bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Core Competencies for Maritime Business Educators in the Digital Era
Authors: Yuen Kum Fai , Tan Lovevin , Loh Hui Shan
Published: July 2022

In light of digitalization, the objectives of this study are to (1) identify the emerging, core competencies of maritime business educators (MBE) and (2) examine their effects on perceived teaching performance. A systematic review of the contemporary literature was first performed to build a competency framework. Subsequently, an online survey was administered to 196 faculty members of the top 10 leading maritime universities as identified from the Worldwide Maritime School Rankings produced by Hong Kong Polytechnic University. The collected data were analyzed using Exploratory Factor Analysis to extract the main competencies of MBE. The results uncovered five key competencies from 22 sub-competencies. Thereafter, Hierarchical Regression Modeling was used to examine the effects of the key competencies on perceived teaching performance. After controlling for teaching experience and job position, it was found that the five competency requirements, in descending order of their importance, have significant positive effects on teaching performance: Pedagogy, Maritime, Interpersonal, Business and Digital. Academically, this study consolidates the literature and identifies the emerging core competencies that are expected from MBE in the digital era. The study also implicates education policy formulation, offering directions for institutions to allocate their resources, develop suitable training and assessment programs, and facilitate benchmarking.
Taste Metaphors Ground Emotion Concepts Through the Shared Attribute of Valence
Authors: Avery Jason A. , Liu Alexander G. , Carrington Madeline , Martin Alex
Published: July 2022

“Parting is such sweet sorrow.” Taste metaphors provide a rich vocabulary for describing emotional experience, potentially serving as an adaptive mechanism for conveying abstract emotional concepts using concrete verbal references to our shared experience. We theorized that the popularity of these expressions results from the close association with hedonic valence shared by these two domains of experience. To explore the possibility that this affective quality underlies the semantic similarity of these domains, we used a behavioral “odd-one-out” task in an online sample of 1059 participants in order to examine the semantic similarity of concepts related to emotion, taste, and color, another rich source of sensory metaphors. We found that the semantic similarity of emotion and taste concepts was greater than that of emotion and color concepts. Importantly, the similarity of taste and emotion concepts was strongly related to their similarity in hedonic valence, a relationship which was also significantly greater than that present between color and emotion. These results suggest that the common core of valence between taste and emotion concepts allows us to bridge the conceptual divide between our shared sensory environment and our internal emotional experience.
Identifying the Subtypes of Major Depressive Disorder Based on Somatic Symptoms: A Longitudinal Study Using Latent Profile Analysis
Authors: Wu Xiaohui , Zhu Yuncheng , Wu Zhiguo , Huang Jia , Cao Lan , Wang Yun , Su Yousong , Liu Hongmei , Fang Maosheng , Yao Zhijian , Wang Zuowei , Wang Fan , Wang Yong , Peng Daihui , Chen Jun , Fang Yiru
Published: July 2022

Background

Two-thirds of major depressive disorder (MDD) patients initially present with somatic symptoms, yet no study has used approaches based on somatic symptoms to subtype MDD. This study aimed to classify MDD via somatic symptoms and tracked the prognosis of each subtype.

Methods

Data were obtained from the study of Algorithm Guided Treatment Strategies for Major Depressive Disorder (AGTs-MDD). We recruited 395 subjects who received monotherapy of mirtazapine or escitalopram and conducted 2-, 4-, 6-, 8-, and 12-week follow-up assessments (n = 311, 278, 251, 199, and 178, respectively). Latent profile analysis (LPA) was performed on somatic symptom items of the depression and somatic symptoms scale (DSSS). Generalized linear mixed models (GLMM) were used to study the longitudinal prognosis of the subtypes classed by LPA. Primary outcome measures were the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAMD), HAMD score reduction rate, as well as somatic and depressive items of DSSS.

Results

Three subtypes of MDD were found, namely, depression with mild somatic symptoms (68.9%), depression with moderate somatic symptoms (19.2%), and depression with severe somatic symptoms (11.9%). Scores of HAMD (F = 3.175, p = 0.001), somatic (F = 23.594, p < 0.001), and depressive (F = 4.163, p < 0.001) DSSS items throughout the 12-week follow-up showed statistical difference among the three subtypes. The moderate group displayed a higher HAMD-17 score and a lower reduction rate at the 6th week, and more severe depressive symptoms both at the 4th and 6th weeks.

Conclusion

The results indicate that somatic symptoms should be emphasized in patients with MDD, and more attention is needed for those with moderate somatic symptoms, which may be relevant to a worse prognosis.
Role of the Social Support and Health Status in Living Arrangement Preference of the Elderly in China—A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Cui Longyan , Li Jingshan , Xie Danni , Wang Minghui , He Fanrong , Chen Junfeng , Ding Ding
Published: July 2022

Background

Living arrangement of the elderly is one of the most important components that affect their quality of life in later years. The aging, with the phenomenon of low fertility rate and family structure transformation, has caused changes in the living arrangements of the elderly. This research aimed to find the elderly's living arrangement preferences and influencing factors.

Methods

The data were obtained from The Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Survey (CLHLS) in the 2018, and the sample was comprised of 9,638 individuals aged ≥ 60 years. Independent variables were divided into social support, health status and so-economic status. Chi-square test and binary logistic regression were used to analyze the relationship between the above variates and living arrangement preferences.

Results

Currently, in terms of living arrangement preferences, nearly half (45.6%) of the respondents choose not to live with their children. The binary model results showed that elderly who were married (OR = 0.166, 95% CI: 0.147–0.187), experienced more than 6 years of education (OR = 0.600, 95% CI: 0.517–0.695), ability of daily living (ADL) impaired (OR = 0.810, 95% CI: 0.720–0.912), suffering from multiple chronic diseases (OR = 0.803, 95% CI: 0.720–0.912), and obtained community services (OR = 0.884, 95% CI: 0.803–0.972) incline to not live with their children. The elderly who living in rural areas (OR = 1.244, 95% CI: 1.129–1.371), with an income of more than 500,000 yuan per year (OR = 1.557, 95% CI: 1.380–1.757), having children visiting regularly (OR = 1.405, 95% CI: 1.161–1.707) and receiving children's financial support (OR = 1.194, 95% CI: 1.080–1.319) are more likely to choose to live with their children.

Conclusions

This study found that the living arrangement preferences of the elderly were affected by social support and health status, and living with children is no longer the only option for the elderly these days. The elderly care services provided by communities or professional care institutions may become the mainstream of taking care of the elderly citizens in the aging society. Improving the types and forms of community nursing services to increase the accessibility of these services; setting up elderly care institutions reasonably and equipping adequate professional nursing staff should be considered as priority measures.
Investigation of Mental Health Literacy and Status of Residents During the Re-Outbreak of COVID-19 in China
Authors: Li Shiming , Guo Bingbing , Lu Xiao , Yang Queping , Zhu Haohao , Ji Yingying , Jiang Ying
Published: July 2022

Introduction

The current field of research on the impact of COVID-19 on mental health was mostly limited to the evaluation of the first round of the epidemic, few reports focused on the impact of the re-emergence of COVID-19. This study aimed to investigate the mental health literacy and status of residents during the re-outbreak of COVID-19 in China.

Methods

The basic information sheet, health literacy survey scale, physical health questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9), generalized anxiety disorder-7 (GAD-7), insomnia severity index (ISI), and Alzheimer dementia 8 (AD8) were applied to evaluate the mental health literacy, mental health status and elderly cognitive function, and χ2 test was applied for analysis of the difference between different groups.

Results

A total of 2,306 participants were involved in this study, of which 734 people completed the mental health literacy survey. The qualified rate of mental health literacy was 6.4%. The difference is statistically significant. A total of 1,015 people completed the survey of mental health status, the prevalence of depressive symptoms was 8.87%, the monthly income of different families (χ2 = 13.96, P = 0.01), the self-assessed health status (χ2 = 128.56, P < 0.05), the presence or absence of chronic diseases (χ2 = 4.78, P = 0.03), among all which the difference was statistically significant; the prevalence of anxiety symptoms was 3.84%, different regions (χ2 = 12.26, P < 0.05), occupations (χ2 = 11.65, P < 0.05), household monthly income (χ2 = 12.65, P = 0.01), self-rated health status (χ2 = 151.11, P < 0.05), and chronic diseases (χ2 = 7.77, P = 0.01), among all which the differences were statistically significant. The prevalence of insomnia symptoms was 7.98%, different age (χ2 = 18.45, P < 0.05), region (χ2 = 5.11, P = 0.02), monthly household income (χ2 = 12.68 P = 0.01), and self-assessed health status (χ2 = 91.71, P < 0.05), in which there was a statistically significant difference between those with or without chronic diseases (χ2 = 3 3.25, P < 0.05). A total of 557 elderly people over 65 years old completed the cognitive dysfunction screening, in which the prevalence of cognitive dysfunction was 17.41%, and the difference was statistically significant at the different self-assessed health status (χ2 = 96.24, P < 0.05) and with or without chronic diseases (χ2 = 107.09, P < 0.05).

Conclusion

The mental health literacy and status of residents have not improved significantly during the second outbreak of the epidemic, indicating that under the normalization of epidemic prevention and control, more attention should be paid to the mental health of residents, and targeted health education and psychological intervention should be carried out to avoid relative adverse events.
Screening COVID-19 Suspected Cases and Determining the Associated Factors
Authors: Tesfaw Lijalem Melie , Kassie Aragaw Bizualem
Published: July 2022

Background

The incidence of corona-virus-positive persons in Africa, notably in Ethiopia, is rapidly increasing, leading to enhanced analyses. Even though the majority of people exhibit COVID-19's key symptoms, many refuse to go to the hospital to have the virus tested. This study aims to assess probable COVID-19 participants and the related characteristics among residents of Northwest Ethiopian municipal towns.

Methods

This project contains participants enlisted from Northwest Ethiopia municipal towns, and a cross-sectional data collection approach was employed. A total of 1,288 arbitrarily designated contestants accomplished an actively screening test questionnaire that was used to assess whether the participants were suspected of coronavirus. The statistical analysis Chi-square test and a binary logistic regression were implemented.

Results

Among the 1,288 designated contestants, 788 (61.2%) of them were men. About 77.5% of the participants were from orthodox religion and 12.2% live in the rural area permanently. As compared to female participants (45.9%), the number of suspected male participants (54.1%) was higher. As compared to societies in Woldya municipal town, populations in Bahir Dar (aOR = 0.101;95% CI = 0.065,0.156), Gondar (aOR = 0.072;95% CI = 0.043,0.122), and Debre Markos (aOR = 0.368;95% CI = 0.271,0.501) municipal town were less likely to be suspected of COVID-19. Equated to the employed contestants, unemployed contestants had lower odds of being suspected of COVID-19 (aOR = 0.147; 95% CI = 0.1160.186).

Conclusion

The prevalence of suspected cases of coronavirus in Northwest Ethiopia was considerably high. The city of residence, work status, hospital use, marital status, permanent residence, and source of information were important determinants of suspected cases of coronavirus. Thus, timely diagnosis of suspected cases of coronavirus and taking the appropriate remedial action help to reduce the spread and mortality rate.
COVID-19 Testing: A Qualitative Study Exploring Enablers and Barriers in the Greater Accra Region, Ghana
Authors: Ha Solip , Yangchen Sonam , Assan Abraham
Published: July 2022

Introduction

The COVID-19 pandemic is a global crisis and has reaffirmed that extensive testing along with effective tracing is still crucial to slowing transmission of the COVID-19 virus despite the rolling out of vaccines. This study explored enablers and barriers to COVID-19 testing in the Greater Accra region of Ghana. We envision lessons learned from this study could serve as a road map to strengthen the current response to COVID-19 and preparedness for future outbreaks, particularly in low- and middle-income countries.

Methods

A qualitative design was undertaken to explore the phenomenon. Data collection methods included in-depth interviews with key informants with a purposively selected sample of 20 participants. Interviews were conducted using flexible semi-structured interview guides. Depending on the participant's position and involvement in COVID-19 testing, the guides were modified, and key elements were drawn from a tailored version of the WHO Health System Framework, incorporating the Essential Public Health Functions (EPHF). The interview findings were augmented by reviewing published literature.

Results

Better health governance through political leadership, community participation, multisectoral collaboration, effective resource management, and information systems played a crucial role in catalyzing COVID-19 testing. The primary barriers to testing were mainly COVID-19 infodemic, inadequacy of material resources to meet growing health needs, and a lack of opportunities to have equal and easy access to testing services. Furthermore, although human resources were adequate, they were unevenly distributed across settings.

Conclusion

Despite rolling out vaccines against COVID-19, testing remains an important measure to control the virus. To effectively be prepared for extensive COVID-19 testing and respond to future outbreaks, the following are recommended: there should be improved political commitments, coordination, and communication with diverse actors to ensure even distribution of all resources across the country; empowerment of community members should be encouraged to develop community-oriented pandemic preparedness and management of COVID-19 infodemic; investment in strengthening capacity of Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP); incorporation of health policy and systems research (HPSR) into the post-COVID-19 pandemic recovery process and future pandemic preparedness.
Recurrence Patterns After Hepatectomy With Very Narrow Resection Margins for Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Cheng Chih-Hsien , Lai Yin , Hung Hao-Chien , Lee Jin-Chiao , Wang Yu-Chao , Wu Tsung-Han , Lee Chen-Fang , Wu Ting-Jung , Chou Hong-Shiue , Chan Kun-Ming , Lee Wei-Chen
Published: July 2022

Background

The extent of hepatic resection In HCC depends on the remnant liver reserve or the proximity of the tumor to major vessels. In this study, we evaluated the effects of very close resection margins on postoperative recurrence.

Methods

Consecutive LR for HCC between 2003 and 2009 were studied. Patients were divided into groups with very narrow (≤1 mm) or wider (>1 mm) resection margins. Propensity score matching (PSM) was used to balance demographic, surgical, and pathological factors.

Results

983 patients were included in the study. After PSM, 173 patients were analyzed in each group. 5-year tumor recurrence and survival rates were comparable. Most recurrences were multiple intrahepatic. Section margin recurrences were similar in both groups. By multivariate analysis, tumor size >5 cm was associated with a very narrow resection margin, whereas low platelet count and tumor macrovascular invasion were significant factors related to tumor recurrence.

Conclusions

Patients with very narrow surgical margins showed outcomes comparable to those with wider surgical margins. Most recurrences were multiple intrahepatic and associated with the degree of portal hypertension and adverse tumor biology. Although wide surgical margins should be aimed whenever possible, a narrow tumor-free margin resection still represents an effective therapeutic strategy.
Phenotype of Idiopathic Epilepsy in Great Swiss Mountain Dogs in Germany—A Retrospective Study
Authors: Ostermann Theresa Elisabeth , Nessler Jasmin Nicole , Urankar Hildegard , Bachmann Norbert , Fechler Christel , Bathen-Nöthen Andrea , Tipold Andrea
Published: July 2022

Genetic predisposition of idiopathic epilepsy (IE) has been demonstrated in individual breeds. According to the responsible breeding association in Germany, the average incidence of registered Great Swiss Mountain Dogs (GSMDs) with seizures between the years 1999 and 2019 is 2.56%, a genetic predisposition in this breed is suspected. To describe the seizure phenotype and to examine seizure causes, a retrospective, questionnaire-based study was performed. In cooperation with the Swiss Mountain Dog Association of Germany e.V. (SSV e.V.), 114 questionnaires filled in by owners of GSMD displaying seizures and filled in by their respective veterinarians between the years 2005–2021 were evaluated. Seizure characteristics, clinical and further examinations, treatment, treatment responses, and pedigree information were collected. In this study, 94 (83.06%) dogs had IE (suspected genetic epilepsy) confirmed with confidence level TIER 1, 2, or 3. The remaining 20 dogs showed the signs of structural epilepsy, reactive seizures, or epilepsy of unknown cause and were therefore excluded from further analysis. The average age at seizure onset was 28.83 months. Male GSMDs were significantly more often affected by IE than females. The most common seizure type was focal evolving into generalized seizures (64.5%). Seizures often began with vomiting, retching, or salivation. Cluster seizures (CS) (48.9%) and status epilepticus (SE) (37.2%) were observed in a large proportion of dogs. During the observation time, a total of 49 animals (52.13%) died. Out of those, 19 dogs (20.21%) were euthanized in SE or during CS and 14 dogs (14.9%) died spontaneously during CS or SE. The median age at death was 4 years, and the median survival time for the time, when the dog was suffering from seizures, was found to be 18 months. Both occurrence of CS (p = 0.0076) and occurrence of SE (p = 0.0859) had an impact on survival time. In GSMD, idiopathic epilepsy presents with a severe phenotype with frequently occurring CS and SE. This study could serve as basis for further genetic evaluations as well as to provide individual treatment recommendations.
Genome Sequence Variations of Infectious Bronchitis Virus Serotypes From Commercial Chickens in Mexico
Authors: Kariithi Henry M. , Volkening Jeremy D. , Leyson Christina M. , Afonso Claudio L. , Christy Nancy , Decanini Eduardo Lucio , Lemiere Stéphane , Suarez David L.
Published: July 2022

New variants of infectious bronchitis viruses (IBVs; Coronaviridae) continuously emerge despite routine vaccinations. Here, we report genome sequence variations of IBVs identified by random non-targeted next generation sequencing (NGS) of vaccine and field samples collected on FTA cards from commercial flocks in Mexico in 2019–2021. Paired-ended sequencing libraries prepared from rRNA-depleted RNAs were sequenced using Illumina MiSeq. IBV RNA was detected in 60.07% (n = 167) of the analyzed samples, from which 33 complete genome sequences were de novo assembled. The genomes are organized as 5'UTR-[Rep1a-Rep1b-S-3a-3b-E-M-4b-4c-5a-5b-N-6b]-3'UTR, except in eight sequences lacking non-structural protein genes (accessory genes) 4b, 4c, and 6b. Seventeen sequences have auxiliary S2' cleavage site located 153 residues downstream the canonically conserved primary furin-specific S1/S2 cleavage site. The sequences distinctly cluster into lineages GI-1 (Mass-type; n = 8), GI-3 (Holte/Iowa-97; n = 2), GI-9 (Arkansas-like; n = 8), GI-13 (793B; n = 14), and GI-17 (California variant; CAV; n = 1), with regional distribution in Mexico; this is the first report of the presence of 793B- and CAV-like strains in the country. Various point mutations, substitutions, insertions and deletions are present in the S1 hypervariable regions (HVRs I-III) across all 5 lineages, including in residues 38, 43, 56, 63, 66, and 69 that are critical in viral attachment to respiratory tract tissues. Nine intra-/inter-lineage recombination events are present in the S proteins of three Mass-type sequences, two each of Holte/Iowa-97 and Ark-like sequence, and one each of 793B-like and CAV-like sequences. This study demonstrates the feasibility of FTA cards as an attractive, adoptable low-cost sampling option for untargeted discovery of avian viral agents in field-collected clinical samples. Collectively, our data points to co-circulation of multiple distinct IBVs in Mexican commercial flocks, underscoring the need for active surveillance and a review of IBV vaccines currently used in Mexico and the larger Latin America region.
Levels of Evidence, Quality Assessment, and Risk of Bias: Evaluating the Internal Validity of Primary Research
Authors: Sargeant Jan M. , Brennan Marnie L. , O'Connor Annette M.
Published: July 2022

Clinical decisions in human and veterinary medicine should be based on the best available evidence. The results of primary research are an important component of that evidence base. Regardless of whether assessing studies for clinical case management, developing clinical practice guidelines, or performing systematic reviews, evidence from primary research should be evaluated for internal validity i.e., whether the results are free from bias (reflect the truth). Three broad approaches to evaluating internal validity are available: evaluating the potential for bias in a body of literature based on the study designs employed (levels of evidence), evaluating whether key study design features associated with the potential for bias were employed (quality assessment), and applying a judgement as to whether design elements of a study were likely to result in biased results given the specific context of the study (risk of bias assessment). The level of evidence framework for assessing internal validity assumes that internal validity can be determined based on the study design alone, and thus makes the strongest assumptions. Risk of bias assessments involve an evaluation of the potential for bias in the context of a specific study, and thus involve the least assumptions about internal validity. Quality assessment sits somewhere between the assumptions of these two. Because risk of bias assessment involves the least assumptions, this approach should be used to assess internal validity where possible. However, risk of bias instruments are not available for all study designs, some clinical questions may be addressed using multiple study designs, and some instruments that include an evaluation of internal validity also include additional components (e.g., evaluation of comprehensiveness of reporting, assessments of feasibility or an evaluation of external validity). Therefore, it may be necessary to embed questions related to risk of bias within existing quality assessment instruments. In this article, we overview the approaches to evaluating internal validity, highlight the current complexities, and propose ideas for approaching assessments of internal validity.
Precision Fertilization and Irrigation: Progress and Applications
Authors: Lu Yue , Liu Mingzheng , Li Changhe , Liu Xiaochu , Cao Chengmao , Li Xinping , Kan Za
Published: July 2022

The transformation and upgrading of traditional agriculture are required to address its shortcomings and deficiencies, which have resulted in environmental pollution or water problems. Precision agriculture emerged at the historic moment to solve the current problems. Field information collection, information management and decision-making, and execution systems are the three key links of precision fertilization and irrigation. The technical principle and application of field information acquisition systems are analyzed. The information management and decision-making system describes the management and summary of information in crop growth. The execution system combines the knowledge of various disciplines and experts for targeted applications to specific crops. It further focuses on the core implementation system, that is, variable fertilization technology and variable spraying technology that can realize variable operations. Major contributions from different countries, institutions, corresponding authors, and journals are presented in detail. This study proposes several suggestions and ideas based on the research status and progress of the three key systems to provide a theoretical basis and technical support for the research and development of key technologies and innovative devices of precision agricultural fertilization and irrigation.
Targeting the CD47-SIRPα Innate Immune Checkpoint to Potentiate Antibody Therapy in Cancer by Neutrophils
Authors: Behrens Leonie M. , van den Berg Timo K. , van Egmond Marjolein
Published: July 2022

In the past 25 years, a considerable number of therapeutic monoclonal antibodies (mAb) against a variety of tumor-associated antigens (TAA) have become available for the targeted treatment of hematologic and solid cancers. Such antibodies opsonize cancer cells and can trigger cytotoxic responses mediated by Fc-receptor expressing immune cells in the tumor microenvironment (TME). Although frequently ignored, neutrophils, which are abundantly present in the circulation and many cancers, have demonstrated to constitute bona fide effector cells for antibody-mediated tumor elimination in vivo. It has now also been established that neutrophils exert a unique mechanism of cytotoxicity towards antibody-opsonized tumor cells, known as trogoptosis, which involves Fc-receptor (FcR)-mediated trogocytosis of cancer cell plasma membrane leading to a lytic/necrotic type of cell death. However, neutrophils prominently express the myeloid inhibitory receptor SIRPα, which upon interaction with the ‘don’t eat me’ signal CD47 on cancer cells, limits cytotoxicity, forming a mechanism of resistance towards anti-cancer antibody therapeutics. In fact, tumor cells often overexpress CD47, thereby even more strongly restricting neutrophil-mediated tumor killing. Blocking the CD47-SIRPα interaction may therefore potentiate neutrophil-mediated antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC) towards cancer cells, and various inhibitors of the CD47-SIRPα axis are now in clinical studies. Here, we review the role of neutrophils in antibody therapy in cancer and their regulation by the CD47-SIRPα innate immune checkpoint. Moreover, initial results of CD47-SIRPα blockade in clinical trials are discussed.
Drug Repurposing to Enhance Antitumor Response to PD-1/PD-L1 Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors
Authors: Thuru Xavier , Magnez Romain , El-Bouazzati Hassiba , Vergoten Gérard , Quesnel Bruno , Bailly Christian
Published: July 2022

Monoclonal antibodies targeting the PD-1/PD-L1 immune checkpoint have considerably improved the treatment of some cancers, but novel drugs, new combinations, and treatment modalities are needed to reinvigorate immunosurveillance in immune-refractory tumors. An option to elicit antitumor immunity against cancer consists of using approved and marketed drugs known for their capacity to modulate the expression and functioning of the PD-1/PD-L1 checkpoint. Here, we have reviewed several types of drugs known to alter the checkpoint, either directly via the blockade of PD-L1 or indirectly via an action on upstream effectors (such as STAT3) to suppress PD-L1 transcription or to induce its proteasomal degradation. Specifically, the repositioning of the approved drugs liothyronine, azelnidipine (and related dihydropyridine calcium channel blockers), niclosamide, albendazole/flubendazole, and a few other modulators of the PD-1/PD-L1 checkpoint (repaglinide, pimozide, fenofibrate, lonazolac, propranolol) is presented. Their capacity to bind to PD-L1 or to repress its expression and function offer novel perspectives for combination with PD-1 targeted biotherapeutics. These known and affordable drugs could be useful to improve the therapy of cancer.
Integrin β1 in Pancreatic Cancer: Expressions, Functions, and Clinical Implications
Authors: Li Jiajia , Peng Liyao , Chen Qun , Ye Ziping , Zhao Tiantian , Hou Sicong , Gu Jianguo , Hang Qinglei
Published: July 2022

Pancreatic cancer (PC) is characterized by rapid progression and a high mortality rate. The current treatment is still based on surgical treatment, supplemented by radiotherapy and chemotherapy, and new methods of combining immune and molecular biological treatments are being explored. Despite this, the survival rate of PC patients is still very disappointing. Therefore, clarifying the molecular mechanism of PC pathogenesis and developing precisely targeted drugs are key to improving PC prognosis. As the most common β subunit of the integrin family, integrin β1 has been proved to be closely related to the vascular invasion, distant metastasis, and survival of PC patients, and treatment targeting integrin β1 in PC has gained initial success in animal models. In this review, we summarize the various signaling pathways by which integrins are involved in PC, focusing on the roles of integrin β1 in the malignant behaviors of PC. Additionally, recent studies regarding the feasibility of integrin β1 as a diagnostic and prognostic biomarker in PC are also discussed. Finally, we present the progress of several integrin β1-based clinical trials to highlight the potential of integrin β1 as a target for personalized therapy in PC.
Prevalence and Risk Factors for Hyposalivation and Xerostomia in Childhood Cancer Survivors Following Different Treatment Modalities—A Dutch Childhood Cancer Survivor Study Late Effects 2 Clinical Study (DCCSS LATER 2)
Authors: Stolze Juliette , Teepen Jop C. , Raber-Durlacher Judith E. , Loonen Jacqueline J. , Kok Judith L. , Tissing Wim J. E. , de Vries Andrica C. H. , Neggers Sebastian J. C. M. M. , van Dulmen-den Broeder Eline , van den Heuvel-Eibrink Marry M. , van der Pal Helena J. H. , Versluys A. Birgitta , van der Heiden-van der Loo Margriet , Louwerens Marloes , Kremer Leontien C. M. , Brand Henk S. , Bresters Dorine
Published: July 2022

Background: Limited data are available on the risk factors of salivary gland dysfunction in long-term childhood cancer survivors (CCS). The objective of this cross-sectional study, part of the multidisciplinary multicenter Dutch CCS Study Late Effects 2 (DCCSS LATER 2), was to assess the prevalence of and risk factors for hyposalivation and xerostomia in CCS. Methods: From February 2016 until March 2020, 292 CCS were included. Data with regard to gender, age at study, diagnosis, age at diagnosis, and treatment characteristics were collected, as well as the unstimulated (UWS) and stimulated whole salivary flow rate (SWS). Xerostomia was assessed with the Xerostomia Inventory (XI) questionnaire. Multivariable Poisson regression analyses were used to evaluate the association between potential risk factors and the occurrence of hyposalivation. Results: The minimum time between diagnosis and study enrollment was 15 years. The prevalence of hyposalivation was 32% and the prevalence of xerostomia was 9.4%. Hyposalivation and xerostomia were not significantly correlated. Risk factors for hyposalivation were female gender and a higher dose of radiotherapy (>12 Gy) to the salivary gland region. Conclusion: Considering the importance of saliva for oral health, screening for hyposalivation in CCS is suggested in order to provide optimal oral supportive care aimed to improve oral health.
The Association of Acute Phase Proteins in Stress and Inflammation-Induced T2D
Authors: Speelman Tammy , Dale Lieke , Louw Ann , Verhoog Nicolette J. D.
Published: July 2022

Acute phase proteins (APPs), such as plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1), serum amyloid A (SAA), and C-reactive protein (CRP), are elevated in type-2 diabetes (T2D) and are routinely used as biomarkers for this disease. These APPs are regulated by the peripheral mediators of stress (i.e., endogenous glucocorticoids (GCs)) and inflammation (i.e., pro-inflammatory cytokines), with both implicated in the development of insulin resistance, the main risk factor for the development of T2D. In this review we propose that APPs, PAI-1, SAA, and CRP, could be the causative rather than only a correlative link between the physiological elements of risk (stress and inflammation) and the development of insulin resistance.
Upregulated Ca2+ Release from the Endoplasmic Reticulum Leads to Impaired Presynaptic Function in Familial Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Adeoye Temitope , Shah Syed I. , Demuro Angelo , Rabson David A. , Ullah Ghanim
Published: July 2022

Neurotransmitter release from presynaptic terminals is primarily regulated by rapid Ca2+ influx through membrane-resident voltage-gated Ca2+ channels (VGCCs). Moreover, accumulating evidence indicates that the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) is extensively present in axonal terminals of neurons and plays a modulatory role in synaptic transmission by regulating Ca2+ levels. Familial Alzheimer’s disease (FAD) is marked by enhanced Ca2+ release from the ER and downregulation of Ca2+ buffering proteins. However, the precise consequence of impaired Ca2+ signaling within the vicinity of VGCCs (active zone (AZ)) on exocytosis is poorly understood. Here, we perform in silico experiments of intracellular Ca2+ signaling and exocytosis in a detailed biophysical model of hippocampal synapses to investigate the effect of aberrant Ca2+ signaling on neurotransmitter release in FAD. Our model predicts that enhanced Ca2+ release from the ER increases the probability of neurotransmitter release in FAD. Moreover, over very short timescales (30–60 ms), the model exhibits activity-dependent and enhanced short-term plasticity in FAD, indicating neuronal hyperactivity—a hallmark of the disease. Similar to previous observations in AD animal models, our model reveals that during prolonged stimulation (~450 ms), pathological Ca2+ signaling increases depression and desynchronization with stimulus, causing affected synapses to operate unreliably. Overall, our work provides direct evidence in support of a crucial role played by altered Ca2+ homeostasis mediated by intracellular stores in FAD.
A Method for In Situ Reverse Genetic Analysis of Proteins Involved mtDNA Replication
Authors: Kozhukhar Natalya , Spadafora Domenico , Rodriguez Yelitza A. R. , Alexeyev Mikhail F.
Published: July 2022

The unavailability of tractable reverse genetic analysis approaches represents an obstacle to a better understanding of mitochondrial DNA replication. Here, we used CRISPR-Cas9 mediated gene editing to establish the conditional viability of knockouts in the key proteins involved in mtDNA replication. This observation prompted us to develop a set of tools for reverse genetic analysis in situ, which we called the GeneSwap approach. The technique was validated by identifying 730 amino acid (aa) substitutions in the mature human TFAM that are conditionally permissive for mtDNA replication. We established that HMG domains of TFAM are functionally independent, which opens opportunities for engineering chimeric TFAMs with customized properties for studies on mtDNA replication, mitochondrial transcription, and respiratory chain function. Finally, we present evidence that the HMG2 domain plays the leading role in TFAM species-specificity, thus indicating a potential pathway for TFAM-mtDNA evolutionary co-adaptations.
Oral Administration of Clostridium butyricum GKB7 Ameliorates Signs of Osteoarthritis in Rats
Authors: Chang Sunny Li-Yun , Lin Yen-You , Liu Shan-Chi , Tsai You-Shan , Lin Shih-Wei , Chen Yen-Lien , Chen Chin-Chu , Ko Chih-Yuan , Chen Hsien-Te , Chen Wei-Cheng , Tang Chih-Hsin
Published: July 2022

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a degenerative and painful inflammatory joint disease affecting the cartilage, bone, and synovial membranes, without any effective treatment that targets the underlying mechanisms of OA. Our study evaluated the therapeutic effects of a live probiotic strain, Clostridium butyricum GKB7, administered for 6 weeks to rats with knee OA (KOA) induced by anterior cruciate ligament transection (ACLT) of the right knee. All rats underwent weekly weight-bearing behavioral testing and body weight measurements. At 6 weeks, all rats were sacrificed, and the right hind knees were collected for micro-computed tomography imaging and histopathological and immunohistochemical analyses. Compared with rats in the ACLT-only group, ACLT rats administered the probiotic exhibited dramatic improvements in pain-related behavior from postoperative week 2, had significantly less osseous and cartilaginous damage at week 6, and significantly lower levels of the inflammatory markers interleukin 1 beta (IL-1β) and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) in cartilage and synovium sections. C. butyricum GKB7 appeared to slow or even reverse OA progression and is worth investigating as a novel therapeutic for OA.
The Editor’s Choice Articles—Section “Cells of the Cardiovascular System” 2020–2021
Authors: Wagner Kay-Dietrich
Published: July 2022

Cells is experiencing a rapid increase in attractiveness and impact [...]
Art Therapy Open Studio and Teen Identity Development: Helping Adolescents Recover from Mental Health Conditions
Authors: Kelemen Linda J. , Shamri-Zeevi Liat
Published: July 2022

Adolescent identity development is driven to a significant degree by peer interaction. However, when mental health conditions (MHC) or other crises separate teens from their peers, their identity development can be slowed or arrested. We developed a unique open studio intervention (OS-ID) that could facilitate identity development in teens recovering from MHC, and incorporated this intervention into a therapeutic day school catering to our target population. We utilized qualitative case study research to explore these students’ experiences. Over the 10-month period of our intervention, we saw positive changes in the participants’ identity development. Key elements in OS-ID include the therapists’ commitment to supported autonomy; the absence of participatory demands; the emphasis on creative process over product; the use of setting and materials to promote the healing process; the facilitators’ and participants’ witnessing the process; the privatization and protection of the participants’ creations; and the ubiquitous presence of non-threatening significant others. This OS-ID modality could be an effective mechanism for assisting socially isolated teens to manage their social anxiety, develop their identity, and transition back into their peer environments.
Benford Law to Monitor COVID-19 Registration Data. Comment on Farhadi, N.; Lahooti, H. Forensic Analysis of COVID-19 Data from 198 Countries Two Years after the Pandemic Outbreak. COVID 2022, 2, 472–484
Authors: Morillas-Jurado Francisco , Caballer-Tarazona Maria , Caballer-Tarazona Vicent
Published: July 2022

In a recent study published in COVID by Farhadi & Lahooti, 2022 [...]
Functionalized Microbial Consortia with Silver-Doped Hydroxyapatite (Ag@HAp) Nanostructures for Removal of RO84 from Industrial Effluent
Authors: Rajendran Suriyaprabha , Yadav Virendra Kumar , Gacem Amel , Algethami Jari S. , Alqahtani Mohammed S. , Aldakheel Fahad M. , Binshaya Abdulkarim S. , Alharthi Nahed S. , Khan Imtiaz A. , Islam Saiful , Ahn Yongtae , Jeon Byong-Hun
Published: July 2022

Considering that freshwater is a necessity for human life, sewage treatment has been a serious concern for an increasing number of scientists and academics in recent years. To clean industrial effluents, innovative catalysts with good adsorption, chemical stability, and physicochemical properties have been constructed. Here, a prospective microbial consortium was extracted from the wastewater and used as a low-cost catalyst that was functionalized with silver and silver-doped hydroxyapatite (Ag@HAp) nanostructures made using a sonochemical approach. The structural, optical, and crystal phases of Ag and Ag-doped hydroxyapatite (Ag@HAp) nanostructures were studied using ultraviolet-visible (UV-Vis), Fourier transfer infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) techniques. The degradation action of functionalized microbial consortia was examined against reactive orange 84 (RO84) organic discharge. Excellent efficiency for the removal of industrial effluents was found for the Ag NPs and Ag-doped hydroxyapatite (Ag@HAp) loaded with microbial consortia. A maximum of 95% of the decolorization properties of the RO84 dye were obtained in the case of microbial consortia with Ag and Ag@HAp, which was better than the consortia alone (80.32% for 5 ppm and 69.54% for 20 ppm). The consortia/Ag showed 93.34% for 5 ppm and 85.43% for 20 ppm, while was higher for consortia/Ag@HAp (95.34 and 88.43%). The use of these surface-modified nanocatalysts for wastewater treatment and waste effluents discharged from laboratories, the chemical industry, and other sources could be expanded.
Better Prognosis of Gastric Neuroendocrine Carcinoma Than Gastric Adenocarcinoma among Whites in the United States: A Propensity Score Matching Analysis Based on SEER
Authors: Li Zefeng , Ren Hu , Zhao Lulu , Zhang Xiaojie , Wang Tongbo , Sun Chongyuan , Niu Penghui , Wang Wanqing , Fei He , Guo Chunguang , Chen Yingtai , Zhao Dongbing
Published: July 2022

It was generally believed that the prognosis of gastric neuroendocrine carcinoma (GNEC) was worse than gastric adenocarcinoma (GAC). However, almost all previous studies compared the prognosis of GNEC and GAC based on East Asians. In this study, we evaluated the clinicopathological features and prognosis of GNEC and GAC in Whites. Patients with GNEC and GAC were identified from 2000 to 2018 in the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database. We used propensity score matching (PSM) analysis to match the age, sex, TNM stage, and treatments received between GNEC and GAC, then compared the overall survival (OS) and cancer-specific survival (CSS) in the two types. A total of 392 cases of GNEC and 12,835 cases of GAC in Whites were recognized. After PSM, the 5-year OS rates of GNEC and GAC were 50.3% and 43.0%, respectively (p = 0.010). The 5-year CSS rates of GNEC and GAC were 57.4% and 50.1%, respectively (p = 0.012). Besides, multivariable cox regression analyses showed that GNEC was an independent predictor of improved OS (HR 0.719; 95% CI 0.607–0.853) and CSS (HR 0.691; 95% CI 0.571–0.835) in the matched data. The prognosis of GNEC was better than GAC in Whites, showing significant ethnic differences. Appropriate treatments and follow-up strategies for GNEC in Whites are probably different from East Asians. The potential genetic and molecular mechanisms need to be further explored.
Effect of Superheat Steam on Ejector in Distilled Water Preparation System for Medical Injection
Authors: Yang Bin , Ma Xiaojing , Zhang Hailun , Sun Wenxu , Jia Lei , Xue Haoyuan
Published: July 2022

In this study, a wet steam model was used to investigate the effect of steam superheat on ejector performance and non-equilibrium condensation phenomena. The simulation data for the ejector were validated with experimental data. The simulations show that an increase in primary flow superheat will increase the entrainment ratio, while an increase in secondary flow superheat will decrease the entrainment ratio. The output fluid superheat has little effect on the entrainment ratio. As the primary flow superheat increases from 0 to 20 K, the starting position of non-equilibrium condensation moves backward by 5 mm, and the mass fraction of condensed droplets decreases by 20%. The higher the secondary flow superheat, the lower the mass fraction of liquid in the diffusion chamber. The superheat level of the output fluid has no influence on the non-equilibrium condensation phenomenon of the ejector.
Patterns and Driving Factors of Diversity in the Shrub Community in Central and Southern China
Authors: Deng Nan , Song Qingan , Ma Fengfeng , Tian Yuxin
Published: July 2022

Climate, topography, and human activities are known to influence plant diversity. In the present study, species-abundance distribution (SAD) patterns of the shrub community were fitted, and the mechanism of contribution of 22 driving factors was assessed. The results showed that the α-diversity index exhibited no significant differences between artificial disturbance and the natural community. The Zipf and Zipf–Mandelbrot models were found to exhibit a good SAD fitting of the communities, thereby exhibiting a different diversity structure. It was observed that the SAD followed more than one rule, and the Zipf–Mandelbrot model was better than other models. The gradient boosting model indicated that precipitation in the wettest month, annual precipitation, and slope direction showed the strongest impact on plant richness. The indicator species of the artificial disturbance and natural community were identified from a multiple regression tree. Furthermore, an increase in species diversity was observed with a rise in latitude, exhibiting a single-peaked curve with increased altitude. β-diversity analysis indicated that both habitat filtering and the neutral effect influenced the establishment of the natural community, while the establishment of the artificial disturbance community was only affected by habitat filtering. Our study provides a better understanding of the ecological process of the maintenance of shrub-community diversity.
The Impact on Healthcare Workers of Italian Law n. 24/2017 “Gelli–Bianco” on Patient Safety and Medical Liability: A National Survey
Authors: Albano Giuseppe Davide , Rifiorito Arianna , Malta Ginevra , Sorrentino Erika Serena , Falco Vincenzo , Firenze Alberto , Argo Antonina , Zerbo Stefania
Published: July 2022

Italian “Gelli–Bianco” law (law n. 24 enacted by the Italian Government on 8 March 2017) introduced innovative changes and regulations regarding patient safety and healthcare workers’ (HCWs) liability. We promoted a national survey to evaluate the effect of the law on HCWs. The questionnaire was edited and distributed using the free online tool “Google Forms” (Google LLC). The mode of administration chosen for the questionnaire was telematic self-completion. In particular, the questionnaire was sent to several portals of information, websites, in the scientific and medical sectors. Four hundred forty-five subjects participated in the survey. The differences in categorical variables for Gelli–Bianco Law reading with professional variables were analyzed in a univariate analysis using the Chi-square test and Fisher’s exact test. Reading the law is significantly and positively related to knowledge and communication of adverse events and sentinel events, checklist adoption, and participation in educational activities on risk management. The law’s implementation and promotion is a reliable educational tool for increasing patient safety culture and involving HCWs in risk management activities. Knowledge of the law, related education, and understanding of its application are still inadequate; therefore, educational programs regarding patient safety, risk management, and the contents of the law itself must be vigorously promoted to achieve clinical governance goals.