bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of Achillea tenuifolia Lam. hydro-alcoholic extract on anxiety-like behavior and reproductive parameters in rat model of chronic restraint stress
Authors: Bagheri Y , Fathi E , Maghoul A , Moshtagh S , Mokhtari K , Abdollahpour A , Montazersaheb S , Bagheri A
Published: June 2021

Introduction:

Achillea tenuifolia Lam ( AT) has several biological activities and medicinal properties. In this study, we elucidated the impact of the AT on anxiety-related behaviors, reproductive parameters, antioxidant capacity in male rats subjected to chronic restraint stress (CRS).

Methods:

35 Wistar rats were divided into five groups: control, CRS-control (received normal saline) and three CRS-treated groups received AT extract (100, 150, and 200 mg/kg body weight) for 21 consequences days. To induce CRS rats, the rats were immobilized for 21 days and received the extract orally. On the last day of treatment, anxiety-related behaviors were assessed through the sucrose preference test (SPT) as well as elevated plus maze (EPM) tests. Corticosterone, luteinizing hormone (LH), and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), testosterone levels were evaluated to determine reproductive capacity. Sperm parameters including the total count, motility, and viability were also analyzed. Weight of body, testis and seminal vesicles was measured as well.

Results:

The findings revealed that 100, 150, and 200 mg/kg of AT extract had anxiolytic effects in CRS rats, as confirmed by the EPM test and SPT. In addition, AT extract could improve fertile capacity and sperm quality to varying degrees. The level of corticosterone had decreased, whereas the level of LH, FSH and testosterone had increased in CRS-treated rats. Moreover, the reduced level of MDA coincided with an increased rate of antioxidant capacity. Our findings suggest that AT extract could alleviate stress-induced dysfunctions.

Conclusion:

Overall, these observations would infer that AT extract could improve fertility capacity and behavioral impairment in the stress conditions.

Graphical abstract:

Assumption pathway describing the probability underlying mechanism of CRS-induced anxiety and reproductive toxicity and protective effect of AT.
ZNF219 protects human lens epithelial cells against H2O2-induced injury via targeting SOX9 through activating AKT/GSK3β pathway
Authors: Guo Q , Geletu Q , Zhang Y
Published: June 2021

Opacity of the lens caused by cataracts could lead to severe visual impairment and even blindness. Oxidative stress caused by exposure of lens epithelial cells to hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) can lead to DNA damage and impair cell function. Therefore, how to prevent lens epithelial cells from being harmed by H2O2 is an urgent problem. The ZNF219 gene belongs to the Kruppel like zinc finger gene family, which is involved in a variety of biological processes. In this study, we found the low expression of ZNF219 in H2O2-induced HLE-B3 cells. We further noticed ZNF219 could improve the survival rate of H2O2-induced HLE-B3 cells, and inhibit the apoptosis and oxidative stress response. Mechanically, ZNF219 protected human lens epithelial cells against H2O2-induced injury via targeting SOX9 through activating AKT/GSK3β pathway. We therefore thought ZNF219 was a key protective protein in the oxidative damage of human lens epithelial cells and the pathogenesis of cataract.
Feline comorbidities: Pathophysiology and management of the obese diabetic cat
Authors: Clark Melissa , Hoenig Margarethe
Published: June 2021

Practical relevance:

Up to 40% of the domestic feline population is overweight or obese. Obesity in cats leads to insulin resistance via multiple mechanisms, with each excess kilogram of body weight resulting in a 30% decline in insulin sensitivity. Obese, insulin-resistant cats with concurrent beta-cell dysfunction are at risk of progression to overt diabetes mellitus.

Approach to management:

In cats that develop diabetes, appropriate treatment includes dietary modification to achieve ideal body condition (for reduction of insulin resistance), and optimization of diet composition and insulin therapy (for glycemic control and the chance of diabetic remission). Initially, as many obese cats that become diabetic will have lost a significant amount of weight and muscle mass by the time of presentation, some degree of diabetic control should be attempted with insulin before initiating any caloric restriction. Once body weight has stabilized, if further weight loss is needed, a diet with ≤ 12–15% carbohydrate metabolizable energy (ME) and >40% protein ME should be fed at 80% of resting energy requirement for ideal weight, with the goal of 0.5–1% weight loss per week. Other approaches may be necessary in some cats that need either substantial caloric restriction or do not find low carbohydrate diets palatable. Long-acting insulins are preferred as initial choices and oral antidiabetic drugs can be used in combination with diet if owners are unable or unwilling to give insulin injections. Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) agonists have recently been investigated for use as adjunctive treatment in diabetic cats and sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 (SGLT2) inhibitors are currently being evaluated in clinical trials.

Evidence base:

The information in this review is drawn from: epidemiological studies on obesity prevalence; prospective longitudinal studies of development of insulin resistance with obesity; randomized controlled studies; and expert opinion regarding the effect of diet on diabetes management in cats.
Fecal viral DNA shedding following clinical panleukopenia virus infection in shelter kittens: a prospective, observational study
Authors: Janke Kyrsten J , Jacobson Linda S , Giacinti Jolene A , Weese J Scott
Published: June 2021

Objectives

The aims of this study were to determine the magnitude and duration of fecal viral DNA shedding after diagnosis of feline panleukopenia (FP) in a group of shelter cats using quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR); to assess the utility of a negative point-of-care test or the resolution of diarrhea and systemic signs as proxy measures for qPCR positivity; and to investigate patterns of additional enteric pathogens in relation to feline panleukopenia viral shedding duration.

Methods

Feline panleukopenia virus (FPV) infection in clinically affected shelter cats was confirmed by a commercial qPCR test. Observations were made on days 0, 3, 7, 14 and 21 post-diagnosis. Fecal flotation, FPV qPCR and the canine parvovirus IDEXX SNAP Parvo ELISA (SNAP) test were performed on fecal samples.

Results

Forty cats and kittens with confirmed panleukopenia were initially enrolled. Sixteen kittens were sampled until day 14, and 12 were followed to day 21. Median DNA viral copy numbers fell below the diagnostic cut-off by day 7, with 13/16, 6/16, 1/16 and 0/12 testing PCR-positive on days 3, 7, 14 and 21, respectively. The SNAP test was positive in 12/16 kittens on day 0 and only 3/16 on day 3. SNAP test results, diarrhea and systemic signs were inconsistent in relation to qPCR positivity post-diagnosis. Additional enteric pathogens were common. The presence of additional pathogen types was suggestive of a longer PCR shedding duration, but this was not tested statistically owing to the small sample size.

Conclusions and relevance

These findings suggest that cats should be isolated for at least 14 days after a diagnosis of FP, but that release from isolation after this point is reasonable, in association with a multifaceted infection control strategy. The study findings did not support using SNAP test results, diarrhea or systemic signs as proxy measures for virus shedding.
Candida Bloodstream Infections: Changes in Epidemiology and Increase in Drug Resistance
Authors: Kotey Fleischer CN , Dayie Nicholas TKD , Tetteh-Uarcoo Patience B , Donkor Eric S
Published: June 2021

The literature on bloodstream infections (BSIs) have predominantly been biased towards bacteria, given their superior clinical significance in comparison with the other types of microorganisms. Fungal pathogens have epidemiologically received relatively less attention, although they constitute an important proportion of BSI aetiologies. In this review, the authors discuss the clinical relevance of fungal BSIs in the context of Candida species, as well as treatment options for the infections, emphasizing the compelling need to develop newer antifungals and strengthen antimicrobial stewardship programmes in the wake of the rapid spread of antifungal resistance.
The Haunting Temporalities of Transplantation
Authors: McCormack Donna
Published: June 2021

This article examines the temporality of organ transplantation with a focus on memoirs where the recipient has received an organ from a deceased donor. I argue that death constitutes life. That is, this absent presence – that the organ is materially present but the person is dead and therefore absent – is the foundation for rethinking relationality as constituted through the haunting presence of those who remain central to the continuity of life but who are not alive in any strict definition of the term. This article is therefore attentive to the various meanings of haunting, drawing on queer theory to show how narratives of haunting are derealised experiences and thus a struggle for epistemological authority over specifically transplantation and relationality more broadly. It draws out how these epistemological challenges reimagine ontology as a haunted experience, and thus an intimate tie between the living and the unknown – and somewhat present – dead.
North American lower-extremity revascularization and amputation during COVID-19: Observations from the Vascular Quality Initiative
Authors: Lou Jun-Yang , Kennedy Kevin F , Menard Matthew T , Abbott J Dawn , Secemsky Eric A , Goodney Philip P , Saad Marwan , Soukas Peter A , Hyder Omar N , Aronow Herbert D
Published: June 2021

Introduction:

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic’s impact on vascular procedural volumes and outcomes has not been fully characterized.

Methods:

Volume and outcome data before (1/2019 – 2/2020), during (3/2020 – 4/2020), and following (5/2020 – 6/2020) the initial pandemic surge were obtained from the Vascular Quality Initiative (VQI). Volume changes were determined using interrupted Poisson time series regression. Adjusted mortality was estimated using multivariable logistic regression.

Results:

The final cohort comprised 57,181 patients from 147 US and Canadian sites. Overall procedure volumes fell 35.2% (95% CI 31.9%, 38.4%, p < 0.001) during and 19.8% (95% CI 16.8%, 22.9%, p < 0.001) following the surge, compared with presurge months. Procedure volumes fell 71.1% for claudication (95% CI 55.6%, 86.4%, p < 0.001) and 15.9% for chronic limb-threatening ischemia (CLTI) (95% CI 11.9%, 19.8%, p < 0.001) but remained unchanged for acute limb ischemia (ALI) when comparing surge to presurge months. Adjusted mortality was significantly higher among those with claudication (0.5% vs 0.1%; OR 4.38 [95% CI 1.42, 13.5], p = 0.01) and ALI (6.4% vs 4.4%; OR 2.63 [95% CI 1.39, 4.98], p = 0.003) when comparing postsurge with presurge periods.

Conclusion:

The first North American COVID-19 pandemic surge was associated with a significant and sustained decline in both elective and nonelective lower-extremity vascular procedural volumes. When compared with presurge patients, in-hospital mortality increased for those with claudication and ALI following the surge.
Psychometric properties of a self-efficacy scale for English language learners in Vietnam
Authors: Kim Do-Hong , Wang Chuang , Truong Thi Nhu Ngoc
Published: June 2021

Researchers and practitioners in the field of second language acquisition have come to realize the importance of non-cognitive skills such as self-efficacy and self-regulation in students’ learning of a second language. However, there has been limited systematic research on such measures in the second language context and the validity and reliability of their intended use and interpretation. The Questionnaire of English Self-Efficacy (QESE) was designed to measure English language learners’ self-efficacy beliefs. This study applied the Rasch model to evaluate the item-level psychometric properties of QESE and its adequacy for use in the Vietnamese context. The results demonstrated that the QESE items predominantly measured a unidimensional construct (i.e. self-efficacy beliefs in learning English as a second language). The scale was highly reliable, and its rating categories functioned effectively, reflecting varying levels of self-efficacy beliefs. Although the item difficulty hierarchical order was generally consistent with the anticipated hierarchy within the Vietnamese context, there were a few surprising results, contradicting what was previously found with Chinese students. For example, item 28 ( writing diaries in English) was a very difficult task for Vietnamese students, but a previous study showed that it was a moderately difficult task for Chinese students. Item 5 ( writing blogs on the Internet) was an easy task for Vietnamese students, but it was a difficult task for Chinese students. The findings provide directions for future research and have implications for helping professionals provide best practices that meet the unique educational needs of English language learners.
Mental health literacy in Ghana: Implications for religiosity, education and stigmatization
Authors: Adu Peter , Jurcik Tomas , Grigoryev Dmitry
Published: June 2021

Research on Mental Health Literacy (MHL) has been growing internationally. However, the beliefs and knowledge of Ghanaians about specific mental disorders have yet to be explored. This vignette study was conducted to explore the relationships between religiosity, education, stigmatization and MHL among Ghanaians using a sample of laypeople (N = 409). The adapted questionnaire presented two vignettes (depression and schizophrenia) about a hypothetical person. The results revealed that more participants were able to recognize depression (47.4%) than schizophrenia (15.9%). Religiosity was not significantly associated with recognition of mental disorders but was positively associated with both social and personal stigma for depression, and negatively associated with personal and perceived stigma for schizophrenia. Moreover, education was found to be positively associated with disorder recognition, and negatively with perceived stigma. Finally, perceived stigma was positively associated with disorder recognition, whereas personal stigma for schizophrenia related negatively to recognition of mental disorders. In conclusion, education but not religiosity predicted identification accuracy, but both predictors were associated with various forms of stigma. Findings from this study have implications for MHL and anti-stigma campaigns in Ghana and other developing countries in the region.
Adaptive memory: Greater memory advantages in bilinguals’ first language
Authors: Kazanas Stephanie A , Wilck Allison M , Altarriba Jeanette
Published: June 2021

Aims and objectives/purpose/research questions:

In this study, we examined memory performance in a bilingual population, in an effort to compare depth of processing and complexity across first and second languages.

Design/methodology/approach:

Complexity was investigated with a pleasantness rating task and an elaborative encoding, scenario-based rating task (i.e. rating words for their survival-relevance). Previous research found word recall largely benefited from an ancestral context that primed participants to think deeply about the survival-relevance of a list of concrete, neutral words. Engaging this more elaborative processing may lead to better memory if the human memory system is particularly tuned toward remembering survival-relevant materials.

Data and analysis:

Participants included 127 Spanish-English bilinguals, randomly-assigned to complete survival-relevance or pleasantness ratings in either Spanish or English. Aggregated language history data self-reported by participants (e.g. language-learning environments, age of acquisition, and so on), suggested an L1 of Spanish and L2 of English. An analysis of variance (ANOVA) compared word recall across these tasks and languages.

Findings/conclusions:

We hypothesized better recall performance collected from bilingual participants in the survival condition using their first, more often emotional, language. Our results support this hypothesis, with bilinguals replicating the memory advantage for words rated for their survival-relevance in Spanish (their L1), but not in English (their L2).

Originality:

While this paradigm has largely been studied with monolingual English-speakers, or in some cases, other languages, no study has explored its replicability in a Spanish-English bilingual population’s two languages.

Significance/implications:

These findings speak to the on-going effort to understand word processing and memory differences—particularly with regards to processing complexity—across bilinguals’ first and second languages.
The influence of cardiac rehabilitation on heart rate variability indices in men with type 2 diabetes and coronary artery disease
Authors: Szmigielska Katarzyna , Jegier Anna
Published: June 2021

The study evaluated the influence of cardiac rehabilitation (CR) on heart rate variability (HRV) in men with coronary artery disease (CAD) with and without diabetes.

Method:

The study population included 141 male CAD patients prospectively and consecutively admitted to an outpatient comprehensive CR program. Twenty-seven patients with type-2 diabetes were compared with 114 males without diabetes. The participants performed a 45-min cycle ergometer interval training alternating 4-min workload and a 2-min active restitution three times a week for 8 weeks. The training intensity was adjusted so that the patient’s heart rate achieved the training heart rate calculated according to the Karvonen formula. At the baseline and after 8 weeks, all the patients underwent the HRV assessment.

Results:

HRV indices in the patients with diabetes were significantly lower as compared to the patients without diabetes in SDNN, TP, LF parameters, both at the baseline and after 8 weeks of CR. After 8 weeks of CR, a significant improvement of TP, SDNN, pNN50% and HF occurred in the patients without diabetes, whereas in the patients with diabetes only HF component improved significantly.

Conclusions:

As regards HRV indices, CR seems to be less effective in patients with CAD and type-2 diabetes.
The rein-type arthroscopic capsular suture for triangular fibrocartilage complex foveal tears: midterm results for 90 patients
Authors: Lo I-Ning , Chen Kuan-Jung , Huang Tung-Fu , Huang Yi-Chao
Published: June 2021

We describe an arthroscopic rein-type capsular suture that approximates the triangular fibrocartilage complex to the anatomical footprint, and report the results at a minimum 12 month follow-up. The procedure involves two 3-0 polydioxanone horizontal mattress sutures inserted 1.5 cm proximal to the 6-R and 6-U portals to obtain purchase on the dorsal and anterior radioulnar ligaments, respectively. The two sutures work as a rein to approximate the triangular fibrocartilage complex to the fovea. Ninety patients with Type IB triangular fibrocartilage complex injuries were included retrospectively. The 12-month postoperative Modified Mayo Wrist scores, Disabilities of Arm, Shoulder and Hand scores and visual analogue scale for pain showed significant improvements on preoperative values. Postoperative range of wrist motion, grip strength and ultrasound assessment of the distal radioulnar joint stability were comparable with the normal wrist. The patients had high satisfaction scores for surgery. There were minor complications of knot irritation. No revision surgery for distal radioulnar joint instability was required. It is an effective and technically simple procedure that provides a foveal footprint contact for the triangular fibrocartilage complex.

Level of evidence: IV
Outreach youth work and employability in the ethos of vulnerability
Authors: Mäkelä Kalle , Mertanen Katariina , Brunila Kristiina
Published: June 2021

There is general agreement overall about the desirability and importance of youth support systems as being crucial for young people ‘at risk’ to help them cultivate their subjectivities about employability. In this article, we take a closer look at these support systems and especially at outreach youth work in Finland. We focus on the construction of knowledge and subjectivities of young people related to it. We argue that among the good intentions in cultivating young people’s subjectivities, outreach youth work tends to operate as a practice for enhancing the construction of psycho-emotional vulnerabilities and employability of young people while translating wider societal questions of austerity, poverty and inequality into questions of individualised deficiencies.
Risk of Mortality After an Arterial Ischemic Event Among Intracerebral Hemorrhage Survivors
Authors: Parasram Melvin , Parikh Neal S. , Merkler Alexander E. , Falcone Guido J. , Sheth Kevin N. , Navi Babak B. , Kamel Hooman , Zhang Cenai , Murthy Santosh B.
Published: June 2021

Background and Purpose:

The impact of arterial ischemic events after intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) on outcomes is unclear. This study aimed to evaluate the risk of death among ICH survivors with and without an incident arterial ischemic event.

Methods:

We performed a retrospective cohort study using claims data from Medicare beneficiaries with a non-traumatic ICH from January 2008 to October 2015. Our exposure was an arterial ischemic event, a composite of acute ischemic stroke or myocardial infarction (MI), identified using validated ICD-9-CM diagnosis codes. The outcome was mortality. We used marginal structural models to analyze the risk of death among ICH patients with and without an arterial ischemic event, after adjusting for confounders as time-varying covariates.

Results:

Among 8,804 Medicare beneficiaries with ICH, 2,371 (26.9%) had an arterial ischemic event. During a median follow-up time of 1.9 years (interquartile range, 0.7-3.9), ICH patients with an arterial ischemic event had a mortality rate of 21.7 (95% confidence interval [CI], 20.4-23.0) per 100 person-years compared to a rate of 15.0 (95% CI, 14.4-15.6) per 100 person-years in those without. In the marginal structural model, an arterial ischemic event was associated with an increased risk of death (hazard ratio [HR], 1.8; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.6-1.9). In secondary analyses, the mortality risk was elevated after an ischemic stroke (HR, 1.7; 95% CI, 1.5-1.8), and MI (HR, 3.0; 95% CI, 2.4-3.8).

Conclusions:

We found that elderly patients who survived an ICH had an increased risk of death after a subsequent ischemic stroke or MI.
Predictors of the recurrence of surgically removed previous caesarean skin scars at caesarean section: A retrospective cohort study
Authors: Bağlı İhsan , Ogawa Rei , Bakır Sait , Taşın Cuma , Yıldırım Ayhan , Öcal Ece , Yavuz Mustafa , Bala Mesut , Turan Gökçe
Published: June 2021

Background:

Caesarean skin scars (CSS; hypertrophic scars and keloids) are very stressful for women and treatment strategies vary. However, there is a lack of knowledge about the outcome of surgical excision of CSS during caesarean section (CS). The study aims to determine the rate of recurrence and risk factors of recurrence for surgically removed CSS.

Method:

This is a retrospective cohort study that used STROBE guidelines. Pfannenstiel incisions of 145 patients were evaluated. Patients were divided into two groups: recurred (group 1, n = 19) and non-recurred group (group 2, n = 126). The groups were compared.

Results:

The rate of recurrence of CSS was 13% in the total cohort (19/145), one of the main outcomes of the study. While emergency CS was performed for 12 patients in group 1 (63%), CS was carried out in 25 patients in group 2 (20%); this difference was significant ( P = 0.001). Before surgery, white blood cell and neutrophil counts were significantly higher in group 1 ( P = 0.014 and P = 0.023, respectively). There were 11 dark-skinned women (26%; Fitzpatrick type 4) in group 1 and 31 (74%) in group 2. This difference was statistically significant ( P = 0.031). As the other main outcome, emergency CS could be accepted as a risk factor for recurrence in the multivariate regression analysis ( P = 0.060; odds ratio = 5.07; 95% confidence interval = 0.93–17.51).

Conclusion:

The rate of recurrence of surgically removed previous CSS at CS is promising without adjunct therapy. Emergency CS was found to be a risk factor for recurrence.

Lay Summary

Background Caesarean skin scars (CSS; hypertrophic scars and keloids) are very stressful and are generally itchy and painful for women. Treatment strategies vary. However, there is a lack of knowledge about the outcome of only surgical excision of CSS scars during caesarean section (CS). The issue being explored There are few data in the literature for CSS in the lower abdomen. These scars can be removed during the second or third CS, but the results are not known exactly. How was the work conducted? In our clinic, 145 patients with CSS were given a CS and their scars were removed at the same time. While most of these scars were reported as hypertrophic by pathological examination, some were reported as keloid. At the earliest, one year after surgery, the rate of recurrence was found to be 13%. What we learned from the study Asymptomatic patients who are planning another pregnancy and do not want to receive any other radiotherapy or steroid injection therapy can wait to remove their CSS at the next CS, especially elective CS with or without adjunct therapy. Emergency CS was found to be a risk factor for the recurrence of these scars.
Perception of Fit and Job Satisfaction Among Administrative Staff in a Mid-Western University in the United States of America
Authors: Issah Mohammed
Published: June 2021

The purpose of the study is to contribute to the understanding of the impact of perception of fit and job satisfaction among administrative staff members at a university and to determine the fit component (Person-Organization fit, Person-Job fit) that predicts job satisfaction. This study used a correlational design with online survey data provided by 170 administrative staff members in a Midwestern university in the United States. Overall, administrative staff members were satisfied with their job. Regression analysis revealed that Person-Job fit was the stronger predictor for overall job satisfaction and satisfaction with the Work Itself, Pay, and Promotion Opportunities subscales. Age and years of service revealed statistically significant mean difference in satisfaction with the Promotion Opportunities facet. Male administrative staff members perceived to fit better than the female staff with their jobs. The study is limited to one university; therefore, the results are not generalizable. In addition, it relied on self-reported data and used standard multiple regression for analysis. Data were analyzed and the results confirmed the impact of perception of fit on job satisfaction, and that better fit leads to higher job satisfaction.
Visualization and Mapping of Knowledge and Science Landscapes in Expert Systems With Applications Journal: A 30 Years’ Bibliometric Analysis
Authors: Zyoud Shaher H. , Zyoud Ahed H.
Published: June 2021

The Expert Systems With Applications (ESWA) is a leading journal in the fields of computer science and engineering. Motivated by its outstanding performance, this paper seeks to develop a comprehensive overview of research activities in ESWA since its inception in 1990. In this regard, bibliometric techniques have been utilized to characterize the status quo, dynamics, and development trends of research patterns in ESWA. In doing so, the work used Scopus database as a source of data required. A data visualization software, visualization of similarities (VOS) viewer, was used to map the bibliographic material. The Scopus database yielded 12,254 documents published in ESWA from 105 countries with an average of 408 documents/year. The most productive country was Taiwan (2,069 documents; 17.0%). National Cheng Kung University, Taiwan, was the most productive institution (219 documents; 1.8%). The major topics which will continue to be active include genetic algorithms, data mining, neural networks, support vector machines, classification and machine learning, feature selection, particle swarm optimization, fuzzy logic, and clustering. The outcomes underline the significant growth of ESWA through time. The vitality of topics addressed in ESWA to solve real-world problems boosts the progress and advancements of knowledge in this journal.
Personal-Controlling
Authors: Weber Wolfgang
Published: June 2021

Der folgende Beitrag skizziert das Konzept des Personal-Controlling. Die wachsende Aufmerksamkeit, die dieses Konzept der Steuerung der betrieblichen Personalarbeit in der Praxis und in der Wissenschaft findet (Potthoff/Trescher 1986; Wunderer/Sailer 1987; Marr 1989; Krüper 1989 u.a.), ist Ausdruck der größer werdenden Bedeutung des Personals als Erfolgsfaktor der Unternehmung bzw, des betrieblichen Personalwesens insgesamt. Eine betriebliche Personalarbeit, die durch Absatz- sowie Produktionsziele und -maßnahmen gesteuert wird und die sich in der Regel kurzfristig als Anpasser an veränderte betriebliche Rahmenbedingungen anpassen muß, bedarf keines hochentwickelten Steuerungssystems. Dies ist jedoch erforderlich, wenn das Personal – wie gegenwärtig zu beobachten ist – ein eigenständiger und an Bedeutung für den Unternehmenserfolg wachsender Erfolgsfaktor wird Der folgende Überblick soll zu Beiträgen für ein ZfP-Heft einladen, das unter dem Thema Personal-Controlling stehen wird. Dieses Heft soll im November 1990 erscheinen.
Transcriptome profiling of the diaphragm in a controlled mechanical ventilation model reveals key genes involved in ventilator-induced diaphragmatic dysfunction
Authors: Liu Ruining , Li Gang , Ma Haoli , Zhou Xianlong , Wang Pengcheng , Zhao Yan
Published: June 2021

Background

Ventilator-induced diaphragmatic dysfunction (VIDD) is associated with weaning difficulties, intensive care unit hospitalization (ICU), infant mortality, and poor long-term clinical outcomes. The expression patterns of long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) and mRNAs in the diaphragm in a rat controlled mechanical ventilation (CMV) model, however, remain to be investigated.

Results

The diaphragms of five male Wistar rats in a CMV group and five control Wistar rats were used to explore lncRNA and mRNA expression profiles by RNA-sequencing (RNA-seq). Muscle force measurements and immunofluorescence (IF) staining were used to verify the successful establishment of the CMV model. A total of 906 differentially expressed (DE) lncRNAs and 2,139 DE mRNAs were found in the CMV group. Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analyses were performed to determine the biological functions or pathways of these DE mRNAs. Our results revealed that these DE mRNAs were related mainly related to complement and coagulation cascades, the PPAR signaling pathway, cholesterol metabolism, cytokine-cytokine receptor interaction, and the AMPK signaling pathway. Some DE lncRNAs and DE mRNAs determined by RNA-seq were validated by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR), which exhibited trends similar to those observed by RNA-sEq. Co-expression network analysis indicated that three selected muscle atrophy-related mRNAs (Myog, Trim63, and Fbxo32) were coexpressed with relatively newly discovered DE lncRNAs.

Conclusions

This study provides a novel perspective on the molecular mechanism of DE lncRNAs and mRNAs in a CMV model, and indicates that the inflammatory signaling pathway and lipid metabolism may play important roles in the pathophysiological mechanism and progression of VIDD.
Reliable wolf-dog hybrid detection in Europe using a reduced SNP panel developed for non-invasively collected samples
Authors: Harmoinen Jenni , von Thaden Alina , Aspi Jouni , Kvist Laura , Cocchiararo Berardino , Jarausch Anne , Gazzola Andrea , Sin Teodora , Lohi Hannes , Hytönen Marjo K. , Kojola Ilpo , Stronen Astrid Vik , Caniglia Romolo , Mattucci Federica , Galaverni Marco , Godinho Raquel , Ruiz-González Aritz , Randi Ettore , Muñoz-Fuentes Violeta , Nowak Carsten
Published: June 2021

Background

Understanding the processes that lead to hybridization of wolves and dogs is of scientific and management importance, particularly over large geographical scales, as wolves can disperse great distances. However, a method to efficiently detect hybrids in routine wolf monitoring is lacking. Microsatellites offer only limited resolution due to the low number of markers showing distinctive allele frequencies between wolves and dogs. Moreover, calibration across laboratories is time-consuming and costly. In this study, we selected a panel of 96 ancestry informative markers for wolves and dogs, derived from the Illumina CanineHD Whole-Genome BeadChip (174 K). We designed very short amplicons for genotyping on a microfluidic array, thus making the method suitable also for non-invasively collected samples.

Results

Genotypes based on 93 SNPs from wolves sampled throughout Europe, purebred and non-pedigree dogs, and suspected hybrids showed that the new panel accurately identifies parental individuals, first-generation hybrids and first-generation backcrosses to wolves, while second- and third-generation backcrosses to wolves were identified as advanced hybrids in almost all cases. Our results support the hybrid identity of suspect individuals and the non-hybrid status of individuals regarded as wolves. We also show the adequacy of these markers to assess hybridization at a European-wide scale and the importance of including samples from reference populations.

Conclusions

We showed that the proposed SNP panel is an efficient tool for detecting hybrids up to the third-generation backcrosses to wolves across Europe. Notably, the proposed genotyping method is suitable for a variety of samples, including non-invasive and museum samples, making this panel useful for wolf-dog hybrid assessments and wolf monitoring at both continental and different temporal scales.
The neuroprotective effects of AMN082 on neuronal apoptosis in rats after traumatic brain injury
Authors: Lu Chung-Che , Nyam Tee-Tau Eric , Kuo Jinn-Rung , Lee Yao-Lin , Chio Chung-Ching , Wang Che-Chuan
Published: June 2021

Background

The aim of this study was to investigate whether AMN082 exerts its neuroprotective effect by attenuating glutamate receptor-associated neuronal apoptosis and improving functional outcomes after traumatic brain injury (TBI).

Methods

Anesthetized male Sprague–Dawley rats were divided into the sham-operated, TBI + vehicle, and TBI + AMN082 groups. AMN082 (10 mg/kg) was intraperitoneally injected 0, 24, or 48 h after TBI. In the 120 min after TBI, heart rate, mean arterial pressure, intracranial pressure (ICP), and cerebral perfusion pressure (CPP) were continuously measured. Motor function, the infarct volume, neuronal nitrosative stress-associated apoptosis, and N-methyl-d-aspartate receptor 2A (NR2A) and NR2B expression in the pericontusional cortex were measured on the 3rd day after TBI.

Results

The results showed that the AMN082-treated group had a lower ICP and higher CPP after TBI. TBI-induced motor deficits, the increase in infarct volume, neuronal apoptosis, and 3-nitrotyrosine and inducible nitric oxide synthase expression in the pericontusional cortex were significantly improved by AMN082 therapy. Simultaneously, AMN082 increased NR2A and NR2B expression in neuronal cells.

Conclusions

We concluded that intraperitoneal injection of AMN082 for 3 days may ameliorate TBI by attenuating glutamate receptor-associated nitrosative stress and neuronal apoptosis in the pericontusional cortex. We suggest that AMN082 administration in the acute stage may be a promising strategy for TBI.
Determinants for use of direct-to-consumer telemedicine consultations in primary healthcare—a registry based total population study from Stockholm, Sweden
Authors: Dahlgren Cecilia , Dackehag Margareta , Wändell Per , Rehnberg Clas
Published: June 2021

Background

In recent years, telemedicine consultations have evolved as a new form of providing primary healthcare. Telemedicine options can provide benefits to patients in terms of access, reduced travel time and no risk of disease spreading. However, concerns have been raised that access is not equally distributed in the population, which could lead to increased inequality in health. The aim of this paper is to explore the determinants for use of direct-to-consumer (DTC) telemedicine consultations in a setting where telemedicine is included in the publicly funded healthcare system.

Methods

To investigate factors associated with the use of DTC telemedicine, a database was constructed by linking national and regional registries covering the entire population of Stockholm, Sweden (N = 2.3 million). Logistic regressions were applied to explore the determinants for utilization in 2018. As comparators, face-to-face physician consultations in primary healthcare were included in the study, as well as digi-physical physician consultations, i.e., telemedicine consultations offered by traditional primary healthcare providers also offering face-to-face visits, and telephone consultations by nurses.

Results

The determinants for use of DTC telemedicine differed substantially from face-to-face visits but also to some extent from the other telemedicine options. For the DTC telemedicine consultations, the factors associated with higher probability of utilization were younger age, higher educational attainment, higher income and being born in Sweden. In contrast, the main determinants for use of face-to-face visits were higher age, lower educational background and being born outside of Sweden.

Conclusion

The use of DTC telemedicine is determined by factors that are generally not associated with greater healthcare need and the distribution raises some concerns about the equity implications. Policy makers aiming to increase the level of telemedicine consultations in healthcare should consider measures to promote access for elderly and individuals born outside of Sweden to ensure that all groups have access to healthcare services according to their needs.
Operational characteristics of an antibody detecting point of care test for Taenia solium infections in a community and hospital setting
Authors: Mubanga Chishimba , Mwape Kabemba E. , Phiri Isaac K. , Trevisan Chiara , Kabululu Mwemezi , Zulu Gideon , Van Damme Inge , Schmidt Veronika , Dorny Pierre , Gabriël Sarah
Published: June 2021

Background

Diagnostic test evaluation includes measures of performance and assessment of operational characteristics. The latter focuses on end-user understanding of instructions to perform the test, ease of use, test turnaround time and ease of result interpretation. This study aimed to assess user comprehension of training for and ease of use of a Taenia solium point of care test (TS POC) evaluated in a community and hospital setting in Zambia and Tanzania, respectively.

Methods

The TS POC is a three-step in-house-produced rapid diagnostic test (RDT) for the simultaneous detection of taeniosis (TST) and cysticercosis (TSCC) antibodies. Data collected by administering questionnaires to 29 end-users and from the main evaluation database was analyzed quantitatively.

Results

End-users (28/29, 97%) perceived that the training they received for performing the test was sufficient. They performed 4080 tests, of which 80 were invalid. The community-based study and TST tests had higher invalid rates. The overall result interpretation was within the acceptable range of RDTs with an overall disagreement between readers of 3.3%. The Kappa coefficient of agreement was 85 and 82% for TSCC and TST, respectively. There was more disagreement among readers in the community-based study.

Conclusion

End-users rated the TS POC kit moderate in terms of ease of use citing long test turnaround time and difficulties in using the blood transfer device. Overall, the operational performance of the TS POC kit and end-users was within the established acceptable performance range.
A novel CT-based radiomics in the distinction of severity of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pneumonia
Authors: Xie Zongyu , Sun Haitao , Wang Jian , Xu He , Li Shuhua , Zhao Cancan , Gao Yuqing , Wang Xiaolei , Zhao Tongtong , Duan Shaofeng , Hu Chunhong , Ao Weiqun
Published: June 2021

Background

Convenient and precise assessment of the severity in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) contributes to the timely patient treatment and prognosis improvement. We aimed to evaluate the ability of CT-based radiomics nomogram in discriminating the severity of patients with COVID-19 Pneumonia.

Methods

A total of 150 patients (training cohort n = 105; test cohort n = 45) with COVID-19 confirmed by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) test were enrolled. Two feature selection methods, Max-Relevance and Min-Redundancy (mRMR) and least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO), were used to extract features from CT images and construct model. A total of 30 radiomic features were finally retained. Rad-score was calculated by summing the selected features weighted by their coefficients. The radiomics nomogram incorporating clinical-radiological features was eventually constructed by multivariate regression analysis. Nomogram, calibration, and decision-curve analysis were all assessed.

Results

In both cohorts, 40 patients with COVID-19 pneumonia were severe and 110 patients were non-severe. By combining the 30 radiomic features extracted from CT images, the radiomics signature showed high discrimination between severe and non-severe patients in the training set [Area Under the Curve (AUC), 0.857; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.775–0.918] and the test set (AUC, 0.867; 95% CI, 0.732–949). The final combined model that integrated age, comorbidity, CT scores, number of lesions, ground glass opacity (GGO) with consolidation, and radiomics signature, improved the AUC to 0.952 in the training cohort and 0.98 in the test cohort. The nomogram based on the combined model similarly exhibited excellent discrimination performance in both training and test cohorts.

Conclusions

The developed model based on a radiomics signature derived from CT images can be a reliable marker for discriminating the severity of COVID-19 pneumonia.
A novel case of concurrent occurrence of demyelinating-polyneuropathy-causing PMP22 duplication and SOX10 gene mutation producing severe hypertrophic neuropathy
Authors: Matsuda Nozomu , Ootsuki Koushi , Kobayashi Shunsuke , Nemoto Ayaka , Kubo Hitoshi , Usami Shin-ichi , Kanani Kazuaki
Published: June 2021

Background

Hereditary motor and sensory neuropathy, also referred to as Charcot–Marie–Tooth disease (CMT), is most often caused by a duplication of the peripheral myelin protein 22 (PMP22) gene. This duplication causes CMT type 1A (CMT1A). CMT1A rarely occurs in combination with other hereditary neuromuscular disorders. However, such rare genetic coincidences produce a severe phenotype and have been reported in terms of “double trouble” overlapping syndrome. Waardenburg syndrome (WS) is the most common form of a hereditary syndromic deafness. It is primarily characterized by pigmentation anomalies and classified into four major phenotypes. A mutation in the SRY sex determining region Y-box 10 (SOX10) gene causes WS type 2 or 4 and peripheral demyelinating neuropathy, central dysmyelinating leukodystrophy, WS, and Hirschsprung disease. We describe a 11-year-old boy with extreme hypertrophic neuropathy because of a combination of CMT1A and WS type 2. This is the first published case on the co-occurrence of CMT1A and WS type 2.

Case presentation

The 11-year-old boy presented with motor developmental delay and a deterioration in unstable walking at 6 years of age. In addition, he had congenital hearing loss and heterochromia iridis. The neurological examination revealed weakness in the distal limbs with pes cavus. He was diagnosed with CMT1A by the fluorescence in situ hybridization method. His paternal pedigree had a history of CMT1A. However, no family member had congenital hearing loss. His clinical manifestation was apparently severe than those of his relatives with CMT1A. In addition, a whole-body magnetic resonance neurography revealed an extreme enlargement of his systemic cranial and spinal nerves. Subsequently, a genetic analysis revealed a heterozygous frameshift mutation c.876delT (p.F292Lfs*19) in the SOX10 gene. He was eventually diagnosed with WS type 2.

Conclusions

We described a patient with a genetically confirmed overlapping diagnoses of CMT1A and WS type 2. The double trouble with the genes created a significant impact on the peripheral nerves system. Severe phenotype in the proband can be attributed to the cumulative effect of mutations in both PMP22 and SOX10 genes, responsible for demyelinating neuropathy.
Should singleton birth weight standards be applied to identify small-for-gestational age twins?: analysis of a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Lin Dongxin , Rao Jiaming , Fan Dazhi , Huang Zheng , Zhou Zixing , Chen Gengdong , Li Pengsheng , Lu Xiafen , Lu Demei , Zhang Huishan , Luo Caihong , Guo Xiaoling , Liu Zhengping
Published: June 2021

Background

Twin birth weight percentiles are less popular in clinical management among twin pregnancies compared with singleton ones in China. This study aimed to compare the incidence and neonatal outcomes of small for gestational age (SGA) twins between the use of singleton and twin birth weight percentiles.

Methods

This was a retrospective cohort study of 3,027 pregnancies with liveborn twin pairs at gestational age of > 28 weeks. The newborns were categorized as SGA when a birthweight was less than the 10th percentile based on the singleton and twin references derived from Chinese population. Logistic regression models with generalized estimated equation (GEE) were utilized to evaluate the association between SGA twins and neonatal outcomes including neonatal unit admission, neonatal jaundice, neonatal respiratory distress (NRDS), neonatal asphyxia, ventilator support, hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy (HIE), bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD), necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC), intracranial hemorrhage (ICH), culture-proven sepsis, neonatal death within 28 days after birth as well as the composite outcome.

Results

The incidence of SGA was 33.1 % based on the singleton reference and 7.3 % based on the twin reference. Both of SGA newborns defined by the singleton and twin references were associated with increases in neonatal unit admission, neonatal jaundice and ventilator support. In addition, SGA newborns defined by the twin reference were associated with increased rates of BPD (aOR, 2.61; 95 % CI: 1.18–5.78) as well as the severe composite outcome (aOR, 1.93; 95 % CI: 1.07–3.47).

Conclusions

The use of singleton birth weight percentiles may result in misdiagnosed SGA newborns in twin gestations and the twin birth weight percentiles would be more useful to identify those who are at risk of adverse outcomes.