bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Human Resource Management Practices, Job Satisfaction and Performance: Evidence from Transportation Sector in India
Authors: Batta Ankaiah , Bandameeda Gangaiah , Parayitam Satyanarayana
Published: May 2023

The present research aims to empirically examine the effect of human resource management (HRM) practices on employee outcomes. More specifically, the relationship between performance appraisal, employee compensation, career planning and training and development influences employee outcomes––job satisfaction and performance. A conceptual model is developed and tested. Data was collected using structured instruments from 540 employees of state-owned transportation in southern India. Hierarchical regression results reveal that job satisfaction partially mediates the relationship between employee compensation, career planning, training and development and performance. However, the findings support the full mediation of job satisfaction in the relationship between performance appraisal and performance. Further, the study also supports the hypotheses that (a) training and development is a moderator in the relationship between performance appraisal and job satisfaction and between career planning and job satisfaction, and (b) employee compensation is a moderator in the relationship between job satisfaction and performance. Finally, implications for the literature on HRM are discussed.
Construct Validation and Exploration of Student Satisfaction from Internships: Evidences from India
Authors: Jain Sarika , Vichore Sarita , Badra Shailja
Published: May 2023

An internship experience is considered to be of paramount importance. It helps explore the link between academics and the world of work, as most of the students joining business schools in India have no or relatively very low work experience. The purpose of the present study was to validate and explore factors that affect the summer internship experience of business school students in India. In this study, the scale for measuring student satisfaction was validated based on four factors: (a) learning experiences during the internship, (b) the effectiveness of the pre-placement activities for the internship, (c) the support offered by the placement team and (d) the support offered by the employing organisation during the industrial internship in the Indian context. A survey was administered to 235 business students in Mumbai. In the context of the present study, the student internship scale was first validated keeping in mind Indian ethos using exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). Furthermore, structural equation modelling (SEM) using analysis of moment structure (AMOS) was used to test the model. Multigroup structural equation modelling (MSEM) was conducted to check the impact of gender on the overall scale. The study confirms that factors like student learning experiences, pre-placement activities, and assistance provided by the placement team and support from the employer organisation (EO) are important to understand a student’s overall perception on internship. This is the first study in India that can guide both educational institutions and EOs to enhance the internship experience of the management students.
Is Cyberloafing an Outcome of Supervisor Phubbing: Examining the Roles of Workplace Ostracism and Psychological Detachment
Authors: Saxena Anubhuti , Srivastava Shalini
Published: May 2023

Supervisor phubbing (or phone snubbing) is the phenomenon where a supervisor snubs a subordinate by favoring his/her mobile phone above him/her when they are in a meeting. Subordinates who are phone snubbed by supervisors often feel neglected and turn to their own phones and virtual social circles for acceptance. The study aims to explore the impact of Supervisor Phubbing (SP) on Cyberloafing (CL), taking Workplace Ostracism (WO) as a mediator and Psychological Detachment (PD) as a moderator. Social Exchange Theory (SET) and Expectancy Violations Theory (EVT) are put forward as the underpinning theories to explain the underlying mechanism in the proposed relationships. Utilizing the time lagged method, data was collected from 267 employees working in varied industries in India. Statistical tools such as SPSS 21, AMOS 21, and PROCESS, were utilized to test the hypothesised model. The findings show that SP causes subordinates to feel ostracized which in turn, leads to CL. The study also examined how PD can act as a moderator and create an impeding effect on CL, WO, and PD emerged as significant mediator and moderator respectively. It is pertinent for organizations to understand that unfriendly practices such as SP can lead to organizational repercussions like WO and CL. Discussion on implications followed by limitations and future scope of research is included in the paper.
Effectiveness of Otago Exercise Program on Successful Aging within Older Women with Migrant Children Referring to Public Health Centers in Shiraz City, Iran
Authors: Ghaedi Maryam , Kashfi Seyyed Mansour , Ghahremani Leila , Asadollahi Abdolrahim
Published: May 2023

Background: Successful aging (SA) is considered an indicator of satisfaction of older people. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of the Otago Exercise Program (OEP) on SA among older women. Materials and Methods: quasi-experimental research with a control group was conducted in 2021 on 120 older women in Shiraz city, south Iran. Eligible samples were selected by a three-stage cluster sampling method and were classified into two equal intervention and control groups. Eight training sessions (exercises) were conducted for the intervention group using the OEP. SA questionnaire was completed at the beginning and 2 months after the intervention. The data were analyzed using the IBM-SPSS version 26, and the effect sizes were extracted. Results: The mean age of samples in the intervention and control groups was 69.71 + 59.59 and 68.83 + 5.08 years, respectively. Although there was no significant difference in the mean scores of SA between the two groups at the beginning of the study, 2 months after the intervention implementation, the mean scores of SA increased significantly in the intervention group ( t = 8.57, p ≤ .001). Conclusion: It seems that OEP is an effective strategy for supporting SA in older people.
Do Offenders [Fraudsters] ‘Collaborate and Listen’? A Quantitative Analysis of Fraudsters’ Decision-making Processes on Active Cybercrime Marketplaces
Authors: Cole Tessa , Miller Jodi
Published: May 2023

Research suggests that an offender–victim overlap within the physical and online environment exists. Therefore, it is unsurprising that online fraudsters have victimized each other (i.e., offender-victims) online. However, research is limited regarding the influence that the situational environment (e.g., online and cyberspace) has on online offender [fraudster] decision-making processes and their interactions with other online offenders. The current study uses criminological and communications theories to explore the influence of the situational environment on offenders’ interactions within illicit online marketplaces. A series of bivariate analyses were run to examine the relationship between the independent variables and the three dependent variables. Then, a series of negative binomial regression models were used to estimate the relationship between the dependent and independent variables. The findings suggest a positive correlation between messages from fraudsters and offender victims and emphasize the role individuals’ socially engineered (e.g., deceptive and manipulative) interactions impact targets, including offender victims.
Posttransplant cyclophosphamide vs tacrolimus–based GVHD prophylaxis: lower incidence of relapse and chronic GVHD
Authors: Maurer Katie , Ho Vincent T. , Inyang Eno , Cutler Corey , Koreth John , Shapiro Roman M. , Gooptu Mahasweta , Romee Rizwan , Nikiforow Sarah , Antin Joseph H. , Wu Catherine J. , Ritz Jerome , Soiffer Robert J. , Kim Haesook T.
Published: May 2023

The ability of posttransplant cyclophosphamide (PTCY) to facilitate haploidentical transplantation has spurred interest in whether PTCY can improve clinical outcomes in patients with HLA-matched unrelated donors undergoing peripheral blood stem cell transplantation (PBSCT). We investigated our institutional experience using PTCY-based graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) prophylaxis compared with conventional tacrolimus-based regimens. We compared overall survival, progression-free survival (PFS), relapse, nonrelapse mortality, and acute and chronic GVHD in 107 adult patients receiving a PTCY-based regimen vs 463 patients receiving tacrolimus-based regimens for GVHD prophylaxis. The 2 cohorts were well balanced for baseline characteristics except that more patients in the PTCY cohort having received 7-of-8–matched PBSCT. There was no difference in acute GVHD. All-grade chronic GVHD and moderate-to-severe chronic GVHD were substantially reduced in patients receiving PTCY compared with in those receiving tacrolimus-based regimens (2-year moderate-to-severe chronic GVHD: 12% vs 36%; P < .0001). Recipients of PTCY-based regimens also had a lower incidence of relapse compared with recipients of tacrolimus-based regimens (25% vs 34% at 2-years; P = .027), primarily in patients who received reduced intensity conditioning. This led to improved PFS in the PTCY cohort (64% vs 54% at 2 years; P = .02). In multivariable analysis, the hazard ratio was 0.59 (P = .015) for PFS and the subdistribution hazard ratio was 0.27 (P < .0001) for moderate-to-severe chronic GVHD and 0.59 (P = .015) for relapse. Our results suggest that PTCY prophylaxis is associated with lower rates of relapse and chronic GVHD in patients who receive HLA-matched unrelated donor PBSCT.
Outcome of extra mucosal single interrupted layer (EMSIL) ileo-ileal anastomosis in urinary diversions during open radical cystectomy
Authors: Khawaja Abdul Rouf , Mir Mujahid Ahmad , Beg Arshi , Baba Shahid M. , Wani Mohammad Saleem , Hamid Arif
Published: May 2023

Background

We intended to assess the outcome of extra-mucosal single interrupted layer ileo-ileal anastomosis for bowel re-approximation in open radical cystectomy with urinary diversions.

Methods

This is a prospective study of patients who had extra-mucosal ileo-ileal intestinal anastomosis following radical cystectomy and urinary diversion at our institution from January 2018 to April 2021. Data was collected from patient medical records and analyzed by using SPSS Statistics for Windows version 25.0. Data was expressed as a mean ± standard deviation (SD) or median for continuous variables, whereas frequency and percentage were used to express qualitative data. Operative time and anastomosis time, blood loss, hospitalization duration, and time taken for the return of bowel activity were studied. Perioperative complications were noted down.

Results

Fifty-nine patients were selected for our study. Urinary diversion was achieved in the form of ileal conduit (IC) in 49 patients and orthotopic neobladder (ONB) in 10 patients following radical cystectomy. The mean operative duration was 263.8 ± 48.9 min and the mean anastomosis time was 17.3 ± 5 min. Thirty-eight patients needed blood transfusion (0.97 ± 0.79 units per patient). The mean (± SD) time taken for the return of bowel activity was 84.6 ± 10 h and the average (± SD) post-operative hospital stay was 12.6 ± 3.1 days. There was no anastomotic leak or any other major intestinal complication in any of our patients.

Conclusions

Extra-mucosal single layer ileo-ileal anastomosis for bowel re- approximation is safe and is associated with acceptable and easily managed complications in patients following radical cystectomy and urinary diversion.
Identification of microplastic fibres released from COVID-19 test swabs with Raman imaging
Authors: Fang Cheng , Luo Yunlong , Chuah Clarence , Naidu Ravi
Published: May 2023

Background

COVID-19 pandemic is not yet over, and it has been generating lots of plastic wastes that become a big concern. To catch the virus, for example, no matter via antigen or PCR test, swab is generally used for sampling. Unfortunately, the swab tip is commonly made of plastics, and thus it can be a potential source of microplastics. This study aims to propose and optimise several Raman imaging to identify the microplastic fibres released from different COVID-19 test swabs.

Results

The results show that Raman imaging can effectively identify and visualise the microplastic fibres released from the swabs. In the meantime, on the surface of the fibres, additives such as titanium oxide particles are also captured for some brands of swabs. To increase the result certainty, scanning electron microscope (SEM) is first employed to get the morphology of the released microplastic fibres, along with Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) to confirm the presence of titanium element. Then, Raman imaging is advanced to identify and visualise the microplastics and titanium oxide particles, from different characteristic peaks in the scanning spectrum matrix. To further increase the imaging certainty, these images can be merged and cross-checked using algorithms, or the raw data from the scanning spectrum matrix can be analysed and decoded via chemometrics, such as principal component analysis (PCA). Beyond the advantages, the disadvantages of the confocal Raman imaging (affected by focal height) and algorithms (non-supervised calculation) are also discussed and intentionally corrected. In brief, the imaging analysis (particularly the combined SEM with Raman) is recommended to avoid the possible result bias that might be generated from the single spectrum analysis at a selective but random position.

Conclusions

Overall, the results indicate that Raman imaging can be a useful tool to detect microplastics. The results also send us a strong warning that, if we worry about the potential microplastics contamination, we should be cautious to select the suitable COVID-19 testing kits.
Integrative analysis of metabolome and transcriptome profiles to highlight aroma determinants in Aglianico and Falanghina grape berries
Authors: Villano Clizia , Demurtas Olivia Costantina , Esposito Salvatore , Granell Antonio , Rambla José Luis , Piombino Paola , Frusciante Luigi , Carputo Domenico , Diretto Gianfranco , Aversano Riccardo
Published: May 2023

Background

The biochemical makeup of grape berries at harvest is essential for wine quality and depends on a fine transcriptional regulation occurring during berry development. In this study, we conducted a comprehensive survey of transcriptomic and metabolomic changes occurring in different berry tissues and developmental stages of the ancient grapes Aglianico and Falanghina to establish the patterns of the secondary metabolites contributing to their wine aroma and investigate the underlying transcriptional regulation.

Results

Over two hundred genes related to aroma were found, of which 107 were differentially expressed in Aglianico and 99 in Falanghina. Similarly, 68 volatiles and 34 precursors were profiled in the same samples. Our results showed a large extent of transcriptomic and metabolomic changes at the level of isoprenoids (terpenes, norisoprenoids), green leaf volatiles (GLVs), and amino acid pathways, although the terpenoid metabolism was the most distinctive for Aglianico, and GLVs for Falanghina. Co-expression analysis that integrated metabolome and transcriptome data pinpointed 25 hub genes as points of biological interest in defining the metabolic patterns observed. Among them, three hub genes encoding for terpenes synthases (VvTPS26, VvTPS54, VvTPS68) in Aglianico and one for a GDP-L-galactose phosphorylase (VvGFP) in Falanghina were selected as potential active player underlying the aroma typicity of the two grapes.

Conclusion

Our data improve the understanding of the regulation of aroma-related biosynthetic pathways of Aglianico and Falanghina and provide valuable metabolomic and transcriptomic resources for future studies in these varieties.
Adapting and usability testing of the Kansas city cardiomyopathy questionnaire (KCCQ) in a heart failure clinic in Tanzania: the Swahili KCCQ
Authors: Chillo Pilly , Mlay Jackson , Akanyirige Precious W , Majani Naizihijwa , Janabi Mohamed , Kaaya Sylvia , Hawkins Claudia , Hirschhorn Lisa R
Published: May 2023

Background

The integration of patient–reported outcome measures (PROMS) into health care delivery systems is being increasingly recognized as an important component of quality, person-centered care, especially for chronic illnesses like congestive heart failure (CHF). However, while PROMS are increasingly being used to follow up CHF patients in high income countries, their use in sub-Saharan Africa is still limited. We adapted the Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire (KCCQ-23), an internationally validated, CHF-specific PROM and tested its use in measuring outcomes in an outpatient CHF clinic at a cardiac referral hospital in Tanzania.

Methods

Adaptation of the KCCQ-23 included translation into Swahili by linguistic experts, in-depth cognitive debriefing in native Swahili–speaking CHF patients, and input from Tanzanian Cardiologists, PROMS experts, and the tool developer. Using a cross-sectional design, we tested the usability and observed the results of the translated KCCQ-23 in a convenience sample of 60 CHF patients attending outpatient clinic at the Jakaya Kikwete Cardiac Institute (JKCI) in Dar es Salaam.

Results

The survey was successfully completed by 59 (98.3%) of 60 enrolled participants. The mean (SD) age of participants was 54.9 (14.8) years (range 22–83), 30.5% were women and 72.2% had class 3 or 4 New York Heart Association (NYHA) symptoms at enrollment. The overall KCCQ-23 score was low, with a mean (SD) score of 21.7 (20.4) indicating generally very poor to poor patient reported outcomes in this population. The mean (SD) scores for the specific KCCQ-23 domains were 15.25 (24.2) for social limitation, 23.8 (27.4) for physical limitation, 27.1 (24.1) for quality of life and 40.7 (17.0) for self-efficacy. No socio-demographic or clinical characteristics were associated with their overall KCCQ-23 scores. Comparing the short version (KCCQ-12) with the full KCCQ-23 revealed excellent correlation between the two (r = 0.95; p < 0.0001).

Conclusions

We successfully translated a validated tool, the Swahili KCCQ, for use in improving the care of patients with CHF in Tanzania and a broader population of Swahili–speaking patients. Both the Swahili KCCQ-12 and KCCQ-23 can be used, with similar outcomes. Work to expand the use of the tool in the clinic and other settings is planned.
The association between the experience of lay responders and response interval to medical emergencies in a rural area: an observational study
Authors: Starck S. M. , Jensen J. J. , Sarkisian L. , Schakow H. , Andersen C. , Henriksen F. L.
Published: May 2023

Aim

The aim of this retrospective observational study was to determine how response intervals correlated to the experience of the community first responders (CFRs) using data collected from the Danish Island of Langeland via a global positioning system (GPS)-based system.

Methods

All medical emergency calls involving CFRs in the time period from 21st of April 2012 to 31st of December 2017 were included. Each emergency call activated 3 CFRs. Response intervals were calculated using the time from when the system alerted the CFRs to CFR time of arrival at the emergency site measured by GPS. CFRs response intervals were grouped depending on their level of experience according to ≤ 10, 11–24, 25–49, 50–99, ≥ 100 calls accepted and arrived on-site.

Results

A total of 7273 CFR activations were included. Median response interval for the CFR arriving first on-site (n = 3004) was 4:05 min (IQR 2:42–6:01) and median response interval for the arrival of the CFR with an automated external defibrillator (n = 2594) was 5:46 min (IQR 3:59–8:05). Median response intervals were 5:53 min (3:43–8:29) for ≤ 10 calls (n = 1657), 5:39 min (3:49–8:01) for 11–24 calls (n = 1396), 5:45 min (3:49–8:00) for 25–49 calls (n = 1586), 5:07 min (3:38–7:26) for 50–99 calls (n = 1548) and 4:46 min (3:14–7:32) for ≥ 100 calls (n = 1086) (p < 0.001). There was a significant negative correlation between experience and response intervals (p < 0.001, Spearman’s rho = -0.0914).

Conclusion

This study found an inverse correlation between CFR experience and response intervals, which could lead to increased survival after a time-critical incident.
Factors associated with weight loss by age among community-dwelling older people
Authors: Yano Tomoko , Godai Kayo , Kabayama Mai , Akasaka Hiroshi , Takeya Yasushi , Yamamoto Koichi , Yasumoto Saori , Masui Yukie , Arai Yasumichi , Ikebe Kazunori , Ishizaki Tatsuro , Gondo Yasuyuki , Rakugi Hiromi , Kamide Kei
Published: May 2023

Background

Factors associated with weight loss in community-dwelling older people have been reported in several studies, but few studies have examined factors associated with weight loss by age groups. The purpose of this study was to clarify factors associated with weight loss by age in community-dwelling older people through a longitudinal study.

Methods

Participants in the SONIC study (Longitudinal Epidemiological Study of the Elderly) were community-dwelling people aged 70 or older. The participants were divided into two groups: 5% weight loss and maintenance groups, and compared. In addition, we examined factors affecting weight loss by age. The analysis method used was the χ2 test, and the t-test was used for comparison of the two groups. Factors associated with 5% weight loss at 3 years were examined using logistic regression analysis with sex, age, married couple, cognitive function, grip strength, and the serum albumin level as explanatory variables.

Results

Of the 1157 subjects, the proportions showing 5% weight loss after 3 years among all subjects, those aged 70 years, 80 years, and 90 years, were 20.5, 13.8, 26.8, and 30.5%, respectively. In logistic regression analysis, factors associated with 5% weight loss at 3 years by age were influenced by BMI of 25 or higher (OR = 1.90, 95%CI = 1.08–3.34, p = 0.026), a married couple (OR = 0.49, 95% = 0.28–0.86, p = 0.013), serum albumin level below 3.8 g/dL (OR = 10.75, 95% = 1.90–60.73, p = 0.007) at age 70, and the grip strength at age 90 (OR = 1.24, 95%CI = 1.02–1.51, p = 0.034), respectively.

Conclusions

The results suggest that factors associated with weight loss by age in community-dwelling older people through a longitudinal study differ by age. In the future, this study will be useful to propose effective interventions to prevent factors associated with weight loss by age in community-dwelling older people.
Pharmacological options for Candida albicans Endocarditis at the roadblock with irrecoverable prosthetics and drug interactions: a case report and review of literature
Authors: Sahra Syeda , Javed Aneeqa , Jahangir Abdullah , Thind Sharanjeet K.
Published: May 2023

Background

Candidemia is the fourth most common nosocomial bloodstream infection. Endocarditis from candidemia is a rare but possibly fatal complication. The efficacy of amphotericin and echinocandins for induction and azoles for suppression has been well studied. Source control of infection, including removal of foreign bodies, remains the cornerstone for the success of any antifungal therapy.

Case Presentation

We are describing a case of a 63-years old patient with multiple comorbidities who developed candidemia secondary to Candida albicans. The prospect of curing the fungemia was made difficult by prosthetic devices, including prosthetic heart valves, intracardiac defibrillator, and inferior vena filter, which could not be extracted due to poor cardiovascular status and higher postoperative mortality risk. Combination therapy with amphotericin and 5-Flucytosine (5FC) was used with the first recurrence. Suppression with fluconazole was contraindicated due to prolonged corrected QT (QTc) interval. Isavuconazole was employed for chronic lifelong suppression.

Conclusion

Retaining prosthetics in higher surgical risk patients presents us with unique clinical and pharmacological challenges regarding breakthrough infections, drug interaction, and side effects from prolonged suppressive therapies.
Vitamin D deficiency in pregnancy and the risk of preterm birth: a nested case–control study
Authors: Tahsin Tashnia , Khanam Rasheda , Chowdhury Nabidul Haque , Hasan A. S. M. Tarik , Hosen Md. Biplob , Rahman Sayedur , Roy Anjan Kumar , Ahmed Salahuddin , Raqib Rubhana , Baqui Abdullah H.
Published: May 2023

Background

Each year, an estimated 15 million babies are born preterm. Micronutrient deficiencies, including vitamin D deficiency (VDD), are common in many low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), and these conditions are often associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes. Bangladesh experiences a high prevalence of VDD. The country also has a high preterm birth (PTB) rate. Using data from a population-based pregnancy cohort, we estimated the burden of VDD during pregnancy and its association with PTB.

Methods

Pregnant women (N = 3,000) were enrolled after ultrasound confirmation of gestational age at 8–19 weeks of gestation. Trained health workers prospectively collected phenotypic and epidemiological data at scheduled home visits. Trained phlebotomists collected maternal blood samples at enrollment and 24 -28 weeks of gestation. Aliquots of serum were stored at -800 C. We conducted a nested case–control study with all PTB (n = 262) and a random sample of term births (n = 668). The outcome, PTB, was defined as live births < 37 weeks of gestation, based on ultrasound. The main exposure was vitamin D concentrations of 24–28 weeks maternal blood samples. The analysis was adjusted for other PTB risk factors. Women were categorized as VDD (lowest quartile of 25(OH)D; <  = 30.25 nmol/L) or not deficient (upper-three quartiles of 25(OH)D; > 30.25 nmol/L). We used logistic regression to determine the association of VDD with PTB, adjusting for potential confounders.

Results

The median and interquartile range of serum 25(OH)D was 38.0 nmol/L; 30.18 to 48.52 (nmol/L). After adjusting for co-variates, VDD was significantly associated with PTB [adjusted odds ratio (aOR) = 1.53, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.10 – 2.12]. The risk of PTB was also higher among women who were shorter (aOR = 1.81, 95% CI: 1.27–2.57), primiparous (aOR = 1.55, 95% CI = 1.12 – 2.12), passive smokers (aOR = 1.60, 95% CI = 1.09 – 2.34), and those who received iron supplementation during pregnancy (aOR = 1.66, 95% CI: 1.17, 2.37).

Conclusion

VDD is common in Bangladeshi pregnant women and is associated with an increased risk of PTB.
Tumor residue in patients with stage II–IVA nasopharyngeal carcinoma who received intensity-modulated radiation therapy: development and validation of a prediction nomogram integrating postradiotherapy plasma Epstein–Barr virus deoxyribonucleic acid, clinical stage, and radiotherapy dose
Authors: Huang Ying-Ying , Zhou Jia-Yu , Zhan Ze-Jiang , Ke Liang-Ru , Xia Wei-Xiong , Cao Xun , Cai Zhuo-Chen , Deng Ying , Chen Xi , Zhang Lu-Lu , Huang Hao-Yang , Guo Xiang , Lv Xing
Published: May 2023

Background

To develop and validate a predictive nomogram for tumor residue 3–6 months after treatment based on postradiotherapy plasma Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA), clinical stage, and radiotherapy (RT) dose in patients with stage II–IVA nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) treated with intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT).

Methods

In this retrospective study, 1050 eligible patients with stage II–IVA NPC, who completed curative IMRT and underwent pretreatment and postradiotherapy (-7 to +28 days after IMRT) EBV DNA testing, were enrolled from 2012 to 2017. The prognostic value of the residue was explored using Cox regression analysis in patients (n=1050). A nomogram for predicting tumor residues after 3–6 months was developed using logistic regression analyses in the development cohort (n=736) and validated in an internal cohort (n=314).

Results

Tumor residue was an independent inferior prognostic factor for 5-year overall survival, progression-free survival, locoregional recurrence-free survival and distant metastasis-free survival (all P<0.001). A prediction nomogram based on postradiotherapy plasma EBV DNA level (0 vs. 1–499 vs. ≥500 copies/ml), clinical stage (II vs. III vs. IVA), and RT dose (68.00–69.96 vs. 70.00–74.00 Gy) estimated the probability of residue development. The nomogram showed better discrimination (area under the curve (AUC): 0.752) than either the clinical stage (0.659) or postradiotherapy EBV DNA level (0.627) alone in the development and validation cohorts (AUC: 0.728).

Conclusions

We developed and validated a nomogram model integrating clinical characteristics at the end of IMRT for predicting whether tumor will residue or not after 3–6 months. Thus, high-risk NPC patients who might benefit from immediate additional intervention could be identified by the model, and the probability of residue can be reduced in the future.
Identification and in vitro and in vivo validation of the key role of GSDME in pyroptosis-related genes signature in hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Chen Xinyi , Yang Mu , Wang Lu , Wang Yuan , Tu Jingyao , Zhou Xiao , Yuan Xianglin
Published: May 2023

We used pyroptosis-related genes to establish a risk–score model for prognostic prediction of liver hepatocellular carcinoma (LIHC) patients. A total of 52 pyroptosis-associated genes were identified. Then, data for 374 LIHC patients and 50 normal individuals were acquired from the TCGA database. Through gene expression analyses, differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were determined. The 13 pyroptosis-related genes (PRGs) confirmed as potential prognostic factors through univariate Cox regression analysis were entered into Lasso and multivariate Cox regression to build a PRGs prognostic signature, containing four PRGs (BAK1, GSDME, NLRP6, and NOD2) determined as independent prognostic factors. mRNA levels were evaluated by qRT-PCR, while overall survival (OS) rates were assessed by the Kaplan–Meier method. Enrichment analyses were done to establish the mechanisms associated with differential survival status of LIHC patients from a tumor immunology perspective. Additionally, a risk score determined by the prognostic model could divide LIHC patients into low- and high-risk groups using median risk score as cut-off. A prognostic nomogram, derived from the prognostic model and integrating clinical characteristics of patients, was constructed. The prognostic function of the model was also validated using GEO, ICGC cohorts, and online databases Kaplan–Meier Plotter. Small interfering RNA-mediated knockdown of GSDME, as well as lentivirus-mediated GSDME knockdown, were performed to validate that knockdown of GSDME markedly suppressed growth of HCC cells both in vivo and in vitro. Collectively, our study demonstrated a PRGs prognostic signature that had great clinical value in prognosis assessment.
Identifies KCTD5 as a novel cancer biomarker associated with programmed cell death and chemotherapy drug sensitivity
Authors: Shi Yuan-Xiang , Yan Jian-Hua , Liu Wen , Deng Jun
Published: May 2023

Background

More and more studies have demonstrated that potassium channel tetramerization domain-containing 5 (KCTD5) plays an important role in the development of cancer, but there is a lack of comprehensive research on the biological function of this protein in pan-cancer. This study systematically analyzed the expression landscape of KCTD5 in terms of its correlations with tumor prognosis, the immune microenvironment, programmed cell death, and drug sensitivity.

Methods

We investigated a number of databases, including TCGA, GEPIA2, HPA, TISIDB, PrognoScan, GSCA, CellMiner, and TIMER2.0. The study evaluated the expression of KCTD5 in human tumors, as well as its prognostic value and its association with genomic alterations, the immune microenvironment, tumor-associated fibroblasts, functional enrichment analysis, and anticancer drug sensitivity. Real-time quantitative PCR and flow cytometry analysis were performed to determine the biological functions of KCTD5 in lung adenocarcinoma cells.

Results

The results indicated that KCTD5 is highly expressed in most cancers and that its expression is significantly correlated with tumor prognosis. Moreover, KCTD5 expression was related to the immune microenvironment, infiltration by cancer-associated fibroblasts, and the expression of immune-related genes. Functional enrichment analysis revealed that KCTD5 is associated with apoptosis, necroptosis, and other types of programmed cell death. In vitro experiments showed that knockdown of KCTD5 promoted apoptosis of A549 cells. Correlation analysis confirmed that KCTD5 was positively correlated with the expression of the anti-apoptotic genes Bcl-xL and Mcl-1. Additionally, KCTD5 was significantly associated with sensitivity to multiple antitumor drugs.

Conclusion

Our results suggest that KCTD5 is a potential molecular biomarker that can be used to predict patient prognosis, immunoreactions and drug sensitivity in pan-cancer. KCTD5 plays an important role in regulating programmed cell death, especially apoptosis.
Moyamoya disease presenting with tubular dysfunction in a child: pitfalls in diagnosing an atypical hyponatremic-hypertensive syndrome
Authors: Conte Maria Luisa , La Scola Claudio , Mencarelli Francesca , Filippini Beatrice , Fabbri Elena , Ragnoni Valentina , Ravaioli Elisa , Pasini Andrea , Vergine Gianluca
Published: May 2023

Background

Moyamoya disease, a cause of pediatric stroke, has been shown to affect furthermore extra-cranial districts, mostly the kidney arterial site, resulting in steno-occlusive changes. Unilateral renal artery stenosis accounts for 8%-10% out of cases of renovascular hypertension in childhood, however it rarely underlies a hyponatremic-hypertensive syndrome (HHS).

Case presentation

We describe an 18-month-old boy with a recent history of polyuria and polydipsia, who presented an acute febrile gastroenteritis with neurological impairment, severe dehydration, hyponatremia, hypokalemia, kidney tubular dysfunction, and elevated aldosterone and renin even with a normal blood pressure. Fluid and electrolytes correction was performed, with complete recovery. An abdominal ultrasound displayed a smaller right kidney. A brain magnetic resonance and an electroencephalogram did not show any relevant abnormalities. Five months later, the child experienced a left-side hemiparesis after a traumatic concussion, and a severe hypertension. A brain tomography documented a cerebral ischemia. Brain and kidney angiographic studies displayed puff of smoke findings of internal right carotid artery branches and a steno-occlusive pattern of right renal artery, respectively. Hence, moyamoya disease with HHS secondary to unilateral renal artery stenosis was diagnosed. After an unsuccessful antiplatelet and antihypertensive pharmacological treatment, the boy underwent a renal angioplasty and a cerebral STA-MCA bypass (direct superficial temporal artery-to-middle cerebral artery bypass), resulting in a significant improvement of both neurological and kidney disease.

Conclusions

Although the association between unilateral renal artery stenosis and HHS has been previously shown, this is the first report of atypical HHS, with hypertension preceded by tubular dysfunction, recognized in the framework of moyamoya disease.
The clinical significance of renal resistance index (RRI) and renal oxygen saturation (RrSO2) in critically ill children with AKI: a prospective cohort study
Authors: Shen Huili , Na Weilan , Li Yichu , Qu Dong
Published: May 2023

Objective

The purpose of this study was to look into the clinical significance of the renal resistance index (RRI) and renal oxygen saturation (RrSO2) in predicting the development of acute kidney injury (AKI) in critically ill children. A new non-invasive method for the early detection and prediction of AKI needs to develop.

Methods

Patients admitted to the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) affiliated with the capital institute of pediatrics from December 2020 to March 2021 were enrolled consecutively. Data of clinical information, renal Doppler ultrasound, RrSO2, and hemodynamic index within 24 h of admission were prospectively collected. Patients were divided into two groups: the study group was AKI occurred within 72 h, while the control group did not. SPSS (version 25.0) was used to analyze the data, andP < 0.05 was considered a statistical difference.

Results

1) A total of 66 patients were included in this study, and the incidence of AKI was 19.70% (13/66). The presence of risk factors (shock, tumor, severe infection) increased the incidence of AKI by three times. 2) Univariate analysis showed significant differences in length of hospitalization, white blood cells (WBC), C-reactive protein (CRP), renal resistance index (RRI), and ejection fraction (EF) between the study and control groups (P < 0.05). There were no significant differences in renal perfusion semi-quantitative score (P = 0.053), pulsatility index (P = 0.051), pediatric critical illness score (PCIS), and peripheral vascular resistance index (P > 0.05). 3) Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve showed that if RRI > 0.635, the sensitivity, specificity, and AUC for predicting AKI were 0.889, 0.552, and 0.751, respectively; if RrSO2 < 43.95%, the values were 0.615, 0.719 and 0.609, respectively; if RRI and RrSO2 were united, they were 0.889, 0.552, and 0.766, respectively.

Conclusions

The incidence of AKI is high in PICU patients. And infection, RRI, and EF are risk factors for AKI in PICU patients. RRI and RrSO2 have certain clinical significance in the early prediction of AKI and may provide a new non-invasive method for early diagnosis and prediction of AKI.
Acute lower respiratory infections among children under five in Sub-Saharan Africa: a scoping review of prevalence and risk factors
Authors: Sarfo Jacob Owusu , Amoadu Mustapha , Gyan Thomas Boateng , Osman Abdul-Ganiyu , Kordorwu Peace Yaa , Adams Abdul Karim , Asiedu Immanuel , Ansah Edward Wilson , Amponsah-Manu Forster , Ofosu-Appiah Priscilla
Published: May 2023

Background

Acute lower respiratory tract infections (ALRTIs) among children under five are still the leading cause of mortality among this group of children in low and middle-income countries (LMICs), especially countries in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). This scoping review aims to map evidence on prevalence and risk factors associated with ALRTIs among children under 5 years to inform interventions, policies and future studies.

Methods

A thorough search was conducted via four main databases (PubMed, JSTOR, Web of Science and Central). In all, 3,329 records were identified, and 107 full-text studies were considered for evaluation after vigorous screening and removing duplicates, of which 43 were included in this scoping review.

Findings

Findings indicate a high prevalence (between 1.9% to 60.2%) of ALRTIs among children under five in SSA. Poor education, poverty, malnutrition, exposure to second-hand smoke, poor ventilation, HIV, traditional cooking stoves, unclean fuel usage, poor sanitation facilities and unclean drinking water make children under five more vulnerable to ALRTIs in SSA. Also, health promotion strategies like health education have doubled the health-seeking behaviours of mothers of children under 5 years against ALRTIs.

Conclusion

ALRTIs among children under five still present a significant disease burden in SSA. Therefore, there is a need for intersectoral collaboration to reduce the burden of ALRTIs among children under five by strengthening poverty alleviation strategies, improving living conditions, optimising child nutrition, and ensuring that all children have access to clean water. There is also the need for high-quality studies where confounding variables in ALRTIs are controlled.
Role of adiponectin, resistin and monocyte chemo-attractant protein-1 in overweight/obese asthma phenotype in children
Authors: Osman Abeer M. E. , Motawie Ayat A. M. , Abd Al-Aziz Amany M. , Mostafa Nadia A. A. , Hasan Nehal S. , El-Baz Mohamed S.
Published: May 2023

Background

Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disorder of the airways with diverse overlapping pathologies and phenotypes contributing to a significant heterogeneity in clinical manifestations. Obesity may modify asthma risk, phenotype, and prognosis. A suggested mechanism linking obesity and asthma is through systemic inflammation. Adipokines secreted by adipose tissue were suggested to provide a link between obesity and asthma.

Objective

To have an understanding for the contribution of adiponectin, resistin and MCP-1 to development of distinct asthma phenotype in overweight/obese children through assessment of their serum level and correlation to pulmonary function tests.

Subjects and methods

The study included 29 normal weight asthmatics, 23 overweight/obese asthmatic children and 30 controls. All cases were subjected to detailed history taking, thorough examination and pulmonary function tests. Serum adiponectin, resistin, MCP-1 and IgE were assessed to all recruited subjects.

Results

Adiponectin level was significantly higher in overweight/obese asthmatics (24900 ± 1600 ng/ml) compared to normal weight asthmatics (21700 ± 1700 ng/ml) and control (23000 ± 3200 ng/ml), (p < 0.001 & 0.051 respectively). Normal weight asthmatics had significantly lower adiponectin level than control, (p = 0.039). A significant low level of MCP-1 in overweight/obese asthmatics (149.5 (20—545) ng/L) compared to control (175 (28 -1123.5) ng/L), p = 0.037. No significant difference was found regarding resistin. Normal weight asthmatics had significantly lower FEV1% and FVC% compared to overweight/obese asthmatics (p = 0.036, 0.016 respectively). A significant positive correlation was found between (FEV1%, FVC) and BMI in normal weight asthmatics (P = 0.01, < 0.01 respectively) and a significant negative correlation between PEF and BMI (-0.42, p = 0.05) in obese/overweight asthmatics. Resistin/adiponectin ratio was not affected by sex, degree of asthma severity or level of asthma control in either normal weight or overweight/obese asthmatic.

Conclusion

This work could suggest that adiponectin may play a role in overweight/obese asthma phenotype where it is possible to have a dual action (pro & anti- inflammatory). It seems that resistin had no role in asthma pathogenesis.
Medial malleolar window approach for varus-type tibial pilon fractures: a retrospective study
Authors: Yang Kangyong , Shen Guodong , Zheng Qian , Yang Haiyun , Zhang Hongning , Li Xue , Tan Yanqing , Zhu Yongzhan
Published: May 2023

Purpose

Choosing a suitable surgical approach is crucial and challenging for type C pilon fractures. This article aims to explore the clinical efficacy of the medial malleolar window approach for varus-type tibial pilon fractures.

Methods

A retrospective analysis was conducted on 38 patients with type C varus-type pilon fractures treated between May 2018 and June 2021. In total, 16 cases underwent surgical treatment through the medial malleolar window approach and 22 cases were treated with the traditional anteromedial approach combined with a posterior approach. The operation time, hospitalization time, fracture healing time, the American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle score, Visual Analogue Scale, and complications were recorded to comprehensively evaluate the clinical efficacy of the technique. Fracture reduction quality was evaluated using the criteria proposed by Burwell and Charnley.

Results

All patients were followed up. No patients presented delayed union or nonunion. Compared with the conventional approach, the medial malleolar window approach had the advantage of better clinical effect recovery and better fracture reduction (P < 0.05). Meanwhile, the medial malleolar window approach had a shorter operation time, although the statistics suggest no significant difference with the control group. No implant exposure or infection occurred. There was good wound healing at two weeks after surgery in all but two cases. Local wound edge necrosis developed in one case in the medial malleolar window approach group, and the wound could not be closed at one stage in another case in the conventional group because of excessive tension, requiring secondary closure.

Conclusion

The medial malleolar window approach provides excellent exposure to type C pilon fractures, allowing for satisfactory fracture reduction and functional rehabilitation. The medial window approach is recommended for varus-type pilon fractures, which can effectively avoid a posterior incision and reduce the operation time.
HTLV-1-associated myelopathy/tropical spastic paraplegia with sporadic late-onset nemaline myopathy: a case report
Authors: Matsuura Eiji , Nozuma Satoshi , Shigehisa Ayano , Dozono Mika , Nakamura Tomonori , Tanaka Masakazu , Kubota Ryuji , Hashiguchi Akihiro , Takashima Hiroshi
Published: May 2023

Background

Sporadic late onset nemaline myopathy (SLONM) is a muscle disorder characterized by the presence of nemaline rods in muscle fibers. SLONM has no known genetic cause but has been associated with monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance and with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. Human T-cell leukemia virus-1 (HTLV-1) is a known causative agent of adult T-cell leukemia/lymphoma and HTLV-1 associated myelopathy/tropical spastic paraplegia (HAM/TSP), a chronic inflammatory neurological disease. HTLV-1 has been reported to be implicated in inflammatory myopathies, as well as in HIV infection.; however, there have been no reports of an association between HTLV-1 infection and SLONM to date.

Case presentation

A 70-year-old Japanese woman presented with gait disturbance, lumbar kyphosis, and respiratory dysfunction. The diagnosis of HAM/TSP with SLONM was made based on characteristic clinical symptoms of HAM/TSP, such as spasticity in the lower extremities, and cerebrospinal fluid test results; and of SLONM, such as generalized head drooping, respiratory failure, and muscle biopsy results. Steroid treatment was initiated and improvement in her stooped posture was observed after 3 days of treatment.

Conclusion

This is the first case report of SLONM combined with HTLV-1 infection. Further studies are needed to elucidate the relationship between retroviruses and muscle diseases.