bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
New Targeted Drugs for Acute Myeloid Leukemia and Antifungals: Pharmacokinetic Challenges and Opportunities
Authors: Salvatorelli Emanuela , Minotti Giorgio , Menna Pierantonio
Published: March 2023

Background: Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a life-threatening disease whose treatment is made difficult by a number of mutations or receptor overexpression in the proliferating cellular clones. Life expectancy of patients diagnosed with new, relapsed-refractory, or secondary AML has been improved by drugs targeted at such moieties. Regrettably, however, clinical use of new AML drugs is complicated by pharmacokinetic interactions with other drugs the patient is exposed to. Summary: The most relevant drug-drug interactions (DDI) with clinical implications build on competition for or induction/inhibition of CYP3A4, which is a versatile metabolizer of a plethora of pharmacological agents. Here, we review DDI between AML drugs and the agents used to prevent or treat invasive fungal infections (IFI). The pathophysiology of AML, characterized by functionally defective white blood cells and neutropenic/immunosuppressive effects of concomitant induction chemotherapy, can in fact increase the risk of infectious complications, with IFI causing high rates of morbidity and mortality. Triazole antifungals, such as posaconazole, are strong inhibitors of CYP3A4 and may thus cause patient’s overexposure to AML drugs that are metabolized by CYP3A4. We describe potential strategies to minimize the consequences of DDI between triazole antifungals and targeted therapies for AML and the role that collaboration between clinical pharmacologists, hematologists, and clinical or laboratory microbiologists may have in these settings. Key Messages: Therapeutic drug monitoring and clinical pharmacology stewardship could represent two strategies that best express multidisciplinary collaboration for improving patient management.
Blockchain and Bank Lending Behavior: A Theoretical Analysis
Authors: Wang Rui
Published: March 2023

The application of blockchain technology in the financial industry has become the focus of global attention; thus, the traditional credit business of commercial banks faces unprecedented opportunities and challenges. Based on the theoretical analysis, this study systematically examines the dynamic impact of blockchain on the lending behavior of commercial banks. The results indicate that, in the case of interest rate marketization, the blockchain expands bank credit through the mechanism of “reducing management costs”; in the case that interest rates have not yet been marketized, the blockchain can also increase bank lending through the channel of “correcting the price of funds” by narrowing the difference between the market equilibrium and the bank deposit interest rate. The results are of great significance for a deeper understanding of the impact and mechanism of blockchain on bank credit.

JEL codes: G21; O31; O33
Discrimination and Mental Health Outcomes Among Underrepresented College Students: The Role of Sense of Belonging at Predominantly White Institutions
Authors: Freire David S. , Hurd Noelle M.
Published: March 2023

In this study, we explored the potential for an individual’s sense of belonging to serve as an indirect pathway that could explain the noxious effects of discrimination on mental health outcomes among underrepresented college students at a predominantly White institution (PWI). Students ( N = 308; 68% female) were eligible to participate if they identified as a historically underrepresented racial or ethnic minority, economically disadvantaged, and/or if they identified as a first-generation college student. Data were collected over three time points during students’ first three academic years. Bootstrapped confidence intervals of the standardized indirect effect indicated that discrimination at time one indirectly predicted higher levels of depressive symptoms and experienced stress at time three via a lowered sense of belonging at time two. These results suggest that underrepresented students’ sense of belonging at a PWI may explain some of the relationship between students’ experiences of discrimination and negative mental health outcomes.
Critical review on quality of methodology and recommendations of clinical practice guidelines for peri-implantitis
Authors: Yin Qiaofeng , Liang Jingyi , Zhang Yuhang , Chen Canxiong , Yu Weiming , Wang Xiaoyi , Ji Jianxin
Published: March 2023

Background

Peri-implantitis is of high prevalence with the popularity of dental implants nowadays. Guidelines or consensus have been developed in succession, and we are little-known about their quality. The objective of this study is to evaluate the methodological quality of these guidelines and analyze the consistency of the clinical recommendations.

Methods

We searched for guidelines or consensus on prevention, diagnosis, and/or treatment of peri-implantitis through PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Library until January 15th, 2022. In addition, we also searched the websites of the American Dental Association, International Team for Implantology, FDI World Dental Federation, and some guideline collection databases. Appraisal of Guidelines for Research & Evaluation II methodological quality instrument was used to assess the selected guidelines. Furthermore, we described the consistency of recommendations across the included guidelines.

Results

In total, 15 guidelines were included. The mean values of the six domains score all below 50%. The mean scores of Applicability were lowest (mean:15%, range:4–29%). As to the overall quality, eleven (73%) were recommended after being modified, and four (27%) were not recommended. Among the clinical recommendations, 53 (67.09%) are for treatment of peri-implantitis, 13 (16.46%) for monitoring issue, 7 (8.86%) for diagnosis, 3 (3.80%) for the disease prevention.

Conclusions

Improving methodology quality and strengthening clinical evidence is essential in the future guideline development in a range of disciplines for improving the treatment effectiveness of people with peri-implantitis. And there is a lack of integrated guidelines in the case of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Family caregivers as essential partners in care: examining the impacts of restrictive acute care visiting policies during the COVID-19 pandemic in Canada
Authors: Montesanti Stephanie , MacKean Gail , Fitzpatrick Kayla M. , Fancott Carol
Published: March 2023

Introduction

During the pandemic many Canadian hospitals made significant changes to their ‘open family presence’ and ‘visitor policies’ to reduce the spread of COVID-19 by instituting restrictive or ‘zero visiting’ policies in healthcare facilities. These policies have the potential to create great hardship, anxiety and stress for patients, families, caregivers and frontline healthcare providers (HCPs); along with concerns about the quality and safety of patient care. The presence of family members and other caregivers as essential partners in care is an explicit expression of the philosophy of patient- and family-centred care (PFCC) in action. The purpose of this study is to increase our understanding of how changes to family presence and visiting policies and practices during the COVID-19 pandemic have impacted patients, family caregivers and frontline healthcare providers (HCPs) in acute care hospitals.

Methods

A total of 38 in-depth semi-structured interviews were conducted with patients, family caregivers and HCPs in Canadian provinces who had experience with visiting policies in acute care settings during the pandemic. COVID patients, and the caregivers of COVID patients, were excluded from this study. A maximum variation sampling strategy was used to guide the selection and recruitment of patients, family caregivers and HCPs, based on our interest in gaining a diversity of perspectives and experiences.

Results

Many patients, family caregivers, and HCPs view family caregiver presence as integral to PFCC, describing the essential roles played by family caregivers prior to the pandemic. There were commonalities across all three groups with respect to their perspectives on the impacts of restrictive visiting policies on patients, family caregivers and HCPs. They fell into four broad integrated categories: (1) emotional and mental health; (2) communication and advocacy; (3) safety and quality of care; and (4) PFCC, trust in the healthcare system, and future decisions regarding accessing needed healthcare. Recommendations for pandemic visiting policies were also identified.

Conclusions

The findings from this study highlighted several impacts of restrictive family caregiver presence or visiting policies implemented during COVID-19 on patients, family caregivers and HCPs in acute healthcare settings across Canada. Participants emphasized that there is no “one-size-fits-all” caregiver presence policy that will address all patient needs. To be consistent with the practice of PFCC, patients and family caregivers are welcomed as part of the healthcare team in ways that work for them, demonstrating that flexibility in family presence and visiting policies is essential.
High fat diet and PCSK9 knockout modulates lipid profile of the liver and changes the expression of lipid homeostasis related genes
Authors: Németh Krisztina , Tóth Blanka , Sarnyai Farkas , Koncz Anna , Lenzinger Dorina , Kereszturi Éva , Visnovitz Tamás , Kestecher Brachyahu Meir , Osteikoetxea Xabier , Csala Miklós , Buzás Edit I. , Tamási Viola
Published: March 2023

Background

High fat diet (HFD) increases the likelihood of dyslipidemia, which can be a serious risk factor for atherosclerosis, diabetes or hepatosteatosis. Although changes in different blood lipid levels were broadly investigated, such alterations in the liver tissue have not been studied before. The aim of the current study was to investigate the effect of HFD on hepatic triglyceride (TG), diglyceride (DG) and ceramide (CER) levels and on the expression of four key genes involved in lipid homeostasis (Pcsk9, Ldlr, Cd36 and Anxa2) in the liver. In addition, the potential role of PCSK9 in the observed changes was further investigated by using PCSK9 deficient mice.

Methods

We used two in vivo models: mice kept on HFD for 20 weeks and PCSK9−/− mice. The amount of the major TGs, DGs and CERs was measured by using HPLC–MS/MS analysis. The expression profiles of four lipid related genes, namely Pcsk9, Ldlr, Cd36 and Anxa2 were assessed. Co-localization studies were performed by confocal microscopy.

Results

In HFD mice, hepatic PCSK9 expression was decreased and ANXA2 expression was increased both on mRNA and protein levels, and the amount of LDLR and CD36 receptor proteins was increased. While LDLR protein level was also elevated in the livers of PCSK9−/− mice, there was no significant change in the expression of ANXA2 and CD36 in these animals. HFD induced a significant elevation in the hepatic levels of all measured TG and DG but not of CER types, and increased the proportion of monounsaturated vs. saturated TGs and DGs. Similar changes were detected in the hepatic lipid profiles of HFD and PCSK9−/− mice. Co-localization of PCSK9 with LDLR, CD36 and ANXA2 was verified in HepG2 cells.

Conclusions

Our results show that obesogenic HFD downregulates PCSK9 expression in the liver and causes alterations in the hepatic lipid accumulation, which resemble those observed in PCSK9 deficiency. These findings suggest that PCSK9-mediated modulation of LDLR and CD36 expression might contribute to the HFD-induced changes in lipid homeostasis.
Psoralidin inhibits osteosarcoma growth and metastasis by downregulating ITGB1 expression via the FAK and PI3K/Akt signaling pathways
Authors: Cheng Shengwen , Liu Senrui , Chen Bowen , Du Chengcheng , Xiao Pengcheng , Luo Xuefeng , Wei Li , Lei Yiting , Zhao Chen , Huang Wei
Published: March 2023

Background

Psoralea corylifolia is a medicinal leguminous plant that has long been used to treat various diseases. Psoralidin (PSO) is the main extract compound of P. corylifolia and exhibits antibacterial, antitumor, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and other pharmacological activities. PSO has demonstrated inhibitory effects in several cancers; however, its inhibitory effect on osteosarcoma has not been reported. This study aimed to evaluate the inhibitory effect of PSO on osteosarcoma and elucidate the underlying molecular mechanisms.

Methods

Crystal violet, cell counting kit-8 (CCK8), and 5-Ethynyl-2′-deoxyuridine (EdU) staining assays were used to assess the inhibitory effect of PSO on the proliferation of 143B and MG63 osteosarcoma cells. Wound healing and Transwell assays were conducted to evaluate the effects of PSO on osteosarcoma cell migration and invasion. The cell cycle and apoptosis were analyzed using flow cytometry. To determine the possible molecular mechanisms, RNA-sequencing was performed and protein expression was analyzed by western blotting. The inhibitory effect of PSO on osteosarcoma in vivo was analyzed using a mouse model of orthotopic osteosarcoma and immunohistochemistry.

Results

PSO inhibited osteosarcoma cell proliferation in a concentration-dependent manner, inhibited cell migration and invasion, and induced cell-cycle arrest and apoptosis. Mechanistically, PSO treatment significantly inhibited the focal adhesion kinase (FAK) and phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/Akt signaling pathways by downregulating ITGB1 expression in both MG63 and 143B cells. Furthermore, we demonstrated that PSO restrained osteosarcoma growth in vivo.

Conclusion

PSO may suppress osteosarcoma via the FAK and PI3K/Akt signaling pathways by downregulating ITGB1 expression.
Clinical decision support to Optimize Care of patients with Atrial Fibrillation or flutter in the Emergency department: protocol of a stepped-wedge cluster randomized pragmatic trial (O’CAFÉ trial)
Authors: Vinson David R. , Rauchwerger Adina S. , Karadi Chandu A. , Shan Judy , Warton E. Margaret , Zhang Jennifer Y. , Ballard Dustin W. , Mark Dustin G. , Hofmann Erik R. , Cotton Dale M. , Durant Edward J. , Lin James S. , Sax Dana R. , Poth Luke S. , Gamboa Stephen H. , Ghiya Meena S. , Kene Mamata V. , Ganapathy Anuradha , Whiteley Patrick M. , Bouvet Sean C. , Babakhanian Leon , Kwok Edward W. , Solomon Matthew D. , Go Alan S. , Reed Mary E. ,   on behalf of the Kaiser Permanente CREST Network
Published: March 2023

Background

Management of adults with atrial fibrillation (AF) or atrial flutter in the emergency department (ED) includes rate reduction, cardioversion, and stroke prevention. Different approaches to these components of care may lead to variation in frequency of hospitalization and stroke prevention actions, with significant implications for patient experience, cost of care, and risk of complications. Standardization using evidence-based recommendations could reduce variation in management, preventable hospitalizations, and stroke risk.

Methods

We describe the rationale for our ED-based AF treatment recommendations. We also describe the development of an electronic clinical decision support system (CDSS) to deliver these recommendations to emergency physicians at the point of care. We implemented the CDSS at three pilot sites to assess feasibility and solicit user feedback. We will evaluate the impact of the CDSS on hospitalization and stroke prevention actions using a stepped-wedge cluster randomized pragmatic clinical trial across 13 community EDs in Northern California.

Discussion

We hypothesize that the CDSS intervention will reduce hospitalization of adults with isolated AF or atrial flutter presenting to the ED and increase anticoagulation prescription in eligible patients at the time of ED discharge and within 30 days. If our hypotheses are confirmed, the treatment protocol and CDSS could be recommended to other EDs to improve management of adults with AF or atrial flutter.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT05009225.  Registered on 17 August 2021.
BISCIT: Biliary interventions in critically ill patients with secondary sclerosing cholangitis—a study protocol for a multicenter, randomized, controlled parallel group trial
Authors: Stahl Klaus , Klein Friederike , Voigtländer Torsten , Großhennig Anika , Book Thorsten , Müller Tobias , Wree Alexander , Kuellmer Armin , Weigt Jochen , Dechene Alexander , Wedi Edris , Kandulski Arne , Lange Christian M. , Holzwart Dennis , von Witzendorff Dorothee , Ringe Kristina I. , Wedemeyer Heiner , Heidrich Benjamin ,   for the BISCIT Study group, Schirmer Paul , Lenzen Henrike , Denkena Ute , Schindler Christoph , Lange Christian M.
Published: March 2023

Background

Progress of cholangitis to cholangiosepsis is a frequent observation in patients with secondary sclerosing cholangitis in critically ill patients (SSC–CIP). Adequate biliary drainage may reduce episodes of cholangiosepsis and therefore stabilize liver function and improve survival. The primary objective of the BISCIT study is to demonstrate that scheduled biliary interventions will reduce incidence of cholangiosepsis, liver transplantation, or death in patients with SSC–CIP.

Methods

A total of 104 patients will be randomized at ten study sites. Patients with SSC–CIP, confirmed by endoscopic retrograde cholangiography (ERC), will be randomized 1:1 either in the intervention group which will be treated with scheduled biliary interventions (i.e., therapeutic ERC) every 8 weeks for 6 months or in the control group which will receive standard of care. The randomization will be stratified by center. The composite primary efficacy endpoint is defined as (1) occurrence of death, (2) necessity of liver transplantation, or (3) occurrence of cholangiosepsis within 6 months following randomization.

Discussion

Prospective evaluation of endoscopic treatment procedures is urgently needed to establish an evidence-based therapeutic treatment algorithm in SSC–CIP. A positive trial result could change the current standard of care for patients with SSC–CIP. The results of this study will be disseminated through presentations at international congresses, workshops, and peer-reviewed publications.

Trial registration

The trial was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT05396755, date of registration: May 31, 2022, last update: May 31, 2022).
Role of the RNA-binding protein ZC3H41 in the regulation of ribosomal protein messenger RNAs in trypanosomes
Authors: Ceballos-Pérez Gloria , Rico-Jiménez Miriam , Gómez-Liñán Claudia , Estévez Antonio M.
Published: March 2023

Background

Trypanosomes are single-celled eukaryotes that rely heavily on post-transcriptional mechanisms to regulate gene expression. RNA-binding proteins play essential roles in regulating the fate, abundance and translation of messenger RNAs (mRNAs). Among these, zinc finger proteins of the cysteine3histidine (CCCH) class have been shown to be key players in cellular processes as diverse as differentiation, regulation of the cell cycle and translation. ZC3H41 is an essential zinc finger protein that has been described as a component of spliced leader RNA granules and nutritional stress granules, but its role in RNA metabolism is unknown.

Methods

Cell cycle analysis in ZC3H41- and Z41AP-depleted cells was carried out using 4′,6-diamidino-2-phenylindole staining, microscopic examination and flow cytometry. The identification of ZC3H41 protein partners was done using tandem affinity purification and mass spectrometry. Next-generation sequencing was used to evaluate the effect of ZC3H41 depletion on the transcriptome of procyclic Trypanosoma brucei cells, and also to identify the cohort of mRNAs associated with the ZC3H41/Z41AP complex. Levels of 5S ribosomal RNA (rRNA) species in ZC3H41- and Z41AP-depleted cells were assessed by quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction. Surface sensing of translation assays were used to monitor global translation.

Results

We showed that depletion of the zinc finger protein ZC3H41 resulted in marked cell cycle defects and abnormal cell morphologies. ZC3H41 was found associated with an essential protein, which we named Z41AP, forming a stable heterodimer, and also with proteins of the poly(A)-binding protein 1 complex. The identification of mRNAs associated with the ZC3H41/Z41AP complex revealed that it is primarily composed of ribosomal protein mRNAs, and that binding to target transcripts is diminished upon nutritional stress. In addition, we observed that mRNAs encoding several proteins involved in the maturation of 5S rRNA are also associated with the ZC3H41/Z41AP complex. Finally, we showed that depletion of either ZC3H41 or Z41AP led to the accumulation of 5S rRNA precursors and a decrease of protein translation.

Conclusions

We propose that ZC3H41 and Z41AP play important roles in controlling the fate of ribosomal components in response to environmental cues.

Graphical Abstract
Distinct cervical tissue-adherent and luminal microbiome communities correlate with mucosal host gene expression and protein levels in Kenyan sex workers
Authors: Edfeldt Gabriella , Kaldhusdal Vilde , Czarnewski Paulo , Bradley Frideborg , Bergström Sofia , Lajoie Julie , Xu Jiawu , Månberg Anna , Kimani Joshua , Oyugi Julius , Nilsson Peter , Tjernlund Annelie , Fowke Keith R. , Kwon Douglas S. , Broliden Kristina
Published: March 2023

Background

The majority of studies characterizing female genital tract microbiota have focused on luminal organisms, while the presence and impact of tissue-adherent ectocervical microbiota remain incompletely understood. Studies of luminal and tissue-associated bacteria in the gastrointestinal tract suggest that these communities may have distinct roles in health and disease. Here, we performed a multi-omics characterization of paired luminal and tissue samples collected from a cohort of Kenyan female sex workers.

Results

We identified a tissue-adherent bacterial microbiome, with a higher alpha diversity than the luminal microbiome, in which dominant genera overall included Gardnerella and Lactobacillus, followed by Prevotella, Atopobium, and Sneathia. About half of the L. iners-dominated luminal samples had a corresponding Gardnerella-dominated tissue microbiome. Broadly, the tissue-adherent microbiome was associated with fewer differentially expressed host genes than the luminal microbiome. Gene set enrichment analysis revealed that L. crispatus-dominated tissue-adherent communities were associated with protein translation and antimicrobial activity, whereas a highly diverse microbial community was associated with epithelial remodeling and pro-inflammatory pathways. Tissue-adherent communities dominated by L. iners and Gardnerella were associated with lower host transcriptional activity. Tissue-adherent microbiomes dominated by Lactobacillus and Gardnerella correlated with host protein profiles associated with epithelial barrier stability, although with a more pro-inflammatory profile for the Gardnerella-dominated microbiome group. Tissue samples with a highly diverse composition had a protein profile representing cell proliferation and pro-inflammatory activity.

Conclusion

We identified ectocervical tissue-adherent bacterial communities in all study participants of a female sex worker cohort. These communities were distinct from cervicovaginal luminal microbiota in a significant proportion of individuals. We further revealed that bacterial communities at both sites correlated with distinct host gene expression and protein levels. The tissue-adherent bacterial community could possibly act as a reservoir that seed the lumen with less optimal, non-Lactobacillus, bacteria.
Predictive Factors for Cancer Treatment Delay in a Racially Diverse and Socioeconomically Disadvantaged Urban Population
Authors: Sheni Risha , Qin Jiyue , Viswanathan Shankar , Castellucci Enrico , Kalnicki Shalom , Mehta Vikas
Published: March 2023

PURPOSE:

Incremental delays in time to treatment initiation (TTI) have been shown to cause a proportional, increased independent risk of disease-specific mortality for breast cancer, colorectal cancer (CRC), head and neck cancer (HNC), non–small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC), and pancreatic cancer. Studies suggest that delays are associated with racial and socioeconomic disparities. We evaluated associations between patient factors and TTI to identify those associated with delay.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

This is a retrospective cohort study at an urban community-based academic center of patients diagnosed with or referred for curative-intent treatment of breast cancer, CRC, HNC, NSCLC, and pancreatic cancer from January 2019 to December 2021. Variables of interest included Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI) score, insurance type, language preference, and inpatient admission 30 days before diagnosis. Factors associated with TTI delay, defined as TTI ≥ 30 days, were assessed using multivariable logistic regression.

RESULTS:

Among 2,543 patients (69% female), the mean age was 63.4 years and the median TTI was 25 days (IQR, 6-44). Within multivariable models, patients treated as outpatient and not admitted 30 days before diagnosis experienced statistically significant greater delay for CRC (odds ratio [OR], 2.82; 95% CI, 1.71 to 4.66) and NSCLC (OR, 2.11; 95% CI, 1.31 to 3.39). Higher CCI score was associated with delay for HNC (OR, 2.63; 95% CI, 1.04 to 6.66) and NSCLC (OR, 1.75; 95% CI, 1.14 to 2.71). For breast cancer, uninsured and Spanish-speaking patients (OR, 1.79; 95% CI, 1.21 to 2.67) experienced increased TTI.

CONCLUSION:

Care coordination/compliance (eg, inpatient 30 days before diagnosis), clinical (eg, medical comorbidities), and socioeconomic (eg, uninsured status) predictors for delayed TTI were identified and may inform delay minimizing interventions. Our data support evidence that TTI delays are associated with demographic and socioeconomic disparities. Existing disparities are likely exacerbated by delays that disproportionately affect patients with care coordination/compliance issues, multiple comorbidities, and lower socioeconomic status.
Critical Pious Agency and Muslim Feminists’ Activism in the Age of Authoritarianism
Authors: Unal Abaday Didem
Published: March 2023

This article examines how the aggressive public discourse on feminist protest works at the current political moment in Turkey, when Muslim feminist subjects are at stake. It looks at the heated public debates on the 2019 Feminist Night Walk with a particular focus on the recent proliferation and concentration of the divergences and fault lines in the Muslim women’s movement. Drawing on the Foucauldian approach to the power-discourse-resistance nexus, it investigates different forms of gendered subjectivity in the reformist segments of the Muslim women’s movement that are produced in accordance with the changing contextual dynamics and explores whether these subjectivities are conventional/conformist or resistant. Along these lines, it provides a typology of two distinct modes of gendered Muslim subject formation at the intersection of Islam and feminism: hybrid subjectivities embracing the hegemonic terms of governmentality, and resistant Muslim feminist activists.
The Response of Consumer Spending to Changes in Gasoline Prices
Authors: Gelman Michael , Gorodnichenko Yuriy , Kariv Shachar , Koustas Dmitri , Shapiro Matthew D. , Silverman Dan , Tadelis Steven
Published: March 2023

This paper estimates how overall consumer spending responds to changes in gasoline prices. It uses the differential impact across consumers of the sharp drop in gasoline prices in 2014 for identification. This estimation strategy is implemented using comprehensive, high-frequency, transaction-level data for a large panel of individuals. The average estimated marginal propensity to consume (MPC) out of unanticipated, permanent shocks to income is approximately one. This estimate accounts for the elasticity of demand for gasoline and potential slow adjustment to changes in prices. The high MPC implies that changes in gasoline prices have large aggregate effects. (JEL D12, G51, L11, L71, L81, Q35)
Measuring Monetary Policy in the Euro Area Using SVARs with Residual Restrictions
Authors: Badinger Harald , Schiman Stefan
Published: March 2023

This study measures the effects of monetary policy in the euro area using a small number of sign and magnitude restrictions on the residuals of a structural vector autoregression. We derive the dates and directions of these shocks from high-frequency financial market data around official European Central Bank policy announcements. Based on an in-depth narrative analysis and a comparison of the results with those of a standard high-frequency approach, we argue that our approach is purged from central bank information effects. Despite our rather agnostic identification strategy, we find clear and conclusive effects of monetary policy shocks on a wide range of macroeconomic variables. (JEL C32, E43, E44, E52, E58, F33, G14)
Lung water estimation on cardiac magnetic resonance imaging for predicting adverse cardiovascular outcomes in patients with heart failure
Authors: Verma Mansi , Jagia Priya , Roy Ambuj , Chaturvedi Pradeep Kumar , Kumar Sanjeev , Seth Sandeep , Singh Vishwajeet , Ojha Vineeta , Pandey Niraj Nirmal
Published: March 2023

Objectives:

Pulmonary congestion is a central feature of heart failure (HF) seen in acute decompensated state as well as in chronic stable disease. The present study sought to determine whether simplified cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (CMR)-derived lung water density (LWD) measurement has prognostic relevance in predicting adverse cardiovascular outcomes in patients with HF and left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF)<50%.

Methods:

Eighty consecutive patients referred for CMR with HF and LVEF<50% along with 22 healthy age- and sex-matched controls were prospectively recruited. LWD was the lung-to-liver signal intensity ratio multiplied by 70% (estimated hepatic water density). The primary endpoint was composite of all-cause mortality or HF-related hospitalization within 6 months from CMR.

Results:

The mean LWD was significantly higher in HF patients compared to healthy controls (19.78 ± 6.1 vs 13.6 ± 2.3; p < 0.001). The mean LWD was significantly different among patients with NYHA class I/II and NYHA class III/IV (17.88 ± 4.8 vs 21.77 ± 1.08; p = 0.004). At 6 months, the primary endpoint was reached in 12 (15%) patients. Patients with “wet lungs” (LWD > 18.1%) had higher incidence of adverse cardiovascular outcomes compared to patients with “dry lungs”. LWD was an independent predictor of adverse cardiovascular outcomes in multivariable analysis. At the optimal cut-off of LWD > 23.38%, the sensitivity and specificity were 91.67 and 91.18%, respectively, to predict adverse cardiovascular outcomes.

Conclusion:

LWD on CMR is independently associated with increased risk of mortality and HF-related hospitalization in HF patients with LVEF<50%.

Advances in knowledge:

Non-invasive quantitative estimation of LWD on CMR can improve risk stratification and guide management in HF patients.
Measuring the Impact of ISO 9001 on Employee and Customer Related Company Performance
Authors: Milovanović Vesna , Paunović Mihailo , Casadesus Marti
Published: March 2023

Purpose: According to ISO 9000:2015 “the primary focus of quality management is to meet customer requirements and to strive to exceed customer expectations”, where “a customer can be internal or external to the organization”. Internal customers refer to a company’s employees, while external customers are the buyers of a company’s products and services. Previous research has scrutinised the impact of ISO 9001 on company performance, without clear focus on the performance related to internal and external customers.
Methodology/Approach: The purpose of this paper is to measure the impact of ISO 9001 on the performance to internal and external customers using a survey that has been responded by 141 companies in the Republic of Serbia.
Findings: The results show that quality management system (QMS) certification to ISO 9001 enhances employee- and customer-related company performance, while certification incentives are found to influence this relationship.
Research Limitation/Implication: The data are gathered in only one specific country, although there are no reasons to think that the results could depend of the specific analysed region.
Originality/Value of paper: The main value of the article is to be one of the first ones to analyse, in any way, the impact of QMS on internal and external customers.
Innovative Robot-Assisted Rehabilitation for Quality-of-Life Improvement: Experience from Cooperation Between Centres in Hungary and Slovakia
Authors: Takáč Peter , Sándor Krisztina , Kubincová Anna , Tkáč Michal , Fazekas Gábor
Published: March 2023

Purpose: This study aimed to analyse the experience of two participating workplaces in introducing innovative robotically assisted rehabilitation in clinical practice and influencing the quality of life of patients.
Methodology/Approach: Online questionnaires were distributed to the rehabilitation staff of the two workplaces, and the Functional Independence Measurement (FIM) and Barthel index were measured before the start of rehabilitation and after the completion of rehabilitation. Results showed that the robots were highly effective, easy to use, and significant in achieving the therapeutic goal. Rehabilitation specialists who already have experience in robotic rehabilitation perceive the expected impacts with a higher efficiency of 10% compared to those who do not have experience with robot-assisted therapy. In a selected group of patients, a significant positive effect on the functional status of patients and their quality of life was demonstrated.
Research Limitation/Implication: Robotically assisted rehabilitation has a positive effect on functional status and quality of life, motivating rehabilitation workers even when treating patients with severe disabilities.
Originality/Value of paper: Data collected are beneficial for health, educational, and social fields.
O papel da educação infantil e de variáveis ambientais no desenvolvimento da criança de zero a seis anos
Authors: Riboli Marasca Aline , Yustas Mallmann Manoela , Correa Floriano Mara Cristina , Bitencourt Frizzo Giana , Ruschel Bandeira Denise , Da Silva Mônia Aparecida , De Mendonça Filho Euclides José
Published: March 2023

O desenvolvimento infantil é um campo de estudo complexo e deve ser analisado de maneira integrada, considerando os contextos nos quais a criança está inserida. A frequência a instituições de educação infantil (IEI) é indicada pela literatura internacional como um facilitador dos domínios do desenvolvimento, contudo, não há consenso nos dados brasileiros já apresentados. Pontua-se que outras variáveis do ambiente doméstico, como dispor de brinquedos e materiais variados e o tempo de interação com a mãe, possam influenciar nessa relação. O objetivo do estudo é comparar crianças que frequentam ou não IEI em relação aos domínios do desenvolvimento, considerando grupo etário, tipo de escola e variáveis do ambiente doméstico. Participaram 1.843 mães de crianças de quatro a 72 meses, que responderam a um questionário sociodemográfico e ao Inventário Dimensional de Avaliação do Desenvolvimento Infantil. Os resultados apontaram que crianças que não frequentam IEI apresentaram melhores médias nos domínios Motricidade Ampla e Linguagem Receptiva em faixas etárias específicas. Dispor de brinquedos e materiais variados e o tempo que a mãe empregava para brincadeiras com a criança demonstraram um impacto positivo em diferentes domínios do desenvolvimento, no entanto, não houve interação com a frequência à IEI. Verificou-se que quanto mais horas a mãe dispõe para brincadeiras durante a semana, melhores são as médias alcançadas em diferentes domínios do desenvolvimento de crianças de IEI públicas e privadas. Discute-se o papel da educação infantil no desenvolvimento integral da criança, especialmente sobre a qualidade das IEI e a necessidade de práticas baseadas em evidências.
Experience of Social Discrimination in Leisure Activities of Persons with Mental Disabilities Compared with Persons with Physical Disabilities
Authors: Choi Hyoson , Lee Gyungjoo
Published: March 2023

Purpose: To compare experiences of social discrimination in leisure activities between persons with mental disabilities and those with physical disabilities.Methods: This study analyzed data of the National Survey of People with Disabilities in 2020. Data from 311 persons with mental disabilities and 2,488 persons with physical disabilities were subjected to frequency analysis, x2 test, and hierarchical logistic regression.Results: In model 1, the experience of social discrimination in leisure activities was higher for persons with mental disabilities than for persons with physical disabilities (OR: 1.46, 95% CI: 1.14~1.88). In model 2, the experience of social discrimination in leisure activities was higher for persons with mental disabilities than for persons with physical disabilities (OR: 1.31, 95% CI: 1.00~1.72). In model 3 and model 4, there was no significant difference in the experience of social discrimination in leisure activities between the two groups (OR: 1.22, 95% CI: 0.92~1.61 in model 3; OR: 1.25, 95% CI: 0.94~1.66 in model 4).Conclusion: It was found that average monthly household income, residence area, and community medical staff's understanding of disability had more impact on the experience of social discrimination in leisure activities of persons with mental disabilities.
Mediating Effect of Self-Esteem on Relationship between Cultural Adaptation Stress and Achievement Motivation in Adolescents from Multicultural Families
Authors: Park Jung Suk , Son Yu Jung
Published: March 2023

Purpose: To understand mediating effects of self-esteem on the relation between acculturative stress and achievement motivation of adolescents from multicultural families.Methods: As a secondary analysis research using data of the 16th (2016) Youth Health Behavior Survey, this study selected a total of 1,239 middle school students from multicultural families. Using SPSS/WIN 24.0 Program, collected data were analyzed through descriptive statistics, t-test, one-way ANOVA, Scheffé’s test, Pearson’s correlation coefficients, Stepwise multiple regression, and SPSS Process Macro.Results: Achievement motivation had a significantly negative correlation with acculturative stress (r=-19, p<.001) while it had a positive correlation with self-esteem (r=.56, p<.001). Acculturative stress had a negative correlation with self-esteem (r=-23, p<.001). Self-esteem partially mediated the relation between acculturative stress and achievement motivation (95% CI, -0.05~-0.03).Conclusion: Results of this study indirectly showed that the negative influence of acculturative stress on achievement motivation could be reduced through enhancement of self-esteem. Thus, to improve achievement motivation of adolescents from multicultural families, it would be necessary to develop and provide programs for enhancing self-esteem.
Smartphone Use Guidance Experiences of Parents of Elementary School Students
Authors: Lee Youngshin , Lee Sook , Choi Sook Young
Published: March 2023

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to understand smartphone use guidance experiences of parents elementary school students.Methods: Qualitative data were collected from 10 parents of elementary school students through individual in-depth interview from January 2022 to February 2022. Collected data were analyzed using the Colaizzi’s phenomenological method.Results: The following four categories were derived from in-depth interviews: ‘Ambivalence on children's smartphone use’, ‘Limitations of guidance competence’, ‘Strategy for guidance’, and ‘New insights and challenges’.Conclusion: This study confirmed that parents of elementary school students were experiencing insight and growth in the process of constantly thinking, trying new strategies, and struggling while guiding their children’s smartphone use. Parental education on elementary school students' smartphone use guidance should include comprehensive contents that could check awareness and principles of useful smartphone use and enable effective guidance tailored to the child's developmental characteristics.
Modeling and in-depth analysis of the mid-spatial-frequency error influenced by actual contact pressure distribution in sub-aperture polishing
Authors: Zhang Lanya , Wan Songlin , Li Hanjie , Guo Hao , Wei Chaoyang , Zhang Dawei , Shao Jianda
Published: March 2023

In ultra-precision optical processing, the sub-aperture polishing is prone to produce a mid-spatial-frequency (MSF) error. However, the generation mechanism of the MSF error is still not fully clarified, which seriously affects the further improvement of optical component performance. In this paper, it is proved that the actual contact pressure distribution between the workpiece and tool is a crucial source which affects the MSF error characteristics. A rotational periodic convolution (RPC) model is proposed to reveal the quantitative relationship among the contact pressure distribution, speed ratio (spin velocity/feed speed) and MSF error distribution. In-depth analyses show that the MSF error is linearly related to the symmetry level of contact pressure distribution and inversely proportional to the speed ratio, where the symmetry level is effectively evaluated by the proposed method based on Zernike polynomials. In the experiments, according to the actual contact pressure distribution obtained from the pressure-sensitive paper, the error rate of modeling results under different processing conditions is around 15%, which proves the validity of the proposed model. The influence of contact pressure distribution on the MSF error is further clarified through the establishment of RPC model, which can further promote the development of sub-aperture polishing.
Polarization independent grating in a GaN-on-sapphire photonic integrated circuit
Authors: Suraj  , Rathkanthiwar Shashwat , Raghavan Srinivasan , Selvaraja Shankar Kumar
Published: March 2023

In this work, we report the realization of a polarization-insensitive grating coupler, single-mode waveguide, and ring resonator in the GaN-on-sapphire platform. We provide a detailed demonstration of the material characterization, device simulation, and experimental results. We achieve a grating coupler efficiency of -5.2 dB/coupler with a 1 dB and 3 dB bandwidth of 40 nm and 80 nm, respectively. We measure a single-mode waveguide loss of -6 dB/cm. The losses measured here are the lowest in a GaN-on-sapphire photonic circuit. This demonstration provides opportunities for the development of on-chip linear and non-linear optical processes using the GaN-on-sapphire platform. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first demonstration of an integrated photonic device using a GaN HEMT stack with 2D electron gas.
Turbulence-resistant high-capacity free-space optical communications using OAM mode group multiplexing
Authors: Zhu Long , Deng Mingliang , Lu Bing , Guo Xiaojin , Wang Andong
Published: March 2023

Twisted light carrying orbital angular momentum (OAM), which features a helical phase front, has shown its potential applications in diverse areas, especially in free-space optical (FSO) communications. Multiple orthogonal OAM beams can be utilized to enable high-capacity FSO communication systems. However, for practical OAM-based FSO communication links, atmospheric turbulence will cause serious power fluctuations and inter-model crosstalk between the multiplexed OAM channels, impairing link performance. In this paper, we propose and experimentally demonstrate a novel OAM mode-group multiplexing (OAM-MGM) scheme with transmitter mode diversity to increase system reliability under turbulence. Without adding extra system complexity, an FSO system transmitting two OAM groups with a total of 144 Gbit/s discrete multi-tone (DMT) signal is demonstrated under turbulence strength D/r0 of 1, 2, and 4. In our experiments, the proposed OAM-MGM scheme helps to achieve bit-error-rate (BER) mostly less than 3.8 × 10−3 under turbulence strength D/r0 of 1 and 2 with a total transmitted power of 10 dBm. Compared with the conventional OAM mode multiplexed system, the system interruption probability decreases from 28% to 4% under moderate turbulence strength D/r0 of 2.
Improving the Hufnagel-Andrews-Phillips refractive index structure parameter model using turbulent intensity
Authors: Stotts Larry B. , Andrews Larry C.
Published: March 2023

This paper proposes a modification of the Hufnagel-Andrews-Phillips (HAP) Refractive Index Structure Parameter model that will better characterize the HAP profile against experimental data using the turbulent intensity, which is the ratio of wind speed variance to the average wind speed-squared, and Korean Refractive Index Parameter yearly statistics, Comparisons between this modified HAP model, the Critical Laser Enhancing Atmospheric Research 1 (CLEAR 1) profile model and several of the data sets are made. These comparisons highlight that this new model offers a more consistent representation of the averaged experimental data profiles than the CLEAR 1 model did. In addition, comparisons between this model and various experimental data set reported in the literature will show good agreement between the model and averaged data, and reasonable agreement with non-averaged data sets. This improved model should prove useful in system link budget estimates and atmospheric research.
Autofocus properties of astigmatic chirped symmetric Pearcey Gaussian vortex beams in the fractional Schrödinger equation with parabolic potential
Authors: He Shangling , Peng Xi , He Yingji , Deng Dongmei
Published: March 2023

Described by the fractional Schrödinger equation (FSE) with the parabolic potential, the periodic evolution of the astigmatic chirped symmetric Pearcey Gaussian vortex beams (SPGVBs) is exhibited numerically and some interesting behaviors are found. The beams show stable oscillation and autofocus effect periodically during the propagation for a larger Lévy index (0 < α ≤ 2). With the augment of the α, the focal intensity is enhanced and the focal length becomes shorter when 0 < α ≤ 1. However, for a larger α, the autofocusing effect gets weaker, and the focal length monotonously reduces, when 1 < α ≤ 2. Moreover, the symmetry of the intensity distribution, the shape of the light spot and the focal length of the beams can be controlled by the second-order chirped factor, the potential depth, as well as the order of the topological charge. Finally, the Poynting vector and the angular momentum of the beams prove the autofocusing and diffraction behaviors. These unique properties open more opportunities of developing applications to optical switch and optical manipulation.
Ga-hybridization-mediated broadband optical amplification in Bi-activated photonic glass and fiber
Authors: Ke Hao , Chen Jingfei , Duan Rui , Li Xueliang , He Zhixue , Yue Suwei , Zhou Shifeng
Published: March 2023

A Ga hybridization strategy is proposed for simultaneously enhancing the near-infrared activity and extending the bandwidth of Bi-activated photonic glass. Systematic studies on the near-infrared optical responses of Ga/Bi and Al/Bi co-doped silica glasses are performed. It is interesting to note that Ga/Bi co-doped glasses have a similar near-infrared emission center to Al/Bi co-doped glass, while the former is more effective in improving near-infrared activity. The different luminescence mechanisms of Ga/Bi and Al/Bi co-doped silica glasses are elucidated, and the corresponding microstructure–optical response relationship is discussed. In addition, the Ga/Bi co-doped silica optical fiber is successfully prepared, and the principal fiber amplifier device is fabricated. Furthermore, amplified spontaneous emission and broadband on-off gain are realized. The results suggest that Ga-hybridized Bi-activated photonic glass is a promising gain material for broadband fiber amplifiers.