bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Risk assessment indicators and brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity to predict atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease
Authors: Ko Hung-Ju , Liu Chuan-Chuan , Hsu Po-Jui , Hu Kuang-Chun , Hung Chung-Lieh , Yu Lo-Yip , Huang Yun-Chieh , Shih Shou-Chuan
Published: August 2022

Brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV) is used for predicting the severity of vascular damage and prognosis of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) in people with hypertension and diabetes mellitus. This correlation study aimed to compare the baPWV with other risk indicators for identification of subclinical vascular disease for primary prevention and to determine the clinical utility of baPWV-guided therapy in improving prognosis in high-risk subjects.

We included 4881 subjects who underwent voluntary health examination at Mackay Memorial Hospital, Taiwan between 2014 and 2019. Participants were categorized into the low-risk (<5%), borderline-risk (5%–7.4%), intermediate-risk (7.5%–19.9%), and high-risk (≥20%) groups based on the 10-year risk for ASCVD. The predictive risk criteria, that is, the metabolic syndrome score, Framingham Risk Score, estimated glomerular filtration rate, and baPWV were compared among these groups. The chief cause of induced responses and the relationships between parameters were identified using principal component analysis. The participants’ ages, body mass index, systolic, diastolic blood pressure, triglycerides, fasting glucose, hemoglobin A1c, creatinine, neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio, monocyte-to-lymphocyte ratio, metabolic syndrome, Framingham Risk Score, and age-related arterial stiffness (vascular age) increased significantly from the low-risk to high-risk groups (P < .001). The mean estimated glomerular filtration rate decreased significantly from the low- to high-risk groups (P < .001). The predicted vascular age and actual age differed significantly between the intermediate- and high-risk groups (P < .001). High-density lipoprotein levels plummeted significantly among the 4 groups (P < .001). The right and left baPWV and ankle brachial index differed significantly among the 4 groups (all P < .001) and increased from the low-risk to high-risk groups (P < .001). Carotid Doppler ultrasonography revealed a significant increase in plaque formation (23.5%, 35.4%, 46.3%, and 61.5% for the low-, borderline-, intermediate, and high-risk groups, respectively). The total explanatory variation was 61.9% for 2 principal variation factors (baPWV, 36.8% and creatinine, 25.1%). The vascular age predicted using baPWV greatly exceeded the chronological age. Plaque formation was significant even in the low-risk group, and its frequency increased with the predicted ASCVD risk. Risk indicators and baPWV are useful predictors of ASCVD, which in conjunction with conventional pharmacotherapy could be useful for primary prevention of plaque formation in subjects with cardiovascular comorbidities.
Neonatal nutritional risk and pulmonary function
Authors: Zhang Xiaoyan , Liu Junhong , Xu Shuzheng , He Fei , Huang Huanhuan , Wu Bin
Published: August 2022

Introduction:

The neonatal period is a critical initial stage of postnatal lung development and maturation. This study aimed to investigate the effects of the nutritional status on pulmonary function in late preterm and full-term neonates.

Methods:

A total of 172 newborns were included in the study. Nutritional risk screening, weight measurement, assessment of albumin and caloric intake, and a pulmonary function examination were conducted on the 7th day after birth.

Results:

There was a significant correlation between the nutritional risk and changes in body weight. Tidal volume (VT), minute ventilation (MV), VT per kg body weight (VT/kg), and MV per kg body weight (MV/kg) in the low nutritional risk group were significantly higher than those in the medium nutritional risk group (all P < .05). Albumin and caloric intake in the low nutritional risk group were significantly higher than those in the medium nutritional risk group (both P < .01). VT, VT/kg, MV, and MV/kg in the weight loss group were lower than those in the no weight loss group (all P < .05).

Conclusions:

Changes in neonatal weight mainly affect lung volume (VT, VT/kg, MV, and MV/kg), suggesting that an improvement in the neonatal nutritional status is important for the development of lung volume.
Biologic DMARDs and targeted synthetic DMARDs and the risk of all-cause mortality in rheumatoid arthritis: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Pang Mengduan , Sun Zhe , Zhang Hongfeng
Published: August 2022

Background:

The aim of this study was to perform a meta-analysis to compare the risk of all-cause mortality between biological/targeted synthetic disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (b/tsDMARDs) and non-b/tsDMARDs involving patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

Methods:

We performed a systematic review of articles published up to August 2021 using electronic databases. We included studies that reported all-cause mortality in RA patients and compared b/tsDMARDs and non-b/tsDMARDs.

Results:

We included a total of 77 studies involving 64,428 patients. These comprised 44,227 patients treated with b/tsDMARDs and 20,201 treated with non-b/tsDMARDs. The occurrence of all-cause mortality was the primary outcome. The risk of all-cause mortality between the 2 treatments was not significantly different (relative risk = 1.08; 95% confidence interval = 0.98–1.19). However, subgroup analyses showed significant increase in risks of mortality in anti-TNFs users with RA compared with non-b/tsDMARDs (relative risk = 1.47, 95% confidence interval = 1.02–2.12). No significant differences were found after subgroup analyses based on other molecules involved and study duration.

Conclusion:

In comparison with non-b/tsDMARDs, our results suggest that antitumor necrosis factor therapy is associated with observed increased risks of mortality and further investigation is needed.
Association between private health insurance and medical use by linking subjective health and chronic diseases
Authors: Yang Jeong Min , Lee Su bin , Kim Ye ji , Chon Douk young , Moon Jong Youn , Kim Jae Hyun
Published: August 2022

This empirical study identifies the negative aspects of private health insurance (PHI) by analyzing the association between subjective health conditions, 2 weeks of outpatient care, chronic diseases, and hospitalizations for 1 year. We used frequency analysis, χ2 testing, an analysis of variance, and logistic and multiple logistic regression models to analyze the association between PHI and subjective health conditions, outpatient care, chronic disease status, and hospitalization. The PHI group had good subjective health but had more outpatient care for 2 weeks. There were few chronic diseases in the private insurance group, and there was no significant difference in hospitalizations for 1 year. Hospitalization may occur when essential medical care is required, regardless of health insurance type. This study confirmed that as the PHI lowers the burden of personal medical expenses, the PHI can lead to an increase in the medical resource expenditures on the outpatient medical service and higher public health costs. The government should work to redefine the role of private and national health insurance. Also, the effectiveness of PHI should be reevaluated so that it does not lead to indiscriminate use of medical services by minimizing the burden of private insurance.
Effects of idiopathic erythrocytosis on the left ventricular diastolic functions and the spectrum of genetic mutations: A case control study
Authors: Yesilaltay Alpay , Degirmenci Hasan , Bilgen Turker , Sirin Duygu Yasar , Bayir Duygu , Degirmenci Pelin , Tekinalp Atakan , Alpsoy Seref , Okuturlar Yildiz , Turgut Burhan
Published: August 2022

Background:

We have aimed at exposing left ventricular diastolic functions and the presence of known genetic mutations for familial erythrocytosis, in patients who exhibit idiopathic erythrocytosis.

Methods:

Sixty-four patients with idiopathic erythrocytosis (mean age, 46.4 ± 2.7 years) and 30 age-matched healthy subjects were prospectively evaluated. The regions of interest of the erythropoietin receptor, hemoglobin beta-globin, von Hippel-Lindau, hypoxia-inducible factor 2 alpha, and Egl-9 family hypoxia-inducible factor genes were amplified by PCR. Left ventricular (LV) mass was measured by M-mode and 2-dimensional echocardiography. LV diastolic functions were assessed by conventional echocardiography and tissue Doppler imaging.

Results:

As a result of genetic analyses, genetic mutations for familial erythrocytosis were detected in 5 patients. It has been observed in our study that the risk of cardiovascular disorders is higher in patients. Interventricular septum thickness, left atrial diameter, and some diastolic function parameters such as deceleration time and isovolumetric relaxation time have been found to be significantly higher in idiopathic erythrocytosis group than in the controls.

Conclusion:

This study has shown that LV diastolic functions were impaired in patients with idiopathic erythrocytosis. In this patient group with increased risk of cardiovascular disorders, the frequent genetic mutations have been detected in 5 patients only. Therefore, further clinical investigations are needed as novel genetic mutations may be discovered in patients with idiopathic erythrocytosis because of cardiovascular risk.
Comprehensive treatment outcomes of giant cell tumor of the spine: A retrospective study
Authors: Hashimoto Kazuhiko , Nishimura Shunji , Miyamoto Hiroshi , Toriumi Kensuke , Ikeda Terumasa , Akagi Masao
Published: August 2022

There is no consensus on a treatment strategy for spinal giant cell tumor of bone (GCTB) because of the difficulty in their treatment. Treatment options often include the use of the controversial denosumab, an antibody therapy aimed at tumor shrinkage, different curettage techniques, resection, or a combination of these therapies. The current study aimed to identify treatment methods associated with favorable outcomes in patients with spinal GCTB.

We retrospectively reviewed 5 patients with spinal GCTB, including patients with tumors of the sacrum, treated at our hospital between September 2011 and November 2020. Two men and 3 women were included in the study. The median follow-up period was 74 months (range: 14–108 months). We surveyed the tumor site, treatment method, denosumab use, and outcomes.

The median age was 17 years (range: 17–42 years). There were 2 cases of sacral GCTB and 1 case each of lumbar, cervical, and thoracic vertebral GCTB. The comorbidities observed included hepatitis, malignant lymphoma, atopic dermatitis, and asthma. The treatment method included zoledronic acid after embolization and denosumab, denosumab only, curettage and posterior fusion, and curettage resection after embolization and anterior and posterior fusion. Denosumab was used in all cases. Three patients were continuously disease-free, 1 patient with no evidence of disease, and 1 patient alive with disease.

Aggressive treatment, especially surgical treatment, may lead to good results in spinal GCTB.
Comparison of clinical outcomes of using the nonirradiated and irradiated allograft for anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction: A systematic review update and meta-analysis
Authors: Liu Yan , Liu Xuegang , Liu Yancai , Yang Shan
Published: August 2022

Background:

This study was a systematic review comparing the clinical outcomes of using the nonirradiated and irradiated allograft for anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction.

Methods:

A comprehensive literature search was conducted using multiple databases, including Medline, Embase, and Cochrane. All databases were searched from the earliest records through August 2019 using the following Boolean operators: irradiated AND nonirradiated AND ACL AND allograft. All prospective and retrospective controlled trials were retrieved that directly compared physical examination and knee function scores and patient-rated outcomes between the nonirradiated and irradiated allograft for ACL reconstruction.

Results:

Three prospective and 2 retrospective articles were identified by the search, and the findings suggested that the nonirradiated allografts were superior to the irradiated allografts based on improved knee joint functional scores and decreased failure rate, even though there was no significantly difference with respect to overall IKDC, range of motion, vertical jump test, and one-leg hop test.

Conclusions:

Irradiated allograft should be limited to be used in ACL surgery and further research into new alternative sterilization techniques are needed to avoiding the disease transmission without interference with the biomechanical properties of the grafts.
Two cases of aldosterone and cortisol producing adenoma with different histopathological features: A case report
Authors: Gao Hongjiao , Li Li , Tian Haoming
Published: August 2022

Rationale:

Primary aldosteronism (PA), including aldosterone and cortisol producing adenoma (A/CPA), is the most common trigger of secondary hypertension. The prevalence of A/CPA may be higher than what we could recognize previously with similar studies, but only a few relevant immunohistochemical reports have confirmed this information. Collecting more clinical features and immunohistochemistry data may help us to understand A/CPA, which is very important for avoiding misdiagnosis and improving outcomes in patients with A/CPA.

Patient concerns:

Both individuals included in this study had hypertension for >10 years. Computed tomography scans revealed the presence of adrenal nodules 1 year ago in patient A and 10 months ago in patient B (based on the date of the final version of this report). The relevant clinical features support PA accompanied by subclinical Cushing syndrome.

Diagnosis:

Aldosterone and cortisol producing adenoma.

Interventions:

The adrenal adenoma on the affected side was removed and pathological examination and immunohistochemistry were performed. Both the patients received short-term hydrocortisone treatment.

Outcomes:

The blood pressure of both patients improved after surgery. Cytochrome P450 (CYP)11B1, CYP11B2, parathyroid hormone receptor 1 (PTH1R), calcium-sensing receptor (CaSR), and vitamin D3 receptor (VD3R) were all positively expressed, but the histopathological features of the expression region differed.

Lessons:

The occurrence of A/CPA may be related to calcium metabolism disorders. For A/CPA, the diversity in immunohistochemistry suggests many uncertainties regarding the pathogenesis of the disease. A/CPA should be considered in new clinical and pathological classifications of PA to gain more attention from the medical community.
Empathy ability of nursing students: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Jia-Ru Jiao , Yan-Xue Zheng , Wen-Nv Hao
Published: August 2022

Background:

Empathy is an ability that nursing students need in clinical practice, there is no available data to assess nursing students’ empathy ability level . The main purpose of this study is to synthesize the evidence relating to the empathy ability in nursing students to systematically evaluate the empathy ability level among nursing students.

Methods:

Adhering to the preferred reporting items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses guidelines, we searched PubMed, Cochrane, Web of Science, Scopus, ScienceDirect, Wiley Library, Embase, CNKI, Wanfang, and China biomedical literature service system ten databases to collect cross-sectional studies on nursing students’ empathy ability. Two researchers independently screened the literature, extracted the data, and evaluated the risk of bias in the included studies.

Results:

A total of 19 cross-sectional studies were included. The sample comprised 5407 nursing students. Meta-analysis showed that females have a higher empathy ability than males, and the empathy ability of rural students is higher than that of provincial students.

Conclusions:

The findings suggest that the empathy ability among nursing students worldwide is higher, but there needs further improvement. This result makes nursing educators pay more attention to the cultivation of the nursing students’ empathy ability; improving the empathy level is beneficial in improving the standards of health care and patients’ quality of life.
Epidemiologic characteristics of SARS-CoV-2 in Wuhan, other regions of China, and globally based on data gathered from January 2020 to February 2021
Authors: Fengjiao Song , Xiaodong Li , Jian Li , Hui Liu
Published: August 2022

This observation study examines coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) data from outbreak and other sites in China and worldwide in order to examine the epidemiological pattern of COVID-19 before the acquisition of immunity through widespread vaccination and infection. COVID-19–related morbidity and mortality data for January 2020 to February 2021 were obtained from the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Hubei Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, and the World Health Organization. The number of cases was logarithmically transformed for comparison of the rate of increase or decrease with time across areas. From January to February 2020, the number of new confirmed cases in Wuhan grew substantially but returned to zero by May 2020. In other parts of China, the rate of decrease was lower than that in Wuhan, and the mortality rate was lower outside Wuhan (1.93%) than in Wuhan (7.68%). The influenza trends were similar to those of COVID-19, but the mortality rate of influenza was much lower (0.011%) than that of COVID-19. After the early stage, similar increase in the incidence rate with time was observed globally, although the total number of cases differed between regions. The outbreak severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 strain in Wuhan had low epidemic intensity and high virulence, but the epidemiological characteristics of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 may not be associated with race, geography, or economic status. Importantly, more effective prevention and control measures and vaccines should be applied for controlling the variants.
Lung contusion after extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy for pancreatic stones: A case report
Authors: Yi Jin-Hui , Wang Dan , Chen Hui , Li Zhao-Shen , Hu Liang-Hao
Published: August 2022

Background:

Pancreatic extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (P-ESWL) is recommended as the first-line treatment for large pancreatic stones. While complications such as post-P-ESWL pancreatitis, bleeding, infection, steinstrasse, and perforation have been reported in the past 30 years, lung contusion has never been reported. The present case demonstrates lung contusion as a complication after P-ESWL.

Methods:

A 48-year-old man was admitted to our department due to painful chronic pancreatitis with pancreatic duct stones. Computed tomography revealed normal lungs. P-ESWL was performed. The shock wave head contacted with right upper quadrant and the path of shock wave was at a 45° angle to the ventral midline. After P-ESWL, multiple patchy high-density shadows in the lower lobe of right lung were found, which was normal before P-ESWL. The patient had no symptoms of lung injury.

Results and Conclusion:

Laboratory studies revealed elevated D-dimer from 0.33 to 0.74 ug/mL, which was consistent with abnormal clotting of lung contusion. Chest computed tomography showed slight pleural effusion. Considering the interval between 2 X-rays was only 3 hours, we inferred that lung contusion was related to P-ESWL. The patient displayed stable vital signs, therefore, no specific interventions were conducted. Three days after P-ESWL, endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography was performed and the lung shadows were partially absorbed. Considering the location of shock wave head, it was possible to cause lung contusion in lower lobe of right lung. More than 10,000 P-ESWL therapeutic sessions had been performed in our center since 2010, and it is the first case about lung contusion as a complication. It is also the first report to describe lung contusion after P-ESWL. Although the patient was asymptomatic, it should raise awareness of clinicians.
Mismatch Repair Deficiency in Adult Granulosa Cell Tumors: an Immunohistochemistry-based Preliminary Study
Authors: Gupta Parikshaa , Kapatia Gargi , Gupta Nalini , Ballari Nagarjun , Rai Bhavana , Suri Vanita , Rajwanshi Arvind
Published: August 2022

Objective:

Adult granulosa cell tumors (AGCTs) are rare ovarian malignant neoplasms; their etiopathogenetic mechanisms remain largely unelucidated. Lately, defects in mismatch repair (MMR) have been implicated in the pathogenesis of AGCTs. Demonstration of MMR deficiency in these tumors can help identify patients potentially eligible for immune checkpoint inhibition therapy. The present study was done to explore the role of MMR deficiency in the etiopathogenesis of AGCTs.

Methods:

This was a retrospective study conducted on histopathologically confirmed AGCT cases. MMR protein expression was evaluated by immunohistochemistry (IHC) on tissue microarrays using an antibody panel of MSH2, MSH6, MLH1, and PMS2.

Results:

Of a total of 40 ovarian AGCTs evaluated for MMR deficiency, none demonstrated loss of expression of any of the 4 MMR proteins.

Conclusions:

The results of our preliminary study show that there is no association between MMR deficiency with AGCT. Nevertheless, larger multicenter studies are needed to confirm or refute this observation.
Increased Expression of LEF1 and β-Catenin in Invasive Micropapillary Carcinoma of the Breast is Associated With Lymphovascular Invasion and Lymph Node Metastasis
Authors: Dolezal Darin , Zhang Xuchen , Harigopal Malini
Published: August 2022

Invasive micropapillary breast carcinoma (IMPC) is a rare breast cancer subtype characterized by small tumor cell clusters with loss of stromal attachment, an inside-out growth appearance, and lymphotropism. IMPC is associated with high incidence of lymphovascular invasion (LVI) and lymph node metastasis. Activated Wnt signaling has been implicated in the metastasis of other aggressive breast tumors, including triple-negative and basal-like carcinomas. In this study, we tested whether activated Wnt signaling could be detected in IMPC. Upon ligand binding, the central mediator of the Wnt pathway, β-catenin, accumulates in the cytosol and translocates to the nucleus where it forms a complex with lymphoid enhancer-binding factor 1 (LEF1) to regulate transcription. We performed immunostaining for β-catenin and LEF1 on a well-annotated cohort of 40 breast tumors and nodal metastases displaying micropapillary histopathology. Strong nuclear accumulation of β-catenin was not observed, however a dim cytosolic and/or nuclear accumulation of β-catenin was sometimes seen in IMPC and this expression pattern was significantly associated with nodal metastasis. β-catenin expression correlated with the upregulation of LEF1 in IMPC. LEF1 expression was detected in 26 of 40 (65%) cases and was specifically enriched at the invasive front of the tumor and in tumor clusters undergoing LVI. Detection of LEF1 expression in the primary tumor was associated with an increased rate of LVI, lymph node metastasis, and disease relapse. LEF1 and β-catenin expression levels were significantly higher in metastases compared with primary tumors. In summary, this study demonstrates an association between the upregulation of β-catenin/LEF1 and the metastasis of IMPC.
Research on Children With Cerebral Palsy in Low- and Middle-Income Countries
Authors: Leite Hércules Ribeiro , Jindal Pranay , Malek Sandra Abdel , Rosenbaum Peter
Published: August 2022

The purpose of this special communication is to present ideas and thoughts from a symposium at the 75th Annual Meeting of the American Academy for Cerebral Palsy and Developmental Medicine. These included perspectives and lessons from 3 previously published review studies regarding cerebral palsy (CP) research in Brazil, India, and African countries, which explored the literature through the lens of the World Health Organization's International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) framework. Using this common lens, first we present the main findings of each of these articles, as well as the similarities and differences in CP research across these low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Second, considering current evidence, lessons from other LMICs and based on our experiences, we raise recommendations of critical areas to be addressed such as ICF framework implementation and best evidence practice on CP, focusing on prevention, early diagnosis, and intervention (see Supplemental Digital Abstract, available at: http://links.lww.com/PPT/A413).
Novel Microvascular Clamps to Aid Trainee Surgeon Education: Smarter than Acland Micro Clamps?
Authors: Saha Shivangi , Mohammad Arbab , Escandón Joseph M. , Chauhan Shashank
Published: August 2022

Amongst the common microsurgical errors by trainees-Inadvertent backwall suturing and incomplete bites account for 21.7% and 19.6% of the total number of errors respectively. These errors are attributed to poor visibility of the suture and needle within the vessel lumen. We aimed to analyze and compare the errors during microvascular anastomosis with the use of an adventitia holding microvascular-clamp (AHM) and a regular Acland microvascular-clamp.We performed twenty-five vascular anastomoses, twelve using the AHM clamp and thirteen controls. Overall, sixteen were venous anastomosis performed for free flaps and nine were arterial anastomosis following arterial injury. The 3 jaw adventitia holding microvascular clamp was a versatile instrument during microsurgery, as it reduced the time required for anastomosis, the need for assistance, prevented backwall sutures, and the need to flip the clamp.
Recent advances in establishing a cure for GNE myopathy
Authors: Yoshioka Wakako , Nishino Ichizo , Noguchi Satoru
Published: August 2022

Purpose of review

GNE myopathy is a rare autosomal recessive disease caused by biallelic variants in the GNE gene, which encodes an enzyme involved in sialic acid biosynthesis. No drugs are approved for the treatment of GNE myopathy. Following proof-of-concept of sialic acid supplementation efficacy in mouse models, multiple clinical trials have been conducted. Here, we review clinical trials of sialic acid supplementation therapies and provide new insights into the additional clinical features of GNE myopathy.

Recent findings

Clinical trials of sialic acid supplementation have been conducted in Europe, the USA, Japan, and South Korea. Some clinical trials of NeuAc-extended release tablets demonstrated amelioration of decline in upper extremity muscle strength; however, no significant improvement was observed in phase 3 trials in Europe and USA. A phase 2 trial of ManNAc showed slowed decline of both upper and lower extremity strength. GNE myopathy patient registries have been established in Europe and Japan, and have provided information on extramuscular manifestations such as thrombocytopenia, respiratory dysfunction, and sleep apnea syndrome. Sensitive and reliable biomarkers, and a disease-specific functional activity scale, have also been investigated.

We discuss recent advances in establishing a GNE myopathy cure, and discuss other prospective therapeutic options, including gene therapy.
Shooting hoops: globetrotting plasmids spreading more than just antimicrobial resistance genes across One Health
Authors: Smyth Cian , Leigh Robert J. , Delaney Sarah , Murphy Richard A. , Walsh Fiona
Published: August 2022

Our study provides novel insights into the global nature of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) plasmids across the food chain. We provide compelling evidence of the globetrotting nature of AMR plasmids and the need for surveillance to sequence plasmids with a template of analyses for others to expand these data. The AMR plasmids analysed were detected in 63 countries and in samples from humans, animals and the environment. They contained a combination of known and novel AMR genes, metal resistance genes, virulence factors, phage and replicon types.
A comparison of faecal glucocorticoid metabolite concentration and gut microbiota diversity in bonobos (Pan paniscus)
Authors: Hickmott Alexana J. , Boose Klaree J. , Wakefield Monica L. , Brand Colin M. , Snodgrass J. Josh , Ting Nelson , White Frances J.
Published: August 2022

Sex, age, diet, stress and social environment have all been shown to influence the gut microbiota. In several mammals, including humans, increased stress is related to decreasing gut microbial diversity and may differentially impact specific taxa. Recent evidence from gorillas shows faecal glucocorticoid metabolite concentration (FGMC) did not significantly explain gut microbial diversity, but it was significantly associated with the abundance of the family Anaerolineaceae. These patterns have yet to be examined in other primates, like bonobos (Pan paniscus). We compared FGMC to 16S rRNA amplicons for 202 bonobo faecal samples collected across 5 months to evaluate the impact of stress, measured with FGMC, on the gut microbiota. Alpha diversity measures (Chao’s and Shannon’s indexes) were not significantly related to FGMC. FGMC explained 0.80 % of the variation in beta diversity for Jensen–Shannon and 1.2% for weighted UniFrac but was not significant for unweighted UniFrac. We found that genus SHD-231, a member of the family Anaerolinaceae had a significant positive relationship with FGMC. These results suggest that bonobos are relatively similar to gorillas in alpha diversity and family Anaerolinaceae responses to FGMC, but different from gorillas in beta diversity. Members of the family Anaerolinaceae may be differentially affected by FGMC across great apes. FGMC appears to be context dependent and may be species-specific for alpha and beta diversity but this study provides an example of consistent change in two African apes. Thus, the relationship between physiological stress and the gut microbiome may be difficult to predict, even among closely related species.
Exercise Training Remodels Inguinal White Adipose Tissue Through Adaptations in Innervation, Vascularization and the Extracellular Matrix
Authors: Nigro Pasquale , Vamvini Maria , Yang Jiekun , Caputo Tiziana , Ho Li-Lun , Papadopoulos Danae , Carbone Nicholas P. , Conlin Royce , He Jie , Hirshman Michael F. , White Joseph D. , Robidoux Jacques , Hickner Robert C. , Nielsen Søren , Pedersen Bente K. , Kellis Manolis , Middelbeek Roeland J. W. , Goodyear Laurie J.
Published: August 2022

Inguinal white adipose tissue (iWAT) is essential for the beneficial effects of exercise training on metabolic health. Extracellular matrix (ECM) composition, innervation, and vascularization are all important regulators of iWAT function, yet whether exercise training improves these structural components of iWAT is unknown. Using biochemical, imaging, and multi-omics analyses we find that 11-days of wheel running in male mice causes profound iWAT remodeling including decreased ECM deposition and increased vascularization and innervation. We identify adipose stem cells as the main contributors to training-induced ECM remodeling, determine that training causes a shift from hypertrophic to insulin-sensitive adipocyte subpopulations, show that the PRDM16 transcriptional complex is necessary for iWAT remodeling and beiging, and discover neuronal growth regulator 1 (NEGR1) as a link between PRDM16 and neuritogenesis. Exercise training leads to remarkable adaptations to iWAT structure and cell-type composition that can confer beneficial changes in tissue metabolism.

Graphical Abstract
A systematic study of HIF1A cofactors in hypoxic cancer cells
Authors: Zhang Yuxiang , Wang Saidi , Hu Haiyan , Li Xiaoman
Published: August 2022

Hypoxia inducible factor 1 alpha (HIF1A) is a transcription factor (TF) that forms highly structural and functional protein-protein interactions with other TFs to promote gene expression in hypoxic cancer cells. Despite the importance of these TF-TF interactions, we still lack a comprehensive view of many of the TF cofactors involved and how they cooperate in hypoxic cancer cells. In this study, we systematically studied HIF1A cofactors in eight cancer cell lines and discovered 201 potential HIF1A cofactors. These cofactors were statistically and biologically significant, with 30 of the top 37 cofactors validated or supported in the literature. Moreover, these predicted cofactors include 21 of the 29 known HIF1A TF cofactors in public databases. These discovered cofactors can be essential to HIF1A’s regulatory functions and may lead to the discovery of new therapeutic targets in cancer treatment.
Self-produced hydrogen sulfide improves ethanol fermentation by Saccharomyces cerevisiae and other yeast species
Authors: Espinoza-Simón Emilio , Moreno-Alvarez Paola , Nieto-Zaragoza Elias , Ricardez-García Carolina , Ríos-Castro Emmanuel , Uribe-Carvajal Salvador , Torres-Quiroz Francisco
Published: August 2022

Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) is a gas produced endogenously in organisms from the three domains of life. In mammals, it is involved in diverse physiological processes, including the regulation of blood pressure, and its effects on memory. In contrast, in unicellular organisms the physiological role of H2S has not been studied in detail. In yeast, for example, in the winemaking industry H2S is an undesirable byproduct because of its rotten egg smell; however, its biological relevance during fermentation is not well understood. The effect of H2S in cells is linked to a posttranslational modification in cysteine residues known as S-persulfidation. We evaluated S-persulfidation in the Saccharomyces cerevisiae proteome. We screened S-persulfidated proteins from cells growing in fermentable carbon sources and we identified several glycolytic enzymes as S-persulfidation targets. Pyruvate kinase, catalyzing the last irreversible step of glycolysis, increased its activity in the presence of a H2S donor. Yeast cells treated with H2S increased ethanol production; moreover, mutant cells that endogenously accumulated H2S produced more ethanol and ATP during the exponential growth phase. This mechanism of the regulation of the metabolism seems to be evolutionarily conserved in other yeast species, because H2S induces ethanol production in the pre-Whole Genome Duplication species Kluyveromyces marxianus and Meyerozyma guilliermondii. Our results suggest a new role of H2S in the regulation of the metabolism during fermentation.
The logical structure of experiments lays the foundation for a theory of reproducibility
Authors: Buzbas Erkan O. , Devezer Berna , Baumgaertner Bert
Published: August 2022

The scientific reform movement has proposed openness as a potential remedy to the putative reproducibility or replication crisis. However, the conceptual relationship between openness, replication experiments, and results reproducibility has been obscure. We analyze the logical structure of experiments, define the mathematical notion of idealized experiment, and use this notion to advance a theory of reproducibility. Idealized experiments clearly delineate the concepts of replication and results reproducibility, and capture key differences with precision, allowing us to study the relationship among them. We show how results reproducibility varies as a function of: the elements of an idealized experiment, the true data generating mechanism, and the closeness of the replication experiment to an original experiment. We clarify how openness of experiments is related to designing informative replication experiments and to obtaining reproducible results. With formal backing and evidence, we argue that the current “crisis” reflects inadequate attention to a theoretical understanding of results reproducibility.
Beamline simulations using monochromators with high d-spacing crystals
Authors: Yu X. J. , Chi X. , Smulders T. , Wee A. T. S. , Rusydi A. , Sanchez del Rio M. , Breese M. B. H.
Published: August 2022

Monochromators for synchrotron radiation beamlines typically use perfect crystals for the hard X-ray regime and gratings for soft X-rays. There is an intermediate range, typically 1–3 keV (tender X-rays), which common perfect crystals have difficulties covering and gratings have low efficiency, although some less common crystals with high d-spacing could be suitable. To evaluate the suitability of these crystals for a particular beamline, it is useful to evaluate the crystals' performance using tools such as ray-tracing. However, simulations for double-crystal monochromators are only available for the most used crystals such as Si, Ge or diamond. Here, an upgrade of the SHADOW ray-tracing code and complementary tools in the OASYS suite are presented to simulate high d-spacing crystals with arbitrary, and sometimes complex, structures such as beryl, YB66, muscovite, etc. Isotropic and anisotropic temperature factors are also considered. The YB66 crystal with 1936 atomic sites in the unit cell is simulated, and its applicability for tender X-ray monochromators is discussed in the context of new low-emittance storage rings.
Multicolor single-analyzer high-energy-resolution XES spectrometer for simultaneous examination of different elements
Authors: Mikeházi Antal , El Guettioui Jihad , Földes István B. , Vankó György , Németh Zoltán
Published: August 2022

The present work demonstrates the performance of a von Hámos high-energy-resolution X-ray spectrometer based on a non-conventional conical Si single-crystal analyzer. The analyzer is tested with different primary and secondary X-ray sources as well as a hard X-ray sensitive CCD camera. The spectrometer setup is also characterized with ray-tracing simulations. Both experimental and simulated results affirm that the conical spectrometer can efficiently detect and resolve the two pairs of two elements (Ni and Cu) Kα X-ray emission spectroscopy (XES) peaks simultaneously, requiring a less than 2 cm-wide array on a single position-sensitive detector. The possible applications of this simple yet broad-energy-spectrum crystal spectrometer range from quickly adapting it as another probe for complex experiments at synchrotron beamlines to analyzing X-ray emission from plasma generated by ultrashort laser pulses at modern laser facilities.
Crystal structure of 4,4′-(diazenediyl)dipyridinium nitrate perchlorate
Authors: Qiu Qi-Ming , Song Jian-Biao , Dong Ai-Guo , Li Chuan-Tao , Zheng Zhi-Yuan
Published: August 2022

The title compound, C10H10N4
2+·NO3
−·ClO4
−, was obtained unexpectedly by the reaction of Co(ClO4)2·6H2O and cytidine-5′-monophosphate with 4,4′-azopyridine in an aqueous solution of nitric acid. The molecular structure comprises two planar 4,4′-diazenediyldipyridinium dications lying on inversion centres and perchlorate and nitrate anions in general positions. In the crystal, N—H...O hydrogen bonds between dications and anions lead to the formation of [232] chains.
catena-Poly[[(benzyldiphenylphosphine-κP)silver(I)]-μ-nitrato-κ2
O:O′-[(benzyldiphenylphosphine-κP)silver(I)]-μ-nitrato-κ4
O,O′:O′,O′′]
Authors: Potgieter Kariska , Malan Frederick P. , Meijboom Reinout
Published: August 2022

The structure of the title complex, [Ag2(NO3)2(C19H17P)2]
n
, reveals a chain emanating from the coordination of one phosphine ligand to each silver(I) cation, as well as the bis-monodentate coordination of a bridging nitrato ligand (per Ag atom) and the bis-bidentate coordination of another bridging nitrato ligand (per Ag atom). The distorted four-coordinate Ag atoms are characterized by bonding angles that notably deviate from the ideal tetrahedral shape.
Poly[bis(μ2-N,N-dimethylformamide-κ2
O:O)bis(μ4-thiophene-2,5-dicarboxylato-κ4
O:O′:O′′:O′′′)dicobalt(II)]
Authors: Ren Ji-Yun , Huang Rou , Yin Zheng , Cao Li-Hui
Published: August 2022

The asymmetric unit of the title three-dimensional metal–organic hybrid compound, [Co2(C6H2O4S)2(C3H7NO)2]
n
, comprises two cobalt(II) cations, one residing on a twofold axis and the other on a centre of inversion, one thiophene-2,5-dicarboxylate (tdc2−) ligand and one coordinating dimethylformamide (DMF) solvent molecule. Both of the cobalt(II) cations exhibit an octahedral coordination environment from the four carboxyl O atoms of the tdc2− anions in a μ
4-κ
1:κ
1:κ
1:κ
1 fashion and two O atoms from DMF. A pair of carboxyl O atoms and one DMF molecule connect the adjacent cobalt(II) cations into an infinite chain, leading to a rod-spacer framework with rhombus-window channels, yet no residual solvent-accessible voids are present because the coordinating DMF molecules are oriented into the potential channels.
The state of diversity among leadership roles within Canada's largest arts and cultural institutions
Authors: Wall-Andrews Charlie , Wijesingha Rochelle , Cukier Wendy , Lightwala Owais
Published: August 2022

Purpose

This paper aims to answer the following research questions: Does the Canadian Arts Summit's membership (i.e. Canada’s largest cultural institutions) reflect Canada's diversity? What is the state of diversity among leadership roles within Canada's largest cultural institutions when viewed through a geographical, gender and racial diversity, and intersectional lens?

Design/methodology/approach

Employing a geographic, gender, racial diversity and intersectional lens, the authors investigated the largest and most influential arts and cultural organizations in Canada (n = 125) to examine their leadership diversity. The authors found that there is a disconnect between the diversity of Canada and the leadership representation among the largest arts organizations. The authors rationalize the management implications of a lack of diversity leading Canada's cultural sector.

Findings

The leadership of major arts organizations in Canada does not reflect the diversity of Canada's population. For example, among 125 Canadian Arts Summit organizations, only 5.7% of CEOs are racialized compared to 94.3% who are White. The findings show similar results for lack of diversity in the Artistic Director and Chair of the Board roles.

Originality/value

There is limited research using this methodology to investigate leadership diversity, especially in the arts and culture sector. This research can create a benchmark for the sector to improve the status quo. The value of this research aims to encourage policy actors and arts leaders to address diversity and inclusion within their organizations and the communities they aim to serve. This research provides the foundation for future studies exploring leadership diversity and representation in the Canadian arts sector.
Putting your money where your mouth is – the role of rewards in a value-based understanding of restaurant crowdfunding
Authors: Kedas Satishwar , Sarkar Soumodip
Published: August 2022

Purpose

Restaurant entrepreneurs are increasingly leveraging crowdfunding as an alternative financing mechanism. In the context of restaurant crowdfunding, studies have identified factors related to campaign communication that affect crowdfunding success from the entrepreneurs’ perspective. Integrating a funder perspective, this study aims to investigate the role of the consumption value offered by rewards and builds a value-based understanding of restaurant crowdfunding.

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses a sample of 3,134 restaurant campaigns launched on the Kickstarter crowdfunding platform, and texts of 34,128 rewards were analyzed using a Python program. A hierarchical linear regression approach with a generalized logistic regression model was adopted to test hypothesized relationships.

Findings

Drawing upon consumption value theory (CVT), this study finds that in restaurant crowdfunding, utilitarian value holds a strong inverted-U relationship and participatory value holds a strong linear relationship with crowdfunding success. However, socioemotional value does not have a significant effect on outcomes. This study also finds evidence for positive effects of greater variety, higher number of rewards and lower average pledge level on restaurant crowdfunding success.

Practical implications

This study extends the literature on restaurant crowdfunding by integrating insights on the effects of value offered through rewards. Primarily, this study finds evidence for distinct effects of consumption values for restaurant crowdfunding audience. Practically, this study holds implications for reward menu design and value offering design for restaurant entrepreneurs seeking crowdfunding.

Originality/value

Restaurant crowdfunding has been studied to a limited extent, with extant literature focusing on characteristics of campaign descriptions. The role of rewards is uncovered using CVT and thus a value-based understanding of restaurant crowdfunding is presented.
Why are newly established Internet loss-making enterprises always willing to expand overseas rapidly: blocking competitors or seeking opportunity
Authors: Zheng Xiaobi , Qian Jiayue , Chen Danbo
Published: August 2022

Purpose

Many newly established Internet loss-making enterprises (NEILEs) are always willing to expand overseas within a very short time from their establishment. This phenomenon is becoming a hot research area. This paper aims to explore why these enterprises are always willing to expand overseas rapidly even if they are facing severe and persistent losses, and to study the different rapid internationalization modes and the international market entry ways for NEILEs.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper constructs a theoretical framework with the dual situation of negative attainment discrepancy and advantageous slack resources to explain the rapid internationalization of NEILEs. Furthermore, cross-case comparative analysis method, based on interviews, questionnaires and secondary data collection, is adopted to reveal the rapid internationalization modes and the international market entry ways of such enterprises.

Findings

Whether blocking competitors or seeking opportunities or both, NEILEs' goal of rapid internationalization depends on the severity and persistence of negative attainment discrepancy. When the severity and persistence of negative attainment discrepancy are very significant, moderate and mild, NEILEs choose sniper-type, opportunity-type and dual-type internationalization target mode in turn; it is very important for NEILEs to match advantageous slack resources and international market entry ways to achieve specific internationalization goals.

Research limitations/implications

This paper enriches the understanding of NEILEs' transnational entrepreneurial behavior in the era of digital economy. The theoretical contribution of this paper is that the authors build a theoretical framework based on the logical starting point, the logical fulcrum and the logic ending point for understanding the rapid internationalization of NEILEs.

Practical implications

This study demonstrates that NEILEs can also expand into foreign markets according to their own characteristics. Undoubtedly, they need to choose appropriate internationalization target mode and international market entry way in line with the extent and duration of their losses, and their advantageous slack resources.

Originality/value

In this paper, the authors construct the rapid internationalization theory of NEILEs based on the dual situation of negative attainment discrepancy and advantageous slack resources in digital economy era. Moreover, the authors discover the behavioral characteristics and patterns of NEILEs' transnational entrepreneurship.