bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Influence of Social Network Characteristics on the Purchase Intention
Authors: Farzin Milad , Ghaffari Rahman , Fattahi Majid
Published: April 2021

Social network sites (SNSs) are an online platform which people apply to make social bonds or social relationship with their peers who share the same career or personal interests, activities, contexts or real-life relationships. The present research explores the features of SNSs that have a bearing on consumer purchase behavior in the Iranian context. The research constructs were measured, profiting from the existing marketing and social psychology theories. The research sample was selected for the college students using simple random sampling. For the test of the research hypotheses, the structural equation modeling technique was applied in SmartPLS software. The results indicated that the SNSs associated features such as reduced perceived risk and consumer trust influenced their purchase intention in such virtual contexts. In addition, usability, dependency, and involvement were variables that affected the level of trust of consumers and their perceived risk in SNSs. Moreover, designers of such platforms can enhance the usability of the platform by upgrading openness, accessibility, and speed. This study by creating a better understanding of consumer online shopping behavior in SNSs contributes to the marketing literature. This insight could be used by marketers and advertisers in the formulation and implementation of effective and coherent marketing and advertising strategies.
A Study on the Impact of Corporate Social Responsibility on Financial Performance of Companies in India
Authors: Kaur Ramandeep , Dave Trupti
Published: April 2021

The main aim of this study is to investigate the impact of corporate social responsibility (CSR) on the financial performance of selected companies listed in the BSE, formerly known as the Bombay Stock Exchange in India.

This study is purely based upon the secondary data collected from companies’ annual reports and sustainability reports for last three years ranging from 2016–2017 to 2018–2019. The results indicate that the involvement in socially responsible initiatives has a significantly positive effect on the financial performance of the firms. These findings provide insights to the management to assimilate firm’s CSR initiatives with its strategic business policies and, thus, to renovate the business philosophy from a traditional profit-oriented approach to a socially responsible approach.
Bronchopleural Fistula as a Complication in a COVID-19 Patient Managed With Endobronchial Valves
Authors: Talon Andrew , Arif Muhammad Zohab , Mohamed Hesham , Khokar Abid , Saeed Ali Imran
Published: April 2021

Bronchopleural fistula (BPF) is associated with high morbidity if left untreated. Although rare, the frequency of BPF in severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is becoming recognized in medical literature. We present a case of a 64-year-old male with BPF with persistent air leak due to SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia treated with Spiration Valve System endobronchial valve (EBV). An EBV was placed in the right middle lobe with successful cessation of air leak. In conclusion, the use of EBVs for BPF with persistent air leaks in SARS-CoV-2 patients who are poor surgical candidates is effective and safe.
The effect of antenatal care on colostrum avoidance in pastoralists: The case of Afar, Northeast Ethiopia
Authors: Legesse Liben Misgan , Adem Reem , Yimer Nigus Bililign
Published: April 2021

Breastfeeding is sufficient for infants in the first 6 months of life and is important to maintain maternal health. Evidences revealed that neonatal mortality is higher among children who received colostrum as compared to those who are deprived of colostrum. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the factors associated with colostrum avoidance practice among pastoralists in Afar Regional State, Northeast Ethiopia. A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted on 1188 mother-child pairs in Afar Regional State in June 2016. Univariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses were carried out to identify the predictors of colostrum avoidance. Statistical significance was declared at P-value <.05. About 40% of children deprived of colostrum. Mothers aged 20 to 34 years (AOR: 1.79; 95% CI: 1.18, 2.73), not attending antenatal checkup (AOR: 1.82; 95% CI: 1.64, 2.85), receiving prelacteal feeding (AOR: 2.21; CI: 1.88, 3.93) and late initiation of breastfeeding (AOR: 2.71; 95% CI: 2.02, 3.65) were positively associated with colostrum avoidance. Nearly 4 in 10 children deprived of colostrum. Therefore, promoting antenatal care and strengthening service-based counseling on proper newborn feeding practices will be important to improve colostrum feeding.
Squamous Cell Carcinoma Arising at a Skin Graft Donor Site: Case Report and Review of the Literature
Authors: Thomas Weston , Rezzadeh Kevin , Rossi Kristie , Shah Ajul
Published: April 2021

Introduction:

Skin graft reconstruction is a common method of providing wound coverage. Rarely, skin grafting can be associated with the development of squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) in the graft donor site.

Case Report:

The patient is a 72-year old male with a 15-year history of bilateral hip wounds. He underwent a multitude of treatments previously with failed reconstructive efforts. After presenting to us, he underwent multiple debridements and eventual skin grafting. Within 4 weeks of the final skin graft, a mass developed at the skin graft donor site at the right thigh. Excisional biopsy returned a well differentiated keratinizing SCC.

Discussion/Conclusion:

This case demonstrates the acute presentation of SCC in a patient following a skin graft without known risk factors. The purpose of this unique case report is to highlight a very rare occurrence of SCC at a skin graft donor site.
Dichloroacetate and PX-478 exhibit strong synergistic effects in a various number of cancer cell lines
Authors: Parczyk Jonas , Ruhnau Jérôme , Pelz Carsten , Schilling Max , Wu Hao , Piaskowski Nicole Nadine , Eickholt Britta , Kühn Hartmut , Danker Kerstin , Klein Andreas
Published: April 2021

Background

One key approach for anticancer therapy is drug combination. Drug combinations can help reduce doses and thereby decrease side effects. Furthermore, the likelihood of drug resistance is reduced. Distinct alterations in tumor metabolism have been described in past decades, but metabolism has yet to be targeted in clinical cancer therapy. Recently, we found evidence for synergism between dichloroacetate (DCA), a pyruvate dehydrogenase kinase inhibitor, and the HIF-1α inhibitor PX-478. In this study, we aimed to analyse this synergism in cell lines of different cancer types and to identify the underlying biochemical mechanisms.

Methods

The dose-dependent antiproliferative effects of the single drugs and their combination were assessed using SRB assays. FACS, Western blot and HPLC analyses were performed to investigate changes in reactive oxygen species levels, apoptosis and the cell cycle. Additionally, real-time metabolic analyses (Seahorse) were performed with DCA-treated MCF-7 cells.

Results

The combination of DCA and PX-478 produced synergistic effects in all eight cancer cell lines tested, including colorectal, lung, breast, cervical, liver and brain cancer. Reactive oxygen species generation and apoptosis played important roles in this synergism. Furthermore, cell proliferation was inhibited by the combination treatment.

Conclusions

Here, we found that these tumor metabolism-targeting compounds exhibited a potent synergism across all tested cancer cell lines. Thus, we highly recommend the combination of these two compounds for progression to in vivo translational and clinical trials.
Efficacy and acquired resistance for EGFR-TKI plus thoracic SBRT in patients with advanced EGFR-mutant non–small-cell lung cancer: a propensity-matched retrospective study
Authors: Wang Xia , Zeng Zhimin , Cai Jing , Xu Peng , Liang Pingan , Luo Yuxi , Liu Anwen
Published: April 2021

Background

This retrospective study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) with stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) and to elucidate potential mechanisms of acquired resistance.

Methods

Patients with advanced NSCLC harboring positive EGFR mutations after initial TKI therapy for at least 8 weeks were eligible for SBRT between August 2016 and August 2019. Eligible patients were treated with thoracic SBRT, and TKI was continued after SBRT until it was considered ineffective. The control group was treated with TKIs monotherapy. Propensity score matching (PSM, ratio of 1:2) was used to account for differences in baseline characteristics. Overall survival (OS), progression-free survival (PFS), treatment safety and resistance mechanisms were evaluated.

Results

Three hundred eight patients were included in the study population. Among them, 262 patients received TKIs alone, and 46 patients received TKIs with SBRT. Baseline characteristics were not significantly different between the two cohorts after PSM. The median PFS was 19.4 months in the TKIs +SBRT group compared to 13.7 months in the TKIs group (p = 0.034). An influence on OS has not yet been shown (p = 0.557). Of the 135 patients evaluated after PSM, 28 and 71 patients in the TKIs and TKIs +SBRT cohorts, respectively, had plasma cell-free DNA (cfDNA) next-generation sequencing (NGS) performed at baseline and disease progression. In the TKIs +SBRT cohort, the NGS results showed that T790M mutations were detected in 64.3% (18/28) of patients. Patients in the TKIs cohort exhibited fewer T790M-positive mutations (40.8%, p = 0.035) compared to patients in the TKIs +SBRT cohort.

Conclusion

Real world data prove that TKIs plus thoracic SBRT significantly extend PFS with tolerable toxicity. The mutation ratio of T790M was increased in the TKIs +SBRT group compared to the TKIs only group. Further randomized studies are warranted.
Repair versus reconstruction for proximal anterior cruciate ligament tears: a study protocol for a prospective multicenter randomized controlled trial
Authors: van der List Jelle P. , Vermeijden Harmen D. , Sierevelt Inger N. , Rademakers Maarten V. , Falke Mark L. M. , Helmerhorst Gijs T. T. , Hoogeslag Roy A. G. , van der Wal Wybren A. , van Noort Arthur , Kerkhoffs Gino M. M. J.
Published: April 2021

Background

For active patients with a tear of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) who would like to return to active level of sports, the current surgical gold standard is reconstruction of the ACL. Recently, there has been renewed interest in repairing the ACL in selected patients with a proximally torn ligament. Repair of the ligament has (potential) advantages over reconstruction of the ligament such as decreased surgical morbidity, faster return of range of motion, and potentially decreased awareness of the knee. Studies comparing both treatments in a prospective randomized method are currently lacking.

Methods

This study is a multicenter prospective block randomized controlled trial. A total of 74 patients with acute proximal isolated ACL tears will be assigned in a 1:1 allocation ratio to either (I) ACL repair using cortical button fixation and additional suture augmentation or (II) ACL reconstruction using an all-inside autologous hamstring graft technique. The primary objective is to assess if ACL repair is non-inferior to ACL reconstruction regarding the subjective International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) score at two-years postoperatively. The secondary objectives are to assess if ACL repair is non-inferior with regards to (I) other patient-reported outcomes measures (i.e. Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score, Lysholm score, Forgotten Joint Score, patient satisfaction and pain), (II) objective outcome measures (i.e. failure of repair or graft defined as rerupture or symptomatic instability, reoperation, contralateral injury, and stability using the objective IKDC score and Rollimeter/KT-2000), (III) return to sports assessed by Tegner activity score and the ACL-Return to Sports Index at two-year follow-up, and (IV) long-term osteoarthritis at 10-year follow-up.

Discussion

Over the last decade there has been a resurgence of interest in repair of proximally torn ACLs. Several cohort studies have shown encouraging short-term and mid-term results using these techniques, but prospective randomized studies are lacking. Therefore, this randomized controlled trial has been designed to assess whether ACL repair is at least equivalent to the current gold standard of ACL reconstruction in both subjective and objective outcome scores.

Trial registration

Registered at Netherlands Trial Register (NL9072) on 25th of November 2020.
Gastric adenocarcinoma at stage IV with complete remission after neoadjuvant therapy concurrent with adenosquamous carcinoma of the ampulla of Vater: a case report and literature review
Authors: Li Shuo , Sun Mengqing , Wei Yingxin , Feng Yunlu , Chang Xiaoyan , You Yan , Liu Ziwen , Han Xianlin
Published: April 2021

Background

Adenosquamous carcinoma (ASC) of the ampulla of Vater (AmV) is exceedingly rare with more aggressive behavior and worse prognosis than adenocarcinoma. The finding of ASC at the AmV in combination to the gastric adenocarcinoma has never been reported in the literature before.

Case presentation

An old lady was diagnosed as gastric adenocarcinoma at stage IV with enlargement of supraclavicular lymph nodes by gastroscopy and histopathological evaluation 3 years ago. Afterwards, the patient achieved complete remission after regular chemotherapy. However, the patient manifested yellow sclera and skin, choluria and clay colored stool 3 months ago. Preoperative contrast-enhanced CT, ERCP, MRCP, and PET/CT revealed the presence of an ampullary tumor. The patient then underwent laparoscopic radical gastrectomy and pancreaticoduodenectomy with regional lymph node dissection. Postoperative cytological analyses confirmed the diagnosis of gastric ulcer with complete response to neoadjuvant therapy and ASC at the AmV. The patient’s postoperative outcome was uneventful.

Conclusion

Drawing firm conclusions about the diagnosis of ampullary ASC is difficult because of the difficulty in acquiring both adenocarcinoma and SCC components by fine needle biopsy. The rarity of ASC of the AmV coexistent with gastric carcinoma makes it difficult to elucidate their clinicopathological characteristics, therapeutic strategies and overall prognosis. Surgical resection still remains the main treatment method.
Ethics review of big data research: What should stay and what should be reformed?
Authors: Ferretti Agata , Ienca Marcello , Sheehan Mark , Blasimme Alessandro , Dove Edward S. , Farsides Bobbie , Friesen Phoebe , Kahn Jeff , Karlen Walter , Kleist Peter , Liao S. Matthew , Nebeker Camille , Samuel Gabrielle , Shabani Mahsa , Rivas Velarde Minerva , Vayena Effy
Published: April 2021

Background

Ethics review is the process of assessing the ethics of research involving humans. The Ethics Review Committee (ERC) is the key oversight mechanism designated to ensure ethics review. Whether or not this governance mechanism is still fit for purpose in the data-driven research context remains a debated issue among research ethics experts.

Main text

In this article, we seek to address this issue in a twofold manner. First, we review the strengths and weaknesses of ERCs in ensuring ethical oversight. Second, we map these strengths and weaknesses onto specific challenges raised by big data research. We distinguish two categories of potential weakness. The first category concerns persistent weaknesses, i.e., those which are not specific to big data research, but may be exacerbated by it. The second category concerns novel weaknesses, i.e., those which are created by and inherent to big data projects. Within this second category, we further distinguish between purview weaknesses related to the ERC’s scope (e.g., how big data projects may evade ERC review) and functional weaknesses, related to the ERC’s way of operating. Based on this analysis, we propose reforms aimed at improving the oversight capacity of ERCs in the era of big data science.

Conclusions

We believe the oversight mechanism could benefit from these reforms because they will help to overcome data-intensive research challenges and consequently benefit research at large.
Correction to: Regulatory, scientific, and ethical issues arising from institutional activity in one of the 90 Italian Research Ethics Committees
Authors:   Regulatory Group, Benfatto G. ,   Ethics Committee Catania 1 (Group), Drago F.
Published: April 2021

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via the original article.
Ready for SDM: evaluating a train-the-trainer program to facilitate implementation of SDM training in Norway
Authors: Kienlin Simone , Poitras Marie-Eve , Stacey Dawn , Nytrøen Kari , Kasper Jürgen
Published: April 2021

Background

Healthcare providers need training to implement shared decision making (SDM). In Norway, we developed “Ready for SDM”, a comprehensive SDM curriculum tailored to various healthcare providers, settings, and competence levels, including a course targeting interprofessional healthcare teams. The overall aim was to evaluate a train-the-trainer (TTT) program for healthcare providers wanting to offer this course within their hospital trust.

Methods

Our observational descriptive design was informed by Kirkpatrick´s Model of Educational Outcomes. The South-Eastern Regional Health Authority invited healthcare providers from all health trusts in its jurisdiction to attend. The TTT consisted of a one-day basic course with lectures on SDM, exercises and group reflections followed by a two-day advanced course including an SDM observer training. Immediately after each of the two courses, reaction and learning (Kirkpatrick levels 1 and 2) were assessed using a self-administered questionnaire. After the advanced course, observer skills were operationalized as accuracy of the participants’ assessment of a consultation compared to an expert assessment. Within three months post-training, we measured number of trainings conducted and number of healthcare providers trained (Kirkpatrick level 3) using an online survey. Qualitative and quantitative descriptive analysis were performed.

Results

Twenty-one out of 24 (basic) and 19 out of 22 (advanced) healthcare providers in 9 health trusts consented to participate. The basic course was evaluated as highly acceptable, the advanced course as complex and challenging. Participants identified a need for more training in pedagogical skills and support for planning implementation of SDM-training. Participants achieved high knowledge scores and were positive about being an SDM trainer. Observer skills regarding patient involvement in decision-making were excellent (mean of weighted t = .80). After three months, 67% of TTT participants had conducted more than two trainings each and trained a total of 458 healthcare providers.

Conclusion

Findings suggest that the TTT is a feasible approach for supporting large-scale training in SDM. Our study informed us about how to improve the advanced course. Further research shall investigate the efficacy of the training in the context of a comprehensive multifaceted strategy for implementing SDM in clinical practice.

Trial registration: Retrospectively registered at ISRCTN (99432465) March 25, 2020.
A novel pseudovirus‐based mouse model of SARS-CoV-2 infection to test COVID-19 interventions
Authors: Tseng Ssu-Hsueh , Lam Brandon , Kung Yu Jui , Lin John , Liu Li , Tsai Ya Chea , Ferrall Louise , Roden Richard B. S. , Wu T. C. , Hung Chien-Fu
Published: April 2021

Background

The spread of SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19), has been characterized as a worldwide pandemic. Currently, there are few preclinical animal models that suitably represent infection, as the main point of entry to human cells is via human angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) which is not present in typical preclinical mouse strains. Additionally, SARS-CoV-2 is highly virulent and unsafe for use in many research facilities. Here we describe the development of a preclinical animal model using intranasal administration of ACE2 followed by non-infectious SARS-CoV-2 pseudovirus (PsV) challenge.

Methods

To specifically generate our SARS-CoV-2 PsV, we used a lentivirus system. Following co-transfection with a packaging plasmid containing HIV Gag and Pol, luciferase-expressing lentiviruses, and a plasmid carrying the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein, SARS-CoV-2 PsVs can be isolated and purified. To better understand and maximize the infectivity of SARS-CoV-2 PsV, we generated PsV carrying spike protein variants known to have varying human ACE2 binding properties, including 19 deletion (19del) and 19del + D614G.

Results

Our system demonstrated the ability of PsVs to infect the respiratory passage of mice following intranasal hACE2 transduction. Additionally, we demonstrate in vitro and in vivo manipulability of our system using recombinant receptor-binding domain protein to prevent PsV infection.

Conclusions

Our PsV system is able to model SARS-CoV-2 infections in a preclinical mouse model and can be used to test interventions or preventative treatments. We believe that this method can be extended to work in various mouse strains or to model infection with different coronaviruses. A simple in vivo system such as our model is crucial for rapidly and effectively responding to the current COVID-19 pandemic in addition to preparing for future potential coronavirus outbreaks.
Cycling in one of the most polluted cities in the world: Exposure to noise and air pollution and potential adverse health impacts in Delhi
Authors: Apparicio Philippe , Gelb Jérémy , Jarry Vincent , Lesage-Mann Élaine
Published: April 2021

Background

In India, many cities struggle with extreme levels of air pollution and noise. Delhi, in particular, has the notorious reputation of being one of the most polluted cities in the world. Cyclists constitute a particularly exposed population, since they cycle among motor vehicles without any protection. This paper modeled the cyclists’ exposure to nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and noise in Delhi, India.

Methods

Using primary data collected on 1,229 kms of roads in Delhi, Generalized Additive Mixed Models with Auto-Regressive terms (GAMMAR) are constructed for noise exposure, NO2 exposure and NO2 inhalation doses.

Results

Results show that cyclists are exposed to 47 µg/m3 of NO2 and 3.3 dB(A) more when cycling on a primary road than on a residential street. Using WHO guideline values for noise and air pollution, we assessed how many minutes of inhaling doses and noise doses become potentially harmful to cyclists’ health in Delhi. Such thresholds are quickly exceeded: after cycling one hour in an area with moderate predicted values of noise and air pollution, the noise dose and inhaled dose of NO2 will reach 212% and 403 µg on residential streets, and 459% and 482 µg on primary roads, respectively.

Conclusion

Policy makers should take these results into account to minimize cyclists’ exposure, especially for the most deprived people.
The long pentraxin PTX3: a novel serum marker to improve the prediction of osteoporosis and osteoarthritis bone-related phenotypes
Authors: Visconti Virginia Veronica , Greggi Chiara , Fittipaldi Simona , Casamassima Donato , Tallarico Mariagrazia , Romano Francesco , Botta Annalisa , Tarantino Umberto
Published: April 2021

Background

The long pentraxin PTX3 is generating great interest given the recent discovery of its involvement in bone metabolism. This study investigates the role of circulating PTX3 as a marker of bone-related phenotypes in patients with osteoporosis (OP) and osteoarthritis (OA).

Methods

Serum PTX3 levels were determined using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) in a total of OP (n=32), OA (n=19) patients and healthy controls (CTR; n=25). ROC curve analysis was carried out to evaluate the potential of PTX3 for the diagnosis of bone-related phenotypes. In addition, the association between PTX3 serum levels and biochemical markers was estimated by Spearman correlation analysis.

Results

Serum analysis reveals a statistically significant increase of PTX3 levels in OP and OA patients, compared to CTR subjects (**** p < 0.0001, **** p < 0.0001). ROC curve of PTX3 levels exhibits an excellent sensitivity and specificity for OP and OA diseases (**** p < 0.0001 and **** p < 0.0001, respectively). Moreover, serum PTX3 levels are positively associated with ALP (r = − 0.5257, p = 0.0083) and PTH levels (r = 0.4704, p = 0.0203) in OP patients.

Conclusions

These results confirm the pivotal role of PTX3 in bone metabolism and suggest its potential use as a predictor of OP and OA bone-related phenotypes.
Medium-term outcomes after laparoscopic revision of laparoscopic Kasai portoenterostomy in patients with biliary atresia
Authors: Ji Yi , Zhang Xuepeng , Chen Siyuan , Li Yanan , Yang Kaiying , Zhou Jiangyuan , Xu Zhicheng
Published: April 2021

Objective

To determine whether revision laparoscopic Kasai portoenterostomy (RLKPE) is a viable treatment option for patients with biliary atresia (BA) who had undergone initially successful laparoscopic Kasai portoenterostomy (ILKPE).

Methods

The medical records of 312 patients with nonsyndromic BA who had undergone ILKPE between May 2009 and May 2017 were retrospectively reviewed. The patients were divided into three groups according to their outcomes after ILKPE: group A: 25 patients who had undergone RLKPE; group B: 203 patients who had undergone ILKPE and required no further surgical intervention; group C: 84 patients with failed ILKPE who had either died or required liver transplantation for survival. The 3-year and 5-year survival with native liver (SNL) rates were compared between groups A and B and between groups A and C. Among the 25 patients in group A, the perioperative data of RLKPE were compared with those of ILKPE.

Results

Of the 312 patients who had undergone ILKPE, 228 reached the normal bilirubin concentration range within 6 months postoperatively. Among them, 25 patients with a sudden cessation of bile flow had undergone RLKPE. Adequate biliary drainage, as evidenced by normalized conjugated bilirubin levels, was achieved in 80% of patients who had undergone RLKPE. The perioperative variables, including the operative time, blood loss, rate of conversion to open surgery and complications of RLKPE, were not significantly different between RLKPE and ILKPE. The 3-year and 5-year SNL rates in patients after RLKPE were 64.0% and 52.0%, respectively, which were not significantly different from the corresponding rates of 86.2% and 73.9%, respectively, in patients after unrevised ILKPE (P > 0.05).

Conclusion

Our data demonstrated that RPLKE is a viable and effective treatment option in patients with sudden cessation of bile drainage after ILKPE. RPLKE can delay the need for liver transplantation, yielding encouraging medium-term patient outcomes.
Severe traumatic brain injury and hypotension is a frequent and lethal combination in multiple trauma patients in mountain areas – an analysis of the prospective international Alpine Trauma Registry
Authors:   the IATR study group, Rauch Simon , Marzolo Matilde , Cappello Tomas Dal , Ströhle Mathias , Mair Peter , Pietsch Urs , Brugger Hermann , Strapazzon Giacomo
Published: April 2021

Background

Hypotension is associated with worse outcome in patients with traumatic brain injury (TBI) and maintaining a systolic blood pressure (SBP) ≥110 mmHg is recommended. The aim of this study was to assess the incidence of TBI in patients suffering multiple trauma in mountain areas; to describe associated factors, treatment and outcome compared to non-hypotensive patients with TBI and patients without TBI; and to evaluate pre-hospital variables to predict admission hypotension.

Methods

Data from the prospective International Alpine Trauma Registry including mountain multiple trauma patients (ISS ≥ 16) collected between 2010 and 2019 were analysed. Patients were divided into three groups: 1) TBI with hypotension, 2) TBI without hypotension and 3) no TBI. TBI was defined as Abbreviated Injury Scale (AIS) of the head/neck ≥3 and hypotension as SBP < 110 mmHg on hospital arrival.

Results

A total of 287 patients were included. Fifty (17%) had TBI and hypotension, 92 (32%) suffered TBI without hypotension and 145 (51%) patients did not have TBI. Patients in group 1 were more severely injured (mean ISS 43.1 ± 17.4 vs 33.3 ± 15.3 vs 26.2 ± 18.1 for group 1 vs 2 vs 3, respectively, p < 0.001). Mean SBP on hospital arrival was 83.1 ± 12.9 vs 132.5 ± 19.4 vs 119.4 ± 25.8 mmHg (p < 0.001) despite patients in group 1 received more fluids. Patients in group 1 had higher INR, lower haemoglobin and lower base excess (p < 0.001). More than one third of patients in group 1 and 2 were hypothermic (body temperature < 35 °C) on hospital arrival while the rate of admission hypothermia was low in patients without TBI (41% vs 35% vs 21%, for group 1 vs 2 vs 3, p = 0.029). The rate of hypothermia on hospital arrival was different between the groups (p = 0.029). Patients in group 1 had the highest mortality (24% vs 10% vs 1%, p < 0.001).

Conclusion

Multiple trauma in the mountains goes along with severe TBI in almost 50%. One third of patients with TBI is hypotensive on hospital arrival and this is associated with a worse outcome. No single variable or set of variables easily obtainable at scene was able to predict admission hypotension in TBI patients.
Genetic impacts on DNA methylation: research findings and future perspectives
Authors: Villicaña Sergio , Bell Jordana T.
Published: April 2021

Multiple recent studies highlight that genetic variants can have strong impacts on a significant proportion of the human DNA methylome. Methylation quantitative trait loci, or meQTLs, allow for the exploration of biological mechanisms that underlie complex human phenotypes, with potential insights for human disease onset and progression. In this review, we summarize recent milestones in characterizing the human genetic basis of DNA methylation variation over the last decade, including heritability findings and genome-wide identification of meQTLs. We also discuss challenges in this field and future areas of research geared to generate insights into molecular processes underlying human complex traits.
GAPGOM—an R package for gene annotation prediction using GO metrics
Authors: van Mourik Casper , Ehsani Rezvan , Drabløs Finn
Published: April 2021

Objective

Properties of gene products can be described or annotated with Gene Ontology (GO) terms. But for many genes we have limited information about their products, for example with respect to function. This is particularly true for long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), where the function in most cases is unknown. However, it has been shown that annotation as described by GO terms to some extent can be predicted by enrichment analysis on properties of co-expressed genes.

Results

GAPGOM integrates two relevant algorithms, lncRNA2GOA and TopoICSim, into a user-friendly R package. Here lncRNA2GOA does annotation prediction by co-expression, whereas TopoICSim estimates similarity between GO graphs, which can be used for benchmarking of prediction performance, but also for comparison of GO graphs in general. The package provides an improved implementation of the original tools, with substantial improvements in performance and documentation, unified interfaces, and additional features.
FTO Obesity Variant–Exercise Interaction on Changes in Body Weight and BMI: The Taiwan Biobank Study
Authors: Hiraike Yuta , Yang Chao-Tung , Liu Wei-Ju , Yamada Tomohide , Lee Chia-Lin
Published: April 2021

Context

Gene–exercise interaction on cross-sectional body mass index (BMI) has been extensively studied and is well established. However, gene–exercise interaction on changes in body weight/BMI remains controversial.

Objective

To examine the interaction between the FTO obesity variant and regular exercise on changes in body weight/BMI.

Participants

Taiwan Biobank participants aged 30-70 years (N = 20 906) were examined at both baseline and follow-up visit (mean follow-up duration: 3.7 years).

Main Outcome Measures

The interaction between the FTO obesity variant rs1421085 and regular exercise habit (no exercise, ≤20 metabolic equivalent of tasks (METs)/week exercise, >20 METs/week exercise) on changes in body weight/BMI.

Results

Individuals with the risk allele of rs1421085 gained more weight and increased BMI than those without the risk allele if they did not exercise. In contrast, individuals with the risk allele gained less weight and BMI if they exercised regularly, indicating an interaction between rs1421085 and regular exercise habit (P = .030 for Δbody weight and P = .034 for ΔBMI). The effect of exercise on maintaining body weight was larger in those with the risk allele of rs1421085. When we focused on individuals without regular exercise at baseline, individuals with the risk allele again tended to lose more weight than those with a nonrisk allele if they had acquired an exercise habit by the follow-up visit.

Conclusion

The beneficial effect of exercise is greater in individuals genetically prone to obesity due to the interaction between the FTO obesity variant rs1421085 and regular exercise on changes in body weight and BMI.
Control of Breast Cancer Pathogenesis by Histone Methylation and the Hairless Histone Demethylase
Authors: Trager Megan H , Sah Bindeshwar , Chen Zhongming , Liu Liang
Published: April 2021

Breast cancer is a highly heterogeneous disease, encompassing many subtypes that have distinct origins, behaviors, and prognoses. Although traditionally seen as a genetic disease, breast cancer is now also known to involve epigenetic abnormalities. Epigenetic regulators, such as DNA methyltransferases and histone-modifying enzymes, play essential roles in gene regulation and cancer development. Dysregulation of epigenetic regulator activity has been causally linked with breast cancer pathogenesis. Hairless (HR) encodes a 130-kDa transcription factor that is essential for development and tissue homeostasis. Its role in transcription regulation is partly mediated by its interaction with multiple nuclear receptors, including thyroid hormone receptor, retinoic acid receptor-related orphan receptors, and vitamin D receptor. HR has been studied primarily in epidermal development and homeostasis. Hr-mutant mice are highly susceptible to ultraviolet- or carcinogen-induced skin tumors. Besides its putative tumor suppressor function in skin, loss of HR function has also been implicated in increased leukemia susceptibility and promotes the growth of melanoma and brain cancer cells. HR has also been demonstrated to function as a histone H3 lysine 9 demethylase. Recent genomics studies have identified HR mutations in a variety of human cancers, including breast cancer. The anticancer function and mechanism of action by HR in mammary tissue remains to be investigated. Here, we review the emerging role of HR, its histone demethylase activity and histone methylation in breast cancer development, and potential for epigenetic therapy.
Skeletal Muscle Nrf2 Contributes to Exercise-Evoked Systemic Antioxidant Defense Via Extracellular Vesicular Communication
Authors: Gao Lie , Wang Han-Jun , Tian Changhai , Zucker Irving H.
Published: April 2021

This review explores the hypothesis that the repetitive contraction-relaxation that occurs during chronic exercise activates skeletal myocyte nuclear factor erythroid-derived 2-like 2 (Nrf2) to upregulate antioxidant enzymes. These proteins are secreted into the circulation within extracellular vesicles and taken up by remote cells, thus providing remote organs with cytoprotection against subsequent oxidative stress.
The Costs of Corporate Tax Complexity
Authors: Zwick Eric
Published: April 2021

Does tax code complexity alter corporate behavior? We investigate this question by studying the decision to claim refunds for tax losses. In a sample of 1.2 million observations from the population of corporate tax returns, only 37 percent of eligible firms claim their refund. A simple cost-benefit analysis of the tax loss choice cannot explain low take-up, motivating an exploration of how complexity alters this calculation. Research designs exploiting tax preparer switches, deaths, and relocations show that sophisticated preparers increase claim rates for small firms. Imperfect take-up has implications for measuring marginal tax rates and for the design of fiscal policy. (JEL D22, D61, E62, H25, K34)
Emissions, Transmission, and the Environmental Value of Renewable Energy
Authors: Fell Harrison , Kaffine Daniel T. , Novan Kevin
Published: April 2021

We examine how transmission congestion alters the environmental benefits provided by renewable generation. Using hourly data from the Texas and midcontinent electricity markets, we find that relaxing transmission constraints between the wind-rich areas and the demand centers of the respective markets conservatively increases the nonmarket value of wind by 30 percent for Texas and 17 percent for midcontinent markets. Much of this increase in the nonmarket value arises from a redistribution in where air quality improvements occur—when transmission is not constrained, wind offsets much more pollution from fossil fuel units located near highly populated demand centers. (JEL L94, Q42, Q51, Q53)
The role of stress-activated RNA–protein granules in surviving adversity
Authors: Escalante Leah E. , Gasch Audrey P.
Published: April 2021

Severe environmental stress can trigger a plethora of physiological changes and, in the process, significant cytoplasmic reorganization. Stress-activated RNA–protein granules have been implicated in this cellular overhaul by sequestering preexisting mRNAs and influencing their fates during and after stress acclimation. While the composition and dynamics of stress-activated granule formation have been well studied, their function and impact on RNA-cargo has remained murky. Several recent studies challenge the view that these granules degrade and silence mRNAs present at the onset of stress and instead suggest new roles for these structures in mRNA storage, transit, and inheritance. Here we discuss recent evidence for revised models of stress-activated granule functions and the role of these granules in stress survival and recovery.
INFLUÊNCIA DAS PROPOSTAS DE CAMPANHAS ELEITORAIS NA DECISÃO DO ELEITOR
Authors: Paiva Júnior Giovanne Martins de , Pellizzoni Lívia Nogueira
Published: April 2021

Com a finalidade de conhecer a forma pela qual os eleitores estão fazendo sua escolha de voto, este artigo se propôs a compreender de que modo as propostas de campanha nas diversas áreas da administração pública impactam no processo decisório em uma campanha eleitoral. Para isso, utilizou-se como metodologia a apresentação das principais abordagens acerca de cada fator influenciador no processo de escolha do candidato, seguida de um quadro resumo de cada um deles. Nessa lógica, o trabalho faz uma reflexão de conceitos e atribuições do marketing político, sendo importante pelo fato de abranger a contemporaneidade e ser de interesse da administração e áreas afins, haja vista que concerne de instrumentos de caráter estratégico para organizações e setores que atuam, realçando o compromisso com o povo. Nas considerações finais, foram elencadas, por meio de vários trabalhos acadêmicos, livros, sites e periódicos, abordagens sobre como os fatores impactam no processo decisório do eleitor.
EDITORIAL
Authors: Chagas Vladimir Spinelli , Coelho Arnaldo Fernandes Matos , Weersma Laodicéia Amorim
Published: April 2021

Em 2014, no Editorial que lançava o volume 3 da Revista Gestão em Análise - ReGeA, aEditora Laodicéia A. Weersma chamava a atenção para algo que se tem mostrado cada vezmais concreto: “a promoção da pesquisa científica e sua consequente comunicação devemconstar como pilar da missão das IES”. E, adiante, ressaltava que todo o conhecimento novo deveriaestar disponível com transparência e tempestividade. [...]
Comportamento sedentário e declínio cognitivo em idosos comunitários
Authors: Horacio Priscila Resende , Avelar Núbia Carelli Pereira de , Danielewicz Ana Lúcia
Published: April 2021

O comportamento sedentário está associado a doenças cardiovasculares, baixa qualidade de vida e maior risco de mortalidade. Evidências sugerem que o comportamento sedentário pode contribuir para o declínio cognitivo, contudo a magnitude e a direção dessa associação não estão completamente esclarecidas. O objetivo foi avaliar a associação entre o comportamento sedentário e o declínio cognitivo em idosos comunitários. Estudo transversal com amostra probabilística e de base domiciliar, com idosos cadastrados na Atenção Básica de Balneário Arroio do Silva, Santa Catarina. O comportamento sedentário foi avaliado pela questão “tempo gasto sentado” do International Physical Activity Questionnaire, categorizado em: 0 a 3 horas; 4 a 7 horas; 8 a 10 horas; e 11 ou mais horas por dia. O declínio cognitivo foi avaliado pelo Mini Exame do Estado Mental, considerando os pontos de cortes recomendados por Brucki et al.14. Foram realizados modelos de Regressão Logística Multivariada brutos e ajustados, apresentando-se os valores de odds ratio (OR) e IC95%. Foram analisados 308 idosos, sendo 57,8% mulheres e com média de idade 60,8 anos (DP = 7,06 anos). A prevalência de declínio cognitivo foi 57,7%, com predomínio em mulheres, menor faixa etária e piores comportamentos de saúde. O modelo final da regressão mostrou que os idosos que permaneciam 11 ou mais horas sentados por dia tiveram cinco vezes mais chances de terem declínio cognitivo (OR = 5,03; IC95%:1,07; 23,61) quando comparados aos que permaneciam por até 3 horas por dia nesse comportamento. Concluiu-se que houve associação positiva entre maior comportamento sedentário e declínio cognitivo nos idosos avaliados.
Entonación de cortesía involuntaria en el español hablado por brasileños
Authors: Devís Herraiz Empar
Published: April 2021

L’objectiu del present treball és reflexar com els trets melòdics de l’espanyol parlat per brasilers, per la seva semblança amb els identificats com a trets cortesos en espanyol, provoquen que un brasiler fàcilment sigui interpretat com un parlant cortès, simpàtic i afable quan es troba amb un parlant espanyol, doncs la seva entonació prelingüística compté una gran quantitat de trets identificats com a cortesos atenuadors en espanyol.
Optics in Africa: Six Stories
Authors: Wills Stewart
Published: April 2021

A recently published JOSA A and B feature issue highlighted the
wide-ranging optical and photonic research being pursued by scientists on
the African continent. For this first installment of a two-part feature,
OPN talked with several of the contributors.
Genome-wide proximity between RNA polymerase and DNA topoisomerase I supports transcription in Streptococcus pneumoniae
Authors: Ferrándiz María-José , Hernández Pablo , de la Campa Adela G.
Published: April 2021

Streptococcus pneumoniae is a major cause of disease and death that develops resistance to multiple antibiotics. DNA topoisomerase I (TopoI) is a novel pneumococcal drug target. TopoI is the sole type-I pneumococcal topoisomerase that regulates supercoiling homeostasis in this bacterium. In this study, a direct in vitro interaction between TopoI and RNA polymerase (RNAP) was detected by surface plasmon resonance. To understand the interplay between transcription and supercoiling regulation in vivo, genome-wide association of RNAP and TopoI was studied by ChIP-Seq. RNAP and TopoI were enriched at the promoters of 435 and 356 genes, respectively. Higher levels of expression were consistently measured in those genes whose promoters recruit both RNAP and TopoI, in contrast with those enriched in only one of them. Both enzymes occupied a narrow region close to the ATG codon. In addition, RNAP displayed a regular distribution throughout the coding regions. Likewise, the summits of peaks called with MACS tool, mapped around the ATG codon in both cases. However, RNAP showed a broader distribution towards ATG-downstream positions. Remarkably, inhibition of RNAP with rifampicin prevented the localization of TopoI at promoters and, vice versa, inhibition of TopoI with seconeolitsine prevented the binding of RNAP to promoters. This indicates a functional interplay between RNAP and TopoI. To determine the molecular factors responsible for RNAP and TopoI co-recruitment, we looked for DNA sequence motifs. We identified a motif corresponding to a -10-extended promoter for TopoI and for RNAP. Furthermore, RNAP was preferentially recruited to genes co-directionally oriented with replication, while TopoI was more abundant in head-on genes. TopoI was located in the intergenic regions of divergent genes pairs, near the promoter of the head-on gene of the pair. These results suggest a role for TopoI in the formation/stability of the RNAP-DNA complex at the promoter and during transcript elongation.
Management of insecticides for use in disease vector control: Lessons from six countries in Asia and the Middle East
Authors: van den Berg Henk , Velayudhan Raman , Yadav Rajpal S.
Published: April 2021

Interventions to control the vectors of human diseases, notably malaria, leishmaniasis and dengue, have relied mainly on the action of chemical insecticides. However, concerns have been raised regarding the management of insecticides in vector-borne disease-endemic countries. Our study aimed to analyze how vector control insecticides are managed in selected countries to extract lessons learned.

A qualitative analysis of the situation of vector control insecticides management was conducted in six countries. Multi-stakeholder meetings and key informer interviews were conducted on aspects covering the pesticide lifecycle. Findings were compared and synthesized to extract lessons learned. Centrally executed guidelines and standards on the management of insecticides offered direction and control in most malaria programs, but were largely lacking from decentralized dengue programs, where practices of procurement, application, safety, storage, and disposal were variable between districts. Decentralized programs were better at facilitating participation of stakeholders and local communities and securing financing from local budgets. However, little coordination existed between malaria, visceral leishmaniasis and dengue programs within countries. Entomological capacity was concentrated in malaria programs at central level, while dengue and visceral leishmaniasis programs were missing out on expertise. Monitoring systems for insecticide resistance in malaria vectors were rarely used for dengue or visceral leishmaniasis vectors. Strategies for insecticide resistance management, where present, did not extend across programs or sectors in most countries. Dengue programs in most countries continued to rely on space spraying which, considering the realities on the ground, call for revision of international guidelines.

Vector control programs in the selected countries were confronted with critical shortcomings in the procurement, application, safety measures, storage, and disposal of vector control insecticides, with implications for the efficiency, effectiveness, and safety of vector control. Further international support is needed to assist countries in situation analysis, action planning and development of national guidelines on vector control insecticide management.