bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Effect of Qingre Huayu Recipe on Wound Healing after Anal Fistulotomy in Sprague-Dawley Rats
Authors: Gao Jiazhi , Wang Jiandong , Chen Ping , Ding Peilin , Tian Liang , Liang Biao , Shi Zhan
Published: April 2022

Anal fistula is a common anorectal disease. At present, most scholars believe that its pathogenesis is related to anal gland infection. Anal fistula cannot heal on its own after the onset and must be treated surgically. The wound of anal fistula surgery is open and polluted, and it belongs to three types of three-stage healing; it is the most difficult to heal among all surgical incisions, with a long course of disease, a lot of exudation, and pain for the patient; traditional Chinese medicine has rich experience in the treatment of postoperative wound healing of anal fistula. The study aimed to evaluate the mechanism of Qingre Huayu (QRHY) Recipe on wound healing after fistulotomy on SD rats. SD rats (

n
=
72

) were randomized into three groups post-anorectal surgery. The rats in the positive control group were given potassium permanganate (PP), treatment group were given QRHY, and trauma model group were given 0.9% normal salinity. The changes in wound secretion, granulated tissue, and epithelium tissue were observed, and wound healing rates were evaluated by the discrepancies in wound area. HE and Masson’s staining as well as transmission electron microscopy were also performed. The localization as well as the measurement of Ang1, Src, and VE cadherin expression in each group adopted real-time PCR, western blot, and immunohistochemistry (IHC) assays. Statistically higher wound healing rates were observed in QRHY group on days 3, 7, and 14 compared with other groups. Histological analyses showed highly significant increase in collagen and fibroblasts, less inflammatory cells, and vascular endothelial permeability in QRHY rats. The transmission electron microscopy revealed that the intact structure of tight junctions in endothelial cells and well-organized collagen and VE-cadherin, Ang1, and Tie-2 were upregulated by QRHY, while Src was inhibited. This study showed that QRHY can promote wound healing after anal fistulas.
Chemotherapy Coupled to Macrophage Inhibition Induces T-cell and B-cell Infiltration and Durable Regression in Triple-Negative Breast Cancer
Authors: Singh Swarnima , Lee Nigel , Pedroza Diego A. , Bado Igor L. , Hamor Clark , Zhang Licheng , Aguirre Sergio , Hu Jingyuan , Shen Yichao , Xu Yitian , Gao Yang , Zhao Na , Chen Shu-Hsia , Wan Ying-Wooi , Liu Zhandong , Chang Jeffrey T. , Hollern Daniel , Perou Charles M. , Zhang Xiang H.F. , Rosen Jeffrey M.
Published: April 2022

Immunosuppressive elements within the tumor microenvironment, such as tumor-associated macrophages (TAM), can present a barrier to successful antitumor responses by cytolytic T cells. Here we employed preclinical syngeneic p53 null mouse models of triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) to develop a treatment regimen that harnessed the immunostimulatory effects of low-dose cyclophosphamide coupled with the pharmacologic inhibition of TAMs using either a small-molecule CSF1R inhibitor or an anti-CSF1R antibody. This therapeutic combination was effective in treating several highly aggressive TNBC murine mammary tumor and lung metastasis models. Single-cell RNA sequencing characterized tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes including Th cells and antigen-presenting B cells that were highly enriched in responders to combination therapy. In one model that exhibited long-term posttreatment tumor regression, high-dimensional imaging techniques identified the close spatial localization of B220+/CD86+-activated B cells and CD4+ T cells in tertiary lymphoid structures that were present up to 6 weeks posttreatment. The transcriptional and metabolic heterogeneity of TAMs was also characterized in two closely related claudin-low/mesenchymal subtype tumor models with differential treatment responses. A murine TAM signature derived from the T12 model was highly conserved in human claudin-low breast cancers, and high expression of the TAM signature correlated with reduced overall survival in patients with breast cancer. This TAM signature may help identify human patients with claudin-low breast cancer that will benefit from the combination of cyclophosphamide and anti-CSF1R therapy. These studies illustrate the complexity of the tumor immune microenvironment and highlight different immune responses that result from rational immunotherapy combinations.

Significance:

Immunostimulatory chemotherapy combined with pharmacologic inhibition of TAMs results in durable treatment responses elicited by Th cells and B cells in claudin-low TNBC models.
Induction chemotherapy with or without erlotinib in patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma amenable for surgical resection
Authors: Le Xiuning , Gleber-Netto Frederico O. , Rubin M. Laura. , Qing Yun , Du Robyn , Kies Merrill , Blumenschein, Jr George , Lu Charles , Johnson Faye M. , Bell Diana , Lewis Jeff , Zhang Jiexin , Feng Lei , Wilson Kaye , Marcelo-Lewis Kathrina , Wang Jing , Ginsberg Lawrence , Gillison Maura , Lee J. Jack. , Meric-Bernstam Funda , Mills Gordon B. , William William N. , Myers Jeffrey N. , Pickering Curtis R.
Published: April 2022

Purpose: Neoadjuvant chemotherapy prior to definitive surgery has been utilized widely for locally advanced oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). We evaluated neoadjuvant erlotinib with platinum-docetaxel vs. placebo with platinum-docetaxel in stage III-IVB OSCC patients. Experimental Design: Patients with newly diagnosed stage III, IVA, IVB (AJCC 7th) OSCC amenable to surgical resection were included. Patients were randomized to receive up to 3 cycles of chemotherapy with concurrent erlotinib or placebo, followed by surgery. The primary endpoint was major pathologic response (MPR) rate, secondary endpoints included safety, overall (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS). Results: Fifty-two patients received at least one cycle of treatment and 47 were evaluable with surgical resection. MPR rate was not different between erlotinib (30%, 7/23) and placebo arms (41.7%, 10/24) (p=0.55). At median follow up of 26.5 months, there was no difference on OS or PFS between groups. Patients who received erlotinib with chemotherapy and achieved MPR (n=7) had no recurrence. The treatment-related adverse event rates were not different between the two groups (96% vs. 96%). However, rash, mostly low grade, was more common in the erlotinib arm (79% vs. 50%). Transcriptomic analysis in the pre-treatment samples indicated that genes in protein glycosylation and Wnt signaling pathways were associated with benefit in those treated with erlotinib plus chemotherapy. Conclusions: The addition of erlotinib to platinum-taxane chemotherapy was well-tolerated but did not induce higher rates of MPR or PFS or OS survival benefit. Patients who received chemotherapy with erlotinib and achieved major pathological responses had excellent clinical outcome.
What's in a Name? That Which We Call Immune Cells by Any Other Name Would All Smell as Sweet
Authors: Salgado Roberto , Loi Sherene
Published: April 2022

In the FUTURE-C-Plus phase II trial, patients with advanced previously untreated immune-enriched triple-negative breast cancer achieved an overall objective response rate of 81.3% with the combination of camrelizumab, famitinib, and nab-paclitaxel. This supports that the quantity of immune cells is important for identifying those with response to treatments combined with PD-1–targeting immunotherapy.

See related article by Chen et al., p. 2807
Quality Issues in Diagnostic Immunohistochemistry in Breast Pathology
Authors: Hoda Raza S. , Brogi Edi , Wen Hannah Y.
Published: April 2022

Immunohistochemistry techniques have been incorporated into surgical pathology for nearly a half-century and have since become intimately intertwined with its practice. In the realm of breast pathology, immunohistochemistry serves several purposes, including providing crucial prognostic and predictive data. Among its other applications, assessment of stromal invasion and establishment of mammary origin are crucial from a diagnostic standpoint. In these regards, sole reliance on immunohistochemistry may lead to misdiagnosis. In this review, we highlight pitfalls of immunohistochemistry commonly encountered in the practice of breast pathology and emphasize the importance of careful histopathological evaluation.
Prospective Study of Ageing Trajectories in the European DO-HEALTH Study
Authors: Ghisla Virginia , Chocano-Bedoya Patricia O. , Orav Endel John , Abderhalden Lauren A. , Sadlon Angélique , Egli Andreas , Krützfeldt Jan , Kanis John A. , Bischoff-Ferrari Heike A. ,   DO-HEALTH research group
Published: April 2022

Introduction: Ageing trajectories range from delayed ageing with extended health to accelerated ageing, with an increased risk of frailty. We evaluated the prevalence and prospective change between health states among community-dwelling European older adults. Methods: This prospective study is a secondary analysis of DO-HEALTH, a randomized trial that included adults aged 70 years and older across 5 European countries. Healthy agers (HA) fulfilled the Nurses’ Health Study healthy ageing criteria and accelerated agers were non-HA being at least pre-frail according to the Fried frailty criteria. We assessed the proportion of participants changing between health states over 4 assessments and evaluated the odds of changing to a more favourable category. To increase reliability and avoid regression to the mean, we averaged the first 2 years and compared them to the average of the last 2 years. Results: Of 2,157 participants, 12.4% were excluded for meeting both healthy ageing and pre-frailty criteria simultaneously. Among the remaining 1,889 participants (mean age 75.1 years, 60.9% female), 23.1% were initially HA, 44.4% were non-HA but not pre-frail, and 32.6% were pre-frail or frail. Subsequently, 65.3% remained in the same health state, 12.0% improved to a healthier state, and 22.8% progressed to a less advantageous state. After adjusting for sex, study centre, treatment, and body mass index, each year of age was associated with 6% lower odds of improving health states. Women had 35% higher odds than men of following a disadvantageous trajectory. Conclusion: We observed dynamic trajectories of ageing where transitioning to a healthier state became less likely with advancing age and among women.
Follistatin-Like 1 and Family with Sequence Similarity to 19 Member A5 Levels Are Decreased in Obese Children and Associated with Glucose Metabolism
Authors: Xie Kunxia , Liu Lujie , Yin Chunyan , Li Min , Wang Liming , Lv Weicheng , Chang Yinan , Xiao Yanfeng
Published: April 2022

Introduction: Childhood obesity is a significant and growing problem worldwide. Recent evidence suggests Follistatin-like 1 (FSTL1) and family with sequence similarity to 19 member A5 (FAM19A5) to be novel adipokines. However, very few studies have examined the plasma levels of FSTL1 and FAM19A5 in children. Therefore, this cross-sectional study evaluated the association between serum FSTL1 and FAM19A5 levels and obesity in children and investigated the relationship between FSTL1 and FAM19A5 and glucose metabolism or endothelial injury. Methods: Fifty-five obese children and 48 healthy controls were recruited. Plasma FSTL1 and FAM19A5 levels were detected using ELISA. In addition, the association between the clinical data and anthropometric parameters was analyzed. Results: Serum FAM19A5 levels were significantly decreased in the obese children, at 189.39 ± 19.10 pg/mL, compared with those without obesity, at 211.08 ± 38.09 pg/mL. Serum concentrations of FSTL1 were also significantly lower in the obese children, at 0.64 (0.37–0.64) ng/mL, compared with those without obesity, at 1.35 (1.05–2.12) ng/mL. In addition, FAM19A5 (OR = 0.943; p = 0.003) was a predictor of insulin resistance in obese children compared with healthy controls. Lastly, serum FAM19A5 and FSTL1 played mediating roles in insulin resistance in children. Conclusion: The serum levels of FAM19A5 and FSTL1 were decreased in obese children; therefore, FAM19A5 and FSTL1 likely play important roles in glucose metabolism in obese children.
Could the Thyroid Gland Dominate the Brain in Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder?
Authors: Caykoylu Ali , Kabadayi Sahin Esra , Ugurlu Mustafa
Published: April 2022

Thyroid hormones have an essential role in brain maturation and neuronal functioning. The comorbidity of thyroid disorders and several mental disturbances is frequently reported. We aimed to evaluate the literature on the potential relationship between thyroid disorders and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and obsessive-compulsive symptoms (OCS). We searched the literature using PUBMED, ProQuest, Google Scholar, and PsycInfo electronic databases for original studies (cross-sectional, case series, case report) on the association between thyroid dysfunctions and OCD and OCS between 1977 and 2021. Eleven studies met the inclusion criteria. Despite some methodological limitations, the OCD rates in patients with autoimmune thyroid disorders were found to be higher than the normal population in two studies. The findings on thyroid dysfunction in OCD patients were inconclusive. In the light of available data, it could be proposed that there might be a possible association between thyroid disorders and OCD. Some shared immunological mechanisms could play a role in the pathophysiology of both thyroid diseases and OCD. New research is needed to confirm this association and elucidate the underlying common mechanisms between these disorders.
Genetic Lineage Tracing of Pericardial Cavity Macrophages in the Injured Heart
Authors: Jin Hengwei , Liu Kuo , Huang Xiuzhen , Huo Huanhuan , Mou Jialing , Qiao Zengyong , He Ben , Zhou Bin
Published: April 2022

Background:

Macrophages play an important role in cardiac repair after myocardial infarction (MI). In addition to the resident macrophages and blood-derived monocytes, Gata6
+
cavity macrophages located in the pericardial space were recently reported to relocate to the injured myocardium and prevent cardiac fibrosis. However, there is no direct genetic evidence to support it.

Methods:

We used dual recombinases (Cre and Dre) to specifically label Gata6
+
pericardial macrophages (GPCMs) in vivo. For functional study, we generated genetic systems to specifically ablate GPCMs by induced expression of DTR (diphtheria toxin receptor) or knockout of Gata6 (GATA binding protein 6) gene in GPCMs. We used these genetic systems to study GPCMs in pericardium intact MI model.

Results:

Dual recombinases-mediated genetic system targeted GPCMs specifically and efficiently. Lineage tracing study revealed accumulation of GPCMs on the surface of MI heart without deep penetration into the myocardium. We did not detect significant change of cardiac fibrosis or function of MI hearts after cell ablation or Gata6 knockout in GPCMs.

Conclusions:

GPCMs minimally invade the injured heart after MI. Nor do they prevent cardiac fibrosis and exhibit reparative function on injured heart. This study also underlines the importance of using specific genetic tool for studying in vivo cell fates and functions.
When can cropping rate compensate for increased vigilance?
Authors: Kurpiers Elizabeth M. , Weckerly Floyd W.
Published: April 2022

Herbivores use vigilance to reduce predation risk and interact socially, yet it imposes a foraging efficiency cost. As individuals spend more time with their head up being vigilant, time available to search for and ingest food decreases. We explored whether ungulates can strategically modify behaviours to compensate for vigilance costs via increased cropping rate when food searching time was near-zero and bite sizes were small. We compared the proportion of time individuals had their head up to their cropping rate (bites/observation length) in 271 observations of Roosevelt elk (Cervus elaphus roosevelti). Using a linear mixed-effect model, we estimated the head up–cropping rate relationship and found that elk cropping rate was constant across varying lengths of time spent with their head up, indicating no vigilance compensation occurred via increased cropping rate. We discuss settings when cropping rate compensation is expected and other behaviours that might mitigate vigilance costs.
Planning for Citizens’ Health: Towards an Integrated Approach to Air and Noise Pollution in the EU
Authors: Fermeglia Matteo , Pedrosa Kendro
Published: April 2022

The outbreak of covid-19 Pandemic has unfolded the close relationship between good environmental quality in urban areas and public health. The abrupt closure of economic activities through lockdown measures have shown how the concentration of air pollutants and noise from different sources are long-standing, major environmental and health issues in the European Union, especially in highly populated urban areas. Scientific evidence underscores that simultaneous exposure to air pollutants and noise constitutes a mutually reinforcing threat to human health. However, the current regulatory approaches in the European legislation still fall short in addressing the issues of air and noise pollution in a comprehensive and coordinated manner. The lack of harmonized and effective planning regime for air and noise pollution runs against the objectives pursued by the European Green Deal, whereas an effective and integrated response to environmental issues should underpin EU policies in the post Covid-19 recovery. This contribution thus analyzes two key EU legal regimes addressing air and noise pollution, namely Directive 2008/50/ec and Directive 2002/49/ec, respectively, to appraise their mutual pitfalls against the said need to adopt an integrated response to air and noise pollution. Moreover, the paper sheds further light on innovative approaches, such as integrated urban planning, citizen science and Internet of Things as key means to enhance cities’ resilience and support the implementation of effective legal responses to air and noise pollution.
Exploring Norway’s Ocean Governance Aptitude against United Nations Global Compact Principles for Sustainable Oceans
Authors: Fasoulis Ioannis
Published: April 2022

For many decades, the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (unclos) has provided the legal framework for the development of regulations for the protection of the oceans and marine resources. Further to that, and in an ever-changing policy and legal landscape, the United Nations Global Compact (ungc), with its sub-principles for the protection of the oceans, refers to one of the many United Nations (UN) voluntary initiatives that seeks to provide a framework for responsible business practices across maritime sector. In addition, and as a move to comply with the recent United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (sdg s), the ungc has been revised to meet the requirements of sdg 14 for underwater protection and sustainable ocean business conduct. In the wake of such trends, this study explores the context of Norway’s governance framework and, in particular, the extent to which this regime has addressed the principles of the United Nations Global Compact for Sustainable Oceans. Framed by a socio-legal methodological approach, it achieves this by reviewing and contrasting Norwegian ocean policy and regulatory structure with ungc principles for sustainable ocean and marine resource use. We conclude that Norwegian ocean policy and legal status indicate positive transitional standards and perspectives for their harmonization with the ungc principles and, consequently, with the requirements of the sdg 14.
‘Chinese’ or ‘Local’?
Authors: Grigorichev Konstantin , Koreshkova Iuliia
Published: April 2022

The article discusses the appearance of complex relations around the production and supply chains of agricultural products of ‘Chinese’ greenhouses in the Siberian suburbs. The authors attempt to analyse the contradictory relations as an assemblage in Manuel DeLanda’s theoretical optics. Attempt to explain how the market manipulation of vegetable identification (‘Chinese’/‘local’) conceals a complex social assemblage with a multiplicity of identities, which, through the practices of translation, allows the assemblage to be combined. The study demonstrates how ‘Chinese’ actors engage material resources, through assemblages with local residents and the authorities, which allows them to acquire a symbolic resource of ‘locality’ and get involved in the situation of ‘local capitalism’. For local residents, this is an opportunity to integrate into capitalist relations through the sale of the symbolic resource ‘locality’. Such a sale of ‘locality’ is only possible if there are stable perceptions of ‘Chineseness’, in the maintenance of which the local population are engaged.
Respectful Neighbourliness: The United Kingdom’s Arctic Approach
Authors: Johnstone Rachael Lorna
Published: April 2022

The United Kingdom has a longstanding interest in the Arctic and has recently begun to develop a set of guiding principles for its engagement in the region. Although the UK has a great deal to offer in terms of scientific research and expertise, it is missing an opportunity to engage more fully with issues of importance to the Arctic region.
From the High North to the Roof of the World: Arctic Precedents for Third Pole Governance
Authors: Marsden Simon
Published: April 2022

This article analyses the potential to apply legal and policy instruments from the ‘First Pole’, (the Arctic), to the ‘Third Pole,’ (the Himalayas/Tibetan Plateau) – the Antarctic is the ‘Second Pole.’ The Third Pole shares many environmental challenges with the Arctic: territorially both are comprised of nation states with domestic agendas; the issues of climate change, development and energy security are also common to both, and have transboundary dimensions. While acknowledging the contextual differences between Arctic states in the North and those with territory in the highest part of Asia (and the world), the growing relationship between them, institutions which regulate their affairs, and these shared challenges suggest there is opportunity to develop Third Pole environmental governance. The article reviews Arctic Council arrangements, focusing upon the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation, and South Asia Cooperative Environment Program as reform platforms. It finds potential exists if political will is forthcoming, particularly on the part of China and India.
Essential Fish Habitat Regulation in the United States: Lessons for High Latitudes?
Authors: Nimick Aileen M. , Harris Bradley P.
Published: April 2022

Commercial fisheries in the United States are managed by eight regional fisheries management councils operating under the authority of the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS, Department of Commerce) and governed by the Magnuson-Stevens Fisheries Conservation and Management Act and accompanying federal guidelines. The Act mandates that NMFS identify essential fish habitat (EFH) for fish stocks and minimize, to the extent practicable, adverse effects to EFH through the councils’ fishery management plan development and revisions process. The statute and regulatory guidelines implicitly assume that NMFS and councils have the scientific information necessary to make informed EFH designations for all commercially harvested species, assess the realized or potential threats to EFH, and have the management tools to protect EFH. Further, the interpretation and implementation of several important, but ambiguous, terms in the guidelines are left to NMFS and the councils. Our thesis is that these factors (specifically, insufficient information support and regulatory ambiguities) can and are resulting in inconsistent and potentially sub-optimal fish habitat management throughout the country. As we enter an era of increased climate variability these factors may be having a disproportionally high impact in higher latitudes where change is expected to be more rapid. Here we provide a brief history of essential fish habitat regulations, explain the issues arising from the state of the science and regulatory ambiguities, and conclude with a discussion of the implications and recommendations for United States high latitude EFH management.
Modified Dual Pathway Model for Binge Eating: The Role of Emotion Dysregulation
Authors: Cheng Davelle , Wei Meifen
Published: April 2022

We tested a modification of the dual pathway model using two sequential mediators between body dissatisfaction and binge eating: restricted eating and difficulties in emotion regulation replacing negative affect. A total of 435 college students completed an online survey. Results from path analyses indicated that the relationship between body dissatisfaction and binge eating was not mediated by restricted eating for neither women nor men. However, this relationship was mediated first by restricted eating and then by difficulties in emotion regulation for women only. Moreover, this relationship was mediated by difficulties in emotion regulation for both women and men. A post hoc analysis indicated that the above mediation results were still significant after adding negative affect into the model. No mediations through negative affect were significant. Clinical implications include the conceptualization and intervention of eating concerns within an emotion dysregulation framework.
From global city makers to global city-shapers: Migration industries in the global city networks
Authors: Yamamura Sakura
Published: April 2022

Recently, increasing migrant-led diversity of urban spaces can be expected to be especially observed in global cities, where global flows of capital, goods and people are concentrated. Although this connection between the global phenomenon of transnational migration and the local socio-spatial impacts on the cities appears evident, empirical research on the ‘relationship of migrants and cities’ remains underexplored. Discussions on global city makers have focused primarily on global economic actors, and have paid little attention to actors involved in shaping these global cities locally. This paper sheds new light on the role of migration industries in shaping global cities on the local level, being based empirically on qualitative interviews with transnational migrants and service providers in Tokyo. It discusses how the novel constellation of service firms for the transnational migration from above and below, that is, corporate migration industry in contrast to the conventional migration industry of labour migration, not only contributes to the global flow of transnational migrations into specific cities, but also draws them into specific socio-spatial patterns within the local urban space. By bringing these different types of migration industries conceptually together, it illustrates how socio-spatial diversification processes within global cities are embedded in the global economy (global city makers) but also locally directed by intermediary actors of migration industries (global city shapers). Embedding migration industries into the global cities perspective, it bridges the gap on urban transformation from the global to the local.
Long-term effects of baseline on-treatment platelet reactivity in patients with acute coronary syndrome and thrombocytopenia undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention
Authors: Liu Ru , Li Tianyu , Yuan Deshan , Chen Yan , Tang Xiaofang , Gao Lijian , Zhang Ce , Jia Sida , Zhu Pei , Xu Ou , Gao Runlin , Xu Bo , Yuan Jinqing
Published: April 2022

Objective

To analyse the association between on-treatment platelet reactivity (TPR) and long-term outcomes of patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) and thrombocytopenia (TP) in the real world.

Methods

This prospective observational study enrolled patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) that underwent percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Patients with ACS and TP under dual antiplatelet therapy were selected for analysis. The 2- and 5-year clinical outcomes were evaluated among patients with high on-treatment platelet reactivity (HTPR), low on-treatment platelet reactivity (LTPR) and normal on-treatment platelet reactivity (NTPR), as tested by thromboelastogram at baseline.

Results

A total of 10 724 patients with CAD that underwent PCI were identified. Of these, 474 patients with ACS and TP met the inclusion criteria: 124 (26.2%) with HTPR, 163 (34.4%) with LTPR and 187 (39.5%) with NTPR. The 5-year rates of all-cause death, major adverse cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events, cardiac death, myocardial infarction, revascularization, stroke and bleeding were not significantly different among the three groups. Multivariate Cox regression analysis demonstrated that patients with HTPR were not independently associated with any of the 5-year endpoints compared with patients with NTPR.

Conclusions

TPR at baseline was not independently associated with long-term outcomes in patients with ACS and TP that underwent PCI.
The effect of alkyl chain length of (R)-3-Hydroxybutyric alkyl ester on antibacterial activity and its antibacterial mechanism
Authors: Cheng Zao , Gao Junfei , Liu Qianqian , Gu Qun
Published: April 2022

This work describes the relationship between the antibacterial activity and the ester chain length (C1-C8) of ( R)-3-Hydroxybutyric (( R)-3-HB) alkyl esters that synthesized from ( R)-3-HB acid (( R)-3-HBA) by esterification reaction. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) decrease as the length of the ( R)-3-HB alkyl ester chain increases from 1 to 6, but ( R)-3-HB-C7 and ( R)-3-HB-C8 have their own rules for different microorganisms. Among them, the ( R)-3HB-C6 has the relatively best antibacterial and antifungal properties, which MIC were 1.95 mg mL−1 against E. coli and S. aureus; 0.98 mg mL−1 against C. albicans and B. subtilis; 0.49 mg mL−1 against A. niger. Finally, the antimicrobial mechanisms of the ( R)-3HB-C6 are revealed, and these include disruption of biofilm and the bacterial wall/membrane, leakage of the intracellular content, and change in the transmembrane potential. These results imply the potential application of ( R)-3-HB alkyl ester as new antimicrobial agents; future research can use this as an antibacterial element to synthesize new polymer materials or agents with high-efficiency antibacterial activity.
“He’d Tell Me I was Frigid and Ugly and Force me to Have Sex with Him Anyway”: Women’s Experiences of Co-Occurring Sexual Violence and Psychological Abuse in Heterosexual Relationships
Authors: Tarzia Laura , Hegarty Kelsey
Published: April 2022

Intimate partner sexual violence (IPSV) is a common yet hidden form of violence. It is primarily perpetrated against women by their male partners and is associated with a range of serious mental and physical health outcomes. Despite these harms, it is chronically under-researched. In particular, the overlaps between IPSV and psychological abuse in relationships are poorly understood. Extant literature has focused primarily on the relationship between IPSV and physical violence, neglecting the fact that IPSV often involves verbal or emotional coercion, threats or blackmail rather than the use of ‘force’. In this paper, we draw on reflexive thematic analysis of qualitative interviews with n = 38 victim/survivors of IPSV to explore how they understood the relationship between sexual and psychological abuse in their heterosexual relationships. Four themes were developed from this analysis: 1. I felt like I couldn't say Nno’; 2. I felt degraded and worthless; 3. Letting me know who’s boss; and 4. Making me feel crazy. These themes broadly correspond to four distinct patterns or interactions between IPSV and psychological abuse. Our findings strongly suggest that the relationship between sexual and psychological abuse in relationships is far more complex than previous research would indicate. Psychological abuse is not simply a tool to obtain sex and sexual violence is not only used as a mechanism of psychological control. Instead, the two forms of abuse interact in ways that can be unidirectional, bi-directional or simultaneous to develop and maintain an environment of fear and control and erode women’s self-worth.
Rational erraticism
Authors: Bohn Frank , Wang Xue
Published: April 2022

Trump and Bolsonaro are perceived as erratic presidents, but they may actually be quite rational. We explore two channels of manipulation in a polarized society. One relates to swing voters and their perception of a president’s competence. The other one captures the effort by a president to appeal and mobilize her base voters. We model erraticism in dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic, but our model could also be applied to other realms of political manipulation. We find that erratic freedom propaganda directed against state-administered lockdowns may help a president in her re-election bid. Paradoxically, if the challenger gains popular support or increases voter mobilization against the president, it is optimal for the president to further increase erratic propaganda in order to increase the mobilization of her own supporters. Our predicted surge in voter mobilization is actually a main outcome of the 2020 US elections.
Low pre-pregnant body mass index is a risk factor for the decrease of postpartum bone mineral density in systemic lupus erythematosus patients received glucocorticoid therapy
Authors: Ishida Takaaki , Yuri Hiramatsu , Nakamura Eri , Isoda Kentaro , Wada Yumiko , Kotani Takuya , Takeuchi Tohru
Published: April 2022

Objectives

This study investigated postpartum bone mineral density (BMD) in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) receiving long-term glucocorticoid (GC) therapy, assessed risk factors for decreased postpartum BMD, and evaluated change of BMD after postpartum initiation or restarting of osteoporosis drugs.

Methods

We retrospectively examined 30 SLE patients who gave birth and 31 non-pregnant SLE patients. In the postpartum SLE patients, BMD was measured after delivery and 1 year later. Multivariate analyses were performed to assess risk factors for decreased BMD in postpartum SLE patients.

Results

Patient age at pregnancy was 34.5 ± 4.5 years, and SLE duration was 9.7 ± 6.0 years. The mean prednisolone dose was 9.7 ± 3.2 mg/day. Body mass index (BMI) was 21.6 ± 2.2 kg/m2, with 13 women (43%) experiencing their first delivery. Postpartum BMD was 1.080 ± 0.120 g/cm2 in the lumbar spine and 0.834 ± 0.109 g/cm2 in the total hip. Bone loss occurred in six patients (21%) in the lumbar spine and 11 patients (37%) in the total hip. Postpartum lumbar spine BMD was significantly reduced compared to that in the non-pregnant group (1.143 ± 0.120 g/cm2, p = 0.048). Multivariate analysis identified gestational age and low BMI before pregnancy as risk factors for hip bone loss.

Conclusion

Postpartum BMD significantly decrease in SLE patients receiving long-term GC, and low BMI before pregnancy was a risk factor for the decrease. Preconception care to prevent osteoporosis and that regularly monitors BMD after delivery are needed.
Assessing the potential of a handheld visible-near infrared microspectrometer for sugar beet phenotyping
Authors: Gaci Belal , Mas Garcia Silvia , Abdelghafour Florent , Adrian Juliette , Maupas Fabienne , Roger Jean-Michel
Published: April 2022

Phenotyping is essential in the process of varietal selection. In the case of sugar beets, richness (g/100g), that is, sugar content, is the key information. The need to acquire this information in a rapid, non-destructive and cheap manner leads the sugar industry to look for portable solutions that enable the suitable field measurements. In this work, a low-cost handheld and narrow visible-NIR spectral range microspectrometer is assessed for its ability to provide such information. During a two-year campaign from 2017 to 2018, a total of 649 samples of sugar beet were measured. The resulting data, along with the reference values for richness, were used to build a predictive model with partial least squares (PLS) regression. Acceptable performance in the estimation of richness from both 2017 data (SEP = 0.84 g/100 g) and 2018 data (SEP = 0.90 g/100 g) is achieved. This study also shows that updating the spectral database is possible by calibration transfer models. From the different tested transfer strategies, the combination of model update and slope-bias correction achieves the best performance, demonstrating that the use of 2017 model on different years is possible and only 75 new sugar beets are necessary to guarantee a richness error lower than 1.05 g/100 g. This work suggests that the molecular sensor could offer a useful tool for a rapid, low cost and non-destructive prediction of richness in sugar beets.
You Raise Me Up: Employee Voice Elevates Leader Managerial Self-Efficacy Through Leader Self-Expansion
Authors: Duan Jinyun , Guo Yudong , Shi Lixiaoyun , Wang Xiaotian
Published: April 2022

Voice behavior has been extensively explored, but its effect on leaders, particularly at the team level, has been overlooked. Enlightened by self-expansion theory and followership research, we theorize that employee voice can boost leaders’ managerial self-efficacy (team level) via leader self-expansion. We tested our hypotheses using a time-lagged survey with 67 teams (298 employees and 67 supervisors). Results from multilevel structural equation modeling confirmed our hypotheses, showing employee voice has a positive relationship with leaders’ self-expansion, which in turn affects leaders’ managerial self-efficacy at the team level. The study offers novel insights into employee voice consequences and followership research.
“It’s Like You Stuck a Pin in It:” African American/Black Patients Describe Cutaneous Toxicity From Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor Inhibitors
Authors: Tran Nguyen H. , Nguyen Phuong L. , Martin Nichole A. , Asiedu Gladys , Le-Rademacher Jennifer G. , Jatoi Aminah
Published: April 2022

Background: Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) inhibitors cause cutaneous toxicity in over 90% of patients. Conceivably, healthcare providers could overlook such toxicity in African American/Black patients because of a darker complexion. This qualitative study sought to learn about such cutaneous signs and symptoms and, if present, to report them in patients’ own words. Methods: Any patient who self-identified as African American/Black and who had been prescribed an EGFR inhibitor was eligible. The current report focuses on patients’ responses to the following question, “What have you noticed since starting your cancer treatment (the EGFR inhibitor), any particular symptoms or reactions, positive or negative?” All interview data were audio-recorded, transcribed, and then independently coded and analyzed by two investigators. Results: Fifteen patients are the focus of this report, and all described cutaneous toxicity. Patients appeared troubled by the cosmetic aspect of these drug-induced skin changes, including their acneiform appearance, describing “little pimples with little, little pus in it.” Notable were comments on hyperpigmentation, “I’m a black person but…. became darker.” Furthermore, patients experienced physical symptoms: “it itches;” “it’s like you stuck a pin in it;” “stinging;” and “burning;”. Conclusion: Although cutaneous toxicity from EGFR inhibitors might be more difficult to visualize among darkly complected patients, the graphic descriptions offered in this qualitative study underscore the need for clinicians to heighten their awareness of such toxicity in African American/Black patients.
Rucaparib and olaparib for the treatment of prostate cancer: A clinician's guide to choice of therapy
Authors: Keisner Sidney Veach
Published: April 2022

Objective

This review will provide an overview of the use rucaparib and olaparib in patients with metastatic castration resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) with the goal to assist the clinician's decision-making process when considering these agents for an individual patient.

Data Sources

Searches were conducted in PubMed, relevant meeting abstracts, clinicaltrials.gov, and United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) documents to identify literature published through July 1, 2021, related to use of rucaparib and olaparib for treatment of prostate cancer.

Data Summary

In May 2020, the FDA approved rucaparib and olaparib for treatment of mCRPC that is homologous recombination repair (HRR)-deficient. Both agents are approved for previously-treated patients, but there are notable differences in strength of evidence, outcomes studied, required HRR alteration, and required prior therapies. In patients who qualify for therapy, additional factors that may help guide choice of PARP inhibitor include baseline organ function, drug interaction potential, toxicity profiles, and financial factors.

Conclusions

Rucaparib and olaparib have the potential to improve outcomes for patients with HRR-deficient mCRPC. Differences in strength of evidence and patient- and drug-specific characteristics will assist the clinician when choosing between agents.
A 5-year experience with midline catheters in the management of major head and neck surgery patients
Authors: Locatello Luca Giovanni , Saitta Thomas , Maggiore Giandomenico , Signorini Patrizia , Pinelli Fulvio , Adembri Chiara
Published: April 2022

Background:

In the perioperative management of major head and neck surgery (HNS) patients, the performance of midline catheters (MCs) has been never tested. We present here our 5-year experience by reporting MC-related complications and by identifying the preoperative risk factors associated with their development.

Methods:

Clinical variables were extracted and the dwell time, the number, and the type of postprocedural complications of MCs were retrieved. Complications were classified into major (needing MCs removal and including catheter-related bloodstream infection or deep vein thrombosis or catheter occlusion) and into minor (accidental dislodgement, leaking, etc.). Descriptive statistics and logistic regression models were used in order to identify the predictors of complications.

Results:

A total of 265 patients were included, with a mean age of 67.4 years. Intraprocedural complications occurred in 1.1% of cases, while postprocedural complications occurred in 13.9% of cases (12.05/1000 days), but they were minor in more than 7.0% (5.4/1000 catheter-days). There were 19 minor complications (7.1% or 5.4/1000 catheter-days) while 18 (7%, 5.1/1000 catheter-days) patients experienced at least one major complication. Female sex (OR = 1.963, 95% CI 1.017–3.792), insertion in the right arm (OR = 2.473, 95% CI 1.150–5.318), and an ACE-27 score >1 (OR = 2.573, 95% CI 1.295–5.110) were independent predictors of major complications.

Conclusions:

MCs appear to represent an effective option in the setting of major HNS. The identification of patients most at risk for MC-related complications should prompt a postoperative watchful evaluation.
Rage against the empathy machine revisited: The ethics of empathy-related affordances of virtual reality
Authors: Raz Gal
Published: April 2022

Virtual reality (VR) has been designated as the ‘ultimate empathy machine’ due to its alleged ability to powerfully immerse users in another’s perspective. As VR has attracted growing attention, criticism of its alleged ‘empathic superpowers' has also gained strength. Critics have recently argued that the empathic VR vision is ethically flawed since it is misleading and denies non-communicable aspects of the Other. Moreover, several scholars argue that VR empathy rhetoric in fact exploits the marginalised targets of empathy, turning them to objects ‘identity tourism’ for the privileged. The paper revisits these claims, arguing that they rely on empathy notions that are dominant in traditional art-media, while overlooking VR’s unique experiential affordances. Drawing on psychophysiological evidence, it argues that the ethical significance of VR lies in the unique ways in which it manipulates the user’s body scheme via multisensory stimulation. These manipulations result in unprecedented empathy-related perceptual and conceptual transformations whose ethical implications require new ethical framing.
‘Those who laugh as a body today, will march as a body tomorrow’: Critical comedy and the politics of community
Authors: Zijp Dick
Published: April 2022

Comedians are often celebrated for critically confronting their audiences, thereby upsetting deep-held beliefs of spectators and contributing to progressive change. In this article, I will use Dutch comedy as my case study to demonstrate that comedians’ playful opposition to the audience has serious political implications and reveals a deep suspicion towards political community. By analysing this fear of the community, this article contributes to a better understanding of the politics of comedy and challenges the dominant idea that critical comedy is inherently progressive and emancipatory. I point to the separate ways in which two Dutch comedians from different generations – Freek de Jonge and Micha Wertheim – use humour to unmask the audience as proto-fascist mass.
Carotid Artery Stenting in Patients With Contralateral Carotid Occlusion Using a Combined Protection Method
Authors: Maeda Yuyo , Sakamoto Shigeyuki , Okazaki Takahito , Kuwabara Masashi
Published: April 2022

Background and Purpose

Carotid artery stenting has become widespread as a revascularization method and has increasingly replaced carotid endarterectomy for treating internal carotid artery stenosis with contralateral carotid occlusion. Hence, this study aimed to establish the clinical characteristics and perioperative outcomes of carotid artery stenting for internal carotid artery stenosis in patients with contralateral carotid occlusion using a combined protection method.

Methods

This retrospective single-center study assessed 218 patients with internal carotid artery stenosis who underwent carotid artery stenting using the dual protection (simultaneous flow reversal and distal filter) and blood aspiration method. We distinguished 2 patient groups: contralateral carotid occlusion (n = 11) and no contralateral carotid occlusion (n = 207). We evaluated the patients’ characteristics, intraoperative transient neurological symptoms, hypotension, bradycardia, major adverse events (major stroke, myocardial infarction, and death within 90 days), minor stroke, hyperintensities on diffusion-weighted images after carotid artery stenting, captured visible debris, and restenosis.

Results

In this cohort, 5% of patients with internal carotid artery stenosis had contralateral carotid occlusion. No statistically significant differences in patient characteristics existed between the groups. The success rate of carotid artery stenting was 100%. There were no statistically significant differences in intraoperative complications, postoperative major adverse events, or other outcomes between both groups.

Conclusions

In this cohort, carotid artery stenting using dual protection combined with blood aspiration was safe and effective in preventing distal embolism in patients with internal carotid artery stenosis and contralateral carotid occlusion.