bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Stereotactic radiotherapy for soft tissue and bone sarcomas: real-world evidence
Authors: Spałek Mateusz Jacek , Teterycz Paweł , Borkowska Aneta , Poleszczuk Jan , Rutkowski Piotr
Published: February 2022

Introduction:

Selected patients with locally advanced or metastatic soft tissue and bone sarcomas (STBS) may benefit from intensive local treatment, such as stereotactic radiotherapy (SRT). This study aimed to summarize the utilization and outcomes of SRT in STBS and to identify predictive factors for progression and survival.

Materials and methods:

Consecutive patients with advanced STBS who underwent STBS in a sarcoma tertiary center were identified. We collected tumor- and treatment-related factors. Endpoints comprised time to local progression (TTLP), local progression-free survival (LPFS), time to progression, progression-free survival, and overall survival (OS). The Cox proportional-hazards model was used to identify prognostic factors.

Results:

We identified 141 patients who underwent 233 SRTs. Median follow-up was 21 months. Local and distant progression occurred after 19 and 163 SRTs, respectively. SRT for lung metastases was predictive for better TTLP and LPFS (hazard ratio, HR = 0.12, p = 0.007 and HR = 0.42, p = 0.002, respectively). Bone sarcoma (HR for TTLP = 3.18, p = 0.043; HR for LPFS = 1.99, p = 0.028) and lower administered dose (HR for TTLP = 0.98, p = 0.007; HR for LPFS = 0.99, p = 0.012) were predictive for worse TTLP and LPFS. SRT for oligometastases (HR = 0.46, p = 0.021) and lung metastases (HR = 0.55, p = 0.046) was predictive for better OS, whereas diagnosis of bone sarcoma (HR = 2.05, p = 0.029) was predictive for worse OS.

Conclusion:

SRT provides excellent local control in STBS patients without significant toxicity. Patients with oligometastatic disease, lung metastases, and soft tissue sarcomas benefit the most from SRT. The dose escalation moderately enhances local control; however, it does not translate into better survival.
Selection of X-ray versus magnetic resonance imaging as a first-line imaging modality for diagnosing axial spondyloarthritis
Authors: Chan Kwon Oh , Park Min-Chan
Published: February 2022

Introduction:

To determine the cut-off values for age and symptom duration that could be used in selecting preferential first-line imaging modality of sacroiliac joints [X-ray versus magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)] for diagnosing axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA).

Methods:

This retrospective cohort study included 388 patients newly diagnosed with axSpA. Patients were classified into radiographic axSpA (n = 322) and non-radiographic axSpA (n = 66) groups according to the fulfilment of modified New York criteria by X-ray. Patient characteristics of the two groups were compared. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was conducted to determine the cut-off values for age and symptom duration that best distinguish non-radiographic axSpA from radiographic axSpA.

Results:

Compared with patients with radiographic axSpA, those with non-radiographic axSpA were younger at diagnosis (35.7 ± 11.3 years versus 26.8 ± 7.8 years, p < 0.001) and had shorter symptom duration [5.1 (2.1–12.0) years versus 1.0 (0.5–3.2) years, p < 0.001]. ROC analysis showed that age > 33.5 years at diagnosis [area under the curve (AUC): 0.734] and symptom duration > 4.1 years (AUC: 0.787) were the cut-off values that best discriminate radiographic axSpA from non-radiographic axSpA.

Conclusion:

The best cut-off values for age and symptom duration for predicting radiographic sacroiliitis are 33.5 and 4.1 years, respectively. It is reasonable to use X-ray as a first-line imaging modality in patients older than 33.5 years with a symptom duration longer than 4.1 years, and use MRI as a first-line imaging in patients younger than 33.5 years with a symptom duration less than 4.1 years.
Pharmacological management of severe Cushing’s syndrome: the role of etomidate
Authors: Pence Andrea , McGrath Megan , Lee Stephanie L. , Raines Douglas E.
Published: February 2022

Cushing’s syndrome (CS) is an endocrine disease characterized by excessive adrenocortical steroid production. One of the mainstay pharmacological treatments for CS are steroidogenesis enzyme inhibitors, including the antifungal agent ketoconazole along with metyrapone, mitotane, and aminoglutethimide. Recently, osilodrostat was added to this drug class and approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of Cushing’s Disease. Steroidogenesis enzyme inhibitors inhibit various enzymes along the cortisol biosynthetic pathway and may be used preoperatively to lower cortisol levels and reduce surgical risk associated with tumor resection or postoperatively when surgery and/or radiation therapies are not curative. Because their selectivities for steroidogenic enzymes vary, they may even be administered in combination to achieve relatively rapid control of severe hypercortisolemia. Unfortunately, all currently available inhibitors are accompanied by serious adverse side effects that limit dosing and often result in treatment failures. Although more commonly known as a general anesthetic induction agent, etomidate is another member of the steroidogenesis enzyme inhibitor drug class. It suppresses cortisol production primarily by inhibiting 11β-hydroxylase and is the only inhibitor that may be given parenterally. However, the sedative-hypnotic actions of etomidate limit its use as an acute management option for CS. Thus, some have recommended that it be used only in intensive care settings. In this review, we discuss the initial development of etomidate as an anesthetic agent, its subsequent development as a treatment for CS, and the recent advances in dosing and drug development that dissociate sedative-hypnotic and adrenostatic drug actions to facilitate CS treatment in non-critical care settings.
Crafting scholarly alliances for multispecies justice
Authors: Srinivasan Krithika
Published: February 2022

This commentary responds to Bram Büscher's critique of the more-than-human turn. As a more-than-human geographer, I find myself in agreement in with the broad tenor of the concerns about ontological idealism and relationality expressed in Bram's paper, and welcome its recognition of the emancipatory aims of more-than-human scholarship. However, I show that more-than-human literatures are far more diverse than Bram's characterisation of the field suggests. Many works eschew relational and agency-focused approaches to critically scrutinise the impacts of human systems on nonhuman lives. Furthermore, the concerns raised by Bram have been discussed far more extensively within more-than-human scholarship than implied. At the same time, some of these problems can be found outside of more-than-human literatures too, including in political ecology. More crucially, I argue for the need for greater precision in the usage of terms such as ‘de-centering’, ‘human exceptionalism’, and ‘more-than-life’, and for a fuller discussion of the special value attached to the category of the ‘human’. These concepts have historically combined ontological and ethico-political claims in public and scholarly life. Recognising this, and separating out ontological distinctions from the ethico-political privileging of humankind, I argue, is key for crafting scholarly alliances for multispecies justice.
Flutterwave—A digital payment solution in Nigeria
Authors: Ahmed Jashim U , Talukdar Amreen , Khan Md M , Sharif Raihan , Ahmed Asma
Published: February 2022

This case study analyses the Information & Communication Technology (ICT) sector of the West African country Nigeria; the growth of their internet services leading to online payment options. The rise of telecommunication companies and mobile payment options are also scrutinized here to some extent. The report discusses the overlying assumptions of weak online financial security issues that developing countries face and how payment aggregators are aiding in the process in order to achieve a smooth digital marketplace. Flutterwave, is a B2B digital payment Application Programming Interface (API) that allows processing of credit and debit for cards, other local alternative payments, such as mobile money and Automated Clearing House (ACH), across Africa. They ensure that global merchants are able to process payments like a local African company. The case of Flutterwave is discussed in detail with their business model—customer profiles, provided services, a landscape of their competitors and the challenges faced doing business; in order to shed some light on the aspect of making Nigeria a potential destination of investment for many Multinational Corporation (MNC’s) in the future.
Do Prophylactic Inferior Vena Cava Filters Affect the Rates of Venous Thromboembolism and Pulmonary Embolism in Patients Undergoing Major Spine Surgery?
Authors: Woodward Chase C. , Eby Michael , Gandhi Rikesh , Plachta Stephen M. , Baldwin Keith , Holderread Brendan M. , Smith Harvey E. , Arlet Vincent , Saifi Comron
Published: February 2022

Study Design

Retrospective Analysis

Background

Venous thromboembolism (VTE) represents a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in major spine surgery. Placement of prophylactic inferior vena cava filters (IVCF) in patients undergoing major spine surgery was previously adopted at our institution. This study reports our experience and compares VTE rates between patients with and without preoperative IVCF placement.

Methods

A Retrospective comparative study was conducted on adult patients who underwent IVCF placement and those who did not prior to their spinal fusion procedure, between 2013 and 2016. Thoracolumbar fusions (anterior and/or posterior) of 7 or more levels, spinal osteotomies, and a minimum of a 3-month follow-up were included. Traumatic, oncologic, and cervical pathology were excluded. Primary outcomes measured included the incidence of overall VTE (DVT/PE), death, IVCF related complications, and IVCF retrieval.

Results

386 patients who underwent major spine surgery, 258 met the eligibility criteria. Of those patients, 105 patients (40.7%) had prophylactic IVCF placement. All patients had postoperative SCDs and chemoprophylaxis. The presence of an IVCF was associated with an increased rate of overall VTE (14.3% vs 6.5%, P ≤ .05) and DVT episodes (8.6% vs 2.6%, P = .04). The rate of PE for the IVCF group and non-IVCF group was 8.6% and 4.6%, respectively, which was not statistically significant ( P = .32). The all-cause mortality rate overall of 2.3% was statistically similar between both groups ( P = 1.0). The IVCF group had higher rates of hematoma/seroma vs the non-IVCF group (12.4% vs 3.9%, P ≤ .05). 99 IVCFs were retrievable designs, and 85% were successfully retrieved. Overall IVCF-related complication rate was 11%.

Conclusions

No statistical difference in PE or mortality rates existed between the IVCF and the control group. Patients with IVCF placement experienced approximately twice the rate of VTE and three times the rate of DVT compared to those without IVCF. The IVCF-related complication rate was 11%. Based on the results of this study, the authors recommend against the routine use of prophylactic IVCFs in adults undergoing major spine surgery.

Level of Evidence

III.
Cryotherapy: A Safe Approach to Pulmonary Hemorrhage During VV-ECMO
Authors: Green Adam , Puri Nitin , Kouch Michael , Wolfe Yanika , Balakrishnan Archana , Abramian Osheen , Boujaoude Ziad , Abouzgheib Wissam
Published: February 2022

The number of hospitals with veno-venous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VV-ECMO) capabilities is expanding. To support an ECMO program, centers must be equipped to handle associated complications such as pulmonary hemorrhage. We describe a case series of 4 patients with life-threatening pulmonary bleeding and central airway obstruction. A therapeutic approach of anticoagulation cessation coupled with cryoextraction via flexible bronchoscopy led to successful restoration of airway patency without any adverse events. A low threshold to stop anticoagulation with a strong consideration of bronchoscopy with cryotherapy for pulmonary toilet should be done in patients with pulmonary hemorrhage during VV-ECMO.
Marking Pen Bacterial Contamination During Shoulder Surgery
Authors: Magone Kevin , Ristow Jacob , Root Kyle , Atkinson Theresa , Sardelli Matthew
Published: February 2022

Background:

Equipment used to guide surgical incisions has been shown to be a source of bacterial contamination during surgery.

Purpose/Hypothesis:

To compare the culture-positive rates of sterile marking pens used before and after skin preparation for shoulder surgery. It was hypothesized that there will be no difference in culture-positive rates from marking pens used after skin preparation compared with before skin preparation.

Study Design:

Controlled laboratory study.

Methods:

Overall, 43 consecutive patients undergoing elective shoulder surgery were enrolled prospectively into this study. Each patient provided 2 samples: study pens (from marking the surgical site incision after skin preparation) and positive control pens (from marking the surgical site incision before skin preparation). In addition, there were 43 negative control pens evaluated (straight from the packaging without any patient contact). Cultures were evaluated at 4 and 21 days, and all positive cultures were further evaluated for speciation, if able. Standard descriptive summaries and Fisher exact tests were used to compare the study samples.

Results:

The average age of the 43 patients was 54 years (range, 18-76 years). There were 29 (67%) female patients, and 30 (70%) procedures were on the right shoulder. Of the 43 procedures performed, 29 (67.4%) were arthroscopic, 12 (27.9%) were open, and 2 (4.7%) were closed. Of the 43 study pens, 1 culture was positive for Propionibacterium acnes (2.3%). Of the 43 positive control pens, 2 cultures were positive for bacterial growth (4.7%): P. acnes and Gram-positive bacilli (no speciation could be obtained). Of the 43 negative control pens, none of the cultures were positive for bacterial growth (0%). There was no statistical difference in the culture-positive rate between the study pens and the positive or negative control pens ( P ≥ .999).

Conclusion:

Study results indicated that sterile surgical marking pens used to plan incisions and to outline anatomic landmarks did not have a higher culture-positive rate compared with pens used on unprepared skin or pens straight from the packaging.

Clinical Relevance:

As a precaution, sterile surgical marking pens should be discarded after use on the skin surface and not placed on the sterile field.
White Racial Awareness: Complexities and Contexts of White Educator Identities
Authors: Deutschman Megan C.
Published: February 2022

This study utilizes life history methodology to understand how White teachers develop racial awareness while also exploring how the education profession acts as an inflection point for racialized understandings of the world. Furthermore, as the educators in this study grew in their racial awareness, there was a rise in conflicting and ambivalent feelings as they attempted to teach in ways that aligned with their newly developed awareness. These feelings surfaced as the educators grappled with issues of race, Whiteness, and systemic inequality in both their profession and in their personal lives. Using a framework of Critical Whiteness Studies, this study provides a nuanced and contextual discussion of White identity development. Ultimately, findings show that educators begin to understand race through proximity, exposure, and repeated interaction with students of Color. This holds major implications not only for educators and teacher education programs but also for students of Color.
Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar’s Image and Thought as Perceived in Thailand From 1975 to 2017
Authors: Panyamanee Pittikorn
Published: February 2022

Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar (1891–1956), popularly known as Babasaheb Ambedkar, was an Indian jurist, economist, politician and social reformer who inspired the Dalit Buddhist movement and campaigned against social discrimination against untouchables (Dalits) while supporting the rights of women and labourers. This article examines how Ambedkar is characterized in Thai language academic and general writings published between 1975 and 2017. The paper is based on textual analysis that interprets the books and articles on Ambedkar in Thai language as primary sources for understanding his image and thought as portrayed in Thailand.

Ambedkar’s forward-thinking ideas on democracy impressed Thai writers because Ambedkar attempted to dispense with the caste system and promote liberty, equality and fraternity among underprivileged communities in India. Ambedkar also served as chairman of drafting committee of Constitution and leader of the Dalit movement and community. Furthermore, Thai writers see Ambedkar’s ideas about Buddhism as qualifying him as a messiah or bodhisattva who revived a neo-Buddhist movement in India. Thai monks have served as significant intermediaries in narrating Ambedkar’s interpretation of Buddhism to the Thai Buddhist community because they have direct experience such as studying and staying in India. Academics and famous writers have also conveyed Ambedkar’s ideas about Buddhism and democracy, which qualify him as a modernist and maha manav [great man].
Lived Realities of Socio-political Negotiations by Marginalized Groups and the Inherent Rationality of Caste-Based Power Negotiations: A Study of Khap Regions of Muzaffarnagar, Uttar Pradesh
Authors: Sarvesh Tarushikha
Published: February 2022

The article explores the lived realities of socio-political negotiations by marginalized groups and the inherent rationality of caste-based power negotiations at a micro level. It also explores the possibilities of alternate futures and alternate interpretations of the margins, through the study of caste-based negotiations and subversions in the Khap villages of western Uttar Pradesh. Stuart Hall, British Cultural theorist, draws attention to the perspective that cultural identification need not produce an essence but a positioning subject to the continuous ‘play’ of history, culture and power. B. R. Ambedkar had termed the hierarchical caste system in India as ‘graded inequality’, which resists any transformation in its oppressive framework because it gives a sense of superiority to each caste placed above the other in a descending order. Despite stiff resistance to any transformation, various forms of subversion—denting the rigid caste and cultural frames—exist in the Khap areas of western Uttar Pradesh.

Ambedkar’s vision of a non-sectarian equitable new social order in combination with empirical study on the current socio-political negotiations by marginalized groups on the ground—with a hint to the possibilities of alternate futures through the efforts towards inducing a democratic environment—are explored here.
Economic Growth, Development and Education of Scheduled Castes: Line Drawn from Neoliberal Era
Authors: Bhoi Dhaneswar
Published: February 2022

The economy of India was reasonably well during the world economic crisis and is performing well in the economic growth of the nation. However, relatively high aggregate economic growth also co-exists with the persistence of less social development for more than a decade. The exclusiveness of this growth rate is associated with region, locality, education, employment, living standard and social position. In this situation, this study poses questions: what are the changing impacts of neoliberalism in India and does economic growth co-exist with social development? What are the neoliberal experiences of marginal sections connected to economic growth? How are the educational attainments, retention and achievements of Scheduled Caste students connected to the structural changes in higher education?
Urban oceans: Social differentiation in the city and the sea
Authors: Rodenbiker Jesse
Published: February 2022

This paper argues that the urban and the ocean are co-constituted through relations that are unevenly classed, gendered, and racialized. This argument is empirically anchored in high-value fish maw markets in Hong Kong, New York City, and the oceanic spaces and lives therein. The global inter-urban trade in Totoaba, an endangered fish endemic to the Gulf of California, serves as a primary example of piscine capital circulation, while supporting examples engage a much longer durée of urban ocean relations. Agrarian technologies appropriated through colonial trans-oceanic trade, for instance, are shown to be precursors of Euro-American industrial urbanization, while whale bodies were crucial to urban politics of difference and producing urban spaces in 19th century U.S. cities. Contemporary fisheries on the high seas exemplify how ocean spaces remain frontiers of unfree labor and natural resource extraction that contribute to capital accumulation in global cities. Through these examples, the article details how the ocean is urbanized, how the urban is constituted through the ocean, as well as some of the differentiated social formations and socio-natural effects of urban oceanic relationships. Urban oceanic processes of exploitation, extraction, circulation, and consumption predispose marginalized people and ocean wildlife to premature deaths. Urban oceanic relations could be otherwise constituted. Towards reconstituting these relations, the paper advances a hybrid analytical framework that ungrounds the urban from terrestrial conceptual moorings through engaging interdisciplinary ocean geographies.
MicroRNA let-7 and viral infections: focus on mechanisms of action
Authors: Letafati Arash , Najafi Sajad , Mottahedi Mehran , Karimzadeh Mohammad , Shahini Ali , Garousi Setareh , Abbasi-Kolli Mohammad , Sadri Nahand Javid , Tamehri Zadeh Seyed Saeed , Hamblin Michael R. , Rahimian Neda , Taghizadieh Mohammad , Mirzaei Hamed
Published: February 2022

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are fundamental post-transcriptional modulators of several critical cellular processes, a number of which are involved in host defense mechanisms. In particular, miRNA let-7 functions as an essential regulator of the function and differentiation of both innate and adaptive immune cells. Let-7 is involved in several human diseases, including cancer and viral infections. Several viral infections have found ways to dysregulate the expression of miRNAs. Extracellular vesicles (EV) are membrane-bound lipid structures released from many types of human cells that can transport proteins, lipids, mRNAs, and miRNAs, including let-7. After their release, EVs are taken up by the recipient cells and their contents released into the cytoplasm. Let-7-loaded EVs have been suggested to affect cellular pathways and biological targets in the recipient cells, and can modulate viral replication, the host antiviral response, and the action of cancer-related viruses. In the present review, we summarize the available knowledge concerning the expression of let-7 family members, functions, target genes, and mechanistic involvement in viral pathogenesis and host defense. This may provide insight into the development of new therapeutic strategies to manage viral infections.
Characteristic and affecting factors of wetland herbs’ distribution in the radiant belt toward land of lake–terrestrial ecotone in Tibet, China
Authors: Zheng Pei-Ru , Li Chun-Hua , Ye Chun , Wang Hao , Wei Wei-Wei , Zheng Ye , Zheng Xiang-yong
Published: February 2022

Background

Lake is a critical part of Tibet's hydrological cycle, the lake–terrestrial ecotone is the most sensitive area in the water and terrestrial ecosystem. For the ecological protection and maintenance of the lakeside zone, defining the upper boundary of the lake–terrestrial ecotone is a key issue that needs to be solved urgently. However, the ecological characteristics of lake–terrestrial ecotone made it difficult to delimit. Wetland herbs are characteristic plants of the lake–terrestrial ecotone, and their distribution width can be used to reflect the upper boundary of the lake–terrestrial ecotone. We took Baksum Lake, Yamdroktso, Namtso, Siling Co as examples, based on the spatial structure of the lake–terrestrial ecotone, used the moving split-window technology (MSWT) delimited the width of wetland herbs.

Results

The results of the MSWT showed the distribution width of wetland herbs in each lake–terrestrial ecotone with the natural-wetland type sampling line of Baksum Lake, Yamdroktso, Namtso, Siling Co was 51 m, 56 m, 33 ~ 53 m, 19 ~ 31 m. The detrended correspondence analysis (DCA) showed quantity of wetland herbs species, BK1 > YT1 = NT1 > NT2 > SC1 = SC2. The principal component analysis (PCA) and the (redundancy analysis) RDA showed soil moisture content (SMO), pH, soil moisture content (SSC), and soil nutrient content had obvious correlation with distribution width.

Conclusion

The MSWT was a feasible method to determine the width of lake–terrestrial ecotone. SMO, pH, SSC, and soil nutrient content were all important environmental factors affecting the wetland herbs distribution width of the four lakes; and the SMO was the most important factor. Besides, compared with the lakes in the Middle-Lower Yangtze Plain, the high-density population distribution, high-intensive human activity invaded the plants' growth area, resulting in a smaller distribution width. The distribution edge of wetland herbs is equivalent to the upper boundary of lake–terrestrial ecotone. It determines the management boundary of the lake–terrestrial ecotone, provides a theoretical basis for the construction of environmental protection projects, and is of great significance to the lake ecological restoration and management in watershed control planning.
gcaPDA: a haplotype-resolved diploid assembler
Authors: Xie Min , Yang Linfeng , Jiang Chenglin , Wu Shenshen , Luo Cheng , Yang Xin , He Lijuan , Chen Shixuan , Deng Tianquan , Ye Mingzhi , Yan Jianbing , Yang Ning
Published: February 2022

Background

Generating chromosome-scale haplotype resolved assembly is important for functional studies. However, current de novo assemblers are either haploid assemblers that discard allelic information, or diploid assemblers that can only tackle genomes of low complexity.

Results

Here, Using robust programs, we build a diploid genome assembly pipeline called gcaPDA (gamete cells assisted Phased Diploid Assembler), which exploits haploid gamete cells to assist in resolving haplotypes. We demonstrate the effectiveness of gcaPDA based on simulated HiFi reads of maize genome which is highly heterozygous and repetitive, and real data from rice.

Conclusions

With applicability of coping with complex genomes and fewer restrictions on application than most of diploid assemblers, gcaPDA is likely to find broad applications in studies of eukaryotic genomes.
Degeneracy measures in biologically plausible random Boolean networks
Authors: Kocaoglu Basak , Alexander William H.
Published: February 2022

Background

Degeneracy—the ability of structurally different elements to perform similar functions—is a property of many biological systems. Highly degenerate systems show resilience to perturbations and damage because the system can compensate for compromised function due to reconfiguration of the underlying network dynamics. Degeneracy thus suggests how biological systems can thrive despite changes to internal and external demands. Although degeneracy is a feature of network topologies and seems to be implicated in a wide variety of biological processes, research on degeneracy in biological networks is mostly limited to weighted networks. In this study, we test an information theoretic definition of degeneracy on random Boolean networks, frequently used to model gene regulatory networks. Random Boolean networks are discrete dynamical systems with binary connectivity and thus, these networks are well-suited for tracing information flow and the causal effects. By generating networks with random binary wiring diagrams, we test the effects of systematic lesioning of connections and perturbations of the network nodes on the degeneracy measure.

Results

Our analysis shows that degeneracy, on average, is the highest in networks in which ~ 20% of the connections are lesioned while 50% of the nodes are perturbed. Moreover, our results for the networks with no lesions and the fully-lesioned networks are comparable to the degeneracy measures from weighted networks, thus we show that the degeneracy measure is applicable to different networks.

Conclusions

Such a generalized applicability implies that degeneracy measures may be a useful tool for investigating a wide range of biological networks and, therefore, can be used to make predictions about the variety of systems’ ability to recover function.
Genetic characterization and genome-wide association mapping for stem rust resistance in spring bread wheat
Authors: Shewabez Elias , Bekele Endashaw , Alemu Admas , Mugnai Laura , Tadesse Wuletaw
Published: February 2022

Background

Emerging wheat stem rust races have become a major threat to global wheat production. Finding additional loci responsible for resistance to these races and incorporating them into currently cultivated varieties is the most economic and environmentally sound strategy to combat this problem. Thus, this study was aimed at characterizing the genetic diversity and identifying the genetic loci conferring resistance to the stem rust of wheat. To accomplish this, 245 elite lines introduced from the International Center for Agricultural Research in the Dry Areas (ICARDA) were evaluated under natural stem rust pressure in the field at the Debre Zeit Agricultural Research Center, Ethiopia. The single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) marker data was retrieved from a 15 K SNP wheat array. A mixed linear model was used to investigate the association between SNP markers and the best linear unbiased prediction (BLUP) values of the stem rust coefficient of infection (CI).

Results

Phenotypic analysis revealed that 46% of the lines had a coefficient of infection (CI) in a range of 0 to 19. Genome-wide average values of 0.38, 0.20, and 0.71 were recorded for Nei’s gene diversity, polymorphism information content, and major allele frequency, respectively. A total of 46 marker-trait associations (MTAs) encompassed within eleven quantitative trait loci (QTL) were detected on chromosomes 1B, 3A, 3B, 4A, 4B, and 5A for CI. Two major QTLs with –log10 (p) ≥ 4 (EWYP1B.1 and EWYP1B.2) were discovered on chromosome 1B.

Conclusions

This study identified several novel markers associated with stem rust resistance in wheat with the potential to facilitate durable rust resistance development through marker-assisted selection. It is recommended that the resistant wheat genotypes identified in this study be used in the national wheat breeding programs to improve stem rust resistance.
Retraction Note to: Coffee component hydroxyl hydroquinone (HHQ) as a putative ligand for PPAR gamma and implications in breast cancer
Authors: Shashni Babita , Sharma Karun , Singh Rumani , Sakharkar Kishore R. , Dhillon Sarinder K. , Nagasaki Yukio , Sakharkar Meena K.
Published: February 2022

This article has been retracted. Please see the Retraction Notice for more detail:
The interplay between infection risk factors of SARS-CoV-2 and mortality: a cross-sectional study from a cohort of long-term care nursing home residents
Authors: Soldevila Laura , Prat Núria , Mas Miquel À. , Massot Mireia , Miralles Ramón , Bonet-Simó Josep M. , Isnard Mar , Expósito-Izquierdo Marta , Garcia-Sanchez Irene , Rodoreda-Noguerola Sara , Moreno Nemesio , Badia Esther , López Genís , Sevilla Javier , Estrada Oriol , Vallès Xavier
Published: February 2022

Background

Covid-19 pandemic has particularly affected older people living in Long-term Care settings in terms of infection and mortality.

Methods

We carried out a cross-sectional analysis within a cohort of Long-term care nursing home residents between March first and June thirty, 2020, who were ≥ 65 years old and on whom at least one PCR test was performed. Socio-demographic, comorbidities, and clinical data were recorded. Facility size and community incidence of SARS-CoV-2 were also considered. The outcomes of interest were infection (PCR positive) and death.

Results

A total of 8021 residents were included from 168 facilities. Mean age was 86.4 years (SD = 7.4). Women represented 74.1%. SARS-CoV-2 infection was detected in 27.7% of participants, and the overall case fatality rate was 11.3% (24.9% among those with a positive PCR test). Epidemiological factors related to risk of infection were larger facility size (pooled aOR 1.73; P < .001), higher community incidence (pooled aOR 1.67, P = .04), leading to a higher risk than the clinical factor of low level of functional dependence (aOR 1.22, P = .03). Epidemiological risk factors associated with mortality were male gender (aOR 1.75; P < .001), age (pooled aOR 1.16; P < .001), and higher community incidence (pooled aOR 1.19, P = < 0.001) whereas clinical factors were low level of functional dependence (aOR 2.42, P < .001), Complex Chronic Condition (aOR 1.29, P < .001) and dementia (aOR 1.33, P <0.001). There was evidence of clustering for facility and health area when considering the risk of infection and mortality (P < .001).

Conclusions

Our results suggest a complex interplay between structural and individual factors regarding Covid-19 infection and its impact on mortality in nursing-home residents.
Analysing the protection from respiratory tract infections and allergic diseases early in life by human milk components: the PRIMA birth cohort
Authors: van Stigt Arthur H. , Oude Rengerink Katrien , Bloemenkamp Kitty W. M. , de Waal Wouter , Prevaes Sabine M. P. J. , Le Thuy-My , van Wijk Femke , Nederend Maaike , Hellinga Anneke H. , Lammers Christianne S. , den Hartog Gerco , van Herwijnen Martijn J. C. , Garssen Johan , Knippels Léon M. J. , Verhagen Lilly M. , de Theije Caroline G. M. , Lopez-Rincon Alejandro , Leusen Jeanette H. W. , van’t Land Belinda , Bont Louis ,   PRIMA Initiative Group, Knulst André C. , van der Ent C. Kors , van Baarle Debbie , Wauben Marca H. M. , Rots Nynke Y. , Sanders Elisabeth A. M. , Benders Manon J. N. L. , Meulenbroek Laura A. M. P. , Stahl Bernd , Kraneveld Aletta D. , Buiteman Brigitte J. M. , Voogt Tanja , van der Meij Barbara , Lerkvaleekul Butsabong , Voogd Eline , Lammers Christianne S. , Lalmahomed Tariq A. , Brus Iris M. , van Meerwijk Daphne M. M. , Jepma Sophie I. E.
Published: February 2022

Background

Many studies support the protective effect of breastfeeding on respiratory tract infections. Although infant formulas have been developed to provide adequate nutritional solutions, many components in human milk contributing to the protection of newborns and aiding immune development still need to be identified. In this paper we present the methodology of the “Protecting against Respiratory tract lnfections through human Milk Analysis” (PRIMA) cohort, which is an observational, prospective and multi-centre birth cohort aiming to identify novel functions of components in human milk that are protective against respiratory tract infections and allergic diseases early in life.

Methods

For the PRIMA human milk cohort we aim to recruit 1000 mother–child pairs in the first month postpartum. At one week, one, three, and six months after birth, fresh human milk samples will be collected and processed. In order to identify protective components, the level of pathogen specific antibodies, T cell composition, Human milk oligosaccharides, as well as extracellular vesicles (EVs) will be analysed, in the milk samples in relation to clinical data which are collected using two-weekly parental questionnaires. The primary outcome of this study is the number of parent-reported medically attended respiratory infections. Secondary outcomes that will be measured are physician diagnosed (respiratory) infections and allergies during the first year of life.

Discussion

The PRIMA human milk cohort will be a large prospective healthy birth cohort in which we will use an integrated, multidisciplinary approach to identify the longitudinal effect human milk components that play a role in preventing (respiratory) infections and allergies during the first year of life. Ultimately, we believe that this study will provide novel insights into immunomodulatory components in human milk. This may allow for optimizing formula feeding for all non-breastfed infants.
COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy among different population groups in China: a national multicenter online survey
Authors: Huang Yiman , Su Xiaoyou , Xiao Weijun , Wang Hao , Si Mingyu , Wang Wenjun , Gu Xiaofen , Ma Li , Li Li , Zhang Shaokai , Yang Chunxia , Yu Yanqin , Qiao Youlin
Published: February 2022

Background

COVID-19 vaccine has been available in China since the beginning of the 2021, however, certain numbers of people are reluctant for some reasons to vaccinate. The high vaccine coverage is crucial for controlling disease transmission, however, the vaccine hesitancy might be a barrier to the establishment of sufficient herd immunization. This study aims to investigate the prevalence of the COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy among different population groups, and explore common barriers and facilitators to vaccination decisions.

Methods

The current survey was performed among Chinese students, public health professionals, medical workers and general population from January to March 2021 from seven cities in China. The questionnaire contained sociodemographic information, concerns about infection with COVID-19, general vaccination behaviors and attitudes, the General Vaccine Hesitancy Scale, the COVID-19 Vaccine Hesitancy Scale and other potential factors. Univariate analysis was conducted by chi-squared test, and variables significant at P < 0.10 were then included in a multivariable regression model.

Results

The prevalence of COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy was 15.6% in our study, and 23.9% of students, 21.2% of the general population, 13.1% of medical workers, and 10.4% of public health professionals had vaccine hesitancy. The results of multivariate analysis indicated that participants who had received negative information of COVID-19 vaccine (OR: 1.563, 95% CI: 1.229–1.986) and who had doubts about the information source (OR: 2.157, 95% CI: 1.697–2.742) were more likely to have vaccine hesitancy. While those who needed transparent information about COVID-19 vaccine (OR: 0.722, 95% CI: 0.535–0.973) and who would get COVID-19 vaccine if doctors recommended (OR: 0.176, 95% CI: 0.132–0.234) were less likely to have COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy.

Conclusions

Given recommendations from medical workers about vaccination can motivate people to accept COVID-19 vaccination, appropriate training in knowledge about vaccines and communication skills are necessary for them to increase public’s willingness of vaccination. Reducing the spread of misinformation and disseminating facts in a timely and accurate way will likely reduce vaccine hesitancy. Moreover, to establish suitable communication strategies and information exchange platforms between the government and the public and a warning system on infodemic would be helpful to improve public’s confidence in vaccination.
What are the strategies for implementing primary care models in maternity? A systematic review on midwifery units
Authors: Batinelli Laura , Thaels Ellen , Leister Nathalie , McCourt Christine , Bonciani Manila , Rocca-Ihenacho Lucia
Published: February 2022

Background

Midwifery Units (MUs) are associated with optimal perinatal outcomes, improved service users’ and professionals’ satisfaction as well as being the most cost-effective option. However, they still do not represent the mainstream option of maternity care in many countries. Understanding effective strategies to integrate this model of care into maternity services could support and inform the MU implementation process that many countries and regions still need to approach.

Methods

A systematic search and screening of qualitative and quantitative research about implementation of new MUs was conducted (Prospero protocol reference: CRD42019141443) using PRISMA guidelines. Included articles were appraised using the CASP checklist. A meta-synthesis approach to analysis was used. No exclusion criteria for time or context were applied to ensure inclusion of different implementation attempts even under different historical and social circumstances. A sensitivity analysis was conducted to reflect the major contribution of higher quality studies.

Results

From 1037 initial citations, twelve studies were identified for inclusion in this review after a screening process. The synthesis highlighted two broad categories: implementation readiness and strategies used. The first included aspects related to cultural, organisational and professional levels of the local context whilst the latter synthesised the main actions and key points identified in the included studies when implementing MUs. A logic model was created to synthesise and visually present the findings.

Conclusions

The studies selected were from a range of settings and time periods and used varying strategies. Nonetheless, consistencies were found across different implementation processes. These findings can be used in the systematic scaling up of MUs and can help in addressing barriers at system, service and individual levels. All three levels need to be addressed when implementing this model of care.
Randomised controlled trial of Interpersonal and Social Rhythm Therapy and group-based Cognitive Remediation versus Interpersonal and Social Rhythm Therapy alone for mood disorders: study protocol
Authors: Douglas Katie M. , Inder Maree L. , Crowe Marie T. , Jordan Jennifer , Carlye Dave , Lacey Cameron , Beaglehole Ben , Mulder Roger , Eggleston Kate , Donovan Katherine A. , Frampton Christopher M. A. , Bowie Christopher R. , Porter Richard J.
Published: February 2022

Background

Individuals with mood disorders frequently experience cognitive impairment, which impacts on the long-term trajectory of the disorders, including being associated with persisting difficulties in occupational and psychosocial functioning, residual mood symptoms, and relapse. Current first-line treatments for mood disorders do little to improve cognitive function. Targeting cognition in clinical research is thus considered a priority. This protocol outlines a prospectively-registered randomised controlled trial (RCT) which examines the impact of adding group-based Cognitive Remediation (CR) to Interpersonal and Social Rhythm Therapy (IPSRT-CR) for individuals with mood disorders.

Methods

This is a pragmatic, two-arm, single-blinded RCT comparing IPSRT-CR with IPSRT alone for adults (n = 100) with mood disorders (Major Depressive Disorder or Bipolar Disorder) with subjective cognitive difficulties, on discharge from Specialist Mental Health Services in Christchurch, New Zealand. Both treatment arms will receive a 12-month course of individual IPSRT (full dose = 24 sessions). At 6 months, randomisation to receive, or not, an 8-week group-based CR programme (Action-based Cognitive Remediation – New Zealand) will occur. The primary outcome will be change in Global Cognition between 6 and 12 months (treatment-end) in IPSRT-CR versus IPSRT alone. Secondary outcomes will be change in cognitive, functional, and mood outcomes at 6, 12, 18, and 24 months from baseline and exploratory outcomes include change in quality of life, medication adherence, rumination, and inflammatory markers between treatment arms. Outcome analyses will use an intention-to-treat approach. Sub-group analyses will assess the impact of baseline features on CR treatment response. Participants’ experiences of their mood disorder, including treatment, will be examined using qualitative analysis.

Discussion

This will be the first RCT to combine group-based CR with an evidence-based psychotherapy for adults with mood disorders. The trial may provide valuable information regarding how we can help promote long-term recovery from mood disorders. Many issues have been considered in developing this protocol, including: recruitment of the spectrum of mood disorders, screening for cognitive impairment, dose and timing of the CR intervention, choice of comparator treatment, and choice of outcome measures.

Trial registration

Australian and New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry, ACTRN12619001080112. Registered on 6 August 2019.
Socioeconomic and geographic differences in ablation of atrial fibrillation in Norway - a national cohort study
Authors: Olsen Frank , Uleberg Bård , Jacobsen Bjarne K. , Heuch Ivar , Tande Pål M. , Bugge Einar , Balteskard Lise
Published: February 2022

Background

The aim of this study was to analyse whether there are patient related or geographic differences in the use of catheter ablation among atrial fibrillation patients in Norway.

Methods

National population-based data on individual level of all Norwegians aged 25 to 75 diagnosed with atrial fibrillation from 2008 to 2017 were used to study the proportion treated with catheter ablation. Survival analysis, by Cox regression with attained age as time scale, separately by gender, was applied to examine the associations between ablation probability and educational level, income level, place of residence, and follow-up time.

Results

Substantial socioeconomic and geographic variation was documented. Atrial fibrillation patients with high level of education and high income were more frequently treated with ablation, and the education effect increased with increasing age. Patients living in the referral area of St. Olavs Hospital Trust had around three times as high ablation rates as patients living in the referral area of Finnmark Hospital Trust.

Conclusions

Differences in health literacy, patient preference and demands are probably important causes of socioeconomic variation, and studies on how socioeconomic status influences the choice of treatment are warranted. Some of the geographic variation may reflect differences in ablation capacity. However, geographic variation related to differences in clinical practice and provider preferences implies a need for clearer guidelines, both at the specialist level and at the referring level.
Teachers’ working time as a risk factor for their mental health - findings from a cross-sectional study at German upper-level secondary schools
Authors: Kreuzfeld Steffi , Felsing Christoph , Seibt Reingard
Published: February 2022

Background

The work of teachers has changed due to an increase in the range of tasks. However, there is a lack of current information on working hours, task distribution and the possible health effects.

Methods

For the first time for Germany as a whole, a cross-sectional survey determined how long teachers at upper-level secondary schools work per week, what influences their working hours and how different recording methods affect the total working hours. To this end, 6,109 full-time teachers estimated their working hours based on twelve categories and then documented these daily over 4 weeks. Afterwards, the effects of long working hours on teachers' ability to recover and emotional exhaustion were analysed.

Results

The article shows the large interindividual variance in the working hours of teachers and a significant influence of sex, age, and subject profile. Self-reported working hours varied substantially by method used to record working time with work time reported via daily diaries totaling 2 h per week more than hours recorded by a single estimation.

A substantial proportion of the teachers (36%) work longer per week than European guidelines allow (> 48 h); 15% work even more than 55 h per week. Teachers who work more than 45 h per week suffer more often from inability to recover (46%) and emotional exhaustion (32%) than teachers who work less than 40 h per week (26% and 22% respectively).

Conclusions

Taking professional experience and teaching subjects into account could in future contribute to a fairer distribution of workload among teachers. This could protect individual teachers from long working hours, ensure sufficient recovery and also reduce the risk of emotional exhaustion. In order to identify teachers whose health is at risk at an early stage, voluntary preventive care offers would be considerably helpful.