bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Exploring the Interplay of Social Support, Depression, and Quality of Life of Community Older Adults Through Structural Equation Modeling
Authors: Tengku Mohd Tengku Amatullah Madeehah , Choo Wan Yuen , Hairi Farizah , Hairi Noran Naqiah , Ahmad Nur Sakinah , Amer Nordin Awatef , Ismail Norliana , Sooryanarayana Rajini
Published: April 2024

Social support (SS) has been widely recognized to have a protective effect influencing older adults’ emotional and psychological well-being. This study aimed to determine the relationships of structural SS and functional SS on depression and quality of life among the community-dwelling older adults in the rural and Asian context. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 2324 community older adults aged 60 years and above in Kuala Pilah, Malaysia. Participants were recruited via multistage sampling and interviewed face-to-face. The relationships were analyzed using structural equation modeling. Structural SS was associated with functional SS (β = 0.05). Only functional SS (having a role, knowing what is going on, and having a confidant) was found to be significantly associated with depression (β = −0.07) and quality of life (physical component [β = 0.08], mental component [β = 0.31]). In summary, functional SS and familial SS should be addressed to reduce depression and improve quality of life among older adults. Community initiatives to increase awareness in optimizing social support should be conducted for quality of life among community older adults.
Familiar Locations and Similar Activities: Examining the Contributions of Reliable and Relevant Knowledge in Offenders’ Crime Location Choices
Authors: Curtis-Ham Sophie , Bernasco Wim , Medvedev Oleg N. , Polaschek Devon L. L.
Published: April 2024

This paper examines the recently theorized roles of the reliability and relevance of offenders’ knowledge of locations in their crime location choices. Using discrete choice models, we analyzed offenders’ pre-offense activity locations from police data (home addresses, family members’ home addresses, work, school, prior offenses, victimizations, non-crime incidents, and other police contacts) and 17,054 residential burglaries, 10,353 non-residential burglaries, 1,977 commercial robberies, 4,315 personal robberies, and 4,421 extra-familial sex offenses, in New Zealand. Offenders were most likely to offend where their prior activity locations indicated they had highly reliable and highly relevant knowledge—where they were both highly familiar with the area and had conducted similar activities—and less likely where offenders had less familiarity or less similar activities. The results support a recent extension of crime pattern theory and highlight the importance of including both reliability and relevance factors when modeling or predicting offenders’ crime location choices.
Fathering Identities and Men’s Engagement With Flexible Working Arrangements
Authors: Ewald Alina , Gilbert Emilee , Huppatz Kate , Kurt Perin
Published: April 2024

This research examines how fathering identities and normative gendered expectations shape the way men engage with a broad range of flexible working arrangements (FWAs). Forty-three heterosexual white-collar Australian fathers participated in this qualitative research, involving one-to-one semi structured interviews which were discursively analysed using Foucauldian Discourse Analysis. Three fathering identities emerged from the data: “The Present and Visible Father”, “The Involved and Competent Father”, and “The Father as Helper.” The findings demonstrate that fathering identities have a profound impact on men’s flexible working practices, that fathering identity is fluid and complex, and that a tension still exists between the expectations surrounding involved fathering, persistent traditional fathering norms, and the material reality of men’s work practices.
Determinants of Visitors’ Willingness to Pay for Enhanced Ecosystem Services in Mudumalai Tiger Reserve, Tamil Nadu, India: A Contingent Valuation Approach
Authors: V Rajkumar , S Boopathi
Published: April 2024

This study examined the factors influencing visitors’ willingness to pay for improved ecosystem services through the conservation of the Mudumalai Tiger Reserve (MTR) in the Nilgiris District, Tamil Nadu, India. The MTR plays a crucial role in providing and protecting various ecosystem services. However, it is vulnerable to negative externalities and drivers of ecosystem change, which affect the quality and quantity of ecosystem services, leading to the loss of valuable ecosystem services. To address this issue, it is necessary to understand the adverse effects of externalities and drivers of ecosystem change, as well as to consider people’s preferences. To investigate the factors influencing visitors’ willingness to pay for enhanced ecosystem services in MTR, this study used a dichotomous choice-contingent valuation method and a logit regression model. The study found that 64% of visitors expressed concern about mitigating adverse impacts and were willing to provide financial support. The results of the logit regression analysis further revealed that factors such as family size, respondent education, monthly family income, environmental awareness, and bid price significantly influenced visitors’ willingness to pay. To enhance ecosystem benefits and address the challenges in tiger conservation within the reserve, our study suggests that several measures need to be implemented, including prioritizing education, awareness, the mitigation of human–wildlife conflict, and income-linked and dynamic pricing strategies.
Forcing a Deterministic Frame on Probabilistic Phenomena: A Communication Blind Spot in Media Coverage of the “Replication Crisis”
Authors: Ting Carol , Greenland Sander
Published: April 2024

The current controversy surrounding research replication in biomedical and psychosocial sciences often overlooks the uncertainties surrounding both the original and replication studies. Overemphasizing single attempts as definitive replication successes or failures, as exemplified by media coverage of the landmark Reproducibility Project: Psychology, fosters misleading dichotomies and erodes public trust. To avoid such unintended consequences, science communicators should more clearly articulate statistical variation and other uncertainty sources in replication, while emphasizing the cumulative nature of science in general and replication in particular.
How Citizens Meet the State: Police Contact, Trust, and Civic Engagement
Authors: Turner Jacob R. , Shum Maggie
Published: April 2024

This paper investigates the relationship between the police, the most visible street-level bureaucrat of local city governments, and citizen political attitudes and behaviors toward local city institutions. We introduce a holistic conceptualization of police-citizen contact and examine how each type impacts citizen trust toward and participation in political institutions. Leveraging an original survey targeting the city of South Bend and spatial data from the city government, results demonstrate that greater day-to-day contact with police has a positive impact on trust in state agencies while citizens who seek service from the police but are left unsatisfied result in lower trust in state apparatus. Most importantly, indirect exposure to police coercion has a negative impact on trust while direct and proximal contact with police predicts higher level of civic activism. This study demonstrates the fragility and challenge of building trust in police-citizen relationships, and how extreme encounters with the police can, in the right circumstances, spur citizen activism.
Relationship Between Physicians’ Engagement in Home Medical Care, Inpatient Care or Both, and Their Approach to Caring for Older Patients With Multimorbidity in Japan
Authors: Kimura Takuma , Matsumura Shinji , Hashimoto Masayoshi , Shinmura Ken
Published: April 2024

In Japan, little is known about the approaches to medical care for older patients with multimorbidity used by physicians either at patients’ homes or in hospitals. A questionnaire survey was conducted to understand the current approaches to older patients with multimorbidity. The questionnaire was sent to 3300 people, including 1650 geriatric specialists and 1650 primary care specialists, were enrolled. A four-point Likert-type scale was used to score the following items: diseases that cause difficulties in treatment (diseases), patient backgrounds that cause difficulties in treatment (backgrounds), important clinical factors, and important clinical strategies. We used the Tukey–Kramer test to examine the differences between scores across 3 groups: physicians providing only home care (the “home” group), physicians providing only inpatient care (the “hospital” group), and physicians providing both home care and inpatient care (the “home and hospital” group). Out of 836 valid responses, those from 587 physicians were included in the analysis. The overall score for diseases was significantly higher in the “hospital” group than in either the “home” or “home and hospital” groups. The overall score for important clinical strategies was significantly higher in the “home and hospital” group than in the “hospital” group. In conclusion, physicians’ approaches to treating older people with multimorbidity may vary by practice setting, and particularly whether they provide care only to patients at home or in hospital or to both. To improve the quality of transition of care between hospital and home, a support system that considers differences in physician practice should be developed.
Diagnostic Challenges and Emerging Pathogeneses of Selected Glomerulopathies
Authors: Andeen Nicole K. , Hou Jean
Published: April 2024

Recent progress in glomerular immune complex and complement-mediated diseases have refined diagnostic categories and informed mechanistic understanding of disease development in pediatric patients. Herein, we discuss selected advances in 3 categories. First, membranous nephropathy antigens are increasingly utilized to characterize disease in pediatric patients and include phospholipase A2 receptor (PLA2R), Semaphorin 3B (Sema3B), neural epidermal growth factor-like 1 (NELL1), and protocadherin FAT1, as well as the lupus membranous-associated antigens exostosin 1/2 (EXT1/2), neural cell adhesion molecule 1 (NCAM1), and transforming growth factor beta receptor 3 (TGFBR3). Second, we examine advances in techniques for paraffin and light chain immunofluorescence (IF), including the former’s function as a salvage technique and their necessity for diagnosis in adolescent cases of membranous-like glomerulopathy with masked IgG kappa deposits (MGMID) and proliferative glomerulonephritis with monotypic Ig deposits (PGNMID), respectively. Finally, progress in understanding the roles of complement in pediatric glomerular disease is reviewed, with specific attention to overlapping clinical, histologic, and genetic or functional alternative complement pathway (AP) abnormalities among C3 glomerulopathy (C3G), infection-related and post-infectious GN, “atypical” post-infectious GN, immune complex mediated membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis (IC-MPGN), and atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome (aHUS).
Reference Values for Placental Weight and Placental:Fetal Weight Ratio in a Swedish Population
Authors: Waldheim Frida , Sirotkina Meeli , Pettersson Karin , Kublickas Marius , Papadogiannakis Nikos
Published: April 2024

Introduction:

There is important clinical information from placental weight and its ratio to the fetal weight. The aim with this study was to establish reference values for the placental weight and the placental:fetal weight ratio for gestational weeks 13–43 in a Swedish population.

Materials and Methods:

Cases were retrospectively collected from the database used at the Pathology Department at Karolinska University Hospital and information about the placental weight, fetal weight, and gestational age was retrieved. Conditions, which could affect the placental- or fetal weight were excluded. Thereafter percentile curves were calculated for the placental weight and the placental:fetal weight ratio for gestational weeks.

Results:

A total of 730 cases were included and percentile curves for the placental weight for gestational week 13–43 and placental:fetal weight ratio for gestational week 18–43 are presented.

Conclusions:

Reference values for post fixation placental weight and its ratio to fetal weight for a Swedish population are presented. The reference values are lower than the current reference values used in our institution, and this will be of importance when interpreting findings after placental examination.
Guillain Barre syndrome mimicking brain death
Authors: Sarna Mukesh Kumar , Shah Sarthak , Rijhwani Puneet , Goyal Gourav , Jain Anand Kumar , Goel Pallaavi
Published: April 2024

A 49-year-old female patient presented at the hospital with a history of herpetic blisters, frequent episodes of vomiting and loose stools, bilateral upper and lower limb weakness, and diminishing sensorium. She was diagnosed with hyponatraemia and respiratory failure and later became unconscious with absent brainstem reflexes. The patient was initially treated for herpetic encephalitis, a chronic obstructive pulmonary disease with acute exacerbation, hyponatraemia and neuroparalytic snake bite. Further evaluation, however, identified the uncommon Guillain Barre syndrome presentation with overlap of Bickerstaff brainstem encephalitis. This is an uncommon disorder characterised by the involvement of higher mental functions, fixed dilated pupils, absent brainstem reflexes and quadriplegia that resembles a neuroparalytic snake bite and brain death. After receiving intravenous immunoglobulins for treatment, the patient completely recovered.
Enhancement of hydrophilicity and color strength in plasma treated PET with water vapor post-exposure using a new in-line pilot scale DBD plasma
Authors: Abbassi Shanbehbazari Mohammad Sadegh , Alihoseini Mohammadreza , Khani Mohammadreza , Ostovarpour Farzaneh , Hosseini Seyed Iman , Jalili Mojtaba , Shokri Babak
Published: April 2024

Due to its low hydrophilicity, direct sublimation inkjet printing on woven polyester fabric surfaces is challenging. This research experimentally studies the efficacy of dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) roll-to-roll plasma treatment with or without water vapor post-exposure as a novel method to modify polyethylene terephthalate (PET) surfaces to enhance hydrophilicity, color performance, and printing quality. The Response Surface Methodology (RSM) was used to design experiments, and the optimum conditions were analyzed through statistical calculations. Their results were examined using Optical Emission Spectroscopy (OES), Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), Energy Dispersive X-ray (EDX), X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS), and Attenuated Total Reflectance Fourier Transform Infra-Red spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR) tests. Qualitative and quantitative tests for color performance and wicking test used for hydrophilicity assessment confirms the effectiveness of this Green inline pretreatment for industries to enhance direct sublimation inkjet printing quality on PET by a decrease in absorption time from 12051 to 202 s and an increase in the color depth to 12.49%, 25.89 and 18.07% for Cyan, Magenta and Key (black) respectively. One of the stable optimum conditions in which three printed colors: Cyan, Magenta, and Black (Key), show high-quality color performance is at 15 processing rounds, 2 m/min velocity in the absence or presence of water vapor post-exposure. Water vapor post-exposure exhibits a beneficial, economic effect along with plasma treatment. The results show that the chemical modification aspect of this treatment plays a more significant role in printing quality enhancement than its morphological modification.
Telesimulation Training for Endoscopic Mitral Valve Surgery: An Air-Pilot Training Concept for Distance Training
Authors: Cheheili Sobbi Shokoufeh , Imran Hamid Umar , Arjomandi Rad Arian , Fillet Marvin , Maesen Jos , Sardari Nia Peyman
Published: April 2024

Objective:

The aim of this study was to validate and assess the feasibility and impact of telesimulation training on surgical skills using a portable mitral valve telesimulator.

Methods:

A telesimulation course composed of 3 online modules was designed based on backwards chaining, preassessment and postassessment, performance feedback, hands-on training on a telesimulator, and the theoretical content. A fully 3-dimensional–printed and transportable telesimulator was developed and sent out to the participants with instruments that were needed. Feedback about the platform was obtained from participants to validate its value as a training tool. Theoretical and technical assessments were carried out before and after the course. Technical assessments were based on the accuracy and time taken to place sutures at the anterior and posterior mitral annulus.

Results:

In total, 11 practicing cardiac surgeons from Oceania, Asia, Europe, and North America completed the course. Theoretical preassessment and postassessment showed that participants scored significantly higher on postassessment (mean 87.5% vs 68.1%, P < 0.004). The participant evaluation scores of the simulator as a tool for endoscopic mitral valve surgery was 4 to 5 out of 5. There was a significant improvement in the speed (median 14.5 vs 39.5 s, P < 0.005) and the accuracy to place sutures in the mitral valve annulus following course completion ( P < 0.001).

Conclusions:

Here we validated the educational value of a novel telesimulation platform and validated the feasibility to teach participants at a distance the knowledge and skills for endoscopic mitral valve surgery. Future studies will be required to validate the improvement in skills during surgery.
Microsnare retrieval as a bail-out technique of Detached Woven EndoBridge device: Illustrative series
Authors: Chew Han Seng , Altibi Mohammad , Al-Ali Samer , Butler Benjamin , Butt Waleed , Chavda Swarupsinh , Lamin Saleh
Published: April 2024

Background

The Woven EndoBridge (WEB) device (MicroVention, Tustin, CA, USA) has an excellent safety profile. While major complications such as device malposition and migration are rare, they can have serious consequences if not addressed promptly. Our case series describes the safety and efficacy of Amplatz goose neck microsnare device (Medtronic in Irvine, CA, USA) in endovascular retrieval of a detached WEB device.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed six consecutive patients who underwent endovascular WEB retrieval using Amplatz microsnare device between March 2012 and December 2022.

Results

All six WEB devices were successfully retrieved either directly from the aneurysm sac due to device malpositioning or from a distal branch following device migration. None of the patients experienced intra-operative aneurysm perforation, arterial dissection, or vasospasm attributable to the process of WEB extraction. Five out of six patients (83.3%) had a good functional outcome (mRS 0-1) upon discharge from the hospital and at 24 months.

Conclusion

Our experience suggests that detached WEB devices can be safely retrieved using an Amplatz microsnare. Apart from addressing device migration, direct removal of an undersized or malpositioned WEB from the aneurysm sac appears to be a safe option that can be considered when all other rescue techniques have been exhausted.
Stent-assisted Woven EndoBridge embolization for the treatment of pulsatile tinnitus caused by an ipsilateral high-riding jugular bulb
Authors: Zur Gil , Charbonnier Guillaume , Fageeh Areej , Diouf Ange , Brun-Vergara Maria Lucia , Lesiuk Howard , Drake Brian , Santos Marlise , Mikhael Nicole , Budiansky Dan , Rhodes Emily , Fahed Robert , Mendes Pereira Vitor
Published: April 2024

Purpose

Pulsatile tinnitus can be caused by a high-riding jugular bulb (HRJB), characterized by the superior position of the jugular bulb in the petrous temporal bone. The anatomical position and morphology of this entity make it challenging for endovascular treatment. We report our experience with two patients successfully treated with a stent-assisted Woven EndoBridge (WEB; Microvention, Tustin, CA, USA) device.

Materials and Methods

We describe two cases of HRJB in patients presenting with disabling pulsatile tinnitus. Temporary balloon occlusion of the jugular bulb prior to the intervention reduced tinnitus intensity. Both patients were subsequently treated under general anesthesia with the WEB device deployed in the HRJB which was held by a stent deployed in the sigmoid sinus.

Results

Both procedures were successful with good positioning of the WEB device and no procedural complications. Both patients had complete resolution of pulsatile tinnitus immediately after the procedure. Follow-up imaging showed successful occlusion of the venous cavity with a widely patent stent.

Conclusion

Among patients with pulsatile tinnitus caused by an ipsilateral HRJB, a stent-assisted WEB device seems to be a viable endovascular option with angiographic and clinical success.
Exploring the Human Condition: A Methodological Literature Review of Fiction-Based Research
Authors: Kalkman Jori Pascal
Published: April 2024

Fictional narratives are increasingly analyzed by scholars to improve our understanding of the ‘human condition’, because fiction gives access to the deeply personal experiences, perceptions, and struggles of individuals. This methodological literature review explores current fiction-based research practices in organization and management studies, identifies methodological shortcomings, and finds emerging methodological conventions. After searching for fiction-based research in 26 leading organization and management journals, I found 69 articles that used fictional narratives. My analysis demonstrates that fiction is increasingly used by scholars to make theoretical contributions to six research themes: organizational life, leadership and resistance, change, ethics, gender and race, and organizational analysis. Fictional narratives are treated both metaphorically and as representations of organizational reality. The article shows recurring shortcomings in the literature and formulates recommendations for future fiction-based research. Specifically, scholars are encouraged to justify their selection of fictional sources, use multiple fictional narratives, consider including other (qualitative) data, describe the data analysis procedure, and provide longer passages or direct access to present their (fictional) data. While this review focuses on organization and management studies, it aims to be of use to the broad range of scholars in the social sciences and humanities by showing recent developments in fiction-based research and by offering tools to experiment with this innovative method, so that fictional narratives might inspire their work and enrich their research.
Cladribine tablets after treatment with natalizumab (CLADRINA) – rationale and design
Authors: Sguigna Peter V. , Hussain Rehana Z. , Okai Annette , Blackburn Kyle M. , Tardo Lauren , Madinawala Mariam , Korich Julie , Lebson Lori A. , Kaplan Jeffrey , Salter Amber , Manouchehri Navid , Stuve Olaf
Published: April 2024

Background:

Individual disease modifying therapies approved for multiple sclerosis (MS) have limited effectiveness and potentially serious side effects, especially when administered over long periods. Sequential combination therapy is a plausible alternative approach. Natalizumab is a monoclonal therapeutic antibody that reduces leukocyte access to the central nervous system that is associated with an increased risk of progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy and disease reactivation after its discontinuation. Cladribine tablets act as a synthetic adenosine analog, disrupting DNA synthesis and repair, thereby reducing the number of lymphocytes. The generation of prospective, rigorous safety, and efficacy data in transitioning from natalizumab to cladribine is an unmet clinical need.

Objectives:

To test the feasibility of transitioning patients with relapsing forms of MS natalizumab to cladribine tablets.

Design:

Cladribine tablets after treatment with natalizumab (CLADRINA) is an open-label, single-arm, multicenter, collaborative phase IV, research study that will generate hypothesis regarding the safety, efficacy, and immunological impact of transition from natalizumab to cladribine tablets in patients with relapsing forms of MS.

Methods and analysis:

Participants will be recruited from three different sites. The primary endpoint is the absolute and percent change from baseline of lymphocytes and myeloid cell subsets, as well as blood neurofilament light levels. The secondary endpoint is the annualized relapse rate over the 12- and 24-month trial periods. Exploratory endpoints include the expanded disability status scale, and magnetic resonance imaging outcomes.

Discussion:

The CLADRINA trial will generate data regarding the safety, efficacy, and immunological impact of the transition from natalizumab to cladribine. As the pace of immunological knowledge of MS continues, insight into disease modifying therapy transition strategies is needed.
Before, after and beyond the Matzak case: Overview of the Belgian jurisprudence
Authors: Huybrechts Sara
Published: April 2024

The Matzak case, a landmark ruling by the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU), challenged traditional understandings of working time and rest periods, particularly for volunteer firefighters in Belgium. Despite earlier cases before Belgian courts, the Matzak decision brought significant shifts in jurisprudence, influencing how volunteers were categorised and how stand-by time was interpreted. This article examines the impact of the Matzak judgment on Belgian case law, tracing its evolution from pre- Matzak rulings to post-decision interpretations. Analysing decisions from the Court of Cassation and the Constitutional Court, the study explores the redefinition of volunteers as employees and the qualification of stand-by time as working time. The reluctance of Belgian courts to adapt their views on stand-by duty prior to Matzak is highlighted, with persistent adherence to principles established in the Simap case. However, the Matzak ruling prompted questions about the treatment of voluntary firefighters and the adequacy of legal distinctions. Despite initial resistance, subsequent cases challenged previous interpretations, leading to clarifications by the Court of Cassation. Ambiguities remain, as seen in the Simon case, raising concerns about consistent application of Matzak jurisprudence. The unique status of voluntary firefighters in Belgium presents challenges, as they operate in a legal grey area with regards to rights and working conditions. Municipalities are urged to regulate their working time in the absence of general legislation. Nonetheless, the recognition of firefighters as workers by the CJEU offers promise for their legal standing under EU law. Increasing recognition of comparability between volunteers and professionals suggests a move towards more equitable treatment. Looking beyond Matzak, the article explores implications for the evolving digital workplace, where boundaries between work and personal time blur. The Matzak principle, which introduces objective limitations on devotion to personal and social interests, offers a framework for addressing these challenges. By considering potential applications in the digital realm, the article emphasises the importance of protecting worker well-being and rest periods, consistent with the objectives of the Working Time Directive. In conclusion, the Matzak case has had a significant impact on Belgian jurisprudence regarding the working time of volunteer firefighters and the adjudication of stand-by periods. While challenges and ambiguities persist, the ruling has spurred a reassessment of legal frameworks and encouraged greater recognition of the rights of volunteer workers. As the digital landscape continues to evolve, the Matzak principle provides a valuable tool for navigating complex issues of work-life balance and ensuring the protection of workers’ rights.
Subclinical atherosclerosis in multiple sclerosis
Authors: Marrie Ruth Ann , Patel Ronak , Schaffer Stephen Allan
Published: April 2024

Background

People with multiple sclerosis (MS) have an increased risk of ischemic heart disease as compared to people without MS after accounting for traditional vascular risk factors.

Objective

We assessed whether subclinical atherosclerosis, an inflammatory disease of arteries, occurs in persons with MS who do not have traditional vascular risk factors, and whether the Framingham Score (FRS) predicted carotid intima media thickness (CIMT) similarly in people with and without MS.

Methods

We recruited participants with and without MS who did not have vascular disease. Participants completed questionnaires, physical assessments, underwent an ultrasound (CIMT), and provided samples for HbA1c and lipid measurements. We defined subclinical atherosclerosis as an average CIMT ≥75th percentile, and tested the association between MS/not-MS, FRS, and atherosclerosis using logistic regression.

Results

We recruited 106 participants with MS 101 without MS. The average (SD) CIMT did not differ between the MS (0.60 [0.11]) and non-MS (0.61 [0.12]) cohorts (p = 0.69), nor did the proportion with atherosclerosis (MS: 11.3% vs. non-MS 13.4%, p = 0.58). On regression analysis a 1-point increase in the FRS was associated with 11% increased odds of having atherosclerosis (95%CI: 1.04, 1.19) but MS was not.

Conclusion

MS was not associated with subclinical atherosclerosis.
Recalibration of a Non-Laboratory-Based Risk Model to Estimate Pre-Diabetes/Diabetes Mellitus Risk in Primary Care in Hong Kong
Authors: Cheng Will H. G. , Dong Weinan , Tse Emily T. Y. , Chan Linda , Wong Carlos K. H. , Chin Weng Y. , Bedford Laura E. , Ko Wai Kit , Chao David V. K. , Tan Kathryn C. B. , Lam Cindy L. K.
Published: April 2024

Introduction/Objectives:

A non-laboratory-based pre-diabetes/diabetes mellitus (pre-DM/DM) risk prediction model developed from the Hong Kong Chinese population showed good external discrimination in a primary care (PC) population, but the estimated risk level was significantly lower than the observed incidence, indicating poor calibration. This study explored whether recalibrating/updating methods could improve the model’s accuracy in estimating individuals’ risks in PC.

Methods:

We performed a secondary analysis on the model’s predictors and blood test results of 919 Chinese adults with no prior DM diagnosis recruited from PC clinics from April 2021 to January 2022 in HK. The dataset was randomly split in half into a training set and a test set. The model was recalibrated/updated based on a seven-step methodology, including model recalibrating, revising and extending methods. The primary outcome was the calibration of the recalibrated/updated models, indicated by calibration plots. The models’ discrimination, indicated by the area under the receiver operating characteristic curves (AUC-ROC), was also evaluated.

Results:

Recalibrating the model’s regression constant, with no change to the predictors’ coefficients, improved the model’s accuracy (calibration plot intercept: −0.01, slope: 0.69). More extensive methods could not improve any further. All recalibrated/updated models had similar AUC-ROCs to the original model.

Conclusion:

The simple recalibration method can adapt the HK Chinese pre-DM/DM model to PC populations with different pre-test probabilities. The recalibrated model can be used as a first-step screening tool and as a measure to monitor changes in pre-DM/DM risks over time or after interventions.
Arthroscopic Shoulder Stabilization in High School Football Players
Authors: Stambaugh Jessica R. , Bryan Tracey P. , Edmonds Eric W. , Pennock Andrew T.
Published: April 2024

Background:

Destabilizing shoulder injuries are common in high school American football players; however, the rate of recurrent glenohumeral instability and return to play after arthroscopic labral stabilization surgery remains unknown.

Purpose/Hypothesis:

The purpose of this study was to determine the rate of recurrent instability on return to competitive high school football after arthroscopic shoulder labral stabilization and capsulorrhaphy procedures. It was hypothesized that the instability rate would be greater in players with more years of eligibility remaining (YER) to play at the high school level.

Study Design:

Case series; Level of evidence, 4.

Methods:

Consecutive male high school football players with at least 1 YER who sustained at least 1 anterior traumatic inseason shoulder instability episode and underwent arthroscopic stabilization between 2012 and 2017 were identified. Patients and/or families were contacted by phone to discuss (1) recurrent instability episodes and (2) return to competitive sport and/or recreational athletic activity. Statistical analysis was conducted using chi-square tests to compare recurrent shoulder instability with return to play and YER.

Results:

A total of 45 football players aged 14 to 17 years were included, with a mean follow-up of 4.1 years. Most patients (60%) chose not to return to competitive football, due mainly to fear of recurrent injury. Overall, the recurrent instability rate was 15.6% (7/45). The instability rate in players who returned to football was 16.7%, with 66.7% requiring revision surgery. The instability rate in patients who did not return to football was 14.8%, with no revision procedures required. In players who returned to football, the instability rate in YER group 4 was significantly higher than that in YER groups 1 to 3 (42% vs 10.5%, respectively, P = .03), with each year of play conferring an additional 10% risk of reinjury. There was a significant difference in the type of recurrent instability in players who returned to any sport versus those who did not ( P = .029).

Conclusion:

High school football players who returned to competitive play after arthroscopic shoulder stabilization surgery experienced a higher rate of recurrent instability that was dependent on their YER. Over half of the players chose not to return to football, with fear of reinjury being the most common reason.
Contacting the gut: Mitochondria-associated Endoplasmic Reticulum Membranes in the Enteric Nervous System
Authors: Greig Jenny , Delfino Giada , Derkinderen Pascal , Paillusson Sébastien
Published: April 2024

Changes in the connections between the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and mitochondria, as well as alterations in mitochondria-associated ER membrane (MAM) signalling, have been documented in various neurodegenerative diseases affecting the brain. Despite the growing recognition of the significance of the gut-brain axis in neurodegenerative conditions, there has been no prior investigation into the biology of MAM within the enteric nervous system (ENS). Our recent research reveals, for the first time, the existence of connections between the ER and mitochondria within enteric neurons. Additionally, we observed alterations in the dynamics of these connections in the enteric neurons from a mouse model exhibiting age-related neurodegeneration. These findings provide the first detailed characterization of MAM in the ENS under physiological conditions and in a mouse model of age-associated neurodegeneration and shed new light on the potential role of enteric MAM in the context of neurodegenerative disorders.
Multimorbidity trajectories in early adulthood and middle age: Findings from the CARDIA prospective cohort study
Authors: Bowling C Barrett , Faldowski Richard A , Sloane Richard , Pieper Carl , Brown Tyson H , Dooley Erin E , Burrows Brett T , Allen Norrina B , Gabriel Kelley Pettee , Lewis Cora E
Published: April 2024

Background

Multimorbidity research has focused on the prevalence and consequences of multimorbidity in older populations. Less is known about the accumulation of chronic conditions earlier in the life course.

Methods

We identified patterns of longitudinal multimorbidity accumulation using 30 years of data from in-person exams, annual follow-ups, and adjudicated end-points among 4,945 participants of the Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults (CARDIA) study. Chronic conditions included arthritis, asthma, atrial fibrillation, cancer, end stage renal disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, coronary heart disease, diabetes, heart failure, hyperlipidemia, hypertension, and stroke. Trajectory patterns were identified using latent class growth curve models.

Results

Mean age (SD) at baseline (1985-6) was 24.9 (3.6), 55% were female, and 51% were Black. The median follow-up was 30 years (interquartile range 25-30). We identified six trajectory classes characterized by when conditions began to accumulate and the rapidity of accumulation: (1) early-fifties, slow, (2) mid-forties, fast, (3) mid-thirties, fast, (4) late-twenties, slow, (5) mid-twenties, slow, and (6) mid-twenties, fast. Compared with participants in the early-fifties, slow trajectory class, participants in mid-twenties, fast were more likely to be female, Black, and currently smoking and had a higher baseline mean waist circumference (83.6 vs. 75.6 cm) and BMI (27.0 vs. 23.4 kg/m2) and lower baseline physical activity (414.1 vs. 442.4 exercise units).

Conclusions

A life course approach that recognizes the heterogeneity in patterns of accumulation of chronic conditions from early adulthood into middle age could be helpful for identifying high risk subgroups and developing approaches to delay multimorbidity progression.
IL-18-secreting multiantigen targeting CAR T cells eliminate antigen-low myeloma in an immunocompetent mouse model
Authors: Ng Brandon D. , Rajagopalan Adhithi , Kousa Anastasia I. , Fischman Jacob S. , Chen Sophia , Massa Alyssa , Elias Harold K. , Manuele Dylan , Galiano Michael , Lemarquis Andri L. , Boardman Alexander P. , DeWolf Susan , Pierce Jonah , Bogen Bjarne , James Scott E. , van den Brink Marcel R. M.
Published: April 2024

Multiple myeloma is a plasma cell malignancy that is currently incurable with conventional therapies. Following the success of CD19-targeted chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells in leukemia and lymphoma, CAR T cells targeting B-cell maturation antigen (BCMA) more recently demonstrated impressive activity in relapsed and refractory myeloma patients. However, BCMA-directed therapy can fail due to weak expression of BCMA on myeloma cells, suggesting that novel approaches to better address this antigen-low disease may improve patient outcomes. We hypothesized that engineered secretion of the proinflammatory cytokine interleukin-18 (IL-18) and multiantigen targeting could improve CAR T-cell activity against BCMA-low myeloma. In a syngeneic murine model of myeloma, CAR T cells targeting the myeloma-associated antigens BCMA and B-cell activating factor receptor (BAFF-R) failed to eliminate myeloma when these antigens were weakly expressed, whereas IL-18–secreting CAR T cells targeting these antigens promoted myeloma clearance. IL-18-secreting CAR T cells developed an effector-like T-cell phenotype, promoted interferon-gamma production, reprogrammed the myeloma bone marrow microenvironment through type-I/II interferon signaling, and activated macrophages to mediate antimyeloma activity. Simultaneous targeting of weakly-expressed BCMA and BAFF-R with dual-CAR T cells enhanced T-cell:target-cell avidity, increased overall CAR signal strength, and stimulated antimyeloma activity. Dual-antigen targeting augmented CAR T-cell secretion of engineered IL-18 and facilitated elimination of larger myeloma burdens in vivo. Our results demonstrate that combination of engineered IL-18 secretion and multiantigen targeting can eliminate myeloma with weak antigen expression through distinct mechanisms.
Advancing colorectal cancer therapy with biosynthesized cobalt oxide nanoparticles: a study on their antioxidant, antibacterial, and anticancer efficacy
Authors: Momen Eslamiehei Fateme , Mashreghi Mansour , Matin Maryam M.
Published: April 2024

Background

Colorectal cancer (CRC) ranks as the third most common cancer globally and the second leading cause of cancer-related mortality. Traditional chemotherapy, while effective, often results in significant side effects, highlighting the need for more efficient cancer therapies. Recent advancements in nanotechnology have led to the development of strategies that aim to minimize toxicity to normal cells by more precise targeting of cancer cells. In this context, cobalt oxide nanoparticles (Co3O4 NPs) have shown promising anticancer potential. Our study focuses on evaluating the antioxidant, antibacterial, and anticancer properties of Co3O4 NPs synthesized using Vibrio sp. VLC, a bioluminescent bacterium.

Results

XRD and FTIR analyses confirmed the successful synthesis of Co3O4 NPs, which displayed spherical morphology with an average diameter of 60 nm. The nanoparticles demonstrated significant antioxidant and antibacterial activities. The MTT assay indicated that the NPs caused dose- and time-dependent toxicity against CT26 cells, while exhibiting relatively lower toxicity towards normal cells. In vivo experiments further confirmed the significant tumor suppressive effects in BALB/c mice, with minimal side effects on the liver, spleen, and kidney tissues compared to the widespread toxicity of cisplatin.

Conclusion

This study verifies the successful synthesis of Co3O4 NPs and their potent antioxidant, antibacterial, and anticancer activities. The biosynthesized Co3O4 NPs represent a promising targeted method for CRC therapy. However, further research is needed to elucidate their mechanism of action and also their application in the clinical phase.

Graphical Abstract
DPI_CDF: druggable protein identifier using cascade deep forest
Authors: Arif Muhammad , Fang Ge , Ghulam Ali , Musleh Saleh , Alam Tanvir
Published: April 2024

Background

Drug targets in living beings perform pivotal roles in the discovery of potential drugs. Conventional wet-lab characterization of drug targets is although accurate but generally expensive, slow, and resource intensive. Therefore, computational methods are highly desirable as an alternative to expedite the large-scale identification of druggable proteins (DPs); however, the existing in silico predictor’s performance is still not satisfactory.

Methods

In this study, we developed a novel deep learning-based model DPI_CDF for predicting DPs based on protein sequence only. DPI_CDF utilizes evolutionary-based (i.e., histograms of oriented gradients for position-specific scoring matrix), physiochemical-based (i.e., component protein sequence representation), and compositional-based (i.e., normalized qualitative characteristic) properties of protein sequence to generate features. Then a hierarchical deep forest model fuses these three encoding schemes to build the proposed model DPI_CDF.

Results

The empirical outcomes on 10-fold cross-validation demonstrate that the proposed model achieved 99.13 % accuracy and 0.982 of Matthew’s-correlation-coefficient (MCC) on the training dataset. The generalization power of the trained model is further examined on an independent dataset and achieved 95.01% of maximum accuracy and 0.900 MCC. When compared to current state-of-the-art methods, DPI_CDF improves in terms of accuracy by 4.27% and 4.31% on training and testing datasets, respectively. We believe, DPI_CDF will support the research community to identify druggable proteins and escalate the drug discovery process.

Availability

The benchmark datasets and source codes are available in GitHub: http://github.com/Muhammad-Arif-NUST/DPI_CDF.
Maize ZmLAZ1-3 gene negatively regulates drought tolerance in transgenic Arabidopsis
Authors: Yu Haoqiang , Liu Bingliang , Yang Qinyu , Yang Qingqing , Li Wanchen , Fu Fengling
Published: April 2024

Background

Molecular mechanisms in response to drought stress are important for the genetic improvement of maize. In our previous study, nine ZmLAZ1 members were identified in the maize genome, but the function of ZmLAZ1 was largely unknown.

Results

The ZmLAZ1-3 gene was cloned from B73, and its drought-tolerant function was elucidated by expression analysis in transgenic Arabidopsis. The expression of ZmLAZ1-3 was upregulated by drought stress in different maize inbred lines. The driving activity of the ZmLAZ1-3 promoter was induced by drought stress and related to the abiotic stress-responsive elements such as MYB, MBS, and MYC. The results of subcellular localization indicated that the ZmLAZ1-3 protein localized on the plasma membrane and chloroplast. The ectopic expression of the ZmLAZ1-3 gene in Arabidopsis significantly reduced germination ratio and root length, decreased biomass, and relative water content, but increased relative electrical conductivity and malondialdehyde content under drought stress. Moreover, transcriptomics analysis showed that the differentially expressed genes between the transgenic lines and wild-type were mainly associated with response to abiotic stress and biotic stimulus, and related to pathways of hormone signal transduction, phenylpropanoid biosynthesis, mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling, and plant-pathogen interaction.

Conclusion

The study suggests that the ZmLAZ1-3 gene is a negative regulator in regulating drought tolerance and can be used to improve maize drought tolerance via its silencing or knockout.
Exogenous ascorbic acid as a potent regulator of antioxidants, osmo-protectants, and lipid peroxidation in pea under salt stress
Authors: Kanwal Rehana , Maqsood Muhammad Faisal , Shahbaz Muhammad , Naz Nargis , Zulfiqar Usman , Ali Muhammad Fraz , Jamil Muhammad , Khalid Faizan , Ali Qasim , Sabir Muhammad Azeem , Chaudhary Talha , Ali Hayssam M. , Alsakkaf Waleed A. A.
Published: April 2024

Pea (Pisum sativum L.), a globally cultivated leguminous crop valued for its nutritional and economic significance, faces a critical challenge of soil salinity, which significantly hampers crop growth and production worldwide. A pot experiment was carried out in the Botanical Garden, The Islamia University of Bahawalpur to alleviate the negative impacts of sodium chloride (NaCl) on pea through foliar application of ascorbic acid (AsA). Two pea varieties Meteor (V1) and Sarsabz (V2) were tested against salinity, i.e. 0 mM NaCl (Control) and 100 mM NaCl. Three levels of ascorbic acid 0 (Control), 5 and 10 mM were applied through foliar spray. The experimental design was completely randomized (CRD) with three replicates. Salt stress resulted in the suppression of growth, photosynthetic activity, and yield attributes in pea plants. However, the application of AsA treatments effectively alleviated these inhibitory effects. Under stress conditions, the application of AsA treatment led to a substantial increase in chlorophyll a (41.1%), chl. b (56.1%), total chl. contents (44.6%) and carotenoids (58.4%). Under salt stress, there was an increase in Na+ accumulation, lipid peroxidation, and the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). However, the application of AsA increased the contents of proline (26.9%), endogenous AsA (23.1%), total soluble sugars (17.1%), total phenolics (29.7%), and enzymatic antioxidants i.e. SOD (22.3%), POD (34.1%) and CAT (39%) in both varieties under stress. Salinity reduced the yield attributes while foliarly applied AsA increased the pod length (38.7%), number of pods per plant (40%) and 100 seed weight (45.2%). To sum up, the application of AsA alleviated salt-induced damage in pea plants by enhancing photosynthetic pigments, both enzymatic and non-enzymatic activities, maintaining ion homeostasis, and reducing excessive ROS accumulation through the limitation of lipid peroxidation. Overall, V2 (Sarsabz) performed better as compared to the V1 (Meteor).