bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Violent Offending in Males With or Without Schizophrenia: A Role for Social Cognition?
Authors: Vaskinn Anja , Rokicki Jaroslav , Bell Christina , Tesli Natalia , Bang Nina , Hjell Gabriela , Fischer-Vieler Thomas , Haukvik Unn K , Friestad Christine
Published: October 2023

Background and Hypothesis

Reduced social cognition has been reported in individuals who have committed interpersonal violence. It is unclear if individuals with schizophrenia and a history of violence have larger impairments than violent individuals without psychosis and non-violent individuals with schizophrenia. We examined social cognition in two groups with violent offenses, comparing their performance to non-violent individuals with schizophrenia and healthy controls.

Study Design

Two social cognitive domains were assessed in four groups: men with a schizophrenia spectrum disorder with (SSD-V, n = 27) or without (SSD-NV, n = 42) a history of violence, incarcerated men serving preventive detention sentences (V, n = 22), and healthy male controls (HC, n = 76). Theory of mind (ToM) was measured with the Movie for the Assessment of Social Cognition (MASC), body emotion perception with Emotion in Biological Motion (EmoBio) test.

Study Results

Kruskal–Wallis H-tests revealed overall group differences for social cognition. SSD-V had a global and clinically significant social cognitive impairment. V had a specific impairment, for ToM. Binary logistic regressions predicting violence category membership from social cognition and psychosis (SSD status) were conducted. The model with best fit, explaining 18%–25% of the variance, had ToM as the only predictor.

Conclusions

Social cognitive impairment was present in individuals with a history of violence, with larger and more widespread impairment seen in schizophrenia. ToM predicted violence category membership, psychosis did not. The results suggest a role for social cognition in understanding interpersonal violence.
Measuring Professional Values Among Jordanian and Palestinian Undergraduate Nursing Students: A Comparative Study
Authors: ABU-EL-NOOR Nasser I. , ABU-EL-NOOR Mysoon K. , ALLARI Rabia S.
Published: October 2023

Background

Professional values provide a road map for guiding the behaviors of nursing students during practice and are considered standards for acceptable actions during the provision of nursing care. Nursing educators play a vital role in helping their students embrace professional values in their future career.

Purpose

This study was designed to assess and compare professional values among Jordanian and Palestinian undergraduate nursing students.

Methods

In this descriptive, cross-sectional study, 182 Jordanian and 353 Palestinian nursing students completed the Nurses Professional Values Scale-Revised (NPVS-R), which covers five domains (caring, trust, justice, activism, and professionalism).

Results

The mean age of the participants was 22.5 years, and most (56.6%) were female. The mean total score for the NPVS-R was 3.85, with the “justice” dimension receiving the highest mean score (4.07) and the “activism” dimension receiving the lowest mean score (3.63). The differences in mean NPVS-R total and dimension scores between the Jordanian and Palestinian students were not statistically significant.

Conclusions

The results of this study support that Jordanian and Palestinian undergraduate nursing students have an acceptable level of professional values, with the NPVS-R justice domain scoring relatively high and the NPVS-R activism domain scoring relatively low. The authors hope that the results of this study encourage nursing educators to continue improving professional values among their students, especially with regard to the relatively low-rated dimensions.
A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Investigating Head Trauma in Boxing
Authors: Donnelly Robert R. , Ugbolue Ukadike Chris , Gao Yang , Gu Yaodong , Dutheil Frédéric , Baker Julien S.
Published: October 2023

Objectives:

Although physical trauma has been reported in boxing since its inception, boxing still appeals to athletes and spectators. This systematic review and meta-analysis assess both acute and chronic neurological and neuropsychological effects that boxing has on the brain. Further assessments in terms of comparisons of the concussion ratio in boxing to other combat sports, as well as the efficiency of wearing headguards, are also performed.

Data Sources:

This systematic review and meta-analysis used the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. The outcomes incorporated included physical chronic abnormalities of the brain, neuropsychiatric, and neurological disorders sustained in amateur or professional boxing, in addition to the safety benefits of boxing headguards. Odds ratios, descriptive statistics, and inferential statistics are also reported.

Main Results:

From the 84 articles reviewed, the 35 included articles suggested that boxers have a significantly elevated risk of sustaining a concussion compared with other combat sports (risk ratio [RR]: 0.253 vs RR: 0.065, P < 0.001). From the 631 amateur and professional boxers analyzed, 147 (23.30%) had cavum septum pellucidum, whereas 125 of 411 amateur and professional boxers (30.41%) presented with some form of brain atrophy. Dementia or amnesia was observed in 46 of 71 boxers (61.79%), 36 of 70 (51.43%) had various forms and severities of cognitive disorders, and 57 of 109 (52.29%) displayed abnormal computed tomography or electroencephalogram scan results. Utilization of headguards significantly increased the risk for stoppages in amateur bouts, compared with boxers not wearing a headguard (OR: 1.75 vs 0.53, P < 0.050).

Conclusions:

Boxing is a hazardous sport that has the potential to have fatal and negative life-changing results. Because of the limited reliable data regarding the efficiency of boxing headguards, future research should focus on the overall significance that headguards may have for reducing head trauma.
Outcome of Patients Managed by Percutaneous Left Ventricular Assist Device Implantation During On-Hours and Off-Hours
Authors: Haschemi Jafer , Oehler Daniel , Haurand Jean Marc , Voss Fabian , Polzin Amin , Kelm Malte , Horn Patrick
Published: October 2023

Percutaneous left ventricular assist devices (pVADs) may be used in patients with cardiogenic shock (CS) to stabilize hemodynamics and maintain sufficient end-organ perfusion. Vascular complications are commonly observed in patients with pVAD support. We aimed to assess the relationship between pVAD implantation time and access-site complication rates. This retrospective observational study included all patients who underwent pVAD insertion for the treatment of CS at our university hospital between 2014 and 2021 (n = 224). Depending on the pVAD insertion time, the patients were assigned to the on-hours (n = 120) or off-hours group (n = 104). Both groups had comparable baseline characteristics and comorbidities. The rate of access-site–related complications was higher in the off-hours group than in the on-hours group (26% vs. 10%, p = 0.002). Premature discontinuation of pVAD support to prevent limb ischemia or manage access-site bleeding was required more often in the off-hours group than in the on-hours group (14% vs. 5%, p = 0.016). Pre-existing peripheral artery disease and implantation time off-hours were independent predictors for access-siterelated vascular complications. In conclusion, patients with CS in whom pVAD was inserted during off-hours had higher rates of access-site–related complications and premature discontinuation of pVAD support than those in whom pVAD was inserted during on-hours.
Non-metabolic enzyme function of PKM2 in hepatocellular carcinoma: A review
Authors: Zhang Shuangxia , Liao Zhangxiu , Li Shubo , Luo Ying
Published: October 2023

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most malignant tumors with the highest incidence and mortality in the world, causing a serious burden on society. Pyruvate kinase M2 (PKM2) is one of the principal metabolic enzymes involved in glycolysis. Studies have shown that PKM2 is highly expressed in HCC and can be translocated to the nucleus, where it interacts with various transcription factors and proteins such as hypoxia-inducible factor-1α, sterol regulatory element-binding protein 1a, signal transducer and activator of transcription 3, nuclear factor erythroid 2-like 2 and histone H3, exerting non-metabolic enzyme functions to regulate the cell cycle, proliferation, apoptosis, immune escape, migration, and invasion, as well as HCC angiogenesis and tumor microenvironment. This review is focused on the recent progress of PKM2 interacting with various transcription factors and proteins affecting the onset and development of HCC, as well as natural drugs and noncoding RNA impacting diverse biological functions of liver cancer cells by regulating PKM2 non-metabolic enzyme functions, thereby providing valuable directions for the prognosis improvement and molecular targeted therapy of HCC in the future.
Toxicities of CAR T-cell therapy: a review of current literature
Authors: Asghar Muhammad Sohaib , Ismail Shah Syed M. , Rani Anooja , Kazmi Sana , Savul Ilma S. , Ukrani Janta , Khan Farmanullah , Hasan Chaudhary A. , Rathore Navin , Syed Maria , Keswani Shiwani , Surkasha FNU , Mal Doongro , Kumar Dileep
Published: October 2023

The chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) design, first invented by Zelig Eshhar, paved the way for the use of genetically modified T-cells in targeted therapy against cancer cells. Since then, it has gone through many generations, especially with the integration of co-stimulation in the second and third-generation CARs. However, it also mounts a hyperactive immune response named as cytokine release syndrome with the release of several cytokines eventually resulting in multiple end-organ toxicities. The severity of cytokine release syndrome depends upon certain factors such as the tumor burden, choice of co-stimulation, and degree of lymphodepletion, and can manifest as pulmonary edema, vascular leak, renal dysfunction, cardiac problems, hepatic failure, and coagulopathy. Many grading criteria have been used to define these clinical manifestations but they lack harmonization. Neurotoxicity has also been significantly associated with CAR T-cell therapy but it has not been studied much in previous literature. This review aims to provide a comprehensive account of the clinical manifestations, diagnosis, management, and treatment of CAR T-cell associated neurotoxicity.
Is vestibular schwannoma really a benign tumor? Case report and review
Authors: Joudar Imane , Nasri Siham , Aichouni Narjisse , Kamaoui Imane , Skiker Imane
Published: October 2023

Introduction:

Vestibular schwannoma (VS) is a benign tumor that develops from Schwann cells of the eighth cranial pair, mainly in the cerebellopontine angle.

Case Presentation:

We report the case of a 30-year-old female patient who developed left otalgia associated with neglected tinnitus, the evolution of which was marked by the development of a static cerebellar syndrome and a behavioral disorder, whose brain MRI revealed a locally advanced process in the cerebellopontine angle at the expense of the vestibulocochlear nerve, in favor of a VS, complicated by involvement of the tonsils, which unfortunately led to the patient’s death.

Discussion:

VS, formerly known as acoustic neuroma, is an extra-axial intracranial tumor that accounts for over 80% of pontocerebellar angle tumors, and is secondary in the majority of cases to inactivation of the neurofibromatosis type 2 (NF2) tumor suppressor gene, either by mutation of the NF2 gene or loss of chromosome 22q. In the majority of cases, it is unilateral and solitary, but in almost 8% of cases, it is associated with NF2. Cerebral MRI is the examination of choice for the detection, characterization, and diagnosis of VS without the need for biopsy, mainly with T1-weighted sequences before and after gadolinium injection. Treatment is based essentially on surgery or radiosurgery, depending on the size, impact, and expertise of the treatment team.

Conclusion:

VS remains an important intracranial tumor entity, which can be life-threatening in cases of advanced local invasion.
Nicotine Use During Pregnancy: Cessation and Treatment Strategies
Authors: Shirwani Avan , Kuller Jeffrey A. , Dotters-Katz Sarah K. , Addae-Konadu Kateena
Published: October 2023

The use of tobacco and nicotine products during pregnancy is known to increase the risk of adverse effects on the fetus. Increased education and research have resulted in greater rates of smoking cessation during pregnancy, with a decline from 13.2% of pregnant individuals smoking in 2006 to 7.2% in 2016. However, smoking while pregnant still proves to be a prevalent issue that is associated with numerous adverse outcomes, including low birth weight, preterm birth, and developmental delays. Smoking cessation before or during pregnancy can help mitigate these effects, but the appropriate treatment can be challenging to ascertain. Accordingly, clinicians should look to provide individualized care composed of behavioral counseling in conjunction with pharmacotherapies when indicated, combined with ongoing support and education.

Target Audience

Obstetricians and gynecologists, family physicians.

Learning Objectives

After completing this activity, the learner should be better able to identify the pathophysiologic effects of smoking during pregnancy and the different forms of nicotine use; describe the maternal risk of smoking, along with its neonatal and childhood effects; and explain the potential screening and treatment strategies for smoking cessation during pregnancy.
Neurocutaneous Disorders in Pregnancy
Authors: Idler Jay , Turkoglu Onur , Patek Kara , Stuart Sean , Taskin Birce , Sivaswamy Lalitha , Whitten Amy
Published: October 2023

Importance

Neurocutaneous disorders have significant implications for care of the pregnant patient. As neurocutaneous disorders are uncommon, obstetricians may be unfamiliar with these disorders and with recommendations for appropriate care of this population.

Objective

This review aims to summarize existing literature on the interaction between neurocutaneous disorders and pregnancy and to provide a guide for physicians caring for an affected patient.

Evidence Acquisition

A PubMed, MEDLINE, and Google Scholar search was carried out with a broad range of combinations of the medical subject headings (MeSH) terms “pregnancy,” “Sturge -Weber,” “Neurofibromatosis Type 1,” “neurofibromatosis type 2,” “von Hippel Lindau,” “Tuberous Sclerosis,” “neurocutaneous disorder,” “treatment,” “congenital malformations,” “neurodevelopmental defects,” “miscarriage,” “breastfeeding,” “autoimmune,” “pathophysiology,” and “management.” References of included articles were searched to identify any articles that may have been missed after the above method was used.

Results

Neurocutaneous disorders are associated with increased pregnancy-associated maternal and fetal/neonatal morbidity, largely surrounding hypertensive disorders, epilepsy, and medication exposure. Some features of neurocutaneous disorders may be worsened or accelerated by pregnancy. Neurocutaneous disorders can often be diagnosed prenatally. Therefore, directed assessment should be offered to affected individuals with a personal or family history of a neurocutaneous disorder.

Conclusion and Relevance

Patients affected by neurocutaneous disorders who are pregnant or planning for future pregnancy should be carefully followed by a multidisciplinary team, which could include maternal-fetal medicine, neurology, and anesthesia, as well as other relevant subspecialists. Additional research is required regarding optimal counseling and management of these patients.

Target Audience

Obstetricians and gynecologists, family physician.

Learning objectives

After completing this activity, the learner will be better able to identify the most common neurocutaneous disorders seen in reproductive women and their implications in pregnancy; propose recommendations for genetic evaluation, diagnosis, management, and a differential diagnosis; describe treatment options including labor and delivery management, emphasizing multidisciplinary approach; and discuss potential maternal and fetal adverse outcomes related to neurocutaneous disorders.
Dynamic choice HIV prevention intervention at outpatient departments in rural Kenya and Uganda
Authors: Koss Catherine A. , Ayieko James , Kabami Jane , Balzer Laura B. , Kakande Elijah , Sunday Helen , Nyabuti Marilyn , Wafula Erick , Shade Starley B. , Biira Edith , Opel Fred , Atuhaire Hellen N. , Okochi Hideaki , Ogachi Sabina , Gandhi Monica , Bacon Melanie C. , Bukusi Elizabeth A. , Chamie Gabriel , Petersen Maya L. , Kamya Moses R. , Havlir Diane V. ,   SEARCH study team
Published: October 2023

Objective:

HIV prevention service delivery models that offer product choices, and the option to change preferences over time, may increase prevention coverage. Outpatient departments in sub-Saharan Africa diagnose a high proportion of new HIV infections, but are an understudied entry point to biomedical prevention.

Design:

Individually randomized trial of dynamic choice HIV prevention (DCP) intervention vs. standard-of-care (SOC) among individuals with current/anticipated HIV exposure risk at outpatient departments in rural Kenya and Uganda (SEARCH; NCT04810650).

Methods:

Our DCP intervention included 1) product choice (oral preexposure prophylaxis [PrEP] or postexposure prophylaxis [PEP]) with an option to switch over time, 2) HIV provider- or self-testing, 3) service location choice (community vs. clinic-based), and 4) provider training on patient-centered care. Primary outcome was proportion of follow-up covered by PrEP/PEP over 48 weeks assessed via self-report.

Results:

We enrolled 403 participants (61% women; median 27 years, IQR 22–37). In the DCP arm, 86% ever chose PrEP, 15% ever chose PEP over 48 weeks; selection of HIV self-testing increased from 26 to 51% and of out-of-facility visits from 8 to 52%. Among 376 of 403 (93%) with outcomes ascertained, time covered by PrEP/PEP was higher in DCP (47.5%) vs. SOC (18.3%); difference = 29.2% (95% confidence interval: 22.7–35.7; P < 0.001). Effects were similar among women and men (28.2 and 31.0% higher coverage in DCP, respectively) and larger during periods of self-reported HIV risk (DCP 64.9% vs. SOC 26.3%; difference = 38.6%; 95% confidence interval: 31.0–46.2; P < 0.001).

Conclusion:

A dynamic choice HIV prevention intervention resulted in two-fold greater time covered by biomedical prevention products compared to SOC in general outpatient departments in eastern Africa.
Development of the Nova Scotia Potential Donor Audit (PDA) Tool and 2020 Historic Performance Database: Lessons Learned From the First 1000 Medical Record Reviews
Authors: Krmpotic Kristina , Dirk Jade , Gallant Julien , Hancock Jennifer , Isenor Cynthia , James Lee , Landry Alain , Laybolt Amy , Tennankore Karthik , Weiss Matthew-John , Beed Stephen
Published: October 2023

Background:

Legislation and accountability frameworks are key components of high-performing deceased-donation systems. In 2021, Nova Scotia (NS), Canada, became the first jurisdiction in North America to enact deemed consent legislation and concurrently implemented mandatory referral legislation similar to that found in other Canadian provinces. Frontline financial resources were provided by the government to support the development of program infrastructure, including implementation of means to evaluate system performance.

Methods:

The Organ Donation Program (ODP), in collaboration with other stakeholders, developed a Potential Donor Audit (PDA) tool and database for referral intake and manual performance audits. Medical record reviews of deaths in the year before legislative change were conducted to pilot and revise the PDA and evaluate missed donation opportunities.

Results:

The NS PDA was piloted on 1028 patient deaths. Of 518 patients (50.4%) who met clinical triggers for referral to the ODP, 72 (13.9%) were referred (86.1% missed referral rate). One hundred sixty-three patients met the NS definition of a potential donor; 53 (32.5%) were referred (110 missed potential donors). Referral consent rates reached 71.7% (n = 38 of 53 approaches). The actualized donation rate reported by Canadian Blood Services was 29.9 donors per million population (n = 34 donors).

Discussion:

We documented high rates of missed referrals and missed potential donors before the enactment of mandatory referral and deemed consent legislation.

Conclusions:

The ODP has intentionally broadened clinical criteria for referral to shift the responsibility of identifying medically suitable potential donors from bedside clinicians to organ donation specialists. Lessons learned from our experience developing a PDA include the importance of early involvement of multiple stakeholders and ongoing modification of fields and workflow based on data availability and utility for clinical, educational, research, and reporting purposes.
Effective amelioration of the Lucio phenomenon with adjuvant tofacitinib therapy in a patient with dual infection of Mycobacterium leprae and Mycobacterium lepromatosis: a case report from India
Authors: Patel Nayankumar Harshadkumar , Padhiyar Jignaben Krunal , Patel Kathak Ashok , Patel Jahnvi Rakeshkumar , Lakum Megha Pratapabhai , Singh Itu
Published: October 2023

Introduction. The Lucio phenomenon (LP) is a characteristic reaction pattern seen in patients with diffuse lepromatous leprosy (DLL). Dual infection with

Mycobacterium leprae

and Mycobacterium lepromatosis in DLL has been confirmed from other endemic countries but not previously documented from India. Conventionally, LP is treated with a high dose of systemic glucocorticoid (GC) and anti-leprosy treatment (ALT). Here we report a case of leprosy lymphadenitis at initial presentation in a patient with LP and DLL due to dual infection with

M. leprae

and M. lepromatosis who responded favourably to tofacitinib as adjuvant to ALT and systemic GC therapy.

Case report. A 20- to 30-year-old man presented with swelling over the bilateral inguinal region, pus-filled skin lesions with multiple ulcers, fever and joint pain. Post-hospitalization investigations showed the presence of anaemia, leukocytosis, and elevated acute and chronic inflammatory markers. Skin and lymph node biopsies were suggestive of LP and leprosy lymphadenitis. The presence of

M. leprae

and M. lepromatosis was confirmed by PCR followed by DNA sequencing of PCR amplicons from tissue. Despite anti-leprosy treatment, oral GC and thalidomide therapy, the patient continued to develop new lesions. One month after the commencement of adjuvant tofacitinib, the patient showed excellent clinical improvement with healing of all existing lesions and cessation of new LP lesions.

Conclusion. Our case confirms the presence of dual infection with

M. leprae

and lepromatosis in India. Lymph node involvement as an initial presentation of DLL should be considered in endemic areas. Tofacitinib may be a promising new adjuvant therapy for recalcitrant lepra reactions.
The Salmonella Typhi SPI-2 injectisome enigma
Authors: Thurston Teresa L. M. , Holden David W.
Published: October 2023

The

Salmonella

pathogenicity island 2 (SPI-2)-encoded type III secretion system (injectisome) is assembled following uptake of bacteria into vacuoles in mammalian cells. The injectisome translocates virulence proteins (effectors) into infected cells. Numerous studies have established the requirement for a functional SPI-2 injectisome for growth of

Salmonella

Typhimurium in mouse macrophages, but the results of similar studies involving

Salmonella

Typhi and human-derived macrophages are not consistent. It is important to clarify the functions of the S. Typhi SPI-2 injectisome, not least because an inactivated SPI-2 injectisome forms the basis for live attenuated S. Typhi vaccines that have undergone extensive trials in humans. Intracellular expression of injectisome genes and effector delivery take longer in the S. Typhi/human macrophage model than for S. Typhimurium and we propose that this could explain the conflicting results. Furthermore, strains of both S. Typhimurium and S. Typhi contain intact genes for several ‘core’ effectors. In S. Typhimurium these cooperate to regulate the vacuole membrane and contribute to intracellular bacterial replication; similar functions are therefore likely in S. Typhi.
Study on the preparation of bovine milk exosomes and the stability of lyophilized powder
Authors: Lu Lu , Han Chunle , Wang Miao , Du Huanqing , Chen Ning , Gao Mengya , Wang Na , Qi Dongli , Bai Wei , Yin Jianxin , Dong Fengwei , Li Tianshi , Ge Xiao Hu
Published: October 2023

Bovune milk exosomes (MK-exo) have bioactive effects on the health of consumers and can also serve as excellent drug delivery vehicles. However, long-term preservation and transportation remain major challenges at present. In this report, high-quality MK-exo are prepared on a large scale. We then developed a lyophilization method belonging to MK-exo, and performed acceleration and long-term stability experiments on the lyophilized MK-exo to evaluate the effect of lyophilization. The results showed that the lyophilized MK-exo can be stored at room temperature for at least 3 months and 2-8°C℃ for 15 months. These findings provide data support for further understanding of the properties and applications of MK-exo.
Transepithelial Electrical Impedance Increase Following Porous Substrate Electroporation Enables Label-Free Delivery
Authors: Brooks Justin R. , Heiman Tyler C. , Lorenzen Sawyer R. , Mungloo Ikhlaas , Mirfendereski Siamak , Park Jae Sung , Yang Ruiguo
Published: October 2023

Porous substrate electroporation (PSEP) is a promising new method for intracellular delivery, yet fundamentals of the PSEP delivery process are not well understood, partly because most PSEP studies rely solely on imaging for evaluating delivery. Although effective, imaging alone limits understanding of intermediate processes leading to delivery. PSEP is an electrical process, so electrical impedance measurements naturally complement imaging for PSEP characterization. In this study, we developed a device capable of measuring impedance and performing PSEP and we monitored changes in transepithelial electrical impedance (TEEI). Our measurements show TEEI increases following PSEP, unlike other electroporation methods. We then demonstrated how cell culture conditions and electrical waveforms influence this response. More importantly, we correlated TEEI response features with viability and delivery efficiency, allowing prediction of outcomes without fluorescent cargo, imaging, or image processing. This label-free delivery also allows improved temporal resolution of transient processes following PSEP, which we expect will aid PSEP optimization for new cell types and cargos.

TEASER

Electrical impedance measurements were used to understand delivery and cellular response after porous substrate electroporation.
CRISPR/Cas9 ribonucleoprotein-mediated mutagenesis inSporisorium reilianum
Authors: Werner Janina , Zuo Weiliang , Doehlemann Gunther
Published: October 2023

Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats/CRISPR-associated protein 9 (CRISPR/Cas9) has become the state of art for mutagenesis in filamentous fungi. Here, we describe a RNP-mediated CRISPR/Cas9 for mutagenesis inSporisorium reilianum. The efficiency of the method was testedin vitrowith a cleavage assay as well asin vivowith a GFP-expressingS. reilianumstrain. We applied this method to generate frameshift-, knock-in- and knock-out mutants inS. reilianumwithout a resistance marker by using an auto-replicating plasmid for selection. The RNP-mediated CRISPR/Cas9 increased the mutagenesis efficiency and firstly enables a marker-free genome editing inS. reilianum.
A peptide-centric local stability assay to unveil protein targets of diverse ligands
Authors: Li Kejia , Chen Shijie , Wang Keyun , Wang Yan , Fang Zheng , Lyu Jiawen , Zhu Haiyang , Li Yanan , Yu Ting , Yang Feng , Zhang Xiaolei , Guo Siqi , Ruan Chengfei , Zhou Jiahua , Wang Qi , Luo Cheng , Ye Mingliang
Published: October 2023

While tremendous progress has been made in chemical proteomics for identifying protein-ligand interactions, it remains challenging for proteome-wide identification of ligand-binding regions without modifying the ligands. Here, we discovered that “disruptive trypsinization” amplifies the readout of ligand-induced protein local stability shifts, and explored this notion in developing “peptide-centric local stability assay” (PELSA), a modification-free approach which achieves unprecedented sensitivity in proteome-wide target identification and binding-region determination. We demonstrate the versatility of PELSA by investigating the interactions across various biological contexts including drug-target interactions, metabolism, epitope mapping, metal proteomics, and post-translational modification recognition. A PELSA study of the oncometabolite R2HG revealed functional insights about its targets and pathogenic processes in both cancer and immune cells. Thus, beyond offering users unprecedented sensitivity for characterizing diverse target-ligand interactions, PELSA supports informative screening and hypothesis generation studies throughout life science.
Three Conserved Immune Dysfunction and Exclusion Subtypes in Bladder and Pan-cancers: Prognostic and Immunotherapeutic Significance
Authors: Zheng Kun , Hai Youlong , Chen Hongqi , Hu Xiaoyong , Ni Kai
Published: October 2023

Molecular subtyping is expected to enable bladder cancer (BC) precise treatment. However, its clinical application remains defective and controversial. Given the significance of tumor immune dysfunction and exclusion (TIDE) in tumor immune escape and immunotherapy, we aimed to develop a novel TIDE-based subtyping method to facilitate personalized management. Transcriptome data of BC was used to evaluate the heterogeneity and the status of TIDE patterns. We identified 69 TIDE biomarker genes and classified BC samples into three subtypes. Subtype I showed the lowest TIDE status and malignancy with the best prognosis and highest sensitivity to immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) treatment, which was enriched of metabolic related signaling pathways. Subtype III represented the highest TIDE status and malignancy with the poorest prognosis and resistance to ICB treatment, resulting from its inhibitory immune microenvironment and T cell terminal exhaustion. Subtype II was in a transitional state with intermediate TIDE level, malignancy, and prognosis. We further confirmed the existence and characteristics of our novel TIDE subtypes using real-world BC samples. This subtyping method was proved to be more efficient than known methods in identifying non-responders to immunotherapy. We also found that combining our TIDE subtypes with known biomarkers can improve the sensitivity and specificity in predicting ICB response. Moreover, besides guiding ICB treatment, this classification approach can assist in selecting the frontline or recommended drugs. Finally, the TIDE subtypes are conserved across pan-tumors. In conclusion, our novel TIDE-based strategy is a powerful clinical tool for BC and pan-cancer patients, and potentially guiding personalized immunotherapy.
Decoupling of the Onset of Anharmonicity between a Protein and Its Surface Water around 200 K
Authors: Zheng Lirong , Zhou Bingxin , Wu Banghao , Tan Yang , Huang Juan , Tyagi Madhusudan , Sakai Victoria García , Yamada Takeshi , O’Neill Hugh , Zhang Qiu , Hong Liang
Published: October 2023

The protein dynamical transition at ∼ 200 K, where the biomolecule transforms from a harmonic, non-functional form to an anharmonic, functional state, has been thought to be slaved to the thermal activation of dynamics in its surface hydration water. Here, by selectively probing the dynamics of protein and hydration water using elastic neutron scattering and isotopic labelling, we found that the onset of anharmonicity in the two components around 200 K are decoupled. The one in protein is an intrinsic transition, whose characteristic temperature is independent of the instrumental resolution time, but varies with the biomolecular structure and the amount of hydration, while the one of water is merely a resolution effect.
Balanced cell division is secured by two different regulatory sites in OxyS RNA
Authors: Elgrably-Weiss Maya , Hussain Fayyaz , Georg Jens , Shraiteh Bushra , Altuvia Shoshy
Published: October 2023

By interfering with cell division, theEscherichia colioxidative stress-induced OxyS small RNA brings about cell cycle arrest thus allowing DNA damage repair. Cell division and cell elongation are opposing functions to the extent that inhibition of cell division requires a parallel inhibition of cell elongation for the cells to survive. In this study, we report that in addition to cell division OxyS inhibitsmepSencoding an essential peptidoglycan endopeptidase responsible for cell elongation. Furthermore, a phylogenetic evolutionary target conservation analysis of OxyS homologs to identify OxyS most common function revealed that the majority of OxyS targets belong to the category of “cell cycle” followed by “peptidoglycan metabolism”, especially cell elongation.mepSis the most frequent target of this category, predicted to be regulated by OxyS in 64 % of the 146 organisms studied. We suggest that cell cycle arrest and balancing between cell division and cell elongation are important and conserved functions of the oxidative stress induced sRNA OxyS.
Role of Cardiac Rehabilitation in Improving Outcomes after Myocardial Infarction
Authors: Nemani Raghu Ram Shanmukh , Gade Bala Sushritha , Panchumarthi Dedeepya , Bathula Bhargava Venkata Sasidhar Reddy , Panjiyar Binay Kumar
Published: October 2023

Myocardial Infarction (MI) an integral part of Acute Coronary Syndrome (ACS) occurs due to Atherosclerotic narrowing of the Coronary blood vessels. ACS being one of the major cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) has led to a significant amount of mortality & morbidity. The post-myocardial infarction period greatly impacted the physical; psychological; social; emotional; and occupational well-being. Cardiac rehabilitation (CR) helps by addressing these immediate effects & also improves long-term well-being and overall quality of life. The benefits of CR include enhanced exercise capacity, risk factor reduction, improved quality of life (QOL), and reduced mortality and hospital readmission. We used a systematic literature review (SLR) approach in his article to provide a global overview of the cutting edge offered by CR in the post-MI phase. We reviewed 33 articles from journals of good repute published between 2013 and August 15, 2023, focusing on six selected papers for in-depth analysis. The analysis was focused on factors such as positive outcomes of CR, and the effects of CR in post-myocardial infarction. Even though there is a lack of statistically significant evidence for the benefits of CR; Meta-analyses confirm its positive impact on cardiovascular outcomes, such as decreased mortality, cardiac events, and hospital Readmissions. There is still a need for ongoing research to enhance the understanding of its mechanisms and statistically prove its effectiveness. As CR continues to evolve, referral and participation in CR should be increased as it improves overall health and well-being.
Understanding knowledge leadership in improving team outcomes in the health sector: a Covid-19 study
Authors: Khan Muhammad Aamir , Latif Khawaja Fawad , Shahid Sehrish , Shah Syed Asim
Published: October 2023

Purpose

This study seeks to examine the role of knowledge-oriented leadership in the health sector to achieve team outcomes in the Covid-19 context. Drawing from the leader–member exchange (LMX), social cognitive and social identity theory, the present study develops a model linking knowledge-oriented leadership and team performance through the underlying psychological mechanisms of team efficacy, team cohesion, team commitment and team collaboration.

Design/methodology/approach

Utilizing quantitative data methodology, data were obtained from the pharmaceutical employees (health sector) of Pakistan during the pandemic. The partial least squares structural equation modeling was used to test the hypotheses.

Findings

The findings support the hypothesis that knowledge-oriented leadership significantly influences team outcomes. The study also verified that team collaboration effectively mediates the relationship between knowledge-oriented leadership and team performance.

Originality/value

The study is unique in the sense that it explores the newly established leader behavior (knowledge-oriented leadership) in understanding team outcomes in the health sector. The study concludes by making significant implications to overcome the challenges raised by Covid-19 pandemic.
Strategy creation behaviour and “last gasp” digitalization as predictors of sales performance and cash flow
Authors: Onjewu Adah-Kole Emmanuel , Nyuur Richard B. , Paul Salima , Wang Yong
Published: October 2023

Purpose

Although recent literature has examined diverse measures adopted by SMEs to navigate the COVID-19 turbulence, there is a shortage of evidence on how crisis-time strategy creation behaviour and digitalization activities increase (1) sales and (2) cash flow. Thus, predicated on a novel strategy creation perspective, this inquiry aims to investigate the crisis behaviour, sales and cash flow performance of 528 SMEs in Morocco.

Design/methodology/approach

Novel links between (1) aggregate wage cuts, (2) variable operating hours, (3) deferred payment to suppliers, (4) deferred payment to tax authorities and (5) sales performance are developed and tested. A further link between sales performance and cash flow is also examined and the analysis is conducted using a non-linear structural equation modelling technique.

Findings

While there is a significant association between strategy creation behaviours and sales performance, only variable operating hours have a positive effect. Also, sales performance increases cash flow and this relationship is substantially strengthened by e-commerce digitalization and innovation.

Originality/value

Theoretically, to the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is one of the first inquiries to espouse the strategy creation view to explain SMEs' crisis-time behaviour and digitalization. For practical purposes, to supplement Moroccan SMEs' propensity to seek tax deferrals, it is argued that debt and equity support measures are also needed to boost sales performance and cash flow.
Does Weisburd's law of crime concentration apply to traffic crashes? Implications for policing and traffic law enforcement
Authors: Park Sangjun , Lum Cynthia
Published: October 2023

Purpose

A considerable amount of police evaluation research focuses on innovative approaches to reduce crime at places. This is hardly coincidental; policing and place-based scholars have found crime is highly concentrated, and when police focus on these places, they can prevent and reduce crime. The regularity of such findings led Weisburd (2015) to assert the existence of a “law of crime concentration.” Given that bold assertion, the authors test whether the law of crime concentration is generalizable to one of the most common public safety concerns that police handle—traffic crashes.

Design/methodology/approach

To determine whether the law of crime concentration applies to traffic crashes, the authors examined crash locations and times in all counties in Utah across four years. Following and expanding on Weisburd's methods, the authors calculate the bandwidth of concentration for these crashes and analyze various types by severity and possible explanations for variations in crash concentrations across the state.

Findings

A small proportion of street segments and intersections experience a disproportionately high number of crashes, and the degree of concentration of crashes may be even higher than that of crime. Further, there are variations in the levels of crash concentration across counties and in the severity of injuries resulting from the crashes.

Practical implications

Place-based criminologists and policing scholars have not often explored traffic crashes in their analyses. Yet, traffic problems take up a significant amount of law enforcement time and resources and are often priorities for most law enforcement agencies. Given what the authors know from traffic, policing and crime and place research, targeted approaches at micro traffic crash hot spots can be beneficial for public safety prevention.

Originality/value

This study is the first to explore the application of Weisburd's Law of Crime Concentration to traffic crashes. Given that police spend a significant amount of time and resources on traffic-related problems in their jurisdiction, finding more effective, evidence-based approaches to address this public safety concern should be a high priority for police and researchers alike.
Non-financial information assurance: a review of the literature and directions for future research
Authors: Farooq Muhammad Bilal , Azantouti Asem Saad Ali , Zaman Rashid
Published: October 2023

Purpose

This study aims to review the literature on non-financial information (NFI) assurance including external assurance of sustainability reports (SRA) and integrated reports (IRA). The objectives are as follows: provide an overview of academic research; understand the nature of NFI assurance engagements by organising the literature around the five key elements of an assurance engagement; develop a framework for understanding NFI assurance; and provide directions for future research.

Design/methodology/approach

The study undertakes a structured literature review of 179 articles published from 1999 to 2023.

Findings

The review identified 324 researchers located in 35 different countries who published 179 articles on SRA and IRA. The researchers, their locations, journals, methods, theories and themes are examined. The literature is structured around the definition of an assurance engagement including a tripartite arrangement, subject matter, a suitable criterion, sufficient appropriate evidence and a written assurance report. A framework for understanding NFI assurance is offered. Avenues for future research, structured around the five elements of an assurance engagement, are presented.

Practical implications

Researchers will benefit from an overview of the literature and guidance on areas for future research. Lecturers can use the findings to develop content for their auditing courses. Reporting managers will benefit from a better understanding of this new form of assurance. Regulators can use this study’s insights to better inform the development of laws and corporate governance codes mandating NFI assurance. Standard setters can use these findings to guide the emergence of the new assurance standards. Assurance practitioners may use this research to inform practice.

Social implications

The findings may prove useful in addressing capture, which deters NFI assurance from enhancing disclosure credibility and fulfilling its transparency and accountability role. This is to the detriment of the wider society.

Originality/value

The consolidation of the literature around the five key elements of an assurance engagement is unique. The framework devised offers useful insights into the dynamics of assurance generally and NFI assurance more specifically. The study is timely given the new European Union regulations on NFI reporting and assurance and the work of the International Audit and Assurance Standards Board in developing a specialist NFI assurance standard.
Design and implementation of a measuring system used to evaluate the mechanical performance of the bone fixators
Authors: Guo Zhanshe , Liang Xiangdang , Wang Sen
Published: October 2023

Purpose

This measuring system is designed to effectively simulate the mechanical reliability of the operated bone fixators. It can be used to pre-evaluate the mechanical performance of the operated fixator on the patients, including the static mechanical properties and fatigue properties when the patient walks after the operation.

Design/methodology/approach

It is mainly composed of a one-dimensional platform, a force sensor, a high measuring precision displacement sensor and a servo motor. Loading (which is used to simulate the loading status of the fixators after the operation) of the system is realized by the rotation of the servo motor. It can be read by a high precision force sensor. The relative displacement of the broken bone is obtained by a high precision laser displacement sensor. Corresponding theoretical analysis is also carried out.

Findings

Calibrated results of the system indicate that the output voltage and the measured force of the force sensors possess an excellent linear relationship, and the calculated nonlinear error is just 0.0002%. The maximum relative displacement between the operated broken bone under 700 N axial force is about 1 mm. Fatigue test under 550 N loading for 85,000 cycles also indicates the feasibility of the design.

Originality/value

This device is successfully designed and fabricated to pre-evaluate the mechanical performance of the bone fixators. High precision force sensor and displacement sensor are used to successfully increase the measuring ability of the system. This will offer some help to pertinent researchers.
Genomic characterization of New Delhi metallo‐beta‐lactamase–producing species of Morganellaceae, Yersiniaceae, and Enterobacteriaceae (other than Klebsiella) from Brazil over 2013–2022
Authors: Camargo Carlos Henrique , Yamada Amanda Yaeko , de Souza Andreia Rodrigues , Sacchi Claudio Tavares , Reis Alex Domingos , Santos Marlon Benedito Nascimento , de Assis Denise Brandão , de Carvalho Eneas , Takagi Elizabeth Harummyy , Cunha Marcos Paulo Vieira , Tiba‐Casas Monique Ribeiro
Published: October 2023

Over the last decade, New Delhi metallo‐beta‐lactamase (NDM) carbapenemase has silently spread in Brazil. In this study, we analyzed a large collection of Enterobacterales other than Klebsiella spp. received in our reference laboratory between 2013 and 2022. A total of 32 clinical isolates displaying different pulsed‐field gel electrophoresis profiles, and represented by 11 species in the families Enterobacteriaceae (Citrobacter freundii, Citrobacter portucalensis, Enterobacter hormaechei, and Escherichia coli), Morganellaceae (Morganella morganii, Proteus mirabilis, Proteus vulgaris, Providencia rettgeri, Providencia stuartii, and Raoultella ornithinolytica), and Yersiniaceae (Serratia marcescens) had their whole genomes sequenced and further analyzed. Antimicrobial susceptibility was determined by disk diffusion, except for polymyxin B, assessed by broth microdilution. The blaNDM‐1 allele was predominant (n = 29), but blaNDM‐5 was identified in an E. coli specimen with a novel ST, and the blaNDM‐7 allele was found in E. hormaechei ST45 and E. coli ST1049. Polymyxin was active against all but one Enterobacteriaceae isolate: an mcr‐1–producing E. coli presenting minimal inhibitory concentration (4 mg/L). Isolates producing extended‐spectrum β‐lactamases were common: cefotaximase from Munich (CTX‐M)‐15 (n = 10), CTX‐M‐2 (n = 4), and CTX‐M‐8 (n = 3) were detected, and the mcr‐1–producing E. coli was found to co‐produce both CTX‐M‐8 and CTX‐M‐55 β‐lactamases. The mcr‐9 gene was found in 5/8 E. hormaechei isolates, distributed in four different sequence types, all of them presenting susceptibility to polymyxin. This study showed that NDM‐producing Enterobacterales other than Klebsiella are already spread in Brazil, in diversified species, and cocarrying important resistance genes. Prompt detection and effective implementation of measures to prevent further spread are mandatory for mitigating the dissemination of NDM carbapenemase in hospital settings and preserving the already limited antimicrobial therapy options.