bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of Contralateral Hip Flexion Angle on the Ober Test
Authors: Hidalgo-García César , Carcasona-Otal Alberto , Hernández-Secorún Mar , Abenia-Benedí Hugo , Brandt Lindsay , Krauss John , Tricás-Moreno José Miguel , Lucha-López Orosia
Published: December 2022

The Ober test is an orthopedic evaluation procedure used to assess for tightness of the tensor fascia latae (TFL) and iliotibial band (ITB). Multiple versions of this test have been described using different degrees of contralateral hip joint flexion to stabilize the pelvis. The aim of this study was to analyze the hip range of motion (ROM) in the frontal plane and perceived tension produced during the Ober test using four different angles of contralateral hip flexion prepositioning. The secondary objective was to analyze the differences in the Ober test with different contralateral hip flexion angles according to limb dominance. This cross‐sectional study included healthy individuals aged 18 years or older. The Ober test was performed on the right and left leg of each participant with the contralateral hip joint stabilized at 0° flexion, 45° flexion, 90° flexion, and maximal flexion. Hip range of motion in the frontal plane (abduction or adduction) was measured using a digital inclinometer. Three measurements were performed on each limb for every angle of contralateral prepositioning, using the average of the three measurements for statistical analysis. Participants were asked to report the location of any perceived tension and the intensity of tension using a Numeric Rating Scale during the test. Twenty‐eight participants (17 men and 11 women) were examined. Significant differences in the Ober test hip ROM in the frontal plane (p < 0.01) were observed when comparing different angles of contralateral hip flexion prepositioning. Significant differences between tests were also present for intensity of perceived tension (p ≤ 0.001), except for the intensity of perceived tension between 0° and 45°. No statistically significant differences were observed related to limb dominance (p > 0.05) or gender (p > 0.05), except for the Ober test at 0° (p < 0.001) which was higher in men (9.61° ± 5.01°) than in women (5.05° ± 2.87°). Greater contralateral hip flexion prepositioning during the Ober test results in decreased hip adduction ROM in the tested limb and greater perceived tension in the region of tensor fascia latae‐iliotibial band.
Astaxanthin Prevents Tuberculosis-Associated Inflammatory Injury by Inhibiting the Caspase 4/11-Gasdermin-Pyroptosis Pathway
Authors: Li Li , Abudureheman Zulipikaer , Zhong Xuemei , Gao Liang , Gong Hui , He Chuanjiang , Yang Boyi , Ren Jie , Alimu Ayiguli , Yilamujiang Subinuer , Yang Fan , Zou Xiaoguang
Published: December 2022

Pyroptosis is a programmed cell death caused by inflammation. Multiple studies have suggested that Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection causes tissue pyroptosis. However, there are currently no protective drugs against the inflammatory damage caused by pyroptosis. In this study, anti-pyroptotic effects of the natural compound astaxanthin (ASTA) were explored in a simulated pulmonary tuberculosis-associated inflammatory environment. The results showed that ASTA maintained the stability of MLE-12 lung epithelial cell numbers in the inflammatory environment established by lipopolysaccharide. The reason is not to promote cell proliferation but to inhibit lipopolysaccharide-induced pyroptosis. The results showed that ASTA significantly inhibited the expression of key proteins in the caspase 4/11-gasdermin D pathway and the release of pyroptosis-related inflammatory mediators. Therefore, ASTA inhibits inflammation-induced pyroptosis by inhibiting the caspase 4/11-gasdermin D pathway and has the potential to protect lung tissue from tuberculosis-related inflammatory injury. ASTA, a functional food component, is a promising candidate for protection against tuberculosis-associated inflammatory lung injury.
Phishing Target Identification Based on Neural Networks Using Category Features and Images
Authors: Chen Shihan , Lu Yixiang , Liu Dong-Jie
Published: December 2022

Phishing attack, as a significant security concern in cyberspace, has continuously threatened organizations and Internet users. For organizations, the rise in the number of phishing target brands has instilled distrust and dissatisfaction in legitimate Internet users and even damaged brand equity. Therefore, more fine-grained phishing detection mechanisms are urgently needed. In this study, we propose PTI-NN, an effective model based on neural networks that uses category features and images to identify the target brands of phishing websites. We furthermore contribute a new dataset including 3,500 phishing websites and present thirty phishing category features, which facilitate pertinent phishing detection in the field of cyber security. In the proposed PTI-NN, an embedding-based DNN is constructed to process the category features, a 2D-CNN is constructed to process the images, and finally, a fully connected layer is used to predict the target brand of phishing websites. The experimental results show that our proposed model is able to classify seventy phishing-targeted brands with a high accuracy of 91.10%, which showcases the effectiveness of our method on the identification of phishing target brands.
Study on Productive Performances, Constraints, and Opportunities of Improved Chicken under Village Production System in West Shewa Zone, Ethiopia
Authors: Bekuma Amanuel , Tadesse Abdissa
Published: December 2022

The study was conducted to determine productive performances, constraints, and opportunities of Bovans Brown (BB), Sasso, and crossbred chickens under village production system in Gindeberet district of West Shewa, Ethiopia. A total of 139 randomly selected smallholder chicken producers were involved in the study from six purposefully selected peasant associations (PAs) from the district. Information was gathered on average egg production/year, age at the first egg laying, constraints, and opportunities of improved chicken production during the study. The data collected were analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) version 24, and Z-test was employed to test the difference among agro-ecologies on a certain variable. The mean annual eggs produced by BB (189.34 ± 0.99 eggs/hen/year) and by Sasso (180.82 ± 0.9 eggs/hen/year) were higher than those of crossbred chicken (111.26 ± 0.77 eggs/hen/year). Moreover, a significant difference (

p
<
0.05

) was observed for crossbred and exotic chickens' egg production performances between agro-ecological zones. The mean age at the first egg laying (182.28 ± 1.61 days) of crossbred chickens was higher than the mean age at the first egg laying (164.29 ± 0.41 days) of exotic chickens. Also, the mean age at the first egg laying of improved chicken breeds was statistically significant (p < 0.05) between agro-ecological zones. Prevalence of disease, inadequate veterinary services, predators, and shortage of balanced concentrate mixture feeds were among the constraints hindering improved chicken production in the study area. However, high demand of chicken and chicken products, participation of NGOs in dissemination of improved chicken, presence of government policy, and availability of manpower were the major potentials encouraging chicken production in the study area. Therefore, practical poultry production training and extension should get primary emphasis to combat the existing constraints. Therefore, good poultry management practices should be promoted to improve chicken productivity in the study area.
Impact of Job Demands on Employee Learning: The Moderating Role of Human–Machine Cooperation Relationship
Authors: Sen Wang , Xiaomei Zhu , Lin Deng
Published: December 2022

New artificial intelligence (AI) technologies are applied to work scenarios, which may change job demands and affect employees’ learning. Based on the resource conservation theory, the impact of job demands on employee learning was evaluated in the context of AI. The study further explores the moderating effect of the human–machine cooperation relationship between them. By collecting 500 valid questionnaires, a hierarchical regression for the test was performed. Results indicate that, in the AI application scenario, a U-shaped relationship exists between job demands and employee learning. Second, the human–machine cooperation relationship moderates the U-shaped curvilinear relationship between job demands and employees’ learning. In this study, AI is introduced into the field of employee psychology and behavior, enriching the research into the relationship between job demands and employee learning.
Epidural Fat and Perineural Adipose Tissue Septic Emboli Mimicking Peripheral Nerve Sheath Tumor in a Dog
Authors: Merbl Yael , Ramsay Kelly M. , Hanna Ashley , Chen Annie V. , White Laura Anne , Burbick Claire R.
Published: December 2022

Summary. A 9-year-old 35.6 kg (90 lb) female neutered German Shepherd dog was admitted due to progression of tetraparesis. The dog presented pyrexia, mild leukocytosis, and nonambulatory tetraparesis with decreased general proprioception and withdrawal in all the limbs, with the front limbs more severely affected. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed T2-weighted image (WI) hyperintense, contrast-enhancing lesion at the level of the C6-C8 spinal nerves, and epidural fat, suspected to be an infiltrative neoplasm. Medical treatments during hospitalization included glucocorticoids, antibiotics, and supportive care. Euthanasia was elected 4 days later due to financial constraints, despite clinical improvement. Postmortem findings revealed septic emboli (SE) in the epidural fat exiting the canal and following the tract of the spinal nerve roots and nerves. Staphylococcus pseudintermedius was identified as the causative agent. Although the incidence of SE without severe systemic disease is considered low in dogs, it should be considered in the differential diagnosis of focal intraspinal disease.
On the Bounded Partition Dimension of Some Generalised Graph Structures
Authors: Alghamdi Wajdi , Asim Muhammad Ahsan
Published: December 2022

Consider λ to be a connected graph with a vertex set V(λ) that may be partitioned into any partition set S. If each vertex in λ has a separate representation with regard to S and is an ordered k partition, then the set with S is a resolving partition of λ.. A partition dimension of λ, represented by pd, is the minimal cardinality of resolving k partitions of V(λ). The partition dimension of various generalised families of graphs, such as the Harary graph, Cayley graph, and Pendent graph, is given as a sharp upper bound in this article.
ASSISTANCE FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE "BUMDES INSTITUTE PLATFORM LEARNING" APPLICATION IN PANDEMAS MULYA VILLAGE, KABUTEN MALANG
Authors: Ramadhan Hanifa Maulani , Wilopo  , Nuralam Inggang Perwangsa , Tualeka Safarudin Hisyam , Alfisyahr Rizal
Published: December 2022

Introduction: Badan Usaha Milik Desa or BUMDes in Government Regulation Number 11 of 2021 concerning BUMDes are legal entities established by villages or with villages to manage businesses, utilize assets, develop investment and productivity, provide services, or provide other types of companies. For the most excellent welfare of the village community. In its application, BUMDes (which in this study is "BUMDes Pandemas Mulya") is expected to be able to collaborate with stakeholders and other parties such as investors, communities, and the people to form a so-called Penta helix so that the capacity and capability of the BUMDes can increase significantly. However, in reality, BUMDes still need to catch up to the target set by the Ministry. Therefore, a tool was created that can increase the capacity and capability of BUMDes itself by utilizing digital technology called "BUMDes Institute Platform Learning." Method: In general, the implementation of creating the "BUMDes Institute Platform Learning" platform is divided into four stages: Needs Analysis, Mapping problems, Validating problems, and Designing applications. The Needs Analysis stage aims to identify issues and material needs for BUMDes actors that will be accommodated in the platform. The needs analysis results are then carried out through a mapping process based on predetermined criteria. The goal is to create clusters between problems and solutions in the form of learning materials that will be included in the platform. Next, the team will validate the results of the problem-mapping process in the validation stage. Then, the team conducts FGDs and internal discussions for the collection process materials to create a learning curriculum and requirements for the application design and development process. After that, the development begins. Results: the application can be implemented for BUMDes even though several improvements will be needed. Conclusions: BUMDes Pandemas Mulya still needs much improvement to develop business units, especially related to business design. So, there needs to be an application that contains information from technical aspects for management (application program) conditions in the field still need completion and periodic assistance that can help educate and teach business aspects.
Solidity Meets Surprise: Cerebral and Behavioral Effects of Learning from Episodic Prediction Errors
Authors: Siestrup Sophie , Jainta Benjamin , Cheng Sen , Schubotz Ricarda I.
Published: December 2022

How susceptible a memory is to later modification might depend on how stable the episode has been encoded. This stability was proposed to increase when retrieving information more (vs. less) often and in a spaced (vs. massed) practice. Using fMRI, we examined the effects of these different pre-fMRI retrieval protocols on the subsequent propensity to learn from episodic prediction errors. After encoding a set of different action stories, participants came back for two pre-fMRI retrieval sessions in which they encountered original episodes either two or eight times in either a spaced or a massed retrieval protocol. One week later, we cued episodic retrieval during the fMRI session by using original or modified videos of encoded action stories. Recurrent experience of modified episodes was associated with increasing activity in the episodic memory network including hippocampal and cortical areas, when leading to false memories in a post-fMRI memory test. While this observation clearly demonstrated learning from episodic prediction errors, we found no evidence for a modulatory effect of the different retrieval protocols. As expected, the benefit of retrieving an episode more often was reflected in better memory for originally encoded episodes. In addition, frontal activity increased for episodic prediction errors when episodes had been less frequently retrieved pre-fMRI. A history of spaced versus massed retrieval was associated with increased activation throughout the episodic memory network, with no significant effect on behavioral performance. Our findings show that episodic prediction errors led to false memories. The history of different retrieval protocols was reflected in memory performance and brain responses to episodic prediction errors, but did not interact with the brain's episodic learning response.
Disentangling the Skeins of Brain
Authors: Knutson Brian , Srirangarajan Tara
Published: December 2022

Some have argued that the brain is so complex that it cannot be understood using current reductive approaches. Drawing on examples from decision neuroscience, we instead contend that combining new neuroscientific techniques with reductive approaches that consider central brain components in time and space has generated significant progress over the past two decades. This progress has allowed researchers to advance from the scientific goals of description and explanation to prediction and control. Resulting knowledge promises to improve human health and well-being. As an alternative to the extremes of reductive versus emergent approaches, however, we propose a middle way of “expansion.” This expansionist approach promises to leverage the specific spatial localization, temporal precision, and directed connectivity of central neural components to ultimately link levels of analysis.
The Elamite Version of A2Ha and the Verb vidiyā- in Old Persian
Authors: Fattori Marco
Published: December 2022

This article presents an edition of the Elamite version of the inscription A2Ha, which has always been considered too badly preserved to be read. Starting from the newly established text, some remarks will be made on the interpretation of the final word of the inscription (melkanra) and on its Old Persian counterpart (vidītu), which is found in the partially identical text A2Sa.
On Criticism of S. L. Nikolayev/S. A. Starostin, A North Caucasian Etymological Dictionary
Authors: Bengtson John D. , Leschber Corinna
Published: December 2022

It has been noticed that the most comprehensive etymological dictionary of North Caucasian languages (NCED) has repeatedly been disparaged, and even totally ignored, due to alleged deficiencies of the lexicon. One also finds that some critics who dismiss this dictionary do not enumerate the shortcomings of the book themselves, but simply cite two reviews, one by J. Nichols and another by the late W. Schulze. Moreover, we find that the Nichols review has not been published and is not accessible to the examination of scholars, and the Schulze review, while citing a number of disagreements, is far from advocating the disregard of this volume but instead claims that it “belongs in the bookcase of anyone interested in etymological research”. It is also observed that more positive reviews, for example those by J. C. Catford (pre-publication), M. E. Alekseev, Ja. G. Testelec, and V. Chirikba (Čirikba) are overlooked by the detractors. These circumstances are examined in this paper, with the conclusion that the NCED, like any pioneering work, is not a permanent solution but a set of hypotheses that will have to be tested and modified, where necessary, over the coming decades. It does not deserve to be dismissed or ignored, but rather engaged with and discussed in the pursuit of better solutions to etymological problems of North Caucasian languages.
The Talishis on Opposite Banks of the Araxes River: Identity Issues
Authors: Arakelova Victoria
Published: December 2022

The Talishis are the fourth largest ethnic group in the South Caucasus and the largest nonstate people in the Caucasian-Iranian region. The problems of their ethnic history, culture, and identity are among the topical issues of Caucaso-Caspica.

The Talishis are a divided people living on opposite banks of the Araxes River, in the current Azerbaijan Republic and the Islamic Republic of Iran. This historical division occurred in the 19th century as a result of the Russian-Persian wars and seriously affected the cultural, linguistic, religious and other markers of the Talishi identity. Up to the 19th c., the whole land inhabited by the Talishis had been part of Iran. Since 1813, northern Talysh has successively been ruled by the Russian Empire, the Soviet Union, and finally, since 1991, by the former Soviet Republic of Azerbaijan (Azerbaijan Republic). These historical peripeteia have resulted in the actualisation of different identity markers on opposite banks of the Araxes River; they are of different relevance in Iran and in Azerbaijan Republic. Accordingly, the idea of Talysh (the Talishis’ ethnic territory) and its status is also approached in different ways among the two groups.

This paper focuses on the Talishi identity, its transformations and peculiarities in Azerbaijan Republic and the Islamic Republic of Iran.
The Southern Boundaries of the Southern Caucasus
Authors: Shahinyan Arsen K.
Published: December 2022

The article is an attempt to show the historical and geographical expanse of the South Caucasus and the adjacent regions, particularly to give a more accurate outline of its southern borders.
Medici Rule Reimagined: Cosimo iii, the Dutch Republic, and Grand Ducal Aspirations for Seventeenth-Century Tuscany (c. 1667–1723)
Authors: van Vugt Ingeborg , Moorman Gloria
Published: December 2022

The enticingly modern strain of republicanism that young Prince Cosimo iii de’ Medici (1642–1723) encountered during his two sojourns in the Dutch Republic (1667–1669) proved a forceful means to reimagine Tuscany’s own, administrative past and present. Through comparative analysis of the unpublished travel journal of Medici secretary Apollonio Bassetti (1631–1699) and the diary in verse by court physician Giovanni Andrea Moniglia (1624–1700), we argue that Cosimo iii’s ambitious agenda abroad was influenced predominantly by his desire to implement environmental reform and portray a contrasting socio-political model at home. Cosimo’s own journeys were followed by ongoing transnational exchange, as testified by the court’s efforts to conceptualize a Medici town atlas and cultivate exotic pineapple plants on the Tuscan soil. By importing artefacts and ideas, then, Cosimo iii – just prior to his succession by Gian Gastone (1671–1737), last of the Medici grand dukes – sought to consciously craft the Medici dynasty’s lasting legacy.
Teaching and its discontents
Authors: Julien Heidi , Gross Melissa , Latham Don
Published: December 2022

Teaching is a core role for librarians in academic contexts, although most librarians are not formally prepared to teach and encounter significant challenges in the role, including complex relationships with campus colleagues. The purpose of this research was to explore how community college librarians, an understudied population, understand their teaching role. Online interviews lasting fifteen to seventy-four minutes were conducted with thirty community college librarians who provide information literacy (IL) instruction. Participants were recruited by direct email invitation and were asked questions relating to their instructional practices. Interview transcripts were analysed qualitatively, with a specific focus on participants’ experiences of the teaching role. Participants reported positive relationships with students, and significant challenges in their relationships with disciplinary faculty and administrators. Their lack of formal preparation for the teaching role led to infrequent and informal assessment and evaluation practices. Pre-service education for the teaching role could be strengthened to provide librarians with the skill set and confidence to provide more effective instruction. Instructional quality is critical as the importance of IL is increasingly recognized as key to academic, workplace, and personal success.
Referral of Thyone neofusus Deichmann, 1941, Thyone adinopoda (Pawson & Miller, 1981 and Havelockia obunca (Lampert, 1885) to the genus Sclerothyone Thandar, 1990, and a replacement name for the preoccupied genus Neothyone Deichmann, 1941 (Echinodermata: Holothuroidea: Dendrochirotida)
Authors: THANDAR A. S. , ARUMUGAM P.
Published: December 2022

Thyone neofusus Deichmann, 1941, Thyone adinopoda Pawson & Miller, 1981and Havelockia obunca (Lampert, 1885) are referred to the genus Sclerothyone Thandar, 1989, and a taxonomic key is provided to all species currently contained in the family Sclerothyonidae Thandar (sensu Smirnov 2012). Since the nomen Neothyone in the family Thyonidae (sensu Smirnov 2012), is preoccupied [(having been used by Hampson (1914) for a group of moths belonging to the family Arctiidae)], the name Lisacucumis nomen nov. is here proposed, with Stolus gibber Selenka as type species, as designated for Neothyone by Deichmann (1941).
Distance to Dislocation and Recurrent Shoulder Dislocation After Arthroscopic Bankart Repair: Rethinking the Glenoid Track Concept
Authors: Barrow Aaron E. , Charles Shaquille J.-C. , Issa Mohamad , Rai Ajinkya A. , Hughes Jonathan D. , Lesniak Bryson P. , Rodosky Mark W. , Popchak Adam , Lin Albert
Published: December 2022

Background:

The “distance to dislocation” (DTD) calculation has been proposed as 1 method to predict the risk of recurrent dislocation after arthroscopic Bankart repair for an “on-track” shoulder. Rates of recurrent dislocation at specific DTD values are unknown.

Hypothesis:

Among patients with “on-track” shoulder lesions who underwent primary arthroscopic Bankart repair, the rate of recurrent dislocation would increase as DTD values decrease.

Study Design:

Case-control study; Level of evidence, 3.

Methods:

We performed a retrospective analysis of 188 patients with “on-track” shoulder lesions who underwent primary arthroscopic anterior labral repair between 2007 and 2019, with a minimum 2-year follow-up. Glenoid bone loss, Hill-Sachs interval, glenoid track, and DTD were determined from preoperative magnetic resonance imaging scans. The rate of recurrent dislocation was determined at 2-mm DTD intervals. Univariate and multivariate regression analyses were used to evaluate the relationship between recurrent dislocation, patient characteristics, and bone loss variables. A multivariate regression model was created to predict the probability of failure at continuous DTD values. A subgroup analysis of failure rate based on collision sports participation was also performed.

Results:

A total of 29 patients (15.4%) sustained recurrent dislocations. Patient age ( P = .046), multiple dislocations ( P = .03), glenoid bone loss ( P < .001), Hill-Sachs interval length ( P < .001), and DTD ( P < .001) were all independent predictors of failure. As the DTD decreased, the rate of recurrent dislocation increased. Below a DTD threshold of 10 mm, the recurrent dislocation rate increased exponentially. Up to a threshold of 24 mm, the failure rate for collision athletes remained >12.3%, independent of the DTD. Conversely, the failure rate among noncollision athletes decreased steadily as the DTD increased.

Conclusion:

For “on-track” shoulder lesions, as the DTD approached 0 mm (“off-track” threshold), the risk of recurrent dislocation after arthroscopic Bankart repair increased significantly. Below a DTD threshold of 10 mm, the risk of failure increased exponentially. The risk of recurrent dislocation for collision sports athletes remained elevated at higher DTD values than for noncollision athletes.
Low-frequency vibration suppression of metastructure beam with high-static–low-dynamic stiffness resonators employing magnetic spring
Authors: Peng Fanglan , Wu Qichen , Pan Wuhui , Zheng Yisheng , Xie Shilin , Zhang Yahong , Luo Yajun
Published: December 2022

The low/ultra-low-frequency structural vibrations exist widely in some engineering structures, for example, aerospace, naval, and building structures and so on. They could seriously affect the working performance and even cause the destruction of these engineering structures. In order to restrain the low/ultra-low-frequency structural vibration, a locally resonant (LR) metastructure beam equipped with high-static–low-dynamic stiffness (HSLDS) resonators employing negative stiffness magnetic spring is proposed. The analytical model of magnetic negative stiffness spring is firstly derived and the design method of HSLDS resonators is presented based on parametric optimization. Then, the dynamic model of the LR metastructure beam with HSLDS resonators is established using the wave finite element method. The effects of the number of local resonator units on low-frequency band gap are analyzed. Finally, the low-frequency vibration control performance of LR metastructure beam is validated experimentally. The experimental result is in agreement with the theoretical analysis, which demonstrates that the HSLDS resonators are conductive to suppress vibration of the metastructure beam in the low-frequency region ( f < 10 Hz). The results also showed that the more the HSLDS resonators are used, the better the vibration suppression effect is.
Exosomal miR-628-5p from M1 polarized macrophages hinders m6A modification of circFUT8 to suppress hepatocellular carcinoma progression
Authors: Wang Liyan , Yi Xiaoyuan , Xiao Xuhua , Zheng Qinghua , Ma Lei , Li Bin
Published: December 2022

Background

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common type of liver cancer. CircFUT8 has been shown to be upregulated in cancers, but its function in HCC remains unclear. Tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) are one of the main components of the tumor microenvironment (TME), and M1 macrophages function as tumor suppressors in cancers. Exosomes exert an important role in the TME, and circRNAs can be modified by m6A. We investigated the function of circFUT8 in HCC and its interaction with exosomes, M1 macrophages, and m6A.

Methods

CircFUT8 expression was detected in HCC cells, and its effects on HCC cell growth were verified through functional assays. Mechanism assays including RNA pull down, RNA-binding protein immunoprecipitation (RIP), and luciferase reporter assays were undertaken to verify how circFUT8 may interact with miR-628-5p, and how these molecules may modulate HCC cell malignancy via interacting with exosomes and macrophages.

Results

CircFUT8 was upregulated in HCC cells and it accelerated HCC cell growth. Exosomes derived from M1 macrophages transferred miR-628-5p to HCC cells to inhibit human methyltransferase-like 14 (METTL14) expression. METTL14 promoted circFUT8 m6A modification and facilitated its nuclear export to the cytoplasm, where M1 macrophages regulated the circFUT8/miR-552-3p/CHMP4B pathway, thereby suppressing HCC progression.

Conclusion

M1 macrophages-derived exosomal miR-628-5p inhibited the m6A modification of circFUT8, inhibiting HCC development.

Graphical Abstract
Reducing 48-h emergency department revisits and subsequent admissions: a retrospective study of increased emergency medicine resident floor coverage
Authors: Palungwachira Pakhawadee , Montimanutt Gunnaree , Musikatavorn Khrongwong , Savatmongkorngul Sorravit
Published: December 2022

Background

Early unexpected hospital admission after emergency department (ED) discharge is an important topic regarding effective preventive measures. Reducing avoidable return visits can improve ED effectiveness and emergency care. This study evaluated the effects of an increase in the number of physicians and the 24-h coverage of emergency physicians on 48-h ED revisits with subsequent hospital admission. The characteristics and risk factors of the patients were also investigated.

Results

This was a retrospective analysis performed 2 years before and 2 years after the implementation of an intervention in a tertiary care hospital in Thailand. The medical records of adult patients who revisited the ED within 48 h for related complaints were reviewed. The effect of the intervention was analyzed, and a prediction model was developed based on logistic regression.

After implementing the intervention, the hospital admission rate at the second ED visit decreased from 44.5 to 41.1%; no significant difference was found (95% confidence interval (CI) − 5.05 to 11.78). Patients who required hospital admission had a significantly higher comorbidity score, more ED visits, and more hospitalizations within the past 12 months. A significantly higher hospital admission rate was also observed among patients older than 60 years, those who had an initial infectious diagnosis, and those who had a higher triage severity level (ESI II) at their first visit. The odds ratio (OR) showed lower odds of hospital admission at the second visit in the postintervention period; this difference was not significant (OR 0.87; 95% CI 0.61 to 1.23).

Conclusion

Our intervention did not significantly decrease the incidence of admission at an ED revisit. However, some factors identified in this study seem to have some benefits and might be helpful for preventing errors and constructing a standard discharge care plan for patients with these risk factors.
Genome-wide identification and stress response analysis of cyclophilin gene family in apple (Malus × domestica)
Authors: Qiao Zhi-Wen , Wang Da-Ru , Wang Xun , You Chun-Xiang , Wang Xiao-Fei
Published: December 2022

Background

Cyclophilin (CYP) belongs to the immunophilin family and has peptidyl-prolylcis-transisomerase (PPIase) activity, which catalyzes thecis-transisomerization process of proline residues. CYPs widely exist in eukaryotes and prokaryotes, and contain a conserved cyclophilin-like domain (CLD). Plant cyclophilins are widely involved in a range of biological processes including stress response, metabolic regulation, and growth and development.

Result

In this study, 30 cyclophilin genes on 15 chromosomes were identified from the ‘Golden Delicious’ apple (M. domestica) genome. Phylogenetic analysis showed that the cyclophilin family genes can be divided into three clades inMalus. Collinear analysis showed that ten gene pairs were the result of segmental duplication. Analysis of gene and protein structure further supported the phylogenetic tree and collinearity analysis. The expression ofMdCYPsin different organs was higher in leaves, flowers, and fruits. Ten and eight CYPs responded to drought and salt stress, respectively. MdCYP16, a nuclear-localized MD CYP, was screened from the intersection of the two expression profiling datasets and was highly sensitive to drought and salt stress. GUS staining of transgenicArabidopsisindicated thatMdCYP16may be involved in the regulation of abiotic stress.

Conclusion

This study systematically analyzed members of the apple cyclophilin family and confirmed the involvement ofMdCYP16as a nuclear-localized MD cyclophilin that acts in response to salt and drought stress in apple. Our work identifies members of the apple cyclophilin gene family, and provides an important theoretical basis for in-depth study of cyclophilin function. Additionally, the analysis provides candidate genes that may be involved in stress response in apple.
Fine mapping of CscpFtsY, a gene conferring the yellow leaf phenotype in cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.)
Authors: Zha Gaohui , Yin Juan , Cheng Feng , Song Mengfei , Zhang Mengru , Obel Hesbon Ochieng , Wang Yi , Chen Jinfeng , Lou Qunfeng
Published: December 2022

Background

Leaf color mutants are ideal materials to study pigment metabolism and photosynthesis. Leaf color variations are mainly affected by chlorophylls (Chls) and carotenoid contents and chloroplast development in higher plants. However, the regulation of chlorophyll metabolism remains poorly understood in many plant species. The chloroplast signal-recognition particle system is responsible for the insertion of the light-harvesting chlorophyll a/b proteins (LHCPs) to thylakoid membranes, which controls the chloroplast development as well as the regulation of Chls biosynthesis post-translationally in higher plants.

Results

In this study, the yellow leaf cucumber mutant, named yl, was found in an EMS-induced mutant library, which exhibited a significantly reduced chlorophyll content, abnormal chloroplast ultrastructure and decreased photosynthetic capacity. Genetic analysis demonstrated that the phenotype of yl was controlled by a recessive nuclear gene. Using BSA-seq technology combined with the map-based cloning method, we narrowed the locus to a 100 kb interval in chromosome 3. Linkage analysis and allelism test validated the candidate SNP residing in CsaV3_3G009150 encoding one homolog of chloroplast signal-recognition particle (cpSRP) receptor in Arabidopsis, cpFtsY, could be responsible for the yellow leaf phenotype of yl. The relative expression of CscpFtsY was significantly down-regulated in different organs except for the stem, of yl compared with that in the wild type (WT). Subcellular localization result showed that CscpFtsY located in the chloroplasts of mesophyll cells.

Conclusions

The yl mutant displayed Chls-deficient, impaired chloroplast ultrastructure with intermittent grana stacks and significantly decreased photosynthetic capacity. The isolation of CscpFtsY in cucumber could accelerate the progress on chloroplast development by cpSRP-dependant LHCP delivery system and regulation of Chls biosynthesis in a post-translational way.
Identification and validation of plant height, spike length and spike compactness loci in common wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)
Authors: Liu Hong , Shi Zhipeng , Ma Feifei , Xu Yunfeng , Han Guohao , Zhang Jinpeng , Liu Dongcheng , An Diaoguo
Published: December 2022

Background

Plant height (PH), spike length (SL) and spike compactness (SCN) are important agronomic traits in wheat due to their strong correlations with lodging and yield. Thus, dissection of their genetic basis is essential for the improvement of plant architecture and yield potential in wheat breeding. The objective of this study was to map quantitative trait loci (QTL) for PH, SL and SCN in a recombinant inbred line (RIL) population derived from the cross ‘PuBing3228 × Gao8901’ (PG-RIL) and to evaluate the potential values of these QTL to improve yield.

Results

In the current study, Five, six and ten stable QTL for PH, SL, and SCN, respectively, were identified in at least two individual environments. Five major QTL QPh.cas-5A.3, QPh.cas-6A, QSl.cas-6B.2, QScn.cas-2B.2 and QScn.cas-6B explained 5.58–25.68% of the phenotypic variation. Notably, two, three and three novel stable QTL for PH, SL and SCN were identified in this study, which could provide further insights into the genetic factors that shape PH and spike morphology in wheat. Conditional QTL analysis revealed that QTL for SCN were mainly affected by SL. Moreover, a Kompetitive Allele Specific PCR (KASP) marker tightly linked to stable major QTL QPh.cas-5A.3 was developed and verified using the PG-RIL population and a natural population.

Conclusions

Twenty-one stable QTL related to PH, SL, and SCN were identified. These stable QTL and the user-friendly marker KASP8750 will facilitate future studies involving positional cloning and marker-assisted selection in breeding.
Is prehospital intubation of severely injured children in accordance with guidelines?
Authors: Maek Teresa , Fochtmann Ulrike , von Loewenich Anna , Jungbluth Pascal , Zimmermann Werner , Lefering Rolf , Lendemans Sven , Hussmann Bjoern
Published: December 2022

Background

The current German S3 guideline for polytrauma lists five criteria for prehospital intubation: apnea, severe traumatic brain injury (GCS ≤8), severe chest trauma with respiratory failure, hypoxia, and persistent hemodynamic instability. These guideline criteria, used in adults in daily practice, have not been previously studied in a collection of severely injured children. The aim of this study was to assess the extent to which the criteria are implemented in clinical practice using a multivariate risk analysis of severely injured children.

Methods

Data of 289,698 patients from the TraumaRegister DGU® were analyzed. Children meeting the following criteria were included: Maximum Abbreviated Injury Scale 3+, primary admission, German-speaking countries, years 2008–2017, and declaration of intubation. Since children show age-dependent deviating physiology, four age groups were defined (years old: 0–2; 3–6; 7–11; 12–15). An adult collective served as a control group (age: 20–50). After a descriptive analysis in the first step, factors leading to prehospital intubation in severely injured children were analyzed with a multivariate regression analysis.

Results

A total of 4489 children met the inclusion criteria. In this cohort, young children up to 2 years old had the significantly highest injury severity (Injury Severity Score: 21; p ≤ 0.001). Falls from both high (> 3 m) and low heights (< 3 m) were more common in children than in adults. The same finding applied to the occurrence of severe traumatic brain injury. When at least one intubation criterion was formally present, the group up to 6 years old was least likely to actually be intubated (61.4%; p ≤ 0.001). Multivariate regression analysis showed that Glasgow Coma Scale score ≤ 8 in particular had the greatest influence on intubation (odds ratio: 26.9; p ≤ 0.001).

Conclusions

The data presented here show for the first time that the existing criteria in the guideline for prehospital intubation are applied in clinical practice (approximately 70% of cases), compared to adults, in the vast majority of injured children. Although severely injured children still represent a minority of all injured patients, future guidelines should focus more on them and address them in a specialized manner.
Generating real-world evidence compatible with evidence from randomized controlled trials: a novel observational study design applicable to surgical transfusion research
Authors: Yu Xiaochu , Wang Zixing , Wang Lei , Huang Yuguang , Wang Yipeng , Xin Shijie , Lei Guanghua , Zhao Shengxiu , Chen Yali , Guo Xiaobo , Han Wei , Yu Xuerong , Xue Fang , Wu Peng , Gu Wentao , Jiang Jingmei
Published: December 2022

Background

Numerous observational studies have revealed an increased risk of death and complications with transfusion, but this observation has not been confirmed in randomized controlled trials (RCTs). The “transfusion kills patients” paradox persists in real-world observational studies despite application of analytic methods such as propensity-score matching. We propose a new design to address this long-term existing issue, which if left unresolved, will be deleterious to the healthy generation of evidence that supports optimized transfusion practice.

Methods

In the new design, we stress three aspects for reconciling observational studies and RCTs on transfusion safety: (1) re-definition of the study population according to a stable hemoglobin range (gray zone of transfusion decision; 7.5–9.5 g/dL in this study); (2) selection of comparison groups according to a trigger value (last hemoglobin measurement before transfusion; nadir during hospital stay for control); (3) dealing with patient heterogeneity according to standardized mean difference (SMD) values. We applied the new design to hospitalized older patients (aged ≥60 years) undergoing general surgery at four academic/teaching hospitals. Four datasets were analyzed: a base population before (Base Match−) and after (Base Match+) propensity-score matching to simulate previous observational studies; a study population before (Study Match−) and after (Study Match+) propensity-score matching to demonstrate effects of our design.

Results

Of 6141 older patients, 662 (10.78%) were transfused and showed high heterogeneity compared with those not receiving transfusion, particularly regarding preoperative hemoglobin (mean: 11.0 vs. 13.5 g/dL) and intraoperative bleeding (≥500 mL: 37.9% vs. 2.1%). Patient heterogeneity was reduced with the new design; SMD of the two variables was reduced from approximately 100% (Base Match−) to 0% (Study Match+). Transfusion was related to a higher risk of death and complications in Base Match− (odds ratio [OR], 95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.68, 1.86–3.86) and Base Match+ (2.24, 1.43–3.49), but not in Study Match− (0.77, 0.32–1.86) or Study Match+ (0.66, 0.23–1.89).

Conclusions

We show how choice of study population and analysis could affect real-world study findings. Our results following the new design are in accordance with relevant RCTs, highlighting its value in accelerating the pace of transfusion evidence generation and generalization.
Association of circulating tumor cell-white blood cell clusters with survival outcomes in patients with colorectal cancer after curative intent surgery
Authors: Xu Yifan , Zhang Qianlong , Xu Zhou , Xie Qingfeng , Ding Wenfu , Liu Hao , Deng Haijun
Published: December 2022

Background

The analysis of circulating tumor cell-associated white blood cell (CTC-WBC) clusters represented the progress in the liquid biopsy of malignant tumors, however, related research in patients with colorectal cancer is still absent.

Methods

To explore associations between CTC-WBC clusters and the prognosis of these patients, we conducted an independent cohort of 329 colorectal cancer patients after curative intent surgery and pre-operative CTC detection in Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China between January 1, 2017, and September 31, 2019. The primary cohort referred to patients with CTC-WBC clusters positive. The control cohort was defined as those with exclusively CTCs positive. CTCs were enriched and distinguished by The CanPatrol™ system (SurExam, China). The Kaplan–Meier curve was used to compare the progressive-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) between two groups. The COX regression model was used to assess the predictive value of CTC-WBC clusters.

Results

Sixty three patients presented CTC-WBC clusters positive (CTC-WBC group) and 266 patients showed solely CTCs (CTC group). The number of CTCs was significantly different between two groups (P < 0.001) and the rest of clinical characteristics were not markedly associated with the presence of CTC-WBC clusters. Kaplan–Meier curves of PFS and OS exhibited that the CTC-WBC group had significantly shorter PFS (P = 0.011), while not for OS. The multivariate model further suggested that the CTC-WBC clusters (Hazard Ratio = 1.89, 95% Confidence Interval 1.02–3.51, P = 0.042) was an independent predictor for the PFS of in post-operation CRC patients.

Conclusion

The CTC-WBC cluster is significantly associated with recurrence after operation in CRC patients. This finding facilitates the evaluation of this indicator in tumor progression.
TWIST1 activates cancer stem cell marker genes to promote epithelial-mesenchymal transition and tumorigenesis in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Khales Sima Ardalan , Mozaffari-Jovin Sina , Geerts Dirk , Abbaszadegan Mohammad Reza
Published: December 2022

Background

Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) is one of the deadliest cancers worldwide. Overexpression of EMT master transcription factors can promote differentiated cells to undergo cancer reprogramming processes and acquire a stem cell-like status.

Methods

The KYSE-30 and YM-1 ESCC cell lines were transduced with retroviruses expressing TWIST1 or GFP and analyzed by quantitative reverse transcription PCR (qRT-PCR), chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP), and immunostaining to investigate the correlation between TWIST1 and stemness markers expression. Cells expressing TWIST1 were characterized for mRNA candidates by qRT-PCR and for protein candidates by Flow cytometry and Immunocytochemistry. TWIST1-ESCC cells were also evaluated for apoptosis and drug resistance.

Results

Here we identify a role for TWIST1 in the establishment of ESCC cancer stem cell (CSC)-like phenotype, facilitating the transformation of non-CSCs to CSCs. We provide evidence that TWIST1 expression correlates with the expression of CSC markers in ESCC cell lines. ChIP assay results demonstrated that TWIST1 regulates CSC markers, including CD44, SALL4, NANOG, MEIS1, GDF3, and SOX2, through binding to the E-box sequences in their promoters. TWIST1 promoted EMT through E-cadherin downregulation and vimentin upregulation. Moreover, TWIST1 expression repressed apoptosis in ESCC cells through upregulation of Bcl-2 and downregulation of the Bax protein, and increased ABCG2 and ABCC4 transporters expression, which may lead to drug resistance.

Conclusions

These findings support a critical role for TWIST1 in CSC-like generation, EMT progression, and inhibition of apoptosis in ESCC. Thus, TWIST1 represents a therapeutic target for the suppression of esophageal cell transformation to CSCs and ESCC malignancy.