bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Characteristics of cause of death and triggers for crisis in patients with myasthenia gravis
Authors: Sugimoto Takamichi , Ochi Kazuhide , Yamawaki Takemori , Naito Hiroyuki , Ohno Narumi , Nomura Eiichi , Kohriyama Tatsuo , Maruyama Hirofumi
Published: February 2022

Introduction

Improving our knowledge on the cause of death and triggers of crisis in myasthenia gravis (MG) patients may have a patient be careful in the daily life.

Methods

We selected 233 MG patients with regular visits to our hospital between 1st May 2006 and 31 December 2018. We investigated the cause of death and trigger of crisis at our hospital.

Results

Eight MG patients were confirmed to die during the observation period, and the causes of death were four cases of cancer (breast cancer, pancreatic cancer, stomach cancer, and cancer of an unknown primary site) and two cases of sudden death (sudden cardiac arrest and cardiac arrest from choking), invasive thymoma, and vertebral artery dissection. Fourteen patients experienced crisis, and the most common trigger of crisis was respiratory infection, followed by cholinergic and intravenous methylprednisolone.

Conclusion

The most common cause of death was cancer, and the most common trigger of crisis was respiratory infection. Sudden death was characteristic of MG patients. Respiratory infection and malignancy should be considered in MG patients regularly to prevent crisis and death. Further research on sudden death in MG patients should be performed.
Testing the specificity of links between anxiety and performance within mathematics and spatial reasoning
Authors: Daker Richard J. , Delage Véronic , Maloney Erin A. , Lyons Ian M.
Published: February 2022

Anxiety within the domains of math and spatial reasoning have consistently been shown to predict performance within those domains. However, little work has focused on how specific these associations are. Across two studies, we systematically tested the degree of specificity in relations between anxiety and performance within math and spatial reasoning. Results consistently showed that anxiety within a cognitive domain predicted performance in that domain even when controlling for other forms of anxiety, providing evidence that cognition‐specific anxieties are valuable for understanding cognition‐specific performance. We also found that general trait anxiety did not explain a significant portion the anxiety–performance link in either math or spatial reasoning, suggesting that these anxiety–performance associations are not due to the propensity to feel anxious generally. Interestingly, while spatial anxiety did not explain any of the anxiety–performance association in math, math anxiety did explain a significant portion of the anxiety–performance link in spatial reasoning. These results suggest that, while links between anxiety and performance cannot be reduced to a single underlying general anxiety construct, there may nevertheless be overlap between domain anxieties. We end by calling for a more detailed examination of the unique and shared mechanisms linking anxiety and performance across disparate cognitive domains.
Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation ameliorates maternal diabetes–mediated gastrointestinal symptoms and autism‐like behavior in mouse offspring
Authors: Zeng Jiaying , Liang Yujie , Sun Ruoyu , Huang Saijun , Wang Zichen , Xiao Li , Lu Jianpin , Yu Hong , Yao Paul
Published: February 2022

Epidemiological studies have shown that maternal diabetes is associated with autism spectrum disorder development, although the detailed mechanism remains unclear. We have previously found that maternal diabetes induces persistent epigenetic changes and gene suppression in neurons, subsequently triggering autism‐like behavior (ALB). In this study, we investigated the potential role and effect of hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) on maternal diabetes–mediated gastrointestinal (GI) dysfunction and ALB in a mouse model. We show in vitro that transient hyperglycemia induced persistent epigenetic changes and gene suppression of tight junction proteins. In vivo, maternal diabetes–mediated oxidative stress induced gene suppression and inflammation in both peripheral blood mononuclear cells and intestine epithelial cells, subsequently triggering GI dysfunction with increased intestinal permeability and altered microbiota compositions, as well as suppressed gene expression in neurons and subsequent ALB in offspring; HSC transplantation (HSCT) ameliorates this effect by systematically reversing maternal diabetes–mediated oxidative stress. We conclude that HSCT can ameliorate maternal diabetes–mediated GI symptoms and autism‐like behavior in mouse offspring.
Glenotemporal osteotomy with bone grafting versus Dautrey's procedure for the management of chronic recurrent temporomandibular joint dislocation and hypermobility: A retrospective study
Authors: Zeitoun Ibrahim M. , Medra Ahmed , Mahran Hamada , Rizq Moataz , Koraitim Mohamed
Published: February 2022

Aim

The aim of the current study was to retrospectively compare Dautery's procedure and glenotemporal osteotomy in the treatment of chronic recurrent temporomandibular joint dislocation and hypermobility.

Materials and Methods

28 patients presented with chronic recurrent dislocation of the TMJ during the period of the study. Three cases were omitted as they were operated using surgical techniques other than Dautrey's procedure or glenotemporal osteotomy. Another two cases were excluded because of incomplete data.

Results

23 patients, 18 females and 5 males were included in this study. Group I included nine patients who had Dautrey's procedure and group II included 14 patients for whom glenotemporal osteotomy and bone grafting was performed. The mean age was 26.2 years (ranging from 14.5 to 54 years). The mean postoperative mouth opening in group I was 29 mm (ranging from 23 to 36 mm). The mean postoperative mouth opening in group II was 28.5 mm (ranging from 21 to 41 mm). Statistical analysis failed to reveal a significant difference in complications between both groups.

Conclusions

Dautrey's procedure and glenotemporal osteotomy are valuable surgical options in the treatment of chronic TMJ dislocation. The choice of the procedure may be left to the operator's preference.
Origin makes a difference: Alternative responses of an AM‐dependent plant to mycorrhizal inoculum from invaded and native soils under abiotic stress
Authors: Guisande‐Collazo A. , González L. , Souza‐Alonso P.
Published: February 2022

The presence of invasive alien plants (IAPs) alters the composition of soil arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungal communities. Although fundamental for plant development, plant responses to AM from invaded soils have not been widely explored, especially under environmental stress.

We compared plant growth, P accumulation, root colonization and the photosynthetic responses of the native AM‐dependent Plantago lanceolata growing in contact with AM fungi from communities invaded by Acacia dealbata Link (AMinv) or non‐invaded communities (AMnat) exposed to water and light restriction (shade).

Under optimal growing conditions, plants in contact with AMnat produced higher leaf biomass and accumulated more P. However, plant responses to different AM inocula varied as the level of stress increased. Inoculation with AMinv promoted plant growth and root length under light restriction. When plants grew in contact with AMnat under drought, leaf P increased under severe water restriction, and leaf and root P increased under intermediate water irrigation. Growing in contact with the AMnat inoculum promoted root P content in both full light and light restriction. Colonization rates of P. lanceolata roots were comparable between treatments, and plants maintained photosynthetic activity within similar ranges, regardless of the level of stress applied.

Our results suggest that origin of the inoculum (native soils versus invaded soils) did not affect the ability of AM species therein to establish effective mutualistic associations with P. lanceolata roots but did influence plant responses depending on the type and level of the abiotic stress.
Ecosystem multifunctionality lowers as grasslands under restoration approach their target habitat type
Authors: DeCock Eva , Moeneclaey Iris , Schelfhout Stephanie , Vanhellemont Margot , De Schrijver An , Baeten Lander
Published: February 2022

Biodiversity is declining at a rapid pace and, with it, the ecosystem functions that support ecosystem services. To counter this, ecosystem restoration is necessary. While the relationship between biodiversity and ecosystem functioning has been studied in depth, the relationship between ecosystem restoration and ecosystem functioning is studied less. We performed an observational study in grasslands undergoing restoration management towardNardusgrassland. Eight ecosystem functions, representing flows of energy, matter or information between functional compartments, were measured across five successive restoration phases along the restoration gradient. The levels of functioning were then compared along the gradient for both the individual functions and a multifunctionality index. We hypothesized that plant richness increases when grasslands are more restored and this increase in biodiversity is paralleled by an increase in ecosystem functioning. In our study, the degraded grasslands, generally occurring on more nutrient‐rich soils, were dominated by competitive fast‐growing species, resulting in higher process rates and thus in higher, faster functioning. Likewise, more restored grasslands exhibited slower process rates and, thus, lower functioning. When studying ecosystem functioning, value judgments are easily made. Especially in a restoration context, high functioning does not necessarily equals well functioning, as this depends on the stakeholder perspective. We need to ask ourselves if a high functioning ecosystem is most desirable, especially in a restoration or conservation context. Policy frameworks will need to balance these goals.
The Tools of Enculturation
Authors: Menary Richard , Gillett Alexander
Published: February 2022

We propose an account of cognitive tools that takes into account the process of enculturation by which tools are integrated into our cognitive systems. Drawing on work in cultural evolution and developmental psychology, we argue that cognitive tools are complex entities consisting of physical objects, representational systems, and cognitive practices for the physical manipulation of the tool. We use an extensive case study of spatial navigation to demonstrate the core claims. The account we provide is contrasted with conceptions of cognitive tools that simplify cognition, in particular that they offload cognitive work, or that the tools themselves are temporary developmental scaffolds or props. Enculturation results in transformed cognitive systems, and we can now think and act in new ways with cognitive tools.
Effect of perfusate volume on amikacin concentrations after saphenous intravenous regional limb perfusion in standing, sedated horses
Authors: Jurek Kelsey A. , Schoonover Mike J. , Williams Megan R. , Rudra Pratyaydipta
Published: March 2022

Objective

To determine the influence of perfusate volume on synovial fluid amikacin concentrations in the joints of the hind limb after standing saphenous intravenous regional limb perfusion (IVRLP).

Study design

Randomized crossover design.

Animals

Six adult horses.

Methods

Saphenous IVRLP was performed in 6 standing horses with 1 g of amikacin diluted with 0.9% NaCl to volumes of 10 ml, 60 ml, and 120 ml. Samples of synovial fluid from the tarsocrural, metatarsophalangeal, and hind limb distal interphalangeal joints were collected at 15 and 30 min after perfusate administration. Concentrations of 40 μg/ml and 160 μg/ml were considered therapeutic for susceptible and resistant pathogens, respectively.

Results

No difference in synovial fluid amikacin concentrations was detected between volumes in any joint (P = .4). All synovial fluid amikacin concentrations were higher at 30 min compared to 15 min (P = .003). All median synovial fluid amikacin concentrations at 30 min were > 40 μg/ml using the 60 ml and 120 ml volumes. Synovial fluid amikacin concentrations >40 μg/ml were only reached in the hind limb distal interphalangeal joint when the 10 ml volume was used. All median synovial fluid amikacin concentrations observed were < 160 μg/ml.

Conclusions

Target concentrations for pathogens that were considered susceptible were consistently reached with perfusate volumes of 60 ml and 120 ml. However, median synovial fluid amikacin concentrations did not reach target levels for resistant pathogens.

Clinical significance

Perfusate volumes of 60 ml or 120 ml are recommended to treat infections due to susceptible pathogens in the joints of the distal hind limb. These results justify investigation of saphenous IVRLP with different perfusate volumes using higher doses of amikacin.
Reviewer Acknowledgements
Authors: Gibbs Nikki
Published: February 2022

Applied Economics and Finance (AEF) would like to acknowledge the following reviewers for their assistance with peer review of manuscripts for this issue. Many authors, regardless of whether AEF publishes their work, appreciate the helpful feedback provided by the reviewers. Their comments and suggestions were of great help to the authors in improving the quality of their papers. Each of the reviewers listed below returned at least one review for this issue.Reviewers for Volume 9, Number 1 Abdulaziz Abdulahman, Marmara University, USAAlbert Henry Ntarmah, Jiangsu University, GhanaAli Massoud, Sohag University, EgyptFahri ÖZSUNGUR, Adana Science and Technology University, TurkeyIulia Lupu, Victor Slavescu” Centre for Financial and Monetary Research, Romanian Academy, RomaniaLiao Zhu, Cornell University, USAMagdalena Radulescu, University of Pitesti, RomaniaMahmoud Mohammed Sabra, Al Azhar University-Gaza, PalestineOlena Sokolovska, St. Petersburg State University, RussiaOmer Allagabo Omer Mustafa, Sudan Academy for Banking and Financial Sciences., SudanPayal Chadha, University of Wales Prifysgol Cymru, KuwaitRajeev Rana, APB Govt. P.G. College, IndiaRamona Orastean, Lucian Blaga University of Sibiu, RomaniaRomeo Victor Ionescu, Dunarea de Jos University, RomaniaShahram Fattahi, Razi University, IranSzabolcs Blazsek, Universidad Francisco Marroquín, GuatemalaY. Saidi, M’sila University, AlgeriaZi-Yi Guo, Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., USA Nikki GibbsEditorial AssistantOn behalf of,The Editorial Board of Applied Economics and FinanceRedfame Publishing9450 SW Gemini Dr. #99416Beaverton, OR 97008, USAURL: http://aef.redfame.com
Wound management provided by advanced practice nurses: a scoping review protocol
Authors: Morrell Sherry , Pittman Gina , Mulcaster Adam
Published: February 2022

Objective:

The objective of this review is to examine the current state of the literature regarding wound care provided by advanced practice nurses globally. Specifically, this review will examine the similarities and differences in the wound care practice of advanced practice nurses, including nurse practitioners, clinical nurse specialists, and advanced practice registered nurses.

Introduction:

Advanced practice nurses have graduate education and advanced scope of practice. The addition of advanced wound care training provides unique opportunities for advanced practice nurses to provide wound care.

Inclusion criteria:

This review will consider advanced practice nurses who are nurse practitioners or registered nurses with graduate education and advanced training (certification/education) in wound care. The wound care can be provided independently or as a part of a team, in any setting.

Methods:

The proposed review will be conducted in accordance with the JBI methodology for scoping reviews. The databases searched will include MEDLINE, CINAHL, ProQuest Nursing and Allied Health, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, and Scopus. To reflect changes in advanced practice nursing scope of practice, searches will be limited to articles published from 2011. Articles in languages other than English will be translated. Titles and abstracts will be independently reviewed by two reviewers, and relevant sources will be retrieved in full and reviewed. Any disagreements will be resolved through discussion or with an additional reviewer. The similarities and differences in wound care practice (type of wound, practice setting, treatments) will be extracted using a data extraction tool. Any modifications will be detailed in the scoping review. Extracted data will be presented in a descriptive format.
Do Japan’s Free Trade Agreements Increase Its International Trade?
Authors: Ando Mitsuyo , Urata Shujiro , Yamanouchi Kenta
Published: February 2022

This study analyzes the impacts of free trade agreements (FTAs) on bilateral trade, focusing on Japan’s FTAs. In particular, we examined both static and dynamic effects at the aggregated and disaggregated levels, using two datasets between 1995 and 2016 for Japanese trade only and world trade. For the static analysis, we investigated the overall impacts and the effect of individual FTAs. Regarding dynamic analysis, we considered the time since their enactment. Our results indicate that the impacts are heterogeneous among Japan’s FTAs and products, with a trade creation effect for some FTA partners. Moreover, our findings reveal that the trade creation effect is probably overestimated when trade between the third countries is not considered. We also found a positive dynamic effect for some products. Such a dynamic effect may emerge due to a longer time for firms to understand FTAs and learn their use and the gradual tariff reduction for some products.
A Comparative Analysis of the Effects of the African Continental Free Trade Agreement on the Economic Impacts of COVID-19 in North and Southern Africa
Authors: Bakouan Pousseni , Dialga Issaka , Zidouemba Patrice Rélouendé
Published: February 2022

COVID-19 has forced many governments to take emergency health measures which are undermining productive capacities and disrupting global supply chains. Southern and Northern Africa have been heavily impacted by such measures. According to UNCTAD statistics (2021), the average annual growth rate of exports in Northern and Southern Africa fell by 27.61% and 6.96%, respectively in 2020. Yet, the effective operationalization of the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA) could have limited some of the pandemic’s economic impacts. Using a computable general equilibrium model, this paper first analyzes the pandemic’s economic impact and then assesses the ability of the AfCFTA to mitigate the economic impacts of COVID-19. The simulation results show that the AfCFTA would mitigate the economic impact in Southern and Northern Africa. It reduces the decline in intra-regional exports by 7.87 percentage points in 2021. The study emphasizes the need to remove non-tariff barriers to amplify potential positive effects.
Monetary Agreements Reform and Issue of the Key Fiscal Convergence Criterion in the West African Economic and Monetary Union (WAEMU)
Authors: Kebalo Léleng , Zouri Stéphane
Published: February 2022

This paper estimates a fiscal deficit threshold that maximizes economic growth and is favorable to business cycles synchronization given the compliance of countries. The analysis covers the eight countries that form the West African Economic and Monetary Union (WAEMU) across 1990-2018. Our results show that 11.42% of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) is the fiscal deficit threshold which should not to be exceeded and that fulfills the aforementioned conditions. Since the debt relief program in 2006, however, this threshold has been reduced from 11% to 3.97%. Therefore, compliance with the key fiscal convergence criterion limiting the fiscal deficit to 3% of the GDP and in force in the Union is pro-growth and favorable to business cycles synchronization. However, even if this convergence criterion seems rigorous for fiscal discipline and can be maintained, it could be adjusted to 4%. The paper discusses the advantages of this proposed adjustment.
Investment in ESG Projects and Corporate Performance of Multinational Companies
Authors: Cherkasova Victoria , Nenuzhenko Irina
Published: February 2022

This study investigates whether investing in environmental, social, and governance (ESG) projects boosts corporate financial performance. It also examines whether these projects trigger the company’s default due to the high costs of such projects, depending on whether the firm is multinational and its headquarter region. To obtain robust results, we conduct the examination separately for seven regions: North America, Latin America, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, Middle East and Africa, emerging Asia, and Developed Asia. We examine firm-level indicators of 1,249 companies and are headquartered in different regions for 2011-2019. We find that the company’s headquarter region influences the interrelationship between financial performance and ESG activities. The most successful companies in ESG development are international companies and those headquartered in developing or Developed Asia or North America. Meanwhile, Latin American firms, both local and multinational, experience significant challenges during the implementation of ESG initiatives.
Money Demand Function: A Not-So-Fond Farewell in the Light of Financial Development
Authors: Adil Masudul Hasan , Hatekar Neeraj , Fatima Sana , Nurudeen Ibrahim , Mohammad Shan
Published: February 2022

This study investigates the stability issues of real money balances considering financial development. We estimate real narrow (M1) and broad (M3) money demand in India during the post-financial reform, from 1996:Q2 to 2016:Q3. To check the short- and long-run relationships, this study uses the autoregressive distributed lag model of cointegration and other various time series techniques. After incorporating financial development into money demand, we determined short- and long-run relationships and a well-defined open-economy stable money demand specification (M1 and M3) in India. Having established money demand function, the policymaker and central bankers can use monetary aggregates as an indicator or information variable to predict output gaps and inflationary expectations under the inflation-targeting framework.
Después de la heroica fase de exploración. La historiografía urbana en América Latina
Authors: Martínez Delgado Gerardo , Kingman Eduardo , Mejía Pavony Germán Rodrigo , Quesada Avendaño Florencia , Hernández Ciro Eulalia , Landa Izaskun , Ferreira Dantas George A. , Ibarra Macarena , Novick Alicia , Favelukes Graciela , Alpini Alfredo , Rivero Sebastián
Published: February 2022

Las ciudades, los pueblos y las aldeas no formaron parte central de los asuntos que debían ser explicados en las historias nacionales del siglo XIX, pero tampoco en la historiografía crítica, en la marxista o en la “nueva historia” que tomaron forma en América Latina mediando el siglo XX. Este libro revisa las exploraciones, al principio marginales, que desde América Latina se han hecho a la ciudad, las redes urbanas y todo lo que ello implica en las explicaciones que la historiografía trata de elaborar sobre el mundo en el que vivimos. Escrito por doce autores y autoras desde todos los puntos del subcontinente, desde diferentes experiencias y perspectivas disciplinares, hace un balance obligatorio para entender los caminos de institucionalización de las ciencias sociales y para pensar los retos de la historiografía urbana. En el conjunto, la obra sostiene la existencia de lo que hoy llamamos “historiografía urbana” como un campo específico de conocimiento, pertinente y necesario, que hace mucho superó “la heroica fase de exploración” y que es capaz de participar en agendas comunes con las ciencias sociales: con la profundidad temporal que no le es propia al resto, y con el énfasis sobre la dimensión espacial que no atienden suficientemente ni la historia ni otras ciencias.
Oncogenic lncRNAs alter epigenetic memory at a fragile chromosomal site in human cancer cells
Authors: Arunkumar Ganesan , Baek Songjoon , Sturgill David , Bui Minh , Dalal Yamini
Published: March 2022

Chromosome instability is a critical event in cancer progression. Histone H3 variant CENP-A plays a fundamental role in defining centromere identity, structure, and function but is innately overexpressed in several types of solid cancers. In the cancer background, excess CENP-A is deposited ectopically on chromosome arms, including 8q24/
cMYC
locus, by invading transcription-coupled H3.3 chaperone pathways. Up-regulation of lncRNAs in many cancers correlates with poor prognosis and recurrence in patients. We report that transcription of 8q24-derived oncogenic lncRNAs plays an unanticipated role in altering the 8q24 chromatin landscape by H3.3 chaperone–mediated deposition of CENP-A–associated complexes. Furthermore, a transgene cassette carrying specific 8q24-derived lncRNA integrated into a naïve chromosome locus recruits CENP-A to the new location in a cis-acting manner. These data provide a plausible mechanistic link between locus-specific oncogenic lncRNAs, aberrant local chromatin structure, and the generation of new epigenetic memory at a fragile site in human cancer cells.
Mechanistic basis of choline import involved in teichoic acids and lipopolysaccharide modification
Authors: Bärland Natalie , Rueff Anne-Stéphanie , Cebrero Gonzalo , Hutter Cedric A. J. , Seeger Markus A. , Veening Jan-Willem , Perez Camilo
Published: March 2022

Phosphocholine molecules decorating bacterial cell wall teichoic acids and outer-membrane lipopolysaccharide have fundamental roles in adhesion to host cells, immune evasion, and persistence. Bacteria carrying the operon that performs phosphocholine decoration synthesize phosphocholine after uptake of the choline precursor by LicB, a conserved transporter among divergent species.
Streptococcus pneumoniae
is a prominent pathogen where phosphocholine decoration plays a fundamental role in virulence. Here, we present cryo–electron microscopy and crystal structures of
S. pneumoniae
LicB, revealing distinct conformational states and describing architectural and mechanistic elements essential to choline import. Together with in vitro and in vivo functional characterization, we found that LicB displays proton-coupled import activity and promiscuous selectivity involved in adaptation to choline deprivation conditions, and describe LicB inhibition by synthetic nanobodies (sybodies). Our results provide previously unknown insights into the molecular mechanism of a key transporter involved in bacterial pathogenesis and establish a basis for inhibition of the phosphocholine modification pathway across bacterial phyla.
Draft Genome Sequences of
Buttiauxella
spp. Isolates from Water and Gastropods with Putative β-
d
-Glucuronidase Activity
Authors: Leister Carolin , Hügler Michael
Published: March 2022

We report the draft genome sequences of
Buttiauxella
spp. strains that were isolated from water and gastropods. Three isolates show fluorescence in the Colilert system, indicating unusual β-
d
-glucuronidase activity, and phylogenetic analyses suggest that they represent a novel species. Another strain, without β-
d
-glucuronidase activity, was assigned to the species
Buttiauxella ferragutiae
.
Complete Genome Sequence of Clostridium cadaveris IFB3C5, Isolated from a Human Colonic Adenocarcinoma
Authors: McGlinchey Adam S. , Zepeda-Rivera Martha A. , Stepanovica Marija , Baryiames Alexander A. , Jones Dakota S. , LaCourse Kaitlyn D. , Bullman Susan , Johnston Christopher D.
Published: March 2022

We report the complete genome sequence of
Clostridium cadaveris
IFB3C5, a strain isolated from the resected tumor of a treatment naive colorectal cancer patient. This genome is comprised of a singular chromosome of approximately 3.63 Mbp in length, contains two plasmids, and has an overall mean GC content of 31.7%.
Draft Genome Sequence of Plesiomonas shigelloides Strain PI-19, Isolated from the Intestine of Pufferfish (Tetraodon cutcutia)
Authors: Debnath Tanmoy , Das Subrata K.
Published: March 2022

We report the draft genome sequence of
Plesiomonas shigelloides
strain PI-19, which was isolated from the intestine of freshwater pufferfish. The genome of strain PI-19 contain 3,146 protein-coding sequences and harbors virulence genes associated with pathogenicity.
Pharmacist’s time spent: Space for Pharmacy-based Interventions and Consultation TimE (SPICE)—an observational time and motion study
Authors: Karia Ajay , Norman Richard , Robinson Suzanne , Lehnbom Elin , Laba Tracey-Lea , Durakovic Iva , Balane Christine , Joshi Rohina , Webster Ruth
Published: March 2022

Objective

To describe the pharmacists’ workflow, including tasks and time spent, to better understand their work capacity.

Design

Cross-sectional, observational, time and motion study.

Setting

Community pharmacies in Western Australia and New South Wales, Australia.

Participants

Currently registered and practising pharmacists were approached using snowball sampling and selected using purposive techniques to obtain balance representation of metropolitan and rural pharmacies, as well as high and low script volumes where possible.

Results

Twenty-four pharmacists across 15 pharmacies participated during the 135 sessions totalling over 274 hours of observation. Dispensing (30%), indirect patient services (17%), counselling (15%) and professional management activities (15%) were the top four duties pharmacists performed, while only 2% of time was spent on professional services such as pain clinics and influenza vaccinations. Tasks were frequently interrupted and often performed simultaneously. Breaks and consumer-contact times were limited. More time was spent on professional service activities in non-metropolitan pharmacies, in pharmacies with greater daily prescription volumes and those with one or more support pharmacists.

Conclusions

This is the first study to quantify the pharmacists’ tasks in Australian community pharmacies. Much time is being spent on dispensing, supply and management activities with little time for providing additional professional services. An extra supporting pharmacist is likely necessary to increase professional services. These findings could support future research around barriers and enablers of conducive workflows and of extended professional services.
AAC Justice oat
Authors: Mitchell Fetch J. W. , Stuthman Deon D. , Nilsen Kirby T. , Tekauz Andrej , Brown P. D. , Ames Nancy , Chong James , Fetch T. G. , Haber Steve M. , Menzies J. G. , Townley-Smith T. F. , Hamilton K. D. , Green Denis A. , Caspers Roger A.
Published: March 2022

AAC Justice is a white-hulled spring oat ( Avena sativa L.) cultivar. It was postulated to carry the crown rust resistance gene Pc91, which was effective against the prevalent crown rust races on the Canadian Prairies at the time of its release. It had very good resistance to loose and covered smut and moderate resistance to most of the prairie stem rust races, and was intermediate in reaction to the barley yellow dwarf virus. AAC Justice has a high test weight, average kernel weight, and average groat percentage and kernel plumpness. AAC Justice exhibited high yield potential in the eastern oat-growing areas of Western Canada. AAC Justice was registered (reg. no. 7439) in Canada on 15 October 2013.
Remarkable Differences in Calcification between the Primary Tumor and Metastatic Lymph Nodes in a Patient with ALK-Positive Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer
Authors: Sunata Keeya , Tani Tetsuo , Ui Takahiko , Irie Hidehiro , Funatsu Yohei , Koh Hidefumi
Published: February 2022

Calcified bilateral mediastinal lymph nodes are not common in malignant tumors. A 51-year-old woman presented to our hospital with a 20 mm nodule in the lower left lobe of the lung and extensive calcification in the bilateral mediastinal lymph nodes. Computed tomography indicated no calcification of the primary lesion. Immunohistochemical staining and fluorescent in situ hybridization detected an anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) fusion. Treatment with alectinib, an ALK inhibitor, led to a significant reduction in tumor size and calcification in the lymph nodes. This case shows that different degrees of calcification can be associated with malignant tumors and may be reversible in some cases.
Evaluation of Visual Acuity Measurement Based on the Mobile Virtual Reality Device
Authors: Shen Tsu-Wang , Hsu Hsuan-Yu , Chen You-Zhen
Published: February 2022

Job-related vision standards have become an increasing concern in recent years. Mobile visual acuity measurements enable early detection and diagnosis of visual impairments and are being used around the world. However, the reliability of mobile visual acuity testing has not yet been fully demonstrated. A simple virtual reality (VR) system combining a mobile phone and a VR cardboard device has the potential as a reliable visual acuity evaluation system due to its fully controlled environment. Visual acuity measurements taken via this type of VR system were evaluated by comparing them with those obtained using the traditional Snellen chart. This study gathered data according to different parameters, including right or left eye, with or without corrective vision devices, and the learning effects of the system. The results showed that the VR system had an accuracy of up to 96.43% and 92.86% for the left and right eyes, respectively, for participants not using corrective devices. In the same group, the proposed system provided significant correlation results for Spearman’s r parameters for the left and right eyes (0.7342 and 0.8188, respectively), as compared to those obtained using a traditional approach. Therefore, despite some limitations, a mobile VR system has potential as a self-diagnostic tool for rapid, low-cost visual acuity measurements in a fully controlled environment as well as for providing historical vision data and tracing for the early detection of visual impairments or conditions.
Esophageal Pseudotumor Secondary to Treatment with a Potassium Binder Resin: A Case of Severe Esophagitis Mimicking a Malignancy
Authors: Chavez Luis , Bustamante-Bernal Marco , Padilla Osvaldo , Gavito-Higuera Jose , Zuckerman Marc
Published: February 2022

Background. Sodium polystyrene sulfonate is a resin used to treat hyperkalemia. Colonic mucosal injury, intestinal ischemia, necrosis, and perforation have been widely reported in the literature, but few cases have reported upper gastrointestinal injury and identify the endoscopic features. Case Presentation. We describe a case of an 83-year-old male, with no prior esophageal symptoms, who developed dysphagia after being treated with sodium polystyrene sulfonate for hyperkalemia. Endoscopic features consistent with severe esophagitis and a mass in the lower esophagus mimicking a malignancy were found, and pathology confirmed resin-induced esophagitis. Discussion. The identification of basophilic crystals in the epithelium with surrounding inflammation is a hallmark of sodium polystyrene sulfonate-induced mucosal injury. Several direct and indirect mechanisms by which SPS may cause mucosal injury have been identified. Prolonged stasis of crystals in the lumen has the potential of developing erosions and ultimately necrosis. The internalization of these crystals to the underlying intestinal mucosa with the combination of the inflammatory response may give an appearance of a luminal mass that can mimic a malignancy. Recognizing the wide-ranging endoscopic findings of resin-induced mucosal injury in the esophagus is fundamental to consider a potential side effect of sodium polystyrene sulfonate. The use of this resin should be avoided in patients with suspected esophageal motility disorder.
Optimization of Large Passenger Aircraft Supply Chain Resilience Based on Bilateral Grey Quality Function Deployment considering Cooperation Uncertainty
Authors: Wang He-Hua , Luo Ya , Zhu Jian-Jun
Published: February 2022

To deal with emergencies in the development of large passenger aircraft, the optimization of supply chain resilience is studied. First, based on the “main manufacturer–supplier” model adopted by the synergistic development supply chain of large passenger aircraft, a resilience analysis framework is established from the perspective of the main manufacturer and supplier, based on which a bilateral grey quality function deployment resilience measurement model is proposed. Second, a single-perspective resilience optimization model of the main manufacturer and supplier under cost constraints is constructed. Then, an overall resilience optimization model of the supply chain considering the synergistic effect and cooperation uncertainty is presented. Finally, the development of a large airliner’s fuselage is taken as an example to illustrate the feasibility and validity of the proposed model. The results show that (1) the synergy between the main manufacturers and suppliers can not only improve resilience of the whole supply chain, but also reduce their own competitiveness and resilience, respectively; (2) a benign cooperative relationship can effectively improve the overall resilience; on the contrary, it can reduce the overall elasticity; (3) the cost of supply chain has a great impact on the resilience of the main manufacturers and suppliers, respectively.
The Correlation of HK2 Gene Expression with the Occurrence, Immune Cell Infiltration, and Prognosis of Renal Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Liu Chunhui , Li Huibing , Huang Hua , Zheng Pengyi , Li Zhijun
Published: February 2022

Objectives. Hexokinase 2 (HK2) is one of the key factors involved in the development of several human cancers. However, its role in immune cell infiltration (ICI) and tumor development in renal cell carcinoma is not yet known. Thus, we aimed to explore its relationship with ICI, overall survival, and prognosis of renal cell carcinoma. Methods. In this study, RNA-seq data from renal cancer and normal tissues were extracted from TCGA and the relationship between HK2 expression and pathological features of RCC patients was analyzed using the GEPIA and UALCAN databases. Subsequently, Western blot and qRT-PCR were performed to analyze the protein and mRNA expression of HK2 in renal cell carcinoma tissues and cell lines. Lastly, various bioinformatics tools were applied to determine the immune cell infiltration, survival, and developing prediction model. Results. The analysis of RNA-seq data revealed a high expression of HK2 in renal cell carcinoma; furthermore, Western blot and qRT-PCR also showed high expression of HK2 in renal cancer tissues and cell lines. The high expression of HK2 showed a significant positive correlation with the advanced stage of the tumor, lymph node metastasis, and worst survival in renal carcinoma patients. The high expression of HK2 was further identified as an independent risk factor of RCC patients; it also showed a significant positive immune cell infiltration RCC tumor microenvironment including macrophages, B cells, neutrophils, dendritic cells, and CD8+ T cells. Conclusion. the expression of HK2 is positively correlated with the immune cell infiltration and prognosis of renal cell carcinoma patients, thus playing an important role in renal cancer development.
Safety Management Solution for Health Monitoring User Terminals Based on Trusted Computing
Authors: Liu Maomao , Wu Liping , Zhang Xingbo , Li Yan
Published: March 2022

The safety hazards of the monitoring platform must be solved to ensure the safety of health monitoring user terminals (HMUTs). To accurately measure the safety level of the safety management system, it is necessary to carry out effective trusted computing. However, the current trusted computing often ignores the subjectivity and personalization of trust, failing to consider the influence of privacy leak on trust. To solve these problems, this paper explores the safety management solution for HMUTs based on trusted computing. Specifically, the authors established a multidimensional trusted computing model for HMUTs, detailed the computing method for composite trust based on single-dimensional trust, and presented a trust management scheme for HMUTs. Experimental results demonstrate the feasibility and effectiveness of our model. Our research keeps up with the latest development trend of trusted computing and lives up to the trust and efficiency requirements of the collaborative processing mechanism for HMUT safety management.
Bayesian Analysis of 3-Component Unit Lindley Mixture Model with Application to Extreme Observations
Authors: Khalid Maryam , Aslam Muhammad
Published: February 2022

Bayesian inference of the 3-component unit Lindley right censored mixture is presented in this paper. The posterior distributions of the parameters are derived assuming informative (gamma) as well as noninformative (uniform and Jeffreys) priors. For the gamma (informative) prior, hyperparameters are elicited using prior predictive distribution. The Bayesian estimation has been carried out considering both symmetric and asymmetric loss functions (squared error, quadratic, weighted, and precautionary loss functions). Simulation studies for various sample sizes and different threshold values (test termination times) are considered to evaluate the performances of the Bayes estimators w.r.t their posterior risks under the said loss functions. Real life flood data from Naser Lake is also analyzed as a 3-component mixture for the sake of illustrative purpose. The simulation study and data analysis reveals that the estimates under informative prior perform better than the noninformative priors. Also, it is observed that the increase in sample size and the threshold value (test termination time) are inversely proportional to the posterior risks. Among the loss functions considered, the loss functions performance from the best to the least, w.r.t the posterior risk, is as follows: precautionary loss function < weighted loss function < quadratic loss function < squared error loss function. Posterior risks are directly proportional to the sample size and threshold value (test termination time).
The Neuroprotective Effect of miR-136 on Pilocarpine-Induced Temporal Lobe Epilepsy Rats by Inhibiting Wnt/β-Catenin Signaling Pathway
Authors: Cui Hongxia , Zhang Weihao
Published: February 2022

Objective. To explore the effect of miR-136 on temporal lobe epilepsy (Ep) and its mechanism of action. Methods. 30 male rats were injected intraperitoneally with 30 mg/kg pilocarpine to construct a rat temporal lobe epilepsy model, and they were randomly divided into 5 groups (

n
=
6

per group): control group, Ep group, agomir NC group, miR-136 agomir group, and miR-136+LiCl group. The brain tissues of the rats were collected 7 days after the treatment. The expression of miR-136 in the hippocampus tissue was detected by qRT-PCR. H&E and Nissl staining were used to observe the histopathological changes and neuron damage in the hippocampus tissue. IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α levels in the hippocampus tissue were detected by ELISA. Flow cytometry was used to detect the apoptosis rate in the hippocampus tissue. Western blot was used to detect the expression levels of c-Caspase-3, Bcl-2, β-catenin, Cyclin D1, and c-myc protein in the hippocampus. Results. The expression of miR-136 was significantly downregulated in the hippocampus tissue of epileptic rats. After overexpression of miR-136, the number of seizures and the duration of epilepsy in rats were significantly reduced. At the same time, hippocampal tissue damage was improved considerably, and the degree of neuronal damage decreased. Overexpression of miR-136 also significantly reduced the apoptosis rate in the hippocampus tissue and inhibited the levels of inflammatory factors. Meanwhile, miR-136 downregulates the expression of Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway-related proteins. However, Wnt pathway activator LiCl could destroy the protective effect of miR-136. Conclusion. miR-136 could exert its neuroprotective influence on temporal lobe epilepsy rats by inhibiting the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway.
Quality Evaluation of Decoction Pieces of Gardeniae Fructus Based on Qualitative Analysis of the HPLC Fingerprint and Triple-Q-TOF-MS/MS Combined with Quantitative Analysis of 12 Representative Components
Authors: Xu Jing , Zhou Rongrong , Luo Lin , Dai Ying , Feng Yaru , Dou Zhihua
Published: February 2022

In this study, quality evaluation (QE) of 40 batches of decoction pieces of Gardeniae Fructus (GF) produced by different manufacturers of herbal pieces was performed by qualitative analysis of the HPLC fingerprint and ultra-fast liquid chromatography (UFLC)-triple-Q-TOF-MS/MS combined with quantitative analysis of multiple components, which we established previously for QE of traditional medicine. First, HPLC fingerprints of 40 samples were determined, and the common peaks in the reference fingerprint were assigned. Second, the components of the common peaks in the HPLC fingerprints were identified by UFLC-triple-Q-TOF-MS/MS. Finally, the contents of the components confirmed by reference substances were measured. The results showed that there were 28 common peaks in the HPLC fingerprints of 40 samples. The components of these 28 common peaks were identified as 13 iridoids, 4 crocins, 7 monocyclic monoterpenoids, 3 organic acids, and 1 flavonoid. Of these, a total of 12 components, including 7 iridoids of geniposide, shanzhiside, geniposidic acid, deacetyl asperulosidic acid methyl ester, gardenoside, scandoside methyl ester, and genipin gentiobioside, 2 crocins such as crocin I and crocin II, 1 monocyclic monoterpenoid of jasminoside B, 1 organic acid of chlorogenic acid, and 1 flavonoid of rutin, were unambiguously identified by comparison with reference substances. There were certain differences in the contents of these 12 components among 40 samples. The geniposide content ranged from 37.917 to 72.216 mg/g, and the total content of the 7 iridoids ranged from 59.931 to 94.314 mg/g.
Prediction and Classification of Financial Criteria of Management Control System in Manufactories Using Deep Interaction Neural Network (DINN) and Machine Learning
Authors: Yousefpour Amir , Farahani Hamid Mazidabadi
Published: February 2022

The management control system aids administrators in guiding a business toward its organizational plans; as a result, management control is primarily concerned with the execution of the plan and plans. Financial and nonfinancial criteria are used to create management control systems. The financial element focuses on net income, earnings, and other financial metrics. The two components of leadership strategy in this study are cost and differentiation, which highlight the strategy of differentiation in attaining higher quality due to the robust strategy’s attention on a particular area of the company. In this study, we presented a novel method named deep interaction neural network to predict the performance of the manufacturing companies based on their leading competitors using features cost leadership and differentiation strategies. Moreover, the management control system is classified into two financial and nonfinancial factors based on machine learning methods. Based on the results, the presented factors can accurately estimate the company’s performance based on management control criteria with a 93.48% R‐square. Moreover, it can be seen that the DT method is presented with higher classification performance values.