bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A functional interaction between TDP-43 and USP10 reveals USP10 dysfunction in TDP-43 proteinopathies
Authors: Marrero-Gagliardi A , Noda J , Zanovello M , Brito Armas JM , Bampton A , Torres P , Pérez Hernández C , Fumagallo F , Taoro L , Muñoz de Bustillo Alfaro R , Brown AL , Quinet G , Andrés-Benito P , Ferrer I , Acebes A , Freire R , Smits VAJ , Keuss M , Portero-Otin M , Lashley T , Fratta P , Acevedo-Arozena A
Published: January 2024

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal neurodegenerative disorder characterised by the progressive degeneration of motor neurons in the cerebral cortex and spinal cord, with a rapid progression from diagnosis to death. The great majority of ALS cases and around 50% of FTD cases present with TDP-43 pathology, leading to mislocalization and cytoplasmic aggregation of TDP-43, which can result in both its loss of nuclear functions and a gain of toxicity in the cytoplasm. TDP-43 and other RNA-binding proteins accumulate in stress granules (SGs) under stress conditions. The ubiquitin-specific protease 10 (USP10) is an inhibitor of SGs assembly that has been recently linked to neurodegeneration. Here, we identified a new functional interaction between TDP-43 and USP10, in which USP10 can control multiple aspects of TDP-43 biology that are thought to play important roles in its involvement in disease pathogenesis, such as its cytoplasmic and nuclear aggregation, expression and splicing functionality. In turn, TDP-43 is also able to control diverse aspects of USP10 biology, such as its expression levels, aggregation and function. Critically, we found USP10 dysregulation in ALS and FTD patients, overall suggesting a possible role for USP10 in ALS/FTD pathogenesis.
Establishing a straightforward I-SceI mediated recombination one plasmid system for efficient genome editing inP. putidaKT2440
Authors: Meng Hao , Köbbing Sebastian , Blank Lars M.
Published: January 2024

Pseudomonas putidahas become an increasingly important chassis for the production of valuable bioproducts. This development is not at least due to the ever-improving genetic toolbox, including gene and genome editing techniques. Here, we present a novel, one plasmid design of a key genetic tool, the pEMG/pSW system, guaranteeing one engineering cycle to be finalized in three days. The pEMG/pSW system proved in the last decade to be valuable for targeted gensome engineering inPseudomonas, as it enables the deletion of large regions of the genome, the integration of heterologous gene clusters or targeted generation of point mutations. Here, to expedite genetic engineering, two alternative plasmids were constructed: 1) thesacBgene fromBacillus subtiliswas integrated into the I-SceI expressing plasmid pSW-2 as counterselection marker to accelerated plasmid curing; 2) double strand break introducing gene I-SceI and SacB counterselection marker were integrated into the backbone of the original pEMG vector, named pEMG-RIS. The single plasmid of pEMG-RIS allows rapid genome editing despite the low transcriptional activity of a single copy of the I-SceI encoding gene. Here, the usability of the pEMG-RIS is shown inP. putidaKT2440 by integrating an expression cassette including amsfGFPgene in three days. In addition, a large fragment of almost 16 kb was also integrated. In summary, an updated pEMG/pSW genome editing system is presented that allows efficient and rapid genome editing inP. putida. The pEMG-RIS will be available via the Addgene platform.
Dynamics of CRISPR-mediated virus-host interactions in the human gut microbiome
Authors: López-Beltrán Adrián , Botelho João , Iranzo Jaime
Published: January 2024

Arms races between mobile genetic elements and prokaryotic hosts are major drivers of ecological and evolutionary change in microbial communities. Prokaryotic defense systems such as CRISPR-Cas have the potential to regulate microbiome composition by modifying the interactions among bacteria, plasmids, and phages. Here, we used longitudinal metagenomic data from 130 healthy and diseased individuals to study how the interplay of genetic parasites and CRISPR-Cas immunity reflects on the dynamics and composition of the human gut microbiome. Based on the coordinated study of 80,000 CRISPR-Cas loci and their targets, we show that CRISPR-Cas immunity effectively modulates bacteriophage abundances in the gut. Acquisition of CRISPR-Cas immunity typically leads to a decrease in the abundance of lytic phages, but does not necessarily cause their complete disappearance. Much smaller effects are observed for lysogenic phages and plasmids. Conversely, phage-CRISPR interactions shape bacterial microdiversity by producing weak selective sweeps that benefit immune host lineages. Interestingly, distal (and chronologically older) regions of CRISPR arrays are enriched in spacers that are potentially functional and target crass-like phages and local prophages. This suggests that exposure to reactivated prophages and other endemic viruses is a major selective pressure in the gut microbiome that drives the maintenance of long-lasting immune memory.
Changes in the cellular makeup of motor patterning circuits drive courtship song evolution inDrosophila
Authors: Ye Dajia , Walsh Justin T. , Junker Ian P. , Ding Yun
Published: January 2024

How evolutionary changes in genes and neurons encode species variation in complex motor behaviors are largely unknown. Here, we develop genetic tools that permit a neural circuit comparison between the model speciesDrosophila melanogasterand the closely-related speciesD. yakuba, who has undergone a lineage-specific loss of sine song, one of the two major types of male courtship song inDrosophila. Neuroanatomical comparison of song patterning neurons called TN1 across the phylogeny demonstrates a link between the loss of sine song and a reduction both in the number of TN1 neurons and the neurites serving the sine circuit connectivity. Optogenetic activation confirms that TN1 neurons inD. yakubahave lost the ability to drive sine song, while maintaining the ability to drive the singing wing posture. Single-cell transcriptomic comparison shows thatD. yakubaspecifically lacks a cell type corresponding to TN1A neurons, the TN1 subtype that is essential for sine song. Genetic and developmental manipulation reveals a functional divergence of the sex determination genedoublesexinD. yakubato reduce TN1 number by promoting apoptosis. Our work illustrates the contribution of motor patterning circuits and cell type changes in behavioral evolution, and uncovers the evolutionary lability of sex determination genes to reconfigure the cellular makeup of neural circuits.
A specialized inhibitory function sharpens somatosensory hand representation and enhances the production and perception of fast multifinger movements in pianists
Authors: Hirano Masato , Kimoto Yudai , Shiotani Sachiko , Furuya Shinichi
Published: January 2024

Accurate control of fast, coordinated movements across multiple body parts characterizes experts’ skills, such as playing musical instruments. While performing such skillful movements, the somatosensory system is challenged to successively and in parallel process a large amount of somatosensory information originating from different body parts within a short period. Over decades, it has been posited that the cortical representations of distinct body parts are more isolated from each other in trained than untrained individuals. Several recent studies, however, have re-examined and failed to replicate it. Here, we provide compelling evidence that expert pianists possess a unique inhibitory function that isolates the somatosensory processing of different body parts in the somatosensory cortex (S1). A behavioural experiment demonstrated a superior ability to perceive fast multifinger movements in pianists than musically untrained individuals, suggesting the specialized neural process of somatosensory information originating from multiple fingers within a short period in pianists. A series of neurophysiological experiments demonstrated that pianists have a unique inhibitory function in the S1, which was activated by weak electrical stimulation to the ulnar nerve. This stimulation also increased the representational distance between fingers, which was assessed based on cortical activation patterns elicited by the passive finger movements. This indicates the strengthened independence of the individual finger representation in the somatosensory processes specifically in pianists. This stimulation also augmented both the perception and execution of the fast and complex multifinger sequential movements. In nonmusicians, neither the inhibitory effects on the somatosensory process nor enhancement of the perception of multifinger movements was induced by this stimulation. Together, these findings provide the first evidence of the experience-dependent plasticity of inhibition of the somatosensory system, which highlights its pivotal role in the isolated somatosensory processing of multiple body parts in trained individuals and enables them to control fast and complex multifinger movements.
Widespread Peptide Surfactants with Post-translationalC-methylations Promote Bacterial Development
Authors: Zhang Chen , Seyedsayamdost Mohammad R.
Published: January 2024

Bacteria produce a variety of peptides to mediate nutrient acquisition, microbial interactions, and other physiological processes. Of special interest are surface-active peptides that aid in growth and development. Herein, we report the structure and characterization of clavusporins, unusual and hydrophobic ribosomal peptides with multipleC-methylations at unactivated carbon centers, which help drastically reduce the surface tension of water and thereby aid inStreptomycesdevelopment. The peptides are synthesized by a previously uncharacterized protein superfamily, termed DUF5825, in conjunction with a vitamin B12-dependent radicalS-adenosylmethionine metalloenzyme. The operon encoding clavusporin is wide-spread among actinomycete bacteria, suggesting a prevalent role for clavusporins as morphogens in erecting aerial hyphae and thereby advancing sporulation and proliferation.
Multimodal archive resources organization based on deep learning: a prospective framework
Authors: Zhou Yaolin , Zhang Zhaoyang , Wang Xiaoyu , Sheng Quanzheng , Zhao Rongying
Published: January 2024

Purpose

The digitalization of archival management has rapidly developed with the maturation of digital technology. With data's exponential growth, archival resources have transitioned from single modalities, such as text, images, audio and video, to integrated multimodal forms. This paper identifies key trends, gaps and areas of focus in the field. Furthermore, it proposes a theoretical organizational framework based on deep learning to address the challenges of managing archives in the era of big data.

Design/methodology/approach

Via a comprehensive systematic literature review, the authors investigate the field of multimodal archive resource organization and the application of deep learning techniques in archive organization. A systematic search and filtering process is conducted to identify relevant articles, which are then summarized, discussed and analyzed to provide a comprehensive understanding of existing literature.

Findings

The authors' findings reveal that most research on multimodal archive resources predominantly focuses on aspects related to storage, management and retrieval. Furthermore, the utilization of deep learning techniques in image archive retrieval is increasing, highlighting their potential for enhancing image archive organization practices; however, practical research and implementation remain scarce. The review also underscores gaps in the literature, emphasizing the need for more practical case studies and the application of theoretical concepts in real-world scenarios. In response to these insights, the authors' study proposes an innovative deep learning-based organizational framework. This proposed framework is designed to navigate the complexities inherent in managing multimodal archive resources, representing a significant stride toward more efficient and effective archival practices.

Originality/value

This study comprehensively reviews the existing literature on multimodal archive resources organization. Additionally, a theoretical organizational framework based on deep learning is proposed, offering a novel perspective and solution for further advancements in the field. These insights contribute theoretically and practically, providing valuable knowledge for researchers, practitioners and archivists involved in organizing multimodal archive resources.
Toward an enhanced methodology to mitigate challenges of applying participatory action research in managing innovation projects
Authors: Mehrabioun Mohammadi Mohammad
Published: January 2024

Purpose

This research aims to examine the challenges of recruiting participatory action research (PAR) in managing innovation projects. An enhanced methodology based on PAR was developed to mitigate the challenges related to recruiting PAR in managing innovation projects. The proposed methodology was evaluated by comparing it to established methodologies/frameworks such as Scrum, Design Thinking (DT) and The Lean Startup (TLS). The evaluation aimed to determine the advantages and limitations of the proposed methodology in managing innovation projects.

Design/methodology/approach

The proposed enhanced methodology consists of eight steps, ranging from developing an understanding of the industry and business structure to learning and knowledge management. In addition, the enhanced methodology uses other techniques, such as Force field analysis and 12 boundary questions.

Findings

The research findings indicate that using the proposed methodology can improve the formalization of collaboration in PAR, enabling the organization to respond better to market changes. It helps define the project scope more clearly, encouraging innovation, addressing communication barriers and considering different worldviews and practical issues. Based on the findings, the proposed enhanced methodology could complement other methodologies/frameworks such as Scrum, DT and TLS.

Research limitations/implications

The current research adds to the existing literature by identifying the challenges of recruiting PAR in managing innovation projects. A deductive reasoning process was utilized because there is no comprehensive research concerning the challenges of recruiting PAR in managing innovation projects. On the other hand, the PAR 4-phase cycle has been reviewed and enhanced to manage innovation projects.

Practical implications

The proposed methodology was used in a new product development project. The case study was done on one of the payment service provider companies that design, develop and deploy a digital product for marketing, installation, repair and maintenance of electronic funds transfer at point of sale devices.

Originality/value

No research has yet sought to identify the challenges of using PAR in innovation project management (IPM). Identifying the challenges associated with applying PAR in the IPM and providing an enhanced methodology to mitigate the challenges could fill a gap in IPM studies.
Competencies of the public servant and their impacts: a study in Brazil
Authors: Mainardes Emerson Wagner , Nogueira Eduardo Henrique Brandão , Brugni Talles Vianna
Published: January 2024

Purpose

The authors aimed to investigate whether the competencies of public servants (self-competence, teamwork competence, change competence, communication competence (CC) and ethical competence) influence their organizational commitment and indirectly their job satisfaction.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on a structural model from the literature, the authors conducted a survey with 463 Brazilian public servants using a questionnaire, and the authors evaluated the measurement model through confirmatory component analysis (CCA). Then, the authors used partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) to analyze the structural model.

Findings

The authors' results showed that the ethical competence construct tends to have a direct positive influence on the organizational commitment construct and indirectly influences the job satisfaction of public servants. On the other hand, the authors found that the self-competence, teamwork competence, change competence and CC constructs did not impact organizational commitment or job satisfaction indirectly.

Originality/value

The authors conclude that developing ethical competence in public servants is likely to increase their organizational commitment and indirectly positively affect their job satisfaction. This research tested the five dimensions of competencies under a new focus, public service, seeking to evidence their relationships with the organizational commitment and job satisfaction of public servants, filling a gap in the literature.
A new set of Lean indicators to assess Greenhouse Gas emissions related to industrial losses
Authors: Braglia Marcello , Di Paco Francesco , Gabbrielli Roberto , Marrazzini Leonardo
Published: January 2024

Purpose

This paper presents a new and well-structured framework that aims to assess the current environmental impact from a Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions perspective. This tool includes a new set of Lean Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), which translates the well-known logic of Overall Equipment Effectiveness in the field of GHG emissions, that can progressively detect industrial losses that cause GHG emissions and support decision-making for implementing improvements.

Design/methodology/approach

The new metrics are presented with reference to two different perspectives: (1) to highlight the deviation of the current value of emissions from the target; (2) to adopt a diagnostic orientation not only to provide an assessment of current performance but also to search for the main causes of inefficiencies and to direct improvement implementations.

Findings

The proposed framework was applied to a major company operating in the plywood production sector. It identified emission-related losses at each stage of the production process, providing an overall performance evaluation of 53.1%. The industrial application shows how the indicators work in practice, and the framework as a whole, to assess GHG emissions related to industrial losses and to proper address improvement actions.

Originality/value

This paper scrutinizes a new set of Lean KPIs to assess the industrial losses causing GHG emissions and identifies some significant drawbacks. Then it proposes a new structure of losses and KPIs that not only quantify efficiency but also allow to identify viable countermeasures.
Stressors–performance relationship in public accounting firms: a quasi-longitudinal study
Authors: Bonache Adrien
Published: January 2024

Purpose

This study aims to examine the changes in the correlations between stressors and performance in French chartered and accounting firms.

Design/methodology/approach

The linkages between role stressors and performance were analyzed through a quasi-longitudinal study of 476 chartered public accountants and trainee-chartered accountants surveyed before and after the busy season, using the partial least squares approach.

Findings

Only challenge appraisals are positively related to motivation before and after the 2018 busy season. Stress arousal is positively associated with burnout and physical symptoms. However, the associations between role ambiguity and conflict, and hindrance appraisals became insignificant after the busy season. The challenge appraisals–role ambiguity linkage persisted but reduced significantly. The burnout–performance association was insignificant in the two time periods.

Practical implications

A busy season with its increased challenge stressors has positive effects on performance through motivation but also negative effects through strains, which explains the observed insignificant net impact.

Originality/value

This quasi-longitudinal study first suggests the role of appraisals, motivation and physical symptoms as mediators of the effects of role stressors on performance. Then, it aids in the broad generalization of certain findings from previous studies. Finally, it demonstrates the applicability of the partial least squares approach, which has been hitherto under-used in behavioral accounting.
Review article: Emergency medical services transfer of severe traumatic brain injured patients to a neuroscience centre: A systematic review
Authors: Jones Ben , Dicker Bridget , Howie Graham , Todd Verity
Published: January 2024

Patients with severe traumatic brain injuries require urgent medical attention at a hospital. We evaluated whether transporting adult patients with a severe traumatic brain injury (TBI) to a Neuroscience Centre is associated with reduced mortality. We reviewed studies published between 2010 and 2023 on severe TBI in adults (>18 years) using Medline, CINAHL, Google Scholar and Cochrane databases. We focused on mortality rates and the impact of transferring patients to a Neuroscience Centre, delays to neurosurgery and EMS triage accuracy. This review analysed seven studies consisting of 53 365 patients. When patients were directly transported to a Neuroscience Centre, no improvement in survivability was demonstrated. Subsequently, transferring patients from a local hospital to a Neuroscience Centre was significantly associated with reduced mortality in one study (adjusted odds ratio: 0.79, 95% confidence interval: 0.64–0.96), and 24‐h (relative risk [RR]: 0.31, 0.11–0.83) and 30‐day (RR: 0.66, 0.46–0.96) mortality in another. Patients directly transported to a Neuroscience Centre were more unwell than those taken to a local hospital. Subsequent transfers increased time to CT scanning and neurosurgery in several studies, although these were not statistically significant. Additionally, EMS could accurately triage. None of the included studies demonstrated statistically significant findings indicating that direct transportation to a Neuroscience Centre increased survivability for patients with severe traumatic brain injuries. Subsequent transfers from a non‐Neuroscience Centre to a Neuroscience Centre reduced mortality rates at 24 h and 30 days. Further research is required to understand the differences between direct transport and subsequent transfers to Neuroscience Centres.
Postoperative nausea and vomiting at Landspitali: A prospective study
Authors: Jakobsdottir Hilma , Tomasson Andri M. , Karason Sigurbergur , Sigurdsson Martin I.
Published: January 2024

Background

In the last decade, anaesthesia practice has changed at Landspitali, where the majority of patients now receive antiemetic prophylaxis, and the use of total intravenous anaesthesia is the dominant mode for maintenance of anaesthesia. The aim of this study was to assess the incidence of postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) in a prospective way, the use of PONV prophylaxis, and clinical risk factors associated with PONV during this era.

Methods

A prospective cohort study using a convenience sample of 438 patients ≥18 years old admitted to the postoperative care unit (PACU) after elective or emergency operations in May–July 2022 at Landspitali University Hospital in Iceland. Patients answered questionnaires in the PACU and 24 h after discharge from PACU.

Results

The incidence of self‐reported moderate/severe nausea (5/10 or higher on NRS) in PACU was 4% and 3% on postoperative day 1. A total of 91% of delivered anaesthetics were with intravenous medications only, and 82% of patients received at least one prophylactic medication for PONV. When asked to rate the worst nausea experienced, this was described as moderate/severe by 7% in PACU and 17% on postoperative day 1. Risk factors associated with PONV were female gender (OR 1.90, 95% CI 1.04–3.53) and a history of motion sickness or PONV (2.74, 1.51–4.94), but increasing age was protective (0.83 per decade, 0.71–0.98). Despite a more liberal administration of antiemetics, patients with more risk factors per Apfel PONV risk classification had a higher incidence of PONV.

Conclusion

The incidence of PONV is generally low in this diverse surgical population where anaesthesia is mostly maintained with total intravenous anaesthesia and PONV prophylaxis is common. PONV remains a predictable complication following anaesthesia, suggesting further improvement in its prevention is possible.
Challenges in Searching for Vietnam's Growth Drivers Through 2030
Authors: Van Can Luc , Dang Tu Ngoc
Published: January 2024

Vietnam's long‐term economic growth comparisons with ASEAN nations have been striking since its 1986's economic reforms. Such key factors as economic liberalization, a young population and low‐cost labor, knowledge diffusion, and the manufacturing sector have driven Vietnam's growth. Until 2023, Vietnam has the potential to capitalize on several favorable circumstances, including the diversion of trade and investment from China, the growth of the middle class, and the global digital transformation. Nevertheless, Vietnam's economic growth will confront various obstacles and a declining trajectory that predates the COVID pandemic. To circumvent the risk of falling into the middle‐income trap, this paper proposes “active” economic integration, labor productivity, innovation and research and development, the services sector, and green growth as new growth drivers for Vietnam till 2030. Considering the many policy ideas put forth by the Vietnamese government and the World Bank, this paper presents several distinct recommendations on institution reform and human capital accumulation.
Thoracoscopic versus thoracotomy lobectomy in children with congenital lung lesions: a systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Liu Xu , Wu Ziheng , Li Xin
Published: January 2024

Background

Thoracoscopic lobectomy is always compared with open thoracotomy in congenital lung lesions with no definitive results. This systematic review and meta‐analysis compared the clinical outcomes of thoracoscopic versus thoracotomy lobectomy in children.

Methods

The electronic databases MEDLINE, EMBASE, and PubMed were searched. A meta‐analysis was used to analyse and compare the operating time, length of hospital stay, and postoperative complications, such as wound infections and respiratory issues, in thoracoscopic and thoracotomy lobectomy.

Results

Two thousand and ninety five paediatric patients were analysed over 17 studies (1 ambidirectional cohort study and 16 retrospective studies). Of these patients, 903 and 1192 had undergone thoracoscopic lobectomy and thoracotomy, respectively. There was a significant lower incidence of overall and respiratory complications and longer operative time for thoracoscopic lobectomy compared with thoracotomy in children; however, pooling the results for the two methods revealed no significant difference in wound infection or length of hospital stay.

Conclusion

Thoracoscopic lobectomy offers the benefit of having fewer overall and respiratory complications than thoracotomy. It did not, however, clearly outperform open surgery in terms of operative time, wound infection, or postoperative hospitalization.
Adherence to different forms of plant‐based diets and pregnancy outcomes in the Danish National Birth Cohort: A prospective observational study
Authors: Hedegaard Signe , Nohr Ellen Aagaard , Olsen Sjurdur Frodi , Halldorsson Thorhallur Ingvi , Renault Kristina Martha
Published: January 2024

Introduction

The number of people adhering to plant‐based diets has been increasing dramatically in recent years, fueled by both environmental and animal welfare concerns. Beneficial or possible adverse consequences of such diets, particularly the most restrictive forms during pregnancy, have been minimally explored. The aim of this prospective observational study was to examine associations between different forms of plant‐based diets during pregnancy with birth outcomes and pregnancy complications.

Material and methods

The Danish National Birth Cohort included 100 413 pregnancies to 91 381 women in 1996–2002. The population consisted of 66 738 pregnancies, about which sufficient dietary data were available and included in the study. Dietary and supplemental intake was assessed by Food Frequency Questionnaire in gestational week 25 and women were characterized as fish/poultry‐vegetarians, lacto/ovo‐vegetarians, vegans or omnivorous, based on their self‐report in gestational week 30. Main outcome measures were pregnancy and birth complications, birthweight and small for gestational age.

Results

A total of 98.7% (n = 65 872) of participants were defined as omnivorous, whereas 1.0% (n = 666), 0.3% (n = 183) and 0.03% (n = 18) identified themselves as fish/poultry vegetarians, lacto/ovo‐vegetarians or vegans, respectively. Protein intake was lower among lacto/ovo‐vegetarians (13.3%) and vegans (10.4%) than among omnivorous participants (15.4%). Intake of micronutrients was also considerably lower among vegans, but when dietary supplements were taken into consideration, no major differences were observed. Compared with omnivorous mothers, vegans had a higher prevalence of preeclampsia and their offspring had on average −240 g (95% confidence interval −450 to −30) lower birthweight.

Conclusions

The women reporting that they adhered to vegan diets during pregnancy had offspring with lower mean birthweight and higher risk of preeclampsia compared with omnivorous mothers. Low protein intake might be one plausible explanation for the observed association with birthweight.
Economic precarity and changing levels of anxiety and stress among Canadians with disabilities and chronic health conditions throughout the COVID‐19 pandemic
Authors: Pettinicchio David , Maroto Michelle
Published: January 2024

Early in the COVID‐19 pandemic, multiple event stressors converged to exacerbate a growing mental health crisis in Canada with differing effects across status groups. However, less is known about changing mental health situations throughout the pandemic, especially among individuals more likely to experience chronic stress because of their disability and health status. Using data from two waves of a targeted online survey of people with disabilities and chronic health conditions in Canada (N = 563 individuals, June 2020 and July 2021), we find that approximately 25% of respondents experienced additional increases in stress and anxiety levels in 2021. These increases were partly explained by worsening perceived financial insecurity and, in the case of stress, additional negative financial effects tied to the pandemic. This paper understands mental health disparities as a function of social status and social group membership. By linking stress process models and a minority stress framework with a social model of disability, we allude to how structural and contextual barriers make functional limitations disabling and in turn, life stressors.
Investigation on the antipyretic mechanism of Chaiqin Qingning capsule for the treatment of fever based on network pharmacology, molecular docking, and in vitro experimental validation
Authors: Huang Lianzhan , Chen Zhengwei , Gao Hongjin , Wang Zhen , Ding Xuansheng
Published: January 2024

Chaiqin Qingning Capsule (CQQNC), a traditional Chinese patent medicine, can effectively shorten the duration of fever and significantly improve fever symptoms. However, the mechanism of its antipyretic effect needs to be further elucidated. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the molecular mechanism of CQQNC in the treatment of fever. We used the network pharmacology method to analyze the mechanism of action of CQQNC in the treatment of fever and validated our study primarily by molecular docking. Finally, the predictive results were verified by IL‐1β‐induced bEnd.3 cells. The results showed that quercetin, kaempferol, cubebin, chenodeoxycholic acid, isorhamnetin, bilirubin, cholic acid, and baicalin were the major components of CQQNC against fever. A total of 381 common targets have been crossed by CQQNC for the treatment of fever. Furthermore, we found that CQQNC targets several deregulated genes in fever such as AKT1, COX2, AVP, cAMP, IL6, IL1B, TNF, mPGES1, and PI3K, biological functions such as endopeptidase, cytokine receptor binding, and phosphatase activity, and signaling pathways such as the PI3K‐Akt pathway and the AGE‐RAGE signaling pathway in diabetic complications. The docking study revealed that the core components of CQQNC both had high affinity for hub targets, especially the targets of COX‐2, cAMP, mPGES1, and PI3K proteins. To further investigate the mechanism of CQQNC, an Elisa assay and Western blot detection were performed as part of an in vitro study. Elisa's result showed that CQQNC can significantly decrease the expression levels of cPLA2, sPLA2, PGE2, cAMP, and 15‐PGDH after stimulating IL‐1β to bEnd.3 cells in a dose‐dependent manner (p < .01, p < .001, p < .0001). In addition, detection of the PGE2/ COX /cMAP pathway via immunoblotting showed that CQQNC can significantly downregulate the protein expression of COX‐1, COX‐2, EP3, cAMP, and mPGES1 in bEnd.3 (p < .0001, p < .001, p < .01). In conclusion, our study confirmed that the antipyretic mechanism of CQQNC affects the synthesis and secretion processes of PGE2 via the PGE2/ COX/cAMP pathway, providing insight into the antipyretic mechanism of CQQNC in clinical application.
Diagnostic accuracy of eosinophil‐to‐lymphocyte ratio and eosinophil‐to‐neutrophil ratio as biomarkers for differentiating between fungal and bacterial infection in necrotising otitis externa
Authors: Kaminer Benyamin M. , El‐Saied Sabri , Lasry Batel , Kaplan Daniel M.
Published: January 2024

Introduction

Necrotizing otitis externa (NOE) is a serious, progressive, and potentially life‐threatening infection of the external auditory canal, affecting soft tissue and bone. The most common organism causing NOE is Pseudomonas Aeruginosa and less common are Fungal infections. When managing a patient with NOE, a culture is taken from the EAC in order to tailor the appropriate antimicrobial treatment, however commonly, the culture is sterile. Inflammation biomarkers may be used as adjuncts to inform on the differential diagnosis and as prognostic markers.

Aim

To characterize and compare values and ratios of components of the complete blood count (CBC) at admission, at patients with positive swab culture.

Methods

A retrospective study of NOE patients was conducted. We included all patients admitted between the years 2001‐2023, for whom a culture swab tested positive. We compared CBC findings at hospitalization between bacteria and fungi‐positive culture patients.

Results

Eosinophils‐to‐Neutrophils Ratio (ENR) was significantly lower in the fungal group compared to the bacterial group 0.023 ± 0.02 and 0.04 ± 0.03, respectively (p‐value = 0.025). Eosinophils‐to‐Leukocyte Ratio (ELR) was significantly lower in the fungal group compared to the bacterial group 0.058 ± 0.04 and 0.12 ± 0.1 respectively (p‐value = 0.009). For definition of ELR ≤ 0.1 we found that, sensitivity was 88% (95%CI = 0.679‐0.979) and NPV 90% (95%CI = 0.709‐0.982). For definition of ENR ≤ 0.03 sensitivity was 88% (95%CI = 0.679‐0.979) and NPV 88% (95%CI = 0.679‐0.979).

Conclusion

Lower values of ELR and ENR in patients with NOE are associated with fungal infection and can serve as a tool in adjusting an appropriate antimicrobial therapy in cases of sterile or when no culture is available.
Tumour deposits are independently associated with recurrence in colon cancer
Authors: Hakki Lynn , Khan Asama , Do Eric , Gonen Mithat , Firat Canan , Vakiani Efsevia , Shia Jinru , Widmar Maria , Wei Iris H. , Smith J. Joshua , Pappou Emmanouil P. , Nash Garrett M. , Paty Philip B. , Garcia‐Aguilar Julio , Weiser Martin R.
Published: January 2024

Aim

Tumour deposits are focal aggregates of cancer cells in pericolic fat and mesentery, distinct from vessels, nerves and lymphatics. Their presence upstages lymph node negative patients but is ignored in lymph node positive patients. We investigated the clinicopathological factors associated with tumour deposits and their impact on recurrence in lymph node positive and negative patients.

Method

Clinicopathological variables were collected from the medical records of patients with Stage I–III colon cancer who underwent resection in 2017–2019. Pathology was reviewed by a gastrointestinal pathologist. Patients with rectal cancer, metastasis, and concurrent malignancy were excluded.

Results

Tumour deposits were noted in 69 (9%) of 770 patients. They were associated with the presence of lymph node metastasis, advanced T category, poorly differentiated tumours, microsatellite stable subtype and lymphovascular and perineural invasion (p < 0.05). The presence of tumour deposits (hazard ratio 2.48, 95% CI 1.49–4.10) and of lymph node metastasis (hazard ratio 3.04, 95% CI 1.72–5.37) were independently associated with decreased time to recurrence. There was a weak correlation (0.27) between the number of tumour deposits and the number of positive lymph nodes.

Conclusion

Tumour deposits are associated with more advanced disease and high‐risk pathological features. The presence of tumour deposits and lymph node metastasis were found to be independent risk factors for decreased time to recurrence. A patient with both lymph node metastasis and tumour deposits is more than twice as likely to have recurrence compared with a patient with only lymph node metastasis. Tumour deposits independently predict recurrence and should not be ignored in lymph node positive patients.
The transaction cost implications from business angel ownership in the Caribbean
Authors: Hearn Bruce , Tauringana Venancio , Ntim Collins
Published: January 2024

Research question/issue

This is a study of the relationship between business angel retained ownership in investee firms across the Caribbean region and their informational asymmetry costs captured in bid‐ask spreads.

Research findings/insights

We find business angel ownership to be associated with a reduction in transaction costs or bid‐ask spreads. However, this is reversed leading to increasing transaction costs following moderation by whether the investee firm has a subsidiary located within an offshore jurisdiction and separately if the investee firm adopts higher levels of Anglo‐American shareholder value corporate governance.

Theoretical/academic implications

We undertake a novel application of incomplete contracting theory in theorizing the influence of ownership of business angels on the transaction costs of their investee firms. We extend and contribute to theory development through consideration of the presence of investee firm's subsidiary located in offshore financial centers within the firm's corporate network and the degree to which it adopts Anglo‐American shareholder value corporate governance. In the former, we argue business angels are more prone to collaborate with firm insiders to the detriment of outside minority investors given the enhanced opacity and shift in incentives. In the latter, we argue the incongruity between business angels, insiders, and outside minority expectations regarding the adoption of shareholder value governance also leads to elevated transaction costs.

Practitioner/policy implications

Business angel finance is widely lauded as a potential source of development capital within regional and developing economies with the potential to rejuvenate otherwise moribund entrepreneurial ecosystems and business sectors. Our study yields important findings relevant for practitioners in formulating development policy nurturing the development of indigenous economies through enhanced business angel participation. It also considers the moderating influence of firm's adoption of Anglo‐American shareholder value corporate governance and whether the firm has a related party located in an offshore financial center, something of profound importance in regions comprising offshore financial centers.
Peak insulin drip rate associated with decreased infections post‐solid organ transplant
Authors: Upadrasta Gautham , Affinati Alison , Kumar Smita , Zelada Henry , Fulkerson Candace , Gupta Suruchi , Pollack Teresa , Andrei Adin‐Cristian , Oakes Diana Johnson , Schmidt Kathleen , Therasse Ashley , Grady Kathleen , Pham Duc , Wilcox Jane , Levitsky Josh , Parikh Neehar , Ladner Daniela , Aleppo Grazia , Molitch Mark E. , Wallia Amisha
Published: January 2024

Infection and rejection outcomes were retrospectively analyzed in patients following liver transplant and separately following heart transplant with patients being stratified by their severity of immediate postoperative insulin resistance as measured by the peak insulin drip rate that was required to reduce glucose levels. For each group, these peak insulin drip rates were divided into quartiles (Q). In liver transplant patients (n = 207), those in Q4 (highest infusion rate) had significantly fewer infections up to 6 months post‐transplant (42.3% vs. 60.0%, p = .036) and borderline fewer rejection episodes (25.0% vs. 40.0%, p = .066) compared to Q1–Q3 patients. To confirm these unexpected results, a subsequent similar analysis in heart transplant (n = 188) patients again showed that Q4 patients had significantly fewer infections up to 6 months (19.1% vs. 53.9%, p < .0001) compared to Q1–Q3 patients. Logistic regression in a subset of 103 cardiac transplant patients showed that the maximum glucose during surgery, prior MI, and hypertension were associated with severe insulin resistance (SIR) status, while the presence of pre‐existing diabetes and BMI were not. We hypothesize that patients are who are able to mount a more robust counter‐regulatory response that causes the insulin resistance may be healthier and thus able to mount a better response to infections.
Long‐term survival of ischemic cardiomyopathy patients with severe left ventricular dysfunction after CABG vs heart transplantation: A single center retrospective analysis
Authors: Zhang Tailong , Masroor Matiullah , Jiang Chen , Xu Li , Wang Yixuan , Deng Cheng , Dong Nianguo
Published: January 2024

Background

There are no guidelines on the surgical management for ischemic cardiomyopathy (ICM) patients with severe left ventricular dysfunction. The present study aims to assess the long‐term survival of these patients treated with two different surgical techniques, coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) and heart transplantation (HTx).

Methods

This retrospective study included 218 ICM patients with left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) ≤35% who underwent CABG (n = 106) and HTx (n = 112) from 2011 to 2021 in a single center. After propensity adjustment analysis each group consisted of 51 patients. Clinical characteristics were evaluated for all‐cause follow‐up mortality by the Cox proportional hazards regression model. A risk prediction model was generated from multivariable‐adjusted Cox regression analysis and applied to stratify patients with different clinical risks. The long‐term survival was estimated by Kaplan–Meier analysis for different surgery groups.

Results

Long‐term survival was comparable between CABG and HTx groups. After being stratified into different risk subgroups according to risk predictors, the HTx group exhibited superior survival outcomes compared to the CABG group among the high‐risk patients (67.8% vs 44.4%, 64.1% vs 38.9%, and 64.1% vs 33.3%, p = 0.047) at 12, 36, and 60 months respectively, while the survival was comparable between HTx and CABG groups among low‐risk patients (87.0% vs 97.0%, 82.4% vs 97.0%, and 70.2% vs 91.6%, p = 0.11) at 12, 36, and 60 months respectively in the PSM cohort.

Conclusion

Long‐term survival in ICM patients with severe left ventricular dysfunction who received CABG or HTx was comparable in general. Nonetheless, a favorable outcome of HTx surgery compared to CABG was observed among high‐risk patients.
Myocardial strain of the left ventricle by speckle tracking echocardiography: From physics to clinical practice
Authors: Gherbesi Elisa , Gianstefani Silvia , Angeli Francesco , Ryabenko Khrystyna , Bergamaschi Luca , Armillotta Matteo , Guerra Emiliano , Tuttolomondo Domenico , Gaibazzi Nicola , Squeri Angelo , Spaziani Cristina , Pizzi Carmine , Carugo Stefano
Published: January 2024

Speckle tracking echocardiography (STE) is a reliable imaging technique of recognized clinical value in several settings. This method uses the motion of ultrasound backscatter speckles within echocardiographic images to derive myocardial velocities and deformation parameters, providing crucial insights on several cardiac pathological and physiological processes. Its feasibility, reproducibility, and accuracy have been widely demonstrated, being myocardial strain of the various chambers inserted in diagnostic algorithms and guidelines for various pathologies. The most important parameters are Global longitudinal strain (GLS), Left atrium (LA) reservoir strain, and Global Work Index (GWI): based on large studies the average of the lower limit of normality are −16%, 23%, and 1442 mmHg%, respectively. For GWI, it should be pointed out that myocardial work relies primarily on non‐invasive measurements of blood pressure and segmental strain, both of which exhibit high variability, and thus, this variability constitutes a significant limitation of this parameter. In this review, we describe the principal aspects of the theory behind the use of myocardial strain, from cardiac mechanics to image acquisition techniques, outlining its limitation, and its principal clinical applications: in particular, GLS have a role in determine subclinical myocardial dysfunction (in cardiomyopathies, cardiotoxicity, target organ damage in ambulatory patients with arterial hypertension) and LA strain in determine the risk of AF, specifically in ambulatory patients with arterial hypertension.
Qualitative research in dental traumatology—A narrative review
Authors: Kenny Kate P. , Chauhan Amrit , Pavitt Sue , Foy Robbie , Day Peter F.
Published: January 2024

This review highlights the recent contributions of qualitative research in advancing understanding of dental trauma injury and the barriers and enablers to guide policy for improved patient‐centred care including transitional care. It summarises the common approaches and methods used and outlines the key factors that guide the appraisal of qualitative studies. It highlights the importance of the application of qualitative research methods in dental research to generate rich and detailed data to provide explanations and insights into people's experiences, beliefs and attitudes and the complexity of human decision‐making and behaviour. In the past decade while there have been a growing number of publications of qualitative studies in dental journals, qualitative studies remain a small percentage of the published dental traumatology research. This may be because of limited understanding about the background, methods and rigour of qualitative research.