bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Looking back at journalism ethics research over the past decade: An analysis of research in digital journalism, journalism, journalism practice, and journalism studies, 2013-2022
Authors: Sang Yoonmo , Lee Na Yeon , Park Soyoung
Published: April 2024

This study aims to identify research trends and central concepts in the field of journalism ethics over the past decade. Focusing on four major journals— Digital Journalism, Journalism, Journalism Practice, and Journalism Studies— this article presents key findings from a topic modeling analysis of articles published between 2013 and 2022. An analysis of 1170 journalism ethics-related studies revealed the most salient topic to be closely related to “news making practices.” This topic was followed by studies on social roles and values of journalism and ways to increase audiences’ trust and credibility in news. This study also found differences in major topics across the four journals. The articles in Journalism tended to center on news producers’ practices while approximately half of the articles in Digital Journalism focused on journalism practices in relation to technology and platforms. The second most studied topic in Journalism Practice were issues related to minority groups, such as women and children. Journalism Studies emphasized journalistic principles, such as transparency and credibility. While empirical assessments of the major trends in journalism ethics research have been lacking, this study helps fill this gap and establish a foundational understanding for future discussions on journalism ethics research, highlighting key recurring terms associated with journalism ethics.
Evaluation of the Efficacy and Safety of Pedicled Perforator Flap Technique for Salvage Nipple Reconstruction in Breast Cancer Patients: A Pilot Study
Authors: Chen Shuanglong , Yang Qingmo , Zheng Shaoluan , Chen Chenxi , Gao Lujuan , Liu Jiaqi
Published: April 2024

Objective

We propose a pedicled perforator flap technique for salvage nipple reconstruction after initial nipple reconstruction fails in breast cancer patients.

Methods

This is a pilot study. A total of 21 female breast cancer patients who underwent nipple reconstruction following initial nipple reconstruction fails were enrolled, and salvage nipple reconstruction based pedicled perforator flap were performed between 2016 and 2020. Operative time, perforator design, postoperative complications, follow-up duration, projection of nipple, as well as patient-reported outcomes measured by the BREAST-Q and visual analogue scale (VAS) were assessed.

Results

Sixteen patients underwent fifth lateral intercostal artery perforator reconstruction, while 5 patients underwent fifth anterior intercostal artery perforator flap reconstruction. The surgeries were successful without intraoperative complications, with a mean operative time of 67 minutes. Postoperative complications were absent. The mean follow-up duration was 18 months. The mean nipple projection was 8 mm (range, 6-10 mm) with a shrinkage of 20% at 6 months after surgery. The average scores for psychosocial well-being, satisfaction with breasts, and satisfaction with nipples domains of the BREAST-Q significantly increased ( P < .01) at 6 months post-reconstruction. Sexual well-being subdomain showed no statistical difference ( P = .9369). The VAS scores for cosmesis and patient satisfaction with surgery were 9 and 9.3, respectively.

Conclusion

The pedicled perforator flap technique for salvage nipple reconstruction is a safe and effective approach.
Patient-related risk factors for early unplanned reoperation following revision total shoulder arthroplasty
Authors: Alberto Ralph , Mehta Apoorva H , Gupta Puneet , Arciero Emily , Patel Kunj G , Trofa David P
Published: April 2024

Purpose

There has been an increase in the number of total shoulder arthroplasty (TSA) revisions performed as the number of primary surgeries increases rapidly. Revision procedures have a higher failure rate and there is a lack of understanding of patient risk factors for needing another repeat surgery following revision TSA.

Methods

Revision patients were separated into two cohorts: those needing an unplanned reoperation and those that did not within 30 days following revision TSA. Multivariate logistic regression was performed to identify independent risk factors for an unplanned reoperation.

Results

1909 revision TSA patients were included in the final analysis. Sixty-nine of these patients underwent an unplanned reoperation within 30 days and 1840 did not. Multivariate logistic regression analyses found an ASA class of III or IV, male sex, congestive heart failure, and inpatient setting to be independent risk factors.

Conclusion

3.6% of revision TSA patients require an unplanned reoperation within 30 days postoperatively. An ASA class of III or IV, male sex, congestive heart failure, and inpatient setting were found to be independent risk factors for early reoperation. Surgeons should be aware of these risks to improve preoperative patient optimization and guide shared decision making with patients considering revision.
Writing Qualitatively: Crossing Borders, Claiming the Margins
Authors: Basu Marina , Palandjian Garine
Published: April 2024

Our paper is an invitation for scholars to challenge the mainstream dominant western approaches to qualitative research and writing. Situated as emerging scholars on the margins, we discuss what it means for us to write qualitatively through the two foci of writing and research. Our methodologies are informed by listening to the stories and shared memories of our academic ancestors and writing through rhythms of poetry. First, we look at writing qualitatively as an invitation to think with others and writing itself as a practice of “claiming the margins.” Second, we look at qualitative research practices that directly relate to our communities, where research and writing become an imperative and a responsibility rather than a choice exercised from a place of privilege. Grounded in the wilderness of the margins, we embark on the ethico-political scholartistry of qualitative writing.
The Role of Partner Gender: How Sexual Expectations Shape the Pursuit of an Orgasm Goal for Heterosexual, Lesbian, and Bisexual Women
Authors: Dickman Kate , Wetzel Grace M. , Sanchez Diana T.
Published: April 2024

Previous research has established that gendered sexual scripts shape sexual behavior. This study seeks to expand prior work on orgasm disparities for women across sexual orientations by exploring the role of partner gender. Across two studies, we examined how the gender of women’s sexual partners influenced their orgasm goal pursuit. We compared lesbian and heterosexual women’s experience with their most recent partner in Study 1, and experimentally compared bisexual women partnered with a woman or a man in a hypothetical sexual encounter in Study 2. In both studies, women reported higher clitoral stimulation and orgasm expectations when partnered with a woman compared to a man. Moreover, partner gender had a significant indirect effect on women’s orgasm goal pursuit through clitoral stimulation and expectations for orgasm. These results suggest that sexual scripts associated with partner gender play a key role in the orgasm gap for women who have sex with men.
Ambulatory (P3) patients at the emergency department
Authors: Ong Alston Guan Jie , Koh Shao Hui , Pek Jen Heng , Venugopal Kuhan
Published: April 2024

Introduction

Overcrowding at Emergency Departments (EDs) has negative implications on healthcare systems, hospitals, staffs, and patients. We aimed to describe the characteristics of ambulatory (P3) patients to mitigate input of these patients to the ED to ease overcrowding.

Methods

A retrospective study was conducted from 2019 to 2022. Information on demographics, attendance patterns, length of ED stay, diagnoses and dispositions were collected and analysed.

Results

Among 541,762 attendances, there were 183,592 (33.9%) ambulatory (P3) patients. Adults between 16- to 65-year old accounted for the majority ( n = 149,846, 81.6%). Compared to emergent (P1) and urgent (P2) patients, there were greater proportions of ambulatory (P3) patients who attended the ED during weekends and public holidays, and between 0800 and 2359 h ( p < .01). There were also greater proportions of ambulatory (P3) patients who self-conveyed to the ED, and did not have referral from primary care physicians ( p < .01). Their median (interquartile range) time, in minutes, of wait for triage, wait for consult and length of stay were 9 (4–19), 35 (18–71) and 110 (65–168) respectively. About one in 10 ambulatory (P3) patients required admission to the hospital. The top three diagnoses were upper respiratory tract infection (11.0%), musculoskeletal pain (9.7%), and laceration (4.3%).

Conclusion

Ambulatory (P3) patients accounted for a sizeable load which can exacerbate overcrowding at the ED. They may be better sited at primary care services that are appropriate for their conditions. Measures should be directed at addressing their healthcare needs and health seeking behaviour.
For granular geographies: Conceptual spaces of anatropism and land reclamation in Singapore
Authors: Lowe John
Published: April 2024

The call for granular geographies represents an interesting intervention in the nexus between old and new materialisms in human geography. While there is a need to look beyond reclamation as volumetric expansion of territory, this commentary discusses how we can think about locating granular geographies in the complex nexus between the conceptual spaces of the ‘tropics’ and ‘temperate.’ This is in addition to theorizing how a singular grain of sand is capable of militarizing and gendering the Southeast Asian island state.
Trading war: Evolving landscape of discount brokerage in India
Authors: Balodi Krishna Chandra , Raizada Aditya , Datta Sagnika
Published: April 2024

The case study chronicles the evolution of Trading Tech sector in India, focusing on the emergence of the digital discount brokerage model. The case delves into the brokerage industry disruption in India, comprising primarily of Industry 4.0-based technological advancements, regulatory policies, and consumer demand shifts. India, a developing economy that was largely characterized by traditional modes of financial transactions, brokerage, and wealth management, shifting to predominantly digital modes with the advent of technology, makes an interesting context. This case sheds light on Zerodha and Groww, India’s biggest online discount brokerage companies, their background, and business model evolution. We intend to make the readers aware of the industry dynamics, the specific business model of the two leading brokerage firms in India, and their challenges. The readers can use various strategy and innovation frameworks to evaluate the strategic choices and business models adopted by the firms and the strategic challenges that need to be addressed to achieve sustained advantage in the financial services market.
Association between digital engagement and urban-rural disparities in Chinese women's depressive symptoms: A national-level cross-sectional study
Authors: Wang Xiaochen , Wang Yangyang
Published: April 2024

Objectives

This study aims to investigate the impact of digital engagement on urban-rural disparities in depressive symptoms among Chinese women.

Methods

Using a dataset from the China Family Panel Studies (CFPS) wave 2020, this study analyzes the impact of digital engagement on the urban-rural disparity in women's depressive symptoms using multiple linear regression and recentered influence function (RIF) models. Furthermore, the extent to which digital engagement affects the urban-rural disparity in women's depressive symptoms was calculated using the RIF decomposition method.

Results

Analysis showed that rural women had significantly higher levels of depressive symptoms compared to urban women; digital engagement significantly reduced women's depressive symptoms levels and mitigated the urban-rural disparity for women with moderate to high levels of depressive symptoms, and the mitigating effect was stronger for the highly depressed sample, but still widened the urban-rural disparity in women's depressive symptoms overall. In addition, the results of the RIF decomposition showed that digital engagement explained 28.28% of the urban-rural disparity in women's depressive symptoms.

Conclusion

There is a significant disparity in depressive symptoms levels between urban and rural women in China. Digital engagement reduces women's depressive symptoms, but it also widens the depressive symptoms disparity between urban and rural women overall. Digital engagement is potentially positive for reducing women's depressive symptoms.
Incidental findings of cervical magnetic resonance imaging: A retrospective reinterpretation of a large adult population
Authors: Kızılgöz Volkan , Kantarcı Mecit , Aydemir Hüseyin
Published: April 2024

Background

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the cervical spine is one of the routine MRI scans of the cervical region in investigating spinal disc pathologies, spinal stenosis, and the detection of spinal lesions, which are the major parameters to be evaluated in this examination.

Purpose

The authors of this study are focused on a different aspect of cervical MRI, revealing the incidences and reporting rates of extraspinal incidental findings.

Methods

A total of 1000 patients (324 males, 676 females, mean age 47 ± 14) who had undergone an MRI of the cervical spine were enrolled in this study. The magnetic resonance (MR) images of these patients were re-interpreted with respect to the incidental extraspinal imaging findings. The incidence and reporting rate of each incidental finding encountered during the evaluation were presented in percentages.

Results

726 patients in this study had at least one incidental lesion. The results of this study revealed that the most common incidental lesions encountered during the reinterpretation of cervical MRI were nasopharyngeal mucosal thickening ( n = 442) and thyroid hypertrophy ( n = 231). The total reporting rate of incidental findings was 5.29%.

Conclusion

There are many data to be reported and evaluated by MR imaging of the cervical spine, not only the main parameters of MRI scanning in the routine daily practice of radiologists. All our colleagues should be aware and careful of these incidental findings, which may be the initial medical data of the patients’ diagnoses, or to avoid undesirable medicolegal problems.
Recurrent Spinal Arteriovenous Malformations in a Patient with Cobb Syndrome
Authors: Mulchan Nicholas , Garcia Mekka R. , Wells John T.
Published: April 2024

Cobb syndrome is a rare neurocutaneous disease characterized by multiple spinal vascular anomalies and vascular skin lesions affecting the corresponding dermatome. We present a case of a 12-year-old boy with history of spinal arteriovenous malformation (AVM) extending from T4-T5 status post partial embolization 3 years ago and hyperpigmented patch overlying his thoracic back region presenting with 2 days of back pain and lower extremity numbness and weakness. He had multiple Type III AVMs within the spinal and paraspinal tissues involving the T4-T7 vertebral elements, most extensively T4 and T5. The largest aneurysm located at the confluence of the main AVM nidus was a 4 mm anterior spinal artery aneurysm, which was embolized with partial embolization of the main AVM nidus, resulting in complete aneurysm occlusion. This report provides valuable insight on the natural history, recurrence risk, and treatment options of Cobb syndrome to aid in early diagnosis and improve outcomes.
Review Article: Laleh Khalili, Sinews of War and Trade: Shipping and Capitalism in the Arabian Peninsula
Authors: Sharma Shubham
Published: April 2024

Laleh Khalili, Sinews of War and Trade: Shipping and Capitalism in the Arabian Peninsula (London: Verso), 2021, 357 pp., $24.95 (Pb).
Entrepreneurs’ Evaluations of Mentors: The Role of Value Similarities and Mentors’ Experiences
Authors: Kirsch Julia , Dibbern Rieke , Patzelt Holger , Breugst Nicola
Published: April 2024

Focusing on a specific form of entrepreneurship education, entrepreneurial mentoring, we take a relational mentoring perspective and develop a model of entrepreneurs’ assessments of potential mentors. We theorize that if mentees perceive their business-related values to be similar to a potential mentor’s values, they are more likely to choose this mentor, and that this relationship is moderated by different types of the potential mentor’s experiences (i.e., entrepreneurial experience, industry experience, and mentoring experience). We test our hypotheses using a metric conjoint experiment and 2,240 assessments of potential mentors by 140 entrepreneurs. Our findings reveal that mentees' perception of business-related value similarity with a potential mentor increases the likelihood of choosing this mentor. Further, higher levels of mentors’ experiences strengthen this relationship. We discuss the implications of our study for research on entrepreneurial mentoring and relational learning in the entrepreneurial context, and we provide practical insights on how the matching process in mentoring programs may be facilitated.
Anatomic Popliteus Tendon and Tibiofibular Joint Reconstructions
Authors: Tollefson Luke V. , Banovetz Mark T. , Homan Morgan D. , Kennedy Nicholas I. , LaPrade Robert F.
Published: April 2024

Background:

The popliteus tendon is a primary stabilizer of external knee rotation and has been described as the “fifth ligament of the knee.” Injuries involving the posterolateral corner of the knee commonly involve the popliteus tendon; isolated injury to the popliteus tendon is relatively rare and usually involves a rotatory injury mechanism and symptoms of instability and pain. In this patient, there was a concomitant injury to the proximal tibiofibular joint.

Indications:

Popliteus tendon reconstruction is indicated for patients with abnormal external rotation on examination and symptoms of pain and instability. Proximal tibiofibular joint reconstruction is indicated for patients with instability of the tibiofibular joint.

Technique Description:

Preoperative examination under anesthesia is essential to determine the extent of external rotation and assess for additional posterolateral pathology. The popliteus tendon procedure begins with a meticulous common peroneal nerve neurolysis to minimize nerve irritation and decrease the risk of a postoperative foot drop. Semitendinosus and gracilis graft harvest is performed with at least 16 cm of graft length followed by tunnel reaming of the popliteus tendon femoral attachment and tibia tunnel identification and reaming. The femoral attachment of the popliteus tendon is secured, and the semitendinosus graft is anatomically oriented along the native path and passed from posterior to anterior through the femoral tunnel. The gracilis graft for anatomic proximal tibiofibular joint reconstruction requires an anterior to posterior tunnel through the fibular head. Finally, both grafts are secured in the tibial tunnel with the application of an anterior traction force.

Results:

A cadaveric study by LaPrade et al reported that an anatomic popliteus tendon reconstruction with a semitendinosus autograft significantly reduced external rotation laxity compared with the sectioned state. In addition, popliteus tendon reconstruction resulted in significantly decreased varus laxity, anterior tibial translation, and internal rotation.

Discussion:

This is a technique that effectively restores external rotation knee stability utilizing an anatomically oriented reconstruction of the popliteus tendon and tibiofibular joint. The popliteus tendon serves as a primary stabilizer to external rotation and facilitates static function of the knee. The proximal tibiofibular joint reconstruction restores the function of the posterior proximal tibiofibular joint ligaments.

Patient Consent Disclosure Statement:

The author(s) attests that consent has been obtained from any patient(s) appearing in this publication. If the individual may be identifiable, the author(s) has included a statement of release or other written form of approval from the patient(s) with this submission for publication.
Horizontal ground-motion model for subduction slab earthquakes using offshore ground motions in the Japan Trench area
Authors: Tan Jingyang , Hu Jinjun
Published: April 2024

The S-net, a large-scale network of permanent ocean-bottom seismographs in the Japan Trench, consisting of 150 stations, has recorded a large number of offshore ground motions that can be used to establish the empirical attenuation relationship of offshore ground motions in the subduction zone. Due to the different attenuation characteristics among different earthquake types in subduction zones, the earthquakes are classified into four tectonic types of subduction slab, interface, shallow crustal, and upper-mantle earthquakes according to the classification scheme of Zhao et al. (2015). Predictive models and uncertainties in offshore ground motions were investigated for different earthquake types. This study establishes a horizontal offshore subduction slab earthquake ground-motion model (GMM) and compares the offshore and onshore slab earthquake GMMs. As the site conditions at ocean-bottom stations are different from those at land stations, the effects of water depth and sediment thickness are taken into account in the offshore slab earthquake GMM. Due to differences in the burial methods of ocean-bottom stations, stations were divided into buried and unburied to investigate the effects of the burial methods. Therefore, regression analysis was used to propose an offshore slab earthquake GMM considering the magnitude, focal depth, distance, water depth, sediment thickness, and burial method. By separating the within-event residuals, the single-station standard deviation is presented. Compared to the onshore GMM, the predicted spectra of the offshore GMM are significantly larger at long periods. For the attenuation rate, the offshore attenuation rate is lower than that of the onshore attenuation rate for short periods, but is basically consistent with the onshore attenuation rate for long periods. The proposed GMM can be used to predict the offshore ground motions for slab earthquakes with rupture distances less than 300 km, focal depths less than 110 km, and moment magnitude between 4 and 7.4.
Adverse pregnancy outcomes and pharyngeal flow limitation during sleep: Nulliparous Pregnancy Outcomes Study Monitoring Mothers-to-be (nuMoM2b)
Authors: Alex Raichel M. , Mann Dwayne L. , Azarbarzin Ali , Vena Daniel , Gell Laura K. , Wellman Andrew , Grobman William A. , Facco Francesca L. , Silver Robert M. , Pien Grace W. , Louis Judette M. , Zee Phyllis C. , Rueschman Michael , Sofer Tamar , Redline Susan , Sands Scott A.
Published: April 2024

Background

Pharyngeal flow limitation during pregnancy may be a risk factor for adverse pregnancy outcomes but was previously challenging to quantify. Our objective was to determine whether a novel objective measure of flow limitation identifies an increased risk of pre-eclampsia (primary outcome) and other adverse outcomes in a prospective cohort: Nulliparous Pregnancy Outcomes Study Monitoring Mothers-to-be (nuMoM2b).

Methods

Flow limitation severity scores (0%=fully obstructed, 100%=open airway), quantified from breath-by-breath airflow shape, were obtained from home sleep tests during early (6–15 weeks) and mid (22–31 weeks) pregnancy. Multivariable logistic regression quantified associations between flow limitation (median overnight severity, both time-points averaged) and pre-eclampsia, adjusting for maternal age, body mass index (BMI), race, ethnicity, chronic hypertension and flow limitation during wakefulness. Secondary outcomes were hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP), gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) and infant birthweight.

Results

Of 1939 participants with flow limitation data at both time-points (mean±sdage 27.0±5.4 years and BMI 27.7±6.1 kg·m−2), 5.8% developed pre-eclampsia, 12.7% developed HDP and 4.5% developed GDM. Greater flow limitation was associated with increased pre-eclampsia risk: adjusted OR 2.49 (95% CI 1.69–3.69) per 2sdincrease in severity. Findings persisted in women without sleep apnoea (apnoea–hypopnoea index <5 events·h−1). Flow limitation was associated with HDP (OR 1.77 (95% CI 1.33–2.38)) and reduced infant birthweight (83.7 (95% CI 31.8–135.6) g), but not GDM.

Conclusions

Greater flow limitation is associated with increased risk of pre-eclampsia, HDP and lower infant birthweight. Flow limitation may provide an early target for mitigating the consequences of sleep disordered breathing during pregnancy.
Symptoms before and after COVID-19: a population and case–control study using prospective data
Authors: Sudre Carole H. , Antonelli Michela , Cheetham Nathan J. , Molteni Erika , Canas Liane S. , Bowyer Vicky , Murray Ben , Rjoob Khaled , Modat Marc , Capdevila Pujol Joan , Hu Christina , Wolf Jonathan , Spector Tim D. , Hammers Alexander , Steves Claire J. , Ourselin Sebastien , Duncan Emma L.
Published: April 2024

Background

Some individuals experience prolonged illness after acute coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). We assessed whether pre-infection symptoms affected post-acute COVID illness duration.

Methods

Survival analysis was performed in adults (n=23 452) with community-managed severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection prospectively self-logging data through the ZOE COVID Symptom Study app, at least weekly, from 8 weeks before to 12 weeks after COVID-19 onset, conditioned on presenceversusabsence of baseline symptoms (4–8 weeks before COVID-19). A case–control study was performed in 1350 individuals with long illness (≥8 weeks, including 906 individuals (67.1%) with illness ≥12 weeks), matched 1:1 (for age, sex, body mass index, testing week, prior infection, vaccination, smoking, index of multiple deprivation) with 1350 individuals with short illness (<4 weeks). Baseline symptoms were compared between the two groups, and against post-COVID symptoms.

Results

Individuals reporting baseline symptoms had longer COVID-related symptom duration (median 15 daysversus10 days for individuals without baseline symptoms) with baseline fatigue nearly doubling duration. Two-thirds (910 (67.4%) of 1350) of individuals with long illness were asymptomatic beforehand. However, 440 (32.6%) had baseline symptoms,versus255 (18.9%) of 1350 individuals with short illness (p<0.0001). Baseline symptoms doubled the odds ratio for long illness (2.14, 95% CI 1.78–2.57). Prior comorbidities were more common in individuals with longversusshort illness. In individuals with long illness, baseline symptomatic (versusasymptomatic) individuals were more likely to be female, younger, and have prior comorbidities; and baseline and post-acute symptoms, and symptom burden, correlated strongly.

Conclusions

Individuals experiencing symptoms before COVID-19 had longer illness duration and increased odds of long illness. However, many individuals with long illness were well before SARS-CoV-2 infection.
A comparison of respiratory oscillometry and spirometry in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis: performance time, symptom burden and test–retest reliability
Authors: Patel Suhani , Sylvester Karl P. , Wu Zhe , Rhamie Serena , Dickel Peter , Maher Toby M. , Molyneaux Philip L. , Calverley Peter M.A. , Man William D-C.
Published: April 2024

Study question

In large multinational patient surveys, spirometry (which requires repeated, reproducible maximal efforts) can be associated with cough, breathlessness and tiredness, particularly in those with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). Oscillometry is an effort-independent test of airways resistance and reactance. We hypothesised that oscillometry would take less time to perform and would be associated with reduced symptom burden than spirometry.

Patients and methods

Spirometry and oscillometry were performed in 66 participants with IPF and repeated 2 weeks later. We compared time taken to perform tests, symptom burden and test–retest reliability with Bland–Altman plots and intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs).

Results

Oscillometry took significantly less time to perform than spirometry (mean −4.5 (99% CI −6.0 to −3.0) min) and was associated with lower symptom burden scores for cough (−1.3, 99% CI −1.7 to −0.8), breathlessness (−1.0, 99% CI −1.4 to −0.5), and tiredness (−0.5, 99% CI −0.9 to −0.2). On Bland–Altman analysis, all measures showed good agreement, with narrow limits of agreement and the mean bias lying close to 0 in all cases. The ICCs for forced expiratory volume in 1 s and forced vital capacity were 0.94 and 0.89, respectively, and ranged between 0.70 and 0.90 for oscillometry measures.

Conclusion

Oscillometry is quicker to perform and provokes less symptoms than spirometry in patients with IPF.
Integrating miRNA and full-length transcriptome profiling to elucidate the mechanism of muscle growth in Muscovy ducks reveals key roles for miR-301a-3p/ANKRD1
Authors: Huang Jiangnan , Xiong Xiaolan , Zhang Weihong , Chen Xiaolian , Wei Yue , Li Haiqin , Xie Jinfang , Wei Qipeng , Zhou Quanyong
Published: April 2024

Background

The popularity of Muscovy ducks is attributed not only to their conformation traits but also to their slightly higher content of breast and leg meat, as well as their stronger-tasting meat compared to that of typical domestic ducks. However, there is a lack of comprehensive systematic research on the development of breast muscle in Muscovy ducks. In addition, since the number of skeletal muscle myofibers is established during the embryonic period, this study conducted a full-length transcriptome sequencing and microRNA sequencing of the breast muscle. Muscovy ducks at four developmental stages, namely Embryonic Day 21 (E21), Embryonic Day 27 (E27), Hatching Day (D0), and Post-hatching Day 7 (D7), were used to isolate total RNA for analysis.

Results

A total of 68,161 genes and 472 mature microRNAs were identified. In order to uncover deeper insights into the regulation of mRNA by miRNAs, we conducted an integration of the differentially expressed miRNAs (known as DEMs) with the differentially expressed genes (referred to as DEGs) across various developmental stages. This integration allowed us to make predictions regarding the interactions between miRNAs and mRNA. Through this analysis, we identified a total of 274 DEGs that may serve as potential targets for the 68 DEMs. In the predicted miRNA‒mRNA interaction networks, let-7b, miR-133a-3p, miR-301a-3p, and miR-338-3p were the hub miRNAs. In addition, multiple DEMs also showed predicted target relationships with the DEGs associated with skeletal system development. These identified DEGs and DEMs as well as their predicted interaction networks involved in the regulation of energy homeostasis and muscle development were most likely to play critical roles in facilitating the embryo-to-hatchling transition. A candidate miRNA, miR-301a-3p, exhibited increased expression during the differentiation of satellite cells and was downregulated in the breast muscle tissues of Muscovy ducks at E21 compared to E27. A dual-luciferase reporter assay suggested that the ANKRD1 gene, which encodes a transcription factor, is a direct target of miR-301a-3p.

Conclusions

miR-301a-3p suppressed the posttranscriptional activity of ANKRD1, which is an activator of satellite cell proliferation, as determined with gain- and loss-of-function experiments. miR-301a-3p functions as an inducer of myogenesis by targeting the ANKRD1 gene in Muscovy ducks. These results provide novel insights into the early developmental process of black Muscovy breast muscles and will improve understanding of the underlying molecular mechanisms.
DhuFAP: a platform for gene functional analysis in Dendrobium huoshanense
Authors: Xiao Qiaoqiao , Pan Qi , Li Jun , Zhang Jinqiang , Yang Jiaotong
Published: April 2024

Background

Dendrobium huoshanense, a traditional medicinal and food plant, has a rich history of use. Recently, its genome was decoded, offering valuable insights into gene function. However, there is no comprehensive gene functional analysis platform for D. huoshanense.

Result

To address this, we created a platform for gene function analysis and comparison in D. huoshanense (DhuFAP). Using 69 RNA-seq samples, we constructed a gene co-expression network and annotated D. huoshanense genes by aligning sequences with public protein databases. Our platform contained tools like Blast, gene set enrichment analysis, heatmap analysis, sequence extraction, and JBrowse. Analysis revealed co-expression of transcription factors (C2H2, GRAS, NAC) with genes encoding key enzymes in alkaloid biosynthesis. We also showcased the reliability and applicability of our platform using Chalcone synthases (CHS).

Conclusion

DhuFAP (www.gzybioinformatics.cn/DhuFAP) and its suite of tools represent an accessible and invaluable resource for researchers, enabling the exploration of functional information pertaining to D. huoshanense genes. This platform stands poised to facilitate significant biological discoveries in this domain.
Fulvic acid foliar application: a novel approach enhancing antioxidant capacity and nutritional quality of pistachio (Pistacia vera L.)
Authors: Nikoogoftar-Sedghi Mohammadali , Rabiei Vali , Razavi Farhang , Molaei Sanaz , Khadivi Ali
Published: April 2024

Background

The global growth of pistachio production has prompted exploration into sustainable agricultural practices, on the application of humic substances such as fulvic acid in enhancing the quality of horticultural crops. The present study was carried out in Qom province, Iran, on 20 years old pistachio (Pistacia vera L. cv. Kaleh-Ghoochi) trees and investigated the impact of foliar spraying of fulvic acid at varying concentrations (1.5, 3, and 4.5 g L− 1) on the antioxidant and quality properties of pistachio. The different concentrations of fulvic acid were applied at two key stages: at the initiation of pistachio kernel formation (late June) and the development stage of pistachio kernel (late August), as well as at both time points. Following harvest at the horticulturally mature phase, various parameters, including total phenols, flavonoids, soluble proteins, soluble carbohydrate content, antioxidant capacity, and antioxidant enzyme activity, were assessed.

Results

Results indicated that foliar application of fulvic acid, particularly at 1.5 g L− 1 during both late June and August, effectively increased phenolic compounds (31.8%) and flavonoid content (24.53%). Additionally, this treatment also augmented antioxidant capacity and heightened the activity of catalase (CAT) (37.56%), ascorbate peroxidase (APX) (63.86%), and superoxide dismutase (SOD) (76.45%). Conversely, peroxidase (POX) (41.54%) activity was reduced in fulvic acid-treated nuts compared with controls. Moreover, the content of chlorophyll (45%) and carotenoids (46.7%) was enhanced using this organic fertilizer. In terms of mineral elements, the increment was observed in zinc (Zn) (58.23%) and potassium (K) (28.12%) amounts in treated nuts. Additionally, foliar application of fulvic acid led to elevated levels of soluble carbohydrates and proteins in treated nuts.

Conclusions

In the present study, application of fulvic acid resulted in enhancement of antioxidant activity and quality traits of pistachio nut through an increase in total phenol, flavonoids, chlorophyll, carotenoids, K, Zn, and also activity of antioxidant enzymes. Therefore, use of fulvic acid emerges as a promising strategy to enhance the quality and nutritional attributes of pistachios, contributing to sustainable agricultural practices and improved crop outcomes.
Investigating the interplay of smoking, cardiovascular risk factors, and overall cardiovascular disease risk: NHANES analysis 2011–2018
Authors: Mambo Athumani , Yang Yulu , Mahulu Emmerenceana , Zihua Zhou
Published: April 2024

Background

This study explores the intricate relationship between smoking, cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors and their combined impact on overall CVD risk, utilizing data from NHANES 2011–2018.

Methods

Participants were categorized based on the presence of CVD, and we compared their demographic, social, and clinical characteristics. We utilized logistic regression models, receiver operating characteristics (ROC) analysis, and the chi-squared test to examine the associations between variables and CVD risk.

Results

Significant differences in characteristics were observed between those with and without CVD. Serum cotinine levels exhibited a dose-dependent association with CVD risk. The highest quartile of cotinine levels corresponded to a 2.33-fold increase in risk. Smoking, especially in conjunction with lower HDL-c, significantly increases CVD risk. Combinations of smoking with hypertension, central obesity, diabetes, and elevated triglycerides also contributed to increased CVD risk. Waist-to-Height Ratio, Visceral Adiposity Index, A Body Shape Index, Conicity Index, Triglyceride-Glucose Index, Neutrophil, Mean platelet volume and Neutrophil to Lymphocyte ratio demonstrated significant associations with CVD risk, with varying levels of significance post-adjustment. When assessing the combined effect of smoking with multiple risk factors, a combination of smoking, central obesity, higher triglycerides, lower HDL-c, and hypertension presented the highest CVD risk, with an adjusted odds ratio of 14.18.

Conclusion

Smoking, when combined with central obesity, higher triglycerides, lower HDL-c, and hypertension, presented the highest CVD risk, with an adjusted odds ratio of 14.18.
Evaluating the effect of rapamycin treatment in Alzheimer’s disease and aging using in vivo imaging: the ERAP phase IIa clinical study protocol
Authors: Svensson Jonas E. , Bolin Martin , Thor Daniel , Williams Pete A. , Brautaset Rune , Carlsson Marcus , Sörensson Peder , Marlevi David , Spin-Neto Rubens , Probst Monika , Hagman Göran , Morén Anton Forsberg , Kivipelto Miia , Plavén-Sigray Pontus
Published: April 2024

Background

Rapamycin is an inhibitor of the mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) protein kinase, and preclinical data demonstrate that it is a promising candidate for a general gero- and neuroprotective treatment in humans. Results from mouse models of Alzheimer’s disease have shown beneficial effects of rapamycin, including preventing or reversing cognitive deficits, reducing amyloid oligomers and tauopathies and normalizing synaptic plasticity and cerebral glucose uptake. The “Evaluating Rapamycin Treatment in Alzheimer’s Disease using Positron Emission Tomography” (ERAP) trial aims to test if these results translate to humans through evaluating the change in cerebral glucose uptake following six months of rapamycin treatment in participants with early-stage Alzheimer’s disease.

Methods

ERAP is a six-month-long, single-arm, open-label, phase IIa biomarker-driven study evaluating if the drug rapamycin can be repurposed to treat Alzheimer’s disease. Fifteen patients will be included and treated with a weekly dose of 7 mg rapamycin for six months. The primary endpoint will be change in cerebral glucose uptake, measured using [18F]FDG positron emission tomography. Secondary endpoints include changes in cognitive measures, markers in cerebrospinal fluid as well as cerebral blood flow measured using magnetic resonance imaging. As exploratory outcomes, the study will assess change in multiple age-related pathological processes, such as periodontal inflammation, retinal degeneration, bone mineral density loss, atherosclerosis and decreased cardiac function.

Discussion

The ERAP study is a clinical trial using in vivo imaging biomarkers to assess the repurposing of rapamycin for the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease. If successful, the study would provide a strong rationale for large-scale evaluation of mTOR-inhibitors as a potential disease-modifying treatment in Alzheimer’s disease.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov ID NCT06022068, date of registration 2023–08-30.
Systematic review and meta-analysis on the effect of adjuvant gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist (GnRH-a) on pregnancy outcomes in women with endometriosis following conservative surgery
Authors: Qing Xuemei , He Lele , Ma Ying , Zhang Yong , Zheng Wenxin
Published: April 2024

Background

Endometriosis frequently results in pain and infertility. While conservative surgery offers some relief, it often falls short of ensuring satisfactory pregnancy outcomes. Adjuvant GnRH-a is administered post-surgery to mitigate recurrence; however, its impact on pregnancy outcomes remains debated. This study endeavors to assess the efficacy of adjuvant GnRH-a in enhancing pregnancy outcomes post-conservative surgery in endometriosis patients.

Methods

Databases including PubMed, Embase, the Cochrane Library, Medline (Ovid), Web of Science, and Scopus were rigorously searched up to 02 August 2023, without linguistic constraints. Identified articles were screened using strict inclusion and exclusion criteria. Evaluated outcomes encompassed pregnancy rate, live birth rate, miscarriage rate, ectopic pregnancy rate, multiple pregnancy rate, mean postoperative pregnancy interval, recurrence rate, and adverse reaction rate. The Cochrane risk of bias tool and the Jadad score evaluated the included studies’ quality. Subgroup and sensitivity analysis were implemented to analyze the pooled results. A meta-analysis model expressed results as standardized mean difference (SMD) and Risk ratio (RR).

Results

A total of 17 studies about 2485 patients were assimilated. Meta-analysis revealed that post-surgery, the GnRH-a cohort experienced a marginally elevated pregnancy rate (RR = 1.20, 95% CI = 1.02–1.41; P = 0.03) and a reduced mean time to conceive (RR = -1.17, 95% CI = -1.70- -0.64; P < 0.0001). Contrarily, other evaluated outcomes did not exhibit notable statistical differences.

Conclusions

Incorporating adjuvant GnRH-a following conservative surgery may be deemed beneficial for women with endometriosis, especially before Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART). Nonetheless, owing to pronounced heterogeneity, subsequent research is warranted to substantiate these potential advantages conclusively.

Registration number

CRD42023448280.
Appraising LaQshya’s potential in measuring quality of care for mothers and newborns: a comprehensive review of India’s Labor Room Quality Improvement Initiative
Authors: Singh Shalini , Hasan Zabir , Sharma Deepika , Kaur Amarpreet , Khurana Deeksha , Shrivastava J N , Gupta Shivam
Published: April 2024

Background

Poor intrapartum care in India contributes to high maternal and newborn mortality. India’s Labor Room Quality Improvement Initiative (LaQshya) launched in 2017, aims to improve intrapartum care by minimizing complications, enforcing protocols, and promoting respectful maternity care (RMC). However, limited studies pose a challenge to fully examine its potential to assess quality of maternal and newborn care. This study aims to bridge this knowledge gap and reviews LaQshya’s ability to assess maternal and newborn care quality. Findings will guide modifications for enhancing LaQshya’s effectiveness.

Methods

We reviewed LaQshya’s ability to assess the quality of care through a two-step approach: a comprehensive descriptive analysis using document reviews to highlight program attributes, enablers, and challenges affecting LaQshya’s quality assessment capability, and a comparison of its measurement parameters with the 352 quality measures outlined in the WHO Standards for Maternal and Newborn Care. Comparing LaQshya with WHO standards offers insights into how its measurement criteria align with global standards for assessing maternity and newborn care quality.

Results

LaQshya utilizes several proven catalysts to enhance and measure quality- institutional structures, empirical measures, external validation, certification, and performance incentives for high-quality care. The program also embodies contemporary methods like quality circles, rapid improvement cycles, ongoing facility training, and plan-do-check, and act (PDCA) strategies for sustained quality enhancement. Key drivers of LaQshya’s assessment are- leadership, staff mentoring, digital infrastructure and stakeholder engagement from certified facilities. However, governance issues, understaffing, unclear directives, competency gaps, staff reluctance towards new quality improvement approaches inhibit the program, and its capacity to enhance quality of care. LaQshya addresses 76% of WHO’s 352 quality measures for maternal and newborn care but lacks comprehensive assessment of crucial elements: harmful labor practices, mistreatment of mothers or newborns, childbirth support, and effective clinical leadership and supervision.

Conclusion

LaQshya is a powerful model for evaluating quality of care, surpassing other global assessment tools. To achieve its maximum potential, we suggest strengthening district governance structures and offering tailored training programs for RMC and other new quality processes. Furthermore, expanding its quality measurement metrics to effectively assess provider accountability, patient outcomes, rights, staff supervision, and health facility leadership will increase its ability to assess quality improvements.
Pathogenic variants in human DNA damage repair genes mostly arose in recent human history
Authors: Zhao Bojin , Li Jiaheng , Sinha Siddharth , Qin Zixin , Kou Si Hoi , Xiao Fengxia , Lei Huijun , Chen Tianhui , Cao Wenming , Ding Xiaofan , Wang San Ming
Published: April 2024

Background

Genome stability is maintained by the DNA damage repair (DDR) system composed of multiple DNA repair pathways of hundreds of genes. Germline pathogenic variation (PV) in DDR genes damages function of the affected DDR genes, leading to genome instability and high risk of diseases, in particular, cancer. Knowing evolutionary origin of the PVs in human DDR genes is essential to understand the etiology of human diseases. However, answer to the issue remains largely elusive. In this study, we analyzed evolutionary origin for the PVs in human DDR genes.

Methods

We identified 169 DDR genes by referring to various databases and identified PVs in the DDR genes of modern humans from ClinVar database. We performed a phylogenetic analysis to analyze the conservation of human DDR PVs in 100 vertebrates through cross-species genomic data comparison using the phyloFit program of the PHAST package and visualized the results using the GraphPad Prism software and the ggplot module. We identified DDR PVs from over 5000 ancient humans developed a database to host the DDR PVs (https://genemutation.fhs.um.edu.mo/dbDDR-AncientHumans). Using the PV data, we performed a molecular archeological analysis to compare the DDR PVs between modern humans and ancient humans. We analyzed evolution selection of DDR genes across 20 vertebrates using the CodeML in PAML for phylogenetic analysis.

Results

Our phylogenic analysis ruled out cross-species conservation as the origin of human DDR PVs. Our archeological approach identified rich DDR PVs shared between modern and ancient humans, which were mostly dated within the last 5000 years. We also observed similar pattern of quantitative PV distribution between modern and ancient humans. We further detected a set of ATM, BRCA2 and CHEK2 PVs shared between human and Neanderthals.

Conclusions

Our study reveals that human DDR PVs mostly arose in recent human history. We propose that human high cancer risk caused by DDR PVs can be a by-product of human evolution.