bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Abstract LB547: Ultra-deep targeted sequencing of circulating tumor DNA with colorectal cancer patients for prediction of treatment response and post-surgical follow-up
Authors: Lee Hyeonah , Kim Doo A , Seo Jieun , Shin Saeam , Kim Han Sang , Ahn Joong Bae , Lee Seung-Tae , Choi Jong Rak
Published: June 2022

Purpose: Colorectal cancer (CRC) patients require effective biomarkers to evaluate treatment efficacy and monitor minimal residual disease. However, current monitoring tools such as tumor markers and imaging methods have limited prognostic performance. Circulating-tumor DNA (ctDNA) could be a useful biomarker for monitoring patients with CRC. In this study, we evaluated the targeted next-generation sequencing (NGS) panel using ctDNA in monitoring clinical decision-making in CRC.

Experimental Design: We prospectively enrolled 100 CRC patients and collected 197_ plasma samples. Specimens were collected post-surgery from 74 patients, 42 of whom were also monitored during the immediate post-surgery and adjuvant therapy follow-up. Twenty-six patients’ bloods were received after adjuvant therapy without surgery. A total of patients performed ultra-deep sequencing of CRC-related 14 genes respectively and matched with tissue samples at the time of blood collection as possible. NGS results were assessed correlation with clinicopathologic characteristics and clinical outcome.

Results: Levels of ctDNA measurements were correlated with tumor stage. Stage IV patients had significantly higher ctDNA concentration than Stage I patients. ctDNA testing detected 112 alterations in 14 genes were identified in 69% of the patients (n=100). The results showed that APC (29%), TP53 (25%), KRAS (19%), and EGFR (5%) were the most frequently mutated genes. RAS family gene mutations were detected in 37 patients, yielding a concordance of 89% with tissue samples. Also, ctDNA detection was found to be a greater predictive performance when compared with CEA. Dynamics of ctDNA mutation levels reflected five follow-up patients’ clonal evolution and clinical outcomes. These data showed ctDNA is a sensitive monitoring biomarker for any clinical condition of the patients.

Conclusions: The present study suggests that the use of ctDNA in CRC patients can be a valuable non-invasive monitoring tool for monitoring disease states during or after treatment. Serial ctDNA testing can contribute to improving patient management through monitoring disease progression and clonal evolution.

Citation Format: Hyeonah Lee, Doo A Kim, Jieun Seo, Saeam Shin, Han Sang Kim, Joong Bae Ahn, Seung-Tae Lee, Jong Rak Choi. Ultra-deep targeted sequencing of circulating tumor DNA with colorectal cancer patients for prediction of treatment response and post-surgical follow-up [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2022; 2022 Apr 8-13. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2022;82(12_Suppl):Abstract nr LB547.
Abstract LB559: The X-linked gene for the helicase DDX3X is required for lymphoid differentiation and MYC-driven lymphomagenesis
Authors: Lacroix Marion , Beauchemin Hugues , Ross Julie , Fraszczak Jennifer , Shooshtarizadeh Peiman , Chen Riyan , Moroy Tarik
Published: June 2022

The X-linked gene DDX3X encodes an RNA helicase and is mutated at high frequencies in several types of human B-cell lymphoma. Females have two active DDX3X alleles and males carry a DDX3Y homolog on the Y chromosome. We show here that pan-hematopoietic, homozygous deletion of Ddx3x in female mice perturbs erythropoiesis causing early developmental arrest. However, both hemizygous male and heterozygous female embryos develop normally, suggesting that one Ddx3x allele is sufficient for fetal hematopoietic development in females and that the Ddx3y allele can compensate for the loss of Ddx3x in males. In adult mice, loss of DDX3X affects hematopoietic progenitors, early lymphoid development, marginal zone, and germinal center B-cells as well as lymphomagenesis driven by an Eμ-Myc or λ-Myc transgene in a sex-dependent manner. A B-cell-specific depletion of both Ddx3x alleles induces a delay in tumorigenesis in female mice while Ddx3x deletion in male mice does not impact tumorigenesis. However, male Eμ-Myc mice lacking Ddx3x on a pan-hematopoietic way remained for the majority lymphoma-free. The few tumors that appeared in these male mice showed upregulated expression of DDX3Y indicating a requirement of DDX3 activity for lymphomagenesis. Our data reveal sex-specific roles of DDX3X in erythro- and lymphopoiesis as well as in MYC-driven lymphomagenesis, which are important when considering inhibition of DDX3 as a treatment of Myc dependent B-cell lymphoma.

Citation Format: Marion Lacroix, Hugues Beauchemin, Julie Ross, Jennifer Fraszczak, Peiman Shooshtarizadeh, Riyan Chen, Tarik Moroy. The X-linked gene for the helicase DDX3X is required for lymphoid differentiation and MYC-driven lymphomagenesis [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2022; 2022 Apr 8-13. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2022;82(12_Suppl):Abstract nr LB559.
Abstract LB568: Protein phosphatase 4 deficiency protects mice against cerulein-induced acute pancreatitis
Authors: Wang Hua , Abbasgholizadeh Reza , Moniruzzaman Rohan , Ji Baoan , Maitra Anirban , Wang Huamin
Published: June 2022

Background: Pancreatitis is an inflammatory disease of the pancreas that causes significant morbidity and mortality and is one of the major risk factors for pancreatic cancer. Protein phosphatase 4 (PP4) has been reported to be overexpressed in breast, lung and pancreatic cancers. PP4 plays an important role in the regulation of centrosome maturation, DNA repair, NF-κB, and c-jun-NH2-kinase (JNK) signaling pathways. However, the expression and functions of PP4 in pancreatitis have not been studied.

Methods: To examine the functions of PP4 in cerulein-induced acute pancreatitis (AP), we crossed PP4flox/+ mice with pancreatic acinar cell specific cre, CreERT, which was driven by a full length pancreatic acinar specific elastase I promoter. PP4flox/flox, CreERT mice and control mice were treated with 8 hourly intraperitoneal injections of cerulein (50 µg/kg/h). The pancreata were harvested at different time points for histopathological examination and molecular analysis.

Results: PP4 expression was increased at both protein and mRNA levels in mouse pancreas with AP. Compared to CreERT mice, PP4flox/flox, CreERT mice demonstrated significantly less edema, less inflammation, less necrosis or loss of pancreatic acinar cells in pancreas after cerulein treatment. The serum amylase and lipase levels were lower in cerulein-treated PP4flox/flox, CreERT mice compared with controls. The pancreata of PP4flox/flox, CreERT mice exhibited decreased STAT3 Tyr705 phosphorylation and decreased NF-κB activation cerulein-treated PP4flox/flox, CreERT mice than control mice.

Conclusion: Our findings demonstrated that PP4 plays an important role in cerulein-induced AP through STAT3 and NF-κB signaling pathways. Inhibition of PP4 may help to reduce the pancreatic injuries and to prevent the development of chronic pancreatitis, which increases the risk of pancreatic cancer.

Citation Format: Hua Wang, Reza Abbasgholizadeh, Rohan Moniruzzaman, Baoan Ji, Anirban Maitra, Huamin Wang. Protein phosphatase 4 deficiency protects mice against cerulein-induced acute pancreatitis [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2022; 2022 Apr 8-13. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2022;82(12_Suppl):Abstract nr LB568.
Contradições na espacialidade do Museu do Amanhã: o percurso do edifício e o percurso da curadoria
Authors: Malicheski Isadora Finoketti , Aguiar Douglas Vieira de
Published: June 2022

O artigo oferece uma análise do Museu do Amanhã, edifício localizado na cidade do Rio de Janeiro, desde o ponto de vista da sua performance espacial ao receber seus usuários, os visitantes. Entende-se performance espacial como uma qualidade arquitetônica referente ao modo mais ou menos adequado ou cômodo, como o usuário é recebido pelo edifício. O interesse nesse edifício como objeto de estudo se se deve, mais que ao seu sucesso de público e à peculiaridade de sua forma, a características mais sutis de contradições observadas, por meio de pesquisa empírica1, entre o andamento sugerido pela configuração espacial do edifício e o percurso de visitação praticado. O procedimento de análise realizado se vale da caminhada pelo edifício como método de estudo. O artigo reconhece, em conclusão, que a opção de percurso de visitação adotada funciona como um entrave ao desfrute espacial pleno inerente à configuração espacial desse emblemático edifício.
Desafios da política habitacional: democratização do acesso ao solo urbano e habitação a preços acessíveis
Authors: Santos Denise dos , Bernardini Sidney Piochi
Published: June 2022

A democratização do acesso à terra urbana e a habitação acessível são desafios centrais para a política habitacional. Algumas estratégias relacionadas com a expansão do direito à moradia adequada para a população de baixa renda vêm sendo discutidas pelo planejamento urbano mundialmente, incluindo às políticas de inclusão. Similar ao zoneamento inclusivo, as Zonas Especiais de Interesse Social (ZEIS) são um instrumento brasileiro proposto pela Lei Federal 10.257/2001 – Estatuto da Cidade, que busca expandir o acesso à terra para aqueles que não encontram essa possibilidade no mercado. Esse estudo tem como objetivo verificar se as ZEIS continuam a ser mencionadas na principal lei de desenvolvimento urbano municipal, o Plano Diretor, considerando que a primeira geração de planos aprovados após o Estatuto da Cidade está sendo revisada. Essa pesquisa estudou municípios brasileiros localizados na macrometrópole Paulista e analisou o conteúdo dos planos diretores através de uma abordagem quantitativa e qualitativa. Observou-se que, quantitativamente, o instrumento não foi abandonado em termos quantitativos; no entanto, as ZEIS têm sido esvaziadas, em termos qualitativos, devido à distorção de alguns princípios ou a falta de detalhamentos necessários para sua efetiva aplicação.
Piezo1-Regulated Mechanotransduction Controls Flow-Activated Lymphatic Expansion
Authors: Choi Dongwon , Park Eunkyung , Yu Roy P. , Cooper Michael N. , Cho Il-Taeg , Choi Joshua , Yu James , Zhao Luping , Yum Ji-Eun Irene , Yu Jin Suh , Nakashima Brandon , Lee Sunju , Seong Young Jin , Jiao Wan , Koh Chester J. , Baluk Peter , McDonald Donald M. , Saraswathy Sindhu , Lee Jong Y. , Jeon Noo Li , Zhang Zhenqian , Huang Alex S. , Zhou Bin , Wong Alex K. , Hong Young-Kwon
Published: June 2022

Background:

Mutations in PIEZO1 (Piezo type mechanosensitive ion channel component 1) cause human lymphatic malformations. We have previously uncovered an ORAI1 (ORAI calcium release-activated calcium modulator 1)-mediated mechanotransduction pathway that triggers lymphatic sprouting through Notch downregulation in response to fluid flow. However, the identity of its upstream mechanosensor remains unknown. This study aimed to identify and characterize the molecular sensor that translates the flow-mediated external signal to the Orai1-regulated lymphatic expansion.

Methods:

Various mutant mouse models, cellular, biochemical, and molecular biology tools, and a mouse tail lymphedema model were employed to elucidate the role of Piezo1 in flow-induced lymphatic growth and regeneration.

Results:

Piezo1 was found to be abundantly expressed in lymphatic endothelial cells. Piezo1 knockdown in cultured lymphatic endothelial cells inhibited the laminar flow-induced calcium influx and abrogated the flow-mediated regulation of the Orai1 downstream genes, such as KLF2 (Krüppel-like factor 2), DTX1 (Deltex E3 ubiquitin ligase 1), DTX3L (Deltex E3 ubiquitin ligase 3L,) and NOTCH1 (Notch receptor 1), which are involved in lymphatic sprouting. Conversely, stimulation of Piezo1 activated the Orai1-regulated mechanotransduction in the absence of fluid flow. Piezo1-mediated mechanotransduction was significantly blocked by Orai1 inhibition, establishing the epistatic relationship between Piezo1 and Orai1. Lymphatic-specific conditional Piezo1 knockout largely phenocopied sprouting defects shown in Orai1- or Klf2- knockout lymphatics during embryo development. Postnatal deletion of Piezo1 induced lymphatic regression in adults. Ectopic Dtx3L expression rescued the lymphatic defects caused by Piezo1 knockout, affirming that the Piezo1 promotes lymphatic sprouting through Notch downregulation. Consistently, transgenic Piezo1 expression or pharmacological Piezo1 activation enhanced lymphatic sprouting. Finally, we assessed a potential therapeutic value of Piezo1 activation in lymphatic regeneration and found that a Piezo1 agonist, Yoda1, effectively suppressed postsurgical lymphedema development.

Conclusions:

Piezo1 is an upstream mechanosensor for the lymphatic mechanotransduction pathway and regulates lymphatic growth in response to external physical stimuli. Piezo1 activation presents a novel therapeutic opportunity for preventing postsurgical lymphedema. The Piezo1-regulated lymphangiogenesis mechanism offers a molecular basis for Piezo1-associated lymphatic malformation in humans.
Aortic Dimensions Are Larger in Patients With Fibromuscular Dysplasia
Authors: Schwartz Arielle M. , Kim Esther , Gleason Patrick , Li Xiaona , Ko Yi‐An , Wells Bryan J
Published: June 2022

Background

Fibromuscular dysplasia (FMD) is a disease of unknown etiology that causes stenosis, aneurysmal dilatation, and dissection of vascular beds. Known to affect medium‐sized arteries, FMD is not typically considered to affect the aorta. We tested the hypothesis that aortic size in FMD is abnormal compared with age‐ and sex‐matched controls.

Methods and Results

Medical records and computed tomography angiography images were reviewed in female patients with a diagnosis of FMD who were seen in the vascular medicine clinic at Emory Healthcare. Aortic dimensions were measured at 6 different landmarks. Using 2 sample
t
tests, the aortic measurements and height‐indexed measurements were compared with published normal values in healthy women of a similar age. A total of 94 female patients were included in the study. The median age was 57 (interquartile range, 50–65). FMD involvement was present most commonly in the extracranial carotid (77.7%) and renal (43.6%) arteries. All 6 aortic segments were found to be larger in both absolute measures and height‐indexed measures in the FMD population (
P
<0.001). The largest differences were observed within the absolute measures of the sinotubular junction with mean±SD (mm) (29.9±4.1) versus (27±2.5), ascending aorta (32.7±4.4) versus (30.0±3.5), and descending aorta (24.7±3.0) versus (22.0±2.0) (
P
<0.001).

Conclusions

Aortic diameters in female patients with FMD are larger when compared with published age‐ and sex‐matched normal values. These findings suggest that FMD may also affect the large‐sized arteries.
Artificial intelligence and thyroid disease management
Authors: Gruson Damien , Stankovic Sanja , Macq Benoit , Bernardini Sergio , Gouget Bernard , Homsak Evgenija , Dabla Pradeep
Published: June 2022

Artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming healthcare and offers new tools in clinical research, personalized medicine, and medical diagnostics. Thyroid function tests represent an important asset for physicians in the diagnosis and monitoring of pathologies. Artificial intelligence tools can clearly assist physicians and specialists in laboratory medicine to optimize test prescription, tests interpretation, decision making, process optimization, and assay design. Our article is reviewing several of these aspects. As thyroid AI models rely on large data sets, which often requires distributed learning from multi-center contributions, this article also briefly discusses this issue.
Where Are We Now? M+ and the Uncertain Future of Hong Kong
Authors: Koon Yeewan
Published: June 2022

Less than six months after the suppression of the riots and protests of 2019–20, Hong Kong passed its first National Security Law (NSL) prohibiting—according to particularly strict definitions—“treason,” “secession,” “sedition,” and “subversion” against the Chinese government. Although the new law was not unexpected, many observers were surprised at how rapidly it was enforced against protestors and “rioters.” The effects have been detectable in the art world as well, bringing fears of stricter control of artistic expression and questions about whether self-censorship constitutes a viable survival tactic or an unnecessary sabotaging of cultural progress.

It was in this context that M+, Asia's first global museum of modern and contemporary art, opened its door to the public. How will an ambitious institution of international standing maintain its claim of independence? Taking M+ as the lens, this paper contextualizes the issues faced by Hong Kong's art community by mapping the entanglements of social expectations, ethical responsibilities, and (self) censorship practices that are shaping a post-2020 Hong Kong.
Was Einstein Really a Realist?
Authors: Howard Don
Published: June 2022

It is widely believed that the development of the general theory of relativity coincided with a shift in Einstein’s philosophy of science from a kind of Machian positivism to a form of scientific realism. This article criticizes that view, arguing that a kind of realism was present from the start but that Einstein was skeptical all along about some of the bolder metaphysical and epistemological claims made on behalf of what we now would call scientific realism. If we read Einstein’s philosophy of science in its proper late nineteenth-and early twentieth-century philosophical context, we find that a kind of Duhemian under determinationist holism and conventionalism was more important to Einstein than either positivism or realism. And, reading his philosophy of science in its proper scientific
What Does the Anthropic Principle Explain?
Authors: Deltete Robert J.
Published: June 2022

Recently, different versions of a cosmological “anthropic principle” (AP) have been used to try to explain various features of the universe. This essay, which focuses on some early uses of AP, argues that even modest appeals to it cannot be regarded as genuinely explanatory.
Corpore cadente . . . :Historians Discuss Newton’s Second Law
Authors: Pierson Stuart
Published: June 2022

For about the last thirty years Newton scholars have carried on a discussion on the meaning of Newton’s second law and its place in the stucture of his physics. E. J. Dijksterhuis, Brian D. Ellis, R. G. A. Dolby, I. Bernard Cohen, and R. S. Westfall in their treatments of these matters all quote a passage that Newton added to the third edition of the Principia. This passage, beginning “Corpore cadente” (“when a body is falling”), was inserted into the Scholium following the Laws. The present article is an analysis of the literature that treats this passage and its relation to the second law. The conclusion is that they are right who see a deep duality in Newton’s mind regarding this law.
A taxonomic revision of the subfamily Myzininae from China, with a key to the Chinese species (Hymenoptera: Tiphiidae)
Authors: LIAO XIANG-PING , CHEN BIN , LI TING-JING
Published: June 2022

In this study, a total of 11 species belonging to four genera of Myzininae are recorded from China, among which a new species, namely Hylomesa punctata sp. nov. is described from Tibet and Yunnan, and four species are newly recorded. All the species are illustrated and a key to them is provided in this paper.
Graphium septentrionicolus Page & Treadaway, 2013 (Lepidoptera: Papilionidae) is a distinct species
Authors: COTTON ADAM M. , DOLECK TENZING , ZHANG XIN , INAYOSHI YUTAKA , LOHMAN DAVID J. , HU SHAO-JI
Published: June 2022

After molecular and morphological analyses, the taxon septentrionicolus Page & Treadaway, 2013 is shown to be a distinct species, and Graphium adonarensis (Rothschild, 1896) is placed as conspecific with Graphium sarpedon (Linnaeus, 1758). Graphium huangshanensis Wu & Ma, 2016 syn. nov. is synonymised with G. septentrionicolus.
An annotated catalogue of nonditrysian Lepidoptera of India
Authors: DAS APURVA , SINGH NAVNEET
Published: June 2022

The present catalogue comprises 88 species in 24 genera and 10 families of nonditrysian Lepidoptera from India. Information on type localities, records from India including their diversity in different biogeographic zones of India and from outside India is included. Among all, Hepialidae is the dominant family, consisting 25 species in four genera whereas, the least dominant families are Palaeosetidae and Incurvariidae with one species each. Biogeographically, North-East is home to maximum species (37 in eight families) of primitive Lepidoptera, followed by Himalaya (31 species in five families), Western Ghats (24 species in seven families) with Hepialidae as a dominating family in all the three zones. No nonditrysian is reported from Desert and Islands. Among the states of India, Meghalaya is the most diverse with 27 species in seven families.
Care engagement with healthcare providers and symptom management self-efficacy in women living with HIV in China: secondary analysis of an intervention study
Authors: Chen Wei-Ti , Shiu Chengshi , Zhang Lin , Zhao Hongxin
Published: June 2022

Background

Symptom management self-efficacy is a prerequisite for individuals to fully manage their symptoms. The literature reports associations between engagement with healthcare providers (HCPs), internalized stigma, and types of self-efficacy other than symptom management. However, the factors of symptom management self-efficacy are not well understood. This study aimed to investigate the relationship among engagement with HCPs, internalized stigma, and HIV symptom management self-efficacy in Chinese women living with HIV (WLWH).

Methods

This current analysis was part of the original randomized control trial, we used data collected from 41 women living with HIV (WLWH) assigned to an intervention arm or a control arm from Shanghai and Beijing, China, at baseline, Week 4 and Week 12. The CONSORT checklist was used. The study was registered in the Clinical Trial Registry (#NCT03049332) on 10/02/2017.

Results

The results demonstrate that HCPs should increase engagement with WLWH when providing care, thereby improving their symptom management self-efficacy. The results suggested that participants’ engagement with HCPs was significantly positively correlated with their HIV symptom management self-efficacy in the latter two time points. Internalized stigma was significantly negatively correlated with HIV symptom management self-efficacy only at the 4-week follow-up.

Conclusions

This study demonstrated the positive effect of engagement with HCPs on WLWHs’ symptom management self-efficacy as well as the negative effect of internalized stigma on symptom management self-efficacy. Future research can further test the relationship between the three key concepts, as well as explore interventions to decrease internalized stigma.
A qualitative study of parental associations and beliefs regarding the HPV vaccination for Dutch boys
Authors: Venderbos Judith R. , Eilers Renske , de Vries Hein , van Zoonen Kim
Published: June 2022

Background

Human Papillomavirus (HPV) occurs in 80% of the sexually active population and may cause certain types of cancers among men and women. Vaccination against HPV could prevent cancers associated with HPV. The Dutch National Immunization Program (NIP) only includes HPV vaccination for girls, but the HPV vaccination for boys will be implemented in 2022. Little is known about the awareness of parents and their attitudes regarding the vaccination for boys. However, these concepts might influence the intention to vaccinate one’s child. Gaining insight in these factors could lead to more effective communication strategies.

Methods

This qualitative research aimed to explore parental associations and beliefs regarding the HPV vaccination for boys. In total, 16 interviews were conducted with parents. Topics discussed were primary associations with vaccinations, associations with HPV-vaccination and information needs regarding the HPV vaccination for boys.

Results

Most parents were unaware about HPV infections in boys as well as the possibility to vaccinate their sons. Furthermore, after hearing about the vaccine parents reported uncertainties about anticipated adverse effects of the vaccine. Other themes that emerged were difficulties with the proposed age at which boys would be offered the vaccination and low risk perception of the virus.

Conclusion

Public campaigns regarding (the HPV) vaccination should improve (parental) awareness about the virus and the vaccination, and increase knowledge. Moreover, it should address concerns regarding vaccination and be transparent about decision making. For example, a rationale why HPV vaccination is needed for boys who turn 10 years and its advantage to reducing risks for boys to contract HPV related cancers should be provided.
Matched comparative study of trifocal bone transport versus induced membrane followed by trifocal bone transport in the treatment of segmental tibial defects caused by posttraumatic osteomyelitis
Authors: Hamiti Yimurang , Yushan Maimaiaili , Yalikun Ainizier , Lu Cheng , Yusufu Aihemaitijiang
Published: June 2022

Objectives

To compare the efficacy and clinical outcomes of trifocal bone transport (TBT) versus induced membrane followed by trifocal bone transport (IM + TBT) in the treatment of tibial defects > 6 cm caused by posttraumatic osteomyelitis.

Methods

A total of 69 eligible patients with tibial defects > 6 cm who were treated between January 2010 and January 2018 were retrospectively reviewed. Overall, 18 patients treated by IM + TBT and 18 treated by TBT were matched by propensity score analysis. The mean tibial defect after radical debridement was 6.97 ± 0.76 cm (range, 6.0 to 8.9 cm). The measurements, including demographic data, external fixation index (EFI), external fixation time (EFT), duration of docking union, bone and functional outcomes evaluated by the Association for the Study and Application of the Method of Ilizarov (ASAMI) scoring system, and postoperative complications evaluated by Paley classification during follow-up were recorded.

Results

Age, gender, injury mechanism, affected side, defect size, previous operation time, and follow-up time were not significantly different between the two groups (P > 0.05). The mean EFT was 293.8 ± 12.1 days in the TBT group vs. 287.5 ± 15.3 days in the IM + TBT group. The mean EFI was 36.02 ± 2.76 days/cm vs. 34.69 ± 2.83 days/cm, respectively. The mean duration of docking union was 210.7 ± 33.6 days vs. 179.7 ± 22.9 days, respectively. There was no significant difference in postoperative bone and functional results between the two groups. Delayed union or nonunion and soft tissue incarceration were significantly reduced in the IM + TBT group compared to those in the TBT group.

Conclusion

Both TBT and IM + TBT achieved satisfactory postoperative bone and functional outcomes in patients with segmental tibial defects > 6 cm following posttraumatic osteomyelitis, while IM + TBT had a significantly lower incidence of postoperative complication in delayed union or nonunion and soft tissue incarceration, as well as faster docking union.
Developing integration among stakeholders in the primary care networks of Singapore: a qualitative study
Authors: Surendran Shilpa , Foo Chuan De , Matchar David Bruce , Ansah John Pastor , Car Josip , Koh Gerald Choon Huat
Published: June 2022

Background

Integrating healthcare services across and between the different health system levels can be achieved in a few ways; however, examining the social side of integration is essential and challenging. This paper explores the concept of integration perceived by general practitioners (GPs) and primary care network (PCN) representatives from the regional health systems (RHS) in a GP-RHS PCN and their perceived partnership success.

Methods

In this study, we explored three GP-RHS PCNs in Singapore. We used a qualitative research design and, overall, performed 17 semi-structured in-depth interviews with GPs (n = 11) and PCN representatives (n = 6) from the RHS. All interviews were audiotaped and transcribed verbatim. We conducted thematic analysis to inductively identify themes from the data. Singer's conceptual model of integration types was used as guiding principles to derive relevant and salient themes for integration.

Results

GPs and the RHS perceived the concept of integration through a series of interrelated strategies. Within the normative dimension, a sense of urgency motivated GPs to integrate improvements into their general practice. Participants perceived teamwork and relational climate as appropriate enablers for achieving interpersonal integration in a primary care partnership. While developing a trusted relationship was a perceived success of this partnership across the network, developing camaraderie and gaining knowledge in chronic disease management through the components of functional integration was a perceived success at an individual general practice level. The data also revealed some operational challenges within the structural dimension and some inabilities of the PCN to achieve complete process integration.

Conclusions

Our study points to multi-faceted integration, comprising various forms that need to be manifested at all levels of care to achieve coordinated, seamless, and comprehensive care for patients suffering from chronic conditions. The present iteration of the PCN has been shown to offer integration at a level that warrants praise but still requires structural and process integration improvement.
Effects of endophytic fungi on the secondary metabolites of Hordeum bogdanii under alkaline stress
Authors: Han Dan , Wang Kai , Long Feng , Zhang Wangbin , Yao Xiang , Chen Shuihong
Published: June 2022

It is currently unclear whether the mechanism of endophytic fungi improving the alkali tolerance of Hordeum bogdanii affects secondary metabolites. Unveiling this knowledge is crucial for understanding the tolerance mechanism of H. bogdanii to alkaline stress. The aim of this study was to investigate how endophytic fungi affect secondary metabolites of H. bogdanii under alkaline stress at different concentrations. Endophyte-infected (E +) and endophyte-free (E−) individuals of H. bogdanii were used as materials in this study. The method of indoor vermiculite aseptic planting was adopted. After mixed alkali stress treatment, the roots, stems, and leaves of the plants were collected to measure the indicators related to secondary metabolites. The results showed that endophytic fungi improved the alkali resistance of H. bogdanii by improving the related indicators of secondary metabolites. endophytic fungi significantly increased the contents of phosphorus, polyphenols, and alkaloids, and the activities of polyphenol oxidase and acid phosphatase, and significantly reduced flavonoid content. The content of polyphenols and alkaloids in stems, polyphenol oxidase activity in stems and leaves, and acid phosphatase activity in leaves were significantly affected. The findings of this study may aid in amplifying the alkali resistance mechanism of endophytic fungi to H. bogdanii as well as provide insights into improving the alkali resistance of other plants.
Error estimation using neural network technique for solving ordinary differential equations
Authors: Nam Haewon , Baek Kyung Ryeol , Bu Sunyoung
Published: June 2022

In this paper, we present a numerical method to solve ordinary differential equations (ODEs) by using neural network techniques in a deferred correction method framework. Similar to the deferred or error correction techniques, a provisional solution of the ODE is preferentially calculated by any lower-order scheme to satisfy given initial conditions, and the corresponding error is investigated by fully connected neural networks and structured to obtain sufficient magnitude of the error. Numerical examples are illustrated to demonstrate the efficiency of the proposed scheme.
Deletion of both Dectin-1 and Dectin-2 affects the bacterial but not fungal gut microbiota and susceptibility to colitis in mice
Authors: Wang Yazhou , Spatz Madeleine , Da Costa Gregory , Michaudel Chloé , Lapiere Alexia , Danne Camille , Agus Allison , Michel Marie-Laure , Netea Mihai G. , Langella Philippe , Sokol Harry , Richard Mathias L.
Published: June 2022

Background

Innate immunity genes have been reported to affect susceptibility to inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs) and colitis in mice. Dectin-1, a receptor for fungal cell wall β-glucans, has been clearly implicated in gut microbiota modulation and modification of the susceptibility to gut inflammation. Here, we explored the role of Dectin-1 and Dectin-2 (another receptor for fungal cell wall molecules) deficiency in intestinal inflammation.

Design

Susceptibility to dextran sodium sulfate (DSS)-induced colitis was assessed in wild-type, Dectin-1 knockout (KO), Dectin-2KO, and double Dectin-1KO and Dectin-2KO (D-1/2KO) mice. Inflammation severity, as well as bacterial and fungal microbiota compositions, was monitored.

Results

While deletion of Dectin-1 or Dectin-2 did not have a strong effect on DSS-induced colitis, double deletion of Dectin-1 and Dectin-2 significantly protected the mice from colitis. The protection was largely mediated by the gut microbiota, as demonstrated by fecal transfer experiments. Treatment of D-1/2KO mice with opportunistic fungal pathogens or antifungal agents did not affect the protection against gut inflammation, suggesting that the fungal microbiota had no role in the protective phenotype. Amplicon-based microbiota analysis of the fecal bacterial and fungal microbiota of D-1/2KO mice confirmed the absence of changes in the mycobiota but strong modification of the bacterial microbiota. We showed that bacteria from the Lachnospiraceae family were at least partly involved in this protection and that treatment with Blautia hansenii was enough to recapitulate the protection.

Conclusions

Deletion of both the Dectin-1 and Dectin-2 receptors triggered a global shift in the microbial gut environment, affecting, surprisingly, mainly the bacterial population and driving protective effects in colitis. Members of the Lachnospiraceae family seem to play a central role in this protection. These findings provide new insights into the role of the Dectin receptors, which have been described to date as affecting only the fungal population, in intestinal physiopathology and in IBD.
Identification of antimalarial targets of chloroquine by a combined deconvolution strategy of ABPP and MS-CETSA
Authors: Gao Peng , Liu Yan-Qing , Xiao Wei , Xia Fei , Chen Jia-Yun , Gu Li-Wei , Yang Fan , Zheng Liu-Hai , Zhang Jun-Zhe , Zhang Qian , Li Zhi-Jie , Meng Yu-Qing , Zhu Yong-Ping , Tang Huan , Shi Qiao-Li , Guo Qiu-Yan , Zhang Ying , Xu Cheng-Chao , Dai Ling-Yun , Wang Ji-Gang
Published: June 2022

Background

Malaria is a devastating infectious disease that disproportionally threatens hundreds of millions of people in developing countries. In the history of anti-malaria campaign, chloroquine (CQ) has played an indispensable role, however, its mechanism of action (MoA) is not fully understood.

Methods

We used the principle of photo-affinity labeling and click chemistry-based functionalization in the design of a CQ probe and developed a combined deconvolution strategy of activity-based protein profiling (ABPP) and mass spectrometry-coupled cellular thermal shift assay (MS-CETSA) that identified the protein targets of CQ in an unbiased manner in this study. The interactions between CQ and these identified potential protein hits were confirmed by biophysical and enzymatic assays.

Results

We developed a novel clickable, photo-affinity chloroquine analog probe (CQP) which retains the antimalarial activity in the nanomole range, and identified a total of 40 proteins that specifically interacted and photo-crosslinked with CQP which was inhibited in the presence of excess CQ. Using MS-CETSA, we identified 83 candidate interacting proteins out of a total of 3375 measured parasite proteins. At the same time, we identified 8 proteins as the most potential hits which were commonly identified by both methods.

Conclusions

We found that CQ could disrupt glycolysis and energy metabolism of malarial parasites through direct binding with some of the key enzymes, a new mechanism that is different from its well-known inhibitory effect of hemozoin formation. This is the first report of identifying CQ antimalarial targets by a parallel usage of labeled (ABPP) and label-free (MS-CETSA) methods.
Examining the long-term cognitive effects of exposure to the Canterbury earthquakes in a resilient cohort
Authors: Bell Caroline , Moot Will , Porter Richard , Frampton Chris , Mcintosh Virginia , Purnell Melissa , Smith Rebekah , Douglas Katie
Published: June 2022

Background

Although most people do not develop mental health disorders after exposure to traumatic events, they may experience subtle changes in cognitive functioning. We previously reported that 2–3 years after the Canterbury earthquake sequence, a group of trauma-exposed people, who identified as resilient, performed less well on tests of spatial memory, had increased accuracy identifying facial emotions and misclassified neutral facial expressions to threat-related emotions, compared with non-exposed controls.

Aims

The current study aimed to examine the long-term cognitive effects of exposure to the earthquakes in this resilient group, compared with a matched non-exposed control group.

Method

At 8–9 years after the Canterbury earthquake sequence, 57 earthquake-exposed resilient (69% female, mean age 56.8 years) and 60 non-exposed individuals (63% female, mean age 55.7 years) completed a cognitive testing battery that assessed verbal and visuospatial learning and memory, executive functioning, psychomotor speed, sustained attention and social cognition.

Results

With the exception of a measure of working memory (Digit Span Forward), no significant differences were found in performance between the earthquake-exposed resilient and non-exposed groups on the cognitive tasks. Examination of changes in cognitive functioning over time in a subset (55%) of the original earthquake-exposed resilient group found improvement in visuospatial performance and slowing of reaction times to negative emotions.

Conclusions

These findings offer preliminary evidence to suggest that changes in cognitive functioning and emotion processing in earthquake-exposed resilient people may be state-dependent and related to exposure to continued threat in the environment, which improves when the threat resolves.
Photographing the Invisible: Immortal Spirit Photography and China's En(light)enment
Authors: Chen Menglan
Published: June 2022

This article examines Chinese spirit photography practiced by a spiritualist (lingxue 靈學) group during China's enlightenment movement in the late 1910s. Integrating the trope of photography with Daoist divinatory rituals (fuji 扶乩), lingxue scholars claimed to have finally “photographed” immortal spirits but used shadow to render their spectral likeness. Situating this conception of photography in the Daoist practice of visualizing the formless and the true, this article asks: what is the implication of marrying the ancient search for the invisible with an obsession with the empirically real? This article argues that Chinese spirit photography was not simply superstition nor a local appropriation of modern visual technology. Rather, it offers a provocative take on the nature of photographic likeness and encapsulates a turn-of-the-century, visual-epistemic shift in the relationship between seeing and imaging. This case study encourages the exploration of the conceptual potential of the Chinese designation of photography, sheying 攝影, not as “writing with light” but as “capturing shadows.”
Greater Star Excursion Balance Test Performance in Thai Khon Masked Dancers Versus Nondancers
Authors: Krityakiarana Warin , Jongkamonwiwat Nopporn
Published: June 2022

The Khon masked dance drama is an authentic Thai classical performance that has been handed down for centuries. The performance has many unique choreographic patterns that are typical of the Southeast Asian performing arts. The Thai Khon masked dance consists of a combination of balance
control and limb movement in different rhythms. The grace and beauty of Khon performances are dependent on the precision of the limb movement's curve, angle, and specific position. The connection between balance control and body movements during performance is crucial. The purpose of this
study was to compare postural control between Thai Khon masked dancers and nondancers and explore bilateral asymmetry in postural control during single leg standing between the dominant and non -dominant legs using the Star Excursion Balance Test (SEBT). Thai Khon masked dancers (n = 25) and
nondancers (n = 25) were asked to identify their dominant leg and perform the SEBT using both legs. The reaching distances in different directions from the SEBT were converted to a normalized distance for comparison. A mixed model ANOVA and t-test were applied to determine the differences
between directions in both the dominant and non-dominant legs. The interaction between dancer and nondancer groups was also verified .The results showed that dancers performed better on SEBT than nondancers in all directions (p < 0.05). In conclusion, Thai Khon masked dancers demonstrated
a superior ability to maintain dynamic postural control during the SEBT. When considering all directions together, the dominant side was not a factor that affected postural control during the SEBT. This study adds further supporting evidence that Khon masked dance training improves dynamic
balance control and can possibly be applied as a recreational exercise to promote balance performance .
Confidentiality and social media
Authors: Wake Charlotte
Published: June 2022

Charlotte Wake looks at the responsibilities dental nurses have regarding patient information.

Aim

To explain the importance of confidentiality when using social media in relation to our GDC obligations as a registrant and principles of professionalism.

Objectives

To review the eight Caldicott principles To understand the limitations on social media To know where to contact to seek advice.

Learning outcomes

To understand the dental nurse's role in confidentiality GDC Developmental Outcomes A, B, C and D
A rare finding of a radix entomolaris and radix paramolaris in a lower first mandibular molar requiring endodontic treatment: a case report
Authors: Gladwin Lorna , Patel Jaymit
Published: June 2022

The success of endodontic treatment lies in the ability to appropriately access, clean and debride the entire root canal system to prevent or treat peri-apical pathology. The ‘conventional’ anatomy of a lower first molar consists of one mesial root usually with two canals and one distal root containing a single canal. Variations of this anatomy may present many clinical challenges to the operator. This case report is a summary of the clinical considerations for endodontic treatment of a symptomatic lower first mandibular molar with four roots and five canals.

CPD/Clinical Relevance: Dental professionals should be aware of variations in root canal anatomy.
The Why Health Visitors Matter report
Authors: Hancock Dave
Published: June 2022

A recent report by the First 1001 Days Movement is a compilation of testimonies about the role of health visitors in ensuring children are safe, healthy and able to thrive. Dave Hancock highlights some of the key points
High standards of teaching in practice
Authors: Oldman Crystal
Published: June 2022

Since the withdrawal of NMC practice teacher standards, the qualification has ceased to be offered by many higher education institutions. New standards are due to be published by the QNI in the coming months, says Crystal Oldman
Addressing perineal health to improve women's wellbeing
Authors: Morton Amy
Published: June 2022

Many women are suffering in silence with perineal problems after childbirth. Amy Morton explores women's views about perineal health after childbirth, attempting to demystify and illustrate their experiences
Improving the wellbeing of you and your staff
Authors: Hancock Dave
Published: June 2022

Advice regularly offered by your doctors to patients about taking more exercise may be relevant to you and many of your colleagues – including those very same doctors. Attaining the RCGP Active Practice Charter could benefit the physical and mental wellbeing of your staff
Vietnam's Tourism Industry and COVID-19: An Analysis of the Industry’s Challenges in the First Quarter of 2020
Authors:   Department of Managerial and Financial Sciences, Al Zahra College for Women, Oman, Jalagat, Jr. Revenio Cabanilla , Aquino, Jr. Perfecto Gatbonton ,   Independent Researcher, Manila, Philippines
Published: June 2022

ABSTRACT The primary objective of this paper is to evaluate how Vietnam has overcome the challenges confronting the tourism industry during the COVID 19 pandemic. Today, Vietnam is considered a premiere tourism destination and has a comparatively low COVID-19 death rate. COVID-19 has claimed over a million lives since early 2020 and has caused political, economic, social, and environmental paralysis. However, Vietnam's resilience, recovery from lockdowns, timely policy responses, and the cooperation of citizens and residents assisted the fight against this contagious disease. Secondary data from available government, newspaper, and academic sources are analysed in order to evaluate Vietnam’s tourism industry's success at battling the challenges of COVID-19. Recommendations are proposed to strengthen the Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism’s coordination with other ministries in devising plans and programs to overcome future crises that are likely to negatively impact the tourism industry. Keywords: COVID-19, Tourism industry, Vietnam.
Simulation Daily Mobility in Rabat Region Using Multi-Agent Systems Models
Authors: Qbouche Khalid , Rhoulami Khadija
Published: June 2022

Due to the rapid urbanization of the world, the issue of daily movement has become an important topic. It examines the daily movements of people and analyzes the behavior of individuals. This system is closely related to the urban area, especially traffic. This work will provide a mixed model of daily mobility and a person’s shifting condition. Bottom-up techniques, such as Markov Chain and Multi-agent Systems, allow the creation of individual or group displacements. Bayesian Belief Network combined with Markov Chain allow for designing and managing individual behavior displacements.