bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The effect of tourism on the shadow economy: The level of economic development is key
Authors: Xu Ting , Lv Zhike
Published: September 2022

Using panel data covering the 2002–2015 period for 93 countries, this article provides substantial evidence that economic development levels drive the nonlinear relationship between tourism and the shadow economy. When the economic development level is below 1408.1 US dollars, tourism tends to increase the scale of the shadow economy. Then, the influence becomes insignificant when the economic development level is between 1408.1 US dollars and 6310.69 US dollars. With the development of the economy, tourism becomes beneficial to limit the scope of the shadow economy, and the magnitude of its marginal influence first increases, and then decreases with economic development. Our findings are relevant for policymakers in tailoring their policies toward limiting the scope of the shadow economy in the process of tourism development.
Effects of indoor low humidity on eye discomfort and associated physiological responses in soft contact lens and non-lens wearers
Authors: Ito Kanoko , Takada Satoru
Published: September 2022

Eye discomfort due to dryness is one of the major complaints reported in indoor spaces. The purpose of this study was to quantitatively evaluate the effect of low humidity on eye discomfort in soft contact lens (SCL) and non-CL wearers. In addition to subjective sensations, physiological parameters related to eye discomfort including tear-film parameters and blink patterns were comparatively evaluated between relative humidities of 10% and 45% at 23°C. For both the SCL and non-CL wearer groups, low humidity had a significant effect on some of the measured physiological parameters. The SCL group showed lower ocular surface temperature and larger temperature differential after blinking at 10% relative humidity (RH) than that at 45% RH, indicating faster tear evaporation. Furthermore, their tear films tended to be thinner and have a shorter break-up time at 10% RH than at 45% RH. The non-CL group showed a significantly higher blink frequency and longer eye-closure time at 10% RH than at 45% RH, presumably as a compensatory response to the disturbance of the tear film due to low humidity. These results suggest the importance of humidity control in indoor spaces in terms of tear-film quality, which contributes to eye discomfort.
Tropical algebra for noise removal and optimal control
Authors: Gong Chun-Mei , Peng Jiao , Wang Jing
Published: September 2022

Algorithms for noise removal are either complex or ineffective, and the optimal control with inequality constrains makes the algorithm even more complex. Now the condition is changed completely, and the tropical algebra is an extremely simple tool for this purpose. The tropical algebra-based filter has obvious advantages over traditional ones, and an inequality constrain can be converted to a tropical polynomial, making the tropical algebra much attractive in engineering applications. In this paper, idempotents on multiplicative semigroups of tropical matrices are studied. First, the concepts of tropical algebra and the semigroup of tropical matrices under multiplication are introduced. Second, the structure of idempotents on the semigroup of [Formula: see text] tropical matrices under multiplication is given. Finally, as examples, the tropical addition is used as a filter for noise removal, and a simple optimization is given where the constraint is given by the tropical algebra. The paper has opened the path for a new way to noise removal and optimization.
“Jeg skal sjekke”: Urban buggy-wayfaring and adventurous lines with data-ing and reconfigurations of children
Authors: Waterhouse Ann-Hege Lorvik , Otterstad Ann Merete , Boucher Kelly
Published: September 2022

In this article, the authors experiment with data-ing as a methodology, and wonder how three researchers — two in Oslo (Norway) and one in Melbourne (Australia) — can come closer to-with the research material by following and buggy-walking a young wayfarer in urban spaces and places. The ideas of not knowing and experimenting, making-with urban landscapes, transportation, materials, sounds, surfaces, bodily movements, minor gestures, and haptic engagement, transform their thinking about data-ing as research-creation while traveling and walking the city with a buggy and a young wayfarer's adventure. Their experimental method uses smartphones and digital technology, and the methodological contours in this article are attuned to and engage in and with multiple surfaces of an urban city landscape. Lines and threads transform into traces and create surfaces, and lines transforming into threads dissolve surfaces. The authors create city maps and investigate what digital tools, social media, and a chat service can generate and unfold when wayfaring locally and talking and writing across continents. Their project follows two layers — doing data-ing as research-creation and wayfaring. To do data-ing as collective open-ended productions among researchers invites one to ask what happened and what might occur temporally in cities as minor gestures here and there. The bodily movement offered by an urban wayfarer invites the authors to speculate with what the phenomenon of an investigator, an artist, a maker, a runner, or an activist can unfold in the moments to come.
Redefining consumer nationalism: The ambiguities of shopping yellow during the 2019 Hong Kong Anti-ELAB movement
Authors: Li Yao-Tai , Whitworth Katherine
Published: September 2022

An iconic characteristic of Hong Kong’s social unrest in 2019 was the establishment of the so-called “yellow economic circle”—a networked system of retailers and consumers linked by shared political values. Movement sympathizers chose to consume products from retailers perceived as supporting movement aims and boycotted retailers thought to be in favor of closer ties with China. This research focuses on the challenges of the yellow economic circle through the lenses of class and consumer nationalism. Drawing on social media posts and interviews with pro-democracy individuals from different socio-economic backgrounds, we highlight challenges to the sustainability of the “yellow economic circle.” Class-based purchasing power represented an obstacle to the success of the yellow economic circle; however, it was not the biggest challenge. Instead, an inherent incompatibility between the movement’s aims and the means for achieving these aims posed the biggest hurdle. Navigating this incompatibility represented an opportunity for movement participants to develop innovations in thinking about consumer nationalism and the role purchasing power may play in participation. We conclude that the way participants defined consumer nationalism determined whether the yellow economic circle could be understood to engender a shared “Hong Kong identity” and eliminate existing class differences.
The Influence of Local Patriotism on Participation in Local Politics, Civic participation, Trust in Local Government and Collective Action
Authors: Richey Sean
Published: September 2022

Patriotism is conceived of as a national-level concept. I posit that people hold similarly strong feelings toward their municipal area. Based on long-standing the- ories of patriotism in national politics, I show how local patriotism influences local politics. Using novel preregistered survey data from an online sample matched to nationally representative data in terms of gender, age, and race, I show that people have feelings of love, indifference, or hate toward their municipality. I also find a strong positive correlation between loving one’s municipality and partici-pation in local politics, civic participation, and trust in local government. I also conducted two preregistered survey experiments that show that priming feelings of love and/or hate towards one’s town strongly motivates the willingness to sac-rifice to solve local collective action problems. Specifically, stimuli that evoked these feelings made participants much more likely to donate the payment they earned from completing the survey to solve a town problem. These results show the crucial importance of local patriotism for understanding local politics.
The Clinical Value of Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus Nasal Screening in the Management of Diabetic Foot Infections
Authors: Hosry Jeff , Wang Taylor , Assaad Marc , Kamel Ralph , Homsy Sylvester , Sleiman Elsa , Glaser Allison , Mobarakai Neville K.
Published: September 2022

Nasal carriage of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) remains an important risk factor for diabetic foot infections (DFIs). We explored herein the clinical value of MRSA-nasal screening in the management of DFIs. In this retrospective case-control study, patients admitted with a DFI between 1/1/2014–6/30/2020 were studied and divided into cases (positive MRSA-nasal screening) and controls (negative MRSA-nasal). We included 171 patients (22 cases and 149 controls). MRSA nasal screening had a negative predictive value (NPV) of 86%. Compared to controls, cases were treated with intravenous vancomycin for a longer duration: (median [IQR], 5[3,11] vs 2[2,6]) days, P = .037). In multivariate analysis, a negative MRSA nasal screening was associated with a 74% decreased risk of AKI (OR = 0.26, 95% CI = 0.07-0.89). MRSA nasal screening in patients admitted with DFI has a high NPV. Obtained early, it can shorten the duration of intravenous vancomycin, consequently preventing AKI.
Biomarkers and Predictors of Adverse Cardiovascular Events in Different Stages of Chronic Kidney Disease
Authors: Stopic Bojan , Medic-Brkic Branislava , Savic-Vujovic Katarina , Davidovic Zeljko , Todorovic Jovana , Dimkovic Nada
Published: September 2022

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is an important factor that contributes to the increase of all-cause morbidity and mortality in the group of non-communicable diseases, and it is also recognized as a strong and independent risk factor that contributes to cardiovascular disease (CVD). CVDs are a consequence of the action of a large number of risk factors among which are traditional and non-traditional. These risk factors have been the subject of a large number of studies which partially explained the unfavorable cardiovascular (CV) outcome of CKD patients. Therefore, valid studies about clinical and biohumoral predictors are of particular importance, especially in the early stages of renal disease, that is, in patients with creatinine clearance below 60 ml/min/1.73 m2 when preventive measures are most effective. Among potential predictors of adverse CV outcome are biomarkers of inflammation (Interleukin-18—IL-18), oxidative stress (ischemia-modified albumin—IMA; superoxide dismutase—SOD), acute kidney injury (kidney injury molecule -1—KIM-1; neutrophil gelatinase–associated lipocalin—NGAL), and microribonucleic acids (specific microRNA-133a). In this review, we tried to confirm the relationship between risk factors of CKD and CVD and newer, less frequently examined biomarkers with the occurrence of incidental CV events in renal patients.
It’s not the Destination it’s the Journey: Lessons From a Longitudinal ‘Mixed’ Mixed-Methods Study Among Female informal Workers in South Africa
Authors: Horwood Christiane , Luthuli Silondile , Chiliza Jessica , Mapumulo Sphindile , Haskins Lyn
Published: September 2022

Longitudinal qualitative methodologies have gained increased attention in health and social science research as an appropriate methodology to explore participants’ experiences of change over time but is a challenging methodology to implement. We reflect on the methodological aspects of a novel longitudinal ‘mixed’ mixed-methods study using quantitative and qualitative methods with both individuals and groups, employing various participatory approaches. We focus on key learnings from our study including the use of a structured recruitment process to minimise loss to follow up, and issues of reflexivity when researchers and participants have a similar background. In addition, like many large mixed-methods longitudinal studies we experienced challenges determining sample size and managing and analysing a large dataset. There is a need for establishing clear guidelines for determining sample size, addressing reflexivity and managing large datasets. The lessons learned from this study will add rigour to the literature on conducting mixed-methods longitudinal studies.
Working with complexity: Leading school networks in Aotearoa New Zealand and England
Authors: Greany Toby , Kamp Annelies
Published: September 2022

Inter-school networks have been promoted in many school systems globally to facilitate: knowledge generation and dissemination; responsiveness to increasingly diverse student and societal needs; and emotional and practical peer support for educational professionals. In understanding contemporary education as a ‘wicked’ problem, this paper explores case studies of inter-school networks in Aotearoa New Zealand (New Zealand) and England through the lens of complexity theory. We focus on how the conditions necessary for complex emergence identified by Davis and Sumara operate and how these conditions, along with their ‘enabling constraints’, facilitate the emergence of new perspectives and practices that enable the achievement of network objectives. This analysis indicates that where particular forms of leadership are in place, challenges – such as fragmentation, competition and the absence of social capital – can be overcome. We argue that network leaders need to balance and bridge three overlapping leadership approaches: operational leadership, entrepreneurial leadership and enabling leadership. We conclude by exploring the implications and insights for school, network and system leaders.
Amyloid Polypeptide Disaggregation Activity of Passion Fruit Seed-Derived Polyphenol Compounds
Authors: Sampei Tatsuya , Wu Yingxue , Shigemori Hideyuki
Published: September 2022

In an aging society, the prevalence of Alzheimer disease (AD) and type 2 diabetes (T2D) has increased. It is currently hypothesized that these diseases are caused by the aggregation of amyloid β (Aβ) in the brain and human islet amyloid polypeptide (hIAPP) in the islets of Langerhans, respectively. Therefore, the disaggregation of these existing amyloid aggregates is a promising approach to the prevention and treatment of both diseases. In our previous studies, we found a remarkable Aβ and hIAPP aggregation inhibitory activity of polyphenolic compounds containing catechol moieties. Compared to previous reports on their aggregation inhibitory activity, there are few on the disaggregation activity of polyphenolic compounds. Additionally, there are few findings on the disaggregation activity of polyphenolic compounds on hIAPP. In this study, we investigated the Aβ and hIAPP disaggregation activity of scirpusin B, a polyphenolic compound found in passion fruit seeds, and related compounds. Thioflavin T (Th-T) assays and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) were performed on these compounds to evaluate their Aβ42 and hIAPP disaggregation activities. The results showed that scirpusin B and its related compounds showed remarkable disaggregation activity. The structure–activity relationship of these compounds revealed that the presence of catechol moieties is important for this activity. This study also showed that polyphenols from passion fruit seeds have significant disaggregation activity against amyloid polypeptide aggregation.
Three New Glycosides From the Stems of Derris elliptica
Authors: Trang Bui Thi Thu , Nhiem Nguyen Xuan , Thi Huong Nguyen , Thi Thanh Mai Nguyen , Tuan Anh Nguyen , Van Kiem Phan
Published: September 2022

Three new glycosides, derriacuminosides A-C (1-3), were isolated from the stems of Derris elliptica (Wall.) Benth. Their chemical structures were determined by interpretations of HRESIMS and NMR spectra. The anti-inflammatory activity of compounds 1-3 were evaluated by inhibiting NO production in LPS activated RAW264.7 cells. Compounds 1-3 potentially inhibited NO production with IC50 values of 26.54 ± 3.08, 26.35 ± 1.37, and 49.71 ± 2.93 µM, respectively, compared to the positive control, L-NMMA (IC50 35.56 ± 2.98 µM).
Caste, Class and Development Experiences: Discourses on Social Inequality/Equality, Merit and Welfare in Modern India
Authors: Nite Dhiraj Kumar , Dash Bidhan Chandra
Published: September 2022

This article discusses the shifting links between the articulation of caste, class and representation claims on one side and development experiences in modern and contemporary India on the other. Going beyond the questions of exclusion, humiliation, protest and caste reforms, it extends the engagement with this subject to India’s path of development, experiences of capitalist modernisation, the functioning of colonial institutions and parliamentary democracy, labour relations and the sexual economy. The works under review suggest that caste and merit became proximate instead of antithetical from the nineteenth century. In contemporary India, the discourse of meritocracy has responded to subalterns’ assertions of their rights against inherited injustice. As a determinant of life chances and axis of inequality, class has largely superseded caste among contemporary Indians. However, the varied employment relations operate in the organised and unorganised sectors. And, they have been wedded to the structuration of class among the better-earning ‘labour elites’ in the organised sector, and the interlaced existence of caste and class among the labouring poor in the unorganised sector. This article suggests implications for action and research.
NADPH oxidase 2 limits amplification of IL-1β–G-CSF axis and an immature neutrophil subset in murine lung inflammation
Authors: Song Zhimin , Bhattacharya Sourav , Huang Guangming , Greenberg Zev J. , Yang Wei , Bagaitkar Juhi , Schuettpelz Laura G. , Dinauer Mary C.
Published: September 2022

The leukocyte NADPH oxidase 2 (NOX2) regulates inflammation independent of its antimicrobial activity. Inherited defects in NOX2 lead to chronic granulomatous disease (CGD), associated with recurrent bacterial and fungal infections, often with excessive neutrophilic inflammation that results in significant inflammatory burden and tissue damage. We previously showed that excessive leukotriene B4 (LTB4) production by NOX2-deficient mouse neutrophils was a key driver of elevated lung neutrophil infiltration in the initial response to pulmonary challenge with the model fungal particle zymosan. We now identify interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and downstream granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) as critical amplifying signals that augment and sustain neutrophil accrual in CGD mice. Neutrophils, delivered into the lung via LTB4, were the primary source of IL-1β within the airways, and their increased numbers in CGD lungs led to significantly elevated local and plasma G-CSF. Elevated G-CSF simultaneously promoted increased granulopoiesis and mobilized the release of higher numbers of an immature CD101− neutrophil subset from the marrow, which trafficked to the lung and acquired a significantly more proinflammatory transcriptome in CGD mice compared with wild-type mice. Thus, neutrophil-produced IL-1β and downstream G-CSF act sequentially but nonredundantly with LTB4 to deploy neutrophils and amplify inflammation in CGD mice after inhalation of zymosan. NOX2 plays a critical role in dampening multiple components of a feed-forward pipeline for neutrophil recruitment, and these findings highlight NOX2 as a key regulator of neutrophil number, subsets, and function at inflamed sites.
Immunoglobulin G N-glycan, inflammation and type 2 diabetes in East Asian and European populations: a Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Wang Biyan , Liu Di , Song Manshu , Wang Wei , Guo Bo , Wang Youxin
Published: September 2022

Background

Immunoglobulin G (IgG) N-glycans have been shown to be associated with the risk of type 2 diabetes (T2D) and its risk factors. However, whether these associations reflect causal effects remain unclear. Furthermore, the associations of IgG N-glycans and inflammation are not fully understood.

Methods

We examined the causal associations of IgG N-glycans with inflammation (C-reactive protein (CRP) and fibrinogen) and T2D using two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis in East Asian and European populations. Genetic variants from IgG N-glycan quantitative trait loci (QTL) data were used as instrumental variables. Two-sample MR was conducted for IgG N-glycans with inflammation (75,391 and 18,348 participants of CRP and fibrinogen in the East Asian population, 204,402 participants of CRP in the European population) and T2D risk (77,418 cases and 356,122 controls of East Asian ancestry, 81,412 cases and 370,832 controls of European ancestry).

Results

After correcting for multiple testing, in the East Asian population, genetically determined IgG N-glycans were associated with a higher risk of T2D, the odds ratios (ORs) were 1.009 for T2D per 1- standard deviation (SD) higher GP5, 95% CI = 1.003–1.015; P = 0.0019; and 1.013 for T2D per 1-SD higher GP13, 95% CI = 1.006–1.021; P = 0.0005. In the European population, genetically determined decreased GP9 was associated with T2D (OR = 0.899 per 1-SD lower GP9, 95% CI: 0.845–0.957). In addition, there was suggestive evidence that genetically determined IgG N-glycans were associated with CRP in both East Asian and European populations after correcting for multiple testing, but no associations were found between IgG N-glycans and fibrinogen. There was limited evidence of heterogeneity and pleiotropy bias.

Conclusions

Our results provided novel genetic evidence that IgG N-glycans are causally associated with T2D.
Using single-worm RNA sequencing to study C. elegans responses to pathogen infection
Authors: Wang Archer J. , Wibisono Phillip , Geppert Blake M. , Liu Yiyong
Published: September 2022

Background

Caenorhabditis elegans is an excellent research model whose populations have been used in many studies to address various biological questions. Although worm-to-worm phenotypic variations in isogenic populations have been persistently observed, they are not well understood and are often ignored or averaged out in studies, masking the impacts of such variations on data collection and interpretation. Single-worm RNA sequencing that profiles the transcriptomes of individual animals has the power to examine differences between individuals in a worm population, but this approach has been understudied. The integrity of the starting RNA, the quality of the library and sequence data, as well as the transcriptome-profiling effectiveness of single-worm RNA-seq remain unclear. Therefore, more studies are needed to improve this technique and its application in research.

Results

In this study, we aimed to develop a single-worm RNA-seq method that includes five steps: worm lysis and RNA extraction, cDNA synthesis, library preparation, sequencing, and sequence data analysis. We found that the mechanical lysis of worms using a Qiagen TissueLyser maintained RNA integrity and determined that the quality of our single-worm libraries was comparable to that of standard RNA-seq libraries based on assessments of a variety of parameters. Furthermore, analysis of pathogen infection-induced gene expression using single-worm RNA-seq identified a core set of genes and biological processes relating to the immune response and metabolism affected by infection. These results demonstrate the effectiveness of our single-worm RNA-seq method in transcriptome profiling and its usefulness in addressing biological questions.

Conclusions

We have developed a single-worm RNA-seq method to effectively profile gene expression in individual C. elegans and have applied this method to study C. elegans responses to pathogen infection. Key aspects of our single-worm RNA-seq libraries were comparable to those of standard RNA-seq libraries. The single-worm method captured the core set of, but not all, infection-affected genes and biological processes revealed by the standard method, indicating that there was gene regulation that is not shared by all individuals in a population. Our study suggests that combining single-worm and standard RNA-seq approaches will allow for detecting and distinguishing shared and individual-specific gene activities in isogenic populations.
Dexmedetomidine reduces myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury in young mice through MIF/AMPK/GLUT4 axis
Authors: Chen Siyu , Li Aimei , Wu Jianjiang , Huang Yidan , Zou Tiantian , Tailaiti Taiwangu , Wang Jiang
Published: September 2022

Background

Reperfusion of ischemic tissue has adverse impact on the myocardium. Dexmedetomidine (Dex) is a α2-adrenergic receptor (α2-AR) agonist with sedative and analgesic effects. Macrophage migration inhibition factor (MIF) is a pressure-regulating cytokine and is responsible for inflammatory and immune diseases. This study aims to reveal the consequences of Dex on myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury (IRI) in young mice.

Methods

Fifty mice were raised and examined. At the end of the experiment, all mice were euthanized. The anterior descending department of the left coronary artery in mice was under ischemia for 60 min, then the ligation line was released and reperfused for 120 min to establish the IRI model. Mice were randomly divided into Sham, control, treatment using 4,5-dihydro-3-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-5-isoxazoleacetic acid (ISO-1), Dex treatment, and Dex combined ISO-1 treatment groups. Interleukin (IL)-6, IL-10 and tumor necrosis factor (TNF-α) were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Reactive oxygen species (ROS) and ATP levels were recorded. The expressions of MIF, P-adenosine monophosphate-activated kinase α (AMPKα), glucose transporter (GLUT)4, Bax and Bcl-2 were detected by Western Blot (WB). Hematoxylin and Eosin (H&E) staining was used to study cell morphology. Apoptosis was detected by terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labelling (TUNEL) assay. Echocardiography was carried out at the end of reperfusion, and the infarct size was calculated by Electron microscopy.

Results

I/R + Dex group showed significantly increased IL-6 and TNF-α levels and reduced myocardial cell necrosis and apoptosis. H&E staining showed alleviated myocardial disorder, myocardial cell swelling, myocardial fiber fracture, and inflammatory cell infiltration in I/R + Dex group. Myocardial cell necrosis and apoptosis were significantly reduced in I/R + Dex group. ATP level in myocardial tissue of mice in I/R group was substantially decreased, while that in Dex group was increased. WB results showed that MIF, P-AMPK α, GLUT4 and Bcl-2 levels were increased and Bax levels were decreased in I/R + Dex group.

Conclusion

Dex may exert myocardial protection in young mice through MIF/AMPK/GLUT4 axis.
The prevention of delirium in elderly surgical patients with obstructive sleep apnea (PODESA): a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Wong Jean , Doherty Helen R. , Singh Mandeep , Choi Stephen , Siddiqui Naveed , Lam David , Liyanage Nishanthi , Tomlinson George , Chung Frances
Published: September 2022

Background

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is associated with neurocognitive impairment – a known risk factor for postoperative delirium. However, it is unclear whether OSA increases the risk of postoperative delirium and whether treatment is protective. The objectives of this study were to identify OSA with a home sleep apnea test (HSAT) and to determine whether auto-titrating positive airway pressure (APAP) reduces postoperative delirium in older adults with newly diagnosed OSA undergoing elective hip or knee arthroplasty.

Methods

We conducted a multi-centre, randomized controlled trial at three academic hospitals in Canada. Research ethics board approval was obtained from the participating sites and informed consent was obtained from participants. Inclusion criteria were patients who were$$\ge 6$$≥60 years and scheduled for elective hip or knee replacement. Patients with a STOP-Bang score of ≥ 3 had a HSAT. Patients were defined as having OSA if the apnea–hypopnea index was ≥ 10/h. These patients were randomized 1:1 to either: 1) APAP for 72 h postoperatively or until discharge, or 2) routine care after surgery. The primary outcome was postoperative delirium, assessed twice daily with the Confusion Assessment Method for 72 h or until discharge or by chart review. The secondary outcome measures included length of stay, and perioperative complications occurring within 30 days after surgery.

Results

Of 549 recruited patients, 474 completed a HSAT. A total of 234 patients with newly diagnosed OSA were randomized. The mean age was 68.2 (6.2) years and 58.6% were male. Analysis was performed on 220 patients. In total, 2.7% (6/220) patients developed delirium after surgery: 4.4% (5/114) patients in the routine care group, and 0.9% (1/106) patients in the treatment group (P = 0.21). The mean length of stay for the APAP vs. the routine care group was 2.9 (2.9) days vs. 3.5 (4.5) days (P = 0.24). On postoperative night 1, 53.5% of patients used APAP for 4 h/night or more, this decreased to 43.5% on night 2, and 24.6% on night 3. There was no difference in intraoperative and postoperative complications between the two groups.

Conclusions

We had an unexpectedly low rate of postoperative delirium thus we were unable to determine if postoperative delirium was reduced in older adults with newly diagnosed OSA receiving APAP vs. those who did not receive APAP after elective knee or hip arthroplasty.

Trial registration

This trial was retrospectively registered in clinicaltrials.gov NCT02954224 on 03/11/2016.
Clinical features and risk factors of surgical site infections in HIV-negative patients with cryptococcal meningitis underwent ventriculoperitoneal shunt operations: a retrospective study
Authors: Xu Lejia , Zhu Jianyun , Wang Xiaoyun , Zeng Guofen , Gao Zhiliang , Liu Jing
Published: September 2022

Background

To investigate the clinical features and risk factors of ventriculoperitoneal shunt (VPS) associated surgical site infections (SSIs) in HIV-negative patients with cryptococcal meningitis (CM).

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of HIV-negative patients with CM underwent VPS operation admitted to The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University in Southwest China over the past 7 years.

Results

193 patients were included, of whom 25 (12.95%) had SSIs in 6 (median duration, 1–48 days) days after operation. Compared with patients without SSIs, patient with SSIs tended to be shorter preoperative stay. 52% patients in SSIs group and 25% patients in no-SSIs group underwent VPS operations within 3 days after admission (p = 0.017). Although body temperature and infectious indicators slightly elevated postoperative in both groups. The patients with SSIs experienced more fever; more central nervous system symptoms; higher PCT value and lower cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) glucose in contrast to the no-SSIs group. Multivariate regression analysis found a 2.653 fold increase in the risk of infection for every 1 °C increase in postoperative body temperature. Among the 25 patients, 9 patients had positive culture results, three samples reported to be oxacillin resistant coagulase-negative Staphylococci.

Conclusions

SSIs was one of the serious surgical complications after VPS operation. High body temperature, the occurrence of dizziness and headache, low postoperative hemoglobin are risk factors. Postoperative patients with high fever, high PCT and low CSF glucose should be paid more attention to.
Evaluation of cardiovascular diseases risk calculators for CVDs prevention and management: scoping review
Authors: Badawy Mohammed Abd ElFattah Mohammed Darw , Naing Lin , Johar Sofian , Ong Sokking , Rahman Hanif Abdul , Tengah Dayangku Siti Nur Ashikin Pengiran , Chong Chean Lin , Tuah Nik Ani Afiqah
Published: September 2022

Background

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are the leading cause of morbidity and mortality globally. This review aimed to summarise evidence on the key features, usability and benefits of CVD risk calculators using digital platforms for CVDs prevention and management in populations.

Methods

We used search engines and thematic analyses to conduct a scoping review. As the reporting guideline for this review, we used Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR).

Results

A total of 17 studies meeting eligibility criteria were included in the analysis, from which about 70% of the studies have prognostic level I (n = 8) and level II (n = 4) evidence. The review found that various guidelines are recommending different algorithms for CVD risk prediction. The QRISK® was the most accurate CVD risk calculator for several study populations, whereas World Health Organization/International Society of Hypertension (WHO/ISH) risk scores were the least accurate. The key features of CVD risk calculators are variables, predictive accuracy, discrimination index, applicability, understandability, and cost-effectiveness.

Conclusion

For the selected risk prediction tool, development and validation research must be done, which considers a mix of stroke-specific risk and CVD risk to establish its usability in the local community and advantages to the particular health-care environment. To get healthcare professionals more involved in preventing and treating CVDs, each healthcare setting should use an online CVD risk assessment tool that is more useful, accurate, and easy to use, based on the population and health system.
Potential biomarkers for predicting the overall survival outcome of kidney renal papillary cell carcinoma: an analysis of ferroptosis-related LNCRNAs
Authors: Wu Zixuan , Huang Xuyan , Cai Minjie , Huang Peidong
Published: September 2022

Background

Kidney renal papillary cell carcinoma (KIRP) is a dangerous cancer, which accounts for 15–20% of all kidney malignancies. Ferroptosis is a rare kind of cell death that overcomes medication resistance. Ferroptosis-related long non-coding RNAs (LNCRNAs) in KIRP, remain unknown.

Method

We wanted to express how ferroptosis-related LNCRNAs interact with immune cell infiltration in KIRP. Gene set enrichment analysis in the GO and KEGG databases were used to explore gene expression enrichment. The prognostic model was constructed using Lasso regression. In addition, we also analyzed the modifications in the tumor microenvironment (TME) and immunological association.

Result

The expression of LNCRNA was closely connected to the ferroptosis, according to co-expression analyses. CASC19, AC090197.1, AC099850.3, AL033397.2, LINC00462, and B3GALT1-AS1 were found to be significantly increased in the high-risk group, indicating that all of these markers implicates the malignancy processes for KIRP patients and may be cancer-promoting variables. LNCTAM34A and AC024022.1 were shown to be significantly elevated in the low-risk group; these might represent as the KIRP tumor suppressor genes. According to the TCGA, CCR, and inflammation-promoting genes were considered to be significantly different between the low-risk and high-risk groups. The expression of CD160, TNFSF4, CD80, BTLA, and TNFRSF9 was different in the two risk groups.

Conclusion

LNCRNAs associated with ferroptosis were linked to the occurrence and progression of KIRP. Ferroptosis-related LNCRNAs and immune cell infiltration in the TME may be potential biomarkers in KIRP that should be further investigated.
Real-world effectiveness of IDegLira compared with intensified conventional insulin therapy in adults with type 2 diabetes: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Szépkúti Sándor , Bandur Szilvia , Kovács Gábor , Ferenci Tamás , Svébis Márk M. , Turbucz Piroska , Tabák Ádám G.
Published: September 2022

Background

IDegLira is a fixed-ratio combination of insulin degludec and liraglutide with proven efficacy against simpler regimens and non-inferiority against basal-bolus insulin therapy. However, the evaluation of its real-world effectiveness is hindered by technical issues and requires further exploration. Thus we aimed to compare effectiveness of insulin degludec/liraglutide (IDegLira) versus intensified conventional insulin therapy (ICT) for type 2 diabetes in a real-world setting.

Methods

This retrospective cohort study from an outpatient clinic in Hungary included people who initiated IDegLira due to inadequate glycaemic control (HbA1c > 7.0% [53.0 mmol/mol]) with oral and/or injectable antidiabetic drugs. Data were compared with a historical cohort who initiated ICT. Outcomes included HbA1c, body weight, and hypoglycaemia differences over 18 months of follow-up.

Results

Data were included from 227 and 72 people who initiated IDegLira and ICT, respectively. Estimated mean difference (MD) in HbA1c at 18 months favoured IDegLira versus ICT (MD 0.60, 95% CI 0.88–0.32 [MD 6.6 mmol/mol, 95% CI 9.6–3.5]). More people reached target HbA1c ≤7.0% (53.0 mmol/mol) with IDegLira than ICT (odds ratio 3.36, 95% CI 1.52–7.42). IDegLira treatment was associated with weight loss compared with gain for ICT (MD 6.7 kg, 95% CI 5.0–8.5). The hazard ratio for hypoglycaemia comparing IDegLira with ICT was 0.18 (95% CI 0.08–0.49).

Conclusions

Treatment with IDegLira over 18 months resulted in greater HbA1c reductions, weight loss versus gain, and a lower rate of hypoglycaemia versus ICT in people with type 2 diabetes.
Farnesyl pyrophosphate compartmentalization in the green microalga Chlamydomonas reinhardtii during heterologous (E)-α-bisabolene production
Authors: Wichmann Julian , Eggert Annibel , Elbourne Liam D. H. , Paulsen Ian T. , Lauersen Kyle J. , Kruse Olaf
Published: September 2022

Background

Eukaryotic algae have recently emerged as hosts for metabolic engineering efforts to generate heterologous isoprenoids. Isoprenoid metabolic architectures, flux, subcellular localization, and transport dynamics have not yet been fully elucidated in algal hosts.

Results

In this study, we investigated the accessibility of different isoprenoid precursor pools for C15 sesquiterpenoid generation in the cytoplasm and chloroplast of Chlamydomonas reinhardtii using the Abies grandis bisabolene synthase (AgBS) as a reporter. The abundance of the C15 sesquiterpene precursor farnesyl pyrophosphate (FPP) was not increased in the cytosol by co-expression and fusion of AgBS with different FPP synthases (FPPSs), indicating limited C5 precursor availability in the cytoplasm. However, FPP was shown to be available in the plastid stroma, where bisabolene titers could be improved several-fold by FPPSs. Sesquiterpene production was greatest when AgBS-FPPS fusions were directed to the plastid and could further be improved by increasing the gene dosage. During scale-up cultivation with different carbon sources and light regimes, specific sesquiterpene productivities from the plastid were highest with CO2 as the only carbon source and light:dark illumination cycles. Potential prenyl unit transporters are proposed based on bioinformatic analyses, which may be in part responsible for our observations.

Conclusions

Our findings indicate that the algal chloroplast can be harnessed in addition to the cytosol to exploit the full potential of algae as green cell factories for non-native sesquiterpenoid generation. Identification of a prenyl transporter may be leveraged for further extending this capacity.
Individual and mixture associations of perfluoroalkyl substances on liver function biomarkers in the Canadian Health Measures Survey
Authors: Borghese Michael M. , Liang Chun Lei , Owen James , Fisher Mandy
Published: September 2022

Background

Perfluoroalkyl substances can disrupt hepatic metabolism and may be associated with liver function biomarkers. We examined individual and mixture associations of PFAS on liver function biomarkers in a representative sample of Canadian adults. We explored the potential for effect modification by sex and body mass index, as well as by physical activity level which may attenuate the deleterious effect of PFAS on metabolic disorders.

Methods

We analyzed data from participants aged 20–74 from the Canadian Health Measures Survey. We used linear regression to examine associations between plasma concentrations of PFOA, PFOS, PFHxS, PFNA, PFDA, and PFUDA on serum concentrations of aspartate aminotransferase (AST), gamma-glutamyltransferase (GGT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and total bilirubin. We used quantile g-computation to estimate associations with a PFAS mixture for each simultaneous, one-quartile change in PFAS concentrations.

Results

Each doubling of PFOA, PFOS, PFHxS, or PFNA concentrations was associated with higher AST, GGT, and ALP concentrations. Each doubling of PFOA concentrations was associated with 16.5% (95%CI: 10.4, 23.0) higher GGT concentrations among adults not meeting Canada’s physical activity guidelines vs. 6.6% (95%CI: -1.6, 15.5) among those meeting these guidelines. Sex and BMI also modified some associations, though to a lesser extent. We did not observe associations between ALT and PFOA (1.2% change; 95%CI: -2.5, 4.9), PFOS (2.2% change; 95%CI: -0.8, 5.3), or PFHxS (1.5% change; 95%CI: -0.4, 3.4). We also did not observe consistent associations for PFDA and PFUDA or with total bilirubin. In quantile g-computation models, each simultaneous one-quartile increase in the PFAS mixture was positively associated with AST (7.5% higher; 95%CI: 4.0, 10.4), GGT (9.7% higher; 95%CI: 1.7, 17.0), and ALP (2.8% higher; 95%CI: 0.5, 5.4).

Conclusion

Higher plasma concentrations of PFOA, PFOS, PFHxS, and PFNA – both individually and as a mixture – were associated with higher serum concentrations of liver function biomarkers. These results contribute to emerging evidence suggesting that higher levels of physical activity appear to be protective against the hepatotoxic effects of PFOA. This work contributes to a growing body of evidence supporting the hepatotoxic effects of PFAS.
Quality of life following medial patellofemoral ligament reconstruction combined with medial tibial tubercle transfer in patients with recurrent patellar dislocation: a retrospective comparative study
Authors: Hao Kuo , Feng Ao , Kong Lingce , Wang Fei
Published: September 2022

Background

Because the patients undergoing medial patellofemoral ligament reconstruction (MPFLr) combined with medial tibial tubercle transfer (TTT) procedure are usually young and active, the quality of life (QoL) is also an important prognostic factor for patients with recurrent patellar dislocation. Assessing QoL can provide more useful and accurate evidence for the effects of this procedure. This study aimed to evaluate QoL following MPFLr combined with TTT, compared with isolated MPFLr (iMPFLr).

Methods

Fifty-one patients who underwent iMPFLr + TTT and 48 patients who underwent iMPFLr were included. Clinical evaluation included QoL (EQ-5D-5L and EQ-5D VAS), functional outcomes (Kujala, Lysholm and Tegner activity scores), physical examinations (patellar apprehension test and range of motion) and redislocation rates. Radiological evaluation included patellar tilt angle and bisect offset. These preoperative and postoperative results were compared between groups at baseline and the final follow-up. The paired and independent t tests were used for the data following a normal distribution. Otherwise, the Wilcoxon and Mann–Whitney U tests were used to analyze the differences. Categorical variables were compared by chi-square or Fisher’s exact test.

Results

All of the QoL (EQ-5D-5L and EQ-5D VAS), clinical results and radiological outcomes significantly improved in both groups at the final follow-up, with no significant differences between groups. There was no significant difference in five dimensions of EQ-5D at the final follow-up, although percentages of people with problems of mobility and pain/discomfort were higher in the MPFLr + TTT group. Female patients had lower EQ-5D index and EQ-5D VAS compared with male patients in both groups at the final follow-up, but there was only a significant difference in the EQ-5D VAS.

Conclusions

Both MPFLr + TTT and iMPFLr groups obtained similar and satisfactory improvements in the QoL, clinical results and radiological outcomes, indicating that MPFLr combined with TTT is a safe and effective procedure, which can significantly improve the QoL for patients with recurrent patellar dislocation in cases of pathologically lateralized TT. However, female patients obtained lower QoL than males.
Traditional Chinese medicine paraffin therapy: an evidence-based overview from a modern medicine perspective
Authors: Yan Wenxi , Liu Lanping , Yang Tao , Yang Xiaochen
Published: September 2022

External therapy of traditional Chinese medicine and paraffin therapy are both traditional Chinese forms of treatment. In recent years, external use of traditional Chinese medicine combined with paraffin therapy, which involves combining meridians, acupoints, drugs, and hyperthermia, has demonstrated great effectiveness in treating certain conditions. An overview of traditional Chinese medicine paraffin therapy (TCMPT) is provided by this article. Additionally, this article describes a new classification of TCMPT, mechanism of action, clinical treatment, indications contraindications and adverse events reports.
Effectiveness, safety and cost-effectiveness of vaporized nicotine products versus nicotine replacement therapy for tobacco smoking cessation in a low-socioeconomic status Australian population: a study protocol for a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Howard Bridget C , McRobbie Hayden , Petrie Dennis , Barker Daniel , Mendelsohn Colin , Anderson Jack , Borland Ron , Naughton Felix , Tutka Piotr , Zwar Nick , Boland Veronica C , Aiken Alexandra , Shakeshaft Anthony , Gartner Coral , Richmond Robyn L , Hall Wayne , Mattick Richard P , Farrell Michael , Courtney Ryan J
Published: September 2022

Background

In Australia, tobacco smoking rates have declined but inequalities remain with significantly higher smoking prevalence among low-socioeconomic populations. Clinical trial data suggest vaporized nicotine products (VNPs) aid smoking cessation. Most VNP trials have used refillable tank systems, but newer generation (pod) devices now comprise the largest market share yet have limited clinical trial evidence on safety and effectiveness. This study evaluates the effectiveness, safety and cost-effectiveness of VNPs (pod and tank device) compared with nicotine replacement therapy ([NRT]—gum or lozenge) for smoking cessation.

Methods

This is a two-arm, open-label, superiority, parallel group, randomized controlled trial (RCT) with allocation concealment and blinded outcome assessment. The RCT is conducted at the National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre at the University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia. Participants are people who smoke daily, are interested in quitting and receive a government pension or allowance (N = 1058). Participants will be randomized (1:1 ratio) to receive 8 weeks of free: VNPs, with pod (40 mg/mL nicotine salt) and tank device (18 mg/mL freebase nicotine) in mixed flavours; or NRT (gum or lozenge; 4 mg). All participants will receive daily text message behavioural support for 5 weeks. Assessments will be undertaken by telephone at baseline, with three follow-up calls (two check-in calls within the first month and final follow-up at 7 months post randomization) to ascertain smoking status, treatment adherence and adverse events. The primary outcome is 6-month continuous abstinence verified by carbon monoxide breath test of ≤5ppm at 7-month follow-up. Safety and cost-effectiveness of VNPs versus NRT will also be evaluated.

Discussion

Further data are required to strengthen certainty of evidence for VNPs aiding smoking cessation, particularly for newer generation pod devices. To our knowledge, this trial is the first to offer choice of VNPs and no comparative effectiveness trial data exists for new pod devices. If effective, the findings can inform wider implementation of VNPs to aid smoking cessation in a priority group.

Trial registration

Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry ACTRN12621000076875. Registered on 29 January 2021. https://www.anzctr.org.au