bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A qualitative exploration of the experience and attitudes of exercise professionals using telehealth for people with mental illness
Authors: McKeon Grace , Fitzgerald Caroline , Furzer Bonnie , Rosenbaum Simon , Stanton Robert , Lederman Oscar , Harvey Samuel B. , Wright Kemi
Published: July 2022

Purpose

Physical activity is an important component of treatment for people living with mental illness, and exercise practitioners are well placed to deliver these interventions. In response to the COVID-19 pandemic and associated lock-down regulations, exercise professionals have rapidly adapted to the online delivery of services to continue care for their clients. To date, the research surrounding the delivery of exercise sessions via telehealth for this population has been scarce. Therefore, this study aims to explore how exercise professionals working in mental health have adapted to telehealth, the barriers and facilitators they have experienced and the implications for the future.

Design/methodology/approach

A qualitative study using semi-structure interviews was conducted. Interviews were audio recorded, transcribed and analysed using reflexive thematic analysis.

Findings

Nine exercise physiologists working in mental health settings in Australia participated in the interviews. Two main themes were explored. The first related to the implementation of telehealth and was divided into four sub-themes: service delivery, accessibility and suitability, technology barriers and facilitators, adaptations to exercise prescription. The second theme related to attitudes and was categorised into two sub-themes: attitudes towards telehealth and future recommendations.

Practical implications

Telehealth appears to be a feasible and well accepted platform to deliver exercise sessions for people with mental illness, and this study provides guidance for clinicians including service and training recommendations.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study to examine the experiences of exercise physiologists working in mental health and using telehealth.
An empirical study to prioritize the determinants of corporate sustainability performance using analytic hierarchy process
Authors: Mal Hoshiar , Varma Manishkumar , Vishvakarma Niraj Kumar
Published: July 2022

Purpose

The use of natural resources by organizations has a significant impact on society, resulting in business firms playing a vital role in developing sustainable development. As a result, corporate sustainability has become an integral aspect of a company’s vision and policy in the modern days. Companies issue sustainability reports based on various criteria and metrics, thereby attempting to gain a competitive edge. This study aims to assess and prioritize the numerous factors that influence corporate sustainability performance.

Design/methodology/approach

The analytic hierarchy process (AHP) is used to prioritize the identified determinants of corporate sustainability performance based on the literature. Several experts from business and academia were engaged to build a comparison matrix for assessing the various aspects of corporate sustainability performance. As a result, various corporate sustainability determinants were determined and prioritized following an extensive literature review using the AHP.

Findings

The most critical component for companies is an economic indicator. Developing environmentally and socially responsible suggestions must be a priority for the organization’s economic performance. Economic performance is believed to be most heavily influenced by innovation and in the other category like environmental and social performance are highly influenced by environment management policies and shareholder responsibility, respectively. Researchers’ findings suggest that to promote sustainability, top executives should devote all of their attention to innovation, environment management policies and shareholder responsibility.

Research limitations/implications

These studies are primarily concerned with developed countries. And, the other fundamental constraint of the AHP study is that the rating scale adopted in the analysis is conceptual. Therefore, pairwise comparisons with a variety of indicators have the potential to introduce bias into the results.

Practical implications

This paper proposes a methodical and operational technique for selecting the ultimate priority of sustainability indicators when it comes to exploiting competitive information on business performance. The paper also recommended sustainability rating technique might be carried out once every six months to improve the overall quality and performance of the organization.

Originality/value

The advantages of adopting and executing corporate sustainability are enormous, and managers must determine whether sustainability is profitable or not. This question prompts further inquiries. For example, what are the numerous critical determinants of corporate sustainability performance? Several scholars throughout the world are looking at it for this reason. As a result, it is essential to comprehend and prioritize the various determinants of corporate sustainability performance.
Influences of political connections on entrepreneurs' subjective well-being: a multilevel investigation
Authors: Xu Feng , Yang Xueru , He Xiaogang
Published: July 2022

Purpose

Political connections are widely acknowledged as an effective political strategy for achieving firm value. However, surprisingly little is known about the association between political connections and individual-level outcomes (e.g. subjective well-being) and the underlying mechanism for this link.

Design/methodology/approach

Drawing on the schematic model of social capital and entrepreneurship and utilizing a sample of rural Chinese entrepreneurs, the authors developed and tested a multilevel model delineating the impact of political connections on entrepreneur well-being (job and life satisfaction) via the mediating roles of bribing behavior and institutional trust at individual and provincial levels.

Findings

Multilevel analyses revealed that at the individual level, political connections were positively associated with job and life satisfaction; bribing behavior and institutional trust served as partial mediators of these associations. These effects were deviated when examining them at the provincial level.

Research limitations/implications

The theoretical implications concerning the political connections and subjective well-being effects as well as comparative entrepreneurship were discussed.

Practical implications

Further, the authors provide guidance for both entrepreneurs and policymakers.

Originality/value

The study linked political connections to entrepreneurs' subjective well-being which is increasingly seen as an important ingredient of personal success via distinguishing the individual-level effects from the provincial-level effects. Thus, the study further contributes to the contextualized understanding of the entrepreneurship literature.
Long‐term unsustainable patterns of development rather than recent deforestation caused the emergence of Orthocoronavirinae species
Authors: Ribeiro Sérvio P. , Barh Debmalya , Andrade Bruno Silva , José Santana Silva Raner , Costa‐Rezende Diogo Henrique , Fonseca Paula Luize Camargos , Tiwari Sandeep , Giovanetti Marta , Alcantara Luiz Carlos Junior , Azevedo Vasco Ariston , Ghosh Preetam , Diniz‐Filho José Alexandre F. , Loyola Rafael , de Almeida Maria Fernanda Brito , Góes‐Neto Aristóteles
Published: July 2022

We investigated whether a set of phylogeographical tracked emergent events of Orthocoronavirinae were related to developed, urban and polluted environments worldwide. We explored coronavirus records in response to climate (rainfall parameters), population density, CO2 emission, Human Developmental Index (HDI) and deforestation. We contrasted environmental characteristics from regions with spillovers or encounters of wild Orthocoronavirinae against adjacent areas having best‐preserved conditions. We used all complete sequenced CoVs genomes deposited in NCBI and GISAID databases until January 2021. Except for Deltacoronavirus, concentrated in Hong Kong and in birds, the other three genera were scattered all over the planet, beyond the original distribution of the subfamily, and found in humans, mammals, fishes and birds, wild or domestic. Spillovers and presence in wild animals were only reported in developed/densely populated places. We found significantly more occurrences reported in places with higher HDI, CO2 emission, or population density, along with more rainfall and more accentuated seasonality. Orthocoronavirinae occurred in areas with significantly higher human populations, CO2 emissions and deforestation rates than in adjacent locations. Intermediately disturbed ecosystems seemed more vulnerable for Orthocoronavirinae emergence than forested regions in frontiers of deforestation. Sadly, people experiencing poverty in an intensely consumerist society are the most vulnerable.
Transcendent pluralism: A middle‐range theory of nonviolent social transformation through human and ecological dignity: Analysis and evaluation
Authors: Bryant April
Published: July 2022

Background

Issues such as group bias, poverty, disempowerment, and violence contribute to poor health outcomes among at‐risk populations. In all countries, there exist disparities among health status with worse health outcomes in individuals categorized as having less access to resources. Systemic forces perpetuate health inequities among at‐risk populations furthering the divide between those in resource‐rich environments and those afflicted by a lack of resources. The social devaluing of individuals and their environment contributes to this ongoing global suffering.

Method

In this article, I critically appraised the theory of transcendent pluralism: a middle‐range theory of nonviolent social transformation through human and ecological dignity based on the criteria outlined by Fawcett.

Conclusion

The concepts identified in this theory offer nursing the tools to facilitate social change. Despite the theory lacking significant real‐world nursing practice application, it has the potential to bridge nursing's ability to influence social change through research and practice.
The securities fraud class action after Goldman Sachs
Authors: Turk Matthew C.
Published: July 2022

This article analyzes a significant Supreme Court securities law decision from the 2020 term, Goldman Sachs v. Arkansas Teachers Retirement System (Goldman). Goldman was a blockbuster class action, brought by shareholders seeking $13 billion in damages from Goldman Sachs based on claims that date back to the 2008 financial crisis. This article proceeds by taking an in‐depth look at the case history of Goldman from start to finish. In the process, it shows that the Supreme Court's recent decision was more impactful than has been widely appreciated. Rather than being a recap of existing precedents, the Court's holding in Goldman made significant changes to some of the core doctrines in securities law that were first set forth in 1988 when the modern securities class action was created by Basic v. Levinson. This article also looks beyond doctrinal categories to assess how the Goldman decision can be understood as the latest chapter in the Supreme Court's longstanding role as a leading policy maker in the law of securities class actions. Lastly, the article explains how the precedent set in Goldman will affect securities litigation on the ground going forward. As a result of Goldman, it will be argued, the class certification stage in shareholder securities fraud suits has been moved closer to an open‐ended totality of the circumstances test, in which the federal courts have an increasing number of tools to act as gatekeepers on the merits of a litigation.
Development of a predictive model for identifying previously undetected vertical root fractures
Authors: Cao Dantong , Zhang Peng , Gao Antian , Gulibire Aihemaiti , Xie Xin , Liang Jiahao , Hu Ziyang , Yin Weiwei , Lin Zitong
Published: July 2022

This study aimed to develop a predictive model to screen for undetected vertical root fractures (VRFs) in root canal treated teeth. We included 95 root canal treated teeth with suspected VRFs; 77 for training and 18 for validation. Following clinical and cone‐beam CT parameters were recorded: sex, tooth type, coronal restoration, time interval from completion of endodontic treatment to definitive diagnosis (TI), type of bone loss (BL), apical extent of root filling (AR) and the ratio of root filling diameter to the actual diameter in the coronal (1/3TA) and middle (2/3TA) root thirds. A predictive model p = 1/(1 – e−x) was generated, where x = −7.433 + 1.977BL + 1.479 (2/3TA) + 1.102 AR; the sensitivity and specificity were 0.852 and 0.875 for training and 0.917 and 0.833 for validation. VRF teeth were more likely to have vertical bone loss and overfilled root canals. This model had a high diagnostic efficacy for VRFs.
Nesting habits of grey crowned craneBalearica regulorumin Lake Ol’ Bolossat basin, Kenya
Authors: Wamiti Wanyoike , Gichuki Nathan , Sigana Dorcas A. O. , Njoroge Peter , Morrison Kerryn , Schröder Werner , Ndung'u George , Warui David , Rubalcaba Juan G.
Published: July 2022

Information on breeding habits of grey crowned crane (Balearica regulorum) in Kenya is currently lacking. Investigations were therefore carried out between 2017 and 2020 to determine its nesting habits in Lake Ol’ Bolossat basin including nest‐site features, number and distribution of territorial pairs, clutch size, eggs, and duration of breeding cycle. While 103 pairs were observed in the lake marshlands (mean density 5.00 pairs/km2), only 20 were found in upland wetlands. The number of pairs and densities (pairs/km2) in each of the lake's sections were as follows: north (24; 3.23), middle (47; 5.42), and south (32; 6.24). During this study, 61% (n = 63) of the lake marshland pairs attempted to breed compared to 80% (n = 16) in the upland wetlands. A mean of 2.23 eggs/clutch and a modal clutch of three eggs was recorded in 33 accessible nests. The range of influential factors in nest‐site selection were as follows: water depth (50–100 cm), vegetation height around the nest (60–90 cm), and an offshore distance of >100 m. Breeding cycle showed phenotypic plasticity in response to variations in local weather conditions. The number and density of cranes in this study area show its importance in the recovery and survival of the species, and which should subsequently be accorded effective protection.
Quantile Regression for Nonignorable Missing Data with Its Application of Analyzing Electronic Medical Records
Authors: Yu Aiai , Zhong Yujie , Feng Xingdong , Wei Ying
Published: July 2022

Over the past decade, there has been growing enthusiasm for using electronic medical records (EMRs) for biomedical research. Quantile regression estimates distributional associations, providing unique insights into the intricacies and heterogeneity of the EMR data. However, the widespread nonignorable missing observations in EMR often obscure the true associations and challenge its potential for robust biomedical discoveries. We propose a novel method to estimate the covariate effects in the presence of nonignorable missing responses under quantile regression. This method imposes no parametric specifications on response distributions, which subtly uses implicit distributions induced by the corresponding quantile regression models. We show that the proposed estimator is consistent and asymptotically normal. We also provide an efficient algorithm to obtain the proposed estimate and a randomly weighted bootstrap approach for statistical inferences. Numerical studies, including an empirical analysis of real-world EMR data, are used to assess the proposed method's finite-sample performance compared to existing literature.
Insights into male androgenetic alopecia using comparative transcriptome profiling: hypoxia-inducible factor-1 and Wnt/β-catenin signalling pathways
Authors: Liu Qingmei , Tang Yulong , Huang Yan , Wang Ji’an , Yang Kai , Zhang Yuting , Pu Weilin , Liu Jing , Shi Xiangguang , Ma Yanyun , Ni Chunya , Zhang Yue , Zhu Yifei , Li Haiyang , Wang Jiucun , Lin Jinran , Wu Wenyu
Published: July 2022

Background

The key pathophysiological changes in androgenetic alopecia (AGA) are limited to hair follicles (HFs) in frontal and vertex regions, sparing the occipital region.

Objectives

To identify biological differences among HF subpopulations.

Methods

Paired vertex and occipital HFs from 10 male donors with AGA were collected for RNA sequencing assay. Furthermore, HF and cell experiments were conducted on the identified key genes to reveal their roles in AGA.

Results

Transcriptome profiles revealed that 506 mRNAs, 55 microRNAs and 127 long noncoding RNAs were differentially expressed in the AGA vertex HFs. Pathway analysis of mRNAs and microRNAs revealed involvement of the hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF)-1, Wnt/β-catenin, and focal adhesion pathways. Differential expression of HIF-1 prolyl hydroxylase enzymes (EGLN1, EGLN3) and Wnt/β-catenin pathway inhibitors (SERPINF1, SFRP2) was experimentally validated. In vitro studies revealed that reduction of EGLN1, EGLN3, SERPINF1 and SFRP2 stimulated proliferation of dermal papilla cells. Ex vivo HF studies showed that downregulation of EGLN1, EGLN3 and SERPINF1 promoted HF growth, postponed HF catagen transition, and prolonged the anagen stage, suggesting that these genes may be potentially utilized as therapeutic targets for AGA.

Conclusions

We characterized key transcriptome changes in male AGA HFs, and found that HIF-1 pathway-related genes (EGLN1, EGLN3) and Wnt pathway inhibitors (SERPINF1, SFRP2) may play important roles in AGA.

What is already known about this topic?  Multiple differentially expressed genes and signalling pathways have been found between hair follicles (HFs) in the balding area (frontal and vertex regions) and nonbalding area (occipital region) of individuals with androgenetic alopecia (AGA).A whole-transcriptome atlas of the vertex and occipital region is lacking.

What does this study add?  We identified a number of differentially expressed genes and pathways between balding vertex and nonbalding occipital AGA HFs by using whole-transcriptome analyses.We identified pathways not previously reported in AGA, such as the hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF)-1 signalling pathway.We verified that HIF-1 pathway-related genes (EGLN1, EGLN3) and Wnt pathway inhibitors (PEDF, SFRP2) played important roles in dermal papilla cell activity, hair growth and the hair cycle.

What is the translational message?  The EGLN1, EGLN3, SERPINF1 and SFRP2 genes may be potentially utilized as therapeutic targets for AGA.
The influence of multidisciplinary team meetings on treatment decisions in advanced bladder cancer
Authors: Walraven Janneke E.W. , Ripping Theodora M. , Oddens Jorg R. , van Rhijn Bas W.G. , Goossens‐Laan Catharina A. , Hulshof Maarten C.C.M. ,   BlaZIB Study Group, Kiemeney Lambertus A. , Witjes J.A. , Lemmens Valery E.P.P. , van der Hoeven Jacobus J.M. , Desar Ingrid M.E. , Aben Katja K.H. , Verhoeven Rob H.A.
Published: July 2022

Objectives

To investigate the role of specialised genitourinary multidisciplinary team meetings (MDTMs) in decision‐making and identify factors that influence the probability of receiving a treatment plan with curative intent for patients with muscle invasive bladder cancer (MIBC).

Patients and methods

Data relating to patients with cT2‐4aN0/X‐1 M0 urothelial cell carcinoma, diagnosed between November 2017 and October 2019, were selected from the nationwide, population‐based Netherlands Cancer Registry (‘BlaZIB study’). Curative treatment options were defined as radical cystectomy (RC) with or without neoadjuvant chemotherapy, chemoradiation or brachytherapy. Multilevel logistic regression analyses were used to examine the association between MDTM factors and curative treatment advice and how this advice was followed.

Results

Of the 2321 patients, 2048 (88.2%) were discussed in a genitourinary MDTM. Advanced age (>80 years) and poorer World Health Organization performance status (score 1–2 vs 0) were associated with no discussion (P < 0.001). Being discussed was associated with undergoing treatment with curative intent (odds ratio [OR] 3.0, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.9–4.9), as was the involvement of a RC hospital (OR 1.70, 95% CI 1.09–2.65). Involvement of an academic centre was associated with higher rates of bladder‐sparing treatment (OR 2.05, 95% CI 1.31–3.21). Patient preference was the main reason for non‐adherence to treatment advice.

Conclusions

For patients with MIBC, the probability of being discussed in a MDTM was associated with age, performance status and receiving treatment with curative intent, especially if a representative of a RC hospital was present. Future studies should focus on the impact of MDTM advice on survival data.
Role of 5‐HT in the enteric nervous system and enteroendocrine cells
Authors: Spencer Nick J. , Keating Damien J.
Published: July 2022

Since the 1950s, considerable circumstantial evidence had been presented that endogenous 5‐HT (serotonin) synthesized from within the wall of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract played an important role in GI motility and transit. However, identifying the precise functional role of gut‐derived 5‐HT has been difficult to ascertain, for a number of reasons. Over the past decade, as recording techniques have advanced significantly and access to new genetically modified animals improved, there have been major new insights and major changes in our understanding of the functional role of endogenous 5‐HT in the GI tract. Data from many different laboratories have shown that major patterns of GI motility and transit still occur with minor or no, change when all endogenous 5‐HT is pharmacologically or genetically ablated from the gut. Furthermore, antagonists of 5‐HT3 receptors are equally, or more potent at inhibiting GI motility in segments of intestine that are completely depleted of endogenous 5‐HT. Here, the most recent findings are discussed with regard to the functional role of endogenous 5‐HT in enterochromaffin cells and enteric neurons in gut motility and more broadly in some major homeostatic pathways.
Expanding the phenotype of DNAJC30‐associated Leigh syndrome
Authors: Zawadzka Marta , Krygier Magdalena , Pawłowicz Małgorzata , Wilke Matheus Vernet Machado Bressan , Rutkowska Karolina , Gueguen Naig , Desquiret‐Dumas Valerie , Klee Eric W. , Schimmenti Lisa A. , Sławek Jarosław , Procaccio Vincent , Płoski Rafał , Mazurkiewicz‐Bełdzińska Maria
Published: July 2022

Leigh syndrome (LS) is a progressive neurodegenerative disease, characterized by extensive clinical, biochemical, and genetic heterogeneity. Recently, biallelic variants in DNAJC30 gene, encoding a protein crucial for the repair of mitochondrial complex I subunits, have been associated with Leber hereditary optic neuropathy and LS. It was suggested that clinical heterogeneity of DNAJC30‐associated mitochondrial disease may be attributed to digenic inheritance. We describe three Polish patients, a 9‐year‐old boy, and female and male siblings, aged 17 and 11 years, with clinical and biochemical manifestations of LS. Exome sequencing (ES) identified a homozygous pathogenic variant in DNAJC30 c.152A>G, p.(Tyr51Cys) in the 9‐year‐old boy. In the siblings, ES identified two DNAJC30 variants: c.152A>G, p.(Tyr51Cys) and c.130_131del, p.(Ser44ValfsTer8) in a compound heterozygous state. In addition, both siblings carried a novel heterozygous c.484G>T, p.(Val162Leu) variant in NDUFS8 gene. This report provides further evidence for the association of DNAJC30 variants with LS. DNAJC30‐associated LS is characterized by variable age at onset, movement disorder phenotype and normal or moderately elevated blood lactate level. Identification of a candidate heterozygous variant in NDUFS8 supports the hypothesis of digenic inheritance. Importantly, DNAJC30 pathogenic variants should be suspected in patients with LS irrespective of optic nerve involvement.
Impact of radiographic field‐of‐view volume on alignment accuracy during virtual implant planning: A noninterventional retrospective pilot study
Authors: Pieralli Stefano , Beyer Christoph , Wesemann Christian , Vach Kirstin , Russe Maximilian F. , Kernen Florian , Nelson Katja , Spies Benedikt C.
Published: July 2022

Objective

To evaluate the impact of reducing the radiographic field of view (FOV) on the trueness and precision of the alignment between cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) and intraoral scanning data for implant planning.

Materials and Methods

Fifteen participants presenting with one of three clinical scenarios: single tooth loss (ST,n = 5), multiple missing teeth (MT,n = 5) and presence of radiographic artifacts (AR,n = 5) were included. CBCT volumes covering the full arch (FA) were reduced to the quadrant (Q) or the adjacent tooth/teeth (A). Two operators, an expert (exp) in virtual implant planning and an inexperienced clinician, performed multiple superimpositions, with FA‐exp serving as a reference. The deviations were calculated at the implant apex and shoulder levels. Thereafter, linear mixed models were adapted to investigate the influence of FOV on discrepancies.

Results

Evaluation of trueness compared to FA‐exp resulted in the largest mean (AR‐A: 0.10 ± 0.33 mm) and single maximum discrepancy (AR‐Q: 1.44 mm) in the presence of artifacts. Furthermore, for the ST group, the largest mean error (−0.06 ± 0.2 mm, shoulder) was calculated with the FA‐FOV, while for MT, with the intermediate volume (−0.07 ± 0.24 mm, Q). In terms of precision, the mean SD intervals were ≤0.25 mm (A‐exp). Precision was influenced by FOV volume (FA < Q < A) but not by operator expertise.

Conclusions

For single posterior missing teeth, an extended FOV does not improve registration accuracy. However, in the presence of artifacts or multiple missing posterior teeth, caution is recommended when reducing FOV.
Effects of 3 months of treatment with empagliflozin on left ventricle global longitudinal strain and myocardial mechano‐energetic effiency
Authors: Dural İbrahim Etem , Sarı Alper , Ersoy İbrahim
Published: July 2022

Purpose

Sodium glucose transporter‐2 (SGLT‐2) inhibitors are employed in the treatment of cardiovascular diseases such as heart failure and coronary artery disease. In the present study, we aimed to investigate how Empagliflozin in SGLT 2 inhibitors affects cardiac contraction and pump efficiency in patients who have Diabetes Mellitus (DM) without cardiovascular disease.

Methods

The conventional echocardiographic records and biochemical values ​​of 62 patients who had DM without a history of cardiovascular disease were evaluated before using Empagliflozin. The myocardial mechano‐energetic (MME) activity and index, and global longitudinal strain (GLS) were also calculated. After 3 months of Empagliflozin use, the tests were repeated and compared with previous data. A p < .05 was considered statistically significant.

Results

Left ventricular GLS and MME efficiency were found to be significantly higher after treatment (‐17.71 ± 2.12, ‐19.15 ± .71; p < .001 and 62.14 ± 18.21, 72.24 ± 26.57; p: .019).

Conclusion

An increase was detected in left ventricular longitudinal strain and MME efficiency after using Empagliflozin for 3 months in patients with DM. This result suggests that Empagliflozin improves left ventricular pump efficiency and contraction.
Rethinking Schooling in Capitalist America from a Marxian Perspective
Authors: Zhang Jianguo
Published: July 2022

Samuel Bowles and Herbert Gintis's Schooling in Capitalist America, a classic book in the field of education, has become more influential in the last twenty years than it was during the first several years following its publication. Interestingly, however, there are some widespread misconceptions about the book. In this paper, Jianguo Zhang investigates four of the primary critiques of Schooling in Capitalist America and then offers a critical defense of the book. He argues further that for Chinese scholars in education, this book is not only a classic, but it is also an outstanding model for how to apply Marxism to the field of education. It is particularly significant in the context of recent calls in China for a return to class analysis in the social sciences. On a worldwide scale, Schooling depicts the strong link between Karl Marx and education, which may benefit critical analysis of Marx's legacy to the field of education. Finally, the book may also serve to draw our imagination of education back to theoretical resources of socialism.
Post‐anaesthetic spinal cord myelomalacia in horses: A review and a presumptive clinical case presentation
Authors: Viilmann Inga , Smith Matthew R. W. , Vettorato Enzo
Published: July 2022

This article reviews the previous reports of post‐anaesthetic spinal cord myelomalacia (PSCM) in horses and summarises the speculated pathogenesis, potential risk factors, clinical signs, differential diagnosis, histopathology findings, treatment and prognosis of this post‐anaesthetic complication. Furthermore, a clinical case of suspected PSCM is presented.
Prevalence of and risk factors associated withSalmonellashedding among equids presented to a veterinary teaching hospital for colic (2013–2018)
Authors: Kilcoyne Isabelle , Magdesian K. Gary , Guerra Margherita , Dechant Julie E. , Spier Sharon J. , Kass Philip H.
Published: July 2022

Background

Gastrointestinal disease has been associated with shedding ofSalmonellawith previous studies demonstrating that horses with colic have a higher risk of acquiring and sheddingSalmonellaorganisms.

Objectives

The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of and risk factors associated withSalmonellashedding in a colic population at a referral clinic.

Study design

Retrospective case–control study.

Methods

For each colic case that was positive forSalmonella(n = 56), two colic cases (n = 112) that tested negative forSalmonella, were enrolled as controls. Associations between variables andSalmonellashedding were identified using logistic regression. Univariate and multivariable models were developed pertaining to (1) presenting clinicopathological data and (2) clinical variables that developed during hospitalisation.

Results

Of the equids presenting with colic, 1585/1917 had a sample submitted forSalmonellatesting. Of these, 56 were positive forSalmonellayielding a prevalence of 3.5%. Equids sheddingSalmonellawere more likely to present in July (odds ratio [OR] = 7.2; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.63–32.13;p = 0.009) and present with a history of fever (OR = 53.5; 95% CI = 2.57–1113.03;p = 0.01), increased lactate (OR = 1.6; 95% CI = 1.14–2.29;p = 0.007) and/or neutropenia (OR = 0.79; 95% CI = 0.65–0.97;p = 0.02). Hospitalised equids sheddingSalmonellawere more likely to be febrile (OR = 4.8; 95% CI = 1.47–15.8;p = 0.01) and 10 times more likely to develop reflux (OR = 10.1; 95% CI = 1.67–61.43;p = 0.01) compared to colic controls.

Main limitations

Retrospective nature of the study and bias inherent to the retrieval of data from medical records cannot be discounted. ClassifyingSalmonellastatus based on a single sample may have resulted in misclassification bias.

Conclusions

The prevalence ofSalmonellashedding in this colic population was low compared to earlier reports. Certain predictors such as the development of a fever or reflux in hospitalised colic cases were associated withSalmonellashedding and may help the clinician to promptly identify horses likely to shed; thus, helping institute effective use of barrier nursing precautions.
Experimental borosilicate bioactive glasses: Pulp cells cytocompatibility and mechanical characterization
Authors: Lizzi Federico , Attik Nina , Goutaudier Christelle , Jackson Phil , Campbell Ian , Rizzo Sébastien , Grosgogeat Brigitte , Villat Cyril
Published: July 2022

Aim

To assess in vitro the effect of two novel phase separated borosilicate glasses (PSBS) in the system SiO2‐B2O3‐K2O‐CaO‐Al2O3 on dental pulp cells; and to compare their bioactivity and mechanical properties to a conventional fluoroaluminosilicate glass ionomer cement namely FUJI IX.

Methodology

The cytocompatibility assessment of the two novel borosilicate glasses, one without alumina (PSBS8) and one containing alumina (PSBS16), was performed on cultured primary human pulp cells. Alamar blue assay was used to assess cell metabolic activity and cell morphology was evaluated by confocal imaging. The bioactivity in Stimulated Body Fluid was also evaluated after 1 and 3 weeks of immersion using SEM‐EDX analysis. Vickers microhardness and flexural strength were assessed after incorporating the glass particles into a commercial glass ionomer cement (GIC) liquid containing both polyacrylic and polybasic carboxylic acid.

Results

The data revealed that the two borosilicate glasses enhanced cell viability ratios at all‐time points in both direct and indirect contact assays. After 3 days of contact, PSBS8 without alumina showed higher viability rate (152%) compared to the PSBS16 containing alumina (145%) and the conventional glass ionomer particles (117%). EDX analysis confirmed an initial Ca/P ratio of 2.1 for 45S5K and 2.08 for PSBS8 without alumina after 3 weeks of immersion. The cement prepared using PSBS8 showed significantly higher Vickers hardness values (p = .001) than that prepared using PSBS16 (46.6 vs. 36.7 MPa). After 24 h of maturation, PSBS8 (without alumina) exhibited a flexural strength of 12.9 MPa compared to a value of 16.4 MPa for the commercial control. PSBS8 without alumina had a higher strength than PSBS16 with alumina, after 1 and 7 days of maturation (p = .001).

Conclusions

The present in vitro results demonstrated that the borosilicate bioactive glass without alumina enhanced pulp cell viability, spreading and acellular bioactivity better than the conventional GIC and the experimental borosilicate glass containing alumina.
Real‐world treatment patterns and oncological outcomes in early relapse and refractory disease after bacillus Calmette‐Guérin failure in non‐muscle‐invasive bladder cancer
Authors: Murakami Yasukiyo , Matsumoto Kazumasa , Miyake Makito , Amano Noriyuki , Shimura Soichiro , Nishimura Nobutaka , Iida Kota , Matsushita Yuto , Abe Takashige , Yamada Takeshi , Uemura Motohide , Matsui Yoshiyuki , Taoka Rikiya , Kojima Takahiro , Kobayashi Takashi , Nishiyama Naotaka , Kitamura Hiroshi , Nishiyama Hiroyuki , Fujimoto Kiyohide , Iwamura Masatsugu
Published: July 2022

Objective

To assess real‐world oncological outcomes between the radical cystectomy (RC) group and non‐RC group for early relapse and refractory disease.

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed 953 patients with recurrent non‐muscle‐invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC) who received bacillus Calmette‐Guérin (BCG) at 31 affiliated hospitals from 2000 to 2019. Patients with missing data on the timing of failure were excluded and 871 patients remained eligible, of whom 447, 357, and 67 were classified as early relapse/refractory disease, intermediate/late relapse disease, and intolerant disease, respectively. For early relapse/refractory disease, patients were divided into two salvage treatment groups: RC and non‐RC. The clinicopathological variables of each group were examined using Kaplan–Meier plots and proportional Cox hazard ratios with matched score analyses to compare oncological outcomes between the two groups.

Results

Significantly worse progression‐free survival and cancer‐specific survival (CSS) were confirmed in the early relapse/refractory disease group compared to the intermediate/late relapse group. Of the 88 salvage patients in the RC group with early relapse/refractory disease, ≤pT1 was observed in 47, pT2 in 11, and ≥pT3 in 28 (two patients with unknown pT category). In early relapse/refractory disease, the RC group showed significantly high‐risk tumor compared to the non‐RC group. However, no significant difference was observed in CSS after matched score analyses (p = 0.45) between the RC and non‐RC groups.

Conclusions

This study found that the RC group showed no significant superiority compared to the non‐RC group in CSS for early relapse/refractory disease in terms of first salvage therapy.
Risk factors for postoperative complications in children with proximal hypospadias with severe chordee who underwent urethral plate transection
Authors: Zhou Guanglun , Wang Ruifeng , Zhu Wenbin , Yin Jianchun , Yang Zhilin , Li Shoulin
Published: July 2022

Objectives

To identify the risk factors associated with developing complications after transection of the urethral plate for proximal hypospadias with severe chordee.

Methods

We used a prospective database to identify patients with proximal hypospadias and severe chordee who underwent transection of the urethral plate and primary hypospadias repair in 2011 and 2021. All patients underwent urethroplasty with a follow‐up period of >12 months. The association between variables (age, surgical technique, length of urethral defect, and surgeon volume) and postoperative complications (fistulas, urethral strictures, diverticula and glans dehiscence) was analyzed.

Results

Altogether, 493 patients were included, of whom 133 (26.9%) had postoperative complications. Univariate and multivariate analyses revealed that the preoperative proximal meatal position, one‐stage repair, longer urethral defect length, and low surgeon volume were significant risk factors for postoperative complications with proximal hypospadias with severe chordee who underwent transection of the urethral plate. A urethral defect length of ≥4.55 cm was considered the best cutoff value for predicting postoperative complications.

Conclusions

Preoperative proximal meatal location, one‐stage repair, longer urethral defect length, and low surgeon volume were associated with postoperative complications in patients with proximal hypospadias with severe chordee who underwent transection of the urethral plate. A urethral defect length of ≥4.55 cm was significantly associated with the development of complications.
Caspofungin at sub-inhibitory concentration promotes the formation of Candida albicans persister cells
Authors: Ye Meng-Si , Chen Hua-Le , Liu Cai-Xia , Ren Ai-Juan , Yang Hai-Wei , Wang Shi-Shi
Published: July 2022

Aims

Low caspofungin exposure is frequently encountered in patients with invasive candidiasis caused by Candida albicans. This study aimed to investigate the effects of caspofungin on C. albicans at sub-inhibitory concentrations.

Methods and Results

First, a comparative transcriptomics analysis was performed on C. albicans receiving caspofungin at sub-minimum inhibitory concentrations (sub-MICs). The results showed that caspofungin significantly changed the mRNA expression profile in DAY185, with DE-mRNAs enriched in the functions of cell wall biosynthesis, metabolism, etc. Subsequently, cellular fitness, cell aggregation, energy metabolism activity and the proportion of persister cells of C. albicans were quantitatively and/or qualitatively assessed after sub-MIC caspofungin exposure. No significant changes in cell fitness and aggregation formation were observed during treatment of C. albicans with sub-MIC caspofungin. In C. albicans aggregation treated with sub-MIC caspofungin, we observed a decrease in respiratory metabolism and an increase in persister cells; this effect was more pronounced in als1ΔΔ than in DAY185.

Conclusions

Pre-exposure to sub-MIC caspofungin suppresses C. albicans respiratory metabolism and promotes persister cell development.

Significance and Impact of the Study

Caspofungin should be used with caution in patients with C. albicans infections, as anti-infection therapy may fail due to persister cells.
Dispersal of pathogen-associated multispecies biofilm by novel probiotic Bacillus subtilis in a contact-dependent manner
Authors: Sudan Sudhanshu , Li Julang
Published: July 2022

Aims

Biofilms are involved in pathogenesis of various bacterial infections. Treatment of biofilm-related bacterial infection remains a major challenge due to the reduced efficacy of antibiotics and associated antibiotic resistance. Given the high prevalence of Enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC), Salmonella Typhimurium (S. Typhimurium) and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA)-related infections and associated drug resistance, it is imperative to develop alternative strategies for treatment and prevention. The current study investigated antibiofilm activity of a recently isolated Bacillus subtilis (B. subtilis-9) against these pathogens.

Methods and Results

Crystal violet staining showed that treatment with B. subtilis-9 significantly reduced biofilm biomass of ETEC (60%–80%), S. Typhimurium (68%–73%) and MRSA (66%–82%). In addition, B. subtilis-9 significantly reduced pre-formed biofilm biomass of ETEC (59%), S. Typhimurium (62%), MRSA (65%) and multispecies (58%). Fluorescence microscopy revealed that B. subtilis-9 treatment significantly reduced the thickness of biofilm and viability of the embedded bacteria. Additionally, B. subtilis-9 significantly reduced planktonic cell growth of ETEC (92%), S. Typhimurium (94%) and MRSA (93%). Interestingly, transwell assay showed that B. subtilis-9 exhibited antibiofilm properties in a cell-to-cell contact-dependent manner and significantly reduced mRNA expression of biofilm-related genes, bssS, luxS and ihfB in ETEC.

Conclusion

Novel B. subtilis-9 exhibits a strong inhibitory activity against ETEC, S. Typhimurium and MRSA biofilm formation and adhesion to abiotic surfaces. With further investigations, our study could bring forward a novel Bacillus-based probiotic intervention strategy to combat pathogenic biofilms, in clinical and agricultural settings.

Significance and Impact of the Study

Probiotic bacteria propose a potential alternative in combating biofilm-related infections, however, data on the efficacy and strain selection are limited. Data from this study are critical in further developing Bacillus-based novel probiotic applications that may reduce the use of antibiotics in biofilm-related infections in humans and animals.
Evaluation of a novel multiplex qPCR method for rapid detection and quantification of pathogens associated with calf diarrhoea
Authors: Pansri Potjamas , Svensmark Birgitta , Liu Gang , Thamsborg Stig Milan , Kudirkiene Egle , Nielsen Henrik Vedel , Goecke Nicole Bakkegård , Olsen John Elmerdahl
Published: July 2022

Aims

Diarrhoea is a common health problem in calves and a main reason for use of antimicrobials. It is associated with several bacterial, viral and parasitic pathogens, most of which are commonly present in healthy animals. Methods, which quantify the causative agents, may therefore improve confidence in associating a pathogen to the disease. This study evaluated a novel commercially available, multiplex quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) assay (Enterit4Calves) for detection and quantification of pathogens associated with calf-diarrhoea.

Methods and Results

Performance of the method was first evaluated under laboratory conditions. Then it was compared with current routine methods for detection of pathogens in faecal samples from 65 calves with diarrhoea and in 30 spiked faecal samples. The qPCR efficiencies were between 84%–103% and detection limits of 100–1000 copies of nucleic acids per sample were observed. Correct identification was obtained on 42 strains of cultured target bacteria, with only one false positive reaction from 135 nontarget bacteria. Kappa values for agreement between the novel assay and current routine methods varied between 0.38 and 0.83.

Conclusion

The novel qPCR method showed good performance under laboratory conditions and a fair to good agreement with current routine methods when used for testing of field samples.

Significance and impact of study

In addition to having fair to good detection abilities, the novel qPCR method allowed quantification of pathogens. In the future, use of quantification may improve diagnosis and hence treatment of calf diarrhoea.
Effect of canagliflozin on the decline of estimated glomerular filtration rate in chronic kidney disease patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus: A multicenter, randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled, parallel‐group, phase III study in Japan
Authors: Wada Takashi , Mori‐Anai Kazumi , Takahashi Akiko , Matsui Takahiro , Inagaki Masaya , Iida Mitsutaka , Maruyama Ken , Tsuda Hidetaka
Published: July 2022

Aims/Introduction

The Canagliflozin and Renal Events in Diabetes with Established Nephropathy Clinical Evaluation (CREDENCE) trial has shown the effects of canagliflozin on preventing clinically important kidney outcomes in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and chronic kidney disease; however, not many Japanese patients were included in the trial. The present study evaluated the efficacy and safety of canagliflozin in Japanese chronic kidney disease patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Materials and Methods

In this multicenter, randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled, parallel‐group, phase III study, chronic kidney disease patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus were randomly assigned to receive either 100 mg canagliflozin or a matching placebo once daily for 104 weeks. The primary efficacy end‐point was the incidence of a 30% decline in estimated glomerular filtration rate.

Results

Overall, 308 patients were randomized to the canagliflozin (n = 154) and placebo (n = 154) groups. The incidence of a 30% decline in estimated glomerular filtration rate at week 104 was 18.2% and 29.5%, respectively, and the point estimate of the intergroup difference (placebo − canagliflozin) was 11.3% (95% confidence interval 1.2–21.5, P = 0.029), which was significant. The overall incidence of adverse events was similar in the two groups.

Conclusions

This study suggests that canagliflozin safely reduces the risk of end‐stage renal disease in Japanese chronic kidney disease patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.
Whole‐genome analysis of red sea bream iridovirus spread in 2021 in Japan provided epidemiological and viral traits insight
Authors: Ishihara Hikaru , Harakawa Shogo , Kawakami Hidemasa , Yoshii Keisuke , Murase Naoya , Yamada Hidetoshi , Fukuda Yutaka , Nozaki Reiko , Kawato Satoshi , Koiwai Keiichiro , Hirono Ikuo , Kondo Hidehiro
Published: July 2022

Red sea bream iridovirus (RSIV) is the pathogen that causes red sea bream iridoviral disease. It causes a huge loss to the Japanese aquaculture industry. In 2021, outbreaks of red sea bream iridovirus occurred in South Japan. This study analysed nine whole‐genome sequences of RSIV isolated in Oita and Ehime Prefectures in 2021 using a short‐read next‐generation sequencer. Nine isolates had highly uniform sequences, and there was no variant depending on locations or host species. Phylogenetic analyses with other reported megalocytivirus isolates showed that RSIV isolated in 2021 was genetically different from RSIV previously isolated in Oita and Ehime Prefectures in 2017–2019. These results suggest that RSIV isolated in Oita and Ehime Prefectures in 2021 might spread from a common ancestor different from the recent one. Additionally, it was found that RSIV isolated in 2021 had sequence mutations on protein‐coding sequences that may be involved in viral pathogenicity and infectivity.