bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Diagnostic Delay in Hidradenitis Suppurativa: Still an Unsolved Problem
Authors: Aparício Martins Inês , Figueira Vilela Beatriz , Cabete Joana
Published: November 2023

Introduction: Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a chronic inflammatory skin disease with a diagnostic delay of 7–10 years. A later diagnosis is associated with development of local sequelae and systemic comorbidities, as well as a reduced response to medical treatment. The aim of this study was to analyze the time required for HS diagnosis and investigate factors associated with diagnostic delay. Method: A retrospective observational study was conducted based on clinical records from HS patients followed at a tertiary hospital, with diagnosis between January 2006 and December 2022. Results: A total of 285 patients were included. The mean diagnostic delay was 10.1 years, and there was no difference in time to diagnosis during the considered period. A diagnostic delay of more than 5 years was significantly associated with an earlier onset of symptoms, location on breasts and thighs, follicular phenotype, and with cardiovascular and psychiatric comorbidities. Smoking and body mass index ≥25 kg/m2 were also associated with a longer diagnostic delay. A personal history of acne and a greater disease severity were associated with an earlier diagnosis. Conclusions: This study reveals the lack of improvement in the diagnostic delay in HS and highlights its association with atypical clinical manifestations and systemic comorbidities, scarcely reported in literature.
The Association between Dapagliflozin Use and the Risk of Post-Contrast Acute Kidney Injury in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes and Chronic Kidney Disease: A Propensity-Matched Analysis
Authors: Liu Tao , Jian Xinwen , Li Li , Chu Shan , Fan Zeyuan
Published: November 2023

Introduction: This study aimed to investigate the effect of dapagliflozin in preventing post-contrast acute kidney injury (PC-AKI) in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2DM) and chronic kidney disease (CKD) who underwent an elective coronary procedure. Methods: Data of patients with T2DM and CKD undergoing an elective coronary procedure at Civil Aviation General Hospital from October 2020 to April 2023 were collected from the electronic medical records. Based on dapagliflozin usage, patients were classified as dapagliflozin users and nonusers. 1:1 nearest-neighbor propensity matching was performed to compare dapagliflozin users with nonusers. The primary endpoint was the first PC-AKI observed. Univariate and multivariate COX regression models were used to determine the independent risk/preventive factors for PC-AKI. Thereafter, subgroup analyses were performed to evaluate the interaction between subgroup and dapagliflozin usage. Changes in the serum creatinine (SCr) and cystatin C (CysC) levels were monitored at 24 h, 48 h, and 72 h after the procedure. Results: 256 pairs (256 dapagliflozin users in the dapagliflozin group and 256 dapagliflozin nonusers in the control group) were identified in the cohort. The incidence of PC-AKI in dapagliflozin group (10.9%) was lower than that in control group (22.3%). COX regression analyses showed that dapagliflozin use was associated with a lower risk of PC-AKI (HR 0.81, 95% CI: 0.69–0.95, p = 0.01) after adjustment for covariates. In the subgroup analyses, similar HRs of the dapagliflozin usage on the PC-AKI outcome were observed in patients across different patients’ characteristics which revealed its consistent benefit of preventing PC-AKI. The estimated glomerular filtration rate levels at post-48 h and 72 h were significant higher in the dapagliflozin group than those in the control group, while levels of SCr (post-48 h and 72 h) and CysC (post-24 h and 48 h) in the dapagliflozin group were lower compared with the control group. Conclusion: Our findings suggest dapagliflozin effectively decreases PC-AKI risk and exerts reno-protective effects in patients with T2DM and CKD undergoing an elective coronary procedure.
O contributo de Ivo Castro para a edição crítico-genética em Portugal
Authors: Marques Inês Hortas
Published: November 2023

O presente artigo visa apresentar e discutir a origem do modelo de edição crítico-genética adotado em Portugal e explicar como este conjuga a apresentação de um texto crítico estático que se pauta pela fixação da última vontade documentada do autor com a representação do processo criativo que nela teve desenlace. Tendo isto em vista, focaremos o nosso estudo nos contributos de Ivo Castro, coordenador das equipas responsáveis pela edição crítica e genética das obras de Fernando Pessoa e de Camilo Castelo Branco, refletindo sobre os critérios aplicados para a fixação dos textos e sobre o enquadramento teórico que os envolve.
‘Beyond That Which the Victim Suffers in Death Alone’
Authors: Harfouch John
Published: November 2023

I argue that Orientalism constructs Arabs as subjects that cannot suffer violence, particularly the violence of torture. Beginning with Edward Said’s observation that Orientalists represented ‘Arabs’ in the nineteenth-century as inorganic, metallic, and mineralized beings, I trace these themes through various sites in and around Guantanamo Bay. One finds the tropes of Orientalism in the Bybee memo as well as in the diary of Mohamedou Ould Slahi. Through these three distinct but related moments, one finds that Orientalism continues to produce Arabs as inorganic entities beyond death and thereby immune to violence. Insofar as imperialism has co-opted the language of non-violence by constructing its enemies as inviolable, one must recognize the Orientalized Arab as a receptor of limitless ‘non-violent’ hostilities.
gdpr as an Instance of Neoliberal Governmentality: a Critical Analysis of the Current ‘Gold Standard’ of Data Protection
Authors: Manokha Ivan
Published: November 2023

The gdpr today is commonly seen as a ‘gold standard’ of personal data regulation. While recognizing the importance of the gdpr, especially in affirming that personal data belongs to the individuals rather than commercial or public entities, this paper seeks to demonstrate that such a view is, nevertheless, problematic: first, what the gdpr, along with similar regulations inspired by it elsewhere, effectively does is help organise the functioning of the personal data market in which private user data continues to be commodified and used to generate massive profits by various firms and platforms; second, the gdpr does it in a paradigmatically neoliberal manner – public authorities create a legal framework for a market, and devolve the responsibility for managing negative consequences to the affected populations themselves, presenting it as their ‘empowerment’; third, just as it is often the case with neoliberal governmentality in other sectors, the tool provided by the gdpr to individuals to protect themselves – here the right to reject the terms of service (tos) of different providers – embodies and reproduces an asymmetric power relation between capital and society – here between service providers and users – and effectively ensures that individuals continue to acquiesce to the collection and commodification of their private data: on the one hand, the complexity of different tos, their ‘take-it-or-leave-it’ nature, length, etc., render the evaluation of privacy implications very difficult for individual users; second, in some cases, the rejection of tos is impossible because access to the service in question is indispensable, as in the case of platform workers. Users mechanically click ‘Accept’ which is seen as an instance of ‘informed consent,’ and which in turn makes the collection and monetization of personal data legal.
3. Observation and Measurement
Authors: Ingram David
Published: November 2023

The story now moves on to consider observation and measurement, and their relationship to number, symbol, code, logic and ethics. Once again, this chapter starts from a broad historical context, setting the scene for discussion of the connection of life science and clinical practice with science and engineering of the past one hundred and fifty years, and information technology of the past seventy-five years.

The chapter visits large- and small-scale measurement and tells stories of people, devices and systems that have revolutionized science and health care in the computer era. It spans between worlds in which yesterday’s largest computers are now exceeded in computational capacity by devices built into a wristwatch or handheld device, monitoring, communicating and advising about vital signs. It describes the growing dependence of scientific enquiry on computer technology and software methods, and the new measurement modalities that have grown from these connections, in support of everyday health care. It reflects on the challenge to computation posed by the orders of magnitude increases in variety, scale and volume of measured data and the curation of care records based on these.

As an example, the chapter tracks a century of research, starting with the story of X-ray diffraction methods for the study of crystals, in piecing together the structures of proteins. It describes how databases of such structures began to be organized and shared in the founding era of bioinformatics. It discusses the juxtaposition of measurements with theoretical models, and computational methods that search databases of known structures, to assist interpretation of data about newly studied protein molecules. The chapter concludes with a reflection on the challenges to balance, continuity and governance of health care services. These challenges arise from the explosion of new methods of observation and measurement in the Information Age, and the numerous, huge and disparate silos of data accumulating—containing data about individual citizens that is often non-coherent, proprietary and increasingly impossible to anonymize.
Health Care in the Information Society
Authors: Ingram David
Published: November 2023

In this fascinating book David Ingram traces the history of information technology and health informatics from its pioneers in the middle of the twentieth century to its latest developments.

The book is distinctive in its broad scope and coverage and as the eyewitness account of an author who became the first UK professor appointed with the mission to bridge information technology with everyday medicine, health, and care. In this role, he has been a co-founder and leader of two rapidly growing initiatives, openEHR and OpenEyes, which stem from international collaborations of universities, health services and industries. These open source and open platform technologies have struck a widely resonant chord worldwide through their focus on community interest endeavours and open access to their methods and outputs.

Set against the history of extremely costly, burdensome, and serially unsuccessful top-down attempts of governments to tackle the domain, the book argues for a greater focus on shared endeavours of this kind, contributing towards a standardized care information utility that incorporates methods and resources evolved, shared, and sustained in the public domain.

As information technologies are now at the very core of health care, shaping the relationship between medical services and communities, professions, organisations and industries this book is important reading for politicians, health care academics, administrators and providers, and to anybody interested in the future of health services in the digital age.
8. Care Information as a Utility
Authors: Ingram David
Published: November 2023

This chapter is in three parts. The first explores what we have learned during the anarchy of transition of health care in the Information Age and why new ideas are needed. It emphasizes the organic nature of a care information utility, distinguishing it from a technical infrastructure. Organic, that is, in the sense of ‘relating to, or derived from living organisms’ and being adaptable, evolving and humanly-centred, to serve the needs of individual citizens for supportive health care services. In this regard, it draws an analogy with the forest ecosystem of the natural organic world, which was termed a ‘Wood Wide Web’ in a 1997 issue of Nature. It makes a parallel analogy with monetary ecosystems, discussing the relevance for health care information policy of the lessons drawn by Mervyn King, when writing about the world monetary system crisis of 2007–08.

The second part of the chapter celebrates pioneers I have known and worked with, who have made notable contributions in framing and implementing new ideas for information systems, achieving iterative and incremental advances towards meeting longstanding policy goals. The third part draws together future-facing perspectives of the changing patterns of knowledge and discipline, professional practice, education, research and global village community, which will form the landscape on which the care information utility evolves. It discusses the values and principles that should guide the development of the utility, the importance of a viable means for its standardization and the difficulties faced in achieving this.

The chapter concludes with a parenthetical reflection on what matters at the heart of the interconnected and currently fragmented domains of care information services, and the dilemmas they pose. This has been characterized in other contexts of public services as the need for a unifying change of perspective, from a focus on ‘What is the matter with you?’ to one of ‘What matters to you?’
Constellation research and sociology of philosophy
Authors: Heidegren Carl-Göran
Published: November 2023

Sociology of philosophy is the name of a theory-based, empirical sociological subdivision, whose basic approach is praxeological: doing philosophy involves a variety of socially situated practices that in some cases result in philosophical arguments and doctrines fixed in text. Constellation research is an approach developed by the German philosopher Dieter Henrich (1927–2022) for investigations into the history of philosophy. It combines a historical and a systematic intent and interest. Constellation research has primarily been tried out on the rapid development of post-Kantian idealism in Germany in the 1790s. The approach has some obvious similarities with different approaches within the sociology of philosophy. The article first gives a condensed presentation of constellation research as a research program. In a second step, it tries to sort out similarities and dissimilarities with key concepts, topics and approaches within the sociology of philosophy. The argument put forward is that constellation research can provide the sociology of philosophy with some novel ideas and that the sociology of philosophy may prove to be a useful resource to constellation research. In short, there is a potential for cross-fertilization between the two approaches.
New Role, New Paycheck: The Impact on Women’s Wages When Becoming a Caregiver for an Aging Parent
Authors: Brady Samantha
Published: November 2023

Objectives: While prior research demonstrates the negative impacts of adult caregiving on women’s employment, less research examines how women’s employment changes when beginning a new caregiving role. Methods: Using data from eight waves of the Health and Retirement Study (2004–2018), I examine changes in women’s employment when first transitioning into parental caregiving between the ages of 50–60, by analyzing changes in labor force participation, work hours, and hourly wages. Results: The transition into parental caregiving was not associated with women exiting the workforce or decreasing their work hours. However, caregivers did experience a decrease in inflation-adjusted hourly wages compared to non-caregivers, with the greatest wage penalties associated with high-intensity caregiving situations. Conclusion: Results demonstrate how parental caregiving may act as a shock to women’s financial health at a critical career stage. This study highlights the less visible, but detrimental, financial consequences women experience when taking on a family caregiving role.
Influence of Pain Sensitivity on Surgical Outcomes of Arthroscopic Rotator Cuff Repair: A Prospective Cohort Study
Authors: Yaari Lee Shaul , Nicholas Stephen J. , Bedford Benjamin B. , Mendez-Zfass Matthew S. , Hogan Daniel E. , Haviv Barak , McHugh Malachy P.
Published: November 2023

Background:

The Pain Sensitivity Questionnaire (PSQ) has been found to be a valid tool, and PSQ scores have been shown to be predictive of outcomes after surgery for lumbar stenosis. The effect of pain sensitivity on outcomes of rotator cuff repair (RCR) surgery has not been examined.

Hypothesis:

PSQ scores would be associated with surgical outcomes after arthroscopic RCR surgery.

Study Design:

Cohort study; Level of evidence, 2.

Methods:

Patients 18 to 80 years old scheduled for RCR were consecutively enrolled. Patients with glenohumeral arthritis grade ≥2 or RCR revision surgery were excluded. PSQ was completed preoperatively. The Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand score and American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons score were used as patient-reported outcome measurements (PROMs), and visual analog scale pain score was documented as well. Active shoulder external rotation (ER), internal rotation, and anterior forward elevation range of motion (ROM) were recorded. PROMs and ROM measurements were recorded preoperatively and at 3 months, 6 months, and 1 year after surgery. Rotator cuff tear size, type of repair, and concomitant procedures were documented. Patients were classified as having high or normal pain sensitivity based on PSQ scores.

Results:

Of 100 enrolled patients, 38 patients were classified as having high pain sensitivity. Patients with high pain sensitivity had worse American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons and Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand scores preoperatively, 6 months postoperatively, and 1 year postoperatively ( P < .01). From the preoperative assessment to 3 months postoperatively, PROMs improved more in patients with high versus normal pain sensitivity. However, for patients with high pain sensitivity, PROMs plateaued after 3 months but continued to improve for patients with normal pain sensitivity ( P < .01). Visual analog scale pain scores were higher at all time points for patients with high pain sensitivity ( P < .05). Preoperatively, patients with high pain sensitivity had restricted active ROM compared with patients who had normal pain sensitivity for anterior forward elevation, ER, and internal rotation ( P = .009, P = .012, and P = .006, respectively). By 1 year after surgery, ER ROM was still restricted in patients with high pain sensitivity.

Conclusion:

Pain sensitivity is an important factor influencing RCR outcomes. Patients with high pain sensitivity undergoing RCR showed less improvement in active ROM and worse PROMs after surgery compared with patients who had normal pain sensitivity. Preoperative PSQ may predict postoperative improvements.
Early Graft Tear As a Major Risk Factor for the Clinical Failure of Lateral Meniscal Allograft Transplantation
Authors: Song Ju-Ho , Kim Jong-Min , Bin Seong-Il , Lee Bum-Sik , Lee Jongjin
Published: November 2023

Background:

Graft tears are often observed on magnetic resonance imaging after lateral meniscal allograft transplantation (MAT). Their characteristics, such as the location and configuration, are likely to be different depending on the timing of the injury. However, the clinical relevance of early and late graft tears has not been investigated.

Hypothesis:

(1) Both early and late graft tears would be associated with the clinical failure of lateral MAT, and (2) an early graft tear (ET) would lead to worse outcomes than a late graft tear (LT) or an intact graft.

Study Design:

Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3.

Methods:

A total of 261 patients who had undergone lateral MAT between March 2000 and June 2019 were retrospectively reviewed. The graft tear was investigated using magnetic resonance imaging, which was performed routinely during the first postoperative year and every 2 years thereafter. The patients were classified according to the timing of the graft tear: no graft tear (NT) group, ET (≤1 year after surgery) group, and LT (>1 year after surgery) group. Clinical failure was defined as (1) reoperations including arthroplasty, realignment osteotomy, revision MAT, and meniscectomy (>50% of the graft or to the zone of the meniscocapsular junction) or (2) a Lysholm score of <65. Risk factors for a low survival rate were investigated using Cox regression analysis. A comparison of the Lysholm scores for each group was also performed.

Results:

There were 24 (9.2%) patients who had clinical failure at a mean follow-up of 7.5 ± 4.3 years. The overall survival rate at 5 years was 92.8% (95% CI, 91.1%-94.5%). A graft tear was noted in 80 patients: 23 patients in the ET group and 57 patients in the LT group. The most common tear pattern was a meniscocapsular tear in the ET group and a complex tear in the LT group. The hazard ratios for clinical failure in the ET and LT groups were 30.7 (95% CI, 9.4-76.4; P < .001) and 4.0 (95% CI, 1.3-12.9; P = .013), respectively. The Lysholm score of the ET group (82.7 ± 14.8) was significantly lower than that of the other 2 groups (NT: 87.6 ± 11.7; LT: 90.7 ± 9.0; P = .024).

Conclusion:

An ET was a major risk factor for the clinical failure of lateral MAT. An LT was associated with a lower survival rate. An ET was also associated with worse clinical outcomes.
Hybrid multi-scale modeling of fused deposition modelling printed thermoplastics: An introduction to material degradation parameter
Authors: Shah Adarsh Kumar , Jain Atul
Published: November 2023

With the increasing popularity of fused deposition modelling (FDM), an improved understanding of the interdependence between process-structure-property (P-S-P) of FDM manufactured (FDMed) parts is imperative. This paper proposes models for linking the microstructure and degradation of properties during the FDM process with the mechanical properties. Through careful and elaborate finite element (FE) modeling, it is demonstrated that there is definite material degradation during the FDM process, which cannot be attributed only to extra voids generated during printing. A novel hybrid multiscale model is proposed to estimate the degradation parameter and utilize this information to predict the printed coupons' properties. Additionally, two methods for generating representative volume element (RVE) are demonstrated using scanning electron microscope (SEM) imaging and density data. For the experimental validation, polyamide (PA) and polylactic acid (PLA) filaments and dogbone samples with multiple raster orientations were tested. The use of degradation parameter during modeling leads to very accurate results for both PLA and PA. Also, it presents insights into the limitations of the FDM process and possible improvements.
New Readings in 11Q29
Authors: Nati James
Published: November 2023

This short article suggests a new reading of line 1 of 11Q29 on the basis of a new photograph and explores the implications of this reading.
Analytical modelling of the hydraulic effect of hydrate deposition on transportability and plugging location in subsea gas pipelines
Authors: Umuteme Oghenethoja Monday , Islam Sheikh Zahidul , Hossain Mamdud , Karnik Aditya
Published: November 2023

Accurate prediction of the hydraulic effect of hydrate deposition and plug location is critical to the safety and operability of natural gas transport pipelines, especially for gas-dominant subsea pipelines where maintenance and intervention activities are more difficult. To achieve this, the present work improved an existing two-phase pressure drop relation due to friction, by incorporating the hydrates deposition rate into the equation. In addition, a model has been developed to predict the pipeline plugging time. The transient pressure drop predictions in the present study for all six cases at high and low velocities are within 4% mean relative error. Similar predictions by Di Lorenzo et al. are within 40% maximum relative error, while the mean relative error of the transient pressure drop predictions by Zhang et al. was 7.43%. In addition, the plugging flowtime model underpredicts the plugging time by a mean relative error of 9%.
Interpreting Luther's Christology Questions for Richard Cross’s Book Communicatio Idiomatum
Authors: Vind Anna
Published: November 2023

In a response to Richard Cross’ insightful and instructive book Communicatio Idiomatum. Reformation Christological Debates, I raise and discuss four issues: Luther’s view of philosophy, Luther's criticism of scholasticism and of dialectics/logic, his appreciation of grammatica or redekunst as opposed to logica, his recourse to the common use of language and to language figures in his explanations of Christology, and finally his novel understanding of Christology. The aim of the article is—with reference to selected Luther texts—to point to themes and problems in Luther's world of thought which have to some extent been left aside in Cross’ investigation. These themes belong fundamentally within a thorough treatment of Luther's Christology and addressing them more directly would therefore perhaps have shed a different light on some of the core issues that Cross raises. Also the conclusion, that Luther forms the beginning of a Lutheran scholasticism, is tentatively brought into question.
CALD Communities as “Collateral Damage” in the Criminalization of Coercive Control: An Argument for Prioritizing Civil System Reform Over Further Criminalization in Victoria
Authors: Jones Balawyn , Anyieth Akuch Kuol
Published: November 2023

When posing the question of whether Victoria should follow other Australian states in criminalizing coercive control as a form of domestic and family violence (DFV), there are many arguments in favor of and against in the literature. However, scholars and advocates from marginalized communities, or in allyship with marginalized communities, tend to be cautious of embracing further criminalization, particularly due to the risks such an approach poses for women from culturally and linguistically diverse communities. This paper argues that women from marginalized communities are treated as “collateral damage” in the campaign to eliminate DFV via criminal law interventions.
Understanding leadership styles and effects in hospitality: A co-word analysis
Authors: González-Torres Thais , Nájera-Sánchez Juan-José , Huertas-Valdivia Irene , Pérez-Pérez Cristina
Published: November 2023

This study conducts a bibliometric analysis to provide a complete and comparative study of leadership styles in hospitality literature published in recent decades. Two curated databases (Web of Science and Scopus) were chosen and combined to perform a co-word analysis to detect the main themes related to leadership in hospitality. This method analyzes the co-occurrence of topics in documents. The analysis yielded seven thematic clusters. Transformational and servant leadership and abusive supervision are the most widely researched leadership styles in hospitality and are associated with employee outcomes such as job, organizational citizenship behavior (OCB), and commitment. Employee outcomes such as creativity and innovation seem to be receiving research attention. This review reveals a need to focus research on underexplored styles such as paradoxical, spiritual, or responsible leadership.
Diversity and classic sociologists: Theorising the concept of the Traveller by Harriet Martineau
Authors: Smolenaars Ellie
Published: November 2023

Harriet Martineau’s early sociological publication, How to observe Morals and Manners (1838a) has received attention as one of the works that provided a more diverse foundation for the social sciences. This article examines the content of this pre-disciplinary text and explores the value of a simple and valuable concept Martineau offers: the Traveller. It is argued that theorisation of this concept contributes to a more diverse foundation for the history of the social sciences by (1) highlighting the subject of the researcher, (2) rediscovering a set of requisites for research inspired by skilled scepticism and (3) opening up more communicative knowledge production, that is, knowledge that is in line with 21st century dialogical sociology and public understanding of science.
Higher Chinese Healthy Eating Index Scores are Associated with a Lower Risk of Hyperuricemia: A Large Cross-Sectional Survey Based in China
Authors: Yang Guixian , Wang Yinyuan , Zhang Haixiang , Li Zhonghua , Zhang Yadi , Nie Jiaqi
Published: November 2023

Hyperuricemia (HUA) is a metabolic disease with an increasing prevalence in China and worldwide. Few studies have focused on the relationship between daily dietary quality and hyperuricemia in China. Data were obtained from the China Health and Nutrition Survey (CHNS). Adults with complete dietary survey and uric acid data were selected for the study, along with complete data on covariates about demographics, lifestyle, and history of disease. The Chinese Healthy Eating Index (CHEI) was used to reflect the quality of daily diet. The logistic regression model and weighted quantile sum (WQS) regression model were used to explore the relationship between CHEI score and risk of HUA. WQS regression models can also further assess the contribution of the various dietary components of CHEI in reducing the risk of HUA. There was a not-significant trend in protective effect between higher CHEI scores and HUA risk in the logistic regression model. In the WQS model, higher CHEI scores showed a significant protective effect on the HUA (OR: .601,0.298-.907). Fruits, tubers, and dairy were top contributor in the protective effect of CHEI (26.81%, 14.34%, and 12.95%, respectively). Higher CHEI associated with lower HUA risk in Chinese adults, and more attention should be paid to fruits, tubers, and dairy.
Functional and cosmetic reconstruction of palmar heat press injury following wound bed preparation combined with artificial highly concentrated carbon dioxide bathing: A case report
Authors: Hihara Masakatsu , Takeji Kota , Mitsui Toshihito , Kuro Atsuyuki , Kakudo Natsuko
Published: November 2023

Background

The effect of artificial highly concentrated carbon dioxide bathing on heat-press-injured wounds has been clinically observed.

Case presentation

A 46-year-old male patient with a heat press injury of the right palmar region achieved complete necrotic tissue removal and sufficient granulation of the skin graft by continuous hand bathing in a solution containing highly concentrated carbon dioxide for four weeks. The patient successfully underwent a full-thickness skin graft from the plantar to the palmar region, and his right hand function improved to the extent that it did not interfere with daily life.

Conclusions

Heat press injuries are often refractory to treatment owing to the synergistic effects of heat and crush injuries. Highly concentrated carbon dioxide bathing has long been known to increase skin and muscle blood flow, and its clinical applications in ischemic limbs, skin ulcers, and osteomyelitis have already been reported. In this case, the results suggest an effect of improved blood flow leading to maturation of the graft bed at the heat-press injury site.

Lay Summary

Highly concentrated carbon dioxide bathing is not only clinically applicable to ischemic extremities, skin ulcers, and osteomyelitis, due to increased cutaneous and muscular blood flow, but also to the reliable debridement of heat press injury wounds and the granulation of graft beds. We successfully used this novel combination of procedures to establish a graft bed with a good blood flow despite the deep heat press injury occurring in the palmar region, leading to an excellent functional recovery. The cost per procedure is low, at about $1(USD), making it a wound care option that should be considered from a healthcare economic perspective.
Effects of Closures and Openings on Public Health in the Time of COVID-19: A Cross-Country and Temporal Trend Analysis
Authors: Chu Long , Grafton R. Quentin , Kompas Tom , McLaws Mary-Louise
Published: November 2023

Many countries mandated social distancing measures during the COVID-19 pandemic of 2020 to 2022 that variously included opening hours restrictions on hospitality and retail, economy-wide closures, and additional international border controls. We analyzed whether more restrictive (hereafter, closures) or less restrictive (hereafter, openings) social distancing measures changed the short-term trends in the number of COVID-19 cases, hospitalizations, and ICU patients in Australia, Canada, and the United Kingdom. Our analysis uses a “before-and-after” trend analysis (decremental/incremental and growth/decay trends) to compare the trends of epidemic indicators before and after each closure or opening event. Results show that, in general, and for these three countries: (a) closures resulted in reduced trend growth in adverse COVID-19 public health outcomes and (b) openings resulted in increased trend growth for the three selected measures of public health.
Compromising, Avoiding, or Bullying? A Mixed Method Approach to Understanding Conflict Resolution and Bullying Among Undergraduate Roommates
Authors: Abela Katrina R. , Sharma Avnee , Law Danielle M.
Published: November 2023

While living with roommates in residence presents a unique set of challenges for emerging adults who are just beginning to navigate a world of adult responsibilities and are adjusting to living with an often-unfamiliar companion, conflicts become inevitable. Common sources of conflict, such as disputes over cleaning duties or noise levels, combine with still-developing conflict resolution skills to create an escalating environment of hostility that can develop into bullying if not properly addressed. However, what remains relatively understudied is how emerging adults navigate conflict management and how conflict resolution styles mitigate such household conflicts. Employing a multi-methods approach, this study utilized quantitative (i.e., questionnaires) and qualitative (i.e., short answer questions) methods to investigate the relative influence of conflict management styles and social support on roommate victimization and bullying among 804 undergraduate students aged 18–21 years old (79% female; M = 19). Multiple hierarchal linear regressions and thematic analyses were employed to analyze the data. The findings revealed that roommate compromise predicted an increase in roommate victimization and bullying, and an inverse relationship between resolving conflict with self-interest, where increased self-interest predicted lower roommate victimization and bullying. Social support was significantly inversely related to roommate bullying and victimization, such that increased social support tended to mitigate bullying and victimization. Taken in unison, these findings convey while students may believe they are compromising, whether they are requires further investigation. This work highlights the need to teach students how to manage conflict in healthy ways while verifying the continued importance of social support.
Facile biosynthesis of Ag–ZnO nanocomposites using Launaea cornuta leaf extract and their antimicrobial activity
Authors: Makauki Elizabeth , Mtavangu Stanslaus George , Basu Onita D. , Rwiza Mwemezi , Machunda Revocatus
Published: November 2023

The quest to synthesize safe, non-hazardous Ag–ZnO nanoomposites (NCs) with improved physical and chemical properties has necessitated green synthesis approaches. In this research, Launaea cornuta leaf extract was proposed for the green synthesis of Ag–ZnO NCs, wherein the leaf extract was used as a reducing and capping agent. The antibacterial activity of the prepared nanoomposites was investigated against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus through the disc diffusion method. The influence of the synthesis temperature, pH, and precursor concentration on the synthesis of the Ag–ZnO NCs and antimicrobial efficacy were investigated. The nanoparticles were characterized by ATR-FTIR, XRD, UV–Vis, FESEM, and TEM. The FTIR results indicated the presence of secondary metabolites in Launaea cornuta which assisted the green synthesis of the nanoparticles. The XRD results confirmed the successful synthesis of crystalline Ag–ZnO NCs with an average particle size of 21.51 nm. The SEM and TEM images indicated the synthesized nanoparticles to be spherical in shape. The optimum synthesis conditions for Ag–ZnO NCs were at 70 °C, pH of 7, and 8% silver. Antibacterial activity results show Ag–ZnO NCs to have higher microbial inhibition on E. coli than on S. aureus with the zones of inhibition of 21 ± 1.08 and 19.67 ± 0.47 mm, respectively. Therefore, the results suggest that Launaea cornuta leaf extract can be used for the synthesis of Ag–ZnO NCs.
Unraveling the paternal genetic structure and forensic traits of the Hui population in Liaoning Province, China using Y-chromosome analysis
Authors: Fu Dazhi , Adnan Atif , Yao Jun , Aldayan Noura H. , Wang Chuan-Chao , Hongyi Cao
Published: November 2023

The Hui people are the second-largest ethnic minority in China, and they are distributed throughout the country. A previous study explored the paternal genetic structure of the Hui population in nine different regions of China, but it overlooked the Liaoning province. In this study, we examined the paternal genetic makeup and forensic traits of the Hui population in Liaoning province by analyzing 157 Y-chromosome single nucleotide polymorphisms (Y-SNPs) and 26 short tandem repeats (Y-STRs). We successfully genotyped 282 unrelated male individuals from the Hui population of Liaoning province using the SNaPshot® single base extension assay and Goldeneye™ Y26 system kit (PEOPLESPOT R&D, Beijing, China). The results revealed high haplotypic diversity (0.9998) and identified 46 terminal haplogroups for the Hui population. Additional analyses, such as heat maps, principal component analysis (PCA), genetic distance (FST), Multidimensional scaling (MDS) analysis, and median-joining network (MJ) analysis, showed that the Hui population could be classified into three groups: Northwest Hui populations (NWH), including Liaoning, Xinjiang, Qinghai, Gansu, Ningxia, Shaanxi, and Henan; Hui populations from Sichuan and Shandong (SSH); and Yunnan Hui populations (YNH). Pairwise genetic distance (Rst) comparisons with other Chinese populations revealed that the Hui population displayed genetic affinity with the Han population. The comprehensive understanding of the Hui population in Liaoning province, explored by Y-SNPs and Y-STRs, can be utilized to interpret their genetic structure and enhance the accuracy of forensic databases.
Diadenosine tetraphosphate modulated quorum sensing in bacteria treated with kanamycin
Authors: Ji Xia , Yu Ruojing , Zhu Meilian , Zhang Cuilin , Zhou Libin , Cai Tianshu , Li Weiwei
Published: November 2023

Background

The dinucleotide alarmone diadenosine tetraphosphate (Ap4A), which is found in cells, has been shown to affect the survival of bacteria under stress.

Results

Here, we labeled Ap4A with biotin and incubated the labeled Ap4A with the total proteins extracted from kanamycin-treated Escherichia coli to identify the Ap4A binding protein in bacteria treated with kanamycin. Liquid chromatography‒mass spectrometry (LCMS) and bioinformatics were used to identify novel proteins that Ap4A interacts with that are involved in biofilm formation, quorum sensing, and lipopolysaccharide biosynthesis pathways. Then, we used the apaH knockout strain of E. coli K12-MG1655, which had increased intracellular Ap4A, to demonstrate that Ap4A affected the expression of genes in these three pathways. We also found that the swarming motility of the apaH mutant strain was reduced compared with that of the wild-type strain, and under kanamycin treatment, the biofilm formation of the mutant strain decreased.

Conclusions

These results showed that Ap4A can reduce the survival rate of bacteria treated with kanamycin by regulating quorum sensing (QS). These effects can expand the application of kanamycin combinations in the treatment of multidrug-resistant bacteria.
Ancient allopatry and ecological divergence act together to promote plant diversity in mountainous regions: evidence from comparative phylogeography of two genera in the Sino-Himalayan region
Authors: Peng Junchu , Ma Xiangguang , Sun Hang
Published: November 2023

Background

How geographical isolation and ecological divergence act together to promote plant diversity in mountainous regions remains largely unknown. In this study, we chose two genera comprising a small number of species distributed in the Sino-Himalayan region, Megacodon (Gentianaceae) and Beesia (Ranunculaceae), which both exhibit a fragmented distribution pattern and are found across a wide range of elevations. By summarizing their common patterns of speciation and/or divergence processes, we aim to understand how environmental changes accelerated lineage diversification in the Sino-Himalayan region through ancient allopatry and ecological divergence.

Results

Using ddRAD-seq, chloroplast genome sequences, and specific molecular markers, we studied the phylogenetic relationships, population structure, and historical biogeography of Beesia and Megacodon. Both genera began to diverge from the late Miocene onwards, with ancient allopatry at lower elevations formed narrow-range species or relict populations. Mantel tests between genetic distance and climatic, elevational, or geographic distance revealed an isolation-by-distance pattern in Beesia and Megacodon stylophorus. Megacodon showed two clades occupying entirely different altitudinal ranges, whereas Beesia calthifolia exhibited a genetic divergence pattern along an elevation gradient. Furthermore, we conducted morphological measurements on Beesia calthifolia and found that different elevational groups had distinct leaf shapes.

Conclusions

The regional disjunctions of plant groups in the Sino-Himalayan region are drastic and closely related to several biogeographic boundaries. As a consequence of major geological and climate change, ecological divergence when different elevations are colonized often happens simultaneously within plant groups. Although habitat fragmentation and parapatric ecological divergence each spur speciation to different extents, a combined effect of these two factors is a common phenomenon in the Sino-Himalayan region.
Evaluation of vital genes correlated with CD8 + T cell infiltration as prognostic biomarkers in stomach adenocarcinoma
Authors: Pan Dun , Chen Hui , Xu Jiaxiang , Lin Xin , Li Liangqing
Published: November 2023

Background

Infiltration of CD8 + T cells in the tumor microenvironment is correlated with better prognosis in various malignancies. Our study aimed to investigate vital genes correlated with CD8 + T cell infiltration in stomach adenocarcinoma (STAD) and develop a new prognostic model.

Methods

Using the STAD dataset, differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were analyzed, and co-expression networks were constructed. Combined with the CIBERSORT algorithm, the most relevant module of WGCNA with CD8 + T cell infiltration was selected for subsequent analysis. The vital genes were screened out by univariate regression analysis to establish the risk score model. The expression of the viral genes was verified by lasso regression analysis and in vitro experiments.

Results

Four CD8 + T cell infiltration-related genes (CIDEC, EPS8L3, MUC13, and PLEKHS1) were correlated with the prognosis of STAD. Based on these genes, a risk score model was established. We found that the risk score could well predict the prognosis of STAD, and the risk score was positively correlated with CD8 + T cell infiltration. The validation results of the gene expression were consistent with TCGA. Furthermore, the risk score was significantly higher in tumor tissues. The high-risk group had poorer overall survival (OS) in each subgroup.

Conclusions

Our study constructed a new risk score model for STAD prognosis, which may provide a new perspective to explore the tumor immune microenvironment mechanism in STAD.
A meta-analysis of the prognostic impact of tissue golgi protein 73 (tGP73) in hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Yu Wei-Ming , Li Guo-Wei , Lou Ming-Geng , Wu Zheng-Yu
Published: November 2023

Introduction

To date, an increasing number of studies have revealed that GP73 may have prognostic value in liver cancer. However, most of the studies evaluated serum GP73, and the results regarding the prognostic value of tGP73 in liver cancer are still controversial. Therefore, in this meta-analysis, we aimed to determine whether tGP73 has any prognostic value in patients with HCC.

Materials and methods

Relevant publications were searched for in PubMed, EMBASE, OVID, the Cochrane Library, and the Web of Science databases up to March 2023. The hazard ratio (HR) or odds ratio (OR) with corresponding 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) of eligible studies were assessed by fixed-effects or random-effects models. In addition, subgroup analyses were conducted to investigate the possible causes of heterogeneity, and publication bias analysis was also performed to assess the reliability of the meta-analysis results.

Results

A total of 10 studies were included. These studies included 1569 HCC patients, and a meta-analysis was performed. The results of our meta-analysis showed that higher GP73 expression levels were significantly associated with poorer OS (HR = 1.87, 95% CI: 1.41–2.48, P < 0.0001, I2 = 58%). However, there was no significant correlation between high GP73 expression and disease-free survival (DFS) (HR: 1.43, 95% CI: 0.93–2.33, P = 0.100). In addition, abnormal GP73 expression was also related to higher tumour tissue differentiation grade (OR = 3.03, 95% CI = 2.01–4.57, P < 0.0001, I2 = 89%), later tumour stage (OR = 5.89, 95% CI = 2.31–14.99, P < 0.0001, I2 = 0%), vascular invasion (OR = 1.72, 95% CI = 1.12–2.64, P = 0.010, I2 = 0%), multiple tumours (OR = 2.44, 95% CI = 1.37–3.68, P = 0.001, I2 = 44%) and early postoperative tumour recurrence (OR = 1.92, 95% CI = 1.10–3.28, P = 0.020, I2 = 62%).

Conclusions

The meta-analysis showed that the overexpression of GP73 may be related to a poor prognosis of HCC, and it may also have a predictive effect on the invasion and metastasis of HCC.