bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of autophagy modulators tamoxifen and chloroquine on the expression profiles of long non-coding RNAs in MIAMI cells exposed to IFNγ
Authors: Banga Rajkaran , Banga Veerkaran , Eltalla Amr , Shahin Lauren , Parag Sonam , Naim Maha , Iyer Easha , Kumrah Neha , Zacharias Brian , Nathanson Lubov , Beljanski Vladimir
Published: April 2022

Mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) can be utilized clinically for treatment of conditions that result from excessive inflammation. In a pro-inflammatory environment, MSCs adopt an anti-inflammatory phenotype resulting in immunomodulation. A sub-type of MSCs referred to as “marrow-isolated adult multilineage inducible” (MIAMI) cells, which were isolated from bone marrow, were utilized to show that the addition of autophagy modulators, tamoxifen (TX) or chloroquine (CQ), can alter how MIAMI cells respond to IFNγ exposure in vitro resulting in an increased immunoregulatory capacity of the MIAMI cells. Molecularly, it was also shown that TX and CQ each alter both the levels of immunomodulatory genes and microRNAs which target such genes. However, the role of other non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) such as long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) in regulating the response of MSCs to inflammation has been poorly studied. Here, we utilized transcriptomics and data mining to analyze the putative roles of various differentially regulated lncRNAs in MIAMI cells exposed to IFNγ with (or without) TX or CQ. The aim of this study was to investigate how the addition of TX and CQ alters lncRNA levels and evaluate how such changes could alter previously observed TX- and CQ-driven changes to the immunomodulatory properties of MIAMI cells. Data analysis revealed 693 long intergenic non-coding RNAS (lincRNAs), 480 pseudogenes, and 642 antisense RNAs that were differentially regulated with IFNγ, IFNγ+TX and IFNγ+CQ treatments. Further analysis of these RNA species based on the existing literature data revealed 6 antisense RNAs, 2 pseudogenes, and 5 lincRNAs that have the potential to modulate MIAMI cell’s response to IFNγ treatment. Functional analysis of these genomic species based on current literature linking inflammatory response and ncRNAs indicated their potential for regulation of several key pro- and anti-inflammatory responses, including NFκB signaling, cytokine secretion and auto-immune responses. Overall, this work found potential involvement of multiple pro-and anti-inflammatory pathways and molecules in modulating MIAMI cells’ response to inflammation.
Partial recovery of voiding function in female mice following repeated psychological stress exposure
Authors: West Eliza G. , McDermott Catherine , Chess-Williams Russ , Sellers Donna J.
Published: April 2022

Psychological stress causes bladder dysfunction in humans and in rodent models, with increased urinary frequency and altered contractile responses evident following repeated environmental stress exposure. However, whether these changes persist after removal of the stressor is unknown, and the aim of this study was to determine if stress-induced changes in voiding behaviour and bladder function recover following removal of the stressor. Adult female mice were allocated to three groups: Unstressed, Stressed or Stressed + Recovery. Animals in the stressed groups were exposed to water avoidance stress for 1h/day for 10-days, with unstressed animals age-matched and housed under normal conditions. For recovery studies, animals were housed without stress exposure for an additional 10-days. Voiding behaviour was assessed periodically and animals sacrificed on day 10 (Unstressed and Stressed) or day 20 (Unstressed and Stressed + Recovery). Isolated whole bladder studies were used to assess compliance, urothelial mediator release and contractile responses. Exposure to stress increased plasma corticosterone levels almost three-fold (P<0.05) but this returned to baseline during the recovery period. Contractile responses of the bladder to carbachol and KCl were also increased following stress, and again fully recovered after a 10-day stress-free period. In contrast, stress increased urinary frequency four-fold (P<0.001), but this did not return fully to baseline during the recovery period. Bladder compliance was unchanged by stress; however, it was increased in the stressed + recovery group (P<0.05). Thus, following a stress-free period there is partial recovery of voiding behaviour, with an increase in bladder compliance possibly contributing to the compensatory mechanisms.
The role of vaccination in a model of asset pricing during a pandemic
Authors: Saito Yuta
Published: April 2022

This paper examines the effect of pandemic vaccination on asset prices in a simple asset pricing model à la Lucas 1978. In this model, asset prices depend on susceptible individuals’ saving motives to insure against a reduction in labour income due to getting they get the virus. Hence distributing vaccine reduces precautionary saving motives and asset prices. This implies that reducing the income gap between susceptible and infected individuals, such as by cash handouts, eases the negative effect of vaccine supply on asset prices.
Using citation network analysis to enhance scholarship in psychological science: A case study of the human aggression literature
Authors: Iancarelli Alessia , Denson Thomas F. , Chou Chun-An , Satpute Ajay B.
Published: April 2022

Researchers cannot keep up with the volume of articles being published each year. In order to develop adequate expertise in a given field of study, students and early career scientists must be strategic in what they decide to read. Here we propose using citation network analysis to characterize the literature topology of a given area. We used the human aggression literature as our example. Our citation network analysis identified 15 research communities on aggression. The five largest communities were: “media and video games”, “stress, traits and aggression”, “rumination and displaced aggression”, “role of testosterone”, and “social aggression”. We examined the growth of these research communities over time, and we used graph theoretic approaches to identify the most influential papers within each community and the “bridging” articles that linked distinct communities to one another. Finally, we also examined whether our citation network analysis would help mitigate gender bias relative to focusing on total citation counts. The percentage of articles with women first authors doubled when identifying influential articles by community structure versus citation count. Our approach of characterizing literature topologies using citation network analysis may provide a valuable resource for psychological scientists by outlining research communities and their growth over time, identifying influential papers within each community (including bridging papers), and providing opportunities to increase gender equity in the field.
The Tsallis generalized entropy enhances the interpretation of transcriptomics datasets
Authors: Dérian Nicolas , Pham Hang-Phuong , Nehar-Belaid Djamel , Tchitchek Nicolas , Klatzmann David , Eric Vicaut , Six Adrien
Published: April 2022

Background

Identifying differentially expressed genes between experimental conditions is still the gold-standard approach to interpret transcriptomic profiles. Alternative approaches based on diversity measures have been proposed to complement the interpretation of such datasets but are only used marginally.

Methods

Here, we reinvestigated diversity measures, which are commonly used in ecology, to characterize mice pregnancy microenvironments based on a public transcriptome dataset. Mainly, we evaluated the Tsallis entropy function to explore the potential of a collection of diversity measures for capturing relevant molecular event information.

Results

We demonstrate that the Tsallis entropy function provides additional information compared to the traditional diversity indices, such as the Shannon and Simpson indices. Depending on the relative importance given to the most abundant transcripts based on the Tsallis entropy function parameter, our approach allows appreciating the impact of biological stimulus on the inter-individual variability of groups of samples. Moreover, we propose a strategy for reducing the complexity of transcriptome datasets using a maximation of the beta diversity.

Conclusions

We highlight that a diversity-based analysis is suitable for capturing complex molecular events occurring during physiological events. Therefore, we recommend their use through the Tsallis entropy function to analyze transcriptomics data in addition to differential expression analyses.
Impact of ‘infodemic in pandemic’ on food and nutrition related perceptions and practices of Indian internet users
Authors: Gavaravarapu SubbaRao M. , Seal Ananya , Banerjee Paromita , Reddy Thirupathi , Pittla Naresh
Published: April 2022

The uncontrolled spread of (mis)information, news and propaganda related to COVID 19 created an ‘infodemic’ leading to panic and unscientific practices among the mass. With the largest number of internet users in the world, India has witnessed a steep rise in the number of people seeking information on social media related to COVID-19, which reached a staggering 22.3 million by March, 2020. This study aimed to evaluate the trend of COVID-19 associated food and nutrition news search by Indian internet users between 27th January 2020 to 30th June 2021 (time period between the first detected COVID-19 case and the end of the second wave in India) and its impact on their perceptions and practices. The association between the change in Relative Search Volume (RSV) on Google Trends (GT) of 34 popularly searched keywords classified by the researchers under 5 different categories—“Immunity”, “Eating behavior”, “Food safety”, “Food scares and concerns” and “Covid scare” showed a steep rise in search for immunity boosters, vitamin supplement brands “ayush kadha (ayurvedic decoction) during the first wave (April- August 2020). With a brief period of decline in the search trend, it again hiked correspondingly with the growing number of positive cases during the second wave in India. An online survey conducted on adult Indian internet users (n = 572) reported high (71.9%) consumption of Vitamin C rich fruits as well as Vitamin C (68.2%) and Zinc (61.4%) supplements to boost immunity. Traditional Indian spices like ginger and garlic were used by 62.9% and 50.9% respondents respectively. Most respondents reported to rely on social media for gathering COVID-19 associated tips for boosting immunity, however those with history of COVID-19 infection reported to rely more on doctors and health professionals for information. This study highlights the need of media and health literacy to advocate for the use of health information cautiously.
Assessment of COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy among Zimbabweans: A rapid national survey
Authors: Mundagowa Paddington Tinashe , Tozivepi Samantha Nokuthula , Chiyaka Edward Tafumaneyi , Mukora-Mutseyekwa Fadzai , Makurumidze Richard
Published: April 2022

Background

As a way of minimising the devastating effects of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, scientists hastily developed a vaccine. However, the scale-up of the vaccine is likely to be hindered by the widespread social media misinformation. We therefore conducted a study to assess the COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy among Zimbabweans.

Methods

We conducted a descriptive online cross-sectional survey using a self-administered questionnaire among adults. The questionnaire assessed willingness to be vaccinated; socio-demographic characteristics, individual attitudes and perceptions, effectiveness and safety of the vaccine. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was utilized to examine the independent factors associated with vaccine uptake.

Results

We analysed data for 1168 participants, age range of 19–89 years with the majority being females (57.5%). Half (49.9%) of the participants reported that they would accept the COVID-19 vaccine. Majority were uncertain about the effectiveness of the vaccine (76.0%) and its safety (55.0%). About half lacked trust in the government’s ability to ensure availability of an effective vaccine and 61.0% mentioned that they would seek advice from a healthcare worker to vaccinate. Chronic disease [vs no chronic disease—Adjusted Odds Ratio (AOR): 1.50, 95% Confidence Interval (CI)I: 1.10–2.03], males [vs females—AOR: 1.83, 95%CI: 1.37–2.44] and being a healthcare worker [vs not being a health worker—AOR: 1.59, 95%CI: 1.18–2.14] were associated with increased likelihood to vaccinate.

Conclusion

We found half of the participants willing to vaccinate against COVID-19. The majority lacked trust in the government and were uncertain about vaccine effectiveness and safety. The policy makers should consider targeting geographical and demographic groups which were unlikely to vaccinate with vaccine information, education and communication to improve uptake.
Gender role attitudes and father practices as predictors of nonresident father-child contact
Authors: Heers Marieke , Szalma Ivett
Published: April 2022

Due to an increasing number of parental union dissolutions, a growing number of fathers does not cohabit with their biological children. This article analyses individual and societal gender role attitudes as well as societal father practices as determinants of nonresident father-child contact. Previous research shows that individual-level factors influence the relationship between nonresident fathers and their children. Research on resident fathers indicates that individual attitudes and societal contexts affect father-child involvement. Little is known on the relationship between individual gender role attitudes as well as societal gender role attitudes and father practices and nonresident fathers’ involvement in their children’s lives. To shed more light thereon, we examine data from eleven Eastern and Western European countries from the first wave of the Gender and Generations Survey. We analyze two samples: One consisting of nonresident fathers of children aged 0 to 13 and one of fathers of adolescents aged 14 to 17. Logistic regression models assess if individual and societal gender role attitudes as well as societal father practices predict the probability of monthly father-child contact. Contact between nonresident fathers is affected by different factors depending on whether the focus is on children or adolescents. Societal gender role attitudes and societal father practices predict the probability of monthly contact between fathers and their children; individual gender role attitudes are less important. Individual gender role attitudes, on the other hand, predict the probability of monthly contact between nonresident fathers and their adolescent children; societal factors matter less for this age group.
An in-silico study of the mutation-associated effects on the spike protein of SARS-CoV-2, Omicron variant
Authors: Shishir Tushar Ahmed , Jannat Taslimun , Naser Iftekhar Bin
Published: April 2022

The emergence of Omicron (B.1.1.529), a new Variant of Concern in the COVID-19 pandemic, while accompanied by the ongoing Delta variant infection, has once again fueled fears of a new infection wave and global health concern. In the Omicron variant, the receptor-binding domain (RBD) of its spike glycoprotein is heavily mutated, a feature critical for the transmission rate of the virus by interacting with hACE2. In this study, we used a combination of conventional and advanced neural network-based in silico approaches to predict how these mutations would affect the spike protein. The results demonstrated a decrease in the electrostatic potentials of residues corresponding to receptor recognition sites, an increase in the alkalinity of the protein, a change in hydrophobicity, variations in functional residues, and an increase in the percentage of alpha-helix structure. Moreover, several mutations were found to modulate the immunologic properties of the potential epitopes predicted from the spike protein. Our next step was to predict the structural changes of the spike and their effect on its interaction with the hACE2. The results revealed that the RBD of the Omicron variant had a higher affinity than the reference. Moreover, all-atom molecular dynamics simulations concluded that the RBD of the Omicron variant exhibits a more dispersed interaction network since mutations resulted in an increased number of hydrophobic interactions and hydrogen bonds with hACE2.
Long-term persistence of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) spike protein-specific and neutralizing antibodies in recovered COVID-19 patients
Authors: Chansaenroj Jira , Yorsaeng Ritthideach , Puenpa Jiratchaya , Wanlapakorn Nasamon , Chirathaworn Chintana , Sudhinaraset Natthinee , Sripramote Manit , Chalongviriyalert Piti , Jirajariyavej Supunee , Kiatpanabhikul Phatharaporn , Saiyarin Jatuporn , Soudon Chulikorn , Thienfaidee Orawan , Ayuthaya Thitisan Palakawong Na , Brukesawan Chantapat , Intharasongkroh Duangnapa , Chaiwanichsiri Dootchai , Issarasongkhram Mila , Kitphati Rungrueng , Mungaomklang Anek , Thitithanyanont Arunee , Nagavajara Pijaya , Poovorawan Yong
Published: April 2022

Understanding antibody responses after natural severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection can guide the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccine schedule, especially in resource-limited settings. This study aimed to assess the dynamics of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies, including anti-spike protein 1 (S1) immunoglobulin (Ig)G, anti-receptor-binding domain (RBD) total Ig, anti-S1 IgA, and neutralizing antibody against wild-type SARS-CoV-2 over time in a cohort of patients who were previously infected with the wild-type SARS-CoV-2. Between March and May 2020, 531 individuals with virologically confirmed cases of wild-type SARS-CoV-2 infection were enrolled in our immunological study. Blood samples were collected at 3-, 6-, 9-, and 12-months post symptom onset or detection of SARS-CoV-2 by RT-PCR (in asymptomatic individuals). The neutralizing titers against SARS-CoV-2 were detected in 95.2%, 86.7%, 85.0%, and 85.4% of recovered COVID-19 patients at 3, 6, 9, and 12 months after symptom onset, respectively. The seropositivity rate of anti-S1 IgG, anti-RBD total Ig, anti-S1 IgA, and neutralizing titers remained at 68.6%, 89.6%, 77.1%, and 85.4%, respectively, at 12 months after symptom onset. We observed a high level of correlation between neutralizing and SARS-CoV-2 spike protein-specific antibody titers. The half-life of neutralizing titers was estimated at 100.7 days (95% confidence interval = 44.5–327.4 days,R2= 0.106). These results support that the decline in serum antibody levels over time in both participants with severe disease and mild disease were depended on the symptom severity, and the individuals with high IgG antibody titers experienced a significantly longer persistence of SARS-CoV-2-specific antibody responses than those with lower titers.
“Outcomes of COVID-19 infection in patients with hematological malignancies- A multicenter analysis from Pakistan”
Authors: Zaki Adeeba , Soomar Salman Muhammad , Khan Danish Hasan , Shaharyar Sheikh Hasan , Iftikhar Raheel , Mir Ayaz , Aziz Zeba , Bano Khadija , Naseer Hafsa , Chaudhry Qamar un–Nisa , Bokhari Syed Waqas Imam , Shabbir-Moosajee Munira
Published: April 2022

Purpose

COVID-19 infection resulting from severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) began to spread across the globe in early 2020. Patients with hematologic malignancies are supposed to have an increased risk of mortality from coronavirus disease of 2019 (COVID-19) infection. From Pakistan, we report the analysis of the outcome and interaction between patient demographics and tumor subtype and COVID-19 infection and hematological malignancy.

Patients and methods

This multicenter, retrospective study included adult patients with a history of histologically proven hematological malignancies who were tested positive for COVID-19 via PCR presented at the oncology department of 5 tertiary care hospitals in Pakistan from February to August 2020. A patient with any known hematological malignancy who was positive for COVID-19 on RT-PCR, was included in the study. Chi-square test and Cox-regression hazard regression model was applied considering p ≤ 0.05 significant.

Results

A total of 107 patients with hematological malignancies were diagnosed with COVID-19, out of which 82 (76.64%) were alive, and 25 (23.36%) were dead. The significant hematological malignancy was B-cell Lymphoma in dead 4 (16.00%) and alive group 21 (25.61%), respectively. The majority of the patients in both the dead and alive group were on active treatment for hematological malignancy while they came positive for COVID-19 [21 (84.00%) & 48 (58.54%) p 0.020]. All patients in the dead group were admitted to the hospital 25 (100.00%), and among these, 14 (56.00%) were admitted in ICU with a median 11 (6–16.5) number of days. Among those who had contact exposure, the hazard of survival or death in patients with hematological malignancies and COVID-19 positive was 2.18 (CI: 1.90–4.44) times and 3.10 (CI: 2.73–4.60) times in patients with travel history compared to no exposure history (p 0.001).

Conclusion

Taken together, this data supports the emerging consensus that patients with hematologic malignancies experience significant morbidity and mortality resulting from COVID-19 infection.
Non-breeding changes in at-sea distribution and abundance of the threatened marbled murrelet (Brachyramphus marmoratus) in a portion of its range exhibiting long-term breeding season declines
Authors: Pearson Scott F. , Keren Ilai , Lance Monique M. , Raphael Martin G.
Published: April 2022

The marbled murrelet (Brachyramphus marmoratus) is classified as a threatened species under the US Endangered Species Act in Washington, Oregon, and California USA due to population declines, loss of breeding habitat, and other factors. To date, population assessments have focused on breeding season at-sea surveys. Consequently, there is little information on this species’ distribution, abundance, and population trends during the non-breeding season, when murrelets are found exclusively in the marine environment. To address this information need, we assessed non-breeding (Sep—Mar) at-sea murrelet abundance patterns and population trends over 8 years, in a portion of its range where breeding season surveys indicate a 20-year population decline, Puget Sound, Washington, USA. This allowed us to assess whether non-breeding population trends mirrored those observed during the breeding season suggesting regional year-round conservation concerns and to also identify important over-wintering areas (areas of high abundance). We integrated our non-breeding abundance information with breeding season information to assess year-round patterns of abundance. This allowed us to test the prediction that murrelets move into the relatively protected inner marine waters of Puget Sound from harsher outer coastal habitats during the non-breeding season to molt and over-winter. Similar to trends from the breeding season, we observed strong murrelet density declines across the entire non-breeding period (Sep and Apr) with declines most pronounced in the fall and early winter (lateSep–Dec) survey windows when birds molt and in the spring just prior to breeding (Mar-Apr). Despite these declines, there was essentially no change in murrelet density in mid-winter (January—February) when overall density was lower. Puget Sound murrelet density exhibited a strong north-south gradient with relatively high densities to the north and low densities to the south; murrelets were largely absent from Central Puget Sound. For strata other than Central Puget Sound, density varied seasonally with birds more evenly distributed among strata between September and December but in the late winter/early spring period (Jan–Apr), murrelets were largely absent from all strata except the most northerly Admiralty Inlet Stratum, which appears to be important to murrelets year-round. Depending on the year, non-breeding season densities were nearly the same or higher than breeding season densities indicate that murrelets were not moving into the relatively protected inner marine waters of Puget Sound from more outer coastal environments during the non-breeding season as predicted.
From single decisions to sequential choice patterns: Extending the dynamics of value-based decision-making
Authors: Scherbaum Stefan , Lade Steven J. , Siegmund Stefan , Goschke Thomas , Dshemuchadse Maja
Published: April 2022

Every day, we make many value-based decisions where we weigh the value of options with other properties, e.g. their time of delivery. In the laboratory, such value-based decision-making is usually studied on a trial by trial basis and each decision is assumed to represent an isolated choice process. Real-life decisions however are usually embedded in a rich context of previous choices at different time scales. A fundamental question is therefore how the dynamics of value-based decision processes unfold on a time scale across several decisions. Indeed, findings from perceptual decision making suggest that sequential decisions patterns might also be present for vale-based decision making. Here, we use a neural-inspired attractor model as an instance of dynamic models from perceptual decision making, as such models incorporate inherent activation dynamics across decisions. We use the model to predict sequential patterns, namely oscillatory switching, perseveration and dependence of perseveration on the delay between decisions. Furthermore, we predict RT effects for specific sequences of trials. We validate the predictions in two new studies and a reanalysis of existing data from a novel decision game in which participants have to perform delay discounting decisions. Applying the validated reasoning to a well-established choice questionnaire, we illustrate and discuss that taking sequential choice patterns into account may be necessary to accurately analyse and model value-based decision processes, especially when considering differences between individuals.
Real-world impact of primary immune thrombocytopenia and treatment with thrombopoietin receptor agonists on quality of life based on patient-reported experience: Results from a questionnaire conducted in Switzerland, Austria, and Belgium
Authors: Rovó Alicia , Cantoni Nathan , Samii Kaveh , Rüfer Axel , Koenen Giedre , Ivic Sandra , Cavanna Davide , Benz Rudolf
Published: April 2022

Aims of the study

Thrombopoietin receptor agonists (TPO-RAs) are approved for immune thrombocytopenia (ITP), but their impact on health-related quality of life (HRQoL) remains poorly investigated in clinical practice. This observational study aimed to gain insight into real-world patient-reported experiences of the burden of ITP and TPO-RAs.

Method

An online questionnaire of closed questions was used to collect views of patients with primary ITP from Switzerland, Austria, and Belgium, between September 2018 and April 2020.

Results

Of 46 patients who completed the questionnaire (total cohort), 41% were receiving TPO-RAs. A numerically higher proportion of patients reported being free from symptoms at the time of the questionnaire (54%) than at diagnosis (24%), irrespective of treatment type. Bleeding, the most frequently reported symptom at diagnosis (59%), was reduced at the time of the questionnaire (7%). Conversely, fatigue was reported by approximately 40% of patients at both diagnosis and the time of the questionnaire. Having a normal life and their disease under control was reported by 83% and 76%, respectively, but 41% were worried/anxious about their condition. Nearly 50% reported that ITP impaired their engagement in hobbies/sport or energy levels and 63% reported no impact on employment. When stratified by TPO-RA use, bleeding was better controlled in those receiving TPO-RAs than not (0% vs 11%). A numerically lower proportion receiving TPO-RAs than not reported worry/anxiety about their condition (16% vs 59%) and shifting from full-time to part-time employment (11% vs 22%). Similar proportions were satisfied with their therapy whether they were receiving TPO-RAs or not (89% vs 85%).

Conclusions

Many factors affect HRQoL in patients with ITP. Of patients receiving TPO-RAs, none experienced bleeding at the time of the questionnaire; they also showed a more positive perspective for some outcomes than those not using TPO-RAs. However, fatigue was not reduced by any treatment.
Effect of neoadjuvant chemotherapy on overall survival of patients with T2-4aN0M0 bladder cancer: A systematic review and meta-analysis according to EAU COVID-19 recommendation
Authors: Kang Dong Hyuk , Cho Kang Su , Moon Young Joon , Chung Doo Yong , Jung Hae Do , Lee Joo Yong
Published: April 2022

Purpose

In the context of the COVID-19 outbreak, the European Association of Urology (EAU) guidelines Rapid Reaction Group provided recommendations to manage muscle invasive bladder cancer (MIBC) based on priority levels: neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) should be avoided for patients with T2-3N0M0 MIBC. This meta-analysis aims to evaluate the efficacy of NAC compared with radical cystectomy (RC) alone in improving the overall survival (OS) of patients with T2-4aN0M0 MIBC.

Materials and methods

A systematic review was performed according to the PRISMA guidelines. The PubMed/Medline, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library databases were searched. The primary outcome was OS of patients with T2-4aN0M0 MIBC, and the secondary outcome was OS of patients with only T2N0M0 MIBC.

Results

Eight studies were included in this meta-analysis. Overall, the quality of all studies was relatively high, and little publication bias was demonstrated. The OS was significantly better in the NAC with RC group than in RC alone (HR, 0.79; 95% CI, 0.68–0.92; p = 0.002). A subgroup analysis was performed on only patients with T2N0M0 MIBC, and five studies were included. There was no difference in the OS between the NAC with RC and the RC alone groups (HR, 0.83; 95% CI, 0.69–1.01 p = 0.06).

Conclusions

As recommended by the EAU guidelines Rapid Reaction Group, patients with T2N0M0 MIBC should strongly consider omitting NAC until the end of the COVID-19 pandemic. Whether to omit NAC in T3-4aN0M0 MIBC needs further discussion, and studies targeting only T2-3N0M0 MIBC are expected to proceed further.
Performance of clinician prediction of survival in oncology outpatients with advanced cancer
Authors: Kim Yu Jung , Yoon Seok Joon , Suh Sang-Yeon , Hiratsuka Yusuke , Kang Beodeul , Lee Si Won , Ahn Hong-Yup , Suh Koung Jin , Kim Ji-Won , Kim Se Hyun , Kim Jin Won , Lee Keun-Wook , Kim Jee Hyun , Lee Jong Seok
Published: April 2022

Background

We aimed to investigate the performance of clinician prediction of survival (CPS) and the association between CPS and the prognostic confidence of clinicians in ambulatory medical oncology outpatients.

Methods

Eight medical oncologists estimated the expected survival of their patients in a prospective cohort study. They were asked to provide a temporal type of CPS in weeks, together with their level of confidence for each prediction (0–100%). We analyzed the accuracy of CPS, the association between CPS and the prognostic confidence, and the characteristics of patients showing inaccurate CPS.

Results

A total of 200 advanced cancer patients were enrolled and the median overall survival was 7.6 months. CPS was accurate in 67 (33.5%) patients, underestimated in 87 (43.5%), and overestimated in 46 (23.0%). The overall accuracy of CPS for 12-week, 24-week, 36-week, and 48-week survival was 83.0%, 72.0%, 75.5%, and 74.0%, respectively. The specificity was highest for 12-week survival (90.2%) and the sensitivity was highest for 48-week survival (96.1%). The sensitivity of 12-week CPS was 51.4% and the area under the receiver operating characteristic (AUROC) curve was 0.79 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.71–0.87). The prognostic confidence of clinicians was not significantly associated with the accuracy of prediction (P = 0.359). Patients with overestimated survival had significantly poorer global health status and physical/role/emotional functioning in the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire Core 30 (EORTC QLQ-C30). Additionally, they showed significantly higher levels of fatigue, nausea/vomiting, pain, dyspnea, and loss of appetite.

Conclusion

The overall accuracy of CPS in predicting 12-week to 48-week survival was high in medical oncology outpatients. However the sensitivity of 12-week CPS was low and prognostic confidence was not associated with the accuracy of CPS. Patients with overestimated CPS showed poorer quality of life and higher symptom burden.
Cytotoxic effects of Lavandula angustifolia seed extracts on the viability of Huh-7 and Chang liver cells
Authors: Alshammari Ghedeir M.
Published: April 2022

Flowering plants are valuable in numerous ways, including food/feed supply for living organisms, fuel production, and medicinal uses. Several plant extracts/products are used to treat variety of serious ailments in human and animals. Lavandula angustifolia is a flowering plant that possesses anti-inflammatory and anti-depressive medicinal properties. Cancer is a deadly disorder affecting millions of people globally. It affects several human organs, including liver, stomach, and lungs. Several researchers are doing efforts to eliminate the disease around the globe. In this study, Chang and Huh-7 liver cell lines were utilized as human normal hepatocyte model and innovation to mimic the liver environment. Cytotoxicity of L. angustifolia seed extracts was investigated at two different concentrations (50% and 100%) against Chang and Huh-7 liver cell lines by colorimetric assay which is used to assess cell metabolic activities. The Chang and Huh-7 liver cell lines were treated with L. angustifolia seeds extracts (50% and 100%) and incubated for 24 and 48 hours under standard conditions (37°C, 5% CO2). The 3-(4, 5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2, 5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay was employed to quantify cell survival. Seed extracts of L. angustifolia exerted varied cytotoxic effects depending on the concentration and treatment duration. The results indicated that L. angustifolia seed extracts with 100% concentration exhibited the highest cytotoxicity against Huh-7 and Chang liver cell lines. In conclusion, L. angustifolia seed extracts exhibited cytotoxic activity which can be enhanced based on the concentration and treatment duration. The findings of the current study are critical for the development of novel herbal-based therapies for fatal disorders such as liver cancer. However, more investigations are required to reveal cytotoxicity mechanisms of L. angustifolia seed extracts.
Smallpox vaccination induces a substantial increase in commensal skin bacteria that promote pathology and influence the host response
Authors: Shmeleva Evgeniya V. , Gomez de Agüero Mercedes , Wagner Josef , Enright Anton J. , Macpherson Andrew J. , Ferguson Brian J. , Smith Geoffrey L.
Published: April 2022

Interactions between pathogens, host microbiota and the immune system influence many physiological and pathological processes. In the 20th century, widespread dermal vaccination with vaccinia virus (VACV) led to the eradication of smallpox but how VACV interacts with the microbiota and whether this influences the efficacy of vaccination are largely unknown. Here we report that intradermal vaccination with VACV induces a large increase in the number of commensal bacteria in infected tissue, which enhance recruitment of inflammatory cells, promote tissue damage and influence the host response. Treatment of vaccinated specific-pathogen-free (SPF) mice with antibiotic, or infection of genetically-matched germ-free (GF) animals caused smaller lesions without alteration in virus titre. Tissue damage correlated with enhanced neutrophil and T cell infiltration and levels of pro-inflammatory tissue cytokines and chemokines. One month after vaccination, GF and both groups of SPF mice had equal numbers of VACV-specific CD8+ T cells and were protected from disease induced by VACV challenge, despite lower levels of VACV-neutralising antibodies observed in GF animals. Thus, skin microbiota may provide an adjuvant-like stimulus during vaccination with VACV and influence the host response to vaccination.
Profiling metabolites and lipoproteins in COMETA, an Italian cohort of COVID-19 patients
Authors: Ghini Veronica , Meoni Gaia , Pelagatti Lorenzo , Celli Tommaso , Veneziani Francesca , Petrucci Fabrizia , Vannucchi Vieri , Bertini Laura , Luchinat Claudio , Landini Giancarlo , Turano Paola
Published: April 2022

Metabolomics and lipidomics have been used in several studies to define the biochemical alterations induced by COVID-19 in comparison with healthy controls. Those studies highlighted the presence of a strong signature, attributable to both metabolites and lipoproteins/lipids. Here,1H NMR spectra were acquired on EDTA-plasma from three groups of subjects: i) hospitalized COVID-19 positive patients (≤21 days from the first positive nasopharyngeal swab); ii) hospitalized COVID-19 positive patients (>21 days from the first positive nasopharyngeal swab); iii) subjects after 2–6 months from SARS-CoV-2 eradication. A Random Forest model built using the EDTA-plasma spectra of COVID-19 patients ≤21 days and Post COVID-19 subjects, provided a high discrimination accuracy (93.6%), indicating both the presence of a strong fingerprint of the acute infection and the substantial metabolic healing of Post COVID-19 subjects. The differences originate from significant alterations in the concentrations of 16 metabolites and 74 lipoprotein components. The model was then used to predict the spectra of COVID-19>21 days subjects. In this group, the metabolite levels are closer to those of the Post COVID-19 subjects than to those of the COVID-19≤21 days; the opposite occurs for the lipoproteins. Within the acute phase patients, characteristic trends in metabolite levels are observed as a function of the disease severity. The metabolites found altered in COVID-19≤21 days patients with respect to Post COVID-19 individuals overlap with acute infection biomarkers identified previously in comparison with healthy subjects. Along the trajectory towards healing, the metabolome reverts back to the “healthy” state faster than the lipoproteome.
Learning environments and the role of feedback in sculpting lessons
Authors: Puppe Linda , Jossberger Helen , Gruber Hans
Published: April 2022

At universities and academies, teaching and learning occur in a range of environments as art students continue to develop their skills. The aims of the study were to determine how art students evaluate the role of their learning environments in achieving their learning goals, and what kind of feedback they consider important for their artistic development. Therefore, ten university students were interviewed. They were advanced art students who had successfully completed different courses in sculpting. The findings indicate that during studio learning the students addressed technical or formal problems related to their artworks, as well as how to implement their artistic intentions, with the help of feedback from lecturers and fellow students. All participants referred to experimentation and trying out different materials, forms or motifs as central to their artistic development and said that exhibiting their own artworks in public as part of university projects motivated them to continue.
Knowledge and perception of veterinary students on One Health: A first nationwide multi-institutional survey in Nepal
Authors: Subedi Deepak , Gautam Anil , Sapkota Deepak , Subedi Sanju , Sharma Shreeya , Abdulkareem Madinat , Kandel Milan , Ghimire Harischandra , Odetokun Ismail A.
Published: April 2022

Background and Aim: One Health (OH) is a collaborative, multisectoral, and holistic approach for the prevention and control of emerging and re-emerging zoonotic diseases affecting animals and humans. In Nepal, the OH concept remains rudimentary. However, the recently formed "One Health Strategy" is a ray of hope. Veterinary students are the future of animal health, a major component of OH. This study aimed to determine the knowledge and perception of Nepalese veterinary students toward OH.

Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional questionnaire survey was conducted among veterinary students in all four veterinary colleges in Nepal to obtain knowledge on OH and zoonotic disease and understand the perception of the benefits of OH obtained using an online survey tool through a convenience sampling technique. Data collected were subjected to descriptive statistics, Chi-Square test, and logistic regression analysis.

Results: A total of 333 participants, including recent graduates (mean age: 22.3±2.2 years) participated in this study. The mean knowledge score was 19.8±3.8 and about half of the respondents, 185 (55.6%) demonstrated satisfactory scores on OH. Most of the respondents have a positive perception of the benefits of OH as participants largely agreed that the OH approach needs to become a regular, routine, and institutionalized process at the project, program, and policy levels; is useful in addressing complex challenges that threaten human and animal health, food security, poverty, and the environments where diseases flourish; and it creates added value in terms of human and animal health, financial savings or social and environmental benefits from closer professional cooperation. Binary logistic regression analysis revealed that age, educational, and academic levels were significant factors influencing satisfactory knowledge on OH among respondents.

Conclusion: Nepalese veterinary students demonstrated satisfactory knowledge of OH and a good level of perception of the benefits of OH. An apprehensive understanding of the current status of the OH approach in Nepal through studies like this is crucial for the future improvement of public and animal health.
Exploring ethics in social education and social pedagogy from Honneth and Butler’s recognition theories
Authors: Corbella Laura , Úcar Xavier
Published: April 2022

The latest social pedagogy discourses in Spain have highlighted the increasing interest in developing the ethical dimension of its practice. Up to now, this issue has been addressed from a deontological perspective through which codes of ethics have been developed. Nowadays, a new perspective based on developing an ethical perspective focused on practice and relationships is emerging. This article reports on the results of the first stage of a larger study that aims to analyse the ethical dimension of socio-educational relationships. This stage consists of identifying the contributions of different social science authors to the construction of an ethical dimension in the socio-educational relationships. Our purpose is to develop a theoretical model of ethics in social pedagogy and social education that serves to substantiate an ethical practice. We present the contributions of Axel Honneth and Judith Butler and carry out a two-step theoretical analysis, involving an analysis of two original works by each author as well as a systematic review of the applications of the authors’ theories in the field of ethics and education. The main results provide a better understanding of how the theory of recognition, from the perspectives of both authors, is useful for the development of an ethical dimension of social pedagogy. To do so, it is necessary to analyse other related concepts, such as social freedom, invisibility, democratic ethical life, vulnerability, performativity, reflection, political resistance and responsibility, and how these are being applied in the social field. From this starting point, key socio-educational principles can be established in order to guide professional practice and socio-educational relationships.
Albinism in Carollia perspicillata (Chiroptera; Phyllostomidae) in Southeastern Brazil: a long-term observational study in the field
Authors: de Souza Laurindo Rafael , Cecília Sicotti Maas Andrea , Ruckert da Rosa Adriana , Norberto Cunha Irineu , Paulo de Souza da Rosa João , Helena Queiroz Luzia , Fernandes de Almeida Marilene
Published: April 2022

Complete albinism is a phenomenon that rarely occurs in bats. True albinism has been reported in 152 individuals from sixty-seven bat species in 40 countries. The purpose of this paper was to report two cases of true albinism in bats of the species Carollia perspicillata and the observation of one of these specimens in the field for thirteen months in an artificial shelter in Minas Gerais state, Southeastern Brazil. The animals were apparently well-integrated into the group, healthy, and had a normal size for the species and compared to other individuals in the colony.
Observations and comments on demographic features of the Mediterranean horseshoe bat (Rhinolophus euryale Blasius, 1853)
Authors: Garin Inazio , Aihartza Joxerra , Goit Urtzi
Published: April 2022

Lifespan is a fundamental demographic parameter that we can seldom measure in animals with elusive behaviour like bats. Even more useful parameters for modelling the life history are survival or reproduction by age and sex. However, in practice there are substantial obstacles to achieve information of that kind and, regretfully, we often rely on longevity records. This paper provides new records on long-lived Rhinolophus euryale individuals, including one female more than 25 years old. We also discuss the evidentiary support for the widely accepted age at first reproduction in that species.
Geographic patterns in the diet of the Old World fruit bats: a review
Authors: Cherobim Parolin Lays , Bos Mikich Sandra , Vigiano Bianconi Gledson , Lacher Jr. Thomas
Published: April 2022

Fruit bats of the family Pteropodidae are distributed in Africa, Asia, and Oceania, including many Pacific islands. Although known as good seed dispersers, there is no broader assessment of the diversity of the diet of the genera (44 to 46 recognized genera) across different localities. We analyzed the frugivorous diet of the family Pteropodidae through an extensive bibliographical review, using consumption records to document bat-fruit relations across the Old World and variation among the biogeographic realms proposed by Holt et al. (2013). Our review resulted in 239 studies and 2.597 records of 33 bat genera consuming 642 species of 320 genera from 104 angiosperms families. The most consumed fruit genus was Ficus, in almost all zoogeographic realms. However, bat-fruit relationships vary among realms with numerous links to regionally endemic plant species, suggesting a relation between the bats’ distribution and diversification of the associated flora. The genus Pteropus in particular, shows a strong geographic pattern in diet composition. Data of this nature help to visualize patterns in resource use among different regions of the globe and across diverse bat species assemblages and can direct further research on the evolution of pteropodid bats, their critical food resources, and their role in seed dispersal and ecosystem processes.