bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Analyzing acute and daily load parameters in match situations – a comparison of classic and 3 × 3 basketball
Authors: Willberg Christina , Wellm Dennis , Behringer Michael , Zentgraf Karen
Published: January 2022

Purpose

3 × 3 is a variation of classic basketball (BB) that imposes new demands on both athletes and coaches. The objective of this study was to comprehensively describe similarities and differences in load structures between 3 × 3 and BB.

Method

Between January 2020 and July 2021, internal and external load parameters of 90 elite BB and 3 × 3 athletes were monitored during 84 games using a local positioning system (10 Hz) and inertial movement sensors (100 Hz).

Results

Male BB games last about 90 min; female games are shorter (82 min). Game duration in 3 × 3 is about 16 min. Compared with BB, 3 × 3 athletes perform more medium- and high-intensity accelerations and decelerations, explosive efforts, jumps, and changes of direction (CODs) per min. Average heart rates do not differ between the two disciplines, yet 3 × 3 games are rated as more exhausting than BB games. During a 3 × 3 tournament, no decrease in load characteristics is found in the final games. However, ratings of perceived exertion increase consecutively. Average possession duration in 3 × 3 is 5.4 s in which 1.4 passes are played. Most 2-point shots and turnovers occur in the last minutes (11 min – end) of the game.

Conclusion

The findings of this study will help 3 × 3 coaches and athletes to design more effective training programmes and improve athletic performance. They indicate a need to focus on high accelerations, transitions, COD skills, and shooting under pressure in 3 × 3.
Anatomic Acromioclavicular Joint Reconstruction with and without Acromioclavicular Ligament Reconstruction: A Comparative Biomechanical Study
Authors: Johnson Steven M , Esquivel Amanda O , Lovse Lisa , Cracchiolo Allison M , Bishai Shariff K , Chen Chaoyang , Lemos Stephen E
Published: January 2022

Background

The purpose of this study was to determine if adding a reconstructed superior acromioclavicular (AC) joint ligament adds significant biomechanical stability to the AC joint over anatomic coracoclavicular (CC) ligament reconstruction alone.

Methods

Fourteen cadaver shoulders were used for the comparison of biomechanical stability among the anatomic CC ligament reconstruction alone, CC and AC ligament reconstruction, and the intact groups by measuring the displacement under cyclic loads. A load to failure test was then performed in the vertical direction at a loading rate of 2 mm /sec to determine surgical-repair joints’ tolerance to the maximum failure load.

Results

The average peak-to-peak displacement induced by cyclic load in the sagittal axis and vertical axis direction was not significantly different between CC ligament reconstruction, CC and AC ligament reconstruction, and intact groups. The maximum failure load for the CC reconstruction (224.9 ± 91.8 N (Mean ± SEM)) was lower than CC/AC reconstruction groups (326.2 ± 123.3 N). The CC/AC reconstruction group failed at a significantly higher load (t test, p = 0.016) than the CC reconstruction group.

Conclusion

CC/AC reconstruction surgical technique yielded a better shoulder stability than CC ligament alone reconstruction that may better maintain reduction of the AC joint. Level of Evidence: Level II.
Beijing’s Institutionalised Economic Statecraft Towards Brazil: A Case Study
Authors: Zhang Shu G. , Chen Ni
Published: January 2022

This study adopts an institutional approach in the case analysis of China's economic statecraft towards Brazil. In light of institutionalisation theory, it examines the institutional arrangements between Beijing and Brasilia for the purpose of facilitating bilateral economic cooperation and advancing strategic partnership. As a descriptive effort, it yields some preliminary findings: first, the institutionalisation of China's economic statecraft towards Brazil is incremental, driven largely by the desire for and belief in long-term planning; second, a set of norms, values, and principles is instituted alongside designated agencies, point persons, operational protocols, and exchange mechanisms, creating a form of institutional governance based on a multi-actor, multilevel, and network-based steering mode; third, governance remains so centralised that it falls short in empowering strategic participation; and, fourth and finally, Beijing's institution-building proves useful in the management of relations with Brazil, suggesting that economic statecraft may benefit from institutionalisation.
China's Post-Cold War Economic Statecraft: A Periodization
Authors: Norris William J.
Published: January 2022

This article focuses on one of the most fascinating features of contemporary Chinese foreign policy, namely the use of economics as a tool of national power. This article seeks to provide a foundational context for the study of China's economic statecraft. The first portion of this article builds upon existing work to frame the phenomenon of China's post-Cold War economic statecraft. I then offer a rough periodization of this post-Cold War era highlighting key events and strategic turning points for China. I distinguish three major periods: integration into the global economic system following the post-Tiananmen isolation (1989–1997), a decade of win-win diplomacy (1998–2008), and emerging great power economic statecraft (2008–2017). The piece concludes with a proposition that we may be witnessing the early stages of a fourth phase as well as some considerations for the future study of Chinese economic statecraft.
Economic Statecraft with Chinese Characteristics: Strange, New, and Different, or Old Wine in New Bottles?
Authors: Roberts Priscilla
Published: January 2022

The term “economic statecraft” is increasingly employed to describe China's use of economic resources to pursue objectives spanning the political, economic, and strategic spheres. One recent study suggests that “China's sophisticated use of economics in its foreign policy is still a fairly recent phenomenon.” Yet close scrutiny of how since at least the early 1900s Chinese leaders sought to use economic leverage as a foreign policy instrument suggests that the antecedents of contemporary Chinese economic statecraft date back to the founding of the People's Republic of China and even before. This special issue represents an effort to explore in some depth in what ways post-Cold War Chinese economic statecraft does indeed represent a novel phenomenon, as opposed to the simple continuation of earlier trends; to identify its most important features and follow its evolution over time; and to investigate in detail several specific recent case studies.
Nanoencapsulation of Cordycepin Induces Switching from Necroptosis to Apoptosis in Human Oral Cancer Cells (HSC-4) Through Inhibition of Receptor-Interacting Serine/Threonine-Protein Kinase 3 (RIPK3) and Autophagy Modulation
Authors: Kaokaen Palakorn , Chaicharoenaudomrung Nipha , Kunhorm Phongsakorn , Mesil Kedkanya , Binlateh Thunwa , Noisa Parinya , Jitprasertwong Paiboon
Published: January 2022

Human oral squamous carcinoma is considered the most common oral cancer; it imposes multiple oral and dental consequences as a result of oral cancer treatment. We previously found that the nanoencapsulation of cordycepin (CS) could inhibit oral cancer cells. However, the mechanism of action was not understood. The aim of this study was to investigate the signaling pathway by which CS and encapsulated nanoparticles (NPs) activate the inhibition of cancer cell growth. We demonstrated that human oral cancer (HSC-4) cells underwent necroptosis when incubated with high concentrations of CS, but not when incubated with either low concentrations of CS or encapsulated CS NPs. High concentrations of CS-induced necroptosis of HSC-4 cells, demonstrated by a reduction in apoptotic ( BAX, Caspase-3, Caspase-8, and Caspase-9) and autophagic genes ( LC3, Atg5, and Atg12). However, low concentrations of CS significantly induced the expression of autophagic gene LC3. Interestingly, encapsulated CS NPs induced a significant increase in apoptotic genes ( P53, BAX, Caspase-3, Caspase-8, and Caspase-9), but a significant decrease in autophagic ( P62, Atg5, and Atg12) and necroptotic genes ( receptor-interacting serine/threonine-protein kinase 3 [RIPK3]) . We also found that encapsulated CS NPs enhanced the accumulation of cellular protein and decreased secreted supernatant protein levels. Moreover, encapsulated CS NPs had higher efficacy in terms of reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation-mediated inhibition of autophagy compared to nonencapsulated CS, suggesting that nanoencapsulation of CS can switch the program of HSC-4 cell death from necroptosis to apoptosis. In conclusion, HSC-4 cells have a defense strategy against CS-induced cell apoptosis, but this problem can be solved through the use of encapsulation combined with nanotechnology.
Genus Tupistra: A Comprehensive Review of Phytochemistry and Pharmacological Activity
Authors: Thuy Linh Nguyen Thi , Manh Ha Nguyen , Son Ninh The
Published: January 2022

In the current paper, secondary metabolites separated from Tupistra plants have been reviewed. Approximately 200 phytochemicals, classified in various chemical classes of bioactive compounds, have been compiled, along with their sources and references. The most striking feature is that the most frequently isolated compounds have been spirostanol sapogenins, and spirostanol and furostanol saponins, most of which are new in nature. The application of both Tupistra plant extracts and isolated compounds in biological assays is also one of the crucial aims in pharmacological discoveries. Tupistra constituents have demonstrated valuable properties in the field of pharmacology, such as antioxidative, antimicrobial, antidiabetic, and antihepatic activities, but their cytotoxic and anti-inflammatory actions can be considered as the more remarkable. In vivo cancer-related activities of the tested Tupistra samples were mostly based on apoptosis. Further phytochemical investigations, together with extensive assessments of the biological profiles and mechanism of action studies of the components of Tupistra species are to be expected.
The nonhuman turn or a re-turn to animism? Valuing life along and beyond capital
Authors: Singh Neera M.
Published: January 2022

In this commentary, I point out that Büscher and other critics of the nonhuman turn ignore insights offered by Feminist, Black and Indigenous scholarship that help rethink the human and alternate worldmaking possibilities. The healthy corrective to the somewhat apolitical celebration of liveliness and entanglements in Western new materialist and posthumanism literature, that Büscher and others seek, already exists in Feminist, Black and Indigenous scholarship and practices, and in activism for environmental and climate justice around the world. In these times of deep ecological crises and precarity, we would do well to turn to the wisdom of Indigenous Peoples and other land-based cultures that embody and live by some of the central propositions of the ‘nonhuman turn’. I argue that the central propositions of nonhuman turn – relationality and interdependence; decentring and rethinking the human; honouring the agency, intelligence and subjecthood of other beings – offer alternate ways of doing politics and of imagining and enacting pluriversal, postcapitalist worlds. If this is not grounds for radical ecopolitics, then what is?
Use of World Commerce & Contracting Principles in practice by an attorney from a civil law jurisdiction
Authors: Mećar Marko
Published: January 2022

This essay focuses on the manner in which an attorney from a civil law jurisdiction may use the World Commerce & Contracting Principles dated February 2020 (hereinafter: the WCCP) and how to get the most out of the World Commerce & Contracting Principles in the negotiation and drafting phase of a contract. This essay will outline the issues to which an attorney from a civil law country needs to pay attention to when using World Commerce & Contracting Principles and provide examples of adaptations that may be necessary when using the World Commerce & Contracting Principles as a basis for negotiating and drafting a contract. It should be noted that adjustments of the World Commerce & Contracting Principles advocated in this essay are suggested from the perspective of the author who is a practicing attorney-at-law in a civil law country. Therefore, suggestions made in this essay are by no means intended to be set in stone since the use of the World Commerce & Contracting Principles should remain flexible enough to adjust to the needs of each particular transaction. As argued in this essay, the World Commerce & Contracting Principles represent a good starting point for facilitating successful negotiations. However, these principles do not cover all issues which may arise in the negotiation or drafting phase of a contract so the parties will need to supplement the principles regarding such issues while for other issues which are covered by the principles, the parties may need to adapt the principles, depending on the circumstances of the case.
Nurses’ knowledge sources when making decisions involving pro re nata medication in sheltered housings for older people: A qualitative descriptive study
Authors: Kollerøs Nilsen Marianne , Sletvold Hege , Mari Olsen Rose
Published: January 2022

Although pro re nata medications (PRNM) are widely used among older patients in long-term care, current knowledge about nurses’ PRNM management is scarce. The study aim was to describe which knowledge sources nurses working in sheltered housing for older people use when making decisions regarding PRNM. This was a qualitative interview study with registered nurses ( n = 4) and assistant nurses ( n = 4) working in sheltered housings in mid and eastern Norway. Data analysis was based on qualitative and abductive content analysis, where evidence-based practice (EBP) was used in the abduction. The COREQ checklist was followed. Several knowledge sources are used when making decisions regarding PRNM, that represent the four elements of EBP. ‘Practitioner experience and judgement’ was a prominent source of knowledge among the nurses, while ‘Evaluated external evidence’ was less emphasized in PRNM decision-making. The results support previous research on EBP in nursing, and bring new knowledge regarding PRNM in the context of sheltered housing. To achieve appropriate and safe management of PRNM, there is a need to support nurses’ decision-making process, e.g. through PRNM guidelines and systems for documentation and information exchange. EBP in PRNM decision processes should be given attention, utilizing all elements including ‘Evaluated external evidence’ as a knowledge source.
Socioeconomic Disparities in Hospital Utilization Among Female Workers in Indonesia: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Wulandari Ratna Dwi , Laksono Agung Dwi , Prasetyo Yoyok Bekti , Nandini Nurhasmadiar
Published: January 2022

Background:

The study aims to analyze the relationship between socioeconomic and hospital utilization among female workers in Indonesia.

Methods:

The study analyzed secondary data from the 2018 Indonesian Basic Health Survey. The study gathered 161 186 female workers through stratification and multistage random sampling. As control factors, the study looked at age, marital status, education, occupation, and health insurance, in addition to the categories of socioeconomic and hospital utilization. The study used binary logistic regression to evaluate the data in the final step.

Results:

The result shows female workers with poorer wealth status are 1.142 times more likely than the most impoverished female workers to utilize the hospital (AOR 1.142; 95% CI 1.135-1.148). Female workers with median wealth status are 1.509 times more likely than the poorest female workers to take advantage of the hospital (AOR 1.509; 95% CI 1.501-1.517). Female workers with wealthier wealth status are 1.808 times more likely than the poorest female workers to use the hospital (AOR 1.808; 95% CI 1.799-1.817). The wealthiest female workers are 2.399 times more likely than the poorest female workers to utilize the hospital (2.399; 95% CI 2.387-2.411).

Conclusion:

The study concluded a relationship between socioeconomic status and hospital utilization among female workers in Indonesia. The better the socioeconomic, the better the hospital utilization.
Business Response to Natural Disaster Mitigation (Covid-19): A Case From Pakistan
Authors: Javed Tariq , Said Fareyha
Published: January 2022

A company’s CSR attitude depends on the ethical values embraced and formally espoused by its Board and/or senior management. The response of corporates to natural disasters has proved to be beneficial for both for-profit organizations as well as society. There are several instances in the developed world where businesses played a leading role in both attempts to curb natural disasters as well as in helping people who suffered due to such disasters. However, in the developing world, the need for corporate participation in natural disaster mitigation is enhanced by the scarce resources of the relevant governmental agencies. Corporates can offer a helping hand in several ways, but perhaps one of the more effective steps is to spread awareness and knowledge about handling the various aspects of the disaster. Drawing from the available literature and underpinning the business ethics theories, this study aimed to explore business responses in Pakistan to constraint the Covid-19 pandemic. The study employs a two-step quantitative content analysis on Facebook as a research method. The findings are that the three selected industries (finance, telecommunication, and petroleum) remain more committed to their marketing efforts than paying due regard to the genuine need of spreading awareness and educating masses on protection against and/or handling Covid-19 pandemic. The public reaction to such less than adequate steps taken by the corporates provides a potent reminder of what people truly expect from corporates and how firms need to be more proactive toward response to a natural disaster.
Bibliometric Analysis of Visualizations in Computer Graphics: A Study
Authors: Sajovic Irena , Boh Podgornik Bojana
Published: January 2022

This study examined the field of visualizations in computer graphics (VCG) using bibliometric methods, including performance and science mapping analysis. A dataset of documents from SCOPUS, 1986 to 2019, was analyzed and visualized using VOSviewer. The results showed an increasing trend of new documents in VCG. The five most cited publications were all related to data visualization software. The most prolific authors, examined by Citation per Paper (CPP) and Relative Citation Impact (RCI), contributed to research advances in computer graphics, information visualization, interactive data analysis, human computer interfaces, and visualization software development. A document source analysis identified the major scientific journals and conference proceedings in VCG research, and showed that researchers in VCG tend to publish extensively in conference proceedings, but that articles in scientific journals have a higher citation impact. A co-citation analysis of cited sources revealed seven clusters of thematically similar sources in computer science, genomics, neuroimaging, physics & chemistry, mathematics, education, and communication. Co-authorship analysis of countries pointed out collaboration networks in scientific research, where the USA, UK, Germany, France, and Italy collaborated most frequently. Collaborations were fostered by the same language group, or the geographical proximity. The co-occurrence of research terms showed six clusters of related concepts, thematically grouped around search queries, graphical processing, education, genetics, scientific numerical data, and medicine. The study contributed to a better understanding of the field and is expected to help researchers and educators identify research areas, developments, quality scientific literature, and appropriate journals for publishing their own findings related to VCG.
Wellbeing, Whole Health and Societal Transformation: Theoretical Insights and Practical Applications
Authors: Kemp Andrew H , Fisher Zoe
Published: January 2022

Society faces several major interrelated challenges which have an increasingly profound impact on global health including inequalities, inequities, chronic disease and the climate catastrophe. We argue here that a focus on the determinants of wellbeing across multiple domains offers under-realised potential for promoting the ‘whole health’ of individuals, communities and nature. Here, we review recent theoretical innovations that have laid the foundations for our own theoretical model of wellbeing – the GENIAL framework – which explicitly links health to wellbeing, broadly defined. We emphasise key determinants across multiple levels of scale spanning the individual, community and environmental levels, providing opportunities for positive change that is either constrained or facilitated by a host of sociostructural factors lying beyond the immediate control of the individual (e.g. social cohesion and health-related inequities can either promote or adversely impact on wellbeing, respectively). Following this, we show how the GENIAL theoretical framework has been applied to various populations including university students and people living with neurological disorders, with a focus on acquired brain injury. The wider implication of our work is discussed in terms of its contribution to the understanding of ‘whole health’ as well as laying the foundations for a ‘whole systems’ approach to improving health and wellbeing in a just and sustainable way.
Popularity According to Emerging Adults: What is it, and How to Acquire it
Authors: Lansu Tessa A. M. , Findley-Van Nostrand Danielle , Cillessen Antonius H. N.
Published: January 2022

Status among peers likely continues to play a role in social functioning and well-being beyond adolescence. This study examined how emerging adults in tertiary education defined popularity, and their beliefs regarding aggressive and prosocial behaviors affording status. The role of status motivation, own status, and gender in these definitions and beliefs were explored. Emerging adults primarily associated popularity with being central, liked, and respected. Gender prototypical features (attractiveness and likeability for women; power and centrality for men) were associated with high popularity. Compared to adolescence, popularity in emerging adulthood was associated more with likeability and less with attractiveness, power, fitting in, or antisocial behavior. Prosocial behavior, openness, extraversion, and dominance were identified as the most important ways to acquire popularity. The findings indicate that popularity is relevant to emerging adults and offer several directions for future research in order to benefit the social well-being of emerging adults in tertiary education.
Translation and Psychometric Analysis of the Indonesian Versions of the Lysholm and Tegner Scores for Patients With Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injuries
Authors: Deviandri Romy , der Veen Hugo C. van , Lubis Andri M.T. , Postma Maarten J. , van den Akker-Scheek Inge
Published: January 2022

Background:

The Lysholm knee score and Tegner activity scale are frequently used patient-reported outcome measures in patients with anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries because of their excellent psychometric properties. These questionnaires were originally developed in the English language.

Purpose:

To translate and cross-culturally adapt these measures into the Indonesian language and study their validity and reliability so that they can be used in the Indonesian-speaking population with ACL injuries.

Study Design:

Cohort study (diagnosis/symptom prevalence); Level of evidence, 2.

Methods:

After a forward-backward translation procedure and cross-cultural adaptation, validity and reliability were investigated. A total of 253 patients with an ACL injury were sent 4 questionnaires (36-Item Short Form Health Survey, Kujala anterior knee pain scale, Indonesian Lysholm knee score [I-LK], and Indonesian Tegner activity scale [I-TS]). The responses of those patients were analyzed. Following COSMIN guidelines, construct validity, test-retest reliability, internal consistency, floor and ceiling effects, and measurement errors were determined. The Bland-Altman method was used to explore absolute agreement.

Results:

A total of 106 patients (42% response rate) were included in this study. Construct validity was considered to be good, as more than 75% of the predefined hypotheses on correlations between the I-LK, I-TS, and other measures were confirmed. Reliability proved excellent, with a high test-retest correlation for both questionnaires (intraclass correlation coefficient = 0.99). Bland-Altman analysis showed no systematic bias between testing and retesting. The internal consistency of the I-LK was good (Cronbach alpha = 0.73). For the I-LK and I-TS, floor and ceiling effects were less than 15% (floor: 0% and 4.7%, respectively; ceiling: 12.3% and 3.8%, respectively); the standard error of measurement was 1.8 and 0.9, respectively; the minimal detectable change at the individual level was 5.1 and 0.6, respectively; and the minimal detectable change at the group level was 2.4 and 0.5, respectively.

Conclusion:

Both the I-LK and I-TS appear to be good evaluation tools for Indonesian-speaking patients with an ACL injury.
Successful Training of Patients to Intervene in Health Education and Clinical Research at Grenoble Patient School
Authors: Merle Raymond , Pépin Jean-Louis , Palombi Olivier , Pariset Albane , Allenet Benoît , Pison Christophe
Published: January 2022

The primary goal of patient and public involvement (PPI) in healthcare is to improve individual and population health outcomes. This study reports on the successful training of patients to be involved in patient education as peers and clinical research at Grenoble Patients’ School (GPS). GPS was founded by patients as an independent association to train patients to the above objectives tasks. The training team was multi-professional and included expert PPI who were part of the professional team. Medical faculty members and 45 patients, 59% females, 52 ± 6.4 years old, trained between 2016 and 2017, showed high satisfaction at the end of the training courses. Almost all the trained patients were involved as peer educators and 4 were involved in clinical research projects at different stages under the guidance of medical teams. Patient involvement at GPS provided strong benefits to trainees and had some impact on education and obtaining research grants. The outcome of this patient training program resulted in the creation of a Patients’ Department within the Medical and Pharmacy Schools at the Université Grenoble Alpes in 2020, https://medecine.univ-grenoble-alpes.fr/departements/departement-universitaire-des-patients/ .
Tackling the global impact of substandard and falsified and unregistered/unlicensed anti-tuberculosis medicines
Authors: Akpobolokemi Tamara , Martinez-Nunez Rocio Teresa , Raimi-Abraham Bahijja Tolulope
Published: January 2022

Substandard and falsified (SF) medicines are a global health challenge with the World Health Organization (WHO) estimating that 1 in 10 of medicines in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) are SF. Antimicrobials (i.e. antimalarials, antibiotics) are the most commonly reported SF medicines. SF medicines contribute significantly to the global burden of infectious diseases and antimicrobial resistance (AMR). This article discusses the challenges associated with the global impact of SF and unregistered/unlicensed antimicrobials with a focus on anti-TB medicines. Tuberculosis (TB) is the 13th leading cause of death worldwide, and is currently the second leading cause of death from a single infectious agent, ranking after COVID-19 and above HIV/AIDS. Specifically in the case of TB, poor quality of anti-TB medicines is among the drivers of the emergence of drug-resistant TB pathogens. In this article, we highlight and discuss challenges including the emergence of SF associated AMR, patient mistrust and lack of relevant data. We also present study reports to inform meaningful change. Recommended solutions involve the adaptation of interventions from high-income countries (HICs) to LMICS, the need for improvement in the uptake of medication authentication tools in LMICs, increased stewardship, and the need for global and regional multidisciplinary legal and policy cooperation, resulting in improved legal sanctions.
TP53 mutation defines a unique subgroup within complex karyotype de novo and therapy-related MDS/AML
Authors: Weinberg Olga K. , Siddon Alexa , Madanat Yazan F. , Gagan Jeffrey , Arber Daniel A. , Dal Cin Paola , Narayanan Damodaran , Ouseph Madhu M. , Kurzer Jason H. , Hasserjian Robert P.
Published: January 2022

A subset of myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) and acute myeloid leukemia (AML) show complex karyotype (CK), and these cases include a relatively high proportion of cases of therapy-related myeloid neoplasms and TP53 mutations. We aimed to evaluate the clinicopathologic features of outcome of 299 AML and MDS patients with CK collected from multiple academic institutions. Mutations were present in 287 patients (96%), and the most common mutation detected was in TP53 gene (247, 83%). A higher frequency of TP53 mutations was present in therapy-related cases (P = .008), with a trend for worse overall survival (OS) in therapy-related patients as compared with de novo disease (P = .08) and within the therapy-related group; the presence of TP53 mutation strongly predicted for worse outcome (P = .0017). However, there was no difference in survival between CK patients based on categorization of AML vs MDS (P = .96) or presence of absence of circulating blasts ≥1% (P = .52). TP53-mutated patients presented with older age (P = .06) and lower hemoglobin levels (P = .004) and marrow blast counts (P = .02) compared with those with CK lacking TP53 mutation. Multivariable analysis identified presence of multihit TP53 mutation as strongest predictor of worse outcome, whereas neither a diagnosis of AML vs MDS nor therapy-relatedness independently influenced OS. Our findings suggest that among patients with MDS and AML, the presence of TP53 mutation (in particular multihit TP53 mutation) in the context of CK identifies a homogeneously aggressive disease, irrespective of the blast count at presentation or therapy-relatedness. The current classification of these cases into different disease categories artificially separates a single biologic disease entity.
Humoral and cellular immunogenicity of SARS-CoV-2 vaccines in chronic lymphocytic leukemia: a prospective cohort study
Authors: Haydu J. Erika , Maron Jenny S. , Redd Robert A. , Gallagher Kathleen M. E. , Fischinger Stephanie , Barnes Jeffrey A. , Hochberg Ephraim P. , Johnson P. Connor , Takvorian R. W. , Katsis Katelin , Portman Daneal , Ruiters Jade , Sechio Sidney , Devlin Mary , Regan Connor , Blumenthal Kimberly G. , Banerji Aleena , Judd Allen D. , Scorsune Krista J. , McGree Brianne M. , Sherburne Maryanne M. , Lynch Julia M. , Weitzman James I. , Lei Matthew , Kotton Camille N. , Dighe Anand S. , Maus Marcela V. , Alter Galit , Abramson Jeremy S. , Soumerai Jacob D.
Published: January 2022

Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), the most common leukemia worldwide, is associated with increased COVID-19 mortality. Previous studies suggest only a portion of vaccinated CLL patients develop severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) spike antibodies. Whether the elicited antibodies are functional and/or accompanied by functional T-cell responses is unknown. This prospective cohort study included patients with CLL who received SARS-CoV-2 and PCV13 vaccines (not concurrently). The primary cohort included adults with CLL off therapy. Coprimary outcomes were serologic response to SARS-CoV-2 (receptor binding domain [RBD] immunoassay) and PCV13 vaccines (23-serotype IgG assay). Characterization of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies and their functional activity and assessment of functional T-cell responses was performed. Sixty percent (18/30) of patients demonstrated serologic responses to SARS-CoV-2 vaccination, appearing more frequent among treatment-naïve patients (72%). Among treatment-naïve patients, an absolute lymphocyte count ≤24 000/µL was associated with serologic response (94% vs 14%; P < .001). On interferon-γ release assays, 80% (16/20) of patients had functional spike-specific T-cell responses, including 78% (7/9) with a negative RBD immunoassay, a group enriched for prior B-cell–depleting therapies. A bead-based multiplex immunoassay identified antibodies against wild-type and variant SARS-CoV-2 (α, β, γ, and δ) in all tested patients and confirmed Fc-receptor binding and effector functions of these antibodies. Of 11 patients with negative RBD immunoassay after vaccination, 6 (55%) responded to an additional mRNA-based vaccine dose. The PCV13 serologic response rate was 29% (8/28). Our data demonstrate that SARS-CoV-2 vaccination induces functional T-cell and antibody responses in patients with CLL and provides the framework for investigating the molecular mechanisms and clinical benefit of these responses. This trial was registered at www.clinicaltrials.gov as #NCT05007860.
Cortical spreading depression induces propagating activation of the thalamus ventral posteromedial nucleus in awake mice
Authors: Fu Xiaoxi , Chen Ming , Lu Jinling , Li Pengcheng
Published: January 2022

Background

As the relay centre for processing sensory information, the thalamus may involve in the abnormal sensory procedure caused by cortical spreading depression (CSD). However, few studies have focused on the transient response of thalamus during CSD. Our study aimed to investigate the neuronal activity of mouse thalamus ventral posteromedial nucleus (VPM) during CSD by in vivo micro-endoscopic fluorescence imaging of the genetic calcium probe GCaMP6s expressed in excitatory glutamatergic neurons.

Methods

Thirty-four transgenic VGluT2-GCaMP6s mice were used in the experiments. An endoscope was inserted into the VPM for image acquisition. CSD was induced by KCl topically applied unilaterally on the cranial dura. Data were acquired in awake (ipsilateral or contralateral VPM, saline instead of KCl, MK-801 treatment) and anaesthetized (isoflurane, pentobarbital) states. Statistical analysis was performed using analysis of variance (ANOVA) by SPSS.

Results

We found that after CSD induced in ipsilateral motor cortex, the neuronal activity increased and propagated from the posterior-lateral to the anterior-medial part of the VPM with an average speed of 3.47 mm/min. When CSD was induced in visual cortex, the response propagated in opposite direction, from the anterior-medial to the posterior-lateral part of the VPM. Aanaesthetics resulted in the suppression of VPM activation induced by CSD. No significant VPM activation was detected when CSD was induced in contralateral cortex or KCl was replaced by saline. When 5 mM MK-801 was applied to the dura, the electrode failed to record the DC shift of CSD, and there was no significant VPM activation after KCl application.

Conclusion

CSD induced propagating activation of the ipsilateral VPM in awake mice. The response might correlate to the cortical location where CSD was induced and might be affected by anaesthetics. No significant VPM activation was detected in saline and mk801 experiment results indicated that this VPM activation is due to CSD rather than mouse motion or direct effect of the KCl applying to the intact dura. This finding suggests the potential involvement of thalamus in the migraine auras.
The genome of medicinal leech (Whitmania pigra) and comparative genomic study for exploration of bioactive ingredients
Authors: Tong Lei , Dai Shao-Xing , Kong De-Jun , Yang Peng-Peng , Tong Xin , Tong Xiang-Rong , Bi Xiao-Xu , Su Yuan , Zhao Yu-Qi , Liu Zi-Chao
Published: January 2022

Background

Leeches are classic annelids that have a huge diversity and are closely related to people, especially medicinal leeches. Medicinal leeches have been widely utilized in medicine based on the pharmacological activities of their bioactive ingredients. Comparative genomic study of these leeches enables us to understand the difference among medicinal leeches and other leeches and facilitates the discovery of bioactive ingredients.

Results

In this study, we reported the genome ofWhitmania pigraand compared it withHirudo medicinalisandHelobdella robusta. The assembled genome size ofW. pigrais 177 Mbp, close to the estimated genome size. Approximately about 23% of the genome was repetitive. A total of 26,743 protein-coding genes were subsequently predicted.W. pigrahave 12346 (46%) and 10295 (38%) orthologous genes withH. medicinalisandH. robusta, respectively. About 20 and 24% genes inW. pigrashowed syntenic arrangement withH. medicinalisandH. robusta, respectively,revealed by gene synteny analysis. Furthermore,W. pigra, H. medicinalisandH. robustaexpanded different gene families enriched in different biological processes. By inspecting genome distribution and gene structure of hirudin, we identified a new hirudin gene g17108 (hirudin_2) with different cysteine patterns. Finally, we systematically explored and compared the active substances in the genomes of three leech species. The results showed thatW. pigraandH. medicinalisexceedH. robustain both kinds and gene number of active molecules.

Conclusions

This study reported the genome ofW. pigraand compared it with other two leeches, which provides an important genome resource and new insight into the exploration and development of bioactive molecules of medicinal leeches.
Comparing Colon Capsule Endoscopy to colonoscopy; a symptomatic patient’s perspective
Authors: Ismail Mohd Syafiq , Murphy Greg , Semenov S. , McNamara D.
Published: January 2022

Background

Colon Capsule Endoscopy (CCE) has proven efficacy in a variety of gastrointestinal diseases. Few studies have assessed patient-reported outcomes and preference between colonoscopy and CCE.

Methods

Patients from our centre who had both a CCE and colonoscopy within a 12-month period were identified. We performed over-the-phone interviews focused on satisfaction, comfort, and overall preference with a 10-point Likert scale. Electronic records were reviewed; reported Modified-Gloucester-Comfort-Scale (GCS) score, sedation, bowel preparation and endoscopist grade were documented. Data was compared between procedures. A Fishers exact test was used to compare proportions and a Student t-test was used to compare means, a p < 0.05 was considered significant.

Results

In all, 40 patients were identified, 57.5% (23/40) were female and the mean age was 48 years (24–78). All patients were referred for investigation of lower gastrointestinal symptoms as part of an ongoing study [Endosc Int Open. 2021;09(06):E965–70]. There was a significance difference in mean comfort (9.2 vs 6.7, p < 0.0001, 95% CI − 3.51 to − 1.44) but not satisfaction (8.3 vs 7.7, p = 0.2, 95% CI − 1.48 to 0.33) between CCE and colonoscopy. Main cause of dissatisfaction with CCE was bowel preparation and for colonoscopy was discomfort. Age and gender were not found to be variables. The correlation between GCS and patient reported values was weak (R = − 0.28). Overall, 77.5% (31/40) of patients would prefer a CCE if they required further bowel investigation. Of these, 77.4% (24/31) preferred a CCE despite the potential need for follow-up colonoscopy.

Conclusions

CCE has a high satisfaction rating (8.3 vs 7.7) and has a higher patient reported comfort rating (9.2 vs 6.7) than colonoscopy. Studies have confirmed CCE and colonoscopy have equivalent diagnostic yields. The majority of patients in our cohort prefer CCE to colonoscopy. CCE should be considered as an alternative to colonoscopy in selected individuals.
Coding quality of deaths and its impact on elderly unintentional fall mortality data from 1990 to 2019: a retrospective analysis of the WHO Mortality Database
Authors: Hua Junjie , Ning Peishan , Cheng Peixia , Rao Zhenzhen , He Jieyi , Xiao Wangxin , Li Li , Fu Yanhong , Li Ruotong , Li Jie , Wang Wanhui , Schwebel David C. , Hu Guoqing
Published: January 2022

Background

Several studies have assessed the reporting quality of all-cause mortality data from the WHO Mortality Database, but little is known about coding quality and its impact on elderly unintentional fall mortality data worldwide. We aimed to assess the coding quality of deaths and its impact on elderly unintentional fall mortality.

Methods

Using data from the WHO Mortality Database, 1990–2019, we calculated the number of countries/territories that had mortality data in the database, and the proportion of deaths with five types of problematic codes based on the 10th International Classification of Disease (unspecified deaths, injury deaths with undetermined intent, unspecified unintentional injury, unintentional falls with unspecified mechanism, unintentional falls with unknown occurrence place). We estimated age-adjusted unintentional fall mortality before and after correcting problematic codes.

Results

Only 64% (124/194) of WHO member states had at least 1 year of mortality data in the database during 1990–2019, and data unavailability was more common for underdeveloped countries/territories than for developed countries/territories. Coding quality was poor for many countries/territories. Among the study years when countries/territories possessed mortality data, 80, 53, 51, and 63% had a proportion of unintentional fall deaths with unspecified mechanism over 50% in low-income, lower middle-income, upper middle-income, and high-income countries/territories, respectively; comparable proportions for unintentional fall deaths with unknown occurrence place were 100, 42, 71, and 62%. Among the 94 countries/territories having mortality data, problematic codes caused a relative mortality difference ≥ 50% in 59 countries/territories (63%). After correcting problematic codes, 5 of 55 countries/territories with data witnessed a reverse in mortality changes between 2005 and 2015. Among the 82 countries/territories with mortality data for 5 or more years, 18 countries/territories (22%) experienced a directional reverse in linear regression coefficient.

Conclusions

The availability and coding quality of global data related to elderly unintentional fall mortality was poor between 1990 and 2019. When data are available, varying coding quality across countries/territories and over time have a substantial impact on mortality estimates and mortality comparisons. Global agencies plus each individual government should be aware of the importance of collecting and sharing high-quality mortality data, and take action to improve data quality for inclusion in the WHO Mortality Database.
Bronchiolitis, epidemiological changes during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic
Authors: Guitart Carmina , Bobillo-Perez Sara , Alejandre Carme , Armero Georgina , Launes Cristian , Cambra Francisco Jose , Balaguer Monica , Jordan Iolanda ,   Hospital Network for R. S. V. surveillance in Catalonia, Pagarolas Andrés Antón , Vila Jorgina , Coma Ermengol , Jordan Iolanda , Pineda Valentí , Castellarnau Ester , Centelles-Serrano Mª José , López Nuria , Vilaró Ingrid Badia
Published: January 2022

Background

Bronchiolitis is the most common viral infection of the lower respiratory tract in infants under 2 years of age. The aim of this study was to analyze and compare the seasonal bronchiolitis peaks before and during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic.

Methods

Descriptive, prospective, and observational study. Patients with severe bronchiolitis admitted to the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) of a referral tertiary hospital between September 2010 and June 2021 were included. Demographic data were collected. Viral laboratory-confirmation was carried out. Each season was analyzed and compared. The daily average temperature was collected.

Results

1116 patients were recruited, 58.2% of them males. The median age was 49 days. Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) was isolated in 782 cases (70.1%). In April 2021, the first and only case of bronchiolitis caused by SARS-CoV-2 was identified. The pre- and post-pandemic periods were compared. There were statistically significant differences regarding: age, 47 vs. 73 days (p = 0.006), PICU and hospital length of stay (p = 0.024 and p = 0.001, respectively), and etiology (p = 0.031). The peak for bronchiolitis in 2020 was non-existent before week 52. A delayed peak was seen around week 26/2021. The mean temperature during the epidemic peak was 10ºC for the years of the last decade and is 23ºC for the present season.

Conclusion

The COVID-19 pandemic outbreak has led to a clearly observable epidemiological change regarding acute bronchiolitis, which should be studied in detail. The influence of the environmental temperature does not seem to determine the viral circulation.
Estimating tuberculosis drug resistance amplification rates in high-burden settings
Authors: Karmakar Malancha , Ragonnet Romain , Ascher David B. , Trauer James M. , Denholm Justin T.
Published: January 2022

Background

Antimicrobial resistance develops following the accrual of mutations in the bacterial genome, and may variably impact organism fitness and hence, transmission risk. Classical representation of tuberculosis (TB) dynamics using a single or two strain (DS/MDR-TB) model typically does not capture elements of this important aspect of TB epidemiology. To understand and estimate the likelihood of resistance spreading in high drug-resistant TB incidence settings, we used epidemiological data to develop a mathematical model of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) transmission.

Methods

A four-strain (drug-susceptible (DS), isoniazid mono-resistant (INH-R), rifampicin mono-resistant (RIF-R) and multidrug-resistant (MDR)) compartmental deterministic Mtb transmission model was developed to explore the progression from DS- to MDR-TB in The Philippines and Viet Nam. The models were calibrated using data from national tuberculosis prevalence (NTP) surveys and drug resistance surveys (DRS). An adaptive Metropolis algorithm was used to estimate the risks of drug resistance amplification among unsuccessfully treated individuals.

Results

The estimated proportion of INH-R amplification among failing treatments was 0.84 (95% CI 0.79–0.89) for The Philippines and 0.77 (95% CI 0.71–0.84) for Viet Nam. The proportion of RIF-R amplification among failing treatments was 0.05 (95% CI 0.04–0.07) for The Philippines and 0.011 (95% CI 0.010–0.012) for Viet Nam.

Conclusion

The risk of resistance amplification due to treatment failure for INH was dramatically higher than RIF. We observed RIF-R strains were more likely to be transmitted than acquired through amplification, while both mechanisms of acquisition were important contributors in the case of INH-R. These findings highlight the complexity of drug resistance dynamics in high-incidence settings, and emphasize the importance of prioritizing testing algorithms which allow for early detection of INH-R.