bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Determinants of Shari’ah gold investment behaviour: the case of Penang, Malaysia
Authors: Juisin Hani Amirah , Mohd Sayuthi Muhammad Amir Syazwan , Amin Hanudin , Shaikh Imran Mehboob
Published: March 2023

Purpose

Gold investment is one of the essential long-term investments for many to diversify their investment portfolios. Muslims are continuously looking for halal products and services in any aspect of life and one of them is Shari’ah gold investments (SGI). However, evidence pertinent to Muslims’ behaviour towards Shari’ah gold is somewhat inconclusive and for that, a new empirical investigation is needed to reduce the gap, at best. Hence, the purpose of this study is to study factors determining SGI behaviour in Penang, Malaysia.

Design/methodology/approach

By using the Islamic theory of consumer behaviour (ITCB), this study examines the determinants of the SGI behaviour. The questionnaire survey was distributed and the data gathered was analysed using partial least square structural equation modeling.

Findings

All hypothesised hypotheses were instrumental in explaining the factors determining SGI behaviour in the context of Penang, Malaysia.

Research limitations/implications

This study has at least two limitations, namely, confined generalisations of the variables used and the limited context of the research conducted.

Practical implications

This study sheds light on the determinants influencing SGI behaviour, at best.

Originality/value

This study is original in terms of its final output that enlightens the significant effects of iman, Islamic altruism, maqasid consumer index on the behaviour of investors on Shari’ah gold within the ITCB’s context along with integrated religious satisfaction.
Toward state-of-the-art on social marketing research in user-generated content (UGC) and influencers
Authors: Romero-Rodriguez Luis M. , Castillo-Abdul Bárbara
Published: March 2023

Purpose

This study examines the research that has been conducted on user-generated advertising content in the social marketing strategies of commercial brands to understand the phenomenon, explore academic interest in the topic and identify areas of limited thematic coverage.

Design/methodology/approach

A systematic review of existing scientific literature in the Web of Science (WoS) and Scopus was carried out using the PRISMA protocol. A co-occurrence matrix was used to review emerging topics on user-generated content (UGC) and influencer marketing, allowing the identification of articles (n = 59) related to the objective of this research.

Findings

Most research has analyzed UGC in images or text, but only very few have addressed videos and other digital formats (such as reels, image carousels or podcasts), although there is sufficient work focused on Twitter, Facebook and YouTube. There was no evidence of work exploring the effects, repercussions and possible dangers of uncontrolled brand exposure through Unofficial Brand Ambassadors.

Originality/value

The literature review has allowed finding important areas of future research that the scientific community has not sufficiently addressed. Likewise, this work shows structurally several classifications of UGC, which will facilitate future research to deepen and broaden these categories.
Tattoos as symbols – an exploration of the relationship between tattoos and mental health
Authors: McCandlish Chloe , Pearson Mark
Published: March 2023

Purpose

There has been significant growth in the number of people getting tattoos over recent decades. While there might be a myriad of reasons for getting a tattoo, there remains a deficit of knowledge in relation to the potential relationship between tattoos and mental health. This paper aims to explore this potential relationship, from the perspective of those with tattoos, and considers the relevance of this potential relationship for those working in mental health services.

Design/methodology/approach

Data was collected through an online qualitative survey which asked participants to share their experiences in relation to their tattoos and mental health. The survey was shared through social media and distributed to tattoo shops within the UK. In total, 17 participants completed the survey; the survey data was then transferred to Nvivo and subjected to thematic analysis.

Findings

Three themes emerged from the data. First, tattoos as an expression of relationship with self; second, tattoos as an expression of relationship with others, and third, tattoos as a symbol of change. The three domains provide an insight into the complex relationship between identity and tattoos and suggest that tattoos may hold significant importance in supporting people to make meaning following trauma and to communicate elements of themselves to the world around them.

Originality/value

The findings provide an insight into the significance of tattoos which transcends the traditional discourses of tattoos as a marker of risk or deviance. Tattoos may be significant in the process of meaning making and narrating a sense of self and identity.
Technological drivers of dry port efficiency in Brazil
Authors: Rodrigues Antonio Carlos , Macedo Roberta de Cássia , Martins Ricardo Silveira
Published: March 2023

Purpose

This paper aims to identify the scale efficiency of dry ports in Brazil and its main technological drivers.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper uses the Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) model in two stages. The first stage of the DEA was used to measure the efficiency of the dry ports. In the second stage, the Bootstrap Truncated Regression (BTR) was applied to explore the relationship between efficiency and the factors analyzed. The inputs, outputs and contextual variables for this analysis were extracted from the secondary database provided by Revista Tecnologística.

Findings

In the first analysis stage, a high level of idleness was verified in the operations. The contextual variables in the second stage were significant: Certification, Warehouse Management System (WMS), barcode and Radio Frequency Identification (RFID). Results corroborate the positive impact of Information Technology (IT) coordination processes on logistics performance.

Practical implications

Results show that dry ports operate below their technical and operational capacity and that the sector's lack of regulation in Brazil can facilitate and encourage the use of ports and marine terminals by importers and exporters.

Originality/value

Application of two-stage DEA measures efficiency as a sectoral benchmarking tool.
Relationship between serum CHIP levels with cardiovascular disease in maintenance haemodialysis patients
Authors: Xu Taijing , Liu Mengjun , Zhao Xinhui , Zhang Shenglei , Ma Shuchen , Wang Jun , Wang Yi , Guo Yide , Wang He , Hong Xuan , Liu Feng
Published: March 2023

Many preclinical studies reported that the carboxyl terminus of Hsp70‐interacting protein (CHIP) has cardiovascular protective effects. This study was designed to explore whether CHIP is related with cardiovascular disease (CVD) in maintanence haemodialysis (MHD) patients. 217 MHD patients and 150 healthy controls were recruited, serum CHIP concentration and clinical characteristics were measured. MHD patients were followed‐up for 36 months and their cardiovascular events (CVEs) and survival conditions were recorded. Here, the data shows that serum CHIP concentrations in MHD patients were lower than those in healthy controls (31.69 ± 18.2 pg/mL vs 84.53 ± 22.1 pg/mL, p < 0.05). CHIP negatively correlated with age, C‐reactive protein, B‐type brain natriuretic peptide, phosphorus, parathyroid hormone, carotid intima‐media thickness (CIMT) and left ventricular septal thickness (LVSTd), whereas it positively associated with albumin, haemoglobin, creatinine, Kt/V and ejection fraction (p < 0.05, respectively). Partial correlation and multiple linear regression analysis verified the negative relationship between CHIP with CIMT or LVSTd (p < 0.05, respectively). Using quartile method and Kaplan–Meier survival function, it indetified that the lower serum CHIP concentration predicted risk of CVEs, CVD and all‐cause death (p < 0.001). Cox regression analysis manifested CHIP was negatively associated with CVEs (HR = 0.914, 95%CI 0.880–0.950, p < 0.001), CVD mortality (HR = 0.747, 95%CI 0.651–0.857, p < 0.001) and all‐cause death (HR = 0.769, 95%CI 0.696–0.850, p < 0.001). In conclusion, the data of this study revealed that serum CHIP level is significantly correlated with multiple risk factors of CVD and may be one of the predictors of CVD risk and death in MHD patients.
Can a disability studies‐medical sociology rapprochement help re‐value the work disabled people do within their rehabilitation?
Authors: Cooper Harriet , Poland Fiona , Kale Swati , Shakespeare Tom
Published: March 2023

This paper draws attention to the health‐related work that disabled people do when engaging with rehabilitation services. Medical sociology has a rich history of looking at the ‘illness work’ that patients do, while disability studies scholars have explored the cultural value placed upon paid work and the effects on social status of being unable to work. Yet, a longstanding froideur between these two disciplines, which have fundamentally opposed ontologies of illness and disability, means that neither discipline has attended closely to the rehabilitation‐related work that disabled people do. The concept of ‘adjusting’ to illness highlights seemingly irreconcilable disciplinary differences. Yet this article argues that the notion of ‘adjustment work’ can elucidate the socio‐political character of the work disabled people do in their rehabilitation, which could create a more substantial and sustainable dialogue on this subject between disability studies and medical sociology. To make this case, we discuss interview data from the Rights‐based Rehabilitation project, which sought to explore disabled people’s lived experiences of rehabilitation.
The salutogenic gaze: Theorising the practitioner role in complementary and alternative medicine consultations
Authors: Brosnan Caragh , Tickner Campbell , Davies Kate , Heinsch Milena , Steel Amie , Vuolanto Pia
Published: March 2023

Research on why people use complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) shows clients value the CAM consultation, where they feel listened to and empowered to control their own health. Such ‘empowerment’ through CAM use is often theorised as reflecting wider neoliberal imperatives of self‐responsibility. CAM users' perspectives are well studied, but there has been little sociological analysis of interactions within the CAM consultation. Specifically, it is unclear how user empowerment/self‐knowledge relates to the CAM practitioner's power and expert knowledge. We address this using audio‐recorded consultations and interviews with CAM practitioners to explore knowledge use in client‐practitioner interactions and its meaning for practitioners. Based on our analysis and drawing on Foucault (1973), The Birth of the Clinic: an archaeology of medical perception and Antonovsky (1979), Health, Stress and Coping, we theorise the operation of power/knowledge in the CAM practitioner‐client dyad by introducing the concept of the ‘salutogenic gaze’. This gaze operates in the CAM consultation with disciplining and productive effects that are oriented towards health promotion. Practitioners listen to and value clients' stories, but their gaze also incorporates surveillance and normalisation, aided by technologies that may or may not be shared with clients. Because the salutogenic gaze is ultimately transferred from practitioner to client, it empowers CAM users while simultaneously reinforcing the practitioner's power as a health expert.
Application of selected neuroscientific methods in consumer sensory analysis: A review
Authors: Adhikari Koushik
Published: March 2023

Neuromarketing or consumer neuroscience is a relatively new market research subdiscipline that has gained popularity among consumer behavior scientists in the past two decades or so. It combines neurobiology with behavioral psychology to understand consumer behavior, more specifically about their decisions related to choices/preferences and purchase. The purpose of this review is to explore the potential of using neuroscientific methods for consumer sensory science research. By no means, this is an exhaustive review hindered by the fact that there are countless articles on neuromarketing and consumer neuroscience in the literature. The author has tried to show the applicability of neuroscientific methods in consumer sensory sciences, specifically electroencephalography and eye tracking, which could potentially “complement” the sensory methodologies to gain better consumer insight. Both these techniques are relatively inexpensive, portable, and minimally invasive techniques that are already being used by some sensory scientists. They could be incorporated with ease in the research portfolio of consumer sensory researchers who would like to use them to study consumer affect. It is recommended that the researchers use proper experimental design that takes into consideration the confounding variables as much as possible. The two methods mentioned before have been proven to be relatively reliable and repeatable. Lastly, these methods would also require ethical oversight because of the involvement of human subjects.
Extensive identification of serum metabolites related to microbes in different gut locations and evaluating their associations with porcine fatness
Authors: Liu Qin , He Maozhang , Zeng Zhijun , Huang Xiaochang , Fang Shaoming , Zhao Yuanzhang , Ke Shanlin , Wu Jinyuan , Zhou Yunyan , Xiong Xinwei , Li Zhuojun , Fu Hao , Huang Lusheng , Chen Congying
Published: March 2023

Gut microbiota plays important roles in host metabolism. Whether and how much the gut microbiota in different gut locations contributes to the variations of host serum metabolites are largely unknown, because it is difficult to obtain microbial samples from different gut locations on a large population scale. Here, we quantified the gut microbial compositions using 16S rRNA gene sequencing for 1070 samples collected from the ileum, cecum and faeces of 544 F6 pigs from a mosaic pig population. Untargeted metabolome measurements determined serum metabolome profiles. We found 1671, 12,985 and 103,250 significant correlations between circulating serum metabolites and bacterial ASVs in the ileum, cecum, and faeces samples. We detected nine serum metabolites showing significant correlations with gut bacteria in more than one gut location. However, most metabolite‐microbiota pairwise associations were gut location‐specific. Targeted metabolome analysis revealed that CDCA, taurine, L‐leucine and N‐acetyl‐L‐alanine can be used as biomarkers to predict porcine fatness. Enriched taxa in fat pigs, for example Prevotella and Lawsonia intracellularis were positively associated with L‐leucine, while enriched taxa in lean pigs, such as Clostridium butyricum, were negatively associated with L‐leucine and CDCA, but positively associated with taurine and N‐acetyl‐L‐alanine. These results suggested that the contributions of gut microbiota in each gut location to the variations of serum metabolites showed spatial heterogeneity.
Understanding and governing global systemic crises in the 21st century: A complexity perspective
Authors: Wernli Didier , Böttcher Lucas , Vanackere Flore , Kaspiarovich Yuliya , Masood Maria , Levrat Nicolas
Published: March 2023

The growing interconnections among societies have facilitated the emergence of systemic crises, i.e., shocks that rapidly spread around the world and cause major disruptions. Advances in the interdisciplinary field of complexity can help understand the mechanisms underpinning systemic crises. This article reviews the most important concepts and findings from the pertinent literature. It demonstrates that an understanding of the nature of disruptions of globally interconnected systems and their implications is critical to prevent, react to, and recover from systemic crises. The resulting analytical framework is applied to two prominent examples of global systemic crises: the 2008 global financial crisis and the COVID‐19 pandemic. The article provides evidence that relying on reactive and recovery capacities to face systemic crises is not sustainable because of the extraordinary costs they impose on societies. Efforts are needed to develop a multipronged strategy to strengthen our capacities to face systemic crises and address fundamental mismatches between the nature of global challenges and the necessary collective action to address these challenges.
Effect of perioperative aspirin continuation on bleeding after pneumonectomy
Authors: Chen Qirui , Liu Yan , Liu Yi , Ji Ying , Ye Xin , Li Xin , Fu Yili , Miao Jinbai , Hou Shengcai , Hu Bin
Published: March 2023

Background

To investigate the effect of continuous oral aspirin in perioperative period on bleeding in pneumonectomy.

Methods

A total of 170 patients who underwent pneumonectomy in our hospital from March 2021 to March 2022 were selected as the study objects. All patients took oral aspirin before surgery and did not take other antiplatelet agent or anticoagulants at the same time. The continuation group included 85 cases and continued to take aspirin 100 mg/day during the perioperative period, and the interruption group included 85 cases who stopped aspirin for 7 days before surgery and 3 days after surgery, without bridging therapy. The intraoperative blood loss, operation time, conversion to thoracotomy rate, postoperative bleeding rate, blood transfusion rate, thrombotic events, postoperative drainage volume, length of hospital stay, and total hospital cost of the two groups were compared.

Results

There were no statistically significant differences in intraoperative blood loss, operative time, rate of conversion to open, postoperative drainage, hospital stay, and cost between the two groups (p > 0.05), and there were no reoperations due to bleeding between the two groups.

Conclusions

Aspirin should be continued throughout the perioperative period in all high‐risk patients requiring pneumonectomy after balancing ischemic‐bleeding risks.
An unusual ‘speckled’ puff adder Bitis arietans (Reptilia: Squamata) from central South Africa
Authors: Bates Michael F. , Stobie Cora S. , Hastings Jade
Published: March 2023

A young female puff adder (Bitis arietans) with an unusual ‘speckled’ colour pattern was recently found in Bloemfontein, central South Africa. The snake was grey‐brown dorsally with numerous scattered dark markings and very occasional pale flecks, but it lacked the backwards‐pointing, dark‐edged, pale chevrons that characterise this common, widespread and highly venomous species. It also lacked any stripes or bands, but the head was lightly patterned. Although various rare colour morphs have been reported for this species, this is the first record of a puff adder with a ‘speckled’ dorsal pattern.
Pregnancy‐associated gynecological cancer in New South Wales, Australia 1994–2013: A population‐based historical cohort study
Authors: Fotheringham Penelope , Safi Nadom , Li Zhouyang , Anazodo Antoinette , Remond Marc , Hayen Andrew , Currow David , Roder David , Hamad Nada , Nicholl Michael , Gordon Adrienne , Frawley Jane , Sullivan Elizabeth A.
Published: March 2023

Introduction

Pregnancy‐associated gynecological cancer (PAGC) refers to cancers of the ovary, uterus, fallopian tube, cervix, vagina, and vulva diagnosed during pregnancy or within 12 months postpartum. We aimed to describe the incidence of, and perinatal outcomes associated with, invasive pregnancy‐associated gynecological cancer.

Material and methods

We conducted a population‐based historical cohort study using linked data from New South Wales, Australia. We included all women who gave birth between 1994 and 2013, with a follow‐up period extending to September 30, 2018. Three groups were analyzed: a gestational PAGC group (women diagnosed during pregnancy), a postpartum PAGC group (women diagnosed within 1 year of giving birth), and a control group (women with control diagnosis during pregnancy or within 1 year of giving birth). We used generalized estimation equations to compare perinatal outcomes between study groups.

Results

There were 1 786 137 deliveries during the study period; 70 women were diagnosed with gestational PAGC and 191 with postpartum PAGC. The incidence of PAGC was 14.6/100 000 deliveries and did not change during the study period. Women with gestational PAGC (adjusted odds ratio [aAOR] 6.81, 95% confidence interval [CI] 2.97–15.62) and with postpartum PAGC (aOR 2.65, 95% CI 1.25–5.61) had significantly increased odds of a severe maternal morbidity outcome compared with the control group. Babies born to women with gestational PAGC were more likely to be born preterm (aOR 3.11, 95% CI 1.47–6.59) and were at increased odds of severe neonatal complications (aOR 3.47, 95% CI 1.45–8.31) compared with babies born to women without PAC.

Conclusions

The incidence of PAGC has not increased over time perhaps reflecting, in part, the effectiveness of cervical screening and early impacts of human papillomavirus vaccination programs in Australia. The higher rate of preterm birth among the gestational PAGC group is associated with adverse outcomes in babies born to these women.
Variable effects of long‐term livestock grazing across the western United States suggest diverse approaches are needed to meet global change challenges
Authors: Copeland Stella M. , Hoover David L. , Augustine David J. , Bates Jonathan D. , Boyd Chad S. , Davies Kirk W. , Derner Justin D. , Duniway Michael C. , Porensky Lauren M. , Vermeire Lance T.
Published: March 2023

Aims

Livestock production is the most widespread land use globally and occurs across a diverse set of ecosystems. Variability in long‐term livestock grazing impacts across ecosystems is poorly characterized, particularly at larger spatial scales, despite strong relationships with various ecosystem services related to soil fertility and stabilization and vegetation productivity. Here we examine the effects of grazing on vegetation and the implications for resistance and resilience to global change.

Methods

We use six long‐term research stations in the western United States, spanning two ecoregions, multiple ecosystems, and 311 total site‐years of research. Across these sites we evaluate convergence and divergence of vegetation response to grazing vs grazing removal, focusing on interactions with drivers of global change.

Results

We found that at long time scales (multiple decades), grazing has numerous convergent and divergent effects across ecoregions and ecosystems. Similarity among precipitation patterns and plant traits linked to grazing and production timing were key elements explaining convergence or divergence in long‐term patterns of livestock grazing response. Ecosystem differences across western US rangelands are also associated with variable effects of grazing on resistance and resilience to invasive species and climate change.

Conclusions

These results suggest that unique ecosystem or ecoregion responses to future global change may result from complex interactions between grazing and environmental factors, such as precipitation timing and plant traits. Adapting livestock and grazing management to specific ecosystem vegetation and climate variability is needed to manage for the myriad global changes affecting rangeland production and diversity.
Comparing self‐reported quality of life in youth with bipolar versus other disorders
Authors: McGinty Kayla R. , Janos Jessica , Seay Julia , Youngstrom Jennifer K. , Findling Robert L. , Youngstrom Eric A. , Freeman Andrew J.
Published: March 2023

Objectives

This study benchmarks quality of life (QoL) of youth with bipolar disorder (BD) against healthy youth, youth with chronic medical conditions, and youth with other psychiatric disorders. The relative impacts of depressive, (hypo)manic, mixed, and externalizing symptoms on QoL are tested for youth with BD.

Method

In total, 657 youth completed the Schedule for Affective Disorders and Schizophrenia for Children (KSADS), the KSADS depression and mania scales, the Parent General Behavior Inventory (PGBI), and the Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL). Youth‐reported QoL was determined by the Revised Children Quality of Life Questionnaire (KINDL) and was compared to healthy youth, youth with chronic medical conditions, and youth with other psychiatric disorders.

Results

Youth with BD reported poorer QoL overall and on most subscales compared to healthy youth, youth with chronic medical conditions, youth with behavior disorders, and youth with other non‐behavior/non‐mood disorders. QoL in youth with BD did not differ significantly from QoL in youth with unipolar depression. Parent‐report and interview‐rated depressive symptoms were associated with decreases in Total QoL and all QoL subscales except Family. Externalizing symptoms were associated with decreases in Family QoL and increases in Friend QoL, and (hypo)manic symptoms were associated with increases in Emotional Well‐Being QoL.

Conclusions

Depressive symptoms may drive the decline in QoL causing youth with BD to rate their QoL worse than healthy youth, youth with chronic medical conditions, and youth with behavior disorders, but not worse than youth with unipolar depression.
The ethics of bioethics conferencing in Qatar
Authors: Jecker Nancy S. , Ravitsky Vardit
Published: March 2023

In 2022, the International Association of Bioethics (IAB) announced that the 17th World Congress of Bioethics would be held in Doha, Qatar. In response to ethical concerns expressed about the Qatar selection, the IAB Board of Directors developed and posted to the IAB website a response using a Q&A format. In this Letter, we (the IAB President and Vice President) address concerns about the ethics of bioethics conferencing raised in a 2023 Letter to the Editor of Bioethics by Van der Graaf et al. We do not represent the Board of Directors, and this Letter expresses solely our own views.
How I treat refractory/relapsed diffuse large B‐cell lymphomas with CD19‐directed chimeric antigen receptor T cells
Authors: Nagler Arnon , Perriello Vincenzo Maria , Falini Lorenza , Falini Brunangelo
Published: March 2023

Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells targeting CD19 represent a promising salvage immunotherapy for relapsed/refractory diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma (R/R DLBCL), offering ~40% of long‐term responses. In everyday clinical practice, haematologists involved in CAR T cell treatment of patients with R/R DLBCL have to deal with diagnostically complex cases and difficult therapeutic choices. The availability of novel immunotherapeutic agents for R/R DLBCL and recent advances in understanding CAR T‐cell failure mechanisms demand a rational approach to identify the best choice for bridging therapy and managing post‐CAR T‐cell therapy relapses. Moreover, positron emission tomography/computerised tomography may result in false‐positive interpretation, highlighting the importance of post‐treatment biopsy. In this review, we discuss all above issues, presenting four instructive cases, with the aim to provide criteria and new perspectives for CAR T‐cell treatment of DLBCL.
Accessory spleens recapitulate the immune microenvironment of the main spleen in immune thrombocytopenia
Authors: Pizzi Marco , Vianello Fabrizio , Lorenzi Luisa , Binotto Gianni , Sbaraglia Marta , Scarmozzino Federico , De Crescenzo Andrea , Guzzardo Vincenza , Zoletto Simone , d'Amore Fabio , Friziero Alberto , D'Adda Mariella , Facchetti Fabio , Dei Tos Angelo Paolo
Published: March 2023

Accessory spleens (AcS) may play a relevant role in immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) and possibly contribute to ITP relapse following splenectomy. Little is known about the immune microenvironment of AcS in ITP. To address this issue, we compared the histological features of eight matched AcS and main spleen (MS) samples, obtained from adult patients with primary ITP. AcS and MS had overlapping immune architectural features and lymphoid composition, suggesting that similar immunologic events occur in AcS and MS of ITP. These findings may have implications for the potential mechanisms of AcS‐mediated ITP relapse. Further studies are needed to confirm these results and to dissect spleen immunity in ITP.
Bone marrow adipocytes induce cancer‐associated fibroblasts and immune evasion, enhancing invasion and drug resistance
Authors: Sato Shinya , Hiruma Toru , Koizumi Mitsuyuki , Yoshihara Mitsuyo , Nakamura Yoshiyasu , Tadokoro Hiroko , Motomatsu Sadako , Yamanaka Takashi , Washimi Kota , Okubo Yoichiro , Yoshioka Emi , Kasajima Rika , Yamashita Toshinari , Kishida Takeshi , Yokose Tomoyuki , Miyagi Yohei
Published: March 2023

Bone metastasis occurs frequently in cancer patients. Conventional therapies have limited therapeutic outcomes, and thus, exploring the mechanisms of cancer progression in bone metastasis is important to develop new effective therapies. In the bone microenvironment, adipocytes are the major stromal cells that interact with cancer cells during bone metastasis. However, the comprehensive functions of bone marrow adipocytes in cancer progression are not yet fully understood. To address this, we investigated the role of bone marrow adipocytes on cancer cells, by focusing on an invasive front that reflects the direct effects of stromal cells on cancer. In comprehensive histopathological and genetic analysis using bone metastasis specimens, we examined invasive fronts in bone metastasis and compared invasive fronts with adipocyte‐rich bone marrow (adipo‐BM) to those with hematopoietic cell‐rich bone marrow (hemato‐BM) as a normal counterpart of adipocytes. We found morphological complexity of the invasive front with adipo‐BM was significantly higher than that with hemato‐BM. Based on immunohistochemistry, the invasive front with adipo‐BM comparatively had a significantly increased cancer‐associated fibroblast (CAF) marker‐positive area and lower density of CD8+lymphocytes compared to that with hemato‐BM. RNA sequencing analysis of primary and bone metastasis cancer revealed that bone metastasized cancer cells acquired drug resistance‐related gene expression phenotypes. Clearly, these findings indicate that bone marrow adipocytes provide a favorable tumor microenvironment for cancer invasion and therapeutic resistance of bone metastasized cancers through CAF induction and immune evasion, providing a potential target for the treatment of bone metastasis.
Regulatory T cells promote functional recovery after spinal cord injury by alleviating microglia inflammation via STAT3 inhibition
Authors: Liu Rui , Li Ying , Wang Ziyue , Chen Peng , Xie Yi , Qu Wensheng , Wang Minghuan , Yu Zhiyuan , Luo Xiang
Published: March 2023

Background

Immediately after spinal trauma, immune cells, and proinflammatory cytokines infiltrate the spinal cord and disrupt the focal microenvironment, which impedes axon regeneration and functional recovery. Previous studies have reported that regulatory T cells (Tregs) enter the central nervous system and exert immunosuppressive effects on microglia during multiple sclerosis and stroke. However, whether and how Tregs interact with microglia and modulate injured microenvironments after spinal cord injury (SCI) remains unknown.

Method

Regulatory T cells spatiotemporal characteristics were analyzed in a mouse contusion SCI model. Microglia activation status was evaluated by immunostaining and RNA sequencing. Cytokine production in injured spinal cord was examined using Luminex. The role of STAT3 in Treg–microglia crosstalk was investigated in a transwell system with isolated Tregs and primary microglia.

Results

Regulatory T cells infiltration of the spinal cord peaked on day 7 after SCI. Treg depletion promoted microglia switch to a proinflammatory phenotype. Inflammation‐related genes, such as ApoD, as well as downstream cytokines IL‐6 and TNF‐α were upregulated in microglia in Treg‐depleted mice. STAT3 inhibition was involved in Treg–microglia crosstalk, and STAT3 chemical blockade improved function recovery in Treg‐depleted mice.

Conclusion

Our results suggest that Tregs promote functional recovery after SCI by alleviating microglia inflammatory reaction via STAT3.
Protein arginine methyltransferase 8 regulates ferroptosis and macrophage polarization in spinal cord injury via glial cell‐derived neurotrophic factor
Authors: Zou Zehua , Liu Ruixuan , Wang Yiwen , Tan Hongjian , An Gang , Zhang Baifeng , Wang Yongzhi , Dong Daming
Published: March 2023

Objective

To explore the influence of protein arginine methyltransferase 8 (PRMT8) regulating glial cell‐derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) on neuron ferroptosis and macrophage polarization in spinal cord injury (SCI).

Methods

A rat model of SCI was established through an injury induced by an external force. Basso, Beattie, and Bresnahan score, hematoxylin and eosin staining, and immunofluorescence were used, respectively, to detect changes in rat locomotion, spinal cord histopathology, and NeuN expression in the spinal cord. Iron content in the spinal cord and levels of malondialdehyde and glutathione were measured using detection kits. Transmission electron microscopy was used to reveal the morphological characteristics of mitochondria. Western blotting was performed to detect PRMT8, GDNF, cystine/glutamate transporter XCT, glutathione peroxidase 4, 4‐hydroxynonenal, heme oxygenase‐1, inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), CD16, and arginase 1 (Arg1). The expression levels of iNOS and Arg1 in the spinal cord were visualized by immunofluorescence. ELISA was performed to measure the expression levels of IL‐6, IL‐1β, and TNF‐α. Rat dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons and RMa‐bm rat macrophages were treated with lipopolysaccharide under hypoxic conditions. The viability and iron content of the neurons were detected using Cell Counting Kit‐8 and a specific probe, respectively. Flow cytometry and immunofluorescence were used to assess macrophage polarization. Chromatin immunoprecipitation was used to identify the binding of PRMT8 to the GDFN promoter.

Results

Neuronal ferroptosis and M1 macrophage polarization were promoted, and PRMT8 expression was downregulated in SCI. PRMT8 overexpression exerted therapeutic effects on injured DRG neurons and RMa‐bm cells. Moreover, PRMT8 overexpression inhibited ferroptosis and M1 macrophage polarization in rats with SCI. PRMT8 promoted GDNF expression by catalyzing H3K4 methylation. Knockdown of GDNF counteracted the therapeutic effects of PRMT8 overexpression.

Conclusion

Overexpression of PRMT8 may inhibit ferroptosis and M1 macrophage polarization by increasing GDNF expression, thereby alleviating SCI.
Association between stress hyperglycemia and outcomes in patients with acute ischemic stroke due to large vessel occlusion
Authors: Peng Zhouzhou , Song Jiaxing , Li Linyu , Guo Changwei , Yang Jie , Kong Weilin , Huang Jiacheng , Hu Jinrong , Liu Shuai , Tian Yan , Yang Dahong , Li Fengli , Zi Wenjie , Xie Dongjing , Yang Qingwu
Published: March 2023

Aims

This study aimed to evaluate the association between stress hyperglycemia ratio (SHR) and clinical outcomes at 90 days in acute ischemic stroke due to large vessel occlusion receiving endovascular treatment.

Methods

The RESCUE BT trial was a multicenter, randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled clinical trial, consisting of 948 stroke patients from 55 centers in China. A total of 542 patients with glucose and glycated hemoglobin (HbA1C) values at admission were included in this analysis. SHR, measured by glucose/HbA1C, was evaluated as both a tri‐categorical variable (≤1.07 vs. 1.08–1.29 vs. ≥1.30) and a continuous variable. The primary outcome was a favorable functional outcome (modified Rankin Scale [mRS] score ≤2) at 90 days. The secondary outcome included excellent functional outcome (mRS score ≤1) and safety outcomes, such as 90‐day mortality and intracranial hemorrhage. The study was registered with Chictr.org.cn (ChiCTR‐INR‐17014167).

Results

Compared with patients in the lowest tertile of SHR, the highest tertile group had significantly lower odds of achieving favorable functional outcome of mRS score of 0–2 (adjusted odds ratio, 0.44; 95% confidence interval, 0.28–0.69; p < 0.001) and excellent clinical outcome of mRS score of 0–1 (adjusted odds ratio, 0.48; 95% confidence interval, 0.29–0.79; p = 0.004) at 90 days after adjusting for potential covariates. Similar results were observed after further adjustment for preexisting diabetes and Alberta Stroke Program Early Computed Tomography Score (ASPECTS).

Conclusion

Stress hyperglycemia ratio, as measured by the glucose/HbA1C, was associated with a decreased odds of achieving a favorable functional outcome in patients with acute large vessel occlusion stroke at 90 days.
Oxidative stress in intervertebral disc degeneration: Molecular mechanisms, pathogenesis and treatment
Authors: Wang Yidian , Cheng Huiguang , Wang Tao , Zhang Kun , Zhang Yumin , Kang Xin
Published: March 2023

Low back pain (LBP) is a leading cause of labour loss and disability worldwide, and it also imposes a severe economic burden on patients and society. Among symptomatic LBP, approximately 40% is caused by intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD). IDD is the pathological basis of many spinal degenerative diseases such as disc herniation and spinal stenosis. Currently, the therapeutic approaches for IDD mainly include conservative treatment and surgical treatment, neither of which can solve the problem from the root by terminating the degenerative process of the intervertebral disc (IVD). Therefore, further exploring the pathogenic mechanisms of IDD and adopting targeted therapeutic strategies is one of the current research hotspots. Among the complex pathophysiological processes and pathogenic mechanisms of IDD, oxidative stress is considered as the main pathogenic factor. The delicate balance between reactive oxygen species (ROS) and antioxidants is essential for maintaining the normal function and survival of IVD cells. Excessive ROS levels can cause damage to macromolecules such as nucleic acids, lipids, and proteins of cells, affect normal cellular activities and functions, and ultimately lead to cell senescence or death. This review discusses the potential role of oxidative stress in IDD to further understand the pathophysiological processes and pathogenic mechanisms of IDD and provides potential therapeutic strategies for the treatment of IDD.
Associations of striatal dopamine transporter binding with motor and non‐motor symptoms in early Parkinson's disease
Authors: Yang Zhengjie , Xie Yijie , Dou Kaixin , Yang Liying , Xie Anmu
Published: March 2023

Dopamine transporter (DAT) imaging is an in vivo tool to assess presynaptic dopaminergic function in the clinical practices of Parkinson's disease (PD). Current clinical practices focused on qualitatively visual interpretation of DAT imaging, whereas quantitative analyses are potentially more helpful when monitoring the progression of PD. Previous cross‐sectional studies indicated certain motor and non‐motor features were associated with striatal DAT binding, whereas limited data were reported in terms of the longitudinal correlation between clinical features of PD with striatal DAT binding. The purpose of our study is to clarify current and longitudinal correlations between striatal DAT binding and clinical measures. A total of 352 untreated PD individuals and 167 healthy controls with complete baseline clinical measures and neuroimaging data were identified from the Parkinson's Progression and Markers Initiative (PPMI) database. Patients with PD underwent DAT imaging at the screening visit and following months 12, 24, and 48. Multiple linear regression models and linear mixed‐effect models were respectively conducted to investigate the cross‐sectional and longitudinal correlation between clinical characteristics and DAT binding. Associations between changes in clinical characteristics and changes in DAT binding were further evaluated and the Spearman rank correlation coefficients were reported. In the cross‐sectional analysis, baseline striatal DAT binding was significantly associated with the Hoehn and Yahr scale, the Movement Disorder Society‐Sponsored Revision of the Unified Parkinson Disease Rating Scale (MDS‐UPDRS) scores, the rigidity scores, and the axial scores in PD individuals (false discovery rate [FDR]‐adjusted p = 0.0017 for all above). Patients who developed freezing of gait had lower striatal DAT binding (FDR‐adjusted p = 0.0161). Healthy controls who had higher tremor scores and suffered more severe olfactory dysfunction had lower striatal DAT binding (FDR‐adjusted p = 0.0257 for all above). Longitudinal analysis indicated that baseline severity of rapid‐eye‐movement sleep behavior disorder was significantly associated with longitudinal striatal DAT binding in patients with PD (FDR‐adjusted p = 0.0120). Furthermore, changes in MDS‐UPDRS scores and the State–Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) scores demonstrated significant correlations with changes in striatal DAT binding over 4 years (p = 0.005 and p = 0.032, respectively). Our findings clarified quantitative associations between certain motor and non‐motor features with current and future striatal dopamine binding, suggesting the feasibility of using DAT images as a progression predictive marker for PD. Further studies are needed to investigate correlations between different regional dopamine binding with specific clinical features.
The health needs of people leaving prison with a history of methamphetamine and/or opioid use
Authors: Cumming Craig , Kinner Stuart A. , McKetin Rebecca , Li Ian , Preen David B.
Published: March 2023

Introduction

Methamphetamine use is more common than opioid use among prison entrants in some countries, including Australia, yet most research and policy focuses on opioid use. This suggests that traditional opioid‐focused interventions are no longer appropriate for the majority of this group in countries such as Australia. To inform policy and practice, we compared socio‐demographic characteristics and health needs of people leaving prison with a history of methamphetamine use and/or opioid use.

Methods

A cross‐sectional survey of incarcerated adults administered the World Health Organization Alcohol, Smoking and Substance Involvement Screening Test was used to identify moderate‐/high‐risk methamphetamine use (n = 909), opioid use (n = 115) or combined methamphetamine/opioid use (n = 356) before incarceration. We compared groups using modified log‐linked Poisson regression with robust error variance.

Results

Compared to the opioid‐only group, the methamphetamine‐only group were: significantly more often aged <25 years; significantly more likely to identify as Indigenous; significantly less likely to have a history of prior incarceration, drug injection or overdose. A significantly lower proportion of methamphetamine‐only and methamphetamine‐and‐opioid participants self‐reported current hepatitis C infection compared to opioid‐only participants. A majority of participants in all groups screened positive for current psychological distress according to the K10.

Discussion and Conclusions

People leaving prison with a history of methamphetamine use differ from opioid users with respect to demographics, patterns of substance use and related health concerns. Treatment and harm reduction efforts for people who experience incarceration must respond to patterns of drug use in this population, and invest at scale in coordinated, continuous services for co‐occurring substance use and mental health problems.
Usefulness of a peroral cholangioscope with a colonoscope to retrieve an internal pancreatic stent migrated into the bile duct after pancreaticoduodenectomy
Authors: Ueda Takahiro , Ohno Akihisa , Fujimori Nao
Published: March 2023

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Unprecedented extrahepatic bile duct images of multiple submucosal tumor‐like protrusions in the nonstricture area of patients with immunoglobulin G4‐related sclerosing cholangitis
Authors: Ishii Yasutaka , Serikawa Masahiro , Oka Shiro
Published: March 2023

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High‐density neonatal electroencephalography provides biomarkers for developmental trajectories
Authors: Pelc Karine
Published: March 2023

This commentary is on the original article by Ventura et al. on pages 1395–1407 of this issue.
Survey of echocardiography practice across five continents
Authors: Sengupta Shantanu P. , Coffey Sean , Whalley Gillian A.
Published: March 2023

Background and Aim

The term echocardiography refers to a diverse range of cardiovascular ultrasound imaging methods, both inside and outside specialist cardiology practice. While guidelines exist, we hypothesized that there are significant worldwide differences in the way echocardiography is practiced. We surveyed echocardiography practitioners around the world to characterize the workforce and their practice.

Method

Social media and word of mouth were used in an explosive sampling approach to recruit echo users, who then completed an online survey that included personal demographics and questions about their practice, their resources, and daily use of echocardiography.

Results

In
total, 594 participants completed the survey: 54.9% sonographers; 30% cardiologists, with the remainder other physicians or trainees. Significant variation in the number of echoes performed and the time allocated to scanning was observed. There were also differences in the gathering of adjunct measures such as blood pressure and body size.

Conclusion

There is wide variation in echocardiography practices across the world. Differences are likely to be both clinician‐ and healthcare system‐driven. Guidelines for practice developed in well‐resourced western countries and intended for use in cardiology‐based echocardiography laboratories may not be applicable to other countries or indeed to new echo users.
Towards a safer sport: Risk factors for cross‐country horse falls at British Eventing competition
Authors: Cameron‐Whytock Heather A. , Parkin Tim D. H. , Hobbs Sarah J. , Brigden Charlotte V. , Bennet Euan D.
Published: March 2023

Background

Equestrian eventing is a dangerous Olympic sport, with 16 rider and 69 horse fatalities at competition in the last 10 years. Despite this, there is limited research that aims to improve safety within the sport.

Objectives

The purpose of this study was to identify risk factors for horse falls, which are the leading cause of rider fatality within the sport.

Study design

Retrospective cohort study.

Methods

Competition data between January 2005 and December 2015 were analysed. Descriptive statistics followed by univariable logistic regression to identify risk factors for inclusion in a multivariable logistic regression model were conducted. Models were constructed stepwise using a bidirectional process and assessed using the Akaike information criterion. A total of 749 534 cross‐country starts were analysed for association with the risk of horse falls.

Results

Sixteen risk factors were identified including: higher event levels, higher dressage penalties and higher number of days since horses' last start. For example, horse and rider combinations competing at BE100 (OR 1.64, confidence interval (CI) 1.37–1.96, p < 0.001), novice (OR 3.58, CI 3.03–4.24, p < 0.001), intermediate (OR 8.00, CI 6.54–9.78, p < 0.001), advanced (OR 12.49, CI 9.42–16.57, p < 0.001) and international (OR 4.63, CI 3.50–6.12, p < 0.001) all had a higher risk of having a horse fall in comparison to combinations competing at BE90 level. Furthermore, for every additional 10 dressage penalties awarded to a horse and rider combination, there was a higher risk of a horse fall (OR 1.20, CI 1.12–1.28, p < 0.001).

Main limitations

The study is not geographically comprehensive (UK only) and does not include any information on training activity of horses and riders.

Conclusions

This is the largest‐scale study ever conducted on horse falls during eventing competition. Study results can be used by sport governing bodies to inform policy which has the potential to reduce the risk of injury and fatality to sport participants.