bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Intergroup Inequality in Wealth Ownership in Rural India: Caste, Tribe and Religion
Authors: Tagade Nitin , Thorat Sukhadeo
Published: June 2021

In India, the rural economy still remains crucially important in the economic wellbeing of the majority population. The low income and high poverty in rural areas are closely associated with unequal distribution of income-earning assets, particularly agricultural land and non-land capital assets. In this article, therefore, we try to understand the intergroup inequality in wealth ownership across caste, ethnic and religious groups in rural India based on the 2013 data from the All India Debt and Investment survey carried out by National Sample Survey Office. The results indicate high interpersonal wealth inequality so also the intergroup wealth inequality at the aggregate level and by type of assets in rural India. The impact of caste on the ownership of wealth clearly indicates high ownership among Hindu high caste and Hindu other backward caste at the cost of low wealth share or ownership of the SC/ST indicating the existence of graded inequality.
Authorial Conflicts of Interest and Sponsorship in Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses on Psoriasis
Authors: Kee Micah , Greenough Mary , Anderson J. Michael , Weaver Michael , Hartwell Micah , Vassar Matt
Published: June 2021

Background:

Because industry influence – in the form of study sponsorship and authorial conflicts of interest (COI) – can bias the results and conclusions of systematic reviews, there is a need to understand their role in systematic reviews, particularly for common conditions like psoriasis.

Objectives:

This study identifies conflicts of interest and industry-author relationships in systematic reviews on psoriasis treatment.

Methods:

Consistent with our cross-sectional design, we searched MEDLINE and Embase for systematic reviews and meta-analyses focused on psoriasis treatment. We then performed a subgroup analysis to determine further industry ties within the systemic reviews funded by industry.

Results:

Our study consisted of 27 systematic reviews and meta-analyses by 146 researchers. We found that 22 (81.5%) of the included systematic reviews contained at least 1 conflicted author. Six authors (of 47; 4.1%) disclosed all COI within the systematic review, 23 (of 47; 15.7%) partially disclosed COI but were also found to have undisclosed COI, and 18 (of 47; 12.3%) did not disclose any COI. Thirteen (of 22; 59.1%) contained narratives that favored the treatment group and 19 (of 22; 86.4%) reported conclusions favoring the treatment group. Importantly, 3 systematic reviews were industry-sponsored. In terms of our subgroup analysis, we found several additional industry ties within the primary studies.

Conclusion:

Our study calls attention to conflicts of interest, industry sponsorship, and their influence on research outcomes in systematic reviews and meta-analyses. Further, we provide examples of how specific industry ties can influence systematic reviews and recommendations for reporting.
Hyper-Management: Neoliberal Expansions of Purpose and Leadership
Authors: Bromley Patricia , Meyer John W.
Published: June 2021

Recent decades have witnessed a discursive expansion of calls for abstract and charismatic management beyond the systematic administration of concrete settings—hyper-management. A first dimension of hyper-management is the lionization of individuals and organizations as empowered purposive actors, embodied in celebrations of vision, innovation, and entrepreneurship. A second dimension is the intended unification of empowered internal and external actors and their diverse purposes, manifest in calls for leadership qualities beyond formal authority such as communication, collaboration, and inspiration. The changes are broad and cultural, cutting across countries and social sectors, and are often decoupled from realistic practice. Thus they are better accounted for by a neo-institutional perspective than by theories emphasizing particular functions and interests. Hyper-management is generated by a culture of global neoliberalism and the ideologies of empowered individual and organizational actorhood that flow from it. During the global hegemony of neoliberal culture, hyper-management has become institutionalized in contemporary education programs, consulting arrangements, and exaggerated managerial status and income. But, given its cultural bases, current and future resistance to neoliberal globalization may undercut it.
Facile fabrication of a stable fluorescent yellow X-10GFF/palygorskite hybrid pigment via semi-dry grinding
Authors: Wang Qin , Mu Bin , Li Shue , Wang Xiaowen , Zong Li , Wang Aiqin
Published: June 2021

A hybrid fluorescent pigment composed of fluorescent yellow X-10GFF (FY-10G) and palygorskite (PLG) was prepared by semi-dry grinding. The effects of the physically adsorbed water content and grinding time on the environmental stability of FY-10G/PLG hybrid fluorescent pigments in terms of acid, ethanol and ultraviolet irradiation are discussed in detail. The incorporated FY-10 G molecules are mainly trapped on the external surface and the groove of PLG. Due to the host–guest interaction between PAL and FY-10G, the emission spectrum of the FY-10G/PLG hybrids shifts to a greater wavelength compared with that of FY-10G, but the physically adsorbed water content and grinding time have no effect on the position of the emission spectrum except for its intensity. A larger, physically adsorbed water content and appropriate grinding time may effectively prevent the aggregation and breakage of the bundles of PLG and facilitate FY-10 G molecules to enter into the groove of PAL. This increases the environmental stability of the as-prepared hybrid pigments.
How I treat pediatric acute myeloid leukemia
Authors: Rubnitz Jeffrey E. , Kaspers Gertjan J. L.
Published: June 2021

Treatment outcomes for pediatric patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) have continued to lag behind outcomes reported for children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), in part because of the heterogeneity of the disease, a paucity of targeted therapies, and the relatively slow development of immunotherapy compared with ALL. In addition, we have reached the limits of treatment intensity, and, even with outstanding supportive care, it is highly unlikely that further intensification of conventional chemotherapy alone will impact relapse rates. However, comprehensive genomic analyses and a more thorough characterization of the leukemic stem cell have provided insights that should lead to tailored and more effective therapies in the near future. In addition, new therapies are finally emerging, including the BCL-2 inhibitor venetoclax, CD33- and CD123-directed chimeric antigen receptor T-cell therapy, CD123-directed antibody therapy, and menin inhibitors. Here, we present 4 cases to illustrate some of the controversies regarding the optimal treatment of children with newly diagnosed or relapsed AML.
Novel deep learning-based transcriptome data analysis for drug-drug interaction prediction with an application in diabetes
Authors: Luo Qichao , Mo Shenglong , Xue Yunfei , Zhang Xiangzhou , Gu Yuliang , Wu Lijuan , Zhang Jia , Sun Linyan , Liu Mei , Hu Yong
Published: June 2021

Background

Drug-drug interaction (DDI) is a serious public health issue. The L1000 database of the LINCS project has collected millions of genome-wide expressions induced by 20,000 small molecular compounds on 72 cell lines. Whether this unified and comprehensive transcriptome data resource can be used to build a better DDI prediction model is still unclear. Therefore, we developed and validated a novel deep learning model for predicting DDI using 89,970 known DDIs extracted from the DrugBank database (version 5.1.4).

Results

The proposed model consists of a graph convolutional autoencoder network (GCAN) for embedding drug-induced transcriptome data from the L1000 database of the LINCS project; and a long short-term memory (LSTM) for DDI prediction. Comparative evaluation of various machine learning methods demonstrated the superior performance of our proposed model for DDI prediction. Many of our predicted DDIs were revealed in the latest DrugBank database (version 5.1.7). In the case study, we predicted drugs interacting withsulfonylureasto cause hypoglycemia and drugs interacting withmetforminto cause lactic acidosis, and showed both to induce effects on the proteins involved in the metabolic mechanism in vivo.

Conclusions

The proposed deep learning model can accelerate the discovery of new DDIs. It can support future clinical research for safer and more effective drug co-prescription.
Integrated proteomic and transcriptomic profiling identifies aberrant gene and protein expression in the sarcomere, mitochondrial complex I, and the extracellular matrix in Warmblood horses with myofibrillar myopathy
Authors: Williams Zoë J. , Velez-Irizarry Deborah , Gardner Keri , Valberg Stephanie J.
Published: June 2021

Background

Myofibrillar myopathy in humans causes protein aggregation, degeneration, and weakness of skeletal muscle. In horses, myofibrillar myopathy is a late-onset disease of unknown origin characterized by poor performance, atrophy, myofibrillar disarray, and desmin aggregation in skeletal muscle. This study evaluated molecular and ultrastructural signatures of myofibrillar myopathy in Warmblood horses through gluteal muscle tandem-mass-tag quantitative proteomics (5 affected, 4 control), mRNA-sequencing (8 affected, 8 control), amalgamated gene ontology analyses, and immunofluorescent and electron microscopy.

Results

We identified 93/1533 proteins and 47/27,690 genes that were significantly differentially expressed. The top significantly differentially expressed protein CSRP3 and three other differentially expressed proteins, including, PDLIM3, SYNPO2, and SYNPOL2, are integrally involved in Z-disc signaling, gene transcription and subsequently sarcomere integrity. Through immunofluorescent staining, both desmin aggregates and CSRP3 were localized to type 2A fibers. The highest differentially expressed gene CHAC1, whose protein product degrades glutathione, is associated with oxidative stress and apoptosis. Amalgamated transcriptomic and proteomic gene ontology analyses identified 3 enriched cellular locations; the sarcomere (Z-disc & I-band), mitochondrial complex I and the extracellular matrix which corresponded to ultrastructural Z-disc disruption and mitochondrial cristae alterations found with electron microscopy.

Conclusions

A combined proteomic and transcriptomic analysis highlighted three enriched cellular locations that correspond with MFM ultrastructural pathology in Warmblood horses. Aberrant Z-disc mechano-signaling, impaired Z-disc stability, decreased mitochondrial complex I expression, and a pro-oxidative cellular environment are hypothesized to contribute to the development of myofibrillar myopathy in Warmblood horses. These molecular signatures may provide further insight into diagnostic biomarkers, treatments, and the underlying pathophysiology of MFM.
Biochar induced improvement in root system architecture enhances nutrient assimilation by cotton plant seedlings
Authors: Feng Lei , Xu Wanli , Tang Guangmu , Gu Meiying , Geng Zengchao
Published: June 2021

Background

Raising nitrogen use efficiency of crops by improving root system architecture is highly essential not only to reduce costs of agricultural production but also to mitigate climate change. The physiological mechanisms of how biochar affects nitrogen assimilation by crop seedlings have not been well elucidated.

Results

Here, we report changes in root system architecture, activities of the key enzymes involved in nitrogen assimilation, and cytokinin (CTK) at the seedling stage of cotton with reduced urea usage and biochar application at different soil layers (0–10 cm and 10–20 cm). Active root absorption area, fresh weight, and nitrogen agronomic efficiency increased significantly when urea usage was reduced by 25% and biochar was applied in the surface soil layer. Glutamine oxoglutarate amino transferase (GOGAT) activity was closely related to the application depth of urea/biochar, and it increased when urea/biochar was applied in the 0–10 cm layer. Glutamic-pyruvic transaminase activity (GPT) increased significantly as well. Nitrate reductase (NR) activity was stimulated by CTK in the very fine roots but inhibited in the fine roots. In addition,AMT1;1, gdh3, andgdh2were significantly up-regulated in the very fine roots when urea usage was reduced by 25% and biochar was applied.

Conclusion

Nitrogen assimilation efficiency was significantly affected when urea usage was reduced by 25% and biochar was applied in the surface soil layer at the seedling stage of cotton. The co-expression ofgdh3andgdh2in the fine roots increased nitrogen agronomic efficiency.The synergistic expression of the ammonium transporter gene andgdh3suggests that biochar may be beneficial to amino acid metabolism.
BRS1 mediates plant redox regulation and cold responses
Authors: Zhang Dongzhi , Zhao Yuqian , Wang Junzhe , Zhao Peng , Xu Shengbao
Published: June 2021

Background

Brassinosteroid-insensitive 1 suppressor 1 (BRS1) is a serine carboxypeptidase that mediates brassinosteroid signaling and participates in multiple developmental processes in Arabidopsis. However, little is known about the precise role of BRS1 in this context.

Results

In this study, we analyzed transcriptional and proteomic profiles of Arabidopsis seedlings overexpressing BRS1 and found that this gene was involved in both cold stress responses and redox regulation. Further proteomic evidence showed that BRS1 regulated cell redox by indirectly interacting with cytosolic NADP + -dependent isocitrate dehydrogenase (cICDH). One novel alternative splice form of BRS1 was identified in over-expression mutants brs1-1D, which may confer a new role in plant development and stress responses.

Conclusions

This study highlights the role of BRS1 in plant redox regulation and stress responses, which extends our understanding of extracellular serine carboxypeptidases.
The New American Joint Committee on Cancer T staging system for stomach: increased complexity without clear improvement in predictive accuracy for endoscopic ultrasound
Authors: Han Chaoqun , Xu Tao , Zhang Qin , Liu Jun , Ding Zhen , Hou Xiaohua
Published: June 2021

Background

The efficacy of endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) for determining the T category of gastric cancer is variable. The aim of this study was to evaluate the superiority of EUS by using the 6th edition American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) staging system for stomach cancer compared to the new 7th/8th edition.

Methods

A retrospective analysis of clinical and EUS imaging features of 348 gastric carcinoma patients who underwent radical resection were retrospectively analyzed. Differences between the 6th and 7th/8th edition T staging systems for preoperative EUS evaluation were compared.

Results

The accuracy of EUS T staging was 72.4% for the 7th/8th edition and 78.4% for the 6th edition. T3 stage accuracy was significantly worse when the T3 group status was changed. The tumor location, echoendoscope type, and histological type were associated with inaccuracy. We further analyzed the EUS image features for each tumor T stage and found that an indistinctly visible muscularis propria (MP) or with obvious thickening was considered an indicator of lesions involved in the MP with a sensitivity of 81.3%; an MP completely disappeared and accompanied with a serosal layer intact may be a marker that the lesion invaded to the subserosa. We also found that irregularities in the outer edge of the gastric wall were markers of gastric serosal layer penetration with a positive predictive value of 92.2%.

Conclusions

The increased complexity of the 7th/8th edition T staging system is accompanied by worsening of the predictive accuracy for EUS as compared to the 6th edition. Furthermore, the tumor location, echoendoscope type, histological type, and EUS image features for each tumor T stage should warrant attention.
Human papillomavirus genotypes and the risk factors associated with multicentric intraepithelial lesions of the lower genital tract: a retrospective study
Authors: Zhang Jing , Liu Guangcong , Cui Xiaoli , Yu Huihui , Wang Danbo
Published: June 2021

Background

Multicentric intraepithelial lesions of the lower genital tract (multicentric lesions) were defined as intraepithelial lesions of two or three sites within cervix, vagina, and vulva occurring synchronously or sequentially. The characteristics of multicentric lesions has been poorly understood. This study aimed to evaluate the risk factors for multicentric lesions, including specific HPV genotypes.

Methods

A retrospective case-control study was performed involving patients histologically diagnosed with multicentric lesions between January 2018 and October 2019. Controls were patients histologically diagnosed with single cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) and admitted during the same period. Univariable and multivariable analyses were used to assess the risk factors for multicentric lesions.

Results

Of 307 patients with multicentric lesions, the median age was 50 years (interquartile range: 43–55.5), and they were older than patients with single CIN (median age: 43 years, interquartile range: 36–50). In the multicentric lesion group, the proportions of cytologic abnormalities, HPV positivity, and multiple HPV infections were 68.9, 97.0, and 36.5%, respectively. In the multivariable analysis, menopause, a history of malignant tumors beyond the lower genital tract and multiple HPV infections were associated with the incidence of multicentric lesions (Odd ratio (OR) = 3.14, 95% confidence interval (CI) 2.24–4.41; OR = 9.58, 95% CI 1.02–89.84; OR = 1.47, 95% CI 1.03–2.10). The common HPV genotypes were HPV16, HPV53, HPV58, HPV52, HPV51, HPV56 and HPV18 in patients with multicentric lesions. The proportion of HPV16 infection was higher in high-grade lesions group than that in low-grade lesions group (OR = 2.54, 95% CI 1.34–4.83). The OR for multicentric lesions, adjusted for menopause, smoking, gravidity, parity, a history of malignant tumor beyond the lower genital tract and multiple HPV infection, was 1.97 (95% CI 1.04–3.75) in patients with HPV51 infection.

Conclusions

Multicentric lesions were associated with menopause, a history of malignant tumors and multiple HPV infections. HPV16 was the most common genotype, especially in high grade multicentric lesions and HPV51 infection was found to be a risk factor for detecting multicentric lesions.
Clinical application of cell-free next-generation sequencing for infectious diseases at a tertiary children’s hospital
Authors: Wilke Julianne , Ramchandar Nanda , Cannavino Christopher , Pong Alice , Tremoulet Adriana , Padua Leidy Tovar , Harvey Helen , Foley Jennifer , Farnaes Lauge , Coufal Nicole G.
Published: June 2021

Background

Children affected by infectious diseases may not always have a detectable infectious etiology. Diagnostic uncertainty can lead to prolonged hospitalizations, inappropriately broad or extended courses of antibiotics, invasive diagnostic procedures, and difficulty predicting the clinical course and outcome. Cell-free plasma next-generation sequencing (cfNGS) can identify viral, bacterial, and fungal infections by detecting pathogen DNA in peripheral blood. This testing modality offers the ability to test for many organisms at once in a shotgun metagenomic approach with a rapid turnaround time. We sought to compare the results of cfNGS to conventional diagnostic test results and describe the impact of cfNGS on clinical care in a diverse pediatric population at a large academic children’s hospital.

Methods

We performed a retrospective chart review of hospitalized subjects at a tertiary pediatric hospital to determine the diagnostic yield of cfNGS and its impact on clinical care.

Results

We describe the clinical application of results from 142 cfNGS tests in the management of 110 subjects over an 8-month study period. In comparison to conventional testing as a reference standard, cfNGS was found to have a positive percent agreement of 89.6% and negative percent agreement of 52.3%. Furthermore, 32.4% of cfNGS results were directly applied to make a clinical change in management.

Conclusions

We demonstrate the clinically utility of cfNGS in the management of acutely ill children. Future studies, both retrospective and prospective, are needed to clarify the optimal indications for testing.
Improving the experience of facility-based delivery for vulnerable women through obstetric care navigation: a qualitative evaluation
Authors: Austad Kirsten , Juarez Michel , Shryer Hannah , Hibberd Patricia L. , Drainoni Mari-Lynn , Rohloff Peter , Chary Anita
Published: June 2021

Background

Global disparities in maternal mortality could be reduced by universal facility delivery. Yet, deficiencies in the quality of care prevent some mothers from seeking facility-based obstetric care. Obstetric care navigators (OCNs) are a new form of lay health workers that combine elements of continuous labor support and care navigation to promote obstetric referrals. Here we report qualitative results from the pilot OCN project implemented in Indigenous villages in the Guatemalan central highlands.

Methods

We conducted semi-structured interviews with 17 mothers who received OCN accompaniment and 13 staff—namely physicians, nurses, and social workers—of the main public hospital in the pilot’s catchment area (Chimaltenango). Interviews queried OCN’s impact on patient and hospital staff experience and understanding of intended OCN roles. Audiorecorded interviews were transcribed, coded, and underwent content analysis.

Results

Maternal fear of surgical intervention, disrespectful and abusive treatment, and linguistic barriers were principal deterrents of care seeking. Physicians and nurses reported cultural barriers, opposition from family, and inadequate hospital resources as challenges to providing care to Indigenous mothers. Patient and hospital staff identified four valuable services offered by OCNs: emotional support, patient advocacy, facilitation of patient-provider communication, and care coordination. While patients and most physicians felt that OCNs had an overwhelmingly positive impact, nurses felt their effort would be better directed toward traditional nursing tasks.

Conclusions

Many barriers to maternity care exist for Indigenous mothers in Guatemala. OCNs can improve mothers’ experiences in public hospitals and reduce limitations faced by providers. However, broader buy-in from hospital staff—especially nurses—appears critical to program success. Future research should focus on measuring the impact of obstetric care navigation on key clinical outcomes (cesarean delivery) and mothers’ future care seeking behavior.
Umbilical cord blood hematological parameters reference interval for newborns from Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Authors: Angelo Ammanuel , Derbie Girma , Demtse Asrat , Tsegaye Aster
Published: June 2021

Background

Several factors like altitude, age, sex, pregnancy, socioeconomic status, life style and race influence hematological reference interval (RIs), which are critical to support clinical decisions and to interpret laboratory data in research. Currently there are no well-established RIs for cord blood hematological parameters of newborns in Ethiopia. This study aims to generate RIs for umbilical cord blood hematological parameters of newborns from Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

Method

A cross-sectional study was conducted from January 1 to March 31, 2019 on healthy, term newborns (37–42 weeks) with normal birth weight born to apparently healthy pregnant mothers who had met the eligibility criteria. From 139 newborns, 2-3ml cord blood was immediately collected from the clumped cord using EDTA tube. The samples were analyzed using Sysmex KX 21 hematology analyzer. Data was entered and the 2.5th and 97.5th percentiles (upper and lower reference limit) were determined using non parametric method by SPSS version 23. The non-parametric independent Mann-Whitney U test (Wilcoxon rank-sum test) was used to compare the distribution of the parameters between genders, modes of deliveries and gestational age. P value less than 0.05 was considered to declare statistical significance.

Result

The median values and 95 % reference interval for umbilical cord blood hematological parameters of newborns were as follows: WBC = 12.4 [6.6–19.4] x109/L, RBC = 4.51 [3.55–5.52] x1012/L, HGB = 15.8 [12.4–19.7] g/dL, HCT = 45.9[37.9–56.3]%, MCV = 102.1[83.9-111.6] fL, MCH = 35.3 [29.4–39.1] pg, MCHC = 34.3 [32.3–37.4] %, PLT = 236 [146–438] x109/L, LYM = 37.5 [16.6–63.0] %, MXD = 7.9[1.7–15.8] %, NEU = 53.7[30.3–78.4] %, RDW = 15.6[12.0–19.0]%, PDW = 11.0[9.1–15.7]% and MPV = 9.4[8.1–11.8] fL. The current study found no significant difference between genders, except RDW (P = 0.01), and gestational age group, but there was significant difference for WBC (p = 0.007), RBC (p = 0.018) and Absolute NEU (p = 0.001) by delivery type where newborns delivered through caesarean section had lower values for these three parameters compared to those with spontaneous delivery.

Conclusions

hematological reference intervals in cord blood were established for the first time from healthy newborns of Addis Ababa and its surrounding. The values are applicable for newborns from this area. Larger study throughout the country is warranted.
State-level trends in sudden unexpected infant death and immunization in the United States: an ecological study
Authors: Müller-Nordhorn Jacqueline , Neumann Konrad , Keil Thomas , Willich Stefan N. , Binting Sylvia
Published: June 2021

Background

Sudden unexpected infant death (SUID) continues to be a major contributor to infant mortality in the United States. The objective was to analyze time trends in SUID and their association with immunization coverage.

Methods

The number of deaths and live births per year and per state (1992–2015) was obtained from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). We calculated infant mortality rates (i.e., deaths below one year of age) per 1000 live births for SUID. We obtained data on immunization in children aged 19–35 months with three doses or more of diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis (3+ DTP), polio (3+ Polio), andHaemophilus influenzaetype b (3+ Hib) as well as four doses or more of DTP (4+ DTP) from the National Immunization Survey, and data on infant sleep position from the Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System (PRAMS) Study. Data on poverty and race were derived from the Current Population and American Community Surveys of the U.S. Census Bureau. We calculated mean SUID mortality rates with 95% confidence interval (CI) as well as the annual percentage change using breakpoint analysis. We used Poisson regression with random effects to examine the dependence of SUID rates on immunization coverage, adjusting for sleep position and poverty (1996–2015). In a second model, we additionally adjusted for race (2000–2015).

Results

Overall, SUID mortality decreased in the United States. The mean annual percent change was − 9.6 (95% CI = − 10.5, − 8.6) between 1992 and 1996, and − 0.3 (95% CI = − 0.4, − 0.1) from 1996 onwards. The adjusted rate ratios for SUID mortality were 0.91 (95% CI = 0.80, 1.03) per 10% increase for 3+ DTP, 0.88 (95% CI = 0.83, 0.95) for 4+ DTP, 1.00 (95% CI = 0.90, 1.10) for 3+ polio, and 0.95 (95% CI = 0.89, 1.02) for 3+ Hib. After additionally adjusting for race, the rate ratios were 0.76 (95% CI = 0.67, 0.85) for 3+ DTP, 0.83 (95% CI = 0.78, 0.89) for 4+ DTP, 0.81 (95% CI = 0.73, 0.90) for 3+ polio, and 0.94 (95% CI = 0.88, 1.00) for 3+ Hib.

Conclusions

SUID mortality is decreasing, and inversely related to immunization coverage. However, since 1996, the decline has slowed down.
Perception and experiences of sexual harassment among women working in hospitality workplaces of Bahir Dar city, Northwest Ethiopia: a qualitative study
Authors: Worke Mulugeta Dile , Koricha Zewdie Birhanu , Debelew Gurmesa Tura
Published: June 2021

Background

Workplace sexual harassment is a public health problem that depends on gender, context, and perceived ideology. Although studies have documented the prevalence and consequences of workplace sexual harassment worldwide, victims’ perceptions and experiences are still poorly understood in low and middle-income countries, particularly Ethiopia. Female workers in the hospitality industry, including hotels, bars, restaurants, fast-food restaurants, and cafeterias, are particularly affected. Hence, this study aimed to explore sexual harassment perceptions and experiences among women working in these workplaces.

Methods

An exploratory qualitative study was conducted from 1 January to 30 August 2019. Data were collected from female employees and key informants from several hospitality workplaces in Bahir Dar City. Data were collected through focus group discussions, in-depth interviews, and key-informant interviews. Women who experienced sexual harassment were selected using the snowball method, and key informants were recruited purposefully. Six focus group discussions, ten in-depth interviews, and thirteen key informant interviews were conducted. Data were analysed using the ATLAS ti version 8.4.24.

Results

In this study, most participants perceived that sexual harassment is pressuring, threatening, touching, abducting sexual advances, and experiencing verbal, physical, and non-verbal types. Similarly, the perceived risk factors were related to the organisations, the customers, and the victims, with the consequences being work-related, health-related, financial-related, and family-related.

Conclusions

Workplace sexual harassment in hospitality workplaces is poorly understood, but many women experience it. A variety of factors also caused it, and it influenced both organisations and people. Public awareness programs, pre-service preparation, in-service training, prevention, and psychosocial support are needed. Similarly, policies and strategies for the organisations should be developed and implemented.
Factors associated with nurses’ perceptions, their communication skills and the quality of clinical handover in the Hong Kong context
Authors: Pun Jack
Published: June 2021

Background

Clinical handover is a pivotal, high-risk communicative event because it involves the transfer of responsibility and accountability for patients and their care. Nurses’ perceptions and their communication skills inevitably impact on their ability of clinical handover. Limited studies have explored nurses’ handover practice in the Hong Kong context. This study aimed to identify factors associated with and specific impact paths between the quality, communication skills and nurses’ perceptions on clinical handover.

Methods

A questionnaire survey was conducted immediately after the nurses’ training in effective handover communication. A convenience sample of 206 bilingual nursing staff from a local hospital in Hong Kong participated in this paper-and-pencil survey adopted from the Nurses Handover Perceptions Questionnaire survey.

Results

The path analysis revealed that except the opportunity to ask questions and high perceptions of the ISBAR communication protocol, other factors were significantly correlated with improved quality of handover. In addition, nurses who had updated information were likely to ask more questions and obtain a better understanding of the patient care plan during handover.

Conclusions

The quality of nursing handover depended on the degree of nurses’ grasp of the patient care plan. The ISBAR communication protocol was considered helping nurses to improve their communication skills with other colleagues and indirectly enhance patient’s safety. However, although ISBAR facilitated nurses to structure clearer handover communication, it was not the most important predictive factor for determining handover quality.
A blood RNA transcriptome signature for COVID-19
Authors: Kwan Philip Kam Weng , Cross Gail B. , Naftalin Claire M. , Ahidjo Bintou A. , Mok Chee Keng , Fanusi Felic , Permata Sari Intan , Chia Siok Ching , Kumar Shoban Krishna , Alagha Rawan , Tham Sai Meng , Archuleta Sophia , Sessions October M. , Hibberd Martin L. , Paton Nicholas I.
Published: June 2021

Background

COVID-19 is a respiratory viral infection with unique features including a more chronic course and systemic disease manifestations including multiple organ involvement; and there are differences in disease severity between ethnic groups. The immunological basis for disease has not been fully characterised. Analysis of whole-blood RNA expression may provide valuable information on disease pathogenesis.

Methods

We studied 45 patients with confirmed COVID-19 infection within 10 days from onset of illness and a control group of 19 asymptomatic healthy volunteers with no known exposure to COVID-19 in the previous 14 days. Relevant demographic and clinical information was collected and a blood sample was drawn from all participants for whole-blood RNA sequencing. We evaluated differentially-expressed genes in COVID-19 patients (log2 fold change ≥ 1 versus healthy controls; false-discovery rate < 0.05) and associated protein pathways and compared these to published whole-blood signatures for respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and influenza. We developed a disease score reflecting the overall magnitude of expression of internally-validated genes and assessed the relationship between the disease score and clinical disease parameters.

Results

We found 135 differentially-expressed genes in the patients with COVID-19 (median age 35 years; 82% male; 36% Chinese, 53% South Asian ethnicity). Of the 117 induced genes, 14 were found in datasets from RSV and 40 from influenza; 95 genes were unique to COVID-19. Protein pathways were mostly generic responses to viral infections, including apoptosis by P53-associated pathway, but also included some unique pathways such as viral carcinogenesis. There were no major qualitative differences in pathways between ethnic groups. The composite gene-expression score was correlated with the time from onset of symptoms and nasal swab qPCR CT values (both p < 0.01) but was not related to participant age, gender, ethnicity or the presence or absence of chest X-ray abnormalities (all p > 0.05).

Conclusions

The whole-blood transcriptome of COVID-19 has overall similarity with other respiratory infections but there are some unique pathways that merit further exploration to determine clinical relevance. The approach to a disease score may be of value, but needs further validation in a population with a greater range of disease severity.
C-type lectins and extracellular vesicles in virus-induced NETosis
Authors: Sung Pei-Shan , Hsieh Shie-Liang
Published: June 2021

Dysregulated formation of neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) is observed in acute viral infections. Moreover, NETs contribute to the pathogenesis of acute viral infections, including those caused by the dengue virus (DV) and severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2). Furthermore, excessive NET formation (NETosis) is associated with disease severity in patients suffering from SARS-CoV-2-induced multiple organ injuries. Dendritic cell-specific intercellular adhesion molecule-3-grabbing non-integrin (DC-SIGN) and other members of C-type lectin family (L-SIGN, LSECtin, CLEC10A) have been reported to interact with viral glycans to facilitate virus spreading and exacerbates inflammatory reactions. Moreover, spleen tyrosine kinase (Syk)-coupled C-type lectin member 5A (CLEC5A) has been shown as the pattern recognition receptor for members of flaviviruses, and is responsible for DV-induced cytokine storm and Japanese encephalomyelitis virus (JEV)-induced neuronal inflammation. Moreover, DV activates platelets via CLEC2 to release extracellular vesicles (EVs), including microvesicles (MVs) and exosomes (EXOs). The DV-activated EXOs (DV-EXOs) and MVs (DV-MVs) stimulate CLEC5A and Toll-like receptor 2 (TLR2), respectively, to enhance NET formation and inflammatory reactions. Thus, EVs from virus-activated platelets (PLT-EVs) are potent endogenous danger signals, and blockade of C-type lectins is a promising strategy to attenuate virus-induced NETosis and intravascular coagulopathy.
A density functional theory study of Fe(II)/Fe(III) distribution in single layer green rust: a cluster approach
Authors: Sun Weichao , Tobler Dominique J. , Andersson Martin P.
Published: June 2021

Green rust (GR) is a potentially important compound for the reduction of heavy metal and organic pollutants in subsurface environment because of its high Fe(II) content, but many details of the actual reaction mechanism are lacking. The reductive capacity distribution within GR is a key to understand how and where the redox reaction occurs and computational chemistry can provide more details about the electronic properties of green rust. We constructed three sizes of cluster models of single layer GR (i.e., without interlayer molecules or ions) and calculated the charge distribution of these structures using density functional theory. We found that the Fe(II) and Fe(III) are distributed unevenly in the single layer GR. Within a certain range of Fe(II)/Fe(III) ratios, the outer iron atoms behave more like Fe(III) and the inner iron atoms behave more like Fe(II). These findings indicate that the interior of GR is more reductive than the outer parts and will provide new information to understand the GR redox interactions.
2D-quantitative structure–activity relationships model using PLS method for anti-malarial activities of anti-haemozoin compounds
Authors: Nguyen Phuong Thuy Viet , Van Dat Truong , Mizukami Shusaku , Nguyen Duy Le Hoang , Mosaddeque Farhana , Kim Son Ngoc , Nguyen Duy Hoang Bao , Đinh Oanh Thi , Vo Tu Linh , Nguyen Giang Le Tra , Quoc Duong Cuong , Mizuta Satoshi , Tam Dao Ngoc Hien , Truong M. Phuong , Huy Nguyen Tien , Hirayama Kenji
Published: June 2021

Background

Emergence of cross-resistance to current anti-malarial drugs has led to an urgent need for identification of potential compounds with novel modes of action and anti-malarial activity against the resistant strains. One of the most promising therapeutic targets of anti-malarial agents related to food vacuole of malaria parasite is haemozoin, a product formed by the parasite through haemoglobin degradation.

Methods

With this in mind, this study developed two-dimensional-quantitative structure–activity relationships (QSAR) models of a series of 21 haemozoin inhibitors to explore the useful physicochemical parameters of the active compounds for estimation of anti-malarial activities. The 2D-QSAR model with good statistical quality using partial least square method was generated after removing the outliers.

Results

Five two-dimensional descriptors of the training set were selected: atom count (a_ICM); adjacency and distance matrix descriptor (GCUT_SLOGP_2: the third GCUT descriptor using atomic contribution to logP); average total charge sum (h_pavgQ) in pKa prediction (pH = 7); a very low negative partial charge, including aromatic carbons which have a heteroatom-substitution in “ortho” position (PEOE_VSA-0) and molecular descriptor (rsynth: estimating the synthesizability of molecules as the fraction of heavy atoms that can be traced back to starting material fragments resulting from retrosynthetic rules), respectively. The model suggests that the anti-malarial activity of haemozoin inhibitors increases with molecules that have higher average total charge sum in pKa prediction (pH = 7). QSAR model also highlights that the descriptor using atomic contribution to logP or the distance matrix descriptor (GCUT_SLOGP_2), and structural component of the molecules, including topological descriptors does make for better anti-malarial activity.

Conclusions

The model is capable of predicting the anti-malarial activities of anti-haemozoin compounds. In addition, the selected molecular descriptors in this QSAR model are helpful in designing more efficient compounds against the P. falciparum 3D7A strain.
Histone citrullination: a new target for tumors
Authors: Zhu Dongwei , Zhang Yue , Wang Shengjun
Published: June 2021

As the main protein components of chromatin, histones play central roles in gene regulation as spools of winding DNA. Histones are subject to various modifications, including phosphorylation, acetylation, glycosylation, methylation, ubiquitination and citrullination, which affect gene transcription. Histone citrullination, a posttranscriptional modification catalyzed by peptidyl arginine deiminase (PAD) enzymes, is involved in human carcinogenesis. In this study, we highlighted the functions of histone citrullination in physiological regulation and tumors. Additionally, because histone citrullination involves forming neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs), the relationship between NETs and tumors was illustrated. Finally, the clinical application of histone citrullination and PAD inhibitors was discussed.
The circACTN4 interacts with FUBP1 to promote tumorigenesis and progression of breast cancer by regulating the expression of proto-oncogene MYC
Authors: Wang Xiaosong , Xing Lei , Yang Rui , Chen Hang , Wang Min , Jiang Rong , Zhang Luyu , Chen Junxia
Published: June 2021

Background

Recent studies have revealed that circular RNAs (circRNAs) play significant roles in the occurrence and development of many kinds of cancers including breast cancer (BC). However, the potential functions of most circRNAs and the molecular mechanisms underlying progression of BC remain elusive.

Method

Here, Circular RNA microarray was executed in 4 pairs of breast cancer tissues and para-cancer tissues. The expression and prognostic significance of circACTN4 in BC cells and tissues were determined by qRT-PCR and in situ hybridization. Gain-and loss-of-function experiments were implemented to observe the impacts of circACTN4 on the growth, invasion, and metastasis of BC cells in vitro and in vivo. Mechanistically, chromatin immunoprecipitation, luciferase reporter, RNA pulldown, mass spectrum, RNA immunoprecipitation, fluorescence in situ hybridization and co-immunoprecipitation assays were executed.

Results

CircACTN4 was significantly upregulated in breast cancer tissues and cells, its expression was correlated with clinical stage and poor prognosis of patients with BC. Ectopic expression of circACTN4 strikingly facilitated the growth, invasion, and metastasis of breast cancer cells in vitro and in vivo. Whereas knockdown of circACTN4 revealed opposite roles. CircACTN4 was mainly distributed in the nucleus. Further mechanistic research proved that circACTN4 could competitively bind to far upstream element binding protein 1 (FUBP1) to prevent the combination between FUBP1 and FIR, thereby activating MYC transcription and facilitating tumor progression of breast cancer. Furthermore, we found that upstream transcription factor 2 (USF2) might promote the biogenesis of circACTN4.

Conclusion

Our findings uncover a pivotal mechanism that circACTN4 mediated by USF2 might interact with FUBP1 to promote the occurrence and development of breast cancer via enhancing the expression of MYC. CircACTN4 could be a novel potential target for diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer.
Impact of skeletal muscle mass in patients with recurrent gastric cancer
Authors: Matsunaga Tomoyuki , Satio Hiroaki , Miyauchi Wataru , Shishido Yuji , Miyatani Kozo , Murakami Yuki , Hanaki Takehiko , Kihara Kyoichi , Yamamoto Manabu , Tokuyasu Naruo , Takano Shuichi , Sakamoto Teruhisa , Hasegawa Toshimichi , Fujiwara Yoshiyuki
Published: June 2021

Background

We retrospectively examined the relationship among skeletal muscle mass index (SMI), prognosis, and chemotherapy side effects in patients with recurrent gastric cancer (RGC).

Methods

Sixty-seven patients who developed recurrence after undergoing curative gastrectomy for gastric cancer at Tottori University Hospital and received palliative chemotherapy were included in this study. Pretreatment computed tomography was performed to measure the skeletal muscle mass (SMM) and cross-sectional SMM at the third lumbar vertebra. We focused on haematologic toxicity (neutropenia, thrombocytopenia, and anaemia), febrile neutropenia, and gastrointestinal toxicity (diarrhoea, vomiting, and stomatitis) as the side effects of chemotherapy.

Results

Median SMIs for males and females (43.9 and 34.7 cm2/m2, respectively) were used as cutoff values. The patients were classified into high (SMIHigh; n = 34) and low SMI groups (SMILow; n = 33). The SMILow group included more patients treated with monotherapy (P = 0.016) compared with the SMIHigh group, had a significantly lower number of chemotherapy lines (P = 0.049), and had a significantly higher incidence of grade 3 or 4 side effects (P = 0.010). The median survival rate was significantly higher in the SMIHigh group (17.8 vs 15.8 months; P = 0.034). In the univariate analysis, body mass index, SMI, histological type, and prognostic nutritional index were identified as prognostic indicators. The multivariate analysis identified SMI (P = 0.037) and histological type (P = 0.028) as independent prognostic factors.

Conclusion

The incidence of grade 3 or 4 side effects was significantly higher in patients with SMILow RGC. SMI was a useful prognostic marker of RGC.
D-dopachrome tautomerase activates COX2/PGE2 pathway of astrocytes to mediate inflammation following spinal cord injury
Authors: Ji Huiyuan , Zhang Yuxin , Chen Chen , Li Hui , He Bingqiang , Yang Ting , Sun Chunshuai , Hao Huifei , Zhang Xingyuan , Wang Yingjie , Zhou Yue , Zhu Zhenjie , Hu Yuming , Li Aihong , Guo Aisong , Wang Yongjun
Published: June 2021

Background

Astrocytes are the predominant glial cell type in the central nervous system (CNS) that can secrete various cytokines and chemokines mediating neuropathology in response to danger signals. D-dopachrome tautomerase (D-DT), a newly described cytokine and a close homolog of macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) protein, has been revealed to share an overlapping function with MIF in some ways. However, its cellular distribution pattern and mediated astrocyte neuropathological function in the CNS remain unclear.

Methods

A contusion model of the rat spinal cord was established. The protein levels of D-DT and PGE2 synthesis-related proteinase were assayed by Western blot and immunohistochemistry. Primary astrocytes were stimulated by different concentrations of D-DT in the presence or absence of various inhibitors to examine relevant signal pathways. The post-injury locomotor functions were assessed using the Basso, Beattie, and Bresnahan (BBB) locomotor scale.

Results

D-DT was inducibly expressed within astrocytes and neurons, rather than in microglia following spinal cord contusion. D-DT was able to activate the COX2/PGE2 signal pathway of astrocytes through CD74 receptor, and the intracellular activation of mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) was involved in the regulation of D-DT action. The selective inhibitor of D-DT was efficient in attenuating D-DT-induced astrocyte production of PGE2 following spinal cord injury, which contributed to the improvement of locomotor functions.

Conclusion

Collectively, these data reveal a novel inflammatory activator of astrocytes following spinal cord injury, which might be beneficial for the development of anti-inflammation drug in neuropathological CNS.