bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Involvement of professionals in research: knowledge integration, development of practice, and challenges: a group concept mapping study
Authors: Laustsen Christine E. , Petersson Pia , Westergren Albert , Haak Maria
Published: August 2021

Background

Research and practice are often considered as two different worlds with different values, which causes a gap between them. Involving professionals such as practitioners, managers, decision-makers, and policy-makers in research on ageing and health might address the gap between research and practice, strengthen the healthcare system, and increase older people’s possibilities for healthy ageing. The aim of this study was to conceptualize professionals’ involvement in research on ageing and health from the perspective of the professionals themselves.

Methods

A mixed method called group concept mapping was used. Professionals with experience being involved in research on ageing and health participated in qualitative data collection through brainstorming sessions (n = 29) and by sorting statements (n = 29). Afterwards, they participated in a quantitative data collection by rating statements according to how much each statement strengthened practice (n = 30) and strengthened research (n = 28). Multidimensional scaling analysis and hierarchical cluster analysis were used to conduct quantitative analysis. Latent qualitative analysis was also conducted.

Results

Analysis resulted in eight clusters which illustrated conceptual areas of professionals’ involvement in research projects. The qualitative latent construct of the cluster map resulted in the themes: challenges for professionals; prerequisites and professionals’ learning can contribute to development of practice; and integrated knowledge benefits older people. There was a strong correlation between what strengthens practice and research (r = 0.92).

Conclusions

This study illustrates conceptual areas of professionals’ own perspectives on what their involvement in research can lead to. Their involvement may lead to knowledge being integrated, and the professionals may learn through their involvement, which can contribute to the development of practice. However, there can also be challenges that need to be handled when professionals are involved in research. The study can be useful for improving the understanding of and actual involvement of professionals in research, and for optimizing the involvement of professionals.
Researching, co-creating and testing innovations in paper-based health information systems (PHISICC) to support health workers’ decision-making: protocol of a multi-country, transdisciplinary, mixed-methods research programme in three sub-Saharan countries
Authors: Bosch-Capblanch Xavier , O’Donnell David , Krause L. Kendall , Auer Christian , Oyo-Ita Angela , Samba Mamadou , Matsinhe Graça , Garba Abdullahi Bulama , Rodríguez Damaris , Zuske Meike , Njepuome Anthonia Ngozi , Lee Sofia Micael Mandjate , Ross Amanda , Gajewski Suzanne , Muloliwa Artur Manuel , Yapi Richard B. , Brown David W.
Published: August 2021

Background

Health information systems are crucial to provide data for decision-making and demand for data is constantly growing. However, the link between data and decisions is not always rational or linear and the management of data ends up overloading frontline health workers, which may compromise quality of healthcare delivery. Despite limited evidence, there is an increasing push for the digitalization of health information systems, which poses enormous challenges, particularly in remote, rural settings in low- and middle-income countries. Paper-based tools will continue to be used in combination with digital solutions and this calls for efforts to make them more responsive to local needs. Paper-based Health Information Systems in Comprehensive Care (PHISICC) is a transdisciplinary, multi-country research initiative to create and test innovative paper-based health information systems in three sub-Saharan African countries.

Methods/Design

The PHISICC initiative is being carried out in remote, rural settings in Côte d’Ivoire, Mozambique and Nigeria through partnership with ministries of health and research institutions. We began with research syntheses to acquire the most up-to-date knowledge on health information systems. These were coupled with fieldwork in the three countries to understand the current design, patterns and contexts of use, and healthcare worker perspectives. Frontline health workers, with designers and researchers, used co-creation methods to produce the new PHISICC tools. This suite of tools is being tested in the three countries in three cluster-randomized controlled trials. Throughout the project, we have engaged with a wide range of stakeholders and have maintained the highest scientific standards to ensure that results are relevant to the realities in the three countries.

Discussion

We have deployed a comprehensive research approach to ensure the robustness and future policy uptake of findings. Besides the innovative PHISICC paper-based tools, our process is in itself innovative. Rather than emphasizing the technical dimensions of data management, we focused instead on frontline health workers’ data use and decision-making. By tackling the whole scope of primary healthcare areas rather than a subset of them, we have developed an entirely new design and visual language for a suite of tools across healthcare areas. The initiative is being tested in remote, rural areas where the most vulnerable live.
Developing PspCas13b-based enhanced RESCUE system, eRESCUE, with efficient RNA base editing
Authors: Li Guo , Wang Yihan , Li Xiangyang , Wang Yuzhe , Huang Xingxu , Gao Jianen , Hu Xiaoxiang
Published: August 2021

RNA base editing is potential for cellular function research and genetic diseases treating. There are two main RNA base editors, REPAIR and RESCUE, for in vitro use. REPAIR was developed by fusing inactivated Cas13 (dCas13) with the adenine deaminase domain of ADAR2, which efficiently performs adenosine-to-inosine (A-to-I) RNA editing. RESCUE, which performs both cytidine-to-uridine (C-to-U) and A-to-I RNA editing, was developed by fusing inactivated Cas13 (dCas13) with the evolved ADAR2. However, the relatively low editing efficiency of the RESCUE system limits its broad application. Here, we constructed an enhanced RESCUE (eRESCUE) system; this dPspCas13b-RESCUE-NES system was generated by fusing inactivated PspCas13b with the evolved ADAR2. We determined the endogenous mRNA A-to-I and C-to-U editing efficiency mediated by the dPspCas13b-RESCUE-NES system in HEK-293T cells. This new RNA base editor was then used to induce 177Ser/Gly conversion of inhibitor kappa B kinase β (IKKβ) by changing the genetic code from AGU to GGU. The results showed that the eRESCUE editor mediates more efficient A-to-I and C-to-U RNA editing than the RESCUE RNA editor, as was previously reported. The 177Ser/Gly conversion of IKKβ, accomplished by converting the genetic code from AGU to GGU, resulted in a decrease in the phosphorylation of IKKβ and downregulation of downstream IKKβ-related genes. In summary, we developed a more efficient RNA base editor, eRESCUE, which may provide a useful tool for biomedical research and genetic disease treatment.
Anti-inflammatory and -apoptotic effects of a long-term herbal extract treatment on DSS-induced colitis in mice fed with high AGEs-fat diet
Authors: Azizian-Farsani Fatemeh , Osuchowski Marcin , Abedpoor Navid , Forootan Farzad Seyed , Derakhshan Maryam , Nasr-Esfahani Mohammad Hossein , Sheikhha Mohammad Hasan , Ghaedi Kamran
Published: August 2021

Background

Obesity is associated with many comorbidities including inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). We investigated prophylactic effects of an herbal extract (HE) on the DSS-induced colitis mice challenged with high AGEs-fat diet 60% (HFD).

Methods

Six-week-old C57BL/6 male mice were fed with either HFD (8 groups, 6 mice in each group), or normal diet (ND) (8 groups, 6 mice in each group). After 6 weeks, animals received HE (combination of turmeric, ginger, boswellia and cat’s claw extract) for 7 weeks in three doses (high dose (0.6 mg/g); low dose (0.15 mg/g) and mid dose (0.3 mg/g)). Next, mice were subjected to 2.5% DSS in drinking water. Control mice received ND and instead of HE and DSS they received distilled water. Obesity index markers were determined, H&E staining and TUNEL assay evaluated apoptosis. Colonic expressions of IL-6, RAGE, AGER1, Sirt1, Bax, Bcl2, ZO-1 and P53 were determined.

Results

HE ameliorated colitis in HFD mice by reducing colonic myeloperoxidase activity (by 2.3-fold), macrophage accumulation (by 2.6-fold) and mRNA expression of IL-6 (by 2.3-fold) in HFD mice. Moreover, HE restored ZO-1 (by 2.7-fold), prevented apoptosis and maintained immune homeostasis. HE reduced activation of NF-κB protein (by 1.3-fold) through decreasing RAGE (by 1.93-fold) and up-regulation of Sirt1 (by 7.71-fold) and prevented down-regulation of DDOST (by 6.6-fold) in HFD mice.

Conclusions

HE ameliorated colitis in prophylactic in HFD mice and it was, at least partly, due to the restoration of the gut integrity, suppression of inflammation and apoptosis via modulation of colonic Sirt1, RAGE and DDOST signaling.

Graphic abstract
Assessing the evidence on the differential impact of menthol versus non-menthol cigarette use on smoking cessation in the U.S. population: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Kim Mimi M. , Curtin Geoffrey M.
Published: August 2021

Background

The potential impact of menthol versus non-menthol cigarette use on smoking behaviors is an intensely scrutinized topic in the public health arena. To date, several general literature reviews have been conducted, but findings and conclusions have been discordant. This systematic review followed PRISMA guidelines to examine the Key Question, “Does menthol cigarette use have a differential impact on smoking cessation compared with non-menthol cigarette use?”

Methods

Six databases—Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, Database of Abstracts of Reviews of Effects, MEDLINE, Embase and PsycInfo—were queried from inception to June 12, 2020. Articles comparing menthol versus non-menthol cigarette smokers in terms of at least one predefined smoking cessation outcome were included. Risk of bias was assessed using the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality Evidence-Based Practice Center approach. A random-effects model utilizing the DerSimonian and Laird method to pool adjusted odds ratio was applied. Variations among pooled studies were assessed using Cochran’s Q statistic, and heterogeneity was quantified using the inconsistency index (I2).

Results

Forty-three demographically adjusted studies (22 rated “good”, 20 rated “fair”, and one study rated “poor” individual study quality) comparing menthol and non-menthol smokers were qualitatively synthesized across the following measures (study count; strength of evidence): duration of abstinence (2; low); quit attempts (15; insufficient); rate of abstinence/quitting (29; moderate); change in smoking quantity/frequency (5; insufficient); and, return to smoking/relapse (2; insufficient). Overall, the qualitative synthesis failed to show a consistent trend for an association between menthol cigarette use and smoking cessation across outcomes. Meta-analyses found no difference between menthol and non-menthol cigarette use and either quit attempts or abstinence.

Conclusions

Given the lack of consistency or statistical significance in the findings—combined with a “low” overall strength of evidence grade, based on deficiencies of indirectness and inconsistency—no consistent or significant associations between menthol cigarette use and smoking cessation were identified. Recommendations for future studies include increased focus on providing longitudinal, adjusted data collected from standardized outcome measures of cessation to better inform long-term smoking cessation and menthol cigarette use. Such improvements should also be further considered in more methodologically rigorous systematic reviews characterized by objectivity, comprehensiveness, and transparency with the ultimate objective of better informing public health and policy decision making.
Clinical and radiographic outcomes of hybrid graft in patients with Modic changes undergoing transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion
Authors: Jiao Jiaxun , Li Jiaqi , Luo Yun , Zhang Wei
Published: August 2021

Background

This retrospective study aimed to analyze the influence of Modic changes (MCs) on the clinical and radiographic outcomes of transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion with hybrid graft.

Methods

Clinical data of 89 patients with Modic changes who underwent single-segment transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion between January 2015 and January 2019 at our institution were analyzed. Patients were divided into three groups: the MCs-0 group (no endplate changes; used as the control group), the MCs-1 group, and the MCs-2 group. Clinical and radiological parameters were compared between the three groups.

Results

There were no significant between-group differences in age (P = 0.216), sex (P = 0.903), body mass index (P = 0.805), smoking (P = 0.722), diagnosis (P = 0.758), surgical level (P = 0.760), blood loss (P = 0.172), operative time (P = 0.236), or follow-up (P = 0.372). Serum C-reactive protein level and erythrocyte sedimentation rate in the MCs-1 and MCs-2 groups were significantly higher than those in the MCs-0 group on the third and seventh days (P < 0.05). Postoperative radiographic parameters were significantly higher than preoperative parameters in all 3 groups (P < 0.05). Visual analog scale scores for low back pain in the MCs-0 and MCs-2 groups were significantly different from those in the MCs-1 group (P < 0.05). However, there were no significant between-group differences with respect to Oswestry Disability Index scores or visual analog scale scores for leg pain.

Conclusion

In this study, Modic changes had no impact on fusion rates and clinical outcomes of transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion with hybrid graft (autologous local bone graft plus allogeneic freeze-dried bone graft). However, MCs-1 increased the risk of cage subsidence and showed superior outcomes in terms of visual analog scale scores for low back pain.
Mannose supplementation in PMM2-CDG
Authors: Taday Roman , Park Julien H. , Grüneberg Marianne , DuChesne Ingrid , Reunert Janine , Marquardt Thorsten
Published: August 2021

In this response to the letter by Witters et al., we refer to the authors' arguments regarding spontaneous enhancement of glycosylation and the claim, that mannose has no place in the treatment of PMM2-CDG. Our paper “Dietary mannose supplementation in phosphomannomutase 2 deficiency (PMM2-CDG)” has shown that further investigation of mannose in PMM2-CDG is worthwhile alongside other treatment options and should not be dismissed off-hand without the willingness to prove or disprove it in controlled prospective clinical trials.
Phosphorylation of NF-κBp65 drives inflammation-mediated hepatocellular carcinogenesis and is a novel therapeutic target
Authors: Xu Xuan , Lei Yiming , Chen Lingjun , Zhou Haoxiong , Liu Huiling , Jiang Jie , Yang Yidong , Wu Bin
Published: August 2021

Background

Nuclear factor­κB (NF-κB) plays a vital role in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). β-arrestin1 (ARRB1) has been proved to enhance the activity of NF-κBp65, and our previous study indicated that ARRB1 promotes hepatocellular carcinogenesis and development of HCC. However, it remains unknown whether p65 is involved in hepatocellular carcinogenesis through the ARRB1-mediated pathway.

Methods

The levels of NF-κBp65 and NF-κBp65 phosphorylation (p-p65) were assessed in including normal liver, primary HCC and paired paracancerous tissues. Liver-specific p65 knockout mice were used to examine the role of p65 and p-p65 in hepatocarcinogenesis. The mechanism of NF-κBp65 and p-p65 in hepatocarcinogenesis via ARRB1 was also studied both in vitro and in vivo.

Results

Phosphorylation of NF-κBp65 was markedly upregulated in inflammation-related HCC patients and was significantly increased in mouse hepatic inflammation models, which were induced by tetrachloromethane (CCl4), diethylnitrosamine (DEN), TNF-α, as well as DEN-induced HCC. Hepatocyte-specific p65-deficient mice markedly decreased in the HCC incidence and size of tumours by the repressing of the proliferation of malignant cells in a DEN-induced HCC model. Furthermore, ARRB1 directly bounds p65 to promote the phosphorylation of NF-κBp65 at ser536, resulted in cell malignant proliferation through GSK3β/mTOR signalling.

Conclusion

The data demonstrated that phosphorylation of NF-κBp65 drives hepatocellular carcinogenesis in response to inflammation-mediated ARRB1, and that inhibition of the phosphorylation of NF-κBp65 restrains the hepatocellular carcinogenesis. The results indicate that phosphorylation of NF-κBp65 is a novel therapeutic target for HCC.
Can expelled cells/debris from a developing embryo be used for PGT?
Authors: Aizer Adva , Harel-Inbar Noa , Shani Hagit , Orvieto Raoul
Published: August 2021

Background

Preimplantation genetic testing (PGT) is offered to a wide range of structural and numerical chromosomal imbalances, with PGT- polymerase chain reaction (PCR), as the method of choice for amplifying the small DNA content achieved from the blastomere biopsy or trophectoderm (TE) biopsy, that might have a detrimental impact on embryonic implantation potential. Since human embryos cultured until Day-5–6 were noticed to expel cell debris/ fragments within the zona pellucida, we aimed to examine whether these cell debris/ fragments might be used for PGT, as an alternative to embryo biopsy.

Methods

Blastocysts, which their Day-3 blastomere biopsy revealed an affected embryo with single-gene defect, and following hatching leaved cell debris/fragments within the zona pellucida were analyzed. Each blastocyst and its corresponding cell debris/fragments were separated and underwent the same molecular analysis, based on multiplex PCR programs designed for haplotyping using informative microsatellites markers. The main outcome measure was the intra-embryo congruity of Day-3 blastomere biopsy and its corresponding blastocyst and cell debris/fragments.

Results

Fourteen affected embryos from 9 women were included. Only 8/14 (57.2%) of embryos demonstrated congruent molecular genetic results between Day-3 embryo and its corresponding blastocyst and cell debris/fragments. In additional 6/14 (42.8%) embryos, molecular results of the Day-3 embryos and their corresponding blastocysts were congruent, while the cell debris/fragments yielded no molecular diagnoses (incomplete diagnoses).

Conclusions

It might be therefore concluded, that in PGT cycles, examining the cell debris/fragments on Day-4, instead of Day-3 blastomere or Day-5 TE biopsies, is feasible and might avoid embryo biopsy with its consequent detrimental effect on embryos’ implantation potential. Whenever the latter results in incomplete diagnosis, TE biopsy should be carried out on Day-5 for final genetic results. Further large well-designed studies are required to validate the aforementioned PGT platform.
Association between the rs615563 variant of PCSK9 gene and circulating lipids and Type 2 diabetes
Authors: Taghizadeh Jazdani Samira , Shahbazian Hajieh Bibi , Cheraghian Bahman , Jalali Mohammad Taha , Mohammadtaghvaei Narges
Published: August 2021

Objective

Many different genetic variants of proprotein convertase subtilisin kexin 9 (PCSK9) are related to the serum levels of cholesterol and LDL cholesterol (LDL-C). The rs615563 variant of PCSK9 (a gain-of-function mutation) is associated with increased triglycerides and cholesterol levels, but its association with the incidence of diabetes is not well defined. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between the PCSK9 rs615563 variant with the incidence of type 2 diabetes. The data reported in this study are based on subsamples from a 5-year (2009–2014) cohort study of the adult population (590 subjects) aged 20 years and older. The rs615563 polymorphism was genotyped using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) followed by restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) analysis.

Results

The distribution of PCSK9 rs615563 genotypes was not significantly different between the diabetic and non-diabetic individuals. The incidence of diabetes after five-years of follow-up was not different between the genotypes. Our findings also showed no significant relationship between this polymorphism and serum lipid parameters. The data extracted from our cohort study do not support the findings that the gain-of-function mutations of PCSK9 predispose to the incidence of type 2 diabetes.
Human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells reduce oxidative damage and apoptosis in diabetic nephropathy by activating Nrf2
Authors: Nie Ping , Bai Xue , Lou Yan , Zhu Yuexin , Jiang Shan , Zhang Lina , Tian Na , Luo Ping , Li Bing
Published: August 2021

Background

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have a therapeutic effect on diabetic nephropathy (DN) but the underlying mechanism remains unclear. This study was conducted to investigate whether human umbilical cord-MSCs (hUCMSCs) can induce oxidative damage and apoptosis by activating Nrf2.

Methods

We used a type 2 diabetic rat model and a high-glucose and fat-stimulated human glomerular mesangial cell (hGMC) model. Western blotting, RT-qPCR, and TUNEL staining were performed on animal tissues and cultured cells. Nuclear expression of Nrf2 was detected in the renal tissue. Furthermore, Nrf2 siRNA was used to examine the effects of hUCMSCs on hGMCs. Finally, the effect of hUCMSCs on the Nrf2 upstream signalling pathway was investigated.

Results

After treatment with hUCMSCs, Nrf2 showed increased expression and nuclear translocation. After Nrf2-specific knockout in hGMCs, the protective effect of hUCMSCs on apoptosis induced by high-glucose and fat conditions was reduced. Activation of the PI3K signalling pathway may be helpful for ameliorating DN using hUCMSCs.

Conclusions

hUCMSCs attenuated renal oxidative damage and apoptosis in type 2 diabetes mellitus and Nrf2 activation is one of the important mechanisms of this effect. hUCMSCs show potential as drug targets for DN.
Outcome of cancer patients considered for intensive care unit admission in two university hospitals in the Netherlands: the danger of delayed ICU admissions and off-hour triage decisions
Authors: van der Zee Esther N. , Benoit Dominique D. , Hazenbroek Marinus , Bakker Jan , Kompanje Erwin J. O. , Kusadasi Nuray , Epker Jelle L.
Published: August 2021

Background

Very few studies assessed the association between Intensive Care Unit (ICU) triage decisions and mortality. The aim of this study was to assess whether an association could be found between 30-day mortality, and ICU admission consultation conditions and triage decisions.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective cohort study in two large referral university hospitals in the Netherlands. We identified all adult cancer patients for whom ICU admission was requested from 2016 to 2019. Via a multivariable logistic regression analysis, we assessed the association between 30-day mortality, and ICU admission consultation conditions and triage decisions.

Results

Of the 780 cancer patients for whom ICU admission was requested, 332 patients (42.6%) were considered ‘too well to benefit’ from ICU admission, 382 (49%) patients were immediately admitted to the ICU and 66 patients (8.4%) were considered ‘too sick to benefit’ according to the consulting intensivist(s). The 30-day mortality in these subgroups was 30.1%, 36.9% and 81.8%, respectively. In the patient group considered ‘too well to benefit’, 258 patients were never admitted to the ICU and 74 patients (9.5% of the overall study population, 22.3% of the patients ‘too well to benefit’) were admitted to the ICU after a second ICU admission request (delayed ICU admission). Thirty-day mortality in these groups was 25.6% and 45.9%. After adjustment for confounders, ICU consultations during off-hours (OR 1.61, 95% CI 1.09–2.38, p-value 0.02) and delayed ICU admission (OR 1.83, 95% CI 1.00–3.33, p-value 0.048 compared to “ICU admission”) were independently associated with 30-day mortality.

Conclusion

The ICU denial rate in our study was high (51%). Sixty percent of the ICU triage decisions in cancer patients were made during off-hours, and 22.3% of the patients initially considered “too well to benefit” from ICU admission were subsequently admitted to the ICU. Both decisions during off-hours and a delayed ICU admission were associated with an increased risk of death at 30 days. Our study suggests that in cancer patients, ICU triage decisions should be discussed during on-hours, and ICU admission policy should be broadened, with a lower admission threshold for critically ill cancer patients.
A blockchain-based privacy-preserving 5G network slicing service level agreement audit scheme
Authors: Xiao Ke , Geng Ziye , He Yunhua , Xu Gang , Wang Chao , Tian Yutong
Published: August 2021

Network slicing, as a key technique of 5G, provides a way that network operators can segment multiple virtual logic on the same physical network and each customer can order specific slicing which can meet his requirement of 5G service. The service level agreement of network slicing (NS-SLA) of 5G, as a business agreement signed between the network operators and the customers, specifies the relevant requirements for the 5G services provided by the network operators. However, the authenticity of auditing results may not be guaranteed and the customer’s data may be leaked in the existing NS-SLA audit scheme. In this paper, a blockchain-based 5G network slicing NS-SLA audit model is proposed to address the above problems. The blockchain is applied as a public platform and all the dual monitored service parameters will be stored on the blockchain to ensure the authenticity of data. A trapdoor order-revealing encryption algorithm is introduced to audit strategy, which can encrypt the monitored parameters, realize the comparison over ciphertexts and prevent the privacy of data from leaking. Besides, an NS-SLA audit smart contract is designed to implement the audit task and execute corresponding punishment strategies automatically. We make experiments to exam the cost of the blockchain-based system and the results found clear support for the feasibility of the proposed model.
On Caputo–Hadamard type coupled systems of nonconvex fractional differential inclusions
Authors: Belmor Samiha , Jarad Fahd , Abdeljawad Thabet
Published: August 2021

This research article is mainly concerned with the existence of solutions for a coupled Caputo–Hadamard of nonconvex fractional differential inclusions equipped with boundary conditions. We derive our main result by applying Mizoguchi–Takahashi’s fixed point theorem with the help of$\mathcal{P}$P-function characterizations.
Bog ecosystems as a playground for plant–microbe coevolution: bryophytes and vascular plants harbour functionally adapted bacteria
Authors: Wicaksono Wisnu Adi , Cernava Tomislav , Berg Christian , Berg Gabriele
Published: August 2021

Background

Bogs are unique ecosystems inhabited by distinctive, coevolved assemblages of organisms, which play a global role for carbon storage, climate stability, water quality and biodiversity. To understand ecology and plant–microbe co-occurrence in bogs, we selected 12 representative species of bryophytes and vascular plants and subjected them to a shotgun metagenomic sequencing approach. We explored specific plant–microbe associations as well as functional implications of the respective communities on their host plants and the bog ecosystem.

Results

Microbial communities were shown to be functionally adapted to their plant hosts; a higher colonization specificity was found for vascular plants. Bryophytes that commonly constitute the predominant Sphagnum layer in bogs were characterized by a higher bacterial richness and diversity. Each plant group showed an enrichment of distinct phylogenetic and functional bacterial lineages. Detailed analyses of the metabolic potential of 28 metagenome-assembled genomes (MAGs) supported the observed functional specification of prevalent bacteria. We found that novel lineages of Betaproteobacteria and Actinobacteria in the bog environment harboured genes required for carbon fixation via RuBisCo. Interestingly, several of the highly abundant bacteria in both plant types harboured pathogenicity potential and carried similar virulence factors as found with corresponding human pathogens.

Conclusions

The unexpectedly high specificity of the plant microbiota reflects intimate plant–microbe interactions and coevolution in bog environments. We assume that the detected pathogenicity factors might be involved in coevolution processes, but the finding also reinforces the role of the natural plant microbiota as a potential reservoir for human pathogens. Overall, the study demonstrates how plant–microbe assemblages can ensure stability, functioning and ecosystem health in bogs. It also highlights the role of bog ecosystems as a playground for plant–microbe coevolution.
Alteration in expression level of some growth and stress-related genes after rhizobacteria inoculation to alleviate drought tolerance in sensitive rice genotype
Authors: Omar Samar A. , Fetyan Nashwa A. H. , Eldenary Medhat E. , Abdelfattah Mohamed H. , Abd-Elhalim Haytham M. , Wrobel Jacek , Kalaji Hazem M.
Published: August 2021

Background

Drought stress is one of the major abiotic stresses that adversely affect rice production. Four rice genotypes, Giza177, IR64 (as sensitive genotypes) and Vandana, Orabi3 (as tolerant genotypes) were used to screen and characterize the soil microbes associated with each genotype under drought stress.

Results

The soil microbes associated with the tolerant genotypes showed high drought tolerance and high levels of enzyme activity. The most drought-tolerant isolates were inoculated with the sensitive genotype Giza177 under drought conditions. Some morphological, biochemical and molecular responses of inoculated plants were estimated. Inoculated plants showed regulation of some growth and stress-related genes (COX1, AP2-EREBP, GRAM, NRAMP6, NAM, GST, DHN and three genes of expansin (EXP1, EXP2 and EXP3) under drought conditions. Expression profiling of these genes were highly induced in plants inoculated with 4E11 and were correlated with improved growth status under drought stress.

Conclusion

Based on this, drought-tolerant plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPRs) were associated with the drought-tolerant genotype (Orabi 3). They were related to the significant increase in soil enzymes activities (dehydrogenase, nitrogenase, urease and alkaline phosphatase) in the rhizosphere of tolerant genotype. Inoculation the drought-sensitive genotype (Giza 177) with the most drought-tolerant isolates improved the tolerance status of the sensitive rice genotype and induced the expression of some growth and stress-responsive genes. AP2-EREBP, NRAMP6, DHN and all expansin genes (EXP1, EXP2 and EXP3) were the highly induced genes in inoculated plants with 4E11 strain and the consortium of three selected strains under drought condition.

Graphic abstract
Diabetes, hypertension and dyslipidemia medication prescribing in Qatari primary care settings: a retrospective analysis of electronic medical records
Authors: Syed Mohamed Ahmed , Al Nuaimi Ahmed Sameer , A/Qotba Hamda Abdulla , Zainel Abduljaleel Abdullatif , Marji Tamara , Razaq Uzma
Published: August 2021

Background

Globally, non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are recognised as a leading cause of morbidity and mortality. Medications and medicines optimisation play an important role in the management of modifiable physiological risk factors and NCDs. The importance of lifestyle interventions in prevention of modifiable risk factors is also well established. The aim of this paper was to describe the quantity of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), hypertension and dyslipidaemia prescribing in Qatari primary care settings. Its findings will provide necessary information to inform pharmaceutical policy and practice.

Methods

The study was undertaken in Qatar’s publicly funded primary health care centres. Data sources for this study comprised electronic medical records. The Anatomical Therapeutic Chemical (ATC) drug classification system was used to classify the medications prescribed. The number and proportion of medications by age, sex, nationality and diagnosis (T2DM, hypertension and dyslipidaemia) were reported.

Results

A total 81,569 individuals were included (18–29 years 2.4%; 30–39 years 11.7%; 40–49 years 25.4%; 50–59 years 31.9% and ≥ 60 years 28.6%). 55.6% participants were male. On average 10.2 medications were prescribed per person and 2.3 medications were included in each prescription. T2DM medications were most prescribed (N = 361,87780,799; 43.2%) followed by hypertension (N = 303,086; 36.2%) and dyslipidaemia (N = 172,163; 20.5%). Of the total medications prescribed, 72% (N = 605,488) were prescribed in individuals aged 50 years and above. Men were prescribed 62% (N = 515,043) medications while women were prescribed 38% (N = 322,083) medications. Southern Asians (N = 330,338; 39%) were prescribed most medication followed by Qataris (N = 181,328; 22%) and Northern African (N = 145,577; 17%).

Conclusions

In Qatar’s primary care settings, average medications prescribed per patients were found to be higher compared to other populations. While medications were actively prescribed for the 3 conditions, the study found variations by medication type, age, gender and nationality. Rational guidelines for the utilisation of medications need to be established with the support of real-world evidence.
An epidemiologic comparison of acute and overuse injuries in high school sports
Authors: Ritzer Erin E. , Yang Jingzhen , Kistamgari Sandhya , Collins Christy L. , Smith Gary A.
Published: August 2021

Background

Acute and overuse injuries affect millions of high school athletes annually and a better understanding of differences between these injuries is needed to help guide prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation strategies. This study compares acute and overuse injuries using a nationally representative sample of high school athletes.

Methods

Injuries among United States high school athletes participating in 5 boys’ sports (football, soccer, basketball, wrestling, baseball) and 4 girls’ sports (soccer, volleyball, basketball, softball) reported in the High School RIO™ surveillance system during the 2006-07 through 2018-19 school years were classified as acute or overuse. National estimates and injury rates were calculated.

Results

Of 17 434 646 estimated injuries, 92.0 % were acute and 8.0 % were overuse. The acute injury rate was higher than the overuse injury rate among both male (Rate Ratio [RR] 16.38, 95 % CI: 15.70–17.10) and female (RR 8.14, 95 % CI: 7.71–8.60) athletes. The overuse injury rate per 10,000 athlete exposures among female athletes (1.8) was slightly higher than among males (1.4). The rate of acute injury compared with the rate of overuse injury was higher during competition (RR 32.00, 95 % CI: 29.93–34.22) than practice (RR 7.19, 95 % CI: 6.91–7.47). Boys’ football contributed the most acute (42.1 %) and overuse (23.7 %) injuries among the 9 sports. Among female sports, girls’ soccer contributed the most acute (15.6 % of all acute injuries) and overuse (19.4 % of all overuse injuries) injuries. The lower extremity was most commonly injured in acute (48.9 %) and overuse (65.9 %) injuries. Ligament sprain (31.7 %) and concussion (21.0 %) were the most common acute injury diagnoses, while muscle strain (23.3 %) and tendonitis (23.2 %) were the most common overuse injury diagnoses. Compared with acute injuries, overuse injuries were more likely to result in time loss from sports participation of < 1 week among both boys and girls and across most sports. Acute injuries were more likely than overuse injuries to cause a time loss of 1–3 weeks or medical disqualification from sports participation.

Conclusions

Acute and overuse injuries display many differences that provide opportunities for data-informed athlete preparation, treatment, and rehabilitation, which may reduce injuries and improve injury outcomes in high school athletics.
Rotation of the Philippine Sea plate inferred from paleomagnetism of oriented cores taken with an ROV-based coring apparatus
Authors: Yamazaki Toshitsugu , Chiyonobu Shun , Ishizuka Osamu , Tajima Fumisato , Uto Naoki , Takagawa Shinichi
Published: August 2021

Reconstructing the history of Philippine Sea (PHS) plate motion is important for better understanding of the tectonics of the surrounding plates. It is generally considered that the PHS plate migrated northward since Eocene, but its rotation has not been constrained well; some reconstructions incorporated a large clockwise rotation but others did not. This is mainly because the difficulty of collecting oriented rocks from the mostly submerged PHS plate hindered establishing an apparent polar wander path. In this study, we conducted a paleomagnetic study of oriented cores taken using an ROV-based coring apparatus from the Hyuga Seamount on the northern part of the Kyushu-Palau Ridge, a remnant arc in the stable interior of the PHS plate. Stepwise thermal and alternating-field demagnetizations were applied to specimens taken successively from two ~ 30 cm long limestone cores of middle to late Oligocene age, and characteristic remanent magnetization directions could be isolated. Declination and inclination of D = 51.5° and I = 39.8°, respectively, were obtained as the mean of the two cores. The easterly-deflected declination means ~ 50° clockwise rotation of the PHS plate since middle to late Oligocene. In addition, ~ 5° latitudinal change of the site is estimated from the mean inclination. The result implies that the Kyushu-Palau Ridge was located to the southwest of the present position in middle to late Oligocene, and that PHS plate rotation as well as the Shikoku and Parece Vela Basin spreading contributed to the eastward migration of the Izu-Ogasawara (Bonin) Arc to the current position.
Coupled investigations of ionosphere variations over European and Japanese regions: observations, comparative analysis, and validation of models and facilities
Authors: Panasenko Sergii V. , Kotov Dmytro V. , Otsuka Yuichi , Yamamoto Mamoru , Hashiguchi Hiroyuki , Richards Philip G. , Truhlik Vladimir , Bogomaz Oleksandr V. , Shulha Maryna O. , Zhivolup Taras G. , Domnin Igor F.
Published: August 2021

This paper presents the results of a coordinated measurement campaign with ground based and satellite observations over European and Japanese regions during September 5–6, 2017. Two incoherent scatter radars, two satellite missions, International Reference Ionosphere (IRI-2016) empirical model, and Field Line Interhemispheric Plasma (FLIP) physical model were employed to examine the regular behavior of the F2-layer peak height and density and the topside ionosphere electron density, electron, and ion temperatures as well as traveling ionospheric disturbances (TIDs). The daily ionospheric variations over Kharkiv and Shigaraki exhibited similar behavior qualitatively and quantitatively. The results show that none of the empirical IRI-2016 models of F2-layer peak height, topside electron density, and temperature can be preferred for predicting the key qualitative features of variations in ionospheric plasma parameters over Kharkiv and Shigaraki. The likely reason is rapid day to day changes in solar activity and series of moderate enhancements of magnetic activity occurring in the observation period and preceding days. Compared with IRI-2016 model, the FLIP physical model was shown to provide the best agreement with the observations when constrained to follow the observed diurnal variations of F2-layer peak height both over Europe and Japan. This paper presents the first direct comparison of the mid-latitude electron density measured by the Swarm satellite with incoherent scatter radar data and it confirms the high quality of the space-borne data. For the first time, evidence of the possible need to increase the neutral hydrogen density in NRLMSISE-00 model by at least a factor of 2 was obtained for the Asian longitudinal sector. The TIDs, which have predominant periods of about 50 min over Europe and 80 min over Japan, were detected, likely caused by passage of the solar terminator. Such a difference in the periods could indicate regional features and is the topic for further research.
Laparoscopic low anterior resection for rectal cancer wherein the inferior mesenteric artery arose from the superior mesenteric artery: a case report
Authors: Korai Takahiro , Okita Kenji , Nishidate Toshihiko , Okuya Koichi , Akizuki Emi , Sato Yu , Hamabe Atsushi , Kyuno Daisuke , Ishii Masayuki , Miura Ryo , Imamura Masafumi , Nagayama Minoru , Murakami Takeshi , Nobuoka Takayuki , Ito Tatsuya , Takemasa Ichiro
Published: August 2021

Background

Few cases have been reported of colorectal cancer with inferior mesenteric artery (IMA) branching abnormalities; therefore, the lymphatic flow in such cases remains unknown. We report the first case of locally advanced rectal cancer in which the IMA arose from the superior mesenteric artery (SMA) in which we achieved to visualize the lymphatic flow.

Case presentation

A 65-year-old woman complaining of bloody stools was investigated in our hospital and suspected with rectal cancer. Colonoscopy and abdominal enhanced computed tomography (CT) revealed a circumscribed, localized ulcerative tumor in the rectum. 3-Dimensional contrast-enhanced computed tomography (3D-CT) showed that the IMA arose from the SMA. The patient was diagnosed with rectal cancer (cT3N0M0, cStage IIa) and laparoscopic low anterior resection was performed. The sigmoid colon was resected using the medial approach. Only the plexus of the colic branch of the lumbar splanchnic nerve was observed at the site where the root of the IMA usually exists and showed interruption of the indocyanine green (ICG) fluorescence-illuminated lymphatics. The root of the IMA was ligated, and Japanese D3 lymphadenectomy was performed, preserving the accessory middle colic artery. All fluorescent lymph nodes were resected. The pathological diagnosis was pT4aN1aM0 stage IIIb. The patient’s postoperative course was uneventful. Adjuvant chemotherapy was administered, and the patient was recurrence-free at 1.5 years after surgery.

Conclusions

We were able to perform safe and appropriate surgery oncologically, despite abnormal vascular anatomy, due to preoperative identification using 3D-CT and intraoperative navigation using ICG administration.
A feasibility study using mid-upper arm circumference as the sole anthropometric criterion for admission and discharge in the outpatient treatment for severe acute malnutrition
Authors: Garba Souna , Salou Halidou , Nackers Fabienne , Ayouba Amadou , Escruela Montse , Guindo Ousmane , Rocaspana Mercé , Grais Rebecca F. , Isanaka Sheila
Published: August 2021

Background

The World Health Organization recommends the use of a weight-for-height Z-score (WHZ) and/or mid-upper arm circumference (MUAC) as anthropometric criteria for the admission and discharge of young children for the community-based management of severe acute malnutrition. However, using MUAC as a single anthropometric criterion for admission and discharge in therapeutic nutritional programs may offer operational advantages to simplify admission processes at therapeutic nutritional centers and improve program coverage.

Methods

This pragmatic, non-randomized, intervention study compared a standard outpatient nutritional program (n = 824) for the treatment of uncomplicated severe acute malnutrition using WHZ < − 3 and/or MUAC< 115 mm and/or bipedal edema for admission and discharge to a program (n = 1019) using MUAC as the sole anthropometric criterion for admission (MUAC< 120 mm) and discharge (MUAC ≥125 mm at two consecutive visits) in the Tahoua Region of Niger.

Results

Compared to the standard program, the MUAC-only program discharged more children as recovered (70.1% vs. 51.6%; aOR 2.31, 95%CI 1.79–2.98) and fewer children as non-respondent or defaulters, based on respective program definitions. The risk of non-response was high in both programs. Three months post-discharge, children who were discharged after recovery in the MUAC-only program had lower WHZ and MUAC measures. Sixty-three children ineligible for the MUAC-only program but eligible for a standard program (MUAC ≥120 mm and WHZ < -3) were followed for twelve weeks and the anthropometric status of 69.8% of these children did not deteriorate (i.e. MUAC ≥120 mm) despite not immediately receiving treatment in the MUAC-only program.

Conclusions

The results from this study share the first operational experience of using MUAC as sole anthropometric criterion for admission and discharge in Niger and overall support the consideration for MUAC-only programming: the MUAC-only model of care was associated with a higher recovery and a lower defaulter rate than the standard program with very few children found to be excluded from treatment with an admission criterion of MUAC < 120 mm. Further consideration of the appropriate MUAC-based discharge criterion as it relates to an increased risk of non-response and adverse post-discharge outcomes would be prudent.
The long-term transformation of the concept of CSR: towards a more comprehensive emphasis on sustainability
Authors: Aslaksen Hildegunn Mellesmo , Hildebrandt Clare , Johnsen Hans Chr. Garmann
Published: August 2021

This article adds to the discussion of the long-term transformation of CSR, presenting a perspective on the interplay between CSR debate and public discourse on business responsibility. 50 years after Milton Friedman’s provoking claim that the only responsibility for business is to seek profit, a broader debate has emerged aligning CSR with an increasingly comprehensive concept of sustainability. We trace this evolution of the concept during the last three decades focusing on the intersection of economic, social, and environmental responsibility. Based on discourse analysis of news articles and opinion pieces in the largest public newspaper in Norway from 1990 until 2018, the study confirms that discussions on CSR, sustainability and the social model often approach the same challenges. We argue that sustainability has become the dominating term in popular usage for describing the relationship between business and society. Based on our analysis of the public debate, CSR has become amore comprehensive term,transformed from being a term mainly related to internal business affairs to part of a broader societal discussion about sustainability.