bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Case Report: Extramedullary Acute Promyelocytic Leukemia: An Unusual Case and Mini-Review of the Literature
Authors: Harrer Dennis Christoph , Lüke Florian , Einspieler Ingo , Menhart Karin , Hellwig Dirk , Utpatel Kirsten , Herr Wolfgang , Reichle Albrecht , Heudobler Daniel
Published: May 2022

Background

Acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL) constitutes a serious hematological emergency necessitating rapid diagnosis and therapy to prevent lethal bleedings resulting from APL-induced thrombocytopenia and coagulopathy. Atypical manifestations of APL, such as extramedullary disease at first presentation, pose diagnostic challenges and delay the onset of appropriate therapy. Nevertheless, extramedullary manifestations of APL are mostly accompanied by blood count alterations pointing to an underlying hematological disease. In this report, we present the first case of APL bearing close resemblance to a metastasized laryngeal carcinoma with normal blood counts and absent coagulopathy.

Case Presentation

A 67-year-old man with a previous history of smoking was admitted to our hospital with progressive hoarseness of voice, odynophagia, dysphagia and exertional dyspnea. Laryngoscopy revealed a fixed right hemi larynx with an immobile right vocal fold. Imaging of the neck via magnetic-resonance imaging (MRI) and positron emission tomography–computed tomography (PET/CT) with F-18-fluordeoxyglucose (FDG) showed a large hypermetabolic tumor in the right piriform sinus and tracer uptake in adjacent lymph nodes, highly suspicious of metastasized laryngeal carcinoma. Surprisingly the histological examination revealed an extramedullary manifestation of acute promyelocytic leukemia. Remarkably, blood counts and coagulation parameters were normal. Moreover, no clinical signs of hemorrhage were found. PML-RARA fusion was detected in both laryngeal mass and bone marrow. After diagnosis of APL, ATRA-based chemotherapy was initiated resulting in complete remission of all APL manifestations.

Conclusions

This is the first case report of APL initially presenting as laryngeal chloroma. Additionally, we performed a comprehensive literature review of previously published extramedullary APL manifestations. In aggregate, a normal blood count at first presentation constitutes an extremely rare finding in patients initially presenting with extramedullary APL manifestations.
The Common Haplotype GATGACA in Surfactant-Protein B Gene Is Protective for Respiratory Distress Syndrome in Preterm Neonates
Authors: Mikolajcikova Silvia , Lasabova Zora , Holubekova Veronika , Skerenova Maria , Zibolenova Jana , Matasova Katarina , Zibolen Mirko , Calkovska Andrea
Published: May 2022

Background

Respiratory distress syndrome (RDS), a disorder of primary surfactant deficiency resulting in pulmonary insufficiency, remains a significant problem for preterm neonates. Associations between genetic variants of surfactant proteins and RDS have been reported, but haplotypes of the surfactant protein B gene (SFTPB) have not been studied. The aim of the study was to prove the hypothesis that certain haplotypes of SFTPB may be protective or risk factors for RDS.

Methods

The study was performed with 149 preterm infants, born <34 weeks of gestation, with 86 infants with mild RDS or without RDS (control group) and 63 infants with severe RDS (patient group). RDS was considered severe if multiple doses of exogenous surfactant and/or mechanical ventilation within the first 72 h of life were needed. The venous blood sample was used for the analysis of gene polymorphisms associated with RDS, genotyping, and haplotype estimation. Multivariate logistic regression analysis and the odds ratio were calculated to detect the contribution of the studied variables to the development of RDS.

Results

A new association of the common single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) rs2304566 with RDS in premature infants was detected. Analysis of rs2304566 polymorphisms using a logistic regression model showed that there are two significant predictors inversely related to the occurrence of RDS (Apgar score of 5 min, CT and TT genotype in rs2304566 polymorphism). Gestational age, birth weight, and sex have border significance. Moreover, in the patient group, the frequency of the GATGACA haplotype in the SFTPB gene was lower (p = 0.037), and the GATGGCA haplotype was higher (p = 0.059) in comparison with the control group.

Conclusion

The common haplotype GATGACA of the SFTPB gene can be protective against RDS in preterm infants. The trend of a higher frequency of GATGGCA in the SFTPB gene in infants with severe RDS suggests that this haplotype may be a risk factor for RDS susceptibility.
Comprehensive Evaluation of Anti-PD-1, Anti-PD-L1, Anti-CTLA-4 and Their Combined Immunotherapy in Clinical Trials: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
Authors: Xiang Ze , Li Jiayuan , Zhang Zhengyu , Cen Chao , Chen Wei , Jiang Bin , Meng Yiling , Wang Ying , Berglund Björn , Zhai Guanghua , Wu Jian
Published: May 2022

Immunotherapy with immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) drugs is gradually becoming a hot topic in cancer treatment. To comprehensively evaluate the safety and efficacy of ICI drugs, we employed the Bayesian model and conducted a network meta-analysis in terms of progression-free survival (PFS), overall survival (OS) and severe adverse events (AEs). Our study found that treatment with ipilimumab was significantly worse than standard therapies in terms of PFS, whereas treatment with cemiplimab significantly improved PFS. The results also indicated that cemiplimab was the best choice for PFS. Treatment with nivolumab, pembrolizumab and nivolumab plus ipilimumab significantly improved OS compared to standard therapies. In terms of OS, cemiplimab was found to be the best choice, whereas avelumab was the worst. In terms of severe AEs, atezolizumab, avelumab, durvalumab, nivolumab, and pembrolizumab all significantly reduced the risk of grade 3 or higher AEs compared to standard therapy. The least likely to be associated with severe AEs were as follows: cemiplimab, avelumab, nivolumab, atezolizumab, and camrelizumab, with nivolumab plus ipilimumab to be the worst. Therefore, different ICI drug therapies may pose different risks in terms of PFS, OS and severe AEs. Our study may provide new insights and strategies for the clinical practice of ICI drugs.
Correlation of Dyslipidemia and Inflammation With Obstructive Sleep Apnea Severity
Authors: Popadic Viseslav , Brajkovic Milica , Klasnja Slobodan , Milic Natasa , Rajovic Nina , Lisulov Danica Popovic , Divac Anica , Ivankovic Tatjana , Manojlovic Andrea , Nikolic Novica , Memon Lidija , Brankovic Marija , Popovic Maja , Sekulic Ana , Macut Jelica Bjekic , Markovic Olivera , Djurasevic Sinisa , Stojkovic Maja , Todorovic Zoran , Zdravkovic Marija
Published: May 2022

Introduction: Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a serious condition linked with various metabolic disorders and associated with increased all-cause and cardiovascular mortality. Although the potential mechanisms of pathophysiological processes related to OSA are relatively well known, the data regarding the correlation between obstructive sleep apnea, dyslipidemia, and systemic inflammation are still inconclusive.

Methods: The study was conducted as a retrospective cohort study including 328 patients with newly diagnosed obstructive sleep apnea during the period between April 2018, and May 2020, in University Clinical Hospital Center “Bezanijska kosa”, Belgrade, Serbia. Polysomnography was performed in all patients according to the protocol. Numerous demographic, antropometric, laboratory, and clinical data were correlated to Apnea-Hypopnea Index (AHI) as a dependent variable, with a particular review on the relation between lipid abnormalities, inflammatory parameters, and obstructive sleep apnea severity. Multivariate logistic regression model was used to assess predictors of severe OSA (AHI ≥30 per hour).

Results: A total of 328 patients were included in the study. The mean age of the patients was 54.0 ± 12.5 years and more than two-thirds were male (68.8%). The majority of the patients had an AHI of at least 30 events per hour. Patients with severe OSA were more frequently male, obese, hypertensive and hyperlipidemic, and had increased neck circumference (both male and female patients). One hundred and thirty-two patients had metabolic syndrome. Patients with severe OSA more frequently had metabolic syndrome and significantly higher levels of glucose, creatinine, uric acid, AST, ALT, CK, microalbumine/creatinine ratio, triglyceride, total cholesterol, HDL, total cholеsterol to HDL‐C ratio, CRP, and ESR. In the multivariate linear regression model with AHI (≥30 per hour) as a dependent variable, of demographic and clinical data, triglycerides ≥1.7 mmol/L and CRP >5 mg/L were significantly associated with AHI≥30 per hour.

Conclusion: The present study on 328 patients with newly diagnosed obstructive sleep apnea revealed significant relation of lipid abnormalities, inflammatory markers, and other clinically important data with obstructive sleep apnea severity. These results can lead to a better understanding of the underlying pathophysiological processes and open the door to a new world of potentially useful therapeutic modalities.
Impacts of Generalized Uncertainty Principle on the Black Hole Thermodynamics and Phase Transition in a Cavity
Authors: Zhou Xia , Feng Zhong-Wen , Zhou Shi-Qi
Published: May 2022

In this work, we conduct a study regarding the thermodynamic evolution and the phase transition of a black hole in a finite spherical cavity subject to the generalized uncertainty principle. The results demonstrate that both the positive and negative generalized uncertainty principle parameters β0 can significantly affect the thermodynamic quantities, stability, critical behavior, and phase transition of the black hole. For β0 > 0, the black hole forms a remnant with finite temperature, finite mass, and zero local heat capacity in the last stages of evolution, which can be regarded as an elementary particle. Meanwhile, it undergoes one second-order phase transition and two Hawking-Page-type phase transitions. The Gross-Perry-Yaffe phase transition occurs for both large black hole configuration and small black hole configuration. For β0 < 0, the Gross-Perry-Yaffe phase transition occurs only for large black hole configuration, and the temperature and heat capacity of the black hole remnant is finite, whereas its mass is zero. This indicates the remnant is metastable and would be in the Hawking-Page-type phase transition forever. Specifically, according to the viewpoint of corpuscular gravity, the remnant can be interpreted as an additional metastable tiny black hole configuration, which never appears in the original case and the positive correction case.
Multi-Dimensional Factor Correlation, Multiple Interbank Network Contagion, and Conditional VaR of Banks
Authors: Wang Zhouwei , Zhao Qicheng , Qiu Lu
Published: May 2022

The systemic risk of banks is a multi-dimensional factor correlation and multi-interbank contagion, forming a multi-dimensional multi-correlation (MDMC) contagion risk. After superposition, the multiplier effect magnifies the destructive power of a single impact. In this study, the weighted average method is used to integrate the four interbank contagion paths of jump-diffusion, interbank lending, stock price information, and common assets, establish the multi-level interbank contagion matrix, apply the quantile estimation of the spatial Dubin panel model, estimate the MDMC infectious bank conditional risk value, and decompose and identify the systemically important risk factors, systemically important banks, and systemically vulnerable banks. The following conclusions were drawn. First, the superposition contagion effect of MDMC networks is significant. Second, the systemic importance of default risk, interest rate risk, liquidity risk, and the GDP growth rate of the banking industry is high, followed by changes in stock market returns and investor sentiment. Third, the four major state-owned banks have an MDMC network contagion effect, which has the characteristics of systemic importance and vulnerability.
Influence of Long-Lasting Static Stretching on Maximal Strength, Muscle Thickness and Flexibility
Authors: Warneke Konstantin , Brinkmann Anna , Hillebrecht Martin , Schiemann Stephan
Published: May 2022

Background: In animal studies long-term stretching interventions up to several hours per day have shown large increases in muscle mass as well as maximal strength. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of a long-term stretching on maximal strength, muscle cross sectional area (MCSA) and range of motion (ROM) in humans.

Methods: 52 subjects were divided into an Intervention group (IG, n = 27) and a control group (CG, n = 25). IG stretched the plantar flexors for one hour per day for six weeks using an orthosis. Stretching was performed on one leg only to investigate the contralateral force transfer. Maximal isometric strength (MIS) and 1RM were both measured in extended knee joint. Furthermore, we investigated the MCSA of IG in the lateral head of the gastrocnemius (LG) using sonography. Additionally, ROM in the upper ankle was investigated via the functional “knee to wall stretch” test (KtW) and a goniometer device on the orthosis. A two-way ANOVA was performed in data analysis, using the Scheffé Test as post-hoc test.

Results: There were high time-effects (p = 0.003, ƞ² = 0.090) and high interaction-effect (p < 0.001, ƞ²=0.387) for MIS and also high time-effects (p < 0.001, ƞ²=0.193) and interaction-effects (p < 0.001, ƞ²=0,362) for 1RM testing. Furthermore, we measured a significant increase of 15.2% in MCSA of LG with high time-effect (p < 0.001, ƞ²=0.545) and high interaction-effect (p=0.015, ƞ²=0.406). In ROM we found in both tests significant increases up to 27.3% with moderate time-effect (p < 0.001, ƞ²=0.129) and high interaction-effect (p < 0.001, ƞ²=0.199). Additionally, we measured significant contralateral force transfers in maximal strength tests of 11.4% (p < 0.001) in 1RM test and 1.4% (p=0.462) in MIS test. Overall, there we no significant effects in control situations for any parameter (CG and non-intervened leg of IG).

Discussion: We hypothesize stretching-induced muscle damage comparable to effects of mechanical load of strength training, that led to hypertrophy and thus to an increase in maximal strength. Increases in ROM could be attributed to longitudinal hypertrophy effects, e.g., increase in serial sarcomeres. Measured cross-education effects could be explained by central neural adaptations due to stimulation of the stretched muscles.
The Effect of Voluntary Physical Activity in an Enriched Environment and Combined Exercise Training on the Satellite Cell Pool in Developing Rats
Authors: Rostami Samira , Salehizadeh Reyhaneh , Shamloo Sahar , Fayazmilani Rana
Published: May 2022

Aim: Postnatal skeletal muscle growth is strongly associated with a satellite cell pool. Early adolescence might be a crucial period when different exercise training interventions have specific consequence on satellite cells. Pax7 and MyoD have been suggested as the leading indicators of satellite cell activation.

Methods: In this study, pre-adolescent male rats (n = 18) were either subjected to an enriched environment that facilitated physical activities or combined training or control for three weeks. The flexor hallucis longus muscle was removed for biochemical and histochemical analysis.

Results: Findings demonstrated that exercise trained rats displayed high levels of serum IGF-1 (p <0.05). There was an increase in Pax7 (p <0.05) and MyoD (p <0.001) mRNA expression. A significant increase in the mean fiber area (p <0.01), satellite cell (p <0.001), and myonuclear numbers (p <0.01) were also observed in both intervention groups. Importantly, enriched rats showed lower corticosterone levels (p <0.05) compared to training ones. Regarding performance, trained and enriched rats had significant improvement in forelimb grip strength (p <0.01) and load-carrying capacity (p <0.05).

Conclusion: Type of physical exercise is an essential part in changing satellite cells pool. Different and frequent physical activities in an enriched environment can be effective for muscle development.
Epigenetic Regulation of Plant Tolerance to Salt Stress by Histone Acetyltransferase GsMYST1 From Wild Soybean
Authors: Feng Peng , Sun Xiaohuan , Liu Xiaodong , Li Yuqiu , Sun Qi , Lu Haoran , Li Minglong , Ding Xiaodong , Dong Yingshan
Published: May 2022

Salt stress is one of the most devastating environmental factors threatening soybean growth and yield. However, the molecular link between salt stress and epigenetics has not been well-elucidated in soybean. In this study, from the wild soybean cDNA library, we isolated a GsSnRK1 kinase interacting protein (GsMSTY1) which is phylogenetically homologous with histone acetyltransferase MYST family with unknown function. GsMSTY1 gene is dominantly expressed in wild soybean roots and is highly responsive to abiotic stresses. GsMYST1 was able to be phosphorylated at the Ser44 site by GsSnRK1 and demonstrated in vivo acetyltransferase activity in transgenic soybean roots revealed by an anti-H4ace antibody. A transcription factor protein GsNAC83 was identified to interact with both GsMYST1 and GsSnRK1, and GsNAC83 could recruit the GsMYST1-GsSnRK1 module to COR15B gene promoter determined by ChIP-qPCR assay. To dissect the molecular functions of this ternary complex, we treated the transgenic soybean roots with salt stress and found that the stress could activate GsSnRK1, and the activated GsSnRK1 subsequently phosphorylated GsMYST1 to enhance its acetyltransferase activity which may epigenetically promote the target gene expression. To explore the physiological functions, we coexpressed GsSnRK1 and GsMYST1 genes in soybean hairy roots and found that only GsSnRK1(wt)/GsMYST1(wt) but not the mutant genes could promote soybean resistance to salt stress, implicating that phosphorylation of GsMYST1 is required for it to acetylate histone H4 on the target genes to upregulate expression of the stress-related genes. Our data shed new light on the functions of the GsSnRK1-GsMYST1-GsNAC83 module and its regulatory mechanism on plant tolerance to abiotic stresses.
A Caps-Ubi Model for Protein Ubiquitination Site Prediction
Authors: Luo Yin , Jiang Jiulei , Zhu Jiajie , Huang Qiyi , Li Weimin , Wang Ying , Gao Yamin
Published: May 2022

Ubiquitination, a widespread mechanism of regulating cellular responses in plants, is one of the most important post-translational modifications of proteins in many biological processes and is involved in the regulation of plant disease resistance responses. Predicting ubiquitination is an important technical method for plant protection. Traditional ubiquitination site determination methods are costly and time-consuming, while computational-based prediction methods can accurately and efficiently predict ubiquitination sites. At present, capsule networks and deep learning are used alone for prediction, and the effect is not obvious. The capsule network reflects the spatial position relationship of the internal features of the neural network, but it cannot identify long-distance dependencies or focus on amino acids in protein sequences or their degree of importance. In this study, we investigated the use of convolutional neural networks and capsule networks in deep learning to design a novel model “Caps-Ubi,” first using the one-hot and amino acid continuous type hybrid encoding method to characterize ubiquitination sites. The sequence patterns, the dependencies between the encoded protein sequences and the important amino acids in the captured sequences, were then focused on the importance of amino acids in the sequences through the proposed Caps-Ubi model and used for multispecies ubiquitination site prediction. Through relevant experiments, the proposed Caps-Ubi method is superior to other similar methods in predicting ubiquitination sites.
Chloroplast pH Homeostasis for the Regulation of Photosynthesis
Authors: Trinh Mai Duy Luu , Masuda Shinji
Published: May 2022

The pH of various chloroplast compartments, such as the thylakoid lumen and stroma, is light-dependent. Light illumination induces electron transfer in the photosynthetic apparatus, coupled with proton translocation across the thylakoid membranes, resulting in acidification and alkalization of the thylakoid lumen and stroma, respectively. Luminal acidification is crucial for inducing regulatory mechanisms that protect photosystems against photodamage caused by the overproduction of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Stromal alkalization activates enzymes involved in the Calvin–Benson–Bassham (CBB) cycle. Moreover, proton translocation across the thylakoid membranes generates a proton gradient (ΔpH) and an electric potential (ΔΨ), both of which comprise the proton motive force (pmf) that drives ATP synthase. Then, the synthesized ATP is consumed in the CBB cycle and other chloroplast metabolic pathways. In the dark, the pH of both the chloroplast stroma and thylakoid lumen becomes neutral. Despite extensive studies of the above-mentioned processes, the molecular mechanisms of how chloroplast pH can be maintained at proper levels during the light phase for efficient activation of photosynthesis and other metabolic pathways and return to neutral levels during the dark phase remain largely unclear, especially in terms of the precise control of stromal pH. The transient increase and decrease in chloroplast pH upon dark-to-light and light-to-dark transitions have been considered as signals for controlling other biological processes in plant cells. Forward and reverse genetic screening approaches recently identified new plastid proteins involved in controlling ΔpH and ΔΨ across the thylakoid membranes and chloroplast proton/ion homeostasis. These proteins have been conserved during the evolution of oxygenic phototrophs and include putative photosynthetic protein complexes, proton transporters, and/or their regulators. Herein, we summarize the recently identified protein players that control chloroplast pH and influence photosynthetic efficiency in plants.
Current Status of Chinese Medical Students’ Professional Identity After COVID-19 and the Factors That Influence It
Authors: Lai Tinghong , Liang Weidong , Zhong Maolin , Zhu Pingping , Li Bin
Published: May 2022

This study aimed to explore the current situation regarding medical students’ professional identity after COVID-19 in China, as well as the factors that influence it. Questionnaire compiled by Fujian Medical University and self-designed were used, and participators were from one Medical University in Jiangxi Province, a central city of China. Results showed that the professional identity of medical students was upper middle level and the professional attitude was generally positive. There was a significant sex difference in terms of value (t = 2.057, p < 0.05) which the scores for boys were higher than girls, whereas the scores for girls were higher than boys when it came to aspects such as professional environment (t = -3.918, p < 0.001) and professional cognition (t = -3.855, p < 0.001). There was a significant difference in the sense of professional identity between people with and without siblings (t = 2.264, p < 0.05). The scores of students who participated in prevention and control of the epidemic were significantly higher than those who did not (t = 2.267, p < 0.01). Professional identity decreased gradually in related to higher grades, but it increased at the graduate stage; the grade [F (5,635) = 10.302, p < 0.001] and majors [F(2,635) = 5.718, p < 0.01] differences were significant. Factors such as family members’ influence, attitude toward occupation, grades, major, registered residence, and college choosing were the main factors that influenced medical students’ professional identity. Overall, the medical students’ professional identity needs to be further strengthened in the post COVID-19, it should be increased education regarding career development and planning.
Darwin Versus Wallace: Esthetic Evolution and Preferential Mate Choice
Authors: Davis Adam C. , Arnocky Steven
Published: May 2022

Dominant theorizing and research surrounding the operation of intersexual selection in evolutionary psychology tends to be guided by an adaptationist framework and aligned with models of sexual selection involving direct benefits (e.g., parental care) and indirect “good gene” and condition-dependent benefits. In this way, evolutionary psychologists more often espouse Alfred Russel Wallaces’ utilitarian viewpoint that traits become attractive because they honestly signal vigor and vitality, which gives priority to natural selection. In doing so, Darwin’s esthetic perspective originally articulated inThe Descent of Manand alternative models of sexual selection (e.g., Fisherian runaway), are given less consideration. This is despite some informative reviews on the topic in evolutionary psychology. In the current conceptual analysis, we discuss the potential of Prum’s Lande-Kirkpatrick (LK) null model of sexual selection to help make sense of some of the mixed evidence regarding the links between attractive traits and purported markers of phenotypic and genetic condition. We then consider how the implications of the LK null model can help to shift theoretical assumptions and guide future work in evolutionary psychology on intersexual selection.
Self-Determination Theory and Accountant Employees’ Psychological Wellbeing: The Roles of Positive Affectivity and Psychological Safety
Authors: Lin Philip Teng , Vu Thinh Truong , Nguyen Van Phuong , Wu Qi
Published: May 2022

This study investigates the influence of self-determination motivations on accountant employees’ psychological wellbeing with the mediating role of positive affectivity and the moderating role of psychological safety. Multivariate analysis and structural equation modeling are used to analyze a three-way time-lagged sample data of 391 accountant employees. Results indicate that positive affectivity positively mediates the relationship between extrinsic motivation and psychological wellbeing and between intrinsic motivation and psychological wellbeing. Furthermore, psychological safety positively moderates the relationship between extrinsic motivation and positive affectivity and between intrinsic motivation and positive affectivity. In addition, psychological safety also positively moderates the relationship between positive affectivity and psychological wellbeing. The findings of this study provide implications for researchers and business managers in managing and enhancing accountant employees’ psychological wellbeing.
Increased Autonomic Reactivity and Mental Health Difficulties in COVID-19 Survivors: Implications for Medical Providers
Authors: Dale Lourdes P. , Cuffe Steven P. , Kolacz Jacek , Leon Kalie G. , Bossemeyer Biernacki Nadia , Bhullar Amal , Nix Evan J. , Porges Stephen W.
Published: May 2022

Background

Because there is a relationship between mental health (MH) and medical adversity and autonomic dysregulation, we hypothesized that individuals infected with COVID-19 would report greater current autonomic reactivity and more MH difficulties (emotional distress, mindfulness difficulties, and posttraumatic stress). We also hypothesized that individuals diagnosed with COVID-19 who are experiencing difficulties related to their prior adversity and those providing medical care to COVID-19 patients would be more negatively impacted due to their increased stress and infection rates.

Method

US participants (N = 1,638; 61% female; Age M = 46.80) completed online self-report measures of prior adversity, current autonomic reactivity and current MH difficulties, and COVID-19 diagnosis history. Participants diagnosed with COVID-19 (n = 98) were more likely to be younger and providing medical care to COVID-19 patients.

Results

Individuals diagnosed with COVID-19 reported increased current autonomic reactivity, being more negatively impacted by their prior MH/medical adversities, and currently experiencing more MH difficulties with an increased likelihood of clinically-significant PTSD and depression (p < 0.01 – p < 0.001). Current autonomic reactivity mediated 58.9% to 85.2% of the relationship between prior adversity and current MH difficulties; and COVID-19 diagnosis moderated and enhanced the effect of prior adversity on current autonomic reactivity (p < 0.01). Being a medical provider was associated with increased current autonomic reactivity (p < 0.01), while moderating and enhancing the relationship between current autonomic reactivity and emotional distress and posttraumatic stress symptoms (p < 0.05). Combining COVID-19 diagnosis with being a medical provider increased likelihood of clinically-significant PTSD and depression (p < 0.01).

Conclusion

Individuals diagnosed with COVID-19, particularly medical providers, have increased current autonomic reactivity that is associated with their prior adversities and current MH difficulties.
Water Transmission Increases the Intensity of COVID-19 Outbreaks
Authors: Huang Jianping , Lian Xinbo , Zhao Yingjie , Wang Danfeng , Chen Siyu , Zhang Li , Liu Xiaoyue , Gao Jinfeng , Liu Chuwei
Published: May 2022

India suffered from a devastating 2021 spring outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), surpassing any other outbreaks before. However, the reason for the acceleration of the outbreak in India is still unknown. We describe the statistical characteristics of infected patients from the first case in India to June 2021, and trace the causes of the two outbreaks in a complete way, combined with data on natural disasters, environmental pollution and population movements etc. We found that water-to-human transmission accelerates COVID-19 spreading. The transmission rate is 382% higher than the human-to-human transmission rate during the 2020 summer outbreak in India. When syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) enters the human body directly through the water-oral transmission pathway, virus particles and nitrogen salt in the water accelerate viral infection and mutation rates in the gastrointestinal tract. Based on the results of the attribution analysis, without the current effective interventions, India could have experienced a third outbreak during the monsoon season this year, which would have increased the severity of the disaster and led to a South Asian economic crisis.
A Systematic Review of Barriers in Adoption of Environmental Management Accounting in Chinese SMEs for Sustainable Performance
Authors: Javed Fahad , Yusheng Kong , Iqbal Najaf , Fareed Zeeshan , Shahzad Farrukh
Published: May 2022

Small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) play an important role in sustainable development not only for their significant contribution to China's economy but also for their large share of total discharged pollutants. Despite the widely acknowledged importance and benefits of environmental management accounting (EMA), the level of adoption and implementation of EMA practice is still weak within SMEs in many countries, especially in China. The current systematic review aims to identify the barriers affecting the Chinese SMEs for adopting EMA practices along with the critical success factors required for adopting EMA practices by SMEs and their top management for ensuring sustainable corporate environmental performance in China. The study is carried out following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. In total, 73 articles were found to be eligible to be included in the systematic review, which was published on EMA in small- and medium-sized enterprises in China. Our study aims to document barriers to the adoption of EMA among Chinese SMEs. The review concluded that strict legislation and the availability of flexible financing options for SMEs can promote the adoption of EMA by SMEs. The establishment of environmental reporting systems and auditing mechanisms can further increase the utilization of EMA by small and medium firms. Barriers to EMA adoption can be mitigated after careful consideration of the current situation in SMEs. Documentation of significant barriers may help to form supportive policies which ultimately add to the efforts toward climate change mitigation.
Associations Between Local Health Department Expenditures on Foundational Capabilities and PHAB Accreditation Standards Scores
Authors: Dada Oluwatosin O. , Bekemeier Betty , Flaxman Abraham , de Castro A. B.
Published: May 2022

Context

Foundational Capabilities (FC) are the public health (PH) infrastructure areas that are essential for local health departments (LHDs) to support a “minimum package” of programs and services that promote population health. Despite being a critical component of LHD programs, FC are chronically underfunded, and studies specific to the relationship between LHD FC expenditures and their performance—the LHDs' ability to provide essential PH programs and services to their community—have not been previously reported. Public Health Accreditation Board (PHAB) accreditation is a nationally recognized accreditation program for PH agencies. PHAB accreditation assesses LHDs' performance against sets of standards that are based on the 10 essential PH services. Alignment between FC and the PHAB standards presents a means for assessing LHD FC expenditures relative to their performance in PHAB accreditation standards.

Objectives

We examined the association between LHD total FC expenditures, as well as FC funding allocation patterns, and performance score on selected PHAB accreditation standards.

Methods

We used Bayesian regression methods to estimate the coefficients for the aggregate performance score, and performance scores on individual PHAB standards.

Results

Analyses showed that a dollar increase in total FC expenditures is associated with a 0.2% increase in the aggregate performance score in selected PHAB standards as well as the performance score on most of the standards examined. LHDs that allocated FC budgets more evenly across FC programs were found to be more likely to have higher scores.

Conclusions

Investment in FC could improve LHD performance scores in PHAB accreditation standards and support LHDs' capability for improving community health outcomes. Allocating available FC resources across the various FC programs could support better LHD performance, as indicated by accreditation scores. This study contributes to advancing the understanding of public health finances in relation to performance and could help guide effective LHD resource allocation.
Bullying Experiences, Depression, and the Moderating Role of Resilience Among Adolescents
Authors: Lin Li-Yin , Chien Yu-Ning , Chen Yi-Hua , Wu Chih-Yi , Chiou Hung-Yi
Published: May 2022

Introduction

Resilience refers to the ability to adapt to difficult situation or adversity. Resilience is what gives people the psychological strength to cope with stress and hardship. Previous studies have investigated the relationship between resilience and bullying victimization and mental health problems. But whether the moderating effect of resilience against depression varies among victims of different types of bullying victimization remains unknown.

Methods

The study used data from the Taiwan Adolescent to Adult Longitudinal Study (TAALS), which was a school based, nationwide, longitudinal study conducted among adolescents in Taiwan. Between 2015 and 2019, the survey was repeated three times to capture changes in health behaviors. Meanwhile, our study is a cross-sectional study focusing on the 2nd follow-up survey of the TAALS, where we recruited 4,771 Grade 7 (12–13 years) and Grade 10 (15–16 years) students who had experienced bullying at school.

Results

This study confirms the protective effect of resilience on depression among adolescents who have experienced bullying. The mode resilience score was used as a reference group. Compared to the reference group, victims of verbal bullying from the lowest resilience group were at the greatest risk of depression (OR = 5.91, CI = 4.38–7.99). Compared to the reference group, victims of cyber bullying from the highest resilience group had the lowest risk of depression (OR = 0.72, CI = 0.57–0.90).

Conclusion

Regardless of the type of bullying victimization, resilience has been shown to offer protection against depression. Specifically, higher resilience levels offer the greatest protection against depression for victims of cyber bullying compared to other three types of bullying victimization. Early interventions to reduce negative effects of bullying victimization may start with increasing an individual's resilience during adolescence.
Sensitive and Representative Extraction of Petroleum-Based Ignitable Liquids From Fire Debris For Confirmatory Analysis of Canine-Selected Exhibits
Authors: Abel Robin J. , Harynuk James J.
Published: May 2022

Fire debris analysis is focused on the recovery and identification of ignitable liquids to provide context for fire investigation. Investigators use a variety of methods to select suspicious debris for analysis, with ignitable liquid detection canines being one of the most popular. When properly trained and certified, ignitable liquid detection canines offer continuous sampling with high sensitivity and the ability to discriminate between irrelevant and suspicious odours to rapidly locate debris which may contain ignitable liquid residues. However, canine indications are presumptive as they cannot be sufficiently scrutinised by the legal process without confirmatory laboratory analysis. Standard debris analysis methods detect very small amounts of ignitable liquid residue (∼1-0.1 μL) without maximising sensitivity which minimises the risk from false positives and from detection of background petroleum which is ubiquitous in our environment. For canine-selected debris, the goal of the laboratory analysis should be to provide data to confirm or refute the validity of the canine indication. For such confirmatory analysis to be useful, analytical sensitivity should approximate the sensitivity of the canine. The sensitivity of fire debris analysis is most influenced by the selection of the extraction device and tuning of extraction conditions. Non-destructive extractions are preferred for forensic analyses, and solid phase microextraction (SPME) offers an excellent option. However, the original SPME fibres are fragile and tend to skew the chromatographic profile which can lead to high costs and a risk of ignitable liquid misclassification. Herein, we present an optimised SPME extraction method suited to confirmatory analysis of canine-selected exhibits. The method is non-destructive and non-exhaustive, is easily applied to cans of debris, and yields chromatographic profiles equivalent to those obtained by the gold-standard passive headspace sampling (PHS) methods based on activated carbon. Fibre selection, debris temperature, fibre temperature, and extraction time were optimised to yield chromatographic profiles with maximum comparability to reference samples collected as neat liquids or standard PHS extracts. The optimised method is applied to samples recovered from another study which estimated the threshold of the canine’s sensitivity, with the laboratory result compared to the canine result for each sample.
Protecting Our Oceans: Why the Definition of Biodiversity Matters
Authors: Bach Lydia L. , Emmerson Mark
Published: May 2022

Biodiversity is one of the most-used terms in biology, but there are many ways of measuring and interpreting it. Understanding the meaning of the different measures of biodiversity is vitally important for managing and conserving endangered ecosystems. Marine ecosystems are degrading quickly due to human impacts like overfishing, habitat destruction, or climate change. In this article, we introduce and explain three aspects of biodiversity: taxonomic, functional, and food web biodiversity. All three focus on individual species and their roles in ecosystems and food chains. Each aspect of biodiversity is useful in measuring or achieving conservation goals, depending on the type of habitat or environment that is considered. The examples we provide show that finding the best way to protect an ecosystem requires careful consideration of biodiversity from different perspectives, which will remain a challenge for current and future conservationists.
The Association Between Hip-Shoulder Separation Angles and Technique Characteristics in World-Class High Jumpers
Authors: Nicholson Gareth , Jongerius Nils , Tucker Catherine B. , Thomas Aaron , Merlino Stéphane , Bissas Athanassios
Published: May 2022

Hip-shoulder separation (H-Ssep) has been widely researched in many sporting activities (e.g., golf) to provide information on the contribution of torso rotation to performance and injury. Although it is necessary for high jumpers to generate significant long-axis rotation to successfully clear the bar, limited information exists on H-Ssep for high jump athletes. As such, this study aimed to (a) characterize the H-Ssep of world-class high jump athletes during competition, (b) determine if differences exist between male and female athletes and (c) to examine the relationship between H-Ssep and the biomechanical parameters used to describe high jump technique. Twenty-nine world-class high jumpers (17 males, 12 females) were video recorded (frame rate: 120–200 Hz) during the 2017 and 2018 World Athletics Championship finals. H-Ssep was quantified at touchdown (TD) and take-off (TO) following manual digitizing (SIMI motion) and a number of other common biomechanical parameters were computed. The observed levels of H-Ssep at TD (−46±12°) and TO (16 ±11°) were in line with those reported previously for other sports. The magnitude of H-Ssep varied between individuals and showed significant associations with other approach and take-off characteristics. Significant differences in H-Ssep were not evident between male and female athletes despite significant differences in other performance- and technique-related parameters. These findings highlight the divergent take-off characteristics of world-class performers and their reliance on hip-shoulder interactions when generating long axis rotation. Coaches should be mindful of the mechanical and physical consequences of H-Ssep when developing technical models, conditioning interventions and coaching strategies.
Unusual Presentation and Surgical Treatment of a Phosphaturic Mesenchymal Tumor in a Knee
Authors: Sun Juan , Zhou Xi , Xia Weibo , Wu Huanwen , Liu Shuzhong , Wang Huizhen , Liu Yong
Published: May 2022

A 30-year-old woman presented to our hospital with an 11-year history of gradually enlarging masses around the left knee and 2-year history of progressively worsening bone pain. Tumor-induced osteomalacia (TIO), a rare paraneoplastic syndrome caused by phosphaturic mesenchymal tumors (PMTs) was suspected, but the postoperative pathology of her two operations was both reported as tenosynovial giant cell tumor (TGCT), making its diagnosis confusing. The possibility of hypophosphatemia, insufficient blood supply, innervation of the left lower limbs, as well as the unclear pathology, make it unreasonable to perform tumor-type knee prosthesis replacement directly. Finally, we placed static polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) spacer at first, then when the concentration of blood phosphorus level rose to the normal range, the pathology was confirmed to be TIO, the blood supply and innervation was satisfying, tumor-type knee prosthesis replacement was performed. She was discharged post operative day 15 after the prothesis implantation without incident. One and a half years after her surgery, the concentration of blood phosphorus was still in the normal range, the symptom of systemic bone pain had improved significantly, the prosthesis was still in a good position and no recurrence was caught.
Three-Dimensional Physical Model in Urologic Cancer
Authors: Xie Yu , Wu Guanlin , Liang Yu , Fan Gang
Published: May 2022

Three-dimensional (3D) printing, as an evolving technology, enables the creation of patient-specific physical models with high precision; thus, it is widely used in various clinical practices, especially urologic cancer. There is an increasing need to clarify the contribution of 3D printing in the practice of urological cancer in order to identify various applications and improve understanding its benefits and challenges in clinical practice. Researches have focused on the use of 3D-printed models in patient and trainee education, surgical simulation, as well as surgical planning and guidance. This mini review will present the most recently published studies on the topic, including the applications of 3D-printed models, feasibility of performed procedures, possible simulated organs, application outcomes, and challenges involved in urologic cancer, to provide potential directions for future research.
Expression and Predictive Value of Serum NLR, PLR Combined with SAA in Patients with Different Stages of Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Yang Qinghua , Sun Chengcheng , Zhao Lisha
Published: May 2022

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the major causes of death in the world, and has become a serious threat to human life. The prognosis of CRC patients in different pathological stages is quite different, so it is necessary to evaluate the clinical stages of CRC patients before surgery. Neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet to lymphocyte ratio (PLR), serum amyloid A (SAA) and other indicators have been widely proved to play the role of early diagnosis and prognosis monitoring in chronic inflammatory diseases and cancers. In this study, we collected clinical data of 103 patients with CRC confirmed by pathology in Yiwu Central Hospital from January 2019 to December 2021. In addition, it aims to explore the expression and predictive value of NLR, PLR combined with SAA in patients with different stages of CRC, so as to provide reference for patients to choose a reasonable treatment plan. The results show that serum NLR, PLR combined with SAA can predict CRC staging effectively, which has certain auxiliary value for clinical decision-making.