bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Human Service Delivery in a Multi-Tier System: The Subtleties of Collaboration among Partners
Authors: Mayhew Fred
Published: May 2024

This article examines the nature of interorganizational relationships that are formed within a multi-tier human service delivery system. Taking into account the hierarchical structure of a statewide initiative to support early childhood education, the study investigates the differences in the relationships between organizations at the service and administrative levels of the system. Forty-nine administrative level and 146 service delivery level relationships are evaluated. Findings indicate that organizations involved in direct service delivery form more collaborative relationships. Thus, when government provides funding for human services, policymakers must seek to balance public accountability with the advantages believed to be inherent in devolved service delivery. Furthermore, practitioners who appreciate the importance and nuances of interorganizational relationships will be in a position to better manage their organizations in an environment of increased collaborative activity and joint delivery of services. Going forward, human service systems will continue to involve organizations from the public, nonprofit, and private sector. a better understanding of how these organizations work together is crucial to the effective delivery of these essential services.
Building Relationships to Strategically Impact Community Initiatives to Reduce Teen Pregnancy
Authors: Clay Joy A. , Sagrestano Lynda M. , Finerman Ruthbeth
Published: May 2024

This article explores how researchers can build relationships with community stakeholders to facilitate the establishment of a coordinated and informed community response in the context of teen pregnancy reduction initiatives. the case study of a Memphis/Shelby County, Tennessee collaborative revolves around a community engagement process founded on four strategies: 1) building policy legitimacy through broad-based participation, 2) seeking funding support for the work of the collaborative, 3) building knowledge of the political landscape, to better identify potential policy champions for the issue, and 4) building a shared understanding of the issue, specifically collecting and discussing reliable data substantiating a community problem and assessing the community's assets and gaps. the article describes the challenge of establishing the policy legitimacy of the problem as well as getting and staying on the public agenda, collecting more segmented information on the target population. a portion of the research effort is funded by the federal demonstration project, from the U. S. DHHS Office of Adolescent Health, Pregnancy Assistance Fund.
Agenda-Building Influences on the News Media's Coverage of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration's Push to Regulate Tobacco, 1993–2009
Authors: Foster Caroline , Thrasher Jim , Kim Sei-Hill , Rose India , Besley John , Navarro Ashley
Published: May 2024

Citing agenda-building theory, this article examines the influence of three key factors on the news media's coverage of the process of placing tobacco and tobacco products under regulation of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration between 1993 and 2009. We analyzed data from a content analysis of 570 news articles from the New York Times and Washington Post and found that the media published significantly more FDA regulation articles during the Clinton administration than during the Bush administration. Our analysis links that imbalance of media coverage to the influence of the president of the United States (Clinton and Bush, during the duration of this study), journalistic routines and real world events. We compared the Clinton and Bush era news coverage on article prominence, article topics, and reasons to support/oppose FDA regulation and found significant differences, which we suggest led to the imbalance of news articles in the two administrations.
Decisional Inconsistencies in the Management of Contaminated, Sport-Caught Fish
Authors: Foran Jeffery A. , Jia Chunrong
Published: May 2024

Persistent toxic pollutants such as polychlorinated biphenyls and mercury accumulate in tissues of fish that are caught and consumed by sport anglers and their families. Unlike commercially-sold fish, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not regulate sport-caught fish that are contaminated with these and other pollutants. Instead, nearly every state in the U.S. develops and issues consumption advice for contaminated sport-caught fish. We examined fish consumption advice issued by states that border and share waters of the Mississippi River. Our examination identified numerous jurisdictional inconsistencies that threaten the receptivity and credibility of consumption advice and, more important, threaten the health of individuals who consume contaminated sport-caught fish.
The Use of the Hiv Test: A Conflict Choice Approach
Authors: Broyles Robert W. , Mwachofi Ari , Khaliq Amir A.
Published: May 2024

The study introduces the “Conflict-Choice model”(C-C) as an analytic framework for studying consumer demand for health and healthcare. the proposed approach integrates the Theory of Consumer Behavior (TCB), the Investment Theory of Demand (ITD), and the Health Belief Model (HBM) into a single model that might be applied to a wide spectrum of health behavior and use of health services. Separating the episode of care into the two phases (patient initiated and physician dominated), the C-C model is limited to the individual's decision to seek service. This phase is dominated by two conflicting and undesirable outcomes that the patient seeks to avoid. the first is discomfort or disutility that accompanies the use of care. the second is the discomfort of illness and a reduced ability to perform social and economic roles, an outcome that may result in a potential decline in income. in this conflict-choice situation, the interrelation between two undesirable conditions and related avoidance gradients result in a behavioral equilibrium.

The study applied this framework to the use or non-use of HIV tests. the analysis used the responses of 196,081 individuals in the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) of 2003. the analyses supported the expectations based on the newly developed conflict-choice theoretical framework and support the adoption of policies that reduce the tendency to avoid care while increasing the avoidance of undesirable health outcomes.
A Profile of Solo/Two-Physician Practices
Authors: Lee Doohee , Fiack Kelly James , Knapp Kenneth Michael
Published: May 2024

Understanding practice behaviors of solo/dual physician ownership and associated factors at the national level is important information for policymakers and clinicians in response to the Affordable Care Act (ACA) of 2010, but poorly understood in the literature. We analyzed nationally representative data (n=4,720). the study results reveal nearly 33% of the sample reported solo/two-physician practices. Male/minority/older physicians, psychiatrists, favor small practices. Greater market competition was perceived and less charity care was given among solo/two-physician practitioners. the South region was favored by small physician practitioners. Physicians in solo or two-person practices provided fewer services to chronic patients and were dissatisfied with their overall career in medicine. Small practices were favored by international medical graduates (IMGs) and primary care physicians (PCPs). Overall our data suggest that the role of solo/dual physician practices is fading away in the delivery of medicine. Our findings shed light on varied characteristics and practice behaviors of solo/two-physician practitioners, but more research may be needed to reevaluate the potential role of small physician practitioners and find a way to foster a private physician practice model in the context of the newly passed ACA of 2010.
Equal Treatment under the Law: A Cost-Benefit Analysis of Same-Sex Benefits Post-Windsor
Authors: Naylor Lorenda , Haulsee J.
Published: May 2024

In June 2013, the U.S. Supreme Court delivered a landmark decision in United States v. Windsor (570 U.S. ___ 2013). the ruling advanced gay rights by striking down Section 3 of the federal Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) and instating federal benefits to same-sex married couples. the ruling has widespread economic benefits for legally married same-sex couples including health insurance, flex-spending accounts, Social Security benefits, federal taxes, and veterans’ benefits. Framed within a global context, this article analyzes the economic implications of United States v. Windsor and the subsequent implementation of the U.S. Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Rule 17 (Rev. Rul. 2013–17) by conducting a cost-benefit analysis of a state with marriage equality compared to a state prohibiting same-sex marriage. Findings indicate, despite the Supreme Court ruling, there is an unequal distribution of costs and benefits across states based on same-sex marriage. If all Americans are to receive equal treatment under the law, then all 50 states and Washington D.C. must comport with federal law and legalize same-sex marriage.
Making Federalism Work? The Politics of Intergovernmental Collaboration and the Ppaca
Authors: Rocco Philip
Published: May 2024

The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA) is a complex piece of legislation that requires a high level of collaboration between actors at multiple levels of government, federal and state, to successfully implement its provisions. However, the polarized political environment in which the law was passed has created roadblocks for implementation, with Republican governors claiming that they will not negotiate with federal agencies over many of the law's key details. Though the decisions of governors and of state legislatures are critical for policy implementation, much of the effort will require administrators at multiple levels of government, and often with different preferences, to collaborate with one another to set policy priorities and oversee the operation of key features of the law. This paper reports on the results of a recent in-depth survey of state-level administrators that examines the extent of state-federal collaboration to implement health reform. Using qualitative and quantitative indicators, I find that state administrators’ engagement in collaborative activity is generally robust. Even so, state administrators’ perceptions of their relationship with federal agents appear to vary by the partisan compositions of their respective states, suggesting that political conflict over the reform may pose some dilemmas for future implementation efforts.
Medical Brigades and Global Health
Authors: Portman Mark T. , Martin Edward J.
Published: May 2024

Recently, recommendations have been made that global health initiatives change their focus from disease specific intervention to bolstering health systems and general health care. The aim of this is to ultimately increase access to primary care, clean water, education, hygiene, and prevent malnutrition, among other goals. While many major global health initiatives have followed this trend, so have many smaller scale programs including short term medical brigades. Despite a trending increase in the number of privately run short term medical brigades, until recently, little research has been done on the potential positive and negative effects that can arise from such programs. Now, guidelines have been initiated to create well-structured programs. When followed, these smaller scale initiatives can be successful in helping increase access to healthcare, sustainably strengthening communities in terms of general health. While recent legislation in the United States has addressed domestic policy in the Patient Protection Affordable Care Act of 2010 (ACA), the ACA should also consider some of the basic “sustainable” policies being implemented by international health care providers.
Creating A Serious Game for Health
Authors: Clochesy John M. , Buchner Marc , Hickman Ronald L. , Pinto Melissa D. , Znamenak Kyle
Published: May 2024

The prevalence of chronic illnesses continues to increase as does the cost of such care. Teaching self-management skills is more effective than solely providing information and teaching technical skills at improving health outcomes. Serious games for health provide an opportunity to support learning and health-related behavior change using messages and experiences in an engaging and entertaining format. We developed eSMART-HD with the intention of improving interactions between patients with chronic disorders and their health care providers. This paper describes the factors that we considered when creating eSMART-HD, a serious game for health.
A Post Analysis of A Preventive and Chronic Healthcare Tool
Authors: Borrayo Brooke D. , O'Lawrence Henry
Published: May 2024

This study uses the data set from Kaiser Permanente to examine the post implementation of a preventive and chronic care that utilizes clinical information system, delivery system design, and clinical decision support to maximize the office visit. The analysis suggests a significant positive relationship between frequency of utilization rates to address preventive and chronic care gaps. There is no implication of a significant positive relationship with the successfully captured rate, which satisfies closing the care gap within 45 days. The use of the preventive care tool will assist members in satisfying the preventive care gap, cervical cancer screening, within 45 days of the encounter.
Costs of Depression from Claims Data for Medicare Recipients in A Population-Based Sample
Authors: Alexandre Pierre K. , Hwang Seungyoung , Roth Kimberly B. , Gallo Joseph J. , Eaton William W.
Published: May 2024

Background

Many persons with depressive disorder are not treated and associated costs are not recorded.

Aims of the Study

To determine whether major depressive disorder (MDD) is associated with higher medical cost among Medicare recipients.

Methods

Four waves of the Baltimore-Epidemiologic Catchment Area (Baltimore ECA) Study conducted between 1981 and 2004 were linked to Medicare claims data for the years 1999 to 2004 from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). Generalized linear models specified with a gamma distribution and log link function were used to examine direct medical care costs associated with MDD.

Results

Medicare recipients with no history of MDD in either the ECA or CMS data had mean six-year medical costs of US $40,670, compared to $87,445 for Medicare recipients with MDD as recorded in CMS data and $43,583 for those with MDD as recorded in Baltimore-ECA data. Multivariable regressions found that compared to Medicare recipients with no history of depression, those with depression identified in the CMS data had significantly higher medical costs; about 1.87 times (95% confidence interval (CI) 1.32 to 2.67) higher. Medicare recipients with a history of depression identified in the ECA data were no more likely to have higher costs than were Medicare recipients with no history of depression (relative ratio 1.33, 95% CI 0.87 to 2.02).

Discussion

Medicare recipients with a history of depression identified in claims data had significantly higher medical costs than recipients with no history of depression. However, no significant differences were found between Medicare recipients with depression in the community-based Baltimore ECA data and those with no history of depression. The results show that the source of diagnosis, in treatment versus survey data, produces differences in results as regards costs.

Limitations

This study involved only Medicare recipients with claims data over the six years 1999 to 2004. Many of the ECA respondents were too young to qualify for Medicare.

Implications for Health Policy

Depressive disorder involves substantial medical care costs. The findings provide information on the economic burden of depression, an important but often omitted dimension and perspective of the burden of mental illnesses.
Quantitative Assessment of Some Preventive Health Services Provided for Adolescent Individuals in Dubai
Authors: Khansaheb Hamda , Hussein Ayman , Hamidi Samer , Brown David , Younis Mustafa Z.
Published: May 2024

The United Arab Emirate (UAE) of Dubai, faces significant adolescent health problems. In 2009, evidence based clinical guidelines were developed for primary health care professionals in Dubai to help reduce adolescent health problems. This research study explores adolescents’ self-reports about health education services received between 2008 and 2010.

The sample consisted of 730 public high school students in grades 10 through 12 between the ages of 15 and 19. 357 (48.9%) of the sample were males and 373 (51.1%) were female. The major language spoken in the home was Arabic (77.4%).

All students completed a 27-item survey in Arabic that was adapted from the Young Adult Health Care Survey (YAHCS). The YAHCS is a 56-item research instrument traditionally administered in English and Spanish. The sample reported they had received little or no health education from their health care providers. 94.2% reported receiving no information about using a helmet for bicycle and motorbike safety; 88.2% reported receiving no information about drug use; and 81.9% reported that they received no information about smoking. The instrument also explored the health education material students received within the last 12 months. 65.5% of the sample reported seeing and/or hearing safety tips; 84.9% reported hearing and/or seeing health information about healthy diet, physical activity and exercise; and 79.2% reported seeing and/or hearing information about the risks of smoking and substance abuse.
Common Risk Factors Associated with Adolescent and Young Adult Depression
Authors: Moreh Swenda , O'Lawrence Henry
Published: May 2024

Depression is one of the leading causes of disability for all ages and genders in the United States. Historically, depression had been viewed as a condition that only affected older adults; however, in recent years health professionals have recognized depression as a serious condition also affecting adolescence and young adults. The purpose of this study was to identify whether gender was a risk factor of depression within the adolescent and young adult population as literature shows that depression can impact growth and development, school performance, peer or family relationship and at times can be fatal. Data from the 2005–2006 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey was studied to gain understanding into the predictive relationship between adolescent depression and gender. The hypothesis that gender is a predictive factor for depression in this population was supported.
Policy Making to Build Relationships: A Grounded Theory Analysis of Interviews and Documents Relating to H1N1, Ebola, and the U.S. Public Health Preparedness Network
Authors: Myers Nathan
Published: May 2024

In the last five years, the American public health emergency preparedness and response system has been tested by two significant threats, H1N1 and Ebola. While neither proved as dangerous as initially feared, these viruses highlighted on-going issues with collaborations in the field of public health and health care. Strengths were identified within the network, but also challenges that must be resolved before the U.S. faces a major pandemic. Employing interview data from public health emergency response practitioners and documentary evidence from the H1N1 and Ebola responses, this qualitative analysis uses the grounded theory approach to identify key areas for collaborative improvement. The grounded theory developed calls for a stronger policy framework at the federal level to facilitate more collaboration between U.S. agencies and facilitate more collaboration at the state and local level.
Correlates and Consequences of Nursing Staff Job Insecurity
Authors: Burke Ronald J. , Singh Parbudyal
Published: May 2024

The health care system, and hospitals, underwent considerable restructuring and downsizing in the early to mid-1900s in several countries as governments cut costs to reduce their budget deficits. Studies of the effects of these efforts on nursing staff and hospital functioning in various countries generally reported negative impacts with threats to job security emerging as an important outcome of these changes. Health care restructuring and hospital downsizing is again being implemented as governments struggle to reduce deficits at a time of worldwide economic recession in 2008/2010. This study examines correlates and consequences of job insecurity among Canadian nursing staff, with a focus on nurses’ well-being. Data were collected from 290 nursing staff working in hospitals in Ontario, Canada. Feelings of job insecurity in the sample as a whole were relatively low. Personal demographics and work situation characteristics were generally uncorrelated with feelings of job insecurity. Consistent with previous findings, perceived job insecurity was once again associated with less favorable work and well-being outcomes. Some suggestions for more successful approaches to addressing levels of subjective job insecurity are offered.
Medicare Part B Status among Orthopaedic Surgery Providers in the United States
Authors: Hung Man , Bounsanga Jerry , Voss Maren W. , Franklin Jeremy D.
Published: May 2024

Health care delivery often focuses on treatments over provider and payment attributes, which also impact care delivery. This study describes the procedures, allowed charges, submitted charges, and payments for orthopaedic providers that accept Medicare Part B in the US. Additionally, the study investigated regional and gender differences in charges and payments. We used the national Medicare Part B Provider Utilization and Payment data released from the CMS in April 2014. Analyses were conducted on US providers that identified as orthopaedic surgeons. There was a major gender disparity in orthopaedic providers and charges. Average allowed charges, submitted charges, and payments were generally the same across all regions except for region 6. Extreme differences between allowed charges and submitted charges were evident. The most frequent procedures across all regions were x-ray exams and raises questions about overutilization of diagnostic imaging in orthopaedics.
Community Corrections and the Health of Criminal Justice Populations
Authors: Matz Adam K.
Published: May 2024

Community supervision remains the most prevalent form of correctional control in the United States, with 1 in 53 adults on probation supervision. A large proportion of probationers, as well as parolees, possess distinct health issues associated with substance abuse, mental illness, and co-occurring disorders. These behavioral disorders influence and interact with criminal behavior patterns, commonly expressed as dynamic risk factors, necessitating increased collaboration with community service providers and health organizations. This article provides an overview of community corrections, health problems associated with community corrections populations, programming considerations, and notable barriers to expanding justice-health collaboration.
How Reimbursement Impacts the Safety Net Emergency Department after the ACA. A Case Study
Authors: Downey La Vonne , Zun Leslie , Hong Amanda
Published: May 2024

Background

– Payment source affects the amount paid to the ED for services rendered. The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA) which was implemented in 2010 to help increase the quality and affordability of health insurance, lower the uninsured rate, and to reduce healthcare costs for patients and the government. Before the ACA, there had been an increase of financial strain in the Emergency Departments. This was due to three factors the passing of EMATA in 1986, the economic recession, and an increased number of uninsured and underinsured patients. If the Emergency Department (ED) has a more diverse payer mixture, they will receive a higher reimbursement ratio. The payer mix could change due to the requirement to obtain health insurance under the Affordable Care Act (ACA), This could have a positive impact on reimbursement rates for the ED.

Objective

– The objective of this case study was to determine if there has been a change in the rate and type of reimbursement seen in a safety-net ED during the first five years of the Affordable Care Act (ACA). These findings could indicate how the ACA has or has not impacted a safety net ED's

Methods

– This was a retrospective, randomly sampled chart review of 1200 ED patients who presented to an inner city, level one adult and pediatric trauma center from 2010–2015. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 23, and the study was IRB approved.

Results

– There was a relationship between types of insurance (payers) (p = .01), and the dependent variables of payments ( p = .01), and balance remaining after 90 days ( p = .00). Since the implementation of the ACA, there has been a shift in methods of payment, with private third-party payers increasing from 3% in 2010, to 28% in 2015. There was also a decrease in the percentage of self-pay from 30% in 2010 to less than 10% in 2015 and for Medicaid from 11% to 10%.

Conclusion

– The results of this study indicate that this safety net ED reimbursement rates are positively associated with changes in payers during the first five years of the implementation of ACA. Thus, overall the ED reimbursement rates have increased post ACA for this safety net hospital. The positive association of a change in reimbursement rates for this safety net EDs indicates it might be impacted by how the ACA is or is not implemented currently and in the future.
Health and Nutrition Interventions for Low-Income and Underserved Black and Coloured Mothers in South Africa: A Qualitative Case Study of a Community-Based Organization in the Western Cape
Authors: Martin-Howard Simone
Published: May 2024

Few empirical studies focus on the underreported voices of low-income and underserved Black and Coloured mothers that participate in community-based organizations (CBOs) in South Africa (SA). Perceptions about the impact of participation in a health and nutrition program on behavior change of 19 select women who received assistance from a CBO in the Western Cape Province (WCP) are presented. Based on findings from data collected in 2017, mothers expressed food insecurity and improved nutritional choices as the two main factors that impede healthy lifestyles and the positive outcomes of participation, respectively. Women expressed the need and value of the CBO in their township, cited the importance of obtaining food for themselves and their children, and described changes in nutritional behavior since joining the organization. Findings from this research adds to the knowledge of CBOs on health and nutrition interventions for low-income and underserved populations in SA and internationally.
Patterns and Factors Associated With Alcohol Misuse Among Young Black Men Who Have Sex With Men in New York City
Authors: Lu Wenhua , Vu Thinh Toan , Wilton Leo , Paige Mark , Nandi Vijay , Greene Emily , Frye Victoria
Published: May 2024

Alcohol misuse is a significant health concern among gay, bisexual, same-gender-loving, and other men who have sex with men (MSM). Yet, little is known about the severity and predictors of alcohol misuse among self-reported young Black MSM. This study aimed to identify patterns of and factors associated with alcohol misuse in a sample of young Black MSM living in New York City. Baseline data from a randomized controlled trial aimed at improving the uptake of HIV testing among 250 MSM aged 18 to 29 were analyzed. Log-binominal regression analyses were conducted to assess the association of demographic and psychosocial factors with alcohol misuse in the past year and past 3 months among young Black MSM. Overall, 33.2% and 28.0% of young Black MSM in the study experienced alcohol misuse in the past year and past 3 months, respectively. In the adjusted model, factors positively associated with past-year alcohol misuse included marijuana use, a history of drug use, and having one-two or more than two male sex partners. Likewise, participants who used marijuana and those with one-two or more than two male partners were more likely to report past 3-month alcohol misuse. No significant association was found between positive screening for depressive symptoms, chemsex, internalized homophobia, and the likelihood of having alcohol misuse. The high prevalence of alcohol misuse underscores the importance of raising awareness of alcohol misuse and designing alcohol risk reduction programs that jointly address HIV risk among young Black MSM.
Albuterol–budesonide fixed-dose combination rescue inhaler for asthma: a plain language summary of the MANDALA study
Authors: Papi Alberto , Chipps Bradley E. , Beasley Richard , Panettieri Reynold A. , Israel Elliot , Cooper Mark , Dunsire Lynn , Jeynes-Ellis Allison , Rees Robert , Albers Frank C. , Cappelletti Christy
Published: May 2024

What is this summary about?

This summary describes the results of a clinical study called MANDALA that was published in the New England Journal of Medicine in 2022. In the MANDALA study, researchers looked at a new asthma rescue inhaler that contains both albuterol and budesonide in a single inhaler (known as albuterol–budesonide, AIRSUPRA™). This summary describes the results for people aged 18 yearsand older who took part in the study.
The Moderating Effects of Gender and Age in the Relationship Between  Job Insecurity and  Turnover Intention  During the Global Pandemic
Authors: Muddangala Naresh Babu , Kakumani Lavanyalatha , Parayitam Satyanarayana
Published: May 2024

This article explores the effect of perceived job insecurity on employees’ turnover intention during the global pandemic. A conceptual model was developed and tested with data collected from 398 faculty members in higher educational institutions in Southern India. After checking the instrument’s psychometric properties using structural equation modelling, the hypotheses were tested using hierarchical regression. The results indicate that three dimensions of job insecurity—the perceived threat to job features, the perceived threat to total job and the feeling of powerlessness—are positively associated with turnover intentions of faculty members. The results also reveal that age and gender moderated the relationship between (a) perceived threat to total job and turnover intention and (b) feeling of powerlessness and turnover intention. This study recommends that administrators not underestimate the perils of perceived job insecurity in terms of turnover intentions and steps need to be taken to ensure that employees feel safe and continue to work. This study highlights a simple fact: If adequate steps are not taken, crises like the global pandemic may adversely affect organisations.
State Capacity and Industrial Development: A Comparative Study of Iran and Egypt (1990–2010)
Authors: Rabiei Kamran , Mortazavi Arman
Published: May 2024

Despite pursuing industrial development to solve various socioeconomic and sociopolitical issues, such as the urgent need to reconstruct war damages in Iran, the foreign debt crisis in Egypt, and population growth in both countries, statistical data show only slight progress. The graphs of the gross domestic product (GDP) growth and exports of goods and services as a percentage of GDP, which are reliable indexes for measuring industrial output, along with the rate of foreign direct investment, demonstrate numerous fluctuations and instability in the economic growth rate for both cases under the period under review. Failing to diversify the economy, Iran and Egypt still relied heavily on unproductive rents, mostly from hydrocarbon exports, at the end of this era. Why is this the case despite the national leadership putting industrial development on the agenda? This article addresses this question by examining state capacity, focusing on the internal cohesion of state authority and its relation to society. In so doing, comparative historical analysis and causal narrative method are used.
Motive and opportunity: MYC rearrangements in high-grade B-cell lymphoma with MYC and BCL2 rearrangements (an LLMPP study)
Authors: Hilton Laura K. , Collinge Brett , Ben-Neriah Susana , Alduaij Waleed , Shaalan Haya , Weng Andrew P. , Cruz Manuela , Slack Graham W. , Farinha Pedro , Miyata-Takata Tomoko , Boyle Merrill , Meissner Barbara , Cook James R. , Ondrejka Sarah L. , Ott German , Rosenwald Andreas , Campo Elias , Amador Catalina , Greiner Timothy C. , Raess Philipp W. , Song Joo Y. , Inghirami Giorgio , Jaffe Elaine S. , Weisenburger Dennis D. , Chan Wing C. , Beiske Klaus , Fu Kai , Delabie Jan , Pittaluga Stefania , Iqbal Javeed , Wright George , Sehn Laurie H. , Savage Kerry J. , Mungall Andrew J. , Feldman Andrew L. , Staudt Louis M. , Steidl Christian , Rimsza Lisa M. , Morin Ryan D. , Scott David W.
Published: May 2024

Rearrangements that place the oncogenes MYC, BCL2, or BCL6 adjacent to superenhancers are common in mature B-cell lymphomas. Lymphomas with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) or high-grade morphology with both MYC and BCL2 rearrangements are classified as high-grade B-cell lymphoma with MYC and BCL2 rearrangements (“double hit”; HGBCL-DH-BCL2) and are associated with aggressive disease and poor outcomes. Although it is established that MYC rearrangements involving immunoglobulin (IG) loci are associated with inferior outcomes relative to those involving other non-IG superenhancers, the frequency of and mechanisms driving IG vs non-IG MYC rearrangements have not been elucidated. Here, we used custom targeted capture and/or whole-genome sequencing to characterize oncogene rearrangements across 883 mature B-cell lymphomas including Burkitt lymphoma, follicular lymphoma, DLBCL, and HGBCL-DH-BCL2 tumors. We demonstrate that, although BCL2 rearrangement topology is consistent across entities, HGBCL-DH-BCL2 have distinct MYC rearrangement architecture relative to tumors with single MYC rearrangements or with both MYC and BCL6 rearrangements (HGBCL-DH-BCL6), including both a higher frequency of non-IG rearrangements and different architecture of MYC::IGH rearrangements. The distinct MYC rearrangement patterns in HGBCL-DH-BCL2 occur on the background of high levels of somatic hypermutation across MYC partner loci in HGBCL-DH-BCL2, creating more opportunity to form these rearrangements. Furthermore, because 1 IGH allele is already disrupted by the existing BCL2 rearrangement, the MYC rearrangement architecture in HGBCL-DH-BCL2 likely reflects selective pressure to preserve both BCL2 and B-cell receptor expression. These data provide new mechanistic explanations for the distinct patterns of MYC rearrangements observed across different lymphoma entities.
Genome-wide identification and expression analysis of the SET domain-containing gene family in potato (Solanum tuberosum L.)
Authors: Suppiyar Vithusan , Bonthala Venkata Suresh , Shrestha Asis , Krey Stephanie , Stich Benjamin
Published: May 2024

Genes containing the SET domain can catalyse histone lysine methylation, which in turn has the potential to cause changes to chromatin structure and regulation of the transcription of genes involved in diverse physiological and developmental processes. However, the functions of SET domain-containing (StSET) genes in potato still need to be studied. The objectives of our study can be summarized as in silico analysis to (i) identify StSET genes in the potato genome, (ii) systematically analyse gene structure, chromosomal distribution, gene duplication events, promoter sequences, and protein domains, (iii) perform phylogenetic analyses, (iv) compare the SET domain-containing genes of potato with other plant species with respect to protein domains and orthologous relationships, (v) analyse tissue-specific expression, and (vi) study the expression of StSET genes in response to drought and heat stresses. In this study, we identified 57 StSET genes in the potato genome, and the genes were physically mapped onto eleven chromosomes. The phylogenetic analysis grouped these StSET genes into six clades. We found that tandem duplication through sub-functionalisation has contributed only marginally to the expansion of the StSET gene family. The protein domain TDBD (PFAM ID: PF16135) was detected in StSET genes of potato while it was absent in all other previously studied species. This study described three pollen-specific StSET genes in the potato genome. Expression analysis of four StSET genes under heat and drought in three potato clones revealed that these genes might have non-overlapping roles under different abiotic stress conditions and durations. The present study provides a comprehensive analysis of StSET genes in potatoes, and it serves as a basis for further functional characterisation of StSET genes towards understanding their underpinning biological mechanisms in conferring stress tolerance.
Atypical memory B cells increase in the peripheral blood of patients with breast cancer regardless of lymph node involvement
Authors: Azizi Atefeh , Mehdipour Fereshteh , Samadi Morteza , Rasolmali Reza , Talei Abdol-Rasoul , Ghaderi Abbas
Published: May 2024

Background

Breast cancer is the most common cancer in females. The immune system has a crucial role in the fight against cancer. B and T cells, the two main components of the adaptive immunity, are critical players that specifically target tumor cells. However, B cells, in contrast to T cells, and their role in cancer inhibition or progression is less investigated. Accordingly, in this study, we assessed and compared the frequency of naïve and different subsets of memory B cells in the peripheral blood of patients with breast cancer and healthy women.

Results

We found no significant differences in the frequencies of peripheral CD19+ B cells between the patients and controls. However, there was a significant decrease in the frequency of CD19+IgM+ B cells in patients compared to the control group (P=0.030). Moreover, the patients exhibited higher percentages of atypical memory B cells (CD19+CD27‒IgM‒, P=0.006) and a non-significant increasing trend in switched memory B cells (CD19+CD27+IgM‒, P=0.074). Further analysis revealed a higher frequency of atypical memory B cells (aMBCs) in the peripheral blood of patients without lymph node involvement as well as those with a tumor size greater than 2cm or with estrogen receptor (ER) negative/progesterone receptor (PR) negative tumors, compared with controls (P=0.030, P=0.040, P=0.031 and P=0.054, respectively).

Conclusion

Atypical memory B cells (CD19+CD27‒IgM‒) showed a significant increase in the peripheral blood of patients with breast cancer compared to the control group. This increase seems to be associated with tumor characteristics. Nevertheless, additional research is necessary to determine the precise role of these cells during breast cancer progression
Prevalence and molecular characterization of colistin resistance in Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolates: insights from a study in Ardabil hospitals
Authors: Jafari-Ramedani Saghar , Nazari Maryam , Arzanlou Mohsen , Peeri-Dogaheh Hadi , Sahebkar Amirhossein , Khademi Farzad
Published: May 2024

Background

Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a common cause of nosocomial infections. However, the emergence of multidrug-resistant strains has complicated the treatment of P. aeruginosa infections. While polymyxins have been the mainstay for treatment, there is a global increase in resistance to these antibiotics. Therefore, our study aimed to determine the prevalence and molecular details of colistin resistance in P. aeruginosa clinical isolates collected between June 2019 and May 2023, as well as the genetic linkage of colistin-resistant P. aeruginosa isolates.

Results

The resistance rate to colistin was 9% (n = 18) among P. aeruginosa isolates. All 18 colistin-resistant isolates were biofilm producers and carried genes associated with biofilm formation. Furthermore, the presence of genes encoding efflux pumps, TCSs, and outer membrane porin was observed in all colistin-resistant P. aeruginosa strains, while the mcr-1 gene was not detected. Amino acid substitutions were identified only in the PmrB protein of multidrug- and colistin-resistant strains. The expression levels of mexA, mexC, mexE, mexY, phoP, and pmrA genes in the 18 colistin-resistant P. aeruginosa strains were as follows: 88.8%, 94.4%, 11.1%, 83.3%, 83.3%, and 38.8%, respectively. Additionally, down-regulation of the oprD gene was observed in 44.4% of colistin-resistant P. aeruginosa strains.

Conclusion

This study reports the emergence of colistin resistance with various mechanisms among P. aeruginosa strains in Ardabil hospitals. We recommend avoiding unnecessary use of colistin to prevent potential future increases in colistin resistance.
Utilizing transcriptomics and proteomics to unravel key genes and proteins of Oryza sativa seedlings mediated by selenium in response to cadmium stress
Authors: Zhu Sixi , Sun Suxia , Zhao Wei , Yang Xiuqin , Mao Huan , Sheng Luying , Chen Zhongbing
Published: May 2024

Background

Cadmium (Cd) pollution has declined crop yields and quality. Selenium (Se) is a beneficial mineral element that protects plants from oxidative damage, thereby improving crop tolerance to heavy metals. The molecular mechanism of Se-induced Cd tolerance in rice (Oryza sativa) is not yet understood. This study aimed to elucidate the beneficial mechanism of Se (1 mg/kg) in alleviating Cd toxicity in rice seedlings.

Results

Exogenous selenium addition significantly improved the toxic effect of cadmium stress on rice seedlings, increasing plant height and fresh weight by 20.53% and 34.48%, respectively, and increasing chlorophyll and carotenoid content by 16.68% and 15.26%, respectively. Moreover, the MDA, ·OH, and protein carbonyl levels induced by cadmium stress were reduced by 47.65%, 67.57%, and 56.43%, respectively. Cell wall metabolism, energy cycling, and enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidant systems in rice seedlings were significantly enhanced. Transcriptome analysis showed that the expressions of key functional genes psbQ, psbO, psaG, psaD, atpG, and PetH were significantly up-regulated under low-concentration Se treatment, which enhanced the energy metabolism process of photosystem I and photosystem II in rice seedlings. At the same time, the up-regulation of LHCA, LHCB family, and C4H1, PRX, and atp6 functional genes improved the ability of photon capture and heavy metal ion binding in plants. Combined with proteome analysis, the expression of functional proteins OsGSTF1, OsGSTU11, OsG6PDH4, OsDHAB1, CP29, and CabE was significantly up-regulated under Se, which enhanced photosynthesis and anti-oxidative stress mechanism in rice seedlings. At the same time, it regulates the plant hormone signal transduction pathway. It up-regulates the expression response process of IAA, ABA, and JAZ to activate the synergistic effect between each cell rapidly and jointly maintain the homeostasis balance.

Conclusion

Our results revealed the regulation process of Se-mediated critical metabolic pathways, functional genes, and proteins in rice under cadmium stress. They provided insights into the expression rules and dynamic response process of the Se-mediated plant resistance mechanism. This study provided the theoretical basis and technical support for crop safety in cropland ecosystems and cadmium-contaminated areas.
Remote ischemic conditioning may improve graft function following kidney transplantation: a systematic review and meta-analysis with trial sequential analysis
Authors: Zhang Yang , Long Yuqin , Li Yongjun , Liao Dawei , Hu Linkun , Peng Ke , Liu Hong , Ji Fuhai , Shan Xisheng
Published: May 2024

Background

Remote ischemic conditioning (RIC) has the potential to benefit graft function following kidney transplantation by reducing ischemia-reperfusion injury; however, the current clinical evidence is inconclusive. This meta-analysis with trial sequential analysis (TSA) aimed to determine whether RIC improves graft function after kidney transplantation.

Methods

A comprehensive search was conducted on PubMed, Cochrane Library, and EMBASE databases until June 20, 2023, to identify all randomized controlled trials that examined the impact of RIC on graft function after kidney transplantation. The primary outcome was the incidence of delayed graft function (DGF) post-kidney transplantation. The secondary outcomes included the incidence of acute rejection, graft loss, 3- and 12-month estimated glomerular filtration rates (eGFR), and the length of hospital stay. Subgroup analyses were conducted based on RIC procedures (preconditioning, perconditioning, or postconditioning), implementation sites (upper or lower extremity), and graft source (living or deceased donor).

Results

Our meta-analysis included eight trials involving 1038 patients. Compared with the control, RIC did not significantly reduce the incidence of DGF (8.8% vs. 15.3%; risk ratio = 0.76, 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.48–1.21, P = 0.25, I2 = 16%), and TSA results showed that the required information size was not reached. However, the RIC group had a significantly increased eGFR at 3 months after transplantation (mean difference = 2.74 ml/min/1.73 m2, 95% CI: 1.44–4.05 ml/min/1.73 m2, P < 0.0001, I2 = 0%), with a sufficient evidence suggested by TSA. The secondary outcomes were comparable between the other secondary outcomes. The treatment effect of RIC did not differ between the subgroup analyses.

Conclusion

In this meta-analysis with trial sequential analysis, RIC did not lead to a significant reduction in the incidence of DGF after kidney transplantation. Nonetheless, RIC demonstrated a positive correlation with 3-month eGFR. Given the limited number of patients included in this study, well-designed clinical trials with large sample sizes are required to validate the renoprotective benefits of RIC.

Trial registration

This systematic review and meta-analysis was registered at the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (Number CRD42023464447).
Airway management and pulmonary aspiration during surgical interventions in pregnant women in the 2nd/3rd trimester and immediate postpartum – a retrospective study in a tertiary care university hospital
Authors: Becker Charlotte E. , Lorenz Wolfram , de Abreu Marcelo Gama , Koch Thea , Kiss Thomas
Published: May 2024

Background

Pregnancy is associated with an increased risk of pulmonary aspiration during general anaesthesia, but the incidence of this complication is not well defined.

Methods

We performed a retrospective database review in a tertiary care university hospital to determine the incidence of pulmonary aspiration in pregnant patients undergoing endotracheal intubation, with and without Rapid Sequence Induction (RSI), as well as face-mask ventilation and supraglottic airway devices. We included Patients in the 2nd or 3rd trimester of pregnancy and immediate postpartum undergoing surgical procedures. The primary endpoint was the occurrence of pulmonary aspiration.

Results

Data from 2,390 patients undergoing general anaesthesia for cerclage of cervix uteri, manual removal of retained placenta, repair of obstetric laceration, or postpartum bleeding were retrospectively evaluated. A supraglottic airway device or face-mask ventilation was used in 1,425/2,390 (60%) of patients, while 638/2,390 (27%) were intubated. RSI was used in 522/638 (82%) of patients undergoing tracheal intubation, or 522/2,390 (22%) of the entire cohort. In-depth review of the charts, including 54 patients who had been initially classified as “possible pulmonary aspiration" by anaesthetists, revealed that this adverse event did not occur in the cohort.

Conclusions

In conclusion, in this obstetric surgery patient population at risk for pulmonary aspiration, supraglottic airway devices were used in approximately 60% of cases. Yet, no aspiration event was detected with either a supraglottic airway or endotracheal intubation.