bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Influence of Brand Social Interaction on Purchase Intention: A Perspective of Social Capital
Authors: Zhang Shunfeng , Zhang Linghao
Published: May 2023

The development of social media supports and broadens the possibility for consumers to participate in social interaction, not to mention that the online and offline social interaction independently designed by the brand have played an important role in enhancing consumers’ purchase intentions. Based on the perspective of social capital, this article explores the influence of brand social interaction (BSI) on users’ purchase intentions. It discusses the role of BSI factors at the online and offline levels on the formation of social capital, as well as the impact of social capital on continued purchase intentions, and proposes a hypothetical model. Our model is empirically tested through survey data collected from 395 member-level users of Midea, a well-known home appliance brand in China. The empirical results show that online interactive support, immersion, and offline brand activities are important antecedents of social capital, and the last two especially significant. In contrast, the influence of online interactive reaction on shared narratives is supportless. In addition, identification and shared narratives significantly affect purchase intention, while the positive impact of social ties has not been endorsed. Finally, the research discusses the theoretical and practical significance of the results, which is a real and effective guide for companies to carry out BSI, thereby improving consumers’ purchase intentions.
Cavernous Hemangioma of Tongue in an Adult Male: A Rare Case Report
Authors: Sharma Anamika , Mathur Vartika , Singh Gaurav , Mishra Madan , Mondal Shubhamoy
Published: May 2023

Hemangiomas are benign tumors of endothelial cells and most common tumors of the childhood but rarely found in adults. They appear a few weeks after birth and grow rapidly, and in most cases undergo involution. Hemangiomas occur more common in females than males. The treatment depends upon patient’s age, lesion location, size, and evolution stage. Here, we report a rare case of cavernous hemangioma in a 44-year-old male present on right lateral border of anterior two-thirds of tongue.
Imagining the impossible: An act of radical hope
Authors: Damhof Loes , Gulmans Jitske
Published: May 2023

Even the most determined optimists among us cannot deny we are living in dark times, with raging wars and the effects of climate change upon us. A pandemic has left us feeling uncertain about our futures, polarization has pressured social discourse. Our assumptions of the future are being challenged: even what we took for granted now seems uncertain. And instead of asking: how did we get here? We are left with the question: what made us think we would never get here? If the unimaginable suddenly becomes a reality, then what is left to imagine? Is it still worth being hopeful? It appears that we are not only suffering from the poverty of imagination, but also from the poverty of hope. But what if imagination and hope are inherently connected? In this essay we propose that we cannot be hopeful without rethinking our images of the future, in which imagining the impossible turns out to become a necessity: a radical act of hope.
Real-world effectiveness of fremanezumab in patients with migraine switching from another mAb targeting the CGRP pathway: a subgroup analysis of the Finesse Study
Authors: Straube Andreas , Broessner Gregor , Gaul Charly , Hamann Xenia , Hipp Joachim , Kraya Torsten , Neeb Lars
Published: May 2023

Background

Monoclonal antibodies targeting the CGRP pathway are effective and safe for prophylactic treatment of episodic (EM) and chronic migraine (CM). In case of treatment failure of a CGRP pathway targeting mAb, physician has to decide whether using another anti-CGRP pathway mAb is useful. This interim analysis of Finesse Study evaluates effectiveness of the anti-CGRP mAb fremanezumab in patients with a history of other prior anti-CGRP pathway mAb treatments (switch patients).

Methods

Finesse, a non-interventional, prospective, multicentre, two-country (Germany-Austria) study observing migraine patients receiving fremanezumab in clinical routine. This subgroup analysis presents data on documented effectiveness over 3 months after the first dose of fremanezumab in switch patients. Effectiveness was evaluated based on reduction in average number of migraine days per month (MMDs), MIDAS and HIT-6 scores changes as well as in number of monthly days with acute migraine medication use.

Results

One hundred fifty-three out of 867 patients with a history of anti-CGRP pathway mAb treatment prior to initiation of fremanezumab were analysed. Switch to fremanezumab led to ≥ 50% MMD reduction in 42.8% of migraine patients, with higher response rate in EM (48.0%) than in CM patients (36.5%). A ≥ 30% MMD reduction was achieved by 58.7% in CM patients. After three months, monthly number of migraine days decreased by 6.4 ± 5.87 (baseline: 13.6 ± 6.5; p < 0.0001) in all patients, 5.2 ± 4.04 in EM and 7.7 ± 7.45 in CM patients. MIDAS scores decreased from 73.3 ± 56.8 (baseline) to 50.3 ± 52.9 (after 3 months; p = 0.0014), HIT-6 scores decreased from 65.9 ± 5.0 to 60.9 ± 7.2 (p < 0.0001). Concomitant use of acute migraine medication had decreased from 9.7 ± 4.98 (baseline) to 4.9 ± 3.66 (3 months) (p < 0.0001).

Conclusions

Our results show that about 42.8% of anti-CGRP pathway mAb-non-responder benefit from switching to fremanezumab. These results suggest that switching to fremanezumab may be a promising option for patients experiencing poor tolerability or inadequate efficacy with prior other anti-CGRP pathway mAb use.

Trial registration

Finesse Study is registered on the European Network of Centres for Pharmacoepidemiology and Pharmacovigilance (EUPAS44606).

Graphical Abstract
Synergistic action of phages and lytic proteins with antibiotics: a combination strategy to target bacteria and biofilms
Authors: Lu Han , Li Zong , Elbaz Amro , Ni Shou-Qing
Published: May 2023

Background

Multidrug-resistant bacteria continue to emerge owing to the abuse of antibiotics and have a considerable negative impact on people and the environment. Bacteria can easily form biofilms to improve their survival, which reduces the efficacy of antibacterial drugs. Proteins such as endolysins and holins have been shown to have good antibacterial activity and effectively removal bacterial biofilms and reduce the production of drug-resistant bacteria. Recently, phages and their encoded lytic proteins have attracted attention as potential alternative antimicrobial agents. The aim of the present study was to investigate the sterilising efficacy of phages (SSE1, SGF2, and SGF3) and their encoded lytic proteins (lysozyme and holin), and to further explore their potential in combination with antibiotics. To the ultimate aim is to reduce or replace the use of antibiotics and provide more materials and options for sterilisation.

Results

Phages and their encoded lytic proteins were confirmed to have great advantages in sterilisation, and all exhibited significant potential for reducing bacterial resistance. Previous studies on the host spectrum demonstrated the bactericidal efficacy of three Shigella phages (SSE1, SGF2, and SGF3) and two lytic proteins (LysSSE1 and HolSSE1). In this study, we investigated the bactericidal effects on planktonic bacteria and bacterial biofilms. A combined sterilisation application of antibiotics, phages, and lytic proteins was performed. The results showed that phages and lytic proteins had better sterilisation effects than antibiotics with 1/2 minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) and their effect was further improved when used together with antibiotics. The best synergy was shown when combined with β- lactam antibiotics, which might be related to their mechanism of sterilising action. This approach ensures a bactericidal effect at low antibiotic concentrations.

Conclusions

This study strengthens the idea that phages and lytic proteins can significantly sterilise bacteria in vitro and achieve synergistic sterilisation effects with specific antibiotics. Therefore, a suitable combination strategy may decrease the risk of drug resistance.
Type I Kounis syndrome induced by COVID-19 vaccination in China: a case report
Authors: Deng Yubing , Peng Zhujun , Peng Xiaoping
Published: May 2023

Background

Kounis syndrome is a rare clinical condition characterized by the occurrence of an acute coronary event induced by an acute allergic episode. The ongoing pandemic of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has contributed to an increase in the incidence of allergic reactions to a certain extent, thereby increasing the incidence of Kounis syndrome. Timely diagnosis and effective management of this disease are important in clinical practice.

Case presentation

We report a 43-year-old woman who developed generalized pruritus, breathlessness, paroxysmal precordial crushing pain, and dyspnea after receiving the third dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. After anti-allergic treatment and therapy for acute myocardial ischemia, her symptoms resolved with improvement in cardiac function and resolution of ST-segment changes. The prognosis was satisfactory, and the final diagnosis was type I Kounis syndrome.

Conclusion

This patient with type I Kounis syndrome rapidly developed acute coronary syndrome (ACS) after an acute allergic reaction to the COVID-19 vaccine. ​Timely diagnosis of acute allergic reaction and ACS, and targeted treatment based on the relevant guidelines are the key to successful treatment of the syndrome.​
Cervical cancer screening utilization and its predictors among women in bench Sheko Zone, Southwest Ethiopia: using health belief model
Authors: Belay Alemayehu Sayih , Asmare Wondwossen Niguse , Kassie Aychew
Published: May 2023

Background

Cervical cancer is the fourth most frequently diagnosed and found to be the leading cause of cancer death in women, especially in low and middle-income countries. Even though cervical cancer is a preventable disease, its preventive measures have not been equitably implemented across and within different countries; especially in low and middle-income countries, due to different contributing factors.

Objective

This study aimed to assess cervical cancer screening utilization and its’ predictors among Women in Bench Sheko Zone, Southwest Ethiopia.

Method

A community-based cross-sectional study design was employed in Bench Sheko Zone from February 2021 to April 2021. Using a multi-stage stratified sampling method, a total of 690 women in the age range of 30–49 years were included in the study. The logistic regression analysis was used considering a 95% confidence interval and a P-value of < 0.05.

Results

Ninety-six (14.2%) of the participants have utilized cervical cancer screening. Predictors like; age between 40–49 years (AOR = 5.35, 95% CI = [2.89, 9.90]), partner educational status of certificate and above (AOR = 4.36, 95% CI = [1.65, 11.51]), first sexual intercourse before eighteen years (AOR = 4.85, 95% CI = [2.29, 10.26]), ever used of alcohol (AOR = 3.99, 95% CI = [1.23, 12.89]), good knowledge (AOR = 8.98, 95% CI = [4.06, 19.89]), favorable attitude (AOR = 3.56, 95% CI = [1.78, 7.09]), and high perceived benefit (AOR = 2.94, 95% CI = [1.48, 5.84]) were strongly associated with cervical cancer screening utilization.

Conclusion

In this study, cervical cancer screening utilization was relatively low. Therefore, promotion of the perception of women towards cervical cancer screening, and provision of health-related information towards different behavioral-related factors should have to be addressed at each level of health care.
Incidence and geographic distribution of retinoblastoma in Ethiopia
Authors: Sherief Sadik Taju , Asfaw Gadisa , Abateneh Aemero , Takewe Solomon , Fufa Diriba , Wondale Teshager , Takele Temesgen , Dimaras Helen
Published: May 2023

Introduction

Retinoblastoma is the most frequent intraocular malignancy of the eye in children, occurring in early childhood. Based on global estimates, Ethiopia is expected to observe over 200 new retinoblastoma cases per year, however without a cancer registry, this number is difficult to confirm. Therefore, the goal of the study was to determine the incidence and geographic distribution of retinoblastoma in Ethiopia.

Methods

A retrospective medical chart review of clinically diagnosed new retinoblastoma patients between January 1, 2017 - December 31, 2020, in four public Ethiopian tertiary hospitals was performed. The incidence of retinoblastoma was calculated by a birth-cohort analysis.

Results

There were 221 retinoblastoma patients observed in the study period. The incidence of retinoblastoma was found to be 1 in 52,156 live births. Incidence varied among different regions of Ethiopia.

Conclusion

The incidence of retinoblastoma observed in this study is likely an underestimate. It is possible that patients were undercounted because they were seen outside of the 4 main retinoblastoma treatment facilities included in this facility, or they experienced barriers to accessing care. Our study suggests a need for a nationwide retinoblastoma registry and more retinoblastoma treatment centers in the country.
Progression of pulmonary cysts in Birt-Hogg-Dubé syndrome: longitudinal thoracic computed tomography study with quantitative assessment
Authors: Cho Su Min , Chae Eun Jin , Choe Jooae , Lee Sang Min , Song Jin Woo , Do Kyung-Hyun
Published: May 2023

Background

Birt-Hogg-Dubé (BHD) syndrome is a rare autosomal dominant disorder characterized by fibrofolliculomas, renal tumors, pulmonary cysts, and recurrent pneumothorax. Pulmonary cysts are the cause of recurrent pneumothorax, which is one of the most important factors influencing patient quality of life. It is unknown whether pulmonary cysts progress with time or influence pulmonary function in patients with BHD syndrome. This study investigated whether pulmonary cysts progress during long-term follow-up (FU) by using thoracic computed tomography (CT) and whether pulmonary function declines during FU. We also evaluated risk factors for pneumothorax in patients with BHD during FU.

Methods

Our retrospective cohort included 43 patients with BHD (25 women; mean age, 54.2 ± 11.7 years). We evaluated whether cysts progress by visual assessment and quantitative volume analysis using initial and serial thoracic CT. The visual assessment included the size, location, number, shape, distribution, presence of a visible wall, fissural or subpleural cysts, and air-cuff signs. In CT data obtained from a 1-mm section from 17 patients, the quantitative assessment was performed by measuring the volume of the low attenuation area using in-house software. We evaluated whether the pulmonary function declined with time on serial pulmonary function tests (PFT). Risk factors for pneumothorax were analyzed using multiple regression analysis.

Results

On visual assessment, the largest cyst in the right lung showed a significant interval increase in size (1.0 mm/year, p = 0.0015; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.42–1.64) between the initial and final CT, and the largest cyst in the left lung also showed significant interval increase in size (0.8 mm/year, p < 0.001, 95% CI; -0.49–1.09). On quantitative assessment, cysts had a tendency to gradually increase in size. In 33 patients with available PFT data, FEV1pred%, FEV1/FVC, and VCpred% showed a statistically significant decrease with time (p < 0.0001 for each). A family history of pneumothorax was a risk factor for the development of pneumothorax.

Conclusions

The size of pulmonary cysts progressed over time in longitudinal follow-up thoracic CT in patients with BHD, and pulmonary function had slightly deteriorated by longitudinal follow-up PFT.
Brain-lung crosstalk: how should we manage the breathing brain?
Authors: Wahlster Sarah , Town James A. , Battaglini Denise , Robba Chiara
Published: May 2023

Recent studies have drawn increasing attention to brain-lung crosstalk in critically ill patients. However, further research is needed to investigate the pathophysiological interactions between the brain and lungs, establish neuroprotective ventilatory strategies for brain-injured patients, provide guidance on potentially conflicting treatment priorities in patients with concomitant brain and lung injury, and enhance prognostic models to inform extubation and tracheostomy decisions. To bring together such research, BMC Pulmonary Medicine welcomes submissions to its new Collection on ‘Brain-lung crosstalk’.
Comparison of unipedicular and bipedicular kyphoplasty for treating acute osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures in the lower lumbar spine: a retrospective study
Authors: Qian Yunfan , Li Yimin , Shen Guangjie , Zhong Xiqiang , Tang Chengxuan , He Shaoqi
Published: May 2023

Background

Unipedicular and bipedicular approaches for percutaneous kyphoplasty are reportedly both effective in treating osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures (OVCFs). However, most studies have reported thoracolumbar fractures, with few reports describing the treatment of the lower lumbar spine. Here, we compared the clinical and radiological results of unipedicular and bipedicular approaches for percutaneous kyphoplasty for treating osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed the records of 160 patients who underwent percutaneous kyphoplasty for lower lumbar (L3–L5) osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures between January 2016 and January 2020. Patient characteristics, surgical outcomes, operation time, blood loss, clinical and radiological features, and complications were compared between two groups. Cement leakage, height restoration, and cement distribution were calculated from the radiographs. Visual pain analog scale (VAS) and Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) were calculated before surgery, immediately post-surgery, and 2 years after surgery.

Results

The mean age, sex, body mass index, injury time, segmental distribution, and morphological classification of fractures before surgery did not differ significantly between the groups. The results showed significant improvements in the VAS score, ODI score, and vertebral height restoration in each group (p < 0.05), with no significant differences between the two groups (p > 0.05). The mean operation time and extent of blood loss were lower in the unipedicular group than those in the bipedicular group (p < 0.05). Different types of bone cement leakage were observed in both groups. Leakage rate was higher in the bipedicular group than in the unipedicular group. Patients in the bipedicular group showed greater improvement in bone cement distribution than those in the unipedicular group (p < 0.05).

Conclusions

The clinical and radiological results of unipedicular percutaneous kyphoplasty for treating osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures in the lower lumbar region were similar to those of bipedicular percutaneous kyphoplasty. However, the unipedicular approach resulted in shorter surgical time, less blood loss, and less bone cement leakage. Thus, the unipedicular approach may be preferable owing to its several advantages.
Nance-Horan Syndrome: characterization of dental, clinical and molecular features in three new families
Authors: Guven Yeliz , Saracoglu Hilal Piril , Aksakal Sermin Dicle , Kalayci Tugba , Altunoglu Umut , Uyguner Zehra Oya , Eraslan Serpil , Borklu Esra , Kayserili Hulya
Published: May 2023

Background

Nance–Horan syndrome (NHS; MIM 302,350) is an extremely rare X-linked dominant disease characterized by ocular and dental anomalies, intellectual disability, and facial dysmorphic features.

Case presentation

We report on five affected males and three carrier females from three unrelated NHS families. In Family 1, index (P1) showing bilateral cataracts, iris heterochromia, microcornea, mild intellectual disability, and dental findings including Hutchinson incisors, supernumerary teeth, bud-shaped molars received clinical diagnosis of NHS and targeted NHS gene sequencing revealed a novel pathogenic variant, c.2416 C > T; p.(Gln806*). In Family 2, index (P2) presenting with global developmental delay, microphthalmia, cataracts, and ventricular septal defect underwent SNP array testing and a novel deletion encompassing 22 genes including the NHS gene was detected. In Family 3, two half-brothers (P3 and P4) and maternal uncle (P5) had congenital cataracts and mild to moderate intellectual deficiency. P3 also had autistic and psychobehavioral features. Dental findings included notched incisors, bud-shaped permanent molars, and supernumerary molars. Duo-WES analysis on half-brothers showed a hemizygous novel deletion, c.1867delC; p.(Gln623ArgfsTer26).

Conclusions

Dental professionals can be the first-line specialists involved in the diagnosis of NHS due to its distinct dental findings. Our findings broaden the spectrum of genetic etiopathogenesis associated with NHS and aim to raise awareness among dental professionals.
Assessing the impact of a knowledge translation intervention on physical therapists’ self-efficacy and implementation of motor learning practice
Authors: Kafri Michal , Levron Yasmin , Atun-Einy Osnat
Published: May 2023

Background

The application of motor learning (ML) principles and research in physical therapy can optimize patient outcomes. However, the translation of the accumulated knowledge in ML to clinical practice is limited. Knowledge translation interventions, which are designed to promote changes in clinical behaviors, have the potential to address this implementation gap. We developed, implemented, and evaluated a knowledge translation intervention for ML implementation that focuses on building clinical capacity among physical therapists for the systematic application of ML knowledge in clinical practice.

Methods

A total of 111 physical therapists underwent the intervention, which consisted of the following: (1) an interactive didactic 20-hour course; (2) an illustrated conceptual model of ML elements; and (3) a structured clinical-thinking form. Participants completed the Physical Therapists’ Perceptions of Motor Learning (PTP-ML) questionnaire pre and post intervention. The PTP-ML was used to assess ML-related self-efficacy and implementation. Participants also provided post-intervention feedback. A sub-sample (n = 25) provided follow-up feedback more than a year after the completion of the intervention. Pre–post and post-follow-up changes in the PTP-ML scores were calculated. The information gathered from the open-ended items of the post-intervention feedback was analyzed to identify emerging themes.

Results

Comparing pre- and post-intervention scores, significant changes were found in the total questionnaire scores, self-efficacy subscale scores, reported implementation subscale scores (P < .0001), and general perceptions and work environment subscale score (P < .005). The mean changes in the total questionnaire and self-efficacy scores also significantly exceeded the Reliable Change Index. In the follow-up sample, these changes were maintained. Participants felt that the intervention helped them organize their knowledge in a structured manner and consciously link their practice elements to concepts in ML. Discussion of clinical cases was reported to be the most valuable educational method, and the illustrated conceptual model of ML elements was the least valued. Respondents also suggested support activities to maintain and enhance the learning experience, including on-site mentorship and hands-on experience.

Conclusions

Findings support the positive effect of an educational tool, most prominently on physical therapists’ ML self-efficacy. The addition of practical modeling or ongoing educational support may enhance intervention effects.
Developing a core competency framework for advanced practice nursing in mainland China: a sequential exploratory study
Authors: Guo Hongxia , Zhu Wei , Li Jiping
Published: May 2023

Background

Advanced Practice Nursing (APN) have been highly valued and an integral part of the health care system. Development and establishment of new APN roles is a complex process that has resulted from a wide variety of reasons, key component is a lack of a competency map delineation and role evaluation. Currently, however, competence framework has not been compared at an international level. In mainland China, APN have been introduced in some organizations but their competency domains have not yet been clearly defined, this study aimed to identify the core competencies for advanced practice nursing.

Methods

This study was performed in two phases: first, in-depth and semi-structured individual interviews with 46 participants from key stakeholders were carried out followed by a qualitative content analysis, then an item pool of core competencies was constructed by extracting data from the first phase and the results from previous studies, scales and documents; second, a Delphi technique was conducted with the participation of 28 experts from 7 areas of China to form the final core competency framework for advanced practice nursing.

Results

Through the qualitative phase, the core competency framework with six domains and 70 items emerged and then entered into the Delphi phase. Twenty-eight of 30 experts finished 2 rounds of Delphi approaches. The final core competencies for advanced practice nursing consisted of six domains with 61 items, including direct clinical nursing practice, research and evidence-based nursing practice, professional development, organization and management, mentoring and consultation, and ethical/legal practice.

Conclusion

This core competency framework consisted of six domains with 61 items can be used in competency-based education to cultivate advanced practice nurses as well as competency level assessment.
TREM-1 as a potential prognostic biomarker associated with immune infiltration in clear cell renal cell carcinoma
Authors: Pu Yaling , Cai Danyang , Jin Lingling , Xu Fenfen , Ye Enru , Wu Lina , Mo Licai , Liu Suzhi , Guo Qunyi , Wu Gang
Published: May 2023

Background

The tumor immune microenvironment plays a crucial role in the efficacy of various therapeutics. However, their correlation is not yet completely understood in Clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC). This study aimed to investigate the potential of TREM-1 as a potential novel biomarker for ccRCC.

Methods

We constructed a ccRCC immune prognostic signature. The clinical characteristics, the status of the tumor microenvironment, and immune infiltration were analyzed through the ESTIMATE and CIBERSORT algorithms for the hub gene, while the Gene Set Enrichment Analysis and PPI analysis were performed to predict the function of the hub gene. Immunohistochemical staining was used to detect the expression of TREM-1 in renal clear cell carcinoma tissues.

Results

The CIBERSORT and ESTIMATE algorithms revealed that TREM-1 was correlated with the infiltration of 12 types of immune cells. Therefore, it was determined that TREM-1 was involved in numerous classical pathways in the immune response via GSEA analysis. In Immunohistochemical staining, we found that the expression of TREM-1 was significantly upregulated with increasing tumor grade in renal clear cell carcinoma, and elevated TREM-1 expression was associated with poor prognosis.

Conclusions

The results suggest that TREM-1 may act as an implicit novel prognostic biomarker in ccRCC that could be utilized to facilitate immunotherapeutic strategy.
New insight into the genetic basis of oil content based on noninvasive three-dimensional phenotyping and tissue-specific transcriptome in Brassica napus
Authors: Guo Liangxing , Chao Hongbo , Yin Yongtai , Li Huaixin , Wang Hao , Zhao Weiguo , Hou Dalin , Zhang Libin , Zhang Chunyu , Li Maoteng
Published: May 2023

Background

Increasing seed oil content is the most important breeding goal inBrassica napus, and phenotyping is crucial to dissect its genetic basis in crops. To date, QTL mapping for oil content has been based on whole seeds, and the lipid distribution is far from uniform in different tissues of seeds inB. napus. In this case, the phenotype based on whole seeds was unable to sufficiently reveal the complex genetic characteristics of seed oil content.

Results

Here, the three-dimensional (3D) distribution of lipid was determined forB. napusseeds by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and 3D quantitative analysis, and ten novel oil content-related traits were obtained by subdividing the seeds. Based on a high-density genetic linkage map, 35 QTLs were identified for 4 tissues, the outer cotyledon (OC), inner cotyledon (IC), radicle (R) and seed coat (SC), which explained up to 13.76% of the phenotypic variation. Notably, 14 tissue-specific QTLs were reported for the first time, 7 of which were novel. Moreover, haplotype analysis showed that the favorable alleles for different seed tissues exhibited cumulative effects on oil content. Furthermore, tissue-specific transcriptomes revealed that more active energy and pyruvate metabolism influenced carbon flow in the IC, OC and R than in the SC at the early and middle seed development stages, thus affecting the distribution difference in oil content. Combining tissue-specific QTL mapping and transcriptomics, 86 important candidate genes associated with lipid metabolism were identified that underlie 19 unique QTLs, including the fatty acid synthesis rate-limiting enzyme-related geneCAC2, in the QTLs for OC and IC.

Conclusions

The present study provides further insight into the genetic basis of seed oil content at the tissue-specific level.
Preparedness of medical students to provide nutrition care following a nutrition education intervention
Authors: Amoore Bright Yammaha , Gaa Patience Kanyiri , Ziblim Shamsu-Deen , Mogre Victor
Published: May 2023

Background

Globally, 71% of deaths are due to non-communicable diseases (NCDs) of which 77% of these deaths occur in low-and-middle income countries. Nutrition is an important contributor to the occurrence, progression and management NCDs. Health care professionals’ promotion of the adoption of healthy dietary habits among individuals has been shown to reduce the occurrence of NCDs. We assessed the effects of a nutrition education intervention on medical students’ self-perceived preparedness to provide nutrition care.

Methods

We administered a pre, post and four-weeks follow-up questionnaire to second year medical students who participated in a nutrition education intervention that adapted varied teaching and learning activities. Outcomes were self-perceived preparedness, relevance of nutrition education and perceived need for further training in nutrition. Repeated measures and Friedman tests were used to assess differences in mean scores across pre, post and 4-weeks follow up assessment based on p < 0.5 at 95% confidence interval.

Results

The proportion of participants who felt prepared to provide nutrition care increased significantly (p = 0.001) from 38% (n = 35) at baseline to 65.2% (n = 60) immediately post-intervention and to 63.2% (n = 54) at 4-weeks follow-up. At baseline, 74.2% (n = 69) of the students perceived nutrition education to be relevant to their future career as medical doctors which increased to 85% (n = 78) immediately after the intervention (p = 0.026) and to 76% (n = 70) 4-weeks follow-up. The proportion of participants who reportedly said they will benefit from further training in nutrition increased from 63.8% (n = 58) at pre-intervention to 74.0% (n = 68) at post-intervention (p = 0.016).

Conclusion

An innovative, multiple-strategy nutrition education intervention can improve medical students’ self-perceived preparedness to provide nutrition care.
Psychometric properties of Fagerström Tolerance Questionnaire among Turkmen Nass (Naswar) users
Authors: Pahlavanzadeh Bagher , Kolagari Shohreh , Ebrahimi Kalan Mohammad , Taleb Ziyad Ben , Ward Kenneth D. , Zare Samane , Charkazi Abdurrahman
Published: May 2023

Background

Smokeless tobacco (SLT) products are gaining popularity around the globe, particularly in Asia, Africa, and the Middle East. Among these products, Nass (aka Naswar) is popular among the Turkmen ethnicity in Iran. Although several studies reported nicotine dependence (ND) among SLT users, psychometric instruments have never been utilized to specifically measure ND among Nass users. Therefore, in this study, we aimed to evaluate the reliability and validity of the Fagerström Tolerance Questionnaire (FTQ) among Turkmen Nass users.

Methods

A cross-sectional, descriptive study was conducted in June-December 2018 among 411 Turkmen adults who currently (past 30 days) used Nass. Two bilinguals (Persian English) individuals translated and back-translated the FTQ-SLT, which maintained both the questionnaire's accuracy and cultural sensitivity. Construct validity was assessed using exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis.

Results

The mean age and standard deviation for initiating Nass were 22.5 ± 11.81 years. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis indicated a single-factor solution with 8-items that captured several important ND components. Using Nass frequently, soon after waking, when sick, and experiencing a craving were some of the main components. Subgroups comparison revealed that higher scores occurred among those who were married, had Nass user(s) in their immediate family, and consumed bulk form of Turkmen Nass directly without using a tissue.

Conclusion

Our findings show that the FTQ- SLT is a fairly reliable and valid scale to measure ND among Turkmen Nass users and warrants further testing to accommodate cross-cultural differences in other populations.
Germline Testing Around the Globe: Challenges in Different Practice Settings
Authors: Al-Sukhun Sana , Masannat Yazan , Wegman-Ostrosky Talia , Shrikhande Shailesh V. , Manirakiza Achille , Fadelu Temidayo , Rebbeck Timothy R.
Published: May 2023

Cancer is an increasing global public health burden. Lately, more emphasis has emerged on the importance of heredity in cancer, mostly driven by the introduction of germline genetic variants–directed therapeutics. It is true that 40% of cancer risk is attributed to modifiable environmental and lifestyle factors; still, 16% of cancers could be heritable, accounting for 2.9 of the 18.1 million cases diagnosed worldwide. At least two third of those will be diagnosed in countries with limited resources—low- and middle-income countries, especially where high rates of consanguine marriage and early age at diagnosis are already prevalent. Both are hallmarks of hereditary cancer. This creates a new opportunity for prevention, early detection, and recently therapeutic intervention. However, this opportunity is challenged by many obstacles along the path to addressing germline testing in patients with cancer in the clinic worldwide. Global collaboration and expertise exchange are important to bridge the knowledge gap and facilitate practical implementation. Adapting existing guidelines and prioritization according to local resources are essential to address the unique needs and overcome the unique barriers of each society.
Menstrual Suppression in the Myelosuppressed: A Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Thompson Emma C. , Owen John , Wolfson Julie A. , Arbuckle Janeen L.
Published: May 2023

PURPOSE

Adolescent and young adult female patients receiving myelosuppressive cancer treatments are at risk of abnormal uterine bleeding (AUB). The frequency with which patients with cancer receive menstrual suppression and the agents used have not previously been well-characterized. We studied the rate of menstrual suppression, the effect of suppression on bleeding and blood product utilization, and if there were practice pattern differences between adult and pediatric oncologists.

METHODS

We established a retrospective cohort of 90 females with a diagnosis of Hodgkin or non-Hodgkin lymphoma (n = 25), AML (n = 46), or sarcoma (n = 19) and treated with chemotherapy between 2008 and 2019 at our institutions (University of Alabama at Birmingham [UAB] adult oncology: UAB hospital; UAB pediatric oncology: Children's of Alabama). Data were abstracted from the medical record including sociodemographics, primary oncologist specialty (pediatric v adult), cancer details (diagnosis and treatment) and gynecologic course (documented gynecologic history, menstrual suppression agents used, reported AUB outcomes, and treatments).

RESULTS

The majority of patients (77.8%) received menstrual suppression. Compared with nonsuppressed patients, suppressed patients had similar rates of packed red blood cell transfusions but higher number of platelet transfusions. Adult oncologists were more likely to document a gynecologic history, consult gynecology, and list AUB as a problem. Among suppressed patients, there was heterogeneity in the agents used for menstrual suppression, with a predilection toward progesterone-only agents; a low rate of thrombotic events was observed.

CONCLUSION

Menstrual suppression was common in our cohort with variability in agents used. Pediatric and adult oncologists demonstrated different practice patterns.
An Unexpected Finding of Poorly Differentiated Thyroid Carcinoma in a Toxic Thyroid Nodule
Authors: Yuang Kimberly , Al-Bahadili Huda , Chang Alan
Published: May 2023

Poorly differentiated thyroid carcinoma (PDTC) is a rare entity of thyroid cancer with an intermediate clinical behavior between differentiated and anaplastic thyroid cancer. Here we present a patient who was referred to the endocrinology clinic for evaluation of hyperthyroidism and multinodular goiter. Due to presence of right toxic thyroid nodules and compressive symptoms, the patient underwent right lobectomy and isthmectomy, where surgical pathology revealed PDTC in the right thyroid lobe. Based on this unusual case of malignancy within a toxic nodule, we propose further evaluation of hot nodules with concerning features such as growth rate. Furthermore, exploration of relative sodium iodine symporter (NIS) expression in PDTC may help us better understand how iodine uptake changes as PDTC develops, which may impact our approach to assessing and treating PDTC in the future.
Getting to the heart of stem cell research: an interview with Christine Mummery
Authors: Mummery Christine
Published: May 2023

Professor Christine Mummery has pioneered the use of pluripotent stem cell models to investigate heart development and disease, and pushed the boundaries of what can be achieved with these versatile cells. In 2008, she became Chair of Developmental Biology at Leiden University Medical Centre, where she has refined and advanced in vitro models of the heart and now harnesses their clinical potential to screen drugs and personalise treatments for patients with various types of heart disease.

Christine has become integral to the stem cell community by promoting cross-disciplinary research and serving on several Ethical Councils, Scientific Advisory Boards and Editorial Boards. Her influence in the field of stem cell research led her to become the president of International Society for Stem Cell Research in 2020, and she has won numerous awards, including the Hans Bloemendal Medal 2014 for innovative interdisciplinary research, with Gordon Keller, the prestigious Lefoulon-Delalande Prize 2021 and the International Society for Stem Cell Research (ISSCR) Public Service Award 2023. In this interview, Christine shares her career trajectory, how disease modelling is shifting towards advanced in vitro systems and what challenges the field has yet to overcome.
Role of Vibronic Couplings and Energy Gap in the Internal Conversion Process of a Molecule
Authors: Ota Wataru , Uejima Motoyuki , Sato Tohru
Published: May 2023

An analytical expression for the rate constant of internal conversion (IC) in a molecule was derived based on the crude adiabatic representation. All vibrational modes were considered to be on an equal footing in the rate constant expression. Based on this expression, we investigated the role of vibronic couplings and electronic energy gap in IC processes, using 9-fluorenone as an illustrative example. Vibrational modes with strong off-diagonal vibronic coupling constants (VCCs) give rise to non-radiative transitions. In contrast, vibrational modes with strong diagonal VCCs constitute the final vibronic states that accept the excess electronic energy between the initial and final electronic states. Therefore, vibrational modes are classified into promoting and accepting modes based on their roles. We identified important promoting modes responsible for one-phonon emission/absorption and accepting modes that contribute greatly to the final state. A Franck-Condon envelope, which describes the density of final vibronic states, explains the dependence of the rate constant on the electronic energy gap. VCC can be visualised as a spatial distribution of its density form, i.e., vibronic coupling density (VCD). The VCD concept is expected to facilitate the design of functional molecules with IC processes understood in terms of electronic states and vibrational modes.
Market Power, Financial Constraints, and Monetary Transmission
Authors: Duval Romain , Furceri Davide , Lee Raphael , Tavares Marina M.
Published: May 2023

There is growing evidence that corporate market power is increasing and affecting monetary policy transmission. This paper develops a partial equilibrium model that highlights the role of financial constraints in shaping the role of markups for the response of firms to monetary policy shocks. We find support for such a role using a large cross-country firm-level dataset for 14 advanced economies.
The Trickling Up of Excess Savings
Authors: Auclert Adrien , Rognlie Matthew , Straub Ludwig
Published: May 2023

We provide a simple framework connecting the distribution of excess savings across households to the dynamics of aggregate demand. Deficit-financed fiscal transfers generate excess savings. The poorest households with the highest marginal propensities to consume (MPCs) spend down their excess savings the fastest, increasing other households' incomes and their excess savings. This leads to a long-lasting increase in aggregate demand until, ultimately, excess savings have “trickled up” to the richest savers with the lowest MPCs, raising wealth inequality.
The Local Labor Market Effects of Modern Manufacturing Capital: Evidence from France
Authors: Aghion Philippe , Antonin Celine , Bunel Simon , Jaravel Xavier
Published: May 2023

Using an event study methodology and comprehensive micro data from the French manufacturing sector, we analyze the local labor market effects of investments in modern manufacturing capital, including modern automation technologies. We estimate that commuting zones with higher investments in modern manufacturing capital and automation benefit from higher labor demand, with an increase in both local employment and wages. Our findings are consistent with a task-based model where the productivity effects of modern capital investments and automation outweigh their displacement effect.
(Incorrect) Perceived Returns and Strategic Behavior among Talented Low-Income College Graduates
Authors: Agüero Jorge M. , Galarza Francisco , Yamada Gustavo
Published: May 2023

Job applicants use resumes to send signals to potential employers. Applicants are free to select the items that go in their resumes and are expected to include signals they perceive will help them achieve their goals and avoid those that they anticipate could hurt them. We show that 92 percent of beneficiaries of a highly selective scholarship for poor and talented students avoid listing this award when applying for jobs. This is consistent with beneficiaries perceiving a negative labor market return from sending that signal. A correspondence study shows instead that listing the scholarship increases callback rates by 20 percent.
Males Should Mail? Gender Discrimination in Access to Childcare
Authors: Hermes Henning , Lergetporer Philipp , Peter Frauke , Mierisch Fabian , Wiederhold Simon
Published: May 2023

This study investigates discrimination against women when searching and applying for childcare in a nationwide field experiment. We send emails from fictitious parents to 9,313 childcare centers in Germany inquiring about access to childcare. We randomize whether the email is sent by the child's mother or father. Our results show that women receive shorter and less positive responses than men. The probability of receiving a response does not differ by gender, highlighting the importance of going beyond response rates to detect discrimination. We provide suggestive evidence that regional differences in gender discrimination are related to gender norms.
Privacy and the Value of Data
Authors: Galperti Simone , Perego Jacopo
Published: May 2023

How does protecting consumers' privacy affect the value of their personal data? We model an intermediary that uses consumers' data to influence prices set by a seller. When privacy is protected, consumers choose whether to disclose their data to the intermediary. When privacy is not protected, the intermediary can access consumers' data without their consent. We illustrate that protecting privacy has complex effects. It can increase the value of some consumers' data while decreasing that of others. It can have redistributive effects, by benefiting some consumers at the expense of others. Finally, it can increase average prices and reduce trade.
Selection Bias in Voluntary Random Testing: Evidence from a COVID-19 Antibody Study
Authors: Dutz Deniz , Greenstone Michael , Hortaçsu Ali , Lacouture Santiago , Mogstad Magne , Roumis Danae , Shaikh Azeem M. , Torgovitsky Alexander , van Dijk Winnie
Published: May 2023

We use data from a serological study that experimentally varied financial incentives for participation to detect and characterize selection bias. Participants are from neighborhoods with substantially lower COVID-19 risks. Existing methods to account for the resulting selection bias produce wide bounds or estimates that are inconsistent with the population. One explanation for these inconsistent estimates is that the underlying methods presume a single dimension of unobserved heterogeneity. The data suggest that there are two types of nonparticipants with opposing selection patterns. Allowing for these different types may lead to better accounting for selection bias.
Wildfire Insurance, Information, and Self-Protection
Authors: Boomhower Judson , Fowlie Meredith , Plantinga Andrew J.
Published: May 2023

Like other climate-related disasters, wildfires are intensifying. Property owners can reduce their vulnerability to wildfire losses but are not well informed about the costs and benefits of available self-protection investments. Technological advances mean that insurers are increasingly able to monitor household mitigation behavior. We revisit the problem of self-protection from risk in a setting where households have incomplete insurance and limited information about self-protection investments. Insurer discounts for self-protection generate additional value by informing households about self-protection investments that also reduce uninsured losses. This information provision increases the responsiveness of self-protection to ex post disaster assistance, with implications for optimal government transfers.
News Media, Inflation, and Sentiment
Authors: Macaulay Alistair , Song Wenting
Published: May 2023

We study the relationship between media portrayals of inflation and consumer sentiment. Using tools from natural language processing, we uncover two competing narratives in US news coverage of inflation: the first relates inflation to financial variables, while the second relates inflation to real variables. As inflation rose in 2021, media increasingly emphasized the real economy. Linking inflation news to social network data from Twitter, we find that exposure to articles emphasizing the connection between inflation and the real economy significantly reduces sentiment, particularly in periods of high inflation. Shifting media narratives may therefore have contributed to declining consumer sentiment in 2021.