bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Marketing coup or paradigm shift? Reflections on the Dutch media interpretations of the 2017 ‘Mata Hari: de mythe en het meisje’
Authors: Wheelwright Julie , Ummels Adriënne
Published: July 2022

Following the major Fries Museum exhibition about Margaretha Zelle MacLeod aka Mata Hari (1876–1917), this article explores how Dutch arts journalism reflected its successful balance of commercial appeal, subject complexity, and contemporary relevance. The curators aimed to balance research with aestheticism to offer a more sympathetic view of this historically controversial subject. This article furthermore investigates how Dutch arts journalists shaped and responded to this new narrative through an analysis of relevant media reviews and reports. The resulting discourse reflected how the Fries Museum’s use of artefacts created a narrative of Mata Hari which could comment on the broader challenges for women in early twentieth century Europe. We argue that the exhibition and its reportage built upon and reflected advances in recent historiography to offer a fresh perspective on Mata Hari. Moreover, the review analysis suggests that the exhibition successfully balanced seemingly paradoxical needs, as set out in its prospectus, through the creation of such nuanced narratives.
From the street to the drug consumption room. Injected drug use across consumption environments
Authors: Clua‐García Rafael , Dumont Guillaume
Published: July 2022

Previous studies have reported that injected drug use cannot be understood in a spatiotemporal vacuum but, paradoxically, they have tended to analyze this practice in a single environment instead of examining how people who inject drugs deploy their agency across environments. This ethnographic account describes and analyzes how David, an injected cocaine user, moved from the streets of Barcelona to a drug consumption room By accounting his transition from exclusively consuming on the street to progressively increasing his visits to La Sala, we uncover how different practices, interactions, and norms, specific to these environments, can contribute to the shaping of the development of specific substance use and the techniques informing the complex relationship between pleasure and harm reduction. Accordingly, we argue that we cannot limit ourselves to analyzing this activity in each environment individually; rather, we must locate and study drug use at the interplay of different environments.
Mapping participation in ICT4D: A meta-analytic review of development communication research
Authors: Kim Michael Dokyum , Lee Kyung Sun
Published: July 2022

We conducted a meta-analytic study of recent (2009 to 2020) information and communication technologies for development (ICT4D) research in the field of development communication. Our aim was to explore the conceptualization of participation in the context of ICTs and globalization in contemporary scholarly discourse. We found that most studies published during this period evinced a technological deterministic discourse regarding the process of social change, privileging modernization and neoliberal modes of development. In such contexts, participation has often been conceptualized in terms of invitations to ‘access’ (first-level of participation) and ‘empowerment’ (second-level of participation) at the local level. Despite increasing concern regarding global digital inequalities, research that approaches participation in terms of claims to ‘social justice’ (third-level of participation) associated with global forces has been limited. We found, however, that research emerging from the communication and media disciplines have shown skepticism regarding the dominant trends. The paper concludes with a discussion of future directions in ICT4D for scholars across disciplines.
Test-retest reliability of customised inertial measurement units (IMUs) in evaluating skateboarding related manoeuvres
Authors: Ab Rasid Aina Munirah , Musa Azlina , Abdullah Muhammad Amirul , Abdul Majeed Anwar P.P. , Mohd Razmaan Mohd Azraai , Abdullah Mohamad Razali , Abu Osman Noor Azuan , Musa Rabiu Muazu
Published: July 2022

Recent developments in sports technology have enabled sports engineers to utilise the availability of inertial measurement units (IMUs) to develop a customised system for data collection during sports performances. Ensuring the reliability of such a system is essential for objective data collection and transmission of information that coaches could rely upon for improving athletes’ techniques and overall performance. The aim of this study was to investigate the reliability of a custom-made IMU system (embedded with Arduino Pro Mini) in the evaluation of skateboarding related manoeuvres. A skilful male and experienced amateur skateboarder (23 years, with 5 years skateboarding experience) performed five skateboarding tricks (Ollie, Nollie, Pop Shuvit, Kickflip and Frontside 180) using a customised ORY skateboard (IMUs fused). The skateboarder was permitted to execute two separate tricks (Tests A and B); thereafter, the reliability of the IMUs in recognising the similarity of the tricks was evaluated using a test-retest approach. Six time-domain signals obtained from the IMU system of each trick’s execution were extracted. Statistical analyses, including the Kolmogorov-Smirnov test, intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC), Cronbach alpha and correlation coefficients, were utilised to measure the scale’s reliability of the system. The results revealed no significant difference between Tests A and B of each trick p > 0.05, ICC > 0.80, Cronbach alpha > 0.80 and r > 0.80; p-value < 0.001. A relatively lower root means square error and mean absolute error were obtained, further suggesting the effectiveness of the system in detecting the similarities in the movement patterns of the skateboarder during the trick execution. The IMU system appeared to be reliable in measuring skateboarding tricks performances. The present findings could serve as guidelines for testing future, custom-made, IMU devices before the commencement of data collection.
In what sense ruralization?
Authors: Ghosh Swarnabh
Published: July 2022

This commentary offers an analysis of Gillen et al.’s (2022) ‘Geographies of ruralization’. Through a reading of the authors’ conceptualization of ‘in-situ’ and ‘extended’ ruralization, I raise two sets of questions. The first pertains to the relationship between ruralization – which the authors conceptualize primarily in terms of rural social reproduction – and transformations in agricultural production and agrarian political economy under contemporary capitalism. The second invites the authors to further elaborate on the historical specificity of the concept of ruralization, the politico-epistemological standpoint of their conceptualization, and the theoretical framework within which the concept is embedded.
Measuring Audiation or Tonal Memory? Evaluation of the Discriminant Validity of Edwin E. Gordon's “Advanced Measures of Music Audiation”
Authors: Platz Friedrich , Kopiez Reinhard , Lehmann Andreas C. , Wolf Anna
Published: July 2022

Edwin E. Gordon developed the Advanced Measures of Music Audiation (AMMA) test to quantify the extent of an adult's stabilized audiation as a fundamental indicator of musical ability. Although intended to measure audiation exclusively, AMMA is based on a test design similar to the tonal memory subtest of the much older Measures of Musical Talents (SMMT) test developed by Carl Seashore (1919). However, previous studies have shown mixed results regarding AMMA's construct validity. It therefore remains unclear whether AMMA is suitable for measuring audiation exclusively, as intended by Gordon, or whether it additionally measures tonal memory. Accordingly, we tested this hypothesis in two steps. First, responses of 364 participants were used to identify – in terms of the Rasch model – those items of AMMA that could form a “revised” scale showing measurement invariance; second, we used a Bayesian post hoc correlation analysis ( N = 83) to measure the construct (discriminant) validity of the revised version of AMMA compared to an equal number of items in the tonal memory subtest of SMMT. Results from both studies revealed that (a) only five out of 30 items of AMMA showed a model fit that was adequate to form a scale which meets the psychometric requirements of invariant measurement, although with a low internal consistency and an increased probability for ceiling effects, and that (b) both measurements showed a strong correlation ( Mdnτ = 0.56, 95% CI [0.42, 0.70], BF+0 = 2.67·1012). We can thus conclude that there is no practical evidence to assume that both test procedures (AMMA and SMMT) are independent.
The ethical dilemma of mobile phone data monitoring during COVID-19: The case for South Korea and the United States
Authors: Anom Benjamin Y
Published: July 2022

Governments across the world have integrated a variety of advanced technologies to respond to the COVID-19 crisis. In particular, the use of surveillance programs that leverage data and tools from mobile phones have become important components of public health strategies to contain the spread of SARS-CoV-2 across the globe. Currently, big technology companies around the world are helping governments evaluate the effectiveness of their social distancing protocols by examining and analyzing movements of millions of mobile phone users in order to determine how the virus is spreading across the various geographic locations, and the effectiveness of the various social distancing methods that have been implemented. The collection and use of individual mobile phone data as a public health surveillance tool presents tensions between several ethical priorities. Such a dilemma resides in the tensions between public health ethics goals and clinical ethics goals. While public health ethics pursues goals that seek to ensure the good of the community, such goals are often achieved at the expense of clinical ethics goals which emphasize individual autonomy and civil liberty. In using persons’ mobile phone data as a tool to fight the COVID-19 pandemic, we must address the tensions associated with weighing the needs of “the many” with ensuring the rights of the individual.
What Technique Results in the Lowest Rate of Velopharyngeal Insufficiency in Patients With Submucous Cleft Palate? A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Gardiner Sarah , Bjornson Lindsay , Pawliuk Colleen , Bucevska Marija , Bone Jeffrey , Arneja Jugpal S.
Published: July 2022

Objective: To determine which surgical technique offers the lowest rate of velopharyngeal insufficiency (VPI) without the need for further operative intervention, in pediatric patients with nonsyndromic submucous cleft palate (SMCP). Methods: This systematic review and meta-analysis included articles reporting on nonsyndromic pediatric patients treated surgically during childhood for SMCP, with data on postoperative speech outcomes and/or recommendations for secondary surgery. Main outcome measures included rates of unfavorable speech outcomes defined as persistent VPI requiring secondary surgery and speech outcome data. Results: 15 articles met our inclusion criteria, reporting on 383 children who underwent surgical treatment; 343 patients were included in studies reporting recommendations for secondary surgery. There was 1 randomized comparative trial, 4 comparative studies, and 10 single cohort studies. Eight articles used validated speech assessment tools. Our model showed the proportion of patients recommended for secondary surgery varied between techniques, ranging from 0.0% (CI 0.0, 1000) in pharyngeal flap to 17.8% (CI 8.9, 32.5) in straight line repair techniques, but there was no statistically significant difference between treatments ( P = .33). Speech improvement ranged from 44.4% to 100%, with 9 studies recommending secondary surgery for some of their patient series. Conclusions: Although not of statistical significance, pharyngeal flap yields the lowest rate of reoperation as a primary technique for pediatric patients with nonsyndromic SMCP. Delayed repair age inherent to SMCP may render operations that rely on a functional levator muscle with less favorable outcomes. The absence of standardized surgical techniques, speech outcomes, speech therapy, and assessment make comparative analysis and recommendation difficult. We advocate for standardized speech assessment tools to improve future quantitative assessment of cleft surgery outcomes and a randomized controlled trial to better elucidate the preferred first-line technique.
Binaural-cue Weighting and Training-Induced Reweighting Across Frequencies
Authors: Klingel Maike , Laback Bernhard
Published: July 2022

During sound lateralization, the information provided by interaural differences in time (ITD) and level (ILD) is weighted, with ITDs and ILDs dominating for low and high frequencies, respectively. For mid frequencies, the weighting between these binaural cues can be changed via training. The present study investigated whether binaural-cue weights change gradually with increasing frequency region, whether they can be changed in various frequency regions, and whether such binaural-cue reweighting generalizes to untrained frequencies. In two experiments, a total of 39 participants lateralized 500-ms, 1/3-octave-wide noise bursts containing various ITD/ILD combinations in a virtual audio-visual environment. Binaural-cue weights were measured before and after a 2-session training in which, depending on the group, either ITDs or ILDs were visually reinforced. In experiment 1, four frequency bands (centered at 1000, 1587, 2520, and 4000 Hz) and a multiband stimulus comprising all four bands were presented during weight measurements. During training, only the 1000-, 2520-, and 4000-Hz bands were presented. In experiment 2, the weight measurements only included the two mid-frequency bands, while the training only included the 1587-Hz band. ILD weights increased gradually from low- to high-frequency bands. When ILDs were reinforced during training, they increased for the 4000- (experiment 1) and 2520-Hz band (experiment 2). When ITDs were reinforced, ITD weights increased only for the 1587-Hz band (at specific azimuths). This suggests that ILD reweighting requires high, and ITD reweighting requires low frequencies without including frequency regions providing fine-structure ITD cues. The changes in binaural-cue weights were independent of the trained bands, suggesting some generalization of binaural-cue reweighting.
How Relevant Is Cultural Dimensions Theory? An Empirical Study of Sri Lankan Undergraduate Business and Management Students
Authors: Stoten David William
Published: July 2022

Research undertaken has reported profound differences in the studying practices of students across the globe. This research has ascribed difference to cultural dimension theory and the idea that there are clear differences in the way that certain societies approach teaching and learning. Cultural dimension theory has contributed to the bifurcation of learning into convenient classifications. ‘Asian’ practices have been described as excessively teacher-centred and preoccupied with knowledge transmission, whereas teaching and learning in western societies is portrayed as being more student-centred and knowledge creation. The purpose of this article is to test these generalizations through empirical research with reference to Sri Lankan students enrolled onto a blended degree in Business and Management. The principal research question for this research is as follows: In what ways do national culture influence study behaviours of Sri Lankan management students? The findings suggest that instead of accepting stereotypes of students, we should search for a deeper understanding of how, as individuals, contemporary students learn.
The model method: Crown jewel in Singapore mathematics
Authors: Ng Swee Fong
Published: July 2022

The model method is synonymous with Singapore Mathematics. The spiral structure of the mathematics curriculum, with its focus on problem solving, and the concrete-pictorial-abstract approach to teaching, supports the use of the model method to solve arithmetic problems and enables the development of letter-symbolic algebra. The schematic representation of the model drawing encourages the decoding of information, and strengthens the development of the part-part-whole nature of numbers, beginning with whole numbers, followed by rational numbers, and finally the notion of the letter-symbolic algebra. First, the schematic representation is used to solve arithmetic-type word problems in the early years, then algebraic-type word problems. For some, the model method provides an avenue to track the ontogenetic development of algebra, from rhetorical algebra to, syncopated-Diophantine and finally letter-symbolic Vietan algebra, which provides a general solution to a set of problems, the crown of algebra.
Siltuximab is associated with improved progression-free survival in idiopathic multicentric Castleman disease
Authors: van Rhee Frits , Rosenthal Adam , Kanhai Karan , Martin Rabecka , Nishimura Katherine , Hoering Antje , Fajgenbaum David C.
Published: July 2022

Idiopathic multicentric Castleman disease (iMCD) is a rare heterogeneous disorder involving multicentric lymphadenopathy, systemic inflammation, and cytokine-driven organ dysfunction. Despite the approval of siltuximab, a monoclonal antibody against interleukin-6, for the treatment of iMCD, it is not known how long patients should receive siltuximab before determining whether the treatment is beneficial and should be continued. We performed post hoc analyses of the phase 2 randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trial of siltuximab for the treatment of patients with iMCD to determine the sequence of normalization of laboratory, clinical, and lymph node responses in patients who responded to siltuximab. Seventy-nine patients were enrolled in the trial (siltuximab, n = 53; placebo plus best supportive care, n = 26). Progression-free survival (PFS) was significantly improved in siltuximab-treated patients compared with those receiving placebo (P = .0001). The median PFS was 14.5 months (95% confidence interval, 13.6 months to upper bound not reached) for patients receiving placebo but was not reached for patients receiving siltuximab. In siltuximab-treated patients who achieved durable tumor (radiologic) and symptomatic responses (18 [34%] of 53), the median time to normalization of abnormal laboratory tests and clinical end points occurred in the following sequence: thrombocytosis, symptomatic response, elevated C-reactive protein, hypoalbuminemia, anemia, lymph node response, hyperfibrinogenemia, and elevated immunoglobulin G. Siltuximab treatment prolongs PFS, rapidly improves symptomatology, and provides meaningful clinical benefit despite some laboratory tests and enlarged lymph nodes taking months to normalize in treatment responders. These data support the continued frontline use of siltuximab for iMCD, as recommended by international guidelines. This trial was registered at www.clinicaltrials.gov as #NCT01024036.
Improved GRFS after posttransplant cyclophosphamide-based vs ATG-based HLA-mismatched unrelated donor transplant
Authors: Jimenez Jimenez Antonio , Komanduri Krishna , Brown Samantha , Wang Trent , Pereira Denise , Goodman Mark , Beitinjaneh Amer , Lekakis Lazaros , Chinapen Stephanie , Devlin Sean , Ponce Doris , Sauter Craig , Perales Miguel-Angel , Shaffer Brian C.
Published: July 2022

A common method to prevent graft-versus-host disease after allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) from an HLA-mismatched unrelated donor (MMUD) is tacrolimus, methotrexate, and antithymocyte globulin (ATG). The use of posttransplant cyclophosphamide (PTCy) showed promise in a prospective trial for MMUD HCT. We compared 1-year graft-versus-host disease–free, relapse-free survival (GRFS) in 128 recipients of prophylaxis based on tacrolimus/methotrexate/ATG (ATG group, n = 46) vs PTCy, mycophenolate mofetil, and tacrolimus or sirolimus (PTCy group, n = 82) after MMUD HCT. Patients receiving HCT from a MMUD mismatched at ≥1 locus among HLA-A, HLA-B, HLA-C, and HLA-DRB1 were included. The 2 groups were well matched for HCT indication, high-risk disease, and HCT comorbidity index, whereas more patients on PTCy received bone marrow (50% vs 26%; P = .01) and >1 locus HLA-mismatched (30.5% vs 2.2%; P = .001) grafts. The 1-year GRFS was 16% (95% confidence interval (CI): 8%-31%) vs 54% (95% CI: 44%-66%; P < .001) in the ATG and PTCy groups, respectively. The multivariable adjusted hazard ratio for GRFS was 0.34 (95% CI: 0.21-0.55; P < .001) with the use of PTCy. The 1-year overall survival in the ATG group was 45% (95% CI: 32%-62%) vs 75% (95% CI: 66%-85%) in the PTCy group (P < .001). Relapse incidence was similar. One-year nonrelapse mortality was greater after ATG-based prophylaxis: 38% (95% CI: 23%-52%) vs 16% (95 CI: 9%-25%), P < .001. In summary, PTCy-based prophylaxis resulted in superior GRFS and overall survival in recipients of MMUD.
Identification of prognostic stemness biomarkers in colon adenocarcinoma drug resistance
Authors: Li Ziyue , Chen Jierong , Zhu Dandan , Wang Xiaoxiao , Chen Jace , Zhang Yu , Lian Qizhou , Gu Bing
Published: July 2022

Background

Colon adenocarcinoma (COAD) is one of the leading causes of death worldwide. Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are vital for COAD chemoresistance and recurrence, however little is known about stem cell-related biomarkers in drug resistance and COAD prognosis prediction.

Methods

To uncover the roles of CSC in COAD tumorigenesis, chemoresistance, and prognosis, we retrieved COAD patients’ RNAseq data from TCGA (The Cancer Genome Atlas). We further performed analysis of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and mRNA expression-based stemness index (mRNAsi) to identify stemness-related COAD biomarkers. We then evaluated the roles of mRNAsi in tumorigenesis, clinical-stage, overall survival (OS), and chemoresistance. Afterward, we used identified prognostic stemness-related genes (PSRGs) to construct a prediction model. After constructing the prediction model, we used elastic Net regression and area under the curve (AUC) to explore the prediction value of PSRGs based on risk scores and the receiver operator characteristic (ROC) curve. To elucidate the underlying interconnected systems, we examined relationships between the levels of TFs, PSRGs, and 50 cancer hallmarks by a Pearson correlation analysis.

Results

Twelve thousand one hundred eight DEGs were identified by comparing 456 primary COADs and 41 normal solid tissue samples. Furthermore, we identified 4351 clinical stage-related DEGs, 16,516 stemness-associated DEGs, and 54 chemoresistance-related DEGs from cancer stages: mRNAsi, and COAD chemoresistance. Compared to normal tissue samples, mRNAsi in COAD patients were marked on an elevation and involved in prognosis (p = 0.027), stemness-related DEGs based on chemoresistance (OR = 3.28, p ≤ 0.001) and AJCC clinical stage relating (OR = 4.02, p ≤ 0.001) to COAD patients. The prediction model of prognosis were constructed using the 6 PSRGs with high accuracy (AUC: 0.659). The model identified universal correlation between NRIP2 and FDFT1 (key PRSGs), and some cancer related transcription factors (TFs) and trademarks of cancer gene were in the regulatory network.

Conclusion

We found that mRNAsi is a reliable predictive biomarker of tumorigenesis and COAD prognosis. Our established prediction model of COAD chemoresistance, which includes the six PSRGs, is effective, as the model provides promising therapeutic targets in the COAD.
Effects of the increased protein level in small intestine on the colonic microbiota, inflammation and barrier function in growing pigs
Authors: Li Zhongxin , Ding Liren , Zhu Weiyun , Hang Suqin
Published: July 2022

Background

An increased level of the dietary protein alters the colonic microbial community and metabolic profile of pigs, but it remains unclear whether this leads to colonic inflammation and impairs barrier function in growing pigs.

Results

Sixteen pigs (35.2 ± 0.3 kg) were infused with sterile saline (control) or soy protein hydrolysate (SPH) (70 g/day) through a duodenal fistula twice daily during a 15-day experimental period. The SPH treatment did not affect their average daily feed intake and daily weight gain (P > 0.05), but reduced colon index and length (P < 0.05). Illumina MiSeq sequencing revealed that species richness was increased following SPH intervention (P < 0.05). Furthermore, SPH reduced the abundance of butyrate- and propionate-producing bacteria—such as Lachnospiraceae NK4A136 group, Lachnospiraceae_uncultured, Coprococcus 3, Lachnospiraceae UCG-002, and Anaerovibrio—and increased the abundance of potentially pathogenic bacteria and protein-fermenting bacteria, such as Escherichia-Shigella, Dialister, Veillonella, Prevotella, Candidatus Saccharimonas, Erysipelotrichaceae UCG-006, Prevotellaceae_uncultured, and Prevotellaceae UCG-003 (P < 0.05). In addition, a lower content of total short-chain fatty acids, propionate, and butyrate and a higher concentration of cadaverine, putrescine, total biogenic amines, ammonia, and isovalerate were observed following SPH infusion (P < 0.05). Further analysis revealed that SPH increased the concentration of tumour necrosis factor-α, interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, and IL-8 in the colonic mucosa (P < 0.05). Interestingly, SPH intervention increased the expression of occludin, zonula occludens (ZO)-1, and claudin-1 in colonic mucosa (P < 0.05). Correlation analysis showed that different genera were significantly related to the production of metabolites and the concentrations of pro-inflammatory cytokines.

Conclusion

An increased soy protein level in the small intestine altered the colonic microbial composition and metabolic profile, which resulted in the secretion of colonic proinflammatory cytokines and the increased expression of tight junction proteins.
Identification of effective alleles and haplotypes conferring pre-harvest sprouting resistance in winter wheat cultivars
Authors: Yiwen Huang , Xuran Dai , Hongwei Liu , Shuo Yu , Chunyan Mai , Liqiang Yu , Guangjun Yu , Li Yang , Yang Zhou , Hongjie Li , Hongjun Zhang
Published: July 2022

Background

Pre-harvest sprouting (PHS) is a serious limiting factor for wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) grain yield and end-use quality. Identification of reliable molecular markers and PHS-resistant germplasms is vital to improve PHS resistance by molecular marker-assisted selection (MAS), but the effects of allelic variation and haplotypes in genes conferring PHS resistance in winter wheat cultivars are less understood.

Results

Resistance to PHS was tested in 326 commercial winter wheat cultivars for three consecutive growing seasons from 2018–2020. The effects of alleles and haplotypes of 10 genes associated with PHS resistance were determined for all cultivars and were validated by introgressing the PHS-resistance allele and haplotype into a susceptible wheat cultivar. High level of phenotypic variation in PHS resistance was observed in this set of cultivars and 8 of them were highly resistant to PHS with stable germination index (GI) of less than 25% in each individual year. Allelic effects of nine genes and TaMFT haplotype analysis demonstrated that the haplotype Hap1 with low-GI alleles at five positions had the best PHS resistance. This haplotype has the priority to use in improving PHS resistance because of its high effectiveness and rare present in the current commercial cultivars. Among 14 main allelic combinations (ACs) identified, the AC1 carrying the haplotype Hap1 and the TaSdr-B1a allele had better PHS resistance than the other classes. The introgression of Hap1 and TaSdr-B1a is able to significantly improve the PHS resistance in the susceptible cultivar Lunxuan 13.

Conclusions

The effectiveness of alleles conferring PHS resistance in winter wheat cultivars was determined and the useful alleles and haplotypes were identified, providing valuable information for parental selection and MAS aiming at improving PHS-resistance in winter wheat. The identification of the PHS-resistant cultivars without known resistance alleles offers an opportunity to explore new PHS-resistant genes.
Unexpected systolic anterior motion of the mitral valve-related hypoxemia during transurethral resection of the prostate under spinal anesthesia: a case report
Authors: Chou Chien-Ju , Lai Yi-Chen , Ou Shu-Yu , Chen Chen-Hsiu
Published: July 2022

Background

Dynamic obstruction of the left ventricular outflow tract resulting from systolic anterior motion of the mitral valve can be an unexpected cause of acute and severe perioperative hypotension in noncardiac surgery. We report a patient undergoing spinal anesthesia for transurethral resection of the prostate who experienced sudden hypoxemia caused by systolic anterior motion-induced mitral regurgitation but with a clinically picture simulating fluid overload.

Case presentation

An 83-year-old man with a history of hypertension was scheduled for transurethral resection of the prostate. One hour after spinal anesthesia, he developed acute restlessness and dyspnea, with pink frothy sputum and progressive hypoxemia. Slight hypertension was noted, and an electrocardiogram showed atrial fibrillation with a rapid ventricular response. Furosemide and nitroglycerin were thus administered for suspected fluid overload or transurethral resection of the prostate syndrome; however, he then became severely hypotensive. After tracheal intubation, intraoperative transesophageal echocardiography was promptly performed, which revealed an empty hypercontractile left ventricle, significant mitral regurgitation and mosaic flow signal in the left ventricular outflow tract. Following aggressive fluid therapy, his hemodynamic changes stabilized. Repeat echocardiography in intensive care unit confirmed the presence of systolic anterior motion of the anterior mitral leaflet obstructing the left ventricular outflow tract. We speculate that pulmonary edema was induced by systolic anterior motion-associated mitral regurgitation and rapid atrial fibrillation, and the initial management had worsened his hypovolemia and provoked left ventricular outflow tract obstruction and hemodynamic instability.

Conclusions

Pulmonary edema caused by systolic anterior motion of the mitral valve can be difficult to clinically differentiate from that induced by fluid overload. Therefore, bedside echocardiography is paramount for timely diagnosis and prompt initiation of appropriate therapy in the perioperative care setting.
Simple method for identification of women at risk of gestational diabetes mellitus in Arusha urban, Tanzania
Authors: Msollo Safiness Simon , Martin Haikael David , Mwanri Akwilina Wendelin , Petrucka Pammla
Published: July 2022

Background

Screening for gestational diabetes mellitus in Tanzania is challenged by limited resources. Therefore, this study aimed to develop a simple method for identification of women at risk of gestational diabetes mellitus in Arusha urban, Tanzania.

Methods

This study used data from a cross sectional study, that was conducted between March and December 2018 in Arusha District involving 468 pregnant women who were not known to have diabetes before pregnancy. Urine glucose was tested using urine multistics and blood glucose levels by Gluco-Plus™ and diagnosed in accordance with the World Health Organization’s criteria. Anthropometrics were measured using standard procedures and maternal characteristics were collected through face-to-face interviews using a questionnaire with structured questions. Univariate analysis assessed individual variables association with gestational diabetes mellitus where variables with p-value of < 0.05 were included in multivariable analysis and predictors with p-value < 0.1 remained in the final model. Each variable was scored based on its estimated coefficients and risk scores were calculated by multiplying the corresponding coefficients by ten to get integers. The model’s performance was assessed using c-statistic. Data were analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Science™.

Results

The risk score included body fat ≥ 38%, delivery to macrosomic babies, mid-upper arm circumference ≥ 28 cm, and family history of type 2 diabetes mellitus. The score correctly identified 98% of women with gestational diabetes with an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.97 (95% CI 0.96–0.99, p < 0.001), sensitivity of 0.98, and specificity of 0.46.

Conclusion

The developed screening tool is highly sensitive and correctly differentiates women with and without gestational diabetes mellitus in a Tanzanian sub-population.
Sex-limited chromosomes and non-reproductive traits
Authors: Cīrulis Aivars , Hansson Bengt , Abbott Jessica K.
Published: July 2022

Sex chromosomes are typically viewed as having originated from a pair of autosomes, and differentiated as the sex-limited chromosome (e.g. Y) has degenerated by losing most genes through cessation of recombination. While often thought that degenerated sex-limited chromosomes primarily affect traits involved in sex determination and sex cell production, accumulating evidence suggests they also influence traits not sex-limited or directly involved in reproduction. Here, we provide an overview of the effects of sex-limited chromosomes on non-reproductive traits in XY, ZW or UV sex determination systems, and discuss evolutionary processes maintaining variation at sex-limited chromosomes and molecular mechanisms affecting non-reproductive traits.
Understanding Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex in elephants through a One Health approach: a systematic review
Authors: Rajbhandari Rajesh Man , de la Fuente José , Karmacharya Dibesh , Mathema Sujala , Maharjan Bijay , Dixit Sameer Mani , Shrestha Nisha , Queirós João , Gortázar Christian , Alves Paulo Célio
Published: July 2022

Background

Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex (MTC) that causes the chronic infectious disease- tuberculosis (TB), often presents with a complicated epidemiological pattern where the transmission chain may include humans, domestic animals and wildlife, including elephants. TB has been reported globally in both captive and wild elephants. The One Health approach might be the most effective way of understanding the shared MTC infection dynamics in captive and wild animals like Asian elephants. This systematic review accumulates evidence on occurrence, transmission pathways, and preventive measures of TB in elephants from a One Health perspective.

Results

The prevalence of TB reported in elephant populations ranges from 0 to 23.33% and high prevalence’s are reported for elephants that are in close proximity to infected humans. The risk of elephant to human infection transmission increased significantly with exposure duration and contact with infected elephants. Some studies described the plausible TB transmission to captive elephants from other animals (wild and domestic), suggesting inter- and intra-species transmission. The results of this systematic review based on 27 relevant published works, suggest three overarching interrelated transmission pathways for M. tuberculosis infections in Asian elephants- i) humans and elephants, ii) other animals (wild or domestic) and elephants and iii) unclear sources of infection.

Conclusions

The progress made with new TB diagnostic tools provides multiple methods to choose from. However, lack of harmonization of TB testing in elephants and their human contacts remains a challenge to prevent TB in those animals. Routine TB screening among elephants and caretakers by setting up an occupational health program for early diagnosis of infection through combined efforts of public health, veterinary medicine, and occupational health experts is suggested. This implies the need for a One Health approach to elephant TB control. This review reveals the need for more research on Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex transmission pathways at the human-animal interface.
Milk exosomes elicit a potent anti-viral activity against dengue virus
Authors: Yenuganti Vengala Rao , Afroz Sumbul , Khan Rafiq Ahmad , Bharadwaj Chandrima , Nabariya Deepti Kailash , Nayak Nagaraj , Subbiah Madhuri , Chintala Kumaraswami , Banerjee Sharmistha , Reddanna Pallu , Khan Nooruddin
Published: July 2022

Background

Exosomes are nano-sized vesicles secreted by various cells into the intra and extracellular space and hence is an integral part of biological fluids including milk. In the last few decades, many research groups have proved the potential of milk exosomes as a sustainable, economical and non-immunogenic drug delivery and therapeutic agent against different pathological conditions. However, its anti-viral properties still remain to be unearthed.

Methods

Here, we have been able to isolate, purify and characterize the milk derived exosomes from Cow (CME) and Goat (GME) and further studied its antiviral properties against Dengue virus (DENV), Newcastle Disease Virus strain Komarov (NDV-K) and Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV-1) using an in-vitro infection system.

Results

TEM, NTA and DLS analysis validated the appropriate size of the isolated cow and goat milk exosomes (30–150 nm). Real-time PCR and immunoblotting results confirmed the presence of several milk exosomal miRNAs and protein markers. Our findings suggest that GME significantly decreased the infectivity of DENV. In addition, we confirmed that GME significantly reduces DENV replication and reduced the secretion of mature virions. Furthermore, heat inactivation of GME did not show any inhibition on DENV infection, replication, and secretion of mature virions. RNase treatment of GME abrogates the anti-viral properties indicating direct role of exosomes in DENV inhibition. In addition GME inhibited the infectivity of NDV-K, but not HIV-1, suggesting that the GME mediated antiviral activity might be virus specific.

Conclusion

This study demonstrates the anti-viral properties of milk exosomes and opens new avenues for the development of exosome-based therapies to treat viral diseases.

Graphical Abstract
Protein nanoparticle-induced osmotic pressure gradients modify pulmonary edema through hyperpermeability in acute respiratory distress syndrome
Authors: Qian ZhiZhi , Wang QianYi , Qiu ZhaoShun , Li DanYang , Zhang ChenCheng , Xiong XiYu , Zheng ZiHui , Ruan QinLi , Guo YiChen , Guo Jun
Published: July 2022

Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), caused by noncardiogenic pulmonary edema (PE), contributes significantly to Coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19)-associated morbidity and mortality. We explored the effect of transmembrane osmotic pressure (OP) gradients in PE using a fluorescence resonance energy transfer-based Intermediate filament (IF) tension optical probe. Angiotensin-II- and bradykinin-induced increases in intracellular protein nanoparticle (PN)-OP were associated with inflammasome production and cytoskeletal depolymerization. Intracellular protein nanoparticle production also resulted in cytomembrane hyperpolarization and L-VGCC-induced calcium signals, which differed from diacylglycerol-induced calcium increment via TRPC6 activation. Both pathways involve voltage-dependent cation influx and OP upregulation via SUR1-TRPM4 channels. Meanwhile, intra/extracellular PN-induced OP gradients across membranes upregulated pulmonary endothelial and alveolar barrier permeability. Attenuation of intracellular PN, calcium signals, and cation influx by drug combinations effectively relieved intracellular OP and pulmonary endothelial nonselective permeability, and improved epithelial fluid absorption and PE. Thus, PN-OP is pivotal in pulmonary edema in ARDS and COVID-19, and transmembrane OP recovery could be used to treat pulmonary edema and develop new drug targets in pulmonary injury.

Graphical Abstract
RETRACTED ARTICLE: Copper-based metal–organic framework impedes triple-negative breast cancer metastasis via local estrogen deprivation and platelets blockade
Authors: Wang Sijie , Yin Na , Li Yongjuan , Xiang Tingting , Jiang Wenxiao , Zhao Xiu , Liu Wei , Zhang Zhenzhong , Shi Jinjin , Zhang Kaixiang , Guo Xingming , Si Pilei , Liu Junjie
Published: July 2022

Metastasis is one of the main causes of failure in the treatment of triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). Abnormally estrogen level and activated platelets are the key driving forces for TNBC metastasis. Herein, an “ion/gas” bioactive nanogenerator (termed as IGBN), comprising a copper-based MOF and loaded cisplatin-arginine (Pt-Arg) prodrug is developed for metastasis-promoting tumor microenvironment reprogramming and TNBC therapy. The copper-based MOF not only serves as a drug carrier, but also specifically produces Cu2+ in tumors, which catalytic oxidizing estrogen to reduce estrogen levels in situ. Meanwhile, the rationally designed Pt-Arg prodrug reduced into cisplatin to significantly promote the generation of H2O2 in the tumor, then permitting self-augmented cascade NO gas generation by oxidizing Arg through a H2O2 self-supplied way, thus blocking platelet activation in tumor. We clarified that IGBN inhibited TNBC metastasis through local estrogen deprivation and platelets blockade, affording 88.4% inhibition of pulmonary metastasis in a 4T1 mammary adenocarcinoma model. Notably, the locally copper ion interference, NO gas therapy and cisplatin chemotherapy together resulted in an enhanced therapeutic efficacy in primary tumor ablation without significant toxicity. This “ion/gas” bioactive nanogenerator offers a robust and safe strategy for TNBC therapy.

Graphical Abstract
Valuing EQ-5D-Y: the current state of play
Authors: Devlin N. , Pan T. , Kreimeier S. , Verstraete J. , Stolk E. , Rand K. , Herdman M.
Published: July 2022

Background

For nearly a decade, value sets for the EQ-5D-Y were not available, reflecting challenges in valuing child HRQoL. A methodological research programme led to publication of a valuation protocol in 2020, which was rapidly taken up by local study teams. By the end of 2022, between 11 and 17 EQ-5D-Y value sets will be available, more than for any other child HRQoL measure. It is timely to review the experience of those using the protocol to identify early learnings and remaining issues where more research is needed.

Methods

In June 2021, the EuroQol Group organised a three-day workshop, bringing together all those involved in EQ-5D-Y value set studies and related methodological research concerning EQ-5D-Y and valuation. Workshop discussions were captured by note taking and recording all sessions and online chat. A narrative summary of all sessions was produced and synthesised to identify points of agreement and aspects of methods where uncertainty remains.

Results

There was broad agreement that DCE is working well as the principal valuation method. However, the most appropriate means of anchoring the latent scale values produced by DCE remains unclear. Some studies have deviated from the protocol by extending the number of states included in TTO tasks, to better support modelling of DCE and TTO. There is ongoing discussion about the relative merits of alternative variants of TTO and other methods for anchoring. Very few studies have consulted with local end-users to gauge the acceptability of methods used to value EQ-5D-Y.

Conclusions

Priority areas for research include testing alternative methods for anchoring DCE data; exploring the preferences of adolescents; and scale differences in values for EQ-5D-Y and adult EQ-5D states, and implications of such differences for the use of EQ-5D-Y values in HTA. Given the normative elements of the protocol, engaging with HTA bodies and other local users should be the first step for all future value set studies. Value sets undertaken to date are for the three-level EQ-5D-Y. However, the issues discussed in this paper are equally relevant to valuation of the five-level version of EQ-5D-Y; indeed, similar challenges are encountered valuing any measure of child HRQoL.
Predicting panel attrition in longitudinal HRQoL surveys during the COVID-19 pandemic in the US
Authors: Yu Tianzhou , Chen Jiafan , Gu Ning Yan , Hay Joel W. , Gong Cynthia L.
Published: July 2022

Background

Online longitudinal surveys may be subject to potential biases due to sample attrition. This study was designed to identify potential predictors of attrition using a longitudinal panel survey collected during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods

Three waves of data were collected using Amazon Mechanical Turk (MTurk), an online crowd-sourced platform. For each wave, the study sample was collected by referencing a US national representative sample distribution of age, gender, and race, based on US census data. Variables included respondents’ demographics, medical history, socioeconomic status, COVID-19 experience, changes of health behavior, productivity, and health-related quality of life (HRQoL). Results were compared to pre-pandemic US norms. Measures that predicted attrition at different times of the pandemic were identified via logistic regression with stepwise selection.

Results

1467 of 2734 wave 1 respondents participated in wave 2 and, 964 of 2454 wave 2 respondents participated in wave 3. Younger age group, Hispanic origin (p ≤ 0.001) and higher self-rated survey difficulty (p ≤ 0.002) consistently predicted attrition in the following wave. COVID-19 experience, employment, productivity, and limited physical activities were commonly observed variables correlated with attrition with specific measures varying by time periods. From wave 1, mental health conditions, average daily hours worked (p = 0.004), and COVID-19 impact on work productivity (p < 0.001) were associated with a higher attrition rate at wave 2, additional to the aforementioned factors. From wave 2, support of social distancing (p = 0.032), being Republican (p < 0.001), and having just enough money to make ends meet (p = 0.003) were associated with predicted attrition at wave 3.

Conclusions

Attrition in this longitudinal panel survey was not random. Besides commonly identified demographic factors that contribute to panel attrition, COVID-19 presented novel opportunities to address sample biases by correlating attrition with additional behavioral and HRQoL factors in a constantly evolving environment. While age, ethnicity, and survey difficulty consistently predicted attrition, other factors, such as COVID-19 experience, changes of employment, productivity, physical health, mental health, and financial situation impacted panel attrition during the pandemic at various degrees.