bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Urban Particulate Matters May Affect Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress and Tight Junction Disruption in Nasal Epithelial Cells
Authors: Park Soo Kyoung , Yeon Sun Hee , Choi Mi-Ra , Choi Seung Hyeon , Lee Sung Bok , Rha Ki-sang , Kim Yong Min
Published: March 2021

Background

Exposure to airborne urban particulate matter (UPM) has been closely related to the development and aggravation of respiratory disease, including sinonasal disorders.

Objective

The aims of this study were to investigate the effect of UPM on nasal epithelial tight junctions (TJs) and mucosal barrier function and delineate the underlying mechanism by using both in vitro and in vivo models.

Methods

In this study, human nasal epithelial cells (hNECs) and BALB/c mice were exposed to UPMs. UPM 1648a and 1649 b were employed. TJ and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress marker expression was measured using western blot analysis and immunofluorescence. TJ integrity and nasal epithelial barrier function were evaluated by transepithelial electric resistance (TER) and paracellular flux. In addition, the effects of N‐acetyl‐L‐cysteine (NAC) on UPM-induced nasal epithelial cells were investigated.

Results

UPM significantly impaired the nasal epithelial barrier, as demonstrated by decreased protein expression of TJ and ER stress markers in human nasal epithelial cells. This finding was in parallel to reduced transepithelial electrical resistance and increased fluorescein isothiocyanate–dextran permeability. Pretreatment with NAC decreased the degree of UPM-mediated ER stress and restored nasal epithelial barrier disruption in human nasal epithelial cells (hNEC) and the nasal mucosa of experimental animals.

Conclusion

These data suggest that UPMs may induce nasal epithelial barrier dysfunction by targeting TJs and ER stress could be related in this process. Based on these results, we suggest that suppression of this process with an inhibitor targeting ER stress responses could represent a novel promising therapeutic target in UPM-induced sinonasal disease.
Conspiracy Theories and Their Societal Effects During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Pummerer Lotte , Böhm Robert , Lilleholt Lau , Winter Kevin , Zettler Ingo , Sassenberg Kai
Published: March 2021

During COVID-19, conspiracy theories were intensely discussed in the media. Generally, both believing in conspiracy theories (i.e., explanations for events based on powerholders’ secret arrangements) and being confronted with a conspiracy theory have been found to predict cognition and behavior with negative societal effects, such as low institutional trust. Accordingly, believing in conspiracy theories around COVID-19 should reduce institutional trust, support of governmental regulations and their adoption, and social engagement (e.g., helping members of risk groups). We tested these predictions in a national random sample survey, an experiment, and a longitudinal study ( N total = 1,213; all studies were preregistered). Indeed, believing in and being confronted with a COVID-19 conspiracy theory decreased institutional trust, support of governmental regulations, adoption of physical distancing, and—to some extent—social engagement. Findings underscore the severe societal effects of conspiracy theories in the context of COVID-19.
Following Your Group or Your Morals? The In-Group Promotes Immoral Behavior While the Out-Group Buffers Against It
Authors: Vives Marc-Lluís , Cikara Mina , FeldmanHall Oriel
Published: March 2021

People learn by observing others, albeit not uniformly. Witnessing an immoral behavior causes observers to commit immoral actions, especially when the perpetrator is part of the in-group. Does conformist behavior hold when observing the out-group? We conducted three experiments ( N = 1,358) exploring how observing an (im)moral in-/out-group member changed decisions relating to justice: punitive, selfish, or dishonest choices. Only immoral in-groups increased immoral actions, while the same immoral behavior from out-groups had no effect (Experiments 1 & 2). In contrast, a compassionate or generous individual did not make people more moral, regardless of group membership (Experiments 1 & 2). When there was a loophole to deny cheating (Experiment 3), neither an immoral in-/out-group member changed dishonest behavior. Compared to observing an honest in-group member, people become more honest themselves after observing an honest out-group member, revealing that out-groups can enhance morality. Depending on the severity of the moral action, the in-group licenses immoral behavior while the out-group buffers against it.
The link between anxiety and assessment of body attitudes and body size estimation in anorexia nervosa
Authors: Hasenack Birgit , Sternheim Lot , Bijsterbosch Jojanneke , Keizer Anouk
Published: March 2021

Although body size estimation (BSE) tasks are frequently used to investigate distorted body representation in anorexia nervosa (AN), the link between anxiety and task performance has been overlooked. To investigate this, 30 female healthy controls (HCs) and 29 female AN patients completed two body attitude questionnaires and three BSE tasks (the Visual Estimation Task, the Tactile Estimation Task and the Hoop Task). Participants completed two body attitude questionnaires and three BSE tasks; the Visual Estimation Task, the Tactile Estimation Task, and the Hoop Task. The STAI-6 was administered before and after each body-related task to assess state anxiety. Results showed that state anxiety levels increased significantly more in AN patients than in HC after completing each task. Thus, performance of AN patients on BSE and other body-related tasks might not just indicate the (mis)perception of their body but also co-occur with increased state anxiety. This has implications for the interpretation of these tasks and for furthering our understanding of the mechanisms that underlie distorted body image in AN.
Drift in an Anthropocene: On the work of terrain
Authors: Dixon Deborah P
Published: March 2021

As geographers confront the manifold challenges of an Anthropocene, so the framing of geography as the critical study of space – a framing that took hold of theory and practice in the 20th century and that searched for antecedents as well as prognostications – is increasingly splayed across the long durée of geography as the interrogation of the nature of human being as well as the Earthly environment and the constitutive relations between these. While the prospect of a new geologic epoch situates these Anthropocene challenges as the conjunction of a human history with the deep time of the planet, it also suggests, for example, the entanglement of the geopolitical and the geophysical, an entanglement that the (colonial and imperialising) discipline of geography has helped to articulate and produce even while proffering an explanation of the same. In pivoting back once more to the knotty matter of geopolitics and geophysics, what concepts and lexicons might be productive? Here, and thinking through the work that terrain has done and can do, I offer the multi-agential, survey defying, taxonomically mutable, drifting geographies of drift that have been so perturbing to a solid geology and its stratigraphic tempo, and hence can, perhaps, provide another resource from which to construe the political materialities of an Anthropocene.
Digital transformation and the COVID-19 crisis continuity planning
Authors: Datta Pratim , Nwankpa Joseph K
Published: March 2021

The unprecedented global lockdown during the COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted an interesting ethical dilemma. While lockdowns are central to saving lives, economic malaise from business and social discontinuities is the opportunity cost. To maintain this fragile balance during a crisis, there is an obvious need for digitally transforming socio-economic operations to maintain continuity. This digital transformation case study highlights how, unlike traditional digital transformation initiatives that rely on relatively closed organizational operations with established lines of control and communication, digital transformation for crisis continuity planning relies on a variety of global actors, from independent entrepreneurs and institutions to businesses and ad hoc collaborative agencies. The crisis continuity planning case helps students understand that digital transformation is a multi-stakeholder, multi-actor effort that ties together technology, business process reengineering, and public policy for a sustainable solution to a crisis. This teaching case study end with a proposed crisis continuity planning digital transformation framework that outlines five distinct digital transformation characteristics that can improve crisis continuity planning—from pandemics to disasters.
Social innovation for life expectancy extension utilizing a platform-centered system used in the Iwaki health promotion project: A protocol paper
Authors: Nakaji Shigeyuki , Ihara Kazushige , Sawada Kaori , Parodi Stefano , Umeda Takashi , Takahashi Ippei , Murashita Koichi , Kurauchi Shizuka , Tokuda Itoyo
Published: March 2021

Introduction:

We are trying to create a platform for social innovation to extend life span.

Methods:

Since 2005, health data (approximately 3000 items per person as of 2020) of approximately 1000 adults have been collected each year during the Iwaki Health Promotion Project. The industry, government, academia, and citizens have involvements in data collection, aiming to build a platform that encourages societal innovation and subsequently extends life expectancy in Aomori. The Iwaki Health Promotion Project has been supported financially by the Japanese government since it was selected as the Center of Innovation program in 2013.

Results:

Since the numbers of academia, industries, governments, and citizens involved in the Iwaki Health Promotion Project increased over the years, the big data produced during the project has become increasingly pluripotent and adaptable. It has been used to promote public health, which has also created a stronger partnership among companies and research organizations. Consequently, the amount of data collected from the project has gained attention and became more open to companies and researchers participating in the Iwaki Health Promotion Project, resulted in establishing a larger platform. It also led to the acquisition of external funding, publications of numerous research papers, creation of new health examinations, and the establishment of the Health Promotion Center (an institution for cultivating health volunteers).

Conclusion:

The Iwaki Health Promotion Project aims not only to produce a pluripotent big data but also to improve the average life expectancy of Aomori by creating a large platform in the society. Its positive impact in the future is infinite and will keep growing as long as it is maintained by the society.
Magnitude and causes of cancelation for elective surgical procedures in Debre Tabor General hospital: A cross-sectional study
Authors: Demilew Basazinew Chekol , Yisak Hiwot , Terefe Agazhe Aemiro
Published: March 2021

Objectives:

Elective surgical case cancelation is a common problem and can cause prolonged wait times, harm to patients, and is a waste of scarce resources. Reasons for cancelations are complex and change place to place because they are related to patients, organizational issues, and clinical staff. So, this study is aimed to assess the magnitude and causes of the case cancelation among elective surgical cases in a general hospital.

Methods:

A cross-sectional prospective study design was conducted on 221 patients scheduled for elective surgery from March 1 to May 30 2019 G.C. All consecutive elective surgical cases scheduled during the study period were included in the study. Data were collected using prepared and pretested questionnaire and entered in the SPSS version 20 for analysis purpose.

Results:

During the study, 221 patients were scheduled for elective surgical operations, among these 150 (67.9%) patients were operated on the planned date of surgery whereas 71 (32.1%) operations were canceled. The decision for the cancelation was done by the anesthetist due to preoperative coexisting disease findings and inadequate preparation of the patient for the intended operations were 33 (46.5%) followed by administrative-related issues which account 26 (36.6%).

Conclusion:

Cancelation of elective surgical procedures on the day of surgery was high in this study due to different reasons. Cancelation can be minimized if all the responsible bodies can communicate early regard to the patient.
Nonclinical abuse liability testing of new CNS-active drugs: Role of sex as a critical factor for drug scheduling
Authors: Gauvin David V , Zimmermann Zachary J , Kallman Mary Jeanne
Published: March 2021

All new drugs targeting or influencing the central nervous system (CNS) must be screened for Drug Abuse Liability (DAL) prior to license approval by the FDA. Drug discrimination, self-administration, and drug dependence potential study designs are three core behavioral assays proposed in the 2017 FDA Guidance to Industry on Abuse Liability Testing for submission to the agencies for review at the time of the NDA submission. There are no international or federal drug control agency requirements for which animal species to use and selection of the test parameters for the sex, strain, age, dose range, study duration, systemic drug exposure thresholds or positive comparators to use in the conduct of these studies. In pre-IND and pre-NDA discussions with sponsor representatives, it is the FDA that has placed the financial burden on the industry to conduct these studies in both sexes in, what appears to be, a direct conflict with the intent of the Animal Welfare Act (1996). There is no single drug-of-abuse that is self-administered exclusively by one sex and there are no differential schedule controls placed on any drug substance based on any sex- or gender-based pharmacokinetic parameter. These nonclinical assays used for drug control scheduling actions should be conducted in only one sex unless there is a strong indication that sex is an important factor in the therapeutic use of the new drug or the mechanism of action.
Smartphone-guided secondary prevention for patients with coronary artery disease
Authors: Eckardt Irina , Buschhaus Clara , Nickenig Georg , Jansen Felix
Published: March 2021

Introduction

Coronary artery disease (CAD) is the leading cause of death worldwide. Lifestyle change is a crucial part of secondary prevention. Only 30% of CAD patients follow the corresponding guideline recommendations. The widespread adoption of smartphones offers the opportunity to integrate secondary prevention into the daily routine of CAD patients.

Methods

We developed an app to integrate secondary prevention into CAD patients’ everyday life (smartphone-guided secondary prevention, SGSP). The app provided a daily 15-minute program that included video-guided exercises, video sessions with background information about CAD, and a tool to record blood pressure and heart rate once a day. The SGSP app was tested with the primary outcome of 28-day adherence. The secondary outcome was a composite of (1) self-reported behavioral changes, (2) gain of knowledge about cardiovascular risk factors, and (3) an increase in quality of life.

Results

Of the 66 patients screened, 43 (65%) were included into the study and, of those, 17 (40%) used the app continuously for 28 days. From this group, 14 (82%) were physically more active and ten (59%) improved their dietary habits. Usage of the SGSP app was also associated with a gain of knowledge about cardiovascular risk factors (70% physical activity, 59% healthy diet).

Conclusion

The regular use of a SGSP app appears to support lifestyle changes in patients with CAD.
Electrochemical treatment of ex vivo human abdominal skin and potential use in scar management: A pilot study
Authors: Hutchison Dana M , Hakimi Amir A , Wijayaweera Avin , Seo Soohong , Hong Ellen M , Pham Tiffany T , Bircan Melissa , Sivoraphonh Ryan , Dunn Brandyn , Kobayashi Mark R , Kim Sehwan , Wong Brian JF
Published: March 2021

Introduction:

Scar treatments aim to address pathologic collagen deposition; however, they can be expensive or difficult to control. Electrochemical therapy (ECT) offers a simple alternative treatment. The purpose of this study is to examine the acid-base and histological changes in ex vivo human abdominal skin following ECT.

Methods:

Forty-two ex vivo human panniculus tissue sections collected from six individuals were tumesced with normal saline. ECT was performed by inserting two platinum needle electrodes connected to a DC power supply into each specimen. Voltage was varied (3–6 V) and applied for 5 minutes. Each specimen was sectioned across both electrode insertion sites and immediately stained with pH sensitive dye. The width of dye color change for each dosimetry pair was calculated. Hematoxylin and eosin staining was used to evaluate samples.

Results and Discussion:

ECT caused a spatially localised and dose-dependent increased area of acidic and basic pH around the anode and cathode, respectively. A significantly greater mean width of pH change was generated at the cathode compared to the anode in all treatment groups. Histological evaluation displayed broad condensation and hyalinisation of dermal collagen.

Conclusion:

ECT triggered dermal pH alterations and changed the underlying structural framework of the specimen. This technology may serve as a low-cost, minimally invasive local soft-tissue remodeling technique with potential application in scar management.

Level of Evidence:

5

Lay Summary

Electrochemical therapy is a novel treatment that causes spatially selective dermal injury in areas of interest. This study measures the effects of electrochemical therapy when applied to abdominal skin. Electrochemical therapy appears to have beneficial effects by causing a highly localised reduction in collagen content or local softening of tissue, which is consistent with other studies on scar therapies, including chemexfoliation, radiofrequency technologies, and lasers. However, electrochemical therapy can be performed at a fraction of the costs of these aforementioned modalities.
A Study of Factors Affecting the Length of Hospital Stay of COVID-19 Patients by Cox-Proportional Hazard Model in a South Indian Tertiary Care Hospital
Authors: Thiruvengadam Gayathri , Lakshmi Marappa , Ramanujam Ravanan
Published: March 2021

Background:

The objective of the study was to identify the factors that alter the length of hospital stay of COVID-19 patients so we have an estimate of the duration of hospitalization of patients. To achieve this, we used a time to event analysis to arrive at factors that could alter the length of hospital stay, aiding in planning additional beds for any future rise in cases.

Methods:

Information about COVID-19 patients was collected between June and August 2020. The response variable was the time from admission to discharge of patients. Cox proportional hazard model was used to identify the factors that were associated with the length of hospital stay.

Results:

A total of 730 COVID-19 patients were included, of which 675 (92.5%) recovered and 55 (7.5%) were considered to be right-censored, that is, the patient died or was discharged against medical advice. The median length of hospital stay of COVID-19 patients who were hospitalized was found to be 7 days by the Kaplan Meier curve. The covariates that prolonged the length of hospital stay were found to be abnormalities in oxygen saturation (HR = 0.446, P < .001), neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (HR = 0.742, P = .003), levels of D-dimer (HR = 0.60, P = .002), lactate dehydrogenase (HR = 0.717, P = .002), and ferritin (HR = 0.763, P = .037). Also, patients who had more than 2 chronic diseases had a significantly longer length of stay (HR = 0.586, P = .008) compared to those with no comorbidities.

Conclusion:

Factors that are associated with prolonged length of hospital stay of patients need to be considered in planning bed strength on a contingency basis.
Awareness and Attitudes of Art Students and Lecturers on Health Hazards Associated With Fine and Applied Arts Making in Nigeria
Authors: Ibenegbu Christopher Ifeanyi , Ubah RitaDoris , Ibenegbu Queendaline Obiajulu
Published: March 2021

Background

Art-making can pose significant risks to the health and safety of artists. Some art materials and equipment are hazardous.

Objective

This article highlights the various hazards caused by the use of these materials in art-making and actions that could be taken to prevent it.

Methods

We used documentary research approaches to find out and study the relevant literature sources and to analyze and synthesize the information got.

Result

The results showed that art students and lecturers are not aware of the health hazards of art materials they use in their art practice, and they have a nonchalant attitude towards taking appropriate health precautions in the use of these art materials. We also observed that changing the attitudes of university art students, and lecturers on the health hazards involved in art-making would require several actions.

Conclusion

The awareness of health hazards associated with art-making/studio practice is useful to help art students and lecturers to increase their health precautions in using art materials.
Symptom Descriptions in Psychopathology: How Well Are They Working for Us?
Authors: Wilshire Carolyn E. , Ward Tony , Clack Samuel
Published: March 2021

In this article, we examine how symptoms are conceptualized in theories of psychopathology. We identify five questions that need to be asked about symptoms, including what kind of constructs they are, how we should describe them, and what causal explanations they support. We then examine how three different theoretical frameworks address these questions: the fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, the symptom-network-modeling approach, and the Cambridge model of symptom formation. We show that the assumptions these frameworks make affect the kinds of theoretical models they support and the research approaches they advocate. When symptoms are viewed as empirical observations, the focus of inquiry is directed elsewhere. However, when symptoms are understood as complex constructs in their own right, that are themselves built on certain theoretical assumptions, then understanding them becomes crucial to theoretical progress. We conclude by calling for greater focus on research that unpacks the constructs underlying symptoms.
CT Scan in Subaxial Cervical Facet Injury: Is It Enough for Decision-Making?
Authors: Cabrera Juan P. , Yurac Ratko , Joaquim Andrei F. , Guiroy Alfredo , Carazzo Charles A. , Zamorano Juan J. , Valacco Marcelo ,   the AO Spine Latin America Trauma Study Group
Published: March 2021

Study Design:

Cross-sectional survey.

Objectives:

Assessment of subaxial cervical facet injuries using the AO Spine Subaxial Cervical Spine Injury Classification System is based on CT scan findings. However, additional radiological evaluations are not directly considered. The aim of this study is to determine situations in which spine surgeons request additional radiological exams after a facet fracture.

Methods:

A survey was sent to AO Spine members from Latin America. The evaluation considered demographic variables, routine use of the Classification, as well as the timepoint at which surgeons requested a cervical MRI, a vascular study, and/ or dynamic radiographs before treatment of facet fractures.

Results:

There was 229 participants, mean age 42.9 ± 10.2 years; 93.4% were men. Orthopedic surgeons 57.6% with 10.7 ± 8.7 years of experience in spine surgery. A total of 86% used the Classification in daily practice. An additional study (MRI/vascular study/and dynamic radiographs) was requested in 53.3%/9.6%/43.7% in F1 facet injuries; 76.0%/20.1%/50.2% in F2; 89.1%/65.1%/28.4% in F3; and 94.8%/66.4%/16.6% in F4. An additional study was frequently required: F1 72.5%, F2 86.9%, F3 94.7%, and F4 96.1%.

Conclusions:

Spine surgeons generally requested additional radiological evaluations in facet injuries, and MRI was the most common. Dynamic radiographs had a higher prevalence for F1/F2 fractures; vascular studies were more common for F3/F4 especially among surgeons with fewer years of experience. Private hospitals had a lower spine trauma cases/year and requested more MRI and more dynamic radiographs in F1/F2. Neurosurgeons had more vascular studies and dynamic radiographs than orthopedic surgeons in all facet fractures.
Keeping Up With the Joneses: District Adoption of the 4-Day School Week in Rural Missouri
Authors: Anglum J. Cameron , Park Aaron
Published: March 2021

In recent years, rural school district adoption of 4-day school weeks has grown markedly. Despite this rapid growth, scant empirical evidence has documented the factors associated with district adoption and subsequent effects on student, labor, and economic outcomes. We examine the spread of the 4-day school week in rural Missouri, where over 10% of the state’s districts have adopted the policy in the past decade, the majority over the past 2 years. To help policymakers understand why districts forgo a day of instruction and to contextualize postpolicy effects, we conduct a survival analysis to assess student, district, and staff characteristics associated with policy adoption. We find that the presence of nearby 4-day school week districts most strongly predicts policy adoption. Adopting districts typically offer lower teacher salaries than nearby districts and have declining student enrollments. Our findings may inform policy focused on teacher recruitment and retention in rural locales.
Empathy Can Be Taught, and Patients Teach it Best
Authors: Thangarasu Sudhagar , Renganathan Gowri , Natarajan Piruthiviraj
Published: March 2021

Empathy toward patients is an essential skill for a physician to deliver the best care for any patient. Empathy also protects the physician from moral injury and decreases the chances for malpractice litigations. The current graduate medical education curriculum allows trainees to graduate without getting focused training to develop empathy as a core competency domain. The tools to measure empathy inherently lack validity. The accurate measure of the provider’s empathy comes from the patient’s perspectives of their experience and their feedback, which is rarely reaching the trainee. The hidden curriculum in residency programs gives mixed messages to trainees due to inadequate role modeling by attending physicians. This narrative style manuscript portrays a teachable moment at the bedside vividly. The teaching team together reflected upon the lack of empathy, took steps to resolve the issue. The attending demonstrated role modeling as an authentic and impactful technique to teach empathy. The conclusion includes a proposal to include the patient’s real-time feedback to trainees as an essential domain under Graduate Medical Education core competencies of professionalism and patient care.
Impact of Covid-19 on clinical care and lived experience of systemic sclerosis: An international survey from EURORDIS-Rare Diseases Europe
Authors: Hughes Michael , Pauling John D , Moore Andrew , Jones Jennifer
Published: March 2021

Introduction:

Outcomes related to Covid-19 in systemic sclerosis patients could be influenced by internal organ involvement and/or immunosuppressive treatment, leading to efforts to shield patients from Covid-19 transmission. We examined the impact of Covid-19 on the lived experience of systemic sclerosis with regards to other aspects of daily living including occupation and emotional well-being.

Method:

Individuals with systemic sclerosis or relatives/carers participated in an online survey, disseminated through international patient associations and social media pages, designed to examine the impact of Covid-19 on living with a rare disease.

Results:

Responses from 121 individuals (98% were patients with systemic sclerosis) from 14 countries were evaluable. Covid-19 was considered a probable/definite personal threat (93%) or threat for the individual they care for (100%). Approximately two-thirds of responders reported either cancellation or postponement/delay to appointments, diagnostic tests, medical therapies at home (e.g. infusions), surgery or transplant, psychiatry follow-up or rehabilitation services. Twenty-six percent reported at least one systemic sclerosis medicine/treatment had been unavailable, and 6% had to either stop taking usual medications or use an alternative. Most reported online consultations/telemedicine via phone (88%) and online (96%) as being ‘fairly’ or ‘very’ useful. Respondents reported tensions among family members (45%) and difficulty overcoming problems (48%). Restrictions on movement left around two-thirds feeling isolated (61%), unhappy and/or depressed (64%), although the majority (85%) reported a strengthening of the family unit.

Conclusion:

Covid-19 has resulted in significant impact on the clinical-care and emotional well-being of systemic sclerosis patients. Changes to clinical care delivery have been well-received by patients including telemedicine consultations.
Assessing Ego-Centered Social Networks in formr: A Tutorial
Authors: Reins Louisa M. , Arslan Ruben C. , Gerlach Tanja M.
Published: March 2021

In psychological science, ego-centered social networks are assessed to investigate the patterning and development of social relationships. In this approach, a focal individual is typically asked to report the people they interact with in specific contexts and to provide additional information on those interaction partners and the relationships with them. Although ego-centered social networks hold considerable promise for investigating various interesting questions from psychology and beyond, their implementation can be challenging. This tutorial provides researchers with detailed instructions on how to set up a study involving ego-centered social networks online using the open-source software formr. By including a fully functional study template for the assessment of social networks and extensions to this design, we hope to equip researchers from different backgrounds with the tools necessary to collect social-network data tailored to their research needs.
Human growth hormone use in poor ovarian response – caution and opportunities
Authors: Norman Robert J. , Hart Roger J.
Published: March 2021

Human growth hormone has found favour as a co-gonadotrophin in assisted reproduction particularly in the circumstances of a poor response to stimulation. Its use has been based on animal studies suggesting insulin-like growth factor-1 enhances granulosa and cumulus cell function and possibly oocyte quality. While there is limited ovarian cellular information in women, the use of human growth hormone is alleged to improve egg numbers, embryo quality, clinical pregnancies and live birth in women with a poor ovarian response. A number of cohort studies have claimed these benefits compared with prior nil treatment, but there are a limited number of quality randomised controlled studies. The few good randomised trials indicate an enhanced ovarian response in terms of oestradiol secretion and oocyte maturity with controversial improvement in ongoing pregnancy and live birth. Given the cost of the medication, the lack of convincing data on enhanced clinical outcomes and the theoretical possibility of side effects, we propose it is still too early to determine human growth hormone’s true cost-benefit for widespread use. However, a number of emerging randomised trials may tilt the equation to a positive outlook in the future. Meanwhile, the hormone should only be used after full informed consent from the patient as to its effectiveness and efficacy.
Probabilistic seismic risk assessment for the Eastern Himalayas, China
Authors: Li Changlong , Li Zongchao , Lyu Hongshan , Gao Mengtan
Published: March 2021

We developed building taxonomy for the Eastern Himalayas and estimated the distribution of building types in each town based on a field survey and local census data. We built a structure vulnerability model and mortality vulnerability model for each building type and simulated the loss distribution based on an earthquake scenario and probabilistic seismic hazards. Our seismic risk model indicates that the Eastern Himalayas have a regional annual average loss (AAL) of approximately 19 million RMB, which accounts for 0.02% of the 2018 regional gross domestic product (GDP). The AAL of reconstruction area covers nearly 7000 m2 and the AAL of casualty is approximately 60 people. The city center of Lhasa contributes more than one-fifth of the economic AAL and 18% of the AAL of reconstruction area among the towns in this area, and the casualty risk is also the highest. Reinforced concrete building classes with less than three stories and unreinforced masonry contribute to most of the AAL in the study area. The AAL of Cuona County accounts for more than 0.35% of its annual GDP, which implies that it faces the most serious risk of damage by seismic disasters.
The Bdkrb2 gene family provides a novel view of viviparity adaptation in Sebastes schlegelii
Authors: Niu Jingjing , Song Weihao , Li Rui , Yu Haiyang , Guan Jian , Qi Jie , He Yan
Published: March 2021

Background

Black rockfish (Sebastes schlegelii) is a viviparous teleost. We proposed that the rockfish ovarian wall had a similar function to the uterus of mammals previously. In the present study, the well-developed vascular system was observed in the ovarian wall and the exterior surface of the egg membrane. In gestation, adaptation of the ovary vasculature to the rising needs of the embryos occurs through both vasodilation and neovascularization. Bdkrb2, encoding a receptor for bradykinin, plays a critical role in the control of vasodilatation by regulating nitric oxide production.

Results

Eight Bdkrb2 genes were identified in the black rockfish genome. These genes were located on chromosome 14, which are arranged in a tandem array, forming a gene cluster spanning 50 kb. Protein structure prediction, phylogenetic analysis, and transcriptome analysis showed that eight Bdkrb2 genes evolved two kinds of protein structure and three types of tissue expression pattern. Overexpression of two Bdkrb2 genes in zebrafish indicated a role of them in blood vessel formation or remodeling, which is an important procedure for the viviparous rockfish getting prepared for fertilization and embryos implantation.

Conclusions

Our study characterizes eight Bdrkb2 genes in the black rockfish, which may contribute to preparation for fertilization and embryo implantation. This research provides a novel view of viviparity adaptation and lays the groundwork for future research into vascular regulation of ovarian tissue in the breeding cycle in black rockfish.
The iron-sulfur scaffold protein HCF101 unveils the complexity of organellar evolution in SAR, Haptista and Cryptista
Authors: Pyrih Jan , Žárský Vojtěch , Fellows Justin D. , Grosche Christopher , Wloga Dorota , Striepen Boris , Maier Uwe G. , Tachezy Jan
Published: March 2021

Background

Nbp35-like proteins (Nbp35, Cfd1, HCF101, Ind1, and AbpC) are P-loop NTPases that serve as components of iron-sulfur cluster (FeS) assembly machineries. In eukaryotes, Ind1 is present in mitochondria, and its function is associated with the assembly of FeS clusters in subunits of respiratory Complex I, Nbp35 and Cfd1 are the components of the cytosolic FeS assembly (CIA) pathway, and HCF101 is involved in FeS assembly of photosystem I in plastids of plants (chHCF101). The AbpC protein operates in Bacteria and Archaea. To date, the cellular distribution of these proteins is considered to be highly conserved with only a few exceptions.

Results

We searched for the genes of all members of the Nbp35-like protein family and analyzed their targeting sequences. Nbp35 and Cfd1 were predicted to reside in the cytoplasm with some exceptions of Nbp35 localization to the mitochondria; Ind1was found in the mitochondria, and HCF101 was predicted to reside in plastids (chHCF101) of all photosynthetically active eukaryotes. Surprisingly, we found a second HCF101 paralog in all members of Cryptista, Haptista, and SAR that was predicted to predominantly target mitochondria (mHCF101), whereas Ind1 appeared to be absent in these organisms. We also identified a few exceptions, as apicomplexans possess mHCF101 predicted to localize in the cytosol and Nbp35 in the mitochondria. Our predictions were experimentally confirmed in selected representatives of Apicomplexa (Toxoplasma gondii), Stramenopila (Phaeodactylum tricornutum, Thalassiosira pseudonana), and Ciliophora (Tetrahymena thermophila) by tagging proteins with a transgenic reporter. Phylogenetic analysis suggested that chHCF101 and mHCF101 evolved from a common ancestral HCF101 independently of the Nbp35/Cfd1 and Ind1 proteins. Interestingly, phylogenetic analysis supports rather a lateral gene transfer of ancestral HCF101 from bacteria than its acquisition being associated with either α-proteobacterial or cyanobacterial endosymbionts.

Conclusion

Our searches for Nbp35-like proteins across eukaryotic lineages revealed that SAR, Haptista, and Cryptista possess mitochondrial HCF101. Because plastid localization of HCF101 was only known thus far, the discovery of its mitochondrial paralog explains confusion regarding the presence of HCF101 in organisms that possibly lost secondary plastids (e.g., ciliates, Cryptosporidium) or possess reduced nonphotosynthetic plastids (apicomplexans).
Impaired hypoxic ventilatory drive induced by diabetic autonomic neuropathy, a cause of misdiagnosed severe cardiac events: brief report of two cases
Authors: Schubert Louis , Laroche Suzanne , Hartemann Agnès , Bourron Olivier , Phan Franck
Published: March 2021

Background

Sudden cardiac deaths are twice more frequent in diabetic patients with cardiac autonomic neuropathy. Sudden cardiac death etiologies remain unclear and no recommendations are made to identify factors associated with cardiorespiratory arrest in diabetic patients. We hypothesized, from two clinical cases, that impaired hypoxic ventilatory drive, induced by diabetic autonomic neuropathy, is a cause of misdiagnosed severe cardiac events.

Case presentation

We describe the cases of two patients with isolated low blood saturation on pulse oximeter during the systematic nurse check-up (77% and 85% respectively) contrasting with the absence of any complaint such as dyspnea, polypnea or other respiratory insufficiency signs observed during the clinical examination. Arterial blood gas measurements subsequently confirmed that blood oxygen saturation was low and both patients were indeed hypoxemic. Patient 1 suffered from vascular overload complicated by cardiac arrest caused by hypoxemia in light of the quick recovery observed after ventilation. Pulmonary edema was diagnosed in patient 2. The common denominator of these 2 cases described in this brief report is the absence of respiratory failure clinical signs contrasting with the presence of confirmed hypoxemia. Also, in both cases, such absence of precursory signs seems to be induced by an impaired ventilatory drive to hypoxemia. This appears to be related to the autonomic diabetic neuropathy encountered in those 2 patients.

Conclusions

Therefore, we describe, in this brief report, cardiac autonomic neuropathy as a cause of impaired hypoxic ventilatory drive involved in severe acute cardiorespiratory events in two type 1 diabetic patients. We assume that altered response to hypoxemia due to cardiac autonomic neuropathy and non-functional central neurological breathing command could play a key role in sudden deaths among diabetic patients. An important point is that hypoxemia can be easily missed since no clinical signs of respiratory failure are reported in these two clinical cases. Systematic screening of cardiac autonomic neuropathy in diabetic patients and proactive detection of impaired hypoxic ventilatory drive for early management (e.g. treatment of hypoxemia) should be systematically undertaken in diabetic patients to prevent its dramatic consequences such as cardiorespiratory arrest and death.
Needle in the heart: a rare case of cardiac tamponade caused by a migrated foreign body and mimicking ST segment elevation myocardial infarction
Authors: Pólos Miklós , Domokos Dominika , Şulea Cristina-Maria , Benke Kálmán , Csikós Gergely , Nagy Andrea , Skoda Réka , Szabó András , Merkel Eperke , Hartyánszky István , Szabolcs Zoltán , Merkely Béla , Becker Dávid
Published: March 2021

Background

Pericardial tamponade is a serious condition which may eventually lead to severe haemodynamic disturbances and cardiac arrest. It is most often caused by the accumulation of fluid inside the pericardium, as a result of different aetiological factors such as pericarditis, neoplastic diseases, lymphatic dysfunctions, or idiopathic pericardial disease. Pericardial tamponade can develop after cardiac surgical procedures or as a complication of myocardial infarction. Collection of blood inside the pericardial sack can be the result of pericardial or cardiac trauma. It is exceedingly rare for the injury to be caused by a migrating foreign body. Although a typical picture of pericardial tamponade has been previously described, the disorder may clinically resemble an acute myocardial infarction.

Case presentation

We report the case of a 58-year-old female patient complaining of new onset thoracic pain and shortness of breath. Electrocardiographic examination results were suggestive of an acute inferior myocardial infarction. However, echocardiography revealed significant pericardial tamponade. The cause was found to be a needle which remained inside the pelvis following a previous cesarean delivery, which the patient had undergone 18 years prior. In emergency setting, the needle was removed and the pericardial tamponade was resolved. Due to the prompt and efficient management, the patient had an uneventful postoperative recovery and presented no recurrence at the follow-up examinations.

Conclusions

The migration of foreign bodies through tissues is exceedingly rare. If present, it may cause life-threatening complications. Since the aetiology of pericardial tamponade is vast, a thorough assessment is highly important. Therefore, echocardiography is the imaging modality of choice. We wish to highlight the possibility of migrating foreign bodies as probable cause for pericardial tamponade, as well as the importance of echocardiographic methods in the fast-track evaluation of such critical conditions.
Challenges, facilitators and barriers to screening study participants in early disease stages-experience from the MACUSTAR study
Authors:   on behalf of the MACUSTAR consortium, Terheyden Jan Henrik , Behning Charlotte , Lüning Anna , Wintergerst Ludmila , Basile Pier G. , Tavares Diana , Melício Beatriz A. , Leal Sergio , Weissgerber George , Luhmann Ulrich F. O. , Crabb David P. , Tufail Adnan , Hoyng Carel , Berger Moritz , Schmid Matthias , Silva Rufino , Martinho Cecília V. , Cunha-Vaz José , Holz Frank G. , Finger Robert P.
Published: March 2021

Background

Recruiting asymptomatic participants with early disease stages into studies is challenging and only little is known about facilitators and barriers to screening and recruitment of study participants. Thus we assessed factors associated with screening rates in the MACUSTAR study, a multi-centre, low-interventional cohort study of early stages of age-related macular degeneration (AMD).

Methods

Screening rates per clinical site and per week were compiled and applicable recruitment factors were assigned to respective time periods. A generalized linear mixed-effects model including the most relevant recruitment factors identified via in-depth interviews with study personnel was fitted to the screening data. Only participants with intermediate AMD were considered.

Results

A total of 766 individual screenings within 87 weeks were available for analysis. The mean screening rate was 0.6 ± 0.9 screenings per week among all sites. The participation at investigator teleconferences (relative risk increase 1.466, 95% CI [1.018–2.112]), public holidays (relative risk decrease 0.466, 95% CI [0.367–0.591]) and reaching 80% of the site’s recruitment target (relative risk decrease 0.699, 95% CI [0.367–0.591]) were associated with the number of screenings at an individual site level.

Conclusions

Careful planning of screening activities is necessary when recruiting early disease stages in multi-centre observational or low-interventional studies. Conducting teleconferences with local investigators can increase screening rates. When planning recruitment, seasonal and saturation effects at clinical site level need to be taken into account.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.govNCT03349801. Registered on 22 November 2017.
The association between childhood conditions and heart disease among middle-aged and older population in China: a life course perspective
Authors: Zhang Jingyue , Lu Nan
Published: March 2021

Background

Heart disease is a severe health problem among adult populations in China. The prevalence rates of heart disease increase with age. The pathogenic causes of heart disease are often related to conditions in early life. Using a nationally representative sample of adults aged 45 or older in China, we examined the association between childhood conditions and heart disease in later life from a life course perspective.

Methods

The data used in this study were derived from the life history module and 2015 wave of China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS). Missingness were handled by multiple imputation, generating 20 complete datasets with a final sample of 19,800. Doctor-diagnosed heart disease was the main dependent variable. Respondents’ conditions in childhood, adulthood, and older age were the independent variables (e.g., socioeconomic status, health, and health resources). Random-effects logistic regression models were conducted to test the hypotheses.

Results

A total of 16.6% respondents reported being diagnosed with heart disease by doctors. Regarding childhood socioeconomic status, 8.2% of the respondents considered that they were (a lot) better off than their neighbors, and 31.1% considered that their health status in childhood was better than their peers. More than 90% of respondents did not have severe illnesses during their childhood, and around 80.3% had access to health resources nearby in childhood. Lower socioeconomic status and poorer health conditions in childhood were associated with a greater likelihood of reporting doctor-diagnosed heart diseases, even after controlling for conditions in adulthood and older age (socioeconomic status: odds ratio (OR) = 0.947; self-rated health: OR = 0.917; severe illnesses: OR = 1.196).

Conclusions

Along with chronic diseases (e.g., hypertension, diabetes, and dyslipidemia), unhealthy behaviors, overweight and obesity, poor childhood conditions should be considered as screening criteria to identify populations at risk of heart disease. Relevant preventive strategies and interventions should be developed from a life course perspective and conducted in communities by providing health education program among older population with low socioeconomic status, and encouraging early detection and treatment.