bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Extraordinary circumstances: Covid-19 – Italian Serie A scenario
Authors: Radojicic Milan , Djokovic Aleksandar , Cvetkovic Nikola
Published: May 2021

Unpredictable and uncontrollable situations have happened throughout history. Inevitably, such situations have an impact on various spheres of life. The coronavirus disease 2019 has affected many of them, including sports. The ban on social gatherings has caused the cancellation of many sports competitions. This paper proposes a methodology based on hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA) that can be applied when a need occurs to end an interrupted tournament and the conditions for playing the remaining matches are far from ideal. The proposed methodology is based on how to conclude the season for Serie A, a top-division football league in Italy. The analysis showed that it is reasonable to play 14 instead of the 124 remaining matches of the 2019–2020 season to conclude the championship. The proposed methodology was tested on the past 10 seasons of the Serie A, and its effectiveness was confirmed. This novel approach can be used in any other sport where round-robin tournaments exist.
Information and Communications Technologies, Online Activism, and Implications for Vietnam’s Public Diplomacy
Authors: Lam Vu
Published: May 2021

Under the authoritarian regime, earlier iterations of Vietnam’s public diplomacy (PD), especially during wartime, reassembled propaganda and psychological warfare. But thanks to Doi Moi (i.e. “renovation”) in 1986, new understandings of PD were made possible with a revamped foreign policy of multi-lateralisation and diversification. This article argues that information and communications technologies (ICTs), especially the internet and social media, have further transformed the practice of Vietnamese PD. Focusing on the period from 1997 when the internet was introduced in Vietnam, this article first provides a general analysis of the influence of ICTs on Vietnam’s politics. It then delves into how ICTs have transformed Vietnam’s PD. The key takeaway is that the internet and social media have significantly empowered public opinion in foreign policy, giving rise to cross-border cyber communities that can play the roles of both recipient and practitioner of PD.
Essentiality of Manganese for Bone Health: An Overview and Update
Authors: Rondanelli Mariangela , Faliva Milena Anna , Peroni Gabriella , Infantino Vittoria , Gasparri Clara , Iannello Giancarlo , Perna Simone , Riva Antonella , Petrangolini Giovanna , Tartara Alice
Published: May 2021

The evidence regarding a deficiency of manganese (Mn) in humans is scarce. So the aim of this narrative review was to consider the state of the art on the relation between manganese and bone health in humans and the effectiveness of manganese supplementation (alone or with other micronutrients) on bone mineralization. This review included 4 eligible studies. All the literature published is in agreement in showing that osteoporotic women have lower serum Mn levels than women with normal bone mineral density, thus confirming the essential role of manganese in the synthesis of cartilage and bone collagen, as well as in bone mineralization and confirming the studies on the animal model. Considering the human studies that evaluated the effectiveness of an oral Mn supplement for a long period (2 years) on the bone mineral density of menopausal women, both of the clinical trials showed that bone loss was significantly greater in the placebo group than in the group taking supplementation, equal to 5.0 mg Mn/day in the study by Strause, and equal to 2.5 mg Mn/day in the study by Saltman, considering, however, that supplementation was represented by a set of microelements (Mn, copper, and zinc) and by calcium.
Machine learning in tutorials – Universal applicability, underinformed application, and other misconceptions
Authors: Heuer Hendrik , Jarke Juliane , Breiter Andreas
Published: May 2021

Machine learning has become a key component of contemporary information systems. Unlike prior information systems explicitly programmed in formal languages, ML systems infer rules from data. This paper shows what this difference means for the critical analysis of socio-technical systems based on machine learning. To provide a foundation for future critical analysis of machine learning-based systems, we engage with how the term is framed and constructed in self-education resources. For this, we analyze machine learning tutorials, an important information source for self-learners and a key tool for the formation of the practices of the machine learning community. Our analysis identifies canonical examples of machine learning as well as important misconceptions and problematic framings. Our results show that machine learning is presented as being universally applicable and that the application of machine learning without special expertise is actively encouraged. Explanations of machine learning algorithms are missing or strongly limited. Meanwhile, the importance of data is vastly understated. This has implications for the manifestation of (new) social inequalities through machine learning-based systems.
Knowing when to act: A call for an open misinformation library to guide actionable surveillance
Authors: Dunn Adam G , Steffens Maryke , Dyda Amalie , Mandl Kenneth D
Published: May 2021

The design and reporting of data-driven studies seeking to measure misinformation are patchy and inconsistent, and these studies rarely measure associations with, or effects on, behaviour. The consequence is that data-driven misinformation studies are not yet useful as an empirical basis for guiding when to act on emerging misinformation threats, or for deciding when it is more appropriate to do nothing to avoid inadvertently amplifying misinformation. In a narrative review focused on examples of health-related misinformation, we take a critical perspective of data-driven misinformation studies. To address this problem, we propose a curated and open library of misinformation examples and describe its structure and how it might be used to support actionable surveillance. We draw on experiences with other curated repositories to speculate on the likely challenges related to achieving critical mass and maintaining data consistency. We conclude that an open library of misinformation could help improve the consistency of data-driven misinformation study design and reporting, as well as provide an empirical basis from which to make decisions about how to act on new and emerging misinformation threats.
Knowledge co-creation in participatory policy and practice: Building community through data-driven direct democracy
Authors: Godinho Myron A , Borda Ann , Kariotis Timothy , Molnar Andreea , Kostkova Patty , Liaw Siaw-Teng
Published: May 2021

Engaging citizens with digital technology to co-create data, information and knowledge has widely become an important strategy for informing the policy response to COVID-19 and the ‘infodemic’ of misinformation in cyberspace. This move towards digital citizen participation aligns well with the United Nations’ agenda to encourage the use of digital tools to enable data-driven, direct democracy. From data capture to information generation, and knowledge co-creation, every stage of the data lifecycle bears important considerations to inform policy and practice. Drawing on evidence of participatory policy and practice during COVID-19, we outline a framework for citizen ‘e-participation’ in knowledge co-creation across every stage of the policy cycle. We explore how coupling the generation of information with that of social capital can provide opportunities to collectively build trust in institutions, accelerate recovery and facilitate the ‘e-society’. We outline the key aspects of realising this vision of data-driven direct democracy by discussing several examples. Sustaining participatory knowledge co-creation beyond COVID-19 requires that local organisations and institutions (e.g. academia, health and welfare, government, business) incorporate adaptive learning mechanisms into their operational and governance structures, their integrated service models, as well as employing emerging social innovations.
Music and Hypertonia: Can Music Listening Help Reduce Muscle Tension and Improve Movement Quality?
Authors: Van Criekinge T. , D’Août K. , O’Brien J. , Coutinho E.
Published: May 2021

Although there is a strong consensus that music listening is a common and effective means to induce states of relaxation, little attention has been given to the physical effects of such states and the potential health-related applications. In this article, we investigated whether music listening could induce affective states of relaxation and accelerate the recovery of fatigued muscles, through the analysis of quality of movement. Twenty healthy participants were asked to perform a fatigue induction protocol of the non-dominant arm followed by a resting period and the execution of a drinking task. During recovery periods, all participants were exposed to three experimental conditions: listening to relaxing music; arousing music; and no music. 3D motion capture and surface electromyography were used to record upper limb movements and muscle activity when performing the drinking task before and after the recovery periods. Movement quality was assessed by means of movement smoothness (jerk index) and muscle recovery (motor unit recruitment). Results showed that recovery of movement smoothness in the relaxing music condition was significantly greater (-35%) than in the relaxing music condition (compared to arousing music, -25%, and silence, -16%) which demonstrates that listening to relaxing music speeds up the recovery process of (fatigued) muscles. We discuss our findings in the context of potential applications of music listening for reducing muscle tension in people suffering from hypertonia.
How Do Environmental News and the Under the Dome Documentary Influence Air-Pollution Knowledge and Risk Perception Among Beijing Residents?
Authors: Chen Yixin , Liu Xinchuan
Published: May 2021

To examine Beijing residents’ risk perception of contracting smog-related diseases, we proposed a model in which air-pollution knowledge is a theoretical mechanism accounting for the influence on risk perception of exposure to environmental news and exposure to Under the Dome, an environmental documentary about smog in China, which has been censored. Data ( N = 523) were collected from Beijing residents from February to March in 2017. We analyzed the data using Hayes’ PROCESS macro. Findings revealed that environmental-news exposure is positively associated with both air-pollution knowledge and risk perception. Exposure to environmental news has an indirect effect on risk perception through air-pollution knowledge. Exposure to Under the Dome is positively related to risk perception but is not related to air-pollution knowledge. We contributed to the literature by empirically testing the impact of Under the Dome, which has been largely studied via the critical theory approach. Implications included that Under the Dome is a successful risk communication model and that its impact goes beyond increasing public risk perception of smog.
The Code-Centric Nature of Computational Thinking Education: A Review of Trends and Issues in Computational Thinking Education Research
Authors: Kite Vance , Park Soonhye , Wiebe Eric
Published: May 2021

Computational thinking (CT) is being recognized as a critical component of student success in the digital era. Many contend that integrating CT into core curricula is the surest method for providing all students with access to CT. However, the CT community lacks an agreed-upon conceptualization of CT that would facilitate this integration, and little effort has been made to critically analyze and synthesize research on CT/content integration (CTCI). Conflicting CT conceptualizations and little understanding of evidence-based strategies for CTCI could result in significant barriers to increasing students’ access to CT. To address these concerns, we analyzed 80 studies on CT education, focusing on both the CT conceptualizations guiding current CT education research and evidence-based strategies for CTCI. Our review highlights the code-centric nature of CT education and reveals significant gaps in our understanding of CTCI and CT professional development for teachers. Based on these findings, we propose an approach to operationalizing CT that promotes students’ participation in CT, present promising methods for infusing content with CT, and discuss future directions for CT education research.
Motivation, Education, and Expectations: Experiences of Philippine Immigrant Nurses
Authors: Dahl Kari , Bjørnnes Ann Kristin , Lohne Vibeke , Nortvedt Line
Published: May 2021

Globally, Philippine-educated nurses have made vital contributions to health care; however, there is a lack of in-depth knowledge about emigrating nurses’ initial motives to become nurses, their educational experience and their transition in the host country’s health care context. This research aimed to explore Philippine-educated nurses’ educational experience in their home country and their expectations of competence in Norway. The study utilized an explorative design consisting of qualitative interviews with 10 Filipino nurses. A hermeneutic approach was used to analyze and interpret the empirical material. The findings and interpretations underline that Philippine-educated nurses mainly are externally motivated; their educational program is very demanding, but their level of competence does not meet the competence expected in the host country. Although these nurses lack training in elderly care, the Philippine nursing curriculum emphasizes patient care and mastery of basic nursing skills, which are qualities that should be valued and utilized in host countries.
Physician Monitoring of FitBit Use for Patient Health
Authors: Shannahan Anna , Shah Aditya , Wright Katherine , Clements Deborah S
Published: May 2021

Background

Physical activity is a critical component of health.

Objective

We implemented a pilot project to determine feasibility of embedding activity tracker data within routine primary care visits among family medicine residency patients. This study also examined whether physician monitoring of and feedback concerning tracker improves exercise compliance and overall health.

Methods

Twenty-six participants received the FitBit Charge HR and were randomized into the self-monitoring (control) or intervention group for 12 weeks. The intervention group received weekly electronic health record (EHR) messages from their physician with feedback. The control group self-monitored activity.

Results

Data demonstrates patient interest in sharing exercise data with primary providers, patient-generated exercise data can be embedded within visits to personalize recommendations, and patient-physician data sharing is logistically feasible via the EHR.

Conclusion

Physicians can utilize activity trackers to potentially positively influence patients’ exercise. This research supports the shift toward personalized medicine by facilitating conversations and additional studies about fitness data.
Adoption of Enhanced Surgical Recovery (ESR) Protocol for Lumbar Fusion Decreases In-Hospital Postoperative Opioid Consumption
Authors: Jazini Ehsan , Thomson Alexandra E. , Sabet Andre D. , Carreon Leah Y. , Roy Rita , Haines Colin M. , Schuler Thomas C. , Good Christopher R.
Published: May 2021

Study Design:

Retrospective observational cohort.

Objectives:

We sought to evaluate the impact of ESR on in-hospital and 90-day postoperative opioid consumption, length of stay, urinary catheter removal and postoperative ambulation after lumbar fusion for degenerative conditions.

Methods:

We evaluated patients undergoing lumbar fusion surgery at a single, multi-surgeon center in the transition period prior to (N = 174) and after (N = 116) adoption of ESR, comparing in-hospital and 90-day postoperative opioid consumption. Regression analysis was used to control for confounders. Secondary analysis was preformed to evaluate the association between ESR and length of stay, urinary catheter removal and ambulation after surgery.

Results:

Mean age study participants was 52.6 years with 62 (47%) females. Demographic characteristics were similar between the Pre-ESR and ESR groups. ESR patients had better 3-month pain scores, ambulated earlier, had urinary catheters removed earlier and decreased in-hospital opioid consumption compared to Pre-ESR patients. There was no difference in 90-day opioid consumption between the 2 groups. Regression analysis showed that ESR was strongly associated with in-hospital opioid consumption, accounting for 30% of the variability in Morphine Milligram Equivalents (MME). In-hospital opioid consumption was also associated with preoperative pain scores, number of surgical levels, and insurance type (private vs government). Pre-op pain sores were associated with 90-day opioid consumption. Secondary analysis showed that ESR was associated with a shorter length of stay and earlier ambulation.

Conclusions:

This study showed ESR has the potential to improve recovery after lumbar fusion for degenerative conditions with reduced in-hospital opioid consumption and improved postoperative pain scores.
A Relationship Between the Factor Indivisibility and the Output Elasticity of the Indivisible Factor
Authors: Das Dipankar
Published: May 2021

The paper puts forth a notion and derives a special type of production function where labour is an indivisible factor and is in the integer space. Thus, Newtonian calculus is not an appropriate method of deriving the marginal value because limit point does not exist. This shows that indivisibility determines the output elasticity. In the first part, the paper propounds a notion regarding how indivisibility determines curvature of the production function. In the second part, the paper incorporates the findings within a production function and derives a new type accordingly. Moreover, it formally derives the standard wage equation considering all the entitlements of labour, namely (a) normal wages, (b) interest and (c) rent of ability. So far, no such mathematical proof is there to support this wage composition. This paper, for the first time, derives this wage equation considering indivisibility of labour.

JEL Classifications: J23, J24, J31, D24, C61, E24, L8
Acute Hemorrhagic Infancy of Edema: A Purpuric Rash in 6-Month-Old Infant
Authors: Shah Pareen , McGlamry Katherine , Thakral Amit
Published: May 2021

Acute hemorrhagic edema of infancy (AHEI) is a cutaneous leukocytoclastic vasculitis presenting with purpura, ecchymosis, fever, and edema. Pediatricians must effectively differentiate AHEI from other diseases that have similar presentations but are more severe in order to treat appropriately without overutilizing expensive, unnecessary diagnostic tests. In this article, we describe a case of a 6-month-old previously well male who presented to our institution with a worsening rash and fever. In this case, the patient’s age and benign clinical manifestations without systemic involvement favored the diagnosis of AHEI over more serious conditions. This case is a valuable example of the clinical findings of AHEI and the effectiveness of conservative therapy once a diagnosis is made for pediatricians, especially emergency and urgent care physicians.
In Vivo Kinematic Analysis of Lateral Meniscal Allograft Transplantation With Soft Tissue Fixation
Authors: Macchiarola Luca , Di Paolo Stefano , Grassi Alberto , Dal Fabbro Giacomo , Lucidi Gian Andrea , Cucurnia Ilaria , Zaffagnini Stefano
Published: May 2021

Background:

Lateral meniscal deficiency increases the pivot shift in the knee, and although meniscal allograft transplantation (MAT) is a well-established procedure with satisfactory clinical results, biomechanical studies have failed to show whether this procedure is able to restore knee kinematics.

Purpose:

To assess, in vivo, the kinematic effect of lateral MAT in anterior cruciate ligament–intact knees, with a particular focus on the pivot-shift maneuver.

Study Design:

Controlled laboratory study.

Methods:

Enrolled in this study were 10 consecutive patients undergoing lateral MAT. A surgical navigation system was used to acquire and quantify the following variables: anterior-posterior displacement at 30° of flexion (AP30) and 90° of flexion (AP90), varus-valgus rotation at 0° of flexion (VV0) and 30° of flexion, and dynamic laxity on the pivot-shift test, which was determined through anterior displacement of the lateral tibial compartment (APlat) and posterior acceleration of the lateral tibial compartment during tibial reduction (ACC). Data from before and after MAT were compared.

Results:

From pre- to postoperatively, there was a significant decrease in tibial translation of 2.8 mm (43%; P = .005) for AP30 and 1.9 mm (38%; P = .018) for AP90 as well as a significant difference of 3.6° (64%; P = .001) for VV0. There was also a significant pre- to postoperative reduction in the pivot shift of 7.4 mm (39%; P = .021) for APlat and 302.9 mm/s2 (75%; P = .005) for ACC.

Conclusion:

Lateral MAT improved knee kinematic parameters at time zero after surgery; the biomechanical effect of MAT was particularly evident during the pivot-shift maneuver.
The Mediating Role of Shared Decision-Making in the Effect of the Patient–Physician Relationship on Compliance With Treatment
Authors: Deniz Serkan , Akbolat Mahmut , Çimen Mesut , Ünal Özgün
Published: May 2021

Background:

For a successful treatment outcome, the components of the treatment process are very important. The patient–physician relationship plays a key role in the successful therapeutic process and effective health service delivery. The patient’s compliance with the treatment directly affects the success of the treatment.

Objective:

This study aims to determine the effect of the patient–physician relationship on compliance with the treatment and to determine whether shared decision-making has an mediating role in this effect.

Patient Involvement:

Most of the study participants (55%) were younger than 35 and their average age was 30. The majority of the participants have an associate degree or higher education.

Method:

The study used a 4-part survey form as the data collection tool. The sample in this study consisted of 399 participants. To analyze the obtained data, Structural Equation Modeling was used by employing the Smart PLS3 software.

Results:

The results of the study show that the patient–physician relationship positively affects the patient’s compliance with the treatment and shared decision-making. In addition, shared decision-making positively affects the patient’s compliance with the treatment. The effect of the patient–physician relationship on compliance with treatment was strengthened through shared decision-making.

Discussion:

The results of the study revealed that patient–physician relationship and shared decision-making are two important factors in patients’ compliance with the treatment. Accordingly, the stronger the patient–physician relationship and the more patients participate in their treatment decisions, the higher their compliance with the treatment.
Conflicted Religionists: Measuring Political Backlash on Salient Issues
Authors: Bock Sean
Published: May 2021

Scholars have pointed to “political backlash” as a key reason for why people leave religion in the United States. This study adds to the growing body of work that emphasizes backlash to localized conditions, rather than national-level phenomena, by demonstrating the importance of conflict on salient issues within churches. Using data from the Baylor Religion Survey, the author exploits a unique set of items to analyze what he calls “conflicted religionists”—those who experience attitudinal conflict with their churches—and measures conflict on two salient issues: same-sex marriage and abortion. The author finds that there is a considerable proportion of conflicted religionists and that the probability of experiencing conflict varies drastically across different groups in the sample. In line with past work, he demonstrates that experiencing conflict is significantly associated with lower church attendance. He concludes with a discussion of the possible pathways available to conflicted religionists.
Social Exclusion and the Runaway Couples: A Study of Their Hardships
Authors: Khan Tanveer Ahmad , Hamid Wasia , Swalehin Mohammad
Published: May 2021

In terms of marriage, an individual becomes excluded or attains a disadvantaged position when she/he deviates from the existing norms of society. In this sense, generally, three types of marriages become contentious: (a) widow remarriage, (b) inter-caste marriages and (c) runaway marriages. These types of marriages are treated as deviance from society’s normative guidelines, and such couples are vulnerable to various levels of exclusion and stigma. Against this backdrop, the present study was undertaken to explore the hardships of nine runaway couples (18 participants). The selection of participants was made through purposive and snowball sampling techniques. The findings revealed that most runaway couples face extreme relationship breakdown, exclusion and stigma, along with a lack of basic amenities, including housing, household amenities, medical care and ownership rights. They mainly reside in the rented buildings and have achieved an outcast’s status even in Muslim-dominated society. Caste, economic background and social status barriers were three significant forces resulting in elopement that reinforce exclusion and violence against runaway couples.
Unilateral Retinal Vasculitis as the Presenting Manifestation of Parry-Romberg Syndrome (Progressive Hemifacial Atrophy)
Authors: Atchison Elizabeth A. , Szewka Aimee J. , Merrill Pauline T.
Published: May 2021

Purpose:

This work aims to present a case of retinal vasculitis associated with Parry-Romberg syndrome.

Method:

A case report is presented.

Results:

A 17-year-old man with new floaters was found to have 20/40 vision with 1+ vitreous cell and retinal vasculitis in the right eye only. Workup for infectious etiologies did not reveal an explanation for the retinal vasculitis. However, magnetic resonance imaging of the head showed areas of linear band-like atrophy and scarring of the scalp and soft tissues as well as areas of gliosis and encephalomalacia in the subcortical white matter, all of which were consistent with Parry-Romberg syndrome. The patient was prescribed oral steroids and methotrexate, and the retinal vasculitis improved.

Conclusions:

Parry-Romberg syndrome is a rarely reported cause of retinal vasculitis and should be kept in the differential for retinal vasculitis.
invisaWear: Building Traction With Crowdfunding
Authors: Santos Roberto S. , Sun Sunny Li
Published: May 2021

While attending a networking event hosted by The Capital Network in the Summer of 2017, a rather innocuous conversation with an investor put invisaWear co-founders Rajia Abdelaziz and Ray Hamilton on an uncharted course. Despite a lot of interest in their new product, investors were hesitant to write them a check. However, during their discussion with an investor, they learned that if a company could prove, through crowdfunding, that people were willing to back their campaign, then that would help validate that there was a real market opportunity for their product. Having learned that investors viewed crowdfunding as an important milestone for demonstrating the validity of a company’s business model when making investment decisions, otherwise known as traction, Rajia and Ray went to work crafting a crowdfunding campaign. Looking to leverage the extensive media attention that invisaWear had garnered in recent months to direct attention to their crowdfunding campaign and build traction, to their dismay, Rajia and Ray found that mainstream media outlets had no interest in covering their crowdfunding campaign. Having hit this roadblock, Rajia and Ray now considered their options. How could their crowdfunding campaign build traction if they couldn’t get the word out to customers?
The attachment video-feedback intervention (AVI) combined to the trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy (TF-CBT) for sexually abused preschoolers and their parents: A pilot study examining pre- to post-test changes
Authors: Caouette Justine , Hébert Martine , Cyr Chantal , Amédée Laetitia Mélissande
Published: May 2021

Child sexual abuse is associated with a range of negative consequences, including behavior problems and dissociative and posttraumatic stress symptoms. Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) has shown to be successful in the treatment of child victims of sexual abuse, but yet presents some challenges with preschoolers. Child sexual abuse has often been associated with insecure attachment among preschool children. Therefore, combining an attachment-based intervention with the TF-CBT may offer a means to optimize therapeutic outcomes. This pilot study examined in a pre/post-test design whether the combination of the Attachment Video-feedback Intervention (AVI) with the TF-CBT led to changes in the well-being of sexually abused preschoolers and their parents. Participants included 33 sexually abused children aged 4 to 6 years old and their non-offending caregivers. Parents completed questionnaires on their child’s behavior problems and dissociative symptoms, and reported on their own psychological distress and posttraumatic symptoms following their child’s disclosure of trauma. Results showed decreases in child internalizing and dissociative symptoms and maternal psychological distress and posttraumatic symptoms after the intervention. This pilot study suggests this combined protocol is a promising tool to foster the recovery of young victims of sexual abuse and their non-offending caregivers.
P16 and P53 Expression in Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma: A Brief Report From The Experience of South of Iran, and Review of the Literature
Authors: Geramizadeh Bita , Mohammadian Alireza , Shojazadeh Alireza , Mohammadzadeh Sahand
Published: May 2021

Background:

Iran is one of the high-risk countries for esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). Human papillomavirus (HPV) has been reported as one of the etiologic, pathogenetic, and prognostic factors in this tumor, especially in high-risk geographic areas. Previous reports from our geographic area, that is, the South of Iran failed to show any evidence of HPV in the cases of ESCC by molecular methods.

Objectives:

In this study, we evaluated P16 and P53 immunohistochemistry (IHC) expression in the cases of esophageal ESCC from Fars province in the South of Iran to find the presence of any correlation between clinicopathologic findings with P16 and P53 expression by IHC as etiologic and prognostic biomarkers. We also tried to compare the results from other geographic areas of Iran and the world.

Results:

P16 and P53 expression were found in 42.9% and 66.12% of ESCCs, respectively. No statistically significant correlation was found between clinicopathologic findings and P16 pr P53 expression.

Conclusion:

Although P16 and P53 expression in ESCC in the South of Iran is significant, there is no statistically significant correlation between clinicopathologic findings and outcome in ESCC and expression of these 2 proteins to be considered as biomarkers. Results from other geographic areas of Iran and the world are also very controversial and inconsistent.
1-year outcomes for lung transplantation recipients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease
Authors: Trindade Anil J. , Thaniyavarn Tany , Hashemi Nikroo , Coppolino Antonio , Kennedy John C. , Mallidi Hari R. , El-Chemaly Souheil , Goldberg Hilary J.
Published: May 2021

Advanced hepatic fibrosis and cirrhosis are absolute contraindications to lung transplantation. [ 1] However, whether fatty liver disease with mild–moderate fibrosis contributes to increased adverse outcomes post-lung transplantation remains unknown.

 We present a retrospective analysis of patients transplanted at Brigham and Women's Hospital between 2015 and 2017 to identify whether patients with mild–moderate non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) experience increased short-term complications compared to patients with normal liver architecture. Patients with advanced (F3–F4) fibrosis and/or cirrhosis were considered non-suitable transplant candidates,a priori. This study was powered for a difference in index hospital-free days within the first 30 days of 25% (α=0.05, β=0.8). Secondary outcomes included index intensive care unit (ICU)-free days within the first 10 days post-transplant, perioperative blood product transfusion, incidence of index hospitalisation arrhythmias and delirium, need for insulin on discharge post-transplant, tacrolimus dose required to maintain a trough of 8–12 ng·mL−1at index hospital discharge, and 1-year post-transplant incidence of insulin-dependent diabetes, acute kidney injury, acute cellular rejection, unplanned hospital readmissions and infection.

 150 patients underwent lung transplantation between 2015 and 2017 and were included in the analysis; of these patients 40 (27%) had evidence of NAFLD. Median index hospital-free days for patients with NAFLD were non-inferior to those without (16 days, IQR 10.5–19.5versus12 days, IQR 0–18.0, p=0.03). Regarding secondary outcomes, both index hospitalisation and 1-year outcomes were non-inferior between patients with NAFLD and those with normal liver architecture.

 This study demonstrates that mild–moderate severity NAFLD may not be a contraindication to lung transplantation.
Awake or intubated surgery in diagnosis of interstitial lung diseases? A prospective study
Authors: Guerrera Francesco , Costardi Lorena , Rosboch Giulio L. , Lyberis Paraskevas , Ceraolo Edoardo , Solidoro Paolo , Filippini Claudia , Verri Giulia , Brazzi Luca , Albera Carlo , Ruffini Enrico
Published: May 2021

Background

Risks associated with video-assisted surgical lung biopsy (VASLB) for interstitial lung disease (ILD) with endotracheal intubation and mechanical ventilation are not nil. Awake video-assisted surgical lung biopsy (Awake-VASLB) has been proposed as a method to obtain a precise diagnosis in several different thoracic diseases.

Objectives

To compare clinical outcomes of Awake-VASLB and Intubated-VASLB in patients with suspected ILDs.

Methods

From June 2016 to February 2020, all patients submitted to elective VASLB for suspected ILD were included. Differences in outcomes between Awake-VASLB and Intubated-VASLB were assessed through univariable, multivariable-adjusted, and a propensity score-matched analysis.

Results

Awake-VASLB was performed in 66 out of 100 patients, while 34 underwent Intubated-VASLB. The Awake-VASLB resulted in a lower post-operative morbidity (OR 0.025; 95% CI 0.001�0.35; p=0.006), less unexpected intensive care unit admission, less need for rescue therapy for pain, a reduced surgical and anaesthesiologic time, a reduced chest drain duration, and a lower post-operative length of stay.

Conclusion

Awake-VASLB in patients affected by ILD is feasible and seems safer than Intubated-VASLB.
RETRACTED ARTICLE: Restoring microRNA-499-5p Protects Sepsis-Induced Lung Injury Mice Via Targeting Sox6
Authors: Zhang Wenjie , Li Jing , Yao Hui , Li Tianmin
Published: May 2021

Background

MicroRNAs (miRs) are known to participate in sepsis; hence, we aim to discuss the protective effect of miR-499-5p targeting sex-determining region Y-related high-mobility-group box 6 (Sox6) on sepsis-induced lung injury in mice.

Methods

The sepsis-induced lung injury model was established by cecal ligation and puncture. The wet/dry weight (W/D) ratio, miR-499-5p, Sox6, Caspase-3 and Caspase-9 expression in lung tissues of mice were tested. Lung injury score, collagen fibers and the degree of pulmonary fibrosis in lung tissues were determined. Further, the cell apoptosis in lung tissues was measured. The inflammatory factors contents and oxidative stress indices in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) and lung tissues were detected via loss- and gain-of-function assays. The targeting relation between miR-499-5p and Sox6 was verified.

Results

W/D ratio and Sox6 were increased while miR-499-5p was decreased in lung tissues of sepsis-induced lung injury mice. Restored miR-499-5p or depleted Sox6 alleviated lung tissues pathology, reduced lung injury score, collagen fibers, the degree of pulmonary fibrosis, TUNEL positive cells, Caspase-3 and Caspase-9 protein expression and inflammatory factors contents in BALF and lung tissues as well as oxidative stress response in lung tissues of sepsis-induced lung injury mice. miR-499-5p targeted Sox6.

Conclusion

High expression of miR-499-5p can attenuate cell apoptosis in lung tissues and inhibit inflammation of sepsis-induced lung injury mice via depleting Sox6, and it is a potential candidate marker and therapeutic target for sepsis-induced lung injury.
Environmental fate of tetracycline antibiotics: degradation pathway mechanisms, challenges, and perspectives
Authors: Ahmad Fiaz , Zhu Daochen , Sun Jianzhong
Published: May 2021

Tetracycline pollution is a growing global threat to aquatic and terrestrial biodiversity due to its unprecedented use in aquaculture, livestock, and human disease prevention. The influx of tetracycline may annihilate the microbial ecology structure in the environment and pose a severe threat to humans by disturbing the food chain. Although significant research data are available in the literature on various aspects of tetracycline, including detection techniques, degradation mechanisms, degradation products, and policy statements to curtail the issue, there is a scarcity of a report to compile the recent data in the literature for better analysis and comparison by the policymakers. To achieve this paucity in knowledge, the current study aims at collecting data on the available degradation strategies, mechanisms involved in biodegradable and non-biodegradable routes, the main factor affecting degradation strategies, compile novel detection techniques of tetracycline antibiotics in the environment, discuss antibiotic resistance genes and their potential role in degradation. Finally, limitations in the current bioremediation techniques and the future prospects are discussed with pointers for the decision-makers for a safer environment.
Maintenance of contractile force of the hind limb muscles by the somato-lumbar sympathetic reflexes
Authors: Hotta Harumi , Iimura Kaori , Watanabe Nobuhiro , Shigemoto Kazuhiro
Published: May 2021

This study aimed to clarify whether the reflex excitation of muscle sympathetic nerves induced by contractions of the skeletal muscles modulates their contractility. In anesthetized rats, isometric tetanic contractions of the triceps surae muscles were induced by electrical stimulation of the intact tibial nerve before and after transection of the lumbar sympathetic trunk (LST), spinal cord, or dorsal roots. The amplitude of the tetanic force (TF) was reduced by approximately 10% at 20 min after transection of the LST, spinal cord, or dorsal roots. The recorded postganglionic sympathetic nerve activity from the lumbar gray ramus revealed that both spinal and supraspinal reflexes were induced in response to the contractions. Repetitive electrical stimulation of the cut peripheral end of the LST increased the TF amplitude. Our results indicated that the spinal and supraspinal somato-sympathetic nerve reflexes induced by contractions of the skeletal muscles contribute to the maintenance of their own contractile force.
Investigation of the invasion mechanism mediated by the outer membrane protein PagN of Salmonella Typhimurium
Authors: Barilleau Emilie , Védrine Mégane , Koczerka Michael , Burlaud-Gaillard Julien , Kempf Florent , Grépinet Olivier , Virlogeux-Payant Isabelle , Velge Philippe , Wiedemann Agnès
Published: May 2021

Background

Salmonella can invade host cells via a type three secretion system called T3SS-1 and its outer membrane proteins, PagN and Rck. However, the mechanism of PagN-dependent invasion pathway used by Salmonella enterica, subspecies enterica serovar Typhimurium remains unclear.

Results

Here, we report that PagN is well conserved and widely distributed among the different species and subspecies of Salmonella. We showed that PagN of S. Typhimurium was sufficient and necessary to enable non-invasive E. coli over-expressing PagN and PagN-coated beads to bind to and invade different non-phagocytic cells. According to the literature, PagN is likely to interact with heparan sulfate proteoglycan (HSPG) as PagN-mediated invasion could be inhibited by heparin treatment in a dose-dependent manner. This report shows that this interaction is not sufficient to allow the internalization mechanism. Investigation of the role of β1 integrin as co-receptor showed that mouse embryo fibroblasts genetically deficient in β1 integrin were less permissive to PagN-mediated internalization. Moreover, PagN-mediated internalization was fully inhibited in glycosylation-deficient pgsA-745 cells treated with anti-β1 integrin antibody, supporting the hypothesis that β1 integrin and HSPG cooperate to induce the PagN-mediated internalization mechanism. In addition, use of specific inhibitors and expression of dominant-negative derivatives demonstrated that tyrosine phosphorylation and class I phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase were crucial to trigger PagN-dependent internalization, as for the Rck internalization mechanism. Finally, scanning electron microscopy with infected cells showed microvillus-like extensions characteristic of Zipper-like structure, engulfing PagN-coated beads and E. coli expressing PagN, as observed during Rck-mediated internalization.

Conclusions

Our results supply new comprehensions into T3SS-1-independent invasion mechanisms of S. Typhimurium and highly indicate that PagN induces a phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase signaling pathway, leading to a Zipper-like entry mechanism as the Salmonella outer membrane protein Rck.
Microbiome characterization of defensive tissues in the model anemone Exaiptasia diaphana
Authors: Maire Justin , Blackall Linda L. , van Oppen Madeleine J. H.
Published: May 2021

Background

Coral reefs are among the most diverse and productive ecosystems on Earth. This success relies on the coral’s association with a wide range of microorganisms, including dinoflagellates of the family Symbiodiniaceae that provide coral hosts with most of their organic carbon requirements. While bacterial associates have long been overlooked, research on these microorganisms is gaining traction, and deciphering bacterial identity and function is greatly enhancing our understanding of cnidarian biology. Here, we investigated bacterial communities in defensive tissues (acontia) of the coral model, the sea anemoneExaiptasia diaphana. Acontia are internal filaments that are ejected upon detection of an external threat and release toxins to repel predators.

Results

Using culturing techniques and 16S rRNA gene metabarcoding we identified bacterial communities associated with acontia of four Great Barrier Reef-sourcedE. diaphanagenotypes. We show that bacterial communities are similar across genotypes, and dominated byAlteromonadaceae,Vibrionaceae,Rhodobacteraceae, andSaprospiraceae. By analyzing abundant amplicon sequence variants (ASVs) from metabarcoding data from acontia and comparing these to data from whole anemones, we identified five potentially important bacterial genera of the acontia microbiome:Vibrio, Sulfitobacter, Marivita, Alteromonas,andLewinella. The role of these bacteria within the acontia remains uninvestigated but could entail assistance in defense processes such as toxin production.

Conclusions

This study provides insight into potential bacterial involvement in cnidarian defense tissues and highlights the need to study bacterial communities in individual compartments within a holobiont.
Impact of renin angiotensin system inhibitor on 3-year clinical outcomes in acute myocardial infarction patients with preserved left ventricular systolic function: a prospective cohort study from Korea Acute Myocardial Infarction Registry (KAMIR)
Authors:   Other KAMIR-NIH investigators, Kim Kyung-Hee , Choi Byoung Geol , Rha Seung-Woon , Choi Cheol Ung , Jeong Myung-Ho
Published: May 2021

Background

Patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) are usually treated with angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEIs), or angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) if ACEIs are not tolerated. However, there is no data regarding the impact of switching from ACEIs to ARBs on long-term clinical outcomes in AMI patients with preserved left ventricular (LV) systolic function especially beyond 1 year. To investigate the effectiveness of treatment with ACEIs or ARBs on clinical outcomes over 3 years in AMI patients with preserved LV systolic function following percutaneous coronary intervention.

Method

It is a prospective cohort study using data from a nationwide large scale registry with 53 hospitals involved in treatment of acute myocardial infarction (AMI) in Korea. Between March 2011 and September 2015, we enrolled 6236 patients with AMI who underwent primary percutaneous coronary intervention and had a left ventricular ejection fraction ≥ 50%. Main outcome measures composite of total death or recurrent AMI over 3 years after AMI. Patients were divided into an ACEI group (n = 2945), ARB group (n = 2197), or no renin-angiotensin system inhibitor (RASI) treatment (n = 1094). We analyzed patients who changed treatment. Inverse probability of treatment weighting (IPTW) analysis was also performed.

Results

After the adjustment with inverse probability weighting, the primary endpoints at 1 year, AMI patients receiving ACEIs showed overall better outcomes than ARBs [ARBs hazard ratio (HR) compared with ACEIs 1.384, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.15–1.71; P = 0.003]. However, 33% of patients receiving ACEIs switched to ARBs during the first year, while only about 1.5% switched from ARBs to ACEIs. When landmark analysis was performed from 1 year to the end of the study, RASI group showed a 31% adjusted reduction in primary endpoint compared to patients with no RASI group (HR, 0.74; 95% CI 0.56–0.97; P = 0.012).

Conclusions

This result suggests that certain patients got benefit from treatment with ACEIs in the first year if tolerated, but switching to ARBs beyond the first year produced similar outcomes. RASI beyond the first year reduced death or recurrent AMI in AMI patients with preserved LV systolic function.

CRIS Registration number: KCT0004990.