bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Connecting Vietnamese-Speaking Immigrants who Smoke to the Asian Smokers Quitline: A Feasibility Pilot of Proactive Outreach Interventions
Authors: Fu Steven S , Nelson Dave , Do Tam , Burgess Diana J , Patten Christi A , Zhu Shu-Hong , Martinson Brian C
Published: June 2023

Introduction

Cigarette smoking is highly prevalent among Asian American immigrant subgroups. Previously, Asian-language telephone Quitline services were only available in California. In 2012, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) funded the national Asian Smokers’ Quitline (ASQ) to expand Asian-language Quitline services nationally. However, there are relatively few calls to the ASQ from outside California.

Aims and Methods

This pilot study assessed the feasibility of two proactive outreach interventions to connect Vietnamese-speaking participants who smoke to the ASQ. Both interventions, (1) proactive telephone outreach with a counselor trained in motivational interviewing (PRO-MI) and (2) proactive telephone outreach with interactive voice response (PRO-IVR), were adapted to be culturally and linguistically appropriate for Vietnamese-speaking participants. Participants were randomly assigned 2:1 to PRO-IVR versus PRO-MI. Assessments were conducted at baseline and 3 months post-enrollment. Feasibility indicators were the recruitment rate and initiation of ASQ treatment.

Results

Using the HealthPartners electronic health record, a large health system in Minnesota, we identified approximately 343 potentially eligible Vietnamese participants who were mailed invitation letters and baseline surveys with telephone follow-up. We enrolled 86 eligible participants (25% recruitment rate). In the PRO-IVR group 7/58 participants were directly transferred to the ASQ (12% initiation rate) and in the PRO-MI group 8/28 participants were warm transferred to the ASQ (29% initiation rate).

Conclusions

This pilot study demonstrates the feasibility of our recruitment methods and of implementing proactive outreach interventions to promote the initiation of smoking cessation treatment with the ASQ.

Implications

This pilot study contributes novel data on the uptake of Asian Smokers’ Quitline (ASQ) services among Vietnamese-speaking people who smoke (PWS) with two proactive outreach interventions: (1) proactive telephone outreach with a counselor trained in motivational interviewing (PRO-MI) and (2) proactive telephone outreach with interactive voice response (PRO-IVR). We found that it is feasible to implement these proactive outreach interventions to promote the initiation of ASQ cessation treatment among Vietnamese-language speaking PWS. Future large trials are needed to rigorously compare PRO-MI and PRO-IVR and conduct budget impact analyses to understand the most efficient strategies for incorporation into health system settings.
Opioid prescribing and use in the Military Health System: a framework synthesis, FY2016–FY2021
Authors: Madsen Cathaleen , Korona-Bailey Jessica , Janvrin Miranda Lynn , Schoenfeld Andrew J , Koehlmoos Tracey Pérez
Published: June 2023

Background

Opioid misuse is a nationwide issue and is of particular concern with regard to military readiness. The 2017 National Defense Authorization Act charges the Military Health System with greater oversight of opioid use and mitigation of misuse.

Methods

We synthesized published articles using secondary analysis of TRICARE claims data, a nationally representative database of 9.6 million beneficiaries. We screened 106 articles for inclusion and identified 17 studies for data abstraction. Framework analysis was conducted, which assessed prescribing practices, patient use, and optimum length of opioid prescriptions after surgery, trauma, and common procedures, as well as factors leading to sustained prescription opioid use.

Results

Across the studies, sustained prescription opioid use after surgery was low overall, with <1% of opioid-naïve patients still receiving opioids more than 1 year after spinal surgery or trauma. In opioid-exposed patients who had undergone spine surgery, sustained use was slightly lower than 10%. Higher rates of sustained use were associated with more severe trauma and depression, as well as with prior use and initial opioid prescriptions for low back pain or other undefined conditions. Black patients were more likely to discontinue opioid use than were White patients.

Conclusions

Prescribing practices are well correlated with degree of injury or intensity of intervention. Sustained prescription opioid use beyond 1 year is rare and is associated with diagnoses for which opioids are not the standard of care. More efficient coding, increased attention to clinical practice guidelines, and use of tools to predict risk of sustained prescription opioid use are recommended.
The global magnitude and temporal trend of rheumatoid arthritis burden attributable to smoking from 1990 to 2019
Authors: Wang Zhengming , Gu Yong , Wang Rui , He Yanlin , Ge Haiya , Yang Zongrui , Jin Zhaokai , Jin Hengkai , Lv Shuaijie , Zhan Hongsheng
Published: June 2023

Objectives

The relationship between smoking and RA has been confirmed. Most nations have ratified the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control. However, there are considerable regional differences in how effectively tobacco control measures were implemented. This study was carried out to estimate the spatiotemporal trends of smoking-related RA burdens.

Methods

Data were available from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2019 and were analysed by age, sex, year and region. Joinpoint regression analysis was applied to the analysis of temporal trends in the RA burden resulting from smoking over 30 years.

Results

From 1990 to 2019, the number of global RA cases increased each year. The age-standardized prevalence, death and disability-adjusted life-year (DALY) rates also increased. However, there was a wave in the changing trend of the age-standardized death rate, with the lowest point in 2012 and the highest point in 1990. Smoking, in particular, was responsible for 11.9% of total RA deaths and 12.8% of total DALYs in 1990 but only 8.5% of total RA deaths and 9.6% of total DALYs in 2019. A greater burden from smoking exposure was borne by men, older adults and people living in high-middle and high sociodemographic index (SDI) countries and regions. Moreover, the UK demonstrated the highest reduction in age-standardized death and DALY rates over the three decades.

Conclusion

There were reductions in the age-standardized burdens of RA caused by smoking worldwide. Nevertheless, this continues to be an issue in some areas, and efforts to reduce smoking should be made to lessen this growing burden.
Inefficient Regulation: Mortgages versus Total Credit
Authors: Karapetyan Artashes , Kvaerner Jens Soerlie , Rohrer Maximilian
Published: June 2023

We estimate the willingness-to-pay to bypass a loan-to-value (LTV) cap. Our identification relies on exogenous variation in debt exempt from the LTV regulation that can only be used as a substitute for a personal mortgage. Our baseline estimate reveals that homebuyers pay 7.3 Swedish Kroner (SEK) to avoid 1 SEK of equity down payment. The supply of debt not part of the LTV calculation increased by approximately 50% within 2 years after the LTV regulation. Financially weaker households drive the results.
Evaluation of in vitro rat and human airway epithelial models for acute inhalation toxicity testing
Authors: Wallace Joanne , Jackson George R , Kaluzhny Yulia , Ayehunie Seyoum , Lansley Alison B , Roper Clive , Hayden Patrick J
Published: June 2023

In vivo models (mostly rodents) are currently accepted by regulatory authorities for assessing acute inhalation toxicity. Considerable efforts have been made in recent years to evaluate in vitro human airway epithelial models (HAEM) as replacements for in vivo testing. In the current work, an organotypic in vitro rat airway epithelial model (RAEM), rat EpiAirway, was developed and characterized to allow a direct comparison with the available HAEM, human EpiAirway, in order to address potential interspecies variability in responses to harmful agents. The rat and human models were evaluated in 2 independent laboratories with 14 reference chemicals, selected to cover a broad range of chemical structures and reactive groups, as well as known acute animal and human toxicity responses, in 3 replicate rounds of experiments. Toxicity endpoints included changes in tissue viability (MTT assay), epithelial barrier integrity (TEER, transepithelial electrical resistance), and tissue morphology (histopathology). The newly developed rat EpiAirway model produced reproducible results across all replicate experiments in both testing laboratories. Furthermore, a high level of concordance was observed between the RAEM and HAEM toxicity responses (determined by IC25) in both laboratories, with R2=0.78 and 0.88 when analyzed by TEER; and R2=0.92 for both when analyzed by MTT. These results indicate that rat and human airway epithelial tissues respond similarly to acute exposures to chemicals. The new in vitro RAEM will help extrapolate to in vivo rat toxicity responses and support screening as part of a 3Rs program.
Fibrotic-Like Pulmonary Radiographic Patterns Are Not Associated With Adverse Outcomes in COVID-19 Chronic Critical Illness
Authors: Madahar Purnema , Capaccione Kathleen M. , Salvatore Mary M. , Short Briana , Wahab Romina , Abrams Darryl , Parekh Madhavi , Geleris Joshua D. , Furfaro David , Anderson Michaela R. , Zucker Jason , Brodie Daniel , Cummings Matthew J. , O’Donnell Max , McGroder Claire F. , Wei Ying , Garcia Christine K. , Baldwin Matthew R.
Published: June 2023

OBJECTIVES:

Pulmonary fibrosis is a feared complication of COVID-19. To characterize the risks and outcomes associated with fibrotic-like radiographic abnormalities in patients with COVID-19–related acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) and chronic critical illness.

DESIGN:

Single-center prospective cohort study.

SETTING:

We examined chest CT scans performed between ICU discharge and 30 days after hospital discharge using established methods to quantify nonfibrotic and fibrotic-like patterns.

PATIENTS:

Adults hospitalized with COVID-19–related ARDS and chronic critical illness (> 21 d of mechanical ventilation, tracheostomy, and survival to ICU discharge) between March 2020 and May 2020.

INTERVENTIONS:

None.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS:

We tested associations of fibrotic-like patterns with clinical characteristics and biomarkers, and with time to mechanical ventilator liberation and 6-month survival, controlling for demographics, comorbidities, and COVID-19 therapies. A total of 141 of 616 adults (23%) with COVID-19–related ARDS developed chronic critical illness, and 64 of 141 (46%) had a chest CT a median (interquartile range) 66 days (42–82 d) after intubation. Fifty-five percent had fibrotic-like patterns characterized by reticulations and/or traction bronchiectasis. In adjusted analyses, interleukin-6 level on the day of intubation was associated with fibrotic-like patterns (odds ratio, 4.40 per quartile change; 95% CI, 1.90–10.1 per quartile change). Other inflammatory biomarkers, Sequential Organ Failure Assessment score, age, tidal volume, driving pressure, and ventilator days were not. Fibrotic-like patterns were not associated with longer time to mechanical ventilator liberation or worse 6-month survival.

CONCLUSIONS:

Approximately half of adults with COVID-19–associated chronic critical illness have fibrotic-like patterns that are associated with higher interleukin-6 levels at intubation. Fibrotic-like patterns are not associated with longer time to liberation from mechanical ventilation or worse 6-month survival.
Sodium Bicarbonate for Metabolic Acidosis in the ICU: Results of a Pilot Randomized Double-Blind Clinical Trial
Authors: Serpa Neto Ary , Fujii Tomoko , McNamara Mairead , Moore James , Young Paul J. , Peake Sandra , Bailey Michael , Hodgson Carol , Higgins Alisa M. , See Emily J. , Secombe Paul , Campbell Lewis , Young Meredith , Maeda Mikihiro , Pilcher David , Nichol Alistair , Deane Adam , Licari Elisa , White Kyle , French Craig , Shehabi Yahya , Cross Anthony , Maiden Matthew , Kadam Umesh , El Khawas Khaled , Cooper Jamie , Bellomo Rinaldo , Udy Andrew
Published: June 2023

OBJECTIVES:

To identify the best population, design of the intervention, and to assess between-group biochemical separation, in preparation for a future phase III trial.

DESIGN:

Investigator-initiated, parallel-group, pilot randomized double-blind trial.

SETTING:

Eight ICUs in Australia, New Zealand, and Japan, with participants recruited from April 2021 to August 2022.

PATIENTS:

Thirty patients greater than or equal to 18 years, within 48 hours of admission to the ICU, receiving a vasopressor, and with metabolic acidosis (pH < 7.30, base excess [BE] < –4 mEq/L, and Paco
2 < 45 mm Hg).

INTERVENTIONS:

Sodium bicarbonate or placebo (5% dextrose).

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULT:

The primary feasibility aim was to assess eligibility, recruitment rate, protocol compliance, and acid–base group separation. The primary clinical outcome was the number of hours alive and free of vasopressors on day 7. The recruitment rate and the enrollment-to-screening ratio were 1.9 patients per month and 0.13 patients, respectively. Time until BE correction (median difference, –45.86 [95% CI, –63.11 to –28.61] hr; p < 0.001) and pH correction (median difference, –10.69 [95% CI, –19.16 to –2.22] hr; p = 0.020) were shorter in the sodium bicarbonate group, and mean bicarbonate levels in the first 24 hours were higher (median difference, 6.50 [95% CI, 4.18 to 8.82] mmol/L; p < 0.001). Seven days after randomization, patients in the sodium bicarbonate and placebo group had a median of 132.2 (85.6–139.1) and 97.1 (69.3–132.4) hours alive and free of vasopressor, respectively (median difference, 35.07 [95% CI, –9.14 to 79.28]; p = 0.131). Recurrence of metabolic acidosis in the first 7 days of follow-up was lower in the sodium bicarbonate group (3 [20.0%] vs. 15 [100.0%]; p < 0.001). No adverse events were reported.

CONCLUSIONS:

The findings confirm the feasibility of a larger phase III sodium bicarbonate trial; eligibility criteria may require modification to facilitate recruitment.
Combined Penetrating Keratoplasty and Vitreoretinal Surgery With Temporary Keratoprosthesis
Authors: Cooney Theresa , Kinast Robert , Juratli Lena , Pedreira Priscila Novaes , Saxe Stephen , Musch David C. , Mian Shahzad I.
Published: June 2023

Purpose:

The aim of this study was to evaluate outcomes of vitreoretinal surgery with temporary keratoprosthesis combined with penetrating keratoplasty.

Setting:

The study was conducted at a university-based corneal and retinal disease referral practice, Ann Arbor, MI.

Methods:

This study is a retrospective analysis of 43 patients who underwent vitreoretinal surgery with a temporary keratoprosthesis combined with penetrating keratoplasty. Functional (best-corrected visual acuity and corneal transplant survival rate) and anatomical (clear corneal graft and retinal attachment) outcomes were measured.

Results:

Both corneal transplant and retinal attachment outcomes were evaluated. There was no difference in visual acuity, retinal attachment rates, or corneal transplant survival rates when comparing adult age, sex, and graft size. Pediatric eyes, however, were more likely to have a poor corneal transplant outcome. After an initial combined procedure with a temporary keratoprosthesis, 15 of 43 corneas (35%) remained clear and 23 (53%) retinas remained attached. With additional surgery, 19 of the corneas (44%) and 32 of the retinas (74%) had satisfactory outcomes. Best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) initially improved in 23 patients (53%), with lasting improvement at final follow-up in 12 patients (28%). Twenty-five patients (58%) obtained equal or improved vision at last follow-up as compared to the presenting vision. The primary causes of poor visual acuity outcome were phthisis (49%) and retinal detachment (26%). Corneal decompensation and hypotony were often associated with phthisis and, therefore, resulted in a poor visual outcome. Trauma (53%) also resulted in an increased rate of phthisis. However, those eyes sustaining trauma, which did not become phthisical, had better visual outcomes. Silicone oil usage improved retinal reattachment rates and had no deleterious effects on corneal transplant survival.

Conclusions:

The combined procedures of vitreoretinal surgery with temporary keratoprosthesis and penetrating keratoplasty can salvage severely damaged eyes and provide functional vision in some patients. Factors predicting worse final visual outcome include preoperative total retinal detachment, severe chronic retinal pathology in the absence of trauma, and postoperative phthisis or retinal detachment.
Cytomegalovirus infection in chimeric antigen receptor T-cell recipients
Authors: Abreu Michelly , Varghese Jaimole , Santiago Minifrida , Ow Karla
Published: June 2023

Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy is an innovative immunotherapy treatment for hematological malignancies. Some of the challenges in using this therapy are the development of cytokine release syndrome, immune effector cell-associated neurotoxicity syndrome, immunosuppression, and hypogammaglobulinemia, which can be prolonged and significantly increase patients' risk of infection. Cytomegalovirus (CMV) is well known to cause disease and organ damage in immunocompromised hosts, increasing mortality and morbidity. We present a case of a 64-year-old man with multiple myeloma with a significant history of CMV infection that worsened after CAR T-cell therapy and became challenging to contain because of prolonged cytopenias, progression of myeloma, and development of other opportunistic infections. Strategies for prophylaxis, treatment, and maintenance of CMV infections in CAR T-cell therapy recipients are further warranted.
Efficacy and safety of pulsed radiofrequency combined with pregabalin for herpetic neuralgia: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Chen Jun , Lan Lan , Wang Wei , Xu Xinchang
Published: June 2023

Background:

Pulsed radiofrequency (PRF), as a new technique, is used to treat a variety of chronic pain syndromes, but it has a high recurrence rate for herpetic neuralgia and is often combined with drugs therapy. The aim of this study was to comprehensively evaluate the efficacy and safety of PRF combined with pregabalin in the treatment of herpetic neuralgia.

Methods:

The electronic databases, including CNKI, Wanfang data, PubMed, Embase, web of science, and Cochrane Library were searched from inception to January 31, 2023. The outcomes were pain scores, sleep quality and side effects.

Results:

Fifteen studies with 1817 patients were included in this meta-analysis. PRF combined with pregabalin significantly reduced the visual analogue scale/score in patients with postherpetic neuralgia or herpes zoster neuralgia when compared with pregabalin or PRF monotherapy [P< .00001, standardized mean difference (SMD) = −2.01, confidence intervals (CI) = −2.36 to −1.66;P< .00001, SMD = −0.69, CI = −0.77 to −0.61]. Compared with pregabalin monotherapy, PRF combined with pregabalin significantly decreased the pittsburgh sleep quality index score, the dosage and number of days of using pregabalin (P< .00001, SMD = −1.68, CI = −2.19 to −1.17;P< .00001, SMD = −0.94, CI = −1.25 to −0.64;P< .00001, SMD = −1.52, CI = −1.85 to −1.19). However, there was no significant difference in the effect of PRF combined with pregabalin versus PRF alone on pittsburgh sleep quality index score in patients with postherpetic neuralgia (P= .70, SMD = −1.02, CI = −6.11 to 4.07). In addition, PRF combined with pregabalin could significantly decrease the incidence of dizziness, somnolence, ataxia and pain at puncture site when compared with pregabalin monotherapy (P= .0007, odds ratio [OR] = 0.56, CI = 0.40 to 0.78;P= .008, OR = 0.60, CI = 0.41 to 0.88;P= .008, OR = 0.52, CI = 0.32 to 0.84;P= .0007, OR = 12.39, CI = 2.87 to 53.43), but no significant difference was observed when compared with PRF alone.

Conclusions:

PRF combined with pregabalin can effectively alleviate the pain intensity and improve sleep quality in patients with herpetic neuralgia, and the incidence of complications was low, so it was worthy of clinical application.
Latent characteristics and influencing factors of stigma in rheumatoid arthritis: A latent class analysis
Authors: Han Zi-Yin , Chen Yong , Chen You-Di , Sun Guo-Min , Dai Xiao-Ying , Yin Yue-Qin , Geng Ya-Qin
Published: June 2023

To explore the latent classes of stigma in patients with rheumatoid arthritis, we analyzed the characteristics of the different categories. Adopting a convenient sampling method, socio-demographic and disease-related information from the outpatient clinics and wards of 3 tertiary care hospitals in China was collected. The Chinese version of the Internalized Stigma of Mental Illness scale-Rheumatoid Arthritis was used in this survey. Rheumatoid arthritis stigma was divided into 3 potential categories: Low Stigma-Strong Resistance (83, 41.5%), Medium Stigma-Strong Alienation (78, 39.0%), and High Stigma-Weak Resistance (39, 19.5%). Unordered multinomial logistic regression analysis showed that pain (OR = 1.540, P = .005; OR = 1.797, P < .001), elementary school education and below (OR = 4.051, P = .037), and duration of morning stiffness (OR = 0.267, P = .032) were risk factors for stigma, whereas family history was a protective factor against stigma (OR = 0.321, P = .046). Patients with longer morning stiffness, more severe pain, and less education have a greater risk of heavier stigma. Strong alienation is an early warning of heavy stigma. Resistance to stigma and family support can help patients overcome their psychological obstacles. More attention should be paid to constructing family centered support systems to help resist stigma.
Euglycemic diabetic ketoacidosis after the initiation of dulaglutide in patient with type 2 diabetes
Authors: Alduraibi Rabia Khalid , Alrebdi Yazeed Mohammed , Altowayan Yosef Fahad
Published: June 2023

Rationale:

Diabetic ketoacidosis is rarely observed when the blood glucose level is <250 mg/dL. This is referred to as euglycemic diabetic ketoacidosis (EDKA). EDKA can present diagnostic and management challenges for physicians, especially when dealing with unusual triggers such as glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP1) receptor agonists and sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 inhibitors. With this case report, we wanted to raise the knowledge and understanding of EDKA and its triggering factors.

Patient concerns:

A 45-year-old man was admitted to hospital for epigastric pain, loss of appetite, and vomiting 3 days after the initiation of dulaglutide. The results of laboratory examination showed EDKA.

Diagnoses:

The patient was diagnosed with EDKA after the initiation of GLP1 receptor agonists.

Interventions:

Intravenous fluid and insulin infusion were immediately started.

Outcome:

The patient was discharged after treatment

Lessons:

In this case report describes the use of GLP1 receptor agonists along with Sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 inhibitors in type 2 diabetes patients whose extreme restriction of carbohydrate intake may have triggered EDKA. Therefore, physicians should use diabetes medications in a stepwise manner and advise their patients not to over-restrict their carbohydrate intake while they are being treated with GLP1 receptor agonists.
Use of Intergovernmental Transfers–based Medicaid Supplemental Payments to Boost Nursing Home Finances
Authors: Sharma Hari , Xu Lili
Published: June 2023

Background:

Indiana provides intergovernmental transfers–based supplemental payment to nursing homes owned/operated by the nonstate governmental organization (NSGO) but NSGOs may divert substantial supplemental payments away from participating nursing homes.

Objective:

The aim of this study was to estimate the effect of participation in the intergovernmental transfers–based Medicaid supplemental payment program on nursing home revenue and expenditures.

Research Design:

Difference-in-differences regressions using Callaway and Sant’Anna method accounting for treatment effect heterogeneity across groups and over time.

Subjects:

All 410 Medicare and Medicaid-certified nursing homes in Indiana from 2009 to 2017 with nonmissing data (N=3170).

Measures:

The key independent variable is a binary variable indicating NSGO ownership. Outcome variables include total revenue, total operating, clinical, hotel, and administrative expenses as well as profit margins extracted from Medicare Cost Report. Control variables include facility and resident characteristics from Nursing Home Compare and LTCfocus data.

Results:

Supplemental payments increased nursing home revenues by about $0.58 million on average but payments were larger in later years. On a per-person per day basis, nursing home revenue increased by $21.9 dollars with an increase in administrative ($11.3), and hotel ($6.9) expenses but a decrease in clinical ($4.67) expenses.

Conclusions:

NSGO-owned/operated nursing homes received only a fraction of the total supplemental payments on average, but we observed increased payments to nursing homes in later years. Participating nursing homes did not increase clinical expenses. Our findings raise questions on the transparency of the financing arrangements between NSGOs and nursing homes and the need to link supplemental payments to clinical expenses.
Poor Access to Liver Transplantation and Survival of Children With Acute Liver Failure, Acute-on-chronic Liver Failure or Chronic Liver Disease
Authors: Estrada-Arce Emma Valeria , Aguila-Cano Renata , Lona-Reyes Juan Carlos , Flores-Fong Laura Esther , Rivera-Chávez Elva
Published: June 2023

We describe the survival of children with acute liver failure (ALF), chronic liver disease (CLD), or acute-on-chronic liver failure (ACLF) with poor access to liver transplantation (LT). A retrospective cohort study of 42 patients <18 years of age was conducted in the Hospital Civil de Guadalajara “Dr. Juan I. Menchaca”. The median age was 76 months; 57.1% were female, 40.5% presented with ALF, 35.7% with CLD, and 23.8% with ACLF. Also, 38.1% (16/42) presented liver disease of unknown etiology. Death occurred in 45.2%; 14.3% were transferred to another hospital, and none received LT. Mortality in ALF, CLD, and ACLF was 76%, 0%, and 60%, respectively. In the survival analysis, within the first 20 months after diagnosis, the mortality rate was greater than 50% with ALF. The importance of having referral programs that perform liver transplantation is highlighted by the poor prognosis of the patients, despite conservative treatment.
Gut Microbial Changes Following Fecal Microbiota Transplantation for D-Lactic Acidosis in Two Children
Authors: Busing Jordan D. , Fouladi Farnaz , Bulik-Sullivan Emily C. , Carroll Ian M. , Fodor Anthony A. , Thomsen Kelly F. , Gulati Ajay S. , Nicholson Maribeth R.
Published: June 2023

D-lactic acidosis (D-LA) is an uncommon complication of short bowel syndrome characterized by elevated plasma D-lactate and encephalopathy. Treatments include rehydration, dietary carbohydrate restriction, and antibiotics to alter the gut microbiota. Fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) has recently been used in children to successfully treat D-LA. We compared the clinical course and then utilized metagenomic shotgun sequencing to describe changes in the composition and function of the intestinal microbiome following FMT in 2 patients with recurrent D-LA. FMT altered the composition of the fecal microbiota in these 2 patients with recurrent D-LA, though not necessarily in a consistent manner. Importantly, microbial metabolic pathways were also impacted by FMT, which may be critical for achieving desired clinical outcomes. While sample size limits the generalizability of our results, these findings set the stage for further understanding of the role of microbes in the pathogenesis of recurrent D-LA.
Vascular Pedicle Ossification After Jaw Reconstruction With Fibular Free Flap
Authors: Han Shengwei , Zhang Xinwei , Sun Guowen
Published: June 2023

Ossification of vascular pedicle in free fibular flap for jaw reconstruction was a rare complication. The aim of our study is to evaluate its consequence and propose our clinical experience with surgical management and outcomes of this complication. Our study includes patients who underwent jaw reconstruction with free fibular flap from Jan 2017 to Dec 2021. Patients were included only they had at least one computed tomography scan in follow-up period. Among 112 cases included in our study, 3 cases were observed of abnormal ossification along vascular pedicle who underwent maxilla (two patients) or mandibular (one patient) resection. Two patients who received maxilla resection present a progressive reduction in mouth opening after surgery, and CT scans showed calcified tissue around pedicle. Surgical revision was performed in one patient. Our experience show that periosteum preserves its osteogenic capability which allows the possibility of new bone formation along the vascular pedicle. Another important factor is mechanical stress. From our experience, it was necessary to remove periosteum from vascular pedicle only when mechanical stress of vascular pedicle were high, in order to avoid complication of vascular pedicle calcification. Surgical excision of calcification may be necessary only with clinical symptom. We believe this study could aid in understanding of pedicle ossification and contribute towards prevention and treatment of pedicle ossification.
Human Transplant Kidneys on Normothermic Machine Perfusion Display Endocrine Activity
Authors: Lin Hui , Du Zhaoyu , Bouari Sarah , Rijkse Elsaline , Cristoferi Iacopo , Obser Anja , Czogalla Jan , Danser A.H. Jan , Minnee Robert C. , Hoogduijn Martin J.
Published: June 2023

Background.

Normothermic machine perfusion (NMP) is an alternative to hypothermic machine perfusion (HMP) for donor kidney preservation before transplantation. Contrary to HMP, NMP allows for functional assessment of donor kidneys because normothermic conditions allow for metabolic activity. The kidneys are key producers of hormones. Yet, it remains unknown whether donor kidneys during NMP display endocrine functions.

Methods.

Fifteen donor kidneys were subjected to HMP followed by 2 h of NMP before transplantation. NMP perfusate was collected at 3 time points (0, 1, 2 h) for the measurements of prorenin/renin, erythropoietin (EPO), and vitamin D, and urine samples were collected at 1 h and 2 h for urodilatin measurement. Fifteen HMP perfusate samples were collected for the same measurements.

Results.

Kidneys on NMP secreted significantly more prorenin, renin, EPO, and active vitamin D than during HMP. EPO and vitamin D secretion remained stable during 2 h of NMP, whereas the prorenin release rate increased and renin release rate decreased after 1 h. Donation after brain death kidneys secreted more vitamin D and less EPO during NMP than donation after circulatory death kidneys. Twelve donor kidneys produced urine during NMP and released detectable levels of urodilatin. Kidneys exhibited a large variation in hormone release rates. No significant differences were found in hormone release capacity between delayed graft function (DGF) and non-DGF kidneys, and no significant correlations were found between hormone release rates and the duration of DGF or 1-mo posttransplant serum creatinine levels.

Conclusions.

Human transplant kidneys display endocrine activity during NMP. To explore whether correlations exist between hormone release rates and posttransplant kidney function, large numbers of kidneys are required.
Characterization, and in vitro antibacterial activity of sulfated polysaccharides from freshwater algae Cladophora crispata
Authors: jasem mohanad , Merai Abd- Alwahab , Nizam Adnan Ali
Published: June 2023

Barada River is characterized by an abundant growth of freshwater algae. Cladophora sp have been emerged as a new source of bioactive compounds, in this research Cladophora crispata was cultivated with the outdoor method, and algal Sulfated polysaccharides (SPs) were extracted by ultrasonic-assisted extraction method. After extraction, Gel filtration was used to purify the  crude SPs; SPs compounds were determined and selected, and the effect of purified SPs as antibacterial agents was investigated. the purified extract gave two fractions (F1 and F2). The chemical components of both crude and purified SPs were then determined. The highest carbohydrate content (74.12%) and protein content (4.02%) was found in the crude extract, while the highest sulfate content (12.17%) was found in purified fraction instead of F2, and the highest uronic acid content (18.46%) was found in purified fraction instead of F1. Fourier transforms infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) was used to confirm that the crude extact and fractions consist of sugar, uronic acids, protein unite, and sulfate groups. Both F1 and F2 were consist of rhamnose, galactose, xylose, and ribose based on the High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) separation. Each fraction showed an inhibitory effect on the gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria. F2 has the lowest minimum Inhibition concentration (MIC) value against Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus anthracis, Enterobacter aerogenes, and Pseudomonas aeroginosa; where its MIC values were 6,13,25 and 30 (mg/ml) respectively. Algae polysaccharides had the most important interest due to their antibacterial properties, which making them included in pharmaceutics and food applications.
High-throughput quantification of microbial-derived organic acids in mucin-rich samples via reverse phase high performance liquid chromatography
Authors: Villarreal Alex R. , Lucas Sarah K. , Fletcher Joshua R. , Hunter Ryan C.
Published: June 2023

Organic acids (short chain fatty acids, amino acids, etc.) are common metabolic byproducts of commensal bacteria of the gut and oral cavity in addition to microbiota associated with chronic infections of the airways, skin, and soft tissues. A ubiquitous characteristic of these body sites in which mucus-rich secretions often accumulate in excess, is the presence of mucins; high molecular weight (HMW), glycosylated proteins that decorate the surfaces of non-keratinized epithelia. Owing to their size, mucins complicate quantification of microbial-derived metabolites as these large glycoproteins preclude use of 1D and 2D gel approaches and can obstruct analytical chromatography columns. Standard approaches for quantification of organic acids in mucin-rich samples typically rely on laborious extractions or outsourcing to laboratories specializing in targeted metabolomics. Here we report a high-throughput sample preparation process that reduces mucin abundance and an accompanying isocratic reverse phase high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) method that enables quantification of microbial-derived organic acids. This approach allows for accurate quantification of compounds of interest (0.01 mM – 100 mM) with minimal sample preparation, a moderate HPLC method run time, and preservation of both guard and analytical column integrity. This approach paves the way for further analyses of microbial-derived metabolites in complex clinical samples.
Fluctuations in tissue growth portray homeostasis as a critical state and long-time non-Markovian cell proliferation as Markovian
Authors: Lavalle Natalia G. , Chara Osvaldo , Grigera Tomás S.
Published: June 2023

Tissue growth is an emerging phenomenon that results from the cell-level interplay between proliferation and apoptosis, which is crucial during embryonic development, tissue regeneration, as well as in pathological conditions such as cancer. In this theoretical article, we address the problem of stochasticity in tissue growth by first considering a minimal Markovian model of tissue size, quantified as the number of cells in a simulated tissue, subjected to both proliferation and apoptosis. We find two dynamic phases, growth and decay, separated by a critical state representing a homeostatic tissue. Since the main limitation of the Markovian model is its neglect of the cell cycle, we incorporated a refractory period that temporarily prevents proliferation immediately following cell division, as a minimal proxy for the cell cycle, and studied the model in the growth phase. Importantly, we obtained from this last model an effective Markovian rate, which accurately describes general trends of tissue size. This study shows that the dynamics of tissue growth can be theoretically conceptualized as a Markovian process where homeostasis is a critical state flanked by decay and growth phases. Notably, in the growing non-Markovian model, a Markovian-like growth process emerges at large time scales.
Direct Relationship between Protein Expression and Progeny Yield of Herpes Simplex Virus 1 Unveils a Rate-limiting Step for Virus Production
Authors: Nobe Moeka , Maruzuru Yuhei , Takeshima Kosuke , Maeda Fumio , Kusano Hideo , Yoshimura Raiki , Nishiyama Takara , Park Hyeongki , Kozaki Yoshitaka , Iwami Shingo , Koyanagi Naoto , Kato Akihisa , Natsume Tohru , Adachi Shungo , Kawaguchi Yasushi
Published: June 2023

Although viral protein expression and progeny virus production were independently shown to be highly heterogenous in individual cells, their direct relationship, analyzed by considering their heterogeneities, has not been investigated to date. This study established a system to fractionate cells infected with a herpesvirus based on the levels of the global expression of viral late proteins, which are largely virion structural proteins, and to titrate virus yields in these fractions. This system demonstrated a direct relationship and indicated there was a threshold for the levels of viral late protein expression for progeny virus production and suggested that viral DNA cleavage/packaging was a rate-limiting step for progeny virus production. These findings, which were masked in previous studies performed at the entire population level, have uncovered a sophisticated viral strategy for efficient progeny virus production and shed new light on an effective target for the development of anti-viral drugs.
In vivointra-uterine delivery of TAT-fused Cre recombinase and CRISPR/Cas9 editing unveil histopathology of Pten/p53-deficient endometrial cancers
Authors: Navaridas Raúl , Vidal-Sabanés Maria , Ruiz-Mitjana Anna , Altés Gisela , Perramon-Güell Aida , Yeramian Andree , Egea Joaquim , Encinas Mario , Gatius Sonia , Matias-Guiu Xavier , Dolcet Xavier
Published: June 2023

Pten and p53 are two of the most frequently mutated tumor suppressor genes in endometrial cancer. However, the functional consequences and histopathological manifestation of concomitant p53 and Pten loss of function alterations in the development of endometrial cancer is still controversial. Here, we demonstrate that simultaneous Pten and p53 deletion is sufficient to cause epithelial to mesenchymal transition phenotype in endometrial organoids. By a novel TAT-fused Cre intravaginal delivery method, we achieved local ablation of both p53 and Pten specifically in the uterus. These mice developed high-grade endometrial carcinomas and a high percentage of uterine carcinosarcomas resembling those found in humans. To further demonstrate that carcinosarcomas arise from epithelium, double Pten/p53 deficient epithelial cells were mixed with wild type stromal and myometrial cells and subcutaneously transplanted to Scid mice. All xenotransplants resulted in the development of uterine carcinosarcomas displaying high nuclear pleomorphism and metastatic potential. Accordingly, in vivo CRISPR/Cas9 disruption of Pten and p53 also triggered the development of metastatic carcinosarcomas. Our results unfadingly demonstrate that simultaneous deletion of p53 and Pten in endometrial epithelial cells is enough to trigger epithelial to mesenchymal transition that is consistently translated to the formation of uterine carcinosarcomas in vivo.
Looking for accommodations? What motivates consumer information search behavior on Instagram, Facebook groups and personal profiles on social networking sites
Authors: Kol Ofrit , Lissitsa Sabina
Published: June 2023

Purpose

This paper aims to examine the association between the perceived values of information (economic, hedonic, functional, psychological) and the actual use of social networking channels (Instagram/Facebook groups/SNS personal profiles or messaging) for seeking information on accommodations.

Design/methodology/approach

879 respondents aged 18–55, who travel abroad as individual tourists at least once a year and are responsible for their own accommodation choice, were surveyed.

Findings

The study shows that all the values of information are more likely to be provided through posting a question on one's profile/messaging options (i.e. friends and relatives), than through Facebook groups and Instagram. The multivariate findings show that different values are associated with different SNS channel choices for seeking information.

Originality/value

The study provides an innovative approach to the motivations behind the use of different SNS platforms for travel information search by consumers. It offers practical implications, suggesting how to provide the relevant content on each channel.
The role of entrepreneurship, cooperative innovation, environmental investment in relationship between the Belt and Road Initiative and green innovation upgrading
Authors: Tian Jilin
Published: June 2023

Purpose

This paper analyzes the effect of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) on firm green innovation upgrading using data on Chinese firms between 2009 and 2021.

Design/methodology/approach

The author adopts the staggered difference-in-difference (DID) method to estimate regressions, treating the proposal of the BRI in 2013 as a policy shock. Our analysis yields few findings.

Findings

The author yields few findings. First, the BRI can significantly promote Chinese firms green innovation upgrading. Specifically, the BRI can promote firm green innovation upgrading by 0.9%. Second, the BRI mainly promotes firms green innovation upgrading by promoting firms to increase green entrepreneurship, cooperative innovation and environmental investment. Finally, the BRI has a greater impact on the green innovation upgrading of firms in the digital industrialization industry rather than digital industry and firms with low pollution emissions rather than firms with high-pollution emissions. This research indicates that the BRI is not only an important platform for sustainable development and also an important opportunity for green entrepreneurship.

Research limitations/implications

First, due to the low quality of data and the lack of detailed information on some firms' patents owned after 2018, fully applying data of all years for regression was not possible. Second, the author did not construct a theoretical model to explore the impact of the BRI on green innovation upgrading of firms from the perspective of outward foreign direct investment (OFDI), which is also the direction of future research. Finally, there are still some unexplored mechanisms of the BRI on firms green innovation upgrading, which should be further explored in the future.

Originality/value

First, from the micro perspective, the author measures the quality of firms' green patents, further measuring the firms' green innovation upgrading. Second, the author discusses the impact of the BRI on firm green innovation upgrading with the method of staggered DID, so that the policy effect of the BRI can be more accurately evaluated. Third, the author comprehensively analyzes the mechanism of cooperative innovation and green infrastructure investment, as well as analyzing the heterogeneity from the perspective of industry digital transformation and firm pollution emissions. Lastly, the author provides specific paths for firms to make high-quality investment from the green BRI construction.
This is not my jam: an Italian choice experiment on the influence of typical product attributes on consumers’ willingness to pay
Authors: Boccia Flavio , Alvino Letizia , Covino Daniela
Published: June 2023

Purpose

Packaging and labelling have become essential to how food manufacturers generate and deliver value to customers. The information displayed on the packaging can be used to communicate to customers the properties and unique characteristics of a food product (e.g. nutrients, calories and country of origin). To achieve communication goals effectively, manufacturers need to understand how consumers evaluate products based on their attributes. In particular, companies should be aware of which specific product attributes affect consumer buying behaviour and which product attributes are more critical during food assessment. So, the paper aims to investigate consumer's behaviuor linked to typical product attributes indicated on the packaging.

Design/methodology/approach

The present study examines consumer willingness to pay (WTP) for a cherry jam with different attributes (brand, type of production method and price) on a sample of 2,166 Italian respondents through a choice experiment using a random parameter logit-error component model.

Findings

The results showed that WTP for jams can be affected by attributes such as brand, price and production methods; precisely, they indicated that the level of naturalness in the production process constitutes the main element for the consumer’s choice; however, the considerable weight that price and brand have in influencing the purchasing behaviour of the food consumer was still confirmed: in fact, a p-value of less than 0.05 was found in all cases.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study that assesses the effect of different types of production on WTP for food products. In addition, this study also reflects on the importance of the level of education for consumer choice.
Integrating a new management accounting routine into a routine cluster: the role of interactions between multiple management accounting routines
Authors: Nguyen Dai Huu , Hiebl Martin R.W. , Quinn Martin
Published: June 2023

Purpose

This study aims to examine interactions between multiple management accounting routines in integrating a new management accounting routine into a routine cluster.

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses a theoretical framework based on routine clusters, including routine complementarities. The authors use an in-depth case study to explore interactions of a management accounting routine integrating into a routine cluster.

Findings

The findings show that complementarity between an existing and a new management accounting routine facilitates integration of the new routine into a routine cluster. They also suggest that when an ostensive understanding of a routine exists, the integration of the new management accounting routine is stronger, as the new and existing routines in the routine cluster are more closely intertwined.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this paper is among the first to explore the role of intertwinedness of a new management accounting routine and existing organizational routines in integrating a new management accounting routine into a routine cluster. The findings imply that future management accounting research may need to distinguish between different forms of complementarity.