bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cancer subclone detection based on DNA copy number in single cell and spatial omic sequencing data
Authors: Wu Chi-Yun , Sathe Anuja , Rong Jiazhen , Hess Paul R. , Lau Billy T. , Grimes Susan M. , Ji Hanlee P. , Zhang Nancy R.
Published: July 2022

In cancer, somatic mutations such as copy number alterations (CNAs) accumulate during disease progression and lead to functional intra-tumor heterogeneity that can influence the efficacy of cancer therapy. Therefore, studying the functional characteristics and spatial distribution of genetically distinct subclones is crucial to the understanding of tumor evolution and the design of cancer treatment. Here, we present Clonalscope, a method for subclone detection using copy number profiles that can be applied to spatial transcriptomics (ST) data and data from single-cell sequencing platforms such as scRNA-seq and scATAC-seq. Clonalscope implements a nested Chinese restaurant process to identify de novo subclones within one or multiple samples from the same patient. Clonalscope incorporates prior information from paired whole-genome or whole-exome sequencing (WGS/WES) data to achieve more reliable subclone detection and malignant cell labeling. On scRNA-seq and scATAC-seq data from four gastrointestinal tumor samples, Clonalscope successfully labeled malignant cells and identified genetically different subclones, which were validated in detail using matched scDNA-seq data. On ST data from a squamous cell carcinoma and two invasive ductal carcinoma samples, Clonalscope successfully labelled malignant spots, traced subclones between associated datasets, and identified spatially segregated subclones expressing genes associated with drug resistance and survival.
Attenuated Dengue Virus PV001-DV Induces Oncolytic Cell Death and Potent Anti-Tumor Immunity
Authors: Goldufsky Josef W. , Daniels Preston , Williams Michael D. , Gupta Kajal , Lyday Bruce , Chen Tony , Singh Geeta , Zloza Andrew , Marzo Amanda L.
Published: July 2022

Viral therapies developed for cancer treatment have classically prioritized direct oncolytic effects over their immune activating properties. However, recent clinical insights have challenged this longstanding prioritization and have shifted the focus to more immune-based mechanisms. Through the potential utilization of novel, inherently immune-stimulating, oncotropic viruses there is a therapeutic opportunity to improve anti-tumor outcomes through virus-mediated immune activation. PV001-DV, is an attenuated strain of Dengue virus (DEN-1 #45AZ5) with a favorable clinical safety profile that also maintains the potent immune stimulatory properties known of Dengue virus. In this study, we examined the anti-tumor effects of PV001-DV as a potential novel cancer immunotherapy. In vitro assays demonstrated that PV001-DV possesses the ability to directly kill human melanoma cells lines as well as patient melanoma tissue ex vivo. Importantly, further in vitro work demonstrated that, when patient peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were exposed to PV001-DV, a substantial induction in production of apoptotic factors and immunostimulatory cytokines was detected. When tumor cells were cultured with the resulting soluble mediators from these PBMCs, rapid cell death of melanoma and breast cancer cell lines was observed. The direct tumor-killing and immune-mediated tumor cytotoxicity facilitated by PV001-DV contributes support of its upcoming clinical evaluation in patients with advanced melanoma who have failed prior therapy (NCT03989895).
ZmEREB57 regulates OPDA synthesis and enhances salt stress tolerance through two distinct signal pathways in Zea mays
Authors: Zhu Jiantang , Wei Xuening , Yin Chaoshu , Zhou Hui , Yan Jiahui , He Wenxing , Yan Jianbing , Li Hui
Published: July 2022

In plants, APETALA2/Ethylene-Responsive Factor (AP2/ERF)-domain transcription factors play important roles in regulating responses to biotic and abiotic types of stress. In this study, a novel AP2/ERF gene in maize, ethylene responsive element binding factor 57 (ZmEREB57), was identified by comparative transcriptomics, which was significantly upregulated under salt treatment; however, its function remained unclear. Our findings revealed that ZmEREB57 is a nuclear protein with transactivation activity, induced by a number of abiotic types of stress. What's more, two CRISPR/Cas9 knockout lines of ZmEREB57 conferred sensitivity to saline conditions. DNA affinity purification sequencing (DAP-Seq) analysis revealed that ZmEREB57 mainly binds to promoters containing the O-box like motif (CCGGCC) to regulate the expression of its target genes. Further experiments validated that ZmEREB57 directly bind to the promoter of ZmAOC2 involved in the synthesis of 12-oxo-phytodienoic acid (OPDA) and JA. Besides, transcriptome analysis identified a number of genes responded to both OPDA and JA treatment, while a different set of genes specifically responded specifically to OPDA, but not JA. Analysis of mutants deficient in the biosynthesis of OPDA and JA revealed that OPDA functions as a signaling molecule in the salt response. Our results provide evidence for ZmEREB57's involvement in salt tolerance by regulating OPDA and JA signaling, and confirm early observations that OPDA signaling can function independently of JA signaling in maize.
Cell size regulation and proliferation fluctuations in single-cell derived colonies
Authors: Nieto César , Vargas-García César , Pedraza Juan Manuel , Singh Abhyudai
Published: July 2022

Exponentially growing cells regulate their size by controlling their timing of division. Since two daughter cells are born as a result of this cell splitting, cell size regulation has a direct connection with cell proliferation dynamics. Recent models found more clues about this connection by suggesting that division occurs at a size-dependent rate. In this article, we propose a framework that couples the stochastic transient dynamics of both the cell size and the number of cells in the initial expansion of a single-cell-derived colony. We describe the population from the two most common perspectives. The first is known as Single Lineage: where only one cell is followed in each colony, and the second is Population Snapshots: where all cells in different colonies are followed. At a low number of cells, we propose a third perspective; Single Colony, where one tracks only cells with a common ancestor. We observe how the statistics of these three approaches are different at low numbers and how the Single Colony perspective tends to Population Snapshots at high numbers. Analyzing colony-to-colony fluctuations in the number of cells, we report an intriguing find: the extent of fluctuations first increases with time and then decreases to approach zero at large numbers of cells. In contrast, in classical size-independent proliferation models, where cell division occurs based on a pure timing mechanism, fluctuations in cell number increase monotonically over time to approach a nonzero value. We systematically study these differences and the convergence speed using different size control strategies.
RNABSdb and 3plex enable deep computational investigation of triplex forming lncRNAs
Authors: Cicconetti Chiara , Lauria Andrea , Proserpio Valentina , Tamburrini Annalaura , Maldotti Mara , Oliviero Salvatore , Molineris Ivan
Published: July 2022

1.

Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) regulate gene expression through different molecular mechanisms, including DNA binding. We curated the first database of RNA Binding Sites (RNABSdb) by harmonising publicly available raw-data of RNA-DNA binding experiments. This resource is crucial to enable systematic studies on transcriptional regulation driven by lncRNAs. Focusing on high quality experiments, we find that the number of binding sites for each lncRNAs varies from hundreds to tens of thousands. Despite being poorly characterised, the formation of RNA:DNA:DNA triple helices (TPXs) is one of the molecular mechanisms that allows lncRNAs to bind the genome and regulate gene expression. We developed 3plex, a software able to predict TPXs in silico. We show that 3plex outperforms previous existing approaches leveraging the data collected in RNABSdb for lncRNAs known to form functional TPXs. Moreover this analysis shows that TPXs tend to be shorter and more degenerated than previously expected. Finally, we applied 3plex to all the lncRNAs collected in RNABSdb and we show that the majority of them could directly bind the genome by TPXs formation.

Data and software are available at https://molinerislab.github.io/RNABSdb/ and https://github.com/molinerisLab/3plex.
The snake-inspired robots: a review
Authors: Yang Xiaolong , Zheng Long , Lü Da , Wang Jinhao , Wang Shukun , Su Hang , Wang Zhixin , Ren Luquan
Published: July 2022

Purpose

Snake-inspired robots are of great significance in many fields because of their great adaptability to the environment. This paper aims to systematically illustrate the research progress of snake-inspired robots according to their application environments. It classifies snake-inspired robots according to the numbers of degrees of freedom in each joint and briefly describes the modeling and control of snake-inspired robots. Finally, the application fields and future development trends of snake-inspired robots are analyzed and discussed.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper summarizes the research progress of snake-inspired robots and clarifies the requirements of snake-inspired robots for self-adaptive environments and multi-functional tasks. By equipping various sensors and tool modules, snake-inspired robots are developed from fixed-point operation in a single environment to autonomous operation in an amphibious environment. Finally, it is pointed out that snake-inspired robots will be developed in terms of rigid and flexible deformable structure, long endurance and multi-function and intelligent autonomous control.

Findings

Inspired by the modular and reconfigurable concepts of biological snakes, snake-inspired robots are well adapted to unknown and changing environments. Therefore, snake-inspired robots will be widely used in industrial, military, medical, post-disaster search and rescue applications. Snake-inspired robots have become a hot research topic in the field of bionic robots.

Originality/value

This paper summarizes the research status of snake-inspired robots, which facilitates the reader to be a comprehensive and systematic understanding of the research progress of snake-inspired robots. This helps the reader to gain inspiration from biological perspectives.
Cloud computing applications in library services of Bangladesh: a study on librarians’ perceptions
Authors: Islam Md. Nazmul , Islam Md. Shariful , Anwar Antora , Alam Mohammed Khalid
Published: July 2022

Purpose

This study aims to find out the current state of cloud-based library services in selected academic and special libraries of Bangladesh. The study also explored some pertinent problems faced by librarians in implementing this new technology in library services and activities.

Design/methodology/approach

The study used a mixed-method approach with a range of exploratory research questions. Purposive sampling technique was used to select the libraries. A set of structured questionnaires was designed to address the objectives of the study. For in-depth analysis, short interviews with the library professionals were also conducted.

Findings

Only four libraries made use of cloud computing services, and they maintained a partial cloud environment. Most responding librarians treated cloud computing as a dynamically scalable infrastructure for applications, data and file storage with charges imposed. Most of the respondents (90%) preferred cloud computing for “Software-as-a-Service”. Due to the high subscription rate (70%), unreliable online payment system (60%) and trading system (60%), librarians treated cloud computing as a burden in providing library services and activities. Respondent librarians were also interviewed for exploring their views on cloud computing in library services. For adopting cloud computing in library services of Bangladesh, “sufficient financial allocation” and “organizations’ positive decision over cloud computing” were mentioned as challenging tasks by the respondents. Finally, the study suggested some solutions to the problem and proposed a model for a cloud-based library system that can be replicated in libraries and information centres of other developing countries too.

Originality/value

This paper encapsulates the overall scenario of cloud-based library activities and services in Bangladesh. Based on the available secondary sources, no empirical study on librarians’ perceptions of cloud computing in library services of Bangladesh has been carried out before this study. Thus, this is perhaps the first attempt to quantitatively measure cloud-based services in Bangladeshi libraries.
Meaningfulness and self-integrity at work amongst older, self-employed women entrepreneurs
Authors: Lindström Sara , Ansio Heli , Steel Tytti
Published: July 2022

Purpose

This study identifies how self-employed older women experience and represent self-integrity – an element and source of meaningfulness – in their work, and how these experiences are intertwined with gendered ageing.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors used thematic analysis, influenced by an intersectional lens, to scrutinise qualitative data generated during a development project, with ten over 55-year-old self-employed women in Finland.

Findings

The study reveals three dominant practices of self-integrity at work: “Respecting one's self-knowledge”, “Using one's professional abilities”, and “Developing as a professional”. Older age was mostly experienced and represented as a characteristic that deepened or strengthened the practices and experiences of self-integrity at work. However, being an older woman partly convoluted that. Self-integrity as a self-employed woman was repeatedly experienced and represented in contrast to the male norm of entrepreneurship.

Originality/value

The authors contribute to the literature on gender and entrepreneurship by highlighting the processual dimensions – how integrity with self is experienced, created and sustained, and how being an older woman relates to self-integrity in self-employment. The results show a nuanced interplay between gender and age: Age and gender both constrain and become assets for older women in self-employment through older women's experiences of self-integrity.
Examining the role of microfinance: a creating shared value perspective
Authors: Rokhim Rofikoh , Lubis Arief Wibisono , Faradynawati Ida Ayu Agung , Perdana Winalda Ajaniara , Deni Yonathan Andrew
Published: July 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to simultaneously examine the role of microfinance from the business and social lenses by using the creating shared value (CSV) framework by Porter and Kramer (2011) in the context of Indonesia.

Design/methodology/approach

A survey among more than 170,000 borrowers of two specific credit schemes by PT Bank Rakyat Indonesia Tbk., the largest microfinance provider in Indonesia, was conducted to understand the perceptions of borrowers on the benefits of microcredit under the CSV framework.

Findings

The result confirms that, overall, the debtors acknowledged the importance of the loans in various aspects of CSV. The highest levels of importance were recorded in the case of stimulating the increase of business revenue growth, business productivity and fulfilling the needs of consumers. Disaggregating the results based on respondents’ demographic characteristics, it is shown that the findings in both credit schemes have a relatively similar pattern in terms of origin, business sectors and the borrowing purpose from.

Originality/value

There have been limited studies that examine the impact of microfinance from both the business and social perspectives. Most studies only use one of these. Implementing the CSV framework allows the authors to fill in the gap and understand how microfinance provides business and social benefits.
Collaborative space: framework for collaborative consumption and the sharing economy
Authors: Akbar Payam , Hoffmann Stefan
Published: July 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to develop and introduce the new concept of the collaborative space.

Design/methodology/approach

Building on an extensive overview of past research and footing on extant conceptual work, the paper chooses an explicating conceptualization approach.

Findings

The paper presents the collaborative space, which features the three bipolar dimensions, namely, the type of consumption (access vs reownership), source of resource (company-owned vs consumer-owned) and the type of compensation (with vs without monetary fee). These dimensions open up multiple areas of the collaborative space, including the pseudo sharing economy, sharing ecology, redistribution markets and redistribution communities.

Research limitations/implications

The paper shows blind spots in the literature as well as the need to consider the consumption context to outline directions for future research.

Practical implications

For managers, this paper develops a foundation for entering, exploring and exploiting the collaborative space along the stages acquisition, distribution, consumption and compensation.

Social implications

Collaborative consumption is associated with community-building, resource saving and sustainability. The conceptualization of the collaborative spaces provides different options to enable more sustainable consumption and raise social exchange between consumers.

Originality/value

So far, an overarching framework that reveals similarities and differences of business models that are associated with collaborative consumption and the sharing economy is missing. This paper develops this framework, which is labelled the collaborative space.
Challenges in combating corruption in Malaysia: issues of leadership, culture and money politics
Authors: Jones David Seth
Published: July 2022

Purpose

The aim of the paper is to analyse the prevalence of corruption in Malaysia since 2004 in relation to political leadership, implementation of anti-corruption measures and the political and business culture based on money politics.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper draws from the information and data provided by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission, the Malaysian government, international organisations, media reports, and academic papers.

Findings

The paper analyses the perceived extent of corruption in Malaysia by examining how successive governments have dealt with the problem through a wide range of measures. Corruption remains widespread because of ineffective implementation, a culture of money politics based on mutually beneficial crony associations between political actors and business leaders, political interference to frustrate enforcement against corruption offenders, especially prominent personalities, and the mixed impact of corruption prevention measures. The paper concludes that the political and business culture and the nature of political leadership have eroded the political will to combat grand corruption in Malaysia.

Originality/value

This paper builds on previous research on corruption in Malaysia and highlights the combined negative impact of political leadership and a business and political culture that tolerates and espouses corruption, especially through money politics, and the consequent weak political will for tackling grand corruption.
Formaldehyde gas sensing using metal oxide semiconductor: a brief review
Authors: Ishak Syafiqah , Johari Shazlina , Ramli Muhammad Mahyiddin , Darminto Darminto
Published: July 2022

Purpose

This review aims to give an overview about zinc oxide (ZnO) based gas sensors and the role of doping in enhancing the gas sensing properties. Gas sensors based on ZnO thin film are preferred for sensing applications because of their modifiable surface morphology, very large surface-to-volume ratio and superior stability due to better crystallinity. The gas detection mechanism involves surface reaction, in which the adsorption of gas molecules on the ZnO thin film affects its conductivity and reduces its electrical properties. One way to enhance the gas sensing properties is by doping ZnO with other elements. A few of the common and previously used dopants include tin (Sn), nickel (Ni) and gallium (Ga).

Design/methodology/approach

In this brief review, previous works on doped-ZnO formaldehyde sensing devices are presented and discussed.

Findings

Most devices provided good sensing performance with low detection limits. The reported operating temperatures were within the range of 200̊C –400̊C. The performance of the gas sensors can be improved by modifying their nanostructures and/or adding dopants.

Originality/value

As of yet, a specific review on formaldehyde gas sensors based on ZnO metal semiconductors has not been done.
Impact of Medicare eligibility on informal caregiving for surgery and stroke
Authors: De Roo Ana C. , Ha Jinkyung , Regenbogen Scott E. , Hoffman Geoffrey J.
Published: July 2022

Objective

To assess whether the intensity of family and friend care changes after older individuals enroll in Medicare at age 65.

Data Sources

Health and Retirement Study survey data (1998–2018).

Study Design

We compared informal care received by patients hospitalized for stroke, heart surgery, or joint surgery and who were stratified into propensity‐weighted pre‐ and post‐Medicare eligibility cohorts. A regression discontinuity design compared the self‐reported likelihood of any care receipt, weekly hours of overall informal care, and intensity of informal care (hours among those receiving any care) at Medicare eligibility.

Data Collection

Not applicable.

Principal Findings

A total of 2270 individuals were included; 1674 (73.7%) stroke, 240 (10.6%) heart surgery, and 356 (15.7%) joint surgery patients. Mean (SD) care received was 20.0 (42.1) weekly hours. Of the 1214 (53.5%) patients who received informal care, the mean (SD) care receipt was 37.4 (51.7) weekly hours. Mean (SD) overall weekly care received was 23.4 (45.5), 13.9 (35.8), and 7.8 (21.6) for stroke, heart surgery, and joint surgery patients, respectively. The onset of Medicare eligibility was associated with a 13.6 percentage‐point decrease in the probability of informal care received for stroke patients (p = 0.003) but not in the other acute care cohorts. Men had a 16.8 percentage‐point decrease (p = 0.002) in the probability of any care receipt.

Conclusions

Medicare coverage was associated with a substantial decrease in family and friend caregiving use for stroke patients. Informal care may substitute for rather than complement restorative care, given that Medicare is known to expand the use of postacute care. The observed spillover effect of Medicare coverage on informal caregiving has implications for patient function and caregiver burden and should be considered in episode‐based reimbursement models that alter professional rehabilitative care intensity.
A novel circ_0000654/miR‐375/E2F3 ceRNA network in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Luo Chunyu , Zhao Xiaowei , Wang Yuan , Li Yanqiu , Wang Tuo , Li Shumin
Published: July 2022

Background

The competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) activity of circular RNAs (circRNAs) has been implicated in the pathogenesis of cancers, including esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). Here, we identified the ceRNA mechanism of circ_0000654 regulation in ESCC.

Methods

The levels of circ_0000654, E2F transcription factor 3 (E2F3), and microRNA (miR)‐375 were gauged by quantitative real‐time PCR (qRT‐PCR) and western blot. Cell proliferation was assessed by 3‐(4,5‐dimethylthiazol‐2‐yl)‐5‐(3‐carboxymethoxyphenyl)‐2‐(4‐sulfophenyl)‐2H‐tetrazolium (MTS) and 5‐ethynyl‐2′‐deoxyuridine (EdU) assays. Cell apoptosis was detected by flow cytometry. Cell colony formation was tested by colony formation assay. Dual‐luciferase reporter, RNA pull‐down and RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP) assays were performed to confirm the direct relationship between miR‐375 and circ_0000654 or E2F3. Xenograft model assays were used to evaluate the effect of circ_0000654 in vivo.

Results

Circ_0000654 and E2F3 were upregulated in ESCC. Circ_0000654 depletion enhanced cell apoptosis and hindered cell proliferation and glycolysis in vitro, as well as weakened tumor growth in vivo. Increased expression of E2F3 counteracted the effects of circ_0000654 depletion. Mechanistically, E2F3 was a target of miR‐375, and circ_0000654 modulated E2F3 expression through sequestering miR‐375. Furthermore, miR‐375 upregulation phenocopied circ_0000654 knockdown in inhibiting ESCC progression.

Conclusion

Our findings identify a new circ_0000654/miR‐375/E2F3 ceRNA crosstalk for the oncogenic role of circ_0000654 in ESCC and establish a notion that targeting circ_0000654 and its pathways may have the potential to improve ESCC outcome.
A retrospective study of the efficacy and safety of naldemedine for opioid‐induced constipation in thoracic cancer patients
Authors: Imai Hisao , Fujita Yukiyoshi , Hiruta Eriko , Masuno Takashi , Yamazaki Shigeki , Tanaka Hajime , Kamiya Teruhiko , Sandoh Mitsuru , Takei Satoshi , Arai Kazuya , Nishiba Hiromi , Mogi Junnosuke , Kaira Kyoichi , Minato Koichi
Published: July 2022

Background

We conducted a multicenter, retrospective study on the efficacy and safety of naldemedine in thoracic cancer patients using opioids in clinical practice.

Methods

We retrospectively evaluated thoracic cancer patients treated with naldemedine at 10 institutions in Japan. Clinical data of patients administered naldemedine between June 2017 and August 2019 were extracted from electronic medical records. Inclusion criteria were as follows: (i) patients hospitalized for at least seven days before and after naldemedine administration, and (ii) those whose frequency of defecation was entered in the medical records.

Results

Forty patients were analyzed, and defecation frequency was observed for at least seven days before and after naldemedine administration. The response rate was 65.0% (95% CI: 50.2%–79.7%). The number of defecations increased significantly after naldemedine administration in the overall population, as well as among only those who defecated <3 times/week before naldemedine administration, and those that were administered ≥30 mg/day of morphine equivalent. Diarrhea was the most common adverse event in all grades, occurring in 11 patients (27.5%), of which 9 (81.8%) were grade 1 or 2. None of the patients experienced grade 4 or higher adverse events.

Conclusion

The efficacy and safety of naldemedine for thoracic cancer patients in clinical practice were comparable with those of prospective studies, which suggest that naldemedine may be effective and feasible for most thoracic cancer patients.
An evaluation of the impacts of the adoption of IFRS 15 Revenue from Contracts with Customers
Authors: Onie Sebastian , Ma Le , Spiropoulos Helen , Wells Peter
Published: July 2022

This paper evaluates the impact of IFRS 15 Revenue from Contracts with Customers on the value relevance of financial reports for Australian listed firms. We find that for most firms the impacts of transition were immaterial, however some firms experienced a significant reduction in earnings and/or retained earnings and for these firms the value relevance of earnings was generally lower in the pre‐adoption period compared to firms in which there was no material impact. Post adoption, there is little evidence that the standard improved the relevance of earnings generally.
Adult smokers’ discussions about vaping with health professionals and subsequent behavior change: a cohort study
Authors: Cho Yoo Jin , Thrasher James F. , Gravely Shannon , Alberg Anthony , Borland Ron , Yong Hua‐Hie , Cummings K. Michael , Hitchman Sara C. , Fong Geoffrey T.
Published: July 2022

Aims

To measure the prevalence and changes in smokers’ discussions with health professionals (HPs) about nicotine vaping products (NVPs) and HPs’ recommendations about NVPs between 2016 and 2020, and their associations with tobacco product use transitions.

Design

Cohort study using multinomial logistic regression analyses on data from waves 1 (2016), 2 (2018) and 3 (2020) from the International Tobacco Control Four Country Smoking and Vaping Surveys.

Setting

Four countries with varying NVP regulatory environments: ‘most restrictive’ (Australia), ‘somewhat restrictive’ (Canada) and ‘less restrictive’ (England and the United States).

Participants

Adult exclusive daily smokers who did not report NVP use at the time of their baseline survey and had visited a HP in the last 12–24 months. Prevalence data came from 4125, 4503 and 4277 respondents, respectively, for each year. Longitudinal data were from 4859 respondents who participated in at least two consecutive surveys.

Measurements

Prevalence of self‐reported discussions with HPs and recommendations from HPs about NVPs. Longitudinal transitions from smoking to vaping (either exclusively or concurrently with smoking) and quitting (regardless of NVP uptake).

Findings

The prevalence of NVP discussions was low among countries with varying regulatory environments and study waves (range = 1.4–6.2%). In 2020, a low percentage of smokers who discussed NVPs with a HP reported that their HPs recommended they use NVPs in the United States (14.7%), Australia (20.2%), Canada (25.7%), with a higher percentage in England (55.7%) where clinical guidelines for smoking cessation include NVPs. Compared with 12.0% of smokers who reported no discussion, 37.0% of those whose HPs recommended NVPs transitioned to vaping at follow‐up. Transition to quitting was 9.6% with HPs’ recommendation of NVPs versus 13.5% without discussion, a non‐significant difference.

Conclusions

In Australia, Canada, England and the United States between 2016 and 2020, health professionals’ discussions with smokers about nicotine vaping products (NVPs) were infrequent. NVP discussions were associated with NVP uptake, but not with quitting smoking.
Screening the Tocriscreen™ bioactive compound library in search for inhibitors of Candida biofilm formation
Authors: Abduljalil Hafsa , Bakri Ahmed , Albashaireh Khawlah , Alshanta Om Alkhir , Brown Jason L. , Sherry Leighann , Kean Ryan , Nile Christopher , McLean William , Ramage Gordon
Published: July 2022

Biofilms formed by Candida species present a significant clinical problem due to the ineffectiveness of many conventional antifungal agents, in particular the azole class. We urgently require new and clinically approved antifungal agents quickly for treatment of critically ill patients. To improve efficiency in antifungal drug development, we utilized a library of 1280 biologically active molecules within the Tocriscreen 2.0 Micro library. Candida auris NCPF 8973 and Candida albicans SC5314 were initially screened for biofilm inhibitory activity using metabolic and biomass quantitative assessment methods, followed up by targeted evaluation of five selected hits. The initial screening (80% metabolic inhibition rate) revealed that there was 90 and 87 hits (approx. 7%) for C. albicans and C. auris, respectively. Additionally, all five compounds selected from the initial hits exhibited a biofilm inhibition effect against several key Candida species tested, including C. glabrata and C. krusei. Toyocamycin displayed the most potent activity at concentrations as low as 0.5 μg/mL, though was limited to inhibition. Darapladib demonstrated an efficacy for biofilm inhibition and treatment at a concentration range from 8 to 32 μg/mL and from 16 to 256 μg/mL, respectively. Combinational testing with conventional antifungals against C. albicans strains demonstrated a range of synergies for planktonic cells, and notably an anti‐biofilm synergy for darapladib and caspofungin. Together, these data provide new insights into antifungal management possibilities for Candida biofilms.
The expression of nutrient chemosensing gate molecules in the ileum and colon is altered for goats fed on a high‐grain diet
Authors: Tian Changxin , Wu Jian , Jiao Jinzhen , Zhou Chuanshe , Tan Zhiliang
Published: July 2022

Limited knowledge is clarified about alterations in the related expression of nutrient chemosensors in the distal small intestine and hindgut under a high‐grain (HG) diet in small ruminants. Herein, this study was performed to investigate the expression changes related to nutrient sensing and transport in the ileal and colonic epithelium of goats in response to feeding an HG diet. Twelve Liuyang black goats (similar age and weight) were randomly assigned into two groups: an HG diet (concentrate: hay = 90:10) and a CON diet (concentrate: hay = 55:45). Immunohistochemistry was applied to detect morphological changes in the gut epithelium together with altered expression of chemosensors in the ileum and colon. The results showed that feeding an HG diet increased ileal villus height and depth and induced mucosal sloughing in the colon. The expressions of the nutrient transporters GLUT2, GLUT5, SGLT2, CD36, rBAT, EAAT3, and LAT2 and sensing receptors GPR43 and T1R1 were promoted in the ileum under HG conditions. Moreover, feeding an HG diet also enhanced the expression of GLUT2, SGLT2, CD36, and GPR43 in the colon. These findings indicate that adaptation of the gastrointestinal tract to the HG diet promoted the absorption of glucose, fatty acids, and amino acids in goats.
Antimicrobial effects of four chemical additives on fermentation quality, aerobic stability, and in vitro ruminal digestibility of total mixed ration silage prepared with local food by‐products
Authors: Han Zhe , Xu Guofeng , Wang Siran , Dai Tongtong , Dong Dong , Zong Cheng , Yin Xuejing , Jia Yushan , Shao Tao
Published: July 2022

The objective of the work is to evaluate the effects of four chemical additives on fermentation quality, aerobic stability, and in vitro ruminal digestibility of total mixed ration (TMR) silage. TMR containing 15% spent mushroom substrate, 25% soybean sauce residue, 45% napiergrass (Pennisetum purpureum (L.) Schum.), and 15% concentrate was ensiled with the following: (1) no additives (control), (2) potassium sorbate (PS, 0.1%), (3) sodium benzoate (SB, 0.1%), (4) sodium diacetate (SDA, 0.5%), and (5) calcium propionate (CAP, 0.5%) based on fresh weight. All silos (10 L) were opened for fermentation quality, in vitro ruminal digestibility analysis after 60 days of ensiling, and then subjected to aerobic stability test for 9 days. All TMR silages were well‐conserved, as indicated by low pH, butyric acid, and ammonia nitrogen contents. During aerobic exposure, SDA was more stable with higher (p < 0.05) lactic acid and acetic acid contents and lower (p < 0.05) yeast counts than other TMR silages. In addition, SDA significantly (p < 0.05) increased cumulate gas production and in vitro dry matter digestibility compared with the control. Overall, SDA is recommended as additives to improve fermentation quality, in vitro ruminal digestibility, and aerobic stability of TMR silage prepared with local food by‐products.
Acute disseminated encephalomyelitis in an elderly patient following pneumococcal vaccination with extremely high cerebrospinal fluid interleukin‐6
Authors: Kira Yuu‐ichi , Tashiro Takumi , Maeda Norihisa
Published: July 2022

Background

Postvaccination acute disseminated encephalomyelitis (ADEM) may develop 2–30 days after vaccination. However, ADEM following pneumococcal vaccination has never been reported.

Case presentation

We report a 73‐year‐old woman with ADEM following pneumococcal vaccination. She developed acute fever and consciousness disturbance 17 days after the second administration of 23‐valent pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine (PPSV23). Head magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed numerous T2‐high lesions, mainly involving the cerebral and cerebellar white matter and brainstem. Cerebrospinal fluid examination showed polymorphonuclear pleocytosis and markedly elevated interleukin‐6 (58,400 pg/ml). Her symptoms and MRI lesions were promptly resolved by steroid pulse therapy, with no relapse.

Conclusion

Although PPSV23 is recommended for elderly individuals, this case highlights the risk of ADEM caused by unexpected immune activation following repeated administration of the vaccine.
CircNFIX regulates chondrogenesis and cartilage homeostasis by targeting the miR758‐3p/KDM6A axis
Authors: Liao Hongyi , Tu Qingqiang , Kang Yunze , Mao Guping , Li Zhiwen , Hu Shu , Sheng Puyi , Wang Xudong , Xu Yiyang , Long Dianbo , Xu Yuanyuan , Kang Yan , Zhang Ziji
Published: July 2022

Objectives

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a degenerative disease causing the progressive destruction of articular cartilage; however, the aetiology has not yet been elucidated. Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are reportedly involved in cartilage degeneration and OA development. In the present study, we identified that circNFIX regulates chondrogenesis and cartilage homeostasis.

Materials and Methods

Microarray analysis was performed to explore circRNA expression during the chondrogenic differentiation of human adipose‐drived stem cells (hADSCs). CircNFIX expression was determined using quantitative reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction and in situ hybridization. Gain‐ and loss‐of‐function assays were performed to validate the role of circNFIX in cartilage homeostasis. RNA pull‐down, Argonaute2‐RNA immunoprecipitation and luciferase reporter assays were performed to evaluate the interactions among circNFIX, miR758‐3p and KDM6A.

Results

CircNFIX expression was upregulated in the early and middle stages, whereas downregulated in the late stage of hADSC chondrogenesis. CircNFIX inhibition attenuated hADSC chondrogenesis. CircNFIX was remarkably downregulated in OA samples, circNFIX overexpression protected against chondrocyte degradation and alleviated OA progression in the destabilization of the medial meniscus OA model. Mechanistically, circNFIX acted as a sponge of miR758‐3p and played a role in the chondrogenesis and chondrocyte degeneration by targeting the miR‐758‐3p/KDM6A axis.

Conclusions

Our results revealed a key role of circNFIX in chondrogenesis and cartilage homeostasis, which may provide a potential therapeutic strategy for OA treatment.
Project management education through simulation: Achieving reliability, relevance, and reality in a “messy” environment
Authors: Tarpey Richard J.
Published: July 2022

Project management (PM) work readiness requires preparation beyond the knowledge of concepts and best practices to develop and practice soft skills needed for successful project management. This article proposes a methodology that combines real‐world practitioner tools, PM processes, and a Microsoft Excel‐based PM Simulator to create a “messy” project environment for students to apply concepts supported by soft skill practice. This methodology addresses a gap in classroom strategies focusing on soft skill development via practice rather than knowledge conveyance for PM education. Faculty provides a project case study for students to plan and execute, starting with charter development and carrying through project execution. This article illustrates one potential case study, but any project planning case study can be used with the PM Simulator as long as the project plan from the case has fewer than 100 individual tasks (PM Simulator constraint). Faculty can control complexity to prevent unwinnable and overly easy scenarios preventing students from becoming frustrated or bored, each a potential learning roadblock. The simulation of an unpredictable project environment occurs as students are faced with challenges that they must assess and overcome. Two pilot implementations successfully demonstrated that students learned to create incremental project artifacts such as charters, project plans, status reports, and learned schedule versus budget‐balancing concepts.
Powder‐fed directed energy deposition of soda lime silica glass on glass substrates
Authors: Spirrett Fiona , Datsiou Kyriaki Corinna , Magallanes Marlin , Ashcroft Ian , Goodridge Ruth
Published: July 2022

Novel glass processing by powder‐fed directed energy deposition was explored as a method of adding glass décor to glass surfaces and bottles. Consistent, semitransparent, single‐line tracks of soda lime silica glass could be processed onto glass substrates of the same composition, without significant cracks forming in the substrate. A suitable processing window was found with laser power and scan speed showing independent effects on processing. Consideration of processing surface conditions and reduction of laser transmission through transparent substrates was necessary, and the use of an adhesive tape layer aided adhesion of glass feedstock to substrate surfaces. The work demonstrates the potential for a one‐step method of glass bottle decoration for the packaging industry, with scope to create 3D designs of high geometric complexity and customizability on glass substrates, thereby adding value to glass packaging by brand differentiation without the high costs associated with molds and tooling.
Systemic treatment of children and adolescents with atopic dermatitis aged ≥2 years: a Delphi consensus project mapping expert opinion in Northern Europe
Authors: de Graaf M. , Janmohamed S.R. , Schuttelaar M.L.A. , Agner T. , Alfonso J.H. , De Schepper S. , Deleuran M. , Despontin K. , Elenius V. , Ghislain P.‐D. , Huilaja L. , Johansson E.K. , Kvenshagen B.K. , Mandelin J.M. , Olset H. , Svensson A. , van Tuyll van Serooskerken A.M. , Thyssen J.P. , Vestergaard C.
Published: July 2022

Background

Paediatric atopic dermatitis (AD) can be burdensome, affecting mental health and impairing quality of life for children and caregivers. Comprehensive guidelines exist for managing paediatric AD, but practical guidance on using systemic therapy is limited, particularly for new therapies including biologics and Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors, recently approved for various ages in this indication.

Objectives

This expert consensus aimed to provide practical recommendations within this advancing field to enhance clinical decision‐making on the use of these and other systemics for children and adolescents aged ≥2 years with moderate‐to‐severe AD.

Methods

Nineteen physicians from Northern Europe were selected for their expertise in managing childhood AD. Using a two‐round Delphi process, they reached full or partial consensus on 37 statements.

Results

Systemic therapy is recommended for children aged ≥2 years with a clear clinical diagnosis of severe AD and persistent disease uncontrolled after optimizing non‐systemic therapy. Systemic therapy should achieve long‐term disease control and reduce short‐term interventions. Recommended are cyclosporine A for short‐term use (all ages) and dupilumab or methotrexate for long‐term use (ages ≥6 years). Consensus was not reached on the best long‐term systemics for children aged 2–6 years, although new systemic therapies will likely become favourable: New biologics and JAK inhibitors will soon be approved for this age group, and more trial and real‐world data will become available.

Conclusions

This article makes practical recommendations on the use of systemic AD treatments for children and adolescents, to supplement international and regional guidelines. It considers the systemic medication that was available for children and adolescents with moderate‐to‐severe AD at the time this consensus project was done: azathioprine, cyclosporine A, dupilumab, methotrexate, mycophenolate mofetil and oral glucocorticosteroids. We focus on the geographically similar Northern European countries, whose healthcare systems, local preferences for AD management and reimbursement structures nonetheless differ significantly.
Risk factors for severe perineal lacerations during childbirth: A systematic review and meta‐analysis of cohort studies
Authors: Hu Yinchu , Lu Hong , Huang Qifang , Ren Lihua , Wang Na , Huang Jing , Yang Minghui , Cao Linlin
Published: July 2022

Aims and objectives

To evaluate and quantify the best available evidence regarding risk factors for severe perineal lacerations.

Background

Many studies have evaluated the risk factors for severe perineal lacerations. However, the results of those studies are inconsistent, and meta‐analysis which thoroughly evaluates the risk factors for severe perineal lacerations is still lacking.

Design

Systematic review and meta‐analysis of cohort studies based on the PRISMA guideline.

Methods

PubMed, Embase, the Cochrane Library, CINAHL, ClinicalTrials.gov, CNKI, Wanfang Data, VIP and SinoMed were systematically searched for cohort studies reporting at least one risk factor for severe perineal lacerations from 1 January 2000 to 2 June 2021. Two reviewers independently conducted quality appraisal by NOS scale and extracted data. Data synthesis was conducted via RevMan 5.3 using a random‐effects or fixed‐effects model.

Results

A total of 47 studies with 7,043,218 women were included. The results showed that prior caesarean delivery (OR: 1.46, 95% CI 1.12–1.92) and pre‐pregnant underweight (OR: 1.31, 95% CI 1.22–1.41) significantly increased the risk of severe perineal lacerations. The results also demonstrated that episiotomy was protective against severe perineal lacerations in forceps delivery (OR: 0.56, 95% CI 0.42–0.74), but not spontaneous vaginal delivery (OR: 1.30, 95% CI 0.81–2.07) or vacuum delivery (OR: 0.76, 95% CI 0.45–1.28). Nulliparity, foetus in occipitoposterior or occipitotransverse position, and midline episiotomy were also independent risk factors for severe perineal lacerations.

Conclusions

Severe perineal lacerations are associated with many factors, and evidence‐based risk assessment tools are needed to guide the midwives and obstetricians to estimate women's risk of severe perineal lacerations.

Relevance to clinical practice

This systematic review and meta‐analysis identified some important risk factors for severe perineal lacerations, which provides comprehensive insights to guide the midwives to assess women's risk for severe perineal lacerations and take appropriate preventive measures to decrease the risk.
Risk factors of delirium after gastrointestinal surgery: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Wang Xiaoyu , Yu Dongdong , Du Yanru , Geng Jianlei
Published: July 2022

Background

Postoperative delirium is one of the common complications after any major surgery such as gastrointestinal surgery. And it is related to increased mortality and morbidity and other serious surgical outcomes.

Aims

This study aims to identify risk factors for postoperative delirium in patients undergoing gastrointestinal surgery.

Materials and Methods

Relevant studies published before August 2021 were searched on Pubmed, Embase and Medline. The risk of bias of included studies was assessed by Newcastle–Ottawa Scale (NOS). A random‐effects model of DerSimonian‐Laird was used to synthesise the overall ORs or RRs for all risk factors. MOOSE checklist was used to review this manuscript.

Results

A total of 21 studies including 6165 patients were finally included for quantitative analysis. The pooled incidence of postoperative delirium is 11% (95% CI: 9%‐15%). 16 risk factors were identified, in which age, sex, alcohol consumption, cerebrovascular diseases, cardiovascular diseases, use of sleeping pills, history of delirium, preoperative C‐reactive protein (CRP) levels, operation time, blood loss and perioperative blood transfusion were statistically significant while smoking, American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) score, performance status, diabetes and operation approach were insignificant.

Discussion

This meta‐analysis may provide tips for nursing staff and surgeons to design and implement prevention programmes to reduce the incidence of postoperative delirium.

Conclusion

Potential risk factors of delirium after gastrointestinal surgery are age, sex, alcohol consumption, cerebrovascular diseases, cardiovascular diseases, use of sleeping pills, history of delirium, preoperative CRP levels, operation time, blood loss and blood transfusion.