bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
What constitutes an employer of choice? A qualitative triangulation investigation
Authors: Mohiya Mohamed
Published: June 2024

Employer of choice (EOC) is a relatively new phenomenon, particularly in Human Resources Management. Existing employees and prospective talent have reasons and expectations to designate an employer as an EOC. While EOC has received extensive attention from both academics and practitioners over the past few years, the work has mostly focused on managerial and marketing perspectives, and thus far lacks a strong theoretical foundation. Drawing on Social Exchange Theory (SET), based on Human Resources and employees’ perceptions and experiences, this research aims to explore and investigate the factors that constitute/designate an employer as an Employer of Choice EOC. Two qualitative triangulated data sets were collected from existing full-time employees at a Saudi multinational corporation: open interviews and document analysis (cross-sectional and longitudinal). Thematic analysis (TA) was employed to analyze both methods. The findings reveal that company image, training, and development, satisfaction, involvement and commitment, fairness, work culture, reward, opportunities for growth, teamwork, motivation, and corporate social responsibility are the factors that lead employees to designate an employer as an EOC. This research contributes to knowledge conceptually, theoretically, and empirically, mainly in the area of Human Resources Management. This research represents one of the first studies to empirically identify and investigate employee-related factors and evaluate them all together in a multinational Saudi organization. Recognizing the findings of this empirical-based research assists HR managers in designating their organizations as an EOC for current employees and prospective talents.
Patient-reported outcomes and experiences of migrants enrolled in a multidisciplinary HIV clinic with rapid, free, and onsite treatment dispensation: the ‘ASAP’ study
Authors: Arora Anish K. , Vicente Serge , Engler Kim , Lessard David , Huerta Edmundo , Ishak Joel , Kronfli Nadine , Routy Jean-Pierre , Cox Joseph , Lemire Benoit , Klein Marina , de Pokomandy Alexandra , Del Balso Lina , Sebastiani Giada , Vedel Isabelle , Quesnel-Vallée Amélie , Lebouché Bertrand ,   ASAP Migrant Advisory Committee
Published: June 2024

Background

Scholars recommend providing migrants living with HIV (MLWH) with free treatment, rapidly, once linked to care to optimize their HIV-related experiences and health outcomes. Quantitative evaluations of patient-reported measures for MLWH in such models are necessary to explore the viability of these recommendations.

Methods

Within a 96-week prospective cohort study at a multidisciplinary HIV clinic, participants received bictegravir/emtricitabine/tenofovir alafenamide (B/F/TAF) for free and rapidly following care linkage. Eight patient-reported measures were administered at weeks 4, 24, and 48: (1) mMOS-SS to measure perceived social support; (2) IA-RSS to measure internalized stigma; (3) K6 to measure psychological distress; (4) PROMIS to measure self-efficacy with treatment taking; (5) G-MISS to measure perceived compliance with clinicians’ treatment plans; (6) HIVTSQ to measure treatment satisfaction; (7) CARE to measure perceived provider empathy; and (8) PRPCC to measure perceived clinician cultural competence. Linear mixed modelling with bootstrapping was conducted to identify significant differences by sociodemographics and time.

Results

Across weeks 4, 24, and 48, results suggest that MLWH enrolled in this study experienced moderate levels of social support; elevated levels of HIV-related stigma; moderate levels of distress; high self-efficacy with daily medication self-management; great compliance with clinicians’ treatment plans; high treatment satisfaction; high perceived empathy; and high perceived cultural competence. Experience of social support (i.e., mMOS-SS scores) differed significantly by birth region. Experience of HIV-related stigma (i.e., IA-RSS scores) differed significantly by birth region, age, and language. Experience of distress (i.e., K6 scores) differed significantly by sexual orientation. Experience of treatment satisfaction (i.e., HIVTSQ scores) differed significantly by birth region and age. No significant differences were identified by time for any measure.

Conclusion

Overall, participants expressed positive experiences around treatment and care, alongside comparably lower perceptions of social support, internalized stigma, and distress, potentially underscoring a need to embed targeted, well-funded, and accessible mental health support within HIV care models.
Modified arthroscopic repair of a posterior cruciate ligament tibial avulsion fracture improves IKDC and Lysholm score compared to open reduction
Authors: Li Xingxing , Ma Qiming , Zheng Quan , Dou Qiangbing , Zhou Liang , Sun Liangye , Shao Song , Wang Qiwei
Published: June 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to analyse the difference between arthroscopic fixation and open reduction internal fixation (ORIF) of posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) tibial avulsion fractures.

Methods

This retrospective study analysed patients with an acute PCL tibial avulsion fracture who underwent surgical treatment at our hospital and follow-up for at least 24 months. Variables based on sex, age, Meyers–McKeever type, surgical method, meniscus tear, external fixation, labour or sports, Lysholm knee score, IKDC score, and KT-1000 value were also recorded. Multifactor unconditional logistic regression and Student’s t test with 1:1 propensity score matching (PSM) to remove confounding factors were used for analysis.

Results

Sixty-five cases achieved knee function graded as “good” or better, and 9 cases not. Single-factor analysis indicated that Meyers–McKeever type (χ2 = 4.669,P = 0.031) and surgical approach (χ2 = 9.428,P = 0.002) are related to functional outcomes. Multifactorial logistic regression analysis further confirmed that Meyers–McKeever typing (OR = 10.763,P = 0.036, [95% CI 1.174–98.693]) and surgical approach (OR = 9.274,P = 0.008, [95% CI 1.794–47.934]) are independent risk factors affecting prognosis. In addition, PSM verified significant differences in the Lysholm score (t = 3.195,P = 0.006), IKDC score (t = 4.703,P = 0.000) and A-KT/H-KT (t = 2.859,P = 0.012). However, the affected-side KT-1000 value (A-KT, mm, t = 1.225,P = 0.239) and healthy-side KT-1000 value (H-KT, mm, t = 1.436,P = 0.172) did not significantly differ between the two groups. The proportions of cases in which the Lysholm score, IKDC and A-KT/H-KT exceeded the minimal clinically important difference (MCID) were 62.5% (20/32), 62.5% (20/32) and 93.75% (30/32), respectively.

Conclusion

Compared with ORIF, an arthroscopic approach for PCL tibial avulsion fractures achieves better results.

Level of evidence: Retrospective cohort study; Level II.
A counselling intervention for individual strategies to prevent complications and strengthen resources during pregnancy in gynaecological care (AOK-Family +): study protocol for a cluster-randomised controlled trial
Authors: Krämer Mareike , Wohlhüter Laura , Hermeling Lina , Koetsenruijter Jan , Kamradt Martina , Wensing Michel , Bombana Manuela
Published: June 2024

Background

Lifestyle-related risk factors can increase complications during pregnancy and negatively impact the health of a mother and her child. Knowledge about these compliances among many pregnant women and women of childbearing age is lacking. In the study AOK-Family + , we propose the evaluation of a newly developed counselling intervention. The intervention aims to raise awareness and to provide relevant information about the impact of lifestyle-related risk factors during pregnancy. The aim of the proposed study is to evaluate the effect of this counselling intervention on women’s knowledge of lifestyle-related risk factors during pregnancy and the concomitant healthy behaviours.

Methods

A cluster-randomised trial with three arms in Baden-Wuerttemberg, Germany, is proposed. Pregnant women and women of childbearing age will be allocated to one of three groups: online intervention, on-site intervention, or a waiting-list control. Trained counsellors from AOK Baden-Wuerttemberg, a German statutory health insurer, will conduct the counselling sessions. Data collection is conducted throughout validated questionnaires administered at three intervals: before counselling (t0), directly after counselling (t1), and at a 6-week follow-up (t2). The primary outcomes will be health knowledge and healthy behaviours relating to LRFFs during pregnancy. A process evaluation will examine the processes, used resources, and future implementations through additional quantitative questions and qualitative interviews and focus groups.

Discussion

Based on this study, an implementation strategy for future conduction of lifestyle consultation during pregnancy could be developed with the aim of reducing pre- and post-mortem mobility and mortality.

Trial registration

The German Clinical Trials Register DRKS00027804. Registered on 2022/01/12.
Diagnostic performance of MRI in detecting prostate cancer in patients with prostate-specific antigen levels of 4–10 ng/mL: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Guo Erjia , Xu Lili , Zhang Daming , Zhang Jiahui , Zhang Xiaoxiao , Bai Xin , Chen Li , Peng Qianyu , Zhang Gumuyang , Jin Zhengyu , Sun Hao
Published: June 2024

Objective

To investigate the diagnostic performance of MRI in detecting clinically significant prostate cancer (csPCa) and prostate cancer (PCa) in patients with prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels of 4–10 ng/mL.

Methods

A computerized search of PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, Medline, and Web of Science was conducted from inception until October 31, 2023. We included articles on the use of MRI to detect csPCa or PCa at 4–10 ng/mL PSA. The primary and secondary outcomes were MRI performance in csPCa and PCa detection, respectively; the estimates of sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), and negative predictive value (NPV) were pooled in a bivariate random-effects model.

Results

Among the 19 studies (3879 patients), there were 10 (2205 patients) and 13 studies (2965 patients) that reported MRI for detecting csPCa or PCa, respectively. The pooled sensitivity and specificity for csPCa detection were 0.84 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.79–0.88) and 0.76 (95%CI, 0.65–0.84), respectively, for PCa detection were 0.82 (95%CI, 0.75–0.87) and 0.74 (95%CI, 0.65–0.82), respectively. The pooled NPV for csPCa detection was 0.91 (0.87–0.93). Biparametric magnetic resonance imaging also showed a significantly higher sensitivity and specificity relative to multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging (both p < 0.01).

Conclusion

Prostate MRI enables the detection of csPCa and PCa with satisfactory performance in the PSA gray zone. The excellent NPV for csPCa detection indicates the possibility of biopsy decision-making in patients in the PSA gray zone, but substantial heterogeneity among the included studies should be taken into account.

Clinical relevance statement

Prostate MRI can be considered a reliable and satisfactory tool for detecting csPCa and PCa in patients with PSA in the “gray zone”, allowing for reducing unnecessary biopsy and optimizing the overall examination process.

Key Points

Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) is a common screening tool for prostate cancer but risks overdiagnosis.

MRI demonstrated excellent negative predictive value for prostate cancer in the PSA gray zone.

MRI can influence decision-making for these patients, and biparametric MRI should be further evaluated.

Graphical Abstract
Association between higher intermuscular adipose tissue and decreased renal function in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus mediated by insulin resistance
Authors: Wang Bowen , Zuo Liping , Fan Jinlei , Ji Yu , Xu Lei , Xu Min , An Yueming , Zhang Yuting , Ji Guanming , Yu Deixin
Published: June 2024

Objectives

To quantify the relationship between abdominal computed tomography (CT)-based body composition parameters and renal function in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients and evaluate the potential effect of insulin resistance on this relationship.

Methods

SLE patients from institutions A and B between January 2017 and August 2023 were enrolled. Areas and attenuation values of subcutaneous adipose tissue, visceral adipose tissue, intermuscular adipose tissue (IMAT), and skeletal muscle index on CT images were measured at the L3 vertebral level. Logistic regression analysis was used to identify risk factors associated with decreased renal function. Linear regression models were used to describe the relationships between body composition parameters and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR). Finally, we used a single-point insulin sensitivity estimator to indirectly reflect the degree of insulin resistance and assess its mediating effect on the association between IMAT area and decreased renal function.

Results

Three-hundred thirty-nine SLE patients from institution A (internal dataset) and 114 SLE patients from institution B (external validation dataset) were included. Multivariate logistic regression revealed that IMAT area (odds ratio (OR)institution A: 1.05 (95% confidence intervals (95% CI): 1.01, 1.10), and ORinstitution B: 1.19 (95% CI: 1.03, 1.39)) was an independent risk factor for decreased renal function in SLE patients. In the adjusted linear regression model, high IMAT area was significantly associated with reduced eGFR (βinstitution A = −1.15, Pinstitution A = 0.005; βinstitution B = −0.98, Pinstitution B = 0.049). Additionally, insulin resistance contributed a mediating role of 22.8% to the association.

Conclusion

High IMAT area was associated with decreased renal function in SLE patients and insulin resistance mediated this relationship.

Critical relevance statement

High intermuscular adipose tissue area is associated with decreased renal function in systemic lupus erythematosus patients mediated by insulin resistance and is correlated with chronicity index in lupus nephritis patients.

Key Points

High intramuscular adipose tissue (IMAT) area was associated with decreased renal function in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients.

Insulin resistance mediated the association between IMAT area and eGFR.

IMAT area was associated with chronicity index in lupus nephritis patients.

Graphical Abstract
Optimal debulking surgery in ovarian cancer patients: MRI may predict the necessity of rectosigmoid resection
Authors: Zhao Xiaofang , Yang Ping , Liu Liu , Li Yi , Huang Yang , Tang Huali , Zhou Yin , Mao Yun
Published: June 2024

Objectives

To determine whether MRI can predict the necessity of rectosigmoid resection (RR) for optimal debulking surgery (ODS) in ovarian cancer (OC) patients and to compare the predictive accuracy of pre- and post-neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT) MRI.

Methods

The MRI of 82 OC were retrospectively analyzed, including six bowel signs (length, transverse axis, thickness, circumference, muscularis involvement, and submucosal edema) and four para-intestinal signs (vaginal, parametrial, ureteral, and sacro-recto-genital septum involvement). The parameters reflecting the degree of muscularis involvement were measured. Patients were divided into non-RR and RR groups based on the operation and postoperative outcomes. The independent predictors of the need for RR were identified by multivariate logistic regression analysis.

Results

Imaging for 82 patients was evaluated (67 without and 15 with NACT). Submucosal edema and muscularis involvement (OR 13.33 and 8.40, respectively) were independent predictors of the need for RR, with sensitivities of 83.3% and 94.4% and specificities of 93.9% and 81.6%, respectively. Among the parameters reflecting the degree of muscularis involvement, circumference ≥ 3/12 had the highest prediction accuracy, increasing the specificity from 81.6% for muscularis involvement only to 98.0%, with only a slight decrease in sensitivity (from 94.4% to 88.9%). The predictive sensitivities of pre-NACT and post-NACT MRI were 100.0% and 12.5%, respectively, and the specificities were 85.7% and 100.0%, respectively.

Conclusions

MRI analysis of rectosigmoid muscularis involvement and its circumference can help predict the necessity of RR in OC patients, and pre-NACT MRI may be more suitable for evaluation.

Critical relevance statement

We analyzed preoperative pelvic MRI in OC patients. Our findings suggest that MRI has predictive potential for identifying patients who require RR to achieve ODS.

Key Points

The need for RR must be determined to optimize treatment for OC patients.

Muscularis involvement circumference ≥ 3/12 could help predict RR.

Pre-NACT MRI may be superior to post-NACT MRI in predicting RR.

Graphical Abstract
The impact of hepatic and splenic volumetric assessment in imaging for chronic liver disease: a narrative review
Authors: Kutaiba Numan , Chung William , Goodwin Mark , Testro Adam , Egan Gary , Lim Ruth
Published: June 2024

Chronic liver disease is responsible for significant morbidity and mortality worldwide. Abdominal computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can fully visualise the liver and adjacent structures in the upper abdomen providing a reproducible assessment of the liver and biliary system and can detect features of portal hypertension. Subjective interpretation of CT and MRI in the assessment of liver parenchyma for early and advanced stages of fibrosis (pre-cirrhosis), as well as severity of portal hypertension, is limited. Quantitative and reproducible measurements of hepatic and splenic volumes have been shown to correlate with fibrosis staging, clinical outcomes, and mortality. In this review, we will explore the role of volumetric measurements in relation to diagnosis, assessment of severity and prediction of outcomes in chronic liver disease patients. We conclude that volumetric analysis of the liver and spleen can provide important information in such patients, has the potential to stratify patients’ stage of hepatic fibrosis and disease severity, and can provide critical prognostic information.

Critical relevance statement

This review highlights the role of volumetric measurements of the liver and spleen using CT and MRI in relation to diagnosis, assessment of severity, and prediction of outcomes in chronic liver disease patients.

Key Points

Volumetry of the liver and spleen using CT and MRI correlates with hepatic fibrosis stages and cirrhosis.

Volumetric measurements correlate with chronic liver disease outcomes.

Fully automated methods for volumetry are required for implementation into routine clinical practice.

Graphical Abstract
Sexually dimorphic effects of prenatal alcohol exposure on the murine skeleton
Authors: Bourne Lucie E. , Jayash Soher N. , Michels Lysanne V. , Hopkinson Mark , Guppy Fergus M. , Clarkin Claire E. , Gard Paul , Brissett Nigel , Staines Katherine A.
Published: June 2024

Background

Prenatal alcohol exposure (PAE) can result in lifelong disabilities known as foetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) and is associated with childhood growth deficiencies and increased bone fracture risk. However, the effects of PAE on the adult skeleton remain unclear and any potential sexual dimorphism is undetermined. Therefore, we utilised a murine model to examine sex differences with PAE on in vitro bone formation, and in the juvenile and adult skeleton.

Methods

Pregnant C57BL/6J female mice received 5% ethanol in their drinking water during gestation. Primary calvarial osteoblasts were isolated from neonatal offspring and mineralised bone nodule formation and gene expression assessed. Skeletal phenotyping of 4- and 12-week-old male and female offspring was conducted by micro-computed tomography (µCT), 3-point bending, growth plate analyses, and histology.

Results

Osteoblasts from male and female PAE mice displayed reduced bone formation, compared to control (≤ 30%). Vegfa, Vegfb, Bmp6, Tgfbr1, Flt1 and Ahsg were downregulated in PAE male osteoblasts only, whilst Ahsg was upregulated in PAE females. In 12-week-old mice, µCT analysis revealed a sex and exposure interaction across several trabecular bone parameters. PAE was detrimental to the trabecular compartment in male mice compared to control, yet PAE females were unaffected. Both male and female mice had significant reductions in cortical parameters with PAE. Whilst male mice were negatively affected along the tibial length, females were only distally affected. Posterior cortical porosity was increased in PAE females only. Mechanical testing revealed PAE males had significantly reduced bone stiffness compared to controls; maximum load and yield were reduced in both sexes. PAE had no effect on total body weight or tibial bone length in either sex. However, total growth plate width in male PAE mice compared to control was reduced, whilst female PAE mice were unaffected. 4-week-old mice did not display the altered skeletal phenotype with PAE observed in 12-week-old animals.

Conclusions

Evidence herein suggests, for the first time, that PAE exerts divergent sex effects on the skeleton, possibly influenced by underlying sex-specific transcriptional mechanisms of osteoblasts. Establishing these sex differences will support future policies and clinical management of FASD.
Empowering standardization of cancer vaccines through ontology: enhanced modeling and data analysis
Authors: Zheng Jie , Li Xingxian , Masci Anna Maria , Kahn Hayleigh , Huffman Anthony , Asfaw Eliyas , Pan Yuanyi , Guo Jinjing , He Virginia , Song Justin , Seleznev Andrey I. , Lin Asiyah Yu , He Yongqun
Published: June 2024

Background

The exploration of cancer vaccines has yielded a multitude of studies, resulting in a diverse collection of information. The heterogeneity of cancer vaccine data significantly impedes effective integration and analysis. While CanVaxKB serves as a pioneering database for over 670 manually annotated cancer vaccines, it is important to distinguish that a database, on its own, does not offer the structured relationships and standardized definitions found in an ontology. Recognizing this, we expanded the Vaccine Ontology (VO) to include those cancer vaccines present in CanVaxKB that were not initially covered, enhancing VO’s capacity to systematically define and interrelate cancer vaccines.

Results

An ontology design pattern (ODP) was first developed and applied to semantically represent various cancer vaccines, capturing their associated entities and relations. By applying the ODP, we generated a cancer vaccine template in a tabular format and converted it into the RDF/OWL format for generation of cancer vaccine terms in the VO. ‘12MP vaccine’ was used as an example of cancer vaccines to demonstrate the application of the ODP. VO also reuses reference ontology terms to represent entities such as cancer diseases and vaccine hosts. Description Logic (DL) and SPARQL query scripts were developed and used to query for cancer vaccines based on different vaccine’s features and to demonstrate the versatility of the VO representation. Additionally, ontological modeling was applied to illustrate cancer vaccine related concepts and studies for in-depth cancer vaccine analysis. A cancer vaccine-specific VO view, referred to as “CVO,” was generated, and it contains 928 classes including 704 cancer vaccines. The CVO OWL file is publicly available on: http://purl.obolibrary.org/obo/vo/cvo.owl, for sharing and applications.

Conclusion

To facilitate the standardization, integration, and analysis of cancer vaccine data, we expanded the Vaccine Ontology (VO) to systematically model and represent cancer vaccines. We also developed a pipeline to automate the inclusion of cancer vaccines and associated terms in the VO. This not only enriches the data’s standardization and integration, but also leverages ontological modeling to deepen the analysis of cancer vaccine information, maximizing benefits for researchers and clinicians.

Availability

The VO-cancer GitHub website is: https://github.com/vaccineontology/VO/tree/master/CVO.
Early diagnosis and staging of paraquat-induced pulmonary fibrosis using [18F]F-FAPI-42 PET/CT imaging
Authors: Zhang Dimei , Shi Yusheng , Kong Jiangwei , Chen Na , Li Guiting , Wang Mingfang , Zhang Guoxia , Zhai Chuangyan
Published: June 2024

Background

Paraquat (PQ) -induced pulmonary fibrosis poses a significant medical challenge due to limited treatment options and high mortality rates. Consequently, there is an urgent need for early diagnosis and accurate staging to facilitate appropriate treatment strategies. In this study, we assessed the diagnostic potential of [18F]F-FAPI-42 PET/CT imaging for early detection and disease staging in a rat model of PQ-induced lung fibrosis.

Methods

After administering 80 mg/kg of PQ orally to Sprague-Dawley rats, we intravenously injected 3-3.5 MBq of [18F]F-FAPI-42 on day 7, 14, and 21 post-dosing. Dynamic PET/CT imaging was carried out for one hour immediately after the administration of [18F]F-FAPI-42. Subsequently, the lung tissues were collected for Hematoxylin and Eosin (HE) staining, Masson’s trichrome staining, and NOTA-FAPI-04-MB fluorescent probe staining. Data analysis was performed using the Imalytics preclinical software, and the mean standardized uptake value (SUVmean) was calculated.

Results

PET signals revealed that in areas with evident lesions on CT, the SUVmean on day 14 was significantly higher than on day 7 and 21, indicating that changes in fibrosis activity levels contribute to the staging of pulmonary fibrosis. Additionally, the NOTA-FAPI-04-MB fluorescent probe staining also demonstrated the most pronounced probe uptake on day 14. In regions without apparent lesions on CT, the SUVmean gradually increased from day 7 to day 21, reflecting ongoing fibrotic activity. Moreover, HE staining and Masson’s trichrome staining did not reveal pulmonary fibrosis, while PET imaging was able to detect it, serving the purpose of early diagnosis. At 30 min and 60 min, the target-to-background ratio (TBR) of the PQ groups on day 7, 14, and 21 was significantly higher than the control group, suggesting a high specificity of [18F]F-FAPI-42 binding to activated fibroblasts.

Conclusion

[18F]F-FAPI-42 PET/CT imaging enables early diagnosis and staging of PQ-induced pulmonary fibrosis, demonstrating its feasibility and potential for characterizing early disease stages.
Bradykinin promotes immune responses in differentiated embryonic neurospheres carrying APPswe and PS1dE9 mutations
Authors: Juvenal Guilherme , Meinerz Carine , Ayupe Ana Carolina , Campos Henrique Correia , Reis Eduardo Moraes , Longo Beatriz Monteiro , Pillat Micheli Mainardi , Ulrich Henning
Published: June 2024

Background

Neural progenitor cells (NPCs) can be cultivated from developing brains, reproducing many of the processes that occur during neural development. They can be isolated from a variety of animal models, such as transgenic mice carrying mutations in amyloid precursor protein (APP) and presenilin 1 and 2 (PSEN 1 and 2), characteristic of familial Alzheimer’s disease (fAD). Modulating the development of these cells with inflammation-related peptides, such as bradykinin (BK) and its antagonist HOE-140, enables the understanding of the impact of such molecules in a relevant AD model.

Results

We performed a global gene expression analysis on transgenic neurospheres treated with BK and HOE-140. To validate the microarray data, quantitative real-time reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) was performed on 8 important genes related to the immune response in AD such as CCL12, CCL5, CCL3, C3, CX3CR1, TLR2 and TNF alpha and Iba-1. Furthermore, comparative analysis of the transcriptional profiles was performed between treatments, including gene ontology and reactome enrichment, construction and analysis of protein-protein interaction networks and, finally, comparison of our data with human dataset from AD patients. The treatments affected the expression levels of genes mainly related to microglia-mediated neuroinflammatory responses, with BK promoting an increase in the expression of genes that enrich processes, biological pathways, and cellular components related to immune dysfunction, neurodegeneration and cell cycle. B2 receptor inhibition by HOE-140 resulted in the reduction of AD-related anomalies caused in this system.

Conclusions

BK is an important immunomodulatory agent and enhances the immunological changes identified in transgenic neurospheres carrying the genetic load of AD. Bradykinin treatments modulate the expression rates of genes related to microglia-mediated neuroinflammation. Inhibiting bradykinin activity in Alzheimer’s disease may slow disease progression.
Effects of exercise training on cardiac output in subjects with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) — a protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Schoch Raphael , Gasser Benedikt , Beck Philippe , Appenzeller-Herzog Christian , Schmidt-Trucksäss Arno
Published: June 2024

Background

Patients with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) commonly experience exercise intolerance, resulting in reduced cardiorespiratory fitness. This is characterised by a decreased maximal oxygen uptake (V̇O2peak), which is determined by the product of cardiac output (CO) and arteriovenous oxygen difference (a-vDO2). While exercise training has been shown to improve V̇O2peakin HFpEF patients, the effects on CO remain unclear. The aim of this study is to systematically review and analyse the current evidence on the effects of supervised exercise training on CO in patients with HFpEF.

Methods

We will systematically search for literature describing the effects of supervised exercise training on CO in patients with HFpEF. All eligible studies published before 30 June 2023 in the following electronic databases will be included: MEDLINE (Ovid), Embase (Ovid), SPORTDiscus (EBSCOhost), and CENTRAL (Cochrane Library). Effect sizes will be extracted for CO before and after a supervised exercise training intervention at rest and maximal exercise. Mass of heterogeneity (I2) will be calculated, and either fixed-effect models or random-effect models will be used for meta-analysis. To detect a potential publication bias, funnel plot analyses will be performed.

Discussion

While several studies have reported a positive effect of supervised exercise training on cardiorespiratory fitness, attempts to assess the underlying determinants of V̇O2peak, CO, and a-vDO2are much scarcer, especially in patients with HFpEF. From a physiological perspective, measuring CO before and after supervised exercise training seems to be a reasonable way to accurately operationalise a potential improvement in cardiac function.

Systematic review registration

PROSPERO CRD42022361485.
Weighted fractional inequalities for new conditions on h-convex functions
Authors: Benaissa Bouharket , Azzouz Noureddine , Budak Hüseyin
Published: June 2024

We use a new function class called B-function to establish a novel version of Hermite–Hadamard inequality for weighted ψ-Hilfer operators. Additionally, we prove two new identities involving weighted ψ-Hilfer operators for differentiable functions. Moreover, by employing these equalities and the properties of the B-function, we derive several trapezoid- and midpoint-type inequalities for h-convex functions. Furthermore, the obtained results are reduced to several well-known and some new inequalities by making specific choices of the function h.
Autumn sunlight promotes aboveground carbon loss in a temperate mixed forest
Authors: Li Xingzhi , Wang Yanan , Zhang Juanjuan , Robson Thomas Matthew , Kurokawa Hiroko , Peng Huan , Zhou Li , Yu Dapao , Deng Jiaojiao , Wang Qing-Wei
Published: June 2024

Background

Photodegradation of plant litter plays a pivotal role in the global carbon (C) cycle. In temperate forest ecosystems, the exposure of plant litter to solar radiation can be significantly altered by changes in autumn phenology and snow cover due to climatic change. How this will affect litter decomposition and nutrient dynamic interacting with forest canopy structure (understorey vs. gaps) is uncertain. In the present study, we conducted a field experiment using leaf litter of early-fall deciduous Betula platyphylla (Asian white birch) and late-fall deciduous Quercus mongolica (Mongolian oak) to explore the effect of change in autumn solar radiation on dynamics of litter decomposition in a gap and understorey of a temperate mixed forest.

Results

Exposure to the full-spectrum of not only significantly increased the loss of mass, C, and lignin, but also modified N loss through both immobilization and mineralization during the initial decomposition during autumn canopy opening, irrespective of canopy structure and litter species. These effects were mainly driven by the blue-green spectral region of sunlight. Short-term photodegradation by autumn solar radiation had a positive legacy effect on the later decomposition particularly in the forest gap, increasing mass loss by 16% and 19% for Asian white birch and Mongolia oak, respectively.

Conclusions

Our results suggest that earlier autumn leaf-fall phenology and/or later snow cover due to land-use or climate change would increase the exposure of plant organic matter to solar radiation, and accelerate ecosystem processes, C and nutrient cycling in temperate forest ecosystems. The study provides a reference for predictive research on carbon cycling under the background of global climate change.
Knowledge management and sustainable entrepreneurship: a bibliometric overview and research agenda
Authors: Alkathiri Nasser Alhamar , Said Foued Ben , Meyer Natanya , Soliman Mohammad
Published: June 2024

The current work highlights the evolution in knowledge management for sustainable entrepreneurship research by analyzing the key trends and major concepts. Additionally, the knowledge structures of such research themes were analyzed and mapped. Moreover, this paper seeks to present a research agenda concerning the study subject. It employed an integrated bibliometric approach and systematic review of knowledge management and sustainable entrepreneurship research by conducting two main procedures, namely domain analysis (i.e., key trends and evolution) and knowledge structures analysis (i.e., intellectual, social, and conceptual structure). A total of 233 documents were obtained from Scopus and Web of Science datasets and analyzed using both R 4.1.2 and VOSviewer software. The findings demonstrated that the contributors (i.e., the authors, nations, journals, and institutions) produced a discernible evolution in the body of knowledge on the themes of knowledge management and sustainable business within the designated period. Furthermore, science mapping approaches deeply grasp the social, conceptual, and intellectual structures of such research themes. This current work is considered one of the first attempts to systematically review, analyze, and visualize the scientific productions on knowledge management and sustainable entrepreneurship. The findings of the current work also offer a solid understanding and insights into the potential directions for the research agenda in these disciplines.
Automated surveillance of antimicrobial consumption in intensive care, northern Sweden: an observational case study
Authors: Winroth Andreas , Andersson Mattias , Fjällström Peter , Johansson Anders F. , Lind Alicia
Published: June 2024

Background

The digitalization of information systems allows automatic measurement of antimicrobial consumption (AMC), helping address antibiotic resistance from inappropriate drug use without compromising patient safety.

Objectives

Describe and characterize a new automated AMC surveillance service for intensive care units (ICUs), with data stratified by referral clinic and linked with individual patient risk factors, disease severity, and mortality.

Methods

An automated service collecting data from the electronic medical record was developed, implemented, and validated in a healthcare region in northern Sweden. We performed an observational study from January 1, 2018, to December 31, 2021, encompassing general ICU care for all ≥18-years-olds in a catchment population of 270000 in secondary care and 900000 in tertiary care. We used descriptive analyses to associate ICU population characteristics with AMC outcomes over time, including days of therapy (DOT), length of therapy, defined daily doses, and mortality.

Results

There were 5608 admissions among 5190 patients with a median age of 65 (IQR 48-75) years, 41.2% females. The 30-day mortality was 18.3%. Total AMC was 1177 DOTs in secondary and 1261 DOTs per 1000 patient days and tertiary care. AMC varied significantly among referral clinics, with the highest total among 810 general surgery admissions in tertiary care at 1486 DOTs per 1000 patient days. Case-mix effects on the AMC were apparent during COVID-19 waves highlighting the need to account for case-mix. Patients exposed to more than three antimicrobial drug classes (N= 242) had a 30-day mortality rate of 40.6%, with significant variability in their expected rates based on admission scores.

Conclusion

We introduce a new service and instructions for automating local ICU-AMC data collection. The versatile long-term ICU-AMC metrics presented, covering patient factors, referral clinics and mortality outcomes, are expected to be beneficial in refining antimicrobial drug use.
Implications of cognitive and daily living capabilities on early type 2 diabetes management: a preliminary case–control study
Authors: Mahmoudi Romina , Kamari Farzin , Naghdi Sadeh Reza , Naseri Amirreza , Sadra Vahideh
Published: June 2024

Background

Adherence to the transition from oral agents to insulin injections in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus therapy varies among patients and is not uniformly successful, leading to suboptimal glycemic control in certain cases. This study aims to investigate the potential correlation between cognitive and daily functional capabilities and glycemic control in middle-aged to older adults (40–74 years old) diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus for less than 10 years, specifically those who have recently transitioned to insulin injections and have lower education levels within the context of a developing country.

Methods

A case–control study was conducted with 30 poorly controlled diabetes mellitus (PCDM) patients recognized by HbA1c levels > 8% compared to 30 fairly controlled diabetes mellitus (FCDM) patients with HbA1c levels ≤ 8%. Basic Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA-B) score of less than 27 was investigated as the exposure among two groups. Additionally, intra- and inter-battery correlations were assessed among MoCA-B and Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADL) domains using Pearson’sr.

Results

The primary outcomes showed no crude difference between MoCA-B scores in the two diabetic groups (p-value = 0.82). However, after adjusting for age, education, and IADL scores, cognitive decline in the less-educated younger elderly with high IADL scores demonstrated an unexpected protective effect against PCDM (p-value < 0.0001, OR 95% CI = 0–0.26). In linear regression analysis among MoCA-B and IADL scores, “delayed recall” and “orientation” domains from MoCA-B, and “managing medications” and “using the phone” from IADL were negatively associated with HbA1c levels (p-values of < 0.01, 0.043, 0.015, and 0.023, respectively). Intra- and inter-battery correlations further illustrated a strong association between MoCA-B’s “orientation” with IADL’s “using the phone” and “managing medications” (p-values < 0.0001).

Conclusion

Superior performance in certain cognitive domains is linked to better glycemic control. Still, since assessing cognitive domains may be timely in clinical routine, a potential rapid approach might be taken by assessing patients’ instrumental abilities to use cell phone or manage medications. Future studies including a larger sample size and a broader spectrum of psychosocial factors are needed to elaborate on our findings.
Inflammation accelerating intestinal fibrosis: from mechanism to clinic
Authors: Xin Shuzi , Liu Xiaohui , He Chengwei , Gao Han , Wang Boya , Hua Rongxuan , Gao Lei , Shang Hongwei , Sun Fangling , Xu Jingdong
Published: June 2024

Intestinal fibrosis is a prevalent complication of IBD that that can frequently be triggered by prolonged inflammation. Fibrosis in the gut can cause a number of issues, which continue as an ongoing challenge to healthcare systems worldwide. The primary causes of intestinal fibrosis are soluble molecules, G protein-coupled receptors, epithelial-to-mesenchymal or endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition, and the gut microbiota. Fresh perspectives coming from in vivo and in vitro experimental models demonstrate that fibrogenic pathways might be different, at least to some extent, independent of the ones that influence inflammation. Understanding the distinctive procedures of intestinal fibrogenesis should provide a realistic foundation for targeting and blocking specific fibrogenic pathways, estimating the risk of fibrotic consequences, detecting early fibrotic alterations, and eventually allowing therapy development. Here, we first summarize the inflammatory and non-inflammatory components of fibrosis, and then we elaborate on the underlying mechanism associated with multiple cytokines in fibrosis, providing the framework for future clinical practice. Following that, we discuss the relationship between modernization and disease, as well as the shortcomings of current studies. We outline fibrosis diagnosis and therapy, as well as our recommendations for the future treatment of intestinal fibrosis. We anticipate that the global review will provides a wealth of fresh knowledge and suggestions for future fibrosis clinical practice.

Graphical Abstract
Forward modeling of quake’s infrasound recorded in the stratosphere on board balloon platforms
Authors: Gerier S. , Garcia R. F. , Martin R. , Hertzog A.
Published: June 2024

Acoustic waves generated by seismic waves contain information on the internal structure of planets, and can be sensed by pressure sensors onboard high-altitude balloons. To identify the various contributions (infrasound signal, noise, balloon response, etc.) in such pressure records, a full waveform modeling is implemented and completed by infrasound ray tracing and additional data analysis. Here, we analyze the Stratéole-2 pressure data associated with two earthquakes (Garcia et al. Geophys. Res. Lett. 49(15):e98844, 2022) and compared these to full waveform simulations by SPECFEM2D-DG-LNS software. Even if our simulations do not precisely reproduce the waveform observed in the frequency range [0.05, 0.3] Hz, we show that the waveform presents more sensitivity to quake and internal structure parameters than to atmospheric structure, and that seismic surface wave dispersion is observed in balloon pressure records. The long-duration pressure oscillations observed after the main infrasonic signal cannot be fully reproduced by our one-dimensional input model even when source time function complexity and aftershocks are considered. These features are ascribed mainly to the complex vertical ground movements below the balloon and partly to late secondary infrasound arrivals excited by the interactions of seismic waves with the topography. These results enhance the advantages and limitations of quake-related infrasound observations on board terrestrial and planetary balloon platforms.

Graphical Abstract
Accuracy of the 6-Minute Walk Test for Assessing Functional Capacity in Patients With Heart Failure With Preserved Ejection Fraction and Other Chronic Cardiac Pathologies: Results of the ExIC-FEp Trial and a Meta-Analysis
Authors: Cavero-Redondo Iván , Saz-Lara Alicia , Bizzozero-Peroni Bruno , Núñez-Martínez Laura , Díaz-Goñi Valentina , Calero-Paniagua Ismael , Matínez-García Irene , Pascual-Morena Carlos
Published: June 2024

Background

Heart diseases, particularly heart failure, significantly impact patient quality of life and mortality rates. Functional capacity assessment is vital for predicting prognosis and risk in these patients. While the cardiopulmonary exercise test is considered the gold standard, the 6-minute walk test has emerged as a more accessible alternative. However, the screening accuracy and optimal cut-off points of the 6-minute walk test for detecting severely reduced functional capacity in cardiac pathologies, including heart failure with preserved ejection fraction, are unclear. The study aimed to analyse the diagnostic accuracy of the 6-minute walk test for detecting reduced functional capacity, defined as VO2max < 14 ml/kg/min, compared with the cardiopulmonary exercise test in participants with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction using data from the “Ejercicio en Insuficiencia Cardiaca con Fracción de Eyección Preservada” (ExIC-FEp) trial; and to compare these results with previous studies investigating the screening accuracy for assessing functional capacity of the 6-minute walk test in participants with other chronic cardiac pathologies through a meta-analysis.

Results

The ExIC-FEp trial involved 22 participants with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction, who were not treated with beta-blockers, using the cardiopulmonary exercise test, specifically VO2max,as the reference test. The 6-minute walk test had a sensitivity of 70%, a specificity of 80%, and an area under the curve of 76% in the ExIC-FEp trial. Five studies were included in the meta-analysis showing a sensitivity of 79%, a specificity of 78%, and an area under the curve of 85%.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the 6-minute walk test holds promise as a screening tool for assessing functional capacity in heart failure with preserved ejection fraction and chronic heart diseases, with a VO2max < 14 ml/kg/min as a reference point. It demonstrates moderate to good screening accuracy. However, the screening accuracy and optimal cut-off points of the 6-minute walk test for detecting severely reduced functional capacity, regardless of aetiology, are unclear.

Trial Registration

NCT05726474. Registered 16 February 2023,https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT05726474.
Transforming growth factor-β1: relation between its single-nucleotide genetic variants and sickle cell nephropathy
Authors: Hamdy Mona , Shaheen Iman , Ramadan Hadi , Abdel Maksoud Fatma Abdel Wahab , Ramadan Yasmin Mohamed
Published: June 2024

Background

Sickle cell nephropathy is a complication of sickle cell disease characterized by functional abnormalities of the kidney and glomeruli. Our study aimed to investigate the single-nucleotide genetic variants in TGF-β-1-related genes as an early predictor of sickle cell nephropathy (SCN) risk.

Methods

Two hundred participants, 100 patients with SCD, and 100 age and sex-matched control. The study included full history taking, clinical examination, and laboratory evaluation. Renal function tests (serum urea and creatinine, microalbuminuria, albumin/ creatinine ratio, and e-GFR). Genotyping for TGF-β1 genetic variants rs1800469 and rs1800471.

Results

Twenty-one percent of patients had glomerular hyperfiltration, while 31% had reduced e-GFR. Microalbuminuria was present in 14%, and none had macroalbuminuria or edema. TGF-β1 genotyping revealed a statistically significant difference in the rs 1800471 C allele, which was more common in the control group (p 0.028). No significant correlation between the result of TGF‐ β genotyping and the albumin-to-creatinine ratio, creatinine, and e-GFR.

Conclusion

TGF-β1 rs1800469 and rs1800471 genetic variants were not associated with the risk of sickle nephropathy in children with sickle cell disease.