bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Assessing worry, racism, and belief in a just world
Authors: Litam Stacey Diane Arañez , Balkin Rick , Hendricks LaVelle
Published: November 2021

The purpose of the present study was to assess the relationship between worry, Bayesian racism, and belief in a just world in a sample of 195 predominantly white, religious individuals. Regression analyses indicated a curvilinear, but statistically nonsignificant, relationship between worry and belief in a just world. Individuals with an extreme level of worry did not believe the world was a just and fair place. A strong, linear relationship was evidenced between Bayesian racism and belief in a just world, indicating predominantly white, religious individuals were more likely to espouse the fairness of endorsing racial stereotypes. Counselors must consider how race‐based stereotypes may be used as a cognitive strategy to maintain worldviews of fairness among predominantly white, religious clients. This study is among the first to explore the motivations associated with endorsing racist stereotypes with respect to perceptions of a just world.
Moderation of attachment on association between relationship status and depression
Authors: Litam Stacey Diane Arañez , Stephen Lenz A.
Published: November 2021

The COVID‐19 pandemic has led to increasingly high rates of depression which may have deleterious effects on relationships. Given the mixed results regarding the protective nature of relationship status as married and secure adult attachment styles on depression, the current study examined the associations between relationship status and adult attachment styles on depression among US adults (N= 747) during the COVID‐19 shelter in place orders. The results of our simultaneous regression analysis yielded a statistically significant model wherein secure attachment was negatively associated with depression. Although the results of our analysis of covariance determined that relationship status as married was a protective factor, this effect became significantly reduced after controlling for attachment characteristics. Married participants in our study reported greater severity of depressive symptoms compared to those who were single and partnered, even after controlling for attachment styles. Implications for counseling professionals, limitations, and future areas of research are additionally provided.
Neutrophil percentage‐to‐albumin ratio and monocyte‐to‐lymphocyte ratio as predictors of free‐wall rupture in patients with acute myocardial infarction
Authors: Dai Kai , Li Zhibing , Luo Yafei , Xiong Qianhui , Xiong Yao , Song Zhifang , Xiong Wenjun
Published: November 2021

Backgrounds

Free‐wall rupture (FWR) has a high mortality rate. We aimed to find sensitive predictive indicators to identify high‐risk FWR patients by exploring the predictive values of neutrophil percentage‐to‐albumin ratio (NPAR) and monocyte‐to‐lymphocyte ratio (MLR) on patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI).

Methods

76 FWR patients with AMI were collected, and then 228 non‐CR patients with AMI were randomly selected (1:3 ratio) in this retrospective study. The independent influencing factors of FWR were evaluated by univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis. The receiver‐operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was applied to evaluate the predictive value of NPAR and MLR for FWR.

Results

According to the results of multivariate logistic regression analysis, emergency percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) (OR = 0.27, 95% CI: 0.094–0.751, p = 0.012), angiotensin‐converting enzyme inhibitor (ACEI)/angiotensin receptor blocker (ARB) treatment (OR = 0.17, 95% CI: 0.044–0.659, p = 0.010), NPAR (OR = 2.69, 95% CI: 1.031–7.044, p = 0.043), and MLR (OR = 5.99, 95% CI: 2.09–17.168, p = 0.001) were the influencing factors of the FWR patients with AMI, independently. Additionally, the NPAR and MLR were the predictors of FWR patients, with AUC of 0.811 and 0.778, respectively (both p < 0.001).

Conclusions

In summary, the emergency PCI and ACEI/ARB treatment were independent protective factors for FWR patients with AMI, while the increase of MLR and NPAR were independent risk factors. What's more, NPAR and MLR are good indicators for predicting FWR.
Are all pain tolerance tasks the same? Convergent validity of four behavioral pain tolerance tasks, self‐reported capability for suicide, and lifetime self‐injurious behaviors
Authors: Rogers Megan L. , Gallyer Austin J. , Dougherty Sean P. , Gorday Julia Y. , Nelson Jessica A. , Teasdale Olivia D. , Joiner Thomas E.
Published: November 2021

Objectives

Discrepancies persist regarding the extent to which different pain measures provide similar information and relate to capability for suicide and self‐injurious behaviors. This study examined pain threshold, tolerance, and persistence across four modalities (cold, heat, pressure, shock) and assessed associations with self‐reported capability for suicide, non‐suicidal self‐injury (NSSI), and suicide attempts.

Methods

A sample of 211 students who reported lifetime suicidal ideation completed four behavioral pain tasks and self‐reported on capability for suicide, NSSI, and self‐injurious behaviors.

Results

All pain thresholds, tolerances, and persistences were positively correlated across the four tasks. Pain facets were related to self‐reported capability for suicide with small effect sizes but generally did not differ across suicide attempt or NSSI histories.

Conclusions

Pain thresholds, tolerances, and persistences demonstrated convergent validity across the four modalities, suggesting that these tasks provide similar information. Although the relation between pain and self‐injurious behaviors remains unclear, these tasks can generally be used interchangeably.
The Effects of Mannuronic Acid on IL‐1β, IL‐17A, STAT1, and STAT3 Gene Expressions and TLR2 and TLR4 Molecules in Multiple Sclerosis
Authors: Najafi Soheil , Saadat Payam , Beladi Moghadam Nahid , Manoucherinia Ali , Aghazadeh Zahra , Vali Mohammadi Anita , Noorbakhsh Seyyedeh Masoomeh , Movahedi Monireh , Nikouei Moghaddam Mohammad Reza , Pashaiefar Hossein , Mirshafiey Abbas
Published: November 2021

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic neurologic disease defined by inflammation and demyelination of the central nervous system that comes with variable degrees of axonal and neuronal damage. The efficacy of β‐D‐mannuronic acid (M2000) as a novel drug with immunosuppressive properties (patented: PCT/EP2017/067920), has been shown in an experimental model of MS. In this study, the effects of M2000 on interleukin (IL)‐1β, IL‐17A, signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) 1, and STAT3 gene expressions and Toll‐like receptor 2 (TLR2) and toll‐like receptor 4 (TLR4) molecules in patients with secondary progressive MS were evaluated. In this study, 14 patients with secondary progressive MS and 14 healthy subjects (as control group) were entered from the phase 2 clinical trial (Clinical Trial identifier, IRCT2016111313739N6). The gene expressions of IL‐1β, IL‐17A, STAT1, and STAT3 were assessed at the baseline and then measured after 6 months of therapy with M2000 by using the quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction method. Moreover, the expressions of TLR2 and TLR4 molecules on peripheral blood mononuclear cells were evaluated by the flow cytometry method. The gene expressions of IL‐17A, STAT1, and STAT3 in patients with MS decreased after 6 months of therapy with M2000 comparing before treatment. Also, the gene expression of IL‐1β decreased numerically after 6 months. Furthermore, the expressions of TLR2 and TLR4 on PBMCs of the patients declined when compared to baseline. The results of this investigation revealed that M2000 could downregulate IL‐17, STAT1, and STAT3 genes in patients with secondary progressive MS and also reduce the expressions of TLR2 and TLR4 on PBMCs. Moreover, M2000 declined numerically IL‐β gene expression.
Increased odds of having the metabolic syndrome with greater fat‐free mass: counterintuitive results from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey database
Authors: Lagacé Jean‐Christophe , Marcotte‐Chenard Alexis , Paquin Jasmine , Tremblay Dominic , Brochu Martin , Dionne Isabelle J.
Published: November 2021

Background

It is well established that body composition influences metabolic health, but emerging data are conflicting with the largely purported idea that a large fat‐free mass (FFM) has a protective effect on health. A potential explanation for these discrepancies is the way FFM is represented. The first objective is to determine the association between the metabolic syndrome (MetS) and FFM when the latter was represented in three different ways: 1—absolute FFM; 2—relative to squared height (FFMi); and 3—relative to body weight (FFM%). The second objective is to assess the impact of FFM on the relative risk of having the MetS after taking fat mass, physical activity, and sociodemographic variables into account.

Methods

A total of 5274 individuals from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey database were studied. Age‐specific and sex‐specific quartiles of the three representations of FFM were defined, and the prevalence of MetS was determined in each of them. Quartiles of FFMi (kg/m2) were used to calculate the odds ratios of having the MetS independently of FM, physical activity levels, and sociodemographic variables.

Results

The prevalence of MetS decreased with increasing quartiles of whole‐body FFM% (Q1: 40%; Q4: 10%) but grew with increasing quartiles of absolute FFM (Q1: 13%; Q4: 40%) and FFMi (Q1: 10%; Q4: 44%). Similar results were observed for appendicular and truncal FFM. The odds ratios of having the MetS, independently of fat mass, physical activity, and sociodemographic variables, were significantly greater in the fourth quartile of FFMi when compared with the first quartiles of each specific subgroup [Q4 vs. Q1: younger men: 4.16 (1.99–8.68); younger women: 5.74 (2.46–13.39); older men: 1.98 (1.22–3.22); older women: 2.88 (1.69–4.90); all P ≤ 0.01].

Conclusions

These results support the notion that the representation of FFM significantly influences its association with MetS and that a larger FFM, whether absolute or relative to height, is associated with alterations in cardiometabolic health.
Fluid dynamics of a pilot‐scale OrbShake bioreactor under different operating conditions
Authors: Zhu Likuan , Zhao Chunyang , Shiue Angus , Jeng Jyh‐Cheng , Wurm Maria J , Raussin Guillaume , Bürki Cedric‐Alain , Wurm Florian M
Published: November 2021

BACKGROUND

For several years, orbitally shaken cylindrical bioreactors (OSRs) have become a new approach for propagation of mammalian cells cultivated under suspension. With new commercial cell culture media available today, allowing exceptionally high cell densities, the identification of suitable operating conditions presents a special challenge. Balancing hydrodynamic stress and other factors in reactors, this is particularly true for gas transfer rates providing sufficient oxygen (O2) to cultures that can attain ten‐fold greater biomasses than just a decade ago. This challenge is more profound the larger the working volume of the reactor becomes.

RESULT

For 10‐L working volume cylindrical OSRs, we established a computational fluid dynamics model to evaluate the impacts of different operational conditions. Both fluid velocity distributions and O2 transfer coefficients (kLa) were calculated for different filling volumes and shaking speeds. Also, hydrodynamic stress parameters were investigated considering the most critical working conditions.

CONCLUSION

The fluid velocity decreased with larger working volumes and, as expected, was found to increase with higher shaking frequency. Gas transfer rates between 10 and 54 h−1 were found in working volumes from 2.5 to 10 L and under shaking frequencies from 100–160 rpm. Critically assessing the obtained data, with no liquid‐submerged gas supply, we conclude that an air flow into the head‐space of a disposable bag appears to be satisfactory under certain operating conditions to support the culture of the most sensitive mammalian or insect cell cultures towards high cell density, presently in fed‐batch cultures achieving ≤30 × 106 cells mL–1. Shear stress parameters were found to be exceptionally low. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry (SCI).
A descriptive analysis of predoctoral surgical requirements in US dental schools in 2020
Authors: Bello Angel S. , Ray Nicholas , Shearer Thomas R. , Govind Akshay
Published: November 2021

Objectives

This study aims to describe surgical graduation requirements in US dental schools in 2020, including changes made due to the COVID‐19 pandemic.

Methods

Representatives of Commission on Dental Accreditation‐approved predoctoral dental programs in the US (n = 66) received a 13‐item questionnaire about operative and observational surgical requirements. Responses were assigned values to tabulate a surgical score (zero‐ to eight‐point scale) as a proxy for required surgical experience, and statistical analyses were performed to explore for predictors.

Results

Surveys were returned by 97% (64/66) of programs with complete data from 62.5% of responding institutions. In periodontics, 6.8% of programs require students to perform periodontal surgery, 63.8% to assist, and none require a competency assessment in periodontal surgery. In oral and maxillofacial surgery, 23.3% of programs have numerical requirements in performance of surgical extractions, 35% require an operating room experience, and 51.9% have a competency assessment involving a surgical procedure. Modifications to surgical and nonsurgical graduation requirements due to COVID‐19 were reported by 51.6% and 52.5% of programs, respectively.

The mean surgical score was 1.73 ± 1.2 (range = 0–4) of eight possible points. This was not predicted by class size or the presence of postgraduate surgical programs. The presence of postgraduate surgical programs roughly doubled the likelihood of requiring an observational experience in surgery.

Conclusions

As of 2020, US dental programs require a small fraction of surgical experiences available to students. Class size is not a predictor of required surgical experience. The presence of postgraduate surgical programs increased the likelihood of required observational experiences.
Cytopathological and ultrastructural changes in the male reproductive organs of freshwater crab Paratelphusa jacquemontii (Rathbun) exposed to nurocombi
Authors: Archunan Shanmuganathan , Athisuyambulingam Maharajan , Pradhoshini Kumara Perumal , Yelappu Narayanaswamy , viswambaran Ganapiriya , Kannayiram Muthukumaravel , Priyadharshini Marckasagayam , Musthafa Mohamed Saiyad , Faggio Caterina
Published: November 2021

Accumulation of pollutants in the aquatic system has a high impact on the reproductive physiology of crustaceans. The objective of the present study was to assess the possible histopathological effects of combined chlorpyrifos and cypermethrin (nurocombi) exposure on reproductive tissue in male freshwater crab Paratelphusa jacquemontii using light and electron microscopy. The testis of experimental crabs showed disorganization of testicular lobules, increased inters cellular space, necrosis, and cellular damage in both germinal cells and Sertoli cells. The treated vas deferens exhibited epithelial degeneration, misshaped spermatophores, decline in the number of spermatophores, and dehiscence of spermatophore wall. These clinical manifestations expressed in crabs following the exposure of nurocombi significantly reduce the testicular activity and substantially inhibits the seminal secretions, which ultimately lead to impairment of reproduction.
Misattributed parentage identified through diagnostic exome sequencing: Frequency of detection and reporting practices
Authors: Stefka Julie , El‐Khechen Dima , Cain Taylor , Blanco Kirsten , Feldmann Benjamin , Towne Meghan C. , Hagman Kelly D. Farwell
Published: November 2021

Access to genetic testing, namely, diagnostic exome sequencing (DES), has significantly improved, subsequently increasing the likelihood of discovering incidental findings, such as misattributed relationships and specifically misattributed parentage (MP). Until the recently published ACMG statement, there had been no consensus for laboratories and clinicians to follow when addressing such findings. Family‐based genomic testing is valuable for accurate variant interpretation but has the potential to uncover misattributed familial relationships. Here, we present the first published data on the frequency of MP identified through DES at a clinical laboratory. We also investigated clinicians' decisions on how to proceed with analysis, reporting, and disclosure. A database of 6,752 families who underwent parent‐proband (‘trio’) DES was retrospectively reviewed for molecular identification of MP and clinicians' MP disclosure decisions. Among 6,752 trios, 39 cases of MP were detected (0.58%). Non‐paternity was detected in all cases, and in one instance, non‐maternity was also identified. All clinicians decided to proceed by omitting the MP individual from the analysis. Clinicians chose to proceed with duo analysis (87.2%), modify information on the report (74.4%), and communicate MP results to the mother (71.8%), suggesting a trend toward not disclosing to the putative father or proband. The data show that trio DES involves a chance of detecting MP and that clinician disclosure practices do not appear to routinely include direct disclosure to the putative father. MP identified in our parent‐proband trios sent in for DES is lower than the reported frequency of MP in the general population due in part to ascertainment bias as families with known or suspected MP are presumably less likely to pursue trio testing. These data may inform laboratory policies and clinician practices for addressing incidental findings such as MP.
Characteristics associated with the perceived likelihood to become parents among young adults with sickle cell disease or sickle cell trait in the USA
Authors: Aldossary Dalal S. , Black Vandy , Ezenwa Miriam O. , Gallo Agatha M. , Johnson‐Mallard Versie M. , Eades Nyema T. , Oguntoye Anne O. , Yao Yingwei , Wilkie Diana J.
Published: November 2021

Individuals with sickle cell disease (SCD) and individuals with sickle cell trait (SCT) have different health trajectories, but it is unknown whether sociodemographic and clinical characteristics are associated with their likelihood to be a parent. The purpose of this study was to examine the sociodemographic and clinical characteristics associated with perceived likelihood‐to‐parent among a cohort of young adults with SCD or SCT in the USA. The participants were 234 young adults (82 males, 152 females) who had either SCD (n = 138) or SCT (n = 96). The average age was 25.9 years (SD = 4.9), and most participants (87%) were single. Study participants completed the likelihood‐to‐parent item (0–4 scale) included in the valid and reliable Sickle Cell Reproductive Health Knowledge Parenting Intent and Behavior Questionnaire (SCKnowIQ). The mean likelihood‐to‐parent score was M = 2.3 (SD = 1.1) and 41% indicated that they were ‘very’ or ‘extremely’ likely to be a parent. Bivariate analysis showed that likelihood‐to‐parent was associated with the participant's sickle cell genotype (p = .03), age (p = .003), educational level (p = .04), income (p = .01), employment (p = .04), number of children (p < .001), health insurance (p = .02), and influenced by others (p < .001). In multiple regression analysis, participants reported higher likelihood‐to‐parent scores if they had at most 2 children (p = .03), higher income (p = .03), had no insurance (p = .01), and reported higher levels of being influenced by others (p = .001). Additional research is needed to confirm these findings in larger representative samples with more young adult males and to understand the likelihood to become parents over time by implementing longitudinal studies in the SCD and SCT populations. Such research is needed to guide appropriate education and genetic counseling for reproductive decision‐making among young adults with SCD or SCT.
The impact of endoscopic sphincterotomy incision size on common bile duct stone recurrence: A propensity score matching analysis
Authors: Takimoto Yoichi , Irisawa Atsushi , Hoshi Koki , Yamamiya Akira , Nagashima Kazunori , Minaguchi Takahito , Yamabe Akane , Izawa Naoya , Haruyama Yasuo , Tominaga Keiichi
Published: November 2021

Background/purpose

The aim of this study is to clarify the relation between the incision size for endoscopic sphincterotomy (EST) and common bile duct stone (CBDS) recurrence.

Methods

Patients who underwent elective endoscopic treatment for CBDS between January 2013 and December 2017 were enrolled, excluding those who met the exclusion criteria. The clinical characteristics were investigated using propensity score matching analysis.

Results

A total of 243 patients were investigated. Propensity scores were calculated using multinomial logistic regression with five relevant variables (age, gender, follow‐up time, maximum stone size, and bile duct diameter), which led to extraction of 188 cases to compose cohorts of the small and medium EST incision groups. The CBDS recurrence rate was 17.0% in the small incision group and 6.4% in the medium incision group. Multivariate analysis identified the medium incision as an independent predictor of CBDS recurrence (hazard ratio 0.350, 95% confidence interval 0.133‐0.922, P = .034). The CBDS non‐recurrence rate of the medium incision group was significantly higher than that of the small incision group (log‐rank test P = .019).

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that the CBDS recurrence rate was lower in EST with medium incision size than with small incision size.
Synthesis and herbicidal activity of pyrimidyl‐1,2,4‐triazole derivatives containing aryl sulfonyl moiety
Authors: Yang Lingyun , Sun Yi , Lu Zhifeng , Liang Jingru , Wang Tao , Luo Jin
Published: November 2021

To discover novel heterocyclic compounds with high herbicidal activity, a series of new pyrimidyl‐1,2,4‐triazole derivatives (Ι‐1 to Ι‐41) was designed and synthesized by incorporating the activating 1,2,4‐triazole, pyrimidine, and phenyl sulfonyl structural templets. Their structures were clearly identified by proton nuclear magnetic resonance (1H NMR), carbon‐13 nuclear magnetic resonance (13C NMR), high‐resolution mass spectroscopy (HRMS), and X‐ray single‐crystal diffraction (compound Ι‐3). Their herbicidal activities against monocotyledons (Echinochloa crusgalli, Sorghum bicolor) and dicotyledons (Raphanus sativus, Brassica campestris, Cucumis sativus, and Medicago sativa) were evaluated using a Petri dish culture method. The results indicated that most of title compounds exhibited significant herbicidal potencies against the plant growth at 100 mg·L−1, while some of them, such as Ι‐2 and Ι‐4, showed remarkable inhibitory effects on weed control at 10 mg·L−1 and 100 mg·L−1. On the whole, compound Ι‐3, which was found to possess an even broader spectrum of inhibitory activities against the roots and stalks of Echinochloa crusgalli, Raphanus sativus, Brassica campestris, Cucumis sativus, and Medicago sativa at 10 and 100 mg·L−1 than that of the commercial herbicide Flumetsulam, could be employed as a new lead structure for further optimization to find more potent herbicides.
One pot synthesis of α‐N‐heteroaryl ketone derivatives from aryl ketones using aqueous NaICl2
Authors: Ghodse Shrikant M. , Hatvate Navnath T. , Telvekar Vikas N.
Published: November 2021

A simple and efficient method for the synthesis of α‐heteroaryl ketones from aryl ketones and amine using aqueous sodium dichloroiodate is established. This method is mild, operationally simple, has a short reaction time, and easy workup procedure to afford the corresponding α‐N‐heteroaryl ketone derivatives in moderate to good yield.
Design, synthesis, and biological activity of sulfoximine derivatives
Authors: Liu Yanfei , Wang Mian , Xu Yanjun , Wu Yanhua , Fu Bin , Li Jiaqi , Xiao Yumei , Qin Zhaohai
Published: November 2021

In order to discover new pesticides with novel modes of action and further study the sulfoximine scaffolds, 30 novel sulfoximine derivatives were designed, synthesized, and evaluated for their insecticidal and antifungal activities. The preliminary bioassay results showed that the insecticidal activity of target compounds was weak, only I‐12 displayed 80.39% larvicidal activity against Nilaparvata lugen, slightly lower than sulfoxaflor (97.87%) at 100 μg/ml. However, most of the compounds also displayed fair to good fungicidal activities against eight representative phytopathogenic fungi, and I‐5 showed slightly lower fungicidal activity against Sclerotinia scleotiorum than the control drug difenoconazole (2.26 μg/ml) with an EC50 of 8.75 μg/ml. The structure–activity relationship showed that the compound exhibited better antifungal activity when the R was 2.4‐disubstituted phenyl. Our studies suggested that sulfoximine scaffolds may also have potential plant‐fungal activity. This is the first report on the use of sulfoximide scaffolds as fungicides.
Feasibility of a community‐based delivery model for HIV pre‐exposure prophylaxis among bar patrons in rural South Africa
Authors: Grammatico Megan A. , Moll Anthony P. , Choi Koeun , Springer Sandra A. , Shenoi Sheela V.
Published: November 2021

Introduction

South Africa, home to the world's largest HIV epidemic, has made great strides in improving access to HIV services, but specific groups, particularly young men, remain difficult to engage in the HIV care cascade. Alcohol use disorder, prevalent in South Africa, further complicates engagement. Congregate settings where alcohol is served, known as shebeens, are an ideal place to engage young people for HIV testing, treatment and prevention, including pre‐exposure prophylaxis (PrEP). Here, we characterize the uptake of PrEP in shebeen patrons and explore the effect of alcohol consumption on PrEP uptake by piloting a community‐based delivery model.

Methods

In the rural Kwazulu‐Natal province (KZN) of South Africa, a field team made up of all men offered screenings outside of shebeens at 27 events over 6 months in 2020. Screenings included rapid HIV testing and Alcohol Use Disorder Identification Test (AUDIT). Participants who tested negative for HIV were offered PrEP as once daily oral tenofovir disoproxil fumarate/emtricitabine. Short‐term retention was determined. Logistic regression was performed to identify predictors of PrEP uptake, including unadjusted and adjusted odds ratios (OR) with 95% confidence interval.

Results

One hundred and sixty‐two shebeen patrons were screened, and 136 (84%) were eligible for PrEP. Among those eligible, 37 (27%) completed clinical evaluation and initiated PrEP. Among PrEP initiators, 91.9% were men, median age was 26.0 years (interquartile range 21–31), 32.4% were employed, 18.9% had running water and 70.3% had AUDIT scores indicating hazardous drinking. Among 37 initiators, 25 (68%) were retained at 1 month, and 19 (51%) were retained at 4 months. Independent predictors of PrEP uptake among all bar patrons, and only men (108 screened and 34 initiators), included younger age (OR 0.92 [0.88–0.97]) and lifetime number of sexual partners (OR 1.07 [1.02–1.13]).

Conclusions

Community‐based PrEP delivery after engagement at shebeens in rural South Africa is a feasible and novel approach to reach a traditionally difficult‐to‐engage population, particularly young men. In this small sample, sexual risk behaviours predicted PrEP uptake. Hazardous drinking was not a barrier to PrEP initiation.
Violence against women and the macroeconomy: The case of Ghana
Authors: Raghavendran Srinivasan , Kim Kijong , Ashe Sinéad , Chadha Mrinal , Asante Felix , Piiroinen Petri T. , Duvvury Nata
Published: November 2021

Violence against women (VAW) is a widely recognized human rights violation but whose wider economic ramifications are less understood. In this article, applying the multiplier analysis based on 2015 social accounting matrix of Ghana, we outline how the individual microlevel income loss is translated to a macroeconomic loss. We argue that the macroeconomic loss due to VAW, which amounts to about 0.94% of Ghanaian GDP, is not a once‐off loss but a permanentinvisibleleakage from the circular flow of the economy. The article highlights the potential consequences of the loss over a period of time in the status quo scenario.
IRF3 inhibits IFN-γ-mediated restriction of intracellular pathogens in macrophages independently of IFNAR
Authors: Maciag Karolina , Raychowdhury Raktima , Smith Karen , Schneider Alexis M , Coers Jörn , Mumbach Maxwell R , Schwartz Schraga , Hacohen Nir
Published: November 2021

Macrophages use an array of innate immune sensors to detect intracellular pathogens and to tailor effective antimicrobial responses. In addition, extrinsic activation with the cytokine IFN-γ is often required as well to tip the scales of the host-pathogen balance toward pathogen restriction. However, little is known about how host-pathogen sensing impacts the antimicrobial IFN-γ-activated state. It was observed that in the absence of IRF3, a key downstream component of pathogen sensing pathways, IFN-γ-primed macrophages more efficiently restricted the intracellular bacterium Legionella pneumophila and the intracellular protozoan parasite Trypanosoma cruzi. This effect did not require IFNAR, the receptor for Type I IFNs known to be induced by IRF3, nor the sensing adaptors MyD88/TRIF, MAVS, or STING. This effect also did not involve differential activation of STAT1, the major signaling protein downstream of both Type 1 and Type 2 IFN receptors. IRF3-deficient macrophages displayed a significantly altered IFN-γ-induced gene expression program, with up-regulation of microbial restriction factors such as Nos2. Finally, we found that IFN-γ-primed but not unprimed macrophages largely excluded the activated form of IRF3 from the nucleus following bacterial infection. These data are consistent with a relationship of mutual inhibition between IRF3 and IFN-γ-activated programs, possibly as a component of a partially reversible mechanism for modulating the activity of potent innate immune effectors (such as Nos2) in the context of intracellular infection.
Study of the effects of interferon β−1a on hospitalized patients with COVID‐19: SBMU Taskforce on the COVIFERON study
Authors: Fallahzadeh Mohammad , Pourhoseingholi Mohamad A. , Boroujeni Masoud G. , Besharati Sajad , Mardani Masoud , Shabani Minoosh , Shokouhi Shervin , Amirdosara Mahdi , Hajiesmaeili Mohammadreza , Gachkar Latif , Roshan Baran , Zangi Masoud , Mirmomeni Golshan , Irvani Seyed S. N. , Alavi Darazam Ilad
Published: November 2021

Interferons are an essential part of the innate immune system and have antiviral and immunomodulatory functions. We studied the effects of interferon β‐1a on the outcomes of severe cases of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19). This retrospective study was conducted on hospitalized COVID‐19 patients in Loghman‐Hakim hospital from February 20, 2020 to April 20, 2020, Tehran, Iran. Patients were selected from two groups, the first group received interferon β‐1a in addition to the standard treatment regimen, and the second group received standard care. The clinical progression of two groups during their hospital admission was compared. We studied a total number of 395 hospitalized COVID‐19 patients. Out of this number, 111 patients (33.5%) died (31.3% of the interferon β‐1a group and 34.1% of the control group). The mortality rate indicated no statistically significant difference between groups (p‐value = 0.348), however for patients who were hospitalized for more than a week, the rate of mortality was lower in the interferon β‐1a group (p‐value = 0.014). The median hospital stay was statistically longer for patients treated by interferon β‐1a (p‐value < 0.001). The results of this study showed that interferon β‐1a can improve the outcomes of hospitalized patients with severe COVID‐19, but more adequately‐powered randomized controlled trials should be conducted.
The effect of chlorophyll on the enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) of procymidone in vegetables and the way to overcome the matrix interference
Authors: Zhang Ziang , Lin Hong , Sui Jianxin , Han Xiangning , Wang Luefeng , Sun Xun , Cao Limin
Published: November 2021

BACKGROUND

There is now an increasing demand for the immunoassay of procymidone residue in foodstuffs. However, the matrix interference could significantly affect the analysis. Till now there is no detailed information on the source of the interference and the mechanism involved, which greatly limits the real application of these techniques.

RESULTS

Significant matrix effect was observed in the enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) of procymidone in negative vegetable samples (leek, broccoli and cucumber). By the investigation with both vegetable extracts and standard solutions, the chlorophyll was confirmed as an important source of the matrix effect. Therefore, a new strategy was proposed for the pretreatment based on the exploitation of 5‐sulfosalicylic acid. It was demonstrated to effectively eliminate chlorophyll and exhibited little effect on procymidone and the competitive indirect ELISA (ci‐ELISA) performance. The established technique was validated with different vegetables. With the spiking concentration of procymidone investigated, the recovery rate of ci‐ELISA was 71.52–120.37%, and the relative standard deviation was 4.05–17.61%.

CONCLUSION

Chlorophyll was for the first time illuminated as an important source of matrix interference to the immunoassay of procymidone in vegetables. A new pretreatment based on 5‐sulfosalicylic acid was established to remove chlorophyll and therefore eliminate the matrix effect. Validated with different vegetable samples, the new technique was demonstrated much better efficiency in comparison to conventional methods, which indicated its promising application for the development of immunoassays of herb‐origin samples. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry.
The exogenous autophagy inducement alleviated the sea cucumber (Stichopus japonicus) autolysis with exposure to stress stimuli of ultraviolet light
Authors: Sun Jinghe , Zheng Jie , Wang Yanan , Yang Sheng , Yang Jingfeng
Published: November 2021

BACKGROUND

Autolysis is the most important restrictive factor for the live sea cucumber trade and commercial transportation. Thus, it is essential to investigate the mechanism of autolysis activation or deactivation in the sea cucumber. In this study, monodansylcadaverine staining and Western blotting experiment methods indicated the implication of autophagy in the ultraviolet (UV) exposed sea cucumbers. The health condition was observed after the sea cucumbers (Stichopus japonicus) were gastric perfusion with autophagic inhibitor (3‐methyladenine) or inducer (rapamycin) and exposure to UV light for half an hour.

RESULTS

The protein expressions of LC3‐II and Atg5 appeared immediately after UV exposure and then vanished 1 h later. The autophagosome formation in coelomic fluid cells confirmed the autophagy appearance pattern of LC3‐II and Atg5. The sea cucumber individuals maintained the health condition during the entire event of autophagy. The autophagic inhibitor along with UV exposure contributed to sea cucumber's swollen intestinal tissues, but the autophagic inducer functioned to alleviate and neutralize the UV effect.

CONCLUSIONS

The autophagy procedure analysis demonstrated that autophagy plays a role to maintain the health condition of sea cucumber during autolysis inducement. The autolysis of sea cucumber can be alleviated or postponed by the exogenous autophagy inducer and this finding would benefit the live sea cucumber transportation. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry.
The State of Point‐of‐Care Teleultrasound Use for Educational Purposes
Authors: Lipsitz Mindy , Levin Leonard , Sharma Vinay , Herrala Jeffrey , Rimawi Asmaa , Bernier Denie , Kimberly Heidi , Thomson Andrew , Soucy Zach , Henwood Patricia
Published: November 2021

Bedside ultrasound has been shown to change and direct patient management in the emergent setting. Demand, use, and diagnostic potential of point‐of‐care ultrasound (POCUS) has continually increased throughout the years. The ongoing COVID‐19 pandemic and physical distancing have necessitated further POCUS innovation. With the advent of affordable portable ultrasound devices, teleultrasound teaching has become a more viable method of POCUS education, especially in resource‐limited settings. Here, we provide a scoping review of the current state of teleultrasound, specifically its use for educational purposes.
Making Artificial Intelligence Lemonade Out of Data Lemons
Authors: Blaivas Michael , Blaivas Laura N. , Campbell Kendra , Thomas Joseph , Shah Sonia , Yadav Kabir , Liu Yiju Teresa
Published: November 2021

Objectives

A paucity of point‐of‐care ultrasound (POCUS) databases limits machine learning (ML). Assess feasibility of training ML algorithms to visually estimate left ventricular ejection fraction (EF) from a subxiphoid (SX) window using only apical 4‐chamber (A4C) images.

Methods

Researchers used a long‐short‐term‐memory algorithm for image analysis. Using the Stanford EchoNet‐Dynamic database of 10,036 A4C videos with calculated exact EF, researchers tested 3 ML training permeations. First, training on unaltered Stanford A4C videos, then unaltered and 90° clockwise (CW) rotated videos and finally unaltered, 90° rotated and horizontally flipped videos. As a real‐world test, we obtained 615 SX videos from Harbor‐UCLA (HUCLA) with EF calculations in 5% ranges. Researchers performed 1000 randomizations of EF point estimation within HUCLA EF ranges to compensate for ML and HUCLA EF mismatch, obtaining a mean value for absolute error (MAE) comparison and performed Bland–Altman analyses.

Results

The ML algorithm EF mean MAE was estimated at 23.0, with a range of 22.8–23.3 using unaltered A4C video, mean MAE was 16.7, with a range of 16.5–16.9 using unaltered and 90° CW rotated video, mean MAE was 16.6, with a range of 16.3–16.8 using unaltered, 90° CW rotated and horizontally flipped video training. Bland–Altman showed weakest agreement at 40–45% EF.

Conclusions

Researchers successfully adapted unrelated ultrasound window data to train a POCUS ML algorithm with fair MAE using data manipulation to simulate a different ultrasound examination. This may be important for future POCUS algorithm design to help overcome a paucity of POCUS databases.
The impact of age group in breast cancer survival outcome according to neoadjuvant treatment response: A matched case–control study
Authors: Li Chung‐Liang , Wu Cheng‐Che , Kan Jung‐Yu , Chen Fang‐Ming , Hou Ming‐Feng , Chuang Chieh‐Han , Huang Hsin‐I , Ou‐Yang Fu
Published: November 2021

This study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of neoadjuvant chemotherapy in patients with breast cancer in different age groups and evaluate the impact of age group on survival outcome according to different treatment responses. Data were retrospectively collected from the cancer registry database of Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital in Taiwan under an approved protocol. Overall, 96 elder patients (aged >50 years) and 96 younger controls (aged ≤50 years) who received neoadjuvant chemotherapy and breast surgical treatment were examined after 1:1 matching. Logistic regression analysis was used to investigate the effectiveness of treatment response in patients of different age groups. Additionally, the Kaplan–Meier estimator and log‐rank test were performed to evaluate the effect of age group and treatment response on disease‐free and overall survival (OS). Although no direct significant association was found between age group and treatment response, several significant results were found in treatment response stratification analysis. Among 16 pathological complete response (pCR) patients, elder patients showed significantly greater 5‐year disease‐free survival (DFS) than younger patients (DFS rate, 85.7% vs. 0%, p = 0.041). However, in 176 non‐pCR patients, elder patients showed poor DFS compared to younger patients (DFS rate, 16.6% vs. 32.3%; log‐rank test, p = 0.031). With limited sample size and study design, our study results demonstrate that patients aged >50 years who achieved pCR after neoadjuvant chemotherapy could obtain better survival outcome than younger patients. However, the younger patients showed no survival benefits regardless of pCR status.
Circular RNA circ_0023404 serves as a miR‐636 sponge to promote malignant behaviors in cervical cancer cells through upregulation of CYP2S1
Authors: Guo Wei‐Wei , Feng Ming‐Ming , Li Shuang‐Feng , Wei Li‐Hui
Published: November 2021

Cervical cancer is the most common malignant gynecological tumor. Circular RNA (circRNA) circ_0023404 is reported to be upregulated in cervical cancer cells. This aim is to explore the role and mechanism of circ_0023404 in cervical cancer. circ_0023404, microRNA‐636 (miR‐636), and cytochrome P450 2S1 (CYP2S1) levels were detected by real‐time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT‐qPCR). Cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and apoptosis were detected by 3‐(4,5‐dimethyl‐2‐thiazolyl)‐2,5‐diphenyl‐2‐H‐tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay, 5‐ethynyl‐2′‐deoxyuridine (EDU) assay, colony formation assay, transwell assay, and cytometry assay. Protein levels of cyclin D1, matrix metallopeptidase 9 (MMP9), Bcl‐2‐associated X protein (Bax), and CYP2S1 were examined by western blot assay. The binding relationship between miR‐636 and circ_0023404 or CYP2S1 was predicted by Circinteractome or targetscan, and then verified by a dual‐luciferase reporter assay and RNA pull‐down assay. circ_0023404 and CYP2S1 expression were increased, and miR‐636 was decreased in cervical cancer tissues and cells. Moreover, circ_0023404 knockdown could repress proliferation, migration, invasion, and promote apoptosis of cervical cancer cells in vitro. Mechanically, circ_0023404 could regulate CYP2S1 expression by sponging miR‐636. circ_0023404 silencing could attenuate the progression of cervical cancer cells partly by targeting the miR‐636/CYP2S1 axis, hinting at a promising therapeutic target for cervical cancer.
Dupilumab in CRSwNP: Responder Analysis Using Clinically Meaningful Efficacy Outcome Thresholds
Authors: Chuang Chien‐Chia , Guillemin Isabelle , Bachert Claus , Lee Stella E. , Hellings Peter W. , Fokkens Wytske J. , Duverger Nicolas , Fan Chunpeng , Daizadeh Nadia , Amin Nikhil , Mannent Leda P. , Khan Asif H. , Kamat Siddhesh
Published: November 2021

Objectives/Hypothesis

Dupilumab, a fully human monoclonal antibody that blocks the shared interleukin (IL)‐4/IL‐13 receptor component, significantly improved outcomes for patients with chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP) in the SINUS‐24 and SINUS‐52 studies. This post hoc analysis evaluated dupilumab's effect on patient‐reported symptoms and objective outcome measures using thresholds of clinically meaningful within‐patient change from baseline.

Methods

Patients with CRSwNP receiving subcutaneous dupilumab or placebo every 2 weeks in SINUS‐24/SINUS‐52 were analyzed. Patients recorded severity of nasal congestion (NC), loss of smell (LoS), and anterior/posterior rhinorrhea (each within range 0–3) daily. Total Symptom Score (TSS) was calculated as a composite severity score (0–9) for these symptoms. Objective measures included University of Pennsylvania Smell Identification Test (UPSIT; 0–40), nasal polyps score (NPS; 0–8), and Lund–Mackay computed tomography score (LMK‐CT; 0–24). Thresholds of within‐patient change in scores from baseline at weeks 24 and 52 considered clinically meaningful were ≥1.0 (NC, LoS), ≥3.0 (TSS), ≥8.0 (UPSIT), ≥1.0 (NPS), and ≥5.0 (LMK‐CT).

Results

A total of 724 and 303 patients were included in the week 24 and 52 analyses, respectively. Responder rates were significantly higher with dupilumab versus placebo at week 24 for NC (64% vs. 24%), LoS (63% vs. 14%), TSS (62% vs. 15%), UPSIT (54% vs. 6%), NPS (63% vs. 14%), and LMK‐CT (59% vs. 3%); all P < .0001. Results were consistent at week 52.

Conclusion

Significantly greater proportions of dupilumab‐treated patients with CRSwNP compared with placebo demonstrated clinically meaningful improvements in patient‐reported sinonasal symptoms and objective outcomes.

Level of Evidence

2 Laryngoscope, 132:259–264, 2022
Impingement of the Thyroid Cartilage on the Carotid Causing Clicking Larynx Syndrome and Stroke
Authors: Han Catherine Y. , Long Sallie M. , Parikh Neal S. , Phillips C. Douglas , Obayemi Adetokunbo , Yu Victoria X. , Banuchi Victoria
Published: November 2021

We present the case of a patient with a recent history of ischemic stroke who presented with clicking larynx syndrome, a condition in which clicking noises in the larynx can be provoked by movement of the head and neck. Diagnostic imaging revealed unusual development and posterior angulation of the superior horn of the thyroid cartilage that potentially was causing trauma to the left common carotid artery. We deduced that symptomatic impingement of the carotid artery by the thyroid cartilage was not only the cause of the patient's clicking larynx syndrome, but also suspected to be the cause of her prior strokes due to repetitive trauma resulting in thrombus. The patient was managed surgically with thyroplasty and transcervical resection of the left greater cornu of the thyroid cartilage with resolution of her symptoms. Anatomical displacement of the thyroid cartilage can manifest as clicking larynx syndrome as well as cause mechanical injury to the carotid artery, resulting in turbulent flow, possible thrombosis, and stroke. Laryngoscope, 132:1410–1413, 2022
Deep Learning Applied to White Light and Narrow Band Imaging Videolaryngoscopy: Toward Real‐Time Laryngeal Cancer Detection
Authors: Azam Muhammad Adeel , Sampieri Claudio , Ioppi Alessandro , Africano Stefano , Vallin Alberto , Mocellin Davide , Fragale Marco , Guastini Luca , Moccia Sara , Piazza Cesare , Mattos Leonardo S. , Peretti Giorgio
Published: November 2021

Objectives

To assess a new application of artificial intelligence for real‐time detection of laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma (LSCC) in both white light (WL) and narrow‐band imaging (NBI) videolaryngoscopies based on the You‐Only‐Look‐Once (YOLO) deep learning convolutional neural network (CNN).

Study Design

Experimental study with retrospective data.

Methods

Recorded videos of LSCC were retrospectively collected from in‐office transnasal videoendoscopies and intraoperative rigid endoscopies. LSCC videoframes were extracted for training, validation, and testing of various YOLO models. Different techniques were used to enhance the image analysis: contrast limited adaptive histogram equalization, data augmentation techniques, and test time augmentation (TTA). The best‐performing model was used to assess the automatic detection of LSCC in six videolaryngoscopies.

Results

Two hundred and nineteen patients were retrospectively enrolled. A total of 624 LSCC videoframes were extracted. The YOLO models were trained after random distribution of images into a training set (82.6%), validation set (8.2%), and testing set (9.2%). Among the various models, the ensemble algorithm (YOLOv5s with YOLOv5m—TTA) achieved the best LSCC detection results, with performance metrics in par with the results reported by other state‐of‐the‐art detection models: 0.66 Precision (positive predicted value), 0.62 Recall (sensitivity), and 0.63 mean Average Precision at 0.5 intersection over union. Tests on the six videolaryngoscopies demonstrated an average computation time per videoframe of 0.026 seconds. Three demonstration videos are provided.

Conclusion

This study identified a suitable CNN model for LSCC detection in WL and NBI videolaryngoscopies. Detection performances are highly promising. The limited complexity and quick computational times for LSCC detection make this model ideal for real‐time processing.

Level of Evidence

3 Laryngoscope, 132:1798–1806, 2022