bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The influence of different peritoneal dialysis techniques on wound infection in patients with peritoneal dialysis tube
Authors: Liu Ting , Wang Yuan
Published: August 2023

More and more research has started to investigate the effect of peritoneal dialysis treatment on the incidence of pericatheter wound complications in chronic kidney disease (CKD). This meta‐study evaluated the effect of emergency peritoneal dialysis (EPD) with conventional peritoneal dialysis (CPD) in patients with catheter‐related complications. We looked up 4 databases: PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane, and Web of Science, and analysed the data with RevMan 5. There were a total of 15 studies with 3034 participants. While the quality of the research included was fairly good, the evidence was mediocre. In the meta‐analyses, the risk of leak in the conduit with PD was very high (OR, 2.48; 95% CI, 1.72, 3.59, p < 0.00001). However, for those treated with urgent medical method prior to initiation of PD, the risk for peritonitis, catheter dysfunction and bleeding was similar compared with CPD. Based on limited information, immediate initiation of PDs is advised in order to increase the quality of life for people in urgent need, except if there is no consideration for loss of fluid. The low quality of the evidence is holding up the evidence. This research, however, is also informative because of the large number of available data. Consequently, additional high quality, large, randomized controlled studies are required to establish.
What scholarly practice means to respiratory therapists: An interpretive description study
Authors: Zaccagnini Marco , Bussières André , Kim Sungha , Nugus Peter , West Andrew , Thomas Aliki
Published: August 2023

Rationale

Engagement in scholarly practice has been associated with professional empowerment, role satisfaction and improvements in care delivery and patient outcomes across many healthcare professions. However, in evolving professions like respiratory therapy, scholarly practice is excluded from competency frameworks, resulting in a gap in education and subsequent application of this competency in practice. An exploration of scholarly practice in respiratory therapy may provide insights into evolving professions that face tensions between meeting competency requirements as outlined in frameworks and providing quality healthcare to the populations they serve.

Aims and Objectives

The aim of the study was to explore what scholarly practice means, and how it manifests in practice from respiratory therapists' (RTs) perspectives.

Methods

We used interpretive description methodology. We purposively sampled participants to obtain varied perspectives of scholarly practice in respiratory therapy. We conducted 26 semistructured interviews with RTs in different roles (clinicians, educators, researchers, leaders and managers) across Canada and analysed the data using inductive analysis. Data collection and analysis proceeded concurrently.

Results

We developed five main themes: (i) the identity of a scholarly practitioner in RTs; (ii) factors influencing scholarly practice; (iii) one's impression of their professional self‐image; (iv) scholarly practice as a vehicle for changing practice and (v) the complex interconnections between knowledges and practices.

Conclusion

Scholarly practice appears to be a multifaceted phenomenon encompassing a wide range of activities and skills including conducting research, reflective practice, application of research to practice, and contributing to the advancement of the profession and healthcare. Scholarly practice is influenced by organisational context and culture, available resources, intrinsic motivation and external political context. We identified similarities between professional identity and the description of the scholarly practitioner, suggesting that these two phenomena may be interconnected. Furthermore, participants believed that scholarly practice could enhance the image, credibility, legitimacy and professionalisation of the profession.
Ultrasound‐guided aspiration in addition to antibiotics for treatment of liver abscess in children: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Narang Manish , Shah Dheeraj , Narang Shiva , Gupta Natasha , Upreti Lalendra
Published: August 2023

Background and Aim

The criteria for aspiration for pediatric liver abscess are unclear. In this randomized controlled trial, we evaluated the efficacy of ultrasound‐guided needle aspiration in addition to antibiotics in children with uncomplicated liver abscess.

Methods

We enrolled 110 children aged 1–18 years (mean [SD] = 7.7 [3.7] years) with uncomplicated liver abscess. The primary outcome was clinical cure at 6 weeks (absence of fever and abdominal pain in the preceding 14 days with reduction in abscess size on ultrasonography). The secondary outcomes were clinical response at 4 weeks, fever resolution time, time to abdominal pain reduction and abdominal tenderness, duration of hospitalization, and treatment failure.

Results

Clinical cure at 6 weeks was not significantly different (48/50 [96%] vs 39/46 [85%]; P = 0.082) between aspiration plus antibiotics group and antibiotics only group. The clinical response at 4 weeks was also comparable (49/50 [98%] vs 43/46 [93.5%]; P = 0.347). The mean (SD) of fever resolution time was significantly less in the aspiration plus antibiotics group (198 [90.8] h vs 248.2 [104.6] h; P = 0.014). Time to achieve reduction in abdominal pain (8.32 [3.1] vs 9.46 [3.1] days; P = 0.077) and abdominal tenderness (5.7 [2.4] vs 6.3 [2.3] days; P = 0.242), duration of hospitalization (16.6 [3.9] vs 18.2 [4.4] days; P = 0.07), and adverse event profile (9/50 [18%] vs 14/46 [30%]; P = 0.217) were comparable between the two groups.

Conclusion

Majority of children with uncomplicated liver abscess achieved clinical cure at 6 weeks with intravenous antibiotics, irrespective of aspiration. However, needle aspiration may slightly reduce the duration of fever and abdominal pain/abdominal tenderness.
Food insecurity in adults with severe mental illness: A systematic review with meta‐analysis
Authors: Smith Jo , Stevens Heidi , Lake Amelia A. , Teasdale Scott , Giles Emma L.
Published: August 2023

Introduction

Food insecurity in adults living with Severe Mental Illness (SMI) is an underresearched area worldwide.

Aim

This systematic review and meta‐analysis aimed to identify and collate evidence on food insecurity in adults with SMI, in high‐ and upper‐middle income countries.

Method

A comprehensive electronic search was completed up to August 2022. Random effects meta‐analysis was undertaken to determine the prevalence and the odds ratio for food insecurity in adults with SMI. Narrative synthesis explored the data further.

Results

Sixteen publications were included (13 in the meta‐analysis). The prevalence estimate of food insecurity in adults with SMI was 41% (95% CI: 29% to 53%, I2 = 99.9%, n = 13). Adults with SMI were 3.31 (95% CI: 2.03 to 5.41) times more likely to experience food insecurity than comparators without SMI (z = 6.29, p < .001, I2 = 98.9%, n = 6). Food insecurity appears to be a risk factor for developing SMI.

Discussion

This review suggests adults with SMI living in high‐ or upper‐middle income countries are more likely to experience food insecurity than the general population and that this relationship may be inverse.

Implications for practice

Mental health practitioners should be aware of food insecurity and support individuals with SMI to access sufficient food.
Adenosquamous carcinoma of the liver: The challenge of diagnosis
Authors: Liu Ye‐Min , Lei Ya‐Li , Liu Fang
Published: August 2023

Adenosquamous carcinoma of the liver is extremely rare. We report a case of adenosquamous carcinoma in the intrahepatic bile duct of a 56‐year‐old woman who complained of persistent abdominal pain, shivering and hyperthermia. Computed tomography demonstrated a solid‐cystic neoplasm in segment 5/6/8 of the liver with a gradual enhancement pattern in the solid area. However, postoperative pathological examination showed adenosquamous carcinoma of intrahepatic bile duct.
Selecting the Vertebra above Sagittal Stable Vertebra as the Distal Fusion Level in Scheuermann's Kyphosis: A Prospective Study with a Minimum of 2‐Year Follow‐Up
Authors: Xu Yanjie , Ling Chen , Xu Hui , Kiram Abdukahar , Li Jie , Hu Zongshan , Zhu Zezhang , Qiu Yong , Liu Zhen
Published: August 2023

Objective

The proper selection of the lower instrumented vertebra (LIV) remains controversial in the surgical treatment of Scheuermann's disease and there is a paucity of studies investigating the clinical outcomes of fusion surgery when selecting the vertebra one level proximal to the sagittal stable vertebra (SSV‐1) as LIV. The purpose of this study is to investigate whether SSV‐1 could be a valid LIV for Scheuermann kyphosis (SK) patients with different curve patterns.

Methods

This was a prospective study on consecutive SK patients treated with posterior surgery between January 2018 and September 2020, in which the distal fusion level ended at SSV‐1. The LIV was selected at SSV‐1 only in patients with Risser >2 and with LIV translation less than 40 mm. All of the patients had a minimum of 2‐year follow‐up. Patients were further grouped based on the sagittal curve pattern as thoracic kyphosis (TK, n = 23) and thoracolumbar kyphosis (TLK, n = 13). Radiographic parameters including global kyphosis (GK), lumbar lordosis (LL), sagittal vertical axis (SVA), LIV translation, pelvic incidence (PI), pelvic tilt (PT), and sacral slope (SS) were measured preoperatively, postoperatively, and at the latest follow‐up. The intraoperative and postoperative complications were recorded. The Scoliosis Research Society (SRS)‐22 scores were performed to evaluate clinical outcomes.

Results

A total of 36 patients were recruited in this study, with 23 in the TK group and 13 in the TLK group. In TK group, the GK was significantly decreased from 80.8° ± 10.1° to 45.4° ± 7.7° after surgery, and was maintained at 45.3° ± 8.6° at the final follow‐up. While in the TLK group, GK was significantly decreased from 70.7° ± 9.2° to 39.1° ± 5.4° after surgery (p < 0.001) and to 39.3° ± 4.5° at the final follow‐up. Meanwhile, despite presenting with different sagittal alignment, significant improvement was observed in LL, SVA, and LIV translation for both TK and TLK groups (p < 0.05). Self‐reported scores of pain and self‐image in TK group and scores of self‐image and function in TLK group showed significant improvement at the final follow‐up (all p < 0.05). Distal junctional kyphosis (DJK) was observed in two patients (8.7%) in TK group, and one patient (7.7%) in TLK group. No revision surgery was performed.

Conclusion

Selecting SSV‐1 as LIV can achieve satisfactory radiographic and clinical outcomes for SK patients with different curve patterns without increasing the risk of DJK. This selection strategy could be a favorable option for SK patients with Risser sign >2 and LIV translation less than 40 mm.
Outcomes of minimal oral sedation in patients treated in a dental school setting: A retrospective study
Authors: Desai Jhanvi , Marchini Leonardo , Peter Tabitha
Published: August 2023

Introduction

Minimal sedation (Anxiolysis) is used in dentistry to reduce stress, manage anxiety, and improve patient comfort during treatment. The oral route of minimal sedation is safe and convenient, but there is limited literature assessing the efficacy of this mode of patient care. This paper aims to evaluate the outcomes of oral sedation use for patients treated in a dental school setting using a retrospective cohort analysis of electronic health record data.

Methods

A total of 6872 patient records were selected after screening through the selection criteria. Demographic and treatment variables were obtained and analyzed. The appointment status was identified as a success or failure depending on the treatment codes assigned for that appointment. A multivariate logistic regression was used to evaluate relationships between appointment status and the obtained variables.

Results

Less than 3% patients had a ‘failure outcome’ when this data set was evaluated. Being treated in multiple clinics and being seen by multiple providers were both factors that increased the odds of success.

Conclusion

Oral anxiolytics should be considered as a noteworthy option for patient management based on the outcomes reflected in this study. There is some evidence that seeing multiple providers improves the success rate of completing dental procedures carried out under oral sedation.
Retrospective study evaluating the efficacy of stereotactic body radiation therapy for the treatment of confirmed or suspected primary pulmonary carcinomas in dogs
Authors: Martin Tiffany Wormhoudt , LaRue Susan M. , Griffin Lynn , Leary Del , Boss Mary‐Keara
Published: August 2023

Canine primary pulmonary carcinomas (PCCs) are commonly treated with surgery with overall median survival times (MST) around a year; however, due to extent of disease, prognosis, or client preference, alternative treatments have been considered. Stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) has been utilized in human cancer patients for local control of lung tumours as a surgical alternative. Twenty‐one PCCs in 19 dogs that received SBRT for local control were retrospectively evaluated. Dogs were staged according to the canine lung carcinoma stage classification (CLCSC) system with three as Stage 1, five as Stage 2, three as Stage 3, and eight as Stage 4. Overall MST was 343 days with 38% of patients alive at 1 year. Stage did not significantly impact survival time (p = .72). Five (26%) dogs had lymphadenopathy and MST was not significantly different from dogs without lymphadenopathy (343 vs. 353 days;p = .54). Five out of 18 evaluable dogs (28%) experienced acute lung VRTOG effects and 2 of 12 dogs (17%) experienced late lung VRTOG effects. Median lung dose, V5, V20, and D30 to the lung did not correlate significantly with the development of adverse radiation events. Twelve dogs had follow‐up imaging and the best response included a complete response (17%), partial response (42%), and stable disease (42%). Progressive disease was noted in seven dogs a median of 229 days after SBRT. SBRT was documented to be a safe and effective alternative to surgery and may have survival advantages for Stage 3 or 4 dogs according to the CLCSC.
Efficacy of the combination of milbemycin oxime and afoxolaner for the control of myiasis by Musca domestica in desert tortoises (Gopherus berlandieri)
Authors: Fuantos Gámez Braulio Alejandro , Sánchez Cisneros Jocelín Selene , Miranda Contreras Laura , Romero Núñez Camilo
Published: August 2023

The efficacy of the combination of milbemycin oxime and afoxolaner was evaluated in desert tortoises infested with fly larvae. Oral administration of the combination of milbemycin oxime and afoxolaner eliminated the infestation without generating any evident adverse effects on the tortoises.
“He’s Asked for You. . . . ” One-to-One Support With an Elite Academy Soccer Player and Navigating Through the Unforeseen Roles of Sport Psychology Practitioners
Authors: Garner Lauren , McEwan Hayley , Whitehead Amy
Published: August 2023

This case study outlines the holistic development of an adolescent soccer player, placing focus on the welfare of the individual first and the performer second. The client was seeking support as family life disturbances were having a negative impact on his mental health and general well-being. In addition, scholarship decisions were imminent, and the client felt that his performance had deteriorated. An introduction to the practitioner and client is provided, along with an account of the challenging and anxiety-provoking process encountered. Practitioner reflections are embedded throughout, and recommendations for other trainee sport psychology practitioners are provided. This case highlights the potentially unforeseen roles that sport psychology practitioners may, at times, play to best support their clients. It demonstrates the benefit of seeking guidance and support from supervisors and collaborating with other members of a multidisciplinary team, as well as the importance of having a clearly defined philosophy of practice to ensure that one is working from a place of congruence.
Student Perceptions of Program Quality: The Value of the Commission on Sport Management Accreditation in the Strategic Development of Sport Management Curricula
Authors: Sellars Nicole , Atwater Christopher , Corr Christopher , Martin Christina
Published: August 2023

A routine critique of programmatic accreditation in the academic discipline of sport management is the tangible return from investment in specialized accreditation. As the sole accrediting body offering programmatic accreditation in the field of sport management education, the Commission on Sport Management Accreditation (COSMA) provides members with a systematic outcome-oriented approach to assist in the development of holistic sport management undergraduate and graduate degree programs. A strategic emphasis on professional competencies’ (e.g., Common Professional Components) and student outcomes’ assessment positions COSMA to be of unique value to accredited programs, specifically in the area of curriculum development. Utilizing direct student feedback, this study examined student perceptions of a sport management undergraduate curriculum at a COSMA-accredited institution. Results indicated that undergraduate students found COSMA-accredited sport management courses to be enjoyable, relevant, and of practical value. Findings are illustrative of the significance of programmatic accreditation through COSMA to the sampled institution in both systematic curriculum development and student perceptions of quality.
Exposure of volunteers to microgravity by dry immersion bed over 21 days results in gene expression changes and adaptation of T cells
Authors: Gallardo-Dodd Carlos J. , Oertlin Christian , Record Julien , Galvani Rômulo G. , Sommerauer Christian , Kuznetsov Nikolai V. , Doukoumopoulos Evangelos , Ali Liaqat , Oliveira Mariana M. S. , Seitz Christina , Percipalle Mathias , Nikić Tijana , Sadova Anastasia A. , Shulgina Sofia M. , Shmarov Vjacheslav A. , Kutko Olga V. , Vlasova Daria D. , Orlova Kseniya D. , Rykova Marina P. , Andersson John , Percipalle Piergiorgio , Kutter Claudia , Ponomarev Sergey A. , Westerberg Lisa S.
Published: August 2023

The next steps of deep space exploration are manned missions to Moon and Mars. For safe space missions for crew members, it is important to understand the impact of space flight on the immune system. We studied the effects of 21 days dry immersion (DI) exposure on the transcriptomes of T cells isolated from blood samples of eight healthy volunteers. Samples were collected 7 days before DI, at day 7, 14, and 21 during DI, and 7 days after DI. RNA sequencing of CD3
+
T cells revealed transcriptional alterations across all time points, with most changes occurring 14 days after DI exposure. At day 21, T cells showed evidence of adaptation with a transcriptional profile resembling that of 7 days before DI. At 7 days after DI, T cells again changed their transcriptional profile. These data suggest that T cells adapt by rewiring their transcriptomes in response to simulated weightlessness and that remodeling cues persist when reexposed to normal gravity.
Transformable nano-antibiotics for mechanotherapy and immune activation against drug-resistant Gram-negative bacteria
Authors: Li Rong Sheng , Liu Jiahui , Wen Cong , Shi Yaru , Ling Jian , Cao Qiue , Wang Lei , Shi Hu , Huang Cheng Zhi , Li Na
Published: August 2023

The dearth of antibiotic candidates against Gram-negative bacteria and the rise of antibiotic resistance create a global health concern. The challenge lies in the unique Gram-negative bacterial outer membrane that provides the impermeable barrier for antibiotics and sequesters antigen presentation. We designed a transformable nano-antibiotics (TNA) that can transform from nontoxic nanoparticles to bactericidal nanofibrils with reasonable rigidity (Young’s modulus, 21.6 ± 5.9 MPa) after targeting β-barrel assembly machine A (BamA) and lipid polysaccharides (LPSs) of Gram-negative bacteria. After morphological transformation, the TNA can penetrate and damage the bacterial envelope, disrupt electron transport and multiple conserved biosynthetic and metabolic pathways, burst bacterial antigen release from the outer membrane, and subsequently activate the innate and adaptive immunity. TNA kills Gram-negative bacteria in vitro and in vivo with undetectable resistance through multiple bactericidal modes of action. TNA treatment–induced vaccination results in rapid and long-lasting immune responses, protecting against lethal reinfections.
Comment on “Dying in the Sun: Direct evidence for elevated UV-B radiation at the end-Permian mass extinction”
Authors: Seddon Alistair W. R. , Zimmermann Boris
Published: August 2023

Liu
et al.
present evidence of increased abundance of UV-B–absorbing compounds in fossilized sporomorphs at the end-Permian mass extinction based on Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. Their approach assumes that UV-B–absorbing compounds are present in the fossilized sporomorphs spanning the extinction interval and that they can be quantified using FTIR. However, further analysis reveals that the signal that they aim to focus on is weak and poorly resolved against nonrandom background interference most likely associated with water vapor. We also show that the peak detection methods that they use are inappropriate for use on these fossil sporomorphs because their methods select only 3.9% of the spectra at the target waveband of interest. The reconstruction that they present is based on baseline variations in the spectra and cannot be confidently attributed to variations in UV-B–absorbing compounds. “Direct” evidence for UV-B radiation at the end-Permian mass extinction cannot be claimed to have been observed in this record.
Quantitative proteomics reveals unique responses to antimicrobial treatments in clinical
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
isolates
Authors: Goodyear Mara C. , Seidel Laura , Krieger Jonathan R. , Geddes-McAlister Jennifer , Levesque Roger C. , Khursigara Cezar M.
Published: August 2023

Epidemic strains of
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
often have increased levels of antibiotic resistance, and these resistance phenotypes are difficult to predict. We used quantitative proteomics to compare the responses of laboratory strain PAO1 and two isolates of the Liverpool epidemic strain (LES) to four antibiotics and hydrogen peroxide. The majority of proteome changes were unique to either one isolate or treatment, but smaller groups of proteins were differentially abundant in more than one sample. Proteins in these shared adaptive responses represent promising avenues for further investigation to understand the contribution of these proteins to resistance and their potential as targets for novel treatments. We observed the largest overlap between the proteome profiles of PAO1 challenged with tobramycin and hydrogen peroxide, and our data support previous work suggesting a role for heat shock protein IbpA in response to tobramycin. Our proteome profiling uncovered extensive changes in LESB58 in response to carbenicillin, with more than 1,000 proteins significantly changed in abundance. This included unique changes in the abundance of proteins involved in cell wall synthesis and division. We used phase contrast microscopy to check for corresponding changes in cell morphology and show that LESB58 maintained shorter cell lengths under treatment with β-lactams. We propose that the ability to maintain the processes of cell wall synthesis and division through changes in protein abundances contributes to the high levels of β-lactam resistance in LESB58.

IMPORTANCE

Pseudomonas aeruginosa
is an important pathogen often associated with hospital-acquired infections and chronic lung infections in people with cystic fibrosis.
P. aeruginosa
possesses a wide array of intrinsic and adaptive mechanisms of antibiotic resistance, and the regulation of these mechanisms is complex. Label-free quantitative proteomics is a powerful tool to compare susceptible and resistant strains of bacteria and their responses to antibiotic treatments. Here we compare the proteomes of three isolates of
P. aeruginosa
with different antibiotic resistance profiles in response to five challenge conditions. We uncover unique and shared proteome changes for the widely used laboratory strain PAO1 and two isolates of the Liverpool epidemic strain of
P. aeruginosa
, LESlike1 and LESB58. Our data set provides insight into antibiotic resistance in clinically relevant
Pseudomonas
isolates and highlights proteins, including those with uncharacterized functions, which can be further investigated for their role in adaptive responses to antibiotic treatments.
Microbial communities related to the sulfur cycle in the Sansha Yongle Blue Hole
Authors: Sun Kai , Yu Min , Zhu Xiao-Yu , Xue Chun-Xu , Zhang Yunhui , Chen Xing , Yao Peng , Chen Lin , Fu Liang , Yang Zuosheng , Zhang Xiao-Hua
Published: August 2023

The Sansha Yongle Blue Hole (SYBH), the deepest blue hole in the world, is an excellent habitat for revealing biogeochemical cycles in the anaerobic environment. However, how sulfur cycling is mediated by microorganisms in the SYBH hasn’t been fully understood. In this study, the water layers of the SYBH were divided into oxic zone, hypoxic zone, anoxic zone I and II, and microbial-mediated sulfur cycling in the SYBH was comprehensively interpreted. The 16S rRNA genes/transcripts analyses showed that the microbial community structures associated with the sulfur cycling in each zone had distinctive features. Sulfur-oxidizing bacteria were mostly constituted by
Gammaproteobacteria
,
Alphaproteobacteria
,
Campylobacterota,
and
Chlorobia
above the anoxic zone I and sulfate-reducing bacteria were dominated by
Desulfobacterota
in anoxic zones. Metagenomic analyses showed that the sulfide-oxidation-related gene
sqr
and genes encoding the Sox system were mainly distributed in the anoxic zone I, while genes related to dissimilatory sulfate reduction and sulfur intermediate metabolite reduction were mainly distributed in the anoxic zone II, indicating different sulfur metabolic processes between these two zones. Moreover, sulfur-metabolism-related genes were identified in 81 metagenome-assembled genomes (MAGs), indicating a high diversity of microbial communities involved in sulfur cycling. Among them, three MAGs from the candidate phyla JdFR-76 and AABM5-125-24 with genes related to dissimilatory sulfate reduction exhibited distinctive metabolic features. Our results showed unique and novel microbial populations in the SYBH sulfur cycle correlated to the sharp redox gradients, revealing complex biogeochemical processes in this extreme environment.

IMPORTANCE

Oxygen-deficient regions in the global ocean are expanding rapidly and affect the growth, reproduction and ecological processes of marine organisms. The anaerobic water body of about 150 m in the Sansha Yongle Blue Hole (SYBH) provided a suitable environment to study the specific microbial metabolism in anaerobic seawater. Here, we found that the vertical distributions of the total and active communities of sulfur-oxidizing bacteria (SOB) and sulfate-reducing bacteria (SRB) were different in each water layer of the SYBH according to the dissolved oxygen content. Genes related to sulfur metabolism also showed distinct stratification characteristics. Furthermore, we have obtained diverse metagenome-assembled genomes, some of which exhibit special sulfur metabolic characteristics, especially candidate phyla JdFR-76 and AABM5-125-24 were identified as potential novel SRB. The results of this study will promote further understanding of the sulfur cycle in extreme environments, as well as the environmental adaptability of microorganisms in blue holes.
The dual functions of KDM7A in HBV replication and immune microenvironment
Authors: Yang Di , Tian Renyun , Deng Rilin , Xue Binbin , Liu Shun , Wang Luoling , Li Huiyi , Liu Qian , Wan Mengyu , Tang Songqing , Wang Xiaohong , Zhu Haizhen
Published: August 2023

KDM7A (lysine demethylase 7A, also known as JHDM1D) is a histone demethylase, it is mainly involved in the intracellular post-translational modifications process. Recently, it has been proved that the histone demethylase members can regulate the replication of hepatitis B virus (HBV) and the expression of key molecules in the Janus-activated kinase-signal transducer and activator of the transcription (JAK/STAT) signaling pathway by chromatin modifying mechanisms. In our study, we identify novel roles of KDM7A in HBV replication and immune microenvironment through two subjects: pathogen and host. On the one hand, KDM7A is highly expressed in HBV-infected cells and promotes HBV replication
in vitro
and
in vivo
. Moreover, KDM7A interacts with HBV covalently closed circular DNA and augments the activity of the HBV core promoter. On the other hand, KDM7A can remodel the immune microenvironment. It inhibits the expression of interferon-stimulated genes (ISGs) through the IFN-γ/JAK2/STAT1 signaling pathway in both hepatocytes and macrophages. Further study shows that KDM7A interacts with JAK2 and STAT1 and affects their methylation. In general, we demonstrate the dual functions of KDM7A in HBV replication and immune microenvironment, and then we propose a new therapeutic target for HBV infection and immunotherapy.

IMPORTANCE

Histone lysine demethylase KDM7A can interact with covalently closed circular DNA and promote the replication of hepatitis B virus (HBV). The IFN-γ/JAK2/STAT1 signaling pathway in macrophages and hepatocytes is also downregulated by KDM7A. This study provides new insights into the mechanism of HBV infection and the remodeling of the immune microenvironment.
Association between implanted cardioverter-defibrillators and mortality for patients with left ventricular ejection fraction between 30% and 35%
Authors: Wasfy Jason H , Achanta Aditya , Hidrue Michael K , Urbut Sarah , Axtell Andrea L , Berman Adam N , Zhao Yunong , Chen Julian , Gustus Sarah , Picard Michael H
Published: August 2023

Background

Consensus guidelines support the use of implanted cardioverter-defibrillators (ICD) for primary prevention of sudden cardiac death in patients with either non-ischaemic or ischaemic cardiomyopathy with left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) ≤35%. However, evidence from trials for efficacy specifically for patients with LVEF near 35% is weak. Past trials are underpowered for this population and future trials are unlikely to be performed.

Methods

Patients with lowest LVEF between 30% and 35% without an ICD prior to the lowest-LVEF echo (defined as ‘time zero’) were identified by querying echocardiography data from 28 November 2001 to 9 July 2020 at the Massachusetts General Hospital linked to ICD treatment status. To assess the association between ICD and mortality, propensity score matching followed by Cox proportional hazards models considering treatment status as a time-dependent covariate was used. A secondary analysis was performed for LVEF 36%–40%.

Results

Initially, 526 440 echocardiograms representing 266 601 unique patients were identified. After inclusion and exclusion criteria were applied, 6109 patients remained for the analytical cohort. In bivariate unadjusted comparisons, patients who received ICDs were substantially more often male (79.8% vs 65.4%, p<0.0001), more often white (87.5% vs 83.7%, p<0.046) and more often had a history of ventricular tachycardia (74.5% vs 19.1%, p<0.0001) and myocardial infarction (56.1% vs 38.2%, p<0.0001). In the propensity matched sample, after accounting for time-dependence, there was no association between ICD and mortality (HR 0.93, 95% CI 0.75 to 1.15, p=0.482).

Conclusions

ICD therapy was not associated with reduced mortality near the conventional LVEF threshold of 35%. Although this treatment design cannot definitively demonstrate lack of efficacy, our results are concordant with available prior trial data. A definitive, well-powered trial is needed to answer the important clinical question of primary prevention ICD efficacy between LVEF 30% and 35%.
SPH Modeling of Tsunami Wave Overtopping over the Reef-Flat with a Vertical Revetment
Authors: Tian Zhenglin , Sun Xin , Xia Zhisheng , Wen Hongjie
Published: August 2023

Artificial revetments are commonly constructed on reef-flats to protect the rear infrastructure. Evaluating the performance of a revetment under extreme wave conditions requires accurate prediction of wave overtopping. To simulate tsunami wave overtopping on an artificial revetment above a coral reef-flat, a numerical model based on the weakly compressible smoothed particle hydrodynamics (WCSPH) method is developed. This numerical model includes an additional dissipative term in the continuity equation and a dynamic boundary condition enhancement to correct the pressure distortion from particles at the boundary. Reef topography is simplified as a steep reef-face and a horizontal reef-flat, and tsunami waves are described as solitary waves. This research explores the characteristics of solitary wave overtopping on the revetment above the reef-flat with varying slope angles and reef-flat lengths.
MEGA: Meta-Graph Augmented Pre-Training Model for Knowledge Graph Completion
Authors: Wang Yashen , Ouyang Xiaoye , Guo Dayu , Zhu Xiaoling
Published: August 2023

Nowadays, a large number of Knowledge Graph Completion (KGC) methods have been proposed by using embedding based manners, to overcome the incompleteness problem faced with knowledge graph (KG). One important recent innovation in Natural Language Processing (NLP) domain is the employ of deep neural models that make the most of pre-training, culminating in BERT, the most popular example of this line of approaches today. Recently, a series of new KGC methods introducing a pre-trained language model, such as KG-BERT, have been developed and released compelling performance. However, previous pre-training based KGC methods usually train the model by using simple training task and
only
utilize one-hop relational signals in KG, which leads that they
cannot
model high-order semantic contexts and multi-hop complex relatedness. To overcome this problem, this article presents a novel pre-training framework for KGC task, which especially consists of both one-hop relation level task (low-order) and multi-hop meta-graph level task (high-order). Hence, the proposed method can capture not only the elaborate sub-graph structure but also the subtle semantic information on the given KG. The empirical results show the efficiency of the proposed method on the widely used real-world datasets.
Modeling Users’ Curiosity in Recommender Systems
Authors: Fu Zhe , Niu Xi
Published: August 2023

Today’s recommender systems are criticized for recommending items that are too obvious to arouse users’ interests. Therefore, the research community has advocated some “beyond accuracy” evaluation metrics such as novelty, diversity, and serendipity with the hope of promoting information discovery and sustaining users’ interests over a long period of time. While bringing in new perspectives, most of these evaluation metrics have not considered individual users’ differences in their capacity to experience those “beyond accuracy” items. Open-minded users may embrace a wider range of recommendations than conservative users. In this article, we proposed to use curiosity traits to capture such individual users’ differences. We developed a model to approximate an individual’s curiosity distribution over different stimulus levels. We used an item’s surprise level to estimate the stimulus level and whether such a level is in the range of the user’s appetite for stimulus, called
Comfort Zone
. We then proposed a recommender system framework that considers both user preference and their
Comfort Zone
where the curiosity is maximally aroused. Our framework differs from a typical recommender system in that it leverages human’s
Comfort Zone
for stimuli to promote engagement with the system. A series of evaluation experiments have been conducted to show that our framework is able to rank higher the items with not only high ratings but also high curiosity stimulation. The recommendation list generated by our algorithm has a higher potential of inspiring user curiosity compared to the state-of-the-art deep learning approaches. The personalization factor for assessing the surprise stimulus levels further helps the recommender model achieve smaller (better) inter-user similarity.
The SWI/SNF Complex in Neural Crest Cell Development and Disease
Authors: Fountain Daniel M. , Sauka-Spengler Tatjana
Published: August 2023

While the neural crest cell population gives rise to an extraordinary array of derivatives, including elements of the craniofacial skeleton, skin pigmentation, and peripheral nervous system, it is today increasingly recognized that Schwann cell precursors are also multipotent. Two mammalian paralogs of the SWI/SNF (switch/sucrose nonfermentable) chromatin-remodeling complexes, BAF (Brg1-associated factors) and PBAF (polybromo-associated BAF), are critical for neural crest specification during normal mammalian development. There is increasing evidence that pathogenic variants in components of the BAF and PBAF complexes play central roles in the pathogenesis of neural crest–derived tumors. Transgenic mouse models demonstrate a temporal window early in development where pathogenic variants in Smarcb1 result in the formation of aggressive, poorly differentiated tumors, such as rhabdoid tumors. By contrast, later in development, homozygous inactivation of Smarcb1 requires additional pathogenic variants in tumor suppressor genes to drive the development of differentiated adult neoplasms derived from the neural crest, which have a comparatively good prognosis in humans.
TGF-β and BMP Signaling Pathways in Skeletal Dysplasia with Short and Tall Stature
Authors: Costantini Alice , Guasto Alessandra , Cormier-Daire Valérie
Published: August 2023

The transforming growth factor β (TGF-β) and bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) signaling pathways play a pivotal role in bone development and skeletal health. More than 30 different types of skeletal dysplasia are now known to be caused by pathogenic variants in genes that belong to the TGF-β superfamily and/or regulate TGF-β/BMP bioavailability. This review describes the latest advances in skeletal dysplasia that is due to impaired TGF-β/BMP signaling and results in short stature (acromelic dysplasia and cardiospondylocarpofacial syndrome) or tall stature (Marfan syndrome). We thoroughly describe the clinical features of the patients, the underlying genetic findings, and the pathomolecular mechanisms leading to disease, which have been investigated mainly using patient-derived skin fibroblasts and mouse models. Although no pharmacological treatment is yet available for skeletal dysplasia due to impaired TGF-β/BMP signaling, in recent years advances in the use of drugs targeting TGF-β have been made, and we also discuss these advances.
Sesamin Protects against APAP-Induced Acute Liver Injury by Inhibiting Oxidative Stress and Inflammatory Response via Deactivation of HMGB1/TLR4/NFκB Signal in Mice
Authors: Du Hui , Tong Shiwen , Kuang Ge , Gong Xia , Jiang Ningman , Yang Xian , Liu Hao , Li Nana , Xie Yao , Xiang Yang , Guo Jiashi , Li Zhenhan , Yuan Yinglin , Wu Shengwang , Wan Jingyuan
Published: August 2023

Acetaminophen (APAP) overdose would lead to liver toxicity and even acute liver failure in severe cases by triggering an inflammatory response and oxidative stress. Sesamin has been reported to possess anti-inflammatory and antioxidant actions in several animal disease models. In the present study, the effects and mechanisms of sesamin on APAP-induced acute liver injury (ALI) were explored. The results showed that pretreatment with sesamin significantly alleviated APAP-induced ALI, as indicated by decreased serum aminotransferase activities, hepatic pathological damages, and hepatic cellular apoptosis. But sesamin has no significant effects on the expression of cytochrome P450 2E1 (CYP2E1), APAP-cysteine adducts (APAP-CYS) production, and glutathione content in the liver of APAP-administered mice. Moreover, APAP-induced liver oxidative stress and inflammatory response also were remarkedly attenuated by sesamin, including reducing hepatic reactive oxygen species levels, promoting antioxidant generation, and inhibiting the expression of TNF-α and IL-1β, as well as decreasing inflammatory cell recruitment. Notably, sesamin inhibited serum high-mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) releases and blocked hepatic activation of Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4)-interleukin 1 receptor-associated kinase 3-nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) signaling pathway in APAP-administered mice. These findings indicated that sesamin could mitigate APAP-induced ALI through suppression of oxidative stress and inflammatory response, which might be mediated by the deactivation of HMGB1/TLR4/NF-κB signaling in mice.
Lifetime Body Weight Trajectories and Risk of Renal Cell Cancer: A Large U.S. Prospective Cohort Study
Authors: Deng Zhengyi , Hajihosseini Morteza , Moore Justin X. , Khan Saira , Graff Rebecca E. , Bondy Melissa L. , Chung Benjamin I. , Langston Marvin E.
Published: August 2023

Background:

Body mass index (BMI) is a known risk factor for renal cell cancer (RCC), but data are limited as to the effect of lifetime exposure to excess body weight.

Methods:

Using the Prostate, Lung, Colorectal, and Ovarian Cancer Screening Trial (N = 138,614, 527 incident RCCs), we identified several anthropometric measures to capture the lifetime BMI patterns: (i) BMI at specific ages; (ii) adulthood BMI trajectories; (iii) cumulative exposure to overweight/obesity denoted as weighted years of living overweight/obese (WYO); and (iv) weight change during each age span. We conducted multivariable Cox model to quantify the association between each anthropometric metric and incident RCC.

Results:

A higher BMI at ages 20 and 50 and at baseline was associated with a greater hazard of RCC. Compared with individuals who retained normal BMI throughout adulthood, we observed an increased hazard of RCC for BMI trajectory of progressing from normal BMI to overweight [HR, 1.49; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.19–1.87], from normal BMI to obesity (HR, 2.22; 95% CI, 1.70–2.90), and from overweight to obesity (HR, 2.78; 95% CI, 1.81–4.27). Compared with individuals who were never overweight (WYO = 0), elevated HRs were observed among individuals who experienced low (HR, 1.31; 95% CI, 0.99–1.74), medium (HR, 1.57; 95% CI, 1.20–2.05), and high (HR, 2.10; 95% CI, 1.62–2.72) WYO tertile. Weight gain of ≥10 kg was associated with increased RCC incidence for each age span.

Conclusions:

Across the lifespan, being overweight/obese, weight gain, and higher cumulative exposure to excess weight were all associated with increased RCC risk.

Impact:

It is important to avoid weight gain and assess BMI from a life-course perspective to reduce RCC risk.
The Legitimacy of the International Court of Justice from the Vantage Point of UN Members
Authors: Godzimirska Zuzanna
Published: August 2023

Significant scholarly commentary exists on the legal aspects of the relationship between the International Court of Justice and the UN General Assembly. Legal scholars have mused about the role of General Assembly resolutions in the jurisprudence of the Court and dissected the General Assembly’s (mis)use of requests for advisory opinions from the Peace Palace. Yet one essential aspect of the interaction between the two institutions tends to be overlooked. Each fall, UN Members meet in the hall of the General Assembly to offer their comments on the annual Report of the ICJ. The debate constitutes one of few occasions on which UN Members get the opportunity to express views on the Court’s activities and exercise of authority. Taking government statements issued in General Assembly debates over the past thirty years as its point of departure, the article teases out factors that, in the eyes of UN Members, contribute to or detract from the Court’s legitimacy. The article finds that four sets of sources affect UN Members’ assessments of the institution: 1) the Court’s outreach efforts and access to its various outputs, 2) diversity, representativeness, and the quality of its jurisprudence, 3) independence and impartiality of its judges, and 4) its efficiency, flexibility, and transparency. In so doing, the article contributes novel and empirically grounded perspectives to ongoing debates about the legitimacy of the principal judicial organ of the UN from the vantage point of its primary constituents, UN Members.
Facile Fabrication of Bi2MoO6/g-C3N4 Heterojunction Nanosheets: Facile Synthesis and Enhanced Visible Light Photocatalytic Property
Authors: Su Fu , Huang Jianshu , Xu Yanhua
Published: August 2023

Exploring an efficient and photostable heterojunction photocatalyst is a pivotal scientific topic for global energy and environmental concerns. Herein, we demonstrated an efficient and facile strategy to synthesize of Bi2MoO6/g-C3N4 heterojunctioned
nanosheets (denoted as BM/CNs hereafter). The photocatalytic degradation of Rh B as a model pollutant indicated that the optimized 40%-BM/CNs catalyst could degrade 96.3% Rh B solution within 120 min. The degradation efficiency was 4.2 times and 6.8 times higher than that of pure Bi2MoO6
and pristine g-C3N4, respectively. The enhanced photocatalytic performance of 40%-BM/CNs catalyst might be mainly attributed to the construction of Z-scheme heterostructure, which effectively improved the efficiency of electron–hole separation. This work proposed
a possible Z-scheme photocatalytic mechanism to elucidate the enhanced photochemical properties.
Understanding Chest CT Scan Usage Among Adolescent Blunt Trauma Patients at Adult Trauma Centers
Authors: Groszman Lilly , McCook Kem-Maria , Xiang Laurel , Parker Laurel , Villamor Laurie Lynne , Koganti Deepika , Smith Randi Nicole , Sola Richard
Published: August 2023

Purpose

The utility of chest computed tomography (CCT) is not well established in the diagnostic algorithm of adolescent blunt trauma patients. Our study’s aim was to review CCT usage in the initial evaluation of adolescent blunt trauma.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed adolescent blunt trauma patients treated at our urban level 1 adult trauma center from 2015 to 2019. Our primary outcome was the rate of positive CCT findings. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed.

Results

There were 288 patients that met our inclusion criteria and 153 positive CCT and 135 negative CCT. There was no statistically significant difference between both groups in terms of age, gender, and race. Those with a positive CCT were found to have a statistically significant higher ISS than the negative CCT group (20.6 ± 12.3 vs 12.3 ± 7.6; P < .01). Those with a positive CCT were more likely to have a GCS <15 (40% vs 25%), have a positive CXR (38% vs 2%), have chest pain (16% vs 7%), and have an abnormal chest exam (27% vs 7%) than those with a negative CCT ( P < .01). On multivariate analysis, positive CXR ( P < .05, OR = 13.96) and ISS ( P < .05, OR = 3.10) were independently associated with a positive CCT.

Conclusion

While CCT may provide valuable information, clinical exam coupled with low-ionizing radiographic imaging (i.e., CXR) may sufficiently identify chest trauma after blunt mechanisms. This shift in management can potentially reduce the risk of radiation without compromising the care of adolescent trauma patients at adult trauma centers.