bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
De Elton Mayo a Ivar Oddone: redescobrir a instrução ao sósia
Authors: Clot Yves , Batista Matilde Agero , Pereira Maristela de Souza
Published: January 2022

O presente texto foi publicado originalmente como prefácio de uma obra de Yves Clot em homenagem a Ivar Oddone. Decidimos publicá-lo no formato de artigo, com a autorização do autor, por considerarmos que traz importantes e atuais contribuições para o campo do trabalho em intercruzamento com diversas teorias: Clínica da Atividade, Ergologia, Ergonomia, Saúde do Trabalhador, dentre outras. Neste texto, Yves Clot retoma aspectos significativos da obra de Ivar Oddone e tece reflexões sobre aspectos originais dessa, nem sempre considerados pelos estudiosos da área. Assim, faz uma análise comparativa com as propostas apresentadas por Elton Mayo, as quais se sagraram como importante ferramenta para o desenvolvimento do capitalismo industrial sob a suposta égide do enaltecimento do aspecto humano nas situações de trabalho. Ao contrário das concepções e práticas de Mayo, que foram efetivamente voltadas para o aumento da produtividade das empresas e, portanto, para a exploração dos trabalhadores, Oddone buscou reconhecer e valorizar o saber dos operários, com o intuito de que esse se configurasse como um contrapoder ao ampliar o seu poder de agir na situação de trabalho, aspectos que são amplamente discutidos por Clot no texto que ora apresentamos.
Histórias de vida e estigma de trabalhadores com transtornos mentais acompanhados em ambulatório especializado
Authors: Geremias Alessandra Renata , Zambroni-de-Souza Paulo César , Lucca Sérgio Roberto de
Published: January 2022

Este estudo de abordagem qualitativa teve como objetivo conhecer, analisar e compreender como a retirada de direitos sociais e trabalhistas interferiu na vida e no trabalho de pessoas com transtornos mentais graves. Foram realizadas entrevistas em profundidade com 11 participantes, oito homens e três mulheres, atendidos(as) em um ambulatório de Psiquiatria de um hospital universitário, com uso de roteiro semiestruturado, e realizou-se análise de conteúdo. Os resultados indicam que a trajetória de trabalho dos(as) participantes iniciou-se na infância e adolescência, de modo que todos exerciam atividades de trabalho quando receberam o diagnóstico. A necessidade de afastamento, as dificuldades relacionadas ao retorno e a retirada de parte das pessoas do mundo do trabalho foram evidenciadas. Em face disso, foram discutidos os prejuízos sociais e trabalhistas após o diagnóstico de transtorno mental relatados pelos participantes. O processo de estigmatização apareceu no ambiente de trabalho, familiar e comunitário e contribuiu para o declínio da carreira e remuneração ou para a saída dos trabalhadores de suas atividades.
Trabalhador 100%: a função do imaginário em processos de sofrimento psíquico em uma unidade frigorífica
Authors: Silveira Andrea Luiza da , Merlo Álvaro Roberto Crespo
Published: January 2022

Visamos compreender a condição de possibilidade da constituição de uma totalidade imaginária, que denominamos trabalhador 100%, identificada por meio da metodologia Entrevista Narrativa, cuja análise compõe aspectos histórico- sociais, mapeamento da cronologia e das significações. As entrevistas foram realizadas com trabalhadores adoecidos pelo trabalho em uma unidade frigorífica, sindicalistas representantes da categoria profissional de abate e beneficiamento de carnes e profissionais especialistas que atuam nesse meio. Os conceitos de campo de possíveis, campo de significações e imaginário historicamente estruturado foram mobilizados com o propósito de ligar as biografias ao contexto social do trabalho em que os trabalhadores adoeceram ou se acidentaram. Esclarecemos, então, a relação do imaginário historicamente estruturado com a corporeidade modificada pelo adoecimento, as emoções medo e tristeza e o futuro. Encontramos, por fim, uma contradição entre o projeto de ser trabalhador 100%, ideal apregoado pela organização do trabalho, e a sua consequência, o adoecimento.
Body Mass Index and Association With Cardiovascular Outcomes in Patients With Stable Coronary Heart Disease – A STABILITY Substudy
Authors: Held Claes , Hadziosmanovic Nermin , Aylward Philip E. , Hagström Emil , Hochman Judith S. , Stewart Ralph A. H. , White Harvey D. , Wallentin Lars
Published: January 2022

BACKGROUND

The obesity paradox states that patients with higher body mass index (BMI) and cardiovascular disease may experience better prognosis. However, this is less clear in patients with coronary heart disease.

METHODS AND RESULTS

The prospective STABILITY (Stabilization of Atherosclerotic Plaque by Initiation of Darapladib Therapy) trial included 15 828 patients with stable coronary heart disease with 3 to 5 years’ follow‐up on optimal secondary preventive treatment. BMI was measured at baseline (n=15 785). Associations between BMI and cardiovascular outcomes were evaluated by Cox regression analyses with multivariable adjustments. Mean age was 64±9 years and 19% women. Most risk markers (diabetes, hypertension, inflammatory biomarkers, triglycerides) showed a graded association with higher BMI. The frequency of smoking, levels of high‐density lipoprotein, growth differentiation factor 15, and NT‐proBNP (N‐terminal pro‐B‐type natriuretic peptide) were higher at lower BMI. Low BMI (<20 kg/m
2
; n=244 [1.5%]) was associated with doubled risk of total death (hazard ratio [HR], 2.27; 95% CI, 1.60–3.22), cardiovascular death (HR, 2.26; 95% CI, 1.46–3.49), and heart failure (HR, 2.51; 95% CI, 1.35–4.68) compared with BMI of 25 to <30 kg/m
2
(n=6752 [42.8%]) as reference. Similarly, high BMI of ≥35 kg/m
2
(n=1768 [11.2%]) was associated with increased risk of the same outcomes. A BMI between 20 and <25 kg/m
2
was associated with increased risk of cardiovascular death (HR, 1.26; 95% CI, 1.03–1.54) and total death (HR, 1.21; 95% CI, 1.03–1.42).

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with stable coronary heart disease showed a graded increase in cardiometabolic and inflammatory risk factors with increasing BMI category >25 kg/m
2
. All‐cause and cardiovascular mortality were lowest at BMI of 25 to 35 kg/m
2
. Underweight with BMI of <20 kg/m
2
and very high BMI of ≥35 kg/m
2
were strong risk markers for poor prognosis.

REGISTRATION

URL:
https://clinicaltrials.gov/
; Unique identifier NCT00799903.
A Time to Mourn, and a Time to Menstruate?
Authors: Whitekettle Richard
Published: January 2022

Deuteronomy 21:10–14 describes a procedure which was to be followed if an Israelite man wanted to make a female captive his wife. The month-long period of time mentioned in v. 13 is stated to be the length of time the female captive mourned for her father and mother. It has, however, been argued that the month-long period of time also served as a way to determine if the woman was already pregnant. A robust case can be made, however, that this was not the case. The month was, in fact, a time for the woman to mourn, and to make the transition from being a captive, non-Israelite/foreign, daughter, to being a free, non-foreign/Israelite, wife.
When the Medium Is Not the Message
Authors: Wilhelmsen Fredrik
Published: January 2022

While much academic effort has been devoted to exploring various aspects of right-wing extremist lone-actor terrorism, little attention has been devoted to establishing how the terrorists create meaning by locating themselves within a larger narration of history. This article tries to fill this gap, by analysing the conceptions of history and the historical narratives evoked in the manifestos that the right-wing extremist perpetrators uploaded online in relation to the terrorist attacks in Norway on July 22, 2011 and in Christchurch, New Zealand March 15, 2019. Employing a combination of discourse and narrative analysis, the article argues that a shared fascist ‘regime of historicity’ may be identified in the manifestos. Furthermore, it places the narratives found in the manifestos in relation to different right-wing extremist virtual communities.
Early Spanish Intruders in China: The 1579 Mission of Pedro de Alfaro, O.F.M., Reconsidered
Authors: Iaccarino Ubaldo
Published: January 2022

In 1579, four years after the visit of the Augustinian missionaries Martín de Rada and Jerónimo Marín to Fujian, a new group of Spanish friars reached China from the Philippines. The mission of Pedro de Alfaro, O.F.M., has generally been dismissed as a useless attempt to break the spiritual monopoly of the Society of Jesus in East Asia, which was perceived as an attempt to put at risk the careful labor of the first generation of Jesuit “giants.” However, as this study shows, the arrival of the Franciscans in Guangzhou cannot be simply regarded as a reckless behavior to “smuggle” the Gospel in China by means of some local Cantonese convert. Alfaro and his brethren pursued a specific goal, which was related to the recent achievements of Spanish diplomacy. Rather than Guangdong, they tried to reach the coast of Fujian (Chincheo), to carry on the mission of the Augustinians, who had visited Fuzhou in 1575. With the indirect support of some local encomenderos, the Franciscans intended to take advantage of the words of “friendship” expressed by Governor Liu Yaohui and other Mandarins to Rada and his fellows. Through a comparative analysis of European and Chinese coeval sources, notably some unpublished letters and reports, this article offers a reinterpretation of the aims and results of the Alfaro mission, shedding new light on a well-known but not yet fully explored page of the history of the early Christian presence in China.
Foodways, Missionaries, and Culinary Accommodation in the Mariana Islands (1668–74)
Authors: Peña Filiu Verónica
Published: January 2022

The Jesuits played a vital role in the diffusion of crops, animals, agricultural practices, and eating manners throughout the early modern world. In the Mariana Islands (western Pacific), the arrival of the first missionaries in 1668 entailed the introduction of new foods and food-related material culture deemed necessary to establish a self-sufficient mission. However, during the first six years of the mission (1668–74), the resistance and opposition of the native inhabitants—the CHamoru people—to the Jesuits’ activities, the unreliability of maritime trade routes, the conflicts that arose inside the Society of Jesus, and the tensions between the Jesuits and the Spanish colonial authorities affected missionaries’ expectations regarding diet and cuisine. This article explores the strategies that the Jesuit missionaries followed to adjust their foodways to the social and physical environment of the Mariana Islands and pays attention to the process whereby local foods were adopted. In that sense, it argues that culinary accommodation—or “gastronomic accommodation” as defined by Cristina Osswald—was both a common practice to overcome the lack of Iberian resources and a political strategy to ease tensions and forge alliances with the indigenous population.
A new subgenus of Sonchus (Asteraceae: Cichorieae) inferred from molecular data
Authors: GÜZEL MURAT ERDEM
Published: January 2022

A new subgenus, Sonchus subg. Palustres, is established to accommodate S. erzincanicus endemic to Turkey and former Sonchus ser. Palustres including S. palustris and S. sosnowskyi. Although the exclusive placement of S. palustris has already been documented by previous studies based on molecular phylogenetic analyses without morphological evidence, there has not been any study of S. erzincanicus above the specific level. The present study proposes a new subgenus based on chiefly molecular data, and contribute macro- and micro-morphological features (i.e. pollen grains and achenes) of the studied species together with the phylogenetic position based on nrITS and matK with multiple sampling. Further literature and morphological studies evidently showed that S. erzincanicus and S. palustris have slightly heteromorphic achenes which is a subtle character and underestimated up to now in the infrageneric classification of the genus Sonchus. Besides, the molecular analyses revealed that S. erzincanicus and S. palustris are sister taxa, forming an exclusive clade of their own within the genus. Moreover, the Palustres clade is the first diverged one among the clades of the genus Sonchus based on the nrITS data. Consequently, S. erzincanicus, S. palustris and S. sosnowskyi are treated as members of the suggested new subgenus. Therefore, the slightly heteromorphic achene feature could be taken into consideration for species delimitation in the genus Sonchus as a supportive morphological character. Furthermore, S. araraticus is suggested as a synonym of S. erzincanicus based on its morphological and ecological characteristics.
A new species of Neoroussoella peltophora in Roussoellaceae, from Thailand
Authors: PASOUVANG PAHOUA , KARUNARATHNA ANURUDDHA , DE SILVA NIMALI INDEEWARI , SIBOUNNAVONG PHOUTTHASONE , ZHAO HAIJUN , LUO MEI , JAYAWARDENA RUVISHIKA S.
Published: January 2022

In this study, we introduce an asexual morph of a novel species Neoroussoella peltophora (Roussoellaceae) on Peltophorum vogelianum (Fabaceae) collected from Chiang Rai Province, Thailand. Morphologically the new species resembles Neoroussoella species. Phylogenetic analyses of concatenated LSU, SSU, ITS, tef1-α and rpb2 sequence data revealed that (MFLU 21–0113) is phylogenetically distinct (91% MLBS/1.00 BYPP). Neoroussoella peltophora differs from N. fulvicomae in having thinner peridium and differs from N. alishanense in having thicker peridium. Further, N. peltophora is distinct from N. alishanense in having shorter conidiogenous cells and differs from N. fulvicomae in having longer conidiogenous cells. The base pair comparison of ITS, tef1-α and rpb2 gene regions also support that our isolate is distinctive from the other species in Neoroussoella.
Composite Coating of Graphene Oxide/TiO2 Nanotubes/HHC-36 Antibacterial Peptide Construction and an Exploration of Its Bacteriostat and Osteogenesis Effects
Authors: Wang Xiaojun , Mei Lina , Jin Mingchao , Jiang Xuesheng , Li Xiongfeng , Li Jianyou , Xu Yan , Meng Zhipeng , Zhu Junkun , Wu Fengfeng
Published: January 2022

Graphene oxide (GO), a kind of polymer, is often selected as a controlled released agent, whereas titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanotubes are commonly used as a drug-coated carrier. This study was conducted to develop methods for manufacturing the GO/TiO2/HHC-36 composite
coating and exploring its bacteriostat and osteogenesis properties. The GO/TiO2 nanotubes were prepared by electrochemical methods and HHC-36 was then adsorbed to GO/TiO2to obtain GO/TiO2/HHC-36. Sustained release of HHC-36 was analyzed and the antibacterial
effect was examined by the inhibition zone test. The biocompatibility and osteogenesis in vitro of GO/TiO2/HHC-36 were explored. Finally, the osteogenesic property of the composite coating was investigated in a rat femoral defect model in vivo. GO/TiO2/HHC-36
was successfully prepared and had good controlled released performance in vitro. The inhibit zone size of S. aureus was 2.1 mm and that of E. coli was 3.0 mm. GO/TiO2/HHC-36 showed good biocompatibility with mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and promoted their adhesion,
migration, and differentiation. In addition, the secretion of alkaline phosphatase, collagen, mineralized matrix and osteoblast-related nutrient factors of MSCs was increased after treatment with GO/TiO2/HHC-36. Furthermore, GO/TiO2/HHC-36 also stimulated endotheliocytes
to secrete VEGF, leading to angiogenesis. Finally, implantation of GO/TiO2/HHC-36 in the rat femur defect model resulted in MSC migration and increased expression of osteoblast related proteins. The composite coating with controlled released of HHC-36 showed distinct antibacterial
properties and promoted osteogenesis in vitro and in vivo.
Development of Saikosaponin D Liposome Nanocarrier with Increased Hepatoprotective Effect Against Alcoholic Hepatitis Mice
Authors: Yu Xiao , Pan Jielu , Shen Nan , Zhang Haiyan , Zou Lu , Miao Hongyu , Xing Lianjun
Published: January 2022

The mortality rate of ethanol induced liver disease has substantially raised to alert level with an increasing use of alcohol, but development of definite hepatoprotective drug is still challenging. The efficacy of Saikosaponin D, one of the natural herbal medicine has been studied
in different diseases. Nonetheless, its clinical application is restricted by poor bioavailability, stability and solubility. This study sought to develop a Saikosaponin D loaded liposome via thin film hydration method. The surface morphology, encapsulation efficiency and drug loading capacity
were detected with transmission electron microscopy and HPLC, in vitro dissolution was via dialysis method, but efficacy and safety evaluation was through pharmacokinetics, while the assessment of hepatoprotective activity on alcohol induced acute hepatitis mice models was conducted.
The optimized liposomes showed significant greater therapeutic effect on liver, through decreased serum levels of alanine transaminase (ALT) and aspartate transaminase (AST), malondialdehyde (MDA), tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), total cholesterol (TC) and triglyceride (TG)
in liver homogenate. In contrast, levels of glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) and total superoxide dismutase (T-SOD) were increased significantly. Pathological study exhibited remarkable alteration of hepatitis liver architecture to almost normal state after administration of Saikosaponin D
liposome. The increased hepatoprotective effect of Saikosaponin D liposome was observed during the attenuation of alcoholic hepatitis in mice, which might be ascribable to the anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory properties of the drug. This study provides a theoretical basis for developing
advanced system of Saikosaponin D delivery for the promotion of the therapeutic effects of the liposome against various kinds of diseases.
Progress in Application of Nanotechnology in Sorafenib
Authors: Lai Huili , Zhong Liping , Huang Yong , Zhao Yongxiang , Qian Zhiyong
Published: January 2022

Dysregulation of the tyrosine kinase signaling pathway is closely related to tumor development, and tyrosine kinase inhibitors are important targets for potential anticancer strategies. In particular, sorafenib, as a representative drug of multitarget tyrosine kinase inhibitors, has an important clinical status and is widely used for treating various solid tumors and diabetic complications. However, poor aqueous solubility of sorafenib, poor bioavailability of commonly used oral dose forms, poor accumulation at tumor sites, and severe off-target effects that tend to induce intolerable systemic side effects in patients have greatly reduced its therapeutic efficiency and limited its extensive clinical application. To improve the properties of sorafenib, increase the efficiency of clinical treatment, and overcome the increasingly prominent phenomenon of sorafenib resistance, multiple investigations have been conducted. Numerous studies have reported that the properties of nanomaterials, such as small particle size, large specific surface area, high surface activity and high adsorption capacity, make nanotechnology promising for the construction of ideal sorafenib nanodelivery systems to achieve timed and targeted delivery of sorafenib to tumors, prolong the blood circulation time of the drug, improve the utilization efficiency of the drug and reduce systemic toxic side effects. This review summarizes the progress of research applications in nanotechnology related to sorafenib, discusses the current problems, and expresses expectations for the prospect of clinical applications of sorafenib with improved performance.
Four AAs increase DMT1 abundance in duodenal brush-border membrane vesicles and enhance iron absorption in iron-deprived mice
Authors: Woloshun Regina R. , Yu Yang , Xu Xiaodong , Lee Jennifer K. , Zhu Sean , Shine Jacob S. , Ebea Pearl , Stevens Bruce R. , Vidyasagar Sadasivan , Collins James F.
Published: January 2022

Iron-deficiency anemia is common worldwide and typically treated by oral iron supplementation. Excess enteral iron, however, may cause pathological outcomes. Developing new repletion approaches is thus warranted. Previous experimentation revealed that select amino acids (AAs) induce trafficking of transporters onto the enterocyte brush-border membrane (BBM) and enhance electrolyte absorption/secretion. Here, we hypothesized that certain AAs would increase the abundance of the main intestinal iron importer, divalent metal-ion transporter 1 (DMT1), on the BBM of duodenal enterocytes, thus stimulating iron absorption. Accordingly, all 20 AAs were screened using an ex vivo duodenal loop/DMT1 western blotting approach. Four AAs (Asp, Gln, Glu, and Gly) were selected for further experimentation and combined into a new formulation. The 4 AAs stimulated 59Fe transport in mouse duodenal epithelial sheets in Ussing chambers (∼4-fold; P < .05). In iron-deprived mice, oral intragastric administration of the 4 AA formulation increased DMT1 protein abundance on the enterocyte BBM by ∼1.5-fold (P < .05). The 4 AAs also enhanced in vivo 59Fe absorption by ∼2-fold (P < .05), even when ∼26 µg of cold iron was included in the transport solution (equal to a human dose of ∼73 mg). Further experimentation using DMT1int/int mice showed that intestinal DMT1 was required for induction of iron transport by the 4 AAs. Select AAs thus enhance iron absorption by inducing DMT1 trafficking onto the apical membrane of duodenal enterocytes. We speculate that further refinement of this new 4 AA formulation will ultimately allow iron repletion at lower effective doses (thus mitigating negative side effects of excess enteral iron).
Deep muscularis propria tumor invasion without lymph node metastasis as a unique subclassification of stage IB gastric cancer: a retrospective study
Authors: He Kang , Chen Cheng , Xia Lei , Si Lixiang , Pan Xiaohua , Sun Zijian , Wang Yajing , Jiang Yingying , Shi Yue , Zhou Bin , Wang Shuaiyu , Han Jing , Shen Bo , Zhou Guoren , Lu Jianwei , Wang Xiaohua
Published: January 2022

Background

The prognosis difference based on the depth of tumor muscularis propria invasion in gastric cancer (GC) was still debated, and therapy strategy for stage IB GC patient required further investigation.

Methods

A total of 380 patients with pT2 GC after radical surgery were retrospectively analyzed, including 185 in superficial muscularis propria (sMP) group and 195 in deep muscularis propria (dMP) group.

Results

The overall survival (OS) was significantly better for patients in sMP group than for patients in dMP group (P = 0.007). In multivariate analysis, depth of tumor invasion, pN stage, age, primary location, positive expression of p53, elevated maximal LDH, elevated initial CA19-9 and AFP level were independent prognostic factors for OS. The sMP group had a significantly better OS than dMP group (P = 0.014) in pN0 stage. After further stratification, the survival outcomes were not significantly different between deep muscularis propria tumor invasion without lymph node metastasis (dMPN0) group (stage IB) and superficial muscularis propria tumor invasion with stage 1–2 lymph node metastasis (sMPN1–2) group (stage II) (P = 0.100). Patients with adjuvant chemotherapy had a statistically better survival than those without in dMPN0 group (P = 0.045) and dMPN0 patients with adjuvant chemotherapy had better OS than sMPN1–2 patients (P = 0.015). In addition, greater postoperative survival could be observed in sMPN0 patients than dMPN0 patients in p53-positive group (P = 0.002), and similar OS could be seen between dMPN0 patients with p53-positive and T2N1–2 patients (P = 0.872).

Conclusion

As a unique subclassification of stage IB GC, appropriate adjuvant chemotherapy should be considered for patients with dMPN0 stage. In addition, positive expression of p53, elevated LDH could be potential factors in identifying the different prognoses for stage IB GC patients.
Prenatal care utilization in pregnant women who consider but do not have abortions
Authors: Toscano Marika , Wood Jillian , Spielman Sara , Ferri Rita , Whaley Natalie , Seligman Neil S.
Published: January 2022

Background

Over half of all pregnancies in the United States are unintended, and 18% result in termination of pregnancy (TOP). Some women seek TOP, but ultimately continue their pregnancy. Data are limited about their utilization of prenatal care and their perinatal outcomes. Our primary outcome was to investigate differences in guideline-based prenatal care utilization in women who consider but do not have an abortion.

Methods

Retrospective cohort study of patients having obstetrical dating ultrasound (US) from 2011–2018 at a single academic medical center that offers TOP. Contemplators completed US with intention of TOP but instead continued the pregnancy to live birth. A 2:1 group of non-contemplators completed US and continued to live birth. A prenatal care utilization scoring system was used to compare groups. Secondary outcomes investigated differences in adverse pregnancy outcomes and postpartum care.

Results

There were 94 contemplators and 183 non-contemplators. Inadequate prenatal care utilization initially was more common in contemplators than non-contemplators (62.8% vs 85.8%, p < 0.01) but was not significant after adjustment (aOR 1.0, 95% CI 0.40 – 2.56). There were no differences in adverse obstetric or neonatal outcomes. Contemplators were significantly more likely to have a postpartum contraceptive method (PPCM) upon hospital discharge (aOR 4.8, 95% CI 1.16 – 20.0) and significantly more likely to use a highly-effective PPCM (aOR 6.4, 95% CI 2.34 – 17.4).

Conclusions

Reversal of intention for TOP is not associated with differences in prenatal care utilization, but is associated with increased uptake of postpartum contraceptive method.
Extracellular vesicles mediated proinflammatory macrophage phenotype induced by radiotherapy in cervical cancer
Authors: Ren Junli , Li Lili , Yu Baofeng , Xu Enwei , Sun Naiping , Li Xiaoning , Xing Zihan , Han Xiaodong , Cui Yaqin , Wang Xiaoyan , Zhang Xiaoxue , Wang Guoliang
Published: January 2022

Background

Radiotherapy is a highly effective treatment for cervical cancer. Recent studies focused on the radiotherapy induced anti-tumor immunity. Whether tumor-derived extracellular vesicles (EVs) play roles in radiotherapy induced tumor associated macrophage (TAM) polarization remains unclear.

Materials and Methods

This study analysed the phenotype of macrophages in cancer tissue and peripheral blood of cervical cancer patients using flow cytometry analysis. The role of EVs from plasma of post-irradiated patients on M2-like transformed macrophages was assessed. The M1- and M2-like macrophages were assessed by expression of cell surface markers (CCR7, CD163) and intracellular cytokines (IL-10, TNFα and iNOS). The capacity of phagocytosis was assessed by PD-1 expression and phagocytosis of pHrodo Red E. coli bioparticles.

Results

Our results demonstrated that radiotherapy of cervical cancer induced an increase in the number of TAMs and a change in their subtype from the M2-like to the M1-like phenotype (increased expression of CCR7 and decreased expression of CD163). The EVs from plasma of post-irradiated patients facilitated the M2-like to the M1-like phenotype transition (increased expression of CCR7, TNFα and iNOS, and decreased expression of CD163 and IL-10) and increased capacity of phagocytosis (decreased PD-1 expression and increased phagocytosis of pHrodo Red E. coli bioparticles).

Conclusions

Our data demonstrated that irradiation in cervical cancer patients facilitated a proinflammatory macrophage phenotype which could eventually able to mediate anti-tumor immune responses. Our findings highlight the importance of EV in the crosstalk of tumor cells and TAM upon irradiation, which potentially leading to an increased inflammatory response to cancer lesions.
The cost-effectiveness of antenatal and postnatal education and support interventions for women aimed at promoting breastfeeding in the UK
Authors: Mavranezouli Ifigeneia , Varley-Campbell Jo , Stockton Sarah , Francis Jennifer , Macdonald Clare , Sharma Sunita , Fleming Peter , Punter Elizabeth , Barry Charlotte , Kallioinen Maija , Khazaezadeh Nina , Jewell David
Published: January 2022

Background

Breastfeeding is associated with health benefits to mothers and babies and cost-savings to the health service. Breastfeeding rates in the UK are low for various reasons including cultural barriers, inadequate support to initiate and sustain breastfeeding, lack of information, or choice not to breastfeed. Education and support interventions have been developed aiming at promoting breastfeeding rates. The objective of this study was to assess the cost-effectiveness of such interventions for women, initiated antenatally or in the first 8 weeks postnatally, aiming at improving breastfeeding rates, in the UK.

Methods

A decision-analytic model was constructed to compare costs and quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs) of a breastfeeding intervention from the perspective of health and personal social services in England. Data on intervention effectiveness and the benefits of breastfeeding were derived from systematic reviews. Other model input parameters were obtained from published sources, supplemented by expert opinion.

Results

The incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) of the modelled intervention added on standard care versus standard care was £51,946/QALY, suggesting that the intervention is not cost-effective under National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) criteria in England. Sensitivity analysis suggested that the cost-effectiveness of the intervention improved as its effectiveness increased and intervention cost decreased. At the base-case effect (increase in breastfeeding rates 16–26 weeks after birth by 19%), the intervention was cost-effective (<£20,000/QALY) if its cost per woman receiving the intervention became ≈£40–£45. At the base-case cost (£84), the intervention was cost-effective if it increased breastfeeding rates by at least 35–40%.

Conclusions

Available breastfeeding interventions do not appear to be cost-effective under NICE criteria in England. Future breastfeeding interventions need to have higher effectiveness or lower cost compared with currently available interventions in order to become cost-effective. Public health and other societal interventions that protect, promote and support breastfeeding may be key in improving breastfeeding rates in the UK.
Met-RANTES preserves the blood–brain barrier through inhibiting CCR1/SRC/Rac1 pathway after intracerebral hemorrhage in mice
Authors: Yan Jun , Xu Weilin , Lenahan Cameron , Huang Lei , Ocak Umut , Wen Jing , Li Gaigai , He Wei , Le Chensheng , Zhang John H. , Mo Ligen , Tang Jiping
Published: January 2022

Background

C–C chemokine receptor type 1 (CCR1) and its endogenous ligand, CCL5, participate in the pathogenesis of neuroinflammatory diseases. However, much remains unknown regarding CCL5/CCR1 signaling in blood–brain barrier (BBB) permeability after intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH).

Methods

A total of 250 CD1 male mice were used and ICH was induced via autologous whole blood injection. Either Met-RANTES, a selective CCR1 antagonist, or Met-RANTES combined with a Rac1 CRISPR activator was administered to the mice 1 h after ICH. Post-ICH assessments included neurobehavioral tests, brain water content, BBB integrity, hematoma volume, Western blot, and immunofluorescence staining. The CCR1 ligand, rCCL5, and SRC CRISPR knockout in naïve mice were used to further elucidate detrimental CCL5/CCR1/SRC signaling.

Results

Brain endogenous CCR1 and CCL5 were upregulated after ICH in mice with a peak at 24 h, and CCR1 was expressed in endothelial cells, astrocytes, and neurons. Met-R treatment reduced brain edema and neurobehavioral impairment, as well as preserved BBB integrity and tight junction protein expression in ICH mice. Met-R treatment decreased expression of p-SRC, Rac1, albumin, and MMP9, but increased claudin-5, occludin, and ZO-1 tight junction proteins after ICH. These effects were regressed using the Rac1 CRISPR activator. Administration of rCCL5 in naïve mice increased expression of p-SRC, Rac1, albumin, and MMP9, but decreased levels of claudin-5, occludin, and ZO-1 tight junction proteins. These effects in naïve mice were reversed with SRC CRISPR (KO).

Conclusions

Our findings demonstrate that CCR5 inhibition by Met-R improves neurological deficits after ICH by preserving BBB integrity through inhibiting CCR1/SRC/Rac1 signaling pathway in mice. Thus, Met-R has therapeutic potential in the management of ICH patients.
The rate of use of Veterans Affairs chiropractic care: a 5-year analysis
Authors: Burdick Ryan , Corcoran Kelsey L. , Zhao Xiwen , Lisi Anthony
Published: January 2022

Background

The US Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has initiated various approaches to provide chiropractic care to Veterans. Prior work has shown substantial increase in use of VA chiropractic care between fiscal years (FY) 2005–2016. However, the extent of the availability of these services to the Veteran population remains unclear. The purpose of this study was to analyze the rate of Veteran use of VA chiropractic services, both from on-site care at VA facilities and VA purchased care from community care providers. This study analyzed facility characteristics associated with chiropractic use by both care delivery mechanisms (on-site and in the community).

Methods

Cross-sectional analyses of administrative data were conducted for FY 2014–2019. Data were obtained from VA’s Corporate Data Warehouse. The variables extracted included number of unique Veterans receiving VA chiropractic care on-site and in the community, total Veteran population of the VA facilities, size of the VA chiropractic workforce (measured as Full-Time Equivalent, FTE), and facility characteristics (geographic region and the facility complexity). Descriptive statistics, mixed model, and multivariant models were used to analyze data.

Results

Use of VA chiropractic care increased over the six-year period for both on-site and community care. National average for on-site use of the population was 1.27% in FY14 and 1.48% in FY19. Community care use was 0.29% and 1.76% for the same years. Use at individual facilities varied widely in each FY. Factors such as chiropractor FTE, geographic locations, and the complexity of the VA facility are associated with use of chiropractic services.

Conclusion

The VA has expanded the non-pharmacologic treatments available to Veterans by providing chiropractic services, yet chiropractic use remains low compared to other US populations. As Veterans have a high prevalence of pain and musculoskeletal conditions, continued work to assess and achieve the optimal levels of chiropractic use in this population is warranted.
Irradiation-induced nasopharyngeal necrosis (INN) in newly diagnosed nasopharyngeal carcinoma treated by intensity-modulated radiation therapy: clinical characteristics and the influence of treatment strategies
Authors: Xu Yi , Liu Yang , Wang Zekun , Wang Jingbo , Zhang Jianghu , Chen Xuesong , Wu Runye , Liu Qingfeng , Qu Yuan , Wang Kai , Huang Xiaodong , Luo Jingwei , Gao Li , Xu Guozhen , Zhang Ye , Yi Junlin
Published: January 2022

Purpose

To define the clinical characteristics of irradiation-induced nasopharyngeal necrosis (INN) after intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) and identify the influence of treatment strategies on INN in primary nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) patients.

Patients and methods

From 2008 to 2019, NPC patients pathologically diagnosed with INN after primary IMRT were reviewed. Those patients were matched with propensity scores for patients without INN in our center. The impact of treatment strategies on INN occurrence was assessed using univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis.

Results

The incidence rate of INN was 1.9% among the primary NPC population, and 53 patients with INN were enrolled. Headache and foul odor were the main symptoms, and 71.7% of cases had pseudomembrane during or at the end of radiotherapy. All patients were in early or middle stage INN, and no one presented with skull-based osteoradionecrosis. Then 212 non-INN patients were included based on propensity scores match. Overall survival (p = 0.248) and progression-free survival (p = 0.266) curves were similar between the INN and non-INN groups. Treatment strategies including combining chemotherapy or molecular targeted therapy with radiotherapy were not associated with INN occurrence, while boost dose (OR 7.360; 95% CI 2.301–23.547; p = 0.001) was a predictor factor for it. However, the optimal threshold for an accumulated dose to predict INN's occurrence was failed to determine.

Conclusion

In the IMRT era, the severity of INN in primary NPC patients is lessened. This study showed that treatment strategies contributed little to develop INN, while the accumulated dose of radiation may relate to its occurrence.
Maximum isometric torque at individually-adjusted joint angles exceeds eccentric and concentric torque in lower extremity joint actions
Authors: Stotz Andreas , Maghames Ebrahem , Mason Joel , Groll Andreas , Zech Astrid
Published: January 2022

Background

Previous research indicates the high relevance of optimal joint angles for individual isometric strength assessment. The objective was to compare lower limb peak isometric muscle strength abilities at the strongest joint angles with those of dynamic contractions in healthy young adults.

Methods

Eighteen young male adults performed maximum concentric, isometric, and eccentric contractions of the ankle, knee, and hip flexors and extensors, and hip adductors and abductors in a randomized sequence on an isokinetic dynamometer (ISOMED 2000). Angular velocity was set at 60°/s. The peak of concentric contraction torque curves was used to define optimal joint angles best suited to generate maximum torque during isometric contractions. Maximum voluntary contraction torque of all contraction conditions was adjusted for limb weight and analyzed via a generalized linear mixed gamma regression model (GLMM).

Results

The gamma GLMM revealed strongly significant effects for all three categorical covariates (contraction types, muscle group, and test order) ($$p < 2 \times 10^{ - 16}$$

p
<
2
×

10

-
16

). Eccentric contraction increases the muscle torque ($$\hat{\beta }_{k} = 0.147$$

β
^

k

=
0.147

) compared to concentric contraction, and isometric contraction even more ($$\hat{\beta }_{k} = 0.258$$

β
^

k

=
0.258

). A moderate individual-specific variation was found (random effects standard deviation $$\sigma_{b} = 0.093$$

σ
b

=
0.093

).

Conclusion

The results support the importance of optimal joint angles for isometric maximum strength assessment. When such conditions are given, isometric contractions can produce higher muscle torques than eccentric contractions in the lower body.
Differences in the muscle activities of the quadriceps femoris and hamstrings while performing various squat exercises
Authors: Lee Joo-Hyun , Kim Soojin , Heo Jihye , Park Dong-Ho , Chang Eunwook
Published: January 2022

Background

Knee injuries in the lower limbs frequently occur, and lower limb muscles need to be strengthened to reduce injuries. Activating muscles can help strengthen muscles.. This study aimed to determine the squat exercises [general squat (GS), wall squat (WS), and Spanish squat (SS)] that effectively increased muscle activity using electromyography (EMG).

Methods

In this cross-sectional study, 22 participants performed three different squat exercises with EMG attached to the rectus femoris (RF), vastus lateralis (VL), vastus medialis, biceps femoris, semitendinosus, and semimembranosus. The Kruskal–Wallis H test was used to compare thigh muscle activities among the various squat exercises.

Results

During SS, RF showed greater muscle activation compared to WS and GS (RF: χ2 = 21.523, p = 0.000, η2 = 0.333). VL also showed greater muscle activation during SS compared to WS (VL: χ2 = 7.101, p = 0.029, η2 = 0.109).

Conclusions

The results from this study indicate that SS shows more activation in the RF and VL muscles compared to GS and WS. These findings suggest that SS can provide more muscle activation for the RF and VL muscles and will greatly help those who lack muscle activation in these muscles.
Complex effects of different types of acid rain on root growth of Quercus acutissima and Cunninghamia lanceolata saplings
Authors: Liu Xin , Ma Shilin , Jia Zhaohui , Ramzan Muhammad , Meng Miaojing , Wang Jinping , Li Chong , Zhang Yinlong , Zhang Jinchi
Published: January 2022

Background

Soil acidification caused by acid rain (AR) can damage plant roots, which in turn negatively impacts plant health. In response to changing AR types, research efforts to elucidate their specific impacts on plants have become intense.

Methods

For this study, we investigated the effects of simulated sulfuric, nitric, and mixed AR on the root systems of Quercus acutissima Carr. and Cunninghamia lanceolata (Lamb.) Hook. under different acidity levels.

Results

As the AR S/N ratio and pH decreased, the height growth rate (HGR), basal diameter growth rate (DGR), total root length (TRL) and total root surface area (TRS) of C. lanceolata decreased, whereas the TRL and TRS of Q. acutissima remained the same. When the NO3− concentration in AR was increased, the root activity, superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) activities of C. lanceolata roots revealed a downward trend; however, the root activity of Q. acutissima and the peroxidase (POD) activity of C. lanceolata roots revealed an upward trend. Further, redundant analysis and structural equation models indicated that AR pH had a greater impact on the HGR of Q. acutissima than that of C. lanceolata, while the impact of the AR S/N ratio on C. lanceolata growth rates was greater than that of Q. acutissima.

Conclusions

Our results suggested that the root systems of different tree species had variable responses to AR, and the AR S/N ratio was an important factor affecting plant root growth. This might facilitate new strategies for the cultivation and protection of plantations in the future.
Abiotic drivers shape seed inputs and outputs in a tropical wetland on Croton trinitatis population
Authors: Bao Francielli , Pott Arnildo , Villa Pedro Manuel
Published: January 2022

Background

Predicting how natural and anthropogenic drivers shape different ecological indicators, such as plant populations along environmental gradients, can be a relevant tool for establishing management and conservation criteria of tropical wetlands. We aimed to assess the effects of seasonal flood disturbance, type of grasslands and topographical conditions on Croton trinitatis population distribution in a tropical wetland.

Methods

The study was carried out in a seasonally flooded grassland (Central-West Brazil). We conducted samplings of soil on the dry and flood hydrophases of the Pantanal. We took the samples in eight seasonal ponds, with 1 km interval between them. Transects were marked during the flood period, observing the water level, one in the lowest zone, in the middle of the pond = low (ca. 60 cm deep), one at the pond edge = mid (ca. 30 cm deep) and one in the higher zone, on the external part = high (ca. 1 cm deep).

Results

The results showed that the topography, seasonality, and types of grassland determine differences in the abundance patterns of adult plants and seedlings, and seed bank and seed predation. The abiotic factors can shape plant population-related ecological processes and patterns, with outputs (germination and predation) and inputs (local dispersion and from neighbouring areas) of proportional seeds for the population maintenance in this environment.

Conclusion

We emphasize the importance of these findings, to show that abiotic factors are not the only ones to be considered in ecological studies of distribution and structuring of populations in habitats with extreme seasonal events.
Phenotype-genotype correlations among carbapenem-resistant Enterobacterales recovered from four Egyptian hospitals with the report of SPM carbapenemase
Authors: Abdelaziz Neveen A.
Published: January 2022

Background

Carbapenem-resistant Enterobacterales (CRE), currently listed by the World Health Organization (WHO) as top priority critical pathogens, are a major global menace to human health. In low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) the threat is mounting fueled by selective pressures caused by antibiotic abuse and inadequate diagnostic resources.

Methods

This study phenotypically and genotypically characterized carbapenem resistance among 115 Enterobacterales isolates including 76 Klebsiella (K.) pneumoniae, 19 Escherichia (E.) coli, 14 Shigella (S.) sonnei, 5 Enterobacter (E.) cloacae, and 1 Proteus (P.) mirabilis.

Results

Ninety-three isolates (80.9%) were carbapenem-resistant with an alarming 57.5% carbapenem non-susceptibility in isolates collected from the outpatient department. Molecular characterization of the carbapenemases (CPases) encoding genes showed that blaNDM (80.5%) was the most prevalent; it was detected in 62 isolates (54 K. pneumoniae, 6 E. coli and 2 S. sonnei), followed by blaVIM (36.4%) which was observed in 28 isolates (24 K. pneumoniae, 3 E. coli and 1 E. cloacae). Other CPases included blaKPC (28.6%; in 20 K. pneumoniae, 1 E. coli and 1 S. sonnei), blaOXA-48 (26%; in 17 K. pneumoniae, 1 E. coli,1 E. cloacae and 1 P. mirabilis), blaIMP (6.5%; in 5 K. pneumoniae) and blaSPM (1.3%; in K. pneumoniae). Notably more than half of the Enterobacterales isolates (54.5%) co-harboured more than one CPase-encoding gene. Co-existence of blaNDM and blaVIM genes was the most dominant (31.2%), followed by association of blaNDM and blaKPC (24.7%), then blaVIM and blaKPC (13%). Moreover, the effects of different genotypes on meropenem MIC values were assessed, and a statistically significant difference between the genotype (Ambler classes A and B) and the genotype (Ambler classes B and D) was recorded.

Conclusion

The current findings may serve for a better understanding of the context of CRE in Egypt, associated drivers and CPases.
Interrelation between grid systems and star polygons of muqarnas ground projection plans
Authors: Agirbas Asli , Yildiz Gulnur , Sahin Murat
Published: January 2022

Many muqarnas ground projection plans contain stars with unequal edge lengths in their compositions. In this study, the geometric reasons behind the unequality of star edge lengths in muqarnas ground projection plans have been searched. The main gates with complex-looking muqarnas belonging to the period of Suleiman the Magnificent (Kanuni Sultan Suleyman), designed by Architect Sinan in Istanbul, have been selected to examine. From the data obtained by 3D laser scanning and from the verification made, it has been confirmed that there are stars with unequal edge lengths in these muqarnas plans. From the geometrical examinations made according to the shape grammar theory, it was concluded that the muqarnas plans were created using spider-web grid and square grid layouts. It was also concluded that these grid types cause some of the star edge lengths to be unequal.