bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The quality oriented, the audience engagers, the transparent: Types of editorial trust-building in German news outlets
Authors: Uth Bernadette
Published: November 2022

Trust in journalism is highly relevant for society. Within the past years, especially during the COVID19-pandemic, trust in journalism became a recurring subject of public debate in Germany: Journalism is often vilified as ‘lying press’ and the legitimacy of traditional media is increasingly questioned. While in Germany, unlike other countries, we do not see a crisis in media trust, there nonetheless is a certain share of the population being skeptical towards traditional journalism. News outlets therefore need to ask themselves how to win back these sections of their audience and strengthen trust in their work. So far, research on media trust has largely focused on the audience – the journalistic perspective has hardly been examined. By conducting 29 interviews with German journalists, this paper aims to analyze which strategies news outlets pursue to cultivate trust in their work. Three main approaches to trust-building can be identified: The quality oriented, the audience engagers and the transparent. The results enable us to get a clearer overview on how news outlets try to regain and build their audience’s trust – which presents starting points for both journalism practice and research.
Morphometric and Hemodynamic Analysis of the Compressed Iliac Vein
Authors: Wang Hongyu , Jia Wei , Xi Yifeng , Li Yuan , Fan Yubo , Deng Xiaoyan , Chen Zengsheng
Published: November 2022

Purpose:

To investigate the relationship between the morphological structure and hemodynamic properties of the compressed iliac vein and explore the reason for the formation of thrombosis in the compressed iliac vein.

Materials and Methods:

A total of 11 patients with iliac vein compression syndrome (IVCS) were included in this study, and their iliac veins were reconstructed in 3 dimensions (3D). The morphological structures of the iliac veins (confluence angle, degree of stenosis) were analyzed based on the 3D model. Variations in the hemodynamic properties of the iliac vein were investigated at 4 typical moments in one cardiac cycle, and the relationship between the different morphological configurations and the pressure difference was investigated.

Results:

In the region of the compressed iliac vein, the blood flow velocity is accelerated and the pressure changes abruptly accompanied by the increase in pressure difference. Higher time averaged wall shear stress (TAWSS) and lower relative residence time (RRT) appeared in stenosis regions of compressed iliac vein, while TAWSS was low and RRT was large near the stenosis position. There was a strong positive correlation between the degree of stenosis and the pressure difference (r=0.894), and a positive correlation between the confluence angle of the iliac vein and the pressure difference (r=0.638).

Conclusion:

The morphological structure of the compressed iliac vein has an obvious influence on the hemodynamic surroundings; the pressure difference becomes larger when the degree of stenosis and the confluence angle increase. The iliac vein luminal areas with low TAWSS and high RRT near the compressed location can impede blood flow and lead to accumulation of blood components, which may increase the risk of thrombosis formation and should be fully considered in the treatment of IVCS.
The Impact of Police Killings on Proximal Voter Turnout
Authors: Markarian G. Agustin
Published: November 2022

This paper studies how spatial proximity to pre-election police killings affects voter turnout. I argue that incidents of police violence have neighborhood-level effects. Nearby voters are more likely to learn about proximal killings than those further away. If perceived as unjust, police killings teach political lessons that reduce voters’ trust in government and political efficacy. In turn, this impacts voter turnout. Observing the 2016 presidential election, I test this theory using geolocated voter data and a difference-in-differences design with matched groups. I find that pre-election police killings reduce voter turnout by 3 percentage points in the killings’ one-mile radius. Space and race matter. Police killings reduce Black voter turnout by 5.9 percentage points in the killings’ one-mile radius, but Black voters one to two miles away from the killings are unaffected. However, police killings do not affect White and Latino voter turnout regardless of the distance.
Adverse effects of methylene blue in peripheral neurons: An in vitro electrophysiology and cell culture study
Authors: Uhelski Megan L , Johns Malcolm E , Horrmann Alec , Mohamed Sadiq , Sohail Ayesha , Khasabova Iryna A , Simone Donald A , Banik Ratan K
Published: November 2022

Methylene blue (MB) is an effective treatment for methemoglobinemia, ifosfamide-induced encephalopathy, cyanide poisoning, and refractory vasoplegia. However, clinical case reports and preclinical studies indicate potentially neurotoxic activity of MB at certain concentrations. The exact mechanisms of MB neurotoxicity are not known, and while the effects of MB on neuronal tissue from different brain regions and myenteric ganglia have been examined, its effects on primary afferent neurons from dorsal root ganglia (DRG) have not been studied. Mouse DRG were exposed to MB (0.3–10 μM) in vitro to assess neurite outgrowth. Increasing concentrations of MB (0.3–10 μM) were associated with neurotoxicity as shown by a substantial loss of cells with neurite formation, particularly at 10 μM. In parallel experiments, cultured rat DRG neurons were treated with MB (100 μM) to examine how MB affects electrical membrane properties of small-diameter sensory neurons. MB decreased peak inward and outward current densities, decreased action potential amplitude, overshoot, afterhyperpolarization, increased action potential rise time, and decreased action potential firing in response to current stimulation. MB induced dose-dependent toxicity in peripheral neurons, in vitro. These findings are consistent with studies in brain and myenteric ganglion neurons showing increased neuronal loss and altered membrane electrical properties after MB application. Further research is needed to parse out the toxicity profile for MB to minimize damage to neuronal structures and reduce side effects in clinical settings.
On the harsh realities of researching television in Poland: Traditions, obstacles and perspectives
Authors: Szostak Sylwia
Published: November 2022

Television studies in Poland has not yet been recognized as an academic discipline in its own right. Despite this obvious omission in the institutional division of academic fields, Polish researchers have been studying television: its texts, audiences and history. This aerial review aims to present the main intellectual traditions that influenced academic writing of Polish scholars on the topic of television, both domestic and imported. This focus on research conducted by Polish scholars, and written mainly in Polish, allows for an examination of the body of work that is otherwise inaccessible to Anglo-American researchers due to the language barrier. Local academic debates are presented in a way that reflects the main disciplinary criteria of Anglo-American television studies, allowing for a clear organization of what is a substantial amount of literature. Additionally, this review aims to give a sense of what it is like to study television in an environment where TV criticism and analysis are not granted the status of an academic discipline. The consideration of the broader context for Polish studies on television allows for a thorough understanding of this academic field, its focus, main methodologies, challenges and its way forward.
Risk of prostate cancer in patients with inflammatory bowel disease: a nationwide cohort study in South Korea
Authors: Na Ji Eun , Kim Tae Jun , Lee Yeong Chan , Kim Ji Eun , Kim Eun Ran , Hong Sung Noh , Chang Dong Kyung , Kim Young-Ho
Published: November 2022

Background:

Several studies have suggested an association between inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and the risk of prostate cancer development. However, these findings are inconsistent, and studies based on Asian populations are limited.

Objectives:

We compared the risk of prostate cancer according to IBD status using the Korean National Health Insurance Service database.

Design:

A population-based retrospective cohort of age-matched 59,044 non-IBD patients and 14,761 IBD patients between January 2009 and December 2011 was analyzed up to December 2017.

Methods:

The risk of prostate cancer was compared between patients with IBD and controls using the Cox proportional hazards regression model and Kaplan-Meier survival analysis.

Results:

During a median follow-up of 6 years, the incidence rate of prostate cancer was 264 per 100,000 person-years in non-IBD patients and 242 per 100,000 person-years in patients with IBD. IBD status was not associated with the risk of prostate cancer compared to non-IBD [adjusted hazard ratio (aHR) 0.93, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.80–1.08, p = 0.32). The cumulative incidence of prostate cancer did not differ by IBD status (non-IBD patients versus IBD patients: log-rank p = 0.27; non-IBD patients versus ulcerative colitis versus Crohn’s disease: log-rank p = 0.42). In multivariate analysis, age was an independent risk factor for the development of prostate cancer (HR 1.03, 95% CI: 1.02–1.03, p < 0.001).

Conclusion:

In our population-based study, IBD status was not associated with the risk of prostate cancer.
Endoscopic submucosal dissection versus esophagectomy for t1 esophageal squamous cell carcinoma: a propensity score-matched analysis
Authors: Qian Meng , Feng Shuo , Zhou Hangcheng , Chen Lijie , Wang Song , Zhang Kaiguang
Published: November 2022

Background:

Endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) has been a preferred treatment option for superficial esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (SESCC).

Objectives:

To compare the outcomes of ESD and esophagectomy in the treatment of SESCC, especially for lesions invading muscularis mucosa or submucosa (pT1a-MM/T1b).

Design:

We retrospectively analyzed data from patients with SESCC who underwent ESD or esophagectomy between 2015 and 2021.

Methods:

After propensity score matching, overall survival (OS), disease-specific survival (DSS), recurrence-free survival (RFS), and treatment-related events were compared between the ESD and esophagectomy groups. Furthermore, we performed a Cox regression analysis to identify factors associated with survival.

Results:

OS and DSS were significantly higher in the ESD group ( n = 508) than that in the esophagectomy group ( n = 466). After matching, 404 patients (202 per group) were included in the study. No significant differences were found between the ESD and esophagectomy groups in OS ( p = 0.566), RFS ( p = 0.586), and DSS ( p = 0.912). The ESD group showed less blood loss, shorter procedure duration and hospital stay, lower hospital cost, and fewer adverse events. However, a lower R0 resection rate was observed in the ESD group compared to the esophagectomy group. Subgroup analysis showed comparable survival outcomes between the two groups. In Cox regression analysis, age was the independent factor associated with OS.

Conclusion:

In the treatment of SESCC, ESD showed sufficient safety and advantages. Even for pT1a-MM/pT1b SESCC, ESD may be an alternative treatment to esophagectomy.
The Dutch domino
Authors: Noordhoek Peter
Published: November 2022

This article provides an overview of developments in the Netherlands that have possible geopolitical dimensions. The Netherlands is a country in transition, with many dimensions of this transition being not dissimilar to those in other European countries. It is well positioned to deal with changes in the fields of energy and defence, but is also dealing with great tensions in its social and political systems. As such, it is a European country that is vulnerable to fragmentation and other divergent powers. Looking at it from the perspective of a ‘reversed domino theory’, there are reasons for concern.
Towards an EU criminal law on violence against women: The ambitions and limitations of the Commission’s proposal to criminalise image-based sexual abuse
Authors: Rigotti Carlotta , McGlynn Clare
Published: November 2022

In March 2022, the European Commission proposed a new landmark Directive on combating violence against women and domestic violence which includes measures on the non-consensual distribution of intimate and manipulated images. We refer to this form of violence against women as ‘image-based sexual abuse’, a term that encompasses all forms of the non-consensual creating, taking or sharing of intimate images or videos, including threats to share such material and altered material. In this article, we provide a new analysis of current Member State laws covering all forms of image-based sexual abuse, as well as the first detailed examination of the Commission’s proposals to tackle this form of violence against women. We suggest that the Commission’s proposal is characterised by both its ambition and limitations. It is ambitious in its attempts to set minimum rules in challenging areas of criminal law and, in doing so, recognises the serious harms of image-based sexual abuse. At the same time, by seeking to expand the reach of EU criminal law, inevitably requiring compromise, the scope of the proposed measures is somewhat limited. Such compromises and limitations risk entrenching hierarchies between different forms of abuse and, ultimately, the proposal fails to provide a comprehensive response reflective of victims’ experiences.
Efficacy and safety of cariprazine augmentation in patients treated with clozapine: a pilot study
Authors: Pappa Sofia , Kalniunas Arturas , Sharma Hitendra , Raza-Syed Ali , Kamal Manzar , Larkin Fintan
Published: November 2022

Background:

Cariprazine, a novel antipsychotic drug, is a partial agonist of dopamine D2/D3 receptors with preferential binding to the D3 receptor. There has been an increasing interest in cariprazine augmentation to clozapine; however, the evidence thus far has been only limited to case reports and case series.

Objectives:

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of the augmentation of clozapine with cariprazine in patients with sub-optimal treatment response.

Methods:

Demographic and clinical information of the study population were collected from the electronic records and PANSS scale administered at baseline and 3 months. Tolerability and discontinuation reasons where applicable were also recorded.

Results:

Ten patients (four men and six women) with a mean age of 36.5 years (range = 26–45) were included. Reasons for cariprazine initiation included inadequate treatment response, persistent negative symptoms and/or tolerability issues with clozapine or previous augmentation options. Two patients discontinued cariprazine within the first 6 weeks due to restlessness and poor response, respectively. There was a significant reduction in the median total PANSS score from baseline to 3 months (from 59 to 22.5, p < 0.05), median positive PANSS score (from 11.5 to 5.5, p < 0.05) and in the median negative PANSS score (from 15.5 to 3, p < 0.05) which correspond to a 48%, 33.8% and 65.8% mean score reduction, respectively.

Conclusion:

This is the first pilot study evaluating the effectiveness of clozapine augmentation. The preliminary evidence suggests that this may be a safe and effective practice in patients failing to adequately respond to or tolerate clozapine and/or previous augmentation strategies.
Kalithallite, K3Tl3+Cl6⋅2H2O, a new mineral with trivalent thallium from the Tolbachik volcano, Kamchatka, Russia
Authors: Pekov Igor V. , Krzhizhanovskaya Maria G. , Yapaskurt Vasiliy O. , Belakovskiy Dmitry I. , Sidorov Evgeny G. , Zhegunov Pavel S.
Published: November 2022

A new mineral kalithallite, K3Tl3+Cl6⋅2H2O, was found in an active fumarole belonging to the Northern fumarole field at the First scoria cone of the Northern Breakthrough of the Great Tolbachik Fissure Eruption, Tolbachik volcano, Kamchatka, Russia. Kalithallite is a product of the relatively low-temperature (70–150°C) interactions involving high-temperature sublimate minerals, volcanic gas and atmospheric water vapour. The associated minerals are cryobostryxite, KZnCl3⋅2H2O, halite, sylvite, opal and gypsum. Kalithallite forms lamellar to tabular crystals up to 5 × 30 × 40 μm combined in open-work aggregates up to 1 mm across. It is transparent, colourless in individuals and white to pale cream coloured or pale beige in aggregates, with vitreous lustre. Dcalc = 3.01 g cm–3. Kalithallite is optically uniaxial (–), ɛ = 1.656(3) and ω = 1.662(3). The chemical composition (wt.%, electron-microprobe data, H2O calculated by stoichiometry) is: K 17.72, Zn 0.85, Tl 38.76, Cl 35.91, H2Ocalc 5.99, total 99.23. The empirical formula calculated on the basis of K+Zn+Tl+Cl = 10 apfu is K2.72Zn0.06Tl1.14Cl6.08⋅2H2O. Kalithallite is tetragonal, I4/mmm, a = 15.9333(5), c = 18.1088(7) Å, V = 4595.2(4) Å3 and Z = 14. The strongest reflections of the powder X-ray diffraction (XRD) pattern [d,Å(I)(hkl)] are: 5.98(100)(202); 5.64(36)(220); 3.984(20)(400); 3.528(30)(224); 3.315(22)(422); 2.890(15)(334); and 2.817(24)(206, 440). Kalithallite is isotypical to synthetic K3Tl3+Cl6⋅2H2O. The crystal structure was refined from the powder XRD data using the Rietveld method, RBragg = 0.55%, Rp = 0.56%, and Rwp = 0.75%. The structure contains Tl3+Cl6 octahedra and K-centred polyhedra of three types: KCl8, KCl8(H2O) and KCl7(H2O)2. The mineral is named as a kalium–thallium ordered compound.
Comparative genomics and genomic diversity of Pseudomonas syringae clade 2b-a in Australia
Authors: Djitro Noel , Roach Rebecca , Mann Rachel , Campbell Paul R. , Rodoni Brendan , Gambley Cherie
Published: November 2022

Background

A zucchini disease outbreak with unusual symptoms associated with Pseudomonas syringae clade 2b was identified in Bundaberg, Australia during autumn 2016. To investigate the genetic diversity of the 11 Australian isolates obtained from the outbreak, the genomes were compared to the publicly available P. syringae strains in phylogroup 2.

Results

Average nucleotide identity refined the P. syringae clade 2b-a into four clusters (Cluster A, B, C1 and C2), an expansion from the previously identified A, B and C. Australian isolates were in Cluster A, C1 and C2. Genomic analyses highlighted several key factors that may contribute to the virulence of these isolates. Six orthologous groups, including three virulence factors, were associated with P. syringae phylogroup 2 cucurbit-infecting strains. A region of genome plasticity analysis identified a type VI secretion system pathway in clade 2b-a strains which could also contribute to virulence. Pathogenicity assays on isolates KL004-k1, KFR003-1 and 77-4C, as representative isolates of Cluster A, C1 and C2, respectively, determined that all three isolates can infect pumpkin, squash, watermelon and zucchini var. Eva with different levels of disease severity. Subsequently, type III effectors were investigated and four type III effectors (avrRpt2, hopZ5, hopC1 and hopH1) were associated with host range. The hopZ effector family was also predicted to be associated with disease severity.

Conclusions

This study refined the taxonomy of the P. syringae clade 2b-a, supported the association between effector profile and pathogenicity in cucurbits established in a previous study and provides new insight into important genomic features of these strains. This study also provided a detailed and comprehensive resource for future genomic and functional studies of these strains.
Anti-Helicobacter pylori activity of potential probiotic Lactiplantibacillus pentosus SLC13
Authors: Thuy Tran Thi Dieu , Kuo Pei-Yun , Lin Sha-Ma , Kao Cheng-Yen
Published: November 2022

Background

Here, we aimed to evaluate and compare the anti-Helicobacter pylori activity of potential probiotic Lactiplantibacillus pentosus SLC13 to Lactobacillus gasseri BCRC 14619 T and Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus LGG. Phenotypic assays including growth curve, cell adhesion, and cellular cytotoxicity were performed to characterize SLC13. Anti-H. pylori activity of lactobacilli was determined by the disk diffusion method and co-culture assay. Exopolysaccharide (EPS) was extracted from lactobacilli to test its immune modulation activity, and IL-8 expression in AGS and GES-1 was determined by RT-qPCR.

Results

All three lactobacilli strains were tolerant to the simulated gastrointestinal conditions. SLC13 showed the highest adhesion ability to AGS and GES-1 cells, compared to LGG and BCRC 14619 T. The coculture assays of SLC13, LGG, and BCRC 14619 T with cells for 4 h showed no significant cytotoxic effects on cells. All tested strains exhibited an inhibitory effect against H. pylori J99. The cell-free supernatant (CFS) of three strains showed activity to inhibit H. pylori urease activity in a dose-dependent manner and the CFS of SLC13 had the highest urease inhibitory activity, compared to LGG and BCRC 14619 T. Only the treatment of AGS cells with SLC13 EPS significantly decreased the IL-8 expression induced by H. pylori infection as compared to cells treated with LGG and BCRC 14619 T EPS.

Conclusions

SLC13 possesses potent antimicrobial activity against H. pylori growth, infection, and H. pylori-induced inflammation. These results suggest that SLC13 and its derivatives have the potential as alternative agents against H. pylori infection and alleviate inflammatory response.
Pyroptosis associated with immune reconstruction failure in HIV-1- infected patients receiving antiretroviral therapy: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Lao Xiaojie , Mei Xinyin , Zou Jun , Xiao Qing , Ning Qiuyue , Xu Xianli , Zhang Chunlan , Ji Lei , Deng Shengwei , Lu Bingyang , Chen Maowei
Published: November 2022

Background

Highly active anti-retroviral therapy (HAART) can successfully suppress human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) viral replication and reconstruct immune function reconstruction in HIV-1-infected patients. However, about 15–30% of HIV-1-infected patients still fail to recover their CD4+ T cell counts after HAART treatment, which means immune reconstruction failure. Pyroptosis plays an important role in the death of CD4+ T cells in HIV-1- infected patients. The study aims to explore the association between the expression of pyroptosis in peripheral blood and immune function reconstruction in HIV-1- infected patients.

Methods

One hundred thirty-five HIV-1-infected patients including immunological non-responders (INR) group, immunological responders (IR) group and normal immune function control (NC) group were analyzed. The expression of GSDMD and Caspase-1 in peripheral blood of HIV-1-infected patients were measured by qPCR. The concentrations of GSDMD, Caspase-1, IL-1β and IL-18 in the peripheral serum were quantified by ELISA. The associations between the expression of pyroptosis in peripheral blood and immune function reconstruction were analyzed using multivariate logistic models.

Results

The relative expression of GSDMD mRNA and caspase-1 mRNA in peripheral blood, as well as the expression of IL-18 cytokine in the INR, were significantly higher than those in the IR and NC (P < 0.05). There was no significant difference in the expression of IL-1β cytokine (P > 0.05). Multivariate logistic analysis showed that the patients with baseline CD4+ T cell counts less than 100 cells/μL (aOR 7.051, 95% CI 1.115–44.592, P = 0.038), high level of expression of Caspase-1mRNA (aOR 2.803, 95% CI 1.065–7.377, P = 0.037) and IL-18 cytokine (aOR 10.131, 95% CI 1.616–63.505, P = 0.013) had significant poor CD4+ T cell recovery.

Conclusions

The baseline CD4+ T cell counts less than 100 cells/μL, high relative expression of Caspase-1 mRNA, and high expression of IL-18 cytokine are associated factors that affect the reconstruction of immune function.
Analysis of characteristics and forecast of unintentional injury deaths of children under age 5 from 2013 to 2019 in Sichuan, China
Authors: Hu Jinnuo , Luo Min , He Linkun , Zhao Ziling
Published: November 2022

Objective

Through the study of death characteristics and trend prediction, it is hoped that key populations, regions and seasons can be identified, thereby providing evidence support for the efficient prevention and control management of unintentional injury deaths.

Method

We collected information on 8630 unintentional deaths of children under age 5 from local surveillance systems, analyzed by chi-square test and predicted by the seasonal ARIMA model.

Results

About 33.1% of child deaths were under the age of 1, 60.5% were boys, 37.6% were in urban areas, 2.6% were among ethnic Tibetans, 6.8% were among ethnic Yi, and 46.6% died inside houses. The top three of total deaths were accidental drowning (35.0%), accidental suffocation (32.7%) and traffic accident (15.5%). The ratio of males to females in traffic accidents (1.28:1) and poisoning (1.30:1) deaths was relatively lower than accidental falls (1.62:1) and drowning (1.85:1). The causes of death ratio in rural and urban areas were: drowning (1.83:1), poisoning (1.75:1), suffocation (1.62:1), traffic (1.41:1), and falling (1.24:1). Children's deaths of ethnic minority groups of Tibetan and Yi increased year by year (χ2=75.261, P< 0.001). Tibetan and Yi groups had the most deaths in summer, and Han in winter (χ2=29.093, P< 0.001). Accidental suffocation accounted for 78.2 percent of the total unintentional deaths of children under age 1. And drowning accounted for only 2.4 percent. The model SERIMA (1, 1, 2) (2, 0, 0) [12] is suitable for describing and predicting unintentional injury deaths of children under age 5.

Conclusion

We should combine death surveillance with qualitative investigation or in-depth quantitative investigation to further analyze unintentional injury deaths in children.
Different chest HRCT scan protocols change the extent of ground glass opacities
Authors: Emilsson Össur Ingi , Dessle Angelica , Johansson Henrik , Adeli Shamisa , Malinovschi Andrei , Eloranta Maija-Leena , Hansen Tomas
Published: November 2022

Background

Ground glass opacity (GGO) is the main HRCT feature representing alveolitis in systemic sclerosis-associated interstitial lung disease (SSc-ILD), but may also represent other conditions such as atelectasis or edema. It is unclear how much this is affected by the HRCT scan protocol used. We aimed to compare the performance of three different HRCT protocols to evaluate the degree of SSc-ILD related changes.

Methods

Eleven patients with SSc underwent chest HRCT scan by three different protocols: First, a supine scan after lying down for 15 minutes, then two scans in alternating order: A prone position scan, and a supine position scan after performing 10 deep breaths using a positive expiratory pressure (PEP) device. The HRCT scans were evaluated by the Warrick score system for ILD-related findings.

Results

The three HRCT protocols were compared and resulted in different mean (95% CI) Warrick scores: 9.4 (5.3–13.4) in supine after rest; 7.5 (95% CI 3.8–11.1) in prone and 7.6 (95% CI 4.2–11.1) in supine after PEP. When comparing supine after rest to prone and supine after PEP, the latter two scans had a significantly lower score (p = 0.001 for both comparisons). In all cases, only sub-scores for ground glass opacities differed, while sub-scores for fibrosis-related changes did not change.

Conclusions

Different HRCT scan protocols significantly altered the Warrick severity score for SSc-ILD findings, primarily because of changes in ground glass opacities. These differences may be clinically meaningful.
Risk factors of primary and recurrent fractures in postmenopausal osteoporotic Chinese patients: A retrospective analysis study
Authors: Zhu Xiaonan , Chen Lin , Pan Ling , Zeng Yuexi , Fu Qiang , Liu Yanbin , Peng Yongde , Wang Yufan , You Li
Published: November 2022

Background

As postmenopausal osteoporotic fractures can cause higher rates of disability and mortality in women; it is essential to analyze the factors associated with primary and recurrent fractures in postmenopausal osteoporosis (PMOP) patients.

Methods

Retrospective analysis of 2478 PMOP patients aged ≥ 50 years who attended the Shanghai General Hospital from January 2007 to December 2016, including 1239 patients with no fractures and 1239 patients with histories of fractures (1008 in the primary fracture group and 231 in the re-fracture group). All patients' basic clinical data, serum biochemical and bone metabolic markers, bone mineral density (BMD), and other indicators were recorded uniformly. Comparing the differences between the clinical characteristics of patients with primary and recurrent fractures, as well as the differences in the clinical characteristics of patients with primary and recurrent fractures in combination with different diseases, further analyses the risk factors for primary and recurrent fractures in PMOP patients. SPSS.26 was used for statistical analysis.

Results

Compared to the unfractured group, the fractured group was older and had lower height and bone mineral density (all P < 0.01), with the re-fractured group having lower BMD at each key site than the primary fracture group (all P < 0.01). Analysis of the combined disease subgroups showed that serum BGP levels were lower in the primary and re-fracture patients with diabetes than in the non-diabetic subgroup (P < 0.05), and serum CTX levels were lower in the re-fracture group with diabetes than in the primary fracture group with diabetes (P < 0.05). Patients with recurrent fractures with cardio-vascular diseases had lower BMD than the subgroup without cardio-vascular diseases (P < 0.05) and also had lower BMD than the group with primary fractures with cardio-vascular diseases (P < 0.05). Multiple logistic regression analysis showed that advanced age, overweight, low lumbar spine and total hip BMD were risk factors for primary and recurrent fractures; and comorbid chronic liver and kidney diseases were risk factors for primary fractures.

Conclusion

PMOP patients with advanced age, overweight, low bone mineral density, and comorbid chronic liver and kidney diseases are at greater risk of fractures and require early intervention to reduce fractures occurrence. Moreover, those who are elderly, overweight, and have low bone density should also be aware of the risk of re-fractures.
Prevalence and factors associated with unintended pregnancy among adolescent girls and young women in sub-Saharan Africa, a multilevel analysis
Authors: Ayalew Hiwotie Getaneh , Liyew Alemneh Mekuriaw , Tessema Zemenu Tadesse , Worku Misganaw Gebrie , Tesema Getayeneh Antehunegn , Alamneh Tesfa Sewunet , Teshale Achamyeleh Birhanu , Yeshaw Yigizie , Alem Adugnaw Zeleke
Published: November 2022

Background

Unintended pregnancy predisposes women to unsafe abortion, malnutrition, mental illness, and even death. Though adolescent girls and young women are at higher risk of unintended pregnancy, there is a paucity of evidence in its burden and associated factors in sub-Saharan Africa. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the prevalence and factors associated with unintended pregnancy among adolescent girls and young women in sub-Saharan Africa.

Method

This study was a secondary data analysis of 36 sub-Saharan African countries with a total weighted sample of 17,797 adolescent girls and young women. A multilevel logistic regression model was fitted and, the Adjusted Odds Ratio (AOR) with a 95% Confidence Interval (CI) was reported to assess the association between the independent variables and unintended pregnancy in Sub-Saharan Africa.

Result

The pooled prevalence of unintended pregnancy in sub-Saharan Africa was 30.01 with 95% CI (29.38–30.74). In multivariable multilevel logistic regression analysis, adolescent girls, and young women with higher education (AOR = 0.71 95%CI 0.52–0.97), those who know modern contraceptive methods (AOR = 0.86 95%CI 0.75–0.98), and traditional contraceptive methods (AOR = 0.90, 95%CI 0.59–0.95), married (AOR = 0.80, 95%CI 0.73–0.88), those from female-headed households (AOR = 0.86,95%CI 0.78–0.94), had lower odds of unintended pregnancy. Whereas adolescent girls and young women from Central Africa (AOR = 2.09,95%CI 1.23–3.55), southern Africa (AOR = 5.23, 95%CI 2.71–10.09), and Eastern Africa (AOR = 1.07,95%CI 1.07–2.66) had higher odds of unintended pregnancy.

Conclusion

Prevalence of unintended pregnancy in Sub-Saharan Africa is high. Therefore, educating adolescent girls and young women, and improving their knowledge about family planning services is vital. It is also better for the government of countries in sub-Saharan Africa and other global and local stakeholders to work hard to ensure universal access to sexual and reproductive healthcare services, including family planning, education, and the integration of reproductive health into national strategies and programs to reduce unintended pregnancy.
Economic evaluation of peritoneal dialysis and hemodialysis in Thai population with End-stage Kidney Disease
Authors: Assanatham Montira , Pattanaprateep Oraluck , Chuasuwan Anan , Vareesangthip Kriengsak , Supasyndh Ouppatham , Lumpaopong Adisorn , Susantitaphong Paweena , Limkunakul Chutatip , Ponthongmak Wanchana , Chaiyakittisopon Kamolpat , Thakkinstian Ammarin , Ingsathit Atiporn
Published: November 2022

Background

This study aimed to conduct a cost-utility analysis of the “Peritoneal Dialysis (PD)-First” policy in 2008 under a universal health coverage scheme and hemodialysis (HD) in Thai patients with End-stage Kidney Disease (ESKD) using updated real-practice data.

Methods

Markov model was used to evaluate the cost-utility of two modalities, stratified into five age groups based on the first modality taken at 20, 30, 40, 50, and 60 years old from government and societal perspectives. Input parameters related to clinical aspects and cost were obtained from 15 hospitals throughout Thailand and Thai Renal Replacement Therapy databases. Both costs and outcomes were discounted at 3%, adjusted to 2021, and converted to USD (1 USD = 33.57 Thai Baht). One-way analysis and probabilistic sensitivity analysis were performed to assess the uncertainty surrounding model parameters.

Results

From the government perspective, compared to PD-first policy, the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) was between 19,434 and 23,796 USD per QALY. Conversely, from a societal perspective, the ICER was between 31,913 and 39,912 USD per QALY. Both are higher than the willingness to pay threshold of 4,766 USD per QALY.

Conclusion

By applying the updated real-practice data, PD-first policy still remains more cost-effective than HD-first policy at the current willingness to pay. However, HD gained more quality-adjusted life years than PD. This information will assist clinicians and policymakers in determining the future direction of dialysis modality selection and kidney replacement therapy reimbursement policies for ESKD patients.
Endolysins of bacteriophage vB_Sal-S-S10 can naturally lyse Salmonella enteritidis
Authors: Wang Xinrui , Han Lili , Rong Jiaqing , Ren Huiying , Liu Wenhua , Zhang Can
Published: November 2022

Background

The holin-endolysin lysis system plays an essential role in the phage life cycle. Endolysins are promising alternatives to antibiotics, and have been successfully used against Gram-positive bacteria. However, a few endolysins can externally lyse Gram-negative bacteria, due to the inaccessible peptidoglycan layer covered by the envelope.

Results

This study investigated the lysis system of a new Siphoviridae bacteriophage vB_Sal-S-S10 (S10), which, that was isolated from broiler farms, was found to be able to infect 51.4% (37/72) of tested S. enteritidis strains. Phage S10 genome had a classic holin-endolysin lysis system, except that one holin and one endolysin gene were functionally annotated. The orf 22 adjacent to the lysis cassette was identified as a new endolysin gene. Antibacterial activity assays showed that holin had an intracellular penetrating activity against S. enteritidis 35; both endolysins acted on the cell envelope of S. enteritidis 35 and showed a natural extracellular antibacterial activity, leading to a ~ 1 log titer decrease in 30 min. Protein characterization of lysin1 and lysin2 revealed that the majority of the N-terminus and the C-terminus were hydrophobic amino acids or positively charged.

Conclusion

In this study, a new Salmonella phage vB_Sal-S-S10 (S10) was characterized and showed an ideal development prospect. Phage S10 has a classic holin-endolysin lysis system, carrying an overlapping holin-lysin gene and a novel lysin gene. Both endolysins coded by lysin genes could externally lyse S. enteritidis. The natural extracellular antibacterial character of endolysins would provide necessary information for the development of engineering endolysin as the antibiotic alternative against the infection with multidrug-resistant gram-negative bacteria.
Detection of Toxocara species larvae in four Iranian free-range broiler farms
Authors: Shokri Elham , Haniloo Ali , Zibaei Mohammad , Pezeshki Ali , Mansori Kamyar , Taira Kensuke
Published: November 2022

Background

The epidemiology of Toxocara canis and Toxocara cati in food animals, associated products, and their zoonotic potential are poorly understood. A cross sectional study was designed to determine the prevalence of Toxocara spp. larvae from free-range broiler chickens in traditional farms using conventional techniques and molecular method. Eight-hundred tissue samples including liver, gizzard, lungs and heart were collected from 200 chickens belonging to different regions of Zanjan Province, Iran and were processed by conventional and molecular methods.

Results

Out of 800 chicken tissues, 49 samples (6.1%) were positive for nematode larvae. Polymerase chain reaction was performed to identify species-specific of Toxocara larvae. The findings showed that 10.5% (21 out of 200) chickens were infected with Toxocara species, so that 57.1% (12 out of 21) of the samples were positive for Toxocara canis and 42.9% (9 out of 21) of the samples were positive for Toxocara cati.

Conclusion

Considering the significant contamination/infection of free-range broiler chickens with Toxocara larvae, the consumption of chicken meat and viscera, especially liver and gizzards, can play an important role in the transmission of infection to humans. Prevention and control measures focused on regular deworming of dogs and cats, increasing public awareness of Toxocara infection are recommended.
hsa-miR-320a-3p and hsa-miR-483-5p levels in human granulosa cells: promising bio-markers of live birth after IVF/ICSI
Authors: Liu Yu , Mei Qiaojuan , Yang Jiahao , Shen Qiuzi , Zou Min , Li Jiao , Li Huaibiao , Zhang Ling , Xiang Wenpei
Published: November 2022

Background

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are considered potential biomarkers for various diseases. This study investigated whether hsa-miR-320a-3p and hsa-miR-483-5p levels in human ovarian granulosa cells derived from follicular fluids are associated with embryo developmental competence.

Methods

We collected 195 granulosa cells samples and analyzed the treatment outcomes in patients undergoing in vitro fertilization (n = 147) or intracytoplasmic sperm injection (n = 48) cycles. The hsa-miR-320a-3p and hsa-miR-483-5p levels in granulosa cells were measured using quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction.

Results

Patients were subdivided into four groups according to the granulosa cells hsa-miR-320a-3p and hsa-miR-483-5p levels quartiles (Q1–Q4). Embryo developmental competence was compared using the chi-square test. Patients in Q3 were less likely to achieve a normal fertilization rate for in vitro fertilization and blastocyst formation than those in Q1 as they expressed high levels of hsa-miR-320a-3p and hsa-miR-483-5p (P < 0.05). Patients in Q3 and Q4 were less likely to achieve a good-quality embryo as they expressed high levels of hsa-miR-483-5p and hsa-miR-320a-3p (P < 0.05). The hsa-miR-320a-3p and hsa-miR-483-5p levels were not associated with clinical pregnancy. However, multiple regression analysis indicated that in Q3 and Q4 intervals had experienced a decreased chance of live birth due to high expression levels of hsa-miR-320a-3p and hsa-miR-483-5p levels. The relative hsa-miR-320a-3p expression levels in granulosa cells were weakly and positively correlated with the patient age (P = 0.0033). Moreover, both the basal follicle stimulating hormone (P = 0.0003) and ovarian stimulation protocols (P = 0.006 and P = 0.004) significantly and positively affected hsa-miR-320a-3p levels. The days of stimulation was negatively correlated with the relative hsa-miR-320a-3p expression level (P = 0.047).

Conclusions

The hsa-miR-320a-3p and hsa-miR-483-5p levels in human granulosa cells negatively correlated with the good-quality embryo rate and live birth, indicating that hsa-miR-320a-3p and hsa-miR-483-5p can be used as potential negative indicators to predict good-quality embryos and live births.
PTEN overexpression and nuclear β-catenin stabilization promote morular differentiation through induction of epithelial–mesenchymal transition and cancer stem cell-like properties in endometrial carcinoma
Authors: Yokoi Ako , Minami Marina , Hashimura Miki , Oguri Yasuko , Matsumoto Toshihide , Hasegawa Yoshinori , Nakagawa Mayu , Ishibashi Yu , Ito Takashi , Ohhigata Kensuke , Harada Youhei , Fukagawa Naomi , Saegusa Makoto
Published: November 2022

Background

Although a lack of functional PTEN contributes to tumorigenesis in a wide spectrum of human malignancies, little is known about the functional role of its overexpression in the tumors. The current study focused on PTEN overexpression in endometrial carcinoma (Em Ca).

Methods

The functional impact of PTEN overexpression was assessed by Em Ca cell lines. Immunohistochemical analyses were also conducted using 38 Em Ca with morular lesions.

Results

Em Ca cell lines stably overexpressing PTEN (H6-PTEN) exhibited epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT)-like features, probably through β-catenin/Slug-meditated suppression of E-cadherin. PTEN overexpression also inhibited cell proliferation, accelerated cellular senescence, increased apoptotic features, and enhanced migration capability. Moreover, H6-PTEN cells exhibited cancer stem cell (CSC)-like properties, along with high expression of aldehyde dehydrogenase 1 and CD44s, a large ALDH 1high population, enriched spheroid formation, and β-catenin-mediated upregulation of cyclin D2, which is required for persistent CSC growth. In clinical samples, immunoreactivities for PTEN, as well as CSC-related molecules, were significantly higher in morular lesions as compared to the surrounding carcinomas. PTEN score was positively correlated with expression of nuclear β-catenin, cytoplasmic CD133, and CD44v6, and negatively with cell proliferation. Finally, estrogen receptor-α (ERα)-dependent expression of Ezrin-radixin-moesin-binding phophoprotein-50 (EBP50), a multifunctional scaffolding protein, acts as a negative regulator of morular formation by Em Ca cells through interacting with PTEN and β-catenin.

Conclusion

In the abscess of ERα/EBP50 expression, PTEN overexpression and nuclear β-catenin stabilization promote the establishment and maintenance of morular phenotype associated with EMT/CSC-like features in Em Ca cells.
Onlays/partial crowns versus full crowns in restoring posterior teeth: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Wang Bingjie , Fan Jiayan , Wang Lutao , Xu Bin , Wang Liang , Chai Luyi
Published: November 2022

Background

Tooth-colored onlays and partial crowns for posterior teeth have been used increasingly in clinics. However, whether onlays/partial crowns could perform as well as full crowns in the posterior region was still not evaluated thoroughly.

Methods

A literature search was conducted without language restrictions in Pubmed, Embase, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trial and Web of science until September 2021. RCTs, prospective and retrospective observational studies with a mean follow-up of 1 year were selected. Cochrane Collaboration’s tool was adopted for quality assessment of the RCT. The quality of observational studies was evaluated following Newcastle-Ottawa scale. The random-effects and fixed-effects model were employed for meta-analysis.

Results

Four thousand two hundred fifty-seven articles were initially searched. Finally, one RCT was identified for quality assessment and five observational studies for qualitative synthesis and meta-analysis. The RCT was of unclear risk of bias while five observational studies were evaluated as low risk. The meta-analysis indicated no statistically significant difference in the survival between onlays/partial crowns and full crowns after 1 year (OR = 0.55, 95% CI: 0.02-18.08; I2 = 57.0%; P = 0.127) and 3 years (OR = 0.65, 95% CI: 0.20-2.17; I2 = 0.0%; P = 0.747). For the success, onlays/partial crowns performed as well as crowns (OR = 0.58, 95% CI: 0.20-1.72; I2 = 0.0%; P = 0.881) at 3 years. No significant difference of crown fracture existed between the two methods (RD = 0.00, 95% CI: − 0.03-0.03; I2 = 0.0%; P = 0.972).

Conclusions

Tooth-colored onlays/partial crowns performed as excellently as full crowns in posterior region in a short-term period. The conclusions should be further consolidated by RCTs with long-term follow-up.
Moderate effect of early-life experience on dentate gyrus function
Authors: Rukundo Pacifique , Feng Ting , Pham Vincent , Pieraut Simon
Published: November 2022

The development, maturation, and plasticity of neural circuits are strongly influenced by experience and the interaction of an individual with their environment can have a long-lasting effect on cognitive function. Using an enriched environment (EE) paradigm, we have recently demonstrated that enhancing social, physical, and sensory activity during the pre-weaning time in mice led to an increase of inhibitory and excitatory synapses in the dentate gyrus (DG) of the hippocampus. The structural plasticity induced by experience may affect information processing in the circuit. The DG performs pattern separation, a computation that enables the encoding of very similar and overlapping inputs into dissimilar outputs. In the presented study, we have tested the hypothesis that an EE in juvenile mice will affect DG’s functions that are relevant for pattern separation: the decorrelation of the inputs from the entorhinal cortex (EC) and the recruitment of the principal excitatory granule cell (GC) during behavior. First, using a novel slice electrophysiology protocol, we found that the transformation of the incoming signal from the EC afferents by individual GC is moderately affected by EE. We further show that EE does not affect behaviorally induced recruitment of principal excitatory GC. Lastly, using the novel object recognition task, a hippocampus-dependent memory test, we show that the ontogeny of this discrimination task was similar among the EE mice and the controls. Taken together, our work demonstrates that pre-weaning enrichment moderately affects DG function.