bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Nomogram to predict malignancy in branch duct type intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms
Authors: Xu Yisheng , Xie Chunmei , Gao Zhiqin , Zhang Meihua , Zhan Ming
Published: September 2022

Prediction of malignancy in branch duct (BD)-type intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms (BD-IPMNs) is difficult. In this retrospective study, we showed the performance of imaging biomarker and biochemical biomarker in identifying the malignant BD-IPMNs. A total of 97 patients with pathological proved BD-IPMNs were included in this study. Imaging data were collected from magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Malignant BD-IPMNs were defined as those with high grade dysplasia and invasive carcinoma. There were 10 patients with malignant BD-IPMNs (10.3%). Significant difference was found in prevalence of mural nodule and tumor size >3.0 cm between patients with and without malignant BD-IPMNs (44.4% vs 3.1%, P < .01; 80.0% vs 33.3%, P < .01). Significant differences were observed in mural nodule and elevated carbohydrate antigen 19-9 (CA19-9) between patients with and without invasive carcinoma (40.0% vs 7.6, P = .05; 60% vs 15.3%, P = .04). Mural nodule and tumor size >3.0 cm were the independent associated factor for malignant BD-IPMNs. The odds ratio (OR) was 5.22 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.04–31.16) for mural nodule and was 6.80 (95% CI: 1.16–39.71) for cyst size >3.0 cm. The combined model of mural nodule and tumor size showed good performance in identifying malignant BD-IPMNs (area under the curve [AUC] = 0.82, 95%CI: 0.67–0.97). Our data show that mural nodule and cystic size can be used as predictor of malignancy in BD-IPMN. The predictive performance is acceptable.
Evaluation of the factors affecting long-term mortality in geriatric patients followed up in intensive care unit due to hospital-acquired pneumonia
Authors: Aydemir Semih , Hoşgün Derya
Published: September 2022

Aging is a normal physiological process involving changes in the respiratory system, thereby causing an increased incidence of pulmonary infections such as hospital-acquired pneumonia (HAP). The primary aim of this study was to investigate the role of acute-phase reactants and inflammation-based biomarkers in predicting 90-day mortality in patients aged over 65 years who were hospitalized in the intensive care unit (ICU) due to HAP. Clinical records of patients aged ≥65 years who were diagnosed as having HAP and were followed up in ICU were retrospectively evaluated. One hundred and fifteen ICU patients (67.8% male, mean age 76.81 ± 7.480 years) were studied. Ninety-day mortality occurred in 43 (37.4%) patients. Red cell distribution (RDW, %), mean platelet volume (MPV, f/L), white blood cell count (WBC, 103/μL), C-reactive protein (CRP, mg/L), and procalcitonin (PCT, ng/mL) median values were 18.2 (13.7–35.6), 7.42 (5.66–11.2), 14.3 (3.21–40), 9.58 (0.12–32), 0.41 (0.05–100) in the group with 90-day mortality. In the Receiver Operator Characteristics Curve analysis, a WBC value 18.2 × 10ˆ3/μL predicted 90-day independent mortality with a sensitivity of 90.70% and specificity of 31.94% (P = .029). The results indicated that serum WBC level can be used for predicting long-term mortality and prognosis in HAP patients aged over 65 years. High WBC value was statistically significant in predicting 90-day independent mortality (P < .05).
Laparoscopic radical nephroureterectomy in the oblique supine lithotomy integrative position for rare renal malignant perivascular epithelioid cell tumor with renal vein cancerous thrombosis: A case report and literature review
Authors: Lin Canbin , Liang Shulin , Wang Yongxing , Liang Aidi , Qin Weiting , Huang Jiapeng , Meng Hao , Liu Hong , Chen Ming , Meng Lei
Published: September 2022

Rationale:

Perivascular epithelioid cell tumor (PEComa) is a mesenchymal tumor that arises from perivascular epithelioid cells and can differentiate into melanocytes and smooth muscle cells. Malignant renal perivascular epithelioid cell tumor is extremely rare. Due to the lack of specific clinical manifestations and imaging features, diagnosing PEComa depends on postoperative pathology and immunohistochemistry. Surgery is the primary treatment for malignant PEComa because the efficacy of radiotherapy and chemotherapy is uncertain. There is still a lack of unified diagnostic criteria and treatment guidelines for renal malignant PEComa, especially with vascular invasion. Hence, the treatment experience depends on a small number of cases reported worldwide.

Patient concerns:

A 68-year-old woman was admitted to our hospital due to intermittent hematuria for over 8 months. The color Doppler ultrasound and computed tomography scan revealed a mass in the lower middle part of the left kidney.

Diagnosis:

Rare renal malignant perivascular epithelioid cell tumor with renal vein cancerous thrombosis.

Interventions:

A laparoscopic radical left nephroureterectomy in the oblique supine lithotomy position was performed.

Outcomes:

The operation process went smoothly, and no pulmonary embolism occurred after the operation. The final pathological diagnosis was a renal malignant perivascular epithelioid cell tumor. After a 12-month follow-up, no recurrence or metastasis was found.

Lessons:

Renal malignant PEComa is an extremely rare mesenchymal tumor diagnosed mainly based on pathology. Surgery is currently the effective treatment for malignant PEComa. For the surgical treatment of malignant renal PEComa with vascular invasion, laparoscopic radical nephroureterectomy in the oblique supine lithotomy integrative position has many benefits, as exemplified by our current case.
Using the Sankey diagram to visualize article features on the topics of whole-exome sequencing (WES) and whole-genome sequencing (WGS) since 2012: Bibliometric analysis
Authors: Li Meng-Ju , Chien Tsair-Wei , Liao Kuang-Wen , Lai Feng-Jie
Published: September 2022

Background:

Sequencing technologies, such as whole-exome sequencing (WES) and whole-genome sequencing (WGS), have been increasingly applied to medical research in recent years. Which countries, journals, and institutes (called entities) contributed most to the fields (WES/WGS) remains unknown. Temporal bar graphs (TBGs) are frequently used in trend analysis of publications. However, how to draw the TBG on the Sankey diagram is not well understood in bibliometrics. We thus aimed to investigate the evolution of article entities in the WES/WGS fields using publication-based TBGs and compare the individual research achievements (IRAs) among entities.

Methods:

A total of 3599 abstracts downloaded from icite analysis were matched to entities, including article identity numbers, citations, publication years, journals, affiliated countries/regions of origin, and medical subject headings (MeSH terms) in PubMed on March 12, 2022. The relative citation ratio (RCR) was extracted from icite analysis to compute the hT index (denoting the IRA, taking both publications and citations into account) for each entity in the years between 2012 and 2021. Three types of visualizations were applied to display the trends of publications (e.g., choropleth maps and the enhanced TBGs) and IRAs (e.g., the flowchart on the Sankey diagram) for article entities in WES/WGS.

Results:

We observed that the 3 countries (the US, China, and the UK) occupied most articles in the WES/WGS fields since 2012, the 3 entities (i.e., top 5 journals, research institutes, and MeSH terms) were demonstrated on the enhanced TBGs, the top 2 MeSH terms were genetics and methods in WES and WGS, and the IRAs of 6 article entities with their hT-indices were succinctly and simultaneously displayed on a single Sankey diagram that was never launched in bibliographical studies.

Conclusion:

The number of WES/WGS-related articles has dramatically increased since 2017. TBGs, particularly with hTs on the Sankey, are recommended for research on a topic (or in a discipline) to compare trends of publications and IRAs for entities in future bibliographical studies.
MicroRNA34a is associated with chemotherapy resistance, metastasis, recurrence, survival, and prognosis in patient with osteosarcoma
Authors: Lian Hongyu , Zhou Yang , Sun Zhang , Liu Kexin
Published: September 2022

Background:

Osteosarcoma (OS) is the primary malignant bone tumor that most commonly affects children, adolescents, and young adults. MicroRNA-34a (miR-34a) is involved in tumor metastasis and may be a prognostic marker for patients with cancer. The aim of the present study was to explore the role of miR-34a in patients with OS. The underlying associations between miR-34a expressions and metastasis, recurrence as well as and prognosis were comprehensively analyzed in OS patients.

Methods:

Reverse transcriptase quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) was used to investigate serum level of miR-34a between clinical OS patients (n = 162) and age-matched healthy controls (n = 162). Expression of miR-34a in OS tissues and adjacent tissues was analyzed using RT-qPCR. RT-qPCR was used to compare the serum level of miR-34a in patients with OS before and after chemotherapy. Multivariate Cox-regression analysis was used to analyze the association between serum level of miR-34a and chemotherapy resistance, overall survival, as well as recurrence and prognosis of OS patients. Five-year recurrence and survival were estimated using Kaplan–Meier curves.

Results:

Serum level of miR-34a was downregulated in OS patients (n = 86) compared to age-matched healthy controls (n = 86). Expression of miR-34a was downregulated in OS tissue compared to adjacent tissues in clinical patients. The expression of serum miR-34a before and after chemotherapy was positively correlated with the expression of miR-34a in the corresponding tissues. Expression of miR-34a was higher in the group where chemotherapy was effective than that patient where chemotherapy was ineffective. Expression of miR-34a was negatively associated with chemotherapy resistance of OS patients. High serum levels of miR-34a were associated with longer overall survival in OS patients and lower metastasis. Multivariate Cox-regression analysis identified miR-34a serum level with potential prognostic significance.

Conclusion:

The expression level of serum miR-34a in patients with OS is closely related to the chemotherapy resistance, metastasis, recurrence, and survival of osteosarcoma, which can be used as one of the potential biomarkers and prognosis for the treatment of OS patients. Therefore, miR-34a may be a potential molecular for prediction of the efficacy of chemotherapy and prognosis in OS patients.
Multipolar radiofrequency ablation via three bipolar electrodes with C-arm type X-ray fluoroscopy assistance for hepatocellular carcinoma: An observational study
Authors: Tanaka Takashi , Anan Akira , Takata Kazuhide , Fukuda Hiromi , Yamauchi Ryo , Inomata Shinjiro , Yokoyama Keiji , Takeyama Yasuaki , Shakado Satoshi , Sakisaka Shotaro , Hirai Fumihito
Published: September 2022

The present study aimed to investigate the therapeutic efficacy and safety of the insertion technique of 3 bipolar electrodes in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), using C-arm type X-ray fluoroscopy-assisted ultrasonography (US) in guiding a multipolar radiofrequency ablation (RFA) system. Seventy-three patients with HCC treated with a multipolar RFA system (1 electrode, n = 2; 2 electrodes, n = 56; 3 electrodes, n = 17) were enrolled in this retrospective cohort study. To analyze their therapeutic outcome in this study, we divided among 17 patients using 3 electrodes into 2 subgroups: the C-arm type X-ray fluoroscopy-assisted (n = 7) and the US-guided alone groups (n = 10). Therapeutic efficacy and safety were analyzed between the 2 groups. Multipolar RFA treatment was performed safely in all cases, and no severe adverse events occurred. Comparing the patient background of the group treated using 1 or 2 electrodes with that treated using 3 electrodes, larger-sized HCC was treated using 3 electrodes (P < .001). The differences in overall and recurrence-free survival rates between the 1- or 2-electrode and the 3-electrode groups were not significantly different (P = .843 and P = .891). Comparing the C-arm type X-ray fluoroscopy-assisted and the US-guided alone groups among patients treated using 3 electrodes, technical factors such as total ablation time and the number of sessions were not significantly different between the 2 groups. The local tumor progression rate was not significantly different between the 2 groups (P = .942). Multipolar RFA treatment was effective for the treating HCC; using 3 electrodes was suitable for larger-sized HCCs. The technical approach with C-arm type X-ray fluoroscopy assistance using 3 electrodes was useful for operators to perform safe and appropriate insertion techniques by synchronizing the US and X-ray fluoroscopy images.
Hereditary neuropathy with liability to pressure palsies misdiagnosed as Guillain–Barré Syndrome: A case report
Authors: Zhu Jianming , Tong Xueqing , Li Yandeng , Li Guangqin , Pi Zhendong
Published: September 2022

Rationale:

Hereditary neuropathy with liability to pressure palsies (HNPP) is an autosomal dominantly inherited genetic disease characterized by recurrent numbness and limb weakness. HNPP can be easily missed or misdiagnosed because of electrophysiological heterogeneity and atypical clinical symptoms. To date, diagnosis of HNPP remains a challenge for clinicians.

Patient concerns:

Here, we report the case of a 12-year-old woman diagnosed with HNPP, which was initially diagnosed with Guillain–Barré Syndrome (GBS) and treated with intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG).

Diagnoses:

Repeat electrodiagnostic studies and genetic testing confirmed the diagnosis of HNPP.

Interventions:

The patient was treated with neurotrophic drugs and health education, including avoiding maintenance of a certain posture for extended periods, which could damage the peripheral nerves.

Outcomes:

The patient was discharged 5 days later. The patient was free from recurrence after 6 months of follow-up.

Lessons:

This case highlights the complexity of HNPP diagnosis and emphasizes the importance of early identification.
Burnout among kindergarten teachers and associated factors
Authors: Ishibashi Syunsaku , Tokunaga Akiko , Shirabe Susumu , Yoshida Yuri , Imamura Akira , Takahashi Kousuke , Kawano Kojiro , Iwanaga Ryoichiro , Tanaka Goro
Published: September 2022

Burnout among kindergarten teachers is a subject of great concern. Although burnout is reported to be significantly associated with turnover intention and work engagement, few studies have examined factors associated with burnout among these teachers. Therefore, in the present study, we performed a cross-sectional survey of burnout and associated factors among kindergarten teachers. We distributed 3363 questionnaires to all 205 authorized kindergartens and childcare institutions in Nagasaki Prefecture and received 1086 responses (response rate: 32.3%). The participants were limited to full-time female class teachers. After excluding survey forms with incomplete content, we ultimately examined valid responses from 442 participants. The survey examined burnout (Maslach Burnout Inventory, MBI), teacher stress (Nursery Teacher’s Stress Scale, NTSS), coping behaviors (Brief Scales for Coping Profile, BSCP), and social support (Social Support Scale, SSS). A multiple regression analysis revealed that all 3 MBI subscales were positively associated with “understanding of how to handle children” on the NTSS and negatively associated with “superiors” on the SSS. “Emotional exhaustion” was significantly associated with “interpersonal relations at work” and “lack of time” on the NTSS, and “avoidance and suppression” on the BSCP. “Depersonalization” was significantly associated with age, “disconnect in working conditions” on the NTSS, and “proactive problem solving” and “venting emotions to others” on the BSCP. “Diminished professional accomplishment” was significantly associated with age, “lack of time” on the NTSS, and “proactive problem solving” and “change in perspective” on the BSCP. These results suggest that support from superiors that enables teachers to better understand children and handle them appropriately is necessary to prevent burnout.
Intensity control of robot-assisted gait training based on biometric data: Preliminary study
Authors: Jiae Kim , Chun Min Ho , Lee Junekyung , Kim Jun Won , Lee Ji Yeon
Published: September 2022

Objective:

This study is aimed to compare the effect of robot-assisted gait training when the intensity is controlled using patients’ biometric data to when controlled by therapist’s subjective judgment.

Design:

This is non-blinded, prospective, randomized controlled study. Patients were randomly assigned to one of two groups. In biometric data control group, exercise intensity was controlled through the patient’s heart rate or rating of perceived exertion (RPE). The intensity was raised to the next level when the patient’s heart rate reserve was less than 40 percent or the RPE was less than 12 points. The exercise intensity of the therapist control group was adjusted according to the judgement of a therapist. All patients were instructed to perform robot (Morning Walk®)-assisted 20-minute gait training session five times a week during 3 weeks. The primary outcome was functional ambulation category (FAC). The secondary outcomes were modified Barthel index (MBI), Berg balance scale (BBS), timed up and go test (TUG) and 10-meter walk test (10MWT) The outcomes were evaluated at baseline and after 3-week gait training.

Results:

A total of 55 patients with stroke were enrolled. After robotic rehabilitation, the primary outcome, FAC improved significantly (P < .05) in both groups. Also, secondary outcomes, including MBI, BBS, TUG, 10MWT, showed significant improvement (P < .05) in all groups. In addition, when comparing the functional change from baseline to week 3 between the two groups, there was no statistically significant difference in FAC (P > .05). The difference of baseline and week 3 of secondary outcome measure, MBI, BBS, TUG, 10MWT, showed no significant difference (P > .05).

Conclusion:

In conclusion, when the robot intensity was adjusted using the patient’s heart rate or RPE, the treatment effect has no significant difference to when adjusting the intensity according to the know-how of the therapist.
Characteristics of patients with viral infections of the lower respiratory tract: A retrospective study
Authors: Nabeya Daijiro , Kinjo Takeshi , Ueno Shiho , Setoguchi Michika , Nishiyama Naoya , Kami Wakaki , Arakaki Wakako , Haranaga Shusaku , Fujita Jiro
Published: September 2022

While the impact of respiratory virus infections has been well researched in some respiratory diseases, no clinical studies have discussed the subject of who would be more likely to develop respiratory virus infections among patients with various respiratory illnesses who come from different backgrounds. This study aimed to identify respiratory diseases that are frequently associated with respiratory virus infections along with the characteristics of patients who develop such infections in clinical settings. Tested specimens were obtained from the lower respiratory tract by bronchoscopy to provide more accurate data. Data of bronchoscopies at Ryukyu University Hospital between August 2012 and September 2016 were reviewed, and patients who underwent multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests for detecting respiratory viruses in bronchoscopy specimens were retrospectively recruited for descriptive statistics. Differences among patients’ primary pulmonary diseases and backgrounds were compared between the PCR-positive and -negative patients, and multivariate statistical analysis was performed to analyze factors associated with a positive PCR test result. Overall, 756 bronchoscopies were performed during the study period and PCR tests were performed for 177 patients. Of them, 27 tested positive for respiratory viruses, mainly parainfluenza virus and rhinovirus, and out of those, 7 were hospitalized for >1 month. Overall, all patients did not experience typical upper respiratory infection symptoms. In positive patients, 13 and 7 had diagnoses of interstitial lung disease and bacterial pneumonia, respectively. The diagnoses of 3 bacterial pneumonia cases were changed to viral pneumonia after receiving their PCR-positive tests. Respiratory virus infections were confirmed in 14 patients on immunosuppressant therapy and 4 on maintenance dialysis. Multivariate analysis revealed that immunosuppressant therapy and maintenance dialysis were independently associated with respiratory virus infections. Viruses were commonly detected in patients with interstitial lung diseases and bacterial pneumonia, while few patients were diagnosed with pure viral pneumonia. These illnesses were considered to be induced by respiratory infections. Immunosuppressant therapy and maintenance dialysis were associated with respiratory virus infections. Multiplex PCR testing is an essential diagnostic tool for respiratory virus infections in immunocompromised patients.
Community-based newborn care intervention fidelity and its implementation drivers in South Wollo Zone, North-east Ethiopia
Authors: Molla Asressie , Mekonnen Solomon , Tigabu Zemene , Alemu Kassahun , Gebeyehu Abebaw
Published: September 2022

Introduction

Community-based newborn care (CBNC) is an effective and efficient public health intervention that has been implemented in Ethiopia across the maternal, neonatal, and child health continuum of care with the goal of lowering newborn death. But Ethiopian neonatal mortality rate is among the highest in the world. “Why neonatal mortality still high despite the existence of such effective interventions?” is the question. Thus, authors hypothesize that whether the designed intervention is effectively implemented or not is not known. Therefore, the aim of this study is to investigate community-based newborn care intervention fidelity and its implementation drivers.

Methods

Multicenter community-based cross-sectional study mixed with phenomenological qualitative design was employed on 898 postpartum women, 16 health extension workers (HEWs) and 10 health posts were used to evaluate CBNC. Structured questionnaire and facility audit checklist was used to collect quantitative data. In-depth interview technique was used to explore lived experiences of HEWs on CBNC implementation. CBNC intervention fidelity was computed as a composite index of the product of program coverage, frequency and contents.

Multilevel linear regression model with adjusted β-coefficients at P-value of 0.05 and a 95% confidence interval (CI) were used to declare a significant relation between CBNC intervention fidelity and its implementation drivers. Interpretative phenomenological analysis was employed for qualitative data analysis.

Result

CBNC intervention fidelity was 4.5% (95% CI: 3.6 - 5.4) with only two women received the intervention with full fidelity. The overall CBNC intervention coverage was 38.4% (95% CI: 35.2-41.6). Only 8.1 % and 1.5% of women received all CBNC interventions with recommended frequency and content, respectively. HEWs knowledge of danger sign was significant facilitator while lack of: health center’s feedback, related short-term training, health development army support, health center staff’s technical assistance to HEWs and shortage of medical equipment supply were barriers for CBNC intervention fidelity.

Conclusion

The CBNC intervention fidelity was too low to in this study. This indicates that CBNC intervention package was not implemented as envisioned implying an implementation gap. All implementation drivers were poorly implemented to result in improved fidelity and intervention outcomes.
Omicron Subvariants: Clinical, Laboratory, and Cell Culture Characterization
Authors: Morris C. Paul , Eldesouki Raghda E. , Sachithanandham Jaiprasath , Fall Amary , Norton Julie M. , Abdullah Omar , Gallagher Nicholas , Li Maggie , Pekosz Andrew , Klein Eili Y. , Mostafa Heba H.
Published: September 2022

Background

The variant of concern, Omicron, has become the sole circulating SARS-CoV-2 variant for the past several months. Omicron subvariants BA.1, BA.2, BA.3, BA.4, and BA.5 evolved over the time, with BA.1 causing the largest wave of infections globally in December 2021- January 2022. In this study, we compare the clinical outcomes in patients infected with different Omicron subvariants and compare the relative viral loads, and recovery of infectious virus from upper respiratory specimens.

Methods

SARS-CoV-2 positive remnant clinical specimens, diagnosed at the Johns Hopkins Microbiology Laboratory between December 2021 and July 2022, were used for whole genome sequencing. The clinical outcomes of infections with Omicron subvariants were compared to infections with BA.1. Cycle threshold values (Ct) and the recovery of infectious virus on VeroTMPRSS2 cell line from clinical specimens were compared.

Results

The BA.1 was associated with the largest increase in SARS-CoV-2 positivity rate and COVID-19 related hospitalizations at the Johns Hopkins system. After a peak in January cases fell in the spring, but the emergence of BA.2.12.1 followed by BA.5 in May 2022 led to an increase in case positivity and admissions. BA.1 infections had a lower mean Ct when compared to other Omicron subvariants. BA.5 samples had a greater likelihood of having infectious virus at Ct values less than 20.

Conclusions

Omicron subvariants continue to associate with a relatively high positivity and admissions. The BA.5 infections are more while BA.2 infections are less likely to have infectious virus, suggesting potential differences in infectibility during the Omicron waves.

Funding

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention contract 75D30121C11061, NIH/NIAID Center of Excellence in Influenza Research and Surveillance contract HHS N2772201400007C, Johns Hopkins University, Maryland department of health, and The Modeling Infectious Diseases in Healthcare Network (MInD) under awards U01CK000589.
Associations between everyday activities and arterial spin labelling-derived cerebral blood flow: A longitudinal study in community-dwelling elderly volunteers
Authors: Sanders Anne-Marthe , Richard Geneviève , Kolskår Knut , Ulrichsen Kristine M. , Alnæs Dag , Beck Dani , Dørum Erlend S. , Engvig Andreas , Lund Martina Jonette , Nordhøy Wibeke , Pedersen Mads L. , Rokicki Jaroslav , Nordvik Jan Egil , Westlye Lars T.
Published: September 2022

Background

Cerebral blood flow (CBF) is critical for brain metabolism and overall function. Age-related changes in CBF have been associated with cognitive deficits and increased risk of neurocognitive disorders and vascular events such as stroke. Exercise is considered among the protective factors for age-related brain and cognitive impairment, but how different lifestyle characteristics, such as low or moderate-to-vigorous physical activity or frequency of everyday activities, relate to cross-sectional and longitudinal measures of CBF has not been established.

Objective

With the main aim of identifying potential targets for interventions, our objective was to examine associations between cortical and subcortical CBF and frequency of diverse everyday activities in healthy community-dwelling adults aged 65-89 years, and assess to which degree activity level at baseline is associated with longitudinal changes in CBF across a one-to-two years interval.

Method

One hundred nineteen (N = 119) adults underwent brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), neurocognitive, physical, and activity assessment at baseline. CBF was obtained using pseudo-continuous arterial spin labelling (ASL) MRI. Frequency of everyday activities were measured using Frenchay Activities index, while minutes of low and moderate-to-vigorous intensity physical activity were measured using a StepWatch Activity Monitor. Eighty-six participants completed a follow-up ASL MRI, on average 506 (SD = 113) days after the baseline scan.

Results

Bayesian multilevel modelling revealed positive associations between baseline cortical and subcortical CBF and various everyday activities. Higher baseline accumbens, putamen and pallidum CBF was associated with more time spent on low intensity (> 0 steps/minute to < 100 steps/minute) physical activity, higher accumbens and caudate CBF with more moderate to vigorous intensity (≥ 100 steps/minute) physical activity, higher cerebral cortical CBF with more participation in social activity, higher cortical and thalamic CBF with more reading, and higher baseline pallidum CBF with more actively pursuing hobbies. We did not find evidence for an association between baseline activity level and longitudinal changes in CBF.

Conclusion

The identified associations between everyday activity measures and CBF provide new knowledge on malleable lifestyle factors that may indicate or contribute to healthy brain aging. In addition to the relevance for prioritizing targets for public health guidelines, our findings contribute to disclose parts of the intricate connection between brain metabolism and everyday activities in aging.
eccDB: a comprehensive repository for eccDNA-mediated chromatin contacts in multi-species
Authors: Yang Min , Qiu Bo , He Guo-You , Zhou Jian-Yuan , Yu Hao-Jie , Zhang Yu-Ying , Li Yan-Shang , Li Tai-Song , Guo Jin-Cheng , Li Xue-Cang , Xie Jian-Jun
Published: September 2022

The role of extrachromosomal circular DNA (eccDNA) has been highlighted. More recently, eccDNA-chromosome interactions were identified, suggesting a potential role of eccDNA in transcriptional regulation. Several databases currently provide valuable resources for the study of eccDNAs. However, these databases are primarily focused on Human eccDNAs and do not provide analysis of eccDNA-chromosome interaction and eccDNA gene expression in different tissues. Herein, to further integrate available resources for eccDNA data across multiple species, we developed the eccDB database. The current version of eccDB has collected a total of 1,317,182 eccDNAs in 424 samples from four species (homo sapiens, mus musculus, saccharomyces cerevisiae, and arabidopsis thaliana). eccDB provides regulatory and epigenetic information on eccDNA, including typical enhancers, super-enhancers, transcription factors, DNA methylation positions, risk SNPs, expression quantitative trait locus, chromatin accessibility regions, and chromHMM states. In particular, eccDB provides eccDNAs intrachromosomal and interchromosomal interaction analysis to predict the transcriptional regulatory functions of eccDNA. Moreover, eccDB identifies eccDNAs from unknown DNA sequences and analyzes the functional and evolutionary relationships of an eccDNA among different species. Overall, eccDB offers web-based analytical tools and a comprehensive resource for biologists and clinicians to decipher the molecular regulatory mechanisms of eccDNA. eccDB is freely available at http://www.xiejjlab.bio/eccDB
Coevolution of reproducers and replicators at the origin of life and the conditions for the origin of genomes
Authors: Babajanyan Sanasar G. , Wolf Yuri I. , Khachatryan Andranik , Allahverdyan Armen , Lopez-Garcia Purificacion , Koonin Eugene V.
Published: September 2022

There are two fundamentally distinct but inextricably linked types of biological evolutionary units, reproducers and replicators. Reproducers are cells and organelles that reproduce via various forms of division and maintain the physical continuity of compartments and their content. Replicators are genetic elements (GE), including genomes of cellular organisms and various autonomous elements, that both cooperate with reproducers and rely on the latter for replication. All known cells and organisms comprise a union between replicators and reproducers. We explore a model in which cells emerged via symbiosis between primordial ‘metabolic’ reproducers (protocells) which evolved, on short time scales, via a primitive form of selection and random drift, and mutualist replicators. Mathematical modeling identifies the conditions, under which GE-carrying protocells can outcompete GE-less ones, taking into account that, from the earliest stages of evolution, replicators split into mutualists and parasites. Analysis of the model shows that, for the GE-containing protocells to win the competition and to be fixed in evolution, it is essential that the birth-death process of the GE is coordinated with the rate of protocell division. At the early stages of evolution, random, high-variance cell division is advantageous compared to symmetrical division because the former provides for the emergence of protocells containing only mutualists, preventing takeover by parasites. These findings illuminate the likely order of key events on the evolutionary route from protocells to cells that involved the origin of genomes, symmetrical cell division and anti-parasite defense systems.

Significance

The origin of life, which is equivalent to the origin of cells, is arguably the greatest enigma in biology. The remarkable complexity characteristic of even the simplest extant cells could only evolve from simpler, pre-biological entities. Reconstructing that pre-cellular stage of evolution is a hard challenge. We present an evolutionary scenario in which cells evolved via symbiosis between protocells that harbored protometabolic reaction networks, could divide and were subject to selection, but lacked genomes, and primordial genetic elements. Mathematical modeling reveals conditions for the survival of such symbionts and the origin of modern-type genomes, in particular, coordination of the rates of protocell division and replication of genetic elements as well as random division of protocells.
Patch repair protects cells from the small pore-forming toxin aerolysin
Authors: Thapa Roshan , Keyel Peter A.
Published: September 2022

Small pore-forming toxins in the aerolysin family lyse cells by damaging the membrane, but membrane repair responses used to resist them, if any, remain controversial. Four membrane repair mechanisms have been proposed: toxin removal by caveolar endocytosis, clogging by annexins, microvesicle shedding catalyzed by MEK, and patch repair. Which of these repair mechanisms aerolysin triggers is unknown. Furthermore, Ca2+flux triggered by aerolysin is controversial, yet membrane repair responses require Ca2+. Here, we determined Ca2+influx and repair mechanisms activated by aerolysin. In contrast to cholesterol-dependent cytolysins (CDCs), removal of extracellular Ca2+protected cells from aerolysin. Aerolysin triggered sustained Ca2+influx. Since aerolysin triggered Ca2+flux, we investigated Ca2+-dependent repair pathways. Caveolar endocytosis failed to protect cells from aerolysin or CDCs. MEK-dependent repair did not protect against aerolysin. Aerolysin triggered slower annexin A6 membrane recruitment compared to CDCs. In contrast to CDCs, expression of the patch repair protein dysferlin potently protected cells from aerolysin. We propose that aerolysin triggers a Ca2+-dependent death mechanism that obscures repair responses, and the primary repair mechanism used to resist aerolysin is patch repair. We conclude that different classes of bacterial toxins trigger distinct repair mechanisms.
Millennials and the gender wage gap: do millennial women face a glass ceiling?
Authors: García Gustavo A. , Gonzales-Miranda Diego René , Gallo Óscar , Roman Calderon Juan Pablo
Published: September 2022

Purpose

This study aims to measure the gender wage gap among millennial workers in Colombia and determine if there is a marked wage difference between millennial women and men. Furthermore, this study analyzes whether millennial women face a glass ceiling, that is, whether there is a larger gender wage gap among workers earning relatively high wages.

Design/methodology/approach

The study data included a sample of 2,144 millennial workers employed in 11 organizations located in the five main cities of Colombia. Oaxaca–Blinder econometric methods of wage decomposition were used to calculate both raw and adjusted gender wage gaps. The latter results in estimating the gender wage gap while controlling for observable characteristics related to individual, family, and labor. In addition, wage decompositions by education levels were carried out to approximate the extent of the glass ceiling among young workers.

Findings

The results show that millennial workers in Colombia face gender inequality in the labor market and that professional millennial women experience a distinct glass ceiling. The adjusted gender wage gap is 9.5%, and this gap increases with education level, increasing to nearly 14% among college-educated workers.

Research limitations/implications

The empirical results are supported by a self-report survey of millennial workers. An important limitation is that the data include millennial workers employed in the formal sector and exclude the informal sector (activities not regulated or protected by the state), which represents an important part of the economy in developing countries.

Originality/value

This paper contributes to the empirical literature on gender wage inequality for younger workers. This paper is original in reviewing the gender pay gap in Colombia using a primary dataset. Most of the work in this area has been done in developed countries and this research adds to the findings that have had focused on those nations.
Why executive board membership in academic clubs helps students get interviews
Authors: Dadario Bernard , Sanner Bret
Published: September 2022

Purpose

The paper aims to improve students' job placements, higher education institutions invest considerable resources and their students spend considerable time in academic clubs. Yet, quantitative findings on the effect of students' academic club involvement on job placements are mixed. This paper aims to help resolve ambiguity regarding the effect of academic clubs on job placements.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors conducted two studies. The first developed an inductive theoretical model by interviewing recruiters and managers and extending status characteristics theory. The second study is an experiment that tested the first study's inductive model and increased the model's generalizability.

Findings

The results of both studies show that executive board membership, but not general membership, increases perceptions of applicants' emotional control and public speaking ability, and thereby increases applicants' chances of getting an interview.

Practical implications

Administrators should consider shifting resources away from academic clubs that only benefit a few students and toward programs that help more students develop transferable skills. Students should prioritize joining clubs in which students think students can become executive board members. Academic clubs should require general members to have responsibilities that help members develop transferable skills. Industry may need to make more competitive offers to hire executive board members.

Originality/value

The two studies contribute to research on academic clubs by suggesting that the results of previous academic club membership studies are mixed, because only executive board members are more likely to get interviews. The results also highlight the importance of applying status characteristics theory to future academic club research.
The Socialocene: From Capitalocene to Transnational Waste Regimes
Authors: Gille Zsuzsa
Published: September 2022

In this article I will present a relational, and multiscalar, perspective on how state socialism interacted with and shaped the Capitalocene. I introduce a heuristic device, the term Socialocene, a transnational waste regime dominant through the Cold War‐era, that is, during what Will Steffen and colleagues call “the great acceleration”. When extending the concept of waste beyond contamination to include squandered resources, the Socialocene emerges as a transnational waste regime in which the modes of waste generation of Western capitalism and central planning are mutually determining. One key relation is the effect of communism on mass consumption and throwaway society in the West; the other is the use of centrally planned economies as “cheap nature”, in Jason Moore’s sense. I will demonstrate the latter through several empirical examples and, in greater detail, through a case study of an Austrian chemical company outsourcing a toxic‐waste‐intensive product to a Hungarian chemical company in the 1960s.
Genetic spectrum of Kallmann syndrome: Single‐center experience and systematic review
Authors: Patil Virendra A. , Lila Anurag Ranjan , Shah Nalini , Arya Sneha , Sarathi Vijaya , Shah Ravikumar , Jadhav Swati S. , Memon Saba Samad , Karlekar Manjiri , Bandgar Tushar
Published: September 2022

Objective

To study phenotype‐genotype data of Asian−Indian Kallmann syndrome (KS) from our center and systematically review the studies analyzing multiple congenital hypogonadotropic hypogonadism (CHH) genes in KS cohorts using next‐generation sequencing.

Design, Patients, Measurement

Five hundred twenty‐two KS probands (our center n = 78, published studies n = 444) were included in this systematic review. Molecular diagnosis was considered if the likely pathogenic/pathogenic variant in known CHH gene/s was reported in the appropriate allelic state. Varsome prediction tool (following American College of Medical Genetics standards) was used to analyze the variants.

Result

For our center, the molecular diagnosis was seen in 20.5% of probands and was seen more often with severe than partial reproductive phenotype (28.3% vs. 4%, p = .0013). Our center data adds eight novel variants. The molecular diagnosis was seen in 31% as per the systematic review and analysis. It ranged from 16.6% to 72.2% at different centers. The affected genes were FGFR1 (9.8%), ANOS1 (7.5%), PROKR2 (6.1%), CHD7 (5.4%), oligogenic (2.1%), and others <1% each (FGF8, SOX10, PROK2, SEMA3A, IL17RD, and GNRHR). FGFR1 and ANOS1 were the commonly affected genes globally, whereas PROKR2 was commonest in studies from China and CHD7 from Japan, South Korea and Poland.

Conclusion(s)

This systematic review highlights that the genetic yield is 31% in KS probands, with distinct regional variations. The association of severe reproductive phenotype with the higher genetic yield needs further validation.
Establishing UK research priorities in smell and taste disorders: A James Lind alliance priority setting partnership
Authors: Philpott Carl M. , Espehana Andreas , Garden Mairenn , Ta Ngan , Gadi Nishita , Kumaresan Kala , Maru Devina , Stafford Lorenzo D. , Bleasdale Nina , Boak Duncan
Published: September 2022

Objectives

To determine the top 10 research priorities in Smell and Taste Disorders (SATD).

Design

After steering group was established, an electronic survey was disseminated to determine the list of questions. After removing out‐of‐scope responses, the remainder were consolidated to create summary questions. A literature search was conducted to remove already answered questions. A second survey was used to determine the top questions that formed the subject of final debate at a workshop attended by clinicians and patients to determine the top 10 priorities.

Setting

A James Lind Alliance Priority Setting Partnership (JLAPSP) was established by FifthSense to identify the top 10 research questions in SATDs in the United Kingdom.

Participant

All stakeholders in SATDs (patients, healthcare professionals, family, carers, researchers).

Main outcome measures

Final 10 research priorities.

Results

The 665 respondents to the initial survey provided 1698 research questions. Thirteen were out‐of‐scope and removed; remaining 1685 were then consolidated to form 147 summary questions. Following literature search and discussion with the steering group, 37 questions remained for the second survey, which 235 people responded. The top ten priorities agreed upon in the workshop covered themes of improved understanding of pathophysiologlogy, improving health services, and managing long‐term effects of smell/taste disorders. The most important research question agreed was “How can we further our understanding of the mechanism of disease in the nerve pathways that affect smell and taste disorders, including where parosmia and phantosmia exist.”

Conclusion

We report the top 10 research priorities in smell and taste disorders. These priorities will now empower researchers to secure research funding and provide the basis of the FifthSense research hub.
Cytology‐histology correlation of cervical Papanicolaou smears and biopsies performed at a single institution compared to those performed at different institutions
Authors: Nikolaus Yanina , Mujumdar Vaidehi , Padgaonkar Pooja , Buchanan Edward , Goldberg Allison
Published: September 2022

Objective

Cytology‐histology correlation (CHC) is the gold standard of quality assurance in cytology laboratories to ensure appropriate patient treatment, and as an educational tool for cytology laboratory personnel. If cervical Pap smears (CPs) and cervical biopsies (CBs) are performed at different institutions, these benefits may be lost.

Methods

All CBs performed at our institution from 1 January 2019 to 31 December 2019 with adequate CPs performed in the 6 months prior to the CB were included in this retrospective review. We compared the CHC for CPs and CBs performed at a single institution to the CHC for CPs and CBs performed at different institutions, with a focus on the proportion of overcalls on CPs, as those are the most challenging discrepant CHC to manage clinically. We used the American Society of Cytology guidelines for our discrepancy assessment grid. A Chi‐squared test was used to compare the proportions of the populations. The P‐value was set at < 0.05.

Results

Of the 305 CBs in our study population, 69 had a CP performed at our institution and 236 had a CP performed at an outside institution. The CHC for CBs and CPs performed at a single institution showed statistically significantly less disagreement than the CHC for those performed at different institutions (P < 0.05). Further, CBs and CPs performed at a single institution had statistically significantly fewer overcalls than CBs and CPs performed at different institutions (P < 0.05).

Conclusion

This study further supports the use of CHC, and in light of our findings we recommend that a patient's CPs and CBs are performed at the same institution. If performing a CP and CB at the same institution is not feasible, a prospective consultation review of the CP by the institution performing the CB should be strongly considered. Further study, including an evaluation of the reason for the discrepancy in discordant cases may better elucidate the reasons for better CHC agreement when CP and CB are performed at the same institution.
Effectiveness and counter‐cyclicality of fiscal consolidation under compliance regulation: The case of the Stability and Growth Pact
Authors: Herwartz Helmut , Theilen Bernd
Published: September 2022

In this study we examine the impact of the European Stability and Growth Pact (SGP) on narratively identified fiscal adjustments whose prime focus is to reduce the budget deficit and compare the effects with those on the primary and the structural budget balance. The cross section of EU and non‐EU economies and the sample period 1980–2014 allow for an assessment of the SGP regarding its effectiveness, cyclicality, and the type of fiscal adjustments (tax hikes vs. spending cuts) as compared with counterfactual scenarios. Our findings indicate that the SGP has effectively boosted budget consolidation measures identified by means of the narrative approach, whereas it had no overall impact on the primary and an overall minor impact on the structural budget balance. However, the effectiveness of the SGP has varied considerably over time. All measures indicate that the SGP was particularly effective in the period after the introduction of the Euro, except for the 2 years following the financial crisis in 2008. We find no evidence that fiscal policy has become more procyclical under the SGP. Finally, fiscal consolidation under the SGP favors spending cuts, whereas the application of tax hikes shows no sizeable differences as compared with the reference group.