bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Action Mechanism of Zhuang Medicine Jin-mu Granules Against Chronic Pelvic Inflammatory Disease Explored Using Comprehensive Network Pharmacology and Metabolomics
Authors: Wang Yuhan , Li Linjie , Li Fang , Yu Kai , Liu Xiao , Wang Zhiping , Xie Tanfang , Chen Jun , Wang Xiaoxun , Feng Qiao , Huang Yan
Published: July 2022

Zhuang Medicine Jin-mu Granules (ZMJG) are prescriptions derived from the Zhuang nationality, which is the largest minority among 56 ethnic groups in China. They have been widely used in the treatment of chronic pelvic inflammatory disease (CPID) in Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region for clearing away heat and toxins, removing dampness and poisoning. CPID is a common gynecological disease of female reproductive organs and surrounding tissues and is characterized by persistent and recurrent symptoms, causing serious physical and psychological damage to the patient. Preliminary research found that ZMJG have beneficial effects on CPID model rats, but the metabolic mechanism underlying their protective effects is unclear. In this study, we used the strategy of combining network pharmacology, pharmacodynamic, and metabolomic approaches to investigate the molecular mechanisms and potential targets of ZMJG for the treatment of CPID. First, a network diagram of “medicinal materials-components-targets-pathways” based on network pharmacology was constructed to obtain a preliminary understanding of the biologically active compounds and related targets of ZMJG and clarify their molecular mechanism in CPID. Subsequently, the in vivo efficacy of ZMJG was verified in a rat model. Furthermore, we analyzed the corresponding metabolomics profile to explore the differentially induced metabolic markers and elucidate the metabolic mechanism by which ZMJG treat CPID. The results show that the therapeutic effect of ZMJG on CPID is mediated through multiple pathways, metabolic pathways, and multi-component multi-target modes, providing a detailed theoretical basis for the development and clinical application of ZMJG and a new research idea for the treatment of CPID in Chinese medicine.
Multitargeted Molecular Dynamic Understanding of Butoxypheser Against SARS-CoV-2: An in Silico Study
Authors: Ahmad Shaban , Bano Nagmi , Qazi Sahar , Yadav Manoj Kumar , Ahmad Nadeem , Raza Khalid
Published: July 2022

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) was initially reported in the Wuhan province of China, spread throughout the world, and caused massive destruction in the form of a global pandemic that started back in 2020. SARS-CoV-2 is an RNA virus with various proteins like main protease, spike protein, NSP15 endoribonuclease, RNA-dependent RNA polymerase, and papain-like protease targeted to screen and find the novel drug candidate that can potentially work against the virus. Previous studies have reported multiple drugs after screening and validation against a single target and reported multiple medications. Nevertheless, many drugs are being used to date but do not have enough potential to work against SARS-CoV-2 and curb the spread and death rate. In this study, with the hypothesis of 1 drug and multiple targets, we have taken 5 main target proteins and screened the Asinex's complete BioDesign library (1,70,269 compounds) and identified N-{2-[(2S)-2-Amino-3-methylbutoxy]-6-propylbenzoyl}-L-phenylalanyl-L-serine (Butoxypheser) as multitarget inhibitor against SARS-CoV-2. Also, Butoxypheser has shown excellent docking scores, hydrogen bonding, and other bonding configurations like van der Waals force and water bridges. The stability and interaction pattern of the compound was validated with structural interaction fingerprints (SIFts) and molecular dynamics (MD) simulation. The Butoxypheser has performed flawlessly throughout the study, and the same results were used to compare the compound's activity against multiple targets. After a thorough theoretical comparative analysis, Butoxypheser can be treated as a multitargeted inhibitor candidate against SARS-CoV-2. Further, this study needs to be validated experimentally before human use.
Sensitizing the Behavioral-Immune System: The Power of Social Pain
Authors: Murray Sandra L. , Xia Ji , Lamarche Veronica M. , Seery Mark D. , McNulty James , Ward Deborah E. , Griffin Dale W. , Hicks Lindsey
Published: July 2022

People who believe they are invulnerable to infectious diseases often fail to protect themselves against the disease threats that others pose to them. The current paper hypothesizes that social pain—the experience of feeling interpersonally hurt or rejected—can sensitize the behavioral-immune system by giving people added reason to see others as worthy of protecting themselves against. We obtained four daily diary samples involving 2,794 participants who reported how hurt/rejected they felt by those they knew, how personally concerned they were about the spread of illness/COVID-19, and how vigilantly they engaged in self-protective behaviors to safeguard their health each day. An integrative data analysis revealed robust evidence that people who believed they were invulnerable to infectious disease engaged in more concerted efforts to protect themselves against the greater daily risk of contracting COVID-19 when being in acute social pain gave them added reason to see others as harmful to them.
Sexual and reproductive health service needs among youths attending preparatory school in Debre Tabor Town, Northwest Ethiopia
Authors: Adane Metages , Cherie Niguss , Damtie Yitayish , Malde Mulusew , Chanie Muluken Genetu
Published: July 2022

Objective:

Despite the reproductive health needs of youth having been supported by different organizations, youths continue to fall victim to sexual and reproductive health problems, and utilization of those services remains low. All efforts have not been felt across the Ethiopian learning institutions as is evidenced by persistent reproductive health problems. This study was aimed to determine sexual and reproductive health service needs among preparatory school youths of Debre Tabor town, Ethiopia.

Methods:

Facility-based cross-sectional study design was conducted in Debre Tabor town from 15 to 30 February 2020. A simple random sampling technique was used to access a total of 850 preparatory school students. The data were collected using pre-tested, structured, and self-administered questionnaires. Data were entered into EpiData v. 4.6 and exported to SPSS version 25 software for analysis. Binary logistics regression was used for analysis. Adjusted odds ratio along with 95% confidence interval was estimated to measure the strength of the association. The level of statistical significance was declared at a p value of 0.05.

Results:

The overall magnitude of sexual and reproductive health service needs was found 61.5% at 95% confidence interval (58.2%, 64.8 %). Being married (adjusted odds ratio = 2.24; 95% confidence interval: 1.10, 4.55), having information about sexual and reproductive health (adjusted odds ratio = 2.56; 95% confidence interval: 1.85, 3.55), youth discussion with families on sexual and reproductive health (adjusted odds ratio = 1.52, 95% confidence interval: 1.11, 2.10), and having a history of sexual intercourse (adjusted odds ratio = 2.19; 95% confidence interval: 1.53, 3.13) were found significantly associated with sexual and reproductive health service needs of youths.

Conclusion:

the overall need for sexual and reproductive health services among youths was found high. Therefore, managers and health workers need to prioritize an intervention that can improve youth-friendly service, information dissemination, and counseling, promoting discussion among family members on the sexual and reproductive health needs of the youths.
The contemporary UK prime minister. When the personal becomes political: Agency, character, personality and celebrity
Authors: Bennister Mark
Published: July 2022

Alongside the focus on prime ministers within an institutional setting, it is important to recognise the significance of individual skills, styles and personality. Differing individuals will have differing performative skill levels and different leadership styles. The premise that leadership analysis should focus on the interaction between the political skills of the leader and the institutional environment in which they are operating is one that has gained some traction in contemporary political leadership scholarship. This article concentrates on the impact of the individual on the office, considering first the agent-centred approaches to prime ministerial study and applying the interactive model of leadership capital to the contemporary UK premiership, drawing some comparisons with Japan. Focusing on the three components of leadership capital – skills, relations and reputation of the individual in office – can give us a broader picture of the trajectory of prime ministerial leadership. Individual action, perceptions of the incumbent, decision making and style can all impact on the prime minister in office in the 21st century.
Exploring the Influence of Kinabalu Geopark Development on Community Well-being from the Perspective of Policymakers: A Preliminary Study
Authors: Dousin Oscar , Boroh Rostika Petrus , Aralas Sarma Binti
Published: July 2022

Kinabalu Geopark is located in Sabah, Malaysia, Borneo, and it will be the second Geopark landmark in Malaysia. The study aimed to explore the implications of the development of Kinabalu Geopark to community well-being. The central research question is: “How does Kinabalu Geopark development enhance and promote community well-being from the perspectives of policymakers?” This study employs a qualitative research approach guided by an interpretivist paradigm by interviewing 15 policymakers. Findings indicated three key themes of community well-being, (i) economic well-being, (ii) social well-being, and (iii) criticality of engagement initiatives. Economic well-being refers to how the development of Kinabalu Geopark would help to strengthen the local economy by providing more employment and business opportunities. Social well-being relates to how communities will benefit from the social stability and strong relationships formed by government sectors, local community leaders, and society. Then, engagement initiative by the policymakers is crucial to ensure the projects’ success, community leadership, and community-wide engagement activities are essential. As a result of efforts to maintain geological characteristics and natural resources, geopark development may not only give prospects for local economic and social growth, but it may also expand educational programs, research, and development for scientific and tourism objectives.
Explicating Collective Technology Efficacy in Work from Home Context: Study of Employees with Positive Feelings
Authors: Mehta Nikhil K. , Jha Sumi , Bhattacharyya Som Sekhar
Published: July 2022

The COVID-19 pandemic and the lockdown forced business firms to undertake employee work from home (WFH). The pandemic situation created a general negative sentiment. Employees, while practicing WFH, worked remotely. They worked collectively using network technology in the virtual context and achieved job efficacy even in challenging times. Employees’ achievement of job efficacy helped achieve better results in terms of work performance at organizational team levels. Data were collected from Indian managers during COVID-19 unlock phase. Three hundred twenty-six managerial responses were collected and analyzed using structured equation modeling. The broaden-and-build theory of positive emotions was applied for the study. A theoretical model was developed with a positive feeling as an antecedent variable, effort as a mediating variable, and collective technology in virtual team efficacy as the dependent variable. The findings of the study adhered to the perspectives of broad and build theory.
Do Precautionary Corporate Cash Holdings Help During the Economic Shocks? Evidence from the Covid-19 Pandemic
Authors: Joshi Himanshu
Published: July 2022

The present study examines the validity of precautionary motive for cash holdings during various phases of the Covid-19 pandemic by establishing a causal relationship between firms’ cash holdings and their abnormal returns. Considering the Covid-19 outbreak as an exogenous event, listed Indian firms’ cumulative abnormal returns regressed on their pre-pandemic cash holdings and relevant firm-level control variables. Results indicate that during the early outbreak period of the pandemic, investors continue to value firms’ growth opportunities over the cash holdings. However, during the lockdown period which had a severe overall negative impact on the firms, firms with higher cash holdings generate significant positive abnormal returns. This supports the precautionary motive behind the cash holdings. During the economic recovery phase, firms with volatile earnings struggle to rebound. The agency cost perspective of cash holdings was found irrelevant during the severe economic crisis. From the risk-management perspective, findings also highlight the difficulty in estimating the optimal cash levels incorporating the black swan events like the Covid-19 pandemic.
Consumers’ Willingness to Pay for Agri-Food Products Delivered with Electric Vehicles in the Short Supply Chains
Authors: Galati Antonino , Migliore Giuseppina , Thrassou Alkis , Schifani Giorgio , Rizzo Giuseppina , Adamashvili Nino , Crescimanno Maria
Published: July 2022

This study aims at investigating the consumers’ willingness to pay (WTP) for agri-food products delivered in the farmers markets with electric vehicles (EVs). The empirical analysis has been carried out by administering an online questionnaire to 273 consumers within a hypothetical context. A multiple price list has been provided in order to measure the price premium for 1 kg of oranges transported by EVs comparing with the ones transported by traditional vehicles. A Tobit regression model has been used for the data analysis in order to identify the most influential factors affecting the consumers’ WTP. Results suggest that consumers’ WTP is mainly influenced by environmental attitudes, knowledge and possibility of engaging in responsible purchasing, and the approval of friends and relatives (social norms). This study delivers insights into support both farmers’ choice to invest in EVs and policymakers to develop policies promoting this transition process. The main limitations of this study are related to the use of a random sample of respondents and to the social desirability bias linked to self-reported questions.
Dynamic Postural Stability Is Decreased During the Single-Leg Drop Landing Task in Male Collegiate Soccer Players With Chronic Ankle Instability
Authors: Kawaguchi Kohei , Taketomi Shuji , Mizutani Yuri , Inui Hiroshi , Yamagami Ryota , Kono Kenichi , Kage Tomofumi , Takei Seira , Fujiwara Sayaka , Ogata Toru , Tanaka Sakae
Published: July 2022

Background:

Chronic ankle instability (CAI) is commonly encountered in soccer players. The feelings of instability and anxiety caused by CAI can lead to poor performance, such as difficulty in sharp change of direction during soccer play. The single-leg drop landing (SLDL) task is often used to evaluate dynamic postural stability.

Purpose/Hypothesis:

The purpose of this study was to clarify whether dynamic stability measured during SLDL is altered in male collegiate soccer players with CAI. The hypothesis was that athletes with CAI would show poor dynamic postural stability.

Study Design:

Controlled laboratory study.

Methods:

A total of 103 male collegiate soccer players were recruited, and their limbs were classified based on the new international CAI criteria. All players performed three 5-second SLDL trials on a force plate. The main outcome measures included time to stabilization of the horizontal ground-reaction force (GRF); peak GRF in the vertical, horizontal, and sagittal directions; and trajectory length of the center of pressure during SLDL.

Results:

Data from 59 CAI limbs and 147 non-CAI limbs were collected in this study. Time to stabilization of horizontal GRF was significantly longer in the CAI limbs ( P < .001), and the peak GRFs in all directions were significantly lower in the CAI limbs (vertical, P < .001; horizontal, P < .001; sagittal, P = .001). Additionally, the trajectory length of the center of pressure was significantly greater in the CAI limbs ( P = .004).

Conclusion:

Soccer players with CAI had decreased dynamic postural stability that led them to land softly when performing the SLDL task. Measurement of dynamic postural stability may be useful in the evaluation of CAI.

Clinical Relevance:

Our findings may be useful for strategies of daily training or as an evaluation tool.
Interventions in Intersectionality: Exploring Fantastical World-building to Investigate Feminist and Anti-racist Strategies
Authors: Eddy Samantha
Published: July 2022

This article explores the asymmetrical treatment of race and gender, critiquing the conflation of these categories under the intersectional concept of “identity.” I conducted a three-year ethnography of the “live action role play” (LARP) community to explore this asymmetry. I found that Live Action Role Players (LARPers) consciously abandoned gender roles but were deeply invested in creating racial categories to make games “feel real.” When creativity is paramount, what makes for this differential treatment? I identified key distinctions in how these categories were conceived, embodied, and enforced. I found that LARPers engaged in collective negotiations to maintain a homogenous understanding of fictional racial categories. When players deviated, they were coerced back into uniform embodiment. These categories often drew on existing racial stereotypes, using “real world flavor.” When participants attempted anti-racist interventions, conversations shifted from confronting racism to “understanding race.” Conversely, LARPers framed gender as a self-determined choice that should have no impact on the gaming experience. Gender performance was welcome but not predetermined. This led to greater gender inclusion and effective anti-sexist interventions. Accordingly, the “both/and” framing of identity—authentic self-navigating society—is an empowering model for gender as it legitimizes autonomous choice. However, when applied to race it risks obfuscating the collective practices that fortify racism. Intersectional theorists must abandon efforts to draw similarities between race and gender. Instead, intersectional research must identify the ways in which sexism and racism persist and compound. The confrontation of racecraft is a necessary first step in developing more robust solutions.
Cultivating Virtual Communities of Care: Reflections on Community-Based Research in Times of Sociopolitical Precarity
Authors: Staufert-Reyes Ericka , Wan Claire , Thakurta Ankhi , Winsch Jackie , Sykes Zion , Luong Quinn , Ghiso Maria Paula
Published: July 2022

In this paper, we examine the nature and impact of coalitional work within a research–practice partnership (RPP) between university-based researchers, families, and youth as we navigated shared investigations into educational equity within a digital mediated space. We conceptualize our community and collaboration using Montoya’s metaphor of trenzas to highlight our understanding of our interwoven identities, spaces (both digital and physical), and literacies in service of educational change. Amid global and local precarities, we found that members of the partnership leveraged what we refer to as their digital coalitional literacies to repurpose the virtual space. Drawing from participatory research and practitioner research methodological tenets, our findings show how research partners engaged in digital coalitional literacies as they (a) collaboratively mobilized their literacies and their cultural and experiential resources to repurpose digital platforms; (b) worked in solidarity to cultivate communities of care across boundaries; and (c) created art that evoked critical thinking on critical issues for advocacy and change. Lastly, this article provides implications for RPP and classrooms.
Prevalence and clinical associations with primary hypogonadism in male systemic sclerosis
Authors: Thepwiwatjit Sapol , Charoensri Suranut , Sirithanaphol Wichien , Mahakkanukrauh Ajanee , Suwannaroj Siraphop , Foocharoen Chingching
Published: July 2022

Background:

Systemic sclerosis may affect male and female fertility. Premature ovarian failure has been reported in female systemic sclerosis patients, but the effects on male fertility in systemic sclerosis have not been studied.

Objectives:

We aimed to determine the prevalence and clinical associations with primary hypogonadism among male systemic sclerosis patients.

Methods:

This was a cross-sectional pilot study, including 30 adult male systemic sclerosis patients attending the Scleroderma Clinic, Khon Kaen University. Testosterone deficiency symptoms were assessed using the Aging Males’ Symptoms Rating Scale, urological examination, and blood testing (for total testosterone, free testosterone, follicle-stimulating hormone, and luteinizing hormone). We excluded patients with congenital hypogonadism and any acquired disorders of the testes and genitalia. The definition of primary hypogonadism was based on the International Society for the Study of the Aging Male 2015 diagnostic criteria for hypogonadism.

Results:

Seven patients met the definition of primary hypogonadism—a prevalence of 23.3% (95% confidence interval: 9.9–42.3). The respective mean age and mean systemic sclerosis duration was 59.4 ± 11.9 and 5.5 ± 4.7 years. Older age at onset, high triglyceride level, and older age starting corticosteroid treatment were significantly associated with primary hypogonadism ( p = 0.02, 0.02, and 0.03, respectively). Systemic sclerosis subset, disease severity, and immunosuppressant use were not associated with primary hypogonadism among Thai male systemic sclerosis patients.

Conclusion:

Around one-quarter of male systemic sclerosis patients had primary hypogonadism. Elderly onset of systemic sclerosis, hypertriglyceridemia, and late corticosteroid treatment were risk factors for developing primary hypogonadism.
Minor Salivary Gland Biopsy in Diagnosis of Sjögren’s Syndrome
Authors: Gordon Alex J. , Patel Aneek , Zhou Fang , Liu Cheng , Saxena Amit , Rackoff Paula , Givi Babak
Published: July 2022

Objective

Previous studies have questioned the safety and efficacy of minor salivary gland biopsy in the diagnosis of Sjögren’s syndrome, citing complications and difficulty of pathologic evaluation. This study aims to determine the rate of biopsy specimen adequacy and the risk of complications after minor salivary gland biopsy.

Study Design

Case series.

Setting

Single tertiary care center.

Methods

We reviewed the records of all patients who underwent minor salivary gland biopsy at our institution from October 1, 2016, to September 1, 2021. Demographics, comorbidities, symptoms, and serologic results were recorded. The primary outcome was adequacy of the tissue sample. Complications of the procedure were recorded. Biopsies with at least one focus of ≥50 lymphocytes per 4‐mm2 sample were considered positive.

Results

We identified 110 patients who underwent minor salivary gland biopsy. Ninety‐three (85%) were female, and the median age was 49.1 years (range, 18.7‐80.5). Seventy‐seven procedures (70%) were performed in the office setting, and 33 (30%) were performed in the operating room. Nearly all biopsy samples (n = 108, 98%) were adequate, and 33 (31%) were interpreted as positive. Four patients (4%) experienced temporary lip numbness, which resolved with conservative management. No permanent complications were reported after lip biopsy. Nineteen (58%) patients with positive biopsy results had no Sjögren’s‐specific antibodies. Most patients with positive biopsy results (n = 20, 61%) subsequently started immunomodulatory therapy.

Conclusion

Minor salivary gland biopsy can be performed safely and effectively in both the office and the operating room. This procedure provides clinically meaningful information and can be reasonably recommended in patients suspected to have Sjögren’s syndrome.
Examining the differences in perceived legal and non-legal factors between drink driving and drug driving
Authors: Truelove Verity , Davey Benjamin , Watson-Brown Natalie
Published: July 2022

Drink and drug driving countermeasures have several similarities, yet also have a number of differences. To improve the effectiveness of these countermeasures, it is important to delineate the perceptions of both legal and non-legal factors between drink driving and drug driving. This study aimed to understand these differences and how legal and non-legal factors uniquely contribute to future intentions to engage in these illegal behaviours. A total of 546 licensed drivers who have a history of using both alcohol and drugs (marijuana, MDMA, and/or ice/speed) responded to an online survey that included legal deterrence measures as well as established measures of non-legal factors for both drink driving and drug driving. The non-legal factors included the fear of physical loss (e.g., fear of injuring yourself or others), social loss (e.g., social disapproval) and internal loss (e.g., guilt). Participants were more likely to report drug driving compared to drink driving, with a higher perceived chance of being caught for drink driving and more experience avoiding punishment for drug driving. Physical loss to others and internal loss were higher for drink driving. For both models, punishment avoidance was a significant predictor. Certainty of apprehension and severity punishment were only significant deterrents for drug driving, not drink driving. The threat of physical loss to oneself was a significant deterrent for drink driving, not drug driving. The results show that legal and non-legal deterrents are rated as lower for drug driving compared to drink driving, yet legal sanctions are still a deterrent for drug driving. Further, non-legal countermeasures are needed for both drink and drug driving that increase drivers’ perceived fear of physical loss to others, internal loss, and social sanctions associated with the behaviours.
Decaffeinated resistance: Social constructions of wage theft in Melbourne’s hospitality industry
Authors: Ferris Emma , Ross Stuart
Published: July 2022

Wage theft, or the illegal non-payment of employee entitlements, is a pernicious and highly prevalent practice in industries across Australia, but particularly in hospitality. Despite recent media attention to cases involving some high-profile employers, little is known about how wage theft is experienced or understood by employees or the public. This research examines how wage theft is constructed and negotiated by employees and community members. Participants' constructions of wage theft reflected the consumerist, managerialist and individualist logics that have emerged in the wake of the intensive neoliberal restructuring of our economies and workplaces over the past three decades. It is argued that these views are also reflected in the current criminal enforcement regime that frames underpayment as a problem of rogue actors, rather than a social and structural issue. To disrupt the societal and disciplinary acceptance of wage theft, further criminological studies should aim to map out the direct and indirect harms arising from wage theft
When East meets West: The prospects of Chinese urbanisation research
Authors: Wong Cecilia , Zheng Wei
Published: July 2022

Despite being a global urban policy laboratory with a diversity of research topics and case studies being reported, we still do not have a holistic understanding of urbanisation across different parts of China. We therefore pose three pertinent questions for discussion in this commentary: whether Chinese urbanisation research has reached a plateau of development and what are the prime sites of research; how has the policy and research environment in China created its own distinctive, interacting traditions of practical activity and intellectual inquiry; and what are the prospects of having more original conceptual thinking and theorisation of urbanisation processes in China? Our analysis highlights the spatially variegated landscape of publications, which closely mirrors China’s urban administrative hierarchy. We explain the paradoxical culture of urban research encountered by Chinese early career researchers through their constant struggle in the knowledge transfusion process of Western theories and their use in Chinese urbanisation research. The dynamic relationship between theoretical and methodological development; the need for innovative comparative research; and better data infrastructure and data sharing practice are seen as the ways forward.
The role of allogeneic transplant for adult Ph+ ALL in CR1 with complete molecular remission: a retrospective analysis
Authors: Ghobadi Armin , Slade Michael , Kantarjian Hagop , Alvarenga Julio , Aldoss Ibrahim , Mohammed Kahee A. , Jabbour Elias , Faramand Rawan , Shah Bijal , Locke Frederick , Fingrut Warren , Park Jae H. , Short Nicholas J. , Gao Feng , Uy Geoffrey L. , Westervelt Peter , DiPersio John F. , Champlin Richard E. , Al Malki Monzr M. , Ravandi Farhad , Kebriaei Partow
Published: July 2022

Historically, Philadelphia chromosome-positive (Ph+) acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) has been associated with poor outcomes, and allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (allo-HCT) is recommended in first complete remission (CR1). However, in the tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) era, rapid attainment of a complete molecular remission (CMR) is associated with excellent outcomes without allo-HCT, suggesting transplant may not be required for these patients. To test this hypothesis, we retrospectively identified adult patients with Ph+ ALL treated with induction therapy, including TKIs, and attained CMR within 90 days of diagnosis at 5 transplant centers in the United States. We compared outcomes of those who did and did not receive allo-HCT in first remission. We identified 230 patients (allo-HCT: 98; non-HCT: 132). The allo-HCT cohort was younger with better performance status. On multivariable analysis (MVA), allo-HCT was not associated with improved overall survival (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR]: 1.05; 95% CI, 0.63-1.73) or relapse-free survival (aHR: 0.86; 95% CI, 0.54-1.37) compared with non-HCT treatment. Allo-HCT was associated with a lower cumulative incidence of relapse (aHR: 0.32; 95% CI, 0.17-0.62) but higher non-relapse mortality (aHR: 2.59; 95% CI, 1.37-4.89). Propensity score matching analysis confirmed results of MVA. Comparison of reduced-intensity HCT to non-HCT showed no statistically significant difference in any of the above endpoints. In conclusion, adult patients with Ph+ ALL who achieved CMR within 90 days of starting treatment did not derive a survival benefit from allo-HCT in CR1 in this retrospective study.
miR167d-ARFs Module Regulates Flower Opening and Stigma Size in Rice
Authors: Zhao Zhi-Xue , Yin Xiao-Xiao , Li Sha , Peng Yu-Ting , Yan Xiu-Lian , Chen Chen , Hassan Beenish , Zhou Shi-Xin , Pu Mei , Zhao Jing-Hao , Hu Xiao-Hong , Li Guo-Bang , Wang He , Zhang Ji-Wei , Huang Yan-Yan , Fan Jing , Li Yan , Wang Wen-Ming
Published: July 2022

Flower opening and stigma exertion are two critical traits for cross-pollination during seed production of hybrid rice (Oryza sativa L.). In this study, we demonstrate that the miR167d-ARFs module regulates stigma size and flower opening that is associated with the elongation of stamen filaments and the cell arrangement of lodicules. The overexpression of miR167d (OX167d) resulted in failed elongation of stamen filaments, increased stigma size, and morphological alteration of lodicule, resulting in cleistogamy. Blocking miR167d by target mimicry also led to a morphological alteration of the individual floral organs, including a reduction in stigma size and alteration of lodicule cell morphology, but did not show the cleistogamous phenotype. In addition, the four target genes of miR167d, namely ARF6, ARF12, ARF17, and ARF25, have overlapping functions in flower opening and stigma size. The loss-of-function of a single ARF gene did not influence the flower opening and stigma size, but arf12 single mutant showed a reduced plant height and aborted apical spikelets. However, mutation in ARF12 together with mutation in either ARF6, ARF17, or ARF25 led to the same defective phenotypes that were observed in OX167d, including the failed elongation of stamen filaments, increased stigma size, and morphological alteration of lodicule. These findings indicate that the appropriate expression of miR167d is crucial and the miR167d-ARFs module plays important roles in the regulation of flower opening and stigma size in rice.
Computational method using heterogeneous graph convolutional network model combined with reinforcement layer for MiRNA–disease association prediction
Authors: Huang Dan , An JiYong , Zhang Lei , Liu BaiLong
Published: July 2022

Background

A large number of evidences from biological experiments have confirmed that miRNAs play an important role in the progression and development of various human complex diseases. However, the traditional experiment methods are expensive and time-consuming. Therefore, it is a challenging task that how to develop more accurate and efficient methods for predicting potential associations between miRNA and disease.

Results

In the study, we developed a computational model that combined heterogeneous graph convolutional network with enhanced layer for miRNA–disease association prediction (HGCNELMDA). The major improvement of our method lies in through restarting the random walk optimized the original features of nodes and adding a reinforcement layer to the hidden layer of graph convolutional network retained similar information between nodes in the feature space. In addition, the proposed approach recalculated the influence of neighborhood nodes on target nodes by introducing the attention mechanism. The reliable performance of the HGCNELMDA was certified by the AUC of 93.47% in global leave-one-out cross-validation (LOOCV), and the average AUCs of 93.01% in fivefold cross-validation. Meanwhile, we compared the HGCNELMDA with the state‑of‑the‑art methods. Comparative results indicated that o the HGCNELMDA is very promising and may provide a cost‑effective alternative for miRNA–disease association prediction. Moreover, we applied HGCNELMDA to 3 different case studies to predict potential miRNAs related to lung cancer, prostate cancer, and pancreatic cancer. Results showed that 48, 50, and 50 of the top 50 predicted miRNAs were supported by experimental association evidence. Therefore, the HGCNELMDA is a reliable method for predicting disease-related miRNAs.

Conclusions

The results of the HGCNELMDA method in the LOOCV (leave-one-out cross validation, LOOCV) and 5-cross validations were 93.47% and 93.01%, respectively. Compared with other typical methods, the performance of HGCNELMDA is higher. Three cases of lung cancer, prostate cancer, and pancreatic cancer were studied. Among the predicted top 50 candidate miRNAs, 48, 50, and 50 were verified in the biological database HDMMV2.0. Therefore; this further confirms the feasibility and effectiveness of our method. Therefore, this further confirms the feasibility and effectiveness of our method. To facilitate extensive studies for future disease-related miRNAs research, we developed a freely available web server called HGCNELMDA is available athttp://124.221.62.44:8080/HGCNELMDA.jsp.
Integrated structure-based protein interface prediction
Authors: Walder M. , Edelstein E. , Carroll M. , Lazarev S. , Fajardo J. E. , Fiser A. , Viswanathan R.
Published: July 2022

Background

Identifying protein interfaces can inform how proteins interact with their binding partners, uncover the regulatory mechanisms that control biological functions and guide the development of novel therapeutic agents. A variety of computational approaches have been developed for predicting a protein’s interfacial residues from its known sequence and structure. Methods using the known three-dimensional structures of proteins can be template-based or template-free. Template-based methods have limited success in predicting interfaces when homologues with known complex structures are not available to use as templates. The prediction performance of template-free methods that only rely only upon proteins’ intrinsic properties is limited by the amount of biologically relevant features that can be included in an interface prediction model.

Results

We describe the development of an integrated method for protein interface prediction (ISPIP) to explore the hypothesis that the efficacy of a computational prediction method of protein binding sites can be enhanced by using a combination of methods that rely on orthogonal structure-based properties of a query protein, combining and balancing both template-free and template-based features. ISPIP is a method that integrates these approaches through simple linear or logistic regression models and more complex decision tree models. On a diverse test set of 156 query proteins, ISPIP outperforms each of its individual classifiers in identifying protein binding interfaces.

Conclusions

The integrated method captures the best performance of individual classifiers and delivers an improved interface prediction. The method is robust and performs well even when one of the individual classifiers performs poorly on a particular query protein. This work demonstrates that integrating orthogonal methods that depend on different structural properties of proteins performs better at interface prediction than any individual classifier alone.
Outcomes of patients admitted to the ICU for acute stroke: a retrospective cohort
Authors: Carval Thibaut , Garret Charlotte , Guillon Benoît , Lascarrou Jean-Baptiste , Martin Maëlle , Lemarié Jérémie , Dupeyrat Julien , Seguin Amélie , Zambon Olivier , Reignier Jean , Canet Emmanuel
Published: July 2022

Background

Although acute stroke is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide, data on outcomes of stroke patients requiring ICU admission are limited. We aimed to identify factors associated with a good neurological outcome (defined as a modified Rankin Scale score [mRS] of 0–2) 6 months after ICU admission.

Methods

We retrospectively studied consecutive patients who were admitted to the ICU of a French university-affiliated hospital between January 2014 and December 2018 and whose ICD-10 code indicated acute stroke. Patients with isolated subarachnoid hemorrhage or posttraumatic stroke were excluded.

Results

The 323 identified patients had a median age of 67 [54.5–77] years; 173 (53.6%) were male. The main reasons for ICU admission were neurological failure (87%), hemodynamic instability (28.2%), acute respiratory failure (26%), and cardiac arrest (5.3%). At ICU admission, the Glasgow Coma Scale score was 6 [4–10] and the SAPSII was 54 [35–64]. The stroke was hemorrhagic in 248 (76.8%) patients and ischemic in 75 (23.2%). Mechanical ventilation was required in 257 patients (79.6%). Six months after ICU admission, 61 (19.5%) patients had a good neurological outcome (mRS, 0–2), 50 (16%) had significant disability (mRS, 3–5), and 202 (64.5%) had died; 10 were lost to follow-up. By multivariable analysis, factors independently associated with not having an mRS of 0–2 at 6 months were older age (odds ratio, 0.93/year; 95% confidence interval, 0.89–0.96; P < 0.01) and lower Glasgow Coma Scale score at ICU admission (odds ratio, 1.23/point; 95% confidence interval, 1.07–1.40; P < 0.01).

Conclusions

Acute stroke requiring ICU admission carried a poor prognosis, with less than a fifth of patients having a good neurological outcome at 6 months. Age and depth of coma independently predicted the outcome.
Gut microbiome changes in anti-N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor encephalitis patients
Authors: Wei Jingya , Zhang Xiao , Yang Fang , Shi Xiaodan , Wang Xuan , Chen Rong , Du Fang , Shi Ming , Jiang Wen
Published: July 2022

Background

Anti-N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDAR) encephalitis is a type of autoimmune encephalitis. The underlying mechanism(s) remain largely unknown. Recent evidence has indicated that the gut microbiome may be involved in neurological immune diseases via the "gut-brain axis". This study aimed to explore the possible relationship between anti-NMDAR encephalitis and the gut microbiome.

Methods

Fecal specimens were collected from 10 patients with anti-NMDAR encephalitis and 10 healthy volunteers. The microbiome analysis was based on Illumina sequencing of the V3-V4 hypervariable region of the 16S rRNA gene. The alpha, beta, and taxonomic diversity analyses were mainly based on the QIIME2 pipeline.

Results

There were no statistical differences in epidemiology, medication, and clinical characteristics (except for those related to anti-NMDAR encephalitis) between the two groups. ASV analysis showed that Prevotella was significantly increased, while Bacteroides was reduced in the gut microbiota of the patients, compared with the controls. Alpha diversity results showed a decrease in diversity in the patients compared with the healthy controls, analyzed by the Shannon diversity, Simpson diversity, and Pielou_E uniformity based on the Kruskal–Wallis test (P = 0.0342, 0.0040, and 0.0002, respectively). Beta diversity analysis showed that the abundance and composition of the gut microbiota was significantly different between the two groups, analyzed by weighted and unweighted UniFrac distance (P = 0.005 and 0.001, respectively).

Conclusions

The abundance and evenness of bacterial distribution were significantly lower and jeopardized in patients with anti-NMDAR encephalitis than in healthy controls. Thus, our findings suggest that gut microbiome composition changes might be associated with the anti-NMDAR encephalitis. It could be a causal agent, or a consequence.
The effect of nurse practitioner (NP-led) care on health-related quality of life in people with multiple sclerosis – a randomized trial
Authors: Smyth Penelope , Watson Kaitlyn E. , Al Hamarneh Yazid N. , Tsuyuki Ross T.
Published: July 2022

Background

Care for People with Multiple Sclerosis (PwMS) is increasingly complex, requiring innovations in care. Canada has high rates of MS; it is challenging for general neurologists to optimally care for PwMS with busy office practices. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of add-on Nurse Practitioner (NP)-led care for PwMS on depression and anxiety (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, HADS), compared to usual care (community neurologist, family physician).

Methods

PwMS followed by community neurologists were randomized to add-on NP-led or Usual care for 6 months. Primary outcome was the change in HADS at 3 months. Secondary outcomes were HADS (6 months), EQ5D, MSIF, CAREQOL-MS, at 3 and 6 months, and Consultant Satisfaction Survey (6 months).

Results

We recruited 248 participants; 228 completed the trial (NP-led care arm n = 120, Usual care arm n = 108). There were no significant baseline differences between groups. Study subjects were highly educated (71.05%), working full-time (41.23%), living independently (68.86%), with mean age of 47.32 (11.09), mean EDSS 2.53 (SD 2.06), mean duration since MS diagnosis 12.18 years (SD 8.82) and 85% had relapsing remitting MS. Mean change in HADS depression (3 months) was: -0.41 (SD 2.81) NP-led care group vs 1.11 (2.98) Usual care group p = 0.001, sustained at 6 months; for anxiety, − 0.32 (2.73) NP-led care group vs 0.42 (2.82) Usual care group, p = 0.059. Other secondary outcomes were not significantly different. There was no difference in satisfaction of care in the NP-led care arm (63.83 (5.63)) vs Usual care (62.82 (5.45)), p = 0.194).

Conclusion

Add-on NP-led care improved depression compared to usual neurologist care and 3 and 6 months in PwMS, and there was no difference in satisfaction with care. Further research is needed to explore how NPs could enrich care provided for PwMS in healthcare settings.

Trial registration

Retrospectively registered on clinicaltrials.gov (ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT04388592, 14/05/2020).
Optimization of programmed intermittent epidural bolus volume for different concentrations of ropivacaine in labor analgesia: a biased coin up-and-down sequential allocation trial
Authors: Ran Xin , Zhou Shuzhi , Cao Kailan , He Peng
Published: July 2022

Background and objectives

To date, programmed intermittent epidural bolus (PIEB) has been widely used in obstetric analgesia, while no optimal PIEB regimen has been proposed. This study aimed to assess effective analgesia in 90% of women (EV90) with different concentrations of ropivacaine (0.075% and 0.1%) combined with 0.5 µg/mL sufentanil, at an interval of 40 min using the biased coin design-up-and-down method (BCD-UDM), and to explore whether there is a difference in EV90 with the increase of ropivacaine concentration.

Methods

In total, 103 primiparous women were assigned to two groups, including group A (n = 52) and group B (n = 51). Parturients in group A were treated with 0.075% ropivacaine and 0.5 µg/mL sufentanil, while those in group B were treated with 0.1% ropivacaine and 0.5 µg/mL sufentanil. Used the biased coin up-and-down sequential allocation method to determine the EV90. The secondary outcomes were sensory block level, motor block, and adverse events (hypotension, urinary retention, and pruritus).

Results

The results revealed that EV90 was 10 mL (95% confidence interval (CI):8.03–11.54) in group A, and EV90 was 9 mL (95% CI:7.49–10.51) in group B by the isotonic regression method. The highest level of the sensory block was T8, and the lowest was T12. No case of hypotension was recorded,and only 4 parturients complained of motor block.

Conclusion

With an interval of 40 min, the optimal PIEB bolus volume of 0.075% ropivacaine and 0.5 µg/mL sufentanil was 10 mL, 0.1% ropivacaine and 0.5 µg/mL sufentanil was 9 mL. Moreover, the PIEB volume decreased along with the higher concentration of ropivacaine.

Trial registration

ChiCTR registration number: ChiCTR2000040917. Registration date: December 15, 2020.
‘Beyond the Bump’: an online wellbeing and lifestyle pilot program during COVID-19 for first year postpartum mothers: a research article
Authors: Christie Hannah E. , Roach Lauren A. , Kennedy Meredith , Beetham Kassia , Meyer Barbara J. , Schoenaker Danielle , Francois Monique
Published: July 2022

Background

Establishing a healthy lifestyle post-delivery is pivotal to reduce the incidence of chronic diseases. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, access to postpartum health programs has been increasingly difficult. The aim of this study was to inform, develop and evaluate Beyond the Bump (BtB); an online program to improve access to health and wellbeing education and support for physical activity in the postpartum.

Methods

A three-phase mixed-methods design of a 10-week Australia-wide online pilot program during COVID-19 with women less than 1 year postpartum and their primary care health professionals was utilised. Phase-one: needs assessment focus groups and interviews. Phase-two: BtB program implementation pre-post health measures survey, attendance and engagement with the program. Phase-three: program evaluation with feedback surveys and interviews.

Results

Women (n = 12) and health professionals (n = 16) expressed strong need for a postpartum program with access to education from experts on exercise, pelvic floor, sleep and baby nutrition. Despite BtB being developed from women’s suggestions (including time-of-day ‘morning’), attendance to all ten sessions was poor (of 162 registrations; 23% participated in the first session and 5% in the last session). Barriers to attendance included ‘too busy’,‘ forgot’ and ‘topic not relevant for age of child’. 88% of women reported the education as the most enjoyable component of the program. 100% (n = 26) of women interviewed would recommend the program to a friend.

Conclusions

There is a continuing need for postpartum support. Online programs with access to expert education and exercise were reported to be of significant interest and value. However, more research is needed to improve the uptake and value placed on mothers’ wellbeing and physical activity.