and 2020 by JUST Capital. This study performs both an event study to determine whether the rankings are useful to investors and cross-sectional regression analyses on the characteristics of selected firms compared to their peers.

Findings
This study finds that investors react positively to selected firms around the time of the release of the JUST 100 rankings, suggesting that the rankings are decision-useful. This study also finds that selected firms exhibit higher accounting quality and financial performance than their peers.

Research limitations/implications
Rankings may not be free from bias because of JUST Capital’s ownership of an exchange-traded fund.

Social implications
The findings validate the rankings as well as the methodology used by JUST Capital, as they show market participants value firms that engage in socially responsible actions through their commitment to positively impact five key stakeholder groups: employees, customers, communities, environment and shareholders.

Originality/value
To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study that shows the importance of the JUST 100 rankings for investment decisions. Considering the growing push for companies to disclose environmental, social and governance (ESG) activities, this study provides evidence to support ESG disclosure regulations.
Natural resource‐driven prosperity: Unveiling the catalysts of sustainable economic development in the United States
Authors: Ge Xiukun , Imran Muhammad , Ali Kishwar 
Published: April 2024

AbstractAchieving economic progress hinges upon the active and strategic utilization of a nation's inherent resources in economic and financial endeavors. This comprehensive study investigates the intricate dynamics influencing the economic development of the United States, employing a time series dataset spanning from 1991 to 2022. Key factors including total natural resource rents, domestic capital formation, the ‘financial risk index (FRI),’ and the count of patents filed by both domestic and foreign investors. Rigorous statistical analyses, including the ‘Modified Dickey‐Fuller’ test and ‘Bayer‐Hanck cointegration’ strategy, were employed to extract meaningful insights from the data. Addressing concerns related to endogeneity and serial correlation, advanced techniques such as ‘Dynamic Ordinary Least Squares’ and ‘Fully Modified Ordinary Least Squares’ were applied. The findings illuminate the pivotal roles played by natural resource rents and domestic capital formation in propelling sustainable economic development in the United States. Notably, this study sheds light on the positive contributions of both domestic and foreign patent filings to the nation's economic trajectory. Furthermore, enhancements in the FRI are identified as catalysts for fostering sustainable economic growth. In essence, our research contributes to the existing body of knowledge by offering nuanced insights into the multifaceted influences shaping the economic landscape of the United States. The results not only underscore the significance of effective resource management and capital formation but also emphasize the positive impact of innovation, represented by patent filings, and improvements in the FRI on the nation's journey towards sustainable economic growth.
Hope, coping strategies, and their predictors in older patients with prostate and breast cancer undergoing radiotherapy: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Yildizel Sema , Arayici Mehmet Emin , Umay Cenk , Sahin Sevnaz 
Published: April 2024

AbstractIntroductionThe aim of this paper was to evaluate the level of hope, coping methods, and the factors affecting them in patients aged 60 years and over who were diagnosed with breast and prostate cancer and who were receiving radiotherapy (RT) as part of their treatment.MethodsA total of 66 patients (37 breast cancer and 29 prostate cancer patients) were included in this cross‐sectional study. The RT and treatment information of the patients were collected by using the records in the hospital database. The scale responses, baseline characteristics, and demographic information of the participants were collected through the questionnaire form and scales [HHI (Heart Hope Index), COPE (Coping Attitudes Assessment Scale), and VAS (Visual Analogue Scale)]. Two surveys were administered to the participants before and after radiotherapy treatment. A first survey was administered to the participants 10–15 days before radiotherapy treatment, and the second survey was administered within 2–3 weeks after radiotherapy treatment. The weight and waist circumference of the patients were also measured before and after radiotherapy.ResultsThe median age of the participants was 65 (interquartile range (IQR): 62.0–70.2) years. There was a decrease in the weight (mean change (MC): −1.5, 95% CI: −2.9 to −0.2, P = 0.029) and waist circumference (MC: −1.8, 95% CI: −3.2 to −0.4, P = 0.014) of the participants after RT. There was no significant change in the HHI (MC: 0.4, 95% CI: −0.7 to 1.5) and COPE (MC: −0.6, 95% CI: −3.2 to 2.0) total scores of the patients before and after RT (P = 0.459 and P = 0.650, respectively). When only patients with prostate cancer were studied, the self‐help sub‐dimension of COPE (MC: −1.5, 95% CI: −2.7 to −0.3, P = 0.013) was found to be lower.ConclusionMultidimensional evaluations and interventions may be required in terms of hope levels and coping attitudes of cancer patients receiving radiotherapy. There is an increasing need for further studies in larger populations and cohorts related to this topic in the literature.