bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Identifying interior design strategies for healthy workplaces – a literature review
Authors: Colenberg Susanne , Jylhä Tuuli
Published: November 2021

Purpose

It is widely recognized that interior office space can affect health in several ways. Strategic and evidence-based design, including explicit design objectives, well-chosen design solutions and evaluation of results, aid realization of desired health effects. Therefore, this paper aims to identify possibly effective interior design strategies and accompanying design solutions and to provide examples of effectiveness measures.

Design/methodology/approach

A literature sample of 59 peer-reviewed papers published across disciplines was used to collect examples of workplace design features that have positively influenced workers’ well-being. The papers were grouped by their health objective and design scope successively and their theoretical assumptions, measures and findings were analyzed.

Findings

Four main workplace design strategies were identified. Design for comfort aims at reducing or preventing health complaints, discomfort and stress, following a pathogenic approach. It has the longest tradition and is the most frequently addressed in the included papers. The other three take a salutogenic approach, promoting health by increasing resources for coping with demands through positive design. Design for restoration supports physical and mental recovery through connections with nature. Design for social well-being facilitates social cohesion and feelings of belonging. Design for healthy behavior aims at nudging physical activity in the workplace.

Originality/value

By drawing complementary perspectives and offering examples of design solutions and effectiveness measures, this paper encourages workplace designers, managers and researchers to take a transdisciplinary and evidence-based approach to healthy workplaces. It also serves as a starting point for future empirical research.
Manezinho who makes good food: Restaurante do Costinha
Authors: Raymundo Pedro José , Ayala Diego Hernando Florez , Naatz Ullian Fadu , Alberton Anete
Published: November 2021

Purpose

The aim is to enable debates about the need for changes in the restaurant's management posture regarding food waste.

Design/methodology/approach

This study is a teaching case about a restaurant and was prepared based on information collected from the authors' experiences in teaching, consulting, and academic research. The plot, company name, and characters are fictitious.

Findings

The results are related to the classroom application to promote discussion and knowledge of topics such as finance, costs, sustainability, food waste, and the Demonstration of Results for the Exercise.

Research limitations/implications

The main limitation is that it is a fictitious study, but it allows applied research based on the authors' scientific knowledge and professional practice.

Practical implications

The theme contributes to anchoring decision-making by managers in the face of day-to-day business challenges. Furthermore, in a contemporary perspective, it involves a small establishment concerning the possibilities of contributing to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Furthermore, due to the richness of details, the case constitutes an intriguing teaching tool to be applied in the classroom.

Social implications

It impacts social actions, according to the examples found in the narrative used in the teaching case.

Originality/value

Its originality is related to its interdisciplinarity and how it involves the themes of finance and sustainability applied in business practice.
Numerical modeling and experimental verification of the composite material of PA12/HA with parameterized random distribution in selective laser sintering
Authors: Li Junchao , Yang Yanan , Zhao Ze , Yan Ran
Published: November 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to establish a finite element (FE) model with the random distribution of the Nylon12/hydroxyapatite (PA12/HA) composite material in selective laser sintering (SLS) process for considering the material anisotropy, which aims to obtain the law of temperature and stress changes in PA12/HA sintering.

Design/methodology/approach

By using python script in Abaqus, the FE model is established in which the two materials are randomly distributed and are assigned to their intrinsic temperature-dependent physical parameters. Molten pool sizes at various process parameters were evaluated in terms of numerical simulation and scanning electron microscope analysis, identifying a good agreement between them. Evaluation of temperature and stress distribution under the condition of different HA contents was also conducted.

Findings

It shows that the uneven distribution and quantity of HA powder play a vital role in stress concentration and temperature increase. Additionally, the influence of HA addition on the mechanical performance of SLS-fabricated parts shows that it is conducive to improve compressive strength when the HA ratio is less than 5% because an excess of HA powder tends to bring about a certain amount of microspores resulting in a decrease in part density.

Originality/value

The FE model of the PA12/HA composite material with parameterized random distribution in SLS can be applied in other similar additive manufacturing technologies. It provides a feasible guideline for the numerical analysis of properties of composite materials.
A comprehensive profiling of innate immune responses in Eptesicus bat cells
Authors: Lin Hsien‐Hen , Horie Masayuki , Tomonaga Keizo
Published: November 2021

Bats (Order: Chiroptera), including those of the genus Eptesicus, have been reported to serve as reservoirs of several zoonotic viruses. Notably, bats have been reported to lack obvious symptoms of infection with such viruses and are thought to have unique immune system responses. However, the responses of their innate immune system, the first line of immunity, remain largely unclear. Here, we comprehensively analyzed the expression profiles in two Eptesicus bat cell lines to investigate their innate immune responses. The gene expression profiles after polyinosinic:polycytidylic acid [poly (I:C)] induction were similar between the two bat cell lines, but uniquely upregulated differentially expressed genes were also identified. We also revealed that the upregulated genes of Eptesicus bat cells were distinct from those of human epithelial cells in response to induction. Moreover, the basal expression levels of several immune‐related genes were higher in bat cells than in human cells. We also identified unannotated novel transcripts that were upregulated after induction and novel microRNAs expressed in bat cells, some of which were upregulated by poly (I:C) treatment. This is the first report to illustrate the innate immune response in Eptesicus bat cells; therefore, this study provides basic and novel insights into bat innate immunity. Our data represent a valuable resource for future studies into bat immunity and the biology of Eptesicus bats.
FANTASY ISLAND: Paul Romer and the Multiplication of Hong Kong
Authors: Ebner Nina , Peck Jamie
Published: November 2021

In this article we trace mobilizations of the Hong Kong ‘model’ through mutating policy networks to highlight connections made by (and around) Nobel‐prize‐winning economist Paul Romer, as a roving policy advocate for charter cities and as an ‘economist in the wild’. Frustrated in practice but politically resilient, the idea of charter cities recycles the notion of territorial enclaves founded on ‘empty’ land and governed in accordance with purified market rules. Typically indexed to a stereotypical reading of Hong Kong, this model repurposes the tabula‐rasa conceit of ‘startup’ urbanization, yoked to a neoliberal vision of ‘islands’ of experimentation. Via an account of the faltering mobilities of the charter‐cities model, the article explores the reciprocating circuits and recurring motifs that connect Romer's expertise as a prominent economist with expedient abstractions of the Hong Kong ‘model’, with the reproduction of ideologically selective policy networks, and ultimately, with the troubled frontiers of charter‐city policy development. It culminates in an examination of the protracted effort to build a ‘Hong Kong of the Caribbean’ in Honduras, where grandiose acts of policymaking projection and developmental hubris meet a repeating history of governmental corruption, corporate opportunism and banana republicanism.
Addressing Exaggeration of Effects from Single RCTs
Authors: van Zwet Erik , Schwab Simon , Greenland Sander
Published: November 2021

Randomised controlled trials are often presented as the gold standard for testing new medical treatments. In the early stages of research, however, reports from single trials are likely to show exaggerated effect estimates. Erik van Zwet, Simon Schwab and Sander Greenland explain why – and propose a remedy
Impact of COVID‐19 lockdown on mood status: A comparison of hemodialysis and oncology patients
Authors: Alagoz Selma , Eren Necmi , Ozcan Seyda Gul , Atlı Zeynep , Ozkul Ozlem , Belli Hasan , Gorgulu Numan , Seyyar Mustafa , Seyahi Nurhan
Published: November 2021

Introduction

Coronavirus related lockdown measures had a severe psychological toll. We investigated the effects of population‐wide infection control measures on hemodialysis (HD) and oncology patients' mood statuses.

Methods

An electronic survey was used to collect data. We used the Profile of Mood States (POMS) and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) to measure the mood statuses.

Results

The study groups composed of 400 HD, 234 oncology patients, and 276 controls. HADS anxiety and total POMS scores were significantly higher in the control group than that of both HD and oncology patients, a finding consistent with a worse mood status. In multivariate models, the male gender and the perception of having received appropriate medical support during the pandemic period were independent predictors of better POMS and HADS‐anxiety and depression scores.

Conclusion

HD and oncology patients appear to be less affected by the psychological stress induced by social distancing and lockdown periods.
Chemical characterization of Echium plantagineum seed oil obtained by three methods of extraction
Authors: Carlini Giovanna Calixto Garcia , Roschel Gabriela Grassmann , Ferrari Roseli Aparecida , Alencar Severino Mathias , Ota Helton Cherubim , da Silveira Tayse Ferreira Ferreira , Castro Inar Alves
Published: November 2021

Echium seed oil has been considered an important alternative source of omega 3 fatty acids (n‐3 FA) for human consumption. Considering the oxidative instability of n‐3 FA richer oils, the objective of this study was to determine the chemical and sensory parameters of the oil obtained from Echium plantagineum seeds obtained by three extraction methods (hydraulic press: HYD; continuous screw press: PRESS; and solvent technique: SOLV). Stearidonic acid (C18:4, n3), the most important n‐3 FA present in the oil, changed from 12.5% to 12.7%. Regarding the minor compounds, PRESS sample showed the highest concentration of gamma‐tocopherol (782.24 mg/kg oil), while SOLV samples presented the highest amount of β‐sitosterol (73.46 mg/100 g) with no difference of campesterol concentration (159.56 mg/100 g) among the samples. Higher values of total phenolics (19.65 mg GAE/kg oil) and β‐carotene (34.83 mg/kg oil) were also found in the SOLV samples, suggesting the influence of hexane in the extraction of these bioactive compounds. High resolution mass spectrometry identified caffeic acid and its derivatives as the main phenolic compounds present in the echium oil. PRESS sample showed the best oxidative stability as measured by PV (0.61 mmol/kg oil) and malondialdehyde (173.13 µmol), probably due to faster time of processing compared to HYD and SOLV samples. Our data showed that the extraction method changed the chemical composition of the minor compounds in the echium oil, but these alterations did not reduce its nutritional quality or sensory acceptability.

Practical Application

Echium oil represents a great potential source of omega 3 fatty acids, but there is not enough information about its oxidative stability and chemical composition, especially toward minor compounds. Our study characterizes echium oil composition obtained from three extraction methods, contributing to amplify the technical information about this important alternative oil for human consumption.
The darkest microbiome—a post‐human biosphere
Authors: Timmis Kenneth , Hallsworth John E.
Published: November 2021

Microbial technology is exceptional among human activities and endeavours in its range of applications that benefit humanity, even exceeding those of chemistry. What is more, microbial technologists are among the most creative scientists, and the scope of the field continuously expands as new ideas and applications emerge. Notwithstanding this diversity of applications, given the dire predictions for the fate of the surface biosphere as a result of current trajectories of global warming, the future of microbial biotechnology research must have a single purpose, namely to help secure the future of life on Earth. Everything else will, by comparison, be irrelevant. Crucially, microbes themselves play pivotal roles in climate (Cavicchioli et al., Nature Revs Microbiol 17: 569–586, 2019). To enable realization of their full potential in humanity’s effort to survive, development of new and transformative global warming‐relevant technologies must become the lynchpin of microbial biotechnology research and development. As a consequence, microbial biotechnologists must consider constraining their usual degree of freedom, and re‐orienting their focus towards planetary‐biosphere exigences. And they must actively seek alliances and synergies with others to get the job done as fast as humanly possible; they need to enthusiastically embrace and join the global effort, subordinating where necessary individual aspirations to the common good (the amazing speed with which new COVID‐19 diagnostics and vaccines were developed and implemented demonstrates what is possible given creativity, singleness of purpose and funding). In terms of priorities, some will be obvious, others less so, with some only becoming revealed after dedicated effort yields new insights/opens new vistas. We therefore refrain from developing a priority list here. Rather, we consider what is likely to happen to the Earth’s biosphere if we (and the rest of humanity) fail to rescue it. We do so with the aim of galvanizing the formulation and implementation of strategic and financial science policy decisions that will maximally stimulate the development of relevant new microbial technologies, and maximally exploit available technologies, to repair existing environmental damage and mitigate against future deterioration.
Regional Hydrologic Classification for Sustainable Dam Operations in China: Exploratory Applications in the Yangtze River Basin
Authors: Rallings Anna M. , Clifton Britne , Espinoza Vicky , Hao Zhuo , Chen Wenjun , Duan Weili , Peng Qidong , Luo Pingping , Viers Joshua H.
Published: November 2021

Regulated rivers worldwide are managed to meet human demands and reduce flood hazards but the resulting flow regime often fails to support ecological and hydrogeomorphic processes. Designing environmental flows (e‐flows) for regulated rivers has been the focus of recent studies, but in the absence of site‐specific monitoring data, it can be difficult to assign flow regimes. Given the recent development of dams throughout China, and the desire to minimize adverse downstream ecological effects, we classified river basins to identify characteristics for improved basin management. The purpose of the classification is to minimize the need for localized data when developing initial evaluations for planning e‐flow prioritization plans. Building on the functional flow framework of managing rivers to deliver environmental water in the right place, time, and amount, we use k‐means consensus clustering to group 185 subbasins of China’s Yangtze River into seven hydroclasses (consensus = 0.80). Similar hydrogeomorphic and ecological characteristics are used for the purposes of identifying flow regime components indexed against threatened aquatic species and anthropogenic pressures. This case study can inform water resource management and e‐flow requirements broadly. As hydropower dams are expected to more than double over the next 15 years globally, flexible management strategies that balance ecosystem needs with human demands can support efforts for sustainable development.
Baseline characteristics of systemic sclerosis patients with restrictive lung disease in a multi‐center US‐based longitudinal registry
Authors: Castelino Flavia V. , VanBuren John M. , Startup Emily , Assassi Shervin , Bernstein Elana J. , Chung Lorinda , Correia Chase , Evnin Luke B. , Frech Tracy M. , Gordon Jessica K. , Hant Faye N. , Hummers Laura K. , Khanna Dinesh , Sandorfi Nora , Shah Ami A. , Shanmugam Victoria K. , Steen Virginia
Published: November 2021

Aim

Interstitial lung disease (ILD) is the leading cause of disease‐related death in systemic sclerosis (SSc). Here, we assess baseline characteristics of SSc subjects with and without restrictive lung disease (RLD) in a multi‐center, US‐based registry.

Methods

SSc patients within 5 years of disease onset were enrolled in the Collaborative National Quality and Efficacy Registry (CONQUER), a multi‐center US‐based registry of SSc study participants (age ≥ 18 years) enrolled at 13 expert centers. All subjects met 2013 American College of Rheumatology / European League Against Rheumatism criteria. Subjects with a pulmonary function test (PFT) at baseline before April 1, 2020 were included. High‐resolution computed tomography scan of the chest was not available to characterize ILD for all subjects. RLD was defined as forced vital capacity (FVC) <80% or total lung capacity (TLC) <80% predicted.

Results

There were 160 (45%) SSc subjects characterized as having RLD. There was no significant difference in age, gender or disease duration. RLD subjects had a mean disease duration from date of first non‐Raynaud's symptom of 2.6 years and a mean FVC% predicted of 67% at baseline. In multivariable analysis, non‐White race, higher physician global health assessment and modified Medical Research Council (mMRC) dyspnea scores, were independently associated with RLD. In the subgroup of RLD subjects with ILD, ILD had a negative correlation with RNA polymerase III antibody.

Conclusion

CONQUER is the largest, multi‐center, prospective cohort of early SSc patients in the US. Non‐White race was independently associated with RLD. In addition, 45% of CONQUER subjects already had RLD, highlighting the importance of screening for SSc‐ILD at initial diagnosis.
Comprehensive analysis of PD‐L1 in non‐small cell lung cancer with emphasis on survival benefit, impact of driver mutation and histological types, and archival tissue
Authors: Wang Chin‐Chou , Huang Kuo‐Tung , Chang Huang‐Chih , Tseng Chia‐Cheng , Lai Chien‐Hao , Lan Jui , Liu Ting‐Ting , Huang Chao‐Cheng , Lin Meng‐Chih
Published: November 2021

Background

The aim of the study was to assess programmed death‐ligand‐1 (PD‐L1) expression in different histological types and gene mutation status of patients with non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

Methods

A total of 4062 pathology‐confirmed lung cancer patients were retrospectively screened at Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital from November 2010 to June 2017. There were 699 NSCLC patients with confirmed PD‐L1 expression level retrospectively enrolled for analysis.

Results

There was a trend of higher PD‐L1 expression in squamous cell carcinoma and adenosquamous cell carcinoma than in adenocarcinoma (p = 063). Significant higher PD‐L1 expression in EGFR wild‐type was noted (p < 0.001). No significant differences in PD‐L1 expression were found between ALK wild‐ and mutant types, but there seem was a trend of high PD‐L1 level noted in ALK mutation patients (p = 0.069). In EGFR mutation patients, a higher time to treatment failure (TTF) duration was observed in no PD‐L1 expression (p = 0.011). Longer tumor tissue storage time correlated with lower PD‐L1 expression in lung cancer (p < 0.001 for linear trend).

Conclusions

There were a trend or significant differences in PD‐L1 expression between different histological types in NSCLC, different EGFR and ALK status, and different tumor tissue storage time. A higher survival benefit was observed in no PD‐L1 expression than with PD‐L1 expression in adenocarcinoma, EGFR and ALK mutation patients. We recommend that PD‐L1 assay should be performed as early as possible if tissue is available.
Associations between alcohol demand and both the experience and subjective evaluation of positive and negative alcohol‐related consequences
Authors: Aston Elizabeth R. , Berey Benjamin L. , Boyle Holly K. , Riordan Benjamin , Merrill Jennifer E.
Published: November 2021

Background

Considerable variation exists in the extent to which alcohol‐related consequences are evaluated as positive or negative. These evaluations, in turn, predict subsequent drinking behavior. Understanding the etiological pathways to positive and negative alcohol‐related consequences is essential to the design of interventions aimed at reducing drinking consequences. Behavioral economic models posit that excessive alcohol valuation contributes to problematic use. Elevated alcohol demand (i.e., relative alcohol value) is associated with negative alcohol‐related consequences; however, it is unclear whether demand is related to positive consequences or subjective consequence evaluations.

Methods

College student drinkers (n = 114; 74.6% female) completed an online survey. Participants indicated whether they had ever experienced any of 24 negative and 14 positive consequences and subjectively evaluated their most recent experience of each consequence endorsed. An alcohol purchase task assessed hypothetical alcohol consumption across 14 prices and three observed demand indices were calculated: intensity (i.e., consumption at zero cost), Omax (i.e., maximum expenditure), and Pmax (i.e., price associated with maximum expenditure). Bivariate correlations and hierarchical regressions were used to test associations between observed demand indices and the number and subjective evaluations of positive and negative (researcher‐ and participant‐defined) consequences.

Results

Intensity and Omax, but not Pmax, were bivariately associated with researcher‐ and participant‐defined negative and positive consequences. However, in hierarchical regression models that controlled for the maximum number of drinks consumed in a single day over the past month, only intensity was significantly associated with more negative and positive consequences. Intensity was associated with positive consequence evaluations in bivariate but not regression models.

Conclusion

Students with higher intensity reported more prior alcohol consequences (positive and negative), independent of drinking level. However, subjective evaluations of recent consequences did not vary as a function of demand. Results support using behavioral economic models to facilitate identifying etiologic pathways to alcohol consequences and suggest that novel interventions incorporating demand manipulation may reduce drinking consequences.
Transmission of 940 nm diode laser to the radicular area during its application as root canal disinfectant
Authors: Al‐Maliky Mohammed Abbood , Zardawi Faraedon Mostafa , Meister Jörg , Frentzen Matthias , Al‐Karadaghi Tamara Sardar
Published: November 2021

To measure the transmitted laser power in the coronal, middle and apical root thirds during vertical and horizontal irradiation of laser. 14 mm length whole roots and longitudinal root sections were irradiated using a 940 nm diode laser with 0.5 W in continuous mode for 5 s. A power detector was placed in front of the root apex for the vertical transmitted power measurement and placed laterally to root surface for the horizontal transmission experiment. The transmitted power from the root apex vertically was 53% of the irradiated power, while for the horizontal transmission experiment for the coronal, middle and apical root thirds were 25.6%, 40.4% and 41.3%, respectively. Irradiation of root canals with 940 nm laser power can be transmitted during vertical irradiation in more than 50% of the samples, whereas less transmission happens with horizontal irradiation at apical and middle root third than coronal.
Hematological and molecular analysis of patients with G6PD deficiency revealed coexistent hereditary spherocytosis and alpha thalassemia
Authors: Rizo‐delaTorre Lourdes del Carmen , Herrera‐Tirado Isis Mariela , Hernández‐Peña Rubiceli , Ibarra‐Cortés Bertha , Perea‐Díaz Francisco Javier
Published: November 2021

Background

Glucose‐6‐phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency, hereditary spherocytosis (HS), and alpha thalassemia (α‐thal) are frequent erythrocyte pathologies with different geographic distributions worldwide. Our aim is to report hematological and molecular findings of G6PD deficient Mexican patients in coinheritance with suggestive hereditary spherocytosis (sHS) and α‐thal.

Methods

We studied 78 G6PD deficiency patients. Hematological parameters, acidified glycerol lysis test, erythrocyte morphology, electrophoresis, and hemoglobin quantification were obtained. G6PD and HBA2/HBA1 variants were identified using ARMS‐PCR, Gap‐PCR, or Sanger sequencing.

Results

Nine G6PD variants were identified; A–202A/376G, A–376G/968C, and A+376G as the most frequent. G6PD Santiago de Cuba1339A and Kamiube1387T were detected in Mexicans for first time. Hematological analysis revealed additional erythrocyte pathologies in 52 patients, 32 with positive osmotic fragility test and spherocytes in blood smear (suggestive hereditary spherocytosis, sHS), 12 with microcytosis and 8 with all three defects who had the most severe phenotype, with significantly lower hematological parameters (Hb, PCV, MCV, and MCH). α‐thal variants (αHphα, α–59C>Tα and ‐α3.7) were observed in 65% of patients with microcytosis.

Conclusion

Additional erythrocyte defects were observed in 69.3% of G6PD deficiency patients. We stress the importance of searching for the presence of additional erythrocyte hereditary diseases in patients with G6PD deficiency.
Proteinase‐activated receptor‐2 antagonist C391 inhibits Alternaria‐induced airway epithelial signalling and asthma indicators in acute exposure mouse models
Authors: Rivas Candy M. , Yee Michael C. , Addison Kenneth J. , Lovett Marissa , Pal Kasturi , Ledford Julie G. , Dussor Gregory , Price Theodore J. , Vagner Josef , DeFea Kathryn A. , Boitano Scott
Published: November 2021

Background and Purpose

Despite the availability of a variety of treatment options, many asthma patients have poorly controlled disease with frequent exacerbations. Proteinase‐activated receptor‐2 (PAR2) has been identified in preclinical animal models as important to asthma initiation and progression following allergen exposure. Proteinase activation of PAR2 raises intracellular Ca2+, inducing MAPK and β‐arrestin signalling in the airway, leading to inflammatory and protective effects. We have developed C391, a potent PAR2 antagonist effective in blocking peptidomimetic‐ and trypsin‐induced PAR2 signalling in vitro as well as reducing inflammatory PAR2‐associated pain in vivo. We hypothesized that PAR2 antagonism by C391 would attenuate allergen‐induced acutely expressed asthma indicators in murine models.

Experimental Approach

We evaluated the ability of C391 to alter Alternaria alternata‐induced PAR2 signalling pathways in vitro using a human airway epithelial cell line that naturally expresses PAR2 (16HBE14o−) and a transfected embryonic cell line (HEK 293). We next evaluated the ability for C391 to reduce A. alternata‐induced acutely expressed asthma indicators in vivo in two murine strains.

Key Results

C391 blocked A. alternata‐induced, PAR2‐dependent Ca2+ and MAPK signalling in 16HBE14o− cells, as well as β‐arrestin recruitment in HEK 293 cells. C391 effectively attenuated A. alternata‐induced inflammation, mucus production, mucus cell hyperplasia and airway hyperresponsiveness in acute allergen‐challenged murine models.

Conclusions and Implications

To our best knowledge, this is the first demonstration of pharmacological intervention of PAR2 to reduce allergen‐induced asthma indicators in vivo. These data support further development of PAR2 antagonists as potential first‐in‐class allergic asthma drugs.
High‐throughput and multi‐phases identification of autoantibodies in diagnosing early‐stage breast cancer and subtypes
Authors: Luo Rongrong , Zheng Cuiling , Song Wenya , Tan Qiaoyun , Shi Yuankai , Han Xiaohong
Published: November 2021

Autoantibodies (AAbs) targeted tumor‐associated antigens (TAAs) have the potential for early detection of breast cancer. Here, 574 early‐stage breast cancer (ES‐BC) patients containing 4 subtypes (Luminal A, Luminal B, HER2+, TN), 126 benign breast disease (BBD) patients, and 199 normal healthy controls (NHC) were separated into three‐phases to discover, verify, and validate AAbs. In discovery phase using high‐throughput protein microarray, 37 AAbs with sensitivity of 31.25%‐86.25% and specificity over 73% in ES‐BC, and 40 AAbs with different positive rates between subtypes were identified as candidates. In verification phase, 18 AAbs were significantly increased compared with the Control (BBD and NHC) in focused array. Ten out of 18 AAbs exhibited a significant difference between subtypes (P < .05). In ELISA validation phase, 5 novel AAbs (anti‐KJ901215, ‐FAM49B, ‐HYI, ‐GARS, ‐CRLF3) exhibited significantly higher levels in ES‐BC compared with BBD/NHC (P < .05). The sensitivities of individual AAb and a 5‐AAbs panel were 20.41%‐28.57% and 38.78%, whereas the specificities were over 90% and 85.94%. Simultaneously, 4 AAbs except anti‐GARS differed significantly between TN and non‐TN subtype (P < .05). We constructed 3 random forest classifier models based on AAbs to discriminant ES‐BC from Control or BBD, and to discern TN subtype, which yielded an area under the curve of 0.870, 0.860, and 0.875, respectively. Biological interaction analysis revealed 4 TAAs, except for KJ901215, that were associated with well known proteins of BC. This study discovered and stepwise validated 5 novel AAbs with the potential to diagnose ES‐BC and discern TN subtype, indicating easy‐to‐detect and minimally invasive diagnostic value of serum AAbs ahead of biopsy for future application.
Initiation of noninvasive surveillance for allograft rejection in heart transplant patients > 1 year after transplant
Authors: Kewcharoen Jakrin , Kim Jean , Cummings Mandi B. , Leitner Katie B. , Suzuki Erin M. B. , Banerjee Dipanjan , Lum Corey J.
Published: November 2021

Background

Gene expression profiling (GEP) and donor‐derived, cell‐free DNA (dd‐cfDNA) measurement are alternative methods to endomyocardial biopsy (EMB) to monitor for rejection following heart transplantation. We aim to describe our use of GEP and dd‐cfDNA in heart transplant recipients > 1‐year post‐transplantation.

Methods

This is a single‐center, retrospective study in post‐transplant recipients. For patients who were > 1‐year post‐transplantation and deemed to be at elevated clinical risk for rejection, we collected both GEP and dd‐cfDNA every 3 months. Baseline characteristics including GEP, dd‐cfDNA levels, rejection episodes, and number of biopsies were obtained.

Results

Since July 2019, there were 18 patients being followed with GEP and dd‐cfDNA who were > 1‐year post‐transplantation. Nine EMBs had been performed in seven patients due to as follows; three due to elevated GEP ({greater than or equal to} 34), one due to elevated dd‐cfDNA ({greater than or equal to} .20%), two due to elevations of both GEP and dd‐cfDNA, two due to clinical rejection and one to follow up a post rejection episode. One of the two biopsies due to elevations of both GEP and dd‐cfDNA showed acute cellular rejection grade 2R. None of the biopsies due to either an elevation in the GEP or dd‐cfDNA revealed any significant rejection.

Conclusion

In this study, the use of both GEP and dd‐cfDNA led to an increased number of EMB in patients > 1‐year post‐transplantation. Further studies are needed to validate these findings and evaluate long‐term consequences of these diagnostic tests in this population
Client resistance to hepatitis C treatment initiation in opioid agonist treatment clinics in Sydney, Australia: A qualitative study
Authors: Coupland Heidi , Day Carolyn , Haber Paul , Pritchard‐Jones Janice , McKee Kristen , George Jacob , McCaughan Geoff
Published: November 2021

Introduction

Opioid agonist treatment (OAT) clinics play a key role in achieving elimination of hepatitis C virus (HCV) globally. Previous research has identified barriers to HCV treatment uptake in OAT clinics; however, most studies were conducted prior to the introduction of direct‐acting antiviral treatments (DAA). It remains unclear whether progress has been made in responding to barriers and what challenges persist in this setting.

Methods

Semi‐structured in‐depth interviews were conducted with staff (n = 20) and clients (n = 15) in two OAT clinics in Sydney, Australia. Interviews were transcribed verbatim and analysed using constant comparative methods.

Results

Despite progress in integrating hepatitis C care in the clinics, competing priorities, concerns about side‐effects, distrust of staff, health problems and difficulties accessing testing and medication persisted as key reasons why clients had not initiated treatment. Most clients preferred to postpone treatment and focus on other priorities and some highlighted lack of medical evidence for urgent treatment. Pressure on services to achieve elimination targets within set time frames was a primary driver of repeated offers of treatment by staff and the framing of clients' preferences for postponing treatment, as a barrier.

Discussion and Conclusion

Current timelines for HCV elimination targets may have galvanised services into action but may have also created tensions at the coalface due to disparities between staff and clients' priorities. The involvement of peer workers and mechanisms to ensure continued follow up with clients about DAA treatments is required. Public health timelines for HCV elimination need to be informed by affected communities' priorities.
Occipital bending in migraine with visual aura
Authors: Özkan Esra , Gürsoy‐Özdemir Yasemin
Published: November 2021

Objective

To analyze occipital bending (OB) frequency in patients with migraine with visual aura compared with those without aura.

Background

A unique type of asymmetry in the human brain in which one occipital pole crosses the midline and bends over the other pole is called OB. OB frequency has been shown to be related to major psychiatric diseases. Hence, it may suggest more than an anatomical variation. Structural differences in the brain have been demonstrated but unequivocally between patients with migraine with aura and without aura. OB is newly recognized, and we aimed to evaluate its frequency among patients with migraine.

Methods

For this retrospective cohort study, we reviewed our records from 2016 to 2021 from a database of the outpatient headache clinic of Koç University Hospital.

Results

We found 84 patients with migraine who fulfilled diagnostic criteria for migraine with aura and migraine without aura and also had cranial magnetic resonance imaging. The median age of the population was 40 (IQR, 32–52). The female‐to‐male ratio of participants was 2:1. A quarter of the patients had visual aura. The prevalence of OB in patients with migraine in our retrospective study was 33.3% (28/84). Between our study groups, OB was significantly higher in patients with migraine with visual aura (57.1%, 12 out of 21 patients) than in those without aura (25.4%, 16 out of 63), (odds ratio 3.9 (95% confidence interval 1.4 to 11.0), p = 0.015).

Conclusion

OB frequency is two times higher in patients with migraine with visual aura. It may have pathophysiological implications.
JAZF1, YWHAE and BCOR gene translocation in primary extrauterine low‐grade and high‐grade endometrial stromal sarcomas
Authors: Sun Lili , Zhao Wei , Zhao Zehua , Zhu Yanmei
Published: November 2021

Aims

JAZF1 translocation is the most common genetic change in low‐grade (LG) endometrial stromal sarcoma (ESS), and YWHAE and BCOR translocations are common in high‐grade (HG) ESS. Primary extrauterine ESS is rare, and there are limited data on molecular alterations in these tumours.

Methods and results

Cases of primary extrauterine ESS, comprising eight LG‐ESS cases and five HG‐ESS cases were collected. Haematoxylin and eosin and immunohistochemical staining were used to observe the histomorphology and analyse related protein expression. JAZF1, YWHAE and BCOR rearrangements were explored with fluorescence in‐situ hybridisation (FISH). In LG‐ESS, the tumour cells resembled normal proliferative‐phase endometrial stromal cells; CD10, oestrogen receptor and progesterone receptor were expressed in all eight cases. In HG‐ESS, the tumour cells had uniform HG round and/or spindle morphology, sometimes with an LG component; CD10 was fully expressed in one case and focally expressed in four cases; BCOR was expressed in all five cases, and cyclin D1 in four of five cases. FISH analysis showed JAZF1 translocation in one of eight LG‐ESS cases (12.5%). YWHAE translocation occurred in four of five HG‐ESS cases, with a positivity rate of 80%. BCOR translocation was absent in all five cases.

Conclusions

In extrauterine LG‐ESS, the rate of JAZF1 rearrangement was significantly lower than in uterine LG‐ESS. This result limited the value of JAZF1 translocation for diagnosis. YWHAE rearrangement is a common genetic change in extrauterine HG‐ESS. Further studies are required to confirm these findings, especially in LG‐ESS.
Color adjustment potential of resin composites: Optical illusion or physical reality, a comprehensive overview
Authors: Ismail Eman H. , Paravina Rade D.
Published: November 2021

Objective

The objective was to provide a comprehensive overview of color interactions between resin composite (RC) and its surroundings, analyze the design and results of respective research studies, and provide clinical and research recommendations.

Overview

Resin composite (RC) materials can adjust their color to that of surrounding enamel and dentin to a different extent. This phenomenon has been referred to as the “chameleon effect” in dental jargon, while color blending/adjustment/shifting/assimilation is more scientific terms. Studies that evaluated the color adjustment potential of RCs have employed different methods. This article discusses the (a) terminology used to describe color adjustment potential, (b) color science theories associated with color adjustment, (c) design of respective studies, including methods, specimens, and calculations, and (d) their outcome and reported results. Clinical implications and future directions related to the color adjustment potential of RCs are also provided.

Conclusions

Factors that influence the color adjustment potential of RCs are classified into three categories: (1) material type, (2) cavity design, and (3) the substrate surrounding the restoration. Each factor can be optimized to enhance color matching and the restorative outcome.

Clinical significance

A material that blends well and exhibits pronounced color adjustment potential would likely improve the color match and therefore the esthetic outcome. These materials “work” for dental professionals by compensating for their suboptimal shade matching and/or lack of an excellent match in the used material. This review aims to further the understanding of the inherent properties of RCs and allow clinicians to fully utilize them to place RC restorations and minimize the time spent on modifying or replacing existing ones. Hence, the outcomes would encompass the increased chairside efficiency, enhanced esthetic outcome, and patient satisfaction.
Characterization of Edwardsiella piscicida CK108 flagellin genes and evaluation of their potential as vaccine targets in the zebrafish model
Authors: Choe Yunjeong , Lee Donghee , Seong Minji , Yoon Ju Bin , Yang Jun Hyeok , Yang Jin‐Young , Moon Ki Hwan , Kang Ho Young
Published: November 2021

The control of bacterial pathogens, including Edwardsiella piscicida, in the aquaculture industry has high economic importance. This study aimed to identify a potential live vaccine candidate against E. piscicida infection to minimize the side effects and elicit immunity in the host. This study evaluated the virulence factors of E. piscicida CK108, with a special focus on the flagella. E. piscicida has two important homologous flagellin genes, namely flagellin‐associated protein (fap) and flagellin domain‐containing protein (fdp). CK226 (Δfap), CK247 (Δfdp) and CK248 (Δfap, fdp) mutant strains were constructed. Both CK226 and CK247 displayed decreased length and thickness of flagellar filaments, resulting in reduced bacterial swimming motility, while CK248 was non‐motile as it lacked flagella. The loss of flagella and decreased motility was expected to decrease the pathogenicity of CK248. However, the median lethal dose (LD50) of CK248 against zebrafish was lower than those of the wild‐type, CK226 and CK247 strains. The protective immunity and cytokine gene expression levels in the CK248‐infected zebrafish were lower than those in the wild type‐infected zebrafish. In conclusion, Fap and Fdp are essential for flagella formation and motility, and for stimulating fish immune response, which can be utilized as a potential adjuvants for E. piscicida vaccination.
Susceptibility of a cell line derived from the kidney of Chinese rice‐field eel, Monopterus albus to the infection of rhabdovirus, CrERV
Authors: Liu Wenzhi , Fan Yuding , Zhou Yong , Jiang Nan , Li Yiqun , Meng Yan , Xue Mingyang , Li Zhong , Zeng Lingbing
Published: November 2021

Chinese rice‐field eels rhabdovirus (CrERV), belonging to the genus Perhabdovirus in the family Rhabdoviridae, is the causative agent of the haemorrhagic disease of Chinese rice‐field eels, Monopterus albus. The present study aims to establish a cell line derived from the kidney of Chinese rice‐field eel (CrEK) for the further study of the pathogenic virus. CrEK cells were epithelioid‐like and grew well in M199 medium supplemented with 10% foetal bovine serum at 28°C, and the cell line has been subcultured for more than 80 times. Karyotyping analysis of CrEK cells at 25th passage indicated a modal chromosome number of 24. Significant cytopathic effect (CPE) was observed in CrEK cells after infection with CrERV, and the virus titre reached 107.8 ± 0.45 TCID50/mL. The transmission electron microscopy revealed that there were a large number of virus particles in the cytoplasm of cells. The virus infection in cells was also assayed by using indirect immunofluorescence assay (IFA), fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH), reverse transcription PCR (RT‐PCR) and quantitative real‐time reverse transcription‐PCR (qRT‐PCR). In experimental infection, CrERV cultured by cells could cause over 90% mortality in fish. CrEK represents the first kidney cell line originated from Chinese rice‐field eels and be a potential material for investigating the mechanism of virus infection in this fish and the control methods for the disease.
Exploration of risk factors for high‐risk adverse events in elderly patients after discharge and comparison of discharge planning screening tools
Authors: Yen Hsin‐Yen , Lin Siou‐Chun , Chi Mei‐Ju
Published: November 2021

Objectives

Discharge planning is an effective strategy to prevent adverse health events and reduce medical expenditures. The high‐risk target populations of discharged elderly patients and important predictors for the occurrence of adverse events are still not clear. Therefore, the purposes of this study were to examine the validity of discharge planning screening tools in sufficiently identifying high‐risk adverse events to health after discharge and to compare two screening tools with our study model.

Design

We conducted a prospective study and recruited elderly patients who had had no hospitalization within 3 months before admission to 13 general wards of a medical center in northern Taiwan from November 2018 to May 2020.

Methods

Elderly patients were randomly selected during the study period. Within 24 h of admission, patients were asked to consent to join this study. After the patient was discharged, the patient's health and hospitalization for the next year were tracked by telephone interviews.

Results

In total, 300 participants were recruited for this study. Incidences of high‐risk adverse events within 30 days, 60 days, and 12 months after discharge were 20.3%, 25.7%, and 48.7% respectively. A logistic regression showed that an increased age, physical or mental disabilities or a major illness, a low body‐mass index, and having been hospitalized in the past year were significantly related to the occurrence of high‐risk events among elderly discharge patients. The pooled sensitivity of the Pra was 52% and the specificity was 72%; the pooled sensitivity of the LACE index was 67% and the specificity was 36%. The predictive model of this study had a higher discriminatory power than the Pra and LACE index for high‐risk events after discharge.

Conclusions

Elderly patients are more vulnerable to high‐risk adverse events after discharge. Both the LACE index and Pra are useful discharge planning screening tools to screen for high‐risk adverse events after discharge. Elderly patients need more‐active and complete continuity of care plans and discharge planning services to ensure that the overall quality of patient care can be improved and readmissions and mortality reduced.

Clinical relevance

The findings of this study can provide information for discharge planning managers to identify high‐risk elderly patients during hospitalization and promptly offer care education or resources to improve care management.
Causal effects from non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease on kidney function: A Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Park Sehoon , Lee Soojin , Kim Yaerim , Cho Semin , Kim Kwangsoo , Chul Kim Yong , Han Seung Seok , Lee Hajeong , Lee Jung Pyo , Joo Kwon Wook , Lim Chun Soo , Kim Yon Su , Kim Dong Ki
Published: November 2021

Background and aims

An observational association between nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and kidney function impairment has been reported. We aimed to investigate the causal effects from NAFLD on estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) by a Mendelian randomization (MR) study.

Methods

We first performed single‐variant MR with rs738409 as a genetic instrument for NAFLD. Another genetic instrument was developed from a genome‐wide association study for biopsy‐confirmed NAFLD among individuals of European ancestry (1483 cases and 17 781 controls). The eGFR outcome was assessed in individuals of white British ancestry from the UK Biobank (N = 321 405). The associations were reassessed in the negative control subgroup (body mass index < 30 kg/m2, absence of central obesity, and serum alanine aminotransferase level ≤ 20 IU/mL) with a low probability of developing NAFLD. As a replication analysis, a summary‐level MR was performed with the European ancestry CKDGen dataset (N = 567 460).

Results

In the UK Biobank, a genetic predisposition for NAFLD, determined either by the single SNP rs738409 or by the group of variants, was significantly associated with a reduced eGFR even with adjustment for metabolic disorders. Although the associations were not significant in the negative control subgroup with a low probability of developing NAFLD, they were significant in the subgroup with a remaining risk of NAFLD, suggesting the absence of a horizontal pleiotropic pathway. The summary‐level MR from the CKDGen dataset supported the causal effects of NAFLD on reduced eGFR.

Conclusions

This MR analysis supports the causal reduction in kidney function by NAFLD.