bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Social Protection Intervention: Evaluation Research Design
Authors: Ton Giel , Roelen Keetie , Howard Neil , Huq Lopita
Published: September 2022

This paper describes the research design for investigating and evaluating the Child Labour: Action-Research-Innovation in South and South-Eastern Asia (CLARISSA) social protection cash-plus intervention in a slum in Dhaka, Bangladesh. After an introductory section, the second section elaborates on contribution analysis – the methodological approach underpinning the research design. The third section provides an overview of the intervention, and the fourth explores the overall design of the evaluation, its guiding framework, and the timeline of the intervention rollout and data collection. The fifth and sixth sections address the project’s suite of quantitative and qualitative methods, and the approach to data analysis. Using four panel surveys, bi-monthly monitoring, in-depth interviews, group discussions and direct observations, the research will zoom in on specific behaviours. First, at the individual level, we want to learn how people adopt alternative livelihoods in response to the intervention. Second, at the household level, we consider how community mobilisation and cash transfers help households to resolve intra‑household problems. Third, at the group level, we consider how groups manage collective action in response to community mobilisation. For each of these behaviour change outcomes, we want to understand the realist evaluation question, ‘Why does the intervention work, for whom, and under what conditions?’ We also want to assess whether these new behaviours change the propensity for children to be involved in the worst forms of child labour.
Triclosan antimicrobial activity against dental-caries-related bacteria
Authors: Farias Jade Ormondes de , Santo Jamilca de Almeida do Espírito , Amorim Ingrid Aquino , Rezende Taia Maria Berto
Published: September 2022

Triclosan (TCS) is a chlorinated diphenyl ether and a possible active agent against microorganisms. Due to its probability of reducing dental plaque accumulation, TCS can be added as a substance for oral hygiene. Aim: To evaluate the efficacy and antimicrobial capacity of TCS against Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Streptococcus mutans. Methods: This work evaluates the percentage of bacteria inhibition of P. aeruginosa (ATCC 27853) and S. mutans (ATCC 25175). TCS concentrations between 2 and 128 μg.mL-1 were tested. Results: An inhibitory potential of TCS was found against S. mutans. No percentage of inhibition was detected against P. aeruginosa (technical and biological triplicate). Conclusion: TCS, an antimicrobial agent used in dentifrices, can reduce S. mutans levels therefore these dentifrices should be indicated for patients with a high risk of caries. However, further study is needed, including antimicrobial analyses against other microbial conditions.
An Almost Unlimited Energy Source Potentially Hidden behind the "Weak” Gravity Force
Authors: Haraux Alain
Published: September 2022

Although the gravitational force is well known for its extremely weak value in the framework of ordinary macroscopic objects at our scale, the generally discredited framework of pushing gravity might lead us to discover a huge source of energy which is mostly lost during the action of the gravity force due to the large distances between nucleons compared with their diameters. In case this energy is identified and partially diverted from its role in gravity, we would benefit from a gigantic reservoir of energy reminiscent of Nikola Tesla's dream of a free unlimited energy source
BCG Vaccine – The Road Not Taken
Authors: Dow Coad , Kidess Laith
Published: September 2022

The Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) vaccine has been used for over one hundred years to protect against the most lethal infectious agent in human history, tuberculosis. Over four billion BCG doses have been given and, worldwide, most newborns receive BCG. A few countries, including the United States, did not adopt the WHO recommendation for routine use of BCG. Moreover, within the past several decades, most of Western Europe and Australia, having originally employed routine BCG, have discontinued its use. This review article articulates the impacts of those decisions. The associated consequences include increased tuberculosis, increased infections caused by non-tuberculous mycobacteria (NTM), increased autoimmune disease (autoimmune diabetes and multiple sclerosis) and increased neurodegenerative disease (Parkinson’s disease and Alzheimer’s disease). This review also offers an emerged zoonotic pathogen, Mycobacterium avium ss. paratuberculosis (MAP) as a mostly unrecognized NTM that may have a causal role in some, if not all, of these diseases. Current clinical trials with BCG for varied infectious, autoimmune and neurodegenerative diseases have brought this century-old vaccine to the fore due to its presumed immuno-modulating capacity. With its historic success and strong safety profile, the new and novel applications for BCG may lead to its universal use –putting the Western World back onto the road not taken.
Micro Language Planning for Sustainable Early English Language Education: A Case Study on Chinese Educators' Agency
Authors: Liang Luyao , Li Hui , Chik Alice
Published: September 2022

Micro-level language policy and planning (LPP) primarily concerns local actors' decision-making on matters in relation to language(s) and its users. Despite a growing body of literature focusing on micro language planning in educational settings, there is a scarcity of research examining early childhood education settings such as micro-level LPP context for young English language learners. By adopting a case study approach, the present study examined the educators' enactment of agency in micro-planning the English language education policy (LEP) in one Chinese kindergarten and the associated factors shaping their agency. Our study revealed that the sustainable implementation of the kindergarten English LEP depended on the principal, native English-speaking teachers, and the Chinese assistant teachers' different degrees of agency. Also, the research findings indicated an array of contextual and individual factors nested in a hierarchical structure that facilitated, guided, and constrained the educators' agency in a role-and circumstance-dependent manner. This study contributes to the pertinent literature by casting nuanced light on the different educators' contributions to the micro-level LPP against a national policy that does not endorse early-year English language education.
Basal Metabolism, Body Composition and Physical Activity with Central Obesity in Adults: A Systematic Review
Authors: Chen Génesis , Lora Claudia , Rodríguez Diana , Valdés Victoria , Pirán Fabiana , Brito Alex , Ríos-Castillo Israel
Published: September 2022

This article aims to systematically review the available evidence concerning the relationship between basal metabolism (BM), body composition (BC), and physical activity (PA) with central obesity. The search strategy was carried out using Web of Science, PubMed, Google Scholar, and SciELO following the PRISMA guidelines. The STROBE checklist and the Jadad scale for quality assessment were also used. A total of 1382 studies were initially identified being 25 publications eligible for systematic data extraction. Individual studies showed that adults with waist circumference (WC) above 88 cm in women and above 102 in men had a higher risk of metabolic alterations related to high absolute energy expenditure and less maximum oxygen consumption (VO2 max). Participants with central obesity presented a high percentage of body fat (BF%) between 30.6% and 41.6%. Most of the PA intervention studies reported reductions in WC between 1.3 and 5.8 cm. In conclusion, there is a direct relationship between the components of BM with central obesity and a direct association between central obesity and BF%. PA is a protective factor that needs to be promoted to reduce WC and control central obesity as a public health problem. PROSPERO ID registration: CRD42021232917.
A Short Review on Fast Ways to Multiply Two Matrices
Authors: Banerjee Ishan
Published: September 2022

Matrix multiplication is probably one of the most basic and important operations having a wide range of applications in studying Linear algebra. We will be primarily focused on reviewing different algorithms for the multiplication of two n×n matrices. The most Naive method has a complexity of O(n3) but interestingly, algorithms with better complexity have been achieved. We will get to see how the complexity can be improved further, occasionally giving a survey.
A Synoptic Review of Plant Disease Epidemics and Outbreaks Published in 2021
Authors: Jeger Mike , Fielder Hannah , Beale Tim , Szyniszewska Anna , Parnell Stephen , Cunniffe Nik
Published: September 2022

A synoptic review of plant disease epidemics and outbreaks was made using two complementary approaches. The first approach involved reviewing scientific literature published in 2021, in which quantitative data related to new plant disease epidemics or outbreaks had been obtained via surveys or similar methodologies. The second approach involved retrieving new pest presence records added to the CABI Distribution Database in 2021. The literature review for the first approach had two stages. Stage 1 aimed to identify publications on plant diseases caused by pathogen taxonomic groups and led to retrieval of 99 core articles describing studies in 62 categories (pathogen species or species complexes) across more than 40 host species in 6 continents. In Stage 2, the core articles were augmented with further articles providing more context and information for the pathogen species identified in Stage 1. When both sets of articles were combined, the pathogen species with more than 5 articles were: Bursephalenchus xylophilus, Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus, cassava mosaic viruses, citrus tristeza virus, Erwinia amylovora, Fusarium spp. complexes, Fusarium oxysporum f.sp cubense, Magnaporthe oryzae, maize lethal necrosis co-infecting viruses, Meloidogyne spp. complexes, Pseudomonas syringae pvs, Puccinia striiformis f.sp tritici, Xylella fastidiosa, and Zymoseptoria tritici. The automated search of the CABI Distribution Database led to 617 new distribution records from 283 plant pathogens in 2021 and was followed by manual review of all pathogens with more than 4 new records, to identify confirmed first reports in a new location. A total of 15 pathogens was identified: apple hammerhead viroid, apple rubbery wood viruses, Aphelenchoides besseyi, Biscogniauxia mediterranea, Ca. Liberibacter asiaticus, citrus tristeza virus, Colletotrichum siamense, cucurbit chlorotic yellows virus, Erwinia rhapontici, Erysiphe corylacearum, Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. cubense Tropical Race 4, Globodera rostochiensis, Nothophoma quercina, potato spindle tuber viroid, and tomato brown rugose fruit virus. Although 3 very important pathogens – Ca. Liberibacter asiaticus, citrus tristeza virus and Fusarium oxysporum f.sp cubense – were represented in the results of both approaches, in general the two approaches revealed distinct sets of plant disease outbreaks and new records, with little overlap in the results.
proposta de ações para mitigação da descontinuidade das decisões estratégicas em mudanças gerenciais
Authors: Pinto da Costa da Luz Paulo
Published: September 2022

As mudanças contínuas de lideranças e as constantes trocas nas funções de comando podem ser benéficas nas organizações, no entanto, essas mudanças necessitam ser investigadas e analisadas para ter certeza de sua eficácia. Esta pesquisa tem como objetivo propor ações para mitigar os impactos da descontinuidade das decisões estratégicas empresariais. A metodologia foi viabilizada por meio de uma pesquisa elaborada em plataforma digital, de forma a localizar, dentro dos diversos setores empresariais, líderes que implementaram mudanças e colaboradores que presenciaram mudanças de líderes, apontando quais os fatores críticos da descontinuidade das decisões estratégicas, descontinuidades da gestão e da identidade organizacional. Os resultados apontam que para os colaboradores, a “Dimensão da Funcionalidade” traz maior importância e impactos, como reduções no número de empregados e na redução nos treinamentos e desenvolvimentos. As relações com os superiores hierárquicos e o clima organizacional deixam os colaboradores mobilizados e trazem altos níveis de insegurança às suas rotinas de trabalho e ao seu futuro nas organizações. Foram propostas ações para minimizar os riscos ou os impactos nos processos de mudança, quando da implementação de troca de líderes.
Palavras-chave: Mudança Organizacional; Cultura Organizacional; Processo decisório.
Análise de redes sociais em uma cadeia de suprimentos de uma empresa de esquadrias
Authors: Meurer da Silva Marcos , de Souza Borges Ordeno Thiago , De Araújo Machado Ageu , Hisano Barbosa Danilo
Published: September 2022

As organizações, em busca por melhor desempenho operacional e por vantagem competitiva, têm buscado alternativas para a identificação de problemas e oportunidades de melhoria no contexto do gerenciamento da cadeia de suprimentos. Nesse contexto, a Análise de Redes Sociais, em conjunto com a Teoria dos Grafos, surge como uma das ferramentas utilizadas para tal finalidade. Logo, o presente artigo busca analisar os efeitos da imersão relacional e estrutural no desempenho logístico de uma empresa de esquadrias de alumínio a partir de um estudo de caso. Para a obtenção de dados e informações, foram realizadas entrevistas semiestruturadas com o gestor responsável pelo setor de compras. Os resultados mostram que alguns fornecedores possuem considerável influência na cadeia de suprimentos, seja ela positiva ou negativa. Ela pode ser positiva trazendo a consolidação de parcerias entre as empresas com uma relação forte e confiável e será negativa, por exemplo, quando no processo o produto sofre avarias ou atrasos. Destaca-se ainda a necessidade de a empresa melhor estabelecer indicadores de desempenho logístico a fim de avaliar quantitativamente os impactos da cadeia nas atividades operacionais, com o objetivo de auxiliar em tomadas de decisões estratégicas mais assertivas.
Palavras-chave: Análise de redes sociais; Cadeia de suprimentos; Desempenho operacional.
Arranjos flexíveis como uma tendência sobre o futuro do trabalho
Authors: Figueira Andrea , Regina Reis da Costa Stella
Published: September 2022

Esta pesquisa foi desenvolvida antes da sociedade mundial ter sido surpreendida pela pandemia do coronavírus (COVID-19). Este fato acelerou a necessidade de adaptação da grande maioria das empresas ao regime home office de sua força de trabalho. O rastro que o coronavírus tem deixado é de cautela no mercado de trabalho e mudanças nas relações entre patrões e empregados. O objetivo deste artigo é identificar na literatura um panorama da evolução e as tendências de arranjos flexíveis de trabalho nas empresas e organizações ao longo do tempo. Coleta de dados a partir da revisão integrativa de literatura nas bases de dados Scopus e Web Of Science, de artigos publicados sem restrição de tempo. A amostra foi composta por 562 estudos, categorizados e separados em períodos de forma longitudinal. Foram identificados os temas que são tendências sobre o futuro do trabalho, como arranjos flexíveis do ofício, a carência de legislação trabalhista sobre trabalho remoto, o teletrabalho como ferramenta da sustentabilidade e os impactados destes novos arranjos de trabalho no equilíbrio entre vida pessoal-profissional. Além disso, temos também as questões que impactam a gestão de pessoas em regime de teletrabalho. Não foram pesquisadas teses e dissertações que abordassem o tema o que poderia trazer resultados ainda mais recentes, mas que estavam fora do escopo da metodologia desta pesquisa. Diante da pandemia do coronavírus, que surpreendeu o mundo, há um impacto no trabalho tradicional. As empresas tiveram de implantar o trabalho remoto com urgência, sem planejamento e fundamentação teórica. Este estudo é um insumo para empresas e líderes que estão lidando com a adoção de arranjos flexíveis de trabalho. No atual momento de pandemia, o trabalho remoto ganhou proporções inimagináveis. As relações de trabalho precisam ser adaptadas e a gestão desta nova modalidade se torna uma necessidade premente e ainda em fase de construção para utilização por líderes empresariais.
Palavras-chave: Arranjos Flexíveis de Trabalho; Teletrabalho; Home office.
Relationships between workplace mobbing behaviors and revenge thoughts
Authors: Yildiz Suleyman Murat , Gullu Sevim
Published: September 2022

Research on the relationship between workplace mobbing and revenge thoughts in the literature is very limited. Therefore, this study aims to examine and better understand the relationships between these two variables. The sample for the study was collected from academicians who worked in higher education institutions. Correlation and hierarchical regression analysis were used to explore the relationships between variables in the study, and the results show statistically significant and positive relationships between mobbing and revenge thoughts. Moreover, it is noteworthy that mobbing has a high level of influence on revenge thoughts. Managerial and research implications and contributions of the study are discussed.
Keywords: Workplace Mobbing; Revenge Thoughts; Academician; Higher Education Institutions.
Paralysis: A Rare Presentation of Lemierre's Syndrome
Authors: McGovern Madeline , Fried Tristan Blase , Mangan John , Hilibrand Alan S.
Published: September 2022

Case:

A patient presented with acute paralysis in the setting of undiagnosed Lemierre's syndrome. Streptococcus pyogenes was the causative organism leading to internal jugular vein thrombosis, sternocleidomastoid abscess, vertebral osteomyelitis, and epidural phlegmon. The patient was treated both surgically, with abscess evacuation, hemicorpectomy, and fusion, and medically, with antibiotics and anticoagulation. Postoperatively, the patient regained upper extremity strength and lower extremity sensation, but the paraplegia remained.

Conclusion:

Lemierre's syndrome is a rare complication of oropharyngeal infection with a constellation of findings including jugular thrombophlebitis, metastatic abscesses, and frequent involvement of anaerobic pathogens that may present acutely with paralysis.
Combining Cylindrical Bone Graft and Headless Screw Fixation for Nonunion of the Medial Trochlea of the Elbow
Authors: Uno Tomohiro , Honma Ryusuke , Takahara Masatoshi , Satake Hiroshi , Oishi Ryuta , Maruyama Masahiro , Takagi Michiaki
Published: September 2022

Case:

A 19-year-old handballer presented with elbow pain and nonunion of the medial trochlea of the elbow. He had undergone earlier surgery for an elbow injury at 6 years of age. Revision surgery for nonunion was performed using an extra-articular method combining cylindrical bone graft and headless screw fixation. Partial union was observed, and he resumed sports after 3 months, with his limb largely pain-free and functional. At the 21-month follow-up, bone healing was complete.

Conclusions:

Combining cylindrical bone graft and headless screw fixation using the extra-articular technique is an option for managing nonunion of the medial trochlea of the elbow.
Pathologic Periprosthetic Fracture After Radial Head Arthroplasty
Authors: Ozdag Yagiz , Foster Brian , Grandizio Louis C.
Published: September 2022

Case:

We present 2 cases of pathologic periprosthetic radius fractures in the setting of osteolysis after radial head arthroplasty (RHA) with a porous-coated, press-fit implant. Both patients were managed with implant removal without subsequent instability. Although radiographic lucencies are common after RHA, progressive bone resorption can result in subsequent periprosthetic fractures.

Conclusion:

Although osteolysis after RHA is not always clinically significant, these cases demonstrate that this radiographic finding may indicate adverse clinical consequences. Surgeons who perform implant excision should be ready to address further instability as needed.

Level of Evidence:

Level V, case reports.
Acute Surgical Repair of Simultaneous Bilateral Proximal Hamstring Tendon Avulsion
Authors: Green Joshua S. , Moran Jay , Kahan Joseph B. , McLaughlin William M. , Wang Annie , Medvecky Michael J.
Published: September 2022

Case:

Proximal hamstring tendon avulsions are rare injuries that can be successfully treated with surgical intervention. However, there are limited reports on the surgical and postoperative management of patients with bilateral avulsions. We report a 54-year-old male gym teacher with acute bilateral proximal hamstring 3-tendon nonbony avulsions who underwent simultaneous surgical repairs and a unique postoperative rehabilitation course. At 1-year clinical follow-up, the patient demonstrated significant improvements in activity levels and functionality, with no complications.

Conclusion:

Bilateral proximal hamstring 3-tendon nonbony avulsions can be successfully treated with a simultaneous surgical repair and a modified postoperative rehabilitation course.
Prosthetic Joint Infection Due to Mycobacterium senegalense After Exposure to Zebu Cattle
Authors: Jameson Andrew P. , Barker Seth M. , Urquhart Andrew G. , Pack Bryan
Published: September 2022

Case:

A 69-year-old male patient, 5 years after a well-functioning total hip arthroplasty for severe osteoarthritis, presented with a 3-month history of progressive, unrelenting, “burning” pain in his right hip with accompanying fullness of the right thigh. Inflammatory markers were elevated, and imaging revealed a large unilocular fluid collection with communication to the hip joint. Aspiration was positive for Mycobacterium senegalense. A combination of surgical and antibiotic therapy successfully treated this patient.

Conclusion:

Mycobacterium senegalense is a rare cause of prosthetic joint infection. A combination of surgical and antimicrobial management is required for effective treatment.
Does China's Fertility Policy Induce Employment Discrimination against Women in Labor Market? A Nationwide Correspondence Experiment
Authors: Li Xun , Wen Dan , Ye Lin , Yu Jiang
Published: September 2022

We apply a two-wave nationwide correspondence experiment to assess the effects of the two-child and three-child policies on employment discrimination against women in China's labor market. Using 13,751 observations collected through this experiment, we find that the announcement of the two-child policy led to a 4.9% decrease in total interview callbacks overall, and decreases of 4.3%, 5.7%, and 5.6% for single women, those married with no children, and those married with one child, respectively. The implementation of the three-child policy led to a 10.4% decrease, but only for married women with two children. The callback rates of women who even didn't disclose marriage and fertility status information decreased by 4.5% under the universal two-child policy and 6.6% after the three-child policy. Our findings point to the importance of tailoring supplementary policy towards firms and women in specific group.
Emotionally affective imaginations influence the Adaptive Force in young women: unpleasant imaginations reduce instantaneously the muscular holding capacity
Authors: Schaefer Laura V , Dech Silas , Wolff Lara L , Bittmann Frank N
Published: September 2022

The influence of emotionally affective imaginations on the Adaptive Force (AF) in healthy participants was recently shown in an exploratory study. The AF describes the neuromuscular capacity to adapt to increasing forces, which was suggested to be especially vulnerable for interfering inputs. This study investigated the influence of pleasant and unpleasant food imaginations on the manually assessed AF of elbow/hip flexors objectified by a handheld device in 12 healthy women in an improved design. The maximal isometric AF was significantly reduced during unpleasant vs. pleasant imaginations and baseline (p < 0.001, dz=0.98–1.61). During unpleasant imaginations muscle lengthening started at 59.00 ± 22.50 % of maximal AF, in contrast to baseline and pleasant imaginations during which the isometric position could be maintained mostly during the entire force increase up to ~97.90 ± 5.00 % of maximal AF. Healthy participants showed an immediately impaired holding function triggered by unpleasant imaginations presumably related to negative emotions. Hence, the AF seems to be suitable to test instantaneously the effect of emotions on motor function. Since musculoskeletal complaints can result from muscular instability, the findings provide insights into the understanding of the causal chain of linked musculoskeletal pain and mental stress. A described case example (current stress vs. positive imaginations) underpins the hypothesis this approach might support psychomotor diagnostics and therapeutics.
Lung muscarinic receptor occupancy by tiotropium: translational Positron Emission Tomography studies in non-human primates and humans
Authors: Cselényi Zsolt , Jucaite Aurelija , Ewing Pär , Stenkrona Per , Kristensson Cecilia , Johnström Peter , Schou Magnus , Bolin Martin , Halldin Christer , Larsson Bengt , Grime Ken , Eriksson Ulf G , Farde Lars
Published: September 2022

Purpose
Molecular imaging has not been used to support the development of drugs for the treatment of pulmonary disorders. The aim of the present translational study was to advance quantitative pulmonary PET imaging by demonstrating occupancy of the reference asthma drug tiotropium at muscarinic acetylcholine receptors (mAChR).
Materials and methods
PET imaging was performed using the muscarinic radioligand [11C]VC-002. The key methodological step involved estimating muscarinic receptor binding while disentangling it from the background of non-specific binding. The relationship between tiotropium exposure and receptor occupancy (RO) was assessed in non-human primates (NHPs) after intravenous injection of tiotropium doses at a broad dose interval (0.1-1mg/kg). The feasibility of measuring RO in the human lung was then confirmed in seven healthy human subjects after inhalation of a single therapeutic dose of tiotropium (18mg).
Results
There was an evident effect of tiotropium on [11C]VC-002 binding to mAChRs in lungs in both NHPs and humans. In NHPs, RO was 11 to 78% and increased in a dose dependent manner. Non-displaceable binding in NHPs was about 10% of total binding. In humans, RO was 6-65%, and non-displaceable binding was about 20% of total binding at baseline.
Conclusions
The results demonstrate that [11C]VC-002 binds specifically to mAChRs in the lungs enabling the assessment of RO following administration of muscarinic antagonist drugs. Furthermore, the methodology has potential not only to support early drug development, but also for evaluating changes in lung receptor distribution in a diagnostic setting, during disease or in response to therapy.
Texture analysis is superior to magnetization transfer for fibrosis assessment in a gut fibrosis model
Authors: Bos Simon , De Kock Isabelle , Delrue Louke , Welden Sophie Van , Bunyard Peter , Hindryckx Pieter , de Vos Martine , Villeirs Geert , Laukens Debby
Published: September 2022

Background and Aims
Since there are no accurate methods for fibrosis identification or quantification, the purpose is to investigate the utility of magnetization transfer (MT) MRI and texture analysis (TA) of T2-weighted MR images for intestinal fibrosis assessment in a mouse model of gut fibrosis.
Methods
Chronic colitis was obtained in 16 C57BL/6 mice by cyclic administration of dextran sodium sulphate (DSS) inducing early phase inflammation and progressive bowel fibrosis. Mice underwent 7.0 T MR imaging at various timepoints. MT ratio (MTR) in the bowel wall was calculated. Textural features (skewness, kurtosis, entropy) were extracted by a filtration histogram technique. Resected colonic tissue was scored for inflammation and fibrosis. Performance of MT-MRI and TA was validated in a consecutive experiment in mice using antifibrotic therapy. Finally, a retrospective study was conducted in five CD patients who underwent bowel surgery.
Results
MTR and texture entropy both correlated with histopathological fibrosis (r = .85 and .81, respectively). Entropy was superior to MTR for monitoring bowel fibrosis in presence of coexisting inflammation (linear regression R² = .93 versus R2 = .01). Furthermore, texture entropy was able to assess antifibrotic therapy response (placebo mice versus treated mice at endpoint scan; Δ mean = 0.128, p < .0001). An increase in entropy was indicative of fibrosis accumulation in human CD strictures (1.29 in inflammation; 1.40 and 1.48 in mixed strictures; 1.73 and 1.90 in fibrosis).
Conclusion
Texture analysis of T2-weighted MR images outperforms magnetization transfer imaging in detecting the fibrotic component in mixed inflammatory-fibrotic bowel tissue and can be used for monitoring antifibrotic treatment response.
Single-port thoracoscopic removal of an azygos vein aneurysm: A case report and literature review
Authors: Yao Yi , Hu Qiuxia , Xie Xiaoyang , Liu Caiyang , Lei Yu , Li Xiaoliang , Wang Yi , Liu Gaohua , Yang Yanhui , Luo Lei , Li Ji
Published: September 2022

Background:
Azygos vein aneurysms (AVAs) are extremely rare. The majority of patients have no obvious clinical symptoms, so they are found by physical examination or by chance. There is limited clinical treatment experience that can be referred to, and there are no clear guidelines or research evidence standardizing the surgical and interventional therapy. Here, we report a patient with idiopathic AVA whose three-dimensional reconstruction of the tumor was completed before surgery. On the basis of three-dimensional reconstruction, single-port thoracoscopic resection of the AVA was successfully completed and reported for the first time. The previously reported cases are summarized to provide guidance for the diagnosis and treatment of patients with AVAs.
Case presentation:
A 56-year-old man was transferred to our hospital due to "dysphagia". The diagnosis of AVA was made after enhanced computed tomography, gastroscopy, fiberoptic bronchoscopy, and three-dimensional reconstruction. Because the patient had symptoms of dysphagia and the AVA had the risk of rupture, he received single-port thoracoscopic surgery. After the operation, his dysphagia disappeared. The postoperative pathology confirmed hemangioma. The patient was discharged three days after surgery without any complications.
Conclusions:
AVAs are rare. Preoperative three-dimensional reconstruction can greatly help surgeons clarify the disease diagnosis, formulate the surgical plan, avoid damage to the surrounding vital organs, and reduce intraoperative bleeding. Thoracoscopic surgery to remove AVAs is difficult and has a high risk of bleeding, while more minimally invasive single-port thoracoscopic surgery is also safe and effective for the treatment of AVAs.
Gene Expression and Early Radiation Response of Two Distinct Neuroblastoma Cell Lines
Authors: Ritner Carissa , Popovic Jelena , Abouzeid Aushra , Li Ya , Paunesku Tatjana , Papineni Rao , Woloschak Gayle
Published: September 2022

Simple Summary: Neuroblastoma is a common pediatric cancer that spreads systemically, making therapy difficult. Tumors are frequently resistant to radiation therapy, a last line of defense in patients with aggressive disease. In this study, we found that there are distinct gene expression patterns dependent on neuroblastoma subtype; however, both neuroblastoma types examined showed only subtle gene expression differences early following radiation exposure. This indicates that while neuroblastoma tumors are diverse in phenotype and gene expression, they have similarly stable gene expression and resistance during early response to stressors such as radiation.
Abstract: External beam radiation is infrequently used for treatment of pediatric cancer such as neuroblastoma, typically reserved for palliative care in patients with aggressive metastatic disease who fail to respond to alternative treatments. Understanding effects of radiation on neuroblastoma cells could improve efficacy of this final means of therapy to decrease tumor burden and stabilize the disease. In this study, clonogenic assays were used to establish radiation responses for SK-N-AS and SK-N-DZ cell lines; cells were then irradiated at doses that cause 90% cell killing based on clonogenic assay and their RNA isolated and subjected to microarray analysis. In addition, cells were transfected with pre-miRNA constructs that led to overexpression of microRNAs miR-34a and miR-1228. Statistically significant differences were detected for expression of several thousands of genes when the two cell lines were compared with each other. In comparison, radiation led only to minor gene expression differences of less than two-fold at the 1h post-irradiation timepoint in both cell lines. Overexpression of miR-34a and miR-1228 in either cell line did not change this outcome. Therefore, neuroblastoma cell lines SK-N-AS and SK-N-DZ are phenotypically diverse and gene expression differences between them are extensive. At the same time, the regulation of gene expression in both of these cell lines is in a stable equilibrium at early timepoints after exposure to ionizing radiation.
Refeeding syndrome in schizophrenia from an emerging economy
Authors: Dordoye Eugene Kobla , Fiagbe Delali , Alalbila Thelma Mpoku , Dziwornu Emmanuel , Stiles-Darko Josephine
Published: September 2022

Background
Recent studies have shown growing concern for refeeding syndrome (RFS) among patients suffering other medical conditions although the exact incidence in this population is unknown. The phenomenon is also present among patients with mental health conditions characterized by poor feeding, poor appetite, catatonic features and poor cognitive functioning. Generally, RFS occurs with the reintroduction of calories to severely malnourished patients which doing so may be intuitive but life-threatening. It becomes critical for clinicians to have a high incidence of suspicion for prompt diagnosis and appropriate management to keep them alive if the malnutrition did not take their lives.
Case presentation
We report a case of a 53-year-old man with an 8-year history of schizophrenia and a 3-month history of poor feeding. He was admitted on account of refusal to feed or drink for two weeks prior to presentation. He was severely malnourished and feeding was started while dealing with his psychotic symptoms. He gained about 2kg within a week of admission but that was fraught with metabolic derangements which included, but not limited to, hypophosphatemia, hypomagnesaemia and hypocalcaemia. We revised his diagnosis to RFS in schizophrenia and managed as such.
Conclusion
There are no agreed biomarkers for the diagnosis of Refeeding Syndrome and diagnosis is still based on a constellation of electrolyte deficiencies and clinical presentation. Unfortunately, one of the cardinal electrolyte deficiencies, hypophosphatemia, does not have readily available formulations for its correction and this can lead to neurological, cardiovascular and other complications including sudden death. Delay in diagnosis worsens the prognosis and the intuitive desire to zealously feed a starved patient rather leads them to their death.
Prevalence and factors associated with frailty in older adults from the Kenyan coast
Authors: Mwangala Patrick Nzivo , Nasambu Carophine , Wagner Ryan G. , Newton Charles R. , Abubakar Amina
Published: September 2022

Background: The burden and determinants of frailty in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) are largely unknown despite a rapidly aging population in the region. To address the gap in Kenya, we: a) determined the prevalence of frailty among older adults living with HIV (OALWH) and compared to their uninfected peers; b) investigated HIV status as an independent predictor of frailty in the older adults; c) investigated the correlates of frailty in these adults.
Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted between 2020 and 2021 at the Kenyan coast among 440 older adults aged ≥50 years (257 OALWH). Frailty was assessed using the Reported Edmonton Frail Scale, which comprises nine domains of frailty, including cognition, general health status, functional independence, social support, medication use, nutrition, mood, continence, and self-reported functional performance. We also collected biopsychosocial information from the respondents. Logistic regression was used to examine the correlates of frailty.
Results: The prevalence of frailty was significantly higher among OALWH (24%) compared to their uninfected peers (13%), p<0.01. However, after adjusting for biopsychosocial factors, HIV seropositivity was not independently associated with frailty. Among OALWH, sleeping difficulties, ageism, higher waist/hip ratio, visiting traditional healers, a history of combination antiretroviral therapy (cART) regimen change/interruption and prolonged illness following HIV diagnosis were significantly associated with higher odds of frailty. Residing in larger households, higher household income, having a social network of friends, and light physical activities were significantly associated with reduced odds of frailty. Among HIV uninfected older adults, sleeping difficulties, self-reported diabetes and light physical activities were significantly associated with elevated odds of frailty, while being male was significantly associated with reduced odds of frailty.
Conclusions: The prevalence of frailty is elevated among older adults living with HIV when compared to their uninfected peers; however, factors other than HIV are predominant, particularly psychosocial factors. Our findings provide the foundation for further research on frailty and developing culturally appropriate interventions and healthcare strategies to prevent, delay and manage frailty at the Kenyan Coast and other similar settings.
Comprehensive identification and expression analyses of the SnRK gene family in Casuarina equisetifolia in response to salt stress
Authors: Ai Di , Wang Yujiao , Wei Yongcheng , Zhang Jie , Meng Jingxiang , Zhang Yong
Published: September 2022

Background
Sucrose nonfermenting-1 (SNF1)-related protein kinases (SnRKs) play crucial roles in plant signaling pathways and stress adaptive responses by activating protein phosphorylation pathways. However, there have been no comprehensive studies of the SnRK gene family in the widely planted salt-tolerant tree species Casuarina equisetifolia. Here, we comprehensively analyze this gene family in C. equisetifolia using genome-wide identification, characterization, and profiling of expression changes in response to salt stress.
Results
A total of 26 CeqSnRK genes were identified, which were divided into three subfamilies (SnRK1, SnRK2, and SnRK3). The intron-exon structures and protein‑motif compositions were similar within each subgroup but differed among groups. Ka/Ks ratio analysis indicated that the CeqSnRK family has undergone purifying selection, and cis-regulatory element analysis suggested that these genes may be involved in plant development and responses to various environmental stresses. A heat map was generated using quantitative real‑time PCR (qRT-PCR) data from 26 CeqSnRK genes, suggesting that they were expressed in different tissues. We also examined the expression of all CeqSnRK genes under exposure to different salt concentrations using qRT-PCR, finding that most CeqSnRK genes were regulated by different salt treatments. Moreover, co-expression network analysis revealed synergistic effects among CeqSnRK genes.
Conclusions
Several CeqSnRK genes (CeqSnRK3.7, CeqSnRK3.16, CeqSnRK3.17) were up-regulated following salt treatment. Among them, CeqSnRK3.16 expression was significantly up-regulated under various salt treatments, identifying this as a candidate gene salt stress tolerance gene. In addition, CeqSnRK3.16 showed significant expression change correlations with multiple genes under salt stress, indicating that it might exhibit synergistic effects with other genes in response to salt stress. This comprehensive analysis will provide a theoretical reference for CeqSnRK gene functional verification and the role of these genes in salt tolerance.
Towards best practice in developing motor skills: A systematic review on spacing in VR simulator-based psychomotor training for surgical novices
Authors: Fahl Jan Torge , Duvivier Robbert , Reinke Laurens , Pierie Jean-Pierre E. N. , Schönrock-Adema Johanna
Published: September 2022

Objective: Repeated practice, or spacing, can improve various types of skill acquisition. Similarly, virtual reality (VR) simulators have demonstrated their effectiveness in fostering surgical skill acquisition and provide a promising, realistic environment for spaced training. To explore how spacing impacts VR simulator-based acquisition of surgical psychomotor skills, we performed a systematic literature review.
Methods: We systematically searched the databases PubMed, PsychINFO, Psychology and Behavioural Sciences Collection, ERIC and CINAHL for studies investigating the influence of spacing on the effectiveness of VR simulator training focused on psychomotor skill acquisition in healthcare professionals. We assessed the quality of all included studies using the Medical Education Research Study Quality instrument (MERSQI) and the risk of bias using the Cochrane Collaboration's risk of bias assessment tool. We extracted and aggregated qualitative data regarding spacing interval, psychomotor task performance and several other performance metrics.
Results: The searches yielded 1662 unique publications. After screening the titles and abstracts, 53 publications were retained for full text screening and 7 met the inclusion criteria. Spaced training resulted in better performance scores and faster skill acquisition when compared to control groups with a single day (massed) training session. Spacing across consecutive days seemed more effective than shorter or longer spacing intervals. However, the included studies were too heterogeneous in terms of spacing interval, obtained performance metrics and psychomotor skills analysed to allow for a meta-analysis to substantiate our outcomes.
Conclusion: Spacing in VR simulator-based surgical training improved skill acquisition when compared to massed training. The overall number and quality of available studies were only moderate, limiting the validity and generalizability of our findings.
Improving outpatient care for heart failure through digital innovation: A feasibility study
Authors: Arnar David O. , Oddsson Saemundur J. , Gunnarsdottir Thrudur , Gudlaugsdottir Gudbjorg Jona , Gudmundsson Elias Freyr , Ketilsdóttir Audur , Halldorsdottir Hulda , Hrafnkelsdottir Thordis Jona , Hallsson Hallur , Amundadottir Maria L. , Thorgeirsson Tryggvi
Published: September 2022

Background: Heart failure (HF) affects over 26 million people worldwide. Multidisciplinary management strategies that include symptom monitoring and patient self-care support reduce HF hospitalization and mortality rates. Ideally, HF follow-up and self-care support includes lifestyle-change recommendations and remote monitoring of weight and HF symptoms. Providing these via a digital solution may be ideal for improving HF disease outcomes and reducing the burden on providers and healthcare systems. This study's main objective was to assess the feasibility of a digital solution including remote monitoring, lifestyle-change, and self-care support for HF outpatients in Iceland.
Methods: Twenty HF patients (mean age 57.5 years, 80% males) participated in an 8-week study. They were provided with a digital solution (SK-141), including lifestyle-change and disease self-care support, a remote symptom monitoring system, and a secure messaging platform between healthcare providers and patients. This feasibility study aimed to assess patient acceptability of this new intervention, recruitment potential among patients in the HF clinic, retention rate, and to evaluate trends in clinical outcomes. To assess the acceptability of SK-141, participants completed a questionnaire about their experience after the 8-week study. Participants performed daily assigned activities (missions), including self-reporting symptoms. Clinical outcomes were assessed with the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale and the Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire at the study's beginning and end with an online survey.
Results: The retention rate of participants was high (80%) and participants rated the digital solution very highly with, e.g., a score of 6.8 out of 7 on their likelihood to recommend it to others. There was a trend towards improvement in all-but-one health-related variables logged in the digital solution from week 1 until week 8. Clinical outcomes revealed a positive trend for six out of seven variables, including for key heart failure variables such as shortness of breath, leg swelling, and fatigue.
Conclusion: The digital solution, SK-141, was acceptable to patients and had promising results in this small feasibility study. These results encourage us to conduct a longer, more extensive, adequately powered, randomized-controlled study to assess whether this digital solution can improve quality of life and clinical outcomes among HF patients.
The Mediator complex regulates enhancer-promoter interactions
Authors: Oudelaar Marieke , Ramasamy Shyam , Aljahani Abrar , Karpinska Magdalena , Cao Ngoc , Cruz Joseph Neos
Published: September 2022

Enhancer-mediated gene activation generally requires physical proximity between enhancers and their target gene promoters. However, the molecular mechanisms by which interactions between enhancers and promoters are formed are not well understood. Here, we investigate the function of the Mediator complex in the regulation of enhancer-promoter interactions, by combining rapid protein depletion and high-resolution MNase-based chromosome conformation capture approaches. We show that depletion of Mediator leads to reduced enhancer-promoter interaction frequencies, which are associated with a strong decrease in gene expression. In addition, we find increased interactions between CTCF-binding sites upon Mediator depletion. These changes in chromatin architecture are associated with a re-distribution of the Cohesin complex on chromatin and a reduction in Cohesin occupancy specifically at enhancers. Our results indicate that enhancer-promoter interactions are dependent on an interplay between the Mediator and Cohesin complexes and provide insights into the molecular mechanisms by which communication between enhancers and promoters is regulated.
An efficient dehairing system supported by oxidative-enzymatic auxiliary towards sustainability
Authors: Kanagaraj James , Panda Rames Chandra , Ramakrishna Prasanna , Tamilselvi Alagumuthu
Published: September 2022

A method of dehairing of goat skins using oxidative chemicals and protease enzyme has been attempted. Dehairing process is one of the important and essential steps in the leather making, where hair is removed by lime and sodium sulphide in the conventional process. This conventional dehairing system generates higher amount of pollution problem as compared to the other unit operations and unit processes. In this work, dehairing of the goat skins through oxidative agent namely magnesium peroxide and protease enzyme were useful for dehairing of goat skins. For this, protease have been produced from Bacillus sp. at laboratory level and the activity was found out. The dehairing of goat skins takes place for the duration of 14–16 hours. The leather produced with the experimental sample showed comparable organoleptic and strength properties with the conventional sample. This method paved the way for reduction of pollution loads especially BOD, COD and TDS to the level of 59, 27 and 77% respectively in comparison with the control sample. The reaction kinetics for the formation of the ligand-macromolecular complex is found from the Isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC) experiment and mathematical model has been formulated. The dyed crust leather showed comparable colour properties. In addition to that, there is reduction in processing time for leather making through skipping reliming and deliming processes which is said to be another advantage of this method. The physical strength properties of the experimental leather were also comparable with conventionally produced leather.