bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Covert Brain Infarction as a Risk Factor for Stroke Recurrence in Patients With Atrial Fibrillation
Authors: Kim Do Yeon , Han Seok-Gil , Jeong Han-Gil , Lee Keon-Joo , Kim Beom Joon , Han Moon-Ku , Choi Kang-Ho , Kim Joon-Tae , Shin Dong-Ick , Cha Jae-Kwan , Kim Dae-Hyun , Kim Dong-Eog , Ryu Wi-Sun , Park Jong-Moo , Kang Kyusik , Kim Jae Guk , Lee Soo Joo , Oh Mi-Sun , Yu Kyung-Ho , Lee Byung-Chul , Park Hong-Kyun , Hong Keun-Sik , Cho Yong-Jin , Choi Jay Chol , Sohn Sung Il , Hong Jeong-Ho , Park Tai Hwan , Lee Kyung Bok , Kwon Jee-Hyun , Kim Wook-Joo , Lee Jun , Lee Ji Sung , Lee Juneyoung , Gorelick Philip B. , Bae Hee-Joon
Published: October 2022

Background:

We aimed to evaluate covert brain infarction (CBI), frequently encountered during the diagnostic work-up of acute ischemic stroke, as a risk factor for stroke recurrence in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF).

Methods:

For this prospective cohort study, from patients with acute ischemic stroke hospitalized at 14 centers between 2017 and 2019, we enrolled AF patients without history of stroke or transient ischemic attack and divided them into the CBI (+) and CBI (−) groups. The 2 groups were compared regarding the 1-year cumulative incidence of recurrent ischemic stroke and all-cause mortality using the Fine and Gray subdistribution hazard model with nonstroke death as a competing risk and the Cox frailty model, respectively. Each CBI lesion was also categorized into either embolic-appearing (EA) or non-EA pattern CBI. Adjusted hazard ratios and 95% CIs of any CBI, EA pattern CBI only, non-EA pattern CBI only, and both CBIs were estimated.

Results:

Among 1383 first-ever stroke patients with AF, 578 patients (41.8%) had CBI. Of these 578 with CBI, EA pattern CBI only, non-EA pattern CBI only, and both CBIs were 61.8% (n=357), 21.8% (n=126), and 16.4% (n=95), respectively. The estimated 1-year cumulative incidence of recurrent ischemic stroke was 5.2% and 1.9% in the CBI (+) and CBI (−) groups, respectively (
P
=0.001 by Gray test). CBI increased the risk of recurrent ischemic stroke (adjusted hazard ratio [95% CI], 2.91 [1.44–5.88]) but did not the risk of all-cause mortality (1.32 [0.97–1.80]). The EA pattern CBI only and both CBIs elevated the risk of recurrent ischemic stroke (2.76 [1.32–5.77] and 5.39 [2.25–12.91], respectively), while the non-EA pattern only did not (1.44 [0.40–5.16]).

Conclusions:

Our study suggests that AF patients with CBI might have increased risk of recurrent stroke. CBI could be considered when estimating the stroke risk in patients with AF.
Self-Isolation and Testing Behaviour During the COVID-19 Pandemic: An Agent-Based Model
Authors: Gostoli Umberto , Silverman Eric
Published: October 2022

Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, various models of virus spread have been proposed. While most of these models focused on the replication of the interaction processes through which the virus is passed on from infected agents to susceptible ones, less effort has been devoted to the process through which agents modify their behaviour as they adapt to the risks posed by the pandemic. Understanding the way agents respond to COVID-19 spread is important, as this behavioural response affects the dynamics of virus spread by modifying interaction patterns. In this article, we present an agent-based model that includes a behavioural module determining agent testing and isolation propensity in order to understand the role of various behavioural parameters in the spread of COVID-19.
Relational Topology-based Heterogeneous Network Embedding for Predicting Drug-Target Interactions
Authors: Zhang Linlin , Ouyang Chunping , Hu Fuyu , Liu Yongbin , Gao Zheng
Published: October 2022

Predicting interactions between drugs and target proteins has become an essential task in the drug discovery process. Although the method of validation via wet-lab experiments has become available, experimental methods for drug-target interaction (DTI) identification remain either time consuming or heavily dependent on domain expertise. Therefore, various computational models have been proposed to predict possible interactions between drugs and target proteins. However, most prediction methods do not consider the topological structures characteristics of the relationship. In this paper, we propose a relational topology-based heterogeneous network embedding method to predict drug-target interactions, abbreviated as RTHNE_ DTI. We first construct a heterogeneous information network based on the interaction between different types of nodes, to enhance the ability of association discovery by fully considering the topology of the network. Then drug and target protein nodes can be represented by the other types of nodes. According to the different topological structure of the relationship between the nodes, we divide the relationship in the heterogeneous network into two categories and model them separately. Extensive experiments on the real-world drug datasets, RTHNE_DTI produces high efficiency and outperforms other state-of-the-art methods. RTHNE_DTI can be further used to predict the interaction between unknown interaction drug-target pairs.
Evaluation of antibacterial activity of five biocides and the synergistic effect of biocide/EDTA combinations on biofilm-producing and non-producing Stenotrophomonas maltophilia strains isolated from clinical specimens in Iran
Authors: Anari Raana Kazemzadeh , Nikkhahi Farhad , Javadi Amir , Bakht Mehdi , Rostamani Mohammad , Kelishomi Fatemeh Zeynali , Alizadeh Safar Ali
Published: October 2022

Background

The overuse of biocides in healthcare-facilities poses risk for emergence and spread of antibiotic resistance among nosocomial pathogens. Hospital-acquired infections due to S. maltophilia have been increased in the recent years and with its various resistance mechanisms contribute to patient morbidity and mortality in hospitals. The current study aimed to evaluate the susceptibility of biofilm-producing and non-producing S. maltophilia clinical isolates to five commonly used hospital biocides, alone and in combination with EDTA to examine the synergistic effect of combining EDTA on the bactericidal activity of them by microbroth dilution method. As well as the frequency of efflux genes encoding resistance to biocides among isolates. This study also intended to assess the effect of exposure of S. maltophilia isolates to sub-inhibitory concentrations of sodium hypochlorite upon the antimicrobial susceptibility patterns.

Results

Based on minimum inhibitory and bactericidal concentrations of biocides sodium hypochlorite 5% (w/v) and ethyl alcohol 70% (v/v) were the strongest and weakest biocides against S. maltophilia isolates, respectively. The combination of EDTA with biocides significantly increased the effectiveness of the studied biocides. Exposure to sub-inhibitory concentration of sodium hypochlorite showed a significant change in the susceptibility of isolates towards ceftazidime (p = 0.019), ticarcillin/clavulanate (p = 0.009), and chloramphenicol (p = 0.028). As well as among the isolates examined, 94 (95%) were able to produce biofilm. The frequency of sugE1 resistance genes was found in 90.7% of our clinical S. maltophilia isolates. None of the isolates carried qacE and qacEΔ1 gene.

Conclusions

The current study recommended that using the mixture of biocides with EDTA can be effective in reducing nosocomial infections. Also, this study demonstrated that exposure to sub-inhibitory concentrations of sodium hypochlorite leads to reduced antibiotic susceptibility and development of multidrug-resistant S. maltophilia strains.
Comparisons of care practices for very preterm infants and their short-term outcomes in two tertiary centers in northwest and south China: A retrospective cohort study
Authors: Peng Haibo , Shi Yanling , Wang Fei , Jin Zhenchao , Li Cungui , Kang Jing , Zhang Guofei , Zhang Lian , Yao Yanli , Yu Zhangbin
Published: October 2022

Background

Care practices for very preterm infants and the mortality and morbidity of the infants vary widely among countries and regions with different levels of economic development, including the different areas in China. We aimed to compare the obstetric and delivery room practices of two representative tertiary newborn centers in the northwestern and southern regions of China and the mortality and morbidity of their very preterm infants.

Methods

A retrospective cohort study was conducted. Very preterm infants born between 220/7 and 316/7 weeks of gestation, and admitted to Qinghai Red Cross Hospital (QHH) and Shenzhen Baoan Women’s and Children’s Hospital (SZH) from January 1, 2018 to December 31, 2020, were included. The infants’ characteristics and short-term outcomes, and the hospitals’ care practices were compared between the two cohorts.

Results

Three hundred and two infants in QHH and 505 infants in SZH were enrolled, and the QHH cohort was more mature than the SZH cohort was (gestational age 30.14 (29.14–31.14) vs. 29.86 (27.86–31.00 weeks, respectively), p < 0.001). Fewer antenatal steroids and more tracheal intubations were used in QHH than in SZH [(73.8% vs. 90.9%, p < 0.001) and (68.2% vs. 35.0%, p < 0.001, respectively)]. The odds of mortality [aOR = 10.31, 95%CI: (6.04, 17.61)], mortality or major morbidity [aOR = 5.95, 95%CI: (4.05, 8.74)], mortality despite active treatment [aOR = 3.14, 95%CI: (1.31, 7.53)], mortality or major morbidity despite active treatment [aOR = 3.35, 95%CI: (2.17, 5.17)], moderate or severe bronchopulmonary dysplasia [aOR = 3.66, 95%CI: (2.20, 6.06)], and severe retinopathy of prematurity [aOR = 3.24, 95%CI: (1.19, 8.83)] were higher in the QHH cohort. No significant difference in the rate of severe neurological injury or necrotizing enterocolitis ≥ Stage 2 was found between the cohorts.

Conclusion

Obstetric and delivery room care practices used in the management of very preterm infants differed considerably between the QHH and SZH cohorts. Very preterm infants born in QHH have higher odds of mortality or severe morbidity compared with those born in SZH.
Relationship between clozapine exposure and the onset of appendicitis in schizophrenia patients: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Kawakita Yuta , Takeshima Masahiro , Komatsu Tomonari , Imanishi Aya , Fujiwara Dai , Itoh Yu , Mishima Kazuo
Published: October 2022

Objective

Clozapine may cause serious side effects despite benefits in patients with schizophrenia. Thus, an accurate understanding of the side-effect profile of clozapine is extremely important in the management of its administration to patients with schizophrenia. Our aim was to validate the relationship between clozapine exposure and appendicitis onset in patients with schizophrenia.

Methods

In this study, we retrospectively compared the incidence and cumulative incidence of appendicitis in patients with schizophrenia with and without a history of clozapine exposure. Among the patients with schizophrenia who visited our hospital between June 2009 and August 2021, we extracted those with a history of clozapine treatment. Patients with a history of taking clozapine were defined as the clozapine exposure group, while the others were defined as the clozapine non-exposure group. Patients with a history of appendectomy before their initial visit to our hospital or with a history of clozapine use at other hospitals were excluded.

Results

There were 65 patients in the clozapine exposure group and 400 patients in the clozapine non-exposure group who met the inclusion criteria. The exposure group exhibited a remarkably higher incidence of appendicitis during the observation period than the non-exposure group (863 cases vs. 124 cases per 100,000 person-years). In particular, if limited to the period of clozapine exposure, the incidence of appendicitis is extremely high, at 2,086 cases per 100,000 person-years. Moreover, multivariable analysis showed that clozapine exposure was an independent factor contributing to the onset of appendicitis.

Conclusions

Clozapine exposure is associated with appendicitis onset in patients with schizophrenia.
Evaluation of anaplastic thyroid carcinoma in the Kurdistan region of Iraq
Authors: Mustafa Dilshad Hamad , Ahmed Baderkhan Saeed , Haweizy Rawand Musheer , Dewana Azhy Muhammed
Published: October 2022

Background

Anaplastic thyroid carcinoma is a rare and lethal disease that accounts for 1–2% of thyroid malignancies. It is an aggressive locoregional disease with a high rate of distant metastasis, a poor prognosis, and a mean survival rate of 3–6 months after diagnosis. This retrospective study aimed to analyse the clinical and pathological features of ATC to assess treatment procedures and its outcome.

Methods

We analysed data from 22 patients diagnosed with ATC from 2018 to 2021, using the Kaplan-Meier method and log-rank test to determine overall survival.

Results

Patients’ median age was 64.3 ± 17.1 years. Females were more affected (male/female ratio: 1:1.7); 14 cases occurred in females (63.6.4%), and eight in males (36.4%). The most common manifestations were neck enlargement (81.8%) and dyspnoea (72.27%), and the tumour size was > 4 cm in 17 (77.3%) patients. The percentage of cases that presented in clinical-stage IVA was 36.4%, with 31.8% presenting in clinical-stage IVB and 31.8% presenting in clinical-stage VIB. Among 22 cases, 14 (63.6%) were operable, and 8 (36.4) were inoperable (p = 0.015). Multimodal therapies were associated with better survival (surgery plus radiotherapy without systemic treatment, P = 0.063). The median overall survival was three months (IC 95%, 0.078–5.922). One-year and two-year survival rates were 9% and 4.5%, respectively.

Conclusion

ATC is a rapidly growing cancer that, fortunately, is rare. Early diagnosis and multimodality treatment may provide a better quality of life and survival time for this group of patients.
Cost-effectiveness of a rule-out algorithm of acute myocardial infarction in low-risk patients: emergency primary care versus hospital setting
Authors: Johannessen Tonje R. , Halvorsen Sigrun , Atar Dan , Munkhaugen John , Nore Anne Kathrine , Wisløff Torbjørn , Vallersnes Odd Martin
Published: October 2022

Aims

Hospital admissions of patients with chest pain considered as low risk for acute coronary syndrome contribute to increased costs and crowding in the emergency departments. This study aims to estimate the cost-effectiveness of assessing these patients in a primary care emergency setting, using the European Society of Cardiology (ESC) 0/1-h algorithm for high-sensitivity cardiac troponin T, compared to routine hospital management.

Methods

A cost-effectiveness analysis was conducted. For the primary care estimates, costs and health care expenditure from the observational OUT-ACS (One-hoUr Troponin in a low-prevalence population of Acute Coronary Syndrome) study were compared with anonymous extracted administrative data on low-risk patients at a large general hospital in Norway. Patients discharged home after the hs-cTnT assessment were defined as low risk in the primary care cohort. In the hospital setting, the low-risk group comprised patients discharged with a non-specific chest pain diagnosis (ICD-10 codes R07.4 and Z03.5). Loss of health related to a potential increase in acute myocardial infarctions the following 30-days was estimated. The primary outcome measure was the costs per quality-adjusted life year (QALY) of applying the ESC 0/1-h algorithm in primary care. The secondary outcomes were health care costs and length of stay in the two settings.

Results

Differences in costs comprise personnel and laboratory costs of applying the algorithm at primary care level (€192) and expenses related to ambulance transports and complete hospital costs for low-risk patients admitted to hospital (€1986). Additional diagnostic procedures were performed in 31.9% (181/567) of the low-risk hospital cohort. The estimated reduction in health care cost when using the 0/1-h algorithm outside of hospital was €1794 per low-risk patient, with a mean decrease in length of stay of 18.9 h. These numbers result in an average per-person QALY gain of 0.0005. Increased QALY and decreased costs indicate that the primary care approach is clearly cost-effective.

Conclusion

Using the ESC 0/1-h algorithm in low-risk patients in emergency primary care appears to be cost-effective compared to standard hospital management, with an extensive reduction in costs and length of stay per patient.
Susceptibility of primary, secondary and suspected vectors to Plasmodium vivax and Plasmodium falciparum infection in Ethiopia
Authors: Tsegaye Arega , Demissew Assalif , Hawaria Dawit , Getachew Hallelujah , Habtamu Kassahun , Asale Abebe , Yan Guiyun , Yewhalaw Delenasaw
Published: October 2022

Background

Insecticide-based vector control interventions in combination with case management with artemisinin-based combination therapy has reduced malaria incidence and prevalence worldwide. Current control methods focus on the primary malaria vectors, Anopheles gambiae sensu lato (s.l.) and the An. funestus group; however, the impact of secondary and suspected vectors has been either sidelined or received limited attention. Defining the susceptibility of secondary, suspected vector species to different parasites in time and space is essential for efficient malaria control and elimination programs. The aim of this study was to assess the susceptibility of An. gambiae s.l., An. coustani complex and An. pharoensis to Plasmodium vivax and P. falciparum infection in Ethiopia.

Methods

Larvae of Anopheles spp. were collected from different aquatic habitats and reared to adults under laboratory conditions, with the temperature and humidity maintained at 27 ± 1 °C and 75 ± 5%, respectively. Adult female mosquitoes were identified to species as An. gambiae s.l., An. coustani complex and An. pharoensis. Females of these three Anopheles spp. were allowed to feed in parallel feeding assays on infected blood containing the same gametocytes isolated from P. falciparum and P. vivax gametocyte-positive patients by indirect membrane feeding assays. All blood-fed mosquitoes were held under laboratory conditions. After 7 days, all surviving mosquitoes were dissected to detect mid-gut oocyst and enumerated under a microscope.

Results

Of 5915 female Anopheles mosquitoes exposed to gametocyte-infected blood, 2106 (35.6%)s fed successfully in the 32 independent infection experiments. There was a significant variation in feeding rates among An. gambiae s.l., An. pharoensis and An. coustani complex (G-test = 48.43, P = 3.049e-11). All three exposed mosquito species were receptive to P. vivax and P. falciparum infection development. The percentage of infected mosquitoes following feeding on an infected blood meal was significantly different among species (G-test = 6.49, P = 0.03886). The median infection intensity (II) for An. coustani complex, An. gambiae s.l. and An. pharoensis was 1.16, 2.00 and 1.25, respectively. Although the proportion of infected mosquitoes significantly differed in terms of II, infection rate (IR) and mean oocyst density among the species, mean oocyst density and IR were highly correlated with gametocyte density in all tests (P < 0.001).

Conclusion

Primary, secondary and suspected vectors were experimentally susceptible to both P. vivax and P. falciparum infection. An effective malaria elimination program might include surveillance and control tools which target secondary and suspected vectors that might play an outdoor transmission role, possibly resulting in reduced focal malaria transmission.

Graphical Abstract
Micro- and small-scale enterprises’ financing preference in line with POH and access to credit: empirical evidence from entrepreneurs in Ethiopia
Authors: Meressa Hayelom Abrha
Published: October 2022

The purpose of this study was to examine factors that determine micro- and small-scale enterprises’ financing preference in line with pecking order theory and access to credit in Benishangul-Gumuz Regional State of Ethiopia. The study used primary data collected using cross-sectional survey questionnaire. The sample of this study was 296 enterprises selected using proportional stratified random sampling technique. The data were analyzed using descriptive and logistic regression analysis. The results of probit estimation revealed that business experience, collateral, gender, motivation and enterprises’ sectoral engagement affect financing preference. To investigate access to credit determinants, only enterprises that need to raise capital through credit were considered. The empirical results, therefore, revealed that business experience, size, sectoral engagement, collateral, interest rate, loan repayment period, and preparation of business plan, financial reporting, location and educational background of entrepreneurs affect access to credit of enterprises. Before any generalization of the results can be made, more evidence is needed on enterprises’ financing preference and access to credit determinants for the fact that the empirical tests were conducted only on 296 entrepreneurs since 2019. Therefore, the findings are valid and practicable only for the entrepreneurs under the study and the results cannot be assumed to extend beyond this group of entrepreneurs to different study periods. The study makes an original contribution to the literature of small business finance by investigating determinants of micro- and small-scale enterprises’ financing preference and access to credit in Benishangul Gumuz Regional State of Ethiopia as a developing country.
Concomitant elevated serum levels of tenascin, MMP-9 and YKL-40, suggest ongoing remodeling of the heart up to 3 months after cardiac surgery after normalization of the revascularization markers
Authors: Liu Da , Ghani Danyal , Wain Justin , Szeto Wilson Y. , Laudanski Krzysztof
Published: October 2022

Background

The recovery from cardiac surgery involves resolving inflammation and remodeling with significant connective tissue turnover. Dynamics of smoldering inflammation and injury (white blood cells, platelets, CRP, IL-8, IL-6), vascular inflammation (IL-15, VEGF, RANTES), connective tissue remodeling (tenascin, MMP-9), cardiac injury and remodeling (YKL-40), and vascular remodeling (epiregulin, MCP-1, VEGF) were assessed up to 3 months after cardiac surgery. We hypothesize that at 3 months, studied markers will return to pre-surgical levels.

Methods

Patients (n = 139) scheduled for non-emergent heart surgery were included, except for patients with pre-existing immunological aberrancies. Blood was collected before surgery(tbaseline), 24 h later(t24h) after the first sample, 7 days(t7d), and 3 months(t3m) after tbaseline. Serum markers were measured via multiplex or ELISA. Electronic medical records (EMR) were used to extract demographical, pre-existing conditions and clinical data. Disposition (discharge home, discharge to facility, death, re-admission) was determined at 28 days and 3 months from admission.

Results

Not all inflammatory markers returned to baseline (CRP↑↑, leukocytosis, thrombocytosis, IL-8↓, IL-6↓). Tenascin and YKL-40 levels remained elevated even at t3m. YKL-40 serum levels were significantly elevated at t24h and t7d while normalized at t3m. VEGF returned to the baseline, yet MCP-1 remained elevated at 3 months. CCL28 increased at 3 months, while RANTES and IL-15 declined at the same time. Disposition at discharge was determined by serum MMP-9, while YKL-40 correlated with duration of surgery and APACHE II24h.

Conclusions

The data demonstrated an ongoing extracellular matrix turnover at 3 months, while acute inflammation and vascular remodeling resolved only partially.
Specific metabolites drive the deterministic assembly of diseased rhizosphere microbiome through weakening microbial degradation of autotoxin
Authors: Wen Tao , Xie Penghao , Penton C. Ryan , Hale Lauren , Thomashow Linda S. , Yang Shengdie , Ding Zhexu , Su Yaqi , Yuan Jun , Shen Qirong
Published: October 2022

Background

Process and function that underlie the assembly of a rhizosphere microbial community may be strongly linked to the maintenance of plant health. However, their assembly processes and functional changes in the deterioration of soilborne disease remain unclear. Here, we investigated features of rhizosphere microbiomes related to Fusarium wilt disease and assessed their assembly by comparison pair of diseased/healthy sequencing data. The untargeted metabolomics was employed to explore potential community assembly drivers, and shotgun metagenome sequencing was used to reveal the mechanisms of metabolite-mediated process after soil conditioning.

Results

Results showed the deterministic assembly process associated with diseased rhizosphere microbiomes, and this process was significantly correlated to five metabolites (tocopherol acetate, citrulline, galactitol, octadecylglycerol, and behenic acid). Application of the metabolites resulted in a deterministic assembly of microbiome with the high morbidity of watermelon. Furthermore, metabolite conditioning was found to weaken the function of autotoxin degradation undertaken by specific bacterial group (Bradyrhizobium, Streptomyces, Variovorax, Pseudomonas, and Sphingomonas) while promoting the metabolism of small-molecule sugars and acids initiated from another bacterial group (Anaeromyxobacter, Bdellovibrio, Conexibacter, Flavobacterium, and Gemmatimonas).

Conclusion

These findings strongly suggest that shifts in a metabolite-mediated microbial community assembly process underpin the deterministic establishment of soilborne Fusarium wilt disease and reveal avenues for future research focusing on ameliorating crop loss due to this pathogen.
Nidogen-1 could play a role in diabetic kidney disease development in type 2 diabetes: a genome-wide association meta-analysis
Authors: Khattab Ahmed , Torkamani Ali
Published: October 2022

Background

Diabetic kidney disease (DKD) affects about 40% of patients with diabetes. It is incurable and usually leads to end-stage renal disease (ESRD). The pathogenesis of DKD is still not fully understood, and the genetics of DKD have not yet been extensively studied. In this study, we investigate the genetic basis of DKD in type 2 diabetes (T2D) to provide more insights into the pathogenesis of the disease.

Results

Using the data provided by the UK Biobank (UKBB), we performed a DKD genome-wide association study (GWAS) in 13,123 individuals with T2D as well as two creatinine estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) GWA studies: one in 26,786 individuals with T2D and the other in 339,080 non-diabetic individuals. We also conducted a DKD GWAS meta-analysis combining our results with those published by the surrogate markers for micro- and macro-vascular hard endpoints for Innovative diabetes Tools (SUMMIT) consortium. We confirm two loci previously reported to be associated with chronic kidney disease (CKD) and eGFR in T2D. The UMOD-PDILT locus is associated with DKD (P = 1.17E−09) as well as creatinine eGFR in both people with T2D (P = 1.31E−15) and people without diabetes (P = 3.95E−73). The PRKAG2 locus is associated with creatinine eGFR in people with (P = 2.78E−10) and without (P = 5.65E−72) T2D. Our meta-analysis reveals a novel association between DKD and variant rs72763500 (chr1:236116561) which is a splicing quantitative trait locus (sQTL) for nidogen-1 (NID1) gene.

Conclusion

Our data confirm two loci previously reported in association with CKD and creatinine eGFR in T2D. It also suggests that NID1, a major component of the renal tubular basement membrane, could play a role in DKD development in T2D. While our NID1 finding remains to be replicated, it is a step toward a more comprehensive understanding of DKD pathogenesis.
Diversity analysis of leaf endophytic fungi and rhizosphere soil fungi of Korean Epimedium at different growth stages
Authors: Jiawen Chen , Yuan Wu , Xin Zhuang , Junjie Guo , Xing Hu , Jinglei Xiao
Published: October 2022

Background

Rhizosphere fungi and endophytic fungi play key roles in plant growth and development; however, their role in the growth of Epimedium koreanum Nakai at different stages remains unclear. Here, we used the Illumina MiSeq system, a high-throughput sequencing technology, to study the endophytic fungi and rhizosphere microbiome of Korean Epimedium.

Results

Epimedium koreanum Nakai rhizosphere soil and leaves had highly diverse fungal communities during the growth process. The relative abundance of soil fungi in the rhizosphere stage was higher than that of leaf endophytic fungi in the early growth stage, but the overall abundance was basically equal. Sebacina is a significantly divergent fungal genera, and Sebacina sp. are present among leaf fungi species in the rhizosphere soil of Epimedium koreanum Nakai. Sebacina sp. can move to each other in rhizosphere soil fungi and leaf endophytes. VIF (variance inflation factor) analysis showed that soluble salt, whole nitrogen, alkaline lysis nitrogen, whole phosphorus, total potassium, and fast-acting potassium are useful environmental factors for rhizosphere soil and leaf endophytic fungi: potassium, total nitrogen, whole phosphorus, and three environmental factors were significantly and positively associated with the relative abundance of Sebacina sp.

Conclusions

(1) This study is the first to clarify the species diversity of fungi in Epimedium koreanum Nakai leaf and rhizosphere soil. (2) Different fungal communities of rhizosphere soil fungi and leaf endophytic fungi at different growth stages of Epimedium koreanum Nakai were examined. (3) Sebacina sp. can move to each other between rhizosphere soil fungi and leaf endophytic fungi. (4) Nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium elements in the environment have a significant positive effect on the relative abundance of Sebacina sp.
Filling the gaps: First record of Zonites Montfort, 1810 from Paros island (Cyclades, Aegean, Greece)
Authors: Maroulis Leonidas , Proios Konstantinos , Mylonas Moisis , Vardinoyannis Katerina , Triantis Kostas A.
Published: October 2022

Zonites Montfort, 1810 is recorded for the first time from Paros island. As only an old shell was found, the reasons that the populations of this threatened, endemic land snail of the Aegean seem to be declining should be investigated.
FUNÇÃO-OBJETIVO DA FIRMA E RESPONSABILIDADE SOCIAL CORPORATIVA: PERSPECTIVAS POR MEIO DA TEORIA DOS STAKEHOLDERS E TEORIA BASEADA EM RECURSOS
Authors: Silva Luís Matheus Tavares , Silva Laíse Do Nascimento , Teixeira Linnik Israel Lima
Published: October 2022

O presente estudo objetivou discutir a Função-Objetivo da Firma e a Responsabilidade Social Corporativa sob perspectivas da Teoria dos Stakeholders e Visão Baseada em Recursos-RBV por meio de um ensaio teórico. A Função-Objetivo da Firma conceitua a firma mediante a maximização do lucro, enquanto a Teoria dos Stakeholders foca nas partes interessadas que influenciam a empresa e são influenciadas por ela. A Responsabilidade Social Corporativa realça a importância do papel social da empresa para a comunidade, e a Visão Baseada em Recursos compreende de que forma as organizações gerenciam recursos para alcançar vantagem competitiva. Conclui-se que as organizações possuem, na Função-Objetivo da Firma, desempenho e objetivos definidos, recebendo influência da Responsabilidade Social Corporativa por meio dos fatores internos e externos com os quais se conectam. Considera os elementos que refletem no seu desenvolvimento e nos stakeholders por meio da adoção de recursos úteis para permanecerem atuantes no ambiente competitivo e agirem socialmente.
PROJETO DE RECICLAGEM COMO ESPAÇO PARA REINSERÇÃO DOS INDIVÍDUOS: O CASO DA ASSOCIAÇÃO ALFA
Authors: Junges Vanessa De Campos , Campos Simone Alves Pacheco de , Valle Carine Dalla
Published: October 2022

Este estudo teve como objetivo analisar de que forma um projeto de reciclagem, enquanto associação de catadores, pode promover a reinserção de indivíduos à sociedade. O método utilizado foi uma pesquisa qualitativa e descritiva por meio de um estudo de caso intrínseco único, e os dados foram tratados por meio da análise textual interpretativa. Evidenciou-se que o projeto de desenvolvimento social estudado, direcionado à associação de reciclagem Alfa, vem influenciando, positivamente, a vida dos catadores, pois surge enquanto oportunidade para a realocação na sociedade, em que o valor obtido com o trabalho tem sido satisfatório. Existe crescimento individual e coletivo, uma vez que recebem maior apoio e possuem estrutura organizada para desenvolverem as suas atividades com maior qualidade de vida. Como contribuição, aponta-se a relevância de se estudar tais projetos e destacar sua relevância à sociedade, sendo agentes influenciadores no desenvolvimento econômico e ambiental, buscando construir espaços de reconhecimento e valorização social.
INOVAÇÃO VOLTADA PARA A SUSTENTABILIDADE EM INDÚSTRIAS DE CERÂMICA VERMELHA: UMA REVISÃO
Authors: Voanka Keli Cristina , Silva Lucas Da , Doliveira Sérgio Luis Dias , Kuasoski Marli , Soares Simone
Published: October 2022

O objetivo deste estudo foi levantar a produção científica brasileira sobre sustentabilidade e inovação em indústrias do segmento de cerâmica vermelha, no período de 2000 a 2020. Os métodos utilizados foram descritivo, bibliográfico e qualitativo. As buscas foram efetuadas na base de dados do Portal de Periódicos da CAPES. Os resultados apontam que existe uma tendência de pesquisa em Aglomerações Produtivas Locais (APL’s) e uma ênfase em preocupações ambientais. A inovação para a sustentabilidade retratou-se como característica fundamental nas organizações produtivas modernas. No segmento da cerâmica vermelha, o fator sustentabilidade deve estar incorporado com a inovação. A indústria da cerâmica vermelha precisa trabalhar esses dois fatores, conjuntamente, para ter condições de posicionar-se neste segmento da construção civil. Verificou-se que a inovação voltada para a sustentabilidade é necessária para que as organizações se posicionem em condições competitivas no mercado, em busca de crescimento, considerando as vantagens que esses fatores têm proporcionado.
A TEORIA DE VALORES INDIVIDUAIS E A REALIDADE BRASILEIRA
Authors: Pires Priscila Keller , Alperstedt Graziela Dias
Published: October 2022

O objetivo deste estudo foi o de testar e validar a versão refinada da Teoria de Valores de Schwartz et al. (2012), aplicando o Questionário de Perfis de Valores (QPV-5) em uma amostra de estudantes de graduação em Administração. Participaram deste estudo 406 estudantes de graduação de universidades públicas e privadas, em sua maioria, com média de idade entre 20 e 24 anos. Nesta amostra, o QVP-5, testado por meio da Análise fatorial confirmatória (AFC), não apresentou índices satisfatórios de consistência interna. Dessa maneira, uma nova estrutura fatorial foi proposta, carregando 43 fatores de valores com o suporte da análise fatorial exploratória (AFE) e escalonamento multidimensional (MDS). O modelo de valores proposto foi chamado de VADMC por se tratar dos Valores dos estudantes de Administração Catarinenses e apresenta 12 valores que se agrupam em 8 dimensões distintas. Os dados demonstraram o direcionamento a valores importantes na direção de comportamentos sustentáveis dos estudantes, tais como benevolência, universalismo tolerância, universalismo natureza, equidade, inovação e tradição, valores presentes nas dimensões de 3º nível: respeito, conservação ambiental, indulgência e legado.
Broń chemiczna jako zagrożenie dla bezpieczeństwa
Authors: Kięczkowska Justyna
Published: October 2022

Celem artykułu jest analiza możliwości użycia i produkcji broni chemicznej jako zagrożenia dla bezpieczeństwa państwa oraz życia i zdrowia obywateli. W artykule zostaną zdefiniowane podstawowe pojęcia, takie jak: bezpieczeństwo, broń chemiczna, bojowe środki trujące. Zostanie również zaprezentowana charakterystyka i klasyfikacja broni chemicznej. Istotnym punktem artykułu jest także analiza działań mających na celu ograniczenie i zakaz stosowania bojowych środków trujących. Na podstawie przykładów użycia broni chemicznej zostanie ukazana realna możliwość zaistnienia takiego zagrożenia na masową skalę, wychodzącego zarówno ze strony państw, jak i grup czy struktur subpaństwowych o charakterze terrorystycznym.
Analiza ISIS z perspektywy studiów globalnych jako nowego ujęcia badawczego w naukach społecznych
Authors: Musioł Marek
Published: October 2022

Artykuł wpisuje się w kontekst badań prowadzonych nad bezpieczeństwem w naukach społecznych z wykorzystaniem krytycznych koncepcji badawczych, rozwijających się w opozycji do pozytywistycznych paradygmatów, jak realizm czy liberalizm po zakończeniu zimnej wojny. Dodatkowo autor wykorzystał nowe podejście – studia globalne – do analizy skutków ekspansji tzw. Państwa Islamskiego (ISIS) na Bliskim Wschodzie i jego oddziaływania w ramach nowego terroryzmu międzynarodowego.

Celem rozważań jest ukazanie procesu formowania się studiów globalnych (ang. Global Studies) jako nowego ujęcia badawczego i akademickiego w naukach społecznych. Zostaną także wykazane możliwości aplikacyjne omawianego podejścia i zostanie podjęta próba analizy ISIS i percepcji tego zagrożenia terrorystycznego z perspektywy historycznej, co stanowi wartość naukową w polskiej i światowej literaturze. W ramach opracowania wykorzystane zostaną również takie metody badawcze jak metoda komparatywna i analiza jakościowa. Podstawowe pytanie brzmi: na ile studia globalne odróżniają się od innych nurtów w kontekście analizy problemów bezpieczeństwa i stanowią użyteczne ramy analizy?

Artykuł ukazuje możliwości adaptacji założeń Global Studies jako krytycznej i postkolonialnej perspektywy poznawczej do analizy tragicznych losów jazydów pod okupacją ISIS i roli mediów w przestrzeni internetowej, wykorzystywanych do kampanii propagandowych i rekrutacyjnych na niespotykaną skalę, jako długofalowego efektu Arabskiej Wiosny.
El trabajo de la piedra en la Protohistoria balear. Estudio tecnológico y productivo de la arquitectura de Son Catlar (Ciutadella, Menorca).
Authors: García-López Arturo , Prados Martínez Fernando
Published: October 2022

n Resultado de los trabajos derivados del Proyecto Modular: Arquitectura fenicio-púnica en Menorca, presentamos un avance del estudio tecnológico y productivo de la piedra empleada para la construcción de la arquitectura de Son Catlar (Ciutadella). El objeto de este estudio es representar la secuencia de los procesos de trabajo, desde la explotación de la materia prima en las áreas de actividad que conocemos como canteras, hasta el consumo del material constructivo y su constitución como aparejo en el poblado. Pretendemos con esta investigación dar los primeros pasos en esta línea, valorando el papel que jugó la introducción de la tecnología del hierro y de las canteras para extracción de sillarejo durante el período denominado Postalayótico (II Edad del Hierro) momento previo a la conquista romana en que la isla se abrió culturalmente al Mediterráneo (550-123 a.C.).
Peak-Hour Pricing Under Negative Externality: Impact of Customer Flexibility and Competitive Asymmetry
Authors: Tang Christopher S. , Yoo Onesun Steve , Huang Yufei
Published: October 2022

Several industries that provide services to customers (e.g., public utility and transportation) charge higher prices during peak hours to smooth demand. With technologies (e.g., electronic shelf labels) enabling retailers to change prices easily within each day, should supermarkets use peak-hour pricing? To examine this question formally, we introduce a stylized duopoly model in the presence of “negative externality,” where firms compete for congestion-averse customers. We characterize how customers endogenously segment themselves regarding when and where to shop, and then use the equilibrium outcomes to examine whether the firms should implement peak-hour pricing for varying types of customer flexibility and competitive asymmetry. Our analysis shows that, if customers are not flexible in their store choice, then both firms would always use peak-hour pricing. However, if store choice flexibility is present, then firms’ decisions depend on the competitive asymmetry as follows. If one firm has a clear competitive advantage (in terms of value or price) over the other firm, then the dominant firm will use peak-hour pricing, whereas the other firm will not. Otherwise, both firms will use peak-hour pricing if they engage in symmetric competition (in terms of similar value and price), or neither firm will use it if they engage in differentiated competition (high value versus low cost). Through our analysis of different extensions, we find that a firm’s ability to set its regular price would dampen the effect of peak-period pricing. Also, we obtain consistent results when there is heterogeneity in customer valuation and customer congestion aversion level.

Supplemental Material: The online appendix is available at https://doi.org/10.1287/serv.2022.0309 .
The effects of a biofeedback and music training programme in reducing stress in Thai patients living with cancer receiving palliative care
Authors: Sumneangsanor Tipsuda , Ruchiwit Manyat , Weglicki Linda
Published: October 2022

Background:

Stress can physically effect patients with cancer undergoing palliative care and should be targeted for prevention.

Aim:

To examine the effects of the biofeedback and music training programme (BMT programme) in decreasing stress among patients living with cancer receiving palliative care.

Methods:

A randomised controlled trial (RCT) repeated measure study was used to investigate the effects of the BMT programme.

Findings:

The participants in the BMT programme had the lowest mean stress recorded before, during and after the experiment, while the control group had a higher mean of stress in every measurement period. There were significant differences among groups across the time periods (Wilks' lambda =0.269, F=7.081, p<0.01).

Conclusion:

Use of the BMT programme resulted in a significant reduction in patient stress. This confirms that the BMT programme plays an important role in helping patients living with cancer that experience high volumes of stress.
Experiences of emergency department nurses using palliative care resources and associated tools in the provision of quality care of a dying patient
Authors: Robson Suzanne , Craswell Alison
Published: October 2022

Access to quality palliative and end-of-life care in the emergency department is as vitally important as care at any other stage of life. This study aimed to investigate nurses' perceptions of the use of a suite of dedicated resources to support the provision of care to patients who are dying in the emergency environment. The study followed a qualitative descriptive design; 11 semi-structured interviews were conducted and analysed using thematic coding. Five themes were developed: facilitating care delivery; comfort and environmental adjustments; visual symbolism; developing knowledge to overcome fear; and perceptions of family experiences. There is an increasing need to access palliative care in the emergency department; the use of a suite of resources can play an important role in the provision of quality care to the dying.
Reflecting on palliative care for children, young people and their families: a revised model
Authors: McNeilly Patricia , McCloskey Sharon , Peacock Valerie , Price Jayne E
Published: October 2022

The unique needs of children requiring palliative care and their families have been increasingly recognised on a global scale. The complexities of such care, the unpredictability of the illness trajectory and increased choice in terms of where care is provided has led to challenges for nurses/practitioners striving to provide optimal care for these families. Working in partnership with children and families and reflecting on practice are key issues in providing care and support. Reflective models are frequently used as a tool for two reasons: firstly, to reflect on practice with the aim of quality improvement; secondly, to help practitioners explore difficult or challenging aspects of care negotiated with families. Here, the authors report on a specialised model that has been developed and updated for use within children's palliative care. For reasons of confidentiality, a fictitious case study is used to illustrate how this model could be implemented during a debriefing session following the death of a child. While more research is needed, initial trials of the model by the authors suggests that using specialised reflective models and frameworks can help to facilitate such discussions in children's palliative care.
An update on oral clinical courses among patients with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection: A clinical follow-up (a prospective prevalent cohort) study
Authors: Gebretsadik Heron Gezahegn
Published: October 2022

Introduction

Contemporary literature has revealed that Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) causes acute sialadenitis and related symptoms, such as discomfort, pain, swelling, and secretory dysfunction in salivary glands. The secretory dysfunction is due to SARS-CoV-2 infection-induced xerostomia and other associated clinical courses such as sore tongue, mucosal ulcer, and gingivitis in the oral cavity. Furthermore, it has been reported that COVID-19 causes the development of other oral manifestations.

Materials and methods

A prospective clinical follow-up (a prevalent cohort) study was conducted to identify the possible oral manifestations of SARS-CoV-2 infection among patients admitted toat the Eka General Hospital COVID-19 treatment center. Furthermore, the study aimed to calculate the prevalence rate of oral clinical courses in the cohorts. The study consisted of two follow-up phases: Hospital and patient-home-based.

Results

A total of 55 patients (36 males and 19 females) met the inclusion criteria and were followed for 7.5 weeks. The 3.5 weeks hospital-based prospective follow-up study documented an 18% (n = 10) prevalence rate of oral clinical courses among the cohorts. Twelve oral symptoms appeared in these ten patients. The manifested oral symptoms were oral mucosal lesions (n = 6), xerostomia (n = 5), and thickening of saliva (n = 1). The oral mucosal lesions per se consisted of aphthous lesions (n = 3), candidiasis (n = 1), geographic tongue (n = 1), and localized gingivitis (n = 1). The four weeks’ home-based follow-up study disclosed four newly manifested oral symptoms: hemorrhagic crust, bulla, buccal mucositis, and petechiae. These manifestations appeared among six patients (four males and two females) who had not manifested any oral symptoms during the hospital-based follow-up. Accordingly, the overall prevalence of oral clinical courses among patients presented with SARS-CoV-2 is raised from 18% (n = 10) to 29% (n = 16). Similarly, the number of clinical courses increased from 12 to 16 after four additional weeks of follow-up.

Discussion

The study’s findings suggest the importance of initiating oral health care for patients with COVID-19. Therefore, multidisciplinary healthcare approaches should be delivered to assure optimal health outcomes. Accordingly, oral health professionals must be a substantial part of the interdisciplinary approach in caring for patients with COVID-19.