bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Demonstration of in vivo engineered tandem duplications of varying sizes using CRISPR and recombinases in Drosophila melanogaster
Authors: Loehlin David W , McClain Georgia L , Xu Manting , Kedia Ria , Root Elise
Published: July 2023

Tandem gene duplicates are important parts of eukaryotic genome structure, yet the phenotypic effects of new tandem duplications are not well-understood, in part owing to a lack of techniques to build and modify them. We introduce a method, Recombinase-Mediated Tandem Duplication, to engineer specific tandem duplications in vivo using CRISPR and recombinases. We describe construction of four different tandem duplications of the Alcohol Dehydrogenase (Adh) gene in Drosophila melanogaster, with duplicated block sizes ranging from 4.2 to 20.7 kb. Flies with the Adh duplications show elevated ADH enzyme activity over unduplicated single copies. This approach to engineering duplications is combinatoric, opening the door to systematic study of the relationship between the structure of tandem duplications and their effects on expression.
Double robust semi-supervised inference for the mean: selection bias under MAR labeling with decaying overlap
Authors: Zhang Yuqian , Chakrabortty Abhishek , Bradic Jelena
Published: July 2023

Semi-supervised (SS) inference has received much attention in recent years. Apart from a moderate-sized labeled data, $\mathcal L$, the SS setting is characterized by an additional, much larger sized, unlabeled data, $\mathcal U$. The setting of $|\mathcal U\ |\gg |\mathcal L\ |$, makes SS inference unique and different from the standard missing data problems, owing to natural violation of the so-called ‘positivity’ or ‘overlap’ assumption. However, most of the SS literature implicitly assumes $\mathcal L$ and $\mathcal U$ to be equally distributed, i.e., no selection bias in the labeling. Inferential challenges in missing at random type labeling allowing for selection bias, are inevitably exacerbated by the decaying nature of the propensity score (PS). We address this gap for a prototype problem, the estimation of the response’s mean. We propose a double robust SS mean estimator and give a complete characterization of its asymptotic properties. The proposed estimator is consistent as long as either the outcome or the PS model is correctly specified. When both models are correctly specified, we provide inference results with a non-standard consistency rate that depends on the smaller size $|\mathcal L\ |$. The results are also extended to causal inference with imbalanced treatment groups. Further, we provide several novel choices of models and estimators of the decaying PS, including a novel offset logistic model and a stratified labeling model. We present their properties under both high- and low-dimensional settings. These may be of independent interest. Lastly, we present extensive simulations and also a real data application.
Efficacy Comparison of an Automated Growth-Based System and Plate-Count Method on the Detection of Yeasts and Molds in Personal Care Products
Authors: Prada-Ramírez Harold Alexis , Celeita Sandra , Fonseca Juan Camilo
Published: July 2023

Objective

The present investigation studies the efficacy of an automated growth-based system for a quantitative determination of Candida albicans and Aspergillus brasiliensis in several personal care products. The main purpose of this validation study was to prove that the alternative method’s entire performance is not inferior to the conventional pour-plate method for a quantitative determination of yeasts and molds. Thus, a performance equivalence was established in accordance with the United Stated Pharmacopeia (USP-NF) Validation of Alternative Microbiological Methods ˂1223˃.

Methods

C. albicans and A. brasiliensis were pooled to use as inoculum (equivalent to 1.0 × 108 CFU/mL) in the suitability of the method test. PCP's preservatives were chemically neutralized leading to the yeast and mold recovery by means of the alternative microbiological method (AMM) and the pour-plate method. A correlation curve was generated for each PCP by plotting DTs relative to the corresponding log CFU values.

Results

Thirty PCPs have been tested for quantification of yeasts and molds using an AMM. An equivalence of results was made through the construction of correlation curves that allowed the establishment of numerically equivalent results between the enumeration data from the reference method (CFU) and the alternative method (Detection times, DTs). Thus, following the guidelines of USP Ch.1223, essential validation parameters were tested, such as equivalence of results (Correlation coeficient, CC >0.95), linearity (R2 >0.9025), accuracy (% recovery >70%), operating range, precision (CV <35%), ruggedness (one-way ANOVA, P > 0.05), specificity, LOD, and LOQ.

Conclusion

It was shown that all the test results obtained from the alternative method were in statistical agreement with the standard plate-count method (PCM). Thus, this new technology was found to meet all the validation criteria needed to be considered for an alternative method for yeast and mold quantification in the PCPs tested.

Highlights

In accordance with the United Stated Pharmacopeia (USP-NF) Validation of Alternative Microbiological Methods ˂1223˃, the implementation of alternative methods can offer benefits in execution and automation while improving accuracy, sensitivity, and precision and reduce the microbiological process time compared to the traditional ones.
Islam and Digital Religion
Authors: Abusharif Ibrahim N.
Published: July 2023

Researchers of religion and media have long anticipated the need for increasing multi-disciplinary approaches to unpack the historical and contemporary import of religious content online. After nearly 25 years of Islamic content in digital spaces, it has become progressively more important to address disciplinary matters that more comprehensively connect online content with their intellectual and social legacies and contemporary concerns, that is, to examine religious content unfettered from a strict media-studies-centric point of view. It has never been difficult to find Islam-based content online. However, there is a challenge in assessing such a large and varied corpus of Islam-related content. The challenge has less to do with keeping pace with emerging digital platforms than it does with contextualizing the content within broader academic frames, critical conversations, and intellectual and juristic traditions, guided by allied disciplinary fields, such as history, sociology, and religious and/or Islamic studies.
A Critical Phenomenology of Sound Art
Authors: Fielding Helen A.
Published: July 2023

This chapter argues that some sound art can provide bridges, opening dwelling structures for new relational possibilities. Sound art can connect and transform us, even as it reveals the limits of such connections and the structures that work to colonize them. Considering the critical qualities of sound art, the chapter thinks alongside three works by Jules Gimbrone. It then critiques neo-materialist and postmodern approaches to sound art and explains why a critical phenomenological approach best clarifies the embodied ideas Gimbrone’s sound art reveals. Finally, the chapter turns a critical ear to Martin Heidegger to better understand how sound art contributes to dwelling. At stake are different ontological approaches—different relational ways of being, relational ways of engaging place, world, and other beings. Sound art can help us engage different relational ways of being; but the move too often made of collapsing distance—of not respecting place—does not, as xwélméxw (Stó:lō) musicologist Dylan Robinson points out, accomplish this goal.
Opioid Overdose
Authors: Brandt Laura
Published: July 2023

Opioids are responsible for the largest number of drug overdoses. A multipronged approach is needed to dramatically change the course of this public health crisis. This chapter focuses on harm-reduction interventions with an emphasis on Overdose Education and Naloxone Distribution (OEND), including a brief historical overview of first implementation steps and details about the current organization of OEND in different contexts. The effectiveness of OEND to improve knowledge about overdose prevention and to reduce fatal opioid overdoses along with new challenges in the context of OEND—reversing overdoses that involve fentanyl and providing OEND in times of a global pandemic—are discussed. In closing, this chapter highlights the need to develop a portfolio of interventions at different levels, including but also extending beyond harm reduction, to substantially reduce death rates in the long run.
Early, Persistent Lymphopenia Is Associated With Prolonged Multiple Organ Failure and Mortality in Septic Children
Authors: Podd Bradley S. , Banks Russell K. , Reeder Ron , Telford Russell , Holubkov Richard , Carcillo Joseph , Berg Robert A. , Wessel David , Pollack Murray M. , Meert Kathleen , Hall Mark , Newth Christopher , Lin John C. , Doctor Allan , Shanley Tom , Cornell Tim , Harrison Rick E. , Zuppa Athena F. , Sward Katherine , Dean J. Michael , Randolph Adrienne G. ,   on behalf of the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development Collaborative Pediatric Critical Care Research Network
Published: July 2023

OBJECTIVES:

Sepsis-associated immune suppression correlates with poor outcomes. Adult trials are evaluating immune support therapies. Limited data exist to support consideration of immunomodulation in pediatric sepsis. We tested the hypothesis that early, persistent lymphopenia predicts worse outcomes in pediatric severe sepsis.

DESIGN:

Observational cohort comparing children with severe sepsis and early, persistent lymphopenia (absolute lymphocyte count < 1,000 cells/µL on 2 d between study days 0–5) to children without. The composite outcome was prolonged multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS, organ dysfunction beyond day 7) or PICU mortality.

SETTING:

Nine PICUs in the National Institutes of Health Collaborative Pediatric Critical Care Research Network between 2015 and 2017.

PATIENTS:

Children with severe sepsis and indwelling arterial and/or central venous catheters.

INTERVENTIONS:

Blood sampling and clinical data analysis.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS:

Among 401 pediatric patients with severe sepsis, 152 (38%) had persistent lymphopenia. These patients were older, had higher illness severity, and were more likely to have underlying comorbidities including solid organ transplant or malignancy. Persistent lymphopenia was associated with the composite outcome prolonged MODS or PICU mortality (66/152, 43% vs 45/249, 18%; p < 0.01) and its components prolonged MODS (59/152 [39%] vs 43/249 [17%]), and PICU mortality (32/152, 21% vs 12/249, 5%; p < 0.01) versus children without. After adjusting for baseline factors at enrollment, the presence of persistent lymphopenia was associated with an odds ratio of 2.98 (95% CI [1.85–4.02]; p < 0.01) for the composite outcome. Lymphocyte count trajectories showed that patients with persistent lymphopenia generally did not recover lymphocyte counts during the study, had lower nadir whole blood tumor necrosis factor-α response to lipopolysaccharide stimulation, and higher maximal inflammatory markers (C-reactive protein and ferritin) during days 0–3 (p < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS:

Children with severe sepsis and persistent lymphopenia are at risk of prolonged MODS or PICU mortality. This evidence supports testing therapies for pediatric severe sepsis patients risk-stratified by early, persistent lymphopenia.
The National Association of Medical Examiners Position Paper
Authors: Aiken Sally S. , Nashelsky Marcus
Published: July 2023

Second autopsies are uncommon in the United States yet are of significant public value. A second autopsy may be sought when the first autopsy findings are disputed, considered biased, or inadequately communicated. Second autopsies are technically and interpretatively difficult and usually rely heavily on investigative information, first autopsy findings, and additional documentation from the first autopsy. Medicolegal second autopsies should be performed only by experienced, board-certified forensic pathologists. Pathologists performing second autopsies should acknowledge and disclose the limitations of second autopsies. The first autopsy pathologist should recognize the quality assurance value of a second autopsy and fully disclose autopsy documentation to the second autopsy pathologist, if permitted by jurisdictional law.
Intense light unleashes male–male courtship behaviour in wild-type
Drosophila
Authors: Ueda Atsushi , Berg Abigayle , Khan Tashmit , Ruzicka Madeleine , Li Shuwen , Cramer Ellyn , Iyengar Atulya , Wu Chun-Fang
Published: July 2023

Drosophila
courtship studies have elucidated several principles of the neurogenetic organization of complex behaviour. Through an integration across sensory modalities, males perform stereotypic patterns of chasing, courtship song production and copulation attempts. Here we report a serendipitous finding that intense light not only enhances courtship toward female targets but also triggers unexpected courtship behaviours among male flies. Strikingly, in wild-type male-only chambers, we observed extreme behavioural manifestations, such as ‘chaining’ and ‘wheeling’, resembling previously reported male–male courtship behaviours in
fruitless
mutants and in transformants with ectopic

mini-white
+

overexpression. This male–male courtship was greatly diminished in a variety of visual system mutants, including disrupted phototransduction (
norpA
), eliminated eye-colour screening pigments (
white
), or deletion of the R7 photoreceptor cells (
sevenless
). However, light-induced courtship was unhampered in wing-cut flies, despite their inability to produce courtship song, a major acoustic signal during courtship. Unexpectedly the olfactory mutants
orco
and
sbl
displayed unrestrained male–male courtship. Particularly,
orco
males attained maximum courtship scores under either dim or intense light conditions. Together, our observations support the notion that the innate male courtship behaviour is restrained by olfactory cues under normal conditions but can be unleashed by strong visual stimulation in
Drosophila
.
Chronic social stress blunts core body temperature and molecular rhythms of
Rbm3
and
Cirbp
in mouse lateral habenula
Authors: Haniffa Salma , Narain Priyam , Hughes Michelle Ann , Petković Aleksa , Šušić Marko , Mlambo Vongai , Chaudhury Dipesh
Published: July 2023

Chronic social stress in mice causes behavioural and physiological changes that result in perturbed rhythms of body temperature, activity and sleep-wake cycle. To further understand the link between mood disorders and temperature rhythmicity in mice that are resilient or susceptible to stress, we measured core body temperature (Tcore) before and after exposure to chronic social defeat stress (CSDS). We found that Tcore amplitudes of stress-resilient and susceptible mice are dampened during exposure to CSDS. However, following CSDS, resilient mice recovered temperature amplitude faster than susceptible mice. Furthermore, the interdaily stability (IS) of temperature rhythms was fragmented in stress-exposed mice during CSDS, which recovered to control levels following stress. There were minimal changes in locomotor activity after stress exposure which correlates with regular rhythmic expression of
Prok2
- an output signal of the suprachiasmatic nucleus. We also determined that expression of thermosensitive genes
Rbm3
and
Cirbp
in the lateral habenula (LHb) were blunted 1 day after CSDS. Rhythmic expression of these genes recovered 10 days later. Overall, we show that CSDS blunts Tcore and thermosensitive gene rhythms. Tcore rhythm recovery is faster in stress-resilient mice, but
Rbm3
and
Cirbp
recovery is uniform across the phenotypes.
Psychological effects of collective political traumas and post-traumatic growth
Authors: Kahraman Hanife , Kına Dilara
Published: July 2023

Purpose

Collective political traumas emerge from human behavior as a result of political motivation. These events include destructive and intense violence that disrupt the biopsychosocial processes of people in general. A study was conducted on individuals involved in the conflict between the Kurds in southeastern Turkey and security forces. This study aims to determine whether perceived social support, assumptions about the world, psychological resilience and psychological symptoms predict post-traumatic growth (PTG). In addition, the study examines whether differences existed between the participants’ PTG and the four cited variables according to the type of trauma and major sociodemographic variables.

Design/methodology/approach

This study recruited 324 individuals who completed the PTG Inventory, Multidimensional Perceived Social Support Scale, World Assumption Scale, Brief Psychological Resilience Scale and Symptom Checklist-90-R Symptom Screening List. Data were analyzed using regression analysis, ANOVA and t-test for independent groups.

Findings

Analysis revealed that assumptions about the world, perceived social support and level of psychological symptoms significantly predicted PTG level. The level of psychological symptoms was significantly higher among individuals exposed than those not exposed to prison. Moreover, participants with low levels of education and income displayed low levels of social support and psychological resilience but high levels of psychological symptoms. When working with victims of collective political trauma, the fact that people who are exposed to prison and torture experience and those with low socioeconomic levels pose serious risks in terms of psychological problems must be considered.

Originality/value

This research is important because it collects data on the effects of collective political traumas.
The impacts of corporate governance on firms’ performance: from theories and approaches to empirical findings
Authors: Bui Hoang , Krajcsák Zoltán
Published: July 2023

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the relationship between corporate governance (CG) and financial performance in the case of publicly listed companies in Vietnam for the period from 2019 to 2021. The topic is crucial in understanding how effective governance practices can influence the financial outcomes of companies. The study sheds light on the link between CG practice and firm financial performance. It also provides insights for policymakers and practitioners to improve CG practices.

Design/methodology/approach

Due to the potential dynamic endogeneity in CG research, this study uses the generalized system methods of moments to effectively address the endogeneity problem. Financial performance is measured by Tobin’s Q, return on equity (ROE) and return on assets (ROA). Based on organization for economic cooperation and development (OECD) standards, these indices were calculated to assess the influence of CG practices on corporate financial performance, namely, for accounting information (ROA and ROE) and market performance (Tobin’s Q and service à resglement différé (SRD) – stock price volatility) for the period 2019–2021. In addition, the study examines the relationship between changes in the CG index and changes in financial performance.

Findings

The study’s main objective is to determine the relationship between CG performance scores and financial performance. The study found a positive relationship between transparency disclosure and financial performance and a positive correlation between CG and company size. The COVID-19 pandemic caused a decrease in transparency and information index scores in 2021 compared to 2019 and 2020 due to delayed General Meetings of Shareholders. The study failed to find a relationship between shareholder rights index (“cg_rosh”) and board responsibility (“cg_reob”) and financial performance, concerning which the findings of this study differ from those of previous studies. Reasons are put forward for these anomalies.

Originality/value

Policymakers need to develop a set of criteria for assessing CG practices. They also need to promulgate specific regulations for mandatory and voluntary information disclosure and designate a competent authority to certify the transparency of company information. The study also suggests that companies should develop CG regulations and focus on regulations relating to the business culture or ethics, as well as implementing a system to ensure equal treatment among shareholders. The study found that good CG practices can positively contribute to a company’s financial performance, which is crucial for investors to evaluate the quality of CG practices for each listed company so that investment risks can be limited.
How does blockchain technology affect the strategic financing decisions of platform supply chain with low-carbon product?
Authors: Wang Miaomiao , Chen Xinyu , Tan Yuqing , Zhu Xiaoxi
Published: July 2023

Purpose

To explore how the blockchain affects the pricing and financing decisions in a low-carbon platform supply chain.

Design/methodology/approach

Considering the dual roles of the e-commerce platform as a seller and an initiator, a typical game-theoretical method is applied to analyze the behavior of supply chain decision-makers and the impact of key variables on equilibriums.

Findings

When loan interest rates are symmetric, whether blockchain is used or not, the e-commerce platform financing mode will always produce higher wholesale price and unit carbon emission reduction, while the retail price is the opposite. Higher unit additional income brought by the blockchain can bring higher economic and environmental performances, and the e-commerce platform financing mode is superior to bank financing mode. The application of blockchain may cause the manufacturer to change his/her financing choice. For bank financing, with the increase of loan interest rates, the advantages brought by blockchain will gradually disappear, but this situation will not occur under e-commerce platform financing.

Originality/value

Blockchain is known for its information transparency properties and its ability to enhance user trust. However, the impacts of applying blockchain in a low-carbon platform supply chain with different financing options are not clear. The authors examine the manufacturer's strategic choices for platform financing and bank financing, whether to adopt blockchain, and the impact of these decisions on carbon emissions reduction, consumer surplus and social welfare. The research conclusion can provide reference for the operation and financing decisions of platform supply chain under the carbon reduction target in the digital economy era.
Specialist use among privately insured children with disabilities
Authors: Chien Alyna T. , Wisk Lauren E. , Beaulieu Nancy , Houtrow Amy J. , Van Cleave Jeanne , Fu Christina , Cutler David , Landrum Mary Beth
Published: July 2023

Objective

To investigate primary care practice ownership and specialist‐use patterns for commercially insured children with disabilities.

Data Sources and Study Setting

A national commercial claims database and the Health Systems and Provider Database from 2012 to 2016 are the data sources for this study.

Study Design

This cross‐sectional, descriptive study examines: (1) the most visited type of pediatric primary care physician and practice (independent or system‐owned); (2) pediatric and non‐pediatric specialist‐use patterns; and (3) how practice ownership relates to specialist‐use patterns.

Data Collection/Extraction Methods

This study identifies 133,749 person‐years of commercially insured children with disabilities aged 0–18 years with at least 24 months of continuous insurance coverage by linking a national commercial claims data set with the Health Systems and Provider Database and applying the validated Children with Disabilities Algorithm.

Principal Findings

Three‐quarters (75.9%) of children with disabilities received their pediatric primary care in independent practices. Nearly two thirds (59.6%) used at least one specialist with 45.1% using nonpediatric specialists, 28.8% using pediatric ones, and 17.0% using both. Specialist‐use patterns varied by both child age and specialist type. Children with disabilities in independent practices were as likely to see a specialist as those in system‐owned ones: 57.1% (95% confidence interval [95% CI] 56.7%–57.4%) versus 57.3% (95% CI 56.6%–58.0%), respectively (p = 0.635). The percent using two or more types of specialists was 46.1% (95% CI 45.4%–46.7%) in independent practices, comparable to that in systems 47.1% (95% CI 46.2%–48.0%) (p = 0.054). However, the mean number of specialist visits was significantly lower in independent practices than in systems—4.0 (95% CI 3.9%–4.0%) versus 4.4 (95% CI 4.3%–4.6%) respectively—reaching statistical significance with p < 0.0001.

Conclusions

Recognizing how privately insured children with disabilities use pediatric primary care from pediatric and nonpediatric primary care specialists through both independent and system‐owned practices is important for improving care quality and value.
Effect of mesencephalic astrocyte‐derived neurotrophic factor on the inflammatory response in human gingival fibroblasts cells
Authors: Gong Lei , Dong Jie , Huang Kai , Pan Keqing , Wang Shengzhi , Liu Hao
Published: July 2023

Mesencephalic astrocyte‐derived neurotrophic factor (MANF) is a unique member of the neurotrophic factor family residing in the endoplasmic reticulum, where it functions as a stress response protein maintaining endoplasmic reticulum homeostasis, in addition to being secreted extracellularly as a neurotrophic factor to bind with receptors to initiate intracellular signal transduction pathways. Interestingly, MANF has shown an important protective role in the inflammatory response of many diseases. In neural stem cells, pancreatic β cells, and retinal cells, MANF can inhibit the inflammatory response, modulate the immune response, and promote tissue repair. However, the role of MANF in the periodontal inflammatory response remains unclear. In the present study, we used lipopolysaccharide (LPS) from Porphyromonas gingivalis (Pg) to establish a Pg‐LPS‐stimulated periodontal inflammatory model in human gingival fibroblasts cells (HGF‐1) to investigate the role of MANF in vitro. We found that MANF could inhibit pro‐inflammatory cytokine secretion, alleviate the endoplasmic reticulum stress response, promote cell survival, and inhibit cell apoptosis. Therefore, MANF might be a novel promising target for the treatment of periodontitis.
ESG news spillovers across the value chain
Authors: Le Tran Vu , Coqueret Guillaume
Published: July 2023

We document the impact of ESG shocks on the stock returns of suppliers and clients of affected firms. Our empirical analysis of US stocks, along with their global clients and suppliers, reveals that ESG shocks are integrated into prices intradaily and that the cross‐effect between shocks and ESG levels is statistically significant. The indirect diffusion of ESG shocks to customers' and suppliers' returns is also significant, but takes more time (a few days) and is less pronounced. Finally, the impact is stronger for small firms and for corporations that benefit from less media coverage. In addition, effects are more pronounced in the recent period (posterior to 2017), possibly due to increased investor attention toward sustainability.
The role of pet attachment in alleviating the negative effects of loneliness on a health‐promoting lifestyle: An empirical study based on threshold effects for pet owners
Authors: Lu Jiao , Ren Erxing , Guo Xinyu , Zhou Zhongliang , Wang Yuan , Zhang Na
Published: July 2023

Background

A health‐promoting lifestyle is acknowledged as a ‘positive ageing’ strategy for older people. The inevitable decline in their social networks may lead to loneliness and subsequently damage their health‐promoting lifestyle. Therefore, pet owning has become a popular way for them to alleviate loneliness. However, the attachment resulting from pet ownership may either facilitate or impede older people's ability to counteract the negative effect of loneliness on health‐promoting lifestyles, and this effect may only be observed when pet owners have limited human confidants.

Objectives

To identify the role of pet attachment in alleviating the negative impact of loneliness on a health‐promoting lifestyle and its supplementary role in the deficiency of social relationships by analysing the correlation mechanism between pet attachment, loneliness and a health‐promoting lifestyle.

Methods

Self‐report questionnaires were sent to 879 older people (aged ≥60) with pets in China by using a multistage stratified random sampling method. Cross‐sectional threshold regression models were established to analyse the nonlinear effects of loneliness on a health‐promoting lifestyle and the different threshold effects among different social relationship levels.

Results

A single threshold value (0.444) was drawn to determine the action mode of pet attachment on the negative relationship between loneliness and a health‐promoting lifestyle. When the level of pet attachment exceeded 0.444, the inhibition of loneliness on a health‐promoting lifestyle decreased significantly. Additionally, this threshold effect was evident among older people at different levels of social relationships.

Conclusions

The negative effect of loneliness on a health‐promoting lifestyle is alleviated by the single threshold effect of pet attachment. Pet–owner relationships can compensate for a lack of social relationships to some extent and alleviate both an individual's loneliness and its negative effect on a health‐promoting lifestyle.

Implications for practice

To alleviate loneliness and promote healthy ageing in older people who lack social relationships, the tailored pet intervention strategies that prioritize ‘one health’ at the animal‐ecosystem interface that consider their different individual levels of social relationship should be developed.
An immersive simulation strategy to teach cytology sample collection methods and basic diagnosis skills: A two academic center study
Authors: Marcos Ricardo , Fonte‐Oliveira Luísa , Santos Marta , Caniatti Mario
Published: July 2023

Background

Collecting cytology samples and making simple diagnoses are skills taught in veterinary universities, mostly in a passive way. Simulators enhance practical skills learning, increasing student engagement through immersive activities. These strategies have not been carefully assessed in veterinary cytology.

Objectives

This study aimed to describe a simulator developed for training cytology sample collection methods and assess the utility of an immersive simulation strategy to learn and practice the collection of cytology samples.

Methods

A flipped classroom with a station design was followed. Students first watched video tutorials on sampling collection, listened to brief cases' clinical histories, and moved to immersive simulator stations. There, they practiced imprints, swabs, and fine‐needle aspiration (FNA). Microscopic observation of the material was available through augmented reality tools. Students were evaluated by Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE) tools on their ability to perform FNA on stuffed animal models. Students answered two questionnaires addressing their learning outcomes.

Results

Second‐ and third‐year students from two centers (n = 129) practiced cytologic collection methods in simulators which significantly changed their willingness to perform FNA in live animals after the class activities. OSCE pass rates over 90% were obtained for most steps of FNA, and students rated the activity as essential/very relevant for learning.

Conclusions

Immersive simulation strategies were effective at increasing student comfort with cytologic sampling techniques. This approach should be included in the veterinary curriculum as it can increase the quality of cytology samples and could potentially improve the cytologic diagnosis of a submitted sample.
Effect of needle gauge on pain and specimen quality of ultrasound‐guided fine needle sampling without aspiration of the canine spleen
Authors: Launay Mahéva , Blond Laurent , Geffre Anne , Trumel Catherine , Layssol‐Lamour Catherine
Published: July 2023

Modifications of splenic parenchyma are common ultrasonographic findings in dogs. Splenic fine needle aspiration (FNA) is a rapid, safe procedure, routinely performed in veterinary institutions. However, 22‐gauge (G) needle usually reported is selected according to general practice and the most appropriate needle size to be used remains unclear. The aim of this prospective, single‐center, methods comparison study was to assess the effect of needle size on cytologic specimens’ evaluation and animal welfare during the procedure. Dogs underwent ultrasound‐guided splenic FNA using 23, 25, and 27G needles. Needles were compared based on initial and then detailed cytologic evaluation. The initial evaluation assessed overall cellularity, cell preservation, hemodilution, and detailed cytologic evaluation referred to exhaustive splenic components. Welfare evaluation was performed based on a scoring system. A total of 54 dogs were included in this study with 54 of 54 welfare evaluations and 35 of 54 cytologic evaluations by one or two European College of Veterinary Clinical Pathology‐certified cytologists. The final cytologic diagnosis was unchanged regardless of the needle size. For the initial evaluation, 23G needles provided significantly higher cellularity than the 27G needles. For detailed cytologic evaluation, only the richness in mesothelial cells and stroma was affected by needle size. Pain induced by the procedures was considered low using 23, 25, and 27G needles with the 27G needle producing the least adverse reactions. Findings from the current study supported using needle gauges smaller than the previously published standard 22G needle for spleen ultrasound‐guided fine needle nonaspiration in dogs. Due to higher cellularity and lower pain scores, authors recommend the use of 23G needles with a nonaspiration technique.
Components Used in Microbial Fuel Cells for Renewable Energy Generation: A Review of Their Historical and Ecological Development
Authors: Altin Necla , Akay Ramiz Gültekin
Published: July 2023

This review article addresses microbial fuel cells (MFCs) as a renewable energy source. Microbial fuel cells are bio-electrochemical systems that use exoelectrogenic bacterial communities under anaerobic conditions to convert chemical energy into electrical energy. These systems are attracting attention due to their potential to reduce overall energy consumption, produce zero carbon emissions, and exhibit high energy density. The rapid development of renewable energy sources has increased the potential for bioenergy, particularly MFCs, to become one of the most important energy sources of the future. In addition to energy production, MFCs show potential for bioremediation and efficient removal of various pollutants. While MFC technology currently has limited application at the laboratory level, it is expected to increase in commercial use in the near future and offers great potential in the areas of renewable energy and environmental sustainability. This review article focuses on the historical and ecological development of the components used in MFCs, examining in detail their evolution and use in MFCs for renewable energy production.
Preferences of women in difficult life situations for a physical activity programme: protocol of a discrete choice experiment in the German NU-BIG project
Authors: Pedron Sara , Herbert-Maul Annika , Sauter Alexandra , Linder Stephanie , Sommer Raluca , Vomhof Markus , Gontscharuk Veronika , Abu-Omar Karim , Thiel Ansgar , Ziemainz Heiko , Holle Rolf , Laxy Michael
Published: July 2023

Introduction

The BIG project (‘Bewegung als Investition in die Gesundheit’, ie, ‘Movement as Investment in Health’) was developed in 2005 as a community-based participatory research programme to offer accessible opportunities for physical activity to women in difficult life situations. Since then, the programme has been expanded to eight sites in Germany. A systematic evaluation of BIG is currently being conducted. As part of this effort, we strive to understand the preferences of participating women for different aspects of the programme, and to analyse their willingness to pay.

Methods and analysis

In this protocol, we describe the development and analysis plan of a discrete choice experiment (DCE) to investigate participants’ preferences for a physical activity programme for women in difficult life situations. The experiment will be embedded in a questionnaire covering several aspects of participation in the programme (eg, reach, efficacy and further effects) and the socioeconomic characteristics of all active participants. After a thorough search of the literature, BIG documents review and expert interviews, we identified five important attributes of the programme: course times, travel time to the course venue, additional social activities organised by BIG, consideration of wishes and interests for the further planning of courses and costs per course unit. Thereafter, we piloted the experiment with a sample of participants from the target group. After data collection, the experiment will be analysed using a conditional logit model and a latent class analysis to assess eventual heterogeneity in preferences.

Ethics and dissemination

Understanding women’s preferences will provide useful insights for the further development of the programme and ultimately increase participation and retention. The questionnaire, the included DCE and the pretest on participants received ethical approval (application no. 20-247_1-B). We plan to disseminate the results of the DCE in peer-reviewed journals, national conferences and among participants and programme coordinators and organisers.
Relationship between shoulder abduction strength and rotator cuff tear in elderly women: a general population study
Authors: Hinsley Hannah , Ganderton Charlotte , Arden Nigel K , Carr Andrew J
Published: July 2023

Objectives

To investigate the effect of age-related rotator cuff tears on shoulder strength in a general population cohort.

Design

Cross sectional observational study.

Setting

This study was set in an outpatient clinic setting in Chingford, North East London, and was a component of the 20 year visit of the Chingford 1000 women cohort.

Participants

Individuals were part of the Chingford 1000 women cohort, a 20-year-old longitudinal population study. This cohort has been extensively characterised as representative of the population of the UK. At the 20 year visit, 446 attended for shoulder assessment and were aged between 64 and 87.

Primary and secondary outcome measures

Isometric shoulder abduction strength measured using a Nottingham Mecmesin Myometer and the presence of rotator cuff pathology, determined via ultrasound examination (GE voluson i portable ultrasound machine with a 10-16MHz linear probe). Shoulders were classified into normal, abnormal tendon/partial tear, full-thickness tears (>0 and ≤2.5 cm) and full-thickness tears (>2.5 cm). Symptoms were defined using the Oxford Shoulder Score, where an abnormal score was defined as symptomatic.

Results

446 women (891 shoulders) aged 71 (range 65–84) were included in the study. Age, the presence of pain and the non-dominant arm were demonstrated to reduce strength. Rotator cuff tears and pathology had no isolated effect on shoulder strength in those aged under 70. However, in the over 70s full-thickness tears>0 and ≤2.5 cm, and >2.5 cm had mean reductions of 6.3 and 12.7 N, respectively (p<0.001).

Conclusion

Rotator cuff tears of all sizes in those aged under 70 were not associated with a loss of shoulder strength. In those aged over 70, strength was reduced by 30% with small and 40% with large full thickness tears. Loss in strength was associated a loss of ability to perform activities of daily living but only for large tears.
Management and outcomes of carcinoid heart disease with liver metastases of midgut neuroendocrine tumours
Authors: Suc Gaspard , Cachier Agnès , Hentic Olivia , Bazire Baptiste , Sannier Aurélie , Delhomme Clémence , Nataf Patrick , Laschet Jamila , Deschamps Lydia , Garbarz Eric , Ou Phalla , Caligiuri Giuseppina , Iung Bernard , Ruszniewski Philippe , de Mestier Louis , Arangalage Dimitri
Published: July 2023

Objective

Despite recent advances in surgical and interventional techniques, knowledge on the management of carcinoid heart disease (CHD) remains limited. In a cohort of patients with liver metastases of midgut neuroendocrine tumours (NETs), we aimed to describe the perioperative management and short-term outcomes of CHD.

Methods

From January 2003 to June 2022, consecutive patients with liver metastases of midgut NETs and severe CHD (severe valve disease with symptoms and/or right ventricular enlargement) were included at Beaujon and Bichat hospitals. All patients underwent clinical evaluation and echocardiography.

Results

Out of 43 (16%) consecutive patients with severe CHD and liver metastases of midgut NETs, 79% presented with right-sided heart failure. Tricuspid valve replacement was performed in 26 (53%) patients including 19 (73%) cases of combined pulmonary valve replacement. The 30-day postoperative mortality rate was high (19%), and preoperative heart failure was associated with worse survival (p=0.02). Epicardial pacemakers were systematically implanted in operated patients and 25% were permanently paced. A postoperative positive right ventricular remodelling was observed (p<0.001). A greater myofibroblastic infiltration was observed in pulmonary versus tricuspid valves (p<0.001), suggesting that they may have been explanted at an earlier stage of the disease than the tricuspid valve, with therefore potential for evolution.

Conclusions

We observed a high postoperative mortality rate and baseline right-sided heart failure was associated with worse outcome. In surviving patients, a positive right ventricular remodelling was observed. Prospective, multicentre studies are warranted to better define the management strategy and to identify biomarkers associated with outcome in CHD.
Differential expression of IFN-α, IL-12 and BAFF on renal immune cells and its relevance to disease activity and treatment responsiveness in patients with proliferative lupus nephritis
Authors: Nawata Aya , Nakayamada Shingo , Hisano Satoshi , Miyazaki Yusuke , Miyamoto Tetsu , Shiba Eisuke , Hisaoka Masanori , Tanaka Yoshiya
Published: July 2023

Objective

Since molecularly targeted therapies are emerging for treating lupus nephritis (LN), this study aimed to assess the immunohistochemical findings of the cytokines in renal tissue and their pathological and clinical relevance in LN.

Methods

Fifty patients with proliferative LN formed the case group; 5 with LN class II, IgA nephropathy and 10 with idiopathic haematuria were enrolled as controls. Immunohistochemical analysis for CD3, CD20, interferon (IFN)-α, interleukin (IL)-12/p40 and B-cell activating factor (BAFF) was performed by scoring the number of positive cells/area of the cortex. All immunohistochemical investigations were performed on formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded renal tissue. Proliferative LN cases were grouped by the dominant expression of IFN-α, IL-12/p40 and BAFF, and subsequently, clinicopathological features were compared.

Results

Clinical data of patients with proliferative LN included urine protein creatinine ratio, 2.2 g/gCre; anti-double-stranded DNA antibody, 200.9 IU/mL; total complement activity (CH50), 21.9 U/mL and SLE Disease Activity Index, 19.8 points. Proliferative LN cases, including class III (n=18) and IV (n=32), were classified into three subgroups according to the immunohistochemical score based on the dominancy of IFN-α (n=17), IL-12 (n=16) and BAFF group (n=17) proteins. Hypocomplementaemia and glomerular endocapillary hypercellularity were significantly increased in the IFN-α group, whereas chronic lesions were significantly higher in the IL-12 group (p<0.05). The IFN-α group had a poorer renal prognosis in treatment response after 52 weeks.

Conclusions

The immunohistochemistry (IHC) of IFN-α, IL-12 and BAFF for proliferative LN enabled grouping. Especially, the IFN-α and IL-12 groups showed different clinicopathological features and renal prognoses. The results indicated the possibility of stratifying cases according to the IHC of target molecules, which might lead to precision medicine.
Association between exercise load, resting heart rate, and maximum heart rate and risk of future ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI)
Authors: Helleryd Edvin , Rawshani Araz , Rawshani Aidin , Hjärtstam Nellie , Myredal Anna , Skoglund Kristofer
Published: July 2023

Objective

This study aimed to examine the association between exercise workload, resting heart rate (RHR), maximum heart rate and the risk of developing ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI).

Methods

The study included all participants from the UK Biobank who had undergone submaximal exercise stress testing. Patients with a history of STEMI were excluded. The allowed exercise load for each participant was calculated based on clinical characteristics and risk categories. We studied the participants who exercised to reach 50% or 35% of their expected maximum exercise tolerance. STEMI was adjudicated by the UK Biobank. We used Cox regression analysis to study how exercise tolerance and RHR were related to the risk of STEMI.

Results

A total of 66 949 participants were studied, of whom 274 developed STEMI during a median follow-up of 7.7 years. After adjusting for age, sex, blood pressure, smoking, forced vital capacity, forced expiratory volume in 1 s, peak expiratory flow and diabetes, we noted a significant association between RHR and the risk of STEMI (p=0.015). The HR for STEMI in the highest RHR quartile (>90 beats/min) compared with that in the lowest quartile was 2.92 (95% CI 1.26 to 6.77). Neither the maximum achieved exercise load nor the ratio of the maximum heart rate to the maximum load was significantly associated with the risk of STEMI. However, a non-significant but stepwise inverse association was noted between the maximum load and the risk of STEMI.

Conclusion

RHR is an independent predictor of future STEMI. An RHR of >90 beats/min is associated with an almost threefold increase in the risk of STEMI.