bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Thrombosis in the Coronary Microvasculature Impairs Cardiac Relaxation and Induces Diastolic Dysfunction
Authors: Rouault Paul , Guimbal Sarah , Cornuault Lauriane , Bourguignon Célia , Foussard Ninon , Alzieu Philippe , Choveau Frank , Benoist David , Chapouly Candice , Gadeau Alain-Pierre , Couffinhal Thierry , Renault Marie-Ange
Published: November 2023

BACKGROUND:

Heart failure with preserved ejection fraction is proposed to be caused by endothelial dysfunction in cardiac microvessels. Our goal was to identify molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying the development of cardiac microvessel disease and diastolic dysfunction in the setting of type 2 diabetes.

METHODS:

We used
Lepr
db/db
(leptin receptor–deficient) female mice as a model of type 2 diabetes and heart failure with preserved ejection fraction and identified Hhipl1 (hedgehog interacting protein-like 1), which encodes for a decoy receptor for HH (hedgehog) ligands as a gene upregulated in the cardiac vascular fraction of diseased mice.

RESULTS:

We then used
Dhh
(desert HH)-deficient mice to investigate the functional consequences of impaired HH signaling in the adult heart. We found that
Dhh
-deficient mice displayed increased end-diastolic pressure while left ventricular ejection fraction was comparable to that of control mice. This phenotype was associated with a reduced exercise tolerance in the treadmill test, suggesting that
Dhh
-deficient mice do present heart failure. At molecular and cellular levels, impaired cardiac relaxation in
Dhh
ECKO
mice was associated with a significantly decreased PLN (phospholamban) phosphorylation on Thr17 (threonine 17) and an alteration of sarcomeric shortening ex vivo. Besides, as expected,
Dhh
-deficient mice exhibited phenotypic changes in their cardiac microvessels including a prominent prothrombotic phenotype. Importantly, aspirin therapy prevented the occurrence of both diastolic dysfunction and exercise intolerance in these mice. To confirm the critical role of thrombosis in the pathophysiology of diastolic dysfunction, we verified
Lepr
db/db
also displays increased cardiac microvessel thrombosis. Moreover, consistently, with
Dhh
-deficient mice, we found that aspirin treatment decreased end-diastolic pressure and improved exercise tolerance in
Lepr
db/db
mice.

CONCLUSIONS:

Altogether, these results demonstrate that microvessel thrombosis may participate in the pathophysiology of heart failure with preserved ejection fraction.
Malakichthys formosus, a new species of small seabass (Acropomatiformes: Malakichthyidae) from southwestern Taiwan
Authors: NG SHING-LAI , LIU KWANG-MING , JOUNG SHOOU-JENG
Published: November 2023

A new species of Malakichthys is described based on six specimens collected from deepwaters off southwestern Taiwan, northwestern Pacific Ocean. The new species, M. formosus sp. nov., exhibits distinct morphological characters, primarily characterized by the absence of chin spines, distinguishing it from other congeners with the exception of M. levis and M. mochizuki. It differs from the two species by having more lateral-line scales, a shorter distance between the snout and dorsal-fin origin, a shallower head, fewer scale rows below the lateral line, and the structure of the first anal-fin pterygiophore. Eight species are now recognized in Malakichthys.
Antibiotic Stewardship: A Handshaking Strategy Among Physicians and Pharmacists to Improve therapeutic Outcomes in Hematology-Oncology
Authors: Ali Kashif , Shakeel Sadia , Dhiloo Azizullah Khan , Wajdi Mehwish , Anjum Fakhsheena , Ansari Saqib Hussain
Published: November 2023

Background: Infections are highly susceptible in patients with hematological malignancies due to immune suppression, immunosuppressive therapies and disease progression. Rational use of antibiotics following Antimicrobial Stewardship (AMS) guidelines in early detection and response to infection is significant to improve patient care. Objectives: The present study was conducted to determine the impact of clinical pharmacists’ interventions (PIs) on antibiotics usage in hematology-oncology set up in Karachi, Pakistan. Methodology: An observational prospective study was conducted for a period of 4 months in a well-known 75-bed teaching hospital, specializing in bone marrow transplantation in Karachi, Pakistan without a structured Antimicrobial stewardship programs (ASPs). The information was gathered from patient medical histories, laboratory, and microbiological records. Results: A total of 876 PIs (1 to 5 per patient) were implemented. Dose modifications or interval changes accounted for the major interventions (n = 190, 21.6%). The majority of all recommendations were related to antipseudomonal β-lactams, aminoglycosides, sulfamethoxazole-trimethoprim and vancomycin. Overall, 94.3% (n = 876) of the 928 PIs were accepted. Conclusion: The PIs and the high physician acceptance rate may be useful for improving the safe use of antibiotics, lowering their toxicity, lowering the need for special-vigilance medications and potentially improving patient care.
Online Moral Disengagement: An Examination of the Relationships Between Electronic Communication, Cognitive Empathy, and Antisocial Behavior on the Internet
Authors: Corkum Madison , Shead N. Will
Published: November 2023

A consequence of the proliferation of online communication is the concerning presence of antisocial behavior observed in virtual spaces. Research suggests the cognitive component of empathy is hindered by features of electronic communication which facilitates antisocial behaviors online. Investigations into how features of online communication inhibit cognitive empathy are lacking, and findings on moral disengagement and antisocial behavior have yet to be integrated with studies on cognitive empathy and electronic communication. The current study explores these relationships. One hundred and three undergraduate students completed several measures including the Online Moral Disengagement Scale, Questionnaire of Cognitive and Affective Empathy, and Online Prosocial and Antisocial Behavior Scale. Results showed a positive correlation between compulsive internet use and online moral disengagement, as well as a negative correlation between cognitive empathy and moral disengagement online. It was hypothesized that online moral disengagement would mediate the relation between cognitive empathy and antisocial behavior online but this mediation was not supported. However, a moderated relationship was revealed between cognitive empathy and moral justification, by liberalism. This moderation can be explored further and built upon by future research to deepen our understanding of how political ideology relates to virtual behavior. Furthermore, the findings concerning components of empathy and moral disengagement, and their role within the perpetration of antisocial conduct online, can inform future research as well as interventions focused on fostering prosocial behavior online and curbing cyberaggression.
Who counts in poverty research?
Authors: Edmiston Daniel
Published: November 2023

Mainstream poverty analysis currently renders certain people and degrees of privation more socially legible than others across high-income countries. This article examines how these hierarchies carry through to and corrupt wider social scientific analysis, inscribing differential value to actors and phenomena in ways that undermine social understanding and explanation. First, conventional approaches to poverty analysis and measurement obscure the de facto prevalence of deep poverty, as well as those most subject to its violence. Second, a growing number of hyper-marginalised groups are missing from population income surveys, undermining the accuracy of (deep) poverty estimates and public understanding of both its determinants and dynamics. Third, the inferential and external validity of income surveys is significantly diminished by problems surrounding data quality and coverage. Attempts to address this have principally focused on improving data quality, but as demonstrated in this article, these strategies exacerbate poor representation of the lowest-income groups in distributional analysis. Much more than merely technical or pragmatic, these are theoretical and normative judgements about who counts in welfare policy and politics. Overall, I demonstrate how current data practices occlude some the most violent forms of denigration and exploitation that structure advanced marginality, particularly the gendered, racialised, bordering and ableist practices underpinning state–citizen dynamics. Focusing principally on the UK context, I argue that the epistemic erasure committed features in and systematises a policy blindness to deep poverty for some of the most marginalised social groups making it harder to evidence its effects and address its causes across high-income countries.
Rezoning a top-notch CBD: The choreography of land-use regulation and creative destruction in Manhattan’s East Midtown
Authors: Charney Igal
Published: November 2023

This paper makes the case for the connection between making land-use regulatory changes and the process of destruction and redevelopment. Under the capitalist imperative, buildings that do not fulfil the full potential for profit are likely to be demolished (or refurbished) but demolition and new development are not shaped exclusively by the immutable laws of the market as they are mediated and facilitated by specific institutional contexts. Using the case of East Midtown rezoning in New York City, the paper examines the amendments of two land-use regulatory mechanisms: the enlargement of development rights (rezoning or upzoning) and the relaxation of the spatial limitations on the usage of existing unused rights (transferable development rights). While apparently unconnected, upzoning and transferable development rights are part of the regulatory framework that seeks to secure the ongoing generation of the highest-possible profits for private as well as public interests. By examining the choreography of rezoning and transferable development rights, the paper shows how the mechanics of creative destruction work while substantiating an existing body of knowledge on land use policies and practices in New York City. When used together, rezoning and transferable development rights are instrumental in remaking the built environment. Essentially, the rezoning of a 78-block area in East Midtown Manhattan unlocks captured and latent development rights that otherwise could not come about, and demonstrates the necessity of institutional arrangements to make creative destruction actually work.
Young People’s Recommendations for Accessible, Engaging, and Relevant COVID-19 Research Communication in Australia
Authors: Douglass Caitlin H. , Roe Merryn , Raggatt Michelle , Schlotthauer Felicia , Swe Zay Yar , Main Stephanie , Lim Megan S. C. , Masson Lindi
Published: November 2023

Research is often communicated in ways that fail to reach young people. This participatory study explored young people’s recommendations for making COVID-19 research communication accessible, engaging, and relevant for young people in Australia. We held eight online Zoom workshops with nine young people (18–21 years). Participants recommended researchers share their findings on platforms young people already use, particularly social media. Young people were more likely to engage with research communicated by trusted sources, particularly medical professionals. To keep young people engaged, researchers needed to clearly communicate one main message and simplify evidence using audio-visual formats. To make research communication more relevant, young people recommended sharing findings that related to their experiences throughout the pandemic and providing young people with opportunities to shape research communication and provide feedback. Findings suggest there are opportunities to make COVID-19 research communication more accessible, engaging, and relevant for young people by incorporating their ideas.
Bridging Priorities Between Naturalistic Developmental Behavioral Interventions for Autism and Educational Practice in Inclusive Early Childhood Education
Authors: Siller Michael , Landa Rebecca , Vivanti Giacomo , Ingersoll Brooke , Jobin Allison , Murphy Molly , Pellecchia Melanie , Boyd Brian , D’Agostino Sophia , Zierhut Ursu Cynthia , Stapel-Wax Jennifer , Fuhrmeister Sally , Morgan Lindee
Published: November 2023

Practice guidelines for early childhood education (ECE) and clinical autism interventions (Naturalistic Developmental Behavioral Intervention, NDBI) have emerged separately in history, represent different disciplines, and operate within different service systems in the United States. This article identifies priorities, principles, and practices that are shared across the NDBI and ECE frameworks, unique to each framework but compatible with the other, or in conflict. Both frameworks support converging inclusive ECE models focused on autism in that they are both grounded in responsive relationships, natural learning environments, and strategies to promote children’s motivation and active engagement. While compatible in general, each framework extends the other in important ways. For example, NDBI goes beyond the ECE frameworks by focusing on a more fine-grained examination of learning strategies and targets. Opportunities for bridging gaps are identified, including the use of implementation science frameworks to integrate perspectives from different stakeholder groups, supporting the scale-up of inclusion preschools in community settings.
Publication Trends in the American Journal of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics During the Period 2013–2022: An Analysis
Authors: J Mohamed Iqbal , M D Sofitha , Chandralekha G.
Published: November 2023

Introduction

Publication trends are pointers to areas of scientific interest and enquiry. The aim of this study is to peruse the American Journal of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopaedics (AJODO) over a 10 years’ period between 2013 and 2022 for original articles. The objective of the study is to analyze topic wise distribution, geographical location of contributors, and specific contribution from India.

Materials and Methods

Original articles alone were taken into consideration. A total of 1,270 articles were classified according to the topic classification grid used by the journal.

Results

Of the 22 broad topics, topic head No.160 – Treatment & Biomechanics had the maximum publication at 352 articles (27.7%) and topic head No.20 – Biostatistics was the least. Special mention is warranted to the topic head No.120 - Psychology/Sociology with 129 articles (10.15%). USA had the most publication (19.4%) and India ranked 10th with a rate of 1.8%.

Conclusion

Even though Treatment & Biomechanics as a topic head had 352 articles, it included 16 subheads. However, Public health and Psychology/Sociology were narrower areas with a greater number of articles. It can be inferred that there is a definite shift in interest toward public health and public perception.
The geometry of (anti)imperialism in food regime analysis
Authors: Tirmizey Kasim Ali
Published: November 2023

This article examines the formation and collapse of the first global food regime of capital, focusing on the impact of tropical colonies like India. It also explores the role of anti-imperialist movements in this transition. While the literature on food regimes has shed light on the evolution of a worldwide food system, it has overlooked the contribution of South Asia to the first food regime or its struggles against colonialism. This study analyses the Ghadar Party in Punjab, British India, in the context of changes in the global wheat market. By incorporating a Gramscian conjunctural analysis, this article offers a refined understanding of transitional moments. It investigates why Punjab shifted from being a significant wheat exporter to Britain in the 1870s to primarily producing for the Indian domestic market by the 1920s. The article concludes that the colonial state implemented targeted policies to mitigate resistance from anti-imperialist movements, such as the Ghadar Party. These policies aimed to delink domestic wheat production from the global market due to subsistence crises related to the global food system. Lastly, the article outlines a method to analyse the link between place-based struggles and structural crises in a global food regime.
Right Heart Failure in the Intensive Care Unit: Etiology, Pathogenesis, Diagnosis, and Treatment
Authors: Tarras Elizabeth , Khosla Akhil , Heerdt Paul M. , Singh Inderjit
Published: November 2023

Right heart (RH) failure carries a high rate of morbidity and mortality. Patients who present with RH failure often exhibit complex aberrant cardio-pulmonary physiology with varying presentations. The treatment of RH failure almost always requires care and management from an intensivist. Treatment options for RH failure patients continue to evolve rapidly with multiple options available, including different pharmacotherapies and mechanical circulatory support devices that target various components of the RH circulatory system. An understanding of the normal RH circulatory physiology, treatment, and support options for the RH failure patients is necessary for all intensivists to improve outcomes. The purpose of this review is to provide clinical guidance on the diagnosis and management of RH failure within the intensive care unit setting, and to highlight the different pathophysiological manifestations of RH failure, its hemodynamics, and treatment options available at the disposal of the intensivist.
Social policy, public investment or the environment? Exploring variation in individual-level preferences on long-term policies
Authors: Busemeyer Marius R , Beiser-McGrath Liam
Published: November 2023

This article studies individual-level attitudes towards long-term investment policies using novel survey data for the case of Germany. Building on a budding literature on the relationship between environmental and social policy attitudes, our first contribution to research is to show that citizens, when prompted to think about their support for long-term investment policies, support welfare state related policies such as investments in education and pensions to a greater degree than non-welfare state issues such as public infrastructure investment or renewable energy. Citizens are most supportive of using present-day redistributive policies – in our case: increasing income taxes on the rich – in order to finance long-term investment. We also find evidence that political trust is positively associated with support for long-term investment policies, but in particular investments in education and renewables. Furthermore, our analysis reveals the importance of individual political ideology. These findings have implications for public demand for tackling the long-term issues faced by society today.
Late Bronze Age agriculture and the early westward transmission of rice at Luanzagangzi, Northern Xinjiang, China
Authors: Heywood Sullivan , Spate Michael , Betts Alison , Jia Peter , Fairbairn Andrew
Published: November 2023

The Dzungar Basin of northern Xinjiang has previously been considered a marginal environment with little evidence for the development of prehistoric agriculture. Recent archaeobotanical studies have indicated the region as being a route for the transmission of domesticated plants, technologies and ideas between East and West Eurasia during prehistory, as early as 5000 BP. These interactions are still poorly understood and most evidence for early plant food production and consumption in the region comes from limited mortuary contexts. In this study we present plant macrofossil analysis from the settlement site of Luanzagangzi on the southern side of the Dzungar Basin. From ca. 3130 BP an agricultural package of east and west Asian cereals and chaff is present, comprising wheat, barley, foxtail millet, broomcorn millet, and significantly a single grain of japonica type rice. AMS dating indicates this is the oldest directly dated rice in Xinjiang and the broader region, ranging 3069–2881 cal. BP. Cereal morphometrics and material culture from the site further indicate a connection with the Gansu region to the east. The spread of agriculture into the site environment may be linked to the onset of wetter conditions relating to strengthened westerly systems across arid Central Asia in the Late-Holocene. A declining abundance of West Asian cultivars over the period of the site’s occupation possibly reflect a shift away from intensive agriculture to low-level management of millets.
Housing markets and geographical labour mobility to high-productivity regions: The case of Stockholm
Authors: Eliasson Kent , Westerlund Olle
Published: November 2023

In many countries, there are signs of declining migration to high-productivity urban areas due to restrictions in the housing market and increasing regional differences in housing prices. Using detailed population-wide register data for Sweden, we estimate how regional variation in housing prices and homeownership is associated with the individual’s decision whether to accept a job offer in the Stockholm metropolitan region and the interrelated choice between migration and commuting as the mobility mode. Our findings indicate that high relative housing prices in the Stockholm area and homeownership are associated with decreasing total geographical labour mobility to the region. This is pronounced among the young and among highly skilled workers. The negative effects of high relative housing prices and homeownership on migration are partially but not fully compensated by positive effects on commuting to Stockholm.
COVID-19 and Consumer Confidence: Evidence from India
Authors: Rooj Debasis , Banerjee Anurag , Sengupta Reshmi
Published: November 2023

This study examines how the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted consumer confidence (CC) in India. Contrary to existing literature, we use individual-level responses on CC from a novel survey data of Reserve Bank of India (RBI) to examine the effect of COVID-19 on CC. We use data on consumer sentiments from the Consumer Confidence Survey conducted by India’s central bank, the RBI, between March 2020 and May 2022. COVID-19 indicators include confirmed cases and recoveries in this article. Exploiting the variations in consumer sentiments across several Indian cities, our regression exercise shows how COVID-19-related cases impact CC. Our findings show that confirmed cases negatively and significantly impact the current perception of the economy. In contrast, COVID-19 recoveries positively and significantly impact future outlooks. We further conduct a disaggregated analysis to analyse the effects of COVID-19 indices on several other household-level indicators, for instance, present perception and expectations of household income, potential employment prospects, household spending and general price levels. Overall, we find that COVID-19-related shocks have negatively affected households’ sentiments, and Indian households are inclined to spend less on non-essential goods and services.

JEL: D84, D90, E66, G50
Advance Care Planning in Patients with Suspected or Proven COVID: Are We Meeting Our Own Standards?
Authors: Byambasuren Oyungerel , Myooran Jananee , Virk Aishah , Hanna Rida , Tanglay Onur , Younan Sarah , Moore Nikk , Middleton Paul , Chróinín Danielle Ní
Published: November 2023

Objective

Given the importance of advance care planning (ACP) in the context of a pandemic, we aimed to assess current adherence to local policy recommending ACP in all hospitalised adult patients with suspected or proven COVID-19 at Liverpool Hospital, Sydney, Australia.

Design

A retrospective cohort study.

Setting

A tertiary referral and teaching hospital.

Participants

A select sample of adult patients admitted to Liverpool Hospital in 2019-2021 with suspected or proven COVID-19.

Main outcome measures

Proportion of patients with documented ACP and format of ACP.

Results

Amongst 209 patients with proven or suspected COVID-19 hospitalised between March 2019 through to September 2021, median frailty score was 3, the median Charlson Comorbidity Score was 4, median age of the patients was 71 years, and median length of hospital stay was 5 days (range 0-98 days). Almost all patients were tested for COVID-19 (n = 207, 99%) of which 15% (31) were positive. Fewer than a quarter of the patients had documented ACPs (50, 24%) and 17 patients had existing formal advance care directives. Patients who had ACP were older, more likely to be frail and more likely to have higher rates of comorbidity compared to those without ACP. ACP was more commonly discussed with family members (41/50) than patients (25/50) and others (5/50).

Conclusion

Adherence to the local ACP policy mandating such discussions was low. This reinforces the need for prioritising ACP discussions, especially for unwell patients such as those with COVID, likely involving further input to improve awareness and rates of formal documentation.
Radial vibration analysis of single and composite spherical shells by wave approach
Authors: Liu Wei , Li Jieyu , Wang Ruqian
Published: November 2023

This paper presents the wave approach for the analysis of free vibration and transmission response of single and composite spherical shells. From wave standpoint, propagation and refection matrices are combined to obtain the characteristic equation of radial vibration for a single spherical shell with free–free and free–clamped boundary constraints. The corresponding natural frequencies solved by the wave approach are compared with the results by the fundamental analytical solution and classical Bessel solution. Additionally, based on the wave solution, transfer matrix, localization factor, and transmission response of a phononic crystal composite spherical shell are investigated. The predicted attenuation bands by the finite element method (FEM) are exactly the same as the theoretical analytical results. The effect of radial span ratio and inner radius on the attenuation band is also discussed.
The Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic on Resilience of University Students in the United Arab Emirates: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Al-Omari Hasan , Aljawarneh Yousef , Alshoufi Maha
Published: November 2023

BACKGROUND:

The outbreak of the novel Coronavirus pandemic resulted in a sudden change to the daily activities of individuals, including the academic institutions. University-level students are vulnerable to psychological health issues when faced with a large-scale crisis such as the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic; they need resilience to help them successfully manage and cope with changes.

AIM:

The aim of this study was to examine the resilience and associated predictors among university students during the COVID-19 pandemic in the United Arab Emirates.

METHODS:

This study employed a cross-sectional descriptive design to examine the levels of resilience and associated predictors of university students. No sampling criterion was set up and all active students from all programs were eligible to participate. A convenience sampling technique was employed for its practical feasibility and efficiency. The data were collected between February 2021 and May 2021.

RESULTS:

A total of 2,085 students completed the study questionnaires. The mean score of total resilience among the students was 65.01 (±14.697), while the mean score for personal resilience and caregiver resilience was 38.08 (±8.675) and 26.92 (±6.694), respectively. Comparing total resilience, personal resilience, and caregiver resilience with students’ Cumulative Grade Point Average level revealed a significant difference. The predictors of resilience include academic level and number of courses the students enrolled in.

CONCLUSION:

Academic institutions need to support the establishment of resilience training programs to prepare students for any challenging time, such as the COVID-19 pandemic.
Off-axis limiting photometric distance of Lambertians and narrow beams
Authors: Dotreppe GM , Audenaert J , Scheir GH , Van Den Bossche P , Jacobs VA
Published: November 2023

The near-field - far-field disparity of light sources leads to discussion within the lighting community. In the far-field, light sources are approximated by a point source with a luminous intensity distribution from which other photometric quantities can be computed. In the near-field, light sources must be considered as extended sources and no closed-loop analytical solutions can be found for the illuminance in off-axis directions. The illuminance allows to compute the apparent intensity used for the assessment of the limiting photometric distance (LPD), that is, the threshold between near- and far-field regions. Numerically, the illuminance can be determined through a discretisation of the luminous surface. This approach is verified for on- and off-axis directions through direct comparison with ray tracing simulations based on near-field goniophotometric measurements. A good match is observed for Lambertian and narrow beam light sources. Using the numerical approach, the LPD in all directions is assessed. For light sources of which the luminous intensity strictly decreases while moving away from the optical axis, the LPD decreases as well until a minimal value is reached. After this, the LPD increases again, in certain scenarios up to values resulting in the invalidity of the inverse square law.
Unlocking teacher potential: The integrated influence of empowering leadership and authentic leadership on teacher self-efficacy and agency in Turkey
Authors: Özdemir Murat , Kaymak Mehtap Naillioğlu , Çetin Oya Uslu
Published: November 2023

Teacher agency has attracted growing attention in the field of educational management and leadership due to its positive outcomes for schools. This study investigated how and under what conditions school principals empowering leadership beneficial to teacher agency using data collected from 756 public secondary school teachers in Turkey. This study tested a moderated mediation model of how authentic leadership influences the effects of empowering leadership on teacher self-efficacy and teacher agency. The results supported the partial mediation model in which principal empowering leadership was associated with direct and indirect effects through teacher self-efficacy on teacher agency. Moreover, higher levels of principal authentic leadership were associated with stronger effects of empowering leadership on both teacher self-efficacy and teacher agency. Our results indicate a more profound comprehension of how empowering leadership influences teacher agency within the context of Turkish public schools. Furthermore, we provide practical recommendations for promoting teacher agency within school settings.
Boundaries on Parent Involvement in Their Child’s Anxiety Cognitive-Behavioral-Treatment Outcome: Parent Reinforcement and Relationship Behaviors Moderate Outcome
Authors: Silverman Wendy K. , Rey Yasmin , Marin Carla E. , Boutris Panagiotis , Jaccard James , Pettit Jeremy W.
Published: November 2023

Extending a recent parent-mediation efficacy trial, we identified parent reinforcement and relationship behaviors as setting boundary conditions, or moderators, of youths’ anxiety outcome in 254 youths and their parents, who were randomized to (a) cognitive-behavioral treatment (CBT) with parent reinforcement-behavior training (CBT + Reinf), (b) CBT with parent relationship-behavior training (CBT + Relat), or (c) individual-youth CBT—a comparator control arm. Findings revealed that parents with high baseline negative-reinforcement levels and acceptance levels (i.e., above the mean) report their children as having lower anxiety at outcome when assigned to CBT + Reinf and CBT + Relat, respectively, versus CBT. No moderation effects were found for either parent positive reinforcement or parent psychological control. Implications for treating anxiety disorders and moving toward precision-treatment approaches in youths and the importance of research replication and extension are discussed.
Back to the Basics: Uncovering the Rhetoric Student Learning Outcome
Authors: Melonçon Lisa , Griffith Jessica , Gubala Carolyn , Zarlengo Tanya
Published: November 2023

Using an evaluative approach within a professional communication service course, we used student documents and instructor feedback to uncover how students and instructors were understanding the rhetoric student learning outcome (SLO). Because rhetoric is central to the course, our driving questions were, Can we locate language that actualizes the rhetoric SLO in student documents? How does faculty feedback articulate the rhetoric SLO to facilitate effective revision? Overall, we found that whether identifying rhetoric in student documents or instructor feedback, the interpretation was varied and opens up room in pedagogical practices. We offer three implications for teaching: enhancing attention to teaching rhetoric, improving assignment design, and focusing on professional development for faculty.
Deficiency of Natural Anticoagulants Involves in the Occurrence of Arterial Thrombosis
Authors: Nguyen Thi Tuyet Mai , Vu Minh Phuong , Nguyen Tuan Tung , Duong Hai Yen
Published: November 2023

Background

The role of natural anticoagulant deficiency in the development of arterial thrombosis (AT) is controversial.

Objective

Our objectives were to assess the deficiency of natural anticoagulants, including protein S (PS), protein C (PC), antithrombin III (AT III) and their involvement in the occurrence of AT.

Design

Retrospective cross-sectional study.

Methods

This study was conducted in 585 patients who were examined with PS, PC, and AT III tests. The activity of PC, PS (men, women), and ATIII under 70%, 75%, 60%, and 80% was recognized as a deficiency, respectively. Peripheral blood cell and coagulation tests were performed before starting treatment. Patients with previous AT, venous thromboembolism (VTE) or anticoagulant therapy were excluded.

Results

Patients without thrombosis were 222 (38%), patients with newly diagnosed VTE were 281 (48%), and patients with newly diagnosed AT were 82 (14%). The most common AT sites were in the lungs, brain, and lower extremities (31.2%, 20.8%, and 20.8%, respectively). Compared to the nonthrombosis group, the AT group had a lower PS activity (%) (82.77 ± 24.09 vs 91.31 ± 27.27), a higher fibrinogen (g/L) (4.25 ± 1.68 vs 3.74 ± 1.51), a higher D-dimer (mg/L FEU) (6.16 vs 1.95), and a higher neutrophil count (G/L) (8.57 vs 6.50) with P < .05. Compared to the VTE group, the AT group had higher hemoglobin (g/L) (135.95 ± 23.75 vs 129.02 ± 25.22) and a higher neutrophil count (G/L) (8.57 vs 7.28) ( P < .05). In the AT group, the frequencies of PC, PS, and AT III deficiency were 23.1%, 28%, and 17.1%, respectively. The AT group had a higher frequency of PS deficiency than the nonthrombosis group (28% vs 17.1%, P = .035). Patients with PS deficiency had a higher risk of AT compared to those without PS deficiency (OR = 1.888, 95% CI [1.041-3.422], P = .036).

Conclusion

PS deficiency may be considered a factor in increasing the risk of AT.
Genetic correlations of direct and indirect genetic components of social dominance with fitness and morphology traits in cattle
Authors: Tuliozi Beniamino , Mantovani Roberto , Schoepf Ivana , Tsuruta Shogo , Mancin Enrico , Sartori Cristina
Published: November 2023

Background

Within the same species, individuals show marked variation in their social dominance. Studies on a handful of populations have indicated heritable genetic variation for this trait, which is determined by both the genetic background of the individual (direct genetic effect) and of its opponent (indirect genetic effect). However, the evolutionary consequences of selection for this trait are largely speculative, as it is not a usual target of selection in livestock populations. Moreover, studying social dominance presents the challenge of working with a phenotype with a mean value that cannot change in the population, as for every winner of an agonistic interaction there will necessarily be a loser. Thus, to investigate what could be the evolutionary response to selection for social dominance, it is necessary to focus on traits that might be correlated with it. This study investigated the genetic correlations of social dominance, both direct and indirect, with several morphology and fitness traits. We used a dataset of agonistic contests involving cattle (Bos taurus): during these contests, pairs of cows compete in ritualized interactions to assess social dominance. The outcomes of 37,996 dominance interactions performed by 8789 cows over 20 years were combined with individual data for fertility, mammary health, milk yield and morphology and analysed using bivariate animal models including indirect genetic effects.

Results

We found that winning agonistic interactions has a positive genetic correlation with more developed frontal muscle mass, lower fertility, and poorer udder health. We also discovered that the trends of changes in the estimated breeding values of social dominance, udder health and more developed muscle mass were consistent with selection for social dominance in the population.

Conclusions

We present evidence that social dominance is genetically correlated with fitness traits, as well as empirical evidence of the possible evolutionary trade-offs between these traits. We show that it is feasible to estimate genetic correlations involving dyadic social traits.
Dominant negative biologics normalise the tumour necrosis factor (TNF-α) induced angiogenesis which exploits the Mycobacterium tuberculosis dissemination
Authors: Davuluri Kusuma Sai , Singh Amit Kumar , Yadav Vimal Kumar , Singh Ajay Vir , Singh Shoor Vir , Chauhan Devendra Singh
Published: November 2023

Background

Tumor necrosis factor (TNF) is known to promote T cell migration and increase the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and chemokines. The administration of Xpro-1595, a dominant-negative TNF (DN-TNF) engineered to selectively inactivate soluble TNF (solTNF), has been extensively studied and proven effective in reducing TNF production without suppressing innate immunity during infection. The literature also supports the involvement of glutamic acid-leucine-arginine (ELR+) chemokines and VEGF in angiogenesis and the spread of infections.

Materials and methods

In this study, we administered Xpro-1595 to guinea pigs to selectively inhibit solTNF, aiming to assess its impact on Mycobacterium tuberculosis (M.tb) dissemination, bacterial growth attenuation, and immunological responses. We conducted immunohistochemical analyses, immunological assays, and colony enumeration to comprehensively study the effects of Xpro-1595 by comparing with anti-TB drugs treated M.tb infected guinea pigs. Throughout the infection and treatment period, we measured the levels of Interleukin-12 subunit alpha (IL-12), Interferon-gamma (IFN-γ), TNF, Tumor growth factor (TGF), and T lymphocytes using ELISA.

Results

Our findings revealed a reduction in M.tb dissemination and inflammation without compromising the immune response during Xpro-1595 treatment. Notably, Xpro-1595 therapy effectively regulated the expression of VEGFA and ELR + chemokines, which emerged as key factors contributing to infection dissemination. Furthermore, this treatment influenced the migration of CD4 T cells in the early stages of infection, subsequently leading to a reduced T cell response and controlled proinflammatory signalling, thus mitigating inflammation.

Conclusion

Our study underscores the pivotal role of solTNF in the dissemination of M.tb to other organs. This preliminary investigation sheds light on the involvement of solTNF in the mechanisms underlying M.tb dissemination, although further in-depth research is warranted to fully elucidate its role in this process.
Systematic analysis of the Rboh gene family in seven gramineous plants and its roles in response to arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi in maize
Authors: Wu Fulang , Zhao Manli , Zhang Yajing , Si Weina , Cheng Beijiu , Li Xiaoyu
Published: November 2023

Background

Plant respiratory burst oxidase homolog (Rboh) gene family produces reactive oxygen species (ROS), and it plays key roles in plant–microbe interaction. Most Rboh gene family-related studies mainly focused on dicotyledonous plants; however, little is known about the roles of Rboh genes in gramineae.

Results

A total of 106 Rboh genes were identified in seven gramineae species, including Zea mays, Sorghum bicolor, Brachypodium distachyon, Oryza sativa, Setaria italica, Hordeum vulgare, and Triticum aestivum. The Rboh protein sequences showed high similarities, suggesting that they may have conserved functions across different species. Duplication mode analysis detected whole-genome/segmental duplication (WGD)/(SD) and dispersed in the seven species. Interestingly, two local duplication (LD, including tandem and proximal duplication) modes were found in Z. mays, S. italica and H. vulgare, while four LD were detected in T. aestivum, indicating that these genes may have similar functions. Collinearity analysis indicated that Rboh genes are at a stable evolution state in all the seven species. Besides, Rboh genes from Z. mays were closely related to those from S. bicolor, consistent with the current understanding of plant evolutionary history. Phylogenetic analysis showed that the genes in the subgroups I and II may participate in plant-AM fungus symbiosis. Cis-element analysis showed that different numbers of elements are related to fungal induction in the promoter region. Expression profiles of Rboh genes in Z. mays suggested that Rboh genes had distinct spatial expression patterns. By inoculation with AM fungi, our transcriptome analysis showed that the expression of Rboh genes varies upon AM fungal inoculation. In particularly, ZmRbohF was significantly upregulated after inoculation with AM fungi. pZmRbohF::GUS expression analyses indicated that ZmRbohF was induced by arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi in maize. By comparing WT and ZmRbohF mutant, we found ZmRbohF had limited impact on the establishment of maize-AM fungi symbiosis, but play critical roles in regulating the proper development of arbuscules.

Conclusions

This study provides a comprehensive analysis of the evolution relationship of Rboh genes in seven gramineae species. Results showed that several Rboh genes regulate maize-AM fungal symbiosis process. This study provides valuable information for further studies of Rboh genes in gramineae.
Advancing guideline quality through country-wide and regional quality assessment of CPGs using AGREE: a scoping review
Authors: Mc Allister Marli , Florez Ivan D. , Stoker Suzaan , McCaul Michael
Published: November 2023

Background and objective

Clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) are evaluated for quality with the Appraisal of Guidelines for Research and Evaluation (AGREE) tool, and this is increasingly done for different countries and regional groupings. This scoping review aimed to describe, map, and compare these geographical synthesis studies, that assessed CPG quality using the AGREE tool. This allowed a global interpretation of the current landscape of these country-wide or regional synthesis studies, and a closer look at its methodology and results.

Study design and methods

A scoping review was conducted searching databases Medline, Embase, Epistemonikos, and grey literature on 5 October 2021 for synthesis studies using the later versions of AGREE (AGREE II, AGREE-REX and AGREE GRS) to evaluate country-wide or regional CPG quality. Country-wide or regional synthesis studies were the units of analysis, and simple descriptive statistics was used to conduct the analysis. AGREE scores were analysed across subgroups into one of the seven Sustainable Development Goal regions, to allow for meaningful interpretation.

Results

Fifty-seven studies fulfilled our eligibility criteria, which had included a total of 2918 CPGs. Regions of the Global North, and Eastern and South-Eastern Asia were most represented. Studies were consistent in reporting and presenting their AGREE domain and overall results, but only 18% (n = 10) reported development methods, and 19% (n = 11) reported use of Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE). Overall scores for domains Rigor of development and Editorial independence were low, notably in middle-income countries. Editorial Independence scores, especially, were low across all regions with a maximum domain score of 46%. There were no studies from low-income countries.

Conclusion

There is an increasing tendency to appraise country-wide and regionally grouped CPGs, using quality appraisal tools. The AGREE tool, evaluated in this scoping review, was used well and consistently across studies. Findings of low report rates of development of CPGs and of use of GRADE is concerning, as is low domain scores globally for Editorial Independence. Transparent reporting of funding and competing interests, as well as highlighting evidence-to-decision processes, should assist in further improving CPG quality as clinicians are in dire need of high-quality guidelines.
Enhanced recovery after surgery in congenital duodenal obstruction
Authors: Zhu Li-Bo , Li Yang-Fang , Shu Jun-Tao , Xi Min , Bai Qiang , Yan Jian-Hong , Liu Ling , Li Cui-Lian
Published: November 2023

Background

The present study aims to explore the clinical application of enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) in pediatric patients with congenital upper gastrointestinal obstruction (CUGIO).

Methods

A total of 82 pediatric patients with CUGIO admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit in Kunming Children’s Hospital between June 2017 and June 2021 were enrolled in the present study and divided into two groups: the ERAS group (n = 46) and the control group (n = 36). The ERAS management mode was adopted in the ERAS group, and the conventional perioperative management mode was adopted in the control group.

Results

In the ERAS group and the control group, the time to the first postoperative bowel movement was 49.2 ± 16.6 h and 58.4 ± 18.8 h, respectively, and the time to the first postoperative feeding was 79 ± 7.1 h and 125.2 ± 8.3 h, respectively. The differences in the above two indicators between the two groups were statistically significant (P < 0.05). In the ERAS group, the days of parenteral nutrition and the length of hospital stay were 14.5 ± 2.3 d and 18.8 ± 6.4 d, respectively. In the control group, 17.6 ± 2.2 d and 23.1 ± 8.1 d, respectively. The differences in these two indicators between the two groups were statistically significant (P < 0.05).

Conclusion

The ERAS management model had a positive effect on early postoperative recovery in pediatric patients with CUGIO.