bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Rapid Assessment of CRISPR Transfection Efficiency and Enrichment of CRISPR Induced Mutations Using a Dual-Fluorescent Stable Reporter System
Authors: Shalaby Karim E. , Aouida Mustapha , Gupta Vijay , Ghanem Simona S. , El-Agnaf Omar M. A.
Published: March 2022

The nuclease activity of the CRISPR-Cas9 system relies on the delivery of a CRISPR-associated protein 9 (Cas9) and a single guide RNA (sgRNA) against the target gene. CRISPR components are typically delivered to cells as either a Cas9/sgRNA ribonucleoprotein (RNP) complex or a plasmid encoding a Cas9 protein along with a sequence-specific sgRNA. Multiple transfection reagents are known to deliver CRISPR-Cas9 components, and delivery vectors are being developed for different purposes by several groups. Here, we repurposed a dual-fluorescence (RFP-GFP-GFP) reporter system to quantify the uptake level of the functional CRISPR-Cas9 components into cells and compare the efficiency of CRISPR delivery vectors. Using this system, we developed a novel and rapid cell-based microplate reader assay that makes possible real-time, rapid, and high throughput quantification of CRISPR nuclease activity. Cells stably expressing this dual-fluorescent reporter construct facilitated a direct quantification of the level of the internalized and functional CRISPR-Cas9 molecules into the cells without the need of co-transfecting fluorescently labeled reporter molecules. Additionally, targeting a reporter gene integrated into the genome recapitulates endogenous gene targeting. Thus, this reporter could be used to optimize various transfection conditions of CRISPR components, to evaluate and compare the efficiency of transfection agents, and to enrich cells containing desired CRISPR-induced mutations.
Implications of the Immune Landscape in COPD and Lung Cancer: Smoking Versus Other Causes
Authors: Taucher Elisabeth , Mykoliuk Iurii , Lindenmann Joerg , Smolle-Juettner Freyja-Maria
Published: March 2022

Cigarette smoking is reported in about one third of adults worldwide. A strong relationship between cigarette smoke exposure and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) as well as lung cancer has been proven. However, about 15% of lung cancer cases, and between one fourth and one third of COPD cases, occur in never-smokers. The effects of cigarette smoke on the innate as well as the adaptive immune system have been widely investigated. It is assumed that certain immunologic features contribute to lung cancer and COPD development in the absence of smoking as the major risk factor. In this article, we review different immunological aspects of lung cancer and COPD with a special focus on non-smoking related risk factors.
Characterization of a Diguanylate Cyclase VAGM001033 of Vibrio alginolyticus and Protective Efficacy as a Live Attenuated Vaccine Candidate in Pearl Gentian Grouper
Authors: Tan Huiming , Da Fan , Lin Guixiang , Wan Xiaoju , Jian Jichang , Cai Shuanghu
Published: March 2022

Vibrio alginolyticus (V. alginolyticus) is one of the important epizootic pathogens in marine animals. VAGM001033 belongs to a diguanylate cyclase, responsible for the synthesis of dimeric guanosine monophosphate (c-di-GMP), a ubiquitous second messenger involved in the function of biofilm formation, motility, and virulence. This study confirmed that VAGM001033 was an active diguanylate cyclase by Congo red assay. The red-stained, dry, and rough form of colonies were observed with the increasing concentration of the L-arabinose on Congo red plates. Also, an in-frame deleted ΔVAGM001033 mutant was constructed and changes of ΔVAGM001033 mutant in physiology and pathogenicity were detected. The ΔVAGM001033 mutant displayed similar morphology and growth curve with the wild-type strain showing no significant differences. The swarming ability of the ΔVAGM001033 mutant was significantly enhanced showing bigger swarming circles, while the biofilm formation, extracellular proteases, and virulence were significantly attenuated. The results of the test for antibiotic susceptibility showed that the wild type and ΔVAGM001033 mutant had similar sensitivity or resistance to most antibiotics used in this study, except cefotaxime and nitrofurantoin. The mutant was sensitive to cefotaxime and nitrofurantoin, while the wild type was intermediate. A total of 756 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified by RNA-seq, of which 109 were upregulated and 647 were downregulated. Flagellar assembly, two-component system, ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporters, and peptidoglycan biosynthesis were significantly enriched in the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway. Moreover, the ΔVAGM001033 mutant induced high antibody titers and provided immune protectivity with a relative percent survival (RPS) of 82%. Immune-related genes of pearl gentian grouper (♀Epinephelus fuscoguttatus × ♂ Epinephelus lanceolatus), namely, IgM, MHC-Iα, interleukin-1β (IL-1β), interleukin-16 (IL-16), and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) were upregulated after vaccination. Overall, the results suggested that VAGM001033 plays a crucial role in V. alginolyticus. The ΔVAGM001033 mutant might be applied as an effective live vaccine candidate against V. alginolyticus.
Complex Interplay Between COVID-19 Lockdown and Myopic Progression
Authors: Cai Tao , Zhao Lianghui , Kong Ling , Du Xianli
Published: March 2022

Purpose

To compare the myopic progression before and during strict home confinement when coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak and explore the potential influencing factors.

Methods

A cross-sectional study. One hundred and fifteen myopic children (115 right eyes) who replace their frame-glasses from December 2019 to January 2020 and with complete refractive records in our hospital since myopia were involved in the study. At the beginning of the strict home confinement and after a 3-month strict home confinement during the COVID-19 pandemic, they were invited to our hospital to examine the axial length and refractive errors. And visual functions, convergence insufficiency symptom survey (CISS) scale and questionnaires were also performed. Besides, the axial length and refractive errors before the COVID-19 were got from outpatient case files. The effect of strict home confinement on myopia was assessed by comparing monthly axial elongation before COVID-19 and during strict home confinement. Spearman correlation analysis was performed to explore the correlation between potential influencing factors and myopia progression.

Results

Axial length's monthly elongation during strict home confinement was 35% higher than normal periods (0.046 vs. 0.033 mm/month, P = 0.003). The proportion of severe asthenopia doubled (P = 0.020). For myopia progression, heredity, close indoor work time and electronic products were risk factors. Besides, the protective factors were age, rest time after continuous eye usage, sleep time and distance from eye to computer screen.

Conclusions

During COVID-19, the decline in outdoor activities and increase of exposure time to digital screens accelerated the progression of myopia by 1/3.
Evaluation of the Predictive Value of Urine Leukocyte Esterase Test in Chlamydia trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae Infection Among Males Attending HIV/STI Clinics in Guangdong Province, China
Authors: Yu Xueying , Zhao Peizhen , Mai Zhida , Xu Qingqing , Chen Wentao , Wu Zhiqiao , Luo Xiaojuan , Wu Zhizhou , Liu Xiaofeng , Wu Qian , Zheng Heping , Xue Yaohua
Published: March 2022

Leukocyte esterase test (LET) detection is a simple and inexpensive test performed by urinalysis. This study investigated the predictive value of LET for Chlamydia trachomatis (CT) and Neisseria gonorrhoeae (NG) infection among men attending HIV and sexually transmitted infection (HIV/STI) clinics in Guangdong Province, China. A total of 5,509 urine samples were collected from HIV and sexually transmitted infection clinics in Guangdong Province between 2017 and 2019. Specimens from 5,464 males were tested by both LET and nucleic acid amplification test (NAAT). Of 5,464 males, 497 (9.1%) tested positive for CT or NG by NAAT, with respective prevalence rates of 6.4% (95% confidence interval [95% CI]: 5.8–7.1%) and 3.8% (95% CI: 3.3–4.3%), including 1.2% (95% CI: 0.9–1.4%) co-infected. Compared to the HIV-negative individuals, individuals living with HIV tend to have a higher prevalence of CT, NG and co-infection with CT and NG. The LET sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), and negative predictive value (NPV) for CT were 46.4% (95% CI: 41.2–51.7%), 92.0% (95% CI: 91.2–92.7%), 28.4% (95% CI: 24.8–32.1%), and 96.1% (95% CI: 95.6–96.7%), respectively. The LET sensitivity, specificity, PPV, and NPV for NG were 68.4% (95% CI: 62.1–74.7%), 91.8% (95% CI: 91.1–92.6%), 25.0% (95% CI: 21.4–28.5%), and 98.7% (95% CI: 98.3–99%), respectively. Compared to the HIV-negative individuals, higher sensitivity and specificity were observed for HIV-positive individuals, but there was no statistical difference. The incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) using economic costs per additional person CT positive and NG positive was –$238.74 and –$145.60 compared with LET positive, respectively. LET is a cost-effective test and will be valuable for predicting CT and NG infection, which is highly prevalent in low- and middle-income countries.
A Simultaneous Feature Selection and Compositional Association Test for Detecting Sparse Associations in High-Dimensional Metagenomic Data
Authors: Hinton Andrew L. , Mucha Peter J.
Published: March 2022

Numerous metagenomic studies aim to discover associations between the microbial composition of an environment (e.g., gut, skin, oral) and a phenotype of interest. Multivariate analysis is often performed in these studies without critical a priori knowledge of which taxa are associated with the phenotype being studied. This approach typically reduces statistical power in settings where the true associations among only a few taxa are obscured by high dimensionality (i.e., sparse association signals). At the same time, low sample size and compositional sample space constraints may reduce beyond-study generalizability if not properly accounted for. To address these difficulties, we developed the Selection-Energy-Permutation (SelEnergyPerm) method, a nonparametric group association test with embedded feature selection that directly accounts for compositional constraints using parsimonious logratio signatures between taxonomic features, for characterizing and understanding alterations in microbial community structure. Simulation results show SelEnergyPerm selects small independent sets of logratios that capture strong associations in a range of scenarios. Additionally, our simulation results demonstrate SelEnergyPerm consistently detects/rejects associations in synthetic data with sparse, dense, or no association signals. We demonstrate the novel benefits of our method in four case studies utilizing publicly available 16S amplicon and whole-genome sequencing datasets. Our R implementation of Selection-Energy-Permutation, including an example demonstration and the code to generate all of the scenarios used here, is available at https://www.github.com/andrew84830813/selEnergyPermR.
Towards Elucidating the Rotary Mechanism of the Archaellum Machinery
Authors: Nuno de Sousa Machado João , Albers Sonja-Verena , Daum Bertram
Published: March 2022

Motile archaea swim by means of a molecular machine called the archaellum. This structure consists of a filament attached to a membrane-embedded motor. The archaellum is found exclusively in members of the archaeal domain, but the core of its motor shares homology with the motor of type IV pili (T4P). Here, we provide an overview of the different components of the archaellum machinery and hypothetical models to explain how rotary motion of the filament is powered by the archaellum motor.
The Impact of Different Degrees of Intraventricular Hemorrhage on Mortality and Neurological Outcomes in Very Preterm Infants: A Prospective Cohort Study
Authors: Wang Yong , Song Juan , Zhang Xiaoli , Kang Wenqing , Li Wenhua , Yue Yuyang , Zhang Shan , Xu Falin , Wang Xiaoyang , Zhu Changlian
Published: March 2022

Objective

Intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH) is a common complication in preterm infants and is related to neurodevelopmental outcomes. Infants with severe IVH are at higher risk of adverse neurological outcomes and death, but the effect of low-grade IVH remains controversial. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the impact of different degrees of IVH on mortality and neurodevelopmental outcomes in very preterm infants.

Methods

Preterm infants with a gestational age of <30 weeks admitted to neonatal intensive care units were included. Cerebral ultrasound was examined repeatedly until discharge or death. All infants were followed up to 18–24 months of corrected age. The impact of different grades of IVH on death and neurodevelopmental disability was assessed by multiple logistic regression.

Results

A total of 1,079 preterm infants were included, and 380 (35.2%) infants had grade I-II IVH, 74 (6.9%) infants had grade III-IV IVH, and 625 (57.9%) infants did not have IVH. The mortality in the non-IVH, I-II IVH, and III-IV IVH groups was 20.1, 19.7, and 55.2%, respectively (p < 0.05), and the incidence of neurodevelopmental disabilities was 13.9, 16.1, and 43.3%, respectively (p < 0.05), at 18–24 months of corrected age. After adjusting for confounding factors, preterm infants with III-IV IVH had higher rates of cerebral palsy [26.7 vs. 2.4%, OR = 6.10, 95% CI (1.840–20.231), p = 0.003], disability [43.3 vs. 13.9%, OR = 2.49, 95% CI (1.059–5.873), p = 0.037], death [55.2 vs. 20.1%, OR = 3.84, 95% CI (2.090–7.067), p < 0.001], and disability + death [73.7 vs. 28.7%, OR = 4.77, 95% CI (2.518–9.021), p < 0.001] compared to those without IVH. However, the mortality and the incidence of neurodevelopmental disability in infants with I-II IVH were similar to those without IVH (p > 0.05).

Conclusions

Severe IVH but not mild IVH increased the risk of mortality and neurodevelopmental disability in very preterm infants.
The Ecological View of Selective Attention
Authors: Lev-Ari Tidhar , Beeri Hadar , Gutfreund Yoram
Published: March 2022

Accumulating evidence is supporting the hypothesis that our selective attention is a manifestation of mechanisms that evolved early in evolution and are shared by many organisms from different taxa. This surge of new data calls for the re-examination of our notions about attention, which have been dominated mostly by human psychology. Here, we present an hypothesis that challenges, based on evolutionary grounds, a common view of attention as a means to manage limited brain resources. We begin by arguing that evolutionary considerations do not favor the basic proposition of the limited brain resources view of attention, namely, that the capacity of the sensory organs to provide information exceeds the capacity of the brain to process this information. Moreover, physiological studies in animals and humans show that mechanisms of selective attention are highly demanding of brain resources, making it paradoxical to see attention as a means to release brain resources. Next, we build on the above arguments to address the question why attention evolved in evolution. We hypothesize that, to a certain extent, limiting sensory processing is adaptive irrespective of brain capacity. We call this hypothesis the ecological view of attention (EVA) because it is centered on interactions of an animal with its environment rather than on internal brain resources. In its essence is the notion that inherently noisy and degraded sensory inputs serve the animal’s adaptive, dynamic interactions with its environment. Attention primarily functions to resolve behavioral conflicts and false distractions. Hence, we evolved to focus on a particular target at the expense of others, not because of internal limitations, but to ensure that behavior is properly oriented and committed to its goals. Here, we expand on this notion and review evidence supporting it. We show how common results in human psychophysics and physiology can be reconciled with an EVA and discuss possible implications of the notion for interpreting current results and guiding future research.
Effects of Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy Plus PD-1 Inhibitors for Patients With Transarterial Chemoembolization Refractory
Authors: Xiang Yan-Jun , Wang Kang , Zheng Yi-Tao , Feng Shuang , Yu Hong-Ming , Li Xiao-Wei , Cheng Xi , Cheng Yu-Qiang , Feng Jin-Kai , Zhou Li-Ping , Meng Yan , Zhai Jian , Shan Yun-Feng , Cheng Shu-Qun
Published: March 2022

Background and Aims

Patients with intermediate-stage hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) who are refractory to transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) have a poor prognosis. This study aimed to explore whether stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) combined with PD-1 inhibitors could improve the clinical outcomes of such patients.

Methods

This retrospective cohort study included patients with intermediate-stage HCC who were diagnosed with TACE refractoriness between January 2019 and December 2020 in the Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital and the First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University. The patients were divided into two groups: (1) those who switched from TACE to receive stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) combined with PD-1 inhibitors; (2) those who continued TACE treatment and added PD-1 inhibitors. Progression-free survival (PFS), overall survival (OS), and tumour response were assessed in both groups after becoming refractory to TACE treatment.

Results

Of the seventy-six patients included in this study, the median PFS was 19.6 months in the SBRT-IO group (n=31) and 10.1 months in the TACE-IO group (n=45, p<0.05). The SBRT-IO group also had a significantly higher OS than the TACE-IO group (p<0.05). The objective response rate (ORR) and disease control rate (DCR) were also better in the SBRT-IO group (ORR, 71.0% vs. 15.6%, OR=8.483, 95% CI 3.319-21.680, P < 0.001; DCR, 80.6% vs. 31.1%, OR=9.226, 95% CI 3.096-27.493, P < 0.001).

Conclusions

SBRT combined with a PD-1 inhibitor improves PFS and OS in TACE-refractory patients with intermediate-stage HCC. Therefore, this therapy is a suitable option in cases of TACE treatment failure.
LC–MS/MS Method for Measurement of Thiopurine Nucleotides (TN) in Erythrocytes and Association of TN Concentrations With TPMT Enzyme Activity
Authors: Bajaj Amol O. , Kushnir Mark M. , Kish-Trier Erik , Law Rachel N. , Zuromski Lauren M. , Molinelli Alejandro R. , McMillin Gwendolyn A. , Johnson-Davis Kamisha L.
Published: March 2022

Monitoring concentrations of thiopurine metabolites is used clinically to prevent adverse effects in patients on thiopurine drug therapy. We developed a LC–MS/MS method for the quantification of 6-thioguanine (6-TG) and 6-methylmercaptopurine (6-MMP) in red blood cells (RBCs). This method utilizes an automated cell washer for RBC separation from whole blood samples and washing of the separated RBCs. The lower limit of quantification of the method was 0.2 μmol/L for 6-TG (∼50 pmol/8 × 108 RBC) and 4 μmol/L for 6-MMP (∼1,000 pmol/8 × 108 RBC). The total imprecision of the assay was <3.0%. The upper limit of linearity for 6-TG and 6-MMP was 7.5 μmol/L and 150 μmol/L, respectively. The stability of the thiopurine metabolites under pre- and post-analytically relevant conditions was also evaluated. A good agreement was observed between this method and validated LC–MS/MS methods from three laboratories, except for ∼40% low bias for 6-MMP observed in one of the methods. The assessment of the association between 6-TG and 6-MMP concentrations with thiopurine S-methyltransferase (TPMT) phenotype and genotype demonstrated a statistically significant difference in the thiopurine metabolite concentrations between the TPMT groups with normal and intermediate activity of 6-MMP (p < 0.0001), while the difference in 6-TG concentrations was statistically not significant (p = 0.096). Among the samples with normal TPMT activity, higher concentrations of 6-MMP (p = 0.015) were observed in pediatric samples than in the samples of adults. No statistically significant differences were observed in the distributions of 6-TG and 6-MMP concentrations among the evaluated genotypes.
Identification of Key Gene Networks and Deciphering Transcriptional Regulators Associated With Peanut Embryo Abortion Mediated by Calcium Deficiency
Authors: Chen Hua , Yang Qiang , Fu Huiwen , Chen Kun , Zhao Shanshan , Zhang Chong , Cai Tiecheng , Wang Lihui , Lu Wenzhi , Dang Hao , Gao Meijia , Li Huaqi , Yuan Xinyi , Varshney Rajeev K. , Zhuang Weijian
Published: March 2022

Peanut embryo development is easily affected by a variety of nutrient elements in the soil, especially the calcium level. Peanut produces abortive embryos in calcium-deficient soil, but underlying mechanism remains unclear. Thus, identifying key transcriptional regulators and their associated regulatory networks promises to contribute to a better understanding of this process. In this study, cellular biology and gene expression analyses were performed to investigate peanut embryo development with the aim to discern the global architecture of gene regulatory networks underlying peanut embryo abortion under calcium deficiency conditions. The endomembrane systems tended to disintegrate, impairing cell growth and starch, protein and lipid body accumulation, resulting in aborted seeds. RNA-seq analysis showed that the gene expression profile in peanut embryos was significantly changed under calcium deficiency. Further analysis indicated that multiple signal pathways were involved in the peanut embryo abortion. Differential expressed genes (DEGs) related to cytoplasmic free Ca2+ were significantly altered. DEGs in plant hormone signaling pathways tended to be associated with increased IAA and ethylene but with decreased ABA, gibberellin, cytokinin, and brassinosteroid levels. Certain vital genes, including apoptosis-inducing factor, WRKYs and ethylene-responsive transcription factors, were up-regulated, while key regulators of embryo development, such as TCP4, WRI1, FUS3, ABI3, and GLK1 were down-regulated. Weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) identified 16 significant modules associated with the plant hormone signaling, MAPK signaling, ubiquitin mediated proteolysis, reserve substance biosynthesis and metabolism pathways to decipher regulatory network. The most significant module was darkolivegreen2 and FUS3 (AH06G23930) had the highest connectivity among this module. Importantly, key transcription factors involved in embryogenesis or ovule development including TCP4, GLK1, ABI3, bHLH115, MYC2, etc., were also present in this module and down regulated under calcium deficiency. This study presents the first global view of the gene regulatory network involved in peanut embryo abortion under calcium deficiency conditions and lays foundation for improving peanut tolerances to calcium deficiency by a targeted manipulation of molecular breeding.
Social Relationship Prediction Integrating Personality Traits and Asymmetric Interactions
Authors: Ju Chunhua , Li Geyao , Bao Fuguang , Gao Ting , Zhu Yiling
Published: March 2022

Social networks have become an important way for users to find friends and expand their social circle. Social networks can improve users’ experience by recommending more suitable friends to them. The key lies in improving the accuracy of link prediction, which is also the main research issue of this study. In the study of personality traits, some scholars have proved that personality can be used to predict users’ behavior in social networks. Based on these studies, this study aims to improve the accuracy of link prediction in directed social networks. Considering the integration of personality link preference and asymmetric interaction into the link prediction model of social networks, a four-dimensional link prediction model is proposed. Through comparative experiments, it is proved that the four-dimensional social relationship prediction model proposed in this study is more accurate than the model only based on similarity. At the same time, it is also verified that the matching degree of personality link preference and asymmetric interaction intensity in the model can help improve the accuracy of link prediction.
Boredom and Media Multitasking
Authors: Drody Allison C. , Ralph Brandon C. W. , Danckert James , Smilek Daniel
Published: March 2022

Media multitasking entails simultaneously engaging in multiple tasks when at least one of the tasks involves media (e.g., online activities and streaming videos). Across two studies, we investigated one potential trigger of media multitasking, state boredom, and its relation to media multitasking. To this end, we manipulated participants’ levels of state boredom using video mood inductions prior to administering an attention-demanding 2-back task during which participants could media multitask by playing a task-irrelevant video. We also examined whether trait boredom proneness was associated media multitasking. We found no direct evidence that state boredom leads to media multitasking. However, trait boredom proneness correlated with greater amounts of media multitasking in Experiment 1, but not in Experiment 2. Surprisingly, in both experiments, post-task ratings of state boredom were equivalent across conditions, alerting us to the short-lived effects of video mood inductions and the boring nature of cognitive tasks.
Naturalistic Parent Teaching in the Home Environment During Early Childhood
Authors: Della Porta Sandra L. , Sukmantari Putri , Howe Nina , Farhat Fadwa , Ross Hildy S.
Published: March 2022

Children’s sociocultural experiences in their day-to-day lives markedly play a key role in learning about the world. This study investigated parent–child teaching during early childhood as it naturally occurs in the home setting. Thirty-nine families’ naturalistic interactions in the home setting were observed; 1033 teaching sequences were identified based on detailed transcriptions of verbal and non-verbal behavior. Within these sequences, three domains of learning (knowledge, skills, and dispositions) and subtopics were identified and analyzed in relation to gender, child birth order, context, teaching strategies, and learner response. Findings show knowledge, skills, and dispositions were taught equally, marked by the most prominent subtopics taught within each domain, including cognitive (skill), game rule (knowledge), and social rule (disposition). Further, mothers and fathers were found to teach their children equally, however, fathers taught knowledge more than mothers, whereas mothers taught dispositions more than fathers. Differences between domains of learning and subtopics also existed between mother’s and father’s teaching based on child birth order and gender. This study also assessed the contrast between teaching knowledge, skills, and dispositions by context, parent teaching strategies, and child learner response. Results support the notion that family interactions in the home setting set a stage for children’s rich informal learning experiences. Vygotskian sociocultural conceptions underpin this research and findings are discussed using this central theoretical lens.
“You Never Get a Second Chance”: First Impressions of Physicians Depend on Their Body Posture and Gender
Authors: Grün Felix C. , Heibges Maren , Westfal Viola , Feufel Markus A.
Published: March 2022

A first impression matters, in particular when encounters are brief as in most doctor-patient interactions. In this study, we investigate how physicians’ body postures impact patients’ first impressions of them and extend previous research by exploring posture effects on the perception of all roles of a physician – not just single aspects such as scholarly expertise or empathy. In an online survey, 167 participants ranked photographs of 4 physicians (2 female, 2 male) in 4 postures (2 open, 2 closed). The results show that male physicians were rated more positively when assuming open rather than closed postures with respect to all professional physician roles. Female physicians in open postures were rated similarly positive for items related to medical competence, but they tended to be rated less favorably with respect to social skills (such as the ability to communicate with and relate to the patient). These findings extend what is known about the effects of physicians’ body postures on the first impressions patients form to judge physicians’ medical versus social competencies. We discuss practical implications and the need for more research on interaction effects of body postures and physician gender on first impressions.
Linkages Between Knowledge Management Process and Corporate Sustainable Performance of Chinese Small and Medium Enterprises: Mediating Role of Frugal Innovation
Authors: Kun Ma
Published: March 2022

In the contemporary world, frugal innovation (FI) is the most discussed area to enhance corporate sustainable performance (CSP) in manufacturing firms. The knowledge management process (KMP) is also a key determinant of FI. Existing literature is limited to knowledge management (KM) and its impact on CSP. This study aims to determine the effect of the KMP (acquisition, dissemination, and application) on sustainable corporate performance with the association of FI. The survey method was used to collect data from 356 small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in China. Structure equation modeling was applied to obtain the results of collected data. Results show that all three dimensions of KM have a significant impact on CSP. Furthermore, FI also has a significant and positive impact on CSP. Results further show that FI partially mediates the relationship of the knowledge dissemination, knowledge application and sustainable corporate performance but no mediation role FI was found between knowledge acquisition and CSP. The findings of this study will provide useful insights for experts and manufacturers. It will help to understand the role of KM in their organizational behavior by being an economical manufacturing process. This study underscored the importance of the KMP to policymakers. In countries such as China that have global orders, KM is an essential determinant of FI. KM is a tool used to achieve CSP goals inside and outside of an enterprise, thus the development firms need to focus on KM.
Alterations in the Plasma Lipidome of Adult Women With Bipolar Disorder: A Mass Spectrometry-Based Lipidomics Research
Authors: Guo Lin , Zhang Ting , Li Rui , Cui Zhi-quan , Du Jing , Yang Jia-bin , Xue Fen , Chen Yi-Huan , Tan Qing-rong , Peng Zheng-wu
Published: March 2022

Lipidomics has become a pivotal tool in biomarker discovery for the diagnosis of psychiatric illnesses. However, the composition and quantitative analysis of peripheral lipids in female patients with bipolar disorder (BD) have been poorly addressed. In this study, plasma samples from 24 female patients with BD and 30 healthy controls (HCs) were analyzed by comprehensive lipid profiling and quantitative validation based on liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry. Clinical characteristics and a correlation between the level of lipid molecules and clinical symptoms were also observed. We found that the quantitative alterations in several lipid classes, including acylcarnitine, lysophosphatidylethanolamine, GM2, sphingomyelin, GD2, triglyceride, monogalactosyldiacylglycerol, phosphatidylinositol phosphate, phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate, phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylserine, and lysophosphatidylinositol, were remarkably upregulated or downregulated in patients with BD and were positively or negatively correlated with the severity of psychotic, affective, or mania symptoms. Meanwhile, the composition of different carbon chain lengths and degrees of fatty acid saturation for these lipid classes in BD were also different from those of HCs. Moreover, 55 lipid molecules with significant differences and correlations with the clinical parameters were observed. Finally, a plasma biomarker set comprising nine lipids was identified, and an area under the curve of 0.994 was obtained between patients with BD and the HCs. In conclusion, this study provides a further understanding of abnormal lipid metabolism in the plasma and suggests that specific lipid species can be used as complementary biomarkers for the diagnosis of BD in women.
Prevalence, Awareness, Treatment, and Control of Hypertension and Diabetes: Results From Two State-Wide STEPS Survey in Punjab and Haryana, India
Authors: Thakur J. S. , Nangia Ria
Published: March 2022

Background

India which is home to more than one sixth of the world's population, accounts for more than two thirds of total deaths due to non-communicable diseases (NCD). Out of this, hypertension and diabetes are the most common NCDs. Awareness, treatment, and control of hypertension and diabetes remains a major challenge despite various national programs being run to curb the rising burden NCDs. In order to fill the knowledge gap, awareness, treatment, and control of diabetes and hypertension were studied by using data from the STEPS survey among the adult population in two major northern Indian states of Punjab and Haryana.

Methods

Two state-wide NCD risk factors surveys were conducted using WHO STEPS methodology among 5,127 individuals in Punjab and 5,078 individuals in Haryana aged 18–69 years in the year 2014–15 and 2016–18. Standardized questionnaire was used to determine the behavioral risk factors in step one followed by anthropometric measurements for physical risk factors in step two and in the third step serum and urine samples were collected for biochemical risk factors.

Results

The prevalence of hypertension in Punjab was 40.1% while that in Haryana was 26.2%. In Punjab, only 48.3% of the hypertensive were aware of their condition, 30.9% were on treatment while only 18.3% of the cases were controlled. While in Haryana 33.4% of the respondents were aware of their condition, 26.3% are on treatment while only 12% of the cases were controlled. Similarly, the prevalence of diabetes was 14.3 and 15.1% in Punjab and Haryana, respectively. In Punjab 34.2% of diabetics were aware of their condition, 28.2% were on treatment while only 14.2% of the cases were controlled. The awareness and control rates in Haryana were similar to that in Punjab. 29.5% of the respondents were aware of their condition, 22.4% were on treatment while only 13.8% of the cases of diabetes were controlled. Family history of diabetes and hypertension was found to be associated with higher odds of being aware, on treatment and controlled blood glucose and blood pressure levels in both Punjab and Haryana.

Discussion

Hypertension and diabetes are a major public health problem in Punjab and Haryana and awareness, treatment and control rates are low which require specific interventions with a focus on access to treatment, regular follow up for better control. There is an urgent need to effectively implement the existing national NCD programmes in these states in India.
Application Value of Predictive Model Based on Maternal Coagulation Function and Glycolipid Metabolism Indicators in Early Diagnosis of Gestational Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Zheng Ying , Hou Weiwei , Xiao Jing , Huang Hongling , Quan Wenqiang , Chen Yu
Published: March 2022

Objective

To investigate whether first-trimester fasting plasma glucose (FPG), blood coagulation function and lipid metabolism could predict gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) risk.

Methods

From October 2020 to May 2021, a total of 584 pregnant women who took prenatal care in Shanghai Jiaotong University Affiliated Sixth People's Hospital were chosen as the observation subjects. The clinical information and serum samples of all pregnant women were collected at 10–13 weeks of gestation and the blood coagulation function, fasting blood glucose and lipid profiles of the pregnant women were detected. A 75 g oral glucose tolerance test was performed up to 24–28 weeks of gestation. One hundred forty-two pregnant women with GDM and 442 pregnant women without GDM were detected. Data were expressed by x ± s or median (interquartile range) and were analyzed using student's t-test, Wilcoxon rank sum test and Logistic regression analysis. The area under the curve (AUC) was calculated by receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) to analyze the predictive values.

Results

Compared with non-GDM group, age, pre-pregnancy BMI, FPG, FIB, D-Dimer, FDP, FPG, TC, TG, LDL-C, sdLDL-C, APOB and APOE in GDM group were significantly higher than those in non-GDM group, while PT, INR, APTT and TT were significantly lower than those in non-GDM group. Univariate logistic regression analysis was used to explore the risk factors of GDM. Gestational age, pre-pregnancy BMI, FPG, PT, INR, APTT, FIB, TT, D-Dimer, TC, TG, LDL-C, sdLDL-C, APOB and APOE were all independent predictors of GDM. Multivariatelogistic regression showed that pre-pregnancy BMI, FPG, APTT, TT, TG, LDL-C, sdLDL-C and APOB were risk factors for GDM. The AUC of the established GDM risk prediction model was 0.892 (0.858–0.927), and the sensitivity and specificity were 80.71 and 86.85%, respectively; which were greater than that of pre-pregnancy BMI, FPG, APTT, TT,TG, LDL-C, sdLDL-C, APOB alone, and the difffference was statistically signifificant (P < 0.05).

Conclusions

FPG, APTT, TT, TG, LDL-C, sdLDL-C, APOB and pre-pregnancy BMI in early pregnancy has important clinical value for the prediction of GDM, We combined these laboratory indicators and established a GDM risk prediction model, which is conducive to the early identification, intervention and treatment of GDM, so as to reduce the morbidity of maternal and infant complications.
The Intra-Group Baryons in the LEO I Pair From the VST Early-Type GAlaxy Survey
Authors: Ragusa Rossella , Mirabile Marco , Spavone Marilena , Cantiello Michele , Iodice Enrichetta , La Marca Antonio , Paolillo Maurizio , Schipani Pietro
Published: March 2022

In this paper we present the deep, wide-field and multi-band imaging of the LEO I pair NGC 3379-NGC 3384, from the VST Early-type GAlaxy Survey (VEGAS). The main goal of this study is to map the intra-group baryons in the pair, in the form of diffuse light and globular clusters (GCs). Taking advantage from the large covered area, which extends for ∼ 3.9 square degrees around the pair, and the long integration time, we can map the light distribution out to ∼ 63 kpc and down to ∼ 30 mag/arcsec2 in the g band and ∼ 29 mag/arcsec2 in the r band, deeper than previous data available for this target. The map of the intra-group light (IGL) presents two very faint (μg ∼ 28-29 mag/arcsec2) streams protruding from the brightest group member NGC 3379 and elongated toward North-West and South. We estimate that the fraction of the stellar halo around NGC 3379 plus the intra-group light is ∼17±2% in both g and r bands, with an average color g-r = 0.75 ± 0.04 mag. The color distribution of the GCs appears multi-modal, with two dominant peaks at (u-r) = 1.8 mag and (u-r) = 2.1 mag, respectively. The GC population stretches from North-East to South-West and from North-West to South of the pair, in the last case overlapping with the streams of IGL, as well as the PNe distribution found by Hartke et al. (Hartke et al., A&A, 2020, 642, A46) and Hartke et al. (Hartke et al., 2022). Since these structures are elongated in the direction of the two nearby galaxies M96 and NGC 3338, they could be the remnant of a past gravitational interactions with the pair.
Mapping Inequity: The Campus Foodscape as Pedagogy and Practice
Authors: Fanshel Rosalie Zdzienicka , Iles Alastair
Published: March 2022

Universities and colleges are fertile foodscapes for action-based education. They are physical and socio-cultural sites where pressing food systems problems play out at micro to macro scales. Structural inequities based on race, class, gender and gender identity, sexual orientation, dis/ability, and other forms of marginalization affect both access to food and to agri-food learning opportunities. In this article, we propose that students can learn through their everyday experiences of engaging with their physical and socio-cultural environment, namely the campus food system, by conducting foodscape mapping. Since 2015, the University of California Berkeley Food Institute has supported the Foodscape Mapping Project, in which students, staff, and faculty generate food systems knowledge while developing practical interventions to advance justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion (JEDI). We investigate how campus foodscape mapping might generate substantive learning about JEDI in food systems education; the kinds of learning that take place through foodscape mapping; and the educational practices and institutional structures that can support learning through foodscape mapping. We identify at least eight forms and processes of expansive learning that emerged through mapping work, using students' own insights into what they were learning. Finally, we reflect on our learning experiences in running the project, and develop broader design elements that other campuses can apply.
Cell-Free Supernatant of Bacillus Strains can Improve Seed Vigor Index of Corn (Zea mays L.) Under Salinity Stress
Authors: Yaghoubian Iraj , Msimbira Levini A. , Smith Donald Lawrence
Published: March 2022

Currently, salinity is the second biggest challenge in the world after drought and affects all stages of plant growth. The use of environmentally friendly methods such as microorganisms and their derivatives can reduce the destructive effects of salinity stress. A growth chamber experiment was conducted to determine the effects of cell-free supernatant (CFS) from Bacillus strains on germination of corn under salinity stress. Corn seeds were subjected to three salinity levels (0, 100 and 150 mM of NaCl), cell-free supernatant of Bacillus strains (U35, U47, U48, U49, and U50) at two levels of dilution (1:50 and 1:250). Germination percentage and rate decreased with increasing salinity toward 150 mM NaCl all together leading to suppressed growth variables for corn seed seedlings including fresh and dry weight of radicle (47.71 and 52.63%, respectively), and shoot (49.52 and 49.25%, respectively), radicle and shoot lengths (39.90 and 66.07%, respectively). Seed vigor index also decreased by 63.04% at 150 mM NaCl. Contrary to salinity, the CFSs of Bacillus strains increased all the growth traits of corn seeds and reduced the negative effects of salinity, especially severe salinity. Ratios of 1:50 and 1: 250 gave best performance for CFSs from U35 and U50, respectively. In general, the highest seed vigor index was obtained by application of 1: 250 CFS from U50. Most germination traits and seed vigor index correlated significantly positive; however, mean germination time was negatively and significantly correlated with the seed vigor index of corn. The results showed that cell-free supernatant use, may as well-helped in changing the ratios of phytohormones, ROS, the activity of antioxidant enzymes and osmotic proteins, hence reduce the negative effects of salinity and improve seed vigor index which eventually increases the ability of plant seedling establishment under saline conditions.
Sterile Neutrophilic Dermatosis (Sweet's Syndrome) Associated With Systemic Inflammatory Response Syndrome in a Maltese Dog: A Case Report
Authors: Cho ARom , Bae Hyeona , Shin Sunwoo , Kim Youngju , Jeon Yeseul , Hyun Jae-Eun , Cho Kyu-Woan , Jung Dong-In , Kim Dae Young , Yu DoHyeon
Published: March 2022

We report a rare case of sterile neutrophilic dermatosis (Sweet's syndrome) accompanied by systemic inflammatory response syndrome. A 5-year-old, neutered male Maltese dog presented with extensive crusts on the whole-body surface and multifocal erosions and plaques on the four limbs. The lesions had been present for two months and did not respond to antibiotics before the presentation. In addition, the dog was lethargic, anorexic, and febrile, with joint swelling. A clinicopathologic analysis revealed neutrophilic leukocytosis with left shift and increased C-reactive protein level. Furthermore, a histopathological examination showed moderate to severe inflammatory infiltrates consisting predominantly of neutrophils from the superficial to the deep dermis. There was no evidence of bacterial or fungal infections, and autoimmune diseases, such as pemphigus, systemic lupus erythematosus, and erythema multiforme, were excluded. Sweet's syndrome, a rare skin disorder, associated with systemic inflammation was diagnosed, and the cutaneous lesions and systemic inflammation disappeared after prolonged steroid administration.
Machine Perfusion for Human Heart Preservation: A Systematic Review
Authors: Qin Guangqi , Jernryd Victoria , Sjöberg Trygve , Steen Stig , Nilsson Johan
Published: March 2022

Currently, static cold storage (SCS) of hearts from donations after brainstem death remains the standard clinically. However, machine perfusion (MP) is considered an approach for donor organ management to extend the donor pool and/or increase the utilization rate. This review summarizes and critically assesses the available clinical data on MP in heart transplantation. We searched Medline (PubMed), Cochrane, Embase, and clinicaltrials.gov, along with reference lists of the included publications and identified 40 publications, including 18 articles, 17 conference abstracts, and five ongoing clinical trials. Two types of MP were used: hypothermic MP (HMP) and normothermic MP (NMP). Three studies evaluated HMP, and 32 evaluated NMP. Independent of the system, MP resulted in clinical outcomes comparable to traditional SCS. However, NMP seemed especially beneficial for high-risk cases and donation after circulatory death (DCD) hearts. Based on currently available data, MP is non-inferior to standard SCS. Additionally, single-centre studies suggest that NMP could preserve the hearts from donors outside standard acceptability criteria and DCD hearts with comparable results to SCS. Finally, HMP is theoretically safer and simpler to use than NMP. If a machine malfunction or user error occurs, NMP, which perfuses a beating heart, would have a narrower margin of safety. However, further well-designed studies need to be conducted to draw clear conclusions.
Extracorporeal Photopheresis With Low-Dose Immunosuppression in High-Risk Heart Transplant Patients—A Pilot Study
Authors: Gökler Johannes , Aliabadi-Zuckermann Arezu , Zuckermann Andreas , Osorio Emilio , Knobler Robert , Moayedifar Roxana , Angleitner Philipp , Leitner Gerda , Laufer Günther , Worel Nina
Published: March 2022

In severely ill patients undergoing urgent heart transplant (HTX), immunosuppression carries high risks of infection, malignancy, and death. Low-dose immunosuppressive protocols have higher rejection rates. We combined extracorporeal photopheresis (ECP), an established therapy for acute rejection, with reduced-intensity immunosuppression. Twenty-eight high-risk patients (13 with high risk of infection due to infection at the time of transplant, 7 bridging to transplant via extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, 8 with high risk of malignancy) were treated, without induction therapy. Prophylactic ECP for 6 months (24 procedures) was initiated immediately postoperatively. Immunosuppression consisted of low-dose tacrolimus (8–10 ng/ml, months 1–6; 5–8 ng/ml, >6 months) with delayed start; mycophenolate mofetil (MMF); and low maintenance steroid with delayed start (POD 7) and tapering in the first year. One-year survival was 88.5%. Three patients died from infection (POD 12, 51, 351), and one from recurrence of cancer (POD 400). Incidence of severe infection was 17.9% (n= 5, respiratory tract). Within the first year, antibody-mediated rejection was detected in one patient (3.6%) and acute cellular rejection in four (14.3%). ECP with reduced-intensity immunosuppression is safe and effective in avoiding allograft rejection in HTX recipients with risk of severe infection or cancer recurrence.