bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Memory behaviour of polyester knitted fabric integrated with temperature-responsive shape memory polymer filament
Authors: Gupta Priyanka , Mohanty Jayashree , Garg Hema , Kumar Bipin
Published: March 2022

The present article highlights a novel approach towards investigating the memory behaviour of shape memory filaments integrated into a knitted textile structure. This study is the first step to investigate the interaction behaviour of such smart materials within textile structures. This integration can further open vast possibilities in designing smart textiles with unique functionalities such as sensing and actuating. A shape memory fabric (SMF) was successfully knitted using shape memory filament and polyester yarn. A systematic investigation is carried out to quantify the memory behaviour of SMF by thermo-mechanical tensile test. The experimental results reveal excellent shape recovery ( R r) (>90%) and good shape fixity ( R f) (∼80%) at strains of 20% and 60%, and temperatures of 30°C and 50°C. Memory filament behaves differently in a fabric structure compared to its pristine state at different temperatures and strains, as confirmed by experimental results. Under various thermo-mechanical conditions, the cyclic test of SMF revealed almost complete R r with an improvement in R f.
Youth Views on Race
Authors: Goldberg Brett S. , Martin Nathan D. , Chulani Vinny , Flores-González Nilda
Published: March 2022

In this article, we consider how youth ages 14 to 24 years from diverse backgrounds understand and experience race. Through an analysis of open-ended survey questions collected as part of the national MyVoice Project, we explore youths’ views on the role race plays in their own lives and contemporary society more broadly. Our results highlight clear patterns by race/ethnicity linked to commonly held racial stereotypes that affect youth in distinct ways, but also a broadly shared desire to take action to address racism and racial injustice.
Parenting for Environmental Change
Authors: Auriffeille Deborah Mccarthy , Fleming Catharine
Published: March 2022

How do parents understand and navigate green living challenges? Parents harness a set of meanings (consciousness, connectedness, and wellbeing) to socialize their children into sustainable ways of living. Innovatively drawing on these meanings in their daily practices, parents overcome short-term challenges to bring about long-term intergenerational change.
Sport Groupies: Perpetuating Patriarchal Power
Authors: Ortiz Steven M.
Published: March 2022

Many female “groupies” of professional athletes pose a direct threat to the sport marriage, so players’ wives attempt to deal with groupies in numerous public situations. The self-management strategies they rely on include emotion work and boundary work.
From Resilience to Survivance
Authors: Weiss Nicole M. , Anderson Olivia , Bolton-Steiner Athena , Walls Melissa I.
Published: March 2022

In Indigenous communities, knowing a missing or murdered Indigenous person is the norm, not an exception—a consequence of traumatic past and ongoing policies and practices. We summarize the history of North American governments– genocidal policies toward Indigenous Peoples and how these policies created and now perpetuate present-day institutions that exacerbate exposure to violence. We also describe survey data from a longitudinal study called Healing Pathways, arguing that we must create a society in which resilience is not necessary for survival.
The Struggle for Sisterhood
Authors: Young Nate
Published: March 2022

Unequal Partners is a beautifully told ethnography of religious life within the transnational order Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur. Clevenger artfully weaves together the words and experiences of Catholic sisters living out a shared mission and identity within vastly divergent historical, economic, and cultural contexts. The story that emerges is one of both enduring tensions and heartening mutuality. As the first ethnographic study of a transnational religious women’s organization, Unequal Partners makes an important contribution to sociological and transnational scholarship, pertinent to both globalized religion and cross-border collectives more generally.
Structured Discomfort
Authors: Beardall Theresa Rocha , Freshour Carrie
Published: March 2022

We know that teaching sociology can be difficult in an era of extreme polarization. By engaging “structured discomfort” as a teaching strategy, we can empower students to think critically about how multiple social institutions interact and interlock to create social inequality. This approach uses three key organizing principles to activate learning on controversial topics: 1) build intentional classroom culture that promotes respect and empathy; 2) cultivate critical thinking by scaffolding sociological studies, multimedia, and other creative works; and 3) use high- and low-stakes assignments, strategic debates, and community interviews to explore a controversial topic from multiple sociological vantage points.
Mapping thalamic-anterior cingulate monosynaptic inputs in adult mice
Authors: Xue Man , Shi Wan-Tong , Zhou Si-Bo , Li Ya-Nan , Wu Feng-Yi , Chen Qi-Yu , Liu Ren-Hao , Zhou Zhao-Xiang , Zhang Yu-Xiang , Chen Yu-Xin , Xu Fang , Bi Guo-Qiang , Li Xu-Hui , Lu Jing-Shan , Zhuo Min
Published: March 2022

The anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) is located in the frontal part of the cingulate cortex, and plays important roles in pain perception and emotion. The thalamocortical pathway is the major sensory input to the ACC. Previous studies have show that several different thalamic nuclei receive projection fibers from spinothalamic tract, that in turn send efferents to the ACC by using neural tracers and optical imaging methods. Most of these studies were performed in monkeys, cats, and rats, few studies were reported systematically in adult mice. Adult mice, especially genetically modified mice, have provided molecular and synaptic mechanisms for cortical plasticity and modulation in the ACC. In the present study, we utilized rabies virus-based retrograde tracing system to map thalamic-anterior cingulate monosynaptic inputs in adult mice. We also combined with a new high-throughput VISoR imaging technique to generate a three-dimensional whole-brain reconstruction, especially the thalamus. We found that cortical neurons in the ACC received direct projections from different sub-nuclei in the thalamus, including the anterior, ventral, medial, lateral, midline, and intralaminar thalamic nuclei. These findings provide key anatomic evidences for the connection between the thalamus and ACC.
A microphone in a chandelier: How a secret recording sparks mnemonic imagination and affect
Authors: Pogačar Martin
Published: March 2022

In this study, I examine a recording of an old Slovenian choral song made in 1941 during the Fascist occupation. Recorded music, I argue, has the capacity to condense the past and to potentiate the affective mnemonic imagination of the past regardless of its mediated form. To make this argument, I investigate the recording as a temporal object that drives affective mnemohistories; modulates individual and collective experiences, expectations and interpretations; and induces mnemonic imagination. I discuss the song’s pre-recorded historical background and the technical history of the recording, and the song’s affective force in live performances as compared to the mediated experience in YouTube. The investigation of the song as a temporal object that engenders variegated, multilayered engagements with the past contributes to the debates on the study of music and memory, and the history of media technologies in the context of post-socialist memory.
Pregnancy in juvenile idiopathic arthritis: maternal and foetal outcome, and impact on disease activity
Authors: Gerosa Maria , Chighizola Cecilia Beatrice , Pregnolato Francesca , Pontikaki Irene , Luppino Angela Flavia , Argolini Lorenza Maria , Trespidi Laura , Ossola Manuela Wally , Ferrazzi Enrico M. , Caporali Roberto , Cimaz Rolando
Published: March 2022

Objective:

This retrospective cohort study describes the modulation of disease activity during gestation and in the year following delivery as well as maternal and neonatal outcomes in a monocentric cohort of women with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA).

Methods:

Disease activity was assessed using DAS28-CRP before conception and every 3 months during pregnancy and in the first year postpartum. The risk of complicated pregnancies was measured applying a generalized estimating equation model. Changes in disease activity during gestation and in the first year postpartum were assessed in a linear mixed model for repeated measures.

Results:

Thirty-one women (49 pregnancies) with persisting JIA and at least one conception were enrolled. Adjusted DAS28-CRP levels remained stable from preconception through the first trimester, but increased significantly in the second and decreased not significantly in the third. In the postpartum, adjusted disease activity peaked at 3 months after delivery, stabilized at 6 months to decrease at 1 year, although not significantly. Preconceptional DAS28-CRP and number of biological drugs predicted disease activity fluctuation during gestation. The number of biological drugs and the length of gestational exposure to biologics significantly predicted pregnancy morbidity. In particular, JIA women had a higher probability of preterm delivery compared with healthy and disease controls. Adjusted for breastfeeding and DAS28-CRP score in the third trimester, postconceptional exposure to biologics was inversely related with disease activity in the postpartum: the longer the patient continued treatment, the lower the probability of experiencing an adverse pregnancy outcome.

Conclusion:

These data offer novel insights on how treatment affects disease activity during pregnancy and postpartum as well as obstetric outcomes in women with JIA.
A New Polyketide from Marine-Derived Paraconiothyrium sp
Authors: Wei Xing , Ding Yi , An Faliang
Published: March 2022

A new polyketide, paraconthone A (1) was obtained from the fermentation culture of Paraconiothyrium sp., together with two known compounds (2-3). Their structures were elucidated by spectroscopic analyses, including 1D- and 2D-NMR experiments, HR-ESI-MS, ECD calculation and by comparison with reported data. Compounds 1 to 3 were evaluated for their cytotoxic, anti-inflammation and antimicrobial activities in vitro, and 1 to 3 showed weak anti-microbial activities.
Acute Hemorrhagic Leukoencephalopathy Triggered by COVID-19 Infection
Authors: Benevides Maria L , Elias Stefany , Fagundes Diego A , Martins Rafael F , Dutra Michel M , Rodrigues de Oliveira Thais Maria E , Rodrigues Gabriel M , Nunes Jean C , Martins Gladys L
Published: March 2022

Background: This study represents an additional case of a rare entity and complication of COVID-19. Purpose: To further describe COVID’s association with acute hemorrhagic leukoencephalopathy (AHL), a variant of acute disseminated encephalomyelitis. Besides, subsequent neuropsychological evaluation is described. Methods: The present case report describes clinical, laboratory, radiological, and electroencephalographic characteristics of AHL triggered by COVID-19, in addition to outcomes in the neuropsychological findings. Results: Radiologic findings of demyelinating lesions in supratentorial white matter permeated by multiple hemorrhagic foci supported the diagnostic of AHL, reinforced by clinical improvement after corticosteroid therapy. Conclusions: There are few similar cases previously reported, and this case highlights the early diagnosis and prompt treatment looking forward to better outcomes in AHL. Further studies are needed to elucidate the involved pathophysiological mechanisms.
Pharmacotherapy to delay the progression of diabetic kidney disease in people with type 2 diabetes: past, present and future
Authors: Mallik Ritwika , Chowdhury Tahseen A.
Published: March 2022

Diabetic kidney disease (DKD) is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality among people living with diabetes, and is one of the most important causes of end stage renal disease worldwide. In order to reduce progression of DKD, important management goals include treatment of hypertension, glycaemia and control of cardiovascular risk factors such as lipids, diet, smoking and exercise. Use of angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors or angiotensin receptor blockers has an established role in prevention of progression of DKD. A number of other agents such as endothelin-1 receptor antagonists and bardoxolone have had disappointing results. Recent studies have, however, suggested that newer antidiabetic agents such as sodium-glucose transporter-2 inhibitors (SGLT-2i) and glucagon-like peptide-1 analogues have specific beneficial effects in patients with DKD. Indeed most recent guidance suggest that SGLT-2i drugs should be used early in DKD, irrespective of glucose control. A number of pathways are hypothesised for the development and progression of DKD, and have opened up a number of newer potential therapeutic targets. This article aims to discuss management of DKD with respect to seminal trials from the past, more recent trials informing the present and potential new therapeutic options that may be available in the future.
Music for Cells? A Systematic Review of Studies Investigating the Effects of Audible Sound Played Through Speaker-Based Systems on Cell Cultures
Authors: Kwak Dongho , Combriat Thomas , Wang Chencheng , Scholz Hanne , Danielsen Anne , Jensenius Alexander Refsum
Published: March 2022

There have been several studies investigating whether musical sound can be used as cell stimuli in recent years. We systematically searched publications to get an overview of studies that have used audible sound played through speaker-based systems to induce mechanical perturbation in cell cultures. A total of 12 studies were identified. We focused on the experimental setups, the sounds that were used as stimuli, and relevant biological outcomes. The studies are categorized into simple and complex sounds depending on the type of sound employed. Some of the promising effects reported were enhanced cell migration, proliferation, colony formation, and differentiation ability. However, there are significant differences in methodologies and cell type-specific outcomes, which made it difficult to find a systematic pattern in the results. We suggest that future experiments should consider using: (1) a more controlled acoustic environment, (2) standardized sound and noise measurement methods, and (3) a more comprehensive range of controlled sound parameters as cellular stimuli.
Barriers and Enablers to Early Identification, Referral and Access to Geriatric Rehabilitation Post-Hip Fracture: A Theory-Based Descriptive Qualitative Study
Authors: Backman Chantal , Harley Anne , Papp Steve , French-Merkley Veronique , Beaulé Paul E , Poitras Stéphane , Dobransky Johanna , Squires Janet E
Published: March 2022

Background

Geriatric hip fracture patients often experience gaps in care including variability in the timing and the choice of an appropriate setting for rehabilitation following hip fracture surgery. Many guidelines recommend standardized processes, including timely access of no later than day 6 to rehabilitation services. A pathway for early identification, referral and access to geriatric rehabilitation post-hip fracture was created to facilitate the implementation. The study aimed to describe the barriers and enablers prior to the implementation of this pathway.

Methods

We conducted a qualitative descriptive study consisting of semi-structured interviews with geriatric hip fracture patients (n = 8), caregivers (n = 1), administrators (n = 12) and clinicians (n = 17) in 2 orthopaedics units and a geriatric rehabilitation service. Responses were analysed using a systematic approach, and overarching themes describing the barriers and enablers were identified.

Results

The clinicians’ and administrators’ top barriers to implementation of the pathway were competing demands (n = 24); lack of bed availability, community resources and funding (n = 19); and the need for extended hours and increased staff (n = 16). The top 3 enablers were clear communication with patients (n = 27), awareness of the benefits of geriatric rehabilitation (n = 24) and the need for education and resources to properly use the pathway (n = 15). Common barriers among patients and caregivers included lack of care coordination, overcoming some of their own specific challenges during their transition, gaps in the information they received before discharge, not knowing what questions to ask and lack of resources. Despite these barriers, patients were generally pleased with their transition from the hospital to geriatric rehabilitation.

Conclusion

We identified and described key barriers and enablers to early identification, referral and access to geriatric rehabilitation post-hip fracture. These influencing factors provide a basis for the development of a standardized pathway aimed at improving access to rehabilitative care for geriatric hip fracture patients.
Dual Mediating Effects of Information and Communication Technology Resources and Family Satisfaction on COVID-19 Knowledge Among Middle School Students
Authors: Lee Jaewon , Allen Jennifer , Lim Hyejung , Choi Gyuhyun
Published: March 2022

Little is known about underlying pathways regarding how middle school students can improve their COVID-19 knowledge. This study investigates the relationship between subjective poverty and COVID-19 knowledge by considering a dual mediation model. A total of 328 middle school students were included. We used a multiple mediator model developed by Preacher and Hayes, using bootstrapping approach to include a first and sequence mediators. We employed the PROCESS macro 3.4 for SPSS to test the dual mediating effects. Both Information and Communication Technology (ICT) resources and family satisfaction mediated the association between subjective poverty and knowledge about COVID-19. Further, an indirect effect of subjective poverty via the dual mediators of ICT resources and family satisfaction was found. Further, middle school students who more satisfied with their family dynamics and who had more ICT resources were more likely to have greater levels of knowledge about COVID-19. This study contributes to further understanding of pathways between subjective poverty and COVID-19 knowledge in the context of dual mediators. It is imperative to help households in poverty before and since COVID-19; specific financial supports that focus on ICT resources should be provided to increase middle school students’ quality of online learning, which then helps to improve family satisfaction. The pathways influence COVID-19 knowledge.
Abdominal Panniculectomy: Determining the Impact of Diabetes on Adverse Outcomes and Complications
Authors: Samuel Ankhita R. , Campbell Christopher , DeGeorge Brent R. , Black Jonathan , Stranix John T.
Published: March 2022

Background: Despite its association with obesity, the relation between diabetes and the abdominal panniculectomy is less well-established. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the result of diabetes on post-panniculectomy complications in a large cohort and to establish the risk factors associated with unfavorable post-operative outcomes. Methods: Patients that underwent a panniculectomy between 2010 and 2018 were identified in PearlDiver, a national insurance claims database, and identified by Current Procedural Terminology code 15380. Patient demographics and comorbidities were elucidated, and various complications were then identified. Descriptive statistics as well as a multivariate analysis were used to evaluate the association of risk factors and complications. Results: A total of 8282 panniculectomy patients were identified—4245 with diabetes, 4037 without. Obesity, tobacco use, and diabetes were all identified as significant risk factors in developing a surgical site infection, wound disruption, as well as needing to undergo reoperation. Diabetic panniculectomy patients had a higher rate of readmission as well as reoperation and sustained a higher rate of surgical complications, even when matched for. Conclusion: Diabetic panniculectomy patients are at a greater risk for developing complications. Identifying potential risk factors in this patient population could help reduce post-operative complications following a panniculectomy.
Adherence to Antiretroviral Therapy and Associated Factors Among People Living With HIV Following the Introduction of Dolutegravir Based Regimens in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
Authors: Kilapilo Mary Spicar , Sangeda Raphael Zozimus , Bwire George M , Sambayi Godfrey Leonard , Mosha Idda Hubert , Killewo Japhet
Published: March 2022

Background: Adherence to antiretroviral therapy (ART) is the key determinant of virological suppression in people living with HIV (PLHIV). This study reports factors associated with non-adherence among PLHIV one year after introducing dolutegravir (DTG) based regimens in Tanzania. Methods: A hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted in two health facilities in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, in 2020. Results: A total of 406 PLHIV were recruited, where the majority (73.4%) were females, with 94.6% of patients being on DTG based regimens. Factors such as refill interval and sharing of antiretrovirals had significant effects on adherence. Multivariate analysis found that patients attending care and treatment center (CTC) at Temeke Regional Referral Hospital (RRH) were 4.3 times more likely to have non-adherence compared to those attending Amana RRH (aOR [adjusted odds ratio] 4.3, 95% CI [confidence interval]: 2.38 – 7.91, p-value < 0.0001). Conclusions: Sustainable adherence counseling is warranted to overcome non-adherence to ART.
Frailty in Elderly Patients with Covid-19: A Narrative Review
Authors: Salini Sara , Russo Andrea , De Matteis Giuseppe , Piccioni Andrea , Della Polla Davide , Carbone Luigi , Barillaro Christian , Landi Francesco , Franceschi Francesco , Covino Marcello
Published: March 2022

Introduction

The SARS CoV-2 pandemic still generates a very high number of affected patients and a significant mortality rate. It is essential to establish objective criteria to stratify COVID-19 death risk. Frailty has been identified as a potential determinant of increased vulnerability in older adults affected by COVID-19, because it may suggest alterations of physical performance and functional autonomy.

Methods

We have conducted a narrative review of the literature on the evidences regarding COVID-19 and the frailty condition. Thirteen observational studies were included.

Conclusion

Data emerging from the studies indicate that older COVID-19 patients with a frailty condition have an increased risk of mortality compared with non-frail patients, and this association is independent of other clinical and demographic factors. A frailty evaluation is required to help clinicians to better stratify the overall risk of death for older patients with COVID-19.
Trade Policy Impact on Global Value Chain Participation of the South Asian Countries
Authors: Wijesinghe Asanka , Yogarajah Chathurrdhika
Published: March 2022

This article provides an empirical analysis on the relationship between trade policy and global value chain (GVC) participation of the South Asian countries using Asian Development Bank’s country-sector Wang, Wei and Zhu decomposed exports data. We employ theoretically grounded three-way fixed effects gravity model with bias correction for incidental parameter problem to get unbiased and consistent coefficients for trade policy variables. This study finds strong evidence for the depressing effect of border tariffs on bilateral exports and forward and backward GVC participation. The negative effects are most prominent in the agriculture and food sectors. Moreover, we find that the regional trade agreements (RTAs) of South Asian countries have a negligible impact on trade and GVC participation in most sectors. However, we find evidence for the phasing-in effect of RTAs and a strong negative effect on bilateral food trade and GVC participation. Reformulating trade policy priorities and restructuring the RTAs to remove strict general regulatory measures like sensitive lists and rules of origin (ROO) should be South Asian policymakers’ priorities for robust trade lead growth.

JEL Classification: F14, L23, O11, O55, Q17
COVID-19 Pulmonary Pathology, Ventilator-Induced Lung Injury (VILI), or Sepsis-Induced Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS)? Healthcare Considerations Arising From an Autopsy Case and Miny-Review
Authors: Scendoni Roberto , Gattari Diego , Cingolani Mariano
Published: March 2022

Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) caused by coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is a serious complication that requires early recognition. Autopsy reports or biopsies of the lungs in patients with COVID-19 revealed diffuse alveolar damage (DAD) at different stages; the fibrotic phase is usually associated with long-standing severe disease. Care management of hospitalized patients is not easy, given that the risk of incurring a ventilator-induced lung injury (VILI) is high. Additionally, if the patient develops nosocomial infections, sepsis-induced ARDS should be considered in the study of the pathophysiological processes. We present an autopsy case of a hospitalized patient whose death was linked to COVID-19 infection, with the histopathological pattern of advanced pulmonary fibrosis. After prolonged use of non-invasive and invasive ventilation, the patient developed polymicrobial superinfection oh the lungs. After analyzing the individual’s clinical history and pulmonary anatomopathological findings, we consider healthcare issues that should lead to an improvement in diagnosis and to more adequate standards of care management among health professionals.
Reznitskyite, CaMg(VO4)F, a new mineral from the Tolbachik volcano, Kamchatka, Russia and the first vanadate with a titanite-type structure
Authors: Koshlyakova Natalia N. , Pekov Igor V. , Vigasina Marina F. , Zubkova Natalia V. , Agakhanov Atali A. , Britvin Sergey N. , Sidorov Evgeny G. , Pushcharovsky Dmitry Yu.
Published: March 2022

Reznitskyite, ideally CaMg(VO4)F, is a new mineral species of the tilasite group from the Arsenatnaya fumarole, Northern Breakthrough of the Great Tolbachik Fissure Eruption, Tolbachik volcano, Kamchatka, Russia. It occurs as zones (usually up to 0.05 mm thick) in crystals of V- and P-containing tilasite or as homogeneous grains up to 0.1 mm across. It was found in polymineralic sublimate encrustations in association with minerals of the svabite–fluorapatite–pliniusite system and the schäferite–berzeliite, tilasite–isokite, wagnerite–arsenowagnerite and udinaite–arsenudinaite series. The mineral assemblage also includes calciojohillerite, diopside, forsterite, titanite, rhabdoborite-(V), rhabdoborite-(W), rhabdoborite-(Mo), ludwigite, powellite, scheelite, hematite, baryte and magnesioferrite. Reznitskyite is transparent or semi-transparent, colourless, with vitreous lustre.Dcalc.= 3.453 g cm–3. Under the microscope, in reflected light reznitskyite is grey, non-pleochroic, with very weak bireflectance (ΔR589 nm= 0.5%) and distinct anisotropy. Reznitskyite is the first vanadate with a titanite-type structure. It is monoclinic, space groupC2/c,a= 6.6912(7),b= 8.9395(7),c= 7.0587(8) Å, β = 113.078(13)°,V= 388.43(8) Å3andZ= 4. The strongest reflections of the powder X-ray diffraction pattern are [din Å(I)(hkl)]: 3.082(100)(200), 3.250(66)($\bar{1}$12, 002), 2.631(44)(022), 2.854(34)($\bar{2}$02), 2.683(33)(130), 3.686(26)(021), 2.531(25)(220), 1.749(25)($\bar{3}$32,$\bar{2}$04) and 2.344(24)(131). Electron microprobe analysis gave (wt.%) MgO 20.44, CaO 26.83, P2O56.24, V2O521.09, As2O518.97, SO30.47, F 9.42, –O=F –3.97, with a total of 99.49. The empirical formula of reznitskyite, calculated on the basis of O+F = 5 atoms per formula unit, is: Ca0.97Mg1.03(V0.47As0.33P0.18S0.01)Σ0.99O3.99F1.01. Reznitskyite is a vanadate analogue of tilasite CaMg(AsO4)F and isokite CaMg(PO4)F. The mineral is named in honour of the outstanding Russian mineralogist Leonid Zinovievich Reznitsky (born 1938) who has made significant contribution to the mineralogy of vanadium.
Endothelial MEKK3-KLF2/4 signaling integrates inflammatory and hemodynamic signals during definitive hematopoiesis
Authors: Yang Yiqing , Mumau Melanie , Tober Joanna , Zhu Qin , Bennett Laura , Hong Courtney , Sung Derek , Keller Thomas , Uzun Yasin , Gao Peng , Shewale Swapnil , Chen Mei , Yang Jisheng , Chen Xiaowen , Thomas Steven A. , Tan Kai , Speck Nancy A. , Kahn Mark L.
Published: March 2022

The hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) that produce blood for the lifetime of an animal arise from RUNX1+ hemogenic endothelial cells (HECs) in the embryonic vasculature through a process of endothelial-to-hematopoietic transition (EHT). Studies have identified inflammatory mediators and fluid shear forces as critical environmental stimuli for EHT, raising the question of how such diverse inputs are integrated to drive HEC specification. Endothelial cell MEKK3-KLF2/4 signaling can be activated by both fluid shear forces and inflammatory mediators, and it plays roles in cardiovascular development and disease that have been linked to both stimuli. Here we demonstrate that MEKK3 and KLF2/4 are required in endothelial cells for the specification of RUNX1+ HECs in both the yolk sac and dorsal aorta of the mouse embryo and for their transition to intraaortic hematopoietic cluster (IAHC) cells. The inflammatory mediators lipopolysaccharide and interferon-γ increase RUNX1+ HECs in an MEKK3-dependent manner. Maternal administration of catecholamines that stimulate embryo cardiac function and accelerate yolk sac vascular remodeling increases EHT by wild-type but not MEKK3-deficient endothelium. These findings identify MEKK-KLF2/4 signaling as an essential pathway for EHT and provide a molecular basis for the integration of diverse environmental inputs, such as inflammatory mediators and hemodynamic forces, during definitive hematopoiesis.
Outcome of donor-derived TAA-T cell therapy in patients with high-risk or relapsed acute leukemia post allogeneic BMT
Authors: Kinoshita Hannah , Cooke Kenneth R. , Grant Melanie , Stanojevic Maja , Cruz C. Russell , Keller Michael , Fortiz Maria Fernanda , Hoq Fahmida , Lang Haili , Barrett A. John , Liang Hua , Tanna Jay , Zhang Nan , Shibli Abeer , Datar Anushree , Fulton Kenneth , Kukadiya Divyesh , Zhang Anqing , Williams Kirsten M. , Dave Hema , Dome Jeffrey S. , Jacobsohn David , Hanley Patrick J. , Jones Richard J. , Bollard Catherine M.
Published: March 2022

Patients with hematologic malignancies relapsing after allogeneic blood or marrow transplantation (BMT) have limited response to conventional salvage therapies, with an expected 1-year overall survival (OS) of <20%. We evaluated the safety and clinical outcomes following administration of a novel T-cell therapeutic targeting 3 tumor-associated antigens (TAA-T) in patients with acute leukemia who relapsed or were at high risk of relapse after allogeneic BMT. Lymphocytes obtained from the BMT donor were manufactured to target TAAs WT1, PRAME, and survivin, which are over-expressed and immunogenic in most hematologic malignancies. Patients received TAA-T infusions at doses of 0.5 to 4 × 107/m2. Twenty-three BMT recipients with relapsed/refractory (n = 11) and/or high-risk (n = 12) acute myeloid leukemia (n = 20) and acute lymphoblastic leukemia (n = 3) were infused posttransplant. No patient developed cytokine-release syndrome or neurotoxicity, and only 1 patient developed grade 3 graft-versus-host disease. Of the patients who relapsed post-BMT and received bridging therapy, the majority (n = 9/11) achieved complete hematologic remission before receiving TAA-T. Relapsed patients exhibited a 1-year OS of 36% and 1-year leukemia-free survival of 27.3% post–TAA-T. The poorest prognosis patients (relapsed <6 months after transplant) exhibited a 1-year OS of 42.8% postrelapse (n = 7). Median survival was not reached for high-risk patients who received preemptive TAA-T posttransplant (n = 12). Although as a phase 1 study, concomitant antileukemic therapy was allowed, TAA-T were safe and well tolerated, and sustained remissions in high-risk and relapsed patients were observed. Moreover, adoptively transferred TAA-T detected by T-cell receptor V-β sequencing persisted up to at least 1 year postinfusion. This trial was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as #NCT02203903.
High-throughput sequencing data revealed genotype-specific changes evoked by heat stress in crown tissue of barley sdw1 near-isogenic lines
Authors: Mikołajczak Krzysztof , Kuczyńska Anetta , Ogrodowicz Piotr , Kiełbowicz-Matuk Agnieszka , Ćwiek-Kupczyńska Hanna , Daszkowska-Golec Agata , Szarejko Iwona , Surma Maria , Krajewski Paweł
Published: March 2022

Background

High temperature shock is becoming increasingly common in our climate, affecting plant growth and productivity. The ability of a plant to survive stress is a complex phenomenon. One of the essential tissues for plant performance under various environmental stimuli is the crown. However, the molecular characterization of this region remains poorly investigated. Gibberellins play a fundamental role in whole-plant stature formation. This study identified plant stature modifications and crown-specific transcriptome re-modeling in gibberellin-deficient barley sdw1.a (BW827) and sdw1.d (BW828) mutants exposed to increased temperature.

Results

The deletion around the sdw1 gene in BW827 was found to encompass at least 13 genes with primarily regulatory functions. A bigger genetic polymorphism of BW828 than of BW827 in relation to wild type was revealed. Transcriptome-wide sequencing (RNA-seq) revealed several differentially expressed genes involved in gibberellin metabolism and heat response located outside of introgression regions. It was found that HvGA20ox4, a paralogue of the HvGA20ox2 gene, was upregulated in BW828 relative to other genotypes, which manifested as basal internode elongation. The transcriptome response to elevated temperature differed in the crown of sdw1.a and sdw1.d mutants; it was most contrasting for HvHsf genes upregulated under elevated temperature in BW828, whereas those specific to BW827 were downregulated. In-depth examination of sdw1 mutants revealed also some differences in their phenotypes and physiology.

Conclusions

We concluded that despite the studied sdw1 mutants being genetically related, their heat response seemed to be genotype-specific and observed differences resulted from genetic background diversity rather than single gene mutation, multiple gene deletion, or allele-specific expression of the HvGA20ox2 gene. Differences in the expressional reaction of genes to heat in different sdw1 mutants, found to be independent of the polymorphism, could be further explained by in-depth studies of the regulatory factors acting in the studied system. Our findings are particularly important in genetic research area since molecular response of crown tissue has been marginally investigated, and can be useful for wide genetic research of crops since barley has become a model plant for them.
Influence of cardiopulmonary exercise test on platelet function in patients with coronary artery diseases on antiplatelet therapy
Authors: Yin Chun , Wang Yanhui , Mo Chunhua , Yue Zong , Sun Yihong , Hu Dayi
Published: March 2022

Background

Cardiac rehabilitation reduces mortality and morbidity rate of patients with coronary artery diseases (CAD); however, acute exercise stimulation may also increase the thrombotic risk through platelet activation. Studies on the effects of cardiac rehabilitation on platelet function have been sparse.

Methods

A total of 28 patients (24 men and 4 women; average age = 54.6 ± 8 years old) with stable CAD were enrolled in this study and divided into Aspirin-treated (n = 11; Aspirin group) and dual-antiplatelet-treated group (DAPT group; n = 17). Symptom-limited cardiopulmonary exercise test (CPET) with a cycle ergometer was performed on all the patients. Before and after CPET, platelet function was evaluated using light transmission aggregometry and whole blood flow cytometry.

Results

All patients completed the CPET without provoked cardiac events, and the mean value of peak oxygen uptake (Peak Vo2) was 19.3 ± 3 ml/(kg min). Prior to CPET, platelet aggregation was significantly suppressed in DAPT group compared to Aspirin group (43.0 ± 21.5 vs. 72.9 ± 7.5, p < 0.001). CPET promoted platelet aggregation in Aspirin group (72.9 ± 7.5 vs. 80.9 ± 7.6, p = 0.005) and DAPT group (43.0 ± 21.5 vs. 50.1 ± 20.9, p = 0.010), and platelet count was increased in Aspirin (210.9 ± 54.6 vs. 227.5 ± 58.1, p = 0.001) and DAPT group (217.5 ± 63.8 vs. 229.7 ± 63.7, p = 0.001). However, the expression levels of CD62p and PAC-1 were not affected by CPET in both groups.

Conclusion

Symptom-limited CPET enhanced platelet aggregation in patients with CAD despite treatment with antiplatelet, mainly via platelet count augmentation, but not through single platelet activation.

Trial registration: Effects of high intensity interval training versus moderate intensity continue training in cardiac rehabilitation on platelet function of patients with coronary heart diseases: a exploratory randomized controlled trial.

ChiCTR-INR-17010717. Registered 23 February 2017, https://www.chictr.org.cn/edit.aspx?pid=18206&htm=4.
Safety and efficacy of anti-inflammatory therapy in patients with coronary artery disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Niu Ying , Bai Nan , Ma Ying , Zhong Peng-Yu , Shang Yao-Sheng , Wang Zhi-Lu
Published: March 2022

Background

The inflammation hypothesis of atherosclerosis has been put forward for more than 20 years. Although many animal experiments have suggested that anti-inflammatory therapy can inhibit the atherosclerotic process, the efficacy of anti-inflammatory therapy for patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) is still controversial. Therefore, this study aims to evaluate the safety and efficacy of anti-inflammatory drugs in patients with CAD.

Method

We conducted this systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials by searching PubMed, EMBASE, web of science, and Cochrane Library database. The primary outcome was a composite outcome of cardiovascular death, myocardial infarction (MI), or stroke. The secondary outcomes included individual MI, coronary revascularization, cardiovascular death, all-cause death, and stroke. The relative risk (RR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for outcome events were calculated by the fixed effects model, and trial sequential analysis was applied to assess the results.

Result

A total of ten randomized controlled trials and 60,782 patients with CAD was included. Compared with patients receiving placebo, anti-inflammatory therapy significantly reduced the incidence of the primary outcome in patients with CAD (RR 0.93, 0.89–0.98, P = 0.007). In addition, the anti-inflammatory therapy can also reduce the risk of MI (RR 0.90, 0.84–0.96, P = 0.002) and coronary revascularization (RR 0.74, 0.66–0.84, P < 0.00001) remarkably. However, there was no significant difference in the incidence of cardiovascular death (RR 0.94, 0.86–1.02, P = 0.14), all-cause death (RR 1.00, 0.94–1.07, P = 0.98) and stroke (RR 0.96, 0.85–1.09, P = 0.51) between two groups.

Conclusions

Anti-inflammatory therapy can reduce the incidence of the primary outcome in patients with CAD, especially the risk of MI and coronary revascularization. However, anti-inflammatory therapy increases the risk of infection. (Registered by PROSPERO, CRD 420212291032).
Validation of coding algorithms for identifying people with viral hepatitis using claims data according to different standard references
Authors: Sheu Ming-Jen , Chin Tsung-Wei , Ku Fang-Ping , Li Chung-Yi , Li Sheng-Tun , Lu Tsung-Hsueh
Published: March 2022

Background

To assess the performance of various coding algorithms for identifying people with hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) using claims data according to different reference standards (RSs) and study periods (SPs).

Methods

A proportional random sampling of 10,000 patients aged ≥ 20 years in a health care system in Southern Taiwan were enrolled as study participants. We used three hierarchical RSs (RS1: having positive results of laboratory tests; R2: having RS1 or having prescriptions of anti-HBV or anti-HCV medications; R3: having R1 or R2 or having textual diagnosis recorded in electrical medical records) with three SPs (4-, 8-, and 12-years) to calculate positive predictive value (PPV) and sensitivity (Sen) of 6 coding algorithms using HBV- and HCV-relatedInternational Classification of Disease Tenth Revision Clinical Modification(ICD-10-CM) codes in Taiwan National Health Insurance claims data for years 2016–2019.

Results

Of 10,000 enrolled participants, the number of participants had confirmed HBV and HCV was 146 and 165, respectively according to RS1 with 4-years SP and increased to 729 and 525, respectively according to RS3 with 12-years SP. For both HBV and HCV, the PPV was lowest according to RS1 and highest according to RS3. The longer the SP, the higher the PPV. However, the Sen was highest according to RS2 with 4-years SP. For both HBV and HCV, the coding algorithm with highest PPV and Sen was “ ≥ 3 outpatient codes” and “ ≥ 2 outpatient or ≥ 1 inpatients codes,” respectively.

Conclusions

In conclusion, using different RSs with different SPs would result in different estimation of PPV and Sen. To achieve the best yield of both PPV and Sen, the optimal coding algorithm is “ ≥ 2 outpatients or ≥ 1 inpatients codes” for identifying people with HBV or HCV.
Experiences and disease self-management in individuals living with chronic kidney disease: qualitative analysis of the National Kidney Foundation’s online community
Authors: Du Yan , Dennis Brittany , Ramirez Valerie , Li Chengdong , Wang Jing , Meireles Christiane L
Published: March 2022

Background

Self-management of chronic kidney disease (CKD) is one of the keys in improving CKD outcomes and quality of life. There has been an increased use of online health communities to share the experiences of those living with CKD. By analyzing the CKD online forum data, this study aims to: 1) understand the experiences and challenges of individuals living with CKD, and 2) explore how online communities may help CKD patients in improving CKD self-management.

Methods

Publicly available posts of peer interactions on the National Kidney Foundation’s online community for individuals affected by CKD were extracted in April 2021 using computer programming. A total of 20,436 posts were collected, of which 400 posts were analyzed using inductive thematic analysis, and saturation was reached. Two researchers coded each post independently, and discrepancies were discussed to reach consensus.

Results

The analysis identified seven themes: 1) Dynamics of CKD status, 2) CKD comorbidities, 3) Managing CKD and symptoms, 4) Life participation and outlook; 5) Navigating healthcare and clinical needs, 6) Medical tests and results; and 7) Support on the forum. The results revealed that comorbidities were common in CKD patients and early-stage CKD was not communicated in a timely manner to patients by the health care community; living with CKD challenged both CKD and caregivers; some common challenges included but were not limited to the management of a diet for CKD and co-morbidities (especially co-morbid diabetes), CKD dynamics and symptoms, and fear of/ways to prevent progression. Individuals living with CKD primarily used the online forum to share and seek information and emotional support for managing CKD (including co-morbidities).

Conclusions

Challenges of living with CKD were found not only in those with advanced kidney disease and those on dialysis, but also in those with early and middle stages. Information and emotional support from the online forum serve as a platform to empower CKD individuals with the knowledge, skills and confidence for CKD self-management. Proactive and innovative strategies with a combination of virtual and real settings to improve self-management for individuals with all-stage CKD needs to be explored and tailored.
Tenascin-C promotes bladder cancer progression and its action depends on syndecan-4 and involves NF-κB signaling activation
Authors: Guan Zhenfeng , Sun Yi , Mu Liang , Jiang Yazhuo , Fan Jinhai
Published: March 2022

Background

Bladder Cancer (BCa) is a severe genitourinary tract disease with an uncertain pathology. Increasing evidence indicates that the tumor microenvironment plays a decisive role with respect to cancer progression, and that this is driven by tumor cell interactions with stromal components. Tenascin-C (TN-C) is an important extracellular matrix (ECM) component, which has been reported to be involved in other types of cancer, such as breast cancer. The expression of TN-C in BCa tissue has been reported to be positively associated with the BCa pathological grade, yet the presence of urine TN-C is considered as an independent risk factor for BCa. However, the role of TN-C in BCa progression is still unknow. Thus, the object of the present investigation is to determine the role of TN-C in BCa progression and the involved mechanism.

Methods

In this study, expression of TN-C in BCa tissue of Chinese local people was determined by IHC. Patients corresponding to tumor specimens were flowed up by telephone call to get their prognostic data and analyzed by using SPSS 19.0 statistic package. In vitro mechanistic investigation was demonstrated by QT-qPCR, Western Blot, Plasmid transfection to establishment of high/low TN-C-expression stable cell line, Boyden Chamber Assay, BrdU incorporation, Wound Healing, laser scanning confocal microscopy (LSCM) and ELISA.

Results

TN-C expression in BCa tissue increases with tumor grade and is an independent risk factor for BCa patient. The in vitro investigation suggested that TN-C enhances BCa cell migration, invasion, proliferation and contributes to the elevated expression of EMT-related markers by activating NF-κB signaling, the mechanism of which involving in syndecan-4.

Conclusions

Expression of TN-C in BCa tissues of Chinese local people is increased according to tumor grade and is an independent risk factor. TN-C mediates BCa cell malignant behavior via syndecan-4 and NF-κB signaling. Although the mechanisms through which syndecan-4 is associated with the activation of NF-κB signaling are unclear, the data presented herein provide a foundation for future investigations into the role of TN-C in BCa progression.