bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Development and Validation of a Protocol for Pregnant Women Based on the Brazilian Dietary Guidelines
Authors: Tramontt Cláudia Raulino , Jesus Juliana Giaj Levra de , Santos Thanise Sabrina Souza , Rauber Fernanda , Louzada Maria Laura da Costa , Couto Vanessa Del Castillo , Hochberg Jacqueline Resende Berriel , Jaime Patrícia Constante
Published: December 2022

Objective To develop and validate a protocol for the use of the Dietary Guidelines for the Brazilian Population (DGBP) in the individual dietary advice for pregnant women assisted in primary healthcare (PHC).

Methods Methodological study that involved the elaboration of a protocol in six steps: definition of the format, definition of the instrument to evaluate food consumption, systematization of evidence on food and nutrition needs of pregnant women, extraction of DGBP recommendations, development of messages of dietary guidelines and content, and face validity. The analyses of the validation steps were carried out by calculating the Content Validity Index (CVI) and thematic content analysis.

Results As products of the steps, the protocol structure was defined and the dietary advice for pregnant women were elaborated, considering physiological changes, food consumption, nutritional and health needs, and socioeconomic conditions of this population. The protocol was well evaluated by experts and health professionals in terms of clarity, relevance (CVI > 0.8), and applicability. In addition, the participants made some suggestions to improve the clarity of the messages and to expand the applicability of the instrument with Brazilian pregnant women.

Conclusion The instrument developed fills a gap in clinical protocols on dietary advice for pregnant women focused on promoting a healthy diet, contributing to a healthy pregnancy. In addition, it demonstrates potential to contribute to the qualification of PHC professionals and to the implementation of the DGBP recommendations.
Experience of a Tertiary Service in the Treatment of Women with Cervical Pregnancy
Authors: Mori Karen Hiromi , Tavares Bárbara Virgínia , Yela Daniela Angerame , Baccaro Luis Francisco Cintra , Juliato Cassia Raquel Teatin
Published: December 2022

Objective Cervical pregnancy is challenging for the medical community, as it is potentially fatal. The treatment can be medical or surgical; however, there are no protocols that establish the best option for each case. The objective of the present study was to describe the cases of cervical pregnancy admitted to a tertiary university hospital over a period of 18 years.

Methods A retrospective study based on a review of the medical records of all cervical pregnancies admitted to the Women's Hospital at Universidade Estadual de Campinas, Southeastern Brazil, from 2000 to 2018.

Results We identified 13 cases of cervical pregnancy out of a total of 673 ectopic pregnancies; only 1 case was initially treated with surgery because of hemodynamic instability. Of the 12 cases treated conservatively, 7 were treated with single-dose intramuscular methotrexate, 1, with intravenous and intramuscular methotrexate, 1, with intravenous methotrexate, 1, with 2 doses of intramuscular methotrexate, and 2, with intra-amniotic methotrexate. Of these cases, one had a therapeutic failure that required a hysterectomy. Two women received blood transfusions. Four women required cervical tamponade with a Foley catheter balloon for hemostasis. There was no fatal outcome.

Conclusion Cervical pregnancy is a rare and challenging condition from diagnosis to treatment. Conservative treatment was the primary method of therapy used, with satisfactory results. In cases of increased bleeding, cervical curettage was the initial treatment, and it was associated with the use of a cervical balloon for hemostasis.
Cross-cultural validation of the Cebuano version of a screening questionnaire for Parkinson's disease
Authors: Dakay Daryl , Tangcalagan Faith , Villanueva III Emilio , Abejero Joshua , Saranza Gerard ,   on behalf of the Philippine Parkinson's disease Prevalence Study Group
Published: December 2022

Background In the Philippines, the exact prevalence of Parkinson's disease (PD) has not yet been determined. Although cases can be extrapolated from medical registries, this method may undermine actual case rates. A reliable screening tool for PD is essential for a timely diagnosis and community-based epidemiological studies. The most widely used screening questionnaire for PD diagnosis was developed by Tanner et al., which consists of nine questions about the motor symptoms of PD. Although this questionnaire has been translated to several languages, the translated version must be validated for use in our local setting.

Objective To determine the validity of the Cebuano version of a PD screening questionnaire.

Method The questionnaire was translated from English to Cebuano by a hired language specialist. Each item was supplied with a yes, no, or don't know answer. A total of 73 patients with PD and 244 control subjects completed the study.

Results The overall Cronbach alpha for internal consistency of the questionnaire was 0.9410. The item on tremor had the highest sensitivity (97.26%), while the item on problems with buttoning had the highest specificity (100.00%). A cut-off score  ≥ 3 obtained the best Youden index (99.18%), with a sensitivity of 100.00% and a specificity of 99.18%. The questionnaire had an almost perfect predictive ability to diagnose PD (AUC of 0.9994).

Conclusion The translated version of the Tanner questionnaire is a validated instrument to identify PD in a literate Cebuano population.
Relationship between the Prenatal Diagnosis of Placenta Acreta Spectrum and Lower Use of Blood Components
Authors: Pavón-Gomez Néstor , López Rita , Altamirano Luis , Cabrera Sugey Bravo , Rosales Gusmara Porras , Chamorro Sergio , González Karen , Morales Amparo , Maya Juliana , Sinisterra Stiven , Nieto-Calvache Albaro José
Published: December 2022

Objective To describe the clinical results of patients admitted and managed as cases of placenta accreta spectrum (PAS) at a Central American public hospital and the influence of the prenatal diagnosis on the condition.

Materials and Methods A retrospective analysis of PAS patients treated at Hospital Bertha Calderón Roque, in Managua, Nicaragua, between June 2017 and September 2021. The diagnostic criteria used were those of the International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (Fédération Internationale de Gynécologie et d'Obstétrique, FIGO, in French). The population was divided into patients with a prenatal ultrasonographic diagnosis of PAS (group 1) and those whose the diagnosis of PAS was established at the time of the caesarean section (group 2).

Results: During the search, we found 103 cases with a histological and/or clinical diagnosis of PAS; groups 1 and 2 were composed of 51 and 52 patients respectively. Regarding the clinical results of both groups, the patients in group 1 presented a lower frequency of transfusions (56.9% versus 96.1% in group 2), use of a lower number of red blood cell units (RBCUs) among those undergoing transfusions (median: 1; interquartile range: [IQR]: 0–4 versus median: 3; [IQR]: 2–4] in group 2), and lower frequency of 4 or more RBCU transfusions (29.4% versus 46.1% in group 2). Group 1 also exhibited a non-significant trend toward a lower volume of blood loss (1,000 mL [IQR]: 750–2,000 mL versus 1,500 mL [IQR]: 1,200–1,800 mL in group 2), and lower requirement of pelvic packing (1.9% versus 7.7% in group 2).

Conclusion Establishing a prenatal diagnosis of PAS is related to a lower frequency of transfusions. We observed a high frequency of prenatal diagnostic failures of PAS. It is a priority to improve prenatal detection of this disease.
Clinicopathological and prognostic significance of COX-2 in glioma patients: a meta-analysis
Authors: Wang Jun , Xiang Chenyan , Cai Yi , Mei Ziyi , Lu Qianqian , Liu Binbin , Zou Lili
Published: December 2022

Background In recent years, cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) has been identified as a cancer stem cell (CSC) marker in gliomas. Nevertheless, the clinical and prognostic significance of COX-2 in glioma patients remains controversial.

Objective To evaluate the correlation of COX-2 with the prognosis in glioma patients.

Methods Eligible studies on this subject were included, and pooled odd ratios (ORs) and hazard ratios (HRs) with 95% confidence intervals (95%CIs) were estimated. Publication bias was assessed through funnel plots, and heterogeneity and sensitivity were analyzed as well.

Results In the present study, 11 articles with a total of 641 patients were included. The high expression of COX-2 in glioma patients was negatively associated with overall survival (OS) (n = 11; HR = 2.26; 95%CI = 1.79–2.86), and the subgroup analysis showed no differences in OS between Asian (n = 5; HR = 2.16; 95%CI = 1.57–2.97) and non-Asian (n = 6; HR = 2.39; 95%CI = 1.69–3.38) glioma patients. The Begg funnel plots test indicated that there was no evident risk of publication bias in the meta-analysis.

Conclusion The present study suggests that COX-2 could be recommended as a useful pathological and prognostic biomarker in the clinical practice.
Genomic diversification of the specialized parasite of the fungus-growing ant symbiosis
Authors: Gotting Kirsten , May Daniel S. , Sosa-Calvo Jeffrey , Khadempour Lily , Francoeur Charlotte B. , Berasategui Aileen , Thairu Margaret W. , Sandstrom Shelby , Carlson Caitlin M. , Chevrette Marc G. , Pupo Mônica T. , Bugni Tim S. , Schultz Ted R. , Johnston J. Spencer , Gerardo Nicole M. , Currie Cameron R.
Published: December 2022

Fungi shape the diversity of life. Characterizing the evolution of fungi is critical to understanding symbiotic associations across kingdoms. In this study, we investigate the genomic and metabolomic diversity of the genus
Escovopsis
, a specialized parasite of fungus-growing ant gardens. Based on 25 high-quality draft genomes, we show that
Escovopsis
forms a monophyletic group arising from a mycoparasitic fungal ancestor 61.82 million years ago (Mya). Across the evolutionary history of fungus-growing ants, the dates of origin of most clades of
Escovopsis
correspond to the dates of origin of the fungus-growing ants whose gardens they parasitize. We reveal that genome reduction, determined by both genomic sequencing and flow cytometry, is a consistent feature across the genus
Escovopsis,
largely occurring in coding regions, specifically in the form of gene loss and reductions in copy numbers of genes. All functional gene categories have reduced copy numbers, but resistance and virulence genes maintain functional diversity. Biosynthetic gene clusters (BGCs) contribute to phylogenetic differences among
Escovopsis
spp., and sister taxa in the Hypocreaceae. The phylogenetic patterns of co-diversification among BGCs are similarly exhibited across mass spectrometry analyses of the metabolomes of
Escovopsis
and their sister taxa. Taken together, our results indicate that
Escovopsis
spp. evolved unique genomic repertoires to specialize on the fungus-growing ant-microbe symbiosis.
Cooperative dynamics in two-component out-of-equilibrium systems: molecular ‘spinning tops’
Authors: Dotsenko Victor S , Viot Pascal , Imparato Alberto , Oshanin Gleb
Published: December 2022

We study the two-dimensional Langevin dynamics of a mixture of two types of particles that live respectively at two different temperatures. Dynamics is constrained by an optical trap and the dissimilar species interact via a quadratic potential. We realize that the system evolves toward a peculiar non-equilibrium steady-state with a non-zero probability current possessing a non-zero curl. This implies that if the particles were to have a finite-size and therefore a rotational degree of freedom, they would experience a torque generated by the non-zero local curl and spin around their geometric centers, like ‘spinning top’ toys. Our analysis shows that the spinning motion is correlated and also reveals an emerging cooperative behavior of the spatial components of the probability currents of dissimilar species.
Utilization of lignite coal ash and steel slag in fly ash brick manufacturing: A review
Authors: Balaji G , Pavan P S , gautam Dipesh , Ashok P , Suganth V , Vetturayasudharsanan R
Published: December 2022

Brick plays an important role in the construction industry due their excellent properties like compressive strength and durability. From the earliest times they were considered an important factor in the purpose of the building. Considering the different types of bricks, fly bricks are the best in recent times because they are resource intensive and cost effective. This article provides an up-to-date review of current studies of bricks, categorizing these publications according to the materials used and the methods used for the production of invention bricks. In addition, this article makes an important note about coal ash, which may be the focus of future brick products as an alternative to fly-gray bricks with some amount of steel slug, and the main challenge is to go one step further in the properties of the bricks by implementing the respective requirements.
Progressive Collapse Analysis of T shape RCC Building
Authors: Sunagar Prashant , Nayak Shivaraj G , Geethakumari T G , Mahesh Kumar C L , Kiran B M , Sanjith J
Published: December 2022

Structure collapse, on the other hand, is a very complicated phenomenon involving considerable nonlinearity and a variety of mechanical interactions. It should be thoroughly examined through experiments and numerical simulations to prevent the occurrence from occurring. When initial local failure of a small portion of the structure takes place it leads to the spread of that local damage to neighbor elements in the chain reaction manner. Finally, collapse takes place. This is known as Progressive collapse. This progressive collapse takes place when vertical load carrying members such as columns failed due to manmade or natural accidental loads. Therefore in this study progressive collapse analysis of a building is carried by removing columns. In the analysis different column removal cases are considered. As per GSA guidelines, Demand Capacity ratio(DCR) of beams are calculated. From this DCR value Evaluate the stability of the structure against progressive collapse. In the present study “T”shape building is considered which consists of 11 storey with bay sizes as 4 meter in the X and Y direction, height of every storey is 3 meters and height from the plinth to the floor is assumed 3.5 meters. The measurements of the beams are fixed throughout the storey, but column dimensions decrease as the floor rises, therefore the structure is considered to have geometrical irregularity. The loading is calculated in accordance with G.S.A guidelines. The design was created using the ETABS software and the I.S 456-2000 code. Different parameters such as Demand-capacity ratio, Dynamic factor, Interaction ratio, Axial Force, Bending moment are discussed.
Comparative Assessment of the Binding and Neutralisation Activity of Bispecific Antibodies Against SARS-CoV-2 Variants
Authors: Dean Alexis Q , Stauft Charles B , Twomey Julianne D , Tan Joshua , Varani Luca , Wang Tony T , Zhang Baolin
Published: December 2022

Background

Neutralising antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 are a vital component in the fight against COVID-19 pandemic, having the potential of both therapeutic and prophylactic applications. Bispecific antibodies (BsAbs) against SARS-CoV-2 are particularly promising, given their ability to bind simultaneously to two distinct sites of the receptor-binding domain (RBD) of the viral spike protein. Such antibodies are complex molecules associated with multi-faceted mechanisms of action that require appropriate bioassays to ensure product quality and manufacturing consistency.

Methods

We developed procedures for biolayer interferometry (BLI) and a cell-based virus neutralisation assay, the focus reduction neutralisation test (FRNT). Using both assays, we tested a panel of five BsAbs against different spike variants (Ancestral, Delta and Omicron) to evaluate the use of these analytical methods in assessing binding and neutralisation activities of anti-SARS-CoV-2 therapeutics.

Results

We found comparable trends between BLI-derived binding affinity and FRNT-based virus neutralisation activity. Antibodies that displayed high binding affinity against a variant were often followed by potent neutralisation at lower concentrations, whereas those with low binding affinity also demonstrated reduced neutralisation activity.

Conclusion

The results support the utility of BLI and FRNT assays in measuring variant-specific binding and virus neutralisation activity of anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies.
Modeling Intra- and Inter-individual Changes in L2 Classroom Engagement
Authors: Zhou Shiyao Ashlee , Hiver Phil , Zheng Yongyan
Published: December 2022

In this study, we investigated how student engagement and disengagement change over the course of a semester in the L2 classroom. We modeled change at the inter- and intra-individual levels, using time-variant predictors to examine differences in student classroom engagement and disengagement trajectories. In addition to these temporal dynamics, we also examined what motivational antecedents are related to these changes in engagement and disengagement over time. We collected data from 686 students enrolled in general-purpose English courses at two publicly funded universities in mainland China at three waves in a 17-week semester, and tested a series of multi-level, mixed-effects growth models. Our analyses showed that students who reported higher initial classroom engagement or disengagement levels had lower growth rates than their counterparts as the semester proceeded. Students’ classroom engagement in language learning dipped to its lowest point around the middle of the semester and peaked toward the end of the semester. Motivational antecedents were also strong predictors of student engagement and disengagement in the language classroom at both within- and between-person levels. We discuss the implications of these temporal dynamics of learner engagement in the language classroom.
Automatic recognition of protein subcellular location patterns in single cells from immunofluorescence images based on deep learning
Authors: Zhu Xi-Liang , Bao Lin-Xia , Xue Min-Qi , Xu Ying-Ying
Published: December 2022

With the improvement of single-cell measurement techniques, there is a growing awareness that individual differences exist among cells, and protein expression distribution can vary across cells in the same tissue or cell line. Pinpointing the protein subcellular locations in single cells is crucial for mapping functional specificity of proteins and studying related diseases. Currently, research about single-cell protein location is still in its infancy, and most studies and databases do not annotate proteins at the cell level. For example, in the human protein atlas database, an immunofluorescence image stained for a particular protein shows multiple cells, but the subcellular location annotation is for the whole image, ignoring intercellular difference. In this study, we used large-scale immunofluorescence images and image-level subcellular locations to develop a deep-learning-based pipeline that could accurately recognize protein localizations in single cells. The pipeline consisted of two deep learning models, i.e. an image-based model and a cell-based model. The former used a multi-instance learning framework to comprehensively model protein distribution in multiple cells in each image, and could give both image-level and cell-level predictions. The latter firstly used clustering and heuristics algorithms to assign pseudo-labels of subcellular locations to the segmented cell images, and then used the pseudo-labels to train a classification model. Finally, the image-based model was fused with the cell-based model at the decision level to obtain the final ensemble model for single-cell prediction. Our experimental results showed that the ensemble model could achieve higher accuracy and robustness on independent test sets than state-of-the-art methods.
Understanding the Experience of Discussing Race and Racism During Clinical Supervision for Black Music Therapy Students
Authors: Imeri Janae Phaedra , Jones Jennifer D
Published: December 2022

The experiences of Black music therapy students discussing race and racism in clinical supervision were explored in this study. Participants included 5 Black music therapy students with at least one semester of supervised fieldwork. Recruitment occurred through varied methods utilizing professional networks and snowballing. Data included written survey responses and individual interviews. Utilizing a thematic analysis approach, researchers reviewed that each participant’s dataset generated preliminary codes. Next, researchers grouped codes and compared groupings across datasets. Researchers reached an agreement on 7 themes. Theme 1 addressed the immense vulnerability it takes for Black students to discuss race in and out of supervision. Theme 2 described defensive behaviors from white supervisors, staff members, and peers in response to discussing race. Theme 3 revealed the significance of validating that racism happens to Black students. Theme 4 noted the power supervisors wield over Black students, the privilege white supervisors possess, instances of racism from supervisors, and retaliation from supervisors in response to conversations of race. Theme 5 uncovered a pattern of white supervisors “acknowledging” their privilege and not acting on this self-discovery. Theme 6 examined participants’ feeling like an outsider and supporting themselves in their education. Theme 7 addressed exasperation due to an unchanging oppressive system. Findings connect to the emerging literature on culturally responsive supervision, provide new insights into the supervision of Black music therapy students, and identify the need for change.
Lived Experience Perspectives on Ableism Within and Beyond Music Therapists’ Professional Identities
Authors: Shaw Carolyn , Churchill Victoria , Curtain Sarah , Davies Allison , Davis Brede , Kalenderidis Zoë , Hunt Emily Langlois , McKenzie Benjamin , Murray Megan , Thompson Grace Anne
Published: December 2022

The 10 authors contributing to this reflective essay are comprised of music therapy practitioners, academics, and students with lived experience of disability, neurodivergence, or/and chronic physical and mental health conditions. We will discuss the impact of ableism in our music therapy work, both for participants and for music therapists. Beyond outright discrimination of people with disability, ableism is typically linked to an agenda to normalize and cure. In contrast, music therapists working from a position of post-ableist music therapy seek to collaboratively provide conditions and musical experiences that are less disabling and restrictive through addressing barriers and facilitating connections. We will discuss how including post-ableist perspectives might also create safer spaces for music therapists with lived experience of disability, neurodivergence, and/or chronic physical and mental health conditions. In this critical commentary, we wish to move from a deficit understanding of therapists with lived experience that is often implicit in codes of ethics and standards of practice, to one that celebrates the richness and knowledge that our experience brings. To embed post-ableist perspectives into our profession at all levels, we will discuss the implications for student training and supervision when accessibility is centered in practicum and classroom learning activities. In conclusion, we aim to make apparent the fact that therapists can and do come in all forms and with all backgrounds and that recognizing health diversity in our profession benefits us all.
Clinical Effectiveness of SARS-CoV-2 Booster Vaccine Against Omicron Infection in Residents and Staff of Long-term Care Facilities: A Prospective Cohort Study (VIVALDI)
Authors: Stirrup Oliver , Shrotri Madhumita , Adams Natalie L , Krutikov Maria , Nacer-Laidi Hadjer , Azmi Borscha , Palmer Tom , Fuller Christopher , Irwin-Singer Aidan , Baynton Verity , Tut Gokhan , Moss Paul , Hayward Andrew , Copas Andrew , Shallcross Laura
Published: December 2022

Background

Successive severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) variants have caused severe disease in long-term care facility (LTCF) residents. Primary vaccination provides strong short-term protection, but data are limited on duration of protection following booster vaccines, particularly against the Omicron variant. We investigated the effectiveness of booster vaccination against infections, hospitalizations, and deaths among LTCF residents and staff in England.

Methods

We included residents and staff of LTCFs within the VIVALDI study (ISRCTN 14447421) who underwent routine, asymptomatic testing (December 12, 2021–March 31, 2022). Cox regression was used to estimate relative hazards of SARS-CoV-2 infection, and associated hospitalization and death at 0–13, 14–48, 49–83, 84–111, 112–139, and 140+ days after dose 3 of SARS-CoV-2 vaccination compared with 2 doses (after 84+ days), stratified by previous SARS-CoV-2 infection and adjusting for age, sex, LTCF capacity, and local SARS-CoV-2 incidence.

Results

A total of 14 175 residents and 19 793 staff were included. In residents without prior SARS-CoV-2 infection, infection risk was reduced 0–111 days after the first booster, but no protection was apparent after 112 days. Additional protection following booster vaccination waned but was still present at 140+ days for COVID-associated hospitalization (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR], 0.20; 95% CI, 0.06–0.63) and death (aHR, 0.50; 95% CI, 0.20–1.27). Most residents (64.4%) had received primary course vaccine of AstraZeneca, but this did not impact pre- or postbooster risk. Staff showed a similar pattern of waning booster effectiveness against infection, with few hospitalizations and no deaths.

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that booster vaccination provided sustained protection against severe outcomes following infection with the Omicron variant, but no protection against infection from 4 months onwards. Ongoing surveillance for SARS-CoV-2 in LTCFs is crucial.
An expanding ring of the hypercompact H ii region W 49 N:A2
Authors: Miyawaki Ryosuke , Hayashi Masahiko , Hasegawa Tetsuo
Published: December 2022

We present 250 GHz continuum and H29α line data toward W 49 N:A2, a hypercompact H ii region ionized by an O9 star. The data obtained with ALMA at a resolution of ∼0${_{.}^{\prime\prime}}$05 (600 au) confirmed the presence of an ionized ring with a radius of ∼700 au inclined by ∼50° (0° for pole-on). It has a width of ∼1000 au and is relatively flat with a scale height of less than several hundred au. The tilted ring, or the apparent ellipse, has a prominent velocity difference between its NW and SE ridges along the minor axis, suggesting that it is expanding in the equatorial plane at a velocity of 13.2 km s−1. The ring also shows a hint of rotation at 2.7 km s−1, which is significantly (2.5 σ) smaller than the Kepler velocity of 5.2 km s−1 at its radius around the 20 M⊙ star. This can be interpreted as that the ring gas has been transported from the radius of ∼170 au by conserving its original specific angular momentum that it had there. The ionized ring may thus be a remnant of the accretion disk that fed the O9 star, the radiation or magnetic activities of which became so strong that the disk accretion was reversed due to the intense thermal or magneto-hydrodynamic pressure around the star. The data has revealed a rare example of how a massive star terminates its accretion at the end of its formation, transforming a hypercompact H ii region into an ultracompact H ii region.
The Heterogeneous Cellular States of Glioblastoma Stem Cells Revealed by Single-Cell Analysis
Authors: Yan Haoteng , Zhu Jiali , Ping Yanyan , Yan Min , Liao Gaoming , Yuan Huating , Zhou Yao , Xiang Fengyu , Pang Bo , Xu Jinyuan , Pang Lin
Published: December 2022

Glioblastoma stem cells (GSCs) contributed to the progression, treatment resistance, and relapse of glioblastoma (GBM). However, current researches on GSCs were performed usually outside the human tumor microenvironment, ignoring the importance of the cellular states of primary GSCs. In this study, we leveraged single-cell transcriptome sequencing data of 6 independent GBM cohorts from public databases, and combined lineage and stemness features to identify primary GSCs. We dissected the cell states of GSCs and correlated them with the clinical outcomes of patients. As a result, we constructed a cellular hierarchy where GSCs resided at the center. In addition, we identified and characterized 2 different and recurrent GSCs subpopulations: proliferative GSCs (pGSCs) and quiescent GSCs (qGSCs). The pGSCs showed high cell cycle activity, indicating rapid cell division, while qGSCs showed a quiescent state. Then we traced the processes of tumor development by pseudo-time analysis and tumor phylogeny, and found that GSCs accumulated throughout the whole tumor development period. During the process, pGSCs mainly contributed to the early stage and qGSCs were enriched in the later stage. Finally, we constructed an 8-gene prognostic signature reflecting pGSCs activity and found that patients whose tumors were enriched for the pGSC signature had poor clinical outcomes. Our study highlights the primary GSCs heterogeneity and its correlation to tumor development and clinical outcomes, providing the potential targets for GBM treatment.
Acute Endothelial Allograft Rejection After Inoculation With the Novel Messenger RNA SARS-CoV-2 Vaccines
Authors: Zeidenweber Dorian A. , Aldave Anthony J. , Fung Simon S. M.
Published: December 2022

Purpose:

The aim of this study was to report 3 cases of corneal endothelial allograft rejection shortly after immunization with SARS-CoV-2 messenger RNA (mRNA) vaccines and to describe the clinical course, management, and outcomes.

Methods:

This is a retrospective case series.

Results:

Three patients presented with corneal endothelial rejection 3 weeks after the second dose of a SARS-CoV-2 mRNA vaccine: a 25-year-old woman's 8-month status post-Descemet stripping endothelial keratoplasty for a failed penetrating keratoplasty (PK) (Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine), a 70-year-old man's 4-year status post-PK (Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine), and a 45-year-old woman's 8-month status post-PK (Moderna COVID-19 vaccine). Each of the patients was on a maintenance dose of prednisolone acetate twice daily, which was increased to 4 times daily before the first dose of Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine in the 25-year-old woman. At the time of diagnosis of endothelial rejection, prednisolone acetate was increased to every 1–2 hours for each patient, with resolution of the rejection in the PK recipients but progression to endothelial failure in the Descemet stripping endothelial keratoplasty recipient.

Conclusions:

Our report provides further evidence of a potential association between mRNA vaccines and corneal allograft rejection. Contrary to prior reports, corneal endothelial rejection associated with COVID-19 vaccines may be sufficiently severe to result in irreversible graft failure despite steroid prophylaxis.
Nontuberculous Mycobacterial Isolates Among Cancer Patients: A Single-Center 5-Year Experience
Authors: Addisu Anteneh , Alok Akankcha , Binkam Mounika , Chughtai Muhammad A. , Gutierrez Louisè L. , Greene John N.
Published: December 2022

Background

Nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) are widely distributed in natural environments and are increasing causes of disease with significant morbidity and mortality in immunocompromised patients. We present a 5-year experience of NTM isolates at the Moffitt Cancer Center in Tampa, Fla.

Methods

We conducted a single-center, retrospective study of NTM isolates from January 2011 to February 2016. Records were searched to identify patients with NTM. Specimens included bronchial lavage, swabs, blood/body fluids, and tissue. Basic demographics of patients, clinical attributes, sites of isolation, and concomitant neoplasia were compared.

Results

There were a total of 196 isolates of NTM; 92 of 196 isolates (47%) were Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC). Mycobacterium abscessus, Mycobacterium gordonae, and Mycobacterium fortuitum accounted for 28%, 11%, and 7% of the top 4 isolates, respectively. There was no difference in types of NTM isolated based on the type of underlying neoplasm. Eleven percent of the respiratory isolates were from patients whose biopsy was negative for malignancy on workup of lung nodule. Skin/wound isolates accounted for 13%, and blood/serologic isolates accounted for 7%. Average age of patients was 68 (SD, 11) years; 92% were US born.

Conclusions

Nontuberculous mycobacteria isolated in our study were likely to be MAC and isolated from the respiratory tract; however, we did not find significant association between types of NTM and a given neoplasm. Mycobacterium abscessus was the next most frequent isolate from both respiratory and nonrespiratory specimens. More than 10% of isolates were from surgically excised pulmonary nodules that were benign. Improved NTM testing and scoring algorithms could reduce the need for surgical excision of pulmonary nodules.
New compartment model for COVID-19
Authors: Odagaki Takashi
Published: December 2022

Population is separated into five compartments for COVID-19; susceptible individuals (S), pre-symptomatic patients (P), asymptomatic patients (A), quarantined patients (Q) and recovered and/or dead patients (R). The time evolution of each compartment is described by a set of ordinary differential equations. Numerical solution to the set of differential equations shows that quarantining pre-symptomatic and asymptomatic patients is effective in controlling the pandemic. It is also shown that the ratio of non-symptomatic patients to the daily confirmed new cases can be as large as 20 and that the fraction of untraceable cases in new cases can be as large as 80%, depending on the policies for social distancing and PCR test.
Disease-modifying effects of Vincamine supplementation inDrosophilaand human cell models of Parkinson’s disease
Authors: Sanz Francisco José , Solana-Manrique Cristina , Paricio Nuria
Published: December 2022

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is an incurable neurodegenerative disorder caused by the selective loss of dopaminergic neurons in thesubstantia nigra pars compacta. Current therapies are only symptomatic, and are not able to stop or delay its progression. In order to search new and more effective therapies, our group carried out a high-throughput screening assay, identifying several candidate compounds able to suppress motor defects inDJ-1βmutant flies (aDrosophilamodel of familial PD) and to reduce oxidative stress (OS)-induced lethality inDJ-1-deficient SH-SY5Y human cells. One of them was vincamine (VIN), a natural alkaloid obtained from the leaves ofVinca minor. Our results showed that VIN is able to suppress PD-related phenotypes in bothDrosophilaand human cell PD models. Specifically, VIN reduced OS levels in PD model flies. Besides, VIN diminished OS-induced lethality by decreasing apoptosis, increased mitochondrial viability and reduced OS levels inDJ-1-deficient human cells. In addition, we have demonstrated that VIN is able to exert its beneficial role, at least partially, by the inhibition of voltage-gated Na+channels. Therefore, we propose that these channels might be a promising target in the search for new compounds to treat PD, and that VIN constitutes a potential therapeutic treatment for the disease.
MYC directly transactivates CR2/CD21, the receptor of the Epstein-Barr virus, and enhances the viral infection of Burkitt lymphoma cells
Authors: Molina Ester , Garcia-Gutierrez Lucia , Junco Vanessa , Perez-Olivares Mercedes , de Yébenes Virginia G. , Blanco Rosa , Quevedo Laura , Acosta Juan C , Marín Ana V. , Ulgiati Daniela , Merino Ramon , Varela Ignacio , Regueiro José R. , de Alborán Ignacio Moreno , Ramiro Almudena , León Javier
Published: December 2022

The molecular hallmark of Burkitt lymphoma (BL) is a chromosomal translocation that results in deregulated expression ofMYConcogene. This translocation is present in virtually all BL. MYC is an oncogenic transcription factor deregulated in about half of total human tumors, by translocation or other mechanisms. Transcriptomic studies reveal more than 1000 genes regulated by MYC but a much smaller fraction of these genes is directly activated by MYC. All the endemic BL and many sporadic BL cells are associated to the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection. The currently accepted mechanism for the MYC and BL association is that EBV is the causing agent inducing MYC translocation. Complement receptor 2 or CR2 (also called CD21) is a membrane protein that serves as EBV receptor in lymphoid cells. Here we show that CR2 is a direct MYC target gene. This conclusion is based on several evidences. First, MYC downregulation is linked toCR2downregulation both in proliferating and in arrested cells. Second, MYC binds humanCR2promoter and this binding depends on E-box elements. Third, MYC activatesCR2promoter in an E-box dependent manner. Four, MYC activatesCR2transcription in the absence of protein synthesis. Importantly, MYC also inducesCR2expression in mouse primary B cells. Thus, CR2 is abona fideMYC direct target gene. Moreover, higher MYC expression levels in Burkitt lymphoma-derived cells result in a more efficient EBV infection. We propose an alternative mechanism compatible with the correlation between EBV infection and MYC translocation observed in endemic BL, i.e., that deregulated MYC in BL cells occurs first and favors the EBV infection.
Vanglfacilitates mesenchymal thinning during lung sacculation independently ofCelsr
Authors: Paramore Sarah V. , Trenado-Yuste Carolina , Sharan Rishabh , Devenport Danelle , Nelson Celeste M.
Published: December 2022

The planar cell polarity (PCP) complex orients cytoskeletal and multicellular organization throughout vertebrate development. PCP is speculated to function in formation of the murine lung, where branching morphogenesis generates a complex tree of tubular epithelia whose distal tips expand dramatically during sacculation in preparation for gas exchange after birth. Here, using tissue-specific knockouts, we show that the PCP complex is dispensable in the airway epithelium for sacculation. Rather, we find a novel,Celsr1-independent role for the PCP componentVanglin the pulmonary mesenchyme: loss ofVangl1/2inhibits mesenchymal thinning and expansion of the saccular epithelium. Further, loss of mesenchymalWnt5amimics the sacculation defects observed inVangl2-mutant lungs, implicating mesenchymal Wnt5a/Vangl signaling as a key regulator of late lung morphogenesis. By mathematically modeling sacculation, we predict that the process of sacculation requires a fluid mesenchymal compartment. Finally, lineage-tracing and cell-shape analyses are consistent with the pulmonary mesenchyme acting as a fluid tissue, and suggest that loss ofVangl1/2likely impacts the ability of mesenchymal cells to exchange neighbors. Our data thus uncover an explicit function forVangland the pulmonary mesenchyme during late lung morphogenesis to actively shape the saccular epithelium.
MOOC-based learning for human resource development in organizations during the post-pandemic and war crisis: a study from a developing country perspective
Authors: Shahriar Shamsul Huq Bin , Akter Silvia , Sultana Nayeema , Arafat Sayed , Khan Md. Mahfuzur Rahman
Published: December 2022

Purpose

Human resources (HR) management has encountered unforeseen obstacles and issues in recruiting, retaining, training and developing workforces under the “new normal” due to pandemic circumstances followed by the Russo–Ukrainian War and global economic turmoil. As the world is now well-equipped with technological advancements and internet-based connectivity, many pandemic disruptions have been avoided through rapid adaptation of technological systems. Despite the constructive outcomes of this contemporary approach to learning and development (L&D), this study explores the further depths of massive open online courses (MOOC) platform adoption in human resource development initiatives during pandemic times.

Design/methodology/approach

A qualitative research approach was adopted to understand the employee and HR perspective on the changes in L&D approaches in organizations. To gather the primary data, respondents were divided into two clusters; different sets of questionnaires were developed for interview sessions.

Findings

Results suggest that employee L&D was much more improvised with distance or online learning, including organizational e-learning systems and MOOC platforms. To accomplish their HR development goals, organizations went through significant transformations during the Coronavirus pandemic; organizational attempts to initiate online training and MOOC-based learning fostered positive results in employee capacity development, process improvement, employee engagement and motivation.

Originality/value

This research will assist organizations in developing interactive training methods as an effective replacement for traditional training. Additionally, it will assist readers, practitioners and HR specialists in understanding how MOOCs are changing the L&D ecosystem.
The long tail of COVID and the tale of long COVID: Diagnostic construction and the management of ignorance
Authors: Barker Kristin Kay , Whooley Owen , Madden Erin F. , Ahrend Emily E. , Greene R. Neil
Published: December 2022

We bring together insights from the sociology of diagnosis and the sociology of ignorance to examine the early diagnostic unfolding of ‘Long COVID’ (LC). Originally described by patient activists, researchers set out to ponder its unwieldy clinical boundaries. Using a scoping review method in tandem with qualitative content analytic techniques, we analyse medicine’s initial struggles to construct a LC diagnosis. Paying attention to the dynamics of ignorance, we highlight three consequential conceptual manoeuvres in the early classifications of LC: causal agnosticism concerning the relationship between COVID‐19 and LC, evasion of lumping LC with similar conditions; and the predictable splitting off of medically explainable cases from the LC designation. These manoeuvres are not maleficent, inept or unreasonable. They are practical but impactful responses to the classificatory dilemmas present in the construction of diagnoses amidst ignorance. Although there are unique aspects to LC, we suggest that its early fate is nevertheless emblematic of medicine’s diagnostic standardisation processes more generally. To varying degrees, diagnoses are ignorance management strategies; they create a pathway through the uncertainty at the core of disease realities. However, while diagnoses circumscribe some types of ignorance, they produce others through the creation of blind spots and paths not taken.
When left hands touch: shadow vows and Jung’s quaternity
Authors: Nelson Elizabeth Éowyn , Delmedico Anthony
Published: December 2022

Is there a connection between the exchange of vows and the fighting and suffering of couples that are unique to the institution of marriage? This essay introduces the concept of Shadow Vows, the unacknowledged assumptions, agreements, and obligations each partner brings to the relationship, which the authors believe are often responsible for longstanding marital discord and strife. The authors ground the existence of shadow vows in Jung’s quaternity, alchemy, typology, archetypal theory, and depth approaches to couple therapy. The essay concludes with a list of themes indicative of shadow vow enactments in clinical work with couples.
Preparation and characterization of glucoamylase microcapsules prepared by W/O/W type complex coacervation freeze drying
Authors: Zong Xuyan , Li Huan , Tang Qian , Wang Xiangyu , Li Yuanyi , Li Li
Published: December 2022

Glucoamylase was often used in the brewing industry but was unstable to several environmental factors and reacted quickly to produce fermentable sugar, which limited its applications. Microencapsulation could effectively overcome the drawbacks. This study evaluated the feasibility of the preparation of glucoamylase microcapsules (GM) using W/O/W complex coacervation‐freeze‐drying method. The parameters of the microcapsules were optimized by the response surface optimization design: core‐wall ratio at 1:1, wall‐material concentration at 8%, and coagulation time for 20 min. Under current condition, the final microencapsulation efficiency reached 85.64 ± 1.60%. Glucoamylase could be slowly released for more than 96 h in the liquid state, and could react slowly for more than 336 h in the solid state. The optimized GM were incubated for 1 h, and the relative enzyme activity was better than that of free glucoamylase under high temperature conditions. The water capacity, solubility, morphology, differential scanning calorimetry, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy were conducted. Glucoamylase exhibited good sustained release characteristics. The microcapsules were more resistant to environmental stimuli and showed stronger robustness after optimization.

Practical Application

Saccharification enzymes are often used in the winemaking industry, and direct addition will cause the fermentation process to heat up too quickly, resulting in the inactivation of microorganisms and saccharification enzymes, affecting the efficiency of saccharification enzymes. Therefore, microcapsules are used to encapsulate the saccharification enzyme, and its efficacy is slowly released for a long time during the fermentation process.
Who pays attention to sustainability reports and why? Evidence from Google search activity
Authors: Ferguson Patrick J. , Hronsky Jane , Pinnuck Matt
Published: December 2022

We introduce country‐level Google search activity as a direct measure of the level of stakeholder attention directed towards sustainability reports. We validate this measure by establishing that search activity for sustainability reports is correlated with temporal patterns in firms' supply of these reports. To frame the economic magnitude of this search behaviour, we then show that the level of attention directed towards sustainability reports is very low compared to the level of attention directed towards financial and accounting information. Next, we examine two related research questions. First, we identify who pays attention to sustainability reports. We find, consistent with the environmental Kuznets curve, that attention towards sustainability reports is strongly associated with economic development. Consistent with findings in prior research that suggest citizens in stakeholder‐oriented countries have stronger preferences for firms to act prosocially, we also find that search activity for sustainability reports relative to search activity for financial performance metrics is greater in civil law countries than in common law countries. Finally, we then explore the question of why individuals pay attention to sustainability reports and find evidence that suggests sustainability reports are used for two primary purposes: evaluating the societal impacts of firms' actions; and, firm valuation.
Laughing All the Way to EPIC
Authors: HANOVER EVAN
Published: December 2022

Humor is no mere “sense;” it is a social and cultural practice that enables each one of us to construct and recognize novel meanings and connections within our lives and worlds. The idea that humor relies on incongruity that defies our expectations has been around for millennia, but the mid‐20th century work of Arthur Koestler elevated humor to be creatively on par with other artistic and intellectual feats. In this PechaKucha, I link my personal fascination/obsession with humor to Koestler's concept of ‘bisociation’ – the connection of two seemingly unrelated or incommensurate frames of reference – to tell the story of how I became the ethnographer I am today. Beginning with my discovery of the work of George Carlin and moving through a life of evolving engagement with humor – academically, at work, and on stage – I have developed the belief that what we laugh at can help us arrive at novel ideas and make our thought (and therefore action) nimble and resilient in the face of entrenched habits and assumptions.