bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Protraction Headgear Compliance and Orthognathic Surgery in Patients With Cleft Lip and Palate
Authors: Yi Cleo , Shah Nilesh , Costello Bernard , Goldstein Jesse , Kumar Anand , Losee Joseph , Schuster Lindsay
Published: January 2022

Assess cephalometric parameters and the need for orthognathic surgery (OS) and its relationship with compliance in protraction headgear (PHG).

Retrospective case series.

Hospital cleft-craniofacial center.

23 patients with nonsyndromic cleft lip and palate and history of lip and palate repair.

Patients received PHG and orthodontic treatment. Compliant patients were compared to patients that were not. Protraction was applied with 170-gram elastics and patients were instructed to wear for at least 12 hours daily.

Cephalometric measurements at initial (T1), post-PHG (T2), and pre-surgical or post-orthodontic treatment (T3) of at least age 15 for females and 17 for males and the presence of OS were compared.

83% (19) of patients reported compliance with therapy. Of those compliant, 68% (13) had OS and 32% (6) did not ( P = .99). Inter-group comparisons at T1 between compliant and noncompliant showed no significant differences and the non-OS patients started with larger nasolabial angles ( P < .05). At T2, there were no significant cephalometric differences between groups. At T3, compliant patients showed significantly more upper incisor proclination than noncompliant patients. Between OS and non-OS, OS patients had significantly decreased ANB, Wits, convexity, overjet, and FMA and larger nasolabial angles ( P < .05).

Patients compliant with PHG showed no difference in the need for OS. However, after orthodontic treatment, compliant patients showed more upper incisor proclination and OS patients with decreased ANB, Wits, convexity, overjet, FMA, and larger nasolabial angles.
Viewed from Different Engels? Differences in Reactions to “Socialism” as a Policy Label
Authors: Ozer Adam L. , Sullivan Brian W. , Van Douglas S.
Published: January 2022

The supposed popularity of socialism among young Americans has been a trending topic in American political media and campaigns. While evidence from public opinion polls disagrees as to whether socialism is truly gaining in popularity, the use of the term “socialism” has had a profound impact on policy discussions in the media and has featured as a prominent Republican Party strategy in the 2020 election cycle. This gives rise to important questions: How do individuals react to the socialist label? Does the socialist label serve as an ideological or affective signal? Are attacks that frame policies as socialist effective in decreasing policy support? Using original observational and experimental survey data, we find that individuals have strong polarized affective reactions to the socialist label. However, framing popular social welfare policies as socialist is ineffective in undermining popular support. Implications suggest that while framing political policies as socialist may trigger affective polarization, it is likely an ineffective means of political persuasion. As a result, oversaturation of the term in the media may lead to misleading conclusions about both political ideology and individual political behavior.
Development and Validation of a Predictive Model for Chronic Kidney Disease After Percutaneous Coronary Intervention in Chinese
Authors: Zhang Ying , Wang Jianlong , Zhai Guangyao , Zhou Yujie
Published: January 2022

Aim

There is no model for predicting the outcomes for coronary heart disease (CHD) patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). To develop and validate a model to predict major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs) in patients with comorbid CKD and CHD undergoing PCI.

Methods

We enrolled 1714 consecutive CKD patients who underwent PCI from January 1, 2008 to December 31, 2017. In the development cohort, we used least absolute shrinkage and selection operator regression for data dimension reduction and feature selection. We used multivariable logistic regression analysis to develop the prediction model. Finally, we used an independent cohort to validate the model. The performance of the prediction model was evaluated with respect to discrimination, calibration, and clinical usefulness.

Results

The predictors included a positive family history of CHD, history of revascularization, ST segment changes, anemia, hyponatremia, transradial intervention, the number of diseased vessels, dose of contrast media >200 ml, and coronary collateral circulation. In the validation cohort, the model showed good discrimination (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve, 0.612; 95% confidence interval: 0.560, 0.664) and good calibration (Hosmer-Lemeshow test, P  =  0.444). Decision curve analysis demonstrated that the model was clinically useful.

Conclusions

We created a nomogram that predicts MACEs after PCI in CHD patients with CKD and may help improve the screening and treatment outcomes.
The emergence of algorithmic solidarity: unveiling mutual aid practices and resistance among Chinese delivery workers
Authors: Yu Zizheng , Treré Emiliano , Bonini Tiziano
Published: January 2022

This study explores how Chinese riders game the algorithm-mediated governing system of food delivery service platforms and how they mobilize WeChat to build solidarity networks to assist each other and better cope with the platform economy. We rely on 12 interviews with Chinese riders from 4 platforms (Meituan, Eleme, SF Express and Flash EX) in 5 cities, and draw on a 4-month online observation of 7 private WeChat groups. The article provides a detailed account of the gamification ranking and competition techniques employed by delivery platforms to drive the riders to achieve efficiency and productivity gains. Then, it critically explores how Chinese riders adapt and react to the algorithmic systems that govern their work by setting up private WeChat groups and developing everyday practices of resilience and resistance. This study demonstrates that Chinese riders working for food delivery platforms incessantly create a complex repertoire of tactics and develop hidden transcripts to resist the algorithmic control of digital platforms.
What should evaluation learn from COP 26? Views of evaluation practitioners
Authors: van den Berg Rob , Bours Dennis , Brousselle Astrid , Čekan Jindra , Chaplowe Scott , Chelimsky Eleanor , Davies Ian , Felcis Weronika , Leiter Timo , Menezes Debbie , Picciotto Robert , Rogers Patricia , Rowe Andy , Uitto Juha
Published: January 2022

Leading evaluation practitioners were asked about lessons from the recent 26th Conference of the Parties (COP26) for evaluation practice. Contributors emphasize the importance of evaluating equity between rich and poor countries and other forms of climate injustice. The role of the evaluation is questioned: what can evaluation be expected to do on its own and what requires collaboration across disciplines, professions and civil society – and across generations? Contributors discuss the implications of the post-Glasgow climate ‘pact’ for the continued relevance of evaluation. Should evaluators advocate for the marginalized and become activists on behalf of sustainability and climate justice – as well as advocates of evidence? Accountability-driven and evidence-based evaluation is needed to assess the effectiveness of investments in adaptation and mitigation. Causal pathways in different settings and ‘theories of no-change’ are needed to understand gaps between stakeholder promises and delivery. Evaluators should measure unintended consequences and what is often left unmeasured, and be sensitive to failure and unanticipated effects of funded actions. Evaluation timescales and units of analysis beyond particular programmes are needed to evaluate the complexities of climate change, sustainability and to take account of natural systems. The implications for evaluation commissioning and funding are discussed as well as the role of evaluation in programme-design and implementation.
Development of the electronic consultation long-term care utilization and savings estimator tool to model the potential impact of electronic consultation for residents living in long-term care
Authors: Staykov Emiliyan , Helmer-Smith Mary , Fung Celeste , Tanuseputro Peter , Liddy Clare
Published: January 2022

Ageing populations have resulted in more patients living in long-term care or nursing homes, where they face challenges to accessing prompt specialist care exacerbated in many cases by physical or cognitive decline. Electronic consultation has demonstrated an ability to improve access to specialist care for vulnerable groups and offers a potential solution to this gap in care. To support electronic consultation's uptake among long-term care homes, we created the electronic consultation long-term care utilization and savings estimator, an Excel-based tool that estimates the number of off-site appointments that patients in a long-term care home could avoid through electronic consultation, along with the consequent time and cost savings. In this brief report, we discuss the electronic consultation long-term care utilization and savings estimator's creation and function, and provide a case study using long-term care data to demonstrate its potential impact. We anticipate the electronic consultation long-term care utilization and savings estimator will be a highly impactful tool and intend to test it in real-world conditions following the relaxation of COVID-19 restrictions.
Re-membering Red Riding Hood: situated solidarities between Ireland and Uganda
Authors: Kelly Ruth
Published: January 2022

Red Riding Hood is a story that has been retold and reimagined more frequently than most. Where the oral tradition often celebrated Red's sexuality and cunning, literary versions transform the tale into one in which a young girl is blamed for her own rape – or, in many feminist versions, where she fights back. Drawing on discussions with writers and feminist activists in Uganda, and on work by Ugandan and Irish writers and scholars, I explore how this troubling and ambiguous story can be used to facilitate communication across difference and culturally situated solidarities. I present a retelling of Red Riding Hood from an Irish perspective, using this as a springboard to explore parallels and disjunctures between Irish and Ugandan storytelling traditions and perspectives on women's rights and sexuality. I explore the potential of using this well-known European story to surface and contest dominant framings of women's rights, and as a contact point to enable dialogue between more peripheral European (Irish) and Ugandan (Kiganda and Soga) cultural traditions, facilitating mutual recognition, while remaining aware of and explicitly surfacing differences between these traditions. Telling and retelling ambiguous stories like Red Riding Hood can create space to consider where we come from and what we desire, and how those desires might be engaged through or might influence relationships of solidarity.
Longitudinal Associations Between Primary and Secondary Psychopathic Traits, Delinquency, and Current Dating Status in Adolescence
Authors: Davis Adam C. , Brittain Heather , Arnocky Steven , Vaillancourt Tracy
Published: January 2022

Many have examined the desirability and mate competition tactics of adults higher on psychopathy using cross-sectional data, but few have studied the longitudinal associations between the lower-order factors of psychopathy (e.g., primary and secondary psychopathy) with indices of mating behavior in adolescents. More work is also needed to unravel how psychopathic youth outcompete rivals for mates. Delinquency has long been associated with dating and sexual behavior in adolescents, which may help to explain the competitive success of youth higher in psychopathic traits in vying for mates. We used cross-lagged panel modeling with three waves of data from a randomly drawn sample of 514 Canadian adolescents who provided annual self-reports of primary and secondary psychopathy, delinquency, and dating involvement from Grades 10 to 12 (15–18 years of age). Constructs were temporally stable. Secondary psychopathy and delinquency had positive within-time correlations with current dating status in Grade 10. A cross-lagged pathway from delinquency to dating involvement was supported from Grade 10 to 11, which replicated from Grade 11 to 12. However, this effect was specific to boys and not girls. An indirect effect also emerged whereby secondary psychopathy in Grade 10 increased the likelihood of being in a dating relationship in Grade 12 via heightened delinquency in Grade 11.
Photoacoustic imaging systems based on clinical ultrasound platform
Authors: Park Eun-Yeong , Lee Haeni , Han Seongyi , Kim Chulhong , Kim Jeesu
Published: January 2022

Photoacoustic imaging has drawn a significant amount of attention due to its unique capacity for functional, metabolic, and molecular imaging, which is achieved by the combination of optical excitation and acoustic detection. With both strengths of light and ultrasound, photoacoustic images can provide strong optical contrast at high ultrasound resolution in deep tissue. As photoacoustic imaging can be used to visualize complementary information to ultrasound imaging using the same data acquisition process, several studies have been conducted on combining photoacoustic imaging with existing clinical ultrasound systems. This review highlights our development of a photoacoustic/ultrasound dual-modal imaging system, various features and functionalities implemented for clinical translation, and preclinical/clinical studies performed by using the systems.
Protective antioxidative and anti-inflammatory actions of β-caryophyllene against sulfasalazine-induced nephrotoxicity in rat
Authors: Refaat Bassem , El-Boshy Mohamed
Published: January 2022

The pathogenesis of sulfasalazine (SFZ)-induced nephrotoxicity is unclear. Moreover, there are no reports on the protective effects of β-caryophyllene (BCP) against SFZ-induced renal injury. Hence, in this study, we measured several oxidative stress and inflammatory regulatory molecules alongside the effects of BCP in SFZ-intoxicated rats. Male rats ( n = 48) were distributed to six equal groups as follows: negative control (NC), normal rats treated with low (N-LD; 200 mg/kg/day) and high (N-HD; 400 mg/kg/day) BCP doses, and animals treated with SFZ individually (PC; 600 mg/kg/day) or combined with BCP low (P-LD) and high (P-HD) doses. All drugs were administrated for 14 consecutive days. The NC, N-LD, and N-HD groups showed comparable renal histology and biochemistry. In contrast, abnormal histology, and increased creatinine and urea alongside oliguria and proteinuria were detected in the PC group. Renal specimens from the PC group revealed increased levels of nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB), transforming growth factor (TGF)-β with kidney injury molecule (KIM)-1, while the levels of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), and protein kinase B (AKT) declined, relative to controls. The PC renal tissue also had markedly higher levels of inflammatory cytokines (tumor necrosis factor [TNF]-α/interleukin [IL]-1β/IL-6) and pro-oxidants (malondialdehyde [MDA]/H2O2/protein carbonyls), whereas those of antioxidants (glutathione [GSH]/glutathione peroxidase [GPx]/superoxide dismutase-1 [SOD1]/catalase [CAT]) and IL-10 decreased and were associated with marked apoptosis. Both BCP regimens ameliorated renal functions and histology, and reduced NF-κB, TGF-β, and KIM-1 levels in addition to those of oxidative stress and inflammation markers. Both protocols also augmented Nrf2, AMPK, AKT, antioxidants, and IL-10. However, P-HD showed better alleviating effects than the N-HD group. In conclusion, this study is the first to link NF-κB, TGF-β, Nrf2, AMPK, and AKT with SFZ-induced nephrotoxicity. In addition, this is the first report to reveal antioxidative and anti-inflammatory effects for BCP against SFZ-associated nephropathy.
Promises and pitfalls of computational modelling for insurgency conflicts
Authors: van der Zwet Koen , Barros Ana I , van Engers Tom M , Sloot Peter M A
Published: January 2022

Insurgency conflicts pose significant challenges to societies globally. The increase of insurgency conflicts creates a need to understand how insurgencies arise, and to identify societal drivers of insurgencies or effective strategies to counter them. In this paper, we analyze the contributions of computational modeling methods for the analysis of insurgent conflicts. We formalize a specific literature-based analysis framework using the identified key factors and drivers, which enables the evaluation of specific models in this domain. Through a systematic literature search, we identify 64 computational models to apply our framework. We highlight the development and contributions of various methodologies through an in-depth analysis of 13 high-quality models. The evaluation of these computational models revealed promising directions and future topics to design specific simulation models for all identified factors. In addition, our analysis revealed specific pitfalls concerning validity issues for each of the modeling methods.
Aeroacoustic optimization of MAV rotors
Authors: Li Volsi Pietro , Gomez-Ariza David , Gojon Romain , Jardin Thierry , Moschetta Jean-Marc
Published: January 2022

The more restrictive airspace regulations force drone manufacturers to take into account the noise emitted by the drone during the design phase, along with its aerodynamic performance to increase the flight time. A Non-Linear Vortex Lattice Method (NVLM), coupled with the Farassat Formulation-1A of the Ffowcs-Williams and Hawkings acoustic analogy is used to evaluate the aerodynamic and aeroacoustic performance of MAV rotors. Pymoo, a Python-based optimization framework, is employed to modify the geometry, evaluate its performance and extract the set of Pareto optimal solutions. The two objectives are the aerodynamic Figure-of-Merit and the Sound Pressure Level of the Blade Passing Frequency tone for a microphone located at a far-field distance of 1.62 m and 30[Formula: see text] below the rotor plane. The approach proposed in this paper takes into account up to ten different parameters, ranging from the twist and chord distributions, to the rake and skew angles.
Mutational landscape of circulating tumor DNA identifies distinct molecular features associated with therapeutic response in patients with metastatic colorectal cancer
Authors: Shi Min , Yuan Hong , Ji Jun , Zhang Shouwei , Li Qingyuan , Chen Yawei , Gong Xiaoli , Zhu Zhenggang , Zhang Jun
Published: January 2022

Background:

We investigated the mutational landscape of circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) in predicting tumor response to first-line treatment in patients with metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC).

Methods:

We included 41 patients with initially unresectable mCRC, treated with 5-fluorouracil/leucovorin/oxaliplatin (FOLFOX)/5-fluorouracil/leucovorin/irinotecan (FOLFIRI) with/without bevacizumab (Bev)/cetuximab (Cet). Blood samples were prospectively collected at two timepoints: at baseline and after four cycles of first-line treatment. Mutational status of 1086 genes were studied in ctDNA by targeted next-generation sequencing (NGS). Molecular mutational burden (MMB) was defined as mean mutation frequency among obtained mutations for each gene. To evaluate the association between molecular characteristics of cfDNA and therapeutic response better, we divided these patients into MMB-high and MMB-low group according to the median value of MMB (0.3).

Results:

Among the 41 enrolled patients, alterations of six genes ( TRIM24, SPEN, RNF43, PRKAR1A, KRAS, and KDM5 C) were found at baseline. Baseline MMB of six genes was significantly lower in partial response (PR)/stable disease (SD) patients than progression disease (PD) patients ( p = 0.0012). Further analysis demonstrated that genomic profiling of ctDNA from pretreatment blood samples was significantly different between PR/SD (non-PD) group and PD group. By comparing the baseline levels of KRAS MMB in the two subgroups, we found that PD cases were all MMB-high, whereas non-PD cases were mainly in MMB-low subgroup. Furthermore, patients with low-KRAS MMB had superior response rate, significantly longer progression-free survival (PFS) and longer overall survival (OS) than high-KRAS MMB group.

Conclusions:

This prospective and serial genomic profiling study revealed the utility of ctDNA in predicting clinical outcomes in mCRC patients under first-line treatment. Levels of KRAS MMB might aid in monitoring therapeutic efficacy in mCRC patients at pretreatment/after four cycles of first-line treatment.
Chinese Economic Statecraft and China's Oil Development Finance in Brazil
Authors: Batista Barbosa Pedro Henrique
Published: January 2022

Over the last years, Brazil and China's oil-related finance activities have expanded substantially. Between 2007 and 2019, Brazilian companies received approximately one-fourth of Chinese policy banks overseas oil-related loans, and Chinese financial institutions became Brazil's biggest oil company Petrobras’ main creditor. A deep analysis of these loans highlights their usage as economic statecraft tools, with impacts on the bilateral crude trade and investments. Loan-for-oil mechanisms, content purchase requirements, and a countercyclical lending pattern have helped to influence Brazilian players to behave in a manner conducive to the Chinese state's energy security objectives and strategic goals, namely increase of imports, diversification of sources, and internationalisation of firms. With these loans, China has satisfactorily guaranteed a stable oil supply over time and has helped Chinese equipment makers and service providers to expand their footage in Brazil.
Contribution of an inclusive climate to the work of culturally diverse healthcare teams: A qualitative descriptive design
Authors: Uman T. , Edfors E. , Padoan S. , Edberg A-K.
Published: January 2022

Cultural diversity in the healthcare sector is increasing, but knowledge about culturally diverse teams is limited and is needed to meet the challenges of the 21st century. The purpose of the study was to explore the contribution of an inclusive climate to the work of culturally diverse healthcare teams. This study had a qualitative descriptive design and was based on 17 interviews with healthcare professionals in an acute unit of a regional hospital in Sweden. A general inductive approach was used for analysing qualitative data. The COREQ checklist was used. The findings demonstrated the importance of highlighting the value of differences and similarities, by emphasising each individual’s uniqueness and looking beyond cultural differences; stimulating meaningful interactions by boosting social exchange and inspiring mutual support; and establishing engagement structures by encouraging structures for engaged leadership, fostering structures for cultural awareness, creating structured learning areas and striving to structure teamwork practices. In conclusion, the findings demonstrate the importance of introducing an inclusive climate into healthcare organisations and of reaping the benefits of cultural diversity in healthcare teams. It is also important to promote inclusive practices proactively and consistently in the workplace.
Building Knowledge in the Oil Market
Authors: Martín-Bujack Karin , Figuerola-Ferretti Isabel , Corzo Teresa , Paraskevopoulos Ioannis
Published: January 2022

In this paper, we establish the process of building up knowledge in oil markets using market observables from oil derivatives trading activity and a measure of academic publication volume. We establish the way in which knowledge feeds back into market activity via the channels of different regulation policies. Employing a textual analysis based on information from Web of Science and Scopus databases, we build our knowledge proxy using the total number of publications, and run a cointegration test for the 2000 to 2020 period against two measures of trading activity. We find leadership of the market activity variable when considering the whole sample. The influence of knowledge on market activity is captured in the aftermath of the Global Financial Crisis. Furthermore, the interaction of both variables is reinforced in 2014 after the final implementation of the Volcker rule and during the onset of the crude oil price collapse. Our results shed light to the need of monitoring the joint dynamics of publishing and trading activity to improve the resource allocation and financial product innovation process.
Asymmetric Linkages of Oil Prices, Money Supply, and TASI on Sectoral Stock Prices in Saudi Arabia: A Non-Linear ARDL Approach
Authors: Bin Amin Md Fouad , Rehman Mohd Ziaur
Published: January 2022

This study examines the asymmetric effects of oil prices, money supply, and the Tadawul All Share Index (TASI) on sectoral stock prices in Saudi Arabia. By applying a nonlinear auto-regressive distributive lag (NARDL) approach to monthly data spanning from January 2007 to December 2016, we found that the positive shocks of oil prices were more than the negative ones in the building and construction, energy and utilities, and petrochemical sectors, while higher oil prices adversely influenced the stock price of the bank and financial service sector. We identified the long-run and short-run asymmetric relationships of the Saudi stock market development on the stock prices of bank and financial services, energy and utilities, and the petrochemical sector and only a long-running asymmetric relationship with the building and construction sector. We also found the absence of long-run and short-run asymmetric impact of money supply on three sectors, namely, building and construction, energy and utilities, and the petrochemical sector except for the bank and financial service sector where only a long-running asymmetric relation was observed. These findings are appropriate for investors and portfolio managers to make judicious investment decisions. Policymakers should diversify their economic sectors apart from the oil dependencies to achieve the Vision 2030.
“I Have Actually not Lost any Adolescent Since I Started Engaging Them one on one:” Training Satisfaction and Subsequent Practice among Health Providers Participating in a Standardized Patient Actor Training to Improve Adolescent Engagement in HIV Care
Authors: Okinyi Hellen M. , Wachira Cyrus M. , Wilson Kate S. , Nduati Margaret N. , Onyango Alvin D. , Mburu Caren W. , Inwani Irene W. , Owens Tamara L. , Bukusi David E. , John-. Stewart Grace C. , Wamalwa Dalton C. , Kohler Pamela K.
Published: January 2022

Background: Poor health care worker (HCW) interactions with adolescents negatively influence engagement in HIV care. We assessed the impact of standardized patient actor training on HCW competence in providing adolescent HIV care in Kenya. Methods: We conducted pre-post cross-sectional surveys and qualitative exit interviews during a stepped wedge randomized trial. Cross-sectional surveys assessed self-rated competence in providing adolescent services before and after the intervention, and training satisfaction. In-depth interviews with a subset of HCW participants one year after training. Results: Over 90% of HCWs reported satisfaction with the training and there was significant improvement in self-rated competence scores (mean = 4.63 [highest possible score of 5] post-training vs 3.86 pre-training, p < 0.001). One-year following training, HCWs reported using skills in patient-centered communication and structuring an adolescent clinical encounter. Conclusions: This SP training intervention improved self-rated competence and showed sustained perceived impact on HCW skills in adolescent HIV service provision one year later.
Contextualization of Curriculum: Inclusion of Caste Perspectives in Media Studies Curriculum
Authors: Ratnamala V.
Published: January 2022

This article explores caste as a site of communication. It also delves into how caste is a matter of concern in everyday news reporting, news selection, programme production, media history, community media, communication for development, advertising, gender studies, new media and film. It will also attempt to illuminate the role of caste in media ownership, newsroom diversity and creative content creation. This article will further examine the mandate for the inclusion of caste as a site of communication in media pedagogy. This study will analyse the data collected using desk research. Desk research refers to secondary data or the data collected without fieldwork. The data for this article are collected by reviewing published sources, that is, books, articles, reports, and the curriculum of media studies courses offered at different universities across the country.
Commentary: How Do Microglia Regulate Neural Circuit Connectivity and Activity in the Adult Brain?
Authors: Liu Yong-Jun , Green Kim N , Holmes Todd C , Xu Xiangmin
Published: January 2022

Microglia are the primary immune cells in CNS. Recent work shows that microglia are also essential for proper brain development through synaptic pruning and remodeling during early life development. But the question of whether and how microglia regulate synaptic connectivity in the adult brain remains open. Our recently published study provides new insights into the functional roles of microglia in the adult mouse brain. We find that chronic depletion of microglia via CSF1R inhibitors in the visual cortex in adult mice induces a dramatic increase in perineuronal nets, and enhances neural activities of both excitatory neurons and parvalbumin interneurons. These findings highlight new potential therapeutic avenues to enhance adult neural plasticity by manipulating microglia.
MicroRNA-31 regulates T-cell metabolism via HIF1α and promotes chronic GVHD pathogenesis in mice
Authors: Wu Yongxia , Mealer Corey , Schutt Steven , Wilson Carole L. , Bastian David , Sofi M. Hanief , Zhang Mengmeng , Luo Zhenwu , Choi Hee-Jin , Yang Kaipo , Tian Linlu , Nguyen Hung , Helke Kris , Schnapp Lynn M. , Wang Honglin , Yu Xue-Zhong
Published: January 2022

Chronic graft-versus-host disease (cGVHD) remains a major obstacle impeding successful allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT). MicroRNAs (miRs) play key roles in immune regulation during acute GVHD development. Preclinical studies to identify miRs that affect cGVHD pathogenesis are required to develop these as potential lifesaving interventions. Using oligonucleotide array, we identified miR-31, which was significantly elevated in allogeneic T cells after HCT in mice. Using genetic and pharmacologic approaches, we demonstrated a key role for miR-31 in mediating donor T-cell pathogenicity in cGVHD. Recipients of miR-31–deficient T cells displayed improved cutaneous and pulmonary cGVHD. Deficiency of miR-31 reduced T-cell expansion and T helper 17 (Th17) cell differentiation but increased generation and function of regulatory T cells (Tregs). MiR-31 facilitated neuropilin-1 downregulation, Foxp3 loss, and interferon-γ production in alloantigen-induced Tregs. Mechanistically, miR-31 was required for hypoxia-inducible factor 1α (HIF1α) upregulation in allogeneic T cells. Therefore, miR-31–deficient CD4 T cells displayed impaired activation, survival, Th17 cell differentiation, and glycolytic metabolism under hypoxia. Upregulation of factor-inhibiting HIF1, a direct target of miR-31, in miR-31–deficient T cells was essential for attenuating T-cell pathogenicity. However, miR-31–deficient CD8 T cells maintained intact glucose metabolism, cytolytic activity, and graft-versus-leukemia response. Importantly, systemic administration of a specific inhibitor of miR-31 effectively reduced donor T-cell expansion, improved Treg generation, and attenuated cGVHD. Taken together, miR-31 is a key driver for T-cell pathogenicity in cGVHD but not for antileukemia activity. MiR-31 is essential in driving cGVHD pathogenesis and represents a novel potential therapeutic target for controlling cGVHD.
Kinetics and Mechanism of In Situ Metallization of Bulk DNA Films
Authors: Shi Zi-Hao , Hsu Feng-Ming , Mansel Bradley W. , Chen Hsin-Lung , Fruk Ljiljana , Chuang Wei-Tsung , Hung Yu-Chueh
Published: January 2022

DNA-templated metallization is broadly investigated in the fabrication of metallic structures by virtue of the unique DNA-metal ion interaction. However, current DNA-templated synthesis is primarily carried out based on pure DNA in an aqueous solution. In this study, we present in situ synthesis of metallic structures in a natural DNA complex bulk film by UV light irradiation, where the growth of silver particles is resolved by in situ time-resolved small-angle X-ray scattering and dielectric spectroscopy. Our studies provide physical insights into the kinetics and mechanisms of natural DNA metallization, in correlation with the multi-stage switching operations in the bulk phase, paving the way towards the development of versatile biomaterial composites with tunable physical properties for optical storage, plasmonics, and catalytic applications.
Patient satisfaction, needs, and preferences concerning information dispensation at the emergency department: a cross-sectional observational study
Authors: de Steenwinkel Marank , Haagsma Juanita A. , van Berkel Esther C. M. , Rozema Lotte , Rood Pleunie P. M. , Bouwhuis Marna G.
Published: January 2022

Background

Patient satisfaction is an important indicator of emergency care quality and has been associated with information dispensation at the emergency department (ED). Optimal information dispensation could improve patient experience and expectations. Knowing what kind of information patients want to receive and the preferred way of information dispensation are essential to optimize information delivery at the ED. The purpose of this cross-sectional observational study was to evaluate patient satisfaction concerning information dispensation (including general, medical, and practical information), the need for additional information, and preferences with regard to the way of information dispensation at the ED of a teaching hospital in the Netherlands.

Results

Four hundred twenty-three patients (patients ≥ 18 years with Glasgow Coma Scale 15) were enrolled (response rate 79%). The median patient satisfaction score concerning the overall information dispensation at the ED was 7.5 on a rating scale 0–10. Shorter length of ED stay was associated with higher patient satisfaction in multivariate analysis (P < 0.001). The majority of respondents were satisfied regarding medical (n = 328; 78%) and general information (n = 233; 55%). Patients were less satisfied regarding practical information (n = 180; 43%). Respondents who indicated that they received general, medical and practical information were significantly more often satisfied compared to patients who did not receive this information (P < 0.001). Two thirds (n = 260; 62%) requested more general information. Half of the respondents (n = 202; 48%) requested more practical information and a third (n = 152; 36%) requested more medical information. The preferred way for receiving information was orally (n = 189; 44.7%) or by leaflets (n = 108; 25.5%).

Conclusion

The majority of respondents were satisfied concerning information dispensation at the ED, especially regarding medical information. Respondents requested more general and practical information and preferred to receive the information orally or by leaflets.
Inhibition of ABCC9 by zinc oxide nanoparticles induces ferroptosis and inhibits progression, attenuates doxorubicin resistance in breast cancer
Authors: Li Yang , Jiang Cui , Zhang Xiaoxue , Liao Zhixuan , Chen Long , Li Shuang , Tang Shunxiong , Fan Zhe , Zhang Qiang
Published: January 2022

Background

Zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZONs) are a type of nanomaterial that has presented anti-cancer properties in breast cancer (BC). However, the function of ABCC9 in BC and its correlation with ZONs are still elusive.

Methods

Here, we identified the crucial role of ABCC9 in modulating ferroptosis and doxorubicin (Dox) resistance in BC and the targeted function of ZONs to ABCC9.

Results

The silencing of ABCC9 significantly repressed the viability of BC cells. The knockdown of ABCC9 decreased the numbers of Edu-positive BC cells. Conversely, BC cell apoptosis was increased by the inhibition of ABCC9. Besides, the silencing of ABCC9 reduced the capability of migration and invasion of BC cells. Significantly, tumorigenicity analysis demonstrated that the tumor growth of BC cells was suppressed by the depletion of ABCC9 in the xenograft model of nude mice. Moreover, the treatment of ferroptosis activator erastin repressed cell viability of BC cells and ABCC9 overexpression rescued the repression. Similarly, the numbers of Edu-positive BC cells were inhibited by erastin and the overexpression of ABCC9 reversed the inhibitory effect of erastin. The levels of GSH were decreased and MDA, lipid ROS, and iron levels were increased by the treatment of erastin, while the ABCC9 overexpression could reverse these results in BC cells. Consistently, erastin suppressed the expression of ferroptosis inhibitory factors, including GPX4 and SLC7A11, in BC cells and the overexpression of ABCC9 rescued the expression. The IC50 value of Dox was reduced by the knockdown of ABCC9 in Dox-resistant BC cells (BC/Dox). The numbers of Edu-positive BC/Dox cells were attenuated by the depletion of ABCC9. Meanwhile, the apoptosis of BC/Dox cells was stimulated by the silencing of ABCC9. Furthermore, the treatment of ZONs attenuated Dox resistance of BC cells. ZONs remarkably repressed the expression of ABCC9 in BC/Dox cells. ZONs inhibited the cell viability of BC/Dox cells and the overexpression of ABCC9 reversed the repression. Moreover, the treatment of ZONs reduced GSH levels and enhanced MDA, lipid ROS, and iron levels in erastin-stimulated BC/Dox cells.

Conclusions

In conclusion, we discovered that the inhibition of ABCC9 by zinc oxide nanoparticles induces ferroptosis and attenuates Dox resistance in BC.
Non-additive QTL mapping of lactation traits in 124,000 cattle reveals novel recessive loci
Authors: Reynolds Edwardo G. M. , Lopdell Thomas , Wang Yu , Tiplady Kathryn M. , Harland Chad S. , Johnson Thomas J. J. , Neeley Catherine , Carnie Katie , Sherlock Richard G. , Couldrey Christine , Davis Stephen R. , Harris Bevin L. , Spelman Richard J. , Garrick Dorian J. , Littlejohn Mathew D.
Published: January 2022

Background

Deleterious recessive conditions have been primarily studied in the context of Mendelian diseases. Recently, several deleterious recessive mutations with large effects were discovered via non-additive genome-wide association studies (GWAS) of quantitative growth and developmental traits in cattle, which showed that quantitative traits can be used as proxies of genetic disorders when such traits are indicative of whole-animal health status. We reasoned that lactation traits in cattle might also reflect genetic disorders, given the increased energy demands of lactation and the substantial stresses imposed on the animal. In this study, we screened more than 124,000 cows for recessive effects based on lactation traits.

Results

We discovered five novel quantitative trait loci (QTL) that are associated with large recessive impacts on three milk yield traits, with these loci presenting missense variants in the DOCK8, IL4R, KIAA0556, and SLC25A4 genes or premature stop variants in the ITGAL, LRCH4, and RBM34 genes, as candidate causal mutations. For two milk composition traits, we identified several previously reported additive QTL that display small dominance effects. By contrasting results from milk yield and milk composition phenotypes, we note differing genetic architectures. Compared to milk composition phenotypes, milk yield phenotypes had lower heritabilities and were associated with fewer additive QTL but had a higher non-additive genetic variance and were associated with a higher proportion of loci exhibiting dominance.

Conclusions

We identified large-effect recessive QTL which are segregating at surprisingly high frequencies in cattle. We speculate that the differences in genetic architecture between milk yield and milk composition phenotypes derive from underlying dissimilarities in the cellular and molecular representation of these traits, with yield phenotypes acting as a better proxy of underlying biological disorders through presentation of a larger number of major recessive impacts.
Physiological response of Kobresia pygmaea to temperature changes on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau
Authors: Xu Haiyan , Li Lisha , Mao Nan , Gan Zipeng , Xue Shouye , Li Xiaoming , Zhang Bo , Liu Guimin , Wu Xiaodong
Published: January 2022

Background

The Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau is experiencing rapid climate warming, which may further affect plant growth. However, little is known about the plant physiological response to climate change.

Results

Here, we select the Kobresia pygmaea, an important perennial Cyperaceae forage, to examine the physiological indices to temperature changes in different growing months. We determined the contents of malondialdehyde, proline, soluble sugars, superoxide dismutase, peroxidation, and catalase activity in leaves and roots of Kobresia pygmaea at 25℃, 10℃, 4℃ and 0℃ from June to September in 2020. The results showed that the content of osmotic adjustment substances in the leaves and roots of Kobresia pygmaea fluctuated greatly with experimental temperature in June and September. The superoxide dismutase activity in the leaves and roots of the four months changed significantly with temperatures. The peroxidation activity in the leaves was higher than that in the roots, while the catalase activity in leaves and roots fluctuates greatly during June, with a relative stable content in other months. Membership function analysis showed that higher temperatures were more harmful to plant leaves, and lower temperatures were more harmful to plant roots. The interaction of organs, growing season and stress temperature significantly affected the physiological indicators.

Conclusions

The physiological indicators of Kobresia pygmaea can actively respond to temperature changes, and high temperature can reduce the stress resistance Kobresia pygmaea. Our findings suggest that the Kobresia pygmaea has high adaptability to climate warming in the future.
Controlled human malaria infection (CHMI) outcomes in Kenyan adults is associated with prior history of malaria exposure and anti-schizont antibody response
Authors: Kapulu Melissa C. , Kimani Domtila , Njuguna Patricia , Hamaluba Mainga , Otieno Edward , Kimathi Rinter , Tuju James , Sim B. Kim Lee ,   CHMI-SIKA Study Team, Abdi Abdirahman I. , Abebe Yonas , Bejon Philip , Billingsley Peter F. , Bull Peter C. , de Laurent Zaydah , Hoffman Stephen L. , James Eric R. , Kariuki Silvia , Kinyanjui Sam , Kivisi Cheryl , Makale Johnstone , Marsh Kevin , Mohammed Khadija Said , Mosobo Moses , Musembi Janet , Musyoki Jennifer , Muthui Michelle , Mwacharo Jedidah , Mwai Kennedy , Ngoi Joyce M. , Ngoto Omar , Nkumama Irene , Ndungu Francis , Odera Dennis , Ogutu Bernhards , Olewe Fredrick , Omuoyo Donwilliams , Ong’echa John , Osier Faith , Richie Thomas L. , Shangala Jimmy , Wambua Juliana , Williams Thomas N.
Published: January 2022

Background

Individuals living in endemic areas acquire immunity to malaria following repeated parasite exposure. We sought to assess the controlled human malaria infection (CHMI) model as a means of studying naturally acquired immunity in Kenyan adults with varying malaria exposure.

Methods

We analysed data from 142 Kenyan adults from three locations representing distinct areas of malaria endemicity (Ahero, Kilifi North and Kilifi South) enrolled in a CHMI study with Plasmodium falciparum sporozoites NF54 strain (Sanaria® PfSPZ Challenge). To identify the in vivo outcomes that most closely reflected naturally acquired immunity, parameters based on qPCR measurements were compared with anti-schizont antibody levels and residence as proxy markers of naturally acquired immunity.

Results

Time to endpoint correlated more closely with anti-schizont antibodies and location of residence than other parasite parameters such as growth rate or mean parasite density. Compared to observational field-based studies in children where 0.8% of the variability in malaria outcome was observed to be explained by anti-schizont antibodies, in the CHMI model the dichotomized anti-schizont antibodies explained 17% of the variability.

Conclusions

The CHMI model is highly effective in studying markers of naturally acquired immunity to malaria.

Trial registration Clinicaltrials.gov number NCT02739763. Registered 15 April 2016
Adverse effects in hematologic malignancies treated with chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cell therapy: a systematic review and Meta-analysis
Authors: Luo Wenjing , Li Chenggong , Zhang Yinqiang , Du Mengyi , Kou Haiming , Lu Cong , Mei Heng , Hu Yu
Published: January 2022

Background

Recently, chimeric antigen receptor-modified (CAR) T cell therapy for hematological malignancies has shown clinical efficacy. Hundreds of clinical trials have been registered and lots of studies have shown hematologic toxic effects were very common. The main purpose of this review is to systematically analyze hematologic toxicity in hematologic malignancies treated with CAR-T cell therapy.

Methods

We searched databases including PubMed, Web of Science, Embase and Cochrane up to January 2021. For safety analysis of overall hematologic toxicity, the rate of neutrophil, thrombocytopenia and anemia were calculated. Subgroup analysis was performed for age, pathological type, target antigen, co-stimulatory molecule, history of hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) and prior therapy lines. The incidence rate of aspartate transferase (AST) increased, alanine transaminase (ALT) increased, serum creatine increased, APTT prolonged and fibrinogen decreased were also calculated.

Results

Overall, 52 studies involving 2004 patients were included in this meta-analysis. The incidence of any grade neutropenia, thrombocytopenia and anemia was 80% (95% CI: 68–89%), 61% (95% CI: 49–73%), and 68% (95%CI: 54–80%) respectively. The incidences of grade ≥ 3 neutropenia, thrombocytopenia and anemia were 60% (95% CI: 49–70%), 33% (95% CI: 27–40%), and 32% (95%CI: 25–40%) respectively. According to subgroup analysis and the corresponding Z test, hematological toxicity was more frequent in younger patients, in patients with ≥4 median lines of prior therapy and in anti-CD19 cases. The subgroup analysis of CD19 CAR-T cell constructs showed that 41BB resulted in less hematological toxicity than CD28.

Conclusion

CAR-T cell therapy has dramatical efficacy in hematological malignancies, but the relevant adverse effects remain its obstacle. The most common ≥3 grade side effect is hematological toxicity, and some cases die from infections or severe hemorrhage in early period. In long-term follow-up, hematological toxicity is less life-threatening generally and most suffered patients recover to adequate levels after 3 months. To prevent life-threatening infections or bleeding events, clinicians should pay attention to intervention of hematological toxicity in the early process of CAR-T cell therapy.