bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prognostic factors of severe pneumonia in patients treated with rituximab in the intensive care unit
Authors: Yao Lili , Huang Yu , Xu Andi
Published: March 2022

Objective

The aim of this study was to describe the clinical characteristics and prognostic factors of patients treated with rituximab (RTX) who developed severe pneumonia in the intensive care unit (ICU).

Methods

We systematically reviewed the medical records of 40 patients who received RTX and developed severe pneumonia in the ICU at our hospital from January 2009 to January 2019 to evaluate the underlying conditions, clinical course, and possible prognostic factors.

Results

Most patients had underlying hematologic malignancies (n = 21, 52.5%), followed by rheumatologic diseases (n = 17, 42.5%). The most frequent causative pathogens were fungi (n = 11, 27.5%), followed by bacteria (n = 9, 22.5%) and Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia (n = 8, 20%). Thirty patients (75%) died, and the other 10 patients (25%) survived. Compared with survivors, patients who died were significantly older (60.6 ± 10.6 vs 44.4 ± 18.3 years) and had chronic lung disease (40% vs 0%).

Conclusion

Older age and chronic lung disease were significantly associated with mortality in patients treated with RTX.
Numerical studies on the performance of the circular fibre reinforced plastics-concrete filled steel tubes stub column under axial compression
Authors: Wang Qiang , Liu Ke , Zhang Mengmeng
Published: March 2022

Numerical models using the ABAQUS software were established to investigate the performance of the circular fibre reinforced plastics confined concrete filled steel tube (FRP-CFST) stub column under axial compression. The feasibility of the numerical models was validated based on previous experimental results, and parametric analysis was then conducted to investigate different factors on the axial compression behaviour of circular FRP-CFST stub column. Additionally, failure mechanism of the column during loading was identified based on the analysis of stress development in each component. Finally, current calculation formulae for predicting the ultimate bearing capacity of FRP-CFST stub columns were compared and assessed, and a new formula with good accuracy was proposed via the regression analysis of the results from numerical models.
A Single-Centered Randomized Controlled Trial of Primary Pediatric Intensivists and Nurses
Authors: Edwards Jeffrey D , Williams Erin P , Wagman Elizabeth K , McHale Brittany L , Malone Caryn T , Kernie Steven G
Published: March 2022

Background: For long-stay patients (LSP) in pediatric intensive care units (PICU), frequently rotating providers can lead to ineffective information sharing and retention, varying goals and timelines, and delayed decisions, likely contributing to prolonged admissions. Primary intensivists (one physician serves as a consistent resource for the patient/family and PICU providers) and primary nurses (a small team of PICU nurses provide consistent bedside care) seek to augment usual transitory PICU care, by enhancing continuity and, potentially, decreasing length of stay (LOS). Methods: A single-centered, partially blinded randomized controlled trial of primary intensivists and nurses versus usual care. PICU patients admitted for or expected to be admitted for >10 days and who had ≥1 complex chronic condition were eligible. A block randomization with 1:1 allocation was used. The primary outcome was PICU LOS. Multiple secondary outcomes were explored. Results: Two hundred LSPs were randomized—half to receive primaries and half to usual care. The two groups were not significantly different in their baseline and admission characteristics. LSPs randomized to receive primaries had a shorter, but non-significant, mean LOS than those randomized to usual care (32.5 vs. 37.1 days, respectively, p = .19). Compared to LSPs in the usual care group, LSPs in the primary group had fewer unplanned intubations. Among LSPs that died, DNR orders were more prevalent in the primary group. Other secondary outcome and balance metrics were not significantly different between the two groups. Conclusion: Primary intensivists and nurses may be an effective strategy to counteract transitory PICU care and serve the distinctive needs of LSPs. However, additional studies are needed to determine the ways and to what extent they may accomplish this.
“I Am the One That Needs Help”: The Theory of Help-Seeking Behavior for Survivors of Intimate Partner Violence
Authors: Waller Bernadine Y. , Joyce Patricia A. , Quinn Camille R. , Hassan Shaari Azahah Abu , Boyd Donte T.
Published: March 2022

African American women survivors of intimate partner violence disproportionately experience homicide due, in part, to the racism and racial discrimination they experience during their help-seeking process. Yet, existing scholarship neglects to examine how this multiply-marginalized population of women navigate sociocultural barriers to obtain crisis services and supports from the domestic violence service provision system. Fundamental to developing culturally-salient interventions is more fully understanding their help-seeking behavior. We conducted 30 in-depth, semi-structured interviews with women who self-identified as African American. Constructivist grounded theory methodology was employed. Sensitizing concepts from the Transtheoretical Model of Change and Intersectionality theories, along with Agency framework were conceptually bound. The Theory of Help-Seeking Behavior emerged from the data. This nascent theory provides practitioners and researchers with a theoretical model to examine African American women’s nuanced help-seeking efforts.
Survival study and factors associated with mortality in Chilean patients on peritoneal dialysis infected with SARS-CoV-2
Authors: Ortiz Ana M , Sepúlveda Rodrigo A , Torres Rubén , Clavero René , Toro Luis , Albornoz Miguel , Aldunate Tatiana , Arce Ingrid , Arévalo Juan , Arriagada Andrés , Becker Julieta , González Sonia C , Bernales Waldo , Briones Eduardo , Castillo Álvaro , Fuentes Agustín , Gómez Esteban , Jaramillo Hernán , Lillo Mario , Lorca Eduardo , Machuca Eduardo , Mansilla Rodrigo , Menéndez Serwin , Moya Carlos , Muñoz Carolina , Neilson William , Orozco Rodrigo , Padrino María , Pais Edgard , Ramírez Gonzalo , Sanhueza María E , Schneider Herman , Solís Ruth , Troncoso Jaime , Ursu Marcela , Valenzuela Marcela
Published: March 2022

The Covid-19 pandemic has been responsible for millions of deaths worldwide. Patients with comorbidities– such as those on peritoneal dialysis (PD)– present higher morbidity and mortality than the general population. We prospectively evaluated all Chilean patients on PD (48 centres) and followed those who had Covid-19 from the beginning of the Covid-19 pandemic in Chile (March 2020) to January 2021 (start of vaccination campaign). We described demographic history, comorbidities, factors related to infection, need for hospitalisation and death due to Covid-19. During the study period, 106 adults on PD were infected by SARS-CoV-2, with a mean age of 53.1 (±16.3) and of which 53.9% were female. From that group, 54.8% required hospitalisation and 24.5% ( n = 26) died due to Covid-19. Most of the patients (63.4%) were infected at home and 22.8% during hospitalisation for other reasons. There was a significant association for Covid-19 mortality with: being ≥60 years old, diabetes, time on PD ≥5 years, need for hospitalisation and hospital-acquired infection. At 90 days of follow-up, all deaths associated to Covid-19 occurred before 40 days. We conclude that patients on PD without Covid-19 vaccination have a high mortality and need for hospitalisation associated to Covid-19. To avoid this negative outcome, it is necessary to intensify strategies to avoid contagion, especially in those ≥60 years old, with diabetes and/or ≥5 years spent on PD.
Evaluation of family and staff experiences with virtual rounding and bedside presence in a tertiary neonatal intensive care unit during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Blagdon Ashley , Smith Dani , Bramfield Tara , Soraisham Amuchou , Mehrem Ayman Abou
Published: March 2022

Introduction

The COVID-19 pandemic-related visitation restrictions started in March 2020 in Alberta, Canada. In the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, we implemented a Virtual Communications initiative to allow parents to continue to be present with their infants, attend daily rounds, and communicate with the medical team. The purpose of this survey study was to describe our approach and evaluate the experience for families and staff.

Methods

The study surveys consisted of 13–18 questions directed toward understanding staff and family experience with the process and emotional impact using Likert scale and open-ended questions. The study team reviewed results and implemented changes in real time. Analysis was mixed quantitative and qualitative design, with descriptive data organized into themes.

Results

Twenty-six surveys were completed by 16 staff (62%) and 10 parents (38%). About 50% to 100% of respondents agreed or strongly agreed with statements addressing the quality and value of the virtual sessions. Staff identified challenges with slow devices and need for awareness and education. Both staff and parents expressed gratitude for the initiative and an overall positive experience.

Discussion

Offering Virtual Rounds and Bedside Presence in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit is a well-received and feasible alternative to in-person presence that allows parents to stay involved and connected to their infants. Families have a better understanding of their babies’ clinical status and plans with an overall positive experience.
Residual axial capacity of circular reinforced concrete columns subjected to contact explosions
Authors: Li Minghong , Zong Zhouhong , Wu Gang , Zhang Xihong , Yuan Sujing , Tang Biao
Published: March 2022

The threat of terrorist bombing attacks on critical infrastructure has attracted a lot of attentions over the past decades. Contact explosion with a small explosive charge mass can cause severe damage to RC columns. Since columns are the primary load-bearing components in structures, the failure of critical columns can initiate collapse of the entire structure and result in devastating consequences associate with significant casualties and economic losses. To prevent catastrophic structural collapse, the most critical requirement of blast-damaged columns would be the residual capacity to withstand axial load. In this study, the residual axial load-carrying capacity of RC columns damaged by contact explosions was numerically investigated. A high-fidelity physics-based numerical model of RC columns under contact explosions was developed using the non-linear dynamic analysis program LS-DYNA with Arbitrary-Lagrangian–Eulerian (ALE) and Fluid-Structure Interaction (FSI) algorithms. The numerical model was comprehensively validated with existing experimental results in literature. An extensive parametric study was carried out to determine the effect of critical design parameters, including explosive charge mass, column diameter, longitudinal reinforcement ratio, and transverse reinforcement ratio on the residual axial load-carrying capacity of RC columns after contact explosions. The damage degree of the blast-damaged columns was quantitatively analyzed with a damage criterion based on the residual axial load-carrying capacity. Based on the parametric analysis results, an empirical formula was developed through multivariable regression analysis method for prediction of the damage degree and residual axial load-carrying capacity of blast-damaged RC columns under contact explosions. The proposed empirical formula can be utilized in preliminary design of RC columns against contact explosions and failure risk assessment of RC columns after contact explosions.
Clinical decision support system for early detection of Alzheimer’s disease using an enhanced gradient boosted decision tree classifier
Authors: P Jayashree , G Janaka sudha , K S Srinivasan , S Robert wilson
Published: March 2022

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is one of the most common forms of dementia contributing to more than 70% of the cases. The factors accounting for the cause and progression of neurodegenerative diseases like AD are primarily genetic, in addition to life style and environmental factors. Early and accurate diagnoses of AD empower practitioners to take timely clinical decisions and preventive actions. This being the motivation, the work proposes a novel pattern matching and scoring method on genetic material towards devising an effective classifier. We propose a distinctive disease causing gene sequence pattern identification using suffix trees as a base detection model with an accuracy of 91.5% in linear time complexity. A scoring mechanism is implemented to assign scores to genes based on the severity of the disease causing and disease resistant Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms associated with the genes. These scores are then used as a remarkable feature in the gradient boosted decision tree classifier to enhance the classification of AD versus healthy control. The efficiency of the proposed gene powered EGBDT classifier is evaluated on ADNI benchmark data set with the prediction accuracy of 94.16% and is found to be efficient compared to the recent works in the literature.
Life Expectancy after Liver Transplantation for NASH
Authors: Shavelle Robert M. , Saur Rachel C. , Kwak Ji Hun , Brooks Jordan C. , Hameed Bilal
Published: March 2022

Introduction: Non-Alcoholic Steatohepatitis is an increasing reason for liver transplantation in the western world. Knowledge of recipient life expectancy may assist in prudent allocation of a relatively scarce supply of donor livers. Research Questions: We calculated life expectancies for Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) patients both at time of transplant and one year later, stratified by key risk factors, and examined whether survival has improved in recent years. Design: Data on 6635 NASH patients who underwent liver transplantation in the MELD era (2002-2018) from the United States OPTN database were analyzed using the Cox proportional hazards regression model and life table methods. Results: Factors related to survival were age, presence of diabetes or hepatic encephalopathy (HE), and whether the patient required dialysis in the week prior to transplant. Other important factors were whether the patient was working, hospitalization prior to transplant, ventilator support, and length of hospital stay (LOS). Survival improved over the study period at roughly 4.5% per calendar year during the first year posttransplant, though no improvement was observed in those who had survived one year. Conclusion: Life expectancy in NASH transplant patients was much reduced from normal, and varied according to age, medical factors, status at transplant, and post transplant course. Over the 17-year study period, patient survival improved markedly during the first year posttransplant, though not thereafter. The results given here may prove helpful in medical decision-making regarding treatment for both liver disease and other medical conditions, as they provide both clinicians and their patients with evidence-based information on prognosis.
Validation of the ASDAS with a quick quantitative CRP assay (ASDAS-Q) in patients with axial SpA: a prospective multicentre cross-sectional study
Authors: Proft Fabian , Schally Julia , Brandt Henning Christian , Brandt-Juergens Jan , Rüdiger Burmester Gerd , Haibel Hildrun , Käding Henriette , Karberg Kirsten , Lüders Susanne , Muche Burkhard , Protopopov Mikhail , Rademacher Judith , Rios Rodriguez Valeria , Torgutalp Murat , Verba Maryna , Zinke Silke , Poddubnyy Denis
Published: March 2022

Objectives:

The objective of the study was to validate the Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Score (ASDAS) based on a quick quantitative C-reactive protein (qCRP) assay (ASDAS-Q) in a multicentre, prospective, cross-sectional study in patients with axial spondyloarthritis (axial SpA).

Methods:

Disease activity assessment was performed in prospectively recruited patients with axial SpA. Routine laboratory CRP was determined in the central laboratory of each study centre, while quick qCRP and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) were measured locally. Consequently, ASDAS-CRP, ASDAS-Q using the qCRP and ASDAS-ESR were calculated. The absolute agreement on the disease activity category ascertainment was analysed with cross-tabulations and weighted Cohen’s kappa. Bland–Altman plots and intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) were used to analyse the criterion validity.

Results:

Overall, 251 axial SpA patients were included in the analysis. The mean qCRP value (6.34 ± 11.13 mg/l) was higher than that of routine laboratory CRP (5.26 ± 9.35 mg/l). The ICC for routine laboratory CRP versus qCRP was 0.985 [95% confidence interval (CI): 0.972–0.991]. Comparing ASDAS-Q with ASDAS-CRP, 242 of 251 (96.4%) patients were assigned to the same disease activity categories with a weighted Cohen’s kappa of 0.966 (95% CI: 0.943–0.988) and ICC of 0.997 (95% CI: 0.994–0.999).

Conclusions:

ASDAS-Q showed an almost perfect agreement with ASDAS-CRP in the assignment to specific disease activity categories. Consequently, ASDAS-Q using the qCRP value can be applied as an accurate and quickly available alternative to ASDAS-CRP, thus facilitating the implementation of the treat-to-target concept in clinical trials and clinical routine.
Power Hierarchies and Visibility in the News: Exploring Determinants of Politicians’ Presence and Prominence in the Chilean Press (1991–2019)
Authors: Orchard Ximena , González-Bustamante Bastián
Published: March 2022

This article studies determinants of political actors’ visibility in the news, and their stability over time, observing the press coverage received by Chilean politicians in the elite press since the beginning of the democratic transition in 1991 and until 2019. In dialogue with theories of news values, we test how political positions in a markedly presidential system, the belonging to a government coalition, gender, and the association to conflict frames behave as determinants of the presence and prominence of politicians in the news in the three decades following the recovery of democracy in Chile. We have three key findings. Firstly, the visibility of political actors in the news follows a clear institutional hierarchy led by the president and cabinet members. Secondly, female politicians are less likely to be mentioned or have speaking space in newspapers than male politicians. Lastly, although an association with conflict-framed news boosts politicians’ visibility, such association is unable to disturb structural power hierarchies, and the value of conflict does not increase over time.
Aesthetics of Otherness: Representation of #migrantcaravan and #caravanamigrante on Instagram
Authors: Rosa Fernanda R. , Soto-Vásquez Arthur D.
Published: March 2022

This article examines the representation of the migrant caravan on Instagram showing how an aesthetics of otherness has prevailed in this representation. Aesthetics of otherness is the result of the interaction between platform users’ selections and platform affordances that creates a gap between the marginalized other and the user. Based on a qualitative content analysis of posts with the hashtags #caravanamigrante and #migrantcaravan, this research reveals that the two hashtags form parallel, although not alike, communicative spaces where migrant caravan representation is mostly mediated by professionals and organizations interested in promoting their own work and not by the migrants themselves. Despite this trend, users posting with #caravanamigrante were less likely to hijack the intent of the public, more likely to reference reasons for migration, and overall less likely to employ the aesthetics of otherness, which point to the possibility of circumventing the role of the platform in shaping the representation of marginalized people and social justice movements.
Documentation of Behavioral Health Risk Factors in a Large Academic Primary Care Clinic
Authors: Hosang Stephanie , Kithulegoda Natasha , Ivers Noah
Published: March 2022

Objective:

To determine the prevalence of alcohol, smoking, and physical activity status documentation at a family health team in Toronto, Ontario, and to explore the patient characteristics that predict documentation of these lifestyle risk factor statuses.

Design:

Manual retrospective review of electronic medical records (EMRs).

Setting:

Large, urban, academic family health team in Toronto, Ontario.

Participants:

Patients over the age of 18 that had attended a routine clinical appointment in March, 2018.

Main Outcome Measures:

Prevalence and content of risk factor status in electronic medical records for alcohol, smoking, and physical activity.

Results:

The prevalence of alcohol, smoking, and physical activity documentation was 86.4%, 90.4%, and 66.1%, respectively. These lifestyle risk factor statuses were most often documented in the “risk factors” section of the EMR (83.7% for alcohol, 88.1% for smoking, and 47.9% for physical activity). Completion of a periodic health review within 1 year was most strongly associated with documentation (alcohol odds ratio [OR] 9.79, 95% Confidence Interval [CI] 2.12, 45.15; smoking OR 1.77 95% CI 0.51, 6.20; physical activity OR 3.52 95% CI 1.67, 7.40).

Conclusion:

Documentation of lifestyle risk factor statuses is strongly associated with having a recent periodic health review. If “annual physicals” continue to decline, primary care providers should final additional opportunities to address these key determinants of health.
From policy mobility to top-down policy transfer: ‘Comfortization’ of Russian cities beyond neoliberal rationality
Authors: Gunko Maria , Zupan Daniela , Riabova Larissa , Zaika Yulia , Medvedev Andrey
Published: March 2022

As cities around the world increasingly seek to brand themselves as comfortable and liveable places, policies aimed at enhancing the quality of the urban environment are becoming more important. Scholars interpret this development as evidence of reinforced urban entrepreneurialism and neoliberalization. The current paper focuses on comfortable city policies in Russia, where political, social and economic transformations were often depicted as the ‘Eastern branch’ of the global neoliberalization project. It draws on field data from a case study of two cities in the Russian Arctic. By focusing on locations far away from global nodes, where the ideas of a comfortable city originally took shape, we trace and analyse policy mutations and local adjustments of such policies, as well as the related rationalities and policymaking dynamics. Our findings speak to the literature on policy mobility by questioning the focus on cities as entrepreneurial actors and the depiction of comfortable city policies as mere vehicles of neoliberalism. In Russia, what began with the introduction of entrepreneurial, globally circulating comfortable city policies incrementally turned into a top-down political project that cannot be easily explained – neither by neoliberal rationality nor by the legacies of urban planning and development.
Cupulolithiasis as an Alternative Mechanism for Pseudo‐spontaneous Nystagmus in Horizontal Canal Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo
Authors: Schwarz Felix K. , Vyskocil Erich , Büki Bela , Wiest Gerald
Published: March 2022

Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo of the horizontal semicircular canal may present a differential diagnostic challenge. In addition to the classical positional nystagmus, a persistent nystagmus in a seated position occasionally occurs, so‐called pseudo‐spontaneous nystagmus (PSN), which can be mistaken for a central or peripheral spontaneous nystagmus. We report a case with cupulolithiasis of the horizontal semicircular canal presenting with horizontal PSN in a sitting position, with implications for a new pathomechanism of PSN.
The Value of Stress Echocardiography in a Young Female Patient With a Negative Stress Electrocardiogram
Authors: Kallstrom Eric , Rampoldi Michael
Published: March 2022

Stress echocardiography remains a steadfast noninvasive diagnostic test used to determine the presence of obstructive coronary artery disease, along with defining the severity of other disease states (i.e., hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy, regurgitant valve lesions, and right ventricular systolic pressure). Due to its high sensitivity and specificity, stress echocardiographic imaging is advantageous when stress electrocardiography, alone, is not enough to discover true ischemic findings, on a standard Bruce protocol. Even then, false positive and false negative electrocardiogram (EKG) results occur all too frequently. Furthermore, because women may more commonly present with atypical signs of ischemia, additional echocardiographic imaging is beneficial when added to a treadmill stress test to visualize ischemic areas of the myocardium. This case study illustrates the importance of using stress echocardiographic imaging, on a female patient, with false negative EKG findings and atypical chest pain in the presence of coronary artery disease.
Comparative transcriptome analysis reveals significant differences in gene expression between pathogens of apple Glomerella leaf spot and apple bitter rot
Authors: Jiang Bowen , Cai Ting , Yang Xiaoying , Dai Yuya , Yu Kaixuan , Zhang Pingping , Li Pingliang , Wang Caixia , Liu Na , Li Baohua , Lian Sen
Published: March 2022

Background

Apple Glomerella leaf spot (GLS) and apple bitter rot (ABR) are two devastating foliar and fruit diseases on apples. The different symptoms of GLS and ABR could be related to different transcriptome patterns. Thus, the objectives of this study were to compare the transcriptome profiles of Colletotrichum gloeosporioides species complex isolates GC20190701, FL180903, and FL180906, the pathogen of GLS and ABR, and to evaluate the involvement of the genes on pathogenicity.

Results

A relatively large difference was discovered between the GLS-isolate GC20190701 and ABR-isolates FL180903, FL180906, and quite many differential expression genes associated with pathogenicity were revealed. The DEGs between the GLS- and ABR-isolate were significantly enriched in GO terms of secondary metabolites, however, the categories of degradation of various cell wall components did not. Many genes associated with secondary metabolism were revealed. A total of 17 Cytochrome P450s (CYP), 11 of which were up-regulated while six were down-regulated, and five up-regulated methyltransferase genes were discovered. The genes associated with the secretion of extracellular enzymes and melanin accumulation were up-regulated. Four genes associated with the degradation of the host cell wall, three genes involved in the degradation of cellulose, and one gene involved in the degradation of xylan were revealed and all up-regulated. In addition, genes involved in melanin syntheses, such as tyrosinase and glucosyltransferase, were highly up-regulated.

Conclusions

The penetration ability, pathogenicity of GLS-isolate was greater than that of ABR-isolate, which might indicate that GLS-isolate originated from ABR-isolates by mutation. These results contributed to highlighting the importance to investigate such DEGs between GLS- and ABR-isolate in depth.
miR-495-3p depresses cell proliferation and migration by downregulating HMGB1 in colorectal cancer
Authors: Zhang Jie Ling , Zheng Hui Fen , Li Kai , Zhu Yi Ping
Published: March 2022

Background

MicroRNAs play an important role in the genesis and progression of tumours, including colorectal cancer (CRC), which has a high morbidity and mortality rate. In this research, the role of miR-495-3p and HMGB1 in CRC was investigated.

Methods

We performed qRT-PCR to detect the expression of miR-495-3p in colorectal cancer tissues and cell lines. Functional experiments, such as CCK-8, EdU, Transwell and apoptosis assays, were conducted to explore the effects of miR-495-3p on the proliferation, migration and apoptosis of CRC cells in vitro. Then, database prediction, dual-luciferase reporter gene assays and functional experiments verified the role of the miR-495-3p target gene HMGB1 in CRC. Finally, rescue experiments were performed to investigate whether overexpression of HMGB1 could reverse the inhibitory effect of miR-495-3p on CRC cell proliferation in vivo and in vitro.

Results

miR-495-3p was downregulated in colorectal cancer tissues and cell lines, inhibited the proliferation and migration of colorectal cancer cells and promoted cell apoptosis. Database prediction and dual-luciferase reporter gene assays showed that HMGB1 was the downstream target gene of miR-495-3p. We finally demonstrated that miR-495-3p inhibited CRC cell proliferation by targeting HMGB1 in vitro and in vivo.

Conclusion

Our research shows that miR-495-3p inhibits the progression of colorectal cancer by downregulating the expression of HMGB1, which indicates that miR-495-3p may become a potential therapeutic target for colorectal cancer.
Intravenous oxygen insufflation (IOI) changes the IL-1-Ra:IL-1β ratio in autologous conditioned serum
Authors: König Brigitte , Wiechert Dirk
Published: March 2022

Background

Interleukin-1 (IL-1) is still regarded as the main offender that promotes the pro-inflammatory cascade in muscle injuries, tendopathies and especially in osteoarthritis. Thus, if present in high enough concentrations, IL-1receptor antagonist (IL-1Ra) has the potential to inhibit Interleukin-1. In this regard, autologous conditioned serum with an IL-1Ra/IL-1 ratio of at least > 10 might fulfill optimal therapeutic effects.

The aim of the study was to analyze whether a pretreatment of patients with the oxygen insuffliation according to Regelsberger (IOI) might lead to an increased ratio of IL-RA to IL-1ß in autologous serum prepared after the respective therapy.

Methods

Venous blood from 15 patients which underwent intravenous oxygen insufflation (IOI) for routinely preventive purposes was taken before the first, the 6th, and the 9th session of intravenous oxygen insufflation. IL-1β and IL-1-RA levels were quantified from serum and from autologous conditioned serum (ACS) prepared from the drawn venous blood.

Results

Previous intravenous oxygen insufflation treatments significantly reduced IL-1β levels in autologous conditioned serum from mean 67.85 pg/ml (before the first treatment) down to mean 4.08 pg/ml (before the 9th treatment). Post conditioning levels of IL-1Ra were not changed to any significant degree (before 1st/before6th/ before 9th treatment: 1038.37 ± 140.51 / 900.30 ± 79.24 / 902.84 ± 95.68). Thus, the IL-1Ra:IL-1β ratio was altered on a molecule to molecule basis from a mean of 37.03:1 up to a mean 223.54:1 through the pretreatment with oxygen insuffliation according to Regelsberger.

Conclusion

Pretreatment of patients with IOI alters the IL-1Ra:IL-1ß ratio of autologous conditioned serum to a more favorable ratio which might mitigate the inflammatory cascade more efficaciously. Therefore, we suggest to perform intravenous oxygen insufflation on patients before they give blood for preparing ACS.
Volcanism of the Late Silurian Eastport Formation of the Coastal Volcanic Belt, Passamaquoddy Bay, New Brunswick
Authors: Van Wagoner Nancy , Fyffe Les , Lentz David , Dadd Kelsie , McNeil Wayne , Baldwin Diane
Published: March 2022

This field trip is an excursion through the exquisite, nearly pristine exposures of a Silurian, felsic-dominated bimodal volcanic and sedimentary sequence exposed in the Passamaquoddy Bay area of southwestern, New Brunswick (Eastport Formation). These rocks form the northwest extension of the Coastal Volcanic Belt that extends from southwestern New Brunswick to the southern coast of Maine. The sequence is significant because it is part of a large bimodal igneous province with evidence for supervolcano-scale eruptions that began to form during the close of the Salinic Orogeny (about 424 Ma), and continued into the Acadian Orogeny (421–400 Ma). The geochemical characteristic of the rocks can be explained by extension related volcanism but the specific drivers of the extension are uncertain. The Passamaquoddy Bay sequence is 4 km thick and comprises four cycles of basaltic-rhyolitic volcanism. Basaltic volcanism typically precedes rhyolitic volcanism in Cycles 1–3. Cycle 4 represents the waning stages of volcanism and is dominated by peritidal sediments and basaltic volcanics. A spectrum of eruptive and emplacement mechanisms is represented ranging from the Hawaiian and Strombolian-type volcanism of the basaltic flows and pyroclastic scoria deposits, to highly explosive sub-Plinian to Plinian rhyolitic pyroclastic eruptions forming pyroclastic density currents (PDC) and high grade rheomorphic ignimbrites. During this field trip we will examine key exposures illustrating this spectrum of eruptive and emplacement processes, and their diagnostic characteristics, along with evidence for the interaction between mafic and felsic magmas and a variety of peperitic breccias formed as a result of emplacement of flows on wet peritidal sediments. The constraints the depositional setting and voluminous bimodal volcanism places on tectonic models will also be considered.
Machine-Learning-Based Return Predictors and the Spanning Controversy in Macro-Finance
Authors: Huang Jing-Zhi , Shi Zhan
Published: March 2022

We propose a two-step machine learning algorithm—the Supervised Adaptive Group LASSO (SAGLasso) method—that is suitable for constructing parsimonious return predictors from a large set of macro variables. We apply this method to government bonds and a set of 917 macro variables and construct a new, transparent, and easy-to-interpret macro variable with significant out-of-sample predictive power for excess bond returns. This new macro factor, termed the SAGLasso factor, is a linear combination of merely 30 selected macro variables out of 917. Furthermore, it can be decomposed into three sublevel factors: a novel housing factor, an employment factor, and an inflation factor. Importantly, the predictive power of the SAGLasso factor is robust to bond yields, namely, the SAGLasso factor is not spanned by bond yields. Moreover, we show that the unspanned variation of the SAGLasso factor cannot be attributed to yield measurement error or macro measurement error. The SAGLasso factor therefore provides a potential resolution to the spanning controversy in the macro-finance literature.

This paper was accepted by Haoxiang Zhu, finance.

Funding: This work was supported by a grant from the Penn State Institute for Real Estate Studies.

Supplemental Material: Data and the internet appendices are available at https://doi.org/10.1287/mnsc.2022.4386 .
Investigating the influence of ITO thin film thickness on the optical Kerr nonlinearity using ultrashort laser pulses
Authors: Samad Fatma Abdel , Mahmoud Alaa , Abdel-Wahab M. Sh. , Tawfik Wael Z. , Zakaria Rozalina , Soma Venugopal Rao , Mohamed Tarek
Published: March 2022

In this paper, we present results from the measurements of the optical Kerr nonlinearity of indium tin oxide (ITO) thin films of different thicknesses using the femtosecond (fs) Z-scan technique. ITO thin films were prepared by radio frequency magnetron sputtering on a glass substrate at room temperature. The coated ITO thin films were subsequently characterized by UV–visible absorption spectroscopy, x-ray diffraction, and scanning electron microscopy. Using

∼

100

f
s

pulses at 80 MHz repetition rate, the optical Kerr nonlinearity in ITO with different thicknesses was investigated at different excitation wavelengths and incident pulse energies. The optical Kerr nonlinearity was found to be dependent on excitation wavelength, incident power, and ITO thickness, with a maximum value of

∼

9

×

1

0

−
12

c
m

2

/

W

at a wavelength of 820 nm, power of 1 W, and 170 nm ITO thickness. These results suggest that Kerr nonlinearity in ITO can be tailored by varying the film thickness, which would be ideal for ultrafast all-optical switching in future optoelectronic devices.
Structure-based dual affinity optimization of a SARS-CoV-1/2 cross-reactive single-domain antibody
Authors: Sulea Traian , Baardsnes Jason , Stuible Matthew , Rohani Nazanin , Tran Anh , Parat Marie , Cepero Donates Yuneivy , Duchesne Mélanie , Plante Pierre , Kour Guneet , Durocher Yves
Published: March 2022

The SARS coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) spike (S) protein binding to the human ACE2 receptor is the molecular event that initiates viral entry into host cells and leads to infection and virus replication. There is a need for agents blocking viral entry into host cells that are cross-reactive with emerging virus variants. VHH-72 is an anti-SARS-CoV-1 single-domain antibody that also exhibits cross-specificity with SARS-CoV-2 but with decreased binding affinity. Here we applied a structure-based approach to affinity-mature VHH-72 for the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein while retaining the original affinity for SARS-CoV-1. This was achieved by employing the computational platform ADAPT in a constrained dual-affinity optimization mode as a means of broadening specificity. Select mutants designed by ADAPT were formatted as fusions with a human IgG1-Fc fragment. These mutants demonstrated improved binding to the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein due to decreased dissociation rates. Functional testing for virus neutralization revealed improvements relative to the parental VHH72-Fc up to 10-fold using a SARS-CoV-2 pseudotyped lentivirus and 20-fold against the SARS-CoV-2 authentic live virus (Wuhan variant). Binding and neutralization improvements were maintained for some other SARS-CoV-2 variants currently in circulation. These improved VHH-72 mutants are predicted to establish novel interactions with the S antigen. They will be useful, alone or as fusions with other functional modules, in the global quest for treatments of COVID-19 infections.
How do we find comfort in unsettling times?
Authors: Muratovski Gjoko
Published: March 2022

In conversation with Mark Boudreaux
Self-Knowledge, Eros and Recollection in Plato's "Phaedrus"
Authors: Giasoumi Athanasia
Published: March 2022

At the beginning of the Phaedrus, Socrates distinguishes between two kinds of people: those who are more complex, violent and hybristic than the monster Typhon, and those who are simpler, calmer and tamer (230a). I argue that there are also two distinct types of Eros (Love) that correlate to Socrates’s two kinds of people. In the first case, lovers cannot attain recollection because their souls are disordered in the absence of self-knowledge. For the latter, the self-knowledge of self-disciplined lovers renders them capable of recollecting the Forms by ordering their souls naturally.
Restoring Human Nature
Authors: Callaway Kutter , Crisp Oliver D.
Published: March 2022

Over the past decade, a growing number of theologians and philosophers from a variety of sub disciplines have expressed an interest in the possibilities of a “science-engaged theology.” The specific projects that fall under this somewhat broad conceptual umbrella are rather diverse, but at its most basic, science-engaged theology is a form of inquiry that is deeply engaged with one or more of the sciences in the service of articulating, defending, or critiquing existing theological and philosophical frameworks. Some operating in this fertile domain even seek to construct entirely new theological (and occasionally, scientific) categories in light of the generative insights born from a robust interaction between the sciences and theology.
Clase espejo, una estrategia de internacionalización pedagógica para fortalecer la competencia investigativa en estudiantes de universidades latinoamericanas
Authors: Yangali Vicente Judith Soledad , Varon Triana Nubia , Calla Vasquez Kriss Melody
Published: March 2022

El objetivo de la investigación fue implementar la clase espejo, que permite un mejor desarrollo de la competencia investigativa en los estudiantes de pregrado de universidades latinoamericanas para ser aplicados como estrategia pedagógica cotidiana. La investigación es cualitativa, con proce-so inductivo, con diseño de investigación acción, cuyas perspectivas son de visión técnico - cientí-fica, de enfoque práctico y participativo. Se utilizó la técnica de la observación de los fenómenos, y recopiló información por medio de instrumentos como la guía de observación, el diario de campo, la rúbrica en la sustentación final y las videograbaciones, permitiendo al docente reflexionar cons-tantemente sobre su quehacer pedagógico, saliendo del rol tradicional, mejorando significativa-mente su práctica educativa, buscando la innovación, el mecanismo idóneo y estrategias que sean útiles para lograr la competencia investigativa. Los resultados contemplados ayudaron a precisar la estrategia académica de aprendizaje “Clase Espejo”, una herramienta de comunicación activa que rompe las barreras de la educación tradicional y permite interactuar con estudiantes y docentes de países latinoamericanos para medir el nivel de conocimiento en investigación.
The Legal Status of Members of a Legal Entity in Bankruptcy Proceedings
Authors: Tamošiūnienė Egidija , Višinskis Vigintas , Balsiukienė Audronė , Kirkutis Mykolas
Published: March 2022

This article examines the problems of the legal status of members of a legal entity in bankruptcy proceedings. The article discusses the interest of member of a legal entity in the bankruptcy proceedings and what circumstances justify their participation in this process. The rights and obligations of members of a legal person at the stage of initiation and execution of bankruptcy proceedings are also examined. It analyzes the actions that can be taken by members of a legal entity in order to restore the solvency of the legal entity and terminate bankruptcy proceedings. The article also analyzes the problems of the position of an individual company owner in the bankruptcy proceedings of an individual company.
Los procesos de corporatización y privatización parcial de las empresas de propiedad del Estado: una revisión de la literatura
Authors: Arias-Bello Martha Liliana , Gómez-Villegas Mauricio
Published: March 2022

El propósito de este estudio es identificar y analizar los trabajos empíricos de corte cuantitativo que estudian los efectos de los procesos de corporatización y privatización parcial en el desempeño financiero de las empresas de propiedad del Estado (epe). Se analizan las perspectivas teóricas, las metodologías y las variables empleadas para la medición de desempeño, y se sintetizan los hallazgos relacionados con los procesos de corporatización y privatización parcial. Asimismo, se realiza una revisión sistemática de la literatura a partir de 31 investigaciones, seleccionadas de un total de 101 artículos identificados de las bases de datos Scopus y Web of Science (WoS). Como resultado del análisis, se identifica que las investigaciones sobre los procesos de corporatización presentan mayor diversidad teórica que las investigaciones sobre los procesos de privatización parcial. El análisis de los hallazgos evidencia que existe consenso sobre los beneficios de los procesos de corporatización, pero no existe un acuerdo sobre las causas que explican dichos beneficios en el desempeño de las epe. Por el contrario, no existe un consenso sobre los efectos de la privatización parcial en el desempeño de las empresas.
GC-MS analysis and antioxidant potential of wild underutilized medicinally important legume, velvet bean (Mucuna pruriens L. DC.)
Authors: MORE Kamlakar C. , SHELKE Deepak B. , TAYADE Sunil , GAWANDE Prashant , SONAWANE Hiralal B.
Published: March 2022

Mucuna pruriens (L). DC is one of the most promising wild underutilized medicinal legume belonging to family Fabaceae. It is used in ayurvedic as well as various traditional systems of medicine. This plant was widely utilized in treatment of various disorders. Also, it is a rich source of nutrients as well as used as a flavouring agent in bakery industry. The present study was aimed to investigate leaves and seeds antioxidant potential by DPPH assay and phytochemicals by preliminary phytochemical screening and Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectroscopy (GC-MS) analysis in five different solvents. Highest antioxidant activity was found to be 76.96% in seeds extracted with ethanol and 72.50% in leaves extracted with petroleum ether. While preliminary phytochemical screening revealed presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, phenols, tannins, saponins, glycosides, steroids and terpenoids. GC-MS analysis revealed twenty-four and thirty bioactive compounds from the leaves and seeds respectively and it was solvent specific. Antioxidant, antifungal, antimicrobial, anti-malarial, anti-diabetic, anti-cancerous, and hypocholesterolemic properties have been reported to compounds which were found in present study. However, reported bioactive compounds highlight its nutritional importance and validate the use of the plant to cure various disorders by traditional practitioners. While the antioxidant potential and phytochemical investigations will direct their potential for utilization and applicability as a nutraceutical.
Guiding the Intercultural Mediators of Tomorrow
Authors: SARIEVA Iona , VASSILEVA-YORDANOVA Albena
Published: March 2022

The internationalisation in higher education (IoHE) is a topic discussed in various educational forums; the overarching goal of preparing students to live and work in today’s interconnected world guides the administrative and educational practices of universities around the globe. This article presents an exploratory case study addressing the internationalisation practices of the Centre for Intercultural Communication and Competency Laboratory; the focus is on three workshop series delivered between 2012 and 2017. The pedagogical design of the workshops is informed by the current understanding of internationalisation of higher education as applied in local settings. The theoretical framework guiding the analysis is negotiating reality approach proposed by Antal and Friedman (2003). In the study, the design of each workshop series is evaluated considering the two key concepts of Antal’s and Friedman’s approach – advocacy and inquiry. The presented analysis allowed for a more systematic view on the Centre’s activities and achievements as related to IoHE. We believe the outcomes of this study will support the development of the future activities of the Centre and will inform the efforts of other educators to establish effective intercultural mediation practices in similar contexts.
Racial Hybridization and Inbreeding Depression in Cedrus deodara (Roxb.) G. Don.
Authors: KHANDURI Vinod Prasad , SHARMA Chandra Mohan , RIYAL Manoj Kumar , SUKUMARAN Arun
Published: March 2022

Aim of the study: This study aims to establish the inter-racial hybridization in Cedrus deodara from Garhwal Himalaya, India. Material and methods:Racial hybridization was conducted successfully in Cedrus deodara taking pollen (male gamete) from three different races/populations, i.e. Dhanoulti, Pauri and Harsil (locality-specific) at Dandachali population where female/ovulate cones were selected as mother trees. Main results:The results revealed that cone and seed set percentages in the selected races varied from 58.8 to 68.2 % and 79.0 – 86.2 %, respectively. Manual pollination resulted 0.972 and 0.953 inbreeding depression for cone and seed set, respectively. Highlights: C. deodara proclaimed high inbreeding depression at embryonic stage also manifests high compatibility for developing hybrids in its natural range of growth in Himalaya.