bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Novel approach to enhance Bradyrhizobium diazoefficiens nodulation through continuous induction of ROS by manganese ferrite nanomaterials in soybean
Authors: Ma Jun , Zhou Yi , Li Jiaying , Song Zhiyong , Han Heyou
Published: March 2022

Background

The study of symbiotic nitrogen fixation between (SNF) legumes and rhizobia has always been a hot frontier in scientific research. Nanotechnology provides a new strategy for biological nitrogen fixation research. However, how to construct abiotic nano-structure-biological system, using the special properties of nanomaterials, to realize the self-enhancement of biological nitrogen fixation capacity is important.

Results

In order to construct a more efficient SNF system, in this study, we applied manganese ferrite nanoparticles (MF-NPs) with sustainable diatomic catalysis to produce reactive oxygen species (ROS), thus regulating the nodulation pathway and increasing the number of nodules in soybean (Glycine max), eventually enhancing symbiotic nitrogen fixation. Symbiosis cultivation of MF-NPs and soybean plants resulted in 50.85% and 61.4% increase in nodule weight and number, respectively, thus inducing a 151.36% nitrogen fixation efficiency increase, finally leading to a 25.70% biomass accumulation increase despite no substantial effect on the nitrogenase activity per unit. Transcriptome sequencing analysis showed that of 36 differentially expressed genes (DEGs), 31 DEGs related to soybean nodulation were upregulated in late rhizobium inoculation stage (12 d), indicating that the increase of nodules was derived from nodule-related genes (Nod-R) continuous inductions by MF-NPs.

Conclusions

Our results indicated that the nodule number could be effectively increased by extending the nodulation period without threatening the vegetative growth of plants or triggering the autoregulation of nodulation (AON) pathway. This study provides an effective strategy for induction of super-conventional nodulation.

Graphical Abstract
A high-throughput microfluidic diploid yeast long-term culturing (DYLC) chip capable of bud reorientation and concerted daughter dissection for replicative lifespan determination
Authors: Wang Yingying , Zhu Zhen , Liu Ke , Xiao Qin , Geng Yangye , Xu Feng , Ouyang Shuiping , Zheng Ke , Fan Yimin , Jin Nan , Zhao Xiangwei , Marchisio Mario A. , Pan Dejing , Huang Qing-an
Published: March 2022

Background

Budding yeast, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, has been extensively favored as a model organism in aging and age-related studies, thanks to versatile microfluidic chips for cell dynamics assay and replicative lifespan (RLS) determination at single-cell resolution. However, previous microfluidic structures aiming to immobilize haploid yeast may impose excessive spatial constraint and mechanical stress on cells, especially for larger diploid cells that sprout in a bipolar pattern.

Results

We developed a high-throughput microfluidic chip for diploid yeast long-term culturing (DYLC), optical inspection and cell-aging analysis. The DYLC chip features 1100 “leaky bowl”-shaped traps formatted in an array to dock single cells under laminar-perfused medium and effectively remove daughter cells by hydraulic shear forces. The delicate microstructures of cell traps enable hydrodynamic rotation of newborn buds, so as to ensure bud reorientation towards downstream and concerted daughter dissection thereafter. The traps provide sufficient space for cell-volume enlargement during aging, and thus properly alleviate structural compression and external stress on budding yeast. Trapping efficiency and long-term maintenance of single cells were optimized according to computational fluid dynamics simulations and experimental characterization in terms of critical parameters of the trap and array geometries. Owing to the self-filling of daughter cells dissected from traps upstream, an initial trapping efficiency of about 70% can rapidly reach a high value of over 92% after 4-hour cell culturing. During yeast proliferation and aging, cellular processes of growth, budding and daughter dissection were continuously tracked for over 60 h by time-lapse imaging. Yeast RLS and budding time interval (BTI) were directly calculated by the sequential two-digit codes indicating the budding status in images. With the employed diploid yeast strain, we obtained an RLS of 24.29 ± 3.65 generations, and verified the extension of BTI in the first couple of generations after birth and the last several generations approaching death, as well as cell de-synchronization along diploid yeast aging.

Conclusions

The DYLC chip offers a promising platform for reliable capture and culturing of diploid yeast cells and for life-long tracking of cell dynamics and replicative aging processes so that grasping comprehensive insights of aging mechanism in complex eukaryotic cells.

Graphical Abstract
An inhibitory effect on the nuclear accumulation of phospho-STAT1 by its unphosphorylated form
Authors: Menon Priyanka Rajeev , Staab Julia , Gregus Anke , Wirths Oliver , Meyer Thomas
Published: March 2022

Background

Unphosphorylated signal transducer and activator of transcription 1 (U-STAT1) has been reported to elicit a distinct gene expression profile as compared to tyrosine-phosphorylated STAT1 (P-STAT1) homodimers. However, the impact of U-STAT1 on the IFNγ-induced immune response mediated by P-STAT1 is unknown. By generating a double mutant of STAT1 with mutation R602L in the Src-homology 2 (SH2) domain and Y701F in the carboxy-terminal transactivation domain mimicking U-STAT1, we investigated the effects of U-STAT1 on P-STAT1-mediated signal transduction.

Results

In this study, we discovered a novel activity of U-STAT1 that alters the nucleo-cytoplasmic distribution of cytokine-stimulated P-STAT1. While the dimerization-deficient mutant R602L/Y701F was not able to display cytokine-induced nuclear accumulation, it inhibited the nuclear accumulation of co-expressed IFNγ-stimulated wild-type P-STAT1. Disruption of the anti-parallel dimer interface in the R602L/Y701F mutant via additional R274W and T385A mutations did not rescue the impaired nuclear accumulation of co-expressed P-STAT1. The mutant U-STAT1 affected neither the binding of co-expressed P-STAT1 to gamma-activated sites in vitro, nor the transcription of reporter constructs and the activation of STAT1 target genes. However, the nuclear accumulation of P-STAT1 was diminished in the presence of mutant U-STAT1, which was not restored by mutations reducing the DNA affinity of mutant U-STAT1. Whereas single mutations in the amino-terminus of dimerization-deficient U-STAT1 similarly inhibited the nuclear accumulation of co-expressed P-STAT1, a complete deletion of the amino-terminus restored cytokine-stimulated nuclear accumulation of P-STAT1. Likewise, the disruption of a dimer-specific nuclear localization signal also rescued the U-STAT1-mediated inhibition of P-STAT1 nuclear accumulation.

Conclusion

Our data demonstrate a novel role of U-STAT1 in affecting nuclear accumulation of P-STAT1, such that a high intracellular concentration of U-STAT1 inhibits the detection of nuclear P-STAT1 in immunofluorescence assays. These observations hint at a possible physiological function of U-STAT1 in buffering the nuclear import of P-STAT1, while preserving IFNγ-induced gene expression. Based on these results, we propose a model of a hypothetical import structure, the assembly of which is impaired under high concentrations of U-STAT1. This mechanism maintains high levels of cytoplasmic STAT1, while simultaneously retaining signal transduction by IFNγ.
Tax awareness and perceived cost of sugar-sweetened beverages in four countries between 2017 and 2019: findings from the international food policy study
Authors: Acton Rachel B. , Vanderlee Lana , Adams Jean , Kirkpatrick Sharon I. , Pedraza Lilia S. , Sacks Gary , White Christine M. , White Martin , Hammond David
Published: March 2022

Background

The public health benefits of sugar-sweetened beverage (SSB) taxes often rely on, among other things, changes to consumer purchases. Thus, perceived cost of SSBs and signalling effects—via awareness of the tax—may impact the effectiveness of SSB taxes on consumer purchases.

Objective

The study sought to examine perceived cost of SSBs, tax awareness, and changes in beverage purchasing over time and across four countries with and without SSB taxes.

Methods

The study used data from the 2017, 2018 and 2019 waves of the International Food Policy Study. Annual cross-sectional online surveys were conducted in Australia, Mexico, UK and US, which captured perceived cost of SSBs relative to non-SSBs in all countries (with Australia as a no-tax comparator), and measures of tax awareness and participants’ reported changes in beverage purchasing in response to SSB taxes in Mexico (tax implemented in 2014), UK (tax implemented in 2018) and US (subnational taxes since 2015). Logistic regression models evaluated the measures across years and socio-demographic groups.

Results

Perceived cost of SSBs relative to non-SSBs was higher in Mexico (all three years) and the UK (2018 and 2019 following tax implementation) than Australia and the US. Tax awareness was higher in UK than Mexico, and decreased over time among Mexican respondents. Patterns of reported beverage purchasing changes in response to the tax were similar across Mexico, UK and US, with the largest changes reported by Mexican respondents. Respondents with characteristics corresponding to lower socioeconomic status were less likely to be aware of an SSB tax, but more likely to perceive SSBs to cost more than non-SSBs and report changes in purchasing in response to the tax, where there was one.

Conclusions

This study suggests that in countries where a national SSB tax was present (Mexico, UK), perceived cost of SSBs and tax awareness were higher compared to countries with no SSB tax (Australia) or subnational SSB taxes (US), respectively, and suggests that perceived cost and tax awareness represent distinct constructs. Improving the ‘signalling effect’ of existing SSB taxes may be warranted, particularly in tax settings where consumer behaviour change is a policy objective.
Factors associated with take-home naloxone kit usage in British Columbia: an analysis of administrative data
Authors: Lei Victor , Ferguson Max , Geiger Rachael , Williams Sierra , Liu Lisa , Buxton Jane A.
Published: March 2022

Background

The British Columbia (BC) Take-Home Naloxone (THN) program provides naloxone to people at risk of experiencing or witnessing an opioid overdose for use in reversing suspected overdose events. This study seeks to examine trends and correlates of individuals obtaining a THN kit in BC between 2017 and 2020.

Methods

Records of THN kits distributed between 2017 and 2020 were the primary source of data for this analysis. Frequency tables were used to describe characteristics of people obtaining kits from THN sites. Correlates of individuals obtaining a THN kit to replace a previous kit reported as used to reverse an overdose were assessed with multivariate logistic regression.

Results

Between January 1, 2017, and December 31, 2020, 240,606 THN kits were reported distributed by registered sites to members of the public, with 90,011 records indicating that a kit was obtained to replace a previous kit that had been used to reverse an overdose. There was a significant trend in increasing kits reported used by year (p < 0.01). The kit recipient’s risk of overdose was a significant predictor of having reported using a THN kit, and the strength of the association was dependent on gender (Male: Adjusted odds ratio (AOR) 5.37 [95% confidence interval (CI) 5.08 – 5.67]; Female: AOR 8.35 [95% CI 7.90 – 8.82]; Trans and gender expansive: AOR 3.68 [95% CI 2.82 – 4.79]).

Conclusions

Between 2017 and 2020, THN kits were used to reverse tens of thousands of overdose events in BC, with people at risk of overdose (i.e. people who use drugs [PWUD]) having greater odds of using a kit to reverse an overdose than those not at risk. Thus, PWUD are responsible for reversing the vast majority of overdoses. THN kits are being distributed to the people who use them most. However, additional strategies in conjunction with community-based naloxone distribution programs are needed to address the rising number of illicit drug toxicity deaths.
Current state of knowledge on the prevalence of neurodevelopmental disorders in childhood according to the DSM-5: a systematic review in accordance with the PRISMA criteria
Authors: Francés Lorena , Quintero Javier , Fernández Alberto , Ruiz Antoni , Caules Jessica , Fillon Gabriella , Hervás Amaia , Soler C. Virgínia
Published: March 2022

Objective

To interpret the current evidence on the prevalence of neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs) through a systematic review based on both DSM-5 (2013) and PRISMA criteria.

Method

Empirical studies complying with the PRISMA guidelines were identified from four databases (PubMed, Scopus, Science Direct, and ProQuest) and systematically reviewed. In total, 17 articles were selected for the study.

Results

In the scientific literature, there have been only a few studies measuring the prevalence of NDDs according to the DSM-5 (2013) criteria in people under 18 years old. The reported prevalence rates were as follows: intellectual disability (ID), 0.63%; attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), 5–11%; autism spectrum disorder (ASD), 0.70–3%; specific learning disorder (SLD), 3–10%; communication disorders (CDs), 1–3.42%; and motor disorders (MDs), 0.76–17%. Although there is extensive literature on specific disorders, NDDs have rarely been assessed as a whole.

All of the reviewed studies support the idea that such disorders can be considered chronic, heterogeneous, underdiagnosed conditions and that comorbidity of multiple NDDs is the norm. Likewise, it is estimated that the prevalence of the most studied disorders, such as ADHD, ASD and SLD, remains stable over time and is consistent in different cultures, ages, ethnicities and sexes.

Conclusion

The studies reviewed lead us to conclude that the prevalence rate of NDDs fluctuates globally between 4.70 and 88.50%; these variations depend on methodological aspects such as estimation procedures, as well as on sociocontextual phenomena. It is also important to consider that the prevalence found is probably highly influenced by the activity of the countries in the diagnosis and training of professionals who care for children and adolescents. Hence, there is a need for a secondary intervention in the fields of public health and education to minimize socioemotional consequences, prevent academic failure, and reduce the economic cost to society.
A risk model of gene signatures for predicting platinum response and survival in ovarian cancer
Authors: Chen Siyu , Wu Yong , Wang Simin , Wu Jiangchun , Wu Xiaohua , Zheng Zhong
Published: March 2022

Background

Ovarian cancer (OC) is the deadliest tumor in the female reproductive tract. And increased resistance to platinum-based chemotherapy represents the major obstacle in the treatment of OC currently. Robust and accurate gene expression models are crucial tools in distinguishing platinum therapy response and evaluating the prognosis of OC patients.

Methods

In this study, 230 samples from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) OV dataset were subjected to mRNA expression profiling, single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP), and copy number variation (CNV) analysis comprehensively to screen out the differentially expressed genes (DEGs). An SVM classifier and a prognostic model were constructed using the Random Forest algorithm and LASSO Cox regression model respectively via R. The Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database was applied as the validation set.

Results

Forty-eight differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were figured out through integrated analysis of gene expression, single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP), and copy number variation (CNV) data. A 10-gene classifier was constructed which could discriminate platinum-sensitive samples precisely with an AUC of 0.971 in the training set and of 0.926 in the GEO dataset (GSE638855). In addition, 8 optimal genes were further selected to construct the prognostic risk model whose predictions were consistent with the actual survival outcomes in the training cohort (p = 9.613e-05) and validated in GSE638855 (p = 0.04862). PNLDC1, SLC5A1, and SYNM were then identified as hub genes that were associated with both platinum response status and prognosis, which was further validated by the Fudan University Shanghai cancer center (FUSCC) cohort.

Conclusion

These findings reveal a specific risk model that could serve as effective biomarkers to identify patients’ platinum response status and predict survival outcomes for OC patients. PNLDC1, SLC5A1, and SYNM are the hub genes that may serve as potential biomarkers in OC treatment.
Overview of paratransgenesis as a strategy to control pathogen transmission by insect vectors
Authors: Ratcliffe Norman A. , Furtado Pacheco João P. , Dyson Paul , Castro Helena Carla , Gonzalez Marcelo S. , Azambuja Patricia , Mello Cicero B.
Published: March 2022

This article presents an overview of paratransgenesis as a strategy to control pathogen transmission by insect vectors. It first briefly summarises some of the disease-causing pathogens vectored by insects and emphasises the need for innovative control methods to counter the threat of resistance by both the vector insect to pesticides and the pathogens to therapeutic drugs. Subsequently, the state of art of paratransgenesis is described, which is a particularly ingenious method currently under development in many important vector insects that could provide an additional powerful tool for use in integrated pest control programmes. The requirements and recent advances of the paratransgenesis technique are detailed and an overview is given of the microorganisms selected for genetic modification, the effector molecules to be expressed and the environmental spread of the transgenic bacteria into wild insect populations. The results of experimental models of paratransgenesis developed with triatomines, mosquitoes, sandflies and tsetse flies are analysed. Finally, the regulatory and safety rules to be satisfied for the successful environmental release of the genetically engineered organisms produced in paratransgenesis are considered.

Graphical Abstract
Effects of regional citrate anticoagulation on thrombin generation, fibrinolysis and platelet function in critically ill patients receiving continuous renal replacement therapy for acute kidney injury: a prospective study
Authors: Fisher Richard , Moore Gary W. , Mitchell Michael J. , Dai Letian , Crichton Siobhan , Lumlertgul Nuttha , Ostermann Marlies
Published: March 2022

Background

Regional citrate anticoagulation (RCA) is recommended for continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT). However, filter life varies and premature filter clotting can occur. The aims of this explorative prospective study were to investigate the effects of RCA on thrombin generation, fibrinolysis and platelet function in critically ill patients receiving CRRT, to compare clotting parameters between systemic and intra-circuit blood samples, and to screen participants for coagulation disorders. We recruited critically ill adult patients admitted to a 30-bedded Intensive care unit in a tertiary care hospital who required CRRT with RCA for acute kidney injury (AKI). Patients with pre-existing thrombotic, bleeding tendencies or a CRRT duration less than 48 h were excluded. We measured coagulation and thrombophilia parameters at baseline. Thrombin generation, D-dimer and platelet function were measured pre-CRRT and at 12, 24, 36, 48 and 72 h after commencing CRRT using blood samples taken from the arterial line and the circuit.

Results

At baseline, all eleven patients (mean age 62.4 years, 82% male) had Factor VIII and von Willebrand Factor concentrations above reference range and significantly increased peak thrombin generation. During CRRT, there were no significant changes in systemic maximum peak thrombin generation, time to peak thrombin generation, fibrinogen, D-dimer and platelet function analysis. We observed no significant difference between paired samples taken from the patient's arterial line and the circuit.

Conclusions

Critically ill patients with AKI requiring CRRT are hypercoagulable. Citrate used for anticoagulation during CRRT does not affect thrombin generation, D-dimer or platelet function. Systemic clotting parameters reflect intra-circuit results.

Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02486614.

Registered 01 July 2015—Registered after recruitment of first patient. https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02486614
Ventricular fibrillation during carotid endarterectomy and bailout stenting: a case report
Authors: Ueda Yuji , Asamoto Masaaki , Kariya Taro , Akai Takafumi , Hoshina Katsuyuki , Uchida Kanji
Published: March 2022

Background

Carotid artery manipulation is not a special technique but reports of intraoperative ventricular fibrillation are rare. The risk of fatal arrhythmias may be hidden behind routine surgical techniques and anesthetic management. We focused on QT prolongation and QT dispersion.

Case presentation

A 77-year-old man underwent carotid endarterectomy and bailout stenting. Although there were no obvious preoperative risk factors for intraoperative ventricular tachyarrhythmia, ventricular fibrillation (VF) had occurred during a maneuver of the carotid artery under hypercapnia. QTc was prolonged from 317 ms before surgery to 458 ms before the onset of VF. QTc dispersion between leads II and III was also increased to 50 ms. Hypomagnesemia was noted after resuscitation by electrical defibrillation, adrenaline, and noradrenaline.

Conclusions

We considered that the combination of multiple risk factors led to the development of ventricular fibrillation. It should be noted that carotid artery manipulation has the potential to cause arrhythmias.
Prevalence and population genetic data of colour vision deficiency among students from selected tertiary institutions in Lagos State, Nigeria
Authors: Fakorede Samson Taiwo , Akpan Lydia Gift , Adekoya Khalid Olajide , Oboh Bola
Published: March 2022

Background

Colour vision deficiency (CVD), also referred to as colour blindness, is the failure or decreased ability to distinguish between certain colours under normal lighting conditions. It is an X-linked genetic disorder with varying degrees of prevalence in different populations. There is presently no report on the prevalence of CVD among students of the selected tertiary institution. Hence, the present study was aimed at determining the occurrence and genetics of CVD among students from designated tertiary institutions in Lagos state. A cross-sectional survey was employed in recruiting 1191 study subjects from three tertiary institutions in Lagos, Nigeria.

Results

The overall occurrence of CVD among the study participants was 2.85%. There were 24 (4.29%) males and 10 (1.58%) females affected. Among the colour vision deficient individuals, 18 (1.51%) and 16 (1.34%) were deuteranomalous and protanomalous, respectively. Also, the prevalence of CVD varies across ethnic groups of the studied subjects with the highest occurrences (3.57%) observed in the Yoruba ethnic subpopulation and the least (1.45%) among the Hausas.

Conclusions

More males than females were found to be colour vision deficient, and there were more deutans than protans. Early screening for CVD should be encouraged among school children to guide the choice of future profession and help mitigate work hazards resulting from being colour deficient.
Early management of patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage in a hospital with neurosurgical/neuroendovascular facilities: a consensus and clinical recommendations of the Italian Society of Anesthesia and Intensive Care (SIAARTI)–Part 1
Authors: Picetti Edoardo , Barbanera Andrea , Bernucci Claudio , Bertuccio Alessandro , Bilotta Federico , Boccardi Edoardo Pietro , Cafiero Tullio , Caricato Anselmo , Castioni Carlo Alberto , Cenzato Marco , Chieregato Arturo , Citerio Giuseppe , Gritti Paolo , Lanterna Luigi , Menozzi Roberto , Munari Marina , Panni Pietro , Rossi Sandra , Stocchetti Nino , Sturiale Carmelo , Zoerle Tommaso , Zona Gianluigi , Rasulo Frank , Robba Chiara
Published: March 2022

Background

Issues remain on the optimal management of subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) patients once they are admitted to the referring center, before and after the aneurysm treatment. To address these issues, we created a consensus of experts endorsed by the Italian Society of Anesthesia and Intensive Care (SIAARTI). In this manuscript, we aim to provide a list of experts’ recommendations regarding the early management of SAH patients from hospital admission, in a center with neurosurgical/neuro-endovascular facilities, until securing of the bleeding aneurysm.

Methods

A multidisciplinary consensus panel composed of 24 physicians selected for their established clinical and scientific expertise in the acute management of SAH patients with different background (anesthesia/intensive care, neurosurgery, and interventional neuroradiology) was created. A modified Delphi approach was adopted.

Results

Among 19 statements discussed. The consensus was reached on 18 strong recommendations. In one case, consensus could not be agreed upon and no recommendation was provided.

Conclusions

This consensus provides practical recommendations for the management of SAH patients in hospitals with neurosurgical/neuroendovascular facilities until aneurysm securing. It is intended to support clinician’s decision-making and not to mandate a standard of practice.
Five points to consider when reading a translational machine-learning paper
Authors: Dwyer Dominic , Krishnadas Rajeev
Published: March 2022

Machine-learning techniques are used in this BJPsych special issue on precision medicine in attempts to create statistical models that make clinically relevant predictions for individual patients. In this primer, we outline five key points that are helpful for a new reader to consider in order to engage with the field and evaluate the literature. These points include the consideration of why we are interested in new statistical approaches, how they may produce individualised predictions, what caveats need to be kept in-mind and why the interest and engagment of clinicians and clinical researchers is critical to successful model development and implementation. We hope that the following primer will provide shared understanding to encourage dialogue between clinical and methodological fields.
Path-dependent bifunctional device in thermal-electric field
Authors: Feng H. L. , Ni Y. S.
Published: March 2022

Janus metamaterial refers to a kind of artificial device that can exhibit different functions along different paths. Compared with the existing metamaterial only possessing the single omnidirectional or unidirectional function, we propose a path-dependent bifunctional device in a thermal-electric field, which can present two distinct thermal and electric behaviors (concentrating and cloaking) under different directions of heat flux and electric current. We theoretically derive the anisotropic material parameters of the ideal Janus device to achieve the path-dependent functionalities based on the successive transformation method. Then, in order to realize the engineering applications of the Janus device, the effective medium theory is employed to eliminate the anisotropy of the material parameters using the multilayered structure, thus avoiding extreme material parameters. We further analyze the path-dependent manipulation effects of the coupled thermal and electric fields. The numerical simulations are carried out to demonstrate the performances of ideal or multilayered Janus devices under different physical conditions. The results show that the performances of the multilayered Janus device coincide with those of the ideal Janus device, and these different Janus devices can perfectly achieve the concentrating function along the x-axis and the cloaking function along the y-axis in different thermal and electric fields simultaneously. It is anticipated that the path-dependent effect of the Janus metamaterial can also be extended to other multi-physical fields with different directional functions.
Who Set Your Wage?
Authors: Card David
Published: March 2022

I discuss the recent literature that has led to new interest in the idea of monopsonistic wage setting. Building on advances in search theory and in models of differentiated products, researchers have used a number of different strategies to identify the elasticity of firm-specific labor supply. A growing consensus is that firms have some wage-setting power, though many questions remain about the sources of that power. (JEL B21, D21, D24, D43, J22, J31, J42)
Labor Market Power
Authors: Berger David , Herkenhoff Kyle , Mongey Simon
Published: March 2022

We develop, estimate, and test a tractable general equilibrium model of oligopsony with differentiated jobs and concentrated labor markets. We estimate key model parameters by matching new evidence on the relationship between firms’ local labor market share and their employment and wage responses to state corporate tax changes. The model quantitatively replicates quasi-experimental evidence on imperfect productivity-wage pass-through and strategic wage setting of dominant employers. Relative to the efficient allocation, welfare losses from labor market power are 7.6 percent, while output is 20.9 percent lower. Lastly, declining local concentration added 4 percentage points to labor’s share of income between 1977 and 2013. (JEL E25, H71, J24, J31, J42, R23)
Measuring Geopolitical Risk
Authors: Caldara Dario , Iacoviello Matteo
Published: March 2022

We present a news-based measure of adverse geopolitical events and associated risks. The geopolitical risk (GPR) index spikes around the two world wars, at the beginning of the Korean War, during the Cuban Missile Crisis, and after 9/11. Higher geopolitical risk foreshadows lower investment and employment and is associated with higher disaster probability and larger downside risks. The adverse consequences of the GPR index are driven by both the threat and the realization of adverse geopolitical events. We complement our aggregate measures with industry- and firm-level indicators of geopolitical risk. Investment drops more in industries that are exposed to aggregate geopolitical risk. Higher firm-level geopolitical risk is associated with lower firm-level investment. (JEL C43, E32, F51, F52, G31, H56, N40)
Performance of virtual non-contrast images generated on clinical photon-counting detector CT for emphysema quantification: proof of concept
Authors: Jungblut Lisa , Sartoretti Thomas , Kronenberg Daniel , Mergen Victor , Euler Andre , Schmidt Bernhard , Alkadhi Hatem , Frauenfelder Thomas , Martini Katharina
Published: March 2022

Objective:

To evaluate the performance of virtual non-contrast images (VNC) compared to true non-contrast (TNC) images in photon-counting detector computed tomography (PCD-CT) for the evaluation of lung parenchyma and emphysema quantification.

Methods:

65 (mean age 73 years; 48 male) consecutive patients who underwent a three-phase (non-contrast, arterial and venous) chest/abdomen CT on a first-generation dual-source PCD-CT were retrospectively included. Scans were performed in the multienergy (QuantumPlus) mode at 120 kV with 70 ml intravenous contrast agent at an injection rate of 4 ml s−1. VNC were reconstructed from the arterial (VNCart) and venous phase (VNCven). TNC and VNC images of the lung were assessed quantitatively by calculating the global noise index (GNI) and qualitatively by two independent, blinded readers (overall image quality and emphysema assessment). Emphysema quantification was performed using a commercially available software tool at a threshold of −950 HU for all data sets. TNC images served as reference standard for emphysema quantification. Low attenuation values (LAV) were compared in a Bland–Altman plot.

Results:

GNI was similar in VNCart (103.0 ± 30.1) and VNCven (98.2 ± 22.2) as compared to TNC (100.9 ± 19.0, p = 0.546 and p = 0.272, respectively). Subjective image quality (emphysema assessment and overall image quality) was highest for TNC (p = 0.001), followed by VNCven and VNCart. Both, VNCart and VNCven showed no significant difference in emphysema quantification as compared to TNC (p = 0.409 vs. p = 0.093; respectively).

Conclusion:

Emphysema evaluation is feasible using virtual non-contrast images from PCD-CT.

Advances in knowledge:

Emphysema quantification is feasible and accurate using VNC images in PCD-CT. Based on these findings, additional TNC scans for emphysema quantification could be omitted in the future.
Επίδραση της σύνθετης και της συνδυαστικής προπόνησης με αντιστάσεις κατά την προαγωνιστική περίοδο σε αθλητές ρίψεων
Authors: Κυριαζής Θωμάς
Published: March 2022

Η μεγιστοποίηση της επίδοσης στις αθλητικές ρίψεις στηρίζεται σε μεγάλο βαθμό στην υψηλή τεχνική κατάρτιση και στην ικανότητα παραγωγής μυϊκής ισχύος. Πρόσφατα έχει προταθεί για παραγωγή υψηλής ισχύος α) η «σύνθετη προπόνηση» (complex) που περιλαμβάνει σε μια προπόνηση κινησιολογικά παρόμοιες ασκήσεις υψηλής αντίστασης, που εναλλάσσονται με μυϊκής ισχύος, β) η «συνδυαστική προπόνηση» (compound), που περιλαμβάνει προπόνηση δύναμης με αντιστάσεις και μυϊκής ισχύος σε διαφορετικές ημέρες. Ο σκοπός της μελέτης ήταν να διερευνήσει διαφορές στη βελτίωση της επίδοσης μεταξύ σύνθετης και συνδυαστικής προπόνησης, σε ετήσιο κύκλο προετοιμασίας στην προαγωνιστική περιόδου 4 εβδομάδων και να εξηγήσει ποιες από τις παραμέτρους δύναμης και μυϊκής ισχύος, εξηγούν αποτελεσματικότερα την επίδοση στις αθλητικές ρίψεις σε έμπειρους αθλητές. Στην έρευνα συμμετείχαν δέκα, υγιείς αθλητές ρίψεων άνδρες και γυναίκες, 18-24 ετών με προπονητική εμπειρία μεγαλύτερη των 6 ετών, πραγματοποίησαν διασταυρούμενο διαχωρισμό, εκτελώντας και τα δυο εξισωμένα προγράμματα κατά την χειμερινή και εαρινή προαγωνιστική περίοδο. Αξιολογήθηκε: 1) η μέγιστη δύναμη στο ημικάθισμα, αρασέ και πιέσεις πάγκου, 2) ο ρυθμός εφαρμογής δύναμης στις δοκιμασίες κάτω και άνω άκρων 3) η μυϊκή ισχύς στο: άλμα από κάθισμα - άλμα με αιώρηση του κορμού – χεριών 4) η αγωνιστική και η γενική ριπτική επίδοση, 5) η άλιπη μάζα. Η αγωνιστική επίδοση βελτιώθηκε στατιστικά σημαντικά μετά την προπονητική παρέμβαση ισχύος που πραγματοποιήθηκε στην σύνθετη ομάδα (complex) 5,42 ± 2,96 % (F = 10,563, p = 0,005, df = 1, η2 = 0,398, χ2 = 0,023), σε σύγκριση με την συνδυαστική ομάδα (compound) 1,89 ± 1,74 %. Τα αποτελέσματα έδειξαν ότι η ποσοστιαία αύξηση της αγωνιστικής επίδοσης, στην ομάδα σύνθετης προπόνησης, εξηγείται με την ποσοστιαία αύξηση της μέγιστης δύναμης και την ποσοστιαία αύξηση του ρυθμού εφαρμογής δύναμης στα 150 ms για κάτω και στα 80 ms για άνω άκρα.
Case Report: Good responsiveness of metastatic sarcomatoid urothelial carcinoma with chondrosarcomatous differentiation to immune checkpoint inhibitor after radical surgery and chemotherapy
Authors: Lee Hyung Ho , Kang Hye Ju , Park Weon Seo , Choi Wonyoung , Seo Ho Kyung , Kim Sung Han
Published: March 2022

Background: Sarcomatoid urothelial carcinoma with chondrosarcomatous differentiation (SUCCD) in the ureter has a poor prognosis and is a rare histological variant of ureteral cancer. The majority of ureteral cancers are urothelial carcinomas.

Clinical case: We present a case of well-controlled metastatic SUCCD treated with an immune checkpoint inhibitor after radical surgery and failed adjuvant chemotherapy. The patient was a 68-year-old male with previous cure history of cT1 staged esophageal squamous cell carcinoma referred to the urology department for a right hydronephroureterosis complicating an intraureteral enhancing mass. After ureteroscopic biopsy and intraureteral urine cytology, atypical pleomorphic cell nests and chondroid tissue consistent with sarcomatoid urothelial carcinoma were observed. The patient underwent a successful radical right nephroureterectomy with bladder cuffing. The final diagnosis was a pT3N0 sarcomatoid urothelial carcinoma (heterologous component: chondrosarcoma > 95%) located at the right distal ureter and right renal calyx with infiltration of the periureteric fat and renal parenchyma of the renal capsule. On the postoperative one-month follow-up computed tomography scan, multiple enlarged lymph nodes and metastatic lung nodules were detected. The initiated three cycles of gemcitabine-carboplatin therapy was marked by disease progression; thus, second-line therapy with atezolizumab was used for treatment. After five cycles of atezolizumab, the tumors showed a partial response without any grade 3 complications.

Conclusion: The recurrent metastatic SUCCD showed good response to the immune checkpoint inhibitor after unsuccessful therapy with radical surgery and first line chemotherapy despite the unfavorable outcome of the pathology.
Realisation of Solid-State Electrochromic Devices Based on Gel Electrolyte
Authors: Au Benedict Wen-Cheun , Chan Kah-Yoong , Sahdan Mohd Zainizan , Chong Abraham Shiau-Iun , Knipp Dietmar
Published: March 2022

Background: In the last decade, there has been much interest in the area of solid polymer electrolyte (SPE) to address the issues of electrolyte leakage and evaporation in electrochromic devices (ECD). ECD is a state-of-the-art technology having the ability to change from transparent state to opaque state under the influence of a small applied voltage for energy saving applications.

Methods: In this work, tungsten oxide (WO3) films were fabricated via the sol-gel spin-coating method. Subsequently, ECDs were assembled based on SPE and liquid polymer electrolyte (LPE), respectively using indium doped tin oxide (ITO) coated glass as conducting electrodes and WO3 films as working electrode.

Results: Cyclic voltammetry (CV) results revealed reduced ionic conductivity of conducting ions in SPE based ECD (SECD) owing to increased viscosity by addition of PMMA. However, lesser time was required for the colouration process. LPE based ECD (LECD) showed higher colouration efficiency (CE) compared to its SECD counterpart. This is attributed to its larger optical modulation.

Conclusions: This work presents a comparison between the performance of LECD and SECD in terms of electrochromic (EC) and optical properties. They were analysed through CV, chronoamperometry (CA) and ultraviolet-visible (UV-Vis) spectrophotometer. Furthermore, this work provides an insight on the employment of solid-state electrolytes in ECDs in view of the persistent leakage and evaporation problems in ECD implementation.
Problem-based learning in research method courses: development, application and evaluation
Authors: Ramdani Yani , Kurniati Syam Nia , Karyana Yayat , Herawati Diar
Published: March 2022

Background: The undergraduate curriculum in Indonesia generally requires students to take a research methods course as a prerequisite course for the preparation of scientific reports. The objective of this course is to teach students how to present research results both orally and in writing using the styles and forms of each university. However, this course is not popular among students because the material is complex and technical. As a result, there is a gap between learning outcomes and their application when students prepare scientific reports. Improving pedagogy and teaching interventions through student-developed research projects is important in complementing lectures. The purpose of this study was to analyze the improvement of students' ability in writing scientific reports through research method courses using problem based learning (PBL).

Methods: This study reports the integration of scientific report writing in research methods courses through PBL at the Universitas Islam Bandung in Indonesia. PBL was implemented by involving students in research-related tasks with the following stages: writing research questions, determining the research design, collecting data, analyzing data, and presenting research results.

Results: The results showed that there was an increase in scientific writing skills with good categories on indicators of possible plagiarism using Turnitin, use of report preparation formats, suitability of literature, mastery of research report content in-class presentations.

Conclusions: This finding implies that assigning students to write scientific reports using PBL in the research method classroom is useful for improving learning outcomes, presentation, reasoning, communication, ambiguous problem-solving, and reducing plagiarism. The findings of this study strengthen the findings of previous researchers, namely increase students' abilities in using formatting to prepare scientific reports, using appropriate literature, mastering research materials as well as reducing the level of plagiarism.
IsoAligner: dynamic mapping of amino acid positions across protein isoforms
Authors: Hanimann Jacob , Moch Holger , Zoche Martin , Kahraman Abdullah
Published: March 2022

Aligning protein isoform sequences is often performed in cancer diagnostics to homogenise mutation annotations from different diagnostic assays. However, most alignment tools are fitted for homologous sequences, leading often to alignments of non-identical exonic regions. Here, we present the interactive alignment webservice IsoAligner for exact mapping of exonic protein subsequences. The tool uses a customized Needleman-Wunsch algorithm including an open gap penalty combined with a gene-specific minimal exon length function and dynamically adjustable parameters. As an input, IsoAligner accepts either various gene/transcript/protein IDs from different databases (Ensembl, UniProt, RefSeq) or raw amino acid sequences. The output of IsoAligner consists of pairwise alignments and a table of mapped amino acid positions between the canonical or supplied isoform IDs and all alternative isoforms. IsoAligner’s human isoform library comprises of over 1.3 million IDs mapped on over 120,000 protein sequences. IsoAligner, is a fast and interactive alignment tool for retrieving amino acids positions between different protein isoforms. Its application will allow diagnostic and precision medicine labs to detect inconsistent variant annotations between different assays and databases. Availability: This tool is available as a Webservice on www.isoaligner.org. A REST API is available for programmatic access. The source code for both services can be found at https://github.com/mtp-usz/IsoAligner.
TQM Framework for Healthcare Sectors: Barriers to Implementation
Authors: Ansari Mohammad Sultan Ahmad
Published: March 2022

Purpose: A qualitative research was carried out with an aim of understanding and addressing the challenges of integrating TQM in the healthcare industry. It examines the existing inadequacies in the service quality, and barriers in implementation of TQM practices,
Methodology/Approach: A conceptual model is developed to explore the issues arising TQM implementation. There are three major components of TQM: such as barriers to implementation, Critical Success Factors and Benefits of TQM. Interviews with health workers and patients were conducted based on pre-structured questionnaires. Seven hypotheses were developed to investigate how TQM can be achieved irrespective of surmounting barriers.
Findings: Findings suggest TQM can be implemented in the right environment with committed leadership and supportive infrastructure, which would drive SQ, improved customers, and employees’ satisfaction and loyalty, increase profitability and shareholder values. TQM can deliver high quality medical care for overall performance of the healthcare industry.
Research Limitation/Implication: Interviews were conducted with semi-structured research questionnaires. There may be some inevitable biases present in questionnaires and evaluation of review.
Originality/Value of paper: The study benefits from insights from medical personnel and patients’ perspective, in exploring the SQ attributes, i.e., quality circle, continuous improvement, employee empowerment and customer focused approach.
Cost-Benefit Analysis of Implementing Circular Economy in a Portuguese Company: From a Case Study to a Model
Authors: Ramos Delfina , Fonseca Luis , Gonçalves Joaquim , Carvalho Raquel , Carvalho Sandro , Santos Gilberto
Published: March 2022

Purpose: This work was carried out in a company of the upholstery sector in northern Portugal to demonstrate that Investment in Preventive Measures, within the scope of Environmental Management and supported by a Circular Economy approach, is a significant investment decision, with transversal benefits to the entire organization.
Methodology/Approach: This study focuses on an interview, a financial cost-benefit analysis and a sensitivity analysis. The company is in line with concerns about the Circular Economy.
Findings: The findings support that the cost-benefit analysis is a valuable tool for decision-making and for identifying the potential benefits that can arise from implementing measures from the Circular Economy perspective. An action plan was structured with several recommendations in a logic of action priorities. A case study was carried out in the company and a model was designed.
Research Limitation/Implication: The studied company is still at an embryonic stage. Nevertheless, it was possible to identify all environmental aspects, namely, impacts, consumption. The study in question was carried out only in one company. It can be extended to many more companies.
Originality/Value of paper: The measures to be implemented, in addition to bringing economic and financial benefits to the Company, will contribute to a better and greater environmental sustainability and a better intervention at a social level.
Comparison of erythrocyte sedimentation rate and C-reactive protein in patients with distal radius fractures according to the prophylactic antibiotic period: 1 day versus 1 week
Authors: Kim Dae-Geun , Kwack Byung Hoon
Published: March 2022

Purpose: Surgical site infection is a serious postoperative complication. Most surgical site infections after distal radius fracture (DRF) surgery are superficial and early-onset, and they can be prevented by prophylactic antibiotics. The erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and C-reactive protein (CRP) are representative inflammatory markers. The aim of this study was to compare serial serum ESR and CRP levels in DRF patients according to the period of prophylactic antibiotic use.Methods: A retrospective study was conducted on 46 patients with DRF treated with internal fixation. Twenty-two patients treated between September 2019 and March 2020 were in group A and 24 patients who underwent treatment from September 2020 to March 2021 comprised group B. The patients in group A were administered the first-generation cephalosporin for 1 week, as was customary. Group B received 1-day antibiotic prophylaxis. Surgery was performed by a single surgeon using volar locking plates. The surgical wounds and serum ESR and CRP levels were examined before surgery, 2 days after surgery, and 1 week after surgery and compared between the two groups.Results: The CRP level, but not the ESR, changed significantly over time within each group. However, no statistically significant difference was observed between the two groups, and there were no surgical site infections.Conclusion: The use of prophylactic antibiotics for 1 week had no significant effect on reducing ESR and CRP compared to 1-day prophylactic antibiotics in patients with DRFs.