bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pain as a Trigger for Epigenetic Modifications in Limbic Circuitry
Authors: Bryant Svetlana , Balouek-Thomert Julie-Anne , Geiger Luke T , Barker David J , Pena Catherine Jensen
Published: March 2022

Chronic pain involves both central and peripheral neuronal plasticity that encompasses changes in the brain, spinal cord, and peripheral nociceptors. Within the forebrain, mesocorticolimbic regions associated with emotional regulation have recently been shown to exhibit enduring gene expression changes in models of chronic pain. To better understand how such enduring transcriptional changes might be regulated within brain structures associated with processing of pain or affect, we examined epigenetic modifications associated with active or permissive transcriptional states (histone H3 lysine 4 mono and trimethylation, and histone H3 lysine 27 acetylation) in periaqueductal gray, lateral hypothalamus, nucleus accumbens, and ventral tegmental area five weeks after sciatic nerve injury to model chronic pain. For mice in chronic pain, we observed an overall trend for a reduction of these epigenetic markers in periaqueductal gray, lateral hypothalamus, and nucleus accumbens, but not ventral tegmental area. Moreover, we discovered that some epigenetic modifications exhibited changes associated with pain history, while others were associated with individual differences in pain sensitivity. When taken together, these results suggest that chronic pain may lead to a suppression of transcription and gene expression in key limbic brain structures and circuits, which may ultimately result in maladaptive plasticity within these systems.
Spatial transcriptomic analysis of childhood ependymoma implicates unresolved wound healing as a driver of tumor progression
Authors: Fu Rui , Norris Gregory A. , Willard Nicholas , Griesinger Andrea M. , Riemondy Kent A. , Amani Vladimir , Grimaldo Enrique , Harris Faith , Hankinson Todd C. , Mitra Siddhartha , Ritzmann Timothy A. , Grundy Richard R. , Foreman Nicholas K. , Donson Andrew M.
Published: March 2022

Childhood ependymoma (EPN) is a brain tumor that has seen limited improvements in outcome over past decades. The underlying cellular components of EPN have recently been revealed by single cell RNA-sequencing (scRNAseq), providing biological insights. Here we use spatial transcriptomics to comprehensively chart gene expression across the cellular landscape of posterior fossa subgroup A (PFA) EPN, the commonest and most deadly EPN variant, providing novel resolution of cellular heterogeneity and cellular interaction. We reveal that PFA are comprised of epithelial and mesenchymal histological zones each containing a diversity of cellular states. These include co-existing and spatially distinct undifferentiated progenitor-like clusters - a quiescent mesenchymal zone population, and a second highly mitotic progenitor population that is restricted to hypercellular epithelial zones. We show that myeloid cell interaction is the leading cause of mesenchymal transition in PFA, occurring in zones spatially distinct from hypoxia-induced mesenchymal transition, and these distinct EMT-initiating processes were replicated in in-vitro models of PFA. Collectively, our transcriptomic and functional analyses mirror the processes of normal wound healing where PFA mesenchymal and epithelial zones interact with immune subpopulations in cycle of persistent tissue damage response and mitogenic re-epithelialization signals. Spatial transcriptomics advances our understanding of PFA biology, implicating a “wound that will not heal” process as a driver of tumor progression, a new concept that could provide novel targets for effective therapeutic intervention.

Significance

Spatial transcriptomic analysis of the ependymoma tumor microenvironment identifies novel cell populations and interactions, implicating unresolved wound healing as a clinically actionable driver of tumor progression in this refractory childhood brain tumor.
Correlative SIP-FISH-Raman-SEM-NanoSIMS links identity, morphology, biochemistry, and physiology of environmental microbes
Authors: Schaible George A. , Kohtz Anthony J. , Cliff John , Hatzenpichler Roland
Published: March 2022

Microscopic and spectroscopic techniques are commonly applied to study microbial cells but are typically used on separate samples, resulting in population-level datasets that are integrated across different cells with little spatial resolution. To address this shortcoming, we developed a workflow that correlates several microscopic and spectroscopic techniques to generate an in-depth analysis of individual cells. By combining stable isotope probing (SIP), fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), confocal Raman microspectroscopy (Raman), and nano-scale secondary ion mass spectrometry (NanoSIMS), we illustrate how individual cells can be thoroughly interrogated to obtain information about their taxonomic identity, structure, physiology, and metabolic activity. Analysis of an artificial microbial community demonstrated that our correlative approach was able to resolve the activity of single cells using heavy water SIP in conjunction with Raman and/or NanoSIMS and establish their taxonomy and morphology using FISH and SEM. This workflow was then applied to a sample of yet uncultured multicellular magnetotactic bacteria (MMB). In addition to establishing their identity and activity, backscatter electron microscopy (BSE), NanoSIMS, and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) were employed to characterize the magnetosomes within the cells. By integrating these techniques, we demonstrate a cohesive approach to thoroughly study environmental microbes on a single cell level.
The Codon Statistics Database: a Database of Codon Usage Bias
Authors: Subramanian Krishnamurthy , Payne Bryan , Feyertag Felix , Alvarez-Ponce David
Published: March 2022

Motivation

Most amino acids can be encoded by a set of synonymous codons. Often, for any given amino acid, certain codons are significantly more used than others, a phenomenon known as codon usage bias. The genomes of different species differ in the frequencies at which they use each codon (e.g., a codon that is highly used in one species may be lowly used in another species). In addition, within any given genome, genes differ in their degree of codon bias, with highly expressed genes being more likely to use preferred codons. Knowing the codons that are preferred by a certain genome, and the amount of codon bias exhibited by each gene, has multiple applications (e.g., in heterologous expression, gene prediction, or phylogenetic inference).

Results

We have developed the Codon Statistics Database, an online database that contains codon usage statistics for all the species with reference or representative genomes in RefSeq. The user can search for any species and access two sets of tables. One set lists, for each codon, the frequency, the Relative Synonymous Codon Usage (RSCU), and whether the codon is preferred. Another set of tables lists, for each gene, its GC content, Effective Number of Codons (ENC), Codon Adaptation Index (CAI), and frequency of optimal codons (Fop). Equivalent tables can be accessed for 1) all nuclear genes, 2) nuclear genes encoding ribosomal proteins, 3) mitochondrial genes and 4) chloroplastic genes (if available in the relevant assembly). The user can also search for any taxonomic group (e.g., “primates”) and obtain a table comparing all the species in the group.

Availability

The database is free to access without registration at http://codonstatsdb.unr.edu.
Effects of taurine in mice and zebrafish behavioral assays with translational relevance to schizophrenia
Authors: Giongo Franciele Kich , Gallas-Lopes Matheus , Benvenutti Radharani , Sachett Adrieli , Bastos Leonardo Marensi , Rosa Adriane Ribeiro , Herrmann Ana Paula
Published: March 2022

Background

Altered redox state and developmental abnormalities in glutamatergic and GABAergic transmission during development are linked to the behavioral changes associated with schizophrenia. As an amino acid that exerts antioxidant and inhibitory actions in the brain, taurine is a potential candidate to modulate biological targets relevant to this disorder. Here, we investigated in mice and zebrafish assays whether taurine prevents the behavioral changes induced by acute administration of MK-801 (dizocilpine), a glutamate NMDA receptor antagonist.

Methods

C57BL/6 mice were intraperitoneally administered with saline or taurine (50, 100 and 200 mg/kg) followed by MK-801 (0.15 mg/kg). Locomotor activity, social interaction and prepulse inhibition of the acoustic startle reflex were then assessed in different sets of animals. Zebrafish were exposed to tank water or taurine (42, 150 and 400 mg/L) followed by MK-801 (5 μM); social interaction and locomotor activity were evaluated in the same test.

Results

MK-801 induced hyperlocomotion and disrupted sensorimotor gating in mice; in zebrafish, it reduced sociability while increased locomotion. Taurine was mostly devoid of effects and did not counteract NMDA antagonism in mice or zebrafish.

Discussion

Contradicting previous clinical and preclinical data, taurine did not show antipsychotic-like effects in the present study. However, it still warrants consideration as a preventive intervention in animal models of relevance to the prodromal phase of schizophrenia; further studies are thus necessary to evaluate whether and how taurine might benefit patients.
Crystal structure of the ternary complex of Leishmania major pteridine reductase 1 with the cofactor NADP+/NADPH and the substrate folic acid
Authors: Dello Iacono Lucia , Di Pisa Flavio , Mangani Stefano
Published: March 2022

Pteridine reductase 1 (PTR1) is a key enzyme of the folate pathway in protozoan parasites of the genera Leishmania and Trypanosoma and is a valuable drug target for tropical diseases. This enzyme is able to catalyze the NADPH-dependent reduction of both conjugated (folate) and unconjugated (biopterin) pterins to their tetrahydro forms, starting from oxidized- or dihydro-state substrates. The currently available X-ray structures of Leishmania major PTR1 (LmPTR1) show the enzyme in its unbound, unconjugated substrate-bound (with biopterin derivatives) and inhibitor-bound forms. However, no structure has yet been determined of LmPTR1 bound to a conjugated substrate. Here, the high-resolution crystal structure of LmPTR1 in complex with folic acid is presented and the intermolecular forces that drive the binding of the substrate in the catalytic pocket are described. By expanding the collection of LmPTR1 structures in complex with process intermediates, additional insights into the active-site rearrangements that occur during the catalytic process are provided. In contrast to previous structures with biopterin derivatives, a small but significant difference in the orientation of Asp181 and Tyr194 of the catalytic triad is found. This feature is shared by PTR1 from T. brucei (TbPTR1) in complex with the same substrate molecule and may be informative in deciphering the importance of such residues at the beginning of the catalytic process.
Consumers' perception of suboptimal food: strategies to reduce food waste
Authors: Varese Erica , Cesarani Maria Chiara , Wojnarowska Magdalena
Published: March 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to review, through a systematic literature review, the different perspectives from which imperfect, ugly and suboptimal food products lead to food waste, as well as to ascertain which are the already proposed improvements, and to present further solutions to develop more sustainable food production and consumption.

Design/methodology/approach

A systematic literature review was conducted using PRISMA methodology and searching for the following keywords: “imperfect fruit”, “imperfect food”, “ugly fruit” and “ugly food”; the review was carried out within three databases (Emerald, Scopus and Science Direct-Elsevier), starting, since the topic is quite recent, from the first published article on this issue. Only peer-reviewed papers were selected.

Findings

Results reveal that, among 188 papers, only 49 fit the aim of the literature review, analysing what strategies can be used to ameliorate consumers' perception of suboptimal food in order to fight food waste. Specifically, four different interventions are suggested: on the supply chain, on personal experience and awareness campaigns, on promoting circular economy, and on marketing and advertising campaigns.

Originality/value

This paper fills a gap in literature since, by the authors' knowledge, this is the first literature review which analyses different strategies on food waste reduction linked to imperfect/suboptimal food, suggesting further steps which may be taken.
Determinants of eXtensible business reporting language adoption: an institutional perspective
Authors: Borgi Hela , Tawiah Vincent
Published: March 2022

Purpose

This paper aims to examine the institutional factors that influence the adoption of eXtensible Business Reporting Language (XBRL) at the country level.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors use a large sample of 175 developed and developing countries over 14 years. Data is obtained from different sources including, World Development Indicators, the Reports on the Observance of Standards and Codes (ROSC) website and the Quality of Government database.

Findings

The results highlight the significance of coercive, mimetic and normative pressures in terms of ROSC reports, the extent of accounting globalisation and education. However, in further analyses, the authors found that coercive pressure is pronounced in developing countries. Nevertheless, mimetic pressure is an important, influential factor for all countries regardless of their status as developed or developing.

Originality/value

This study responds to the lack of research on the country-level factors of countries’ adoption of XBRL. The present study contributes to the literature by providing additional evidence on the country-level factors influencing XBRL adoption. Using the institutional theory, the authors provide a better understanding of the global diffusion of XBRL, which has attracted little attention. The study also complements prior literature on the adoption of international accounting and financial reporting practices.
Factors influencing green purchase behavior among millennials: the moderating role of religious values
Authors: Qureshi Muhammad Asif , Khaskheli Asadullah , Qureshi Jawaid Ahmed , Raza Syed Ali , Khan Komal Akram
Published: March 2022

Purpose

An individual’s standard of living is profoundly affected by industrialization and technology’s continuous revolution. At present, the environment is uncontrollable and global warming is increasing. Therefore, there is a need to protect the earth immediately as the lives of all creatures are at risk. The purpose of this paper is to determine the factors related to green purchase behavior (GPB) by incorporating religious values (RGV) as a moderator. Moreover, the moderating role of RGV has been incorporated so that the importance of RGV in the life of millennials can be examined.

Design/methodology/approach

Smart partial least square (PLS) has been used for data analysis, and PLS-structural equation modeling has been used to assess measurement and structural models.

Findings

The findings reveal that environmental concern, environmental knowledge and green perceived value positively and significantly affect attitude and subjective norm (SN). Moreover, attitudes toward the purchase of green products and SNs also show a positive and significant relationship with green purchase intention (GPI). In addition, GPI is also positively and significantly associated with GPB. However, green brand knowledge portrays a positive but insignificant relationship with attitude and SN. Finally, RGV does not strengthen the relationship between intention and behavior.

Originality/value

Religion is a strong predictor of individual behavior as people are emotionally connected with Islam’s teachings. Therefore, the study provides a unique contribution by adding RGV as a moderator in the model of TRA. Also, the authors targeted the specific generation, i.e. millennials, so that millennials’ behavior can be identified as it covers Pakistan’s large population. Also, millennials are the people who are more involved in decision-making.
Pricing design and contract selection with customers’ self-control: a strategic analysis
Authors: Yuwei Gao , Chen Yuan , Zhu Yangguang , Du Shaofu
Published: March 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine how customers’ self-control affects their purchase decisions and to discuss the pricing decisions of the retailer under different forms of contract.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors use the literature on hyperbolic discounting to model customers’ self-control problems. In this framework, the authors examine how the customers’ self-control affects the optimal pricing decision and the selection of the optimal contract form when there is a supplier and a retailer in the supply chain.

Findings

The study’s results show that when wholesale price contract is compared with buyback contract, buyback contract is better when customers’ self-control is weak; when quantity-discount contract is compared with wholesale price contract and buyback contract, although quantity discount can encourage customers to purchase more units of products, but both wholesale price contract and buyback contract can be better than quantity-discount contract in some cases. Additionally, the authors demonstrate that revenue sharing contract can increase the supply chain’s profit. The authors also find that sometimes customers’ preplan will lead to the result that the supplier produces more unhealthy products.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study to analyze the decision-making of the retailer by developing an analytical framework combining customer’s self-control and supply chain contract. These results have important implications for the supplier and the retailer that sell vice goods.
Creating immersive and parasocial live shopping experience for viewers: the role of streamers' interactional communication style
Authors: Liao Junyun , Chen Keyi , Qi Jun , Li Ji , Yu Irina Y.
Published: March 2022

Purpose

Live streaming commerce has grown rapidly in recent years. Although the way streamers communicate with viewers is the key to influencing users' purchase behaviors, little is known about the influence of streamers' communication style on purchase intention. Drawing on parasocial interaction theory and flow theory, this study examines the influence of streamers' interaction orientation on viewers' immersion and parasocial interactions, and its effect on viewers' purchase intentions. The moderating effect of streamers' expertise and attractiveness is also examined.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors conducted an empirical study using a structural equation modeling approach based on 407 responses to a questionnaire completed by live streaming audiences.

Findings

Results indicate that streamers' interaction orientation has a positive effect on viewers' immersion and parasocial interactions, in turn positively affecting viewers' willingness to purchase. Streamers' expertise positively moderates the effect of their interaction orientation on viewers' immersion and parasocial interactions.

Originality/value

This research is among the first to explore the effect of streamers' communication style and provides a framework for how their communication style affects viewers' purchase intention by enhancing immersion and parasocial interaction in live streaming commerce.
Police encounters with individuals perceived as having intellectual or developmental disabilities: an examination of encounter characteristics from two studies
Authors: Watson Amy , Phan Megan , Compton Michael T.
Published: March 2022

Purpose

Very little is known about the frequency and nature of police contacts with individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities (I/DDs). The purpose of the study is to examine the characteristics of police contacts with persons with I/DD and how they differ from other behavioral health-related encounters.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors draw on data from two large National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)-funded studies of police response to mental/behavioral health crises and the Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) approach. Both projects used the same incident report form. The authors examine detailed information from 219 calls in which officers perceived that the subject had I/DD, either alone or co-occurring with a mental illness or substance use disorder and compared them with calls in which I/DD was not indicated (n = 1,305).

Findings

Calls with subjects with I/DD most frequently occurr ed in homes or on the street and were resolved without formal action. The most frequent subject symptoms/behaviors noted were confusion and anxiety. Some differences from calls with individuals without I/DD were noted in term of presentation and outcomes.

Research limitations/implications

Data relied on officer perception of subject having I/DD, which may miss more subtle indicators.

Social implications

There is a need for specific research attention to police contacts with persons with I/DD that differentiates those contacts from other behavioral health-related encounters.

Originality/value

There is still much the authors do not know about police contacts with persons with I/DD. However, findings provide a preliminary glimpse into the nature of these contacts and suggest they may differ somewhat from other behavioral health related police encounters.
Work-life balance satisfaction in crisis times: from luxury to necessity – The role of organization's responses during COVID-19 lockdown
Authors: Ortiz-Bonnin Silvia , Blahopoulou Joanna , García-Buades M. Esther , Montañez-Juan Maribel
Published: March 2022

Purpose

This study examines how satisfaction with work-life balance (WLB) in combination with satisfaction with organization's COVID-19 responses (SOCV19R) helps to enhance subjective well-being and performance during the lockdown due to COVID-19.

Design/methodology/approach

The data of this time-lagged study were gathered through an online survey with three-waves between March and May 2020 in Spain (N = 167). Hierarchical multiple regression and PROCESS were used to test the hypotheses.

Findings

Direct relationships between SOCV19R and subjective well-being and performance were not significant. Instead, SOCV19R increased employees' well-being and performance through a higher satisfaction with WLB (full mediation).

Originality/value

The novelty of this study is the evaluation of SOCV19R as a form of organizational support in times of crisis. This study suggests that a good organizational reaction to face a crisis such as the pandemic, encourages employees' WLB and helps them to boost their well-being and performance. It may be concluded that work-life balance (WLB) in Spain was seen as a luxury in good times and turned out to be a necessity in bad times. The present study recommends practical implications and provides lessons for human resource management for future crises or similar work conditions.
Classifying elders neglect, insult and abuse through financial hardship and physical health
Authors: Bajpai Naval , Kulshreshtha Kushagra , Dubey Prince , Sharma Gunjan
Published: March 2022

Purpose

Aging has detrimental effects on elders due to their physical health and financial hardship. Elders face neglect, insult and abuse in society due to causes related to physical health and financial issue from caregivers. This study aims to identify the measures of physical health and financial hardship and classifies elders under neglect, insult and abuse categories.

Design/methodology/approach

The propositions of existence and classifying elders under neglect, insult and abuse categories were tested by using discriminant analysis and their profiling was done by perceptual mapping technique.

Findings

The elder neglect category identified as a prominent category due to physical health while elder insult and abuse were caused by physical health and financial hardship both. The present study portrays the multi-dimensional facets related to elders’ ill-treatment. The elder’s ill-treatment categories were profiled to imply the measure of elevating elders’ dignity and care at a personal level and society at large.

Originality/value

This study classifies elders under neglect, insult and abuse categories. This classification may facilitate the medical practitioners, academicians and government and non-government social welfare agencies in understanding elder abuse with new perspectives.
Mushroom‐shaped structures formed in Acinetobacter baumannii biofilms grown in a roller bioreactor are associated with quorum sensing–dependent Csu‐pilus assembly
Authors: Romero Manuel , Mayer Celia , Heeb Stephan , Wattanavaekin Krittanont , Cámara Miguel , Otero Ana , Williams Paul
Published: March 2022

There is currently a need to develop simple biofilm models that facilitate investigation of the architecture/biology of mature bacterial biofilms in a consistent/standardized manner given their environmental and clinical importance and the need for new anti‐biofilm interventions. This study introduces a novel biofilm culture system termed the rolling biofilm bioreactor (RBB). This easily operated system allows adherent microbial cells to be repeatedly exposed to air/solid/liquid interfaces optimizing biofilm growth. The RBB was exploited to investigate biofilm formation in Acinetobacter baumannii. High levels of A. baumannii biofilm biomass reproducibly accumulate in the RBB and, importantly, undergo a maturation step to form large mushroom‐shaped structures that had not been observed in other models. Based on image analysis of biofilm development and genetic manipulation, we show how N‐acylhomoserine lactone‐dependent quorum sensing (QS) impacts on biofilm differentiation, composition and antibiotic tolerance. Our results indicate that extracellular DNA (eDNA) is a key matrix component in mature Acinetobacter biofilms as the mushroom‐like structures consist of dense cellular masses encased in an eDNA mesh. Moreover, this study reveals the contribution of QS to A. baumannii biofilm differentiation through Csu pilus assembly regulation. Understanding the mechanisms of structural development of mature biofilms helps to identify new biofilm eradication and removal strategies.
Use of nature in a multi‐family therapy for Chinese families of adolescents with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder: A photo‐elicitation study
Authors: Lo Julia Wing Ka , Ma Joyce Lai Chong
Published: March 2022

This article reports the therapeutic resources in the natural outdoors that were conducive to the therapeutic process in a multi‐family therapy (MFT) for enhancing the self‐efficacy and collective family efficacy of Chinese families of adolescents with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in Hong Kong. Photo‐elicited interviews with adolescents with ADHD and parent focus groups were employed to explore the participatory experiences of the families. A total of thirteen Chinese families of adolescents (aged 11–15 years) with ADHD participated in this study (fourteen adolescents with ADHD, eight fathers and ten mothers). The present study explored the potential therapeutic resources in the natural outdoors, namely a change in the group environment, spaciousness and darkness. The use of the natural outdoors in MFT proved to be a strategy useful for creating a naturalistic group setting within which family participants can more easily enact changes.
Phosphodiesterase‐5 inhibitors in pregnancy: Systematic review and meta‐analysis of maternal and perinatal safety and clinical outcomes
Authors: Turner Jessica M. , Russo Francesca , Deprest Jan , Mol Ben W. , Kumar Sailesh
Published: March 2022

Background

The efficacy and safety profile of phosphodiesterase‐5 inhibitors (PDE‐5i) in pregnancy are unclear from the few relatively small diverse studies that have used them.

Objective

To assess the safety profile and clinical outcomes of PDE‐5i use in pregnancy.

Search strategy

We searched Embase, PubMed, CENTRAL, Prospero and Google Scholar to identify randomised controlled trials (RCTs) reporting the use of any PDE‐5i in pregnancy up to September 2021.

Selection criteria

RCTs reporting obstetric or perinatal outcomes or maternal adverse outcomes in women taking PDE5i in pregnancy.

Data collection and analysis

Risk ratios (RR), 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) and 95% prediction intervals were calculated and pooled for analysis.

Results

We identified 1324 citations, of which 10 studies including 1090 participants met the inclusion criteria. Only tadalafil and sildenafil were reported as used in pregnancy. Two studies using tadalafil and eight sildenafil. Nine of ten studies were assessed at having of low risk of bias. PDE‐5i use was associated with an increased risk of headaches (RR 1.41, 95% CI 0.97–2.05), flushing (RR 2.59, 95% CI 0.69–9.90) and nasal bleeding (RR 10.53, 95% CI 1.36–81.3); an increase in vaginal birth when used for non‐fetal growth restriction (FGR) indications (RR 1.24, 95% CI 1.00–1.55) and a reduction in risk of operative birth for intrapartum fetal compromise (RR 0.58, 95% CI 0.38–0.88). There was no evidence of any increase in risk of perinatal death (RR 0.89, 95% CI 0.56–1.43). However, use for the treatment of FGR increased the risk of persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn (PPHN) (RR 2.52, 95% CI 1.00–6.32).

Conclusions

This meta‐analysis suggests PDE‐5i use in pregnancy is associated with mild maternal side effects and lower risk of operative birth for intrapartum fetal distress. Prolonged use for the treatment of FGR may increase the risk of PPHN.

Tweetable abstract

PDE‐5i use in pregnancy is associated with mild maternal side effects, lower operative birth for intrapartum fetal distress and a possible increase in persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn when used for the treatment of fetal growth restriction.
Birthweight and isolated congenital heart defects – A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Aliasi Moska , Snoep Maartje C. , van Geloven Nan , Haak Monique C.
Published: March 2022

Background

Birthweight (BW) is an important prognostic factor in newborns with congenital heart defects (CHD).

Objectives

To give an overview of the literature on BW z‐score in children with isolated CHD.

Search strategy

A systematic search was performed on isolated CHD and BW in PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, COCHRANE Library and Emcare.

Selection criteria

Neonates with isolated CHD were included if a BW percentile, BW z‐score or % small‐or‐gestational age (SGA) was reported.

Data collection and analysis

BW z‐score and percentage SGA were pooled with random‐effect meta‐analysis. Quality and risk of bias were assessed using the modified Newcastle Ottawa Scale.

Main results

Twenty‐three articles (27 893 cases) were included. BW z‐scores were retrieved from 11 articles, resulting in a pooled z‐score of −0.20 (95% CI −0.50 to 0.11). The overall pooled prevalence of SGA <10th percentile was 16.0% (95% CI 11.4–20.5; 14 studies). Subgroup analysis of major CHD showed similar results (BW z‐score −0.23 and percentage SGA 16.2%).

Conclusions

Overall BW in isolated CHD is within range of normality but impaired, with a 1.6‐fold higher risk of SGA, irrespective of the type of CHD (major CHD vs all CHD combined). Our findings underline the association between CHD and BW. The use of BW z‐scores provides insight into growth of all fetuses with CHD.

Tweetable abstract

Infants with a congenital heart defect (CHD) have a lower birthweight z‐score and a higher incidence of small‐for‐gestational age (<10th percentile). This was encountered both in the major CHD‐group as well as in all‐CHD combined group analysis. Future research on the association between birthweight and CHD should include all types of CHDs (including mild cardiac defects) and placental‐related disease, such as pre‐eclampsia. We advocate the use of international standardised fetal growth and birthweight charts in CHD research.
Capital Misallocation and State Ownership Policy in Vietnam*
Authors: Le Phan
Published: March 2022

This paper examines capital misallocation of manufacturing firms in Vietnam during the period 2008–17. Three sources of capital misallocation are investigated: adjustment costs, uncertainty and policy distortions. The findings reveal the modest contribution of adjustment costs to total misallocation. In contrast, policy distortions account for 81 per cent of capital misallocation in Vietnam and lead to a total factor productivity gap of 110 per cent in the manufacturing sector relative to the undistorted first‐best level. The paper examines one specific type of policy distortions – preferential treatments of state‐owned enterprises – and finds that these policies cause a 38 per cent loss in aggregate manufacturing productivity.
Low‐density lipoprotein apheresis is associated with removal of SARS‐CoV‐2 antibodies
Authors: Bertram Sebastian , Pfab Thiemo , Albert Christian , Schmidt Sven , Passfall Jürgen , Haesner Martin , Seidel Maximilian , Hölzer Bodo , Seibert Felix S. , Doevelaar Adrian , Rohn Benjamin , Zgoura Panagiota , Babel Nina , Westhoff Timm H.
Published: March 2022

Background

Low‐density lipoprotein apheresis is not specific to lipoproteins but removes immunoglobulins as well. It remains elusive, whether protective SARS‐CoV‐2 antibodies after vaccination from COVID‐19 are eliminated as well.

Methods

A cross‐sectional case–control study on 55 patients undergoing weekly lipoprotein apheresis and 21 patients with comparable comorbidities and epidemiology not undergoing apheresis. SARS‐CoV‐2 IgG was assessed in all patients prior to apheresis and in 38 patients both before and after apheresis.

Results

SARS‐CoV‐2 IgG concentrations before a session of lipoprotein apheresis were comparable to control patients not undergoing apheresis(1727 IU/ml, IQR 365–2500) vs. 1652 IU/ml,(IQR408.8–2500), p = 0.78). SARS‐CoV‐2 IgG concentrations were reduced by lipoprotein apheresis from 1656 IU/ml(IQR 540.5–2500) prior to 1305 IU/ml (IQR 449–2500) afterwards(p < 0.0001).

Conclusion

Lipoprotein apheresis removes SARS‐CoV‐2 IgG. The average elimination rate was 21.2%. In the present population of patients undergoing apheresis once weekly, however, the elimination did not lead to inferior concentrations compared to patients not undergoing lipoprotein apheresis.
Heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein K promotes the progression of lung cancer by inhibiting the p53‐dependent signaling pathway
Authors: Li Mengyuan , Yang Xingjiu , Zhang Guoxin , Wang Le , Zhu Ziwei , Zhang Wenlong , Huang Hao , Gao Ran
Published: March 2022

Background

Heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein K (hnRNPK) is a nucleic acid‐binding protein. Reportedly, hnRNPK is overexpressed in many human tumors, and such overexpression is associated with poor prognosis, implicating the role of hnRNPK as an oncogene during tumorigenesis. In this study, hnRNPK expression in lung cancer tissues was investigated.

Methods

Briefly, hnRNPK was knocked down in lung cancer cell lines, and effects of knockdown on the cell proliferation, migration, and cell cycle were assessed using a cell counting kit‐8 (CCK‐8) assay, colony formation assay, transwell assay and flow cytometry. The effects of hnRNPK knockdown on the p53‐dependent signaling pathway were examined using western blotting. Finally, the effect of hnRNPK knockdown on tumor growth was verified in vivo using a lung cancer xenograft mouse model.

Results

hnRNPK knockdown inhibited the cell proliferation, migration and cell cycle. In addition to phenotypic changes, hnRNPK knockdown upregulated expressions of pCHK1, pCHK2, and p53，p21，cyclin D1, thereby mediating the DNA damage response (DDR). The regulatory function of hnRNPK during p53/p21/cyclin D1 signaling in hnRNPK‐knockdown A549 cells was confirmed by suppressed the protein expression of associated signaling pathways, which inhibited DDR.

Conclusion

hnRNPK plays a crucial role in the progression of lung cancer, ultimately affecting survival rate. Inhibition of progression of lung cancer cells induced by hnRNPK‐knockdown is dependent on activation of p53 by the p53/p21/cyclin D1 pathway.
Do you have any questions? An analysis of question asking patterns in surgical outpatient consultations
Authors: Ting Ying Yang , Reid Jessica L. , Treloar Ellie , Lee Wei Shan Bobby , Tee Jeeng Yeeng , Cong Wen Jing Phoebe , Peng Dangyi , Edwards Suzanne , Ey Jesse , Edwardes Nicholas , Granchi Nelson , Maddern Guy J.
Published: March 2022

Background

Patient centred communication ensures patients are well informed and educated, which is vital to providing the best care possible. By asking questions, patients can better understand their disease and make informed decisions regarding their health journey. We aimed to investigate factors that affect question asking behaviours in surgical outpatient consultations and to determine the typical question‐asking by doctors, patients, and their companions.

Methods

This is an observational cross‐sectional study, where 182 video recordings of surgical consultations in the surgical outpatient setting at The Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Adelaide, South Australia were reviewed.

Results

A total of 3472 questions were asked. Most questions were asked by the surgeon, followed by the patient, and if present, their companion. Pre‐surgical consultations resulted in the most questions asked by the patients, compared to post‐surgical or follow‐up consultations. When companions were present, patients asked more questions in consultants regarding malignant conditions. Interruptions increased the number of questions asked by the patient and their companion. Questions were commonly asked to clarify information given by the surgeon and often regarded the cause of the illness and the timing of the next step in disease management.

Conclusion

Patients are generally interested in their health and ask questions during consultations. Companions have a positive effect on patient question asking behaviour and their presence in surgical consultations should be encouraged. Surgeons should develop strategies to encourage question asking and could review their own behaviours via surgical coaching and video review.
Education and income gradients in longevity: The role of policy
Authors: Lleras‐Muney Adriana
Published: March 2022

Education and income are strong predictors of health and longevity. In the last 20 years, many efforts have been made to understand if these relationships are causal and what the possible role of policy should be as a result. The evidence from various studies is ambiguous: the effects of education and income policies on health are heterogeneous and vary over time and across places and populations. I discuss explanations for these disparate results and suggest directions for future research.
Does remaining teeth and dental prosthesis associate with social isolation? A six‐year longitudinal study from the Japan Gerontological Evaluation Study (JAGES)
Authors: Abbas Hazem , Aida Jun , Cooray Upul , Ikeda Takaaki , Koyama Shihoko , Kondo Katsunori , Osaka Ken
Published: March 2022

Objectives

Social isolation was associated with increased mortality and numerous adverse health outcomes. However, the longitudinal association between oral health and social isolation has not been studied. In this longitudinal prospective cohort study, the association between the number of remaining teeth and dental prosthesis use with social isolation after 6‐years follow‐up was examined.

Methods

Functionally independent adults aged 65 years or older, who were not socially isolated in 2010, were followed up until 2016 in the Japan Gerontological Evaluation Study. Data from 26 417 participants were analysed after random forest imputation to address missing data. Logistic regression models were used to calculate the odds ratio (OR) for incident social isolation in 2016 after adjusting for age, sex, educational attainment, income, activities of daily living, living area and having depressive symptoms.

Results

The mean age of the participants at baseline was 72.3 (SD = 5.0). A total of 1,127 (4.3%) participants were socially isolated at follow‐up. Of these, 338 (3.2%) had ≥20 teeth (with or without using dental prosthesis), 171 (3.9%) had 10–19 teeth and used dental prosthesis, 112 (4.2%) had 10–19 teeth and did not use the dental prosthesis, 338 (5.1%) had 0–9 teeth and used dental prosthesis, and 168 (7.6%) had 0–9 teeth and did not use the dental prosthesis. Fully adjusted logistic regression models showed that the OR of incident social isolation was higher for those with fewer teeth; OR = 1.13 (95%CI = 0.96–1.33) for those with 10–19 teeth and OR = 1.36 (95%CI = 1.17–1.58) for those with 0–9 teeth, compared to those with ≥20 teeth. The OR of incident social isolation was lower for those who used a dental prosthesis [OR = 0.90, 95%CI = 0.80–1.02)] compared to those who did not use a dental prosthesis. The interaction between the number of teeth and dental prosthesis use demonstrated that the latter mitigated the incidence of social isolation for participants with tooth loss. Compared to those with ≥20 teeth (with or without prosthesis use), participants with 0–9 teeth that did not use a dental prosthesis were 79% [OR = 1.79, 95%CI = 1.49–2.19] more likely to be socially isolated, whereas participants with 0–9 teeth that used a dental prosthesis were only 23% [OR = 1.23, 95%CI = 1.05–1.45] more likely to be socially isolated.

Conclusion

Tooth loss was the main predictor for social isolation at follow‐up, while no dental prostheses use was an additional risk factor. Dental prosthesis use may reduce the risk of social isolation especially in those with severe tooth loss.
Sessile serrated lesions: Clinicopathological characteristics, endoscopic diagnosis, and management
Authors: Murakami Takashi , Kurosawa Taro , Fukushima Hirofumi , Shibuya Tomoyoshi , Yao Takashi , Nagahara Akihito
Published: March 2022

The 2019 World Health Organization (WHO) Classification of Tumours of the Digestive System (5th edition) introduced the term “sessile serrated lesion” (SSL) to replace the term “sessile serrated adenoma/polyp” (SSA/P). SSLs are early precursor lesions in the serrated neoplasia pathway that result in colorectal carcinomas with BRAF mutations, methylation for DNA repair genes, a CpG island methylator phenotype, and high levels of microsatellite instability. Some of these lesions can rapidly become dysplastic or invasive carcinomas that exhibit high lymphatic invasion and lymph node metastasis potential. The 2019 WHO classification noted that dysplasia arising in an SSL most likely is an advanced polyp, regardless of the morphologic grade of the dysplasia. Detecting SSLs with or without dysplasia is critical; however, detection of SSLs is challenging, and their identification by endoscopists and pathologists is inconsistent. Furthermore, indications for their endoscopic treatment have not been established. Moreover, SSLs are considered to contribute to the development of post‐colonoscopy colorectal cancers. Herein, the clinicopathological and endoscopic characteristics of SSLs, including features determined using white light and image‐enhanced endoscopy, therapeutic indications, therapeutic methods, and surveillance are reviewed based on the literature. This information may lead to more intensive research to improve detection, diagnosis, and rates of complete resection of these lesions and reduce post‐colonoscopy colorectal cancer rates.
Pore characteristics of physical crust samples from two typical erodible soils in southern China
Authors: Zhu Xuchao , Liang Yin , Cao Longxi , Tian Zhiyuan , Li Meng
Published: March 2022

Physical soil crusts will form on most soils during and after rainfall, which has important impacts on hydrological and erosion processes by affecting soil pore structure. However, the soil pore characteristics of physical crusts of two typical erodible soils (quaternary red clay [QRC] and granite red soil [GRS]) in southern China are still unclear due to the limitations of objective and accurate quantitative methods. We scanned physical crusted (structural crust [SC] and depositional crust [DC]) soil samples from the QRC and GRS at various slopes using X‐ray computed tomography, and extracted and analysed soil pore characteristics using two‐ and three‐dimensional indexes. The averages of the two‐dimensional pore indexes, that is, pore number, porosity, circularity, and equivalent diameter across the four soil sample types were 116–205, 4.83%–8.31%, 0.83–0.87, and 0.19–0.28 mm, respectively, indicating the characteristics of a large number of small pores with nearly circular shape. The mean values of pore number and circularity were significantly smaller for the structural crust samples than the depositional crust samples, and the porosity and equivalent diameter were significantly larger for the structural crust samples than the depositional crust samples. The three‐dimensional pore indexes also differed among the four soil sample types, where the mean fractal dimension and surface area values for QRC were 2.62 and 1959.77 mm2, respectively, which were significantly larger than those for GRS (2.52 and 1457.97 mm2). The pore number and circularity decreased, the equivalent diameter increased, and the surface area and connectivity density increased initially and then decreased with the slope, mainly due to differences in the run‐off and sediment process, and crust formation process on slopes with different gradients. The results provide a scientific basis for the objective quantification of physical soil crusts to facilitate further studies on physical crusts affect run‐off and sediment processes.

Highlights

CT method was first used to quantify pore structure of crusted soil samples in southern China.

The crusted soil pores had a feature of a large number of small pores with nearly circular shape.

The two‐ and three‐dimensional soil pore indexes were differed among the four soil sample types.

The slope had a negligible influence on soil pore structure.