bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pax8 as a useful adjunct marker to differentiate pancreatic serous cystadenoma from clear cell renal cell carcinoma in both cytologic and surgical specimens
Authors: Chi Zhikai , Xu Jing , Karamchandani Dipti M. , Peng Lan
Published: April 2023

Background

Histomorphological differentiation between pancreatic serous cystadenoma (SCA) and clear cell renal cell carcinoma (RCC) can be challenging. We aimed to study Paired box 8 protein (Pax8) expression profile in cytologic and surgical specimens with pancreatic SCA to assess its utility as a differentiating marker from clear cell RCC.

Methods

We characterized Pax8 immunohistochemistry in 33 patients with pancreatic SCA (23 surgical resections and 10 cytology specimens). Nine cytology specimens from metastatic clear cell RCC involving pancreas were used as control tissue. Electronic medical records were reviewed to retrieve clinical information.

Results

All 10 pancreatic SCA cytology specimens, and 16 of 23 pancreatic SCA surgical resections showed absent Pax8 immunostaining, while the remaining 7 surgical resection specimens showed 1%-2% immunoreactivities. Islet and lymphoid cells adjacent to the pancreatic SCA expressed Pax8. In contrast, the proportion of Pax8 immunoreactivity ranged from 50 to 90% (average of 76%) in nine cases of metastatic clear cell RCC involving pancreas. Using a 5% immunoreactivity cutoff, all cases of pancreatic SCA are interpreted as negative for Pax8 immunostains while all cases of metastatic clear cell RCC involving pancreas are interpreted as positive for Pax8 immunostains.

Conclusions

These results suggest that Pax8 immunohistochemistry staining can be a useful adjunct marker to differentiate pancreatic SCA from clear cell RCC in clinical practice. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first large-scale study of Pax8 immunostaining on surgical and cytology specimens with pancreatic SCA.
Study on basic and clinical application of Shufeng Jiedu Capsule in treating respiratory tract infection
Authors: Han Yanqi , Xu Jun , Zhu Qiang , Yang Li , Wang Yitao , Luo Hua , Zhang Tiejun
Published: April 2023

Shufeng Jiedu Capsule (SFJDC), composed of eight herbs, is a big brand traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) for the treatment of different respiratory tract infectious diseases with good clinical efficacy and few side effects. It is clinically applied to acute upper respiratory tract infection(URI), influenza, acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (AECOPD), community-acquired pneumonia(CAP) and other diseases, due to its antibacterial, antiviral, anti-inflammatory, immunoregulatory and antipyretic activities. In particular, it has shown good clinical effects for COVID-19, and was included in the fourth to tenth editions of the ‘Diagnosis and Treatment Protocol for COVID-19 (Trial)’ by the National Health Commission. In recent years, studies on the secondary development which focus on the basic and clinical application of SFJDC have been widely reported. In this paper, chemical components, pharmacodynamic material basis, mechanisms, compatibility rule and clinical application were systematically summarized, in order to provide theoretical and experimental basis for further research and clinical application of SFJDC.
Tibial fracture surgery in elderly mice caused postoperative neurocognitive disorder via SOX2OT lncRNA in the hippocampus
Authors: Xiao Zhibin , Zhang Xiajing , Li Guangyao , Sun Li , Li Jiangjing , Jing Ziwei , Qiu Qingya , He Guangxiang , Gao Changjun , Sun Xude
Published: April 2023

Increasing evidence indicates the major role of mitochondrial function in neurodegenerative disease. However, it is unclear whether mitochondrial dynamics directly affect postoperative neurocognitive disorder (PND). This study aimed to analyze the underlying mechanisms of mitochondrial dynamics in the pathogenesis of PND. Tibial fracture surgery was performed in elderly mice to generate a PND model in vivo. Cognitive behavior was evaluated 3 days post-surgery using novel object recognition and fear conditioning. A gradual increase in the SOX2OT mRNA level and decrease in the SOX2 mRNA level were noted, with impaired cognitive function, in the mice 3 days after tibial surgery compared with mice in the sham group. To evaluate the role of SOX2OT in PND, SOX2OT knockdown was performed in vitro and in vivo using lentivirus transfection in HT22 cells and via brain stereotactic injection of lentivirus, respectively. SOX2OT knockdown reduced apoptosis, inhibited oxidative stress, suppressed mitochondrial hyperdivision, attenuated surgery-induced cognitive dysfunction, and promoted downstream SOX2 expression in elderly mice. Furthermore, Sox2 alleviated mitochondrial functional damage by inhibiting the transcription of mitochondrial division protein Drp1. Our study findings indicate that SOX2OT knockout alleviates surgery-induced mitochondrial fission and cognitive function defects by upregulating the expression of Sox2 in mice, resulting in the inhibition of drp1 transcription. Therefore, regulation of the SOX2/Drp1 pathway may be a potential mechanism for the treatment of patients with PND.
Development of a necroptosis-related gene signature and the immune landscape in ovarian cancer
Authors: Nie Sipei , Ni Na , Chen Ningxin , Gong Min , Feng Ercui , Liu Jinhui , Liu Qiaoling
Published: April 2023

Background

Necroptosis is a novel type of programmed cell death distinct from apoptosis. However, the role of necroptosis in ovarian cancer (OC) remains unclear. The present study investigated the prognostic value of necroptosis-related genes (NRGs) and the immune landscape in OC.

Methods

The gene expression profiling and clinical information were downloaded from the TCGA and GTEx databases. Differentially expressed NRGs (DE-NRGs) between OC and normal tissueswere identified. The regression analyses were conducted to screen the prognostic NRGs and construct the predictive risk model. Patients were then divided into high- and low-risk groups, and the GO and KEGG analyses were performed to explore bioinformatics functions between the two groups. Subsequently, the risk level and immune status correlations were assessed through the ESTIMATE and CIBERSORT algorithms. The tumor mutation burden (TMB) and the drug sensitivity were also analyzed based on the two-NRG signature in OC.

Results

Totally 42 DE-NRGs were identified in OC. The regression analyses screened out two NRGs (MAPK10 and STAT4) with prognostic values for overall survival. The ROC curve showed a better predictive ability in five-year OS using the risk score. Immune-related functions were significantly enriched in the high- and low-risk group. Macrophages M1, T cells CD4 memory activated, T cells CD8, and T cells regulatory infiltration immune cells were associated with the low-risk score. The lower tumor microenvironment score was demonstrated in the high-risk group. Patients with lower TMB in the low-risk group showed a better prognosis, and a lower TIDE score suggested a better immune checkpoint inhibitor response in the high-risk group. Besides, cisplatin and paclitaxel were found to be more sensitive in the low-risk group.

Conclusions

MAPK10 and STAT4 can be important prognosis factors in OC, and the two-gene signature performs well in predicting survival outcomes. Our study provided novel ways of OC prognosis estimation and potential treatment strategy.
Digital PCR: modern solution to parasite diagnostics and population trait genetics
Authors: Baltrušis Paulius , Höglund Johan
Published: April 2023

The use of polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based diagnostic approaches has steadily increased in the field of parasitology in recent decades. The most recent large-scale technological modification of the PCR formula, also known as third-generation PCR, came in the form of digital PCR (dPCR). Currently, the most common form of dPCR on the market is digital droplet PCR (ddPCR). Unlike quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR), the digital format allows for highly sensitive, absolute quantification of nucleic acid targets and does not require external standards to be included in the developed assays. Dividing each sample into thousands of compartments and using statistical models also eliminates the need for technical replicates. With unprecedented sensitivity and enforcement of binary endpoint reactions, ddPCR not only allows the use of tiny sample volumes (especially important when working with limited amounts of DNA) but also minimises the impact of variations in amplification efficiency and the presence of inhibitors. As ddPCR is characterised by excellent features such as high throughput, sensitivity and robust quantification, it is widely used as a diagnostic tool in clinical microbiology. Due to recent advances, both the theoretical background and the practical, current applications related to the quantification of nucleic acids of eukaryotic parasites need to be updated. In this review, we present the basics of this technology (particularly useful for new users) and consolidate recent advances in the field with a focus on applications to the study of helminths and protozoan parasites.

Graphical Abstract
Comparison of transcriptome alterations induced by pendimethalin or its commercial formulation Stomp Aqua in human MCF-7, MCF-10 A and MCF-12 A mammary epithelial cells
Authors: Mesnage Robin , Omriouate Helin , Antoniou Michael N
Published: April 2023

Objective

The toxicology of herbicides, which are currently in use is under-explored. One highly used but under investigated herbicide is pendimethalin. Here we mined high-throughput data from the US National Toxicology Program (NTP) to identify whether pendimethalin possesses an estrogenic capability in human cells. We also evaluated effects of pendimethalin and its reference commercial formulated herbicide Stomp Aqua on the transcriptome profile of three human mammary epithelial cell lines, cancerous MCF-7 and non-cancerous MCF-10 A and MCF-12 A to see whether this compound could have endocrine disrupting effects and if co-formulants present in the commercial formulation could amplify its toxicity.

Results

The data mined from the US NTP database suggests that pendimethalin activates estrogen receptors at a concentration of approximately 10?M. MCF-7, MCF-10A and MCF-12A cells were exposed to 10 ?M pendimethalin and Stomp Aqua at an equivalent concentration. Transcriptome analysis showed changes in gene expression patterns implying that pendimethalin affected ubiquitin-mediated proteolysis and the function of the spliceosome. The formulated pendimethalin product Stomp Aqua gave comparable effects suggesting pendimethalin was responsible for the observed transcriptome alterations. Given the lack of information on the exposure to this pesticide, our study prompts the need for biomonitoring studies, especially under occupational use scenarios, to understand if low level exposure to pendimethalin could have endocrine disrupting effects on populations exposed to this compound. A deeper understanding of the exposure and mechanisms of action of this endocrine-disrupting pesticide is needed.
Engineering of MSCs sheet for the prevention of myocardial ischemia and for left ventricle remodeling
Authors: Chang Dehua , Yang Xiaotong , Fan Siyang , Fan Taibing , Zhang Mingkui , Ono Minoru
Published: April 2023

Tissue engineering combines cell biology and material science to construct tissues or organs for disease modeling, drug testing, and regenerative medicine. The cell sheet is a newly developed tissue engineering technology that has brought about scaffold-free tissue and shows great application potential. In this review, we summarized recent progress and future possibilities in preclinical research into and clinical applications of cell sheets fabricated by differing cell types from various sources for cardiac tissue repair, and the manufacturing strategies and promising application potential of 3D cell-dense tissue constructed from cell sheets. Special attention was paid to the mechanisms of mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) sheets in the prevention of myocardial ischemia and left ventricle remodeling. Comparing MSCs sheets with other types of cell sheets and 3D cardiac tissues, engineering tissues' potential safety and effectiveness concerns were also discussed.
On potential challenges of V2X sidelink relaying under interference: link-level and system-level simulation with neural network assisted
Authors: Zhao Chonghao , Wu Gang
Published: April 2023

The ever-increasing demand for high data rates and high connection densities in the vehicle communication network, along with the widespread adoption of radio access over the Third Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) standard, has been a major driver for the research on cellular vehicle-to-everything (C-V2X) communication. Nevertheless, Wi-Fi and other wireless communication technology work on the 5.9 GHz unlicensed band has also undergone booming proliferation over the years. C-V2X users dedicated band on the 5.9 GHz spectrum may thus suffer from both co-channel and adjacent channel interference, which cannot be negligible, especially in urban scenarios. To this end, 3GPP has standardized relay technology in New Radio (NR) V2X sidelink to extend the transmission range under interference. In this paper, through a link-level and system-level simulation study, we evaluate the sidelink performance in relaying scenarios under different interference. Motivated by the recent success of deep learning, a novel neural network is further introduced as a unified benchmark for interference mitigation evaluation. Numerical results show that there exist challenges in the real-time optimization of transmission scheme selection and power allocation in relay-assisted cases. The simulation also reveals that the interference incurred by NR on unlicensed spectrum (NR-U) signals and other sidelink signals is intractable to be suppressed, which may bring potential challenges in future works.
Effects of stigma, anxiety and depression, and uncertainty in illness on quality of life in patients with prostate cancer: a cross-sectional analysis
Authors: Pan Shucheng , Wang Lijuan , Zheng Li , Luo Jie , Mao Jinjiao , Qiao Wenbo , Zhu Binbin , Wang Wei
Published: April 2023

Purpose

Although much work has been carried out on stigma, anxiety and depression, and quality of life(QoL) in cancer patients, far less work has been done to examine their associations. This study explores the effects of stigma, anxiety and depression, and uncertainty in illness on QoL in prostate cancer patients.

Methods

A cross-sectional study surveyed levels of stigma, anxiety and depression, QoL, and uncertainty in illness in 263 people diagnosed with prostate cancer from the First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine. The main study variables were analyzed by structural equation modeling.

Results

Anxiety and depression were significantly negatively related to QoL, with a standardized regression coefficient (β=−0.312, S.E. =0.478, p < 0.05), which means that participants reporting higher levels of anxiety reported decreased levels of QoL. Stigma was positively related to anxiety and depression (β = 0.135, S.E. =0.203, p < 0.001) and uncertainty in illness (β = 0.126, S.E. =2.194, p < 0.05). Stigma has direct effects on QoL (β=−0.209, S.E. =1.655, p < 0.001), but in the presence of a third variable (anxiety and depression overall), direct effects are reduced, as indirect effects emerge through the variable anxiety and depression overall, with an indirect effect size of − 0.054.

Conclusions

Stigma impacts mental health, such as anxiety and depression, uncertainty in illness, and QoL. Health care professionals may help patients alleviate feelings of anxiety, depression, and uncertainty in illness to improve QoL outcomes.
Informal sexual relationship-associated factors among young adult smartphone users in South of Iran: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Joulaei Hassan , Khaksar Elahe , Ghorbani Mohammad , Rahmanipour Elham , Zarei Nooshin , Foroozanfar Zohre
Published: April 2023

Background

With the unprecedented pace of modernization, risky sexual behaviors have become more frequent in developing countries, such as Iran. We aimed to assess the prevalence of informal sexual relationship (ISR) and factors associated with having ISR in young adult in Iran.

Methods

This cross-sectional study was conducted on 414 young adult smartphone users in Iran, in 2019. Data was collected through an online questionnaire (including: ISR, socio-demographic variables, their use of social network, religious beliefs, personality, and loneliness). Logistic regression model was used to determine factors related to ISR.

Results

A total of 152 (36.7%; 95% CI 32.1–45.6) participants reported having ISR. Finding an opposite-sex friend through a mobile app (OR = 2.59, 95% CI 1.34, 5.01), being currently sexually active (OR = 2.39, 95% CI 1.26, 4.56), higher scores of extroverted personality (OR = 1.13, 95% CI 1.01, 1.27), and closer relationship with parents (OR = 3.17, 95% CI 2.25, 8.02) were found to be associated with having ISR. Additionally, living in small cities rather than the provincial capital (OR = 0.23, 95% CI 0.10, 0.49) had a reverse association with having ISR.

Conclusions

This study illustrated the high prevalence of ISR and its association with increased duration of internet and mobile app use. Innovative and multidisciplinary approaches could be recommended in this regard.
Murine model for chronic rhinosinusitis: An interventional study
Authors: Hamour Amr F. , Lee John JW. , Wasilewski Ewa , Monteiro Eric , Lee John M. , Vescan Allan , Kotra Lakshmi P.
Published: April 2023

Background

Chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) is a complex inflammatory disease of the sinonasal tract. To understand this disease entity and develop targeted treatments, a reproducible animal model is paramount.

Aims/objectives

To optimize a murine model of eosinophilic CRS by establishing benchmark histological markers and validate its fidelity in evaluating intranasal treatments.

Material and methods

Forty-five Balb/c mice were included in the 7-week protocol. Experimental animals (n = 20) were induced a CRS disease state upon receiving intraperitoneal sensitization with ovalbumin (OVA), followed by intranasal OVA with Aspergillus oryzae protease. Analysis of complete blood count with differential, peripheral blood smear, and histological markers from the nasal cavity mucosa were performed. CRS mice were additionally treated with intranasal saline (n = 5) or mometasone (n = 10) and compared with control groups of untreated CRS (n = 5) and healthy (n = 5) mice after week 7.

Results

Histological analysis of experimental animal nasal mucosa revealed significantly higher levels of eosinophilic tissue infiltration/degranulation, hyaline droplets, Charcot–Leyden crystals, and respiratory epithelial thickness compared to healthy controls. Treatment with mometasone significantly reversed the histopathological changes observed in CRS mice.

Conclusion and significance

This murine model induced substantial local eosinophilic inflammation within sinonasal mucosa, that was reversible with mometasone. This model may be used to evaluate the efficacy of therapeutics designed to target CRS.
Optical anisotropy of CsPbBr3 perovskite nanoplatelets
Authors: Diroll Benjamin T. , Banerjee Progna , Shevchenko Elena V.
Published: April 2023

The two-dimensional CsPbBr3 nanoplatelets have a quantum well electronic structure with a band gap tunable with sample thicknesses in discreet steps based upon the number of monolayers. The polarized optical properties of CsPbBr3 nanoplatelets are studied using fluorescence anisotropy and polarized transient absorption spectroscopies. Polarized spectroscopy shows that they have absorption and emission transitions which are strongly plane-polarized. In particular, photoluminescence excitation and transient absorption measurements reveal a band-edge polarization approaching 0.1, the limit of isotropic two-dimensional ensembles. The degree of anisotropy is found to depend on the thickness of the nanoplatelets: multiple measurements show a progressive decrease in optical anisotropy from 2 to 5 monolayer thick nanoplatelets. In turn, larger cuboidal CsPbBr3 nanocrystals, are found to have consistently positive anisotropy which may be attributed to symmetry breaking from ideal perovskite cubes. Optical measurements of anisotropy are described with respect to the theoretical framework developed to describe exciton fine structure in these materials. The observed planar absorption and emission are close to predicted values at thinner nanoplatelet sizes and follow the predicted trend in anisotropy with thickness, but with larger anisotropy than theoretical predictions. Dominant planar emission, albeit confined to the thinnest nanoplatelets, is a valuable attribute for enhanced efficiency of light-emitting devices.
Spontaneous regression of advanced transverse colon cancer with deficient mismatch repair: a case report
Authors: Harata Shinnosuke , Takahashi Hiroki , Ando Nanako , Kato Akira , Watanabe Kaori , Yanagita Takeshi , Suzuki Takuya , Ushigome Hajime , Shiga Kazuyoshi , Ogawa Ryo , Matsuo Yoichi , Mitsui Akira , Kimura Masahiro , Takiguchi Shuji
Published: April 2023

Background

Spontaneous regression (SR) of cancer occurs in 1 in 60,000–100,000 patients. This phenomenon has been reported in almost all cancer types, most commonly neuroblastoma, renal cell carcinoma, malignant melanoma, and lymphoma/leukemia. However, SR in colorectal cancer (CRC) is extremely rare, particularly in advanced cases. Hence, this report describes a very rare case of spontaneous regression of advanced transverse colon cancer.

Case presentation

A 76-year-old female with anemia was diagnosed with a type II well-differentiated adenocarcinoma in the middle transverse colon. Two months later, a second colonoscopy examination was performed for preoperative marking, and it revealed tumor shrinkage and a shift to type 0–IIc morphology. Endoscopic tattooing was then performed, followed by a laparoscopic partial resection of the transverse colon with D3 lymph node dissection. However, the resected specimen contained no tumor, and colonoscopy showed no tumor remnants in the remaining colon. Histopathological examination revealed mucosal regeneration and a mucus nodule in between the submucosal and muscular layers, with no cancer cells detected. Immunohistochemical analysis revealed the loss of MutL homolog 1 (MLH1) and postmeiotic segregation increased 2 (PMS2) expression in the cancer cells of biopsied specimens, suggesting deficient mismatch repair (dMMR). The patient continues to be followed up until 6 years postoperatively, and no recurrence has been observed. In this study, we also reviewed similar reported cases of spontaneous regression of cancer involving dMMR.

Conclusion

This study presents a rare case of spontaneous regression of advanced transverse colon cancer wherein dMMR is strongly involved. However, further accumulation of similar cases is needed to elucidate this phenomenon and to develop new treatment strategies for CRC.
Experience of Playing Sport or Exercising for Women with Pelvic Floor Symptoms: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Dakic Jodie G. , Hay-Smith Jean , Lin Kuan-Yin , Cook Jill , Frawley Helena C.
Published: April 2023

Background

Women participate in sport at lower rates than men, and face unique challenges to participation. One in three women across all sports experience pelvic floor (PF) symptoms such as urinary incontinence during training/competition. There is a dearth of qualitative literature on women’s experiences of playing sport/exercising with PF symptoms. The purpose of this study was to explore the lived experience of symptomatic women within sports/exercise settings and the impact of PF symptoms on sports/exercise participation using in-depth semi-structured interviews.

Results

Twenty-three women (age 26–61 years) who had experienced a breadth of PF symptom type, severity and bother during sport/exercise participated in one–one interviews. Women played a variety of sports and levels of participation. Qualitative content analysis was applied leading to identification of four main themes: (1) I can’t exercise the way I would like to (2) it affects my emotional and social well-being, (3) where I exercise affects my experience and (4) there is so much planning to be able to exercise. Women reported extensive impact on their ability to participate in their preferred type, intensity and frequency of exercise. Women experienced judgement from others, anger, fear of symptoms becoming known and isolation from teams/group exercise settings as a consequence of symptoms. Meticulous and restrictive coping strategies were needed to limit symptom provocation during exercise, including limiting fluid intake and careful consideration of clothing/containment options.

Conclusion

Experiencing PF symptoms during sport/exercise caused considerable limitation to participation. Generation of negative emotions and pain-staking coping strategies to avoid symptoms, limited the social and mental health benefits typically associated with sport/exercise in symptomatic women. The culture of the sporting environment influenced whether women continued or ceased exercising. In order to promote women’s participation in sport, co-designed strategies for (1) screening and management of PF symptoms and (2) promotion of a supportive and inclusive culture within sports/exercise settings are needed.
Implementing digital devices to increase mobility training for people receiving inpatient rehabilitation: protocol for a feasibility hybrid type II randomized controlled trial
Authors: Aravind Nisha , Treacy Daniel , Chagpar Sakina , Harvey Lisa A. , Glinsky Joanne V. , Sherrington Catherine , Hassett Leanne M.
Published: April 2023

Background

People with mobility limitations can benefit from rehabilitation programs incorporating intensive, repetitive, and task-specific exercises using digital devices such as virtual reality gaming systems, tablet and smartphone applications, and wearable devices. The Activity and MObility UsiNg Technology (AMOUNT) rehabilitation trial (n = 300) showed improvements in mobility in people using these types of digital devices in addition to their usual rehabilitation care when the intervention was provided by an additional study-funded physiotherapist. However, it is not clear if this intervention can be implemented by hospital physiotherapists with a usual clinical load. The AMOUNT Implementation trial aims to explore the feasibility of conducting a large-scale implementation trial.

Methods

A pragmatic, assessor blinded, feasibility hybrid type II randomized controlled trial will be undertaken at a public hospital in Australia. There will be two phases. Phase I (Implementation phase) will involve implementing the digital devices into physiotherapy practice. Physiotherapists from the rehabilitation ward will receive a multifaceted implementation strategy guided by the Capabilities, Opportunities, Motivation-Behaviour (COM-B) theoretical model. The implementation strategy includes identifying and training a clinical champion; providing digital devices and education and training; facilitating use of the devices through clinical reasoning sessions and journal clubs; and audit and feedback of exercise dosage documentation. Phase II (Trial phase) will involve randomising 30 eligible inpatients from the same ward into either usual care or usual care plus an additional 30 min or more of exercises using digital devices. This intervention will be provided by the physiotherapists who took part in the implementation phase. We will collect data on feasibility, implementation, and patient-level clinical outcomes. The three primary outcome measures are the extent to which physiotherapists document the dosage of exercises provided to participants (feasibility criteria: exercise practice sheets complete for ≥85% of all participants); ability to recruit participants; and fidelity to the protocol of using digital devices to prescribe exercises (feasibility criteria: average of ≥ 30mins per day for > 50% intervention participants).

Discussion

This feasibility study will provide important information to guide the planning and conduct of a future large-scale implementation trial.

Trial registration

Australian and New Zealand Clinical Trial Registry; ACTRN12621000938808; registered 19/07/2021. Trial sponsor: Prince of Wales Hospital. 320–346 Barker Street, Randwick, NSW, 2031, Australia. Protocol version: 6.2 7th April 2021.
Mediation effect of trust on willingness to pay for health insurance among co-operative members in Tanzania
Authors: Nzowa Petro G. , Nandonde Felix A. , Seimu Somo M. L.
Published: April 2023

This study analysed co-operative members’ willingness to pay (WTP) for health insurance. The social capital theory was adopted to analyse the mediation role of trust issues on other variables determining co-operative members’ WTP for health insurance. A single Contingent Valuation Method (CVM) was used to elicit and estimate the amount co-operative members that were willing to pay for health insurance. The Partial Least Square Structural Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM) was used to analyse variables affecting co-operative members’ WTP for health insurance. Findings indicated that most co-operative members were willing to pay for health insurance. Further, except for price, trust issues fully and partially mediate quality attributes and access criteria, respectively, when it comes to WTP for health insurance. Firm trust is required among co-operators, management, health insurers, and health facilities in order to increase WTP for health insurance among co-operative members.
Effects of Burosumab Treatment on Mineral Metabolism in Children and Adolescents With X-linked Hypophosphatemia
Authors: Ewert Annika , Rehberg Mirko , Schlingmann Karl Peter , Hiort Olaf , John-Kroegel Ulrike , Metzing Oliver , Wühl Elke , Schaefer Franz , Kemper Markus J , Derichs Ute , Richter-Unruh Annette , Patzer Ludwig , Albers Norbert , Dunstheimer Desiree , Haberland Holger , Heger Sabine , Schröder Carmen , Jorch Norbert , Schmid Elmar , Staude Hagen , Weitz Marcus , Freiberg Clemens , Leifheit-Nestler Maren , Zivicnjak Miroslav , Schnabel Dirk , Haffner Dieter
Published: April 2023

Context

Burosumab has been approved for the treatment of children and adults with X-linked hypophosphatemia (XLH). Real-world data and evidence for its efficacy in adolescents are lacking.

Objective

To assess the effects of 12 months of burosumab treatment on mineral metabolism in children (aged <12 years) and adolescents (aged 12-18 years) with XLH.

Design

Prospective national registry.

Setting

Hospital clinics.

Patients

A total of 93 patients with XLH (65 children, 28 adolescents).

Main Outcome Measures

Z scores for serum phosphate, alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and renal tubular reabsorption of phosphate per glomerular filtration rate (TmP/GFR) at 12 months.

Results

At baseline, patients showed hypophosphatemia (−4.4 SD), reduced TmP/GFR (−6.5 SD), and elevated ALP (2.7 SD, each P < .001 vs healthy children) irrespective of age, suggesting active rickets despite prior therapy with oral phosphate and active vitamin D in 88% of patients. Burosumab treatment resulted in comparable increases in serum phosphate and TmP/GFR in children and adolescents with XLH and a steady decline in serum ALP (each P < .001 vs baseline). At 12 months, serum phosphate, TmP/GFR, and ALP levels were within the age-related normal range in approximately 42%, 27%, and 80% of patients in both groups, respectively, with a lower, weight-based final burosumab dose in adolescents compared with children (0.72 vs 1.06 mg/kg, P < .01).

Conclusions

In this real-world setting, 12 months of burosumab treatment was equally effective in normalizing serum ALP in adolescents and children, despite persistent mild hypophosphatemia in one-half of patients, suggesting that complete normalization of serum phosphate is not mandatory for substantial improvement of rickets in these patients. Adolescents appear to require lower weight-based burosumab dosage than children.
Secondary Neurologic Deterioration After Moderate Traumatic Brain Injury: Development of a Multivariable Prediction Model and Proposition of a Simple Triage Score
Authors: Aries Philippe , Ognard Julien , Cadieu Amandine , Degos Vincent , Huet Olivier
Published: April 2023

BACKGROUND:

Identifying patients at risk of secondary neurologic deterioration (SND) after moderate traumatic brain injury (moTBI) is a challenge, as such patients will need specific care. No simple scoring system has been evaluated to date. This study aimed to determine clinical and radiological factors associated with SND after moTBI and to propose a triage score.

METHODS:

All adults admitted in our academic trauma center between January 2016 and January 2019 for moTBI (Glasgow Coma Scale [GCS] score, 9–13) were eligible. SND during the first week was defined either by a decrease in GCS score of >2 points from the admission GCS in the absence of pharmacologic sedation or by a deterioration in neurologic status associated with an intervention, such as mechanical ventilation, sedation, osmotherapy, transfer to the intensive care unit (ICU), or neurosurgical intervention (for intracranial mass lesions or depressed skull fracture). Clinical, biological, and radiological independent predictors of SND were identified by logistic regression (LR). An internal validation was performed using a bootstrap technique. A weighted score was defined based on beta (β) coefficients of the LR.

RESULTS:

A total of 142 patients were included. Forty-six patients (32%) showed SND, and 14-day mortality rate was 18.4%. Independent variables associated with SND were age above 60 years (odds ratio [OR], 3.45 [95% confidence interval {CI}, 1.45–8.48]; P = .005), brain frontal contusion (OR, 3.22 [95% CI, 1.31–8.49]; P = .01), prehospital or admission arterial hypotension (OR, 4.86 [95% CI, 2.03–12.60]; P = .006), and a Marshall computed tomography (CT) score of 6 (OR, 3.25 [95% CI, 1.31–8.20]; P = .01). The SND score was defined with a range from 0 to 10. The score included the following variables: age >60 years (3 points), prehospital or admission arterial hypotension (3 points), frontal contusion (2 points), and Marshall CT score of 6 (2 points). The score was able to detect patients at risk of SND, with an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) of 0.73 (95% CI, 0.65–0.82). A score of 3 had a sensitivity of 85%, a specificity of 50%, a VPN of 87%, and a VPP of 44 % to predict SND.

CONCLUSIONS:

In this study, we demonstrate that moTBI patients have a significant risk of SND. A simple weighted score at hospital admission could be able to detect patients at risk of SND. The use of the score may enable optimization of care resources for these patients.
Britannia and the Weight of Empires Past: The Instance of Falconer's The Shipwreck
Authors: Kaul Suvir
Published: April 2023

Falconer's The Shipwreck (1762) contains substantial passages in which the poet surveys the Greco-Roman cities and ruins visible to sailors as they sail past landmasses in the Mediterranean. This survey of past and present is a reminder of the changing fortunes—the rise and fall—of powerful city-states and empires. The poem's primary theme is the peril faced by sailors on trading voyages, on which they provide the labor, face the dangers, but earn few of the profits. By invoking the Greco-Roman past, however, Falconer also warns his readers of the human costs of commercial and imperial ambition.
Three introduced Monacha species (Gastropoda: Hygromiidae) in and near Lviv with remarks on M. cartusiana spreading in Ukraine and its Western part
Authors: Gural-Sverlova Nina , Gural Roman
Published: April 2023

The distribution of three introduced Monacha species in Lviv and its immediate environs was analysed. For this, adult snails collected at 33 sites from 2011 to 2022 were studied anatomically. We found Monacha fruticola in two sites (Lviv, Briukhovychi), two cryptic species M. cartusiana and M. claustralis in 4 sites (Lviv, Yampil), only M. claustralis in one site in Lviv, and only M. cartusiana (single individuals or populations) in the remaining 26 cases. The distal genitalia of M. claustralis from new discoveries in and near Lviv, the variability of the vagina shape in M. cartusiana and M. claustralis from the studied area are shown. The possible role of private cars in the rapid spread of M. cartusiana in the study area is discussed. The chronology of registration of M. cartusiana in Western Ukraine is shown in a tabular format. A significant expansion of the range of M. cartusiana in Ukraine was noted, although almost until the very end of the 20th century this species was mentioned only for the southern part of the country, including Crimea.
Καινοτόμος θεραπευτική προσέγγιση βασισμένη στο εκκρίτωμα των μεσεγχοματικών στρωματικών κυττάρων για ηπατικές νόσους
Authors: Ψαράκη Αντρέα-Αντριάνα
Published: April 2023

ΥΠΟΒΑΘΡΟ ΚΑΙ ΣΤΟΧΟΙ: H oξεία ηπατική ανεπάρκεια (ΟΗΑ) αποτελεί μία αιφνίδια νόσο του ήπατος, η οποία χαρακτηρίζεται από ταχεία επιδείνωση της ηπατικής λειτουργίας και υψηλό ποσοστό θνητότητας. Μέχρι σήμερα, η ενδεδειγμένη θεραπεία ασθενών με ΟΗΑ είναι η μεταμόσχευση του ήπατος, ωστόσο συνοδεύεται από αρκετούς περιορισμούς, που σχετίζονται με τον μειωμένο αριθμό δοτών και την μακράς διάρκειας ανοσοκατασταλτική θεραπεία. ΠΡΟΣΕΓΓΙΣΗ ΚΑΙ ΑΠΟΤΕΛΕΣΜΑΤΑ: Τα αποτελέσματα της παρούσας εργασίας παρουσιάζουν μία εναλλακτική θεραπεία για την ΟΗΑ, βασιζόμενη σε εξωσωμάτια προερχόμενα από Μεσεγχυματικά βλαστικά/στρωματικά κύτταρα αμνιακού υγρού (AF-MSCs) ή από διαφοροποιημένα ηπατικά προγονικά κύτταρα (ΗPL) και ηπατοκύτταρα (HL) από AFMSCs. Σύμφωνα με προηγούμενες μελέτες του εργαστηρίου έχει παρατηρηθεί ότι τα AF-MSCs και τα HPLκύτταρα, μπορούν να επάγουν την αναγέννηση του ήπατος και να καταστείλουν την συστηματική φλεγμονή σε θηλυκά Rag-/- ποντίκια με επαγόμενη με CCL4 OHA, μέσωτης έκκρισης διάφορων κυτταροκινών, όπως η IL-10 και η ANXA1. Αναλυτικότερα, στην παρούσα διδακτορική διατριβή, μελετάται η επίδραση των AF-MSC-, HPL- και HL-εξωσωματίων σε ex vivo και in vivo θεραπευτικές προσπελάσεις. Ειδικότερα, παρατηρήθηκε ότι τα εξωσωμάτια προερχόμενα και από τους τρεις κυτταρικούς τύπους βελτίωσαν τον φαινότυπο ποντικών με ΟΗΑ και συνέβαλλαν στον πολλαπλασιασμό των ωοειδών κυττάρων ήπατος. Σε επόμενο στάδιο, πραγματοποιήθηκε πρωτεομική ανάλυση του φορτίου των AF-MSC-, HPL-, HL- εξωσωματίων, και αναδείχτηκε μεταξύ άλλων ότι η πρωτεΐνη MFGE-8 και το σηματοδοτικό μονοπάτι PI3K δύνανται να εμπλέκονται στην θεραπευτική δράση των εξωσωματίων στην ΟΗΑ. Επιπροσθέτως, ανάλυση δειγμάτων ασθενών με ΟΗΑ υπέδειξε αυξημένα επίπεδα της πρωτεΐνης MFGE-8 σε σχέση με υγιείς μάρτυρες. ΣΥΜΠΕΡΑΣΜΑΤΑ: Τα ευρήματά μας υποστηρίζουν τον πιθανό θεραπευτικό ρόλο των AF-MSC-, HPL-, HL-εξωσωματίων σε μοντέλα ΟΗΑ, επιτρέποντας την περαιτέρω μελέτη τους ως μία μελλοντική καινοτόμο, μη κυτταρική, μη-επεμβατική, λιγότερο ανοσογονική και μη-τοξική εναλλακτική θεραπεία σε ηπατικές νόσους.
Comparison of cell size, chlorophyll fluorescence and cadmium (Cd2+) bioaccumulation between wild-type and mutant strains of Chlamydomonas reinhardtii upon exposure to Cd2+
Authors: Ynalvez Ruby , Gonzalez-Cantu Hector , Vazquez-Cano Erick
Published: April 2023

Background: Heavy metal contamination presents a constant threat to biological systems. Simultaneously, heavy metals have become one of the major contaminants in the aquatic ecosystems. In this regard, the investigation of heavy metal-tolerance genes in algae is relevant. Chlamydomonas reinhardtii is a unicellular green alga, and an excellent model organism used in heavy metal studies. In C. reinhardtii, a novel gene designated as Cia7, was hypothesized to play a role in heavy metal homeostasis due to CIA7’s conserved cysteine-residue motif. This study compared two strains of C. reinhardtii, cc4425, the wild-type with the functional CIA7 protein and cc5013, the mutant strain with the disrupted cia7- gene. The hypothesis was that the expression of Cia7 contributes to an increased cadmium (Cd)-tolerance in C. reinhardtii. The Cd-tolerance would be described by physiological markers of microalgae health, and by intracellular accumulation of the metal.

Methods: The objectives of this study were (1) to compare chlorophyll fluorescence and cell size in cc4425 and cc5013 exposed to Cd2+, and (2) to compare Cd2+ bioaccumulation in cc4425 and cc5013 strains in different growth media. Flow cytometry, and inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES) analysis were performed.

Results: There was no significant statistical difference in Cd2+ bioaccumulation between the two strains, cc4425 and cc5013, regardless of growth media. However, a statistically significant difference in Cd2+ bioaccumulation (p<0.0001) was determined between the media (with acetate and without acetate).  The cia7- mutant, cc5013 was found to be more susceptible to a Cd2+-induced decrease in chlorophyll fluorescence and had a reduced cell size compared to cc4425, the wild-type strain.

Conclusions: These observed differences between the strains suggest that CIA7’s biological activity could play a direct or indirect role in increasing Cd tolerance in C. reinhardtii.
itutional Features of the Implementation e Russian Accounting System
Authors: Voronova E. , Puchkova S.
Published: April 2023

Th e article describes the use of IFRS as one of areas of cooperation between states, examines the institutional features, stages and difficulties of transformation and applications of IFRS in Russian Federation, basic differences between IFRS and Federal Accounting Standards (FAS), and application of the IFRS by Russian companies.
To the Question of Investment Attractiveness of Southeast Asian Countries for Foreign Direct Investment
Authors: Vershinina A. , Filippov M.
Published: April 2023

The level of investment attractiveness of the state affects many factors in the economic development of the recipient country of foreign direct investment. The article examines the issues of investment attractiveness of the countries of Southeast Asia, which have various advantages affecting the overall level of investment attractiveness of this region.
Beta-blockers used in cardiac failure and blood glucose level impairment - a literature review
Authors: Fularska Kamila , Oleszko Michal , Wąsiewicz Edward , Kuźniar Aleksandra , Szawica Dominik
Published: April 2023

Introduction: Blood sugar level impairment, especially diabetes mellitus (DM) is a significant problem. DM leads to many serious complications. Patients suffering from cardiac failure (HF) and diabetes have a risk of hospitalization increased 1.5 times compared to the control group without DM. That is why it is very important to keep appropriate glycemic control. β-blockers, are considered to cause a blood glucose level impairment. The relationship between the use of β-blockers and the development of DM is one of the most interesting and controversial issues in diabetology. Despite many benefits, some doctors are reluctant to prescribe β-blockers because of perceived negative metabolic effects.Aim of study: The purpose of the study was to review the literature describing oral β-blockers, used in HF, influence on glucose metabolism and to discover the best β-blocker treatment for cardiac failured diabetics and prediabetics.

Methods: A systemic review was conducted using PubMed, ScienceDirect, Google Scholar databases. The search strategy was based on the following terms: beta-blocker, blood glucose level, metoprolol, nebivolol, carvedilol, bisoprolol.

Results: β-blockers differ in terms of their mechanism of action and their effects on glucose metabolism. Metoprolol is associated with a worsening of glucose and lipid control. Bisoprolol have a neutral impact on glucose metabolism. Vasodilating β-blockers may improve glycemic profile.Conclusions: All four β-blockers used in HF have similar blood pressure lowering effect but different metabolic effect. Metoprolol should not be used as a drug of choice in patients with impaired glucose metabolism. Bisoprolol, nebivolol or carvedilol may be recommended as a drug of choice in patients with cardiac failure and impaired carbohydrate metabolism. The choice between bisoprolol and vasodilating β-blockers in patients with glycemic disorders is still an unresolved issue.
ANÁLISE MULTICRITÉRIO NA SELEÇÃO DE SOLUÇÃO PARA GERENCIAMENTO DE BANCO DE DADOS DE UMA OPERADORA DE SAÚDE
Authors: Serra Costa José Fabiano Da , Silva Gabriel Batista Tavares da , Pontes Giovanna Lyssa Braga
Published: April 2023

Esse artigo apresenta uma utilização de metodologia de decisão multicritério, especificamente o Método de Análise Hierárquica (AHP), para escolha do programa computacional mais adequado para ser adotado por uma empresa operadora de saúde de porte médio que atua no mercado brasileiro, para a análise e gerenciamento de seu banco de dados. Foram definidos em comum acordo com a empresa as alternativas, os critérios e os especialistas e, estão explicitados no texto. Também são apresentados, o modelo desenvolvido com os cálculos, os resultados encontrados que apontaram o SQL como a solução mais adequada, a análise de consistência dos julgamentos e a análise de sensibilidade, que demonstrou a robustez dos resultados.
ANÁLISE IMAGÉTICO-ESQUEMÁTICA DO VERBO E DA PARTÍCULA NA CONSTRUÇÃO DE SIGNIFICADO DO PHRASAL VERB "GIVE UP"
Authors: Nunes Elaine
Published: April 2023

Este artigo integra uma série de análises de phrasal verbs compostos pelas partículas “up” e “out” que venho empreendendo no âmbito de minha pesquisa de doutorado. Aqui, enfoco a construção de significado do phrasal verb “give up”, com base na Teoria da Metáfora Conceitual (LAKOFF; JOHNSON, 1980) e nos esquemas imagéticos (LAKOFF, 1987; JOHNSON, 1987), estruturas abstratas configuradas a partir de nossas experiências sensório-motoras. Inicialmente, percorri o histórico etimológico de cada termo e os significados do phrasal verb oferecidos pelos dicionários. Apartir disso, elaborei animações para os esquemas imagéticos projetados pelo verbo e, com base no modelo visual para significado das partículas, de Rudzka-Ostyn (2003), também aqueles projetados pela partícula “up”. Em seguida busquei ilustrar as definições encontradas com os diagramas animados, partindo da hipótese de que o compartilhamento de esquemas imagéticos por ambos os termos pode influenciar o grau de literalidade da construção. Da mesma forma, a adição de movimento aos diagramas pode facilitar o entendimento da contribuição de cada um dos componentes do phrasal verb durante o processo de construção de seu significado.
INTERRELAÇÕES ENTRE LINGUAGEM, CULTURA E COGNIÇÃO EM CONTEXTOS DE USO: COMPLEXIDADE E VIESES TRANSDISCIPLINARES
Authors: Saliés Tânia Gastão , Silva Augusto Soares da
Published: April 2023

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