bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Eckhart no álbum de família de Husserl
Authors: Marques Junior Celso
Published: August 2023

O artigo investiga a relação existente entre o pensamento místico de Eckhart e a fenomenologia de Edmund Husserl. Trata-se de analisar, inicialmente, as noções místicas de “pobreza” e “intuição”, bem como o emprego que Husserl faz delas em sua filosofia, sobretudo no processo de constituição da consciência transcendental. Em seguida, buscar-se-á compreender de que maneira tal influência conduz o fenomenólogo, em suas conclusões, por vias distintas daquelas percorridas pelo místico em seu êxtase. Por fim, extrair-se-á a consequência experimentada pela ciência rigorosa da fenomenologia devido à sua aproximação excêntrica do dogmatismo místico.
Guilherme de Ockham (1285-1347) e o problema da liberdade: direito, poder e comunidade cristã em fins da Idade Média
Authors: Magalhães Ana Paula Tavares
Published: August 2023

A temática da liberdade consistiu na tópica fundamental de toda a produção escrita do franciscano Guilherme de Ockham (1285-1347). Em sua trajetória na Universidade de Oxford, dedicou-se à lógica, com ênfase na teoria das proposições, e envolveu-se na Questão dos Universais, posicionando-se favoravelmente aos nominalistas, para os quais o particular precede o universal. Exilado na corte de Luís da Baviera em Munique a partir de 1328, deu início a uma produção concentrada na temática do poder, em estreita associação com a doutrina franciscana da pobreza. Seus pressupostos podem nos fornecer pistas sobre o percurso das doutrinas medievais da justiça e sobre a persistência de seu éthos no tempo presente.
Gaps in Guideline-Based Lipid-Lowering Therapy for Secondary Prevention in the United States: A Retrospective Cohort Study of 322 153 Patients
Authors: Navar Ann Marie , Kolkailah Ahmed A. , Gupta Anand , Gillard Kristin Khalaf , Israel Marc K. , Wang Yiqing , Peterson Eric D.
Published: August 2023

BACKGROUND:

Many patients with atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) are not on guideline-recommended statin therapy. We evaluated utilization of statins and other lipid-lowering therapy (LLT), and changes in low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), among patients with ASCVD over a 1-year period.

METHODS:

LLT and LDL-C levels at the first outpatient visit (January 1, 2017–December 31, 2018) and 1-year follow-up were evaluated using data from Cerner Real-World Data, an electronic health record–derived data set from 92 US health systems. Logistic regression was used to evaluate factors associated with high-intensity statin use.

RESULTS:

We identified 322 153 patients with ASCVD (median age 69 years, 58.8% men, 81.8% White). Overall, 76.1% of patients were on statins, with only 39.4% on high-intensity statins. Men were more likely to receive high-intensity statins than women (multivariable-adjusted odds ratio, 1.34 [95% CI, 1.30–1.38]). Increasing age was associated with lower odds of statin use (odds ratio, 0.79 per 5-year increase at 60 years [95% CI, 0.78–0.81]). Patients with peripheral artery disease (odds ratio, 0.40 [95% CI, 0.37–0.42]) and cerebrovascular disease (odds ratio, 0.75 [95% CI, 0.70–0.80]) had lower odds of using high-intensity statins than those with coronary artery disease. At baseline, most patients (61.3%) had elevated LDL-C (≥70 mg/dL), including 59.8% of those on low/moderate-intensity statins and 76.1% on no statin; only 45.3% achieved an LDL-C <70 mg/dL at 1 year. Nonstatin LLT use was low (ezetimibe, 4.4%; proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 inhibitors, 0.7%). Among patients on no statin or low/moderate-intensity statin at baseline, 14.8% and 13.4%, respectively, were on high-intensity statins at 1 year.

CONCLUSIONS:

Among patients with ASCVD in routine care, high-intensity statins are underutilized, and uptitration and use of nonstatin therapy are uncommon. Women, older adults, and individuals with noncardiac ASCVD are particularly undertreated. Concerted efforts are needed to address therapeutic inertia for lipid management in patients with ASCVD.
Who Is My Neighbour? Reading the Good Samaritan in the Context of the Coup
Authors: Seng Ja Layang
Published: August 2023

The parable of the good Samaritan (Luke 10:25–37) is a classic paradigm of perception and blindness. The story reflects ideas of identity in the time of Jesus but also raises issues that are pressing in our world today and the tendency to divide humanity into categories. This parable challenges us to question this categorization, to step across the boundaries it draws. Drawing on firsthand experience of the coup and Covid, this article seeks to read the parable and explores how it challenges us to rethink our identity and role in the context of a serious political and humanitarian crisis. It also examines how some neighbouring nations’ failure to show their humanitarian aid toward the victims of the coup are analogous to the priest and Levite’s failure to help the victim beaten up by robbers. The article suggests that the good Samaritan’s neighbourly act of assisting the victim serves as a moral example for reconsidering the identity of the church and her cross-cultural act of healing, assisting, and advocating for the victims, prisoners, and refugees.
A Burmese Public Theology of Religions and Reconciliation after the 2021 Coup
Authors: Moe David Thang
Published: August 2023

This article is a contextual reflection on the religious dimensions of reconciliation and anti-coup resistance. In doing so, the article addresses some fresh methodological issues and nuanced approaches to religions and public life. It begins by suggesting a paradigm shift in reimagining a public theology of religions and reconciliation that calls for engaging not only with academics, but also with lived practitioners. It critically examines the paradoxical role of religions. It first examines why and how religions play role in the politics of nationalism and tribalism and then suggests how interreligious ethics should be utilized as alternative sources for reconciliation. It shows how the coup creates a kairos for a transformative vision of interreligious solidarity and interethnic reconciliation. It then examines the ongoing stories of interreligious activist everyday resistance to the coup as adharma. Given that resisting the coup in public life is dangerous, the article also argues that public theology is not just about the reflection on public witness, but also about the hidden witness of faiths. It concludes by suggesting how religions shape the moral vision of ethnic reconciliation, federal democracy, mutual embrace of identity and otherness.
Through a queer lens: Sybil Morrison and Myrtle Solomon, stalwarts of the British and international peace movement
Authors: Somerset Jo
Published: August 2023

Sybil Morrison and Myrtle Solomon were leading pacifists in the twentieth-century British and international peace movements. Their combined activism straddled the Second World War, nuclear arms, colonial independence, opposition to the Vietnam War and the 1980s women’s peace movement. Women in a male-dominated movement, their lesbian identities remained hidden until pressure from the post-Stonewall generation persuaded them to come out, described by eyewitnesses as a pivotal moment for the movement. Interviews in three oral history collections predate the queer turn in history after their deaths. Examining these oral history sources enhances understanding of these influential women and faces the ethical challenge of posthumously loading private lives with political significance. This article bridges a gap between pacifist/Left and lgbtq+ narratives, answering a twenty-first century call for nuanced and multi-faceted history.
Two new species of resupinate poroid fungi (Basidiomycota, Polyporaceae) from São Tomé and Príncipe Archipelago
Authors: MELO IRENEIA , SALCEDO ISABEL , GARCIA CESAR A. , OLARIAGA IBAI
Published: August 2023

Megasporia insularis and Porogramme principes are described as new species based on morphological and molecular data of specimens collected on the Island of Príncipe (São Tomé and Príncipe Archipelago). Megasporia insularis is characterized by the hymenophore with large regular pores, a di-trimitic hyphal system with strongly dextrinoid skeletal hyphae, apically acuminate hyphal endings at the dissepiments edges, presence of dendrohyphidia, and large, subcylindrical basidiospores. Our phylogenetic analyses of the ITS-nLSU-mtSSU-RPB1-RPB2-TEF regions support the placement of M. insularis within an inclusive clade containing the redefined Megasporia. Porogramme principes has small irregular pores, a dimitic hyphal system with weakly dextrinoid skeletal hyphae, and small, oblong-ellipsoid basidiospores. The phylogenetic analyses of Porogramme and related genera place P. principes, together Grammothele taiwanensis, in a supported clade sister to P. subargentea, and separate from the species clade Grammothele s.str. Therefore, we propose to combine the species G. taiwanensis as Porogramme taiwanensis. Illustrations of these two novel species and updated keys to Megasporia and Porogramme genera are provided.
Peliosanthes linearifolia (Asparagaceae), a new species with linear leaves from Vietnam
Authors: KROUPSKY IVAN A. , LYSKOV DMITRY F. , NGUYEN KHANG SINH , PHAM THOA KIM THI , NGUYEN CUONG HUU , KUZNETSOV ANDREY N. , KUZNETSOVA SVETLANA P. , VISLOBOKOV NikolayNIKOLAY A. , TANAKA NORIYUKI , NURALIEV MAXIM S.
Published: August 2023

Peliosanthes linearifolia, a new species of Asparagaceae, is described and illustrated. The species was discovered in 2022 in Quang Nam Province, southern Vietnam. Peliosanthes linearifolia is remarkable for its linear to narrowly lanceolate leaves that are less than 1.3 cm wide. Such leaves were previously known only in P. graminea. Based on the floral characters of the new species, we assign it to the Peliosanthes teta species group. Peliosanthes linearifolia differs from P. teta, P. graminea and the other species of the group in the following combination of morphological traits: stoloniform rhizome, flowers solitary in axils of all primary bracts of inflorescence (i.e. inflorescence is a raceme), violet flowers and prominently lobed apex of the androecial corona.
Taxonomic review of the Cyana adelina (Staudinger) species-group (Lepidoptera: Erebidae: Arctiinae) with descriptions of three new species and one new subspecies from Laos, Thailand and China
Authors: VOLYNKIN ANTON V. , ČERNÝ KAREL , HUANG SI-YAO , SALDAITIS AIDAS
Published: August 2023

The Cyana adelina (Staudinger, 1887) species-group is established and reviewed. Three new species and one new subspecies are described: Cyana yunnanensis regia ssp. n. (Northern Thailand and northern Laos), Cyana dubernardi sp. n. (China: Yunnan), Cyana khami sp. n. (central Laos), and Cyana karsticola sp. n. (northern Laos). Two new synonyms are established: Cyana yunnanensis yunnanensis (Hampson, 1903) (Chionaema) = Chionaema hoenei Daniel, 1952, syn. n., and Cyana griseilinea de Joannis, 1930 = Cyana succincta Černý, 2016, syn. n. Lectotypes are designated for Bizone adelina Staudinger, 1887 and Bizone pratti Elwes, 1890. Adults, male and female genitalia are illustrated.
Subvortices within a Numerically Simulated Tornado: The Role of Unstable Vortex Rossby Waves
Authors: Huang Wei , Xue Ming
Published: August 2023

Multiple subvortices corresponding to suction vortices in observations are obtained within a simulated tornado for the EF4 tornado case of Funing, China, on 23 June 2016. Within the simulation, the tornado evolves from a one-cell structure with vorticity maximum at its center to a two-cell structure with a ring of vorticity maximum. Five well-defined subvortices develop along the ring. The radial profile of tangential wind across the vorticity ring satisfies the necessary condition of barotropic instability associated with phase-locked, counterpropagating vortex Rossby waves (VRWs) along the ring edges. The phased-locked waves revolve around the parent vortex at a speed less than the maximum azimuthal-mean tangential velocity, agreeing with theoretically predicted VRW phase speed. The radii within which the wave activities are confined are also correctly predicted by the VRW theory where radial group velocity approaches zero. Several other characteristics related to the simulated subvortices agree with VRW theories also. The most unstable azimuthal wavenumber depends on the width and the relative magnitude of vorticity of the vortex ring. Their values estimated from the simulation prior to subvortex formation correctly predict wavenumber 5 as the most unstable. The largest contribution to wave kinetic energy is diagnosed to be from the radial shear of azimuthal wind term, consistent with barotropic instability. Vorticity diagnostics show that vertical vorticity stretching is the primary vorticity source for the intensification and maintenance of the simulated subvortices.

Significance Statement

Multiple subvortices or suction vortices in tornadoes can produce extreme damage but their cause is not well understood. An intense tornado from China that developed five strong subvortices, along a vorticity ring a distance from the tornado vortex center, was successfully simulated. By examining the propagation and other characteristics of these subvortices and comparing them with theoretical models of vortex Rossby waves (VRWs) that have been studied mostly in the context of typhoons/hurricanes, it is believed that nonlinear growth of unstable VRWs associated with barotropic instability is the primary reason for the development of subvortices within the tornado. The conclusion is further supported by analyses of the primary source of wave growth energy. Vertical vorticity stretching is the main vorticity source for intensifying and maintaining the subvortices at their development and mature stages. The unstable growth of VRWs as the cause of tornado suction vortices has not been analyzed in detail for realistic tornadoes until now.
Long-Term Observational Characteristics of Different Severe Convective Wind Types around Australia
Authors: Brown Andrew , Dowdy Andrew , Lane Todd P. , Hitchcock Stacey
Published: August 2023

Regional understanding of severe surface winds produced by convective processes [severe convective winds (SCWs)] is important for decision-making in several areas of society, including weather forecasting and engineering design. Meteorological studies have demonstrated that SCWs can occur due to a number of different mesoscale and microscale processes, in a range of large-scale atmospheric environments. However, long-term observational studies of SCW characteristics often have not considered this diversity in physical processes, particularly in Australia. Here, a statistical clustering method is used to separate a large dataset of SCW events, measured by automatic weather stations around Australia, into three types, associated with strong background wind, steep lapse rate, and high moisture environments. These different types of SCWs are shown to have different seasonal and spatial variations in their occurrence, as well as different measured wind gust, lightning, and parent-storm characteristics. In addition, various convective diagnostics are tested in their ability to discriminate between measured SCW events and nonsevere events, with significant variations in skill between event types. Differences in environmental conditions and wind gust characteristics between event types suggests potentially different physical processes for SCW production. These findings are intended to improve regional understanding of severe wind characteristics, as well as environmental prediction of SCWs in weather and climate applications, by considering different event types.

Significance Statement

The purpose of this study is to improve regional understanding of different types of severe wind events in Australia, specifically those associated with atmospheric convection. We did this by constructing a dataset of 413 severe convective wind events, using weather station and radar data within 20 regions around Australia. We then split those events into three different types, based on the environmental conditions that they occur within. We found that each event type tends to occur at different times of the year and in different regions, while also having different wind gust and lightning characteristics. In addition, the atmospheric conditions that are helpful for prediction of severe wind events differs between each type. These results are intended to be useful for prediction of severe wind events associated with convection and assessing their variability, characteristics, and impacts, in both weather forecasting and climate analysis.
Can Managerial Communication Reduce Ambiguity Among Service Professionals About Volunteer Roles in Coproduction? An Experimental Test
Authors: Jensen Ulrich Thy , Thomsen Mette Kjærgaard
Published: August 2023

Despite the clear benefits volunteers can bring to public service organizations, their involvement may also create or exacerbate challenges for managers in ensuring clear roles for professionals staffing such organizations. We argue that simple, strategic communication messages can clarify the relative roles of volunteers and professionals. We test this assertion with a low-cost experimental communication experiment embedded in a survey of 240 professionals employed at nursing homes in Denmark. Our results show that strategic communication to clarify volunteer roles reduces professionals’ perceived ambiguity about volunteer roles and the relative roles of volunteers and professional staff. These results are encouraging as many public service organizations seek to involve more volunteers, and managers can implement the kind of strategic communication studied in this article straightforwardly without high costs.
Emerging Health Technologies in Long-Term Care and Suppliers’ Views on Their Potential to Assist and Support the Workforce
Authors: Chapman Susan A. , Miller Jacqueline R. , Spetz Joanne
Published: August 2023

Emerging technological advances hold potential to assist the long-term care (LTC) workforce in caring for an aging population in the home and LTC settings. Technology may alter workforce needs and mitigate rising workforce demand. This study identified and assessed emerging technologies that may assist, replace, and/or support recruitment and retention of the LTC workforce and identified barriers and facilitators to their implementation. We identified a variety of technologies with applications for LTC, created a taxonomy of technology types and functions across LTC settings, and conducted semi-structured interviews with a sample of company leaders to assess perceived impact of their products and services on the LTC workforce. Thematic analysis of those interviews found that technology is not currently positioned to replace the LTC workforce but may facilitate work and support worker recruitment and retention. More rigorous evaluation of technologies in LTC and financing mechanisms are needed to support widespread adoption.
The Potential Promise of Using Adapted Alternating Treatment Designs to Assess Teachers’ Use of Classroom Management Practices
Authors: Torelli Jessica N. , Noel Christina R. , Gross Thomas J. , Morris Kaitlin A.
Published: August 2023

Teachers critically need classroom management skills. To develop these skills, teachers need high-quality professional development (PD). To support teachers, schools need practical tools for assessing the effects of PD on teachers’ use of classroom management practices. The adapted alternating treatments design (AATD) may be a tool for this purpose. We conducted an initial pilot investigation testing the potential of AATDs to evaluate the effects of PD on teachers’ use of classroom management practices for eight Pre-K–12 teachers. We successfully used AATDs to evaluate PD effects in all cases across two phases of PD (online module instruction, online module + peer coaching). Results suggest the potential promise of using AATDs to evaluate the effects of PD on teachers’ use of classroom management practices. Results also showed didactic training alone was often insufficient to increase use of practices, whereas peer coaching was effective in increasing use of at least one practice for all teachers.
The identification, adaptive evolutionary analyses and mRNA expression levels of homeobox (hox) genes in the Chinese mitten crab Eriocheir sinensis
Authors: Chen Shasha , Jiang Xianfeng , Xia Longjie , Chen Zhiyi , Zhou Kaiya , Yan Jie , Li Peng
Published: August 2023

Background

Arthropods are the largest group in the animal kingdom and are morphologically characterized by heterorhythmic segments. Brachyuran decapod crustaceans undergo brachyurization metamorphosis in the early developmental process, characterized by a reduced abdomen that is folded beneath the cephalothorax and inserted between the pereiopods or in a special cavity. As the main cause of major alterations in the evolution of animal body plans,Hoxgenes encode transcription factors and are involved in bilaterian anterior-posterior axis patterning.

Results

We found eightHoxgenes (labial,proboscipedia,Deformed,zerknüllt,Sex combs reduced,Antennapedia,Ultrabithorax,fushi tarazu,abdominal-AandAbdominal-B) inEriocheir sinensis.The phylogenetic topology of 13 arthropodHoxgenes was closely related to traditional taxonomic groupings. Genome collinearity analysis was performed using genomic data and chromosomal location data ofE. sinensisandPortunus trituratus. We found that their chromosomes were highly collinear, and there was a corresponding collinear relationship between the threeHoxgenes (lab, ftzandAbd-B). The mRNA expression levels ofScrandAntpfluctuated significantly in different developmental stages ofE. sinensis, especially in the brachyurization stages. Evolutionary analysis indicated the presence of positively selected sites inUbx.

Conclusions

In this study, we used genome-wide analysis to identify and analyze all members of theHoxgenes inE. sinensis. Our data will contribute to a better understanding ofHoxgenes inE. sinensisand provide useful molecular evolutionary information for further investigation on their roles in the brachyurization of crabs.
Distinct patterns of gene expression in the medial preoptic area are related to gregarious singing behavior in European starlings (Sturnus vulgaris)
Authors: Polzin Brandon J. , Stevenson Sharon A. , Gammie Stephen C. , Riters Lauren V.
Published: August 2023

Background

Song performed in flocks by European starlings (Sturnus vulgaris), referred to here as gregarious song, is a non-sexual, social behavior performed by adult birds. Gregarious song is thought to be an intrinsically reinforced behavior facilitated by a low-stress, positive affective state that increases social cohesion within a flock. The medial preoptic area (mPOA) is a region known to have a role in the production of gregarious song. However, the neurochemical systems that potentially act within this region to regulate song remain largely unexplored. In this study, we used RNA sequencing to characterize patterns of gene expression in the mPOA of male and female starlings singing gregarious song to identify possibly novel neurotransmitter, neuromodulator, and hormonal pathways that may be involved in the production of gregarious song.

Results

Differential gene expression analysis and rank rank hypergeometric analysis indicated that dopaminergic, cholinergic, and GABAergic systems were associated with the production of gregarious song, with multiple receptor genes (e.g., DRD2, DRD5, CHRM4, GABRD) upregulated in the mPOA of starlings who sang at high rates. Additionally, co-expression network analyses identified co-expressing gene clusters of glutamate signaling-related genes associated with song. One of these clusters contained five glutamate receptor genes and two glutamate scaffolding genes and was significantly enriched for genetic pathways involved in neurodevelopmental disorders associated with social deficits in humans. Two of these genes, GRIN1 and SHANK2, were positively correlated with performance of gregarious song.

Conclusions

This work provides new insights into the role of the mPOA in non-sexual, gregarious song in starlings and highlights candidate genes that may play a role in gregarious social interactions across vertebrates. The provided data will also allow other researchers to compare across species to identify conserved systems that regulate social behavior.
Association between malnutrition and stroke-associated pneumonia in patients with ischemic stroke
Authors: Li Dongze , Liu Yi , Jia Yu , Yu Jing , Li Fanghui , Li Hong , Ye Lei , Liao Xiaoyang , Wan Zhi , Zeng Zhi , Cao Yu
Published: August 2023

Background

Malnutrition is associated with a high risk of mortality in adults with ischemic stroke (IS). This study aimed to investigate the relationship between malnutrition and the risk of stroke-associated pneumonia (SAP) as only a few studies examined the relationship between malnutrition and the risk of SAP in IS.

Methods

Patients were included from emergency departments of five tertiary hospitals in the REtrospective Multicenter study for Ischemic Stroke Evaluation (REMISE) study from January 2020 to December 2020. Malnutrition was defined according to the Controlling Nutritional Status (CONUT), Geriatric Nutritional Risk Index (GNRI), and Prognostic Nutritional Index (PNI) systems. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to explore the association between malnutrition and risk of SAP.

Results

We enrolled 915 patients with IS, 193 (14.75%), 495 (54.1%), and 148 (16.2%) of whom were malnourished according to the PNI, CONUT, and GNRI scores, respectively. SAP occurred in 294 (32.1%) patients. After adjusting for confounding influencing factors in the logistic regression analysis, malnutrition (moderate and severe risk vs. absent malnutrition) was independently associated with an increased risk of SAP based on the PNI (odds ratio [OR], 5.038; 95% confidence interval [CI] 2.435–10.421, P < 0.001), CONUT (OR, 6.941; 95% CI 3.034–15.878, P < 0.001), and GNRI (OR, 2.007; 95% CI 1.186–3.119, P = 0.005) scores. Furthermore, adding malnutrition assessment indices to the A2DS2 score significantly improved the ability to predict SAP by analysis of receiver operating characteristic curves and net reclassification improvement.

Conclusion

Malnutrition was notably prevalent in patients with IS and independently associated with an increased risk of SAP. Further studies are required to identify the effect of interventions on malnutrition to reduce the risk of SAP.
Ligand-independent activation of platelet-derived growth factor receptor β promotes vitreous-induced contraction of retinal pigment epithelial cells
Authors: Duan Yajian , Wu Wenyi , Cui Jing , Matsubara Joanne Aiko , Kazlauskas Andrius , Ma Gaoen , Li Xiaorong , Lei Hetian
Published: August 2023

Background

Epiretinal membranes in patients with proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR) consist of extracellular matrix and a number of cell types including retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells and fibroblasts, whose contraction causes retinal detachment. In RPE cells depletion of platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) receptor (PDGFR)β suppresses vitreous-induced Akt activation, whereas in fibroblasts Akt activation through indirect activation of PDGFRα by growth factors outside the PDGF family (non-PDGFs) plays an essential role in experimental PVR. Whether non-PDGFs in the vitreous, however, were also able to activate PDGFRβ in RPE cells remained elusive.

Methods

The CRISPR/Cas9 technology was utilized to edit a genomic PDGFRB locus in RPE cells derived from an epiretinal membrane (RPEM) from a patient with PVR, and a retroviral vector was used to express a truncated PDGFRβ short of a PDGF-binding domain in the RPEM cells lacking PDGFRβ. Western blot was employed to analyze expression of PDGFRβ and α-smooth muscle actin, and signaling events (p-PDGFRβ and p-Akt). Cellular assays (proliferation, migration and contraction) were also applied in this study.

Results

Expression of a truncated PDGFRβ lacking a PDGF-binding domain in the RPEM cells whose PDGFRB gene has been silent using the CRISPR/Cas9 technology restores vitreous-induced Akt activation as well as cell proliferation, epithelial-mesenchymal transition, migration and contraction. In addition, we show that scavenging reactive oxygen species (ROS) with N-acetyl-cysteine and inhibiting Src family kinases (SFKs) with their specific inhibitor SU6656 blunt the vitreous-induced activation of the truncated PDGFRβ and Akt as well as the cellular events related to the PVR pathogenesis. These discoveries suggest that in RPE cells PDGFRβ can be activated indirectly by non-PDGFs in the vitreous via an intracellular pathway of ROS/SFKs to facilitate the development of PVR, thereby providing novel opportunities for PVR therapeutics.

Conclusion

The data shown here will improve our understanding of the mechanism by which PDGFRβ can be activated by non-PDGFs in the vitreous via an intracellular route of ROS/SFKs and provide a conceptual foundation for preventing PVR by inhibiting PDGFRβ transactivation (ligand-independent activation).
Occupational burnout, flourishing and job satisfaction among HIV/AIDS healthcare workers in Western China: a network analysis
Authors: Jia Siyan , Yu Bin , Feng Chuanteng , Jia Peng , Xu Peng , Yang Shujuan
Published: August 2023

Background

Healthcare workers suffered with high prevalence of occupational burnout, which might be related with their job satisfaction and well-being. This study aimed to provide evidence of complex interrelations among occupational burnout, flourishing, and job satisfaction, and identify key variables from the perspective of network structure among healthcare workers.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted between July and October 2021, and 907 (the response rate was 98.4%) HIV/AIDS healthcare workers completed their sociodemographic characteristics, occupational burnout, flourishing and job satisfaction. Network analysis was conducted to investigate the interrelations of occupational burnout, flourishing, and job satisfaction communities, and identify central variables and bridges connecting different communities with different bridge strength thresholds in the network structure. The Network Comparison Test (NCT) was conducted to examine the gender differences in networks.

Results

In the network, feeling exhausted at work (strength: 1.42) and feeling frustrated at work (1.27) in occupational burnout community, and interested in daily activities (1.32) in flourishing community were central variables. Bridges in the network were job reward satisfaction (bridge strength: 0.31), satisfaction with job itself (0.25), and job environment satisfaction (0.19) in job satisfaction community, as well as interested in daily activities (0.29) and feeling respectable (0.18) in flourishing community, with bridges selected with top 20% bridge strengths. Feeling frustrated at work (0.14) in occupational burnout community and leading a purposeful and meaningful life (0.11) in flourishing community became bridges when using thresholds of top 25% and 30% bridge strengths, respectively. We also observed higher network densities in females (network density: 0.37) than that in males (0.34), and gender differences in the distribution of partial correlation coefficients (M = 0.27,P = 0.017).

Conclusions

In the network structure of occupational burnout-flourishing-job satisfaction, feeling frustrated at work in occupational burnout community and interested in daily activities in flourishing community were both central variables and bridges, which may be targeted variables to intervene to alleviate the overall level of symptoms in the network and therefore prevent poor health outcomes in healthcare workers.
Construction of lncRNA-m6A gene-mRNA regulatory network to identify m6A-related lncRNAs associated with the progression of lung adenocarcinoma
Authors: Zhang Jiangzhou , Bai Shuheng , Yan Yanli , Kang Haojing , Li Guangzu , Feng Zhaode , Ma Wen , Wang Xuan , Ren Juan
Published: August 2023

Background

We evaluated the prognostic value of m6A-related long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) in lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD).

Methods

The expression levels of lncRNAs and mRNAs in LUAD and normal adjacent tissues from The Cancer Genome Atlas dataset were analyzed using the limma package. m6A enzyme-related differentially expressed lncRNAs and mRNAs were identified and used to construct a regulatory network. Survival analysis was performed and the correlation between lncRNAs, m6A regulators, and mRNAs was analyzed; followed by functional enrichment analysis.

Results

A comparison of LUAD samples and normal tissues identified numerous differentially expressed lncRNAs and mRNAs, demonstrating that a comprehensive network was established. Two lncRNAs and six mRNAs were selected as prognosis related factors including SH3PXD2A-AS1, MAD2L1, CCNA2, and CDC25C. The pathological stage and recurrence status were identified as independent clinical factors (P < 0.05). The expression levels of these RNAs in the different clinical groups were consistent with those in the different risk groups. The interactions of m6A proteins, two lncRNAs, and six mRNAs were predicted, and functional analysis showed that m6A target mRNAs were involved in the cell cycle, progesterone-mediated oocyte maturation, and oocyte meiosis pathways.

Conclusions

These m6A target lncRNAs and mRNAs may be promising biomarkers for predicting clinical prognosis, and the lncRNA-m6A regulator-mRNA regulatory network could improve our understanding of m6A modification in LUAD progression.
Elevation of D-dimer levels are associated with early need for mechanical ventilation support in patients with COVID-19
Authors: Ali Asmaa , Liang Wu , Abdelhafiz Ahmed Samir , Saleh Mai M. , Salem Heba , Moazen Eman M. , Elmazny Maram I. , Rakha Mohammed Abdallah , Elfeky Seham Ezzat Fathy
Published: August 2023

Background

Severe COVID-19 disease is typically associated with an urgent need for supplemental oxygen therapy that may be successfully delivered through conventional methods or require invasive mechanical ventilation. Early prediction of the need for invasive mechanical ventilation could significantly improve outcomes of COVID-19 patients. Plasma levels of D-dimer and a number of inflammatory markers as well as values of complete blood counts, all measured in the first two days of hospital admission of COVID-19 patients, were evaluated for their significance as predictors of the eventual need for invasive mechanical ventilation support as well as their values as predictors of post-ventilation morbidly and mortality.

Methods

This retrospective cohort study was conducted at a single center and included data pertaining to 200 patients with previously confirmed moderate to severe COVID-19 disease in the period between May 2021 and the end of December 2022. Data were retrieved from medical records for further analysis.

Results

The mean (SD) age of patients stood at 59 (14) years of age, and with a majority of patients being male (77%). About 18% of cases, all of significantly older age, had been connected to invasive mechanical ventilation (IMV). Total leucocytic count (TLC), as well as levels of urea, creatinine, D-dimer, ferritin, and CRP in IMV patients were significantly higher than non-ventilated patients (p < 0.01 for all). In contrast, lymphocytic count, hemoglobin level, and platelet count were significantly lower in IMV patients (p < 0.001, 0.04, and 0.002, respectively). The mortality rate was significantly higher in IMV patients (p < 0.001). D-dimer independently predicted IMV demand (OR = 1, p = 0.001 in adjusted and unadjusted models). The utility of D-dimer was excellent; and the cutoff level of above 1415 µ/L showed sensitivity and specificity of about 92% and 76%, respectively. Also, the D-dimer level was very effective in predicting post-IMV survival; the AUC = 0.86, p = 0.02, and a cutoff value below 4558 µ/L was associated with 100% and 66% sensitivity and specificity, respectively.

Conclusions

High D-dimer levels independently correlated with the need for invasive mechanical ventilation. Low levels of this marker could evidently predict post-IMV survival of mechanically ventilated COVID-19 patients. Measuring D-dimer levels during routine follow up of those patients would thus be useful in predicting patient outcomes.
Prognostic value of triglyceride glucose index in population at high cardiovascular disease risk
Authors: Cai Xiao-ling , Xiang Yi-fei , Chen Xiao-fang , Lin Xue-qin , Lin Bi-ting , Zhou Geng-yu , Yu Lin , Guo Yan-song , Lin Kai-yang
Published: August 2023

Background

Early identification of populations at high cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk and improvement of risk factors can significantly decrease the probability of CVD development and improve outcomes. Insulin resistance (IR) is a CVD risk factor. The triglyceride glucose (TyG) index is a simple and reliable index for evaluating IR. However, no clinical studies on the prognostic value of the TyG index in a high risk CVD population have been conducted. This study evaluated the relationship between the TyG index and prognosis in a high risk CVD population.

Methods

This study enrolled 35,455 participants aged 35–75 years who were at high CVD risk and visited selected health centers and community service centers between 2017 and 2021. Their general clinical characteristics and baseline blood biochemical indicators were recorded. The TyG index was calculated as ln[fasting triglyceride (mg/dl)× fasting blood glucose (mg/dl)/2]. The endpoints were all-cause death and cardiovascular death during follow-up. Cox proportional hazard models and restricted cubic spline (RCS) analysis were used to evaluate the correlation between the TyG index and endpoints.

Results

In the overall study population, the mean age of all participants was 57.9 ± 9.6 years, 40.7% were male, and the mean TyG index was 8.9 ± 0.6. All participants were divided into two groups based on the results of the RCS analysis, with a cut-off value of 9.83. There were 551 all-cause deaths and 180 cardiovascular deaths during a median follow-up time of 3.4 years. In the multivariate Cox proportional hazard model, participants with a TyG index ≥ 9.83 had a higher risk of all-cause death (Hazard ratio [HR] 1.86, 95% Confdence intervals [CI] 1.37–2.51, P<0.001) and cardiovascular death (HR 2.41, 95%CI 1.47–3.96, P = 0.001) than those with a TyG index < 9.83. Subgroup analysis revealed that there was no interaction between the TyG index and variables in all subgroup analyses.

Conclusions

The high TyG index was associated with an increased risk of all-cause death and cardiovascular death in people at high risk of CVD. This finding demonstrates the value of the TyG index in the primary prevention of CVD.

Trial registration

retrospectively registered, the registration number is K2022-01-005 and the date is 2022.01.30.
Measuring quality of facility-based ITN distribution in Ghana
Authors: Nuñez Luigi , Skjefte Malia , Asamoah Obed E. , Owusu Prince , Malm Keziah L. , Miller Jane E.
Published: August 2023

Background

Continuous distribution channels are effective methods to deliver malaria interventions such as insecticide treated nets (ITNs) to pregnant women attending antenatal care clinics and children under five attending immunization visits. Facility-based and provider-based checklists were used during supportive supervision visits to measure the quality of facility-based services and interventions. This study looks at ITN distributions at health facilities in Ghana, with the aim of providing insights on how quality can be measured and monitored.

Methods

Various quality improvement approaches for malaria services occur in Ghana. Selected indicators were analysed to highlight the similarities and differences of how the approaches measured how well the channel was doing. Generally, the approaches assessed (1) service data management, (2) logistics data management, and (3) observation of service provision (ITN issuance, malaria education, ITN use and care education). Two approaches used a binary (Yes/No) scale, and one used a Likert scale.

Results

Results showed that most data reported to the national HMIS is accurate. Logistics data management remained an issue at health facilities, as results showed scores below average across facility stores, antenatal care, and immunization. Though the supervision approaches differed, overall results indicated that almost all eligible clients received ITNs, data were recorded accurately and reported on-time, and logistics was the largest challenge to optimal distribution through health facilities.

Conclusion

The supervision approaches provided valuable insights into the quality of facility-based ITN distribution. Ghana should continue to implement supportive supervision in their malaria agenda, with additional steps needed to improve reporting of collected data and increase the number of facilities visited for supportive supervision and the frequency. There were various supervision approaches used with no clear guidance on how to measure quality of facility-based ITN distribution, so there is also need for the global community to agree on standardized indicators and approaches to measuring quality of facility-based ITN distribution. Additionally, future studies can review the effect of multiple rounds of supervision visits on the quality of ITN distribution as well as understand the facilitators and barriers to scaling up supervision of facility-based ITN distribution.
Receptor tyrosine kinases Tyro3, Axl, and Mertk differentially contribute to antibody-induced arthritis
Authors: Gao Liang , He Chao , Yang Aizhen , Zhou Haibin , Lu Qingxian , Birge Raymond B. , Wu Yi
Published: August 2023

Tyro3, Axl, and Mertk (abbreviated TAMs) comprise a family of homologous type 1 receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs) that have been implicated as inhibitory receptors that dampen inflammation, but their roles in the pathogenesis of rheumatoid arthritis remains understudied. Here, to investigate TAMs in an inflammatory arthritis model, antibody-induced arthritis in single TAM-deficient mice (Tyro3- KO, Axl-KO, Mertk-KO) was induced by K/BxN serum injection. Subsequently, joint inflammation and cytokine levels, as well as the expression of Fcγ Rs and complement receptors were assessed in WT and TAM-deficient mice. Compared with littermate control mice, Axl−/− and Mertk−/− mice developed more severe antibody-induced arthritis, while in contrast, Tyro3−/− mice showed diminished joint inflammation. Concomitantly, the levels of cytokines in joints of Axl−/− and Mertk−/− mice were also significantly increased, while cytokines in the Tyro3−/− joint tissues were decreased. At the molecular and cellular level, TAMs showed distinct expression patterns, whereby monocytes expressed Axl and Mertk, but no Tyro3, while neutrophils expressed Axl and Tyro3 but little Mertk. Moreover, expression of Fcγ receptors and C5aR showed different patterns with TAMs expression, whereby FcγRIV was higher in monocytes of Axl−/− and Mertk−/− mice compared to wild-type mice, while Tyro3−/− neutrophils showed lower expression levels of FcγRI, FcγRIII and FcγRIV. Finally, expression of C5aR was increased in Mertk−/− monocytes, and was decreased in Tyro3−/− neutrophils. These data indicate that Axl, Mertk and Tyro3 have distinct functions in antibody-induced arthritis, due in part to the differential regulation of cytokines production, as well as expression of FcγRs and C5aR.
GSG2 facilitates the progression of human breast cancer through MDM2-mediated ubiquitination of E2F1
Authors: Tang Yu , Dai Gaosai , Yang Yupeng , Liu Huantao
Published: August 2023

Background

Breast cancer (BC) has posed a great threat to world health as the leading cause of cancer death among women. Previous evidence demonstrated that germ cell-specific gene 2 (GSG2) was involved in the regulation of multiple cancers. Thus, the clinical value, biological function and underlying mechanism of GSG2 in BC were investigated in this study.

Methods

The expression of GSG2 in BC was revealed by immunohistochemistry (IHC), qPCR and western blotting. Secondly, the biological function of GSG2 in BC was evaluated by MTT assay, flow cytometry, Transwell assay and wound healing assay. Furthermore, the potential molecular mechanism of GSG2 regulating the progression of BC by co-immunoprecipitation (Co-IP) and protein stability detection.

Results

Our data indicated that GSG2 was frequently overexpressed in BC. Moreover, there was a significant correlation between the GSG2 expression and the poor prognosis of BC patients. Functionally, GSG2 knockdown inhibited the malignant progression of BC characterized by reduced proliferation, enhanced apoptosis and attenuated tumor growth. Migration inhibition of GSG2 knockdown BC cells via epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), such as downregulation of Vimentin and Snail. In addition, E2F transcription factor 1 (E2F1) was regarded as a target protein of GSG2. Downregulation of E2F1 attenuated the promoting role of GSG2 on BC cells. Mechanistically, knockdown of GSG2 accelerated the ubiquitination of E2F1 protein, which was mediated by E3 ubiquitin ligase MDM2.

Conclusions

GSG2 facilitated the development and progression of BC through MDM2-mediated ubiquitination of E2F1, which may be a promising candidate target with potential therapeutic value.
Lived experiences of pregnant and parenting adolescents in Africa: A scoping review
Authors: Ajayi Anthony Idowu , Athero Sherine , Muga Winstoun , Kabiru Caroline W.
Published: August 2023

Background

Previous studies have not synthesized existing literature on the lived experiences of pregnant and parenting adolescents (aged 10–19) in Africa. Such evidence synthesis is needed to inform policies, programs, and future research to improve the well-being of the millions of pregnant or parenting adolescents in the region. Our study fills this gap by reviewing the literature on pregnant and parenting adolescents in Africa. We mapped existing research in terms of their substantive focus, and geographical distribution. We synthesized these studies based on thematic focus and identified gaps for future research.

Methods

We used a three-step search strategy to find articles, theses, and technical reports reporting primary research published in English between January 2000 and June 2021 in PubMed, Jstor, AJOL, EBSCO Host, and Google Scholar. Three researchers screened all articles, including titles, abstracts, and full text, for eligibility. Relevant data were extracted using a template designed for the study. Overall, 116 studies met the inclusion criteria and were included in the study. Data were analyzed using descriptive and thematic analyses.

Results

Research on pregnant and parenting adolescents is limited in volume and skewed to a few countries, with two-fifths of papers focusing on South Africa (41.4%). Most of the studies were African-led (81.9%), received no funding (60.3%), adopted qualitative designs (58.6%), and were published between 2016 and 2021 (48.3%). The studies highlighted how pregnancy initiates a cycle of social exclusion of girls with grave implications for their physical and mental health and social and economic well-being. Only 4.3% of the studies described an intervention. None of these studies employed a robust research design (e.g., randomized controlled trial) to assess the intervention’s effectiveness. Adolescent mothers' experiences (26.7%) and their education (36.2%) were the most studied topics, while repeat pregnancy received the least research attention.

Conclusion

Research on issues affecting pregnant and parenting adolescents is still limited in scope and skewed geographically despite the large burden of adolescent childbearing in many African countries. While studies have documented how early pregnancy could result in girls' social and educational exclusion, few interventions to support pregnant and parenting adolescents exist. Further research to address these gaps is warranted.