bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Eating disorders and related psychological features among Arabs and Jews in Israel: Does culture play a moderating role?
Authors: Mansour Laura , Rothschild-Yakar Lily , Kurman Jenny
Published: February 2024

Eating disorders (EDs) have been documented in various cultural settings. A continuous increase in ED’ rates among non-Western cultures (e.g., Arab cultures and East-Asian cultures) has been reported. We aimed to investigate the relations among culture, ED symptoms, and psychological features that are highly relevant in EDs through a cultural comparison of three groups. The groups included female university students in Israel with varying levels of exposure to Westernization: 118 Jewish students, 132 Arab students studying at a mixed university with a Jewish majority, and 111 Arab students studying at Sakhnin College, a college for Arab students only. The groups differed significantly on the Conservation Value dimension from the Short Portrait Values Questionnaire. Four psychological features were examined as predictors of ED symptoms: Interoceptive-deficits, Ineffectiveness, Asceticism, and Maturity-fear. The results revealed a comparable prevalence of self-reported ED symptoms among Arabs and Jews, with a small exception for bulimic symptoms, which were less prevalent among those in the Sakhnin group, who also scored lower on Ineffectiveness and higher on asceticism than the other groups. Testing the relations between the four psychological features and ED symptoms revealed that culture played a moderating role in predicting the strength of ineffectiveness and maturity-fear. Ineffectiveness was not a predictor among the Sakhnin group, whereas maturity-fear was not a predictor in the least conservative Jewish group. Asceticism and interoceptive-deficits predicted ED symptoms across all study groups. Our findings indicate that the problem of EDs may be similar among Arab and Jewish women in Israel. Moreover, despite some similarities in the relevance of some ED-related psychological features, other features are moderated by culture.
Activated. Towards a sociology of reaction
Authors: Brighenti Andrea Mubi , Sabetta Lorenzo
Published: February 2024

The reactive character of social relations, though empirically pervasive, is analytically neglected. Yet, reaction seems a surprisingly useful category to make sense of the extensive environmental links of behaviour/action lying at the very junction of social phenomenology (the here-and-now) and social ecology (the elsewhere-at-other-times). To advance a deeper theorization of this category, we start by mobilizing Mauss’s notion of ‘counter-gift’, elaborating on three interactionist properties (investments, rhythms and the psyche–society nexus) which make the moment of reaction pivotal. Next, we show how reactions are less deterministic than usually assumed, by examining a series of counterintuitive configurations where the action–reaction link is non-linear and circuitous. Since receptions and consequent responses to others’ acts are determined by factors of speed and intensity, we then address both dromological and morphogenetic aspects of reaction processes. The last part of this article looks into war as a large-scale reactive formation, proposing that social interaction gets ‘activated’ mainly through mutual (and, not infrequently, adverse) replies among actors.
Estimation for vector autoregressive model under multivariate skew-t-normal innovations
Authors: Nduka Uchenna Chinedu , Ossai Everestus Okafor , Madukaife Mbanefo Solomon , Ugah Tobias Ejiofor
Published: February 2024

Current procedures for estimating the parameters of [Formula: see text]th order vector autoregressive (VAR [Formula: see text]) model are usually based on assuming that the ensuing error distribution is multivariate normal. But there exists large body of evidence that several data encountered in real life are skewed; thereby making estimators derived based on normality assumption not suitable in such scenarios. This prompts for the search of appropriate methods for skewed distributions. Therefore, this article proposes estimators for the mean and covariance matrices of the [Formula: see text] model under multivariate skew- [Formula: see text]-normal (MSTN) distribution. Also, estimators for the shape and skewness parameters are provided. The expectation conditional maximization (ECM) and its extension the expectation conditional maximization either (ECME) algorithms are the tools used to derive the estimators. The performance of the estimators were examined through extensive simulations, and results show that they compete favourably with other numerical methods especially when the underlying distribution is skewed. The usefulness of our estimators was illustrated using a real data set on some US economic indicators. The VAR [Formula: see text] model under MSTN distribution provides a good fit, better than [Formula: see text] model under the assumption of normality.
Accuracy and Reliability of Remote Categorization of Upper Limb Outcome After Stroke
Authors: Jordan Harry T. , Stinear Cathy M.
Published: February 2024

Background

There is an increasing need for motor assessments after stroke that can be performed quickly and remotely. The Fast Outcome Categorization of the Upper Limb after Stroke-4 (FOCUS-4) assessment remotely classifies upper limb outcome into 1 of 4 categories after stroke and was developed via retrospective analysis of Action Research Arm Test (ARAT) scores.

Objective

The aim of this study was to prospectively evaluate the accuracy and reliability of FOCUS-4 assessments for categorizing upper limb outcome after stroke when administered remotely during a videocall compared to an in-person ARAT.

Methods

Data were collected from 26 participants at 3 months post-stroke (3M), 27 participants at 6 months post-stroke (6M), and 56 participants at the chronic stage of stroke (>6M). Participants performed an in-person ARAT and a remote FOCUS-4 assessment administered during a videocall, and accuracy was evaluated by comparing the upper limb outcome categories. Participants at the chronic stage of stroke also performed a second remote FOCUS-4 assessment to assess between-day reliability.

Results

Overall accuracy of the remote FOCUS-4 assessment was 88% at 3M and 96% at 6M. Overall accuracy of the first and second remote FOCUS-4 assessments at the chronic stage was 75% and 79%, respectively. Reliability of the FOCUS-4 assessment at the chronic stage was 82%. The remote FOCUS-4 assessment was most accurate and reliable for participants with mild or severe upper limb functional impairment.

Conclusions

The remote FOCUS-4 assessment has potential to classify upper limb functional capacity or to screen possible participants for stroke trials, but external validation is required.
Possible avenues for a more effective temporary agency work directive
Authors: Zekić Nuna
Published: February 2024

Fifteen years after the enactment of the EU Directive 2008/104/EC on temporary agency work (TAWD) there are still considerable differences in the use of temporary agency work and in the legal situation, status, and working conditions of temporary agency workers within the European Union, even though these differences were one of the reasons for enacting the TAWD. This article evaluates whether the TAWD is still fit for its purpose – mainly, whether the objective of ensuring the protection of workers and the improvement of their working conditions have been achieved – by analysing its personal and material scope, taking into account the presence of other multiparty work arrangements. The article argues that an integral approach to multiparty work arrangements is needed to ensure the personal scope of the Directive is broad enough. Currently, the TAWD leaves (too) much room for deviation from the equal treatment principle, thereby missing a transparent level of worker protection. This makes the enforcement of the equal treatment principle significantly complicated. Lastly, the article argues that introducing a maximum period of the time that one temporary agency worker can be placed at the same user undertaking is the best way – the way with most legal certainty for all parties involved – to ensure that temporary agency work at the same user undertaking does not become a permanent situation for a temporary agency worker.
The quest for psychological symmetry through figural goodness, randomness, and complexity: A selective review
Authors: Fitousi Daniel , Algom Daniel
Published: February 2024

Of the four interrelated concepts in the title, only symmetry has an exact mathematical definition. In mathematical development, symmetry is a graded variable—in marked contrast with the popular binary conception of symmetry in and out of the laboratory (i.e. an object is either symmetrical or nonsymmetrical). Because the notion does not have a direct graded perceptual counterpart (experimental participants are not asked about the amount of symmetry of an object), students of symmetry have taken various detours to characterize the perceptual effects of symmetry. Current approaches have been informed by information theory, mathematical group theory, randomness research, and complexity. Apart from reviewing the development of the main approaches, for the first time we calculated associations between figural goodness as measured in the Garner tradition and measures of algorithmic complexity and randomness developed in recent research. We offer novel ideas and analyses by way of integrating the various approaches.
Measuring the Effect of Presentational Context and Image Authorship on the Credibility Perceptions of Newsworthy Images
Authors: McDermott Brian , Mortensen Tara Marie , Wertz Robert A.
Published: February 2024

Photojournalists publish images they have created in news publications and on social media, and images captured by ordinary citizens sometimes appear in journalism spaces. This study examines how the professionalism of a photograph’s authorship and presentational context influence the perceived credibility of the image using a two (photographer; staff or amateur) by two (image presentational context; news site or social media) quasi experiment. The small difference in how respondents rate the credibility of the images suggests that, broadly, participants in this study are willing to accept newsworthy images as credible on social media, and social media images as credible in the news.
Chinese eSports Industry’s Boom and Recession: Evidence From Bubble Detection Framework
Authors: Li Xin , Li Zheng , Qin Meng , Zhang Weike , Su Chi-Wei
Published: February 2024

This paper aims to explore whether the development of competitive computer gaming (eSports) industries is sustained in China. In doing so, we apply the Generalized Supremum Augmented Dickey-Fuller (GSADF) method to investigate when the bubbles originated and crashed in the Chinese eSports market from 2014 to 2021. Utilizing the data of the Chinese Electronic Sports Thematic Index (CESI), the empirical outcomes show that the Chinese eSports industry may deviate from its market value and that the industry witnesses bubble behaviors. The latent reasons might be attributed to government policies, economic growth, stock market crises, and venture capital investments. Therefore, to promote the stabilized and sustained development of the eSports industry in China, regulators and authorities should pay attention to the evolution of bubbles. Moreover, maintaining policy consistency and continuity may be beneficial in stabilizing investors’ expectations and reducing speculative investment behaviors.

JEL Classification: G10, Z23, Z28.
Nursing Home Residents’ COVID-19 Infections in the United States: A Systematic Review of Personal and Contextual Factors
Authors: Yin Cheng , Mpofu Elias , Brock Kaye , Ingman Stan
Published: February 2024

Background: This mixed methods systemic review synthesizes the evidence about nursing home risks for COVID-19 infections. Methods: Four electronic databases (PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and Sage Journals Online) were searched between January 2020 and October 2022. Inclusion criteria were studies reported on nursing home COVID-19 infection risks by geography, demography, type of nursing home, staffing and resident’s health, and COVID-19 vaccination status. The Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool (MMAT) was used to assess the levels of evidence for quality, and a narrative synthesis for reporting the findings by theme. Results: Of 579 initial articles, 48 were included in the review. Findings suggest that highly populated counties and urban locations had a higher likelihood of COVID-19 infections. Larger nursing homes with a low percentage of fully vaccinated residents also had increased risks for COVID-19 infections than smaller nursing homes. Residents with advanced age, of racial minority, and those with chronic illnesses were at higher risk for COVID-19 infections. Discussion and implications: Findings suggest that along with known risk factors for COVID-19 infections, geographic and resident demographics are also important preventive care considerations. Access to COVID-19 vaccinations for vulnerable residents should be a priority.
Mentors Supporting Nurses Transitioning to Primary Healthcare Roles: A Practice Improvement Initiative
Authors: Rossiter Rachel , Robinson Tracy , Cox Rebekah , Collison Lisa , Hills Danny
Published: February 2024

Introduction

Effective primary healthcare services have been identified by the World Health Organization as the most equitable approach to enhancing universal healthcare. Robust models of mentoring for registered nurses (RNs) transitioning to primary healthcare roles have yet to be described in the Australian context. A robust mentoring model can support RNs to fulfill their potential, bridging the gap between theory and practice. In 2015, the peak body for nurses in primary health care (PHC) began developing a transition to practice program, including embedded mentoring to support newly graduated and more experienced registered and enrolled nurses. This quality improvement study reports the experiences and perspectives of nurses participating as mentors in two separate offerings of the program delivered between 2019 and 2021.

Method

A two-phase concurrent mixed methods evaluation utilized data from pre- and post online surveys and post program meetings. Quantitative items underwent descriptive analyses. Thematic analysis of free-text responses and comments was conducted independently by two researchers. Mentors voluntarily provided self-report data and were informed that data is routinely collected to support continuous quality improvement processes for all programs. An Information Sheet informed mentors of data usage, confidentiality, and options to withdraw without penalty from the program at any time.

Results

Seventy-nine mentors were recruited to support two groups of nurses ( N = 111). Mentor self-rated overall satisfaction with program participation was 86.67% (very or extremely satisfied). Mentors described being “witness to mentee growth,” “having facilitated access to learning” and receiving “unexpected benefits” including personal and professional growth and enhanced enthusiasm for their role in PHC.

Conclusion

The embedded mentoring reported in this article combined a focus on skills acquisition and professional identity with the provision of a range of resources and support activities. Sustainable mentoring programs will be an important mechanism for supporting the expanding roles required of nurses working in primary health.
Evaluation of Vascular Neurology Fellowship Websites in the U.S.
Authors: Tram Michelle T , Amory Colum , Tosun Kursad
Published: February 2024

Objectives

Due to the limitations of the Coronavirus disease pandemic, medical applicants have relied on remote means of information, such as a program's website, to decide where to apply. However, studies have shown that many residency and fellowship websites lack information. Vascular neurology fellowship websites have not yet been studied. This study evaluates the availability and accessibility of information on vascular neurology fellowship websites.

Methods

From 2021 to 2022, a total of 109 U.S. vascular neurology fellowship programs from the Fellowship and Residency Electronic Interactive Database were investigated to determine whether they had websites. Each website was evaluated on the immediate availability of 34 different criteria, which were deemed important by past studies. These criteria were reviewed under four categories: program overview, application information, fellow life, and curriculum. The comprehensiveness of the information among these different categories were analyzed. Programs were grouped by geographic region and electronic residency application service (ERAS)-participation status and comparisons were made within these groups.

Results

There were 107 programs with websites (98%). ERAS-participating programs fulfilled more criteria on average than non-participating programs ( P = 0.004). All websites provided information on general descriptions of their programs, but information on board exam pass rates, fellow testimonials, history of the fellowship program, responsibility progression, family and social events, parking availability, and application deadline were provided by less than 25% of websites.

Conclusion

This study found that there was a large lack of information on vascular neurology fellowship websites, which could be improved to attract more applicants.
Asymptomatic coronary artery disease in ischaemic stroke survivors: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Muthalaly Rahul G , Abrahams Timothy B , Nerlekar Nitesh , Nelson Adam J , Tan Sean , Chan Jasmine , Phan Thanh , Ma Henry , Nicholls Stephen J
Published: February 2024

Background:

Ischaemic stroke and coronary artery disease share risk factors and stroke survivors experience a high rate of cardiac events. Recent work suggests a high burden of asymptomatic coronary artery disease (CAD) in ischaemic stroke survivors. Thus, we performed this systematic review and meta-analysis to A) estimate the prevalence of CAD in ischaemic stroke survivors without known CAD and B) evaluate the association between coronary atherosclerosis and future major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) in stroke survivors.

Patients and Methods:

We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis according to the PRISMA statement. We included studies investigating acute ischaemic stroke or transient ischaemic attack where participants underwent anatomical assessment of all coronary arteries. For objective B) we included studies that reported an association between coronary atherosclerosis and MACE. Two reviewers used the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale to assess risk of bias. We used random-effects modelling for our analyses.

Results:

We identified 2983 studies of which 17 were included. These studies had a total of 6862 participants between 2008 and 2022. The pooled prevalence of any coronary atherosclerosis was 66.8% (95% CI 57.2%–75.1%) with substantial heterogeneity ( I2 = 95.2%). The pooled prevalence of obstructive (>50%) stenosis was 29.3% with substantial heterogeneity ( I2 = 91%). High-risk coronary anatomy (triple vessel disease or left main stenosis) was found in 7.0% (95% CI 4%–12%) with high heterogeneity I2 = 72%. One study examined high-risk plaques and found a prevalence of 5.9%. Five studies reported the association of coronary atherosclerosis with future MACE. The presence of obstructive CAD confers a HR of 8.0 (95% CI 1.7–37.1, p = 0.007) for future MACE.

Discussion and Conclusions:

Asymptomatic CAD is common in ischaemic stroke survivors. The presence and severity of asymptomatic CAD strongly associates with the risk of future MACE. Further evaluation of the benefits of routine coronary assessment in ischaemic stroke is warranted.
Reconstruction of Navicular Osteochondral Lesions: Two Case Reports With Short-term Follow-up
Authors: Wood Katherine , Morrisett Ryan , Reasnor Ty , Haleem Amgad M.
Published: February 2024

[Formula: see text]
Scalp and Dural Reconstruction With a Tensor Fascia Lata Myofascial and Anterolateral Thigh Fasciocutaneous Chimeric Flap: A Case Report
Authors: Whalen Kristen S. , Moffitt Sarah , Le Nicole K. , Troy Jared S.
Published: February 2024

Composite scalp and cranial defects present a challenge due to the unique elements that need to be reconstructed. The goals of reconstruction are to protect intracranial contents, prevent cerebrospinal fluid leak (CSF) and infection, and to provide durable soft tissue coverage. We present a case of an immunocompromised patient with history of craniotomy who developed osteomyelitis and a cranial abscess resulting in a composite defect with dural, bony, and soft tissue loss. To achieve vascularized watertight dural repair and durable soft tissue coverage for resolution of infection and eventual staged cranioplasty, we performed a free tensor fascia lata (TFL) myofascial and anterolateral thigh (ALT) fasciocutaneous chimeric flap. The patient healed well without CSF leak or infection at 5-month follow-up and cranioplasty is planned. Use of a chimeric TFL and ALT flap is effective in the treatment of large, composite cranial defects in the setting of active infection.
Monocytes in leukapheresis products affect the outcome of CD19–targeted CAR T-cell therapy in patients with lymphoma
Authors: Carniti Cristiana , Caldarelli Nicole M. , Agnelli Luca , Torelli Tommaso , Ljevar Silva , Jonnalagadda Sadhana , Zanirato Giada , Fardella Eugenio , Stella Federico , Lorenzini Daniele , Brich Silvia , Arienti Flavio , Dodero Anna , Chiappella Annalisa , Magni Martina , Corradini Paolo
Published: February 2024

CD19–directed chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells can induce durable remissions in relapsed/refractory large B-cell lymphomas (R/R LBCLs), but 60% of patients do not respond or relapse. Biological mechanisms explaining lack of response are emerging, but they are largely unsuccessful in predicting disease response at the patient level. Additionally, to maximize the cost-effectiveness of CAR T-cell therapy, biomarkers able to predict response and survival before CAR T-cell manufacturing would be desirable. We performed transcriptomic and functional evaluations of leukapheresis products in 95 patients with R/R LBCL enrolled in a prospective observational study, to identify correlates of response and survival to tisagenlecleucel and axicabtagene ciloleucel. A signature composed of 4 myeloid genes expressed by T cells isolated from leukapheresis products is able to identify patients with a very short progression-free survival (PFS), highlighting the impact of monocytes in CAR T-cell therapy response. Accordingly, response and PFS were also negatively influenced by high circulating absolute monocyte counts at the time of leukapheresis. The combined evaluation of peripheral blood monocytes at the time of leukapheresis and the 4-gene signature represents a novel tool to identify patients with R/R LBCL at very high risk of progression after CAR T-cell therapy and could be used to plan trials evaluating CAR T cells vs other novel treatments or allogeneic CAR T cells. However, it also highlights the need to incorporate monocyte depletion strategies for better CAR T production.
Repositioning of ezetimibe for the treatment of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis
Authors: Lee Chanho , Kwak Se Hyun , Han Jisu , Shin Ju Hye , Yoo Byunghun , Lee Yu Seol , Park Jeong Su , Lim Beom Jin , Lee Jin Gu , Kim Young Sam , Kim Song Yee , Bae Soo Han
Published: February 2024

Background

We previously identified ezetimibe, an inhibitor of Niemann–Pick C1-like intracellular cholesterol transporter 1 and European Medicines Agency-approved lipid-lowering agent, as a potent autophagy activator. However, its efficacy against pulmonary fibrosis has not yet been evaluated. This study aimed to determine whether ezetimibe has therapeutic potential against idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis.

Methods

Primary lung fibroblasts isolated from both humans and mice were employed for mechanisticin vitroexperiments. mRNA sequencing of human lung fibroblasts and gene set enrichment analysis were performed to explore the therapeutic mechanism of ezetimibe. A bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis mouse model was used to examinein vivoefficacy of the drug. Tandem fluorescent-tagged microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3 transgenic mice were used to measure autophagic flux. Finally, the medical records of patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis from three different hospitals were reviewed retrospectively, and analyses on survival and lung function were conducted to determine the benefits of ezetimibe.

Results

Ezetimibe inhibited myofibroblast differentiation by restoring the mechanistic target of rapamycin complex 1–autophagy axis with fine control of intracellular cholesterol distribution. Serum response factor, a potential autophagic substrate, was identified as a primary downstream effector in this process. Similarly, ezetimibe ameliorated bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis in mice by inhibiting mechanistic target of rapamycin complex 1 activity and increasing autophagic flux, as observed in mouse lung samples. Patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis who regularly used ezetimibe showed decreased rates of all-cause mortality and lung function decline.

Conclusion

Our study presents ezetimibe as a potential novel therapeutic for idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis.
COPD: systemic proteomic profiles in frequent and infrequent exacerbators
Authors: Enríquez-Rodríguez Cesar Jessé , Casadevall Carme , Faner Rosa , Castro-Costa Ady , Pascual-Guàrdia Sergi , Seijó Luis , López-Campos José Luis , Peces-Barba Germán , Monsó Eduard , Barreiro Esther , Cosío Borja G. , Agustí Alvar , Gea Joaquim ,   on behalf of the BIOMEPOC group
Published: February 2024

Background

Some patients with COPD suffer frequent exacerbations (FE). We hypothesised that their systemic proteomic profile would be different from that of non-frequent exacerbators (NFE). The objective of the present study was to contrast the systemic proteomic profile in FEversusNFE. As a reference, we also determined the systemic proteomic profile of healthy controls (HC) and COPD patients during an actual episode of exacerbation (AE).

Methods

In the analysis we included 40 clinically stable COPD patients (20 FE and 20 NFE), and 20 HC and 10 AE patients. Their plasma samples were analysed by combining two complementary proteomic approaches: label-free liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry and multiplex immunoassays. Gene Ontology annotation, pathway enrichment and network analyses were used to investigate molecular pathways associated with differentially abundant proteins/peptides (DAPs).

Results

Compared with HC, we identified 40 DAPs in FE, 10 in NFE and 63 in AE. Also compared to HC, pathway functional and protein–protein network analyses revealed dysregulation of inflammatory responses involving innate and antibody-mediated immunity in COPD, particularly in the FE group, as well as during an AE episode. Besides, we only identified alterations in the complement and coagulation cascades in AE.

Conclusion

There are specific plasma proteome profiles associated with FE, which are partially shared with findings observed during AE, albeit others are uniquely present during the actual episode of AE.
Cerebellar ataxia, neuropathy and vestibular areflexia syndrome: a neurogenic cough prototype
Authors: Guilleminault Laurent , Mazzone Stuart B. , Chazelas Pauline , Frachet Simon , Lia Anne-Sophie , Magy Laurent
Published: February 2024

Chronic cough is a frequent disorder that is defined by cough of more than 8 weeks duration. Despite extensive investigation, some patients exhibit no aetiology and others do not respond to specific treatments directed against apparent causes of cough. Such patients are identified as having unexplained or refractory chronic cough. Recently, a high proportion of patients with chronic cough in the context of cerebellar ataxia, neuropathy and vestibular areflexia syndrome (CANVAS) was highlighted. CANVAS is a rare neurological disorder with a biallelic variation in the replication factor C subunit 1 (RFC1) gene corresponding mostly to an intronic AAGGG repeat expansion. Chronic cough in patients with CANVAS shares similar characteristics with cough hypersensitivity syndrome. The high prevalence of chronic cough in CANVAS gives the opportunity to better understand the neurogenic mechanism of chronic cough. In this review, we will describe the characteristics and mechanisms of CANVAS. We will also address the potential mechanisms responsible for chronic cough in CANVAS. Finally, we will address chronic cough management in the context of CANVAS.
Postural balance in COPD with obstructive sleep apnoea: a cross-sectional study
Authors: de Censo Caroline Maschio , Passini Viviane Vieira , Verri Bárbara Aparecida Teodoro Alcantara , Xavier Rafaella Fagundes , Carvalho-Pinto Regina Maria , Lorenzi-Filho Geraldo , Carvalho Celso R.F.
Published: February 2024

Objective

The aim of this study was to assess the postural balance in COPD patients with obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA). Physical activity, anxiety and depression symptoms, mood, and falls were also assessed in this population.

Methods

Moderate to severe COPD patients were assessed for laboratory and clinical postural balance (force platform and mini-balance evaluation systems test (Mini-BESTest)), physical activity (accelerometry), OSA (polysomnography), sleep quality (Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index), sleepiness (Epworth Sleepiness Scale), anxiety and depression symptoms (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale), dyspnoea (modified Medical Research Council), clinical status (COPD Assessment Test) and mood (Brunel Mood Scale). Self-reported falls were recorded for 6 monthsviaphone calls.

Results

COPD patients (n=70) were divided according to the polysomnography findings into the no OSA (n=30), mild OSA (n=25), and moderate to severe OSA (n=15) groups. Compared to patients with no OSA, those with moderate to severe OSA (msOSA group) presented median (interquartile range) increased path length (30.5 (23.9–34.5) cmversus39.0 (30.6–52.6) cm, anteroposterior displacement (1.89 (1.39–2.31) cmversus2.54 (2.06–2.83) cm and postural adjustment velocity (1.02 (0.80–1.15) cm·s−1versus1.30 (1.02–1.76) cm·s−1) (p<0.05). No differences were observed in the Mini-BESTest scores among the groups. The msOSA group presented a greater number of recurrent fallers in the first follow-up trimester. No association was observed between postural balance and age and pulmonary function

Conclusion

Individuals with COPD and moderate to severe OSA present changes in postural balance, including broader oscillation, faster postural adjustments and a greater risk of falls than those with no OSA. Physical activity, anxiety and depression symptoms, and mood are similar between COPD patients with and without OSA.
OsNAC103, a NAC Transcription Factor, Positively Regulates Leaf Senescence and Plant Architecture in Rice
Authors: Sun Lina , Xu Hanqin , Song Juan , Yang Xiaoying , Wang XinYi , Liu Haiyan , Pang Mengzhen , Hu Youchuan , Yang Qi , Ning Xiaotong , Liang Shanshan , Zhang Siju , Luan Weijiang
Published: February 2024

Leaf senescence, the last stage of leaf development, is essential for crop yield by promoting nutrition relocation from senescence leaves to new leaves and seeds. NAC (NAM/ATAF1/ATAF2/CUC2) proteins, one of the plant-specific transcription factors, widely distribute in plants and play important roles in plant growth and development. Here, we identified a new NAC member OsNAC103 and found that it plays critical roles in leaf senescence and plant architecture in rice. OsNAC103 mRNA levels were dramatically induced by leaf senescence as well as different phytohormones such as ABA, MeJA and ACC and abiotic stresses including dark, drought and high salinity. OsNAC103 acts as a transcription factor with nuclear localization signals at the N terminal and a transcriptional activation signal at the C terminal. Overexpression of OsNAC103 promoted leaf senescence while osnac103 mutants delayed leaf senescence under natural condition and dark-induced condition, meanwhile, senescence-associated genes (SAGs) were up-regulated in OsNAC103 overexpression (OsNAC103-OE) lines, indicating that OsNAC103 positively regulates leaf senescence in rice. Moreover, OsNAC103-OE lines exhibited loose plant architecture with larger tiller angles while tiller angles of osnac103 mutants decreased during the vegetative and reproductive growth stages due to the response of shoot gravitropism, suggesting that OsNAC103 can regulate the plant architecture in rice. Taken together, our results reveal that OsNAC103 plays crucial roles in the regulation of leaf senescence and plant architecture in rice.
Differential lung gene expression changes in C57BL/6 and DBA/2 mice carrying an identical functional Mx1 gene reveals crucial differences in the host response
Authors: Bergmann Silke , Brunotte Linda , Schughart Klaus
Published: February 2024

Background

Influenza virus infections represent a major global health problem. The dynamin-like GTPase MX1 is an interferon-dependent antiviral host protein that confers resistance to influenza virus infections. Infection models in mice are an important experimental system to understand the host response and susceptibility to developing severe disease following influenza infections. However, almost all laboratory mouse strains carry a non-functionalMx1gene whereas humans have a functionalMX1gene. Most studies in mice have been performed with strains carrying a non-functionalMx1gene. It is therefore very important to investigate the host response in mouse strains with a functionalMx1gene.

Results

Here, we analyzed the host response to influenza virus infections in two congenic mouse strains carrying the functionalMx1gene from the A2G strain. B6.A2G-Mx1r/r(B6-Mx1r/r) mice are highly resistant to influenza A virus (IAV) H1N1 infections. On the other hand, D2(B6).A2G-Mx1r/r(D2-Mx1r/r) mice, although carrying a functionalMx1gene, were highly susceptible, exhibited rapid weight loss, and died. We performed gene expression analysis using RNAseq from infected lungs at days 3 and 5 post-infection (p.i.) of both mouse strains to identify genes and pathways that were differentially expressed between the two mouse strains. The susceptible D2-Mx1r/rmice showed a high viral replication already at day 3 p.i. and exhibited a much higher number of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and many DEGs had elevated expression levels compared to B6-Mx1r/rmice. On the other hand, some DEGs were specifically up-regulated only in B6-Mx1r/rmice at day 3 p.i., many of which were related to host immune response functions.

Conclusions

From these results, we conclude that at early times of infection, D2-Mx1r/rmice showed a very high and rapid replication of the virus, which resulted in lung damage and a hyperinflammatory response leading to death. We hypothesize that the activation of certain immune response genes was missing and that others, especiallyMx1, were expressed at a time in D2-Mx1r/rmice when the virus had already massively spread in the lung and were thus not able anymore to protect them from severe disease. Our study represents an important addition to previously published studies in mouse models and contributes to a better understanding of the molecular pathways and genes that protect against severe influenza disease.
Comprehensive bioinformation analysis of homeodomain-leucine zipper gene family and expression pattern of HD-Zip I under abiotic stress in Salix suchowensis
Authors: Wang Yujiao , Wang Hongjuan , Yu Chun , Yan Xiaoming , Chu Jiasong , Jiang Benli , Zhu Jiabao
Published: February 2024

Background

Homeodomain-leucine zipper (HD-Zip) transcription factors are plant-specific and play important roles in plant defense against environmental stresses. Identification and functional studies have been carried out in model plants such as rice, Arabidopsis thaliana, and poplar, but comprehensive analysis on the HD-Zip family of Salix suchowensis have not been reported.

Results

A total of 55 HD-Zip genes were identified in the willow genome, unevenly distributed on 18 chromosomes except for chromosome 19. And segmental duplication events containing SsHD-Zip were detected on all chromosomes except chromosomes 13 and 19. The SsHD-Zip were classified into 4 subfamilies subfamilies (I-IV) according to the evolutionary analysis, and members of each subfamily shared similar domain structure and gene structure. The combination of GO annotation and promoter analysis showed that SsHD-Zip genes responded to multiple abiotic stresses. Furthermore, the results of qPCR analysis showed that the SsHD-Zip I gene exhibited different degrees of expression under salt stress, PEG treatment and heat treatment. Moreover, there was a synergistic effect between SsHD-Zip I genes under stress conditions based on coregulatory networks analysis.

Conclusions

In this study, HD-Zip transcription factors were systematically identified and analyzed at the whole genome level. These results preliminarily clarified the structural characteristics and related functions of willow HD-Zip family members, and it was found that SsHox34, SsHox36 and SsHox51 genes were significantly involved in the response to various stresses. Together, these findings laid the foundation for further research on the resistance functions of willow HD-Zip genes.
Identifying biologically implausible values in big longitudinal data: an example applied to child growth data from the Brazilian food and nutrition surveillance system
Authors: de Mello e Silva Juliana Freitas , de Jesus Silva Natanael , Carrilho Thaís Rangel Bousquet , Jesus Pinto Elizabete de , Rocha Aline Santos , Pedroso Jéssica , Silva Sara Araújo , Spaniol Ana Maria , da Costa Santin de Andrade Rafaella , Bortolini Gisele Ane , Paixão Enny , Kac Gilberto , de Cássia Ribeiro-Silva Rita , Barreto Maurício L.
Published: February 2024

Background

Several strategies for identifying biologically implausible values in longitudinal anthropometric data have recently been proposed, but the suitability of these strategies for large population datasets needs to be better understood. This study evaluated the impact of removing population outliers and the additional value of identifying and removing longitudinal outliers on the trajectories of length/height and weight and on the prevalence of child growth indicators in a large longitudinal dataset of child growth data.

Methods

Length/height and weight measurements of children aged 0 to 59 months from the Brazilian Food and Nutrition Surveillance System were analyzed. Population outliers were identified using z-scores from the World Health Organization (WHO) growth charts. After identifying and removing population outliers, residuals from linear mixed-effects models were used to flag longitudinal outliers. The following cutoffs for residuals were tested to flag those: -3/+3, -4/+4, -5/+5, -6/+6. The selected child growth indicators included length/height-for-age z-scores and weight-for-age z-scores, classified according to the WHO charts.

Results

The dataset included 50,154,738 records from 10,775,496 children. Boys and girls had 5.74% and 5.31% of length/height and 5.19% and 4.74% of weight values flagged as population outliers, respectively. After removing those, the percentage of longitudinal outliers varied from 0.02% (<-6/>+6) to 1.47% (<-3/>+3) for length/height and from 0.07 to 1.44% for weight in boys. In girls, the percentage of longitudinal outliers varied from 0.01 to 1.50% for length/height and from 0.08 to 1.45% for weight. The initial removal of population outliers played the most substantial role in the growth trajectories as it was the first step in the cleaning process, while the additional removal of longitudinal outliers had lower influence on those, regardless of the cutoff adopted. The prevalence of the selected indicators were also affected by both population and longitudinal (to a lesser extent) outliers.

Conclusions

Although both population and longitudinal outliers can detect biologically implausible values in child growth data, removing population outliers seemed more relevant in this large administrative dataset, especially in calculating summary statistics. However, both types of outliers need to be identified and removed for the proper evaluation of trajectories.
Feasibility of wearable monitors to detect heart rate variability in children with hand, foot and mouth disease
Authors: Nhan Le Nguyen Thanh , Hung Nguyen Thanh , Khanh Truong Huu , Hong Nguyen Thi Thu , Ny Nguyen Thi Han , Nhu Le Nguyen Truc , Han Do Duong Kim , Zhu Tingting , Thanh Tran Tan , Tadesse Girmaw Abebe , Clifton David , Van Doorn H. Rogier , Van Tan Le , Thwaites C. Louise
Published: February 2024

Hand foot and mouth disease (HFMD) is caused by a variety of enteroviruses, and occurs in large outbreaks in which a small proportion of children deteriorate rapidly with cardiopulmonary failure. Determining which children are likely to deteriorate is difficult and health systems may become overloaded during outbreaks as many children require hospitalization for monitoring. Heart rate variability (HRV) may help distinguish those with more severe diseases but requires simple scalable methods to collect ECG data.

We carried out a prospective observational study to examine the feasibility of using wearable devices to measure HRV in 142 children admitted with HFMD at a children’s hospital in Vietnam. ECG data were collected in all children. HRV indices calculated were lower in those with enterovirus A71 associated HFMD compared to those with other viral pathogens.

HRV analysis collected from wearable devices is feasible in a low and middle income country (LMIC) and may help classify disease severity in HFMD.
Healthy lifestyles, systemic inflammation and breast cancer risk: a mediation analysis
Authors: Zhang Yanyu , Song Mengjie , Yang Zixuan , Huang Xiaoxi , Lin Yuxiang , Yang Haomin
Published: February 2024

Background

Despite the known association between healthy lifestyles and reduced risk of breast cancer, it remains unclear whether systemic inflammation, as a consequence of unhealthy lifestyles, may mediate the association.

Methods

A cohort study of 259,435 female participants in the UK Biobank was conducted to estimate hazard ratio (HR) for breast cancer according to 9 inflammation markers using Cox regression models. We further estimated the percentage of total association between healthy lifestyle index (HLI) and breast cancer that is mediated by these inflammation markers.

Results

During 2,738,705 person-years of follow-up, 8,889 cases of breast cancer were diagnosed among 259,435 women in the UK Biobank cohort. Higher level of C-reactive protein (CRP), systemic immune-inflammation index (SII), CRP-to-albumin Ratio (CAR), CRP-to-lymphocyte Ratio (CLR), monocyte-to-HDL-c ratio (MHR), and neutrophil-to-HDL-c ratio (NHR) were associated with increased breast cancer risk, while a higher lymphocyte-to-monocyte ratio (LMR) was associated with a lower risk. The inverse association between HLI and breast cancer was weakly mediated by CRP (8.5%), SII (1.71%), CAR (8.66%), CLR (6.91%), MHR (6.27%), and NHR (7.33%). When considering individual lifestyle factors, CRP and CAR each mediated 16.58% and 17.20%, respectively, of the associations between diet score and breast cancer risk, while the proportion mediated for physical activity and breast cancer were 12.13% and 11.48%, respectively. Furthermore, MHR was found to mediate 13.84% and 12.01% of the associations between BMI, waist circumference, and breast cancer.

Conclusion

The association of HLI and breast cancer is weakly mediated by the level of inflammation, particularly by CRP and CAR. Systemic inflammatory status may be an intermediate in the biological pathway of breast cancer development.
Rate of benign histology after resection of suspected renal cell carcinoma: multicenter comparison between Korea and the United States
Authors: Jeong Chang Wook , Han Jang Hee , Byun Seok Soo , Song Cheryn , Hong Sung-Hoo , Chung Jinsoo , Seo Seong Il , Ha Hong Koo , Hwang Eu Chang , Seo Ill Young , Cheaib Joseph G. , Pierorazio Phillip M. , Han Misop , Kwak Cheol
Published: February 2024

Background

In the United States, the rate of benign histology among resected renal tumors suspected to be malignant is increasing. We evaluated the rates in the Republic of Korea and assessed the racial effect using recent multi-institutional Korean-United States data.

Methods

We conducted a multi-institutional retrospective study of 11,529 patients (8,812 from The Republic of Korea and 2,717 from the United States) and compared the rates of benign histology between the two countries. To evaluate the racial effect, we divided the patients into Korean, Asian in the US, and Non-Asian in the US.

Results

The rates of benign histology and small renal masses in Korean patients were significantly lower than that in United States patients (6.3% vs. 14.3%, p < 0.001) and (≤ 4 cm, 7.6% vs. 19.5%, p < 0.001), respectively. Women, incidentaloma, partial nephrectomy, minimally invasive surgery, and recent surgery were associated with a higher rate of benign histology than others.

Conclusions

In Korea, the rate of benign histology among resected renal tumors was significantly lower than that in the United States. This disparity could be caused by environmental or cultural differences rather than racial differences. Our findings suggest that re-evaluating current context-specific standards of care is necessary to avoid overtreatment.
Adult genitourinary sarcoma: analysis using hospital-based cancer registry data in Japan
Authors: Nitta Satoshi , Kandori Shuya , Kojo Kosuke , Suzuki Shuhei , Hamada Kazuki , Chihara Ichiro , Shiga Masanobu , Sakka Shotaro , Nagumo Yoshiyuki , Kimura Tomokazu , Mathis Bryan J. , Negoro Hiromitsu , Okuyama Ayako , Higashi Takahiro , Nishiyama Hiroyuki
Published: February 2024

Background

Genitourinary sarcomas are rare in adults and few large-scale studies on adult genitourinary sarcoma are reported. We aimed to elucidate the clinical characteristics, survival outcomes, and prognostic factors for overall survival of adult genitourinary sarcoma in Japan.

Methods

A hospital-based cancer registry data in Japan was used to identify and enroll patients diagnosed with genitourinary sarcoma in 2013. The datasets were registered from 121 institutions.

Results

A total of 116 men and 39 women were included, with a median age of 66 years. The most common primary site was the kidney in 47 patients, followed by the paratestis in 36 patients. The most common histological type was liposarcoma in 54 patients, followed by leiomyosarcoma in 25 patients. The 5-year overall survival rates were 57.6%. On univariate analysis, male gender, paratestis as primary organ, and histological subtype of liposarcoma were predictive of favorable survival while primary kidney, bladder, or prostate gland location were predictive of unfavorable survival. On multivariate analysis, primary paratestis was an independent predictor of favorable survival while primary kidney, bladder, or prostate gland were independent predictors of unfavorable survival.

Conclusions

This is the first report showing the clinical characteristics and survival outcomes of adult genitourinary sarcoma in Japan using a real-world large cohort database.