bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mechanosensitivity of voltage‐gated calcium currents in rat anterior pituitary cells.
Authors: Ben‐Tabou S , Keller E , Nussinovitch I
Published: October 2023

Sensitivity of voltage‐activated calcium currents to flow‐induced mechanical stress was examined in enriched populations of rat anterior pituitary somatotrophs. Voltage‐activated calcium currents were recorded with the whole‐cell configuration of the patch‐clamp technique. Pituitary cells were exposed to flow (from pipettes) which was produced by a hydrostatic pressure of about 3 cmH2O. In 92% of the cells studied (n = 87 cells) flow reduced the amplitude of both low voltage‐activated (LVA) and high voltage‐activated (HVA) calcium currents. These effects of flow on calcium currents did not result from changes in either seal resistance or leak conductance of the cell and were dependent on the magnitude of flow. The effect of flow is selective. We found that LVA calcium currents were substantially more sensitive to flow than HVA calcium currents. Under constant flow conditions, LVA calcium currents were reduced by 57.6 +/‐ 29.6% (S.D.), whereas HVA currents (recorded from the same cells) were reduced by only 17.8 +/‐ 15.9% (S.D.). The effects of flow on calcium currents were associated with effects on their related calcium tail currents. Slowly deactivating calcium tail currents were reduced by 75.3 +/‐ 25.6% (S.D.), whereas rapidly deactivating calcium tail currents were reduced by 29.1 +/‐ 14.4% (S.D.). The effect of flow on calcium currents was not associated with any significant shift in the activation curves of the calcium currents (voltage range ‐60 to +30 mV), suggesting that the effect of flow is not voltage dependent. The effect of flow is not dependent on activation of calcium currents during the exposure to flow. Calcium currents which were evoked immediately after cessation of the exposure to flow were reduced in amplitude and recovered to control values. Possible mechanisms underlying the flow effect and possible physiological relevance of the effect on pituitary cells are discussed.
Electrophysiological events during neuroeffector transmission in the spleen of guinea‐pigs and rats.
Authors: Jobling P
Published: October 2023

Intracellular recordings were made from smooth muscle cells of arterioles and the capsule of the spleen of guinea‐pig and rat, and the responses to periarterial or subcapsular nerve stimulation were recorded. The innervation of the spleen was studied using fluorescence and immunohistochemical techniques. Catecholamine‐containing axons were associated with smooth muscle of the splenic capsule, trabeculae, arterioles and amongst cells of the periarteriolar lymphoid sheath. Axons immunoreactive for neuropeptide Y (NPY) and tyrosine hydroxylase were distributed in an identical manner to catecholamine‐containing axons, whereas axons immunoreactive for substance P or calcitonin gene‐related peptide were present at a very low density in spleens from both species. In segments of arterioles, single transmural stimuli evoked excitatory junction potentials (EJPs) of 1‐10 mV amplitude. EJPs facilitated during short trains of stimuli (1‐10 Hz) and summated at 10 Hz, often initiating a muscle action potential. EJPs persisted in the presence of prazosin (1 microM) and idazoxan (1 microM), but were abolished by the P2x‐purinoceptor antagonist suramin (1 mM). Spontaneous depolarizations were observed in smooth muscle cells of arterioles and capsule. Some events in arterioles were observed in the presence of suramin and so may originate postjunctionally independently of transmitter release. As single transmural stimuli failed to evoke a depolarization in capsular smooth muscle, spontaneous depolarizations in this tissue probably also arise postjunctionally. Short trains of high frequency stimuli (10‐35 Hz) evoked biphasic depolarizations of capsular smooth muscle cells. The initial component peaked 2.5 s following the onset of stimulation; the second component peaked 15 s following the onset and decayed exponentially with a time constant of 15 s. By fitting a product of exponentials to the second component, it was possible to define the initial component, which decayed with a time constant of around 1.5 s. Neurally evoked depolarizations of capsular smooth muscle were abolished by 1 microM TTX. Blockade of alpha 1‐adrenoceptors with prazosin reduced the initial component of the depolarization, whereas alpha 2‐adrenoceptor blockade with idazoxan virtually abolished the second component. In some cells a small, faster depolarization persisted after alpha‐adrenoceptor blockade. The slow alpha 2‐adrenoceptor‐mediated depolarization was identical to that recorded in the rat tail artery and in the guinea‐pig mesenteric vein. The data indicate that sympathetic neuroeffector transmission from noradrenergic axons containing NPY to splenic arterial and capsular smooth muscle occur by different mechanisms.
Reducing LGBTQ+ Physical Activity Disparities Through Improved Measurement and Inclusion of Sexual Orientation in US National Data Sets
Authors: Peterson Keegan T. , Bopp Melissa
Published: October 2023

Adequate participation in physical activity (PA) is effective in reducing negative health outcomes, including cardiovascular disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, as well as stress, anxiety, and depression. However, 1 in 4 adults meet the PA guidelines, with lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ+) persons reporting increased rates of inactivity and higher rates of negative health outcomes. Limited research can be conducted on best methods to promote PA among LGBTQ+ adults as there is a lack of standardized measurements for both sexual orientation status and PA used in US national data set methodologies. A call to action is warranted to highlight the lack of uniform methodologies for collecting both sexual orientation and PA data in national data sets, with an overall goal of promoting inclusion and transparency of sexual orientation as a primary, secondary, and tertiary influence on PA. The current societal disconnect of national data sets collecting sexual orientation does not allow for proper extrapolation within the LGBTQ+ classifications. LGBTQ+ identities each report differing PA and health outcomes, promoting the need for proper sexual orientation measures. Without this inclusion, we will continue to see larger health disparities among LGBTQ+ persons due to outdated measurements in current US national data sets. This commentary provides sexual orientation status on health outcomes linked to physical inactivity, the need to include uniform sexual orientation measures in national data sets, and implications of the inclusion of this measure to conduct PA research as it relates to health outcomes.
Acute Effect of Brace Use on Upper-Extremity Functionality in Adolescent Individuals With Idiopathic Scoliosis: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Yilmaz Kamil , Celik Fatih , Unuvar Bayram Sonmez
Published: October 2023

It is well known that scoliosis adversely affects the functions of the upper extremities. However, the acute effect of rigid braces, which are widely used in the conservative treatment of scoliosis, on upper-extremity functionality remains unknown. The aim of this study was to investigate the acute effect of a rigid thoracolumbosacral brace use on upper-extremity functionality in individuals with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS). Thirty-eight individuals diagnosed with AIS participated in this cross-sectional study, with a mean age of 14.55 ± 1.90 years and a range of 10–18 years. The upper-extremity functionality was assessed using the Nine-Hole Peg Test and handgrip strength, with assessments conducted under both in-brace (with their own braces) and out-of-brace conditions. Nine-Hole Peg Test durations of the AIS patients for the nondominant side were significantly lower for in-brace conditions compared with out-of-brace conditions (p = .049, effect size = 0.136). The grip strength of the nondominant side was significantly higher for in-brace conditions compared with out-of-brace conditions (p = .025, effect size = 0.365). A weak negative correlation was found between the degree of curvature and the grip strength of the dominant side for in-brace conditions (r = −.323, p = .048). It was concluded that the brace had a positive effect on upper-extremity functionality on the nondominant side by both shortening the Nine-Hole Peg Test duration and increasing grip strength. In AIS patients, the brace may positively affect daily living by improving the functionality of the nondominant extremity.
mSphere of Influence: Coordinating effective clearance of bacterial bloodstream infections
Authors: Holmes Caitlyn L.
Published: October 2023

Caitlyn Holmes works in the field of bacterial pathogenesis and host-pathogen interactions. In this mSphere of Influence article, she reflects on how the papers “Innate Lymphocyte/Ly6C
hi
Monocyte Crosstalk Promotes
Klebsiella pneumoniae
Clearance” by Xiong et al. (H. Xiong, J. W. Keith, D. W. Samilo, R. A. Carter, et al., Cell 165:679–89, 2016,
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cell.2016.03.017
) and “Dual-Track Clearance of Circulating Bacteria Balances Rapid Restoration of Blood Sterility with Induction of Adaptive Immunity” by Broadley et al. (S. P. Broadley, A. Plaumann, R. Coletti, C. Lehmann, et al., Cell Host Microbe 20:36–48, 2016,
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chom.2016.05.023
) impacted her research by highlighting the tangled web of immune responses that influence bacterial bloodstream infections.
Interaction and assembly of the DNA replication core proteins of Kaposi’s sarcoma-associated herpesvirus
Authors: Chen Lee-Wen , Wang Shie-Shan , Chen Li-Yu , Huang Hsiao-Yun , He Si-min , Hung Chien-Hui , Lin Chun-Liang , Chang Pey-Jium
Published: October 2023

Kaposi’s sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV) encodes six highly conserved core replication proteins essential for the viral lytic DNA synthesis, including ORF6 (single-stranded DNA-binding protein), ORF9 (DNA polymerase), ORF40/41 (primase-associated factor), ORF44 (helicase), ORF56 (primase), and ORF59 (polymerase processivity factor). Since the protein-protein interactions among KSHV core replication proteins are largely unknown, this study aimed to decipher their interrelationships. Herein, we propose a protein-protein interaction network of these six core replication proteins according to the results obtained from confocal fluorescence microscopy, coimmunoprecipitation, and mammalian two-hybrid (GAL4/VP16) reporter assays. In this interaction network, ORF40/41 plays a central role in the connection of different replication subcomplexes. In addition to the well-conserved helicase-primase subcomplex (consisting of ORF44, ORF56, and ORF40/41) and the replisome subcomplex (consisting of ORF9 and ORF59), our data also suggest that several discrete, stable subcomplexes exist in the cell nucleus. Among these replication subcomplexes in the nucleus, the tetrameric subcomplex composed of ORF44, ORF56, ORF40/41, and ORF6 exhibited the ability to trigger a DNA damage response. By using an established GAL4/VP16-based reporter system and confocal fluorescence microscopy, we additionally found that the heat shock protein 90 (Hsp90) inhibitor, radicicol, significantly inhibited the formation of both the helicase-primase subcomplex and the replisome subcomplex in a dose-dependent manner. Collectively, these data not only provide further insights into the interaction and assembly of KSHV-encoded core replication proteins but also suggest a critical role of Hsp90 in assisting the construction of the viral core replication machinery.

IMPORTANCE

Eukaryotic DNA replication is a highly regulated process that requires multiple replication enzymes assembled onto DNA replication origins. Due to the complexity of the cell’s DNA replication machinery, most of what we know about cellular DNA replication has come from the study of viral systems. Herein, we focus our study on the assembly of the Kaposi’s sarcoma-associated herpesvirus core replication complex and propose a pairwise protein-protein interaction network of six highly conserved viral core replication proteins. A detailed understanding of the interaction and assembly of the viral core replication proteins may provide opportunities to develop new strategies against viral propagation.
Supplementary Figure S9 from Ewing Sarcoma Single-cell Transcriptome Analysis Reveals Functionally Impaired Antigen-presenting Cells
Authors: Visser Lindy L. , Bleijs Margit , Margaritis Thanasis , van de Wetering Marc , Holstege Frank C. P. , Clevers Hans
Published: October 2023

Predicted cell-cell interactions in the Ewing sarcoma microenvironment
Supplementary Figure S1 from Ewing Sarcoma Single-cell Transcriptome Analysis Reveals Functionally Impaired Antigen-presenting Cells
Authors: Visser Lindy L. , Bleijs Margit , Margaritis Thanasis , van de Wetering Marc , Holstege Frank C. P. , Clevers Hans
Published: October 2023

Gating strategy single-cell sort into 384-well plates
FIGURE 1 from Ewing Sarcoma Single-cell Transcriptome Analysis Reveals Functionally Impaired Antigen-presenting Cells
Authors: Visser Lindy L. , Bleijs Margit , Margaritis Thanasis , van de Wetering Marc , Holstege Frank C. P. , Clevers Hans
Published: October 2023

Single-cell architecture of primary Ewing sarcoma. A, Graphical overview of primary patient-derived tissue dissociated and sorted for scRNA-seq. B, Uniform Manifold Approximation and Projection (UMAP) plot colored by patient origin. C, Heat map of top 10 differentially expressed genes per main cell type by average log-normalized expression. D, UMAP with expression of Ewing diagnostic marker (CD99) and a selection of EWS-FLI1 candidate target genes (CAV1, CCND1, HES1, KDSR, PAPPA). Dotted line highlights the tumor cell clusters. NA: not expressed. E, Feature plots showing HLA class I module scores (HLA-A, HLA-B, HLA-C, HLA-E, HLA-F, B2M) of main cell types.
Buchbesprechung
Authors: Hopf Dora
Published: October 2023

Verbitterung infolge eines kritischen Lebensereignisses kann derartig hohe psychische Beeinträchtigungen zur Folge haben, dass sich eine posttraumatische Verbitterungsstörung (PTVS) ausbildet. In seinem praxisnahen Buch beschreibt Prof. Michael Linden mögliche Ursachen für die Entwicklung einer PTVS und gibt hilfreiche Handanweisungen für ihre Diagnostik und Behandlung mittels der sogenannten Weisheitstherapie. Diese strukturierte Intervention zielt darauf ab, Weisheitsstrategien zu lehren, zu aktivieren und zu unterstützen. Sie beinhaltet unter anderem Elemente der kognitiven Verhaltenstherapie sowie der dialektisch-behavioralen Therapie. Obwohl zu der Prävalenz der PTVS sowie der Wirksamkeit der Weisheitstherapie wenige empirische Befunde existieren, verdeutlichen die Inhalte des Buches, dass die PTVS eine ernst zu nehmende und zu behandelnde psychische Beeinträchtigung ist, die bei den Betroffenen starkes Leid verursachen kann, zum Teil zu Arbeitsunfähigkeit und sozialem Rückzug führt und in einigen Fällen chronisch verläuft. Alles in allem gibt das Buch sowohl Praktikern/Praktikerinnen als auch interessierten Leser/innen einen spannenden Einblick in die PTVS und ihre Behandlung.
Evaluation of the Effectiveness of Wet Cupping Therapy in Fibromyalgia Patients: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Karacaoglu Canan , Ersoy Suleyman , Pala Emin , Engin Velittin Selcuk
Published: October 2023

Introduction: The aim of this study was to investigate the efficacy of wet cupping therapy (WCT) in patients diagnosed with fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) as a complementary method in fibromyalgia treatment. Materials and Methods: A total of 120 participants between 18 and 65 years who were diagnosed with FMS were included in the study. They were randomized into two groups: 60 patients as the intervention and 60 patients as the control group. Each participant in the intervention group received 3 sessions of WCT once a month in addition to their ongoing treatment whereas the control group received only routine medical treatment. The evaluation was conducted in both groups based on the fibromyalgia impact questionnaire (FIQ), visual analog scale (VAS), and quality of life scale (QoL) parameters initially (at 0th week) and 1 week after the WCT sessions (at the 10th week). For the comparison of quantitative variables showing a normal distribution between the two groups, the Student’s t test was used, while the Mann-Whitney U test was employed for variables not showing a normal distribution. The χ2 test and Continuity (Yates) Correction were used for the comparison of qualitative data. The significance level was set at p < 0.05. Results: The study included 107 female and 13 male participants, with a mean age of 45.79 ± 8.49 years. When comparing the pretreatment FIQ, VAS, and QoL scores with the scores obtained after three sessions of WCT, it was observed that in the WCT group, the FIQ and VAS values significantly decreased compared to the control group while the QoL significantly increased compared to the control group (p < 0.001 in all). Conclusion: The findings obtained from this study indicate that WCT can be an effective treatment option for patients with FMS.
Procopius of Caesarea, Peter the Patrician, and the Outbreak of the Gothic War
Authors: Brodka✝ Dariusz
Published: October 2023

This article seeks to answer several questions about Procopius’ account of the causes for the Gothic war. The fundamental question is who was responsible for Amalasuintha’s death. Another issue under scrutiny relates to Procopius’ sources. The figure of Peter the Patrician sketched by Procopius is another point of interest. In the light of a comparative analysis of the sources, the accusation of Peter the Patrician and Theodora of complicity in the murder of Amalasuintha does not appear to have a firm basis. However, it is very likely that Procopius may indeed have had access to specific information about the secret negotiations—either directly from senator Alexander; or, more likely, via Marcellus. Contrary to what is generally assumed, it was probably not Peter the Patrician who provided Procopius with the most interesting details relating to the dramatic events in Italy in 534-536. The figure of Peter the Patrician fulfils an important literary function, serving primarily to explain the ‘real’ causes of the Gothic War.
Additional Evidence of Semantic and Syntactic Sensitivity in the Septuagint
Authors: Horton Tyler , Keenan Andrew , Lee Timothy , Walker Robert , Wright Travis , Dhont Marieke
Published: October 2023

In this article, a tribute to James Aitken by his students and postdoctoral collaborator, several case studies are presented that demonstrate how situating the Septuagint within its Post-classical Greek context can add significantly to our understanding of the textual-linguistic character of the Septuagint translations. They include a new approach to understanding parataxis with καί in the Greek Pentateuch, morphology and word formation in relation to presumed neologisms in Greek Jeremiah, lexical choice related to verbs of “pouring” in kaige, verbal periphrasis with ποιέω in Greek Genesis, the expression of motion in Greek Exodus, and the literary expression of “to die” in Greek Genesis. While we do not deny the existence of interference in the translations, we argue that its extent has been overstated. Through examples that showcase semantic and syntactic sensitivity on the part of the translators, we demonstrate various approaches to positioning the Septuagint within the history of Greek.
En attendant Godot (1952) de Samuel Beckett et Gerry (2002) de Gus Van Sant au prisme de Gilles Deleuze
Authors: Bénard Julie
Published: October 2023

Alors que la première représentation publique d’En attendant Godot s’inscrit dans un contexte d’après-guerre, Gerry de Gus Van Sant voyait le jour au tournant du XXe et XXIe siècles. Si les deux œuvres partagent les mêmes thématiques, c’est leur esthétique qui les rapproche en reposant sur un même principe : l’épuisement. Tout comme Gilles Deleuze qui déterminait dans son essai “L’Épuisé” (1992) trois sortes d’épuisements chez Beckett, Fabien Boully en identifie également trois chez le cinéaste. Cet article propose de faire dialoguer les deux œuvres à l’étude autour de l’épuisement du langage, de l’espace et de la représentation.
Lonchocarpus verticillatus (Leguminosae-Papilionoideae): A new species from Seasonally Dry Tropical Forest in Colombia
Authors: Ariza Cortés William , RIVERA CRISTIAM , ZAPATA DIEGO
Published: October 2023

Lonchocarpus verticillatus (Leguminosae, Papilionoideae, Millettieae) is described and illustrated from the seasonally dry forests of the Cauca River valley in Antioquia department, northwestern Colombia. This species is clearly distinguished from other species of the genus by its notably whorled arrangement of leaves, up to 17 leaflets, mesophyll and calyx with glandular dots, and lax inflorescences up to 31 cm long. It is a tree reaching up to 25 m in height, inhabiting forest remnants. Isolated trees can be found in pastures dedicated to livestock. It has been recorded at elevations ranging from 250 to 670 m. Due to habitat fragmentation, the increasing development of infrastructure in its occurrence area, and the limited number of records, a preliminary recommendation is to categorize it as ‘Endangered’ (EN) according to the IUCN criteria.
Erratum: Sae Wai, J. & Hu, J.-M. (2023) Twelve new species of Sonerila (Sonerileae, Melastomataceae) from Thailand. Phytotaxa 620 (2): 107–142.
Authors: WAI JAREARNSAK SAE , HU JER-MING
Published: October 2023

N/A
6. What’s Being Taught about Predatory Publishing? A Systematic Review of University Resources
Authors: Cummins R. Glenn , Koerber Amy , Starkey Jesse C. , Ardon-Dryer Karin , Eko Lyombe , Kee Kerk F.
Published: October 2023

In Chapter 6, ‘Predatory Publishing in Institutional Research Ethics Curricula: Challenges and Opportunities,’ R. Glenn Cummins surveys the content of university-based curricula. For decades, federal funders in the US have required training or instruction in research ethics to address growing concerns about the responsible conduct of research. Universities have responded to this requirement in a variety of ways, including in-person workshops, classes, or training as well as through online modules. However, systematic review of university training has revealed that efforts to satisfy funder requirements (a) most often rely on modules provided by a sole outside provider (i.e., CITI), and (b) focus on topics such as authorship or plagiarism while ignoring the growing threat to the dissemination of scientific knowledge that is posed by predatory publishers. To identify gaps in extant institutional training on predatory publishing, it is crucial to establish what current resources are available to authors and are most commonly used within scholarly research environments. This chapter provides a comprehensive assessment of the publicly available training materials provided by US universities on the topic of predatory publishing. The chapter also documents the nature and content within training resources, the modality of training materials, and the intended audience for the identified resources.
English headteacher perspectives on school responses to protect student and staff mental wellbeing in the later stages of the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: McKay Gillian , Venner Georgia , Nguipdop-Djomo Patrick , Mangtani Punam , Sundaram Neisha , Lacey Andrea , Dawe Fiona , Jones Peter , Lelii Ffion , Ladhani Shamez , Bonell Chris
Published: October 2023

Objective:

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on pupils and staff in English schools. This study aimed to provide an in-depth understanding of the challenges schools faced and the processes they implemented to protect the mental wellbeing of students and staff in the later stages of the pandemic, focusing on January–June 2022.

Design:

Qualitative study.

Setting:

Primary and secondary schools in England from April to September 2022.

Method:

Ten semi-structured interviews were conducted using Zoom with six primary and four secondary school headteachers (or other members of the senior leadership team) in England.

Results:

Mental wellbeing programming for students and staff was scaled up in both primary and secondary schools amid concerns that the COVID-19 pandemic would impact on mental health. Headteachers perceived changes in the behaviour of students, including increased dysregulation, and staff struggling with fatigue and a sense of being devalued as professionals. Schools scaled up the supports they offered to students and staff, but challenges remain in maintaining such increased support due to the perceived additional needs of staff and students within the context of funding constraints. Despite initial concerns that there would be tension between promoting mental wellbeing and academic catch-up among students, headteachers identified work addressing these two priorities as synergistic.

Conclusion:

Mental wellbeing impacts of the pandemic on pupils and staff required increased provision of support programmes. Ongoing efforts to monitor the wellbeing needs of students and staff is required. Formal and informal methods to enhance the mental health for pupils and staff should continue into the recovery period.
Savers and Borrowers in the Swedish Working Class During the 19th Century—A Life Cycle Perspective
Authors: Larsson Mats
Published: October 2023

The present study is focused on the development of industrial working-class households’ economic life cycle, including income, capital savings, and credits in the nineteenth century. The annual household income was low up to the age of 35 of the head of the household. It then rose and culminated when the head of the household was 55–60 years old. The earnings of other members of the family, foremost the adult sons, being entered on the accounts of their fathers, made the annual income increase higher than the daily wages imply. Credits and savings were used to balance long-term consumption.
PerFSeeB: designing long high-weight single spaced seeds for full sensitivity alignment with a given number of mismatches
Authors: Titarenko Valeriy , Titarenko Sofya
Published: October 2023

Background

Technical progress in computational hardware allows researchers to use new approaches for sequence alignment problems. For a given sequence, we usually use smaller subsequences (anchors) to find possible candidate positions within a reference sequence. We may create pairs (“position”, “subsequence”) for the reference sequence and keep all such records without compression, even on a budget computer. As sequences for new and reference genomes differ, the goal is to find anchors, so we tolerate differences and keep the number of candidate positions with the same anchors to a minimum. Spaced seeds (masks ignoring symbols at specific locations) are a way to approach the task. An ideal (full sensitivity) spaced seed should enable us to find all such positions subject to a given maximum number of mismatches permitted.

Results

Several algorithms to assist seed generation are presented. The first one finds all permitted spaced seeds iteratively. We observe specific patterns for the seeds of the highest weight. There are often periodic seeds with a simple relation between block size, length of the seed and read. The second algorithm produces blocks for periodic seeds for blocks of up to 50 symbols and up to nine mismatches. The third algorithm uses those lists to find spaced seeds for reads of an arbitrary length. Finally, we apply seeds to a real dataset and compare results for other popular seeds.

Conclusions

PerFSeeB approach helps to significantly reduce the number of reads’ possible alignment positions for a known number of mismatches. Lists of long, high-weight spaced seeds are available in Additional file 1. The seeds are best in weight compared to seeds from other papers and can usually be applied to shorter reads. Codes for all algorithms and periodic blocks can be found at https://github.com/vtman/PerFSeeB.
Analysis and comparison of the trends in burden of rheumatic heart disease in China and worldwide from 1990 to 2019
Authors: Shi Lang , Bao Chenglu , Wen Ya , Liu Xuehui , You Guiying
Published: October 2023

Objectives

This study aimed to describe the temporal trends in age and gender burdens of rheumatic heart disease (RHD) in China from 1990 to 2019, including incidence, prevalence, mortality, and disability-adjusted life years (DALYs), and to compare them with the global burden of the disease.

Methods

Using open data from the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) database from 1990 to 2019, this study analyzed the characteristics of RHD burden in China and worldwide, including changes in incidence, prevalence, mortality, and DALYs. Joinpoint was used to calculate the average annual percentage change (AAPC) and the corresponding 95% confidence interval (95% CI) to reflect the trends in the burden of RHD. A comprehensive comparative analysis of the differences in RHD burden between China and the rest of the world was conducted from multiple dimensions, including age, gender, and time periods.

Results

From 1990 to 2019, the age-standardized incidence rate (ASIR) of RHD in China decreased from 29.62/100,000 to 23.95/100,000, while the global ASIR increased from 32.69/100,000 to 37.40/100,000. The age-standardized prevalence rate (ASPR) in China decreased from 446.15/100,000 to 390.24/100,000, while the global ASPR increased from 451.56/100,000 to 513.68/100,000. The age-standardized rates of mortality (ASMR) in China decreased from 18.11/100,000 to 4.04/100,000, while the global ASMR decreased from 8.94/100,000 to 3.85/100,000. The age-standardized DALY rate (ASDR) in China decreased from 431.45/100,000 to 93.73/100,000, while the global ASDR decreased from 283.30/100,000 to 132.88/100,000. The AAPC of ASIR, ASPR, ASMR, and ASDR in China was − 0.73%, -0.47%, -5.10%, and − 5.21%, respectively, while the AAPC of the global burden of RHD was 0.48%, 0.45%, -2.87%, and − 2.58%, respectively. The effects of age and gender on the burden of RHD were different. ASIR generally decreased with increasing age, while ASPR increased first and then decreased. ASMR and ASDR increased with increasing age. Women had higher incidence and mortality rates of RHD than men.

Conclusion

From 1990 to 2019, the incidence, prevalence, mortality, and DALYs of RHD in China decreased, indicating a relative reduction in the burden of RHD in China. The burden of RHD is age-related, with a higher prevalence observed in the younger population, a peak incidence among young adults, and a higher mortality rate among the elderly population. Women are more susceptible to RHD and have a higher risk of mortality than men. Given China’s large population and aging population, RHD remains a significant public health challenge in China.
A comparative study on the effects of Mitchell and Benson relaxation techniques on quality of life of the old people in nursing homes: a quasi- experimental study
Authors: Jasour Aida , Afrasiabifar Ardashir , Zoladl Mohammad , Hosseini Nazafarin
Published: October 2023

Background

There is slight evidence on the effectiveness of relaxation techniques to improve quality of life of the old people, and no comparative studies have particularly investigated this population. Hence, the present study was conducted to examine the effect of Mitchell relaxation versus Benson relaxation technique to improve quality of life of the old people.

Methods

In the present quasi-experimental study, 96 eligible old people in a nursing home were selected by available sampling method. Afterwards, they were assigned to three groups: Mitchell’s Relaxation Technique, Benson Relaxation Technique, and control (each of 32 participants) using the random block sampling method. The intervention groups received relaxation for 8 weeks and 3 sessions of 20 min each week. However, the control group did not receive any relaxation. Data was gathered by questionnaires (SF-36) and (CASP-19) before (week 0) and after the intervention (week 8) and were analyzed using the SPSS software version 26.

Results

The results indicated that both Benson and Mitchell relaxation had improved the quality of life (SF-36) and (CASP-19) and their sub-scales in the participants compare to the control group (P < 0.001). Accordingly, the median (quartile 25, 75) of the specific quality of life of the participants before the intervention was 21 (18.25, 25.75) in the Benson group, 20.5 (16, 24) in the Michel group, and 21 (16.25, 24) in the control group. However, after the intervention they reached 35(26.25, 38.75), 34.5(26.75, 42.25), and 17 (14, 21) respectively. There was no statistically significant difference between the Benson and Michel relaxation groups.

Conclusions

Based on the results, Benson and Mitchell relaxation techniques improve the quality of life of the old people. If the results be confirmed in other studies, the education of each of them, especially for the old people living in nursing homes and their caregivers, is suggested as routine care.
Intermediate dose enoxaparin in hospitalized patients with moderate-severe COVID-19: a pilot phase II single-arm study, INHIXACOVID19
Authors: Cosmi B. , Giannella M. , Fornaro G. , Cristini F. , Patacca A. , Castagna A. , Mazzaferri F. , Testa S. , Pan A. , Lupi M. , Brambilla P. , Montineri A. , Frattima S. , Bignami E. G. , Salvetti M. , De Stefano G. , Grandone E. , Di Perri G. , Rozzini R. , Stella A. , Romagnoli A. , Drago F. , Viale P.
Published: October 2023

Background

Randomized clinical trials in non-critically ill COVID-19 patients showed that therapeutic-dose heparin increased survival with reduced organ support as compared with usual-care thromboprophylaxis, albeit with increased bleeding risk. The purpose of the study is to assess the safety of intermediate dose enoxaparin in hospitalized patients with moderate to severe COVID-19.

Methods

A phase II single-arm interventional prospective study including patients receiving intermediate dose enoxaparin once daily according to body weight: 60 mg for 45–60 kg, 80 mg for 61–100 kg or 100 mg for > 100 kg for 14 days, with dose adjustment according to anti-factor Xa activity (target range: 0.4–0.6 UI/ml); an observational cohort (OC) included patients receiving enoxaparin 40 mg day for comparison. Follow-up was 90 days. Primary outcome was major bleeding within 30 and 90 days after treatment onset. Secondary outcome was the composite of all-cause 30 and 90-day mortality rates, disease severity at the end of treatment, intensive care unit (ICU) admission and length of ICU stay, length of hospitalization. All outcomes were adjudicated by an independent committee and analyzed before and after propensity score matching (PSm).

Results

Major bleeding was similar in IC (1/98 1.02%) and in the OC (none), with only one event observed in a patient receiving concomitantly anti-platelet therapy. The composite outcome was observed in 53/98 patients (54%) in the IC and 132/203 (65%) patients in the OC (p = 0.07) before PSm, while it was observed in 50/90 patients (55.6%) in the IC and in 56/90 patients (62.2%) in the OC after PSm (p = 0.45). Length of hospitalization was lower in the IC than in OC [median 13 (IQR 8–16) vs 14 (11–21) days, p = 0.001], however it lost statistical significance after PSm (p = 0.08). At 30 days, two patients had venous thrombosis and two pulmonary embolism in the OC. Time to first negative RT-PCR were similar in the two groups.

Conclusions

Weight adjusted intermediate dose heparin with anti-FXa monitoring is safe with potential positive impact on clinical course in COVID-19 non-critically ill patients.

Trial registration

The study INHIXACOVID19 was registred on ClinicalTrials.gov with the trial registration number (TRN) NCT04427098 on 11/06/2020.
A combined bioinformatics and experimental approach identifies RMI2 as a Wnt/β-catenin signaling target gene related to hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Tsai Hung-Wen , Cheng Shu-Wen , Chen Chou-Cheng , Chen I-Wen , Ho Chung-Liang
Published: October 2023

Background

The Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway plays an important role in embryogenesis and tumorigenesis. In human cancer, abnormal activity of Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway induces overexpressed of downstream genes, and initiate oncogene. There are several target genes known to be key players in tumorigenesis, such as c-myc, cyclin D1, MMPs or survivin. Therefore, identifying the target genes of Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway is important to understanding Wnt/β-catenin-mediated carcinogenesis. In this study, we developed a combined bioinformatics and experimental approach to find potential target genes.

Methods

Luciferase reporter assay was used to analyze the promoter activity of RMI2. WST1 cell proliferation assays and transwell assays were performed to determine the proliferation and migration capacities of RMI2 overexpressing or knockdown stable hepatic cells. Finally, xenograft experiments were performed to measure the tumor formation capacity in vivo.

Results

The results showed that RMI2 mRNA was upregulated after LiCl treatment and Wnt3a-conditioned medium in a culture of SK-hep-1 cell lines. A chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) assay showed that the β-catenin/T cell-specific factor (TCF) complex binds to the putative TCF binding site of the RMI2 promoter. We then found a TCF binding site at − 333/− 326 of the RMI2 promoter, which is crucial for β-catenin responsiveness in liver cell lines. RMI2 was overexpressed in hepatoma tissue and cell lines, and it promoted the migration and invasion of HCC cells. Moreover, RMI2 upregulated the expression of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) markers and the Wnt3a/β-catenin-related genes, but silencing RMI2 had the opposite effects. Notably, the expression of RMI2 was positively correlated with the clinical data of HCC patients who had significantly shorter overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS) (Both: P < 0.05). In addition, a total of 373 HCC patients’ data from the Caner Genome Atlas project (TCGA) were used to validate our findings.

Conclusions

Taking all these findings together, we determined that RMI2 was a new target gene of the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway. We also found that RMI2 promotes EMT markers, HCC cell invasion, and metastasis, which indicated that RMI2 is a potential target for preventing or at least mitigating the progression of HCC.
Exploration and validation of a novel signature of seven necroptosis-related genes to improve the clinical outcome of hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Tao Qiqi , Lang Zhichao , Li Yifei , Gao Yuxiang , Lin Lifan , Yu Zhengping , Zheng Jianjian , Yu Suhui
Published: October 2023

Necroptosis has been reported to be involved in cancer progression and associated with cancer prognosis. However, the prognostic values of necroptosis-related genes (NRGs) in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remain largely unknown. This study aimed to build a signature on the basis of NRGs to evaluate the prognosis of HCC patients. In this study, using bioinformatic analyses of transcriptome sequencing data of HCC (n = 370) from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database, 63 differentially expressed NRGs between HCC and adjacent normal tissues were determined. 24 differentially expressed NRGs were found to be related with overall survival (OS). Seven optimum NRGs, determined using Lasso regression and multivariate Cox regression analysis, were used to construct a new prognostic risk signature for predicting the prognosis of HCC patients. Then survival status scatter plots and survival curves demonstrated that the prognosis of patients with high-Riskscore was worse. The prognostic value of this 7-NRG signature was validated by the International Cancer Genome Consortium (ICGC) cohort and a local cohort (Wenzhou, China). Notably, Riskscore was defined as an independent risk factor for HCC prognosis using multivariate cox regression analysis. Immune infiltration analysis suggested that higher macrophage infiltration was found in patients in the high-risk group. Finally, enhanced 7 NRGs were found in HCC tissues by immunohistochemistry. In conclusion, a novel 7-NRG prognostic risk signature is generated, which contributes to the prediction in the prognosis of HCC patients for the clinicians.
Microperimetric analysis of eyes after macular hole surgery with indocyanine green staining: a retrospective study
Authors: Jun Sung Yeon , Kong Mingui
Published: October 2023

Background

Indocyanine green (ICG) aids in the visualization of the internal limiting membrane (ILM). Retinal damage from ICG dye toxicity has been reported through in vitro and in vivo studies. However, the clinical toxic effect of ICG during macular surgery has not been functionally evaluated. In this study, we evaluated functional and structural changes in retinal sensitivity and retinal thickness associated with ICG toxicity using microperimetry before and after ICG-assisted ILM peeling in patients with macular holes.

Methods

ICG staining was performed only on the macular area below the horizontal line connecting the fovea and optic disc. ILM peeling was performed over the entire macular area inside the vascular arcade. Visual acuity assessment, spectral domain optical coherence tomography, and microperimetry were performed at baseline and one, three, and six months postoperatively. The mean retinal sensitivity of four macular areas was calculated and analyzed.

Results

Eleven eyes were included. Macular holes were successfully closed in all patients. Six months postoperatively, retinal sensitivity improved insignificantly in Area 1 (ICG−/ILM−) and Area 2 (ICG−/ILM+) but decreased in Area 4 (ICG+/ILM−). Three months postoperatively, retinal sensitivity significantly decreased in Area 3 (ICG+/ILM+; 26.63 ± 1.80 vs. 25.52 ± 2.08 dB, p = 0.036). However, the statistical significance of this result was lost six months after the surgery (p = 0.059). The change of Gc-IPL thickness in Area 3 was significantly different compared to Area 2 at post-operative 3- and 6-months (p = 0.01, 0.05).

Conclusions

Retinal sensitivity decreased three months after ICG-assisted ILM peeling. However, the statistical significance was lost six months after surgery. ICG staining can be performed with caution during macular hole surgery.
Delivery of public health interventions by the ambulance sector: a scoping review
Authors: Ablard Suzanne , Miller Elisha , Poulton Steven , Cantrell Anna , Booth Andrew , Lee Andrew , Mason Suzanne , Bell Fiona
Published: October 2023

Background

With millions of unscheduled patient contacts every year and increasing call outs clustered around the most deprived communities, it is clear the ambulance sector could have a role to play in improving population health. However, the application and value of a public health approach within the ambulance sector has not been comprehensively explored.

A scoping review was undertaken to explore the role of the ambulance sector in the delivery of public health interventions and what impact this has on population health and ambulance sector outcomes.

Methods

A search strategy was developed on MEDLINE and translated to other major medical and health related bibliographic databases (Embase; CINAHL; HMIC; Science and Social Sciences Citation Index; Cochrane Library) to identify literature published since 2000 in OECD countries. Targeted grey literature, reference list, and citation searching was also carried out.

Search results were downloaded to Microsoft Excel and screened by three reviewers according to pre-determined inclusion / exclusion criteria. Data from included studies, such as the type of activity noted within the paper, the population involved and the public health approach that was utilised, was extracted from within the paper using a data extraction form and narratively synthesised.

Results

Fifty-two references were included in the final review (37 database searching; 9 reference list searching; 6 grey literature).

Included articles were categorised according to the relevant public health domains and subdomains as articulated by the UK Faculty of Public Health:

Health improvement domain:

Public health education and advice (Health promotion sub-domain) (n=13)

Emergency Services personnel providing vaccines (Disease prevention sub-domain) (n=1)

Health care public health domain

Paramedicine (Service delivery sub-domain) (n=30)

Screening tools and referral pathways used by the ambulance sector (Service delivery sub-domain) (n=28)

Health intelligence using ambulance sector data (population health management sub-domain) (n=26)

Of note, some domains (e.g. health protection) returned nil results.

Discussion

The scoping review demonstrates the breadth of public health related activities in which the ambulance sector is involved. However, an overemphasis on demand management outcomes precludes definitive conclusions on the impact of ambulance sector-led public health initiatives on public health outcomes. Future evaluations of public health initiatives should incorporate wider health system perspectives beyond the immediately apparent remit of the ambulance sector.
Exploring the health consequences of armed conflict: the perspective of Northeast Ethiopia, 2022: a qualitative study
Authors: Arage Mulugeta Wodaje , Kumsa Henok , Asfaw Mulu Shiferaw , Kassaw Abebe Tarekegn , Dagnew Ephrem Mebratu , Tunta Abayneh , Kassahun Woldeteklehymanot , Addisu Amanuel , Yigzaw Molla , Hailu Tilahun , Tenaw Lebeza Alemu
Published: October 2023

Background

Conflict is a complicated topic with a multidimensional consequences for community health. Its effects have a broad pattern, starting from direct war-related morbidity and mortality caused by bullets and bombs to indirect consequences due to the interruption of the delivery of preventive and curative health services. This study aimed to explore the health consequences of the northern Ethiopian conflict in the North Wollo zone, northeast Ethiopia, in 2022.

Methods

This descriptive qualitative study was conducted from May to June 2022 on six conflict-affected Woredas in the north Wollo zone. A total of 100 purposively selected participants, which included patients, pregnant women, elders, community and religious leaders, and health professionals, were interviewed using IDI and FGD. The data was entered, coded, and analyzed using Open Code version 4.03. Thematic analysis approach employed to conduct the interpretation. Data was presented using descriptive statistics in the form of texts and tables.

Results

The findings indicate that the conflict has caused a profound consequence on population health. It has resulted in a wide range of direct and indirect consequences, ranging from war-related casualties, famine, and disruptions of supply chains and forced displacement to instances of violence and rape associated with insecurity. The conflict also caused a breakdown in the health system by causing distraction of health infrastructure, fleeing of health workers and shortage of medication, together with insecurity and lack of transportation, which greatly affected the provision and utilization of health services. Additionally, the conflict has resulted in long-term consequences, such as the destruction of health facilities, interruption of immunization services, posttraumatic stress disorders, and lifelong disabilities. The coping strategies utilized were using available traditional medicines and home remedies, obtaining medications from conflict-unaffected areas, and implementing home-to-home healthcare services using available supplies.

Conclusion

The Northern Ethiopian conflict has an impact on community health both directly and indirectly through conflict-related causalities and the breakdown of the health system and health-supporting structures. Therefore, this study recommends immediate rehabilitation interventions for damaged health infrastructure and affected individuals.