bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Changing Face of Dentistry: Perspectives on Trends in Practice Structure and Organization
Authors: Atchison K.A. , Fellows J.L. , Inge R.E. , Valachovic R.W.
Published: September 2022

An expert panel on trends in dental practice structure and organization was convened as part of the University of Washington Continuing Dental Education program entitled “The Changing Face of Dentistry.” This article presents the results of the authors’ perspectives related to the ongoing trends in these areas; the ways in which events in the previous year, including the COVID-19 pandemic, had modified these trends; and the ways in which dentistry should respond to these trends.

Knowledge Transfer Statement:

This perspective is intended to stimulate thoughts by clinicians, researchers, and educators about needed trends to the dental profession. With consideration of changes needed within the dental profession, improvements and implementation of diagnostic coding and value-based care could result in improved oral health for numerous Americans.
The Forefront of Dentistry—Promising Tech-Innovations and New Treatments
Authors: DaSilva A.F. , Robinson M.A. , Shi W. , McCauley L.K.
Published: September 2022

Change in our world is happening quickly. For dentistry, this is no exception, and now is the time to foster new opportunities. Advances in the foundational science of dental, oral, and craniofacial health are expanding and enabling personalized care built on strong discoveries in the fields of microbiology, immunology, and neuroscience. Digital communication through electronic health records, patient portals, and teledentistry is emerging as vital new armamentarium for contemporary dental practice. Wearables linked with smartphone apps are trending to monitor pain levels, postoperative symptoms, wound healing, and home oral health habits. Oral fluid diagnostics are rapidly surfacing for use in diagnostics, drug testing, and hormone detection. Manipulation of the oral microbiome is under investigation for caries management and for potential impact on systemic conditions. Resolving mediators of inflammation are promising for addressing the chronic inflammation that plagues periodontal patients. New imaging modalities paired with digital approaches and 3-dimensional printing are formulating disruptions in the technical aspects of dentistry. Augmented reality and virtual reality are providing great potential as teaching tools for dental students and bear promise for lifelong learning for providers. Optimization of information technology and the incorporation of data science partnered with artificial intelligence and machine learning to improve patient care in a learning health care system approach will benefit large numbers of patients. These are exciting times for our profession, yet we need to navigate these paths carefully. Technology needs to significantly and positively change the experience of those involved (patients, dentists, staff, payors). New technologies need to be backed with solid research and implementation science. Automation should focus on improving care with attention to expanding care to the underserved and not lose the critical human connection that our patients need. There is great potential in the emerging innovations yet also great responsibility to ensure they are evidence based on rigorous science and deployable with equity and sensitivity.

Knowledge Transfer Statement:

This article discusses innovations in technology and treatments that have enormous potential to revolutionize our dental care, including novel concepts in electronic health records, communication between dentists and patients, biologics around diagnosis and treatment, digital dentistry, and, finally, the real-time optimization of information technology. The early implementation and validation of these innovations can drive down their costs and provide better dental and medical services to all members of our society.
Tubercular DNA PCR of ocular fluids and blood in cases of presumed ocular tuberculosis: a pilot study
Authors: Chawla Rohan , Singh Mithalesh K. , Singh Lata , Shah Pooja , Kashyap Seema , Azad Shorya , Venkatesh Pradeep , Sen Seema
Published: September 2022

Background:

The definitive diagnosing of ocular tuberculosis (TB) is difficult; therefore, there is a need of better understanding of investigating TB DNA in presumed ocular TB patients.

Objectives:

The aim of this study is to correlate tubercular DNA PCR of aqueous/vitreous and blood in cases of presumed ocular TB.

Design:

A prospective study.

Methods:

DNA was extracted from aqueous of cases of choroidal tuberculoma (group 1) and serpiginous choroiditis (group 2) and from vitreous of cases of vasculitis (group 3) and macular hole/retinal detachment (group 4). Gel-based PCR and real-time PCR amplification were performed using IS6110 primer on ocular fluids. The same was also performed on the blood samples of cases in which tubercular DNA was detected in the ocular fluids.

Results:

Overall, 31 cases were analysed in our study. Tubercular DNA was detected in ocular fluids of seven cases: group 1, two cases (67%); group 2, one case (17%); group 3, four cases (27%); and no case of group 4. Blood samples of six of these seven patients were positive for tubercular DNA. Of these six patients, four had evidence of systemic TB and were on ATT. Two cases had no evidence of active systemic TB, yet PCR was positive from blood and ocular fluids.

Conclusion:

Tubercular DNA detected from ocular fluids may possibly be due to bystander DNA and may not indicate primary ocular tubercular infection. Thus, caution must be exercised prior to labelling a case of uveitis as being tubercular based on the results of molecular assays on ocular fluids alone. The results of PCR on ocular fluids should be correlated with PCR on blood and systemic findings.
Institutional Logics and Functionalist Differentiation Theory: Challenges and pathways forward
Authors: Alvehus Johan , Hallonsten Olof
Published: September 2022

As a theoretical framework in organization studies, institutional logics is immensely popular. It has been used in a large amount of highly contributory and enlightening empirical studies, and developed far beyond its original formulation in a classical paper by Friedland and Alford (1991). In our paper, we identify three key theoretical problems that have emerged in the development and use of institutional logics theory in the past three decades: the lack of uniformity and coherence in the definitions and empirical identifications of logics; the tendency of institutional logics theorists to attempt to build grand theory to connect micro, meso, and macro levels of analysis; and the difficulties to explain how institutional logics are reproduced and how institutional logics interrelate and evolve over time. To address these issues, we highlight the similarities between institutional logics theory and classical functionalist differentiation theory, drawing its legacy from Max Weber, Talcott Parsons, and Robert Merton, and propose its use as a resource in further theoretical development. The aim of the paper is not to reject institutional logics theory, or merely to point out its weaknesses, but to demonstrate how a revival of some classics in sociological theory can be used to sharpen institutional logics as an analytical tool and thus assist in efforts to further improve the usefulness of institutional logics as a theoretical framework in organization studies.
Must I Grow a Pair of Balls to Theorize about Theory in Organization and Management Studies?
Authors: Cunliffe Ann L
Published: September 2022

This essay is a provocation to debate. I argue that work in organization and management studies addressing how to theorize and construct ‘good’ theory is inherently masculinized and embraces a limited pluralism that ignores alternative, reflexive and more human ways of theorizing. As I will illustrate, most of the articles on the topic of theorizing about theory are written by men, and espouse forms of theorizing that are based on a masculinized rationality that privileges abstraction, a logic of objectivity and proceduralization. And while journal editors espouse theoretical pluralism, we are often exhorted to develop ‘theoretical balls’ by conforming to limited definitions of theory that privilege particular ways of knowing and theorizing which are considered imperative to getting published. I argue that there are other equally compelling ways of ‘theorizing’ that focus on who we are as human beings and how we experience self, life and work. I begin with a critique of the literature on theorizing theory, moving on to argue that this currently limits theorizing more humanly and imaginatively, due to ontological blindness, epistemological defensiveness, hegemonic masculinity and myopic self-referentiality. Finally, I offer alternative ways of theorizing and interpreting theory from a more human and reflexive perspective.
Outcomes of patients with aggressive B-cell lymphoma after failure of anti-CD19 CAR T-cell therapy: a DESCAR-T analysis
Authors: Di Blasi Roberta , Le Gouill Steven , Bachy Emmanuel , Cartron Guillaume , Beauvais David , Le Bras Fabien , Gros François-Xavier , Choquet Sylvain , Bories Pierre , Feugier Pierre , Casasnovas Olivier , Bay Jacques Olivier , Mohty Mohamad , Joris Magalie , Gastinne Thomas , Sesques Pierre , Tudesq Jean-Jacques , Vercellino Laetitia , Morschhauser Franck , Gat Elodie , Broussais Florence , Houot Roch , Thieblemont Catherine
Published: September 2022

Anti-CD19 chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cells represent a major advance in the treatment of relapsed/refractory aggressive B-cell lymphomas. However, a significant number of patients experience failure. Among 550 patients registered in the French registry DESCAR-T, 238 (43.3%) experienced progression/relapse, with a median follow-up of 7.9 months. At registration, 57.0% of patients presented an age-adjusted International Prognostic Index of 2 to 3, 18.9% had Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status ≥2, 57.1% received >3 lines of treatment prior to receiving CAR T-cells, and 87.8% received bridging therapy. At infusion, 66% of patients presented progressive disease, and 38.9% had high lactate dehydrogenase (LDH). Failure after CAR T-cell treatment occurred after a median of 2.7 months (range: 0.2-21.5). Fifty-four patients (22.7%) presented very early failure (day [D] 0-D30); 102 (42.9%) had early failure (D31-D90), and 82 (34.5%) had late (>D90) failure. After failure, 154 patients (64%) received salvage treatment: 38.3% received lenalidomide, 7.1% bispecific antibodies, 21.4% targeted treatment, 11% radiotherapy, and 20% immunochemotherapy with various regimens. Median progression-free survival was 2.8 months, and median overall survival (OS) was 5.2 months. Median OS for patients failing during D0-D30 vs after D30 was 1.7 vs 3.0 months, respectively (P = .0001). Overall, 47.9% of patients were alive at 6 months, but only 18.9% were alive after very early failure. In multivariate analysis, predictors of OS were high LDH at infusion, time to CAR-T failure <D30, and high C-reactive protein at infusion. This multicentric analysis confirms the poor outcome of patients relapsing after CAR T-cell treatment, highlighting the need for further strategies dedicated to this population.
A transcriptome analysis of basal and stimulated VWF release from endothelial cells derived from patients with type 1 VWD
Authors: Kloosterman Robert , Zago-Schmitt Matteo , Grabell Julie , Thibeault Lisa , De Lima Patricia A. , Bowman Mackenzie , Tyryshkin Kathrin , Hindmarch Charles C. T. , Renwick Neil , James Paula
Published: September 2022

Type 1 von Willebrand disease (VWD) is associated with a reduction in qualitatively normal von Willebrand factor (VWF). Current diagnostic guidelines only take into consideration the contribution of basal VWF levels, despite a lack of correlation with bleeding severity. Defects in stimulated VWF release, which occurs after hemostatic challenge, may contribute to bleeding in type 1 VWD, but the pathogenic mechanisms are poorly defined. In this study, a layered multiomic approach including messenger RNA (mRNA) and microRNA (miRNA) sequencing was used to evaluate transcriptome-wide differences between type 1 VWD- and control-derived endothelial colony forming cells (ECFCs) during basal and stimulated VWF release. ECFCs from 8 patients with type 1 VWD and 4 other patients were included in this study as controls. VWF protein analysis revealed heterogenous responses to stimulation among type 1 VWD and control ECFCs. During basal VWF release, 64 mRNAs and 7 miRNAs were differentially regulated between type 1 VWD and control ECFCs, and 65 putatively pathogenic miRNA-mRNA interactions were identified. During stimulated VWF release, 190 mRNAs and 5 mRNAs were differentially regulated between type 1 VWD and control ECFCs, and 110 putatively pathogenic miRNA-mRNA interactions were identified. Five gene ontology terms including coagulation, regulation of cell shape, and regulation of cell signaling were also differentially regulated in type 1 VWD ECFCs during stimulated release. To our knowledge, we have shown for the first time that transcriptome-wide differences exist between type 1 VWD and control ECFCs. These differences may contribute to bleeding in type 1 VWD, and further investigation may reveal novel biomarkers and therapeutic targets.
Study on Chip Formation Mechanism of Single Crystal Copper Using Molecular Dynamics Simulations
Authors: Zhang Peng , Li Xinjian , Zhang Jiansheng , Zhang Yi , Huang Xiaoguang , Ye Guigen
Published: September 2022

Nano-cutting is an important development direction of the modern manufacturing technology. However, the research on the mechanism underlying nano-cutting lags far behind the practical application, which restricts the development of this advanced manufacturing technology. The chip formation process is the basic process of nano-cutting, and it is of key importance for the mechanism research of nano-cutting. In this paper, the nano-tensile behavior of single crystal copper was studied based on the molecular dynamics simulations. The toughness and brittleness characteristics of the copper at different temperatures were analyzed. Then, the molecular dynamics simulations of nano-cutting for single crystal copper with different toughness and brittleness were studied. The crystal structure, cutting force, stress–strain distribution and atomic motion characteristics were systematically investigated. The nano-chip formation mechanism of single crystal copper was revealed. The results show that the chip is formed through two ways, namely the shear and extrusion. The material near the free surface of the workpiece undergoes continuous shear slip and periodic long-distance slippage along the primary shear direction, forming the block chip in which the FCC and HCP structures are orderly distributed. The material near the tool-chip interface is extruded by the tool, block chip and stagnation zone to form the flowing chip with amorphous structure. As the temperature increases, the occurrence frequency of long-distance slippage in the block chip increases, while the slippage degree decreases. Besides, with the increase in temperature, the thickness of block chip formed by shear slip decreases, while the thickness of flowing chip formed by extrusion increases.
A binary biclustering algorithm based on the adjacency difference matrix for gene expression data analysis
Authors: Chu He-Ming , Liu Jin-Xing , Zhang Ke , Zheng Chun-Hou , Wang Juan , Kong Xiang-Zhen
Published: September 2022

Biclustering algorithm is an effective tool for processing gene expression datasets. There are two kinds of data matrices, binary data and non-binary data, which are processed by biclustering method. A binary matrix is usually converted from pre-processed gene expression data, which can effectively reduce the interference from noise and abnormal data, and is then processed using a biclustering algorithm. However, biclustering algorithms of dealing with binary data have a poor balance between running time and performance. In this paper, we propose a new biclustering algorithm called the Adjacency Difference Matrix Binary Biclustering algorithm (AMBB) for dealing with binary data to address the drawback. The AMBB algorithm constructs the adjacency matrix based on the adjacency difference values, and the submatrix obtained by continuously updating the adjacency difference matrix is called a bicluster. The adjacency matrix allows for clustering of gene that undergo similar reactions under different conditions into clusters, which is important for subsequent genes analysis. Meanwhile, experiments on synthetic and real datasets visually demonstrate that the AMBB algorithm has high practicability.
Massive expansion of P-selectin genes in two Venerida species, Sinonovacula constricta and Mercenaria mercenaria: evidence from comparative genomics of Bivalvia
Authors: Xu Yuanfeng , Dong Xumeng , Ma Shuonan , Luo Cheng , Xu Jilin
Published: September 2022

Background

P-selectin is a molecule participating in the inflammatory response through mediating cellular adhesion and essential for wound repair. However, studies regarding P-selectin in Bivalvia are rare. This study identified 90 P-selectin genes among nine bivalve genomes and classified them into 4 subfamilies according to phylogenetic analysis.

Results

Notable P-selectin gene expansion was observed in two Venerida species, Sinonovacula constricta and Mercenaria mercenaria. The synteny analysis revealed that P-selectin gene expansion was mostly caused by tandem duplication. In addition, the expression profiles of P-selectin genes in S. constricta showed that many P-selectins were specifically highly expressed in the gills, and the P-selectin expression patterns changed dramatically under low salt stress and ammonia nitrogen stress.

Conclusions

The massive expansion of P-selectins may facilitate the tolerance to environmental stresses. This study sheds light on the characterizations and expression profiles of P-selectin genes in Bivalvia and provides an integrated framework for further investigation of the role of P-selectins in the environmental tolerance of bivalves.
A robust and transformation-free joint model with matching and regularization for metagenomic trajectory and disease onset
Authors: Li Qian , Vehik Kendra , Li Cai , Triplett Eric , Roesch Luiz , Hu Yi-Juan , Krischer Jeffrey
Published: September 2022

Background

To identify operational taxonomy units (OTUs) signaling disease onset in an observational study, a powerful strategy was selecting participants by matched sets and profiling temporal metagenomes, followed by trajectory analysis. Existing trajectory analyses modeled individual OTU or microbial community without adjusting for the within-community correlation and matched-set-specific latent factors.

Results

We proposed a joint model with matching and regularization (JMR) to detect OTU-specific trajectory predictive of host disease status. The between- and within-matched-sets heterogeneity in OTU relative abundance and disease risk were modeled by nested random effects. The inherent negative correlation in microbiota composition was adjusted by incorporating and regularizing the top-correlated taxa as longitudinal covariate, pre-selected by Bray-Curtis distance and elastic net regression. We designed a simulation pipeline to generate true biomarkers for disease onset and the pseudo biomarkers caused by compositionality. We demonstrated that JMR effectively controlled the false discovery and pseudo biomarkers in a simulation study generating temporal high-dimensional metagenomic counts with random intercept or slope. Application of the competing methods in the simulated data and the TEDDY cohort showed that JMR outperformed the other methods and identified important taxa in infants’ fecal samples with dynamics preceding host disease status.

Conclusion

Our method JMR is a robust framework that models taxon-specific trajectory and host disease status for matched participants without transformation of relative abundance, improving the power of detecting disease-associated microbial features in certain scenarios. JMR is available in R package mtradeR at https://github.com/qianli10000/mtradeR.
Interleukin-22 protects from endotoxemia by inducing suppressive F4/80+Ly6GhiLy6Chi cells population
Authors: Yu Chang , Ling Qihua , Jiao Junzhe , Liu Juhong , Huang Zhihua , Wang Fang , Sun Xuehua , Kong Xiaoni
Published: September 2022

Background

Excessive inflammatory response is the primary cause of early death in patients with endotoxemia. Interleukin 22 (IL-22) has been shown to play critical roles in the modulation of infectious diseases, but its function in regulating immune responses during endotoxemia remains unclear.

Methods

Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) was used to induce endotoxemia mouse model with or without a recombinant fusion protein containing human IL-22 (F-652). IL-6, TNF-α, IL-1β, and MCP-1 were measured by ELISA assays. The type of macrophage was assessed by flow cytometry. Real-time PCR was used to detect the expression of S100A9.

Results

We found that F-652 injection significantly improved the survival rates and reduced pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-6, TNF-a, IL-1β, MCP-1) in LPS-induced endotoxemia mice. However, the mice injected with F-652 had a higher number of infiltrated immune cells after LPS treatment, suggesting an impaired immune response. Flow cytometry analysis showed a higher number of F4/80+Ly6GhiLy6Chi cells that highly expressed M2-like macrophage markers (Ym1, Arg, CCL17) in the peritoneal cavity of the F-652-treated endotoxemia mice. Further investigation found that these suppressive M2 macrophages might be induced by F-652 since the F-652 treatment could increase S100A9 in vitro.

Conclusions

Our study suggests that IL-22 has a protective role against endotoxemia by inducing the development of immunosuppressive cells through S100A9.
Comparisons of electrophysiological characteristics, pacing parameters and mid- to long-term effects in right ventricular septal pacing, right ventricular apical pacing and left bundle branch area pacing
Authors: Li Wenhua , Ding Yu , Gong Chao , Zhou Genqing , Lu Xiaofeng , Wei Yong , Peng Shi , Cai Lidong , Yuan Tianyou , Li Fangfang , Liu Shaowen , Chen Songwen
Published: September 2022

Background

As a near-physiological pacing innovation, left bundle branch area pacing (LBBAP) has drawn much attention recently. This study was aimed to investigate the electrophysiological characteristics, unipolar/bipolar pacing parameters and mid- to long-term effects and safety of three different pacing methods and identify possible predictors of adverse left ventricular remodeling.

Methods

Ninety-two patients were divided into the LBBAP group, right ventricular septal pacing (RVSP) group and right ventricular apical pacing (RVAP) group. Baseline information, electrophysiological, pacing and echocardiographic parameters were collected.

Results

The three pacing methods were performed with a similar high success rate. The paced QRSd was significantly different among the LBBAP, RVSP and RVAP groups (105.93 ± 15.85 ms vs. 143.63 ± 14.71 ms vs. 155.39 ± 14.17 ms, p < 0.01). The stimulus to left ventricular activation time (Sti-LVAT) was the shortest in the LBBAP group, followed by the RVSP and RVAP groups (72.80 ± 12.07 ms vs. 86.29 ± 8.71 ms vs. 94.14 ± 10.14 ms, p < 0.001). LBBAP had a significantly lower tip impedance during the procedure and 3-month follow up as compared to RVSP and RVAP (p < 0.001). Higher bipolar captured thresholds were observed in LBBAP during the procedure (p < 0.001). Compared to the baseline values, there was a greater reduction in left ventricular end-diastolic dimension (LVEDD) in the LBBAP group (p = 0.046) and a significant enlargement in LVEDD in the RVAP group (p = 0.008). Multiple regression analysis revealed that the Sti-LVAT was a significant predictor of LVEDD at 12 months post-procedure. At the 24-h post-procedure, significant elevations were observed in the cTnI levels in LBBAP (p < 0.001) and RVSP (p < 0.05). More transient RBB injury was observed in LBBAP. But no significant difference was found in cardiac composite endpoints among three groups (p > 0.05).

Conclusions

LBBAP demonstrated a stable captured threshold, a low tip impedance and a high R-wave amplitude during the 12-month follow-up. Left ventricular remodeling was improved at 12 months post-procedure through LBBAP. The Sti-LVAT was a significant predictor of left ventricular remodeling. LBBAP demonstrated its feasibility, effectiveness, safety and some beneficial electrophysiological characteristics during this mid- to long-term follow-up, which should be confirmed by further studies.
Improving the accuracy of self-reported height and weight in surveys: an experimental study
Authors: Van Dyke Nina , Drinkwater Eric J. , Rachele Jerome N.
Published: September 2022

Background

Many studies rely on self-reported height and weight. While a substantial body of literature exists on misreporting of height and weight, little exists on improving accuracy. The aim of this study was to determine, using an experimental design and a comparative approach, whether the accuracy of self-reported height and weight data can be increased by improving how these questions are asked in surveys, drawing on the relevant evidence from the psychology and survey research literatures.

Methods

Two surveys from two separate studies were used to test our hypotheses (Science Survey, n = 1,200; Eating Behaviours Survey, n = 200). Participants were randomly assigned to one of six conditions, four of which were designed to improve the accuracy of the self-reported height and weight data (“preamble”), and two of which served as the control conditions ( “no preamble”). Four hypotheses were tested: (H1) survey participants read a preamble prior to being asked their height and weight will report lower heights and higher weights than those not read a preamble; (H2) the impact of question-wording (i.e., preamble vs. no preamble) on self-reported weight will be greater for participants with higher BMIs; (H3) the impact of question-wording on height will be greater for older participants; (H4) either version of the weight question – standard or “weight-specific”—may result in participants reporting more accurate self-reported weight. One-way MANOVA was conducted to test Hypothesis 1; two-way analysis of variance were conducted to test Hypothesis 2; moderation analysis was used to test Hypothesis 3; independent samples t-test was conducted to test Hypothesis 4.

Results

None of the hypotheses was supported.

Conclusions

This paper provides an important starting point from which to inform further work exploring how question wording can improve self-reported measurement of height and weight. Future research should explore how question preambles may or may not operationalise hypothesised underlying mechanisms, the sensitivity or intrusiveness of height and weight questions, individual beliefs about one’s height and weight, and survey context.
A logical analysis of null hypothesis significance testing using popular terminology
Authors: McNulty Richard
Published: September 2022

Background

Null Hypothesis Significance Testing (NHST) has been well criticised over the years yet remains a pillar of statistical inference. Although NHST is well described in terms of statistical models, most textbooks for non-statisticians present the null and alternative hypotheses (H0 and HA, respectively) in terms of differences between groups such as (μ1 = μ2) and (μ1 ≠ μ2) and HA is often stated to be the research hypothesis. Here we use propositional calculus to analyse the internal logic of NHST when couched in this popular terminology. The testable H0 is determined by analysing the scope and limits of the P-value and the test statistic’s probability distribution curve.

Results

We propose a minimum axiom set NHST in which it is taken as axiomatic that H0 is rejected if P-value< α. Using the common scenario of the comparison of the means of two sample groups as an example, the testable H0 is {(μ1 = μ2) and [($$\overline{x}$$

x
¯

1 ≠ $$\overline{x}$$

x
¯

2) due to chance alone]}. The H0 and HA pair should be exhaustive to avoid false dichotomies. This entails that HA is ¬{(μ1 = μ2) and [($$\overline{x}$$

x
¯

1 ≠ $$\overline{x}$$

x
¯

2) due to chance alone]}, rather than the research hypothesis (HT). To see the relationship between HA and HT, HA can be rewritten as the disjunction HA: ({(μ1 = μ2) ∧ [($$\overline{x}$$

x
¯

1 ≠ $$\overline{x}$$

x
¯

2) not due to chance alone]} ∨ {(μ1 ≠ μ2) ∧ [$$(\overline{x}$$

(

x
¯

1 ≠ $$\overline{x}$$

x
¯

2) not due to (μ1 ≠ μ2) alone]} ∨ {(μ1 ≠ μ2) ∧ [($$\overline{\boldsymbol{x}}$$

x

¯

1≠$$\overline{\boldsymbol{x}}$$

x

¯

2) due to (μ1 ≠ μ2) alone]}). This reveals that HT (the last disjunct in bold) is just one possibility within HA. It is only by adding premises to NHST that HT or other conclusions can be reached.

Conclusions

Using this popular terminology for NHST, analysis shows that the definitions of H0 and HA differ from those found in textbooks. In this framework, achieving a statistically significant result only justifies the broad conclusion that the results are not due to chance alone, not that the research hypothesis is true. More transparency is needed concerning the premises added to NHST to rig particular conclusions such as HT. There are also ramifications for the interpretation of Type I and II errors, as well as power, which do not specifically refer to HT as claimed by texts.
Does potential antibody-dependent enhancement occur during SARS-CoV-2 infection after natural infection or vaccination? A meta-analysis
Authors: Gan Lin , Chen Yan , Tan Jinlin , Wang Xuezhi , Zhang Dingmei
Published: September 2022

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) continues to constitute an international public health emergency. Vaccination is a prospective approach to control this pandemic. However, apprehension about the safety of vaccines is a major obstacle to vaccination. Amongst health professionals, one evident concern is the risk of antibody-dependent enhancement (ADE), which may increase the severity of COVID-19. To explore whether ADE occurs in severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infections and increase confidence in the safety of vaccination, we conducted a meta-analysis to investigate the relationship between post-immune infection and disease severity from a population perspective. Databases, including PubMed, EMBASE, Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure, SinoMed, Scopus, Science Direct, and Cochrane Library, were searched for articles on SARS-CoV-2 reinfection published until 25 October 2021. The papers were reviewed for methodological quality, and a random effects model was used to analyse the results. Heterogeneity was assessed using the I2 statistic. Publication bias was evaluated using a funnel plot and Egger’s test. Eleven studies were included in the final meta-analysis. The pooled results indicated that initial infection and vaccination were protective factors against severe COVID-19 during post-immune infection (OR = 0.55, 95%CI = 0.31–0.98). A subgroup (post-immune infection after natural infection or vaccination) analysis showed similar results. Primary SARS-CoV-2 infection and vaccination provide adequate protection against severe clinical symptoms after post-immune infection. This finding demonstrates that SARS-CoV-2 may not trigger ADE at the population level.
The effect of two types of diet on apoptosis indexes, lipid profile and histopathological outcome in acute kidney injury during exercise
Authors: Sabet Nazanin , Soltani Zahra , Khaksari Mohammad , Iranpour Maryam , Afshar Reza Malekpour , Mehdiabadi Fatemeh Mousavi , Raji-Amirhasani Alireza
Published: September 2022

Background

Exercise and some pre-AKI diets have been shown to improve injury, apoptosis, and lipid profile. In this study, the effect of two different diets along with exercise training on acute kidney injury (AKI) was investigated. 

Materials and methods

Laboratory rats were randomly divided into four groups of control, standard diet + exercise, exercise + calorie restriction (CR) and exercise + time restriction (TR). Each group was divided into two subgroups of AKI and no AKI. The animals received endurance training and diet regimens before AKI. Fasting blood glucose, serum creatinine, Bcl-2-associated X protein (Bax), B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl2) and histopathological outcome of renal tissue as well as serum lipid profile of animals were assessed 24 h after AKI. 

Results

The percentage of changes in renal Bcl2 and Bax after AKI in the group with previous exercise was lower than the group without previous exercise (p < 0.01). After induction of AKI, serum lipid profile changed in non-exercised rats (p < 0.001). Also, after injury, fasting blood glucose levels increased in non-exercised rats (p < 0.05). After injury, the start of both CR and TR diets during exercise caused less change in Bcl2 and Bax of non-exercised rats compared to exercised rats (p < 0.001). CR diet along with exercise improved lipid profile, and also CR diet along exercise decreased fasting blood glucose levels (p < 0.001). Also, both the CR and TR diets during exercise caused fewer changes in histopathological outcome after AKI.

Conclusion

Exercise alone decreased changes in apoptotic and histopathological indexes, fasting blood glucose, as well as lipid profile of rats after AKI. Reduction of apoptosis and improvement of histopathological outcome after AKI appeared more when CR and TR diets were commenced during exercise. The reduction of lipid profile changes was more pronounced in the group that received CR diet during exercise.
The systemic immune response due to cholesterol crystal embolization syndrome: a case report
Authors: Sakamoto Tetsu , Yamakawa Takafumi , Hirano Keita , Kobayashi Arisa , Kasai Mio , Koizumi Kiyoshi , Yokoo Takashi , Komatsumoto Satoru , Murohisa Toshimitsu , Shimizu Taro
Published: September 2022

Background

Cholesterol crystal embolization syndrome (CES) occurs when an atherosclerotic plaque causes small-vessel embolization, resulting in multi-organ damage. Although CES is pathologically characterized by an infiltration of eosinophils, the implication of the systemic inflammatory response represented by hypereosinophilia is unclear in clinical practice. Herein we present the case of a patient diagnosed with CES who developed multiple allergic organ injuries, including daptomycin-related dermatitis and later vancomycin-induced acute tubulointerstitial nephritis, which was successfully treated by the withdrawal of each medicine with or without corticosteroid therapy, one by one.

Case presentation

A 76-year-old Japanese man diagnosed with thoracic aneurysm rupture underwent total arch replacement through the open stent graft technique. Postoperatively, he developed methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus epidermidis bacteremia, which was treated with daptomycin. Subsequently, he presented with palpable purpura on both dorsal feet, erythema around his body, and hypereosinophilia. Daptomycin was replaced with vancomycin due to suspicion of drug-induced erythema. The erythema gradually faded. On nine days after vancomycin therapy, the systemic erythema rapidly reappeared followed by acute renal failure. The renal function decline prompted hemodialysis. A skin biopsy revealed cholesterol embolization, whereas a kidney biopsy revealed acute tubulointerstitial nephritis. After vancomycin discontinuation and initiation of systemic corticosteroid treatment, his kidney function was restored to the baseline level.

Conclusions

The present case highlights cholesterol embolization can cause allergic complications in addition to direct organ damage.
Clinical significance and oncogenic function of NR1H4 in clear cell renal cell carcinoma
Authors: Huang Shiyu , Hou Yanguang , Hu Min , Hu Juncheng , Liu Xiuheng
Published: September 2022

Background

Nuclear receptor subfamily 1 group H member 4 (NR1H4) have been reported in various cancer types, however, little is known about the clinical values and biological function in clear cell Renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC).

Methods

The expression pattens of NR1H4 in ccRCC were investigated in clinical specimens, cell lines and publicly‑available databases. Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8), colony formation, 5-ethynyl-2' -deoxyuridine (EdU), transwell and cell wound healing assays were performed to assess the biological functions of NR1H4 in 786-O ccRCC cells. Gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA), Flow Cytometry, quantitative real‐time PCR (qRT-PCR), western blot and immunofluorescence were performed to explore the molecular mechanism of NR1H4 in ccRCC. We explored the early diagnostic value, prognostic value, genetic mutation and DNA methylation of NR1H4 by a comprehensive bioinformatics analysis based on the data published in the following databases: The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA), Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO), Kaplan‐Meier Plotter, Gene Expression Profiling Interactive Analysis (GEPIA), UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA SANTA CRUZ Xena (UCSC Xena), cBio Cancer Genomics Portal, MethSurv, SurvivalMeth and The University of ALabama at Birmingham CANcer data analysis Portal (UALCAN). Its correlation with tumor-infiltrating immune cells in ccRCC was analyzed by Tumor Immune Estimation Resource 2.0 (TIMER2.0) and Tumor Immune System Interactions Database (TISIDB).

Results

In this study, NR1H4 was found to be highly expressed in ccRCC tissues and ccRCC cell lines. Knockdown of NR1H4 significantly suppressed cancer cell proliferation, migration and invasion. Mechanistically, tumor‐associated signaling pathways were enriched in the NR1H4 overexpression group and si-NR1H4 could induce the downregulation of Cyclin E2 (CCNE2). By bioinformatics analysis, NR1H4 was identified as highly expressed in stage I ccRCC with a high diagnostic accuracy (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve > 0.8). Genetic alteration and DNA methylation of NR1H4 were significantly associated with prognosis in ccRCC patients. Moreover, NR1H4 expression associated with immune cell infiltration levels in ccRCC, which provides a new idea for immunotherapy.

Conclusions

Our study indicated that NR1H4 might be a potential tumor biomarker and therapeutic target for ccRCC which could promote cancer cell proliferation, migration and invasion via regulating CCNE2.
Clinical characteristics of glaucoma patients with various risk factors
Authors: Omodaka Kazuko , Kikawa Tsutomu , Kabakura Sayaka , Himori Noriko , Tsuda Satoru , Ninomiya Takahiro , Takahashi Naoki , Pak Kyongsun , Takeda Noriyasu , Akiba Masahiro , Nakazawa Toru
Published: September 2022

Background

Glaucoma is multifactorial, but the interrelationship between risk factors and structural changes remains unclear. Here, we adjusted for confounding factors in glaucoma patients with differing risk factors, and compared differences in structure and susceptible areas in the optic disc and macula.

Methods

In 458 eyes with glaucoma, we determined confounding factors for intraocular pressure (IOP), central corneal thickness (CCT), axial length (AL), LSFG-measured ocular blood flow (OBF), which was assessed with laser speckle flowgraphy-measured mean blur rate in the tissue area (MT) of the optic nerve head, biological antioxidant potential (BAP), and systemic abnormalities in diastolic blood pressure (dBP). To compensate for measurement bias, we also analyzed corrected IOP (cIOP; corrected for CCT) and corrected MT (cMT; corrected for age, weighted retinal ganglion cell count, and AL). Then, we determined the distribution of these parameters in low-, middle-, and high-value subgroups and compared them with the Kruskal–Wallis test. Pairwise comparisons used the Steel–Dwass test.

Results

The high-cIOP subgroup had significantly worse mean deviation (MD), temporal, superior, and inferior loss of circumpapillary retinal nerve fiber layer thickness (cpRNFLT), and large cupping. The low-CCT subgroup had temporal cpRNFLT loss; the high-CCT subgroup had low cup volume. The high-AL subgroup had macular ganglion cell complex thickness (GCCT) loss; the low-AL subgroup had temporal cpRNFLT loss. The high-systemic-dBP subgroup had worse MD, total, superior, and inferior cpRNFLT loss and macular GCCT loss. The low-BAP subgroup had more male patients, higher dBP, and cpRNFLT loss in the 10 o’clock area. The high-OBF subgroup had higher total, superior and temporal cpRNFLT and macular GCCT.

Conclusions

Structural changes and local susceptibility to glaucomatous damage show unique variations in patients with different risk factors, which might suggest that specific risk factors induce specific types of pathogenesis and corresponding glaucoma phenotypes. Our study may open new avenues for the development of precision medicine for glaucoma.
General psychiatric symptoms among Bangladeshi people approximately one year after the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Banik Rajon , Islam Md. Saiful , Ahmed Masruk , Koly Kamrun Nahar , Mubarak Mahfuza , Rahman Mahmudur , Zhai Zu Wei , Sikder Md. Tajuddin , Potenza Marc N.
Published: September 2022

Background

Coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) has had negative physical and mental impacts on people globally. The current study examined general psychiatric symptoms (fear, anxiety, depression, and insomnia) and loneliness, and their interrelationships and correlates among Bangladeshi individuals approximately 1 year after the onset of the COVID-19 outbreak.

Methods

An internet-based cross-sectional survey was conducted among 1004 Bangladeshi people (51.8% male; mean age: 25.41 ± 7.80; age range: 18–60 years). Data were collected using a semi-structured e-questionnaire including informed consent, socio-demographics, lifestyle measures, and psychometric tools assessing loneliness, anxiety, depression, insomnia, and fear of COVID-19.

Results

Sizeable participants screened positive for loneliness (63.5%), anxiety (26.3%), depression (46.4%), and insomnia (50.7%). Considerable numbers of respondents also reported fear of COVID-19. In hierarchical regression analyses, loneliness, anxiety, depression, insomnia, and fear of COVID-19 were associated with socio-demographic and lifestyle factors. Loneliness, anxiety, depression, insomnia, and fear of COVID-19 were positively correlated with each other (p < 0.001). In exploratory path analyses, anxiety, depression, and insomnia mediated the relationship between loneliness and fear of COVID-19.

Conclusions

The findings indicate that many people in Bangladesh have experienced psychiatric concerns approximately 1 year after the onset of the COVID-19 outbreak. Investigation into empirically supported interventions and their implementation is needed.
Study protocol of a randomized controlled trial evaluating home treatment with peer support for acute mental health crises (HoPe)
Authors: Reinke Britta , Mahlke Candelaria , Botros Christina , Kläring Alexa , Lambert Martin , Karow Anne , Gallinat Jürgen , Zapf Antonia , Ozga Ann-Kathrin , Höller Alexandra , Bustami Nadia , Reimer Jens , Lüdtke Jenny , Schaper Oliver , Lison Martin , Bechdolf Andreas , Baumgardt Johanna , Spiegel Jennifer , Hardt Olaf , Rout Sandeep , Memarzadeh Sonja , von Peter Sebastian , Schwarz Julian , Langer Claudia , Glotz Sabine , Frasch Karel , Rüsch Nicolas , Künstler Ulf , Bock Thomas , Becker Thomas
Published: September 2022

Background

Home treatment (HT) is a treatment modality for patients with severe mental illness (SMI) in acute mental crises. It is frequently considered equivalent to psychiatric inpatient treatment in terms of treatment outcome. Peer Support (PS) means that people with lived experience of a mental illness are trained to support others on their way towards recovery. While PS is growing in international importance and despite a growing number of studies supporting its benefits, it is still not comprehensively implemented into routine care. The HoPe (Home Treatment with Peer Support) study investigates a combination of both – HT and PS – to provide further evidence for a recovery-oriented treatment of psychiatric patients.

Methods

In our randomized controlled trial (RCT), HT with PS is compared with HT without PS within a network of eight psychiatric clinical centers from the North, South and East of Germany. We investigate the effects of a combination of both approaches with respect to the prevention of relapse/recurrence defined as first hospitalization after randomization (primary outcome), disease severity, general functioning, self-efficacy, psychosocial health, stigma resistance, recovery support, and service satisfaction (secondary outcomes). A sample of 286 patients will be assessed at baseline after admission to HT care (data point t0) and randomized into the intervention (HT + PS) and control arm (HT). Follow-Up assessments will be conducted 2, 6 and 12 months after admission (resulting in three further data points, t1to t3) and will be analyzed via intention-to-treat approach.

Discussion

This study may determine the positive effects of PS added to HT, prove additional evidence for the efficacy of PS and thereby facilitate its further implementation into psychiatric settings. The aim is to improve quality of mental health care and patients’ recovery as well as to reduce the risk of relapses and hospitalizations for patients with SMI.

Trial registration

The trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov:NCT04336527, April 7, 2020.
Importance of ventilation and occupancy to Mycobacterium tuberculosis transmission rates in congregate settings
Authors: Deol A. K. , Shaikh N. , Middelkoop K. , Mohlamonyane M. , White R. G. , McCreesh N.
Published: September 2022

Background

Ventilation rates are a key determinant of the transmission rate of Mycobacterium tuberculosis and other airborne infections. Targeting infection prevention and control (IPC) interventions at locations where ventilation rates are low and occupancy high could be a highly effective intervention strategy. Despite this, few data are available on ventilation rates and occupancy in congregate locations in high tuberculosis burden settings.

Methods

We collected carbon dioxide concentration and occupancy data in congregate locations and public transport on 88 occasions, in Cape Town, South Africa. For each location, we estimated ventilation rates and the relative rate of infection, accounting for ventilation rates and occupancy.

Results

We show that the estimated potential transmission rate in congregate settings and public transport varies greatly between different settings. Overall, in the community we studied, estimated infection risk was higher in minibus taxis and trains than in salons, bars, and shops. Despite good levels of ventilation, infection risk could be high in the clinic due to high occupancy levels.

Conclusion

Public transport in particular may be promising targets for infection prevention and control interventions in this setting, both to reduce Mtb transmission, but also to reduce the transmission of other airborne pathogens such as measles and SARS-CoV-2.