bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prosecutor Decision-Making Following Juvenile Life Without Parole Sentencing Reform
Authors: Ouellet Leah , Wareham Jennifer
Published: May 2023

Prosecutors play an integral role in implementing sentencing reform measures in the United States. Following the Supreme Court’s recent restrictions of the use of life without parole sentences for juveniles (JLWOP), county prosecutors in Michigan were tasked with initiating resentencing proceedings by filing sentencing motions for individuals who were currently serving JLWOP (so-called “juvenile lifers”). These motions intimated whether, following the changes in sentencing policy, the prosecutor sought a new life without parole sentence or if they consented to the default term-of-years sentence that would allow a juvenile lifer an opportunity for release. In this paper, we analyze the best-fitting characteristics predicting prosecutor filing decisions. Guided by the focal concerns framework, we ultimately find evidence that prosecutors made filing decisions in ways that were consistent with their existing decision-making schema, relying on characteristics that aligned with typical conceptions of blameworthiness and dangerousness. Prosecutors’ decisions were not associated with characteristics reflecting the new guidance or mitigative logics provided by Supreme Court’s rulings, such as age and immaturity. We conclude that prosecutors’ implementation of sentencing reform measures is constrained by the extent that new policy parameters overlap with existing focal concerns and provide several policy recommendations for addressing this issue.
Broken Promises Marketing. Relations, Communication Strategies, and Ethics of Video Game Journalists and Developers: The Case of Cyberpunk 2077
Authors: Siuda Piotr , Reguła Dariusz , Majewski Jakub , Kwapiszewska Anna
Published: May 2023

Cyberpunk 2077 's negative reception stood in striking contrast to the pre-release hype around the video game built by the producer's marketing campaign and the gaming press. This study examines a selection of gaming websites, to consider their pre-release Cyberpunk 2077 coverage and the discrepancies between these early reports and the released game. Using inductive conventional content analysis, framed as thematic analysis, 148 press articles were investigated divided into nine subcategories, and three categories. These articles told an almost exclusively positive narrative, promising great performance and features. The uncritical reception of publisher information by journalists allows the authors to propose the notion of “broken promises marketing”. The article contextualizes this term in the gaming ecosystem, arguing that over-optimistic marketing is amplified through features of the online press ecology. Finally, the results are considered from a business ethics perspective, with a set of communications recommendations for both journalists and game publishers.
Making Sense of Husserlian Phenomenological Philosophy in Empirical Research
Authors: Cudjoe Ebenezer
Published: May 2023

Phenomenological philosophy is esoteric. Therefore, it is not surprising that most empirical studies adopting a phenomenological approach do not acknowledge or engage with key phenomenological concepts that could shape their investigations. Meanwhile, can we claim that a study is phenomenological when it ignores fundamental phenomenological concepts/theories? A part of the lack of engagement with fundamental phenomenological concepts in empirical research is due to how challenging it is to make sense of these concepts in research. I rely on key concepts from Husserl’s phenomenology such as intentionality, natural attitude, lifeworld, pure essence and inter-subjectivity to envisage the application of phenomenological philosophy in empirical research. The concepts provide different perspectives to thinking about, seeing and analysing the world around us. It is hoped that this article makes phenomenological philosophy more accessible for researchers to apply in their investigations. With dedicated study, these concepts can be useful in different stages of the research process.
Increased circulating monocyte MDSCs positively correlate with serum Interleukin-10 in metastatic melanoma patients
Authors: Mirjačić Martinović Katarina , Vuletić Ana , Tišma Miletić Nevena , Nedeljković Milica , Babović Nada , Matković Suzana , Jurišić Vladimir
Published: May 2023

Numerous immunosuppressive cells such as myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) and inhibitory cytokines identified in melanoma microenvironment have the important role in immune escape. Therefore, in this study we analyzed monocytic (m)MDSCs in peripheral blood of metastatic melanoma (MM) patients. In peripheral blood of 35 MM patients and 30 healthy controls we analyzed percentage of CD14 + HLA-DR- mMDSCs in monocyte gate and the mean fluorescence intensity of Foxp3 in CD25 + CD4 + regulatory T cells by Flow cytometry. Serum levels of transforming growth factor beta, interferon-gamma, interleukin (IL)-6, IL-8, IL-10 are measured by ELISA assays. In this study MM patients have significantly higher percentage of CD14 + HLA-DR- mMDSCs, as well as increased the baseline mMDSC/PBMC subset (NK, T, B cells, monocytes) ratio. Although there is no significant difference in the percentage of mMDSCs between groups of MM patients with different localization of distant metastasis, patients with elevated serum lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) have statistically significant higher percentage of these cells compared to LDH negative patients. Furthermore, in MM patients there is statistically significant positive correlation between values of IL-10 and the percentage of mMDSCs, only. Therefore, therapeutics that target circulating mMDSCs and IL-10 may have a big importance in the improvement of antitumor immunity in MM patients.
Deaths From Alcoholic and Diabetic Ketoacidosis at Autopsy—A Comparison Study
Authors: Milroy Christopher M. , Lal Anita , Parai Jacqueline L.
Published: May 2023

Diabetes mellitus and alcoholism are common disorders that may result in sudden death. Ketoacidosis may occur in both conditions. Diagnosis is based on history, and post-mortem findings including biochemistry and toxicology. This study compares deaths from alcoholic and diabetic ketoacidosis from two centres with large autopsy workloads. In the study period 9332 deaths were autopsies with 151 deaths diagnosed as ketoacidosis (1.6%) with 82 (0.9 %) being diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) and 48 (0.5%) alcoholic ketoacidosis (AKA) deaths. There were more male deaths in each group. The median age for DKA deaths was 51 years (range 19-79). The median age for AKA deaths was 55 years (range was 34-78). The BMI range in DKA deaths was 12.5 to 40.4 kg/m2, with a median of 21.9. The comparative figures for AKA deaths was a range of 11.3 - 38.3 with a median of 20.2. Acetone concentrations were statistically higher in diabetic compared with alcoholic deaths, mean of 33.7 mg/100 mL in DKA cases versus mean of 16.9 mg/100 mL in AKA cases. Both DKA and AKA deaths are seen more commonly in males than female and are typically people with low BMIs in their 50s.
Hepatoprotective and Antioxidant Activities of Phenolic Compounds from Heliciopsis terminalis
Authors: Trung Bui V. , Anh Duong H. , Viet Pham H. , Van Kiem Phan
Published: May 2023

Objective

Heliciopsis terminalis (Kurz.) Sleum (family Proteaceae) is distributed in India, Mianma, Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam, and China. In Vietnamese traditional medicine, it is used as an antidote for detoxifying the liver and detoxifying alcohol, a contraceptive, and to treat infections. The purpose of this study is to determine the chemical constituents of the plant, as well as their in vitro hepatoprotective and antioxidant activities.

Methods

The dried powdered sample was ultrasonically extracted with MeOH, and the extract was fractionated by various chromatographic methods, including high-performance liquid chromatography. The structures of the isolated compounds were identified by NMR, high-resolution electrospray ionization mass spectrometry, and CD spectral analysis, and then screened for their in vitro hepatoprotective and antioxidant activities.

Results

One new phenolic glycoside, named helitermioside (1), and eight known compounds (2-9) were isolated from the trunk and branches of H terminalis. All of the isolates were reported from H terminalis for the first time. Compound 6 showed antioxidant activity in thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) lipid peroxidation inhibition assays, with an IC50 value of 61.16  ±  1.17 µg/mL, compared to that of Trolox (positive control), IC50  =  7.06  ±  0.11 µg/mL. At a concentration of 100 µg/mL, none of the isolates exhibited hepatocellular protective activity.

Conclusion

Nine phenolic compounds (1–9) were recorded from H terminalis. Of these, compound 1 was new. Compound 6 exhibited moderate antioxidant activity in TBARS lipid peroxidation inhibition assays, but none of the compounds exhibited hepatocellular protective activity against CCl4-induced toxicity.
Inpatient Neurology Deaths and Factors Associated With Discharge to Hospice
Authors: Dujari Shefali , Wei Janet , Kraler Lironn , Goyal Tarini , Bernier Eric , Schwartz Neil , Hirsch Karen , Gold Carl A.
Published: May 2023

Background and Purpose

The Neurology Mortality Review Committee at our institution identified variability in location of death for patients on our inpatient neurology services. Hospice may increase the number of patients dying in their preferred locations. This study aimed to characterize patients who die on inpatient neurology services and explore barriers to discharge to hospice.

Methods

This retrospective study was completed at a single, quaternary care medical center that is a Level I Trauma Center and Comprehensive Stroke Center. Patients discharged by an inpatient neurology service between 6/2019-1/2021 were identified and electronic medical record review was performed on patients who died in the hospital and who were discharged to hospice.

Results

69 inpatient deaths and 74 discharges to hospice occurred during the study period. Of the 69 deaths, 54 occurred following withdrawal of life sustaining treatment (WLST), of which 14 had a referral to hospice placed. There were 88 “hospice-referred” patients and 40 “hospice-eligible” patients. Hospice-referred patients were less likely to require the intensive care unit than hospice-eligible patients. Hospice-referred patients had their code status changed to Do Not Intubate earlier and were more likely to have advanced directives available.

Conclusion

Our data highlight opportunities for further research to improve discharge to hospice including interhospital transfers, advanced directives, earlier goals of care discussions, palliative care consultations, and increased hospice bed availability. Importantly, it highlights the limitations of using in-hospital mortality as a quality indicator in this patient population.
The early diagnostic value of optical coherence tomography (OCT) and OCT angiography in thyroid-associated ophthalmopathy
Authors: Xu Bei , Wang Sha , Chen Lu , Tan Jia
Published: May 2023

Background:

The retinal microvascular density changes have been identified in thyroid-associated ophthalmopathy (TAO) patients. Whereas a lack of research has been done on the diagnostic ability of optical coherence tomography (OCT) combined with optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) parameters.

Objectives:

This study aims to evaluate the retina perfusion variations in eyes with active and stable TAO and its diagnostic abilities using OCT and OCTA.

Design:

This is cohort longitudinal retrospective study.

Methods:

A total of 51 patients with TAO and 39 healthy controls (HCs) were recruited. The TAO eyes were divided into active and stable stage groups. The foveal avascular zone (FAZ), macular perfusion density (mPD), and peripapillary PD were measured by OCTA. The peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL), central retinal thickness (CRT), and whole macular volume (wMV) were measured by OCT. Visual evoked potential (VEP) and visual field (VF) were also assessed.

Results:

The mPD of the superficial retinal capillary plexus (SRCP) was significantly different in all subfields among active, stable, and HC groups ( p < 0.05) except for the temporal inner ( p = 0.137), and the active group achieved the lowest PD. The FAZ size increased significantly in the active and stable groups compared with the HC group ( p < 0.001). Significant difference was observed in mPD of deep retinal capillary plexus (DRCP) in all quadrants among three groups ( p < 0.05). Moreover, PD parameters of optic nerve head (ONH) and radial peripapillary capillary plexus (RPCP) showed a different trend among three groups ( p < 0.05). The r-value of visual field-mean deviation (VF-MD) of TAO with DRCP-whole PD (wPD) and RPCP-wPD was 0.421 and 0.299, respectively ( p < 0.05). The DRCP-wPD in OCTA and RNFL in OCT were significantly higher in area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) than that of HC eyes.

Conclusion:

OCT and OCTA can noninvasively detect the peripapillary and macular changes in various stages of TAO patients, and it might be a high diagnostic value tool to monitor the TAO progression.
Active chitosan- poly (vinyl alcohol) film reinforced with zinc oxide nanoparticles for food packaging applications
Authors: Coneo Natalia , Ramos Yulieth , De Ávila Gezira , Herrera Adriana , Cremades Ana
Published: May 2023

Active packaging represents an innovative alternative to improve the quality of food and extend the shelf life of the product. The main aim of this research is to develop antibacterial films based on chitosan (Cs), polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), and zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnONps) to find a solution of food deterioration due to the presence of pathogenic microorganisms. ZnONps were synthesized by green chemistry using the leaves extract of Petroselinum crispum. The films were fabricated with 0; 0.5; and 1% w/v of ZnONps using different proportions of Cs: PVA by the casting method. The mechanical, physicochemical, antimicrobial, and antifungal properties were assessed. Moreover, the influence of the Cs/PVA/ZnONps films in the conservation of the Isabella grape was analyzed (pH, titratable acidity, weight loss, total soluble solids, and decay rate) and it was compared to commercial coating and uncoated grapes. Results showed the increase in the content of PVA improved the mechanical properties and increased the water absorption. Besides, Young’s Module, and tensile strength of the films improved with ZnO nanoparticles addition. The antimicrobial activity of the nanocomposite films against Escherichia Coli was demonstrated. Finally, it was corroborated the nanocomposite films preserve the quality and extend the shelf life of Isabella grapes 6 days more than the commercial coating affirming their use in food packaging. To the best of our knowledge, no previous work related with the development of films based on Cs/PVA reinforced with ZnONPs has tested its application as fruits packaging, determining its effect on the ripening process through physic-chemical assays.
Integrating Primary Care into the Management of Cystic Fibrosis
Authors: Auth Roger , Catanese Stephanie , Banerjee Debasree
Published: May 2023

Over the last 50 years, cystic fibrosis has radically transformed from a fatal disease of infancy to a chronic disease of adulthood. By 2025 it is estimated that 70% of individuals with cystic fibrosis (iwCF) will be cared for in adult clinics. We believe the role of a dedicated primary care provider (PCP) for preventative care will be crucial for the longevity of iwCF. There are various models for incorporating primary care medicine into CF management, but no universally accepted standard exists. Ideally, the PCP and pulmonologist practice in a patientcentered medical home, given the growing evidence that these care models are associated with improved quality-of-life measures, mental health, and disease-specific outcomes. To improve engagement with primary care in CF, there needs to be a shift in education at the undergraduate medical education and provider training levels. Increasing the knowledge of CF-related illness is vital in fostering a close relationship between the PCP and their patient. To meet this need, primary care doctors will need tools and practical experiences in managing this rare condition. This can start being addressed by providing ample opportunities for the inclusion of PCPs into subspecialty clinics and through engagement with community providers through readily available didactics, seminars, and open lines of communication. As PCPs and CF clinicians, we feel that shifting the domain of preventative care to the expertise of a primary care physician will allow for a more CF-specific focus in subspecialty clinics and help prevent these vital health maintenance tasks from being overlooked, altogether advancing the health and well-being of iwCF.
Rate of Conversion to Matrix-Induced Autologous Chondrocyte Implantation After a Biopsy: A Multisurgeon Study
Authors: Pasic Nicholas , Bradsell Hannah L. , Barandiaran Andres , Robinson Avi S. , Cole Brian J. , Vidal Armando F. , Frank Rachel M.
Published: May 2023

Background:

Autologous chondrocyte implantation (ACI) and matrix-induced autologous chondrocyte implantation (MACI) are performed to treat focal chondral defects (FCDs); both are 2-step procedures involving a biopsy, followed by transplantation. There is little published research evaluating ACI/MACI in patients who undergo a biopsy alone.

Purpose:

To determine (1) the value of ACI/MACI cartilage biopsies and concomitant procedures in patients with FCDs of the knee and (2) the conversion rate to cartilage transplantation as well as the rate of reoperation.

Study Design:

Case series; Level of evidence, 4.

Methods:

A retrospective review was performed of 46 patients (63% female) who underwent a MACI (or ACI) biopsy between January 2013 and January 2018. Preoperative data, intraoperative data, and postoperative outcomes were assessed at a minimum of 2 years after the biopsy. The conversion rate from a biopsy to transplantation and the reoperation rate were calculated and analyzed.

Results:

Among the 46 patients included, 17 (37.0%) underwent subsequent surgery, with only 12 undergoing cartilage restoration surgery, for an overall transplantation rate of 26.1%. Of these 12 patients, 9 underwent MACI/ACI, 2 underwent osteochondral allograft transplantation (OCA), and 1 underwent particulated juvenile articular cartilage implantation at 7.2 ± 7.5 months after the biopsy. The reoperation rate was 16.7% (1 patient after MACI/ACI and 1 patient after OCA) at 13.5 ± 2.3 months after transplantation.

Conclusion:

Arthroscopic surgery with debridement, chondroplasty, loose body removal, meniscectomy/meniscal repair, and other treatment approaches of knee compartment abnormalities at the time of a biopsy appeared to be sufficient in improving function and reducing pain in patients with knee FCDs.
Effectiveness of a New Clinical and Communication Curriculum for Medical Students: Result of a Double-Blinded Randomized Controlled Educational Trial
Authors: Nguyen Sang Ngoc , Pham Hanh Thi , Vu Lam Tung , Pham Truong Xuan , Gottlieb Barbara
Published: May 2023

OBJECTIVES

To improve 4 skills (communication, history-taking, past history-taking, and documentation) in medical students, we designed and pilot-tested a curriculum to teach a sample of Year 4 (Y4) students these skills and compared the clinical performance of these students with students not receiving the intervention.

METHODS

The study focused on the new curriculum's effectiveness in enhancing students’ performance of these skills. To minimize exposure across groups, participants were divided into intervention and control groups at random and placed in various classrooms. We evaluated each group's clinical competency 3 times: prior to the intervention, 9 weeks afterward, and 2 years later.

RESULTS

There was no difference at baseline between the 2 groups. Immediately following the intervention, the mean score of the intervention group's skills was significantly higher than before and higher than the control group in each clinical skill. The performance difference between the 2 groups was maintained for 2 years following the intervention.

CONCLUSIONS

Following a 9-week curriculum, evaluators rated students’ performance higher than their counterparts who learned these skills through standard informal exposure in the clinical setting. The fact that this performance advantage was maintained for 2 years following the intervention is a testament to the durability of the intervention and the value of dedicated training in these critical areas at an early point in students’ clinical careers.
Environmental Impact Assessment of Undergraduate Apparel Consumption Behavior
Authors: Zhu Lisha , Chen Yunfeng , Huang Qianwen , Zhang Ying , Wang Laili
Published: May 2023

Lifestyle changes have altered the consumption behavior of people. As one of the most energy-intensive and energy-consuming activities in the apparel consumption process, laundry and clothes drying have a significant impact on the environment in terms of carbon emissions and water consumption. Undergraduates are a special category of people whose worldviews are in the developmental stage, and it is important to study and develop their beliefs and behaviors regarding environmental consumption. This study investigates and evaluates the relationship between undergraduates’ consumption behaviors and environmental impacts. The 125 undergraduates in Hangzhou, China are classified into three different washing modes: H-mode (hand-washing only), M-mode (machine-washing only), and HM-mode (hand- and machine-washing) on the basis of their washing behavior. The environmental impacts including water footprint and carbon footprint of undergraduates are calculated by the methods of direct consumptive carbon footprint ([Formula: see text]) and direct consumptive water footprint ([Formula: see text]). The results show that the factors leading to the environmental impacts of Hangzhou undergraduates’ apparel consumption behavior are: washing frequency, consumer knowledge, washing method, drying frequency and method and clothing purchase quantity. It also reveals that higher washing and drying frequencies can lead to more energy and water consumption, which ultimately result in more severe environmental impact. Besides, consumer knowledge, washing and drying method do have a significant influence on undergraduates’[Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text]. Understanding the factors that influence undergraduates’ apparel consumption behavior can help cultivate their environmental awareness as well as provide guidance to the government and universities in identifying the environmental impact of undergraduates’ clothing consumption.
Reality studies: Reflections on the possible and actual
Authors: Hanchett Hanson Michael
Published: May 2023

What can science and science fiction tell us about the intertwining of the actual and the possible, the relations of imagination and reality? What are some of the ways those relationships can work? Should we be foregrounding possibilities that come primarily from our imaginations or the realities that push our imaginations? Contrary to common assumptions, this essay argues that imagination itself tends to be quite limited, but in some situations can become dangerously ungrounded. In contrast, the challenges of reality are more likely to push us to imagine previously inconceivable and transformative possibilities.
Descending serotonergic modulation from rostral ventromedial medulla to spinal trigeminal nucleus is involved in experimental occlusal interference-induced chronic orofacial hyperalgesia
Authors: Mo Si-Yi , Xue Yang , Li Yuan , Zhang Yao-Jun , Xu Xiao-Xiang , Fu Kai-Yuan , Sessle Barry J. , Xie Qiu-Fei , Cao Ye
Published: May 2023

Background

Dental treatment associated with unadaptable occlusal alteration can cause chronic primary myofascial orofacial pain. The serotonin (5-HT) pathway from the rostral ventromedial medulla (RVM) exerts descending modulation on nociceptive transmission in the spinal trigeminal nucleus (Sp5) and facilitates chronic pain. The aim of this study was to investigate whether descending 5-HT modulation from the RVM to the Sp5 is involved in the maintenance of primary myofascial orofacial hyperalgesia after persistent experimental occlusal interference (PEOI) or after delayed removal of experimental occlusal interference (REOI).

Methods

Expressions of 5-HT3A and 5-HT3B receptor subtypes in the Sp5 were assessed by immunofluorescence staining and Western blotting. The release and metabolism of 5-HT in the Sp5 were measured by high-performance liquid chromatography. Changes in the pain behavior of these rats were examined after specific pharmacologic antagonism of the 5-HT3 receptor, chemogenetic manipulation of the RVM 5-HT neurons, or selective down-regulation of 5-HT synthesis in the RVM.

Results

Upregulation of the 5-HT3B receptor subtype in the Sp5 was found in REOI and PEOI rats. The concentration of 5-HT in Sp5 increased significantly only in REOI rats. Intrathecal administration of Y-25130 (a selective 5-HT3 receptor antagonist) dose-dependently reversed the hyperalgesia in REOI rats but only transiently reversed the hyperalgesia in PEOI rats. Chemogenetic inhibition of the RVM 5-HT neurons reversed the hyperalgesia in REOI rats; selective down-regulation of 5-HT in advance also prevented the development of hyperalgesia in REOI rats; the above two manipulations did not affect the hyperalgesia in PEOI rats. However, chemogenetic activation of the RVM 5-HT neurons exacerbated the hyperalgesia both in REOI and PEOI rats.

Conclusions

These results provide several lines of evidence that the descending pathway from 5-HT neurons in the RVM to 5-HT3 receptors in the Sp5, plays an important role in facilitating the maintained orofacial hyperalgesia after delayed EOI removal, but has a limited role in that after persistent EOI.

Graphical Abstract
Benchmark of tools for in silico prediction of MHC class I and class II genotypes from NGS data
Authors: Claeys Arne , Merseburger Peter , Staut Jasper , Marchal Kathleen , Van den Eynden Jimmy
Published: May 2023

Background

The Human Leukocyte Antigen (HLA) genes are a group of highly polymorphic genes that are located in the Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC) region on chromosome 6. The HLA genotype affects the presentability of tumour antigens to the immune system. While knowledge of these genotypes is of utmost importance to study differences in immune responses between cancer patients, gold standard, PCR-derived genotypes are rarely available in large Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) datasets. Therefore, a variety of methods for in silico NGS-based HLA genotyping have been developed, bypassing the need to determine these genotypes with separate experiments. However, there is currently no consensus on the best performing tool.

Results

We evaluated 13 MHC class I and/or class II HLA callers that are currently available for free academic use and run on either Whole Exome Sequencing (WES) or RNA sequencing data. Computational resource requirements were highly variable between these tools. Three orthogonal approaches were used to evaluate the accuracy on several large publicly available datasets: a direct benchmark using PCR-derived gold standard HLA calls, a correlation analysis with population-based allele frequencies and an analysis of the concordance between the different tools. The highest MHC-I calling accuracies were found for Optitype (98.0%) and arcasHLA (99.4%) on WES and RNA sequencing data respectively, while for MHC-II HLA-HD was the most accurate tool for both data types (96.2% and 99.4% on WES and RNA data respectively).

Conclusion

The optimal strategy for HLA genotyping from NGS data depends on the availability of either WES or RNA data, the size of the dataset and the available computational resources. If sufficient resources are available, we recommend Optitype and HLA-HD for MHC-I and MHC-II genotype calling respectively.
The landscape of the long non-coding RNAs in developing mouse retinas
Authors: Yu Dongliang , Wu Yuqing , Zhu Leilei , Wang Yuying , Sheng Donglai , Zhao Xiaofeng , Liang Guoqing , Gan Lin
Published: May 2023

Background

The long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are critical regulators of diverse biological processes. Nevertheless, a global view of its expression and function in the mouse retina, a crucial model for neurogenesis study, still needs to be made available.

Results

Herein, by integrating the established gene models and the result from ab initio prediction using short- and long-read sequencing, we characterized 4,523 lncRNA genes (MRLGs) in developing mouse retinas (from the embryonic day of 12.5 to the neonatal day of P28), which was so far the most comprehensive collection of retinal lncRNAs. Next, derived from transcriptomics analyses of different tissues and developing retinas, we found that the MRLGs were highly spatiotemporal specific in expression and played essential roles in regulating the genesis and function of mouse retinas. In addition, we investigated the expression of MRLGs in some mouse mutants and revealed that 97 intergenic MRLGs might be involved in regulating differentiation and development of retinal neurons through Math5, Isl1, Brn3b, NRL, Onecut1, or Onecut2 mediated pathways.

Conclusions

In summary, this work significantly enhanced our knowledge of lncRNA genes in mouse retina development and provided valuable clues for future exploration of their biological roles.
Identification and validation of the reference genes in the echiuran worm Urechis unicinctus based on transcriptome data
Authors: Chen Jiao , Wang Yunjian , Yang Zhi , Liu Danwen , Jin Yao , Li Xixi , Deng Yuhang , Wang Boya , Zhang Zhifeng , Ma Yubin
Published: May 2023

Background

Real-time quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) is a crucial and widely used method for gene expression analysis. Selecting suitable reference genes is extremely important for the accuracy of RT-qPCR results. Commonly used reference genes are not always stable in various organisms or under different environmental conditions. With the increasing application of high-throughput sequencing, transcriptome analysis has become an effective method for identifying novel stable reference genes.

Results

In this study, we identified candidate reference genes based on transcriptome data covering embryos and larvae of early development, normal adult tissues, and the hindgut under sulfide stress using the coefficient of variation (CV) method in the echiuran Urechis unicinctus, resulting in 6834 (15.82%), 7110 (16.85%) and 13880 (35.87%) candidate reference genes, respectively. Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analyses revealed that the candidate reference genes were significantly enriched in cellular metabolic process, protein metabolic process and ribosome in early development and normal adult tissues as well as in cellular localization and endocytosis in the hindgut under sulfide stress. Subsequently, ten genes including five new candidate reference genes and five commonly used reference genes, were validated by RT-qPCR. The expression stability of the ten genes was analyzed using four methods (geNorm, NormFinder, BestKeeper, and ∆Ct). The comprehensive results indicated that the new candidate reference genes were more stable than most commonly used reference genes. The commonly used ACTB was the most unstable gene. The candidate reference genes STX12, EHMT1, and LYAG were the most stable genes in early development, normal adult tissues, and hindgut under sulfide stress, respectively. The log2(TPM) of the transcriptome data was significantly negatively correlated with the Ct values of RT-qPCR (Ct =  − 0.5405 log2(TPM) + 34.51), which made it possible to estimate the Ct value before RT-qPCR using transcriptome data.

Conclusion

Our study is the first to select reference genes for RT-qPCR from transcriptome data in Echiura and provides important information for future gene expression studies in U. unicinctus.
The effect of lidocaine intraoperative infusion on quality of postoperative sleep in patients undergoing thyroidectomy: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Shao Caiqun , Lin Longxiang , Chen Mengmeng , Wang Ning , Shangguan Wangning
Published: May 2023

Background

The incidence of thyroid nodules has increased significantly in recent years, and surgical removal is a common treatment. Postoperative sleep disturbance is still a serious problem in the current surgical environment. In this study, we explored whether intraoperative lidocaine infusion could improve the quality of sleep over 7 days and 30 days after surgery and postoperative recovery for patients undergoing thyroid surgery.

Methods

Seventy patients who underwent thyroid surgery from October 2020 to June 2021 were randomly assigned to the lidocaine or the normal saline group, 35 cases in each group. Patients enrolled in this study were randomized to receive either system lidocaine (a bolus of 1.5 mg·kg− 1, followed by an infusion of 2 mg·kg− 1·h− 1 until the end of the surgical procedure) or identical volumes and rates of normal saline. The primary endpoint was the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) scores. Secondary endpoints included intraoperative remifentanil consumption, whether there was a cough within 5 min after extubation and the cough scores, postoperative pain scores, the incidence of postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV).

Results

Totally seventy cases were enrolled and eventually sixty-eight cases were analyzed. PSQI scores did not change significantly over time (F = 2.799, P = 0.069); also, there was no significant difference in PSQI scores between two groups in the entire 30 days follow-up period (F = 0.174, P = 0.678). Further, there was no interaction between the time points and the intervention (F = 0.649, P = 0.513). Similarly, intraoperative remifentanil consumption, the incidence of cough and postoperative pain scores, were comparable between the two groups (all P > 0.05); while patients in the lidocaine group showed significantly lower cough scores (P = 0.042) and lower incidence of PONV (P = 0.015).

Conclusions

Systemic lidocaine infusion might not improve the sleep quality and reduce postoperative pain over 7 days or 30 days after the operation of patients who underwent thyroid surgery, but it can reduce postoperative complications and improve the quality of recovery. Furthermore, sleep quality of patients wasn’t impaired significantly in the entire 30 days follow-up period after thyroid surgery compared with baseline values.

Trial registration

Registered in the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (http://www.chictr.org.cn, identifier: ChiCTR2000039764, date: 08/11/2020)
Multiple imputation methods for missing multilevel ordinal outcomes
Authors: Dong Mei , Mitani Aya
Published: May 2023

Background

Multiple imputation (MI) is an established technique for handling missing data in observational studies. Joint modelling (JM) and fully conditional specification (FCS) are commonly used methods for imputing multilevel data. However, MI methods for multilevel ordinal outcome variables have not been well studied, especially when cluster size is informative on the outcome. The purpose of this study is to describe and compare different MI strategies for dealing with multilevel ordinal outcomes when informative cluster size (ICS) exists.

Methods

We conducted comprehensive Monte Carlo simulation studies to compare the performance of five strategies: complete case analysis (CCA), FCS, FCS+CS (including cluster size (CS) in the imputation model), JM, and JM+CS under various scenarios. We evaluated their performance using a proportional odds logistic regression model estimated with cluster weighted generalized estimating equations (CWGEE).

Results

The simulation results showed that including CS in the imputation model can significantly improve estimation accuracy when ICS exists. FCS provided more accurate and robust estimation than JM, followed by CCA for multilevel ordinal outcomes. We further applied these strategies to a real dental study to assess the association between metabolic syndrome and clinical attachment loss scores. The results based on FCS + CS indicated that the power of the analysis would increase after carrying out the appropriate MI strategy.

Conclusions

MI is an effective tool to increase the accuracy and power of the downstream statistical analysis for missing ordinal outcomes. FCS slightly outperforms JM when imputing multilevel ordinal outcomes. When there is plausible ICS, we recommend including CS in the imputation phase.
Innovative angiography: a new approach to discover more hepatic vein collaterals in patients with cirrhotic portal hypertension
Authors: Liu Bowen , Yue Zhendong , Cui Ting , Zhao Hongwei , Wang Lei , Fan Zhenhua , Wu Yifan , Meng Mingming , Zhang Ke , Jiang Li , Ding Huiguo , Zhang Yuening , Liu Fuquan
Published: May 2023

Background

The hemodynamics of patients with cirrhosis and portal hypertension are complex and variable. We aimed to investigate differences in venous pressures determined by innovative angiography and conventional angiography using balloon occlusion of the hepatic veins in patients with alcoholic cirrhosis and portal hypertension.

Methods

A total of 134 patients with alcoholic cirrhosis who fulfilled the inclusion criteria from June 2017 to June 2020 were included. During transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt, conventional and innovative angiography were performed, and venous pressures were measured. A paired t-test and Pearson’s correlation coefficient were used for analysis.

Results

Conventional and innovative hepatic angiography detected lateral branches of the hepatic vein in 26 (19.4%) and 65 (48.5%) cases, respectively (P < 0.001). Innovative angiography detected a total of 65 patients with lateral shunts, of whom 37 (56.9%) had initial shunts. The average wedged hepatic venous pressure and portal venous pressure of the initial lateral branches were 21.27 ± 6.66 and 35.84 ± 7.86 mmHg, respectively, with correlation and determination coefficients of 0.342 (P < 0.05) and 0.117, respectively. The mean hepatic venous pressure gradient and portal pressure gradient were 9.59 ± 7.64 and 26.86 ± 6.78 mmHg, respectively, with correlation and determination coefficients of 0.292 (P = 0.079) and 0.085, respectively.

Conclusions

Innovative angiography reveals collateral branches of the hepatic veins more effectively than conventional angiography. Hepatic vein collateral branches are the primary factors leading to underestimation of wedged hepatic venous pressures and hepatic venous pressure gradients, with the initial hepatic vein collateral branches resulting in the most severe underestimations.
The association of dietary inflammatory potential with sarcopenia in Chinese community-dwelling older adults
Authors: Bian Dongsheng , Xuan Chengjie , Li Xiyang , Zhou Wendi , Lu Yaxiong , Ding Tianze , Shen Junhao , Shi Yongmei , Li Guohong
Published: May 2023

Background

Dietary-induced inflammation is potentially associated with sarcopenia. Nevertheless, few studies have investigated the structure of the inflammatory diet and its correlation with muscle function and performance in both the upper and lower limbs. This study was performed to explore the association of the dietary inflammatory index (DII) with sarcopenia and its diagnostic parameters.

Methods

We conducted a cross-sectional survey on a sample of 515 Chinese community-dwelling older adults selected through multistage cluster sampling from three districts in Shanghai. DII scores were calculated using a validated food frequency questionnaire. Sarcopenia and its diagnostic parameters were determined based on the definition set by the Asian Working Group on Sarcopenia (AWGS).

Results

The mean age of study participants was 71.31 ± 4.71 years. The prevalence of sarcopenia in the cohort was 12.4%. Older adults in the highest DII quartile had a 3.339 times increased risk of sarcopenia compared to those in the lowest quartile (OR Quartile4vs1:3.339, 95%CI: 1.232, 9.052, p-trend: 0.004) after adjusting for confounding factors. Additionally, a more pro-inflammatory diet was associated with lower appendicular skeletal muscle index (ASMI) (OR Quartile4vs1: 3.005, 95%CI: 1.275, 7.318, p-trend: 0.005), a higher 5-times sit-stand test time score (OR Quartile4vs1: 4.942, 95%CI: 1.745, 13.993, p-trend: 0.005), and lower gait speed (OR Quartile4vs1: 2.392, 95%CI: 1.104, 5.185, p-trend: 0.041) after adjusting for confounding factors. However, there was no significant association between DII, handgrip strength, and Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB) score in either the unadjusted or adjusted model.

Conclusion

This study found that the association between consuming a more pro-inflammatory diet and sarcopenia in Chinese community-dwelling older adults was mainly due to underlying low intakes of dietary energy, protein, and anti-inflammatory foods, and not due to the high intake of pro-inflammatory foods. Meanwhile, DII was more highly correlated with lower limb muscle strength and performance compared to upper limb muscle strength.
Artificial intelligence guided HRCT assessment predicts the severity of COVID-19 pneumonia based on clinical parameters
Authors: Chrzan Robert , Wizner Barbara , Sydor Wojciech , Wojciechowska Wiktoria , Popiela Tadeusz , Bociąga-Jasik Monika , Olszanecka Agnieszka , Strach Magdalena
Published: May 2023

Background

The purpose of the study was to compare the results of AI (artificial intelligence) analysis of the extent of pulmonary lesions on HRCT (high resolution computed tomography) images in COVID-19 pneumonia, with clinical data including laboratory markers of inflammation, to verify whether AI HRCT assessment can predict the clinical severity of COVID-19 pneumonia.

Methods

The analyzed group consisted of 388 patients with COVID-19 pneumonia, with automatically analyzed HRCT parameters of volume: AIV (absolute inflammation), AGV (absolute ground glass), ACV (absolute consolidation), PIV (percentage inflammation), PGV (percentage ground glass), PCV (percentage consolidation). Clinical data included: age, sex, admission parameters: respiratory rate, oxygen saturation, CRP (C-reactive protein), IL6 (interleukin 6), IG - immature granulocytes, WBC (white blood count), neutrophil count, lymphocyte count, serum ferritin, LDH (lactate dehydrogenase), NIH (National Institute of Health) severity score; parameters of clinical course: in-hospital death, transfer to the ICU (intensive care unit), length of hospital stay.

Results

The highest correlation coefficients were found for PGV, PIV, with LDH (respectively 0.65, 0.64); PIV, PGV, with oxygen saturation (respectively − 0.53, -0.52); AIV, AGV, with CRP (respectively 0.48, 0.46); AGV, AIV, with ferritin (respectively 0.46, 0.45). Patients with critical pneumonia had significantly lower oxygen saturation, and higher levels of immune-inflammatory biomarkers on admission. The radiological parameters of lung involvement proved to be strong predictors of transfer to the ICU (in particular, PGV ≥ cut-off point 29% with Odds Ratio (OR): 7.53) and in-hospital death (in particular: AIV ≥ cut-off point 831 cm3 with OR: 4.31).

Conclusions

Automatic analysis of HRCT images by AI may be a valuable method for predicting the severity of COVID-19 pneumonia. The radiological parameters of lung involvement correlate with laboratory markers of inflammation, and are strong predictors of transfer to the ICU and in-hospital death from COVID-19.

Trial registration

National Center for Research and Development CRACoV-HHS project, contract number SZPITALE-JEDNOIMIENNE/18/2020.
COVID-19 mRNA vaccination status and concerns among pregnant women in Japan: a multicenter questionnaire survey
Authors: Takahashi Ken , Samura Osamu , Hasegawa Akihiro , Okubo Haruna , Morimoto Keiji , Horiya Madoka , Okamoto Aikou , Ochiai Daigo , Tanaka Mamoru , Sekiguchi Masaki , Miyasaka Naoyuki , Suzuki Yuto , Tabata Tsutomu , Hayata Eijiro , Nakata Masahiko , Suzuki Tomoo , Nishi Hirotaka , Toda Yumi , Tanigaki Shinji , Furuya Natsumi , Hasegawa Junichi , Tamaru Shunsuke , Kamei Yoshimasa , Sayama Seisuke , Nagamatsu Takeshi , Takahashi Yuka Otera , Kitagawa Michihiro , Arakaki Tatsuya , Sekizawa Akihiko
Published: May 2023

Background

mRNA vaccination is an effective, safe, and widespread strategy for protecting pregnant women against infection with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection. However, information on factors such as perinatal outcomes, safety, and coverage of mRNA vaccinations among pregnant women is limited in Japan. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the perinatal outcomes, coverage, adverse effects, and short-term safety of mRNA vaccination as well as vaccine hesitancy among pregnant women.

Methods

We conducted a multicenter online survey of postpartum women who delivered their offspring at 15 institutions around Tokyo from October 2021 to March 2022. Postpartum women were divided into vaccinated and unvaccinated groups. Perinatal outcomes, COVID-19 prevalence, and disease severity were compared between the two groups. Adverse reactions in the vaccinated group and the reasons for being unvaccinated were also investigated retrospectively.

Results

A total of 1,051 eligible postpartum women were included. Of these, 834 (79.4%) had received an mRNA vaccine, while 217 (20.6%) had not, mainly due to concerns about the effect of vaccination on the fetus. Vaccination did not increase the incidence of adverse perinatal outcomes, including fetal morphological abnormalities. The vaccinated group demonstrated low COVID-19 morbidity and severity. In the vaccinated group, the preterm birth rate, cesarean section rate, and COVID-19 incidence were 7.2%, 33.2%, and 3.3%, respectively, compared with the 13.7%, 42.2%, and 7.8% in the unvaccinated group, respectively. Almost no serious adverse reactions were associated with vaccination.

Conclusions

mRNA vaccines did not demonstrate any adverse effects pertaining to short-term perinatal outcomes and might have prevented SARS-CoV-2 infection or reduced COVID-19 severity. Concerns regarding the safety of the vaccine in relation to the fetus and the mother were the main reasons that prevented pregnant women from being vaccinated. To resolve concerns, it is necessary to conduct further research to confirm not only the short-term safety but also the long-term safety of mRNA vaccines.
MALAT1 functions as a transcriptional promoter of MALAT1::GLI1 fusion for truncated GLI1 protein expression in cancer
Authors: Hamada Taiji , Higashi Michiyo , Yokoyama Seiya , Akahane Toshiaki , Hisaoka Masanori , Noguchi Hirotsugu , Furukawa Tatsuhiko , Tanimoto Akihide
Published: May 2023

Background

The long non-coding RNA metastasis-associated lung adenocarcinoma transcript 1 (MALAT1) is a cancer biomarker. Furthermore, fusion of the MALAT1 gene with glioma-associated oncogene 1 (GLI1) is a diagnostic marker of plexiform fibromyxoma and gastroblastoma; however, the function of this fusion gene remains unexplored.

Method

In this study, we elucidate the structure and function of the MALAT1::GLI1 fusion gene. To this end, we determined a transcriptional start site (TSS) and promoter region for truncated GLI1 expression using rapid amplification of the 5' cDNA end and a luciferase reporter assay in cultured cells transfected with a plasmid harboring the MALAT1::GLI1 fusion gene.

Results

We found that the TATA box, ETS1 motif, and TSS were located in MALAT1 and that MALAT1 exhibited transcriptional activity and induced expression of GLI1 from the MALAT1::GLI1 fusion gene. Truncated GLI1, lacking SUMOylation and SUFU binding sites and located in the nucleus, upregulated mRNA expression of GLI1 target genes in the hedgehog signaling pathway.

Conclusions

We demonstrate a distinct and alternative function of MALAT1 as a transcriptional promoter for expression of the MALAT1::GLI1 fusion gene. Our findings will aid future research on MALAT1 and its fusion gene partners.