bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sparse Data Traffic Speed Prediction on a Road Network With Varying Speed Levels
Authors: Beeking Moritz , Steinmaßl Markus , Urban Melanie , Rehrl Karl
Published: January 2023

Most works on graph neural networks (GNNs) for traffic speed prediction assume near-complete data and little variance of base speed levels. However, both assumptions do not necessarily hold true for network-wide probe vehicle data (PVD). Therefore, we applied two state-of-the-art GNNs to sparse PVD from a road network with highly varying speed levels and to dense motorway data for comparison. We introduce two methods to adapt preexisting GNNs for improved prediction performance: normalization of speed values with respect to the base speed levels of different roads led to significant improvements of prediction performance on both datasets. Using the number of observations supporting each speed value as an additional input feature can improve prediction performance. Furthermore, we identified characteristics of data and models encouraging the use of either method. As no fitting dataset to evaluate these approaches was found, a novel dataset derived from PVD is introduced. It features sparse speed values and underlying numbers of observations for a road network with varying speed levels.
Sociology as political philosophy: Alain Caillé’s anti-utilitarian sociology
Authors: Vandenberghe Frédéric
Published: January 2023

The article presents an overview of the intellectual trajectory of Alain Caillé, the founder and animator of the anti-utilitarian movement in the social sciences (MAUSS) in France. Going back to early influences of Claude Lefort, Karl Polanyi and Pierre Clastres, it shows the centrality of the symbolic constitution of the economy in the development of an intellectual front against rational choice. It also considers how Marcel Mauss’s famous Essay on the Gift has been developed into a ‘gift paradigm’ that aims to unify the various social sciences into a comprehensive alternative to the interest paradigm.
Preparation and performance of latanoprost-loaded hydrogels as a lacrimal suppository for the treatment of glaucoma
Authors: Xiao Siyu , Ma Aijie , Ma Yanzhuo , Bai Haiyan , Zhang Binghong , Li Juan , Zhou Hongwei
Published: January 2023

Glaucoma is the leading cause of irreversible blindness, and its treatment is attracting widespread attention. Drug-loaded lacrimal suppositories can effectively treat xerophthalmia, but there is little research on the treatment of glaucoma with drug-loaded lacrimal suppositories. This article explored and expanded the non-pharmacological model of lacrimal suppository therapy for glaucoma by using a combination of lacrimal suppository and medication. The drug-loaded lacrimal suppository was rationally designed through the conjugation of gelatin with polyamide (PAM) via the formation of amide linkages, followed by Schiff base reaction grafting with latanoprost. In vitro drug release studies showed that latanoprost released from drug-loaded lacrimal embolus had sustained-release properties with a release time of 33 days and a drug release volume of 82.6%. The biological evaluation of drug-loaded lacrimal thrombus was carried out by IOP test, retinal potential test, and retinal H&E staining. The results showed that the IOP decreased to 27.125 ± 1.1254 mmHg, and the a and b waves of retinal potential increased to 4.39 ± 0.16 μV and 67.9 ± 2.17 μV, respectively. It indicated that latanoprost lacrimal suppository has a good therapeutic effect on glaucoma.
Digitalisation of work in aerospace manufacturing: expanding union frames and repertoires of action in Belgium, Canada and Denmark
Authors: Garneau Julie M É , Pérez-Lauzon Sara , Lévesque Christian
Published: January 2023

The digitalisation of work is associated with a range of technologies, including digital platforms and so-called artificial intelligence (AI), as well as ideas about how they will improve productivity and competitiveness. This article analyses how unions anticipate the consequences of digital technologies and how they mobilise to address their impact on employment, skills, and quality of work. Drawing on qualitative research conducted in aerospace manufacturing in Belgium (Wallonia), Denmark and Canada (Quebec), our findings suggest that unions are mobilising contrasting frames and repertoires of action, drawing on traditional institutions, and experimenting with new ones to shape the future of work in the aerospace industry.
Homozygous-Recessive Characteristics as a Biomarker of Predisposition for COVID-19
Authors: Grujičić Darko , Mirkov Ljiljana , Banković Dragić , Virijević Kristina , Marinković Dragoslav , Milošević-Djordjević Olivera
Published: January 2023

Coronavirus disease (COVID-19), a new form of severe acute respiratory syndrome, has caused a global pandemic. The aim of this study was to analyze homozygous-recessive characteristics (HRC) in the group of COVID-19 patients, considering their gender, forms of the disease (mild and severe symptoms), risk factors: hypertension, diabetes mellitus type 2, hyperlipidemia, smoking habits, and the distribution of ABO blood group. Using the HRC test, we analyzed 20 HRCs in a sample of 321 individuals: 205 patients and 116 controls. The average HRC in patients was significantly higher than controls, as well as in patients with severe symptoms compared to patients with mild symptoms. The patients with higher HRC (cut-off ≤5.5) experienced a significantly increased risk of disease of 2.3 times ( OR = 2.315, p < .0005). Our results indicate that the HRC test could be used as a screening in recognizing predisposition for COVID-19.
Sibling Support and Perceived Daily Hassles in Latino and Non-Latino Families of Children with DD
Authors: Sanner Catherine M. , Benjamin Laurel R. , Eskander Caroline , McGregor Hadley A. , Preston Amanda E. , McIntyre Laura Lee , Neece Cameron L.
Published: January 2023

Parents of children with developmental delay (DD) report significantly higher levels of parenting stress compared to parents of children with typical development. There is a heightened need for social support among families of children with DD. Siblings play an important role in these contexts as a supportive resource and primary stress buffer. Little to no research has examined how these stress and supportive processes may differ among Latino and non-Latino parents. The current study examined the relation between sibling support and parents’ perceived daily hassles between Latino and non-Latino parents of children with DD (N = 146; 65% Latino; mean parent age = 37.39 years; mean child age = 49.63 months; SD = 7.9). Latinos reported significantly greater use of sibling support and lower perceived daily hassles compared to non-Latino counterparts. In the combined sample, greater sibling support was significantly correlated with lower daily hassles. When examined separately in Latino and non-Latino groups, this correlation only remained significant among Latinos. The interaction between ethnicity and sibling support on perceived daily hassles was approaching significance, such that Latinos who reported high levels of sibling support reported lower perceived daily hassles. Findings emphasize the universal importance of familial support systems for the well-being of parents of children with DD and point to the possible protective role of Latino cultural factors that influence the degree to which these supports are employed. Results may inform culturally sensitive adaptations to parenting interventions for Latino families that harness sibling support to target and buffer parenting stress.
Thymic Hyperplasia With Lymphoepithelial Sialadenitis-Like Features Arising in a Patient With Immunoglobulin G4-Related Disorders: A Case Report
Authors: Tanaka Noriyuki , Ishihara Shunta , Inoue Masayoshi , Konishi Eiichi
Published: January 2023

Thymic hyperplasia with lymphoepithelial sialadenitis-like features is characterized by thymic hyperplasia with lymphocytic infiltrates in the thymic epithelium. The lesion differs from other forms of thymic hyperplasia, including true and follicular thymic hyperplasia, in that it presents at an advanced age and has been reported to be unassociated with autoimmune diseases. We report a case of thymic hyperplasia with lymphoepithelial sialadenitis-like features in a 55-year-old male patient with a history of an immunoglobulin G4 (IgG4)-related disorder. Histologically, the resected mediastinal mass showed features consistent with those of thymic hyperplasia with lymphoepithelial sialadenitis-like features. In addition, the IgG4/IgG ratio was elevated in the polyclonal plasmacytoid infiltration. Thymic hyperplasia with lymphoepithelial sialadenitis-like features has not been reported to be associated with IgG4-related disorders; however, as shown in our report, it is crucial to include it in the differential diagnosis of a mediastinal mass in a patient with IgG4-related disorders.
Feminist New Materialist Entanglements With “Kinetic Excess” in Women’s Muay Thai Boxing: Moving With Embodied Discomfort as a Post-Qualitative Coach-Researcher
Authors: Nichols Erin , Pavlidis Adele , Fullagar Simone
Published: January 2023

Feminist engagement with fight sports is often ambivalent given the masculine history of combat and the achievement of “self” transformation at the “expense” of another, exist in tension with the possibilities of women’s empowerment. Acknowledging the multiplicity of embodied meanings produced through Muay Thai Boxing (Thai Boxing), this feminist post-qualitative project seeks to do “research differently” through a generative ethos of knowledge production that is co-constituted with participants and the coach-researcher (Erin). We explore how a Thai boxing program—“fight camp”—worked through-with an affective feminist coaching pedagogy that sought to transform gendered patterns of movement mobilizing moments of discomfort and pleasure. This research practice involved attuning to the embodied dynamics of learning-coaching—the intra-actions of boxing—in terms of what these movement practices “do” and how they “affect” women in the process of becoming-fighters. We write through three provocations—“the drunk uncle,” “get ugly with it,” and “show and tell”—to engage readers in the affective relations entangled within the processes of coaching-researching MTB. Our post-qualitative research approach has implications for the provision of physical cultural practices and alternative coaching pedagogy more broadly.
Dystopian Games: Diagnosing Modernity as the Scene of Tests, Trials and Transformations
Authors: Boland Tom
Published: January 2023

Emergent genres can serve as diagnoses of society, particularly dystopias which exaggerate yet articulate problematic elements within modernity. Herein the focus is on ‘dystopian games’, particularly The Hunger Games and Squid Game, part of a wider genre emerging in contemporary culture wherein dystopia is not just totalitarian, oppressive or ideological, but also requires its protagonists to participate in contests and trials which transform them. Arguably, the global success of these texts reflects the cultural resonance of their diagnosis of the contemporary world as itself the ‘scene of a trial’ in Boltanski’s phrase. Following Stark on the sociology of tests, dystopian games can be related to the proliferation of intense competition in education and the labour market, relentless trials and evaluations at work and the contests for attention and popularity on social media. Building a dialogue between social theory and dystopian literature inspired by Foucault’s work on ‘truth-telling’ and ‘transformations’, what emerges is a vision of ubiquitous transformations created by compulsory participation in trials and tests, less emancipatory or self-actualizing than a nightmare.
Lived religiosity and consumption: Dilemma and meaning-making among practising Catholic consumers
Authors: Vaal Anne , Michel Géraldine , Rieunier Sophie
Published: January 2023

Religiosity shapes the individual’s value and belief system and consequently their consumption behaviour. This article aims to better understand how lived religiosity interacts with consumption. Based on introspections with 20 practising Catholics, our results reveal the dynamics and manifestations of the dilemma in consumption and show how individuals deal with consumption. The discussion highlights (1) a moral-spiritual dilemma that results from a tension between Catholic doctrine and consumerist culture; (2) the making of meaning, via agentivity in consumption and discernment vis-à-vis religious precepts. This research enriches the literature on religiosity and consumption by revealing the contexts and situations in which religiosity is more or less mobilised, revisited and negotiated to confer meaning on consumption. The contributions of this research also make it possible to formulate several managerial implications.
Formally comparing topic models and human-generated qualitative coding of physician mothers’ experiences of workplace discrimination
Authors: Miner Adam S , Stewart Sheridan A , Halley Meghan C , Nelson Laura K , Linos Eleni
Published: January 2023

Differences between computationally generated and human-generated themes in unstructured text are important to understand yet difficult to assess formally. In this study, we bridge these approaches through two contributions. First, we formally compare a primarily computational approach, topic modeling, to a primarily human-driven approach, qualitative thematic coding, in an impactful context: physician mothers’ experience of workplace discrimination. Second, we compare our chosen topic model to a principled alternative topic model to make explicit study design decisions meriting consideration in future research. By formally contrasting computationally generated (i.e. topic modeling) and human-generated (i.e. thematic coding) knowledge, we shed light on issues of interest to several audiences, notably computational social scientists who wish to understand study design tradeoffs, and qualitative researchers who may wish to leverage computational methods to improve the speed and reproducibility of labor-intensive coding. Although useful in other domains, we highlight the value of fast, reproducible methods to better understand experiences of workplace discrimination.
Bringing the hospital to home: Patient-reported outcome measures of a digital health-supported home hospitalisation platform to support hospital care at home for heart failure patients
Authors: Scherrenberg Martijn , Leenen Jobbe PL , van der Velde Astrid E , Boyne Josiane , Bruins Wendy , Vranken Julie , Brunner-La Rocca Hans-Peter , De Kluiver Ed P , Dendale Paul
Published: January 2023

Background

Hospitalisations for heart failure are frequent and costly, linked with a lower quality of life, and lead to higher morbidity and mortality. Home hospitalisation interventions could be a substitute for in-hospital stays to reduce the burden on patients. The current study aims to investigate patient-reported satisfaction and usability in combination with the safety of a digital health-supported home hospitalisation intervention for heart failure patients.

Methods

We conducted an international, multicentre, single-arm, interventional study to investigate the feasibility and safety of a digital health-supported home hospitalisation platform. Patients with acute decompensation of known and well-assessed chronic heart failure with an indication for hospital admission were included. The primary outcome was patient satisfaction. Secondary outcomes were usability, adherence, and safety.

Results

A total number of 66 patients were included, of which the data of 65 patients (98.5%) was analysed. A total of 86.1% of patients reported being very satisfied or totally satisfied. No patients reported to be not satisfied with the home hospitalisation intervention. The patients reported a sufficient usability score (mean score: 75.8% of 100%) for the digital health-supported home hospitalisation platform. The adherence to the daily measurements of blood pressure and weight was very high, whereas the adherence to the daily interaction with the eCoach was lower (69.3%). In 7 patients (10.8%), a conversion from home hospitalisation to regular hospitalisation was needed. Furthermore, 6 patients (9.2%) had rehospitalisation within 30 days after the end of the home hospitalisation intervention.

Conclusion

A digitally supported home hospitalisation intervention is feasible. This study demonstrates high patient satisfaction and sufficiently high usability scores. The safety outcomes are comparable with traditional heart failure hospitalisations. This indicates that digitally supported home hospitalisation could be an alternative to in-hospital care for all age groups, yet further research is needed to prove the (cost-) effectiveness.
Autonomous Motivation for Exercise Is Key to an Active Lifestyle in Firefighters
Authors: Vancampfort Davy , De Soir Erik , Ramos-Sanchez Carlos Pelayo , van Winkel Ruud , Louw Quinette Abegail , McKeon Grace , Rosenbaum Simon , Seedat Soraya
Published: January 2023

Background:

Physical inactivity is an important risk factor for chronic mental and physical health conditions in firefighters. It remains unclear why a substantial portion of firefighters do not meet the World Health Organization’s physical activity (PA) recommendations. In this cross-sectional study, we explored associations between motivational reasons for being physically active and time spent exercising, walking, and in incidental PA in firefighters. A secondary aim was to investigate differences in motivational reasons between physically active versus physically inactive firefighters.

Methods:

Eighty-seven participants (43.1 ± 10.3 years; 87.6% male) who were recruited via a nonprofit peer support network of fire rescue personnel in Flanders, Belgium, completed the Behavioral Regulation in Exercise Questionnaire 2 (BREQ-2), Simple Physical Activity Questionnaire (SIMPAQ), and the Physical Activity Vital Sign (PAVS) via an online survey.

Findings:

Firefighters who identified the benefits of exercising and/or those who found pleasure or a personal challenge in it exercised more. Those who did not meet the guideline of 150 min of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity per week had much less intrinsic motivation.

Conclusions/Implications for Practice:

This study demonstrates that autonomous motives for PA (i.e., because it is perceived to be consistent with intrinsic goals or outcomes and emanates from the self) are important for an active lifestyle in firefighters. Occupational health professionals can foster autonomous motivation in firefighters by focusing on the benefits of exercise, making sure there are a wide range of exercise options available, and supporting initiatives of firefighters within the fire station.
A case control study of maternal and neonatal risk factors associated with neonatal sepsis
Authors: Salama Basem , Tharwat Elbakry M
Published: January 2023

Introduction:

Neonatal Sepsis is a significant leading cause of infant death around the world, particularly in developing nations. The study aimed to identify maternal and neonatal risk factors linked to neonatal sepsis.

Methods:

A hospital-based case-control study was conducted in the ICU. Cases were neonates diagnosed as having sepsis by clinical criteria and laboratory findings. Controls were admitted neonates who were neither suspected nor diagnosed with sepsis. Data on mothers and babies, as well as laboratory findings, were gathered and analyzed.

Results:

A total of 174 cases and 348 controls were included in the study. Maternal age, parity, route of delivery, PROM, prematurity, birth weight, neonatal gender and age were significantly associated with the risk of sepsis ( p < 0.05). However, the bivariate logistic model revealed that the most influential predictors of neonatal sepsis were premature rupture of membranes, Gestational age, Neonatal age, birth weight, and mode of delivery.

Conclusion:

Both maternal and neonatal variables were found to have a significant association with the risk of neonatal sepsis; thus, empowering mothers to pursue antenatal care may allow the detection of risk factors for undesirable delivery consequences such as neonatal sepsis, as well as appropriate management to mitigate those risks.
Deltotrapezial Stabilization of Acromioclavicular Joint Rotational Stability: A Biomechanical Evaluation
Authors: Hawthorne Benjamin C. , Mancini Michael R. , Wellington Ian J. , DiCosmo Michael B. , Shuman Matthew E. , Trudeau Maxwell T. , Dorsey Caitlin G. , Obopilwe Elifho , Cote Mark P. , Mazzocca Augustus D.
Published: January 2023

Background:

Despite advances in surgical management of acromioclavicular (AC) joint reconstruction, many patients fail to maintain sustained anatomic reduction postoperatively.

Purpose:

To determine the biomechanical support of the deltoid and trapezius on AC joint stability, focusing on the rotational stability provided by the muscles to posterior and anterior clavicular rotation. A novel technique was attempted to repair the deltoid and trapezius anatomically.

Study Design:

Controlled laboratory study.

Methods:

Twelve human cadaveric shoulders (mean ± SD age, 60.25 ± 10.25 years) underwent servohydraulic testing. Shoulders were randomly assigned to undergo serial defects to either the deltoid or trapezius surrounding the AC joint capsule, followed by a combined deltotrapezial muscle defect. Deltotrapezial defects were repaired with an all-suture anchor using an anatomic technique. The torque (N·m) required to rotate the clavicle 20° anterior and 20° posterior was recorded for the following conditions: intact (native), deltoid defect, trapezius defect, combined deltotrapezial defect, and repair.

Results:

When compared with the native condition, the deltoid defect decreased the torque required to rotate the clavicle 20° posteriorly by 7.1% ( P = .206) and 20° anteriorly by 6.1% ( P = .002); the trapezial defect decreased the amount of rotational torque posteriorly by 5.3% ( P = .079) and anteriorly by 4.9% ( P = .032); and the combined deltotrapezial defect decreased the amount of rotational torque posteriorly by 9.9% ( P = .002) and anteriorly by 9.4% ( P < .001). Anatomic deltotrapezial repair increased posterior rotational torque by 5.3% posteriorly as compared with the combined deltotrapezial defect ( P = .001) but failed to increase anterior rotational torque ( P > .999). The rotational torque of the repair was significantly lower than the native joint in the posterior ( P = .017) and anterior ( P < .001) directions.

Conclusion:

This study demonstrated that the deltoid and trapezius play a role in clavicular rotational stabilization. The proposed anatomic repair improved posterior rotational stability but did not improve anterior rotational stability as compared with the combined deltotrapezial defect; however, neither was restored to native stability.

Clinical Relevance:

Traumatic or iatrogenic damage to the deltotrapezial fascia and the inability to restore anatomic deltotrapezial attachments to the acromioclavicular joint may contribute to rotational instability. Limiting damage and improving the repair of these muscles should be a consideration during AC reconstruction.
Molecular dynamics modelling of Na-montmorillonite subjected to uniaxial compression and unidirectional shearing
Authors: Yuan Ran , Wang Wen-Ming , He Yi , Fang Yong , Huang Xi-Long
Published: January 2023

This paper presents systematic molecular dynamics modelling of Na-montmorillonite subjected to uniaxial compression and unidirectional shearing. An initial 3D model of a single-cell Na-montmorillonite structure is established using the Build Crystal module. The space group is C2/m, and COMPASS force fields are applied. Hydration analysis of Na-montmorillonite has been performed to validate the simulation procedures, where the number of absorbed water molecules varied with respect to the various lattice parameters. A series of uniaxial compression stress σzz and unidirectional shear stress τxy values are applied to the Na-montmorillonite structure. It is shown that the lattice parameter and hydration degree exhibit significant influence on the stress–strain relationship of Na-montmorillonite. The ultimate strain increases with increases in the lattice parameter but decreases in the number of water molecules. For saturated Na-montmorillonite, more water molecules result in a stiffer clay mineral under uniaxial compression and unidirectional shearing.
Silesiaite, ideally Ca2Fe3+Sn(Si2O7)(Si2O6OH), a new species in the kristiansenite group: crystal chemistry and structure of holotype silesiaite from Szklarska Poręba, Poland, and Sc-free silesiaite from Häiviäntien, Finland
Authors: Pieczka Adam , Zelek-Pogudz Sylwia , Gołębiowska Bożena , Stadnicka Katarzyna M. , Kristiansen Roy
Published: January 2023

Two silesiaite crystals, one from Szklarska Poręba, Poland (type locality), and the other from Häiviäntien, Finland, were studied with electron-probe microanalysis, Raman spectroscopy and single-crystal X-ray diffraction. The crystals have the following compositions normalised to 13 O2– + 1 (OH)– anions: Ca2.001(2)[(Sn1.105(6)Zr0.009(1))Σ1.114(Fe3+0.523(78)Sc0.185(62)Al0.070(14))Σ0.779(Fe2+0.065(12)Mn2+0.041(5)Mg0.003(3))Σ0.110]Σ2.003(Si3.997(2)O13OH), and Ca2.006(8)[(Sn1.110(18)Ti0.006(3))Σ1.107(Fe3+0.648(50)Al0.063(11))Σ0.710(Fe2+0.140(30)Mn2+0.011(3)Mg0.005(2))Σ0.155(Nb0.020(6)Ta0.011(3))Σ0.040]Σ2.009(Si3.991(14)O13OH), respectively. The structure of the crystals was refined in the triclinic system with unconventional space-group symmetry C1 to R1 = 2.02% and 3.56%, respectively. The unit cells were found to be a = 10.0080(2), b = 8.3622(1), c = 13.2994(2) Å, α = 89.987(1), β = 109.095(2), γ = 89.978(1)° and V = 1051.77(3) Å3 for silesiaite from Szklarska Poręba, and a = 9.9985(3), b = 8.3446(2), c = 13.2760(4) Å, α = 89.986(3), β = 109.122(2), γ = 90.020(2)° and V = 1046.55(5) Å3 for silesiaite from Häiviäntien. In both crystals, the Ca sites are occupied solely by calcium and Si sites by silicon atoms. Optimised occupancies of the four M sites indicated slightly different site fillings. In the Szklarska Poręba silesiaite, the M1 site is predominantly occupied by trivalent Fe + Sc and the M2–M4 sites by Sn. In contrast, in the Häiviäntien silesiaite, the M1–M3 sites are Sn-dominant, while Fe3+ predominantly occupies the M4 site. The differences can be considered a result of an evolution of the M1–M4 site occupancies following a decrease of the  distance. Among the minerals of the kristiansenite group, Sc-free silesiaite from the Häiviäntien pegmatite has the smallest average radius of M-site cations and a unit-cell volume that increases proportionally to the (Fe2+ ± Sc) content. The hydrogen atoms form moderate hydrogen bonds between disilicate groups (Si2O7 and Si2O6OH) linked in rows along [101], indicating the presence of one hydroxyl in the formula calculated for Z = 4. All three kristiansenite-group species, i.e. silesiaite, kozłowskiite and kristiansenite, are isostructural.
Activated granulocytes and inflammatory cytokine signaling drive T-cell lymphoma progression and disease symptoms
Authors: Jaeger Amelie , Gambheer Sudheer Madan Mohan , Sun Xiaoyang , Chernyakov Dmitry , Skorobohatko Oleksandra , Mack Thomas M. , Kissel Sandra , Pfeifer Dietmar , Zeiser Robert , Fisch Paul , Andrieux Geoffroy , Bräuer-Hartmann Daniela , Bauer Marcus , Schulze Susann , Follo Marie , Boerries Melanie , von Bubnoff Nikolas , Miething Cornelius , Hidalgo Jose Villacorta , Klein Claudius , Weber Thomas , Wickenhauser Claudia , Binder Mascha , Dierks Christine
Published: January 2023

Peripheral T-cell lymphomas (PTCL) - especially angioimmunoblastic (AITL) and follicular TCL - have a dismal prognosis due to lack of efficient therapies, and patients` symptoms are often dominated by an inflammatory phenotype including fever, night sweats, weight loss and skin rash. In this study, we investigated the role of inflammatory granulocytes and activated cytokine signaling on PTCL-TFH (T-follicular helper type) disease progression and symptoms. We show, that ITK-SYK driven murine PTCLs and primary human PTCL-TFH xenografts both induce inflammation in mice including murine neutrophil expansion and massive cytokine release. Granulocyte/lymphoma interactions were mediated by positive autoregulatory cytokine loops involving INF-γ (CD4+malignant T-cells) and IL-6 (activated granulocytes), ultimately inducing broad JAK kinase activation (Jak1/2/3, Tyk2) in both cell types. Depletion of inflammatory granulocytes via antibodies (Ly6G), genetic granulocyte depletion (LyzM-Cre/MCL1flox/flox) or the deletion of IL-6 within microenvironmental cells blocked inflammatory symptoms, reduced lymphoma infiltration and enhanced mouse survival. Furthermore, unselective JAK kinase inhibitors (ruxolitinib) inhibited both, TCL progression and granulocyte activation in various PTCL mouse models. Our results support the important role of granulocyte-driven inflammation, cytokine-induced granulocyte/CD4+ TCL interactions and the requirement of an intact JAK/STAT signaling pathway for PTCL-TFH development, and support broad JAK kinase inhibition as an effective treatment strategy in early disease stages.
Reducing computational demands of restricted maximum likelihood estimation with genomic relationship matrices
Authors: Meyer Karin
Published: January 2023

Restricted maximum likelihood estimation of genetic parameters accounting for genomic relationships has been reported to impose computational burdens which typically are many times higher than those of corresponding analyses considering pedigree based relationships only. This can be attributed to the dense nature of genomic relationship matrices and their inverses. We outline a reparameterisation of the multivariate linear mixed model to principal components and its effects on the sparsity pattern of the pertaining coefficient matrix in the mixed model equations. Using two data sets we demonstrate that this can dramatically reduce the computing time per iterate of the widely used ‘average information’ algorithm for restricted maximum likelihood. This is primarily due to the fact that on the principal component scale, the first derivatives of the coefficient matrix with respect to the parameters modelling genetic covariances between traits are independent of the relationship matrix between individuals, i.e. are not afflicted by a multitude of genomic relationships.
Haplotype variations of sucrose phosphate synthase B gene among sugarcane accessions with different sucrose content
Authors: Liu Hongbo , Lin Xiuqin , Li Xujuan , Luo Ziliang , Lu Xin , You Qian , Yang Xiping , Xu Chaohua , Liu Xinlong , Liu Jiayong , Wu Caiwen , Wang Jianping
Published: January 2023

Background

Sucrose phosphate synthase B (SPSB) gene encoding an important rate-limiting enzyme for sucrose synthesis in sugarcane is mainly expressed on leaves, where its alleles control sucrose synthesis. In this study, genetic variation of SPSB gene represented by different haplotypes in sugarcane was investigated in hybrid clones with high and low sugar content and various accessory species.

Results

A total of 39 haplotypes of SPSB gene with 2, 824 bp in size were identified from 18 sugarcane accessions. These haplotypes mainly distributed on Chr3B, Chr3C, and Chr3D according to the AP85-441 reference genome. Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and insertion/deletion (InDels) were very dense (42 bp/sequence variation) including 44 transitional and 23 transversional SNPs among the 39 haplotypes. The sequence diversity related Hd, Eta, and Pi values were all lower in clones of high sucrose content (HS) than those in clones of low sucrose content (LS). The evolutionary network analysis showed that about half SPSB haplotypes (19 out of 39) were clustered into one group, including 6 (HAP4, HAP6, HAP7, HAP9, HAP17 and HAP20) haplotypes under positive selection in comparison to HAP26 identified in Badila (S. officinarum), an ancestry noble cane species and under purification selection (except HAP19 under neutral selection) in comparison to HAP18 identified from India1 (S. spontaneum), an ancestry species with low sugar content but high stress tolerance. The average number of haplotypes under positive selection in HS clones was twice as that in LS. Most of the SNPs and InDels sequence variation sites were positively correlated with sucrose and fiber content and negatively correlated with reducing sugar.

Conclusions

A total of 39 haplotypes of SPSB gene were identified in this study. Haplotypes potentially associated with high sucrose synthesis efficiency were identified. The mutations of SPSB haplotypes in HS were favorable and tended to be selected and fixed. The results of this study are informative and beneficial to the molecular assisted breeding of sucrose synthesis in sugarcane in the future.
IPA1 improves drought tolerance by activating SNAC1 in rice
Authors: Chen Feihe , Zhang Haomin , Li Hong , Lian Ling , Wei Yidong , Lin Yuelong , Wang Lanning , He Wei , Cai Qiuhua , Xie Hongguang , Zhang Hua , Zhang Jianfu
Published: January 2023

Drought is a major abiotic stress to rice (Oryza sativa) during growth. Ideal Plant Architecture (IPA1), the first cloned gene controlling the ideal plant type in rice, has been reported to function in both ideal rice plant architecture and biotic resistance. Here, we report that the IPA1/OsSPL14, encoding a transcriptional factor, positively regulates drought tolerance in rice. The IPA1 is constitutively expressed and regulated by H2O2, abscisic acid, NaCl and polyethylene glycol 6000 treatments in rice. Furthermore, the IPA1-knockout plants showed much greater accumulation of H2O2 as measured by 3,3′-diaminobenzidine staining in leaves compared with WT plants. Yeast one-hybrid, dual-luciferase and electrophoretic mobility shift assays indicated that the IPA1 directly activates the promoter of SNAC1. Expression of SNAC1 is significantly down-regulated in IPA1 knockout plants. Further investigation indicated that the IPA1 plays a positive role in drought-stress tolerance by inducing reactive oxygen species scavenging in rice. Together, these findings indicated that the IPA1 played important roles in drought tolerance by regulating SNAC1, thus activating the antioxidant system in rice.
Level of self-care practices and associated factors among hypertensive patients in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Authors: Sahile Addisu Tadesse , Nurhussien Hayat Abdulkadir
Published: January 2023

Objectives

The study assessed the level of self-care practice and its predictors among hypertensive patients in the health centers of Bole Sub-city, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

Methods

A multi-Center-based cross-sectional study that employed 370 hypertensive participants at the conveniently selected Health Centers in Bole Sub-City; from August 01–30, 2020. The researchers selected the participants based on a simple random sampling method after applying for a pre-tested interviewer-administered questionnaire and secured for informed consent. All the statistical analyses were SPSS 22.0 software based. The authors used binary logistics regression to identify the presence and strength of association; with its respective 95%CI and p-value less than five percent as a significant level.

Results

The overall level of good self-care practice among hypertensive patients was 53.0% (95% CI: 47.2–58.8%) whereas 61.4%, 63.8%, 92.7%, 82.7%, and 18% of the study participants were adherent to medication, good weight management, non-smokers, alcohol abstainers and physical activity consecutively. Being illiterate had 2.347 and 2.084 times higher odds of having had good self-care practice compared to secondary school and a diploma or above consecutively. Being a merchant, civil, and retired were associated with good self-care practice than being unemployed.

Conclusion and recommendation

The study reported a lower level of self-care practice in the study settings. Educational level and occupation were factors identified for self-care practice. The authors recommended policymakers, healthcare workers, and researchers work on the identified factors of self-care practice of hypertensive participants in the study settings.
Cost-effectiveness of an insertable cardiac monitor in a high-risk population in the US
Authors: Elkind Mitchell S. V. , Witte Klaus K. , Kasner Scott E. , Sawyer Laura M. , Grimsey Jones Frank W. , Rinciog Claudia , Tsintzos Stelios , Rosemas Sarah C. , Lanctin David , Ziegler Paul D. , Reynolds Matthew R.
Published: January 2023

Background

Insertable cardiac monitors (ICMs) are a clinically effective means of detecting atrial fibrillation (AF) in high-risk patients, and guiding the initiation of non-vitamin K oral anticoagulants (NOACs). Their cost-effectiveness from a US clinical payer perspective is not yet known. The objective of this study was to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of ICMs compared to standard of care (SoC) for detecting AF in patients at high risk of stroke (CHADS2 ≥ 2), in the US.

Methods

Using patient data from the REVEAL AF trial (n = 393, average CHADS2 score = 2.9), a Markov model estimated the lifetime costs and benefits of detecting AF with an ICM or with SoC (specifically intermittent use of electrocardiograms and 24-h Holter monitors). Ischemic and hemorrhagic strokes, intra- and extra-cranial hemorrhages, and minor bleeds were modelled. Diagnostic and device costs, costs of treating stroke and bleeding events and medical therapy—specifically costs of NOACs were included. Costs and health outcomes, measured as quality-adjusted life years (QALYs), were discounted at 3% per annum, in line with standard practice in the US setting. One-way deterministic and probabilistic sensitivity analyses (PSA) were undertaken.

Results

Lifetime per-patient cost for ICM was $31,116 versus $25,330 for SoC. ICMs generated a total of 7.75 QALYs versus 7.59 for SoC, with 34 fewer strokes projected per 1000 patients. The model estimates a number needed to treat of 29 per stroke avoided. The incremental cost-effectiveness ratio was $35,528 per QALY gained. ICMs were cost-effective in 75% of PSA simulations, using a $50,000 per QALY threshold, and a 100% probability of being cost-effective at a WTP threshold of $150,000 per QALY.

Conclusions

The use of ICMs to identify AF in a high-risk population is likely to be cost-effective in the US healthcare setting.
Hemoglobin A1c in type 2 diabetes mellitus patients with preserved ejection fraction is an independent predictor of left ventricular myocardial deformation and tissue abnormalities
Authors: Li Zhiming , Han Dan , Qi Tianfu , Deng Jie , Li Lili , Gao Chao , Gao Wei , Chen Haiyan , Zhang Lihua , Chen Wei
Published: January 2023

Background

 Early detection of subclinical myocardial dysfunction in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is essential for preventing heart failure. This study aims to search for predictors of left ventricular (LV) myocardial deformation and tissue abnormalities in T2DM patients with preserved ejection fraction by using CMR T1 mapping and feature tracking.

Methods

 70 patients and 44 sex- and age-matched controls (Cs) were recruited and underwent CMR examination to obtain LV myocardial extracellular volume fraction (ECV) and global longitudinal strain (GLS). The patients were subdivided into three groups, including 19 normotensive T2DM patients (G1), 19 hypertensive T2DM patients (G2) and 32 hypertensive patients (HT). The baseline biochemical indices were collected before CMR examination.

Results

 LV ECV in T2DM patients was significantly higher than that in Cs (30.75 ± 3.65% vs. 26.33 ± 2.81%; p < 0.05). LV GLS in T2DM patients reduced compared with that in Cs (−16.51 ± 2.53% vs. −19.66 ± 3.21%, p < 0.001). In the subgroup analysis, ECV in G2 increased compared with that in G1 (31.92 ± 3.05% vs. 29.59 ± 3.90%, p = 0.032) and that in HT, too (31.92 ± 3.05% vs. 29.22 ± 6.58%, p = 0.042). GLS in G2 significantly reduced compared with that in G1 (−15.75 ± 2.29% vs. −17.27 ± 2.57%, p < 0.05) and in HT, too (−15.75 ± 2.29% vs. −17.54 ± 3.097%, p < 0.05). In T2DM group, including both G1 and G2, hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) can independently forecast the increase in ECV (β = 0.274, p = 0.001) and decrease in GLS (β = 0.383, p = 0.018).

Conclusions

T2DM patients with preserved ejection fraction show increased ECV but deteriorated GLS, which may be exacerbated by hypertension of these patients. Hemoglobin A1c is an index that can independently predict T2DM patients’ LV myocardial deformation and tissue abnormalities.
Evaluation of physicians’ knowledge of deprescribing, deprescribing tools and assessment of factors affecting deprescribing process
Authors: Akande-Sholabi Wuraola , Ajilore Comfort O. , Ilori Temitope
Published: January 2023

Background 

Polypharmacy is a common global health concern in the older population. Deprescribing has been acknowledged as an important aspect of medication use review that helps to reduce polypharmacy, inappropriate medication uses and medication adverse events, thus ensuring medication optimization and improving health-related quality of life. As physicians are primarily responsible for prescribing and monitoring of drug therapy, their perception of deprescribing and knowledge of available deprescribing tools is highly important. This study aimed to explore physicians’ knowledge of deprescribing, deprescribing tools and factors that may affect the deprescribing process.

Methods

This was a cross-sectional survey carried out among 70 physicians in selected units of a teaching hospital in Nigeria between May and June 2022. Social-demographic information, knowledge of deprescribing and deprescribing tools were obtained using a self-administered, semi-structured questionnaire, while barriers and enablers of medication deprescribing were assessed with modified Revised Patients’ Attitudes Towards Deprescribing (rPATD) Questionnaire. Descriptive and bivariate analyses were carried out using SPSS and α was set at p < 0.05.

Results

Most of the physicians (56; 80.0%) were aware of the term “deprescribing” and had good knowledge (53; 75.7%) of the steps to deprescribing. However, (16; 22.9%) respondents knew of the deprescribing tools, of this, (5; 31.3%) were aware of Beers criteria and STOPP/START criteria. Awareness of the term “deprescribing” was significantly associated with knowledge of deprescribing steps (p = 0.012), while knowledge of deprescribing tools was significantly associated with; awareness of the term “deprescribing” (p = 0.029), and daily encounters with older multimorbid patients (p = 0.031). Very important factor affecting physicians deprescribing decisions include benefit of the medication. The most common barrier is lack of information for a full clinical picture of the patient.

Conclusion

The physicians had good knowledge of the term “deprescribing” and the steps to deprescribing. Specific measures to target the barriers faced by the physicians in deprescribing medications and policies to implement physicians use of existing guidelines to facilitate their deprescribing decisions are essential.
Incidence and predictors of post stroke seizure among adult stroke patients admitted at Felege Hiwot compressive specialized hospital, Bahir Dar, North West Ethiopia, 2021: a retrospective follow up study
Authors: Lidetu Tadios , Zewdu Dagmawit
Published: January 2023

Background

A post stroke seizure is a period of neurological dysfunction caused by abnormal neuronal activity. Seizures after a stroke have an impact on patients' lives and increase mortality in stroke patients. It also has a negative impact on the prognosis of stroke. However, there is a scarcity of literature in Ethiopia on the occurrence of post-stroke seizures. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the incidence and predictors of post-stroke seizure at Felege Hiwot compressive specialized hospital, North West Ethiopia.

Methods

An institution-based retrospective follow-up study was carried out at Felege Hiwot Compressive Specialized Hospital, North West Ethiopia from July 1, 2017 to June 30, 2021. The records of 568 stroke patients were reviewed using a random sample method. To find predictors of post-stroke seizures, we applied the log-binomial regression model.

Result

The incidence of post-stroke seizures was 22.18%( 95% CI 18.83%—25.83%). Older age group (ARR = 2.49, 95% CI 1.33–4.69), hemorrhagic stroke (ARR = 1.99, 95% CI 1.25–3.17), surgical intervention (ARR = 1.85, 95% CI 1.22–2.81), and tramadol medication (ARR = 1.85, 95% CI 1.22–2.81) were found to be predictors of post stroke seizure.

Conclusion

This study revealed that the incidence of post stroke seizure was high and older age, haemorrhagic type of stroke, surgical management, and use of tramadol anti-pain medication are risk factors for post-stroke seizures. Therefore, health care professionals must pay special attention and provide clinical care to patients who have risk factors for post-stroke seizure.
Trauma and its consequences in Iran: cross-cultural adaption and validation of the Global Psychotrauma Screen in a representative sample
Authors: Salimi Yahya , Hoeboer C. , Motevalli Haghi Seyed Ali , Williamson R. E. , Rahimi Mohammad Dawood , Rajabi-Gilan Nader , Almasi Ali , Olff M.
Published: January 2023

Background

Potentially traumatic events may lead to the development of a wide range of adverse psychological responses, including symptoms of anxiety, depression, and (complex) posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Despite the high prevalence of potentially traumatic events in Iran, there is no population data nor evidence-based instrument to screen for cross-diagnostic psychological responses to trauma. The Global Psychotrauma Screen (GPS) is a transdiagnostic self-report instrument for the detection of trauma-related symptoms, as well as risk and protective factors related to the impact of potentially traumatic events.

Objective

The present study seeks to 1) translate and cross-culturally adapt the GPS in the Persian (Farsi) language and 2) examine the psychometric properties of the Persian GPS.

Method

The translation and adaptation were performed using the Sousa and Rojjanasrirat (2011) method. A pilot study (n = 30) was carried out to test the content validity and test–retest reliability of the GPS. Next, in a representative sample (n = 800) of residents of Kermanshah City, the GPS, the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ) and the PTSD Checklist for DSM-5 (PCL-5) were administered. Construct validity of the Persian GPS was assessed using exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis. Additionally, we evaluated the convergent validity and internal consistency of the GPS.

Results

Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses indicated a three-factor model as the best solution with factors representing 1) Negative Affect, 2) Core PTSD symptoms and 3) Dissociative symptoms. The GPS total symptom score had high internal consistency and high convergent validity with related measures. A GPS total symptom cut-off score of nine was optimal for indicating a probable PTSD diagnosis based on the PCL-5. About half (52%) of the current sample met criteria for probable PTSD.

Conclusions

The current findings suggest that the GPS can be effectively adapted for use in a non-Western society and, specifically, that the Persian GPS represents a useful, reliable and valid tool for screening of trauma-related symptoms in Iran.