bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Occludin Promotes Adhesion of CD8+ T Cells and Melanocytes in Vitiligo via the HIF-1α Signaling Pathway
Authors: Zou Puyu , Xiao Yangfan , Deng Qiancheng , Shi Yaqian , You Ruixuan , Pi Zixin , Liu Jiani , Zhan Yi , Zeng Qinghai , Zeng Zhuotong , Xiao Rong
Published: February 2022

Loss of melanocytes induced by activated CD8+ T cells is the pathological hallmark of vitiligo. Melanocyte-specific CD8+ T cells are recruited to the skin via chemokines, thereby releasing perforin, granzyme, and other cytotoxic substances that destroy the melanocytes. However, the mechanism of CD8+ T cells to adhere to melanocytes is unknown. Previous transcriptome sequencing results published by our group showed that the occluding (OCLN) gene was significantly upregulated in CD8+ T cells from skin lesions of vitiligo. Occludin is a crucial component of the tight junction between cells; in cells without tight junction, occludin mediates the adhesion of two cells in the form of a self-ligand. This study demonstrated that OCLN gene expression was elevated in the CD8+ T cells of vitiligo patients, and occludin mediates the adherence of CD8+ T cells to melanocytes. Besides, pathological changes in vitiligo skin lesions reveal that CD8+ T cells continuously persist in the skin lesions, which is related to the persistence of the disease. In this regard, we found that fibroblasts from vitiligo patients significantly express occludin, which may participate in the continuous retention of CD8+ T cells in the skin lesions. The pathogenesis of vitiligo is closely related to oxidative stress, and our data suggest that overexpression of hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) increases the expression of occludin. Besides, ChIP-qPCR of CD8+ T cells revealed that HIF-1α directly binds to the OCLN promoter. Thus, occludin upregulation promotes the adhesion of CD8+ T cells and melanocytes via the HIF-1α signaling pathway. Our study results suggested a critical role for OCLN in the occurrence, progression, and maintenance of vitiligo. Therefore, inhibiting the expression of OCLN gene may be a potential targeted treatment strategy.
Stochastic Simulation of Typhoon in Northwest Pacific Basin Based on Machine Learning
Authors: Fang Yong , Sun Yanhua , Zhang Lu , Chen Gengxin , Du Mei , Guo Yunxia
Published: February 2022

Typhoons have caused serious economic losses and casualties in coastal areas all over the world. The big size of the tropical cyclone sample by stochastic simulation can effectively evaluate the typhoon hazard risk, and the typhoon full-track model is the most popular model for typhoon stochastic simulation. Based on the advantages of machine learning in dealing with nonlinear problems, this study uses a backpropagation neural network (BPNN) to replace the regression model in the empirical track model, reestablishes the neural network model for track and intensity prediction in typhoon stochastic simulation, and constructs full‐track typhoon events of 1000 years for Northwest Pacific basin. The validation results indicate that the BPNN can improve the accuracy of typhoon track and intensity prediction.
Efficacy of Intramedullary Nailing in the Treatment of Comminuted Proximal Humeral Fractures and Its Influence on Shoulder Joint Function Recovery
Authors: Lan Weibin , Xie Feibin , Que Wutang , Tu Xuezhao , Wang Xiaomeng
Published: February 2022

In this paper, we have aimed to elucidate the therapeutic effect of intramedullary nailing (IMN) in treating comminuted proximal humeral fractures (CPHFs) and its influence on the recovery of shoulder joint function. For this purpose, 60 cases with CPHFs were selected, particularly from January 2020 to October 2021. In these cases, 28 cases were treated with a locking proximal humeral plate (LPHP) and assigned to the control (Con) group and the remaining 32 patients were treated with IMN and included in the research (Res) group. The therapeutic effect, surgical indicators, total complications, visual analogue scale (VAS) score, and postoperative shoulder joint function score were compared between the two arms. We observed that compared with the Con group, the effective rate in the Res group was higher while the operation time, intraoperative blood loss, and fracture healing time were shorter, the overall complication rate and VAS score were lower, and the postoperative shoulder joint function score was higher, all with statistical significance. The above results indicate that IMN is effective and safe in the treatment of CPHFs, which can validly reduce the discomfort of patients and facilitate the recovery of shoulder joint function.
Impacts of Sodium/Glucose Cotransporter-2 Inhibitors on Circulating Uric Acid Concentrations: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Akbari Abolfazl , Rafiee Mahdi , Sathyapalan Thozhukat , Sahebkar Amirhossein
Published: February 2022

Background. Several trials have assessed the antihyperglycemic effects of sodium/glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors (SGLT2i) in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). We conducted a quantitative analysis to assess the impact of SGLT2is on serum uric acid (SUA) in patients with T2DM. Methods. Placebo-controlled trials published before 13 August 2021 were identified by searching PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and Scopus. The intervention group received SGLT2i as monotherapy or add-on treatment, and the control group received a placebo that was replaced with SGLT2i. Clinical trials providing changes in SUA were included. The mean change of SUA, glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), fasting plasma glucose (FPG), and body weight were calculated (PROSPERO CRD42021287019). Results. After screening of 1172 papers, 59 papers were included in the systematic review. A total of 55 trials (122 groups) of 7 types of SGLT2i on patients with T2DM were eligible for meta-analysis. All SGLT2is significantly decreased SUA levels compared with the placebo groups: empagliflozin mean difference

MD

=
−
40.98

 μmol/L, 95% CI [-47.63, -34.32], dapagliflozin

MD
=
−
35.17

 μmol/L, 95% CI [-39.68, -30.66], canagliflozin

MD
=
−
36.27

 μmol/L, 95% CI [−41.62, −30.93], luseogliflozin

MD
=
−
24.269

 μmol/L, 95% CI [-33.31, -15.22], tofogliflozin

MD
=
−
19.47

 μmol/L, 95% CI [−27.40, −11.55], and ipragliflozin

MD
=
−
18.85

 μmol/L, 95% CI [−27.20, −10.49]. SGLT2i also decreased FPG, body weight, and HbA1c levels. SUA reduction persisted during long-term treatment with SGLT2i (except for empagliflozin), while the SUA reduction was affected by the duration of diabetes. Conclusions. SGLT2i can be a valid therapeutic strategy for patients with T2DM and comorbid hyperuricemia. Besides reducing FPG, body weight, and HbA1c, SGLT2i can significantly decrease SUA levels compared to placebo (Total

MD
=
−
34.07

 μmol/L, 95% CI [-37.00, -31.14]).
Presence of Serum Antinuclear Antibodies Does Not Impact Outcomes in HBV-Related Acute-on-Chronic Liver Failure
Authors: Lin Lin , Lin Bin , Lan Qing , Liu Longgen , Lu Jianchun , Zhang Xiujun , Zheng Shuqin , Xue Yuan
Published: February 2022

Background. The aim of this study was to provide new insights into the prevalence of positive antinuclear antibody (ANA) in patients with HBV-related acute-on-chronic liver failure (ACLF) and its impact on clinical outcomes. Methods. A total of 116 patients with HBV-related ACLF treated at three clinical centers were retrospectively recruited. Serum concentrations of ANA were detected using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kit. Multiple nuclear dots, rim-like, and centromere patterns of ANA were detected using indirect immunofluorescence assay on HEp-2 cells. Results. Among the 116 patients with HBV-related ACLF, 17 (14.66%) were ANA positive. Most patients in both ANA positive and negative groups were males (88.2% and 83.8%). Patients with negative ANA had a higher international normalized ratio, model for end-stage liver disease (MELD), and MELD-sodium scores than those with positive ANA (all

P
<
0.05

). Multiple nuclear dot pattern was detected in half of the patients (8/17, 47.06%), rim-like/membranous pattern was found in six patients, and centromere pattern was detected in the last three patients. For patients with ANA (+), IgM was lower, and it was positively correlated with IgG. For patients with ANA (-), C3 was positively correlated with C4, and both C3 and C4 were negatively correlated with INR and MELD (all

P
<
0.05

). In addition, TBIL, INR, WBC, and PLT, but not ANA, resulted as independent risk factors associated with 90-day mortality. Conclusion. Positive ANA is frequent in HBV-related ACLF, and it does not seem to be associated with poor outcomes, but the pathogenesis of ACLF may be different between ANA (+) and ANA (−) groups.
Econometric Analysis of Macroeconomic to Age‐Specific Mortality Rate in Malaysia: Evidence from Panel Data
Authors: Edrus Robiaatul Adawiah , Siri Zailan , Haron Mohd Azmi , Safari Muhammad Aslam Mohd , Kaabar Mohammed K. A.
Published: February 2022

Human mortality is unanticipated and unavoidable, particularly in light of the recent COVID‐19 pandemic. Insurance companies, actuaries, financial institutions, demographers, and the government may suffer catastrophic losses as a result of imprecise mortality estimates. Understanding the factors that contribute to mortality at the population level can help the government improve its efforts to promote health and reduce health inequalities. Consequently, the present study utilizes an econometrics model to estimate Malaysia’s mortality rate, with macroeconomic factors as explanatory variables. The present study employed the unemployment rate, pension liabilities, gross domestic product, education expenditure, and healthcare expenditure as explanatory variables. The empirical results imply that the fixed effects model is feasible when using panel data across specific age groups. Moreover, the fixed effects model is devoid of cross‐sectional dependency, heteroscedasticity, and serial correlation. The findings reveal that the unemployment rate, gross domestic product, and education expenditure all have a significant influence on the mortality rate. However, pension liabilities and health expenditure have an insignificant relationship with the mortality rate. The fixed effects model is demonstrated to be a robust model that fits the Malaysian scenario with an R‐squared of approximately 84.69%. The present study is novel due to the fact that the model established between explanatory variables and the mortality rate shows a significant relationship, which can be helpful in forecasting the mortality at population level as a preparation for the post‐COVID‐19 mortality. The present study aims to contribute to the development of an effective support mechanism by rectifying Malaysia’s socioeconomic inequalities in order to mitigate the COVID‐19 increase in mortality rate. Therefore, the Malaysian government is strongly encouraged to examine its expenditure on education and gross domestic product in order to improve the mortality rate, particularly among the adult and older population.
Malondialdehyde and Neutrophil Gelatinase‐Associated Lipocalin as Markers of Oxidative Stress in Small for Gestational Age Newborns from Hypertensive and Preeclamptic Pregnancies
Authors: Surmiak Piotr , Wojnarowicz Olga , Szymkowiak Martyna
Published: February 2022

Introduction. It is speculated that preeclampsia and hypertension during pregnancy are associated with an imbalance of the placental antioxidant defence, which results in the overproduction of reactive oxygen species and fetal growth restriction. Many research implied that oxidant stress in utero may be an important determinant of mortality and morbidity in neonates. Moreover, the authors demonstrated the reduced number of nephrons and a higher prevalence of renal injury in neonates with growth restriction, including small for gestational age (SGA) neonates. Alas, it remains unclear whether basal antioxidant status is altered in the kidneys of SGA newborns. Materials and Methods. In this study, we assessed neutrophil gelatinase‐associated lipocalin (NGAL) and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels in samples collected from umbilical blood and 12 hours after delivery in neonates born by mothers suffering from preeclampsia or hypertension during pregnancy and those from physiological pregnancies. Additionally, the authors evaluated levels of the aforementioned biomarkers regarding the occurrence of growth restriction in newborns. For this study, we enrolled 27 newborns, which fulfilled inclusion criteria for SGA diagnosis (SGA group), while 21 were appropriate for gestational age neonates, as the AGA group. Results. In the presented study, we have found significant differences in umbilical cord MDA and NGAL concentration between the SGA and AGA groups. Such dependencies were not found in blood samples from neonates collected in the first 12 hours of life for MDA and NGAL concentrations. Additionally, we have observed differences in umbilical MDA and NGAL levels between newborns of preeclamptic or hypertensive mothers compared to healthy ones. A significant correlation between the occurrence of hypertension during pregnancy and umbilical MDA and NGAL concentrations was also found. Conclusions. Small for gestational age newborns or those born by preeclamptic and hypertensive mothers had significantly higher MDA and NGAL levels as compared to healthy ones. Further investigation is needed to understand the pathophysiologic influence of hypertension in pregnancy and oxidative stress injury in newborns with growth restriction.
Cure Is Possible: Extensively Metastatic HER2-Positive Gastric Carcinoma with 5 years of Complete Remission after Therapy with the FLOT Regimen and Trastuzumab
Authors: Schade Sebastian , Koenig Ute , Mekolli Ardian , Gaedcke Jochen , Neesse Albrecht , Reinecke Johanna , Brunner Marius , Amir Hosseini Ali Seif , Kitz Julia , Stroebel Philipp , Lotz Joachim , Ghadimi Michael , Ellenrieder Volker , Koenig Alexander
Published: February 2022

Gastric cancer (GC) represents one of the most fatal neoplasms in gastrointestinal oncology and affected patients can only hope for cure in limited disease. In a metastatic situation however, patients have a worse prognosis finally resulting in cancer-related death. Some improvements were made by using intensified chemotherapy such as the FLOT protocol (5-FU, leucovorin, oxaliplatin and docetaxel). However, a breakthrough in the treatment of advanced GC has been achieved by pre-therapeutical tumor analysis for potentially targetable alterations. Microsatellite instability, PD-L1 expression, Epstein Barr virus, and human epidermal growth factor receptor-2 (HER2) overexpression or amplification are the most beneficial targets, if addressed, can prolong survival in a palliative situation. Whether the combination of these targeted therapeutics with chemotherapy can bring long-term survival or even a chance of cure in a metastatic situation is not clear. Here, we report the case of a 30-year-old man with GC and extensive metastases who was cured by anti-HER2 antibody Trastuzumab combined with the FLOT regime. Initial staging showed an exophytic Siewert type III tumor and extensive hepatic metastases. Histology resulted in gastric adenocarcinoma with HER2 overexpression (2+, FISH positive). Twelve courses of chemotherapy comprising Trastuzumab and FLOT were administered. After treatment, the extensive liver metastases had disappeared with no evidence of residual tumor growth on the CT scans. Monotherapy of Trastuzumab was continued until gastrectomy with D2 lymph node dissection and probing of liver tissue, which revealed no residual tumor cells. Five years after surgery, there is continued complete remission. In conclusion, Trastuzumab in combination with FLOT may have curative potential even for metastatic stages of HER-2-positive GC.
Prophylactic Low-Dose Paracetamol Administration for Ductal Closure and Microstructural Brain Development in Preterm Infants
Authors: Sappler Maria , Hammerl Marlene , Pellkofer Yasmin , Griesmaier Elke , Höck Michaela , Janjic Tanja , Gizewski Elke Ruth , Kiechl-Kohlendorfer Ursula , Neubauer Vera
Published: February 2022

Introduction: Prophylactic low-dose paracetamol administration is used to induce closure of the ductus arteriosus. Effects on the neurological outcome in preterm infants remain unknown. We compared microstructural brain development in very preterm infants with and without exposure to prophylactic paracetamol by using MR-based diffusion tensor imaging. Materials and Methods: Infants aged <32 gestational weeks born between October 2014 and December 2018 received prophylactic paracetamol (10 mg/kg intravenously every 8 h until echocardiography after at least 72 h) and form the paracetamol group; infants born between February 2011 and September 2014 form the control group. Fractional anisotropy (FA) and apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) at term-equivalent age were measured in 14 defined cerebral regions and compared between the groups. Results: Included in the study were 340 infants, of whom 217 received prophylactic paracetamol, and 123 formed the control group. The paracetamol group showed significantly higher FA values and lower ADC values in the splenium of the corpus callosum, as well as higher FA values in the pons bilaterally, the left middle cerebellar peduncle, the right occipital white matter, and the right posterior limb of the internal capsule (p ≤ 0.02). Conclusion: The perceived safety of prenatal paracetamol exposure has been questioned in recent years. We found no impairment on microstructural maturation processes in the brain of preterm infants at term-equivalent age following early paracetamol administration. The clinical relevance of these imaging findings has to be determined in long-term follow-up studies on neurodevelopmental outcome.
Effects of Body Weight Change on Development of Chronic Kidney Disease in Obese Metabolic Phenotypes
Authors: Toda Akiko , Hara Shigeko , Tsuji Hiroshi , Arase Yasuji
Published: February 2022

Introduction: Obesity is a risk factor for chronic kidney disease (CKD), but whether the reduction of body mass index (BMI) helps prevent CKD is controversial. Recently, obese metabolic phenotypes have raised considerable interest. We thus investigated the effect of BMI change on CKD development. Methods: We analyzed the data of 6,959 subjects who underwent annual health checkups in both 2013 and 2018. The subjects were categorized into five groups according to their BMI percentage change (ΔBMI) and classified into four obese metabolic phenotypes. By a multivariate logistic regression analysis, we investigated the association between BMI change and CKD development within the 5 years. Results: In total subjects, compared with the maintained BMI group (ΔBMI ≥0% but <2.5%), the odd ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) of CKD development were 0.70 (95% CI 0.54–0.91) for the severe BMI decrease group (ΔBMI <−2.5%), and 1.40 (95% CI 1.08–1.81) for the severe BMI increase group (ΔBMI ≥5%). In the metabolically healthy obese (MHO) phenotype, the risks of CKD development were significantly higher in the moderate BMI increase group (ΔBMI ≥2.5% but <5%) (OR 3.04, 95% CI 1.19–7.78) and a severe BMI increase group (OR 2.88, 95% CI 1.13–7.35). Regarding the metabolically unhealthy nonobese (MUNO) phenotype, the risks of CKD development were significantly lower in the severe BMI decrease group (OR 0.43, 95% CI 0.25–0.74) and the moderate BMI decrease group (ΔBMI ≥−2.5% but <0%) (OR 0.58, 95% CI 0.35–0.98). Conclusions: In the MHO phenotype, an increased BMI deteriorated CKD development, and a decreased BMI ameliorated CKD development in the MUNO phenotype.
A nação tutelada em As Vitrines, de Chico Buarque
Authors: Leite Carlos Augusto Bonifacio , Manica Pedro Baumbach , Prusch Vinícius de Oliveira
Published: February 2022

Partindo de uma desconfiança em relação à ideia de que As vitrines (1981), de Chico Buarque, seria apenas uma canção de amor, o presente ensaio propõe uma análise que centraliza ideias como as de “vigia” e “encalço” na busca de investigar as relações entre forma estética e processo social. O movimento envolve, ainda, o diálogo com algumas figuras da modernidade presentes em Walter Benjamin (1994), especialmente no que diz respeito ao modo como essas figuras se apresentam na leitura do autor do soneto A uma passante, de Charles Baudelaire. No centro da análise, está a hipótese de que tensões do período de redemocratização brasileira estariam decantadas na canção de Chico nas relações que se estabelecem entre uma pessoa que passa e outra que a persegue sob a luz de letreiros e entre mercadorias.
Entre o contar e o cantar do poema-canção: uma leitura/audição da Diáspora, dos Tribalistas
Authors: Santana Franksnilson Ramos
Published: February 2022

O presente artigo discute os momentos narrativos e não narrativos na canção ­­Diáspora­­, do grupo musical brasileiro Tribalistas(2017), observados tanto no interior da sua letra quanto no seu todo melódico, partindo-se da hipótese de que o trânsito pelos dois campos satisfaz um propósito mimético descentralizado, por meio do qual o poeta-compositor abre mão da veiculação da trama única, da linearidade de um relato, para chegar à pluralidade de histórias a partir de alusões, cenas opacas, referências, descrições, discursos diretos, súplicas, junto a toda uma estratégia sonora e rítmica, sobretudo via trabalho percussional. A combinação entre o diegético e o lírico se intensifica no percurso da arte da Modernidade à Pós-modernidade, no modo como o artista se liberta da “necessidade do épico” para exprimir o poético em estruturas intergenéricas, intermidiáticas, intertextuais. Considera-se, enfim, como a Diáspora e a MPB, no geral, conseguem fundir literatura e música, narratividade e livre expressão poética, conto e canto.
Crosstalk Between Macrophages and Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells in Atherosclerotic Plaque Stability
Authors: Yurdagul Arif
Published: February 2022

Most acute cardiovascular events are due to plaque rupture, with atheromas containing large necrotic cores and thin fibrous caps being more susceptible to rupture and lesions with small necrotic cores and thick fibrous caps being more protected from rupture. Atherosclerotic plaques are comprised various extracellular matrix proteins, modified lipoprotein particles, and cells of different origins, that is, vascular cells and leukocytes. Although much has been revealed about the mechanisms that lead to plaque instability, several key areas remain incompletely understood. This In-Focus Review highlights processes related to cellular crosstalk and the role of the tissue microenvironment in determining cell function and plaque stability. Recent advances highlight critical underpinnings of atherosclerotic plaque vulnerability, particularly impairments in the ability of macrophages to clear dead cells and phenotypic switching of vascular smooth muscle cells. However, these processes do not occur in isolation, as crosstalk between macrophages and vascular smooth muscle cells and interactions with their surrounding microenvironment play a significant role in determining plaque stability. Understanding these aspects of cellular crosstalk within an atherosclerotic plaque may shed light on how to modify cell behavior and identify novel approaches to transform rupture-prone atheromas into stable lesions.
Coronary Arterial Function and Disease in Women With No Obstructive Coronary Arteries
Authors: Reynolds Harmony R. , Bairey Merz C. Noel , Berry Colin , Samuel Rohit , Saw Jacqueline , Smilowitz Nathaniel R. , de Souza Ana Carolina do A.H. , Sykes Robert , Taqueti Viviany R. , Wei Janet
Published: February 2022

Ischemic heart disease (IHD) is the leading cause of mortality in women. While traditional cardiovascular risk factors play an important role in the development of IHD in women, women may experience sex-specific IHD risk factors and pathophysiology, and thus female-specific risk stratification is needed for IHD prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. Emerging data from the past 2 decades have significantly improved the understanding of IHD in women, including mechanisms of ischemia with no obstructive coronary arteries and myocardial infarction with no obstructive coronary arteries. Despite this progress, sex differences in IHD outcomes persist, particularly in young women. This review highlights the contemporary understanding of coronary arterial function and disease in women with no obstructive coronary arteries, including coronary anatomy and physiology, mechanisms of ischemia with no obstructive coronary arteries and myocardial infarction with no obstructive coronary arteries, noninvasive and invasive diagnostic strategies, and management of IHD.
Pregnancy and Reproductive Risk Factors for Cardiovascular Disease in Women
Authors: O’Kelly Anna C. , Michos Erin D. , Shufelt Chrisandra L. , Vermunt Jane V. , Minissian Margo B. , Quesada Odayme , Smith Graeme N. , Rich-Edwards Janet W. , Garovic Vesna D. , El Khoudary Samar R. , Honigberg Michael C.
Published: February 2022

Beyond conventional risk factors for cardiovascular disease, women face an additional burden of sex-specific risk factors. Key stages of a woman’s reproductive history may influence or reveal short- and long-term cardiometabolic and cardiovascular trajectories. Early and late menarche, polycystic ovary syndrome, infertility, adverse pregnancy outcomes (eg, hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, gestational diabetes, preterm delivery, and intrauterine growth restriction), and absence of breastfeeding are all associated with increased future cardiovascular disease risk. The menopause transition additionally represents a period of accelerated cardiovascular disease risk, with timing (eg, premature menopause), mechanism, and symptoms of menopause, as well as treatment of menopause symptoms, each contributing to this risk. Differences in conventional cardiovascular disease risk factors appear to explain some, but not all, of the observed associations between reproductive history and later-life cardiovascular disease; further research is needed to elucidate hormonal effects and unique sex-specific disease mechanisms. A history of reproductive risk factors represents an opportunity for comprehensive risk factor screening, refinement of cardiovascular disease risk assessment, and implementation of primordial and primary prevention to optimize long-term cardiometabolic health in women.
Sex-Specific Cardiovascular Risks of Cancer and Its Therapies
Authors: Wilcox Nicholas S. , Rotz Seth J. , Mullen McKay , Song Evelyn J. , Ky Hamilton Betty , Moslehi Javid , Armenian Saro H. , Wu Joseph C. , Rhee June-Wha , Ky Bonnie
Published: February 2022

In both cardiovascular disease and cancer, there are established sex-based differences in prevalence and outcomes. Males and females may also differ in terms of risk of cardiotoxicity following cancer therapy, including heart failure, cardiomyopathy, atherosclerosis, thromboembolism, arrhythmias, and myocarditis. Here, we describe sex-based differences in the epidemiology and pathophysiology of cardiotoxicity associated with anthracyclines, hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HCT), hormone therapy and immune therapy. Relative to males, the risk of anthracycline-induced cardiotoxicity is higher in prepubertal females, lower in premenopausal females, and similar in postmenopausal females. For autologous hematopoietic cell transplant, several studies suggest an increased risk of late heart failure in female lymphoma patients, but sex-based differences have not been shown for allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplant. Hormone therapies including GnRH (gonadotropin-releasing hormone) modulators, androgen receptor antagonists, selective estrogen receptor modulators, and aromatase inhibitors are associated with cardiotoxicity, including arrhythmia and venous thromboembolism. However, sex-based differences have not yet been elucidated. Evaluation of sex differences in cardiotoxicity related to immune therapy is limited, in part, due to low participation of females in relevant clinical trials. However, some studies suggest that females are at increased risk of immune checkpoint inhibitor myocarditis, although this has not been consistently demonstrated. For each of the aforementioned cancer therapies, we consider sex-based differences according to cardiotoxicity management. We identify knowledge gaps to guide future mechanistic and prospective clinical studies. Furthering our understanding of sex-based differences in cancer therapy cardiotoxicity can advance the development of targeted preventive and therapeutic cardioprotective strategies.
Sex Differences and Similarities in Valvular Heart Disease
Authors: DesJardin Jacqueline T. , Chikwe Joanna , Hahn Rebecca T. , Hung Judy W. , Delling Francesca N.
Published: February 2022

As populations age worldwide, the burden of valvular heart disease has grown exponentially, and so has the proportion of affected women. Although rheumatic valve disease is declining in high-income countries, degenerative age-related causes are rising. Calcific aortic stenosis and degenerative mitral regurgitation affect a significant proportion of elderly women, particularly those with comorbidities. Women with valvular heart disease have been underrepresented in many of the landmark studies which form the basis for guideline recommendations. As a consequence, surgical referrals in women have often been delayed, with worse postoperative outcomes compared with men. As described in this review, a more recent effort to include women in research studies and clinical trials has increased our knowledge about sex-based differences in epidemiology, pathophysiology, diagnostic criteria, treatment options, outcomes, and prognosis.
Diastolic Blood Pressure Variability in Later Life May Be a Key Risk Marker for Cognitive Decline
Authors: Peters Ruth , Xu Ying , Eramudugolla Ranmalee , Sachdev Perminder S. , Cherbuin Nicolas , Tully Phillip J. , Mortby Moyra E. , Anstey Kaarin J.
Published: February 2022

Background:

There is an increasing awareness of the need to understand the interaction between long-term blood pressure patterns and their impact on the brain and cognition.

Methods:

Our aim was to investigate the relationship between repeated blood pressure measures and change in cognitive performance over 12 years and imaging data at 12 years using a longitudinal population study. The data consisted of 2 cohorts, one midlife and one later life. Using linear regression, we examined the relationship between blood pressure (systolic, diastolic, change in blood pressure between visits, and visit-to-visit variability), change in cognitive performance and imaging at 12 years.

Results:

Data on cognitive change were available in 1054 at midlife, baseline age 42.7 (SD 1.5) and 1233 in later life, 62.5 (1.5) years. Imaging data were available in 168 and 233, respectively. After adjustment for multiple comparisons greater diastolic blood pressure variability in later life was associated with a −1.95 point decline (95% CI, −2.89 to −1.01) on an attention-based task and a −0.42 point (95% CI, −0.68 to −0.15) decline in performance on a psychomotor task. A higher SD in diastolic pressure across follow-up was associated with greater white matter hyperintensity volume (%increase per 10 mm Hg increase in the SD [1.50 (95% CI, 1.16–1.94]).

Conclusions:

In a largely normotensive/mildly hypertensive population, our analyses reported no relationships between blood pressure and cognition in midlife but a potential role for diastolic blood pressure variability in later life as a risk marker for cognitive decline. This may indicate an at-risk period or a means to identify an at-risk population at the age where diastolic pressure is starting to decline.
What Did It Feel Like to Be a Jew? The Kosher Food Laws and Emotional Norms among Ancient Jews
Authors: Mermelstein Ari
Published: February 2022

Jewish observance of a set of legal practices constituted the most obvious distinction between Jew and gentile in antiquity. Yet Jewish ritual practice did not only affect the ways in which Jews acted but also how they felt about their Jewishness and their connection to the wider culture. Law and emotion play mutually reinforcing roles in both shaping and reflecting a society’s values, an observation that invites the following questions: how did observance of Jewish dietary laws make Jews feel, and which emotional norms were involved in the production of law? The emotions of those who observed the kosher food laws were variously characterized as hate, a self-controlled repudiation of negative emotion, or disgust. Disputes about how to understand the emotions that animate the dietary laws were attempts to define the power relations between Jews and the surrounding world: did Jews enjoy the power to integrate into their Greco-Roman surroundings?
Marine Fisheries Act 2020 of Bangladesh: A Missed Opportunity for Sustainability and Collaborative Governance
Authors: Al Arif Abdullah , Karim Md Saiful
Published: February 2022

This article critically examines the Marine Fisheries Act 2020 of Bangladesh. The Act replaced the Marine Fisheries Ordinance 1983 with a view to upgrading the regulation of fisheries resources in Bangladesh’s marine waters. However, a substantial portion of the Act replicates the 1983 Ordinance. Critically, the Act does not incorporate the internationally recognised principles and measures of fisheries management, despite Bangladesh’s international obligations. Moreover, the new law is silent about capacity development of relevant government agencies and community engagement. Overall, it was a missed opportunity for Bangladesh to include sustainability and collaborative governance principles in its marine fisheries sector.
The Archbishops of Canterbury and their Advisors: A Personal Retrospect
Authors: Gill Robin
Published: February 2022

Using the recollections of Bishop Richard Harries and myself, this article describes some of the ways that Archbishops of Canterbury Robert Runcie, George Carey and Rowan Williams were variously advised about theology, medical ethics, mission and safeguarding. The work of two Archbishop’s Advisory groups – on theology and on medical ethics – is outlined, together with key individual advisors, especially Graham Howes, Wesley Carr and Graham James. Carey is identified as an especially strategic archbishop.
Exploratory Precipitation Metrics: Spatiotemporal Characteristics, Process-Oriented, and Phenomena-Based
Authors: Leung L. Ruby , Boos William R. , Catto Jennifer L. , A. DeMott Charlotte , Martin Gill M. , Neelin J. David , O’Brien Travis A. , Xie Shaocheng , Feng Zhe , Klingaman Nicholas P. , Kuo Yi-Hung , Lee Robert W. , Martinez-Villalobos Cristian , Vishnu S. , Priestley Matthew D. K. , Tao Cheng , Zhou Yang
Published: February 2022

Precipitation sustains life and supports human activities, making its prediction one of the most societally relevant challenges in weather and climate modeling. Limitations in modeling precipitation underscore the need for diagnostics and metrics to evaluate precipitation in simulations and predictions. While routine use of basic metrics is important for documenting model skill, more sophisticated diagnostics and metrics aimed at connecting model biases to their sources and revealing precipitation characteristics relevant to how model precipitation is used are critical for improving models and their uses. This paper illustrates examples of exploratory diagnostics and metrics including 1) spatiotemporal characteristics metrics such as diurnal variability, probability of extremes, duration of dry spells, spectral characteristics, and spatiotemporal coherence of precipitation; 2) process-oriented metrics based on the rainfall–moisture coupling and temperature–water vapor environments of precipitation; and 3) phenomena-based metrics focusing on precipitation associated with weather phenomena including low pressure systems, mesoscale convective systems, frontal systems, and atmospheric rivers. Together, these diagnostics and metrics delineate the multifaceted and multiscale nature of precipitation, its relations with the environments, and its generation mechanisms. The metrics are applied to historical simulations from phases 5 and 6 of the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project. Models exhibit diverse skill as measured by the suite of metrics, with very few models consistently ranked as top or bottom performers compared to other models in multiple metrics. Analysis of model skill across metrics and models suggests possible relationships among subsets of metrics, motivating the need for more systematic analysis to understand model biases for informing model development.
An on-line school-based randomised controlled trial to prevent non-specific low back pain in children
Authors: Borras Pere A , Vidal-Conti Josep
Published: February 2022

Objectives:

This manuscript describes the rationale and protocol for an on-line, school-based randomised controlled trial of Projecte d’Educació Postural a l’Escola (Postural Education in School Project’ (PEPE) which aims to prevent non-specific low back pain and promote healthy postural habits in children. The study will examine the effects of the intervention on back care knowledge, daily postural habits (DPH) and the correct use of backpacks.

Design:

Randomised controlled trial informed by self-determination theory (SDT) and the social-ecological model (SEM).

Setting:

A total of 880 students attending 10 primary schools (five experimental and five control) from different Majorcan cities will participate in this study.

Method:

The intervention (on-line 12-week intervention for class teachers, physical education teachers and families) will be conducted by the research staff; a control group will continue their routine activities. Physical fitness (PF) levels will be measured by a modified version of the ALPHA Fitness test battery for children while back care knowledge and other study variables will be measured by a self-reported on-line questionnaire at baseline and post-intervention. The primary outcomes will be PF, backpack weight, back care knowledge and DPH.

Conclusion:

Findings will provide a comprehensive understanding of the short-term effects of this school-based intervention on back care knowledge, DPH, the correct use of backpacks and PF levels in Majorcan children.
The factors affecting curriculum design of social work degree programs in Mainland China: Accounts of social work educators
Authors: Mo Yuen-han Kitty , Chan Tak-Mau Simon
Published: February 2022

This study aims to fill the research gaps on the general and specific socio-cultural factors that influence social work curriculum design in Mainland China through semi-structured telephone interviews with 23 social work educators in 23 cities across different Chinese regions. They reveal the factors that influence the curriculum and measures that could be used to improve the existing curriculum for positive impacts. An influence map is proposed which provides the groundwork for further developments in social work education in Mainland China. This study also alerts social work educators to the importance of flexibility in adapting social work curricula to societal needs.
‘How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love Autocracy’: Kais Saied’s “Constitutional Self-Coup” in Tunisia
Authors: Tamburini Francesco
Published: February 2022

The president of Tunisia, Kais Saied, recurred to Article 80 of the constitution on 25 July 2021 to proclaim the “state of exception,” freezing parliamentary activities, removing the representatives’ immunity, and dissolving the government headed by Prime Minister Hichem Mechichi. The following presidential decree 2021-117 on 22 September granted him legislative powers by decree, dismantling the constitution of 2014, which was the cornerstone of the result of the “Jasmine Revolution” of 2011. This article will analyze the constitutionality of the presidential decrees and shed light on the juridical, socioeconomical, and political circumstances that allowed Saied to perform what can be described as a constitutional coup or a self-coup, which reshaped the future of Tunisia.
Inroads into the Ultimate Issue Rule? Structural Elements of Communication between Experts and Fact-Finders
Authors: Kotsoglou Kyriakos N. , Biedermann Alex
Published: February 2022

One of the most persistent questions in criminal evidence relates to the use of (unchallenged) expert evidence. What does it mean to accept or reject (unchallenged) expert evidence? To what extent can, and should, an expert enter jurisprudential territory? Is the traditional model of trial by jury viable in our complex world? In order to clarify these pressing questions, we will examine the evidential structure underpinning expert witness testimony. We will show that what we usually and, at the cost of oversimplification, call ‘evidence’, comprises three distinct questions: ( i) What does the data show? ( ii) What should we believe? ( iii) What should we do? From this insight, a number of corollaries fall into place. First, although decisions have to be informed through reasoned inferential procedures, they cannot be reduced to scientific propositions. As a result, fact-finders do not need to cede their decision-making prerogative as some proponents of expert-driven decision-making suggest. Secondly, criminal liability is not a scientific conclusion. Rather, so our argument, it is an individualistic normative construction that involves an inferential leap which is not warranted by any scientific (i.e. general) proposition. For the rectitude of the criminal verdict (or indeed any legal decision) does not map logically onto the possible treatment of scientific findings, that is, acceptance/rejection. Thirdly, our clarification of this evidential structure, which we call coherent decisionalism, provides a conceptual framework to understand and stabilise case law on expert witness testimony.
Heavenly spirit or material being? Science on electricity at the turn of the 19th century in Poland
Authors: Urbanowicz Piotr
Published: February 2022

In my paper I follow the emergence of the science of electricity in Poland. I believe that the science of electricity established in 1777 served as a new social program. Through the introduced translations, this science was intended to create a new social imaginary and social relations. I describe two interrelated processes: the social construction of the science of electricity, and negotiations between secular and religious definitions of electricity. In the first part of the article I show that both processes were related to each other and contributed to hybrid interpretations of electricity – as a “material being” and “spirit of the world.” In the second part of the paper I pay attention to the efforts made by Jan and Jędrzej Śniadecki to secularize the science of electricity in Vilnius. I follow the metaphor of ‘laboratory’ used in their works in order to describe the natural phenomena. I claim that Jędrzej Śniadecki established not only a new theory of electricity (a “radiant being”), but in fact a new understanding of social space. I point out that he did that by transferring scientific practices into the cultural space.
A Visionary Working Model for Pursuing Social Justice Praxis Through Educational Psychology Courses
Authors: Mustafaa Faheemah N. , Martinez Mayra Nuñez
Published: February 2022

Introduction

We propose a visionary working model to normalize the pursuit of social justice praxis in educational psychology courses. Using our undergraduate course as an example, we discuss our roles as instructors, curriculum, and pedagogical strategies for forward progress.

Statement of the Problem

Despite stated commitments to diversity, equity, and inclusion as integral to psychology research and practice (e.g., American Psychological Association statements), most educational psychology courses are highly theoretical and do not prepare learners to counter social injustices in praxis that are meaningful for the global majority.

Literature Review

We make the case for why educational psychology courses are ideal for training students for social justice praxis, and outline how diversity, equity, and inclusion strategies in the literature can be used as levers.

Teaching Implications

We provide assignment resources to illustrate how instructors can begin to integrate diversity, equity, and inclusion throughout a course to co-construct more just futures.

Conclusion

Actualizing this visionary model of normalizing social justice praxis in educational psychology courses requires multi-level supports at global and local levels. Using case studies to address complex social injustices within an engaged teaching and learning environment has significant potential to empower and prepare learners to forward social justice.
Patulous Eustachian tube: Deep breath for a diagnosis
Authors: Chung Janice J , Naples James G
Published: February 2022

Significance Statement: Eustachian tube disorders are common outpatient otologic presentations that can present a diagnostic challenge due to overlapping symptoms. This article will focus on patulous Eustachian tube, how the symptoms can overlap with those of Eustachian tube dysfunction, and the diagnostic insight offered by a close inspection of the tympanic membrane.
The Effect of CW-FIT on Group Engagement During Virtual Instruction
Authors: LeJeune Lauren M. , Samudre Mark D. , Whitaker Stacey C. , Bailey Creiana
Published: February 2022

There is a need to adapt research-based behavior management interventions so they have utility for virtual instruction. In this study, we investigated whether Class-Wide Function-Related Intervention Teams (CW-FIT) would increase group engagement for a first-grade inclusive class during virtual reading instruction. Results of the single case ABAB design indicated a functional relation between CW-FIT and increased group engagement. Secondary measures of students’ (a) screen match (i.e., appropriate screen activity) during instruction and (b) attendance did not have clear relations with CW-FIT implementation. Overall, these results suggest behavioral interventions with evidence of effectiveness for increasing engagement during in-person instruction may have similar effects during virtual instruction.
The use of sugammadex in critical events in anaesthesia: A retrospective review of the webAIRS database
Authors: Olesnicky Benjamin L , Trumper Rosie , Chen Vanessa , Culwick Martin D
Published: February 2022

Sugammadex has been used for more than ten years in Australia and New Zealand and has been implicated as an effective treatment, and in some cases a potential cause, of a critical incident. We aimed to identify and analyse critical incidents involving sugammadex reported to webAIRS, a de-identified voluntary online critical incident reporting system in Australia and New Zealand. We identified 116 incidents where the reporter implicated sugammadex as either a cause (23 cases) or a treatment (93 cases) during anaesthesia. There were 17 incidents suggestive of sugammadex anaphylaxis, although not all were confirmed by skin testing. There were six incidents when bradycardia was temporally related to sugammadex administration, although it was not possible to exclude other causes or contributory factors. There were nine incidents in which sugammadex was used to reverse aminosteroid-related neuromuscular blockade successfully in a ‘can’t intubate, can’t oxygenate’ (CICO) situation, and a further 67 incidents in which sugammadex was used to reverse aminosteroid neuromuscular blockade as part of the management of other critical incidents. While sugammadex was used during the management of 16 cases of anaphylaxis, there was no clear indication that this altered the course of the anaphylaxis in any of the cases. These reports indicate that sugammadex can be a potential trigger for anaphylaxis and that its use may be associated with the development of significant bradycardia. However, it is not possible to estimate or even speculate on the incidence of these sugammadex-related incidents on the basis of voluntary reporting to a database such as webAIRS. The reports also indicate that sugammadex has been used successfully to reverse residual or deep aminosteroid neuromuscular blockade in critical incident situations and to help rescue CICO scenarios. These findings provide further support for ensuring the ready availability of sugammadex wherever aminosteroid muscle relaxants are used.