bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Viral Neoliberalism: The Road to Herd Immunity Still A Rocky One
Authors: Holst Jens
Published: October 2022

The objective of this article is to assess the dominant global economic system and the resulting power relations from the perspective of the strategies used worldwide against the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. The predominantly biomedical approach has not sufficiently taken into account the actual dimension of COVID-19 as a syndemic. While the much longer-term pandemic caused by the neoliberalism virus has not been systematically considered by public and global health scholars in the context of COVID-19, it exhibits essential characteristics of an infectious pathogen, and the symptoms can be described and detected according to biomedical criteria. Even more, the severity of leading symptoms of neoliberalism such as growing inequities calls for immunization campaigns and ultimately herd immunity from viral neoliberalism. However, achieving worldwide immunity would require an anti-neoliberal vaccine, which is extremely challenging to develop vis-à-vis the power relations in global health.
Intimate Partner Violence and Unmet Need for Family Planning in Selected South Asian Countries
Authors: Hoo Keh Yoong , Lai Siow Li
Published: October 2022

This article analyzes the relationship between various forms of intimate partner violence (IPV) and unmet need for family planning (FP) in South Asia. The data were obtained from the latest wave of the Demographic and Health Survey in Afghanistan, India, Maldives, Nepal, and Pakistan. Binary logistic regression analyses show mixed results, with a significant association between at least one type of IPV and unmet need for FP in all countries under study, except Maldives. There were also contrasting findings on the IPV–unmet need nexus, with a positive sign in some but negative sign in others. Women who experienced physical violence were associated with a higher odds of having an unmet need in Pakistan, but the opposite was true in Afghanistan and Nepal. The odds of having an unmet need were higher among Indian women who experienced IPV (sexual and emotional). In Afghanistan, women who experienced IPV (physical and emotional) have lower odds of having an unmet need. However, the interaction analysis of IPV (physical and sexual) and partners’ controlling behavior showed a positive association with unmet need. Policymakers need to develop policies and strategies to prevent IPV and reduce unmet need for FP, in line with the Sustainable Development Goals.
In-Vehicle Interaction Systems, Eye Movements, and Safety
Authors: Khanganba Sanjram Premjit , Najar Sajad Ahmad
Published: October 2022

In-vehicle interactive systems are widely used in modern vehicles. While these systems serve various purposes, they are also potential distracters for drivers. In this study we investigated the effect of in-vehicle spatial distractions on driving errors and driver gaze behavior by developing an experimental paradigm named, “Direction Following in Distracted Driving – Spatial: Simultaneous and Sequential (D3-SSS).” Twenty-seven drivers voluntarily participated and were required to drive an instrumented vehicle on a two-lane test-track, following directions shown on direction signboards. While driving, drivers were required to respond to in-vehicle spatial distracting stimuli presented to them through a monitor attached to the dashboard. The drivers were randomly assigned to in-vehicle spatial-simultaneous and spatial-sequential distraction conditions. Our results demonstrated that, in comparison with spatial-sequential distractions, there were shorter eye fixation durations and fewer eye fixation counts on areas of interest (AOIs) during spatial-simultaneous distractions. We also found that drivers committed more driving errors during in-vehicle spatial-simultaneous distractions than when these were not occurring. In conclusion, drivers committed more slips than lapses, and spatial-simultaneous distraction was more detrimental to driving performance than was spatial-sequential distraction.
CONFEDERATION BETWEEN ISRAEL, PALESTINE, AND JORDAN
Authors: Abu‐Nimer Mohammed
Published: October 2022

This essay discusses Ben‐Meir's proposal for a confederation and examines both the disadvantages and advantages that such arrangements can offer Israeli and Palestinians and the region in general. Briefly, the confederation proposal suggests gradual agreed‐upon political, economic, military, and sociocultural arrangements that will produce a new set of relationships among governments and people in these three societies. I argue that the realpolitik approach that permeates this proposal is certainly useful as an initial step toward a reduced level of violence and de‐escalate conflicts. However, it falls short of building trustful relationships and moving people in the direction of healing and reconciliation. There is no doubt that the idea of a confederation as an arrangement to transform the Israeli–Palestinian conflict carries the seeds for a holistic and transformative solution to deeply divided communities and a deep‐rooted conflict. However, there are several limitations to Ben‐Meir's proposal that require significant additional deliberation and should lead to further modification if its core ideas are to be accepted and endorsed by both Israelis and Palestinians.
THE JUST SOLUTION WILL LAST, NOT THE FEASIBLE
Authors: Liel Alon
Published: October 2022

This article offers a response to Alon Ben‐Meir's (2022) proposal for an Israeli‐Palestinian‐Jordanian Confederation from the perspective of a former Israeli diplomat whose roles included Director General of the Foreign Ministry of Israel and Israel's ambassador to South Africa. A long‐time champion of a campaign to promote the recognition of a Palestinian state by European governments, in this piece Ambassador (ret.) Dr. Liel unpacks his personal and professional reasoning as to why he remains wary and hesitant of confederative solutions even if, on the face of it, they may be practically attainable.
Productivity Change of Surgeons During the Coronavirus Disease 2019 Pandemic in Japan
Authors: Nakata Yoshinori , Watanabe Yuichi , Ozaki Akihiko
Published: October 2022

The purpose of this study is to compute surgical total factor productivity before and during the pandemic with Malmquist index, and to evaluate the effect of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) on its productivity change. The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly shifted healthcare resources allocation; more healthcare resources have focused on measures against the COVID-19 pandemic. The authors collected data from all the surgical procedures performed in Teikyo University Hospital from April 1 through September 30 in 2019 and in 2020. Non-radial and non-oriented Malmquist model under the constant return-to-scale assumptions was employed. The decision-making unit was defined as a surgeon with the highest academic rank in surgery. Inputs were defined as (1) the number of medical doctors who assisted surgery and (2) the duration of surgical operation from skin incision to closure. The output was defined as the surgical fee for each surgery. The study period was divided into four 3-month periods. We added all the inputs and outputs of the surgical procedures for each decision-making unit during these study periods, and computed his/her Malmquist index, efficiency change, and technical change. Four thousand six hundred and two surgical procedures performed by 75 surgeons were analyzed. The productivity progressed significantly during 2019 ( P = .008) while the productivity changes in 2020 were not significantly different from 0. On year-on-year comparisons, the productivity change was not significantly different from 0. The COVID-19 pandemic had a negative impact on the productivity progress of surgery that was unrelated to its countermeasures.
The mediating role of the future time perspective in the relationship between global climate change awareness and hope for the prevention of climate change
Authors: Çıplak Ersun
Published: October 2022

This study examined the mediating role of the future time perspective in the relationship between climate change awareness and the hope of preventing the climate emergency. The study group consisted of 398 adults. The data were collected using the awareness scale of university students about global climate change, climate change hope scale, and the Zimbardo time perspective inventory future time perspective subscale. The data were analyzed by SPSS 25.0, LISREL 8.70, and PROCESS v3.4 for SPSS. The results showed that the mediating role of the future time perspective in the relationship between climate change awareness and the hope of preventing climate change was statistically significant. The results also demonstrated that the future time perspective should be taken into account in interventions to increase the awareness and hope of individuals about climate change. This may be particularly important in countries such as Turkey, where action plans to prevent climate change have only recently come into force.
The dynamic uncertainty of narrative, place, and practice in spiritual experience: Clues from the phenomenology of walking a labyrinth
Authors: Doner Jonathan
Published: October 2022

Labyrinths have held the fascination of people since ancient times. Although walking a labyrinth can simply be an interesting recreation, it has increasingly been seen as an intentional tool for personal or spiritual growth. Religious and spiritual experience is generally understood to be a product of the kinds of evidence given within the experience as well as the person’s cognitive and emotional attributions. This article offers a phenomenological perspective which identifies a set of critical elements in the generation of the person’s experience. These include the individual narrative of the participant, the place narrative of the labyrinth, the geometric structure of the place, and the person’s internal and behavioral practice within the place. Through the exploration of each of these elements and their interactions, it is shown that the potential for personal and spiritual experience when walking the labyrinth is related to several processes. The first is simply the walker’s ongoing intentional participation in the experience. The second is the interaction between the place narrative and the individual’s narrative, particularly as it relates to the person’s relevant concern. This interaction affects the person’s expectations and attributions during and after the experience. Two final processes, however, the individual practice and the place geometry, create the evidentiary basis for the labyrinth’s deepest experiences. The embodied, cognitive, and emotional resolution of the unexpected dynamic uncertainty regarding place, movement, and outcome created by the geometric and informational nature of labyrinths, can prove experientially potent.
Psychosocial Work Environment and Well-Being of Direct-Care Staff Under Different Nursing Home Ownership Types: A Systematic Review
Authors: Lindmark Tomas , Engström Maria , Trygged Sven
Published: October 2022

This systematic review investigated the psychosocial work environment and well-being of direct-care staff under different nursing home ownership types. Databases searched: Scopus, Web of Science, Cinahl, and PubMed, 1990–2020. Inclusion criteria: quantitative or mixed-method studies; population: direct-care staff in nursing homes; exposure: for-profit and non-profit ownership; and outcomes: psychosocial work environment and well-being. In total, 3896 articles were screened and 17( n = 12,843 participants) were assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute Critical Appraisal tools and included in the narrative synthesis. The results were inconsistent, but findings favored non-profit over for-profit settings, for example, regarding leaving intentions, organizational commitment, and stress-related outcomes. There were no clear differences concerning job satisfaction. Job demands were higher in non-profit nursing homes but alleviated by better job resources in one study. The result highlights work environment issues, with regulations concerning for-profit incentives being discussed in terms of staff benefits.
Greater Acute Concussion Symptoms Are Associated With Longer Recovery Times in Adolescents
Authors: Cook Nathan E. , Gaudet Charles E. , Maxwell Bruce , Zafonte Ross , Berkner Paul D. , Iverson Grant L.
Published: October 2022

We examined the association between the severity of acute concussion symptoms and time to return to school and to sports in adolescent student athletes. We hypothesized that there would be an association between the severity of acute symptoms experienced in the first 72 hours and functional recovery such that adolescents with the lowest burden of acute symptoms would have the fastest return to school and sports and those with the highest burden of symptoms would have the slowest return to school and sports. This injury surveillance cohort included 375 adolescent student athletes aged 14-19 years who sustained a sport-related concussion between 2014 and 2020. Athletic trainers documented time to return to school and to sports. A greater proportion of adolescents with the highest acute symptoms remained out of school at 3 (odds ratio [OR] = 2.5, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.5-4.4), 5 (OR = 2.4, 95% CI 1.4-4.0), 7 (OR = 2.6, 95% CI 1.5-4.3), and 10 days (OR = 2.3, 95% CI 1.3-3.9) compared to those with the lowest acute symptoms. Similarly, a greater proportion of athletes with the highest acute symptoms remained out of sports at 7 (OR = 3.5, 95% CI 1.5-8.1), 10 (OR = 3.1, 95% CI 1.8-5.6), 14 (OR = 1.8, 95% CI 1.1-3.0), and 21 days (OR = 1.9, 95% CI 1.0-3.6) compared to those with the lowest acute symptoms. This study underscores the adverse effect of high acute symptom burden following concussion on return to school and to sports among adolescent student athletes. Conversely, student athletes with a low burden of acute symptoms have a faster return to school and to sports.
Sexual and Gender Minority Victimization: Base Rates of Assault in College Students Across Sexual and Gender Identities
Authors: Borgogna Nicholas C. , Lathan Emma C. , Aita Stephen L.
Published: October 2022

Past findings have indicated that sexual and gender minority (SGM) individuals experience disproportionate rates of emotional, physical, and sexual assault compared to their heterosexual/cisgender counterparts. While these findings are robust, many studies report homogenous groupings of SGM participants. This practice likely masks important between-group differences. We sought to address this issue by examining reported base rates of emotional, physical, and sexual assault within 12 months of data collection, split across specific sexual (heterosexual, gay/lesbian, bisexual, questioning, queer, pansexual, asexual, and demisexual) and gender (cisgender men, cisgender women, gender nonconforming female assigned at birth [FAB], and gender nonconforming male assigned at birth) identity groups. Our data came from 2020 to 2021 Healthy Minds Study, a large survey of college students living in the United States ( N = 119,181). Results indicated most forms of assault were higher in SGM groups compared to heterosexual and cisgender individuals, both on univariate and multivariate (e.g., one or more type of assault) levels. Demisexual individuals reported the highest base rates for emotional assault (45.7%), whereas pansexual individuals reported highest rates of physical assault (12.5%) and sexual assault (17.3%). Demisexual individuals reported the highest multivariate base rate of experiencing at least one form of assault (49.5%), and pansexual individuals reported the highest multivariate base rate of experiencing all three forms of assault (4.7%) within the past 12 months. Gender nonconforming FAB individuals reported the highest univariate and multivariate base rates across assault types compared to all other gender identity groups. With few exceptions, compared to heterosexual and cisgender men (referents), all other sexual and gender identity groups reported significantly higher adjusted odds of experiencing each assault type. These data suggest SGM individuals experience disproportionate levels of assault.
Hip Fracture-Related Emergency Department Visits, Hospitalizations and Deaths by Mechanism of Injury among Adults Aged 65 and Older, United States 2019
Authors: Moreland Briana L. , Legha Jaswinder K. , Thomas Karen E. , Burns Elizabeth R.
Published: October 2022

Objective

Describe rates of hip fracture-related emergency department (ED) visits, hospitalizations, and deaths among older adults (aged ≥65 years) in the United States.

Methods

Data from the 2019 Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project and National Vital Statistics System were used to calculate rates of hip fracture-related ED visits, hospitalizations, and deaths among older adults by select characteristics and mechanism of injury.

Results

In 2019, there were 318,797 ED visits, 290,130 hospitalizations, and 7731 deaths related to hip fractures among older adults. About 88% of ED visits and hospitalizations and approximately 83% of deaths related to hip fractures were caused by falls. Rates were highest among older adults living in rural areas and among those aged ≥85 years.

Discussion

Most hip fractures among older adults are fall-related. Healthcare providers can prevent falls among their older patients by screening for fall risk, assessing modifiable risk factors, and offering evidence-based interventions.
Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices Towards Human Papillomavirus Vaccination Among Medical Doctors at a Tertiary Hospital: A Cross Sectional Study
Authors: Lubeya Mwansa Ketty , Zekire Nyirenda James Chisanga , Chanda Kabwe Jane , Mukosha Moses
Published: October 2022

Background

Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection is a common sexually transmitted disease, characterised by persistent infection with high-risk strains leading to malignant conditions such as cervical cancer. The HPV vaccine is a well-known primary preventive measure for HPV infections. Previous studies have shown that medical doctors’ vaccine recommendation is one of the key strategies in improving HPV vaccine uptake. In 2019, Zambia rolled out the free national HPV vaccination program targeting 14-year-old girls. However, the annual coverage for HPV vaccination is variable, with rates as low as 33% for 2021.

Materials and Methods

We conducted a cross-sectional study between September and December 2020 at the University Teaching Hospitals in Lusaka, Zambia. We used analysis of variance to assess the mean differences in the overall scores for knowledge, attitude and practices towards the HPV vaccine. In addition, we used structural equation modelling (SEM) to test the traditional education theory as medical doctors’ HPV vaccine knowledge, attitude, and practices cover several facets, and SEM can model latent variables.

Results

We enrolled 121 medical doctors, of whom 67 (44.6%) were male. The majority, 76 (62.8%), were registrars and 79 (65.3%) had more than ten years of clinical experience. The overall mean knowledge, attitude, and practice score of the HPV vaccine mean (SD) were 70.2 (15.1), 72.1 (18.5) and 77.1 (28.9), respectively. More than half of the medical doctors would advise anyone eligible to take the HPV vaccine 66 (54.6%). There was a positive correlation between attitude and practice towards the HPV vaccine (β = .03, P = .017). Conversely, there was no evidence of a correlation between overall HPV knowledge and attitude (β = .01, P = .670) and rank of the medical doctors (β = −7.87, P = .355).

Conclusion

Knowledge was high with good attitudes and practices among medical doctors, which are vital in vaccine recommendation and subsequent uptake.
The Problem of Research Method Informing Research Questions in Leadership Research
Authors: van Knippenberg Daan
Published: October 2022

I contend that in leadership research, research method preferences guide the development of research questions rather than the other way around as would prescriptively be expected. This is a problem because leadership research is heavily dominated by survey research. This low diversity in research method preference constrains the consideration set of research questions: leadership research tends to focus on what can be studied in surveys, not because these are necessarily the most interesting issues to study but because of a preference for survey research. This dominance of survey research is self-sustaining both because people are more likely to use the methods they are more familiar with and because it creates an implicit norm as to what are appropriate research methods and appropriate research questions. I discuss how stimulating diversity in research methods is needed to address this problem and to let diversity in research questions follow.
The pioneering past and cutting-edge future of interventional neuroradiology
Authors: Gravino Gilbert
Published: October 2022

This review provides a thorough understanding of the developments in the field of interventional neuroradiology (INR). A concise overview of the pioneering past and current state of this field is presented first, followed by a greater emphasis on its future. Five main aspects predicted to undergo significant developments are identified and discussed. These include changes in ‘education and training’, ‘clinical practice and logistics’, ‘devices and equipment’, ‘techniques and procedures’, and ‘relevant diagnostic imaging’. INR is at the crossroads of neuroradiology, neurosurgery, neurology, and the neurosciences. To progress we must value the uniqueness and vitality of this multidisciplinary aspect. While minimal access techniques offer very good anatomical accessibility to treat multiple pathologies of the central nervous system, it is also important to recognise its limitations. Medical, surgical, and radiosurgery modalities retain an important role in the management of some complex neuropathology. This review is certainly not exhaustive of all ongoing and predicted developments, but it is an important update for INR specialists and other interested professionals.
Dispersion of Cannabidiol Into Small-Sized Nanoparticles Using Technol PG
Authors: Uchida Noriyuki , Shimoda Kei , Hamada Hiroki
Published: October 2022

Cannabidiol (CBD) has been used for the treatment of neuronal disease. Herein CBD was mixed with sodium cholate and Technol PG, a commercially available mixture of anionic phospholipids, which allowed for effective dispersion of the CBD in water.
Utility of tPA Administration in Acute Treatment of Internal Carotid Artery Occlusions
Authors: Shah Kavit , Fukuda Keiko A. , Desai Shashvat M. , Gross Bradley A. , Jadhav Ashutosh P.
Published: October 2022

Background

Intravenous tissue plasminogen activator (IV-tPA) remains part of the guidelines for acute ischemic stroke treatment, yet internal carotid artery occlusions (ICAO) are known to be poorly responsive to IV-tPA. It is unknown whether bridging thrombolysis (BT) is beneficial in such cases.

Purpose

We sought to evaluate whether the use of IV-tPA improved overall clinical outcomes in patients undergoing endovascular thrombectomy (EVT) for ICA occlusions.

Methods

Data from 1367 consecutive stroke cases treated with EVT from 2012-2019 were prospectively collected from a single center. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression were used to assess the relationship between IV-tPA administration and clinical outcome.

Results

153 patients were found to have carotid terminus and tandem ICAO who received EVT and presented within 4.5h of last seen well. 50% (n = 82) received IV tPA. There were no differences between the groups with respect to age, NIHSS, time to EVT and ASPECTS score. 53% had tandem ICA-MCA occlusions. Rate of recanalization (≥ TICI 2B) and sICH did not significantly differ between the two groups. Regression analysis demonstrated no effect of IV-tPA on modified Rankin Score (mRS) at 90 days and overall mortality. Factors significantly associated with reduced mortality included lower age, lower NIHSS, and better rate of recanalization.

Conclusions

There was no significant difference in clinical outcomes in those receiving BT vs. direct EVT for ICAO. For centers with optimal door-to-puncture times, bypassing IV-tPA may expedite recanalization times and potentially yield more favorable outcomes. Patients with higher NIHSS and tandem lesions may have better outcomes with BT.
Leptomeningeal Disease Secondary to Thr60Ala Transthyretin Amyloidosis: Case Report and Review of the Literature
Authors: Carberry Nathan , Yu Sun , Fayerman Raisy N. , Dugue Rachelle , Miller Michael , Tanji Kurenai , Goyal Tarini , Canoll Peter , Brannagan Thomas H.
Published: October 2022

A 31-year-old woman with transthyretin (TTR) amyloidosis secondary to a Thr60Ala mutation developed recurrent stroke-like episodes with fluctuating mental status. Evaluation for stroke and seizures was unrevealing. She was found to have leptomeningeal contrast enhancement on magnetic resonance imaging, which was confirmed to be CNS TTR amyloidosis on histopathology following brain and dura biopsy. While leptomeningeal disease has rarely been known to be associated with TTR amyloidosis, this is the first documented case of leptomeningeal disease secondary to a Thr60Ala mutation in the TTR gene. A literature review of TTR amyloidosis is presented with special focus on the treatment of leptomeningeal TTR amyloidosis.
Evaluation of baseline pediatric readiness of emergency departments in Manitoba, Canada
Authors: Aregbesola Alex , Florescu Oana , Tam Clara , Coyle Amanda , Knisley Lisa , Hogue Kaitlin , Beer Darcy , Sawyer Scott , Klassen Terry P.
Published: October 2022

Background

Data on the readiness of the general emergency departments (EDs) in Canada to care for children requiring emergency care are limited. Recent evidence suggests an inverse association between pediatric readiness of the general ED and mortality.

Objectives

To assess the baseline pediatric readiness of the general EDs in the province of Manitoba, Canada, to care for acutely ill and injured children.

Methods

This was a cross-sectional survey study conducted between 2019 and 2020. We used a validated pediatric readiness research checklist to obtain information on the six domains of the general EDs in Manitoba in the fiscal year 2019. A general ED that managed acutely ill patients (0–17th birthday), except for psychiatric cases (up to the 18th birthday), was defined as eligible. We performed a descriptive analysis using the weighted pediatric readiness score (WPRS) based on a 100-point scale. The factors associated with the total WPRS were examined in linear regression models.

Results

Of the 42 eligible general EDs, 34 centers participated with a participation rate of 81%. However, only 27 general EDs plus one specialized children ED (28, 67%) completed the survey. The overall median WPRS (/100) attained by the general EDs was 52.34 (interquartile range [IQR] = 10.44). The only specialized children ED in Manitoba achieved a score of 89.75. Over half (15, 55.6%) of the general EDs scored 50 or more. The mean volume of the general ED that participated was 4010.9 (± SD 2137.2) pediatric general ED visits/year. The average scores attained in the domains such as coordination of patient care, general ED staffing and training, and quality improvement were low across the five Regional Health Authorities. The general ED volume was directly associated with the total WPRS, regression coefficient,β = 0.24 (95% CI 0.04–0.44). Neither the capacity of the general ED to receive pediatric patients from a nursing station,β =  − 0.07 (95% CI − 0.28–0.14), nor the capacity to admit pediatric patients that visited the general ED,β =  − 0.03 (− 0.23–0.17) was associated with the total WPRS.

Conclusions

The pediatric readiness of the general EDs across Manitoba is comparable to other Canadian region, yet some domains need to be improved.
Physiological and protein profiling analysis provides insight into the underlying molecular mechanism of potato tuber development regulated by jasmonic acid in vitro
Authors: Yuan Jianlong , Cheng Lixiang , Li Huijun , An Congcong , Wang Yuping , Zhang Feng
Published: October 2022

Background

Jasmonates (JAs) are one of important phytohormones regulating potato tuber development. It is a complex process and the underlying molecular mechanism regulating tuber development by JAs is still limited. This study attempted to illuminate it through the potential proteomic dynamics information about tuber development in vitro regulated by exogenous JA.

Results

A combined analysis of physiological and iTRAQ (isobaric tags for relative and absolute quantification)-based proteomic approach was performed in tuber development in vitro under exogenous JA treatments (0, 0.5, 5 and 50 μΜ). Physiological results indicated that low JA concentration (especially 5 μM) promoted tuber development, whereas higher JA concentration (50 μM) showed inhibition effect. A total of 257 differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) were identified by iTRAQ, which provided a comprehensive overview on the functional protein profile changes of tuber development regulated by JA. The Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analysis indicated that low JA concentration (especially 5 μM) exhibited the promotion effects on tuber development in various cellular processes. Some cell wall polysaccharide synthesis and cytoskeleton formation-related proteins were up-regulated by JA to promote tuber cell expansion. Some primary carbon metabolism-related enzymes were up-regulated by JA to provide sufficient metabolism intermediates and energy for tuber development. And, a large number of protein biosynthesis, degradation and assembly-related were up-regulated by JA to promote tuber protein biosynthesis and maintain strict protein quality control during tuber development.

Conclusions

This study is the first to integrate physiological and proteomic data to provide useful information about the JA-signaling response mechanism of potato tuber development in vitro. The results revealed that the levels of a number of proteins involved in various cellular processes were regulated by JA during tuber development. The proposed hypothetical model would explain the interaction of these DEPs that associated with tuber development in vitro regulated by JA.
Blood culture utilization practices among febrile and/or hypothermic inpatients
Authors: Foong Kap Sum , Munigala Satish , Kern-Allely Stephanie , Warren David K
Published: October 2022

Background

Predictors associated with the decision of blood culture ordering among hospitalized patients with abnormal body temperature are still underexplored, particularly non-clinical factors. In this study, we evaluated the factors affecting blood culture ordering in febrile and hypothermic inpatients.

Methods

We performed a retrospective study of 15,788 adult inpatients with fever (≥ 38.3℃) or hypothermia (< 36.0℃) from January 2016 to December 2017. We evaluated the proportion of febrile and hypothermic episodes with an associated blood culture performed within 24h. Generalized Estimating Equations were used to determine independent predictors associated with blood culture ordering among febrile and hypothermic inpatients.

Results

We identified 21,383 abnormal body temperature episodes among 15,788 inpatients (13,093 febrile and 8,290 hypothermic episodes). Blood cultures were performed in 36.7% (7,850/ 21,383) of these episodes. Predictors for blood culture ordering among inpatients with abnormal body temperature included fever ≥ 39℃ (adjusted odd ratio [aOR] 4.17, 95% confident interval [CI] 3.91–4.46), fever (aOR 3.48, 95% CI 3.27–3.69), presence of a central venous catheter (aOR 1.36, 95% CI 1.30–1.43), systemic inflammatory response (SIRS) plus hypotension (aOR 1.33, 95% CI 1.26–1.40), SIRS (aOR 1.26, 95% CI 1.20–1.31), admission to stem cell transplant / medical oncology services (aOR 1.09, 95% CI 1.04–1.14), and detection of abnormal body temperature during night shift (aOR 1.06, 95% CI 1.03–1.09) or on the weekend (aOR 1.05, 95% CI 1.01–1.08).

Conclusion

Blood culture ordering for hospitalized patients with fever or hypothermia is multifactorial; both clinical and non-clinical factors. These wide variations and gaps in practices suggest opportunities to improve utilization patterns.
B7-H4 is a potential diagnostic and prognostic biomarker in colorectal cancer and correlates with the epithelial-mesenchymal transition
Authors: Yan Xiaotian , Hong Bo , Feng Jie , Jin Yuanqing , Chen Mengting , Li Fugang , Qian Yun
Published: October 2022

Background

As a negative co-stimulatory molecule of the B7 family, B7-H4 has recently attracted increased attention. However, the clinical value of B7-H4 in colorectal cancer (CRC) remains controversial and requires further investigation. This study aimed to investigate the role of B7-H4 in the clinical diagnosis and survival prognosis of CRC.

Methods

The relationships between B7-H4 expression, immune cell infiltration, epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), clinicopathological features, and survival prognosis were determined through the TCGA database and verified in a large CRC cohort (n = 1118).

Results

The results showed the level of B7-H4 mRNA expression was significantly increased in the CRC tumor tissues compared with normal tissues (P <  0.001). Immunohistochemistry showed that B7-H4 protein expression was also up-regulated in CRC. The positive rate of B7-H4 in CRC tumor tissues was 76.38%, which was significantly higher than that in non-tumor tissues (P <  0.001). Overexpression of B7-H4 was positively correlated with lymph node metastasis, advanced TNM stage, and poor tumor differentiation (P = 0.012; 0.009; 0.014). Prognostic analysis showed high B7-H4 expression was associated with significantly shorter OS. Multivariate analysis demonstrated the risk of death in CRC patients with high B7-H4 expression is 1.487 times that of low B7-H4 expression. In addition, B7-H4 expression was negatively correlated with the epithelial marker E-cadherin (P <  0.001) and positively correlated with the mesenchymal marker vimentin (P <  0.001) in CRC tissues. However, B7-H4 expression was not associated with the immunosuppressive microenvironment in CRC.

Conclusion

B7-H4 may represent a potential biomarker for the diagnosis and prognosis of CRC and enhance CRC invasion by promoting EMT.
Comparison of different correction formulas and measurement methods for the accurate determination of intraocular pressure after SMILE and FS-LASIK surgery
Authors: Yang Zhiqing , Miao Na , Wang Lixiang , Ma Ke
Published: October 2022

Background

To compare the accuracy of non-contact tonometry, Pentacam, and corneal visualization Scheimpflug technology (Corvis ST) for the measurement of intraocular pressure (IOP) after small incision lenticule extraction (SMILE) or femtosecond laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis (FS-LASIK) surgery.

Methods

A total of 49 patients (98 eyes) undergoing FS-LASIK or SMILE surgery at West China Hospital, Sichuan University from January to March 2021 were enrolled in this prospective, comparative, self-controlled study. IOP values were measured with non-contact tonometer, Pentacam, and Corvis ST before surgery and 1 month after surgery. Pentacam-derived postoperative IOP values were corrected using five correction formulas (Ehlers, Shah, Dresden, Orssengo-Pye, and Kohlhaas), while Corvis ST-derived values were corrected using a single formula.

Results

In the SMILE group, no significant differences were observed between the IOP values corrected with the Shah formula before and after surgery (t = 0.17, P = 0.869), whereas postoperative IOP values corrected with the other formulas were significantly different from the corresponding preoperative measurements (P < 0.05). In the FS-LASIK group, postoperative IOP values corrected with the Ehlers, Shah, or Corvis ST formulas were significantly different from the corresponding preoperative IOP measurements (P < 0.05), but no significant differences were observed between pre- and postoperative IOP values corrected with the Dresden (t =  − 0.08, P = 0.941), Orssengo-Pye (t =  − 0.52, P = 0.604), or Kohlhaas (t = 1.22, P = 0.231) formulas.

Conclusions

Pentacam’s Shah correction formula seemed to be the most appropriate method for accurately measuring postoperative IOP in patients undergoing SMILE surgery, while the Dresden, Orssengo-Pye, and Kohlhaas correction formulas of Pentacam were identified as the most reliable methods for estimating IOP in patients after FS-LASIK surgery.
Preoperative anemia and deep vein thrombosis in patients with perioperative bone trauma: a cohort study
Authors: Zhang Hui , Wu Linqin , Cheng Bo
Published: October 2022

Background

In current active prevention (including physical and drug prevention), the incidence of perioperative deep vein thrombosis (DVT) of the lower extremities remains high in patients with bone trauma. Risk factors need to be further optimized, and high-risk patients must be identified early. Preoperative comorbidities, especially preoperative anemia, and DVT in patients with perioperative bone trauma are not clear. The purpose of this study was to explore the causal relationship between preoperative anemia and DVT in patients with perioperative bone trauma, and further reduce the incidence of DVT in patients with bone trauma.

Objectives

To analyze the relationship between preoperative anemia and perioperative DVT in patients with femoral and pelvic fractures and provide a reference for the optimization of risk factors for DVT.

Methods

The clinical data of 1049 patients with femoral and pelvic fractures who received surgical treatment from May 2018 to June 2021 were retrospectively analyzed. Propensity score matching (PSM) was performed for the covariates of DVT. Modified Poisson regression was used to analyze the relationship between preoperative anemia and DVT.

Results

After matching 1:1 propensity scores in 1049 patients included in this study, there were 258 patients in the anemic and non-anemic groups. Preoperative anemia was statistically significant for the formation of DVT in patients with perioperative bone trauma (P = 0.000, RR = 1.567 [95% CI 1.217–2.017]). This conclusion remained true after PSM (P = 0.009, RR = 1.500 [95% CI 1.105–2.036]). Preoperative anemia has some predictive value for perioperative DVT, with DVT-associated preoperative anemia thresholds of 125 g/L and area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.5877 (95% CI 0.5345 to 0.6408). On this basis, sensitivity and specificity were 89.2 and 30.3%, respectively, with a Youden index of 0.195. In addition, we conducted an E-value determination of the propensity score; the E-value analysis showed robustness to unmeasured confounding.

Conclusions

Preoperative anemia is highly correlated with perioperative DVT in patients with bone trauma, which is the cause of perioperative DVT in these patients.
Diversification of phenolic glucosides by two UDP-glucosyltransferases featuring complementary regioselectivity
Authors: Guo Fei , Zhang Xingwang , You Cai , Zhang Chengjie , Li Fengwei , Li Nan , Xia Yuwei , Liu Mingyu , Qiu Zetian , Zheng Xianliang , Ma Li , Zhang Gang , Luo Lianzhong , Cao Fei , Feng Yingang , Zhao Guang-Rong , Zhang Wei , Li Shengying , Du Lei
Published: October 2022

Background

Glucoside natural products have been showing great medicinal values and potentials. However, the production of glucosides by plant extraction, chemical synthesis, and traditional biotransformation is insufficient to meet the fast-growing pharmaceutical demands. Microbial synthetic biology offers promising strategies for synthesis and diversification of plant glycosides.

Results

In this study, the two efficient UDP-glucosyltransferases (UGTs) (UGT85A1 and RrUGT3) of plant origin, that are capable of recognizing phenolic aglycons, are characterized in vitro. The two UGTs show complementary regioselectivity towards the alcoholic and phenolic hydroxyl groups on phenolic substrates. By combining a developed alkylphenol bio-oxidation system and these UGTs, twenty-four phenolic glucosides are enzymatically synthesized from readily accessible alkylphenol substrates. Based on the bio-oxidation and glycosylation systems, a number of microbial cell factories are constructed and applied to biotransformation, giving rise to a variety of plant and plant-likeO-glucosides. Remarkably, several unnaturalO-glucosides prepared by the two UGTs demonstrate better prolyl endopeptidase inhibitory and/or anti-inflammatory activities than those of the clinically used glucosidic drugs including gastrodin, salidroside and helicid. Furthermore, the two UGTs are also able to catalyze the formation ofN- andS-glucosidic bonds to produceN- andS-glucosides.

Conclusions

Two highly efficient UGTs, UGT85A1 and RrUGT3, with distinct regioselectivity were characterized in this study. A group of plant and plant-like glucosides were efficiently synthesized by cell-based biotransformation using a developed alkylphenol bio-oxidation system and these two UGTs. Many of theO-glucosides exhibited better PEP inhibitory or anti-inflammatory activities than plant-origin glucoside drugs, showing significant potentials for new glucosidic drug development.
Prediction of hepatocellular carcinoma prognosis and immunotherapeutic effects based on tryptophan metabolism-related genes
Authors: Xue Chen , Gu Xinyu , Zhao Yalei , Jia Junjun , Zheng Qiuxian , Su Yuanshuai , Bao Zhengyi , Lu Juan , Li Lanjuan
Published: October 2022

Background

L-tryptophan (Trp) metabolism involved in mediating tumour development and immune suppression. However, comprehensive analysis of the role of the Trp metabolism pathway is still a challenge.

Methods

We downloaded Trp metabolism-related genes’ expression data from different public databases, including TCGA, Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) and Hepatocellular Carcinoma Database (HCCDB). And we identified two metabolic phenotypes using the ConsensusClusterPlus package. Univariate regression analysis and lasso Cox regression analysis were used to establish a risk model. CIBERSORT and Tracking of Indels by DEcomposition (TIDE) analyses were adopted to assess the infiltration abundance of immune cells and tumour immune escape.

Results

We identified two metabolic phenotypes, and patients in Cluster 2 (C2) had a better prognosis than those in Cluster 1 (C1). The distribution of clinical features between the metabolic phenotypes showed that patients in C1 tended to have higher T stage, stage, grade, and death probability than those of patients in C2. Additionally, we screened 739 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between the C1 and C2. We generated a ten-gene risk model based on the DEGs, and the area under the curve (AUC) values of the risk model for predicting overall survival. Patients in the low-risk subgroup tended to have a significantly longer overall survival than that of those in the high-risk group. Moreover, univariate analysis indicated that the risk model was significantly correlated with overall survival. Multivariate analysis showed that the risk model remained an independent risk factor in hepatocellular carcinoma (p < 0.0001).

Conclusions

We identified two metabolic phenotypes based on genes of the Trp metabolism pathway, and we established a risk model that could be used for predicting prognosis and guiding immunotherapy in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma.
Association between CYP2D6 phenotype and recurrence of Plasmodium vivax infection in south Korean patients
Authors: Choi Sungim , Choi Heun , Park Seong Yeon , Kwak Yee Gyung , Song Je Eun , Shin So Youn , Baek Ji Hyeon , Shin Hyun-IL , Cho Shin-Hyung , Lee Sang-Eun , Kwon Jeong-Ran , Park Sookkyung , Kim Miyoung , Oh Hong Sang , Kim Yong Chan , Kim Min Jae , Yeom Joon-Sup
Published: October 2022

Background

Primaquine is activated by CYP2D6 in the hepatocytes. In Korea, primaquine is the only hypnozoitocidal agent used for patients with vivax malaria. Thus, patients with poor CYP2D6 activity could have an increased risk of primaquine failure and subsequent relapse. The study sought to identify the association between CYP2D6 phenotype and recurrence of malaria in Korean patients.

Methods

A total of 102 patients with vivax malaria were prospectively enrolled from eight institutions in Korea. An additional 38 blood samples from patients with recurred vivax malaria were provided by the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency. Malaria recurrence was defined as more than one episode of vivax malaria in the same or consecutive years. CYP2D6 star alleles, phenotypes, and activity scores were examined.

Results

Genotyping for CYP2D6 was successful in 101 of the prospectively enrolled patients and 38 samples from the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency, of which 91 were included in the no-recurrence group and 48 were included in the recurrence group. Reduced CYP2D6 activity (intermediate metabolizer) phenotype was more common in the recurrence group than in the no-recurrence group (OR, 2.33 (95% CI, 1.14–4.77); p = 0.02). Patients with lower CYP2D6 activity had a higher probability of recurrence (p = 0.029).

Conclusion

This study suggests that CYP2D6 polymorphism may affect primaquine efficacy and thus Plasmodium vivax recurrence in Korea.
CXCL13 chemokine is a novel player in multiple myeloma osteolytic microenvironment, M2 macrophage polarization, and tumor progression
Authors: Beider Katia , Voevoda-Dimenshtein Valeria , Zoabi Ali , Rosenberg Evgenia , Magen Hila , Ostrovsky Olga , Shimoni Avichai , Weiss Lola , Abraham Michal , Peled Amnon , Nagler Arnon
Published: October 2022

Background

We assessed the mechanism by which multiple myeloma (MM) shapes the bone marrow (BM) microenvironment and affects MΦ polarization.

Methods

In vivo xenograft model of BM-disseminated human myeloma, as well as analysis of MM cell lines, stromal components, and primary samples from patients with MM, was utilized.

Results

Analysis of the BM from MM-bearing mice inoculated with human CXCR4-expressing RPMI8226 cells revealed a significant increase in M2 MΦ cell numbers (p < 0.01). CXCL13 was one of the most profoundly increased factors upon MM growth with increased levels in the blood of MM-bearing animals. Myeloid cells were the main source of the increased murine CXCL13 detected in MM-infiltrated BM. MM cell lines induced CXCL13 and concurrent expression of M2 markers (MERTK, CD206, CD163) in co-cultured human MΦ in vitro. Interaction with MΦ reciprocally induced CXCL13 expression in MM cell lines. Mechanistically, TGFβ signaling was involved in CXCL13 induction in MM cells, while BTK signaling was implicated in MM-stimulated increase of CXCL13 in MΦ. Recombinant CXCL13 increased RANKL expression and induced TRAP+ osteoclast (OC) formation in vitro, while CXCL13 neutralization blocked these activities. Moreover, mice inoculated with CXCL13-silenced MM cells developed significantly lower BM disease. Reduced tumor load correlated with decreased numbers of M2 MΦ in BM, decreased bone disease, and lower expression of OC-associated genes. Finally, higher levels of CXCL13 were detected in the blood and BM samples of MM patients in comparison with healthy individuals.

Conclusions

Altogether, our findings suggest that bidirectional interactions of MΦ with MM tumor cells result in M2 MΦ polarization, CXCL13 induction, and subsequent OC activation, enhancing their ability to support bone resorption and MM progression. CXCL13 may thus serve as a potential novel target in MM.