bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Triglyceride-glucose index is prospectively associated with chronic kidney disease progression in Type 2 diabetes – mediation by pigment epithelium-derived factor
Authors: Low Serena , Pek Sharon , Moh Angela , Ang Keven , Khoo Jonathon , Shao Yi-Ming , Tang Wern E , Lim Ziliang , Subramaniam Tavintharan , Sum Chee F , Lim Su C
Published: August 2022

Background

Triglyceride-glucose (TyG) index is a surrogate marker of insulin resistance. Its role in chronic kidney disease (CKD) progression in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) is unclear. We investigated the association between TyG index and CKD progression, and possible mediation of the association by pigment epithelium-derived factor (PEDF).

Methods

This was a prospective study on 1571 patients with T2DM. CKD progression was defined as worsening across KDIGO estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) categories with ≥25% reduction from baseline. PEDF was quantitated using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay method. Cox proportional hazards regression model was used to assess the relationship between TyG index and CKD progression.

Results

Over a follow-up period of up to 8.6 years (median 4.6 years, IQR 3.0–3.6), 42.7% of subjects had CKD progression. Every unit increase in TyG was associated with hazards of 1.44 (95%CI 1.29–1.61; p < 0.001) in unadjusted analysis and 1.21 (1.06–1.37; p = 0.004) in fully adjusted model. Compared to tertile 1, tertiles 2 and 3 TyG index were positively associated with CKD progression with corresponding hazard ratios HRs 1.24 (1.01–1.52; p = 0.037) and 1.37 (1.11–1.68; p = 0.003) in fully adjusted models. PEDF accounted for 36.0% of relationship between TyG index and CKD progression.

Conclusions

Higher TyG index independently predicted CKD progression in T2DM. PEDF mediated the association between TyG index and CKD progression.
A Teacher Self-Assessment of Culturally Relevant Practice to Inform Educator Professional Development Decisions in MTSS Contexts
Authors: Fallon Lindsay M. , Cathcart Sadie C. , Johnson Austin H. , Minami Takuya , O’Keeffe Breda V. , DeFouw Emily R. , Sugai George
Published: August 2022

When students require support to improve outcomes in a variety of domains, educators provide youth with school-based intervention. When educators require support to improve their professional practice, school leaders and support personnel (e.g., school psychologists) provide teachers with professional development (PD), consultation, and coaching. This multi-study article describes how the Assessment of Culturally and Contextually Relevant Supports (ACCReS) was developed with the purpose of assessment driving intervention for teachers in need of support to engage in culturally responsive practice. Items for the ACCReS were created via a multi-step process including review by both expert and practitioner panels. Then, results of an exploratory factor analysis with a national sample of U.S. teachers ( N = 500) in Study 1 yielded three subscales. A confirmatory factor analysis conducted with a separate sample of teachers ( N = 400) in Study 2 produced adequate model fit. In Study 3, analyses with another final sample of teachers ( N = 99) indicated preliminary evidence of convergent validity between the ACCReS and two measures of teacher self-efficacy of culturally responsive practice. Data from the ACCReS can shape the content of educator intervention (e.g., PD) and promote more equitable student outcomes for youth.
The Emergence of Collective Leadership During a Terrorist Attack: Dynamic Role Boundary Transgressions as Central in Aligning Efforts
Authors: Nesse Synnøve
Published: August 2022

The current article examines the emergence and dynamics of leadership during an extreme situation—a terrorist attack at the foreign subsidiary of a multinational energy corporation—and the crisis response undertaken at the corporate headquarters. The inductive analysis reveals that the in-situ crisis leadership involved impromptu interactions between multiple individuals leading collectively. Multiple sources of leadership emerged to carry out four critical leadership functions, namely strategic framing, ad hoc structuring, relational coping, and instant developing. These functions were carried out by several formal and informal leaders together, enhancing the overall leadership capacity in the crisis management organization (CMO). With increased capacity to lead efforts in different domains came specialization, which could have led to misalignment and fragmentation. But this was avoided by leaders acting as “role boundary transgressors,” expanding the boundaries of their responsibilities across roles, functions, and levels to foster the alignment of collective efforts across the CMO. Based on rich data from a leadership situation that researchers rarely have access to, this study contributes to the understanding of leadership during extreme situations by illustrating who leads (the emergence of multiple leadership sources), what leaders do (leadership functions), and how leadership plays out over time and across levels (through dynamic role boundary transgressions).
Individual Variation in Responding to Leader–Member Exchange Differentiation: The Moderating Roles of Internal Locus of Control and Self-Efficacy
Authors: Paik Yonjeong , Lee Eun-Suk
Published: August 2022

This study examines how differentiation in leader–member exchange relationships (LMXD) provokes different individual responses depending on personal dispositions—internal locus of control and self-efficacy. Further, we identify three types of individual behavioral responses to LMXD: in-role and extra-role performance as self-focused responses, impression management toward the leader as a leader-focused response, and social undermining of coworkers as a coworker-focused response. Analysis of data from a survey conducted in South Korea demonstrates cross-level interaction effects between LMXD and the two dispositional variables on these behavioral responses of individuals. Specifically, LMXD is more positively related to in-role and extra-role performance and impression management toward the leader for individuals high than low in internal locus of control and for individuals high than low in self-efficacy. However, the cross-level interaction effects are not supported regarding social undermining of coworkers. Theoretical and practical implications of the findings are discussed.
Aortic Arch Repair Using Open and Hybrid Techniques: A Systematic Review
Authors: Sharaf Omar M. , Kohtz Patrick D. , Arnaoutakis George J.
Published: August 2022

Early surgical intervention is critical for treatment of aortic arch aneurysms and dissections, but limited comprehensive data exist to define the optimal approach for surgical management with respect to postoperative outcomes. We conducted a systematic review of the 2 most common surgical approaches—total arch replacement and hybrid arch repair. We referenced the electronic PubMed database reporting on outcomes for these surgical approaches from inception to June 2022. Our initial search query returned a total of 2,517 records. All records were independently screened for adherence to our inclusion criteria and a total of 12 retrospective cohort studies were identified as appropriate for inclusion. Across the included studies, a total of 618 patients underwent hybrid repair, as compared to 2,104 patients who underwent total arch replacement. We found that most of the literature supported the findings of similar rates of permanent neurologic dysfunction, acute kidney injury, and short-term mortality between approaches and higher postoperative reintervention rates following hybrid repair. Reported outcomes of studies included in this review often conflicted regarding midterm and long-term survival, as well as hospital and intensive care unit length of stay following open and hybrid repair. Future studies should address midterm and long-term survival with a prospective study design.
Safety and efficacy of the surpass streamline for intracranial aneurysms (SESSIA): A multi-center US experience pooled analysis
Authors: Vivanco-Suarez Juan , Mendez-Ruiz Alan , Farooqui Mudassir , Bekelis Kimon , Singer Justin A , Javed Kainaat , Altschul David J , Fifi Johanna T , Matsoukas Stavros , Cooper Jared , Al-Mufti Fawaz , Gross Bradley , Jankowitz Brian , Kan Peter T , Hafeez Muhammad , Orru Emanuele , Dajles Andres , Galecio-Castillo Milagros , Zevallos Cynthia B , Wakhloo Ajay K , Ortega-Gutierrez Santiago
Published: August 2022

Background and purpose

Flow diversion has established as standard treatment for intracranial aneurysms, the Surpass Streamline is the only FDA-approved braided cobalt/chromium alloy implant with 72-96 wires. We aimed to determine the safety and efficacy of the Surpass in a post-marketing large United States cohort.

Materials and methods

This is a retrospective multicenter study of consecutive patients treated with the Surpass for intracranial aneurysms between 2018 and 2021. Baseline demographics, comorbidities, and aneurysm characteristics were collected. Efficacy endpoint included aneurysm occlusion on radiographic follow-up. Safety endpoints were major ipsilateral ischemic stroke or treatment-related death.

Results

A total of 277 patients with 314 aneurysms were included. Median age was 60 years, 202 (73%) patients were females. Hypertension was the most common comorbidity in 156 (56%) patients. The most common location of the aneurysms was the anterior circulation in 89% (279/314). Mean aneurysm dome width was 5.77 ± 4.75 mm, neck width was 4.22 ± 3.83 mm, and dome/neck ratio was 1.63 ± 1.26. Small-sized aneurysms were 185 (59%). Single device was used in 94% of the patients, mean number of devices per patient was 1.06. At final follow-up, complete obliteration rate was 81% (194/239). Major stroke and death were encountered in 7 (3%) and 6 (2%) cases, respectively.

Conclusion

This is the largest cohort study using a 72–96 wire flow diverter. The Surpass Streamline demonstrated a favorable safety and efficacy profile, making it a valuable option for treating not only large but also wide-necked small and medium-sized intracranial aneurysms.
Hepatic artery and portal vein Doppler ultrasound reference values in children aged 0–17 years old
Authors: Verhagen Martijn V , Kwee Thomas C , de Haas Robbert J
Published: August 2022

Introduction:

Doppler ultrasound of the portal vein peak systolic velocity and hepatic artery peak systolic velocity and resistive index in children is often performed during abdominal ultrasound for the assessment of liver and other abdominal pathology. However, evidence-based reference values are not available. We aimed to determine these reference values and to investigate whether they are age-dependent.

Methods:

Children who underwent abdominal ultrasound between 2020 and 2021 were retrospectively identified. Patients without hepatic or cardiac abnormalities at the time of ultrasound or during at least 3 months follow-up were eligible for the study. Ultrasound without hepatic hilum portal vein peak systolic velocity and/or hepatic artery peak systolic velocity and resistive index measurements were excluded. Age-dependent changes were analyzed using linear regression. Normal range reference values were described using percentiles for all ages, and for age subgroups.

Results:

One-hundred ultrasound examinations performed in 100 healthy children aged 0–17.9 years (median 7.8 years, interquartile range 1.1–14.1 years) were included. Ninety-nine portal vein peak systolic velocity and 80 hepatic artery peak systolic velocity and resistive index measurements were obtained. There was no significant association between portal vein peak systolic velocity and age (β = −0.056, p = 0.68). There were significant associations between age and hepatic artery peak systolic velocity, and between age and hepatic artery resistive index (β = −0.873, p = 0.04 and β = −0.004, p < 0.001, respectively). Detailed reference values were provided for all ages, and for age subgroups.

Conclusion:

Reference values for the hepatic hilum portal vein peak systolic velocity, hepatic artery peak systolic velocity, and hepatic artery resistive index in children were established. Portal vein peak systolic velocity is not age-dependent, whereas hepatic artery peak systolic velocity and hepatic artery resistive index decrease when children get older.
From partner to rival: Changes in media frames of China in German print coverage between 2000 and 2019
Authors: Hufnagel Lena Marie , von Nordheim Gerret , Müller Henrik
Published: August 2022

Western countries’ relations with China are characterised by a dichotomy of partnership and conflict, of rapprochement and demarcation. To date, research lacks longitudinal studies that examine how these economic and political tendencies become manifest in the image of China conveyed by Western media. Taking Germany as an example, this study aims to shed light on the development of China coverage in print media between 2000 and 2019. Following a triangulating mixed-method approach, the results of computational topic 1 modelling (N = 55,893) are complemented by semi-standardised interviews with China correspondents. A framing analysis shows that China was depicted as a valuable economic partner until a rivalry frame started to become dominant in 2016/17. This shift was accompanied by a significant increase in media interest.
(R)-13aα-Densiindolizidine, A New Phenanthroindolizidine Alkaloid From Cryptocarya densiflora Blume (Lauraceae) and Molecular Docking Against SARS-CoV-2
Authors: Wan Othman Wan N Nazneem , Salim Fatimah , Abdullah Nor N , Abu Bakar Syahrul I , Awang Khalijah , Jayasinghe Lalith , Ismail Nor H
Published: August 2022

Cryptocarya densiflora Blume (Lauraceae) is an evergreen tree widely distributed throughout the hills and mountain forests up to 1500 m in Malaysia and Indonesia. The plant has been reported to contain phenanthroindolizidine-type of alkaloids. In the present work, a new phenanthroindolizidine alkaloid named ( R)-13a α-densiindolizidine, was isolated from the dichloromethane (DCM) extract of the leaves. The structure of the alkaloid was established based on 1D and 2D nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and liquid chromatography mass spectrometry-ion trap-time of flight (LCMS-IT-TOF) analysis. ( R)-13a α-densiindolizidine displayed binding interactions with crucial amino acid residues in the active sites ofsevere acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 Mpro (SARS-CoV-2 Mpro) and RNA-dependent protease (RdRp) in silico, whilst fulfilling theabsorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion, and toxicity (ADMET) criteria and Lipinsky's rule, thus revealing its potential as a lead compound.
Artemisiaside A: A new Lignan Glycoside and its Analogues From the Aerial Parts of Artemisia argyi
Authors: Tong Chuan-Wang , Tao Ming , Zhang En-Bo , Huang Yi , Geng Hao , Yu Yang
Published: August 2022

Chemical analysis of the aerial parts of Artemisia argyi H. Lév. & Vaniot led to the isolation of 6 lignans, including a new lignan glycoside, artemisiaside A, using various chromatographic techniques. Detailed spectroscopic (including 1D, 2D- nuclear magnetic resonance) and high resolution mass spectroscopy procedures, and electronic circular dichroism were used to ascertain the structural orientations of these compounds. The anti-inflammatory activities of compounds 1 to 6 were evaluated by measuring their inhibitory effects on lipopolysaccharide (LPS) -induced nitric oxide (NO) production in RAW264.7 LPS-activated macrophages. At 50 μM, compound 1 showed moderate anti-inflammatory activity with an inhibition rate of 61.2%.
Readability of Online Foot and Ankle Surgery Patient Education Materials
Authors: Hartnett Davis A. , Philips Alexander P. , Daniels Alan H. , Blankenhorn Brad D.
Published: August 2022

Background. Online health education resources are frequently accessed by patients seeking information on orthopaedic conditions and procedures. The objectives of this study were to assess the readability of information provided by the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) and compare current levels of readability with previous online material. Methods. This study examined 115 articles classified as “Conditions” or “Treatments” on FootCareMD.org . Readability was assessed using the 6 readability assessment tools: Flesch Reading Ease, Flesch-Kincaid Grade Level (FKGL), Gunning Fog Score, Simple Measure of Gobbledygook (SMOG) Index, Coleman-Liau Index, and the Automated Readability Index. Results. The mean readability score across all metrics ranged from 9.1 to 12.1, corresponding to a 9th- to 12th-grade reading level, with a mean FKGL of 9.2 ± SD 1.1 (range: 6.3-15.0). No articles were written below the recommended US sixth-grade reading level, with only 3 articles at or below an eighth-grade level. Treatment articles had higher mean readability grade levels than condition articles (P = .03). Conclusion. Although the volume and quality of the AOFAS resource Web site has increased, readability of information has worsened since 2008 and remains higher than the recommended reading level for optimal comprehension by the general population.

Levels of Evidence: Level IV:Retrospective quantitative analysis
Hemichorea-Hemiballism as a Delayed Manifestation of Hyperglycemia: A Case Report
Authors: Shivkumar Vikram , Nemade Dipali
Published: August 2022

Hemichorea is characterized by involuntary, continuous, non-patterned movements on one side of the body. While it is most commonly caused by strokes, it can also be caused by metabolic derangements such as hyperglycemia. We present two patients who developed hemichorea in the setting of hyperglycemia. Our first patient had a history of uncontrolled diabetes mellitus and developed chorea 2 weeks following a hyperglycemic event. The second patient developed chorea while being on steroids for hip pain and was later diagnosed to have underlying diabetes mellitus. MRI showed hyperintensity in the contralateral lentiform nucleus in both cases. The chorea did not improve despite the correction of the hyperglycemia. Both patients were started on Tetrabenazine with significant improvement. Hyperglycemia-induced hemichorea might be underdiagnosed given the prevalence of diabetes mellitus in the population. Chorea can even be the presenting symptom of diabetes mellitus and in some cases is a delayed manifestation of hyperglycemia.
Upside-down positioning of a peri-interventional cava filter during endovascular thrombectomy of a septic superior vena cava thrombosis
Authors: Rosenov Alexander , Haine Axel , Walti Laura Naëmi , Capiaghi Debora , Schindewolf Marc , Baumgartner Iris
Published: August 2022

A 43-year-old male patient with advanced colon carcinoma presented with disseminated staphylococcus aureus bacteremia and central venous catheter associated septic thrombosis of the superior vena cava. Despite appropriate antimicrobial therapy and surgical debridement of distant foci, bacteremia persisted, so an endovascular thrombectomy was performed. Contrary to the usual application, the Capturex® peri-interventional cava filter was positioned upside down, in the direction of the blood flow, in the superior vena cava to prevent septic embolism during mechanical thrombectomy. The wall-adherent septic thrombus was mechanically detached using a RAT fragmentation basket® followed by Aspirex® rotational thrombectomy. Final phlebography showed complete thrombus removal. Small thrombus fragments could be demonstrated in the filter after retrieval. The adapted technique of a reverse positioning of the Capturex® filter in the superior vena cava seems feasible and effective.
Algorithmic accountability in U.S. cities: Transparency, impact, and political economy
Authors: Baykurt Burcu
Published: August 2022

This article examines how algorithmic accountability is translated into action at the municipal level in the United States. Based on a review of task forces, ordinances, and policy toolkits from New York City and Seattle, I demonstrate the ways municipalities and local publics operationalize abstract notions of accountability. Municipal interventions often prioritize revealing computational tools (transparency) and their effects on people (impact assessments). While these two forms of accountability are crucial, they may neglect to examine institutions—and how they change—as they incorporate automated decision systems. I thus propose a political-economic approach that recognizes algorithmic systems as part of municipal institutions and focuses on their role in intensifying data collection and commodification between public agencies and markets. I argue that algorithmic accountability, especially in public agencies, needs to focus on incompetence and asymmetries of power within a network of governments, tech companies, community groups, and technologies. With a mix of transparency, impact assessments, and political economic review, the paper proposes a more comprehensive assessment of automated decision systems through their development, procurement, use, impact, and decommissioning.
Clinical decision support for intervention reduction in neonatal patients: A usability assessment
Authors: Tremoulet Patrice D.
Published: August 2022

Objective

This study investigated how effectively simplified cognitive walkthroughs, performed independently by four nonclinical researchers, can be used to assess the usability of clinical decision support software. It also helped illuminate the types of usability issues in clinical decision support software tools that cognitive walkthroughs can identify.

Method

A human factors professor and three research assistants each conducted an independent cognitive walkthrough of a web-based demonstration version of T3, a physiologic monitoring system featuring a new clinical decision support software tool called MAnagement Application (MAP). They accessed the demo on personal computers in their homes and used it to walk through several pre-specified tasks, answering three standard questions at each step. Then they met to review and prioritize the findings.

Results

Evaluators acknowledged several positive features including concise, helpful tooltips and an informative column in the patient overview which allows users direct (one-click) access to protocol eligibility and compliance criteria. Recommendations to improve usability include: modify the language to clarify what user actions are possible; visually indicate when eligibility flags are snoozed; and specify which protocol's data is currently being shown.

Conclusion

Independent, simplified cognitive walkthroughs can help ensure that clinical decision support software tools will appropriately support clinicians. Four researchers used this technique to quickly, inexpensively, and effectively assess T3's new MAP tool, which suggests positive actions, such as removing a patient from a ventilator. Results indicate that, while there is room for usability improvements, the MAP tool may help reduce clinician's cognitive load, facilitating improved care. The study also confirmed that cognitive walkthroughs identify issues that make clinical decision support software hard to learn or remember to use.
Attitudes and perception of artificial intelligence in healthcare: A cross-sectional survey among patients
Authors: Fritsch Sebastian J , Blankenheim Andrea , Wahl Alina , Hetfeld Petra , Maassen Oliver , Deffge Saskia , Kunze Julian , Rossaint Rolf , Riedel Morris , Marx Gernot , Bickenbach Johannes
Published: August 2022

Objective

The attitudes about the usage of artificial intelligence in healthcare are controversial. Unlike the perception of healthcare professionals, the attitudes of patients and their companions have been of less interest so far. In this study, we aimed to investigate the perception of artificial intelligence in healthcare among this highly relevant group along with the influence of digital affinity and sociodemographic factors.

Methods

We conducted a cross-sectional study using a paper-based questionnaire with patients and their companions at a German tertiary referral hospital from December 2019 to February 2020. The questionnaire consisted of three sections examining (a) the respondents’ technical affinity, (b) their perception of different aspects of artificial intelligence in healthcare and (c) sociodemographic characteristics.

Results

From a total of 452 participants, more than 90% already read or heard about artificial intelligence, but only 24% reported good or expert knowledge. Asked on their general perception, 53.18% of the respondents rated the use of artificial intelligence in medicine as positive or very positive, but only 4.77% negative or very negative. The respondents denied concerns about artificial intelligence, but strongly agreed that artificial intelligence must be controlled by a physician. Older patients, women, persons with lower education and technical affinity were more cautious on the healthcare-related artificial intelligence usage.

Conclusions

German patients and their companions are open towards the usage of artificial intelligence in healthcare. Although showing only a mediocre knowledge about artificial intelligence, a majority rated artificial intelligence in healthcare as positive. Particularly, patients insist that a physician supervises the artificial intelligence and keeps ultimate responsibility for diagnosis and therapy.
Engage students in Chinese language learning: Insights from teacher and student perspectives in a Chinese language study abroad program
Authors: Wang Tingting , Zhang Xue , Wang-Bramlett Ding
Published: August 2022

This paper takes a North American University’s summer immersion Chinese language program in China as a case to discuss how to engage intermediate-level Chinese language learners in an immersion language learning environment. The study grounds student engagement principles as the theoretical framework for designing and evaluating the course and learning activities. Sixteen Chinese language teachers and fifty-six Chinese language learners participated in the study. The qualitative survey was employed to understand Chinese language learners’ experience of engagement in an immersion program from the perspectives of both teachers and their students. The result shows that students can be deeply engaged in an immersion Chinese language program when the program creates a dynamic environment. In the dynamic environment, the opportunities for diverse interactions (i.e., the interactions among the students, between teachers and students, and between students and the local people) are offered. Students are engaged in developing language skills and abilities when they have the chance to obtain individualized feedback on their language performance and instant assistance when they encounter difficulties. The results also highlight the importance of learning Chinese in authentic communicative contexts, especially for grammar drill activities. At last, implications are generated for future instructional design and practice for Chinese study abroad programs.
Mathematical modeling and simulation of electromagnetohydrodynamic bio-nanomaterial flow through physiological vessels
Authors: Ramesh Katta , Tripathi Dharmendra , Bhatti Muhammad Mubashir , Ghachem Kaouther , Khan Sami Ullah , Kolsi Lioua
Published: August 2022

Gold-based metal nanoparticles serve a key role in diagnosing and treating important illnesses such as cancer and infectious diseases. In consideration of this, the current work develops a mathematical model for viscoelastic nanofluid flow in the peristaltic microchannel. Nanofluid is considered as blood-based fluid suspended with gold nanoparticles. In the investigated geometry, various parametric effects such as Joule heating, magnetohydrodynamics, electroosmosis, and thermal radiation have been imposed. The governing equations of the model are analytically solved by using the lubrication theory where the wavelength of the channel is considered large and viscous force is considered more dominant as compared to the inertia force relating the applications in biological transport phenomena. The graphical findings for relevant parameters of interest are given. In the current analysis, the ranges of the parameters have been considered as: [Formula: see text]The current results reveal that, A stronger magnetic field leads the enhancement in nanoparticle temperature and shear stress, and it reduces the velocity and trapping bolus. The nanoparticle temperature rises with the increasing parameters such as Brinkman number and Joule heating parameter.
The Upsurge of Diarrhea Amid COVID-19 Pandemic Makes Matter Worse in Bangladesh: A Call to Action
Authors: Rahman Smaranika , Hossain Md. Jamal , Islam Md. Rabiul
Published: August 2022

We have seen an alarming increase in diarrhea prevalence amid Coronavirus Disease-2019 (COVID-19) in Bangladesh. Healthcare professionals might face difficulty in diagnosis as these two infectious diseases have some common symptoms. Though there are confirmatory diagnostic tests for individual cases, there are chances of misdiagnosis as co-infections occur. Here we presented distinct clinical features of diarrhea and COVID-19 for differential diagnosis. We demonstrated the common overlapping symptoms of these two infectious diseases to facilitate fast diagnosis of patients. Also, we have discussed possible reasons for this upsurge of diarrheal infections in Bangladesh. Finally, we have made some recommendations based on our findings for managing this upsurge of diarrheal disease during the COVID-19 pandemic in Bangladesh. The healthcare authorities should take immediate measures before the tremendous twin effects of these two infectious diseases.
Influence of Structured Training Programme on Healthcare Workers’ Knowledge of Recommended Postnatal Care Services in Nigeria
Authors: Olajubu Aanuoluwapo Omobolanle , Komolafe Abiola Olubusola , Olajubu Temitope Oluwafemi , Olowokere Adekemi Eunice , Irinoye Omolola Oladunni
Published: August 2022

Introduction

The lack of continuous training of maternal and child healthcare providers has been identified as one of the factors contributing to the poor quality of maternal and child healthcare services in Nigeria.

Objectives

The study aimed to evaluate the level of postnatal care-related knowledge among healthcare workers in Osun State and the impact of a structured training program on their learning.

Method

A quasi-experimental research design using pre-test and post-test control groups was utilized in this study. One hundred and sixty-one healthcare workers were recruited from six Local Government Areas (LGA) and randomized into intervention and control groups. The healthcare workers in the intervention group (n = 82) were exposed to a 3-day structured training program. A structured questionnaire was used to collect data before, immediately, and 3-months after the training. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, multiple linear regression, t-test, and repeated measure analysis of variance (ANOVA) with posthoc pairwise comparison.

Results

The mean ages of healthcare workers in the intervention and control groups are 40.96 ± 6.91 and 42.52 ± 7.58, respectively. At baseline, the mean knowledge score of the intervention and control groups were 60.0 ± 11.6 and 63.7 ± 10.4, respectively. There is a significant difference in the mean knowledge score of healthcare workers in the intervention group compared with those in the control group immediately after the training (t = 12.04, p < .001) and after 3-months of data collection training (t = 5.92, p < .001). A multivariate linear regression confirmed the positive effect of group membership (intervention vs. control) on the post-test knowledge among respondents ( p < .001).

Conclusion

An educational training significantly improved the knowledge of healthcare workers on the recommended postnatal care.
The prefigurative politics of social movements and their processual production of space: The case of the indignados movement
Authors: Asara Viviana , Kallis Giorgos
Published: August 2022

This paper investigates how the prefiguration of an alternative future by social movements produces new space through a processual dynamic. A case study of the Indignados movement in Barcelona shows how mobilizations evolved from symbolizing an alternative future in the square to constructing alternatives in the city in the post-encampment period. In the alternative projects forged during the post-square period, activists re-appropriated urban spaces and transformed them, wanting to live differently and to produce a radically different city, now. We conceptualize these new spaces as ‘prefigurative territories’, integrating the seemingly divergent anarchist-inspired theory of prefiguration with Lefebvre’s Marxist theory of space production. This integration helps to capture how participants strategized the type of evolution of the movement after the square as well as the type of space being produced. While the square’s encampment was a détournement of a capitalist space with limited spatial creativeness, in post-square counter-spaces the prefiguration of a different society takes an offensive stance, setting concrete objectives to counter-plan the state’s organization of space. Counter-spaces arise through a dialectical movement that preserves the first two dimensions of prefiguration, a consistency between means and ends and a proleptic foretaste of the future society, that realize and become the third dimension of created alternatives. This dialectical movement unfolds through three processes: experimentation, demonstration, and proliferation through ‘open prefiguration’. Prefigurative territories, we argue, signal strategic horizons, but members struggle with conflicts when opening up.
Higher doses of tisagenlecleucel are associated with improved outcomes: a report from the pediatric real-world CAR consortium
Authors: Stefanski Heather E. , Eaton Anne , Baggott Christina , Rossoff Jenna , Verneris Michael R. , Prabhu Snehit , Pacenta Holly L. , Phillips Christine L. , Talano Julie-An , Moskop Amy , Margossian Steven P. , Myers Gary Douglas , Karras Nicole A. , Brown Patrick A. , Qayed Muna , Hermiston Michelle , Satwani Prakash , Krupski M. Christa , Keating Amy K. , Wilcox Rachel , Rabik Cara A. , Fabrizio Vanessa A. , Chinnabhandar Vasant , Goksenin A. Yasemin , Curran Kevin J. , Mackall Crystal L. , Laetsch Theodore W. , Schultz Liora M.
Published: August 2022

Remarkable complete response rates have been shown with tisagenlecleucel, a chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy targeting CD19, in patients up to age 26 years with refractory/relapsed B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia; it is US Food and Drug Administration approved for this indication. Currently, patients receive a single dose of tisagenlecleucel across a wide dose range of 0.2 to 5.0 × 106 and 0.1 to 2.5 × 108 CAR T cells per kg for patients ≤50 and >50 kg, respectively. The effect of cell dose on survival and remission is not yet well established. Our primary goal was to determine if CAR T-cell dose affects overall survival (OS), event-free survival (EFS), or relapse-free-survival (RFS) in tisagenlecleucel recipients. Retrospective data were collected from Pediatric Real World CAR Consortium member institutions and included 185 patients infused with commercial tisagenlecleucel. The median dose of viable transduced CAR T cells was 1.7 × 106 CAR T cells per kg. To assess the impact of cell dose, we divided responders into dose quartiles: 0.134 to 1.300 × 106 (n = 48 [27%]), 1.301 to 1.700 × 106 (n = 46 [26%]), 1.701 to 2.400 × 106 (n = 43 [24%]), and 2.401 to 5.100 × 106 (n = 43 [24%]). OS, EFS, and RFS were improved in patients who received higher doses of tisagenlecleucel (P = .031, .0079, and .0045, respectively). Higher doses of tisagenlecleucel were not associated with increased toxicity. Because the current tisagenlecleucel package insert dose range remains broad, this work has implications in regard to targeting higher cell doses, within the approved dose range, to optimize patients’ potential for long-standing remission.
Surgical outcomes in people with hemophilia A taking emicizumab prophylaxis: experience from the HAVEN 1-4 studies
Authors: Kruse-Jarres Rebecca , Peyvandi Flora , Oldenburg Johannes , Chang Tiffany , Chebon Sammy , Doral Michelle Y. , Croteau Stacy E. , Lambert Thierry , Kempton Christine L. , Pipe Steven W. , Ko Richard H. , Trzaskoma Benjamin , Dhalluin Christophe , Bienz Nives Selak , Niggli Markus , Lehle Michaela , Paz-Priel Ido , Young Guy , Jiménez-Yuste Víctor
Published: August 2022

Many people with hemophilia A (PwHA) undergo surgery in their lifetime, often because of complications of their disease. Emicizumab is the first bispecific monoclonal antibody prophylactic therapy for PwHA, and its efficacy and safety have been previously demonstrated; however, there is a need to build an evidence base on the management of PwHA on emicizumab undergoing surgery. Data from the HAVEN 1-4 phase 3 clinical trials were pooled to provide a summary of all minor and major surgeries in PwHA with or without factor VIII (FVIII) inhibitors who were receiving emicizumab prophylaxis. Overall, 233 surgeries were carried out during the HAVEN 1-4 trials: 215 minor surgeries (including minor dental and joint procedures, central venous access device placement or removal, and endoscopies) in 115 PwHA (64 with FVIII inhibitors) and 18 major surgeries (including arthroplasty and synovectomy) in 18 PwHA (10 with FVIII inhibitors). Perioperative hemostatic support was at the discretion of the treating physician. Overall, the median (interquartile range [IQR]) age was 33.5 (13.0-49.0) years and the median (IQR) emicizumab exposure time before surgery was 278.0 (177.0-431.0) days. Among the 215 minor surgeries, 141 (65.6%) were managed without additional prophylactic factor concentrate, and of those, 121 (85.8%) were not associated with a postoperative bleed. The majority (15 of 18 [83.3%]) of major surgeries were managed with additional prophylactic factor concentrate. Twelve (80.0%) of these 15 surgeries were associated with no intraoperative or postoperative bleeds. The data demonstrate that minor and major surgeries can be performed safely in PwHA receiving emicizumab prophylaxis. These trials are registered at www.clinicaltrials.gov as #NCT02622321, #NCT02795767, #NCT02847637, and #NCT03020160.
The impact of race, ethnicity, and obesity on CAR T-cell therapy outcomes
Authors: Faruqi Aiman J. , Ligon John A. , Borgman Paul , Steinberg Seth M. , Foley Toni , Little Lauren , Mackall Crystal L. , Lee Daniel W. , Fry Terry J. , Shalabi Haneen , Brudno Jennifer , Yates Bonnie , Mikkilineni Lekha , Kochenderfer James , Shah Nirali N.
Published: August 2022

Cancer outcomes with chemotherapy are inferior in patients of minority racial/ethnic groups and those with obesity. Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy has transformed outcomes for relapsed/refractory hematologic malignancies, but whether its benefits extend commensurately to racial/ethnic minorities and patients with obesity is poorly understood. With a primary focus on patients with B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL), we retrospectively evaluated the impact of demographics and obesity on CAR T-cell therapy outcomes in adult and pediatric patients with hematologic malignancies treated with CAR T-cell therapy across 5 phase 1 clinical trials at the National Cancer Institute from 2012 to 2021. Among 139 B-ALL CAR T-cell infusions, 28.8% of patients were Hispanic, 3.6% were Black, and 29.5% were overweight/obese. No significant associations were found between race, ethnicity, or body mass index (BMI) and complete remission rates, neurotoxicity, or overall survival. Hispanic patients were more likely to experience severe cytokine release syndrome compared with White non-Hispanic patients even after adjusting for leukemia disease burden and age (odds ratio, 4.5; P = .001). A descriptive analysis of patients with multiple myeloma (n = 24) and non-Hodgkin lymphoma (n = 23) displayed a similar pattern to the B-ALL cohort. Our findings suggest CAR T-cell therapy may provide substantial benefit across a range of demographics characteristics, including for those populations who are at higher risk for chemotherapy resistance and relapse. However, toxicity profiles may vary. Therefore, efforts to improve access to CAR therapy for underrepresented populations and elucidate mechanisms of differential toxicity among demographic groups should be prioritized.
Early cytopenias and infections after standard of care idecabtagene vicleucel in relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma
Authors: Logue Jennifer M. , Peres Lauren C. , Hashmi Hamza , Colin-Leitzinger Christelle M. , Shrewsbury Alexandria M. , Hosoya Hitomi , Gonzalez Rebecca M. , Copponex Christina , Kottra Krista H. , Hovanky Vanna , Sahaf Bita , Patil Sunita , Lazaryan Aleksandr , Jain Michael D. , Baluch Aliyah , Klinkova Olga V. , Bejanyan Nelli , Faramand Rawan G. , Elmariah Hany , Khimani Farhad , Davila Marco L. , Mishra Asmita , Blue Brandon J. , Grajales-Cruz Ariel F. , Castaneda Puglianini Omar A. , Liu Hien D. , Nishihori Taiga , Freeman Ciara L. , Brayer Jason B. , Shain Kenneth H. , Baz Rachid C. , Locke Frederick L. , Alsina Melissa , Sidana Surbhi , Hansen Doris K.
Published: August 2022

Idecabtagene vicleucel (ide-cel) was FDA-approved in March 2021 for the treatment of relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma after 4 lines of therapy. On the KarMMa trial, grade ≥ 3 cytopenias and infections were common. We sought to characterize cytopenias and infections within 100 days after ide-cel in the standard-of-care (SOC) setting. This multi-center retrospective study included 52 patients who received SOC ide-cel; 47 reached day-90 follow-up. Data were censored at day 100. Grade ≥ 3 cytopenia was present among 65% of patients at day 30 and 40% of patients at day 90. Granulocyte colony stimulating factor (G-CSF) was administered to 88%, packed red blood cell transfusions to 63%, platelet transfusions to 42%, thrombopoietin (TPO) agonists to 21%, intravenous immunoglobulin to 13%, and CD34+ stem cell boosts to 8%. At day 100, 19% and 13% of patients had ongoing use of TPO agonists and G-CSF, respectively. Infections occurred in 54% of patients and were grade ≥ 3 in 23%. Earlier infections in the first 30 days were typically bacterial (68%) and severe (50%). Later infections between days 31 and 100 were 50% bacterial and 42% viral; only 13% were grade ≥ 3. On univariate analysis, high pre-CAR-T marrow myeloma burden (≥ 50%), circulating plasma cells at pre-lymphodepletion (LD), and grade ≥ 3 anemia at pre-LD were associated with grade ≥ 3 cytopenia at both days 30 and 90. Longer time from last bridging treatment to LD was the only significant risk factor for infection.
Interfering B cell receptor signaling via SHP-1/p-Lyn axis shows therapeutic potential in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma
Authors: Chen Ji-Lin , Chu Pei-Yi , Huang Chun-Teng , Huang Tzu-Ting , Wang Wan-Lun , Lee Yu-Hsuan , Chang Yuan-Ya , Dai Ming-Shen , Shiau Chung-Wai , Liu Chun-Yu
Published: August 2022

Background

Diffuse large B cell lymphoma (DLBCL) is an aggressive and molecularly heterogeneous non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. The B cell receptor (BCR) signaling pathway in DLBCL emerges as a new drug target. Protein phosphatase SHP-1 negatively regulates several oncogenic tyrosine kinases and plays a tumor suppressive role.

Methods

The direct SHP-1 agonists were used to evaluate the potential therapeutic implication of SHP-1 in DLBCL. Immunohistochemical staining for SHP-1 was quantified by H-score. The SHP-1 phosphatase activity was determined using tyrosine phosphatase assay. In vitro studies, including MTT, western blot analysis and cell apoptosis, were utilized to examined biological functions of SHP-1.

Results

Oral administration of SHP-1 agonist showed the potent anti-tumor effects compared to a selective Bruton’s tyrosine kinase (BTK) inhibitor ibrutinib in mice bearing U2932 xenografts. SHP-1 agonist increased SHP-1 activity as well as downregulated p-Lyn in vivo. Here, we demonstrated that immunohistochemical staining for SHP-1 expression was positive in 76% of DLBCL samples. SHP-1 agonist exerted anti-proliferative and apoptotic effects compared with ibrutinib in DLBCL cells. Mechanistically, SHP-1 agonist decreased BCR signaling, especially p-Lyn, and led to apoptosis.

Conclusions

These data suggest that SHP-1 negatively regulates phosphorylation of Lyn, and targeting SHP-1/p-Lyn using SHP-1 agonist has therapeutic potential for treatment of DLBCL.
Survey of charging management and infrastructure planning for electrified demand-responsive transport systems: Methodologies and recent developments
Authors: Ma Tai-Yu , Fang Yumeng
Published: August 2022

The accelerated electrification of transport systems with EVs has brought new challenges for charging scheduling, fleet management, and charging infrastructure location and configuration planning. In this review, we have provided a systematic review of the recent development in strategic, tactical, and operational decisions for demand responsive transport system planning using electric vehicles (EV-DRT). We have summarized recent developments in mathematical modeling approaches by focusing on the problems of dynamic EV-DRT optimization, fleet sizing, and charging infrastructure planning. A list of existing open-access datasets, numerical test instances, and software are provided for future research in EV-DRT and related problems. Current research gaps are identified and future research directions are discussed.
De novo transcriptome revealed genes involved in anthocyanin biosynthesis, transport, and regulation in a mutant of Acer pseudosieboldianum
Authors: Li Jia-Lin , Weng Zhuo , Li Xin-Yu , Xu Bo , Gao Yu-Fu , Rong Li-Ping
Published: August 2022

Background

Acer pseudosieboldianum is a kind of excellent color-leafed plants, and well known for its red leaves in autumn. At the same time, A. pseudosieboldianum is one of the native tree species in the northeast of China, and it plays an important role in improving the lack of color-leafed plants in the north. In previous study, we found a mutant of the A. pseudosieboldianum that leaves intersect red and green in spring and summer. However, it is unclear which genes cause the color change of mutant leaves.

Results

In order to study the molecular mechanism of leaf color formation, we analyzed the leaves of the mutant group and the control group from A. pseudosieboldianum by RNA deep sequencing in this study. Using an Illumina sequencing platform, we obtained approximately 276,071,634 clean reads. After the sequences were filtered and assembled, the transcriptome data generated a total of 70,014 transcripts and 54,776 unigenes, of which 34,486 (62.96%) were successfully annotated in seven public databases. There were 8,609 significant DEGs identified between the control and mutant groups, including 4,897 upregulated and 3,712 downregulated genes. We identified 13 genes of DEGs for leaf color synthesis that was involved in the flavonoid pathway, 26 genes that encoded transcription factors, and eight genes associated with flavonoid transport.

Conclusion

Our results provided comprehensive gene expression information about A. pseudosieboldianum transcriptome, and directed the further study of accumulation of anthocyanin in A. pseudosieboldianum, aiming to provide insights into leaf coloring of it through transcriptome sequencing and analysis.