bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Genetic risk of type 2 diabetes modifies the effects of a lifestyle intervention aimed at the prevention of gestational and postpartum diabetes
Authors: Huvinen Emilia , Lahti Jari , Klemetti Miira M. , Bergman Paula H. , Räikkönen Katri , Orho-Melander Marju , Laivuori Hannele , Koivusalo Saila B.
Published: May 2022

Aims/hypothesis

The aim of this study was to assess the interaction between genetic risk and lifestyle intervention on the occurrence of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) and postpartum diabetes.

Methods

The RADIEL study is an RCT aimed at prevention of GDM and postpartum diabetes through lifestyle intervention. Participants with a BMI ≥30 kg/m2 and/or prior GDM were allocated to intervention and control groups before pregnancy or in early pregnancy. The study visits took place every 3 months before pregnancy, once in each trimester, and at 6 weeks and 6 and 12 months postpartum. We calculated a polygenic risk score (PRS) based on 50 risk variants for type 2 diabetes.

Results

Altogether, 516 participants provided genetic and GDM data. The PRS was associated with higher glycaemic levels (fasting glucose and/or HbA1c) and a lower insulin secretion index in the second and third trimesters and at 12 months postpartum, as well as with a higher occurrence of GDM and glycaemic abnormalities at 12 months postpartum (n = 356). There was an interaction between the PRS and lifestyle intervention (p=0.016 during pregnancy and p=0.024 postpartum) when analysing participants who did not have GDM at the first study visit during pregnancy (n = 386). When analysing women in tertiles according to the PRS, the intervention was effective in reducing the age-adjusted occurrence of GDM only among those with the highest genetic risk (OR 0.37; 95% CI 0.17, 0.82). The risk of glycaemic abnormalities at 12 months postpartum was reduced in the same group after adjusting additionally for BMI, parity, smoking and education (OR 0.35; 95% CI 0.13, 0.97).

Conclusions/interpretation

Genetic predisposition to diabetes modifies the response to a lifestyle intervention aimed at prevention of GDM and postpartum diabetes. This suggests that lifestyle intervention may benefit from being tailored according to genetic risk.

Clinical trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT01698385

Graphical abstract
Social Interaction is Unnecessary for Hindgut Microbiome Transmission in Honey Bees: The Effect of Diet and Social Exposure on Tissue-Specific Microbiome Assembly
Authors: Anderson Kirk E. , Ricigliano Vincent A. , Copeland Duan C. , Mott Brendon M. , Maes Patrick
Published: May 2022

Honey bees are a model for host–microbial interactions with experimental designs evolving towards conventionalized worker bees. Research on gut microbiome transmission and assembly has examined only a fraction of factors associated with the colony and hive environment. Here, we studied the effects of diet and social isolation on tissue-specific bacterial and fungal colonization of the midgut and two key hindgut regions. We found that both treatment factors significantly influenced early hindgut colonization explaining similar proportions of microbiome variation. In agreement with previous work, social interaction with older workers was unnecessary for core hindgut bacterial transmission. Exposure to natural eclosion and fresh stored pollen resulted in gut bacterial communities that were taxonomically and structurally equivalent to those produced in the natural colony setting. Stressed diets of no pollen or autoclaved pollen in social isolation resulted in decreased fungal abundance and bacterial diversity, and atypical microbiome structure and tissue-specific variation of functionally important core bacteria. Without exposure to the active hive environment, the abundance and strain diversity of keystone ileum species Gilliamella apicola was markedly reduced. These changes were associated with significantly larger ileum microbiotas suggesting that extended exposure to the active hive environment plays an antibiotic role in hindgut microbiome establishment. We conclude that core hindgut microbiome transmission is facultative horizontal with 5 of 6 core hindgut species readily acquired from the built hive structure and natural diet. Our findings contribute novel insights into factors influencing assembly and maintenance of honey bee gut microbiota and facilitate future experimental designs.
Quantitative thrombus characteristics on thin-slice computed tomography improve prediction of thrombus histopathology: results of the MR CLEAN Registry
Authors: Hund Hajo , Boodt Nikki , Arrarte Terreros Nerea , Taha Aladdin , Marquering Henk A. , van Es Adriaan C. G. M. , Bokkers Reinoud P. H. , Lycklama à Nijeholt Geert J. , Majoie Charles B.L.M. , Dippel Diederik W.J. , Lingsma Hester F. , van Beusekom Heleen M. M. , van der Lugt Aad ,   on behalf of the MR CLEAN Registry Investigators
Published: May 2022

Objectives

Thrombus computed tomography (CT) characteristics might be used to assess histopathologic thrombus composition in patients treated with endovascular thrombectomy (EVT) for acute ischemic stroke (AIS). We aimed to assess the variability in thrombus composition that could be predicted with combined thrombus CT characteristics.

Methods

Thrombi of patients enrolled in the MR CLEAN Registry between March 2014 and June 2016 were histologically analyzed with hematoxylin-eosin staining and quantified for percentages of red blood cells (RBCs) and fibrin/platelets. We estimated the association between general qualitative characteristics (hyperdense artery sign [HAS], occlusion location, clot burden score [CBS]) and thrombus composition with linear regression, and quantified RBC variability that could be explained with individual and combined characteristics with R2. For patients with available thin-slice (≤ 2.5 mm) imaging, we performed similar analyses for general and quantitative characteristics (HAS, occlusion location, CBS, [relative] thrombus density, thrombus length, perviousness, distance from ICA-terminus).

Results

In 332 included patients, the presence of HAS (aβ 7.8 [95% CI 3.9–11.7]) and shift towards a more proximal occlusion location (aβ 3.9 [95% CI 0.6–7.1]) were independently associated with increased RBC and decreased fibrin/platelet content. With general characteristics, 12% of RBC variability could be explained; HAS was the strongest predictor. In 94 patients with available thin-slice imaging, 30% of RBC variability could be explained; thrombus density and thrombus length were the strongest predictors.

Conclusions

Quantitative thrombus CT characteristics on thin-slice admission CT improve prediction of thrombus composition and might be used to further guide clinical decision-making in patients treated with EVT for AIS in the future.

Key Points

• With hyperdense artery sign and occlusion location, 12% of variability in thrombus RBC content can be explained.

• With hyperdense artery sign, occlusion location, and quantitative thrombus characteristics on thin-slice (≤ 2.5 mm) non-contrast CT and CTA, 30% of variability in thrombus RBC content can be explained.

• Absolute thrombus density and thrombus length were the strongest predictors for thrombus composition.
Model droplet formation in extensional filament stretching within a Filament Extension Atomizer
Authors: Neukötter Moritz , Jesinghausen Steffen , Schmid Hans-Joachim
Published: May 2022

Further innovation in the field of selective laser sintering (SLS) is strongly connected to the availability of new materials since the market is dominated by polyamide 12 (>90%). The aim of this publication is to develop a descriptive model for the droplet formation process in a Filament Extension Atomizer to predict the applicability to exploit further polymers for the SLS process. The feasibility was tested, investigated and characterized using a “Dripping out of a nozzle” setup for uniaxial extension. The droplet formation process was then observed via high-speed camera imaging and classified for certain parameters. The experiments were carried out using semi-diluted polyethylene oxide (600–4000 kg/mol), glycerol and water solutions as model fluids. Driven by the Plateau-Rayleigh instability, different types of spherical droplets were observed and various droplet formation mechanisms demonstrated and analyzed. Based on the experimental results, a predictive model is derived to describe various essential parameters.
ATRT–SHH comprises three molecular subgroups with characteristic clinical and histopathological features and prognostic significance
Authors: Federico Aniello , Thomas Christian , Miskiewicz Katarzyna , Woltering Niklas , Zin Francesca , Nemes Karolina , Bison Brigitte , Johann Pascal D. , Hawes Debra , Bens Susanne , Kordes Uwe , Albrecht Steffen , Dohmen Hildegard , Hauser Peter , Keyvani Kathy , van Landeghem Frank K. H. , Lund Eva Løbner , Scheie David , Mawrin Christian , Monoranu Camelia-Maria , Parm Ulhøi Benedicte , Pietsch Torsten , Reinhard Harald , Riemenschneider Markus J. , Sehested Astrid , Sumerauer David , Siebert Reiner , Paulus Werner , Frühwald Michael C. , Kool Marcel , Hasselblatt Martin
Published: May 2022

Atypical teratoid/rhabdoid tumor (ATRT) is an aggressive central nervous system tumor characterized by loss of SMARCB1/INI1 protein expression and comprises three distinct molecular groups, ATRT–TYR, ATRT–MYC and ATRT–SHH. ATRT–SHH represents the largest molecular group and is heterogeneous with regard to age, tumor location and epigenetic profile. We, therefore, aimed to investigate if heterogeneity within ATRT–SHH might also have biological and clinical importance. Consensus clustering of DNA methylation profiles and confirmatory t-SNE analysis of 65 ATRT–SHH yielded three robust molecular subgroups, i.e., SHH-1A, SHH-1B and SHH-2. These subgroups differed by median age of onset (SHH-1A: 18 months, SHH-1B: 107 months, SHH-2: 13 months) and tumor location (SHH-1A: 88% supratentorial; SHH-1B: 85% supratentorial; SHH-2: 93% infratentorial, often extending to the pineal region). Subgroups showed comparable SMARCB1 mutational profiles, but pathogenic/likely pathogenic SMARCB1 germline variants were over-represented in SHH-2 (63%) as compared to SHH-1A (20%) and SHH-1B (0%). Protein expression of proneural marker ASCL1 (enriched in SHH-1B) and glial markers OLIG2 and GFAP (absent in SHH-2) as well as global mRNA expression patterns differed, but all subgroups were characterized by overexpression of SHH as well as Notch pathway members. In a Drosophila model, knockdown of Snr1 (the fly homologue of SMARCB1) in hedgehog activated cells not only altered hedgehog signaling, but also caused aberrant Notch signaling and formation of tumor-like structures. Finally, on survival analysis, molecular subgroup and age of onset (but not ASCL1 staining status) were independently associated with overall survival, older patients (> 3 years) harboring SHH-1B experiencing relatively favorable outcome. In conclusion, ATRT–SHH comprises three subgroups characterized by SHH and Notch pathway activation, but divergent molecular and clinical features. Our data suggest that molecular subgrouping of ATRT–SHH has prognostic relevance and might aid to stratify patients within future clinical trials.
Robotic-assisted minimally invasive Ivor Lewis esophagectomy within the prospective multicenter German da Vinci Xi registry trial
Authors: Egberts Jan-Hendrik , Welsch Thilo , Merboth Felix , Korn Sandra , Praetorius Christian , Stange Daniel E. , Distler Marius , Biebl Matthias , Pratschke Johann , Nickel Felix , Müller-Stich Beat , Perez Daniel , Izbicki Jakob R. , Becker Thomas , Weitz Jürgen
Published: May 2022

Purpose

Robotic-assisted minimally invasive esophagectomy (RAMIE) has become one standard approach for the operative treatment of esophageal tumors at specialized centers. Here, we report the results of a prospective multicenter registry for standardized RAMIE.

Methods

The German da Vinci Xi registry trial included all consecutive patients who underwent RAMIE at five tertiary university centers between Oct 17, 2017, and Jun 5, 2020. RAMIE was performed according to a standard technique using an intrathoracic circular stapled esophagogastrostomy.

Results

A total of 220 patients were included. The median age was 64 years. Total minimally invasive RAMIE was accomplished in 85.9%; hybrid resection with robotic-assisted thoracic approach was accomplished in an additional 11.4%. A circular stapler size of ≥28 mm was used in 84%, and the median blood loss and operative time were 200 (IQR: 80–400) ml and 425 (IQR: 335–527) min, respectively. The rate of anastomotic leakage was 13.2% (n=29), whereas the two centers with >70 cases each had rates of 7.0% and 12.0%. Pneumonia occurred in 19.5% of patients, and the 90-day mortality was 3.6%. Cumulative sum analysis of the operative time indicated the end of the learning curve after 22 cases.

Conclusions

High-quality multicenter registry data confirm that RAMIE is a safe procedure and can be reproduced with acceptable leak rates in a multicenter setting. The learning curve is comparably low for experienced robotic surgeons.
Long-term tracking and quantification of individual behavior in bumble bee colonies
Authors: Smith Matthew A.-Y. , Easton-Calabria August , Zhang Tony , Zmyslony Szymon , Thuma Jessie , Cronin Kayleigh , Pasadyn Cassandra L. , de Bivort Benjamin L. , Crall James D.
Published: May 2022

Social insects are ecologically dominant and provide vital ecosystem services. It is critical to understand collective responses of social insects such as bees to ecological perturbations. However, studying behavior of individual insects across entire colonies and across timescales relevant for colony performance (i.e., days or weeks) remains a central challenge. Here, we describe an approach for long-term monitoring of individuals within multiple bumble bee (Bombus spp.) colonies that combines the complementary strengths of multiple existing methods. Specifically, we combine (a) automated monitoring, (b) fiducial tag tracking, and (c) pose estimation to quantify behavior across multiple colonies over a 48 h period. Finally, we demonstrate the benefits of this approach by quantifying an important but subtle behavior (antennal activity) in bumble bee colonies, and how this behavior is impacted by a common environmental stressor (a neonicotinoid pesticide).
Interprofessional differences in preoperative planning—the individualist surgeon
Authors: Haak Fabian , Poletti Tino , Grossman Nir , von Holzen Urs , Bolli Martin , Klasen Jennifer M. , Glass Tracy , von Strauss und Torney Marco
Published: May 2022

Background

Perioperative processes have a great impact on the quality of surgery. In a high-risk surrounding, proper planning and communication is of upmost importance. We have identified other professions next to surgery with comparable circumstances and conducted a survey to elaborate on the impact of perioperative processes.

Objective

To identify standards in preoperative planning in high-risk professions and determine possible shortcomings in surgical practice.

Methods

Two surveys were constructed and distributed to surgeons, mountain guides, and soldiers. Questions were designed to investigate preoperative planning behavior and compare the different professions.

Results

Nearly every participant (97%) agreed to the fact that preoperative planning helps to avoid complications. Most surgeons agreed that the preoperative and postoperative phase of care had the greatest ability to improve overall quality of care. The opinions about planning were divided. The minority of surgeons agreed to the importance of sharing a plan preoperatively. Soldiers were the profession with the highest rate of plan sharing.

Conclusion

The readiness to communicate varies between professions and is lowest for surgeons. Missing standardization of procedures and the surgeon’s ego might be explanations for this behavior. Interventions to overcome this shortcoming, like the preoperative team timeout, have already been implemented but further improvements are needed.
Criminal Justice Involvement after Release from Prison following Exposure to Community Mental Health Services among People Who Use Illicit Drugs and Have Mental Illness: a Systematic Review
Authors: Stewart Ashleigh C. , Cossar Reece D. , Quinn Brendan , Dietze Paul , Romero Lorena , Wilkinson Anna L. , Stoové Mark
Published: May 2022

Illicit drug use and mental illness are common among people in prison and are associated with higher rates of reoffending and reimprisonment. We conducted a systematic review, searching MEDLINE, Embase, and PsycINFO to January 10, 2022, for studies reporting criminal justice involvement following exposure to community mental health services among people released from jail or prison who use illicit drugs and have mental illness. Our search identified 6954 studies; 13 were eligible for inclusion in this review. Studies were separated into three broad categories based on community mental health service type. Eleven of 13 studies reported a reduction in criminal justice involvement among participants exposed to community mental health services compared to a comparison group. Findings indicate a need to expand and improve integration and referral mechanisms linking people to community mental health services after jail or prison release, alongside a need for tailored programs for individuals with complex illicit drug use and mental health morbidities.
Architekturpsychologische Gestaltung von Arbeitsumwelten
Authors: Becker Matthias , Graf-Szczuka Karola , Wieschrath Sangeetha
Published: May 2022

Dieser Beitrag der Zeitschrift „Gruppe. Interaktion. Organisation. (GIO)“ verfolgt das Ziel, eine Übersicht über den Forschungsstand zu anwendungsorientierter (Neu‑)Gestaltung von Arbeitsumwelten aus dem Bereich der Architekturpsychologie zu geben.

Durch die Digitalisierung und die zunehmende Ortsunabhängigkeit von Arbeit werden Arbeitsumwelten in der Organisation immer mehr zu einem Dreh- und Angelpunkt der organisationalen Zusammenarbeit. Solche „organizational hubs“ sollten daher zielgerichtet gestaltet werden. Welche architektonischen Gestaltungselemente sind für diesen Kontext relevant und wie lässt sich deren Wirkungsweise theoretisch begründen? Das Review liefert für diesen spezifischen Anwendungsfall geeignet erscheinende Ansätze. Ein besonderer Fokus liegt dabei auf den Auswirkungen von Gestaltungselementen auf das Wohlbefinden und die Leistungsfähigkeit von Beschäftigten. Auf dieser Grundlage erfolgt eine knappe Zusammenstellung der bestehenden, heterogenen Befundlage zu einzelnen architekturpsychologischen Gestaltungselementen. Als Ergebnis der eingegrenzten Literatur-Übersicht lässt sich ein Forschungsdefizit bezüglich der Integration, Interaktionen und Gewichtung der einzelnen Elemente identifizieren, welches zukünftig in Forschung und Praxis adressiert werden muss.
Public Policy Research—Born in the USA, at Home in the World?
Authors: Bandelow Nils C. , Herweg Nicole , Hornung Johanna , Zohlnhöfer Reimut
Published: May 2022

Public policy emerged as an academic subfield in the United States after the second World War. The theoretical foundations of the discipline are essentially based on analyses of Anglo-Saxon policies and politics and were originally aimed at providing knowledge for the policy process of pluralistic democracies. Given the increasing transfer of the subject and related approaches to other countries, it is necessary to clarify how suitable theories, goals, and methods of policy research are applied in other contexts. What needs to be considered when transferring theories of the policy process, and what can be learned from existing applications of the various approaches in different settings? The compilation of contributions on selected theoretical public policy lenses and their transfer to other countries and regions provides a nuanced answer to these questions.
Cold Spray: Over 30 Years of Development Toward a Hot Future
Authors: Guo D. , Kazasidis M. , Hawkins A. , Fan N. , Leclerc Z. , MacDonald D. , Nastic A. , Nikbakht R. , Ortiz-Fernandez R. , Rahmati S. , Razavipour M. , Richer P. , Yin S. , Lupoi R. , Jodoin B.
Published: May 2022

Cold Spray (CS) is a deposition process, part of the thermal spray family. In this method, powder particles are accelerated at supersonic speed within a nozzle; impacts against a substrate material triggers a complex process, ultimately leading to consolidation and bonding. CS, in its modern form, has been around for approximately 30 years and has undergone through exciting and unprecedented developmental steps. In this article, we have summarized the key inventions and sub-inventions which pioneered the innovation aspect to the process that is known today, and the key breakthroughs related to the processing of materials CS is currently mastering. CS has not followed a liner path since its invention, but an evolution more similar to a hype cycle: high initial growth of expectations, followed by a decrease in interest and a renewed thrust pushed by a number of demonstrated industrial applications. The process interest is expected to continue (gently) to grow, alongside with further development of equipment and feedstock materials specific for CS processing. A number of current applications have been identified the areas that the process is likely to be the most disruptive in the medium-long term future have been laid down.
A Revision of the Sb-Te Binary Phase Diagram and Crystal Structure of the Modulated γ-Phase Field
Authors: Solé Stefan , Schmetterer Clemens , Richter Klaus W.
Published: May 2022

A new experimental study of Sb-Te, based on long term annealed samples homogenized by intermediate powdering and re-annealing of the pressed powder pellets was performed. More than 25 samples were prepared, covering the entire composition range between 0 and 60 at.% Te. This part of the phase diagram was disputed for many years, as the number of phases and their crystal structures were uncertain. Samples were characterized by optical microscopy, SEM/EDX, powder XRD and DTA. Our results show the existence of a continuous single phase field (γ) ranging from 11.4 to 56.9 at.% Te at 520 °C. A comparison of all obtained diffraction patterns showed clear evidence for a continuously modulated crystal structure. It was possible to refine all powder patterns by applying a structural model in the (3 + 1)-dimensional super-space group R­3m(0,0,γ). Lattice parameters of the basic cell as well as the modulation vector are varying continuously throughout the phase field and the γq-component ($${\mathbf{q}} = \gamma_{q} \cdot {\mathbf{c}}^{\user2{*}}$$

q
=

γ
q

·

c

∗

) of the incommensurate q-vector shows a linear extrapolation to pure Sb (γq = 3/2) and Sb2Te3 (γq = 6/5). In agreement with previous authors, the single-phase field γ was found to have a melting point minimum (30 at.% Te, 535 °C). Furthermore, two peritectic reactions were observed and the course of liquidus lines was determined in the whole investigated composition range. The new phase diagram differs considerably from all previous versions, and, for the first time, gives a complete rationalization of the crystal structures observed in the debated composition area.
Is poor sleep quality associated with poor neurocognitive outcome in cancer survivors? A systematic review
Authors: Drijver A. Josephine , Oort Quirien , Otten René , Reijneveld Jaap C. , Klein Martin
Published: May 2022

Purpose

Cancer-related neurocognitive impairment and poor sleep are prevalent in cancer survivors and have a negative impact on their quality of life. This systematic review studies the association between sleep disturbance and neurocognitive functioning, as well as the potential positive effects of sleep interventions on neurocognitive functioning in cancer survivors. In addition, we aimed at determining the potential positive effects of sleep interventions on neurocognitive functioning in this population.

Methods

Following PRISMA guidelines for reporting systematic reviews and meta-analyses, a comprehensive PubMed, Embase, PsycINFO, and CINAHL search was performed. Inclusion criteria were adult cancer survivors, self-reported or objective measures of neurocognitive functioning and sleep quality, or reports on the association between sleep and neurocognitive functioning.

Results

Of the 4,547 records retrieved, 17 studies were retained for this review. Twelve studies were correlational, and five reported on interventions aimed at improving sleep quality. All studies that included self-reported neurocognitive functioning found that poorer sleep was associated with worse neurocognitive functioning. In four out of eight studies, poorer sleep was associated with objective neurocognitive impairment. Three out of five interventional studies showed neurocognitive functioning improved with improved sleep.

Conclusions

While poor sleep in cancer survivors is associated with self-reported neurocognitive impairment, the association between poor sleep and objective neurocognitive impairment is less evident.

Implications for Cancer Survivors

It is important that care providers are aware of the association between sleep and neurocognitive functioning and that improving sleep quality can be a way to decrease neurocognitive impairment in cancer survivors.
Chromoendoscopy in Combination with Random Biopsies for Patients with Pathogenic CDH1 Mutations Undergoing Endoscopic Surveillance
Authors: Ruf Benjamin , Roggia Cristiana , Schroeder Christopher , Mattern Sven , Fend Falko , Klag Thomas , Götz Martin
Published: May 2022

Objectives

Germline mutations in the CDH1-gene are identified as the cause of 30–40% of cases of hereditary diffuse gastric cancer, an autosomal-dominant inherited cancer predisposition syndrome. Given this high risk of developing diffuse gastric cancer, carriers of a pathogenic CDH1 germline mutation are advised to undergo prophylactic gastrectomy. For patients preferring conservative management, endoscopic surveillance is recommended. The detection of diffuse gastric cancer using white light endoscopy, however, remains challenging.

Methods

Patients with pathogenic CDH1 mutation underwent (chromo)endoscopic surveillance or endoscopy prior to surgery. Biopsies were taken at suspicious sites identified by chromoendoscopy. In addition, endoscopically normal areas were assessed with mapping biopsies. Detection rates from endoscopic biopsies (mapping vs. targeted) and gastrectomy specimen were then compared.

Result

Between 11/2015 and 12/2020, ten patients from four families with a known CDH1 germline mutation had a total of n = 24 endoscopies with n = 518 total biopsies being examined. Three patients were diagnosed with GC during the study period. These patients all had suspicious chromoendoscopic lesions (= detection rate 100%). In two of three patients who had suspicious chromoendoscopic lesions, signet cell carcinoma was also detected in mapping biopsies and multiple additional cancer foci were identified in the gastrectomy specimen.

Conclusion

Chromoendoscopy facilitated detection of gastric carcinoma foci in CDH1 mutation carriers. Chromoendoscopy identified all patients with gastric cancer, but not all cancer foci present in these patients. We conclude that for patients opting against prophylactic total gastrectomy, the addition of chromoendoscopy to white light could be used to enhance diagnostic reliability of endoscopic surveillance.
A meta-analytic investigation of the impact of curiosity-enhancing interventions
Authors: Schutte Nicola S. , Malouff John M.
Published: May 2022

Curiosity is associated with a number of beneficial outcomes, such as greater life satisfaction, more work engagement and better academic performance. The connection between curiosity and beneficial outcomes supports the importance of examining whether it is possible to increase curiosity and to investigate what approaches may be effective in facilitating curiosity. This meta-analysis consolidated the effects of curiosity-enhancing interventions. Across 41 randomized controlled trials, with a total of 4,496 participants, interventions significantly increased curiosity. The weighted effect size was Hedges' g = 0.57 [0.44, 0.70]. These results indicated that interventions were effective across a variety of intervention principles used, with participants in various age groups, across various measures, and over different time periods. Interventions aiming to increase general curiosity showed larger effect sizes than interventions aiming to increase realm-specific curiosity. Interventions incorporating mystery or game playing had especially high effect sizes. Because higher levels of curiosity tend to be associated with various beneficial outcomes, the finding that across studies interventions are effective in increasing curiosity holds promise for future efforts to increase curiosity to bring about additional benefits.
Biosynthesis of gold nanoparticles using leaf extract of Dittrichia viscosa and in vivo assessment of its anti-diabetic efficacy
Authors: Ayyoub Sanaa , Al-Trad Bahaa , Aljabali Alaa A. A. , Alshaer Walhan , Al Zoubi Mazhar , Omari Sahar , Fayyad Diaa , Tambuwala Murtaza M.
Published: May 2022

Several studies have reported the anti-diabetic effect of biologically synthesized gold nanoparticles (AuNPs). This study was designed to investigate the in vivo anti-diabetic activity of AuNPs synthesized using the leaf extract of Dittrichia viscosa in a high-fat diet (HFD)/streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetes in rats. AuNPs were synthesized using the leaf extract of D. viscosa, and the synthesized AuNPs were characterized by UV–visible spectrophotometer, dynamic light scattering (DLS), zeta potential, and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). To study the anti-hyperglycemic effect of the AuNPs formed using D. viscosa extract, adult male Sprague–Dawley rats were divided into three groups (6–8 rats/group) as follows: control group, a diabetic group without treatment, and a diabetic group treated intraperitoneally with a daily injection of AuNPs at a dose of 2.5 mg/kg for 21 days. Diabetes was induced by maintaining the rats on HFD for 2 weeks, followed by a single intraperitoneal injection of 45 mg/kg of STZ. Serum and liver samples were collected at the end of the treatment period and used to measure glucose levels and hepatic gene expression and activity of phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase (PEPCK), the rate-limiting enzyme in the liver gluconeogenic pathway. The AuNPs formed using D. viscosa extract were mainly spherical with a size range between 20 and 50 nm with good stability and dispersity, as indicated by the zeta potential and DLS measurements. Treatment with AuNP significantly lowered the blood glucose level, the gene expression, and the activity of hepatic PEPCK in comparison to the diabetic untreated group (P < 0.05). This study suggests that AuNPs synthesized using D. viscosa leaf extract can alleviate hyperglycemia in HFD/STZ-induced diabetes in rats, which could be through the reduction of hepatic gluconeogenesis by inhibiting the expression and activity of the hepatic PEPCK gene.

Graphical abstract

Schematic illustration of the biosynthesis of AuNPs showing their distinctive morphology under the EM. The generated particles were injected into animals and serum glucose levels were reported in addition to the PEPCK expression and activity
Calcium acts as a central player in melatonin antitumor activity in sarcoma cells
Authors: Sánchez-Sánchez Ana M. , Turos-Cabal María , Puente-Moncada Noelia , Herrera Federico , Rodríguez Carmen , Martín Vanesa
Published: May 2022

Purpose

Chondrosarcoma and osteosarcoma are the most frequently occurring bone cancers. Although surgery and chemotherapy are currently clinically applied, improved treatment options are urgently needed. Melatonin is known to inhibit cell proliferation in both tumor types. Although the underlying mechanisms are not clear yet, calcium homeostasis has been reported to be a key factor in cancer biology. Here, we set out to investigate whether regulation of calcium by this indolamine may be involved in its antitumor effect.

Methods

Cell viability was measured using a MTT assay and flow cytometry was used to measure levels of cytosolic calcium, intracellular oxidants, mitochondrial membrane potential and cell cycle progression. Mitochondrial calcium was analyzed by fluorimetry. Cell migration was determined using a scratch wound-healing assay. Western blot analysis was used to assess the expression of proteins related to cell cycle progression, epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT), Ac-CoA synthesis and intracellular signaling pathways.

Results

We found that melatonin decreases cytosolic and mitochondrial Ca2+levels, intracellular oxidant levels, mitochondrial function and the expression of the E1 subunit of the pyruvate dehydrogenase complex. These changes were found to be accompanied by decreases in cell proliferation, cell migration and EMT marker expression. The addition of CaCl2prevented the changes mentioned above, while co-treatment with the calcium chelator BAPTA enhanced the effects.

Conclusions

Our data indicate that regulation of calcium homeostasis is a key factor in the inhibition of cell proliferation and migration by melatonin. This effect should be taken into consideration in combined therapies with traditional or new antitumor compounds, since it may circumvent therapy resistance.
Description of sand–metal friction behavior based on subloading-friction model
Authors: Ozaki Toshiyuki , Yamakawa Yuki , Ueno Masami , Hashiguchi Koichi
Published: May 2022

A subloading-friction model is formulated to describe the smooth transient variation from static friction to kinetic friction, the recovery to static friction after the sliding velocity decreases, and the accumulation of sliding displacement under the cyclic loading of contact stress. In the past relevant studies, however, the model formulation used for simulations is limited to the hypoelastic-based plasticity framework, and the validation of the model is limited to simulations of the test data for metal-to-metal friction. In this study, the formulation of the subloading-friction model based on a hyperelastic-based plasticity framework is adopted. In the fields of civil, geotechnical, agricultural engineering, and terramechanics, the interaction between soils and metals is critical, as reflected in construction and agricultural machinery, foundation piles, and retaining walls. The validity of the model for describing the friction between various sands and metals is verified by simulations of the experimental data under monotonic and cyclic loadings.
The calculation of flushing time for the upper Pasur River Estuary, Bangladesh
Authors: Shaha Dinesh Chandra , Cho Yang-Ki , Kundu Sampa Rani , Hasan Jahid , Haque Farhana , Salam Mohammad Abdus
Published: May 2022

Estimation of estuarine flushing time, a time required to transport of pollutants or any other properties from estuaries to the coast, is very important for its resource management. In this study, we estimated flushing time (T) of the upper Pasur River Estuary (UPRE) for understanding the water quality condition in the dry and wet seasons. High-resolution salinity data were collected from the PRE at high water in the dry and wet seasons in 2014 and 2019. Flushing time was calculated using the freshwater fraction method (FFM) as well as e-folding flushing time scales was estimated empirically using the salinity (non-reactive conservative) and monthly river discharge data. System flushing during the dry season was thirteen times weaker than flushing during the wet season owing to decreasing river discharge by nearly 94%. In addition, the daily exchange volume was decreased by eight times during the dry season than during the wet season. As a consequence, the conditions of the UPRE are more dynamic during the wet season due to receiving huge amount of river discharge. During the dry season, only the e-folding time scales showed higher values in the salinity maximum zone (salt plug area). This implied that the e-folding time scale is an empirical approach and was able to encompass the tidal dispersion process whereas the FFM was unable to include that process. As the PRE is a macrotidal estuary, the tide assists to flush dissolved substances from the UPRE to the coast during the dry season having negligible river discharge. In addition, there was no significant variation in water quality parameter between the salt plug area (SP) and downstream of salt plug area (DSP) during the dry season. In order to have more accuracy, a three-dimensional hydrodynamic model would be useful to compute estuarine time scales precisely.
A comparison of active versus passive methods of responding to rapid diagnostic blood culture results
Authors: Chandler Elisabeth L. , Wallace Katie L. , Palavecino Elizabeth , Beardsley James R. , Johnson James W. , Luther Vera , Ohl Christopher , Williamson John C.
Published: May 2022

Objective:

To compare 2 methods of communicating polymerase chain reaction (PCR) blood-culture results: active approach utilizing on-call personnel versus passive approach utilizing notifications in the electronic health record (EHR).

Design:

Retrospective observational study.

Setting:

A tertiary-care academic medical center.

Patients:

Adult patients hospitalized with ≥1 positive blood culture containing a gram-positive organism identified by PCR between October 2014 and January 2018.

Methods:

The standard protocol for reporting PCR results at baseline included a laboratory technician calling the patient’s nurse, who would report the critical result to the medical provider. The active intervention group consisted of an on-call pager system utilizing trained pharmacy residents, whereas the passive intervention group combined standard protocol with real-time in-basket notifications to pharmacists in the EHR.

Results:

Of 209 patients, 105, 61, and 43 patients were in the control, active, and passive groups, respectively. Median time to optimal therapy was shorter in the active group compared to the passive group and control (23.4 hours vs 42.2 hours vs 45.9 hours, respectively; P = .028). De-escalation occurred 12 hours sooner in the active group. In the contaminant group, empiric antibiotics were discontinued faster in the active group (0 hours) than in the control group and the passive group (17.7 vs 7.2 hours; P = .007). Time to active therapy and days of therapy were similar.

Conclusions:

A passive, electronic method of reporting PCR results to pharmacists was not as effective in optimizing stewardship metrics as an active, real-time method utilizing pharmacy residents. Further studies are needed to determine the optimal method of communicating time-sensitive information.
Transplanting EU competition law in ASEAN: Towards a context informed method of investigation
Authors: Gideon Andrea
Published: May 2022

When reading the competition law statutes of countries such as Singapore, Malaysia, Brunei Darussalam or, to a lesser extent, the Philippines, it quickly becomes clear to anyone who has studied EU competition law in any detail that these statutes have been inspired by or, indeed, partly been copied verbatim from EU competition law. Yet, do these transplants actually work the same way in the receiving countries? Is that even possible at all? And how are we to understand any deliberate changes which have been made to the transplants?

The article aims to develop a method for investigating EU competition law transplants in non-EU countries, focusing especially on ASEAN, based on inter-disciplinary insight into the social, cultural, political, and economic contexts in the receiving countries. For this, the article engages with the theoretical underpinnings of legal transplants and comparative law. It has become increasingly well-recognised in critical comparative legal research that it is essential to go beyond the legal perspective, but this is still rare in competition law comparison. A sound method taking into consideration legal and non-legal contexts will help us to understand more fully the role of competition law in those non-EU countries that have opted to transplant the EU model.
Educational assortative mating and income inequality in Thailand
Authors: Paweenawat Sasiwimon Warunsiri , Liao Lusi
Published: May 2022

This study examines the degree of educational assortative mating, its evolution, and its relationship with income inequality in Thailand using national labor force survey data from 1985 to 2016. Since the 1990s, Thailand shows a trend of decreasing educational homogamy, but there is evidence of continuing educational hypergamy in Thai households. Using the semiparametric decomposition method of DiNardo, Fortin and Lemieux (1996), the study finds that educational assortative mating has affected changes in household income inequality over time. Furthermore, there exists a negative relationship between income inequality and marital sorting with same education, which contradicts evidence found in developed countries.
Multi-Faceted Approach to COVID-19 Surveillance at a Large University Campus in the Southeastern United States
Authors: Klann Emily M. , Rich Shannan N. , Hendrick Sabrina C. , Felipe Alfeil , Sathish Sneha , Prins Cindy , Lauzardo Michael , Shapiro Jerne
Published: May 2022

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic continues to present unique public health challenges both within the United States and across the globe. Institutions of higher learning are tasked with preventing and responding to COVID-19 on campus while also considering implications for the surrounding communities. The process of re-opening campus, whether at full or partial capacity, has tasked these institutions with overcoming complex challenges associated with balancing the resumption of campus operations while simultaneously protecting university affiliates and surrounding community members from COVID-19 through robust surveillance, contact tracing, and testing efforts. Here, we provide a concise outline related to the development and implementation of the comprehensive and sustainable COVID-19 surveillance program at the University of Florida. We also critically discuss the successes and pitfalls of this program while also providing recommendations for the development of similar programs in the future.
A multimodal intervention to decrease inappropriate outpatient antibiotic prescribing for upper respiratory tract infections in a large integrated healthcare system
Authors: Davidson Lisa E. , Gentry Erin M. , Priem Jennifer S. , Kowalkowski Marc , Spencer Melanie D.
Published: May 2022

Objective:

To evaluate the effectiveness of Carolinas Healthcare Outpatient Antimicrobial Stewardship Empowerment Network (CHOSEN), a multicomponent outpatient stewardship program to reduce inappropriate antibiotic prescribing for upper respiratory infections by 20% over 2 years.

Design:

Before-and-after interrupted time series of antibiotics prescribed between 2 periods: April 2016–October 2017 and May 2018–March 2020.

Setting:

The study included 162 primary-care practices within a large healthcare system in the greater Charlotte, North Carolina region.

Participants:

Adult and pediatric patients with encounters for upper respiratory infections for which an antibiotic is inappropriate.

Methods:

Patient and provider educational materials, along with a web-based provider prescribing dashboard aimed at reducing inappropriate antibiotic prescribing were developed and distributed. Monthly antibiotic prescribing rates were calculated as the number of eligible encounters with an antibiotic prescribed divided by the total number of eligible encounters. A segmented regression analysis compared monthly antibiotic prescribing rates before versus after CHOSEN implementation, while also accounting for practice type and seasonal trends in prescribing.

Results:

Overall, 286,580 antibiotics were prescribed during 704,248 preintervention encounters and 277,177 during 832,200 intervention encounters. Significant reductions in inappropriate prescribing rates were observed in all outpatient specialties: family medicine (relative difference before and after the intervention, −20.4%), internal medicine (−19.5%), pediatric medicine (−17.2%), and urgent care (−16.6%).

Conclusions:

A robust multimodal intervention that combined a provider prescribing dashboard with a targeted education campaign demonstrated significant decreases in inappropriate outpatient antibiotic prescribing for upper respiratory tract infections in a large integrated ambulatory network.
Análisis de obsidianas a partir de técnicas no destructivas: Registro occidental cordillerano de obsidiana del grupo químico CP-LL1 en contextos alfareros tempranos del área centro sur de Chile
Authors: Pérez Alberto E. , Sacchi Mariana , Lucero Gustavo , Giesso Martín
Published: May 2022

Se presentan los resultados del análisis químico de artefactos de obsidiana del sitio Villa JMC-1 Labranza, cuenca media del Río Cautín, valles centrales del centro sur de Chile, datado aproximadamente 1000 años aP (período Alfarero temprano). Se postula que la interpretación sobre la representación de grupos químicos de obsidiana en sitios arqueológicos del área centro sur de Chile se encuentra sesgada por muestreo y limitaciones de las técnicas analíticas. Eso implicó una escasa visibilidad de grupos químicos orientales en el sector centro sur chileno que fue interpretado como evidencia del carácter limitante de la cordillera de los Andes, en disonancia con otras evidencias. La ampliación de la muestra y el uso de técnicas no destructivas sobre el total de la colección del sitio permitieron reconocer que tres de los cinco artefactos de obsidiana provienen de dos grupos químicos del sector oriental cordillerano. Algunos aspectos tecnológicos de las propiedades de las materias primas y sus modificaciones superficiales sugieren la explotación y aprovisionamiento selectivo de variedades cromáticas que posiblemente requirieron el acceso a fuentes primarias. Finalmente, se amplía la distribución espacial del grupo químico CP-LL1 y al mismo tiempo se describe su primer registro para la República de Chile.
Money As Justice: Work-Related Deaths, Victim Workers’ Families, and Injustice in Turkey
Authors: Özkan Yalçın
Published: May 2022

In the event of a work-related death, Turkish law directs the victim’s family to see the death as accidental and understand monetary compensation as a primary vehicle for justice. Based on interview data from a group of victims’ survivors, I examine how the bereaved make sense of accepting money for their losses. Despite the compliance of these families with monetized justice, the interviews suggest that they also have resentments against it. I show that pressing economic needs, a sense of disenfranchisement, and the limited nature of legal counsel lead the survivors to suppress their frustrations. In turn, many come to narrow their expectations of justice to getting what they think of as a fair sum of money. This situated framework, I argue, works to trivialize concerns about workplace safety. Insofar as the families see monetary compensation through a frame of justice, structural factors behind their losses remain unaddressed. Viviana Zelizer has long treated money as being grounded in meanings and moralities. In the tradition of legal consciousness literature, this article extends Zelizer’s fundamental approach by providing a framework to address how the moral underpinning of money can emerge from and reinforce power imbalances and systemic bias in the legal system.