bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Predictors of Landowners’ Intention to Manage Emerald Ash Borer in Kentucky
Authors: Adhikari Ram K , Poudyal Neelam C , Ochuodho Thomas O , Parajuli Rajan , Joshi Omkar , Mehmood Sayeed R , Munsell John F , Dhungel Gaurav , Thomas William , Crocker Ellen , Zhou Mo
Published: February 2023

Native ash species in the central hardwood region of the United States have been threatened by infestations of emerald ash borers (EAB), which have caused significant damage to the forests’ ecological and economic value. Because private landowners own most of these forestlands, their knowledge, attitudes, and behavior are important in managing EAB effectively across the landscape. We conducted a mail survey of landowners in Kentucky, where EAB are spreading across the state and causing variable levels of damage depending upon how long they have been established, and assessed whether and how psychosocial and demographic factors help explain the landowner’s behavioral intention to manage EAB on their property. The results of an ordinal logistic regression model, grounded in a modified theory of planned behavior framework, suggested that severity of risk perception, knowledge about management options, importance of economic objectives, and perceived group efficacy were related positively to landowners’ intention to manage EAB. These findings shed light on landowners’ perspective of EAB’s effects and the role of psychosocial factors in their motivation to adopt EAB control options.

Study Implications: Landowners’ active participation can be critical in managing EAB effectively in privately owned forests. This study found that landowners’ management intentions depended on their perception of EAB risks, knowledge of EAB prevention, and perceived cooperation among landowners. Raising awareness of EAB threats, educating landowners on the control options available, and promoting collaborative approaches to combat EAB at the regional scale can help increase landowners’ participation in EAB management. Taking a collaborative approach is important to address such transboundary problems as EAB infestations because such an approach ensures that relevant agencies will provide landowners with continuous legal, technical, and financial support.
Genome-wide association and genomic prediction for a reproductive index summarizing fertility outcomes in U.S. Holsteins
Authors: Seabury Christopher M , Smith Johanna L , Wilson Miranda L , Bhattarai Eric , Santos Jose E P , Chebel Ricardo C , Galvão Klibs N , Schuenemann Gustavo M , Bicalho Rodrigo C , Gilbert Rob O , Rodriguez-Zas Sandra L , Rosa Guilherme , Thatcher William W , Pinedo Pablo J
Published: February 2023

Subfertility represents one major challenge to enhancing dairy production and efficiency. Herein, we use a reproductive index (RI) expressing the predicted probability of pregnancy following artificial insemination (AI) with Illumina 778K genotypes to perform single and multi-locus genome-wide association analyses (GWAA) on 2,448 geographically diverse U.S. Holstein cows and produce genomic heritability estimates. Moreover, we use genomic best linear unbiased prediction (GBLUP) to investigate the potential utility of the RI by performing genomic predictions with cross validation. Notably, genomic heritability estimates for the U.S. Holstein RI were moderate (h2 = 0.1654 ± 0.0317–0.2550 ± 0.0348), while single and multi-locus GWAA revealed overlapping quantitative trait loci (QTL) on BTA6 and BTA29, including the known QTL for the daughter pregnancy rate (DPR) and cow conception rate (CCR). Multi-locus GWAA revealed seven additional QTL, including one on BTA7 (60 Mb) which is adjacent to a known heifer conception rate (HCR) QTL (59 Mb). Positional candidate genes for the detected QTL included male and female fertility loci (i.e. spermatogenesis and oogenesis), meiotic and mitotic regulators, and genes associated with immune response, milk yield, enhanced pregnancy rates, and the reproductive longevity pathway. Based on the proportion of the phenotypic variance explained (PVE), all detected QTL (n = 13; P ≤ 5e − 05) were estimated to have moderate (1.0% < PVE ≤ 2.0%) or small effects (PVE ≤ 1.0%) on the predicted probability of pregnancy. Genomic prediction using GBLUP with cross validation (k = 3) produced mean predictive abilities (0.1692–0.2301) and mean genomic prediction accuracies (0.4119–0.4557) that were similar to bovine health and production traits previously investigated.
The effects of flipped classroom model on knowledge, behaviour and health beliefs on testicular cancer and self-examination: a randomized controlled trial study
Authors: Akcali Kamil , Tastan Sevinc
Published: February 2023

This randomized controlled trial study aims to examine the flipped classroom model's effects on the knowledge and health beliefs of testicular cancer and testicular self-examination. The study was conducted on 66 students in Northern Cyprus. A descriptive information form, Champion’s Health Belief Model Scale, visual analogue scale of satisfaction with the learning method, the knowledge questionnaire on testicular cancer and the testicular self-examination itself were used for data collection. The mean posttest knowledge score of the intervention group (14.44) was higher than the mean posttest knowledge score of the control group (12.65). The difference between groups was statistically significant (P < 0.05). The mean posttest scores obtained by the intervention group from the barriers and the severity subscales of the Champion’s Health Belief Model Scale were lower than for the control group (P < 0.05). The percentages of participants performing the testicular self-examination after receiving training were 82.4% and 59.4% for the intervention group and control group, respectively. The complete trial protocol can be accessed at ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT04851197). Since the flipped classroom model increased the rate of students performing testicular self-exams and the levels of knowledge and satisfaction of the students, the use of this model in different courses may be promoted.
Minimum probability of error of list M-ary hypothesis testing
Authors: Asadi Kangarshahi Ehsan , Guillén i Fàbregas Albert
Published: February 2023

We study a variation of Bayesian $M$-ary hypothesis testing in which the test outputs a list of $L$ candidates out of the $M$ possible upon processing the observation. We study the minimum error probability of list hypothesis testing, where an error is defined as the event where the true hypothesis is not in the list output by the test. We derive two exact expressions of the minimum probability or error. The first is expressed as the error probability of a certain non-Bayesian binary hypothesis test and is reminiscent of the meta-converse bound by Polyanskiy, Poor and Verdú (2010). The second, is expressed as the tail probability of the likelihood ratio between the two distributions involved in the aforementioned non-Bayesian binary hypothesis test. Hypothesis testing, error probability, information theory.
Writing IR after COVID-19: Reassessing Political Possibilities, Good Faith, and Policy-Relevant Scholarship on Climate Change Mitigation and Nuclear Disarmament
Authors: Pelopidas Benoît , Verschuren Sanne Cornelia J
Published: February 2023

To address the COVID-19 pandemic, states around the world adopted a range of unprecedented and far-reaching policy measures, which had for a long time been presented as impossible. In this article, we argue that such actions suggest not only present but also past political possibilities and that these possibilities have been overlooked or denied by policymakers and scholars alike. We focus on two existential challenges about which pledges for transformative actions have been continuously made throughout the previous decades: climate change and the danger from nuclear weapons. We document the gap between pledges and accomplishments in these two realms and show how claims of impossibility to act do not hold up. Adopting a minimal standard of good faith as seeking to keep one's promises, we argue that the lack of adequate action renders the assumption that policymakers are acting in good faith problematic. We then diagnose a Panglossian double failure of the policy-relevant international relations scholarship: a failure to provide policymakers with the necessary tools to address the root causes of these existential problems and enable them to learn from past experiences and a failure to hold policymakers accountable. We propose three modifications to the scholarship to avoid repeating such failures and conclude with a dual call for political courage and scholarly responsibility.
Adopting a metaverse-based workspace to support research team collaboration: a pilot study from an academic health informatics laboratory
Authors: Zhu Siyi , Vennemeyer Scott , Xu Catherine , Wu Danny T Y
Published: February 2023

Objective

This study aimed to understand how a metaverse-based (virtual) workspace can be used to support the communication and collaboration in an academic health informatics lab.

Materials and Methods

A survey of lab members (n = 14) was analyzed according to a concurrent triangulation mixed methods design. The qualitative survey data were organized according to the Capability, Opportunity, Motivation, Behavior (COM-B) model and combined to generate personas that represent the overall types of lab members. Additionally, scheduled work hours were analyzed quantitatively to complement the findings of the survey feedback.

Results

Four personas, representative of different types of virtual workers, were developed using the survey responses. These personas reflected the wide variety of opinions about virtual work among the participants and helped to categorize the most common feedback. The Work Hours Schedule Sheet analysis showed the low number of possible collaboration opportunities that were utilized compared to the number available.

Discussion

We found that informal communication and co-location were not supported by the virtual workplace as we had originally planned. To solve this issue, we offer 3 design recommendations for those looking to implement their own virtual informatics lab. First, labs should establish common goals and norms for virtual workplace interactions. Second, labs should carefully plan the virtual space layout to maximize communication opportunities. Finally, labs should work with their platform of choice to address technical limitations for their lab members to improve user experience. Future work includes a formal, theory-guided experiment with consideration on ethical and behavioral impact.
Manipulation and Processing of Spectral Signals for the Assay of the Newly Authorized Mixture of Bupivacaine/Meloxicam Using Fully Green Solvents and a Comparative Green Evaluation Supporting the Greenness and Sustainability of the Developed Smart Spectrophotometric Methods
Authors: Bahgat Eman A , Hashem Hisham , Saleh Hanaa , Kamel Ebraam B , Eissa Maya S
Published: February 2023

Background

The bupivacaine (BVC)/meloxicam (MLX) combination is the first extended-release dual-acting local anesthetic (DALA) that provides 72 h of postoperative pain relief. It reduces opioid use after surgery and manages pain better than BVC alone over 72 h, and overcomes surgical site inflammation with a new synergistic mode of action that combines BVC with a low dosage of MLX.

Objective

In today's pharmaceutical research, we take great care to only use non-toxic solvents that pose no threat to either humans or the environment. This work determines BVC and MLX simultaneously, utilizing water and 0.1 M HCl in water as solvents. Moreover, the eco-friendliness of the specified solvents and the whole method development steps was evaluated based on how user-friendly they were using four standard methodologies.

Methods

The developed spectrophotometric methods depended on either zero-order, derivative, or ratio spectra that only required simple mathematical handling. The current techniques include dual wavelength (DW), Fourier self-deconvolution (FSD), first derivative (D1), ratio difference (RD), and first ratio derivative (DD1).

Results

Linearity was confirmed over a concentration range of 50–700 μg/mL for BVC and 1–10 μg/mL for MLX. For BVC and MLX, the LOQs were 26.85–41.33 μg/mL and 0.21–0.95 μg/mL, while the LODs were 8.86–13.64 μg/mL and 0.06–0.31 μg/mL, respectively. For the full validation of the proposed methods, ICH (international conference on harmonization) criteria were followed.

Conclusion

Current methods have the advantage of sticking to the basis of zero-order, derivative, or ratio spectra and needing just the barest minimum of data processing: no complex software, lengthy stages, or transformations are needed.

Highlights

No spectrophotometric methods have been published for the simultaneous analysis of BVC and MLX. As a result, the newly developed spectrophotometric approaches have great relevance and originality in the field of pharmaceutical analysis.
A Smartphone Application for Caregivers of Children With Severe Burns: A Survey to Identify Minimum Data Set and Requirements
Authors: Rangraz Jeddi Fatemeh , Nabovati Ehsan , Mobayen Mohammadreza , Akbari Hossein , Feizkhah Alireza , Motalebi Kashani Mojdeh , Bagheri Toolaroud Parissa
Published: February 2023

Recent advances in digital health and increasing access to mobile health (mHealth) tools have led to more effective self-care. This study aimed to identify the minimum data set (MDS) and the requirements of a smartphone application (app) to support caregivers of children with severe burns. The study was performed in three phases in a burn center in the north of Iran in 2022. In the first phase, a literature review was performed. In the second phase, interviews were conducted with 18 caregivers. The third phase was performed in two stages: first, an initial questionnaire was prepared in which the content validity ratio and content validity index were calculated. The final questionnaire included 71 data elements about the MDS and requirements and open-ended elements. Then, the data elements were surveyed by 25 burn experts using the Delphi technique. The minimum acceptable mean score for each item was 3.75. Out of the 71 elements in the first Delphi round, 51 were accepted. In the second Delphi round, 14 data elements were assessed. The most important elements for the MDS were a family relationship, TBSA, the primary cause of the burn, anatomical location, itch, pain, and infection. User registration, educational materials, caregiver–clinician communication, chat box, and appointment booking were the most highlighted functional requirements. Safe login was the most important element for the nonfunctional requirements. It is recommended that health managers and software designers use these functionalities in designing smartphone apps for caregivers of children with burns.
Low-dose measurement of electric potential distribution in organic light-emitting diode by phase-shifting electron holography with 3D tensor decomposition
Authors: Sasaki Yusei , Yamamoto Kazuo , Anada Satoshi , Yoshimoto Noriyuki
Published: February 2023

To improve the performance of organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs), it is essential to understand and control the electric potential in the organic semiconductor layers. Electron holography (EH) is a powerful technique for visualizing the potential distribution with a transmission electron microscope. However, it has a serious issue that high-energy electrons may damage the organic layers, meaning that a low-dose EH is required. Here, we used a machine learning technique, three-dimensional (3D) tensor decomposition, to denoise electron interference patterns (holograms) of bilayer OLEDs composed of N,N’-di-[(1-naphthyl)-N,N’-diphenyl]-(1,1’-biphenyl)-4,4’-diamine (α-NPD) and tris-(8-hydroxyquinoline)aluminum (Alq3), acquired under a low-dose rate of 130 e− nm−2 s−1. The effect of denoising on the phase images reconstructed from the holograms was evaluated in terms of both the phase measurement error and the peak signal-to-noise ratio. We achieved a precision equivalent to that of a conventional measurement that had an exposure time 60 times longer. The electric field within the Alq3 layer decreased as the cumulative dose increased, which indicates that the Alq3 layer was degraded by the electron irradiation. On the basis of the degradation of the electric field, we concluded that the tolerance dose without damaging the OLED sample is about 1.7 × 105 e− nm−2, which is about 0.6 times that of the conventional EH. The combination of EH and 3D tensor decomposition denoising is capable of making a time series measurement of an OLED sample without any effect from the electron irradiation.
Assessing the impact of Omni-Channel Engagement strategy on physicians’ prescribing behaviour in specialty pharmaceutical industry in emerging market
Authors: Samy Soliman Khaled , Erakat Alaa Tarek
Published: February 2023

Objectives

Marketers strive to create a seamless experience across all marketing channels and with the notion of ‘phygital’ marketing in mind, that is building on the powers of both physical and digital worlds, the pharmaceutical industry could boost physicians’ engagement levels and positively affect their prescribing behaviour in specialty medicine, prescribed for complicated, rare diseases. This research study is an attempt to create the ultimate Omni-Channel Engagement (OCE) strategy in the pharmaceutical industry in emerging markets, while the researcher took the Egyptian market as an example.

Methods

The researcher adopted qualitative research depending on in-depth interviews with industry experts, pharmaceutical marketing managers and physicians to have a deeper insight and more comprehensive understanding of OCE strategy success factors and challenges.

Key findings

Communication tools that appealed to the cognitive and behavioural attitude components of physicians are more powerful in shaping physicians prescribing attitude.

Conclusions

As the research was concerned with drugs associated with specialty pharmaceutical market, where both the disease area and the medication are complicated and hence the product (medication) is considered a high-involvement product; communication tools that affect the cognitive and behavioural components of physicians’ attitude have a higher impact on physicians’ brand engagement levels and are most likely to lead physicians to prescribe the drug. OCE has an incremental impact over the traditional promotional mix with regard to physicians’ prescribing behaviours and habits, justified by the direct impact on physicians’ cognitive and behavioural attitude components.
Two brothers with congenital bulbar urethral stricture: case report of a very rare condition
Authors: Mokadem Seif , Saadi Ahmed , Hermi Amine , Boussaffa Hamza , Chakroun Marouene , Ben Slama Mohamed Riadh
Published: February 2023

Congenital urethral stricture is rare. It has been reported in only four sets of brothers. We report the fifth set of brothers. Cases of two brothers aged 23 and 18 years old diagnosed with low urinary tract symptoms are presented. We diagnosed an apparently congenital urethral stricture in both brothers. Internal urethrotomy was performed in both cases. Both are asymptomatic after 24 and 20 months of follow-up. Congenital urethral strictures are probably more frequent than we think. We suggest that a congenital origin should be considered if there is no history of infections or trauma.
New screw technique for posterior column and ischial fixation from the anterior approach for acetabular fractures
Authors: Asanuma Kunihiro , Miyamura Gaku , Suzuki Yoshiaki , Makino Yoshinori , Takada Naoya , Satonaka Haruhiko , Yoshida Kakunoshin , Hagi Tomohito , Nakamura Tomoki , Sudo Akihiro
Published: February 2023

Management of the ischial fragment in acetabular fractures is a considerable problem. In this report, we presented how to drill or screw around the posterior column and ischium from the anterior approach using a novel ‘sleeve guide technique’ and the difficulty of plating. A sleeve, drill, depth gauge and driver from DepuySynthes were prepared. The portal was about 2–3 cm inside the anterior superior iliac spine opposite to the side of the fracture. The sleeve was inserted to the screw point around quadrilateral area through the retroperitoneal space. Drilling, measuring screw length by a depth gauge and the screwing were performed through the sleeve. Case 1 used a one-third plate and case 2 used a reconstruction plate. With this technique, the approach angles to the posterior column and ischium were inclined, and plating and screw insertion could be performed with a low risk of organ injury.
A workers’ health surveillance online training programme for occupational physicians
Authors: Los F S , Hulshof C T J , de Boer A G E M , van der Molen H F
Published: February 2023

Background

To support occupational physicians (OPs) in the implementation of workers’ health surveillance (WHS), a training programme was developed.

Aims

(i) To evaluate the effects of a WHS training programme for OPs on knowledge, self-efficacy and skills to implement WHS. (ii) To evaluate to what extent a WHS training programme is acceptable and feasible for implementation in practice.

Methods

A single-blinded randomized controlled trial with waiting-list control group was used. The WHS training programme consisted of an e-learning and a 4.5-h online training session. OPs completed a knowledge test (0–8), self-efficacy questionnaires on knowledge and skills (6–60), and vignette assignments (0–16) to measure skills. OPs completed the questionnaires, either before and after the WHS training programme (intervention group), or before the training programme (control group) while receiving the training programme after the waiting period. All OPs completed questionnaires about the training’s acceptability, and feasibility for implementation in practice. ANCOVA and Poisson regression analyses were conducted.

Results

The self-efficacy score (M = 44.1 versus M = 37.2) (P < 0.001) and skills score (M = 9.6 versus M = 8.3) (P < 0.05) of OPs in the training group (N = 16) were higher than the control group (N = 23). No effect was found on knowledge. Evaluation of acceptability and feasibility showed that 21 (58%) OPs were very satisfied with the training part on initiating WHS, and 29 (85%) would recommend the WHS training programme to colleagues.

Conclusions

This WHS training programme has a positive effect on self-efficacy and skills of OPs to implement WHS, and may be acceptable and feasible to implement in practice.
Impact of Hypoalbuminemia on Ceftriaxone Treatment Failure in Patients With Enterobacterales Bacteremia: A Propensity-Matched, Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Steere Evan L , Eubank Taryn A , Cooper Megan H , Greenlee Sage B , Drake Ty C
Published: February 2023

Background

Ceftriaxone is frequently prescribed due to its convenience of dosing and robust antimicrobial activity. However, patients with hypoalbuminemia may experience suboptimal ceftriaxone exposure due to the high degree of protein binding. We aimed to evaluate the impact of hypoalbuminemia on treatment failure among hospitalized adults with Enterobacterales bacteremia who received ceftriaxone therapy.

Methods

We conducted an observational cohort study among patients with Enterobacterales bacteremia who received >72 hours of ceftriaxone initiated within 48 hours of index culture. A propensity-score model was used to match and compare patients with hypoalbuminemia. The primary outcome was treatment failure, defined as a composite of (1) escalation from ceftriaxone to ertapenem or an intravenous antibacterial agent with activity against Pseudomonas aeruginosa, or (2) inpatient death. Secondary outcomes included hospital length of stay, duration of antibiotic therapy, and time to infection resolution.

Results

Of 260 patients included, the majority developed bacteremia from a urinary source (71.5%), and Escherichia coli was the most common pathogen identified (72.3%). Patients with hypoalbuminemia experienced numerically higher rates of treatment failure, although not reaching statistical significance (12.3% vs 7.7%; P = .21). Among patients receiving care in the intensive care unit, the impact of hypoalbuminemia on treatment failure was more pronounced (24.4% vs 7.3%; P = .07).

Conclusions

Hypoalbuminemia may not have a significant impact on clinical outcomes among patients with Enterobacterales bacteremia treated with ceftriaxone. However, critically ill patients may be subject to higher incidence of treatment failure in the presence of hypoalbuminemia.
Hyper-IgM and acquired C1q complement deficiency in a patient withde novo ATMmutation
Authors: Lee Adrian Y S , Dai Pei , Burnett Leslie , Wei Xiumei , Kakar Fakhria , Ohnesorg Thomas , Lin Ming-Wei
Published: February 2023

Hyper-IgM syndrome (HIGM) is a rare immunodeficiency phenotype that is usually accompanied by serious infections. We present a curious case of the incidental detection of HIGM in a 45-year-old male with complement C1q deficiency. He had relatively mild sinopulmonary infections, recurrent skin infections and lipomas in his adulthood. Investigations revealed normal enumeration of total peripheral blood B cells and reduced expression of CD40L on his CD4+ T cells. C1q was noted to be absent, due to a peripheral inhibitor such as an autoantibody. Genomic sequencing of the patient and his parents revealed a novel, de novo heterozygous mutation in the ATM (ataxia telangiectasia mutated) gene although he displayed no clinical evidence of ataxia telangiectasia. This is a rare case of HIGM and acquired C1q deficiency. We present full phenotyping data that contributes to the growing understanding to these interesting immunodeficiencies.
Recurrent hemichorea with different etiologies in one patient
Authors: Lin Rong , Lai Tzu-Hsien , Chen Mei-Hsiu
Published: February 2023

Hemichorea is a unilateral movement disorder caused by acute ischemic or hemorrhagic stroke of contralateral cerebral lesions. It is followed by hyperglycemia, and other systemic diseases. Several cases of recurrent hemichorea associated with the same etiology have been reported, but cases with different etiologies have rarely been reported. We report a case in which the patient experienced both strokes and post-stroke-related hyperglycemic hemichorea. Magnetic resonance imaging of the brain appeared different in these two episodes. Our case demonstrates the importance of evaluating every patient presented with recurrent hemichorea carefully, as the disorder may be caused by different conditions.
A case of idiopathic chylous ascites
Authors: Olaru Adina , Venkatachalapathy Suresh V , James Martin , Martinez-Calle Nicolas
Published: February 2023

Chylous ascites is a rare condition found in 1 in 20 000 patients admitted to hospital with abdominal distention. It is caused by a limited number of pathologies but can, in rare situations, be idiopathic. Its management is difficult and usually involves correcting the primary pathology, making idiopathic chylous ascites particularly difficult to manage. We present a case of idiopathic chylous ascites extensively investigated over a period of several years. An incidental finding of B cell lymphoma was initially suspected to have been the primary cause of the ascites; however, after successful treatment of this condition, the patient’s ascites did not resolve. Diagnostic difficulties and management are discussed and an overview of the diagnostic process is outlined through this case.
Purple urine in a patient with UTI and constipation
Authors: Kannan Lakshmi , Bauman Allison Ann
Published: February 2023

Purple urine bag syndrome (PUBS) is a visually striking and a rare side effect in a patient with urinary tract infection where urine in the catheter bags and tubing turn purple. The urine in PUBS gets its color from the combination of two pigments, indirubin and indigo, which are breakdown products of tryptophan. The most important risk factors include long-term catheterization, female gender, chronic constipation, old age and being bed bound. Here, we present a case of PUBS in an elderly female with a history of bladder cancer that needed catheterization along with constipation.
Fatigue, bleeding tendency and osteoporosis in an adolescent: a diagnostic conundrum
Authors: Ku Md. Saad Salwana , Khalid Karniza , Glackin Sinead
Published: February 2023

Scurvy is a rare nutritional deficiency, particularly in developed nations. Sporadic cases are still reported, particularly among alcoholics and malnourished. Herein we present an unusual case of a previously healthy 15-year-old Caucasian girl, who was recently hospitalized for low velocity spine fractures, back pain and stiffness over several months and rash for 2 years. She was later diagnosed with scurvy and osteoporosis. Dietary modifications were instituted together with supplementary vitamin C, supportive treatment with regular dietician review and physiotherapy. Gradual clinical recovery was seen over the course of therapy. Our case highlights the importance of recognizing scurvy even among low-risk populations to ensure prompt and effective clinical management.
Implementation of Precision Oncology in Clinical Practice: Results of a National Survey for Health Care Professionals
Authors: Fasola Gianpiero , Barducci Maria C , Pelizzari Giacomo , Grossi Francesco , Pinto Carmine , Daniele Bruno , Giordano Monica , Ortega Cinzia , Silva Rosa Rita , Tozzi Valeria D , Cavanna Luigi , Aprile Giuseppe
Published: February 2023

Background

Two main aspects lead the implementation of precision oncology into clinical practice: the adoption of extended genome sequencing technologies and the institution of the Molecular Tumor Boards (MTBs). CIPOMO (Italian Association of Heads of Oncology Department) promoted a national survey across top health care professionals to gain an understanding of the current state of precision oncology in Italy.

Methods

Nineteen questions were sent via the SurveyMonkey platform to 169 heads of oncology departments. Their answers were collected in February 2022.

Results

Overall, 129 directors participated; 113 sets of answers were analyzed. Nineteen regions out of 21 participated as a representative sample of the Italian health care system. The use of next-generation sequencing (NGS) is unevenly distributed; informed consent and clinical reports are managed differently, as the integration of medical, biologic, and informatics domains in a patient-centered workflow is inconsistent. A heterogeneous MTB environment emerged. A total of 33.6% of the responding professionals did not have access to MTBs while 76% of those who have did not refer cases.

Conclusions

NGS technologies and MTBs are not homogeneously implemented in Italy. This fact potentially jeopardizes equal access chances to innovative therapies for patients. This survey was carried out as part of an organizational research project, pursuing a bottom–up approach to identify the needs and possible solutions to optimize the process. These results could be a starting point for clinicians, scientific societies, and health care institutions to outline the best practices and offer shared recommendations for precision oncology implementation in current clinical practice.
Oncologist Participation and Performance in the Merit-Based Incentive Payment System
Authors: Patel Vishal R , Cwalina Thomas B , Gupta Arjun , Nortjé Nico , Mullangi Samyukta , Parikh Ravi B , Shih Ya-Chen Tina , Hussaini S M Qasim
Published: February 2023

The merit-based incentive payment system (MIPS) is a value-based payment model created by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) to promote high-value care through performance-based adjustments of Medicare reimbursements. In this cross-sectional study, we examined the participation and performance of oncologists in the 2019 MIPS. Oncologist participation was low (86%) compared to all-specialty participation (97%). After adjusting for practice characteristics, higher MIPS scores were observed among oncologists with alternative payment models (APMs) as their filing source (mean score, 91 for APMs vs. 77.6 for individuals; difference, 13.41 [95% CI, 12.21, 14.6]), indicating the importance of greater organizational resources for participants. Lower scores were associated with greater patient complexity (mean score, 83.4 for highest quintile vs. 84.9 for lowest quintile, difference, −1.43 [95% CI, −2.48, −0.37]), suggesting the need for better risk-adjustment by CMS. Our findings may guide future efforts to improve oncologist engagement in MIPS.
Does the predatory rotiferAsplanchnainduce a behavioral response in the prey rotiferBrachionus calyciflorus?
Authors: Gilbert John J
Published: February 2023

The planktonic rotifer Brachionus calyciflorus was reported to have a behavioral response to the predatory rotifer Asplanchna, where individuals move up to a surface-film refuge. Here, I re-examine this response and also test the hypothesis that Asplanchna affects the propensity of B. calyciflorus to attach to glass surfaces. In eight experiments where B. calyciflorus was exposed to a strong Asplanchna stimulus for periods varying from 3 to 65 h, adults and juveniles showed no increase in propensity to settle at the surface film or to attach to glass surfaces. In treatments with and without Asplanchna, percentages of Brachionus free-swimming, attached to glass or settled at the surface film were 81–100%, 0–18% and 0–3%, respectively. Three types of defensive responses in planktonic rotifers are reviewed: (1) transgenerational, spine-development responses to the Asplanchna kairomone in many brachionids; (2) slow-onset (4–48 h) increases in attachment propensity due to Asplanchna, or just its kairomone, in the facultatively epizoic Brachionus rubens and Brachionus variabilis and in an attachment-prone clone of Brachionus dorcas (B. calyciflorus species complex) and (3) brief escape movements caused by disturbance immediately after contact or near-contact with various predators (Asplanchna, Daphnia, copepods) in Filinia, Keratella, Hexarthra and Polyarthra.
Stochastic Interest Rates, Heterogeneous Valuations, and the Volatility-Volume Relation with Search Frictions
Authors: Liu Sheen , Wang Junbo , Wu Chunchi
Published: February 2023

We propose a dynamic equilibrium model with stochastic interest rates in which agents hold heterogeneous valuations for the same asset and take on positions against each other. The model shows that interest rate uncertainty and investor heterogeneity are key determinants of price dispersion. Higher search intensity reduces price dispersion, while raising volume, leading to a negative volatility-volume relation. The sensitivity of volatility to volume is high when liquidity is low, interest rate variations are high and investors’ valuations are more heterogeneous. Evidence supports our model’s predictions and shows that search frictions play an important role in driving the volatility-volume relation. (JEL G12, G13)

Authors have furnished an Internet Appendix, which is available on the Oxford University Press Web site next to the link to the final published paper online.
Parental Death Across the Life Course, Social Isolation, and Health in Later Life: Racial/Ethnic Disadvantage in the U.S.
Authors: Donnelly Rachel , Lin Zhiyong , Umberson Debra
Published: February 2023

Bereavement is a risk factor for poor health, yet prior research has not considered how exposure to parental death across the life course may contribute to lasting social isolation and, in turn, poor health among older adults. Moreover, prior research often fails to consider the racial context of bereavement in the United States wherein Black and Hispanic Americans are much more likely than White Americans to experience parental death earlier in life. The present study uses longitudinal data from the Health and Retirement Study (HRS; 1998–2016) to consider linkages of parental death, social isolation, and health (self-rated health, functional limitations) for Black, Hispanic, and White older adults. Findings suggest that exposure to parental death is associated with higher levels of isolation, greater odds of fair/poor self-rated health, and greater odds of functional limitations in later life. Moreover, social isolation partially explains associations between parental bereavement and later-life health. These patterns persist net of psychological distress—an additional psychosocial response to bereavement. Racial inequities in bereavement are central to disadvantage: Black and Hispanic adults are more likely to experience a parent’s death earlier in the life course, and this differential exposure to parental death in childhood or young adulthood has implications for racial and ethnic inequities in social isolation and health throughout life.
Epidemiologic patterns of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis detection and treatment in new york state
Authors: Achonu Justice U , Oh Ki , Shaw Joshua , Rashidian Sina , Wang Fusheng , Komatsu David E , Barsi James
Published: February 2023

The purpose of this study is to examine the epidemiologic trends of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) detection and treatment in New York State (NYS), including disparities in access. The New York Statewide Planning and Research Cooperative System database was reviewed to identify patients who underwent treatment for, or were diagnosed with, AIS from 2008 to 2016. Age determined adolescence; and the surgery date, 3-digit zip code, sex, race, insurance status, institution and surgeon license number were recorded to identify such trends. The geographical distribution was assembled from an NYS shapefile, obtained from the Topologically Integrated Geographic Encoding and Referencing database with analysis performed using tigris R. In total 54 002 patients with AIS, 3967 of whom were surgically treated, were identified for analysis. Diagnoses spiked in 2010. Females were diagnosed and underwent surgical treatment more frequently than males. AIS was diagnosed and treated in white patients more frequently than in black and Asian patients combined. From 2010 to 2013, the patients self-paying for surgical treatment decreased more than other payment modalities. Medium-volume surgeons continually increased the number of cases performed, whereas low-volume surgeons exhibited the opposite pattern. High-volume hospitals had a decrease in the number of cases from 2012 and were overtaken by medium-volume hospitals in 2015. Most procedures are performed within the New York City (NYC) area, though AIS was common in all NYS counties. AIS diagnoses increased after 2010, with fewer patients self-paying for surgery. White patients underwent more procedures than minority patients. Surgical cases were disproportionally performed in the NYC area compared to statewide.
A novel combination of isovanillin, curcumin, and harmine (GZ17-6.02) enhances cell death and alters signaling in actinic keratoses cells when compared to individual components and two-component combinations
Authors: Bordeaux Zachary A. , Kwatra Shawn G. , Booth Laurence , Dent Paul
Published: February 2023

Actinic keratosis is a pre-malignant skin disease caused by excessive exposure to ultraviolet light. The present studies further defined the biology of a novel combination of isovanillin, curcumin, and harmine in actinic keratosis cells in vitro. An oral formulation (GZ17-6.02) and topical preparation (GZ21T) comprised of the same fixed, stoichiometric ratio have been developed. Together, the three active ingredients killed actinic keratosis cells more effectively than any of its component parts as either individual agents or when combined in pairs. The three active ingredients caused greater levels of DNA damage than any of its component parts as either individual agents or when combined in pairs. As a single agent, compared to isolated components, GZ17-6.02/GZ21T caused significantly greater activation of PKR-like endoplasmic reticulum kinase, the AMP-dependent protein kinase, and ULK1 and significantly reduced the activities of mTORC1, AKT, and YAP. Knockdown of the autophagy-regulatory proteins ULK1, Beclin1, or ATG5 significantly reduced the lethality of GZ17-6.02/GZ21T alone. Expression of an activated mammalian target of rapamycin mutant suppressed autophagosome formation and autophagic flux and reduced tumor cell killing. Blockade of both autophagy and death receptor signaling abolished drug-induced actinic keratosis cell death. Our data demonstrate that the unique combination of isovanillin, curcumin, and harmine represents a novel therapeutic with the potential to treat actinic keratosis in a manner different from the individual components or pairs of the components.
LncRNA LINC01871 sponging miR-142-3p to modulate ZYG11B promotes the chemoresistance of colorectal cancer cells by inducing autophagy
Authors: Duan Bensong , Zhang Haibin , Zhu Zhen , Yan Xiaohan , Ji Zhonghua , Li Jingze
Published: February 2023

Background

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a malignant tumor in the digestive tract. Increasing evidence indicated that chemoresistance leads to a poor prognosis of CRC. Herein, we aimed to uncover the potential mechanism by which long intergenic noncoding RNA-1871 (LINC01871) affects the chemoresistance of CRC cells.

Methods

Relative level of LINC01871 in CRC tissues was assessed by reverse transcription quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR). Kaplan–Meier analysis was conducted to determine the relevance of LINC01871 and the prognosis of CRC patients. Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) and colony formation assay were used to evaluate the proliferation of SW480 cells. Expression levels of proteins and their genes were assessed by western blot, immunofluorescence staining and RT-qPCR. In addition, the interaction of LINC01871, miR-142-3p and protein zyg-11 homolog B (ZYG11B) were analyzed via dual-luciferase reporter assays.

Results

LINC01871 was low-expressed in CRC tissues and cell lines. Patients with a low level of LINC01871 showed significantly lower survival rate. pcDNA-LINC01871 significantly reduced the viability of SW480 cells (P < 0.01), elevated SW480 cells sensitivity to 5-FU (P < 0.01), reduced LC3 punctate aggregates (P < 0.01) and downregulated the relative mRNA expression level of autophagy related protein 9A, autophagy related protein 4B and high mobility group box 1 (P < 0.01) in SW480 cells. Moreover, LINC01871 was found to sponge miR-142-3p, and ZYG11B was the target of miR-142-3p. MiR-142-3p mimic significantly recovered the effect of pcDNA-LINC001871, whereas pcDNA-ZYG11B reversed the recovery effect of the miR-142-3p mimic.

Conclusion

LINC01871/miR-142-3p/ ZYG11B axis regulates the chemoresistance of CRCs by inducing autophagy.
Uveitis, a rare but important complication of adjuvant zoledronic acid for early-stage breast cancer
Authors: Chacko Geena , Kota Srigowri , Kumar Shicha , Ohri Nisha , Omene Coral , Ganesan Shridar , Toppmeyer Deborah L. , George Mridula A.
Published: February 2023

Bisphosphonates such as zoledronic acid are an important part of adjuvant therapy to reduce the risk of recurrence in early-stage breast cancer. Uveitis remains one of the lesser-known side effects of zoledronic acid; prompt recognition is essential to ensure patients receive appropriate and timely care to help prevent permanent vision loss. We report a case of anterior uveitis in a postmenopausal woman who presented with visual symptoms after receiving the first dose of zoledronic acid. This case report serves to educate and increase awareness of the risk of uveitis in patients who are given zoledronic acid. This is the first and only reported case of zoledronic acid when used in the adjuvant setting for the treatment of breast cancer.
Effects of bisphenol A and bisphenol analogs on the nervous system
Authors: Li ChunXia , Sang Chen , Zhang Shuo , Zhang Sai , Gao Hui
Published: February 2023

Estrogen impacts neural development; meanwhile, it has a protective effect on the brain. Bisphenols, primarily bisphenol A (BPA), can exert estrogen-like or estrogen-interfering effects by binding with estrogen receptors. Extensive studies have suggested that neurobehavioral problems, such as anxiety and depression, can be caused by exposure to BPA during neural development. Increasing attention has been paid to the effects on learning and memory of BPA exposure at different developmental stages and in adulthood. Further research is required to elucidate whether BPA increases the risk of neurodegenerative diseases and the underlying mechanisms, as well as to assess whether BPA analogs, such as bisphenol S and bisphenol F, influence the nervous system.
Accuracy and capability of tri-ponderal mass index in assessing cardio-metabolic risk factors in Chinese children and adolescents aged 3 to 17 years, compared with body mass index
Authors: Chen Rui , Ji Lang , Ma Lijuan , Chen Yitong , Duan Jiali , Ma Mingjing , Sun Ying , Tai Jun , Meng Linghui
Published: February 2023

Background:

Tri-ponderal mass index (TMI) has been reported to be a more accurate estimate of body fat than body mass index (BMI). This study aims to compare the effectiveness of TMI and BMI in identifying hypertension, dyslipidemia, impaired fasting glucose (IFG), abdominal obesity, and clustered cardio-metabolic risk factors (CMRFs) in 3- to 17-year-old children.

Methods:

A total of 1587 children aged 3 to 17 years were included. Logistic regression was used to evaluate correlations between BMI and TMI. Area under the curves (AUCs) were used to compare discriminative capability among indicators. BMI was converted to BMI-z scores, and accuracy was compared by false-positive rate, false-negative rate, and total misclassification rate.

Results:

Among children aged 3 to 17 years, the mean TMI was 13.57 ± 2.50 (kg/m3) for boys and 13.3 ± 2.33 (kg/m3) for girls. Odds ratios (ORs) of TMI for hypertension, dyslipidemia, abdominal obesity, and clustered CMRFs ranged from 1.13 to 3.15, higher than BMI, whose ORs ranged from 1.08 to 2.98. AUCs showed similar ability of TMI (AUC:0.83) and BMI (AUC:0.85) in identifying clustered CMRFs. For abdominal obesity and hypertension, the AUC of TMI was 0.92 and 0.64, respectively, which was significantly better than that of BMI, 0.85 and 0.61. AUCs of TMI for dyslipidemia and IFG were 0.58 and 0.49. When 85th and 95th of TMI were set as thresholds, total misclassification rates of TMI for clustered CMRFs ranged from 6.5% to 16.4%, which was not significantly different from that of BMI-z scores standardized according to World Health Organization criteria.

Conclusions:

TMI was found to have equal or even better effectiveness in comparison with BMI in identifying hypertension, abdominal obesity, and clustered CMRFs TMI was more stable than BMI in 3- to 17-year-old children, while it failed to identify dyslipidemia and IFG. It is worth considering the use of TMI for screening CMRFs in children and adolescents.