bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Novel PHD2/VHL-mediated Regulation of YAP1 Contributes to VEGF Expression and Angiogenesis
Authors: Bora-Singhal Namrata , Saha Biswarup , Mohankumar Durairaj , Padmanabhan Jaya , Coppola Domenico , Chellappan Srikumar
Published: June 2022

The transcriptional coactivator YAP1 is the major oncogenic component of the Hippo signaling pathway and contributes to the genesis and progression of various tumors, including non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). YAP1 levels are regulated by the canonical Hippo kinases, MST1/2 and LATS1/2, which modulate its cytoplasmic retention and proteasomal degradation. While noncanonical regulation of YAP1 has been reported, its role in hypoxic response is not fully elucidated. The studies presented here show that YAP1 levels and function are modulated by von Hippel–Lindau (VHL) and prolyl hydroxylase 2 (PHD2). YAP1 could regulate multiple genes involved in angiogenesis through E2F1; it also associates with HIF1α in cancer cells under hypoxic conditions, inducing the VEGF-A promoter. Under normoxic conditions, PHD2 associates with and hydroxylates specific proline residues on YAP1, facilitating its interaction with VHL and promoting ubiquitination and subsequent proteasomal degradation. Exposure to hypoxia dissociates YAP1 from PHD2 and VHL, elevating YAP1 levels and enhancing its association with HIF1α. YAP1–HIF1α interaction was higher in NSCLC and renal cell carcinoma samples, indicating a role for this interaction in the genesis of these cancers. Our results thus reveal a novel mode of regulation of YAP1 by PHD2 and VHL in normoxic cells, suggesting that YAP1-mediated induction of VEGF and other genes contributes to hypoxic response in tumors.

Significance:

YAP1 under normoxic conditions is regulated by a novel nonclassical regulatory pathway involving PHD2-mediated prolylhydroxylation and proteasomal degradation; absence of this regulation under hypoxic conditions stabilizes YAP1, contributing to neoangiogenesis.
Prediction of Treatment Response and Survival with Chemotherapy for Metastatic Penile Cancer by the Modified Glasgow Prognostic Score
Authors: Draeger Desiree-Louise , Groh Sophie , Buchholz Tim , Woehl Maria , Nolting Julia , Hakenberg Oliver W.
Published: June 2022

Purpose: There is increasing evidence that a persistent systemic inflammatory response predicts lower survival in patients with malignant disease. The modified Glasgow Prognostic Score (mGPS) is defined by a combination of elevated C-reactive protein (CRP) (>10 mg/L) and hypoalbuminemia (<35 g/L). It is considered as an independent prognostic marker in several organ malignancies. The aim of this study was to investigate the value of mGPS in metastatic penile carcinoma in predicting treatment response and survival. Methods: One hundred and fifty-six patients with penile carcinoma treated with chemotherapy were included in this retrospective study. The mGPS before chemotherapy was classified into 3 groups (mGPS 0 [CRP <10, any albumin], mGPS 1 [CRP >10 mg/L, albumin >35 g/L], and mGPS 2 [CRP >10 mg/L, albumin <35 g/L]). Overall survival and disease-free survival were calculated by Kaplan-Meier analysis and chemotherapy toxicity by CTC criteria. Univariate Cox proportional hazards models were calculated to estimate the effect of each predictor on OS and DFS. Results: Survival was significantly different in the 3 mGPS classes, with mGPS 0 patients showing the best treatment response and survival. Univariate analysis showed that mGPS (p < 0.0001), tumor stage (p = 0.004), and venous and lymphatic invasion (p = 0.011) were factors independently associated with prognosis. The response to chemotherapy differed significantly between mGPS groups (mGPS 0, 36/51 [71%]; mGPS 1, 24/70 [34%]; mGPS 2, 9/35 [26%], p = 0.03 and p = 0.37, respectively). mGPS was significantly associated with chemotherapy-associated toxicity, with treatment adaptation (p < 0.01) and toxicity-related deaths (p = 0.028). Conclusions: Systemic inflammatory response and nutritional status as expressed by the mGPS are independent predictors of treatment response, chemotherapy-associated toxicity, and survival in metastatic penile carcinoma. In addition to other known pathological markers of tumor aggressiveness, the mGPS can be used as a clinical predictor of prognosis.
Mindfulness-Based Interventions in People with Psychotic Disorders: An Overview of the State of Research Concerning Efficacy and Implications for Clinical Practice
Authors: Böge Kerem , Catena Daniel , Hahn Eric
Published: June 2022

Mindfulness-based interventions (MBI) represent a central pillar of the third wave of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. In recent years, MBI have been implemented in treating patients with psychotic disorders, and their efficacy has been evaluated in a small number of randomized-controlled trials (RCTs). This narrative review presents the current state of research on the efficacy and effectiveness, as well as central aspects of the clinical applications of MBI in the treatment of patients with schizophrenia and primary psychotic disorders. Current meta-analyses show different results but concur that in comparison to controls with treatment-as-usual (TAU) and in Pre-Post-Analyses, MBI show promising results in reducing the, in regards to pharmacotherapy, difficult to treat negative (g = 0.56 and g = 0.75) and positive symptoms (g = 0.19 and g = 0.32) with effect sizes between small and large. In addition, MBI can lead to positive effects on depressive and anxiety symptoms (g = 0.20 and g = 0.43) and contribute to a long-term reduction in re-hospitalization rates 12 months post-discharge and a shortening of the duration of inpatient treatment. In contrast to psychotherapy research from the UK, Australia, and Hong Kong, the scientific evaluation and implementation of mindfulness-based treatment options in the entire German-speaking area are still in the early stages.
Neurovegetative and Emotional Modulation Induced by Mozart’s Music
Authors: Di Cesare Margherita , Tonacci Alessandro , Bondi Danilo , Verratti Vittore , Prete Giulia , Malatesta Gianluca , Pietrangelo Tiziana
Published: June 2022

Introduction: Since decades, the “Mozart effect” has been studied. However, the diverse effects of Mozart’s music components have not been yet defined. Authors aimed to identify a differential response to short-term exposure to Mozart’s music, or to its rhythmic signature only, on subjective and objective measures. Methods: The Mozart Sonata in A major K 331 (Mozart), the same piece consisting only of beat (Destructured), and duration-matched silence were administered to 25 healthy young adults, stood supine in a relaxing setting. The Italian Mood Scale questionnaire was administered before and after each listening. Heart rate variability (HRV) metrics were calculated from ECG recording, and breath flow was registered during experiments. Results: After Destructured, there was no change of fatigue and tension. After Mozart, fatigue was significantly reduced (and a tendency appeared for tension), whereas vigor was not. Breathing rate tended to be higher during Mozart. The nonlinear parameter HFD of HRV analysis, even though not significantly, was slightly lower during Destructured; Poincaré plots SD1 and SD2 tended to be lower during Mozart. Discussion/Conclusion: Mozart’s music may allow to maintain arousal during relaxing condition. Psychological response of music and physiological dynamics were not necessarily entangled. Musical pieces based on individual physiological signature may lead musical psychological interventions.
Short- and Long-Term Effects of Chlorpyrifos on Thyroid Hormone Axis and Brain Development in Xenopus laevis
Authors: Spirhanzlova Petra , Couderq Stephan , Le Mével Sébastian , Leemans Michelle , Krief Sabrina , Mughal Bilal B. , Demeneix Barbara A. , Fini Jean-Baptiste
Published: June 2022

Introduction: The extensive use of the insecticide chlorpyrifos (CPF) throughout the world has brought increased scrutiny on its environmental and health impact. CPF is a cholinergic neurotoxicant; however, exposure to low noncholinergic doses is associated with numerous neurodevelopmental effects in animal models. In this study, we aimed to assess CPF for its potential to disrupt thyroid hormone signalling and investigate the short- and long-term effects on neurodevelopment by using Xenopus laevis. Methods: The thyroid hormone (TH) disrupting potential of CPF was assessed using TH-sensitive transgenic Tg(thibz:eGFP) tadpoles. The consequences of early embryonic exposure were examined by exposing fertilized eggs for 72 h to environmentally relevant CPF concentrations (10−10 M and 10−8 M). Three endpoints were evaluated: (1) gene expression in whole embryonic brains immediately after exposure, (2) mobility and brain morphology 1 week after exposure, and (3) brain morphology and axon diameters at the end of metamorphosis (2 months after the exposure). Results: CPF disrupted TH signalling in Tg(thibz:eGFP) tadpoles. The expression of genes klf9, cntn4, oatp1c1, and tubb2b was downregulated in response to CPF. Tadpoles exposed to CPF exhibited increased mobility and altered brain morphology compared to control tadpoles. Early embryonic exposure of CPF affected myelinated axon diameter, with exposed animals exhibiting shifted frequency distributions of myelinated axons diameters towards smaller diameters in the hindbrain of froglets. Discussion/Conclusion: This study provides more evidence of the endocrine and neurodevelopment disrupting activity of CPF. Further experimental and epidemiological studies are warranted to determine the long-term consequences of early CPF exposure on brain development.
Problem in the Recent American Heart Association Guideline on Secondary Stroke Prevention: B Vitamins to Lower Homocysteine Do Prevent Stroke
Authors: Spence J. David , Hankey Graeme J.
Published: June 2022

In this article, we discuss a problem in the most recent American Heart Association guideline on secondary stroke prevention that apparently arose from the rules of evidence imposed on the guideline panel. We are told by the cochair of the panel that American Heart Association rules about guidelines for secondary prevention prohibited consideration of primary prevention studies and secondary analyses of secondary prevention studies. However, evidence-based medicine should consider all the best external evidence available and also clinical judgement. The most important problem in the guideline was the recommendation that B vitamins to lower homocysteine do not prevent recurrent stroke. When considering all the best external evidence, it is clear that B vitamins do prevent stroke, but in the early secondary stroke prevention studies, the benefit of B vitamins in participants with good renal function was apparently offset by harm from cyanocobalamin among participants with renal failure (level B-R evidence). We review the evidence that B vitamins should be used to prevent stroke, both in primary and secondary stroke prevention (class 2a recommendation). We also review issues in folate metabolism that require further study, with regard to the form of folate to be used for stroke prevention. We recommend that the guideline be revised to say that B vitamins to lower homocysteine prevent stroke and that methylcobalamin or hydroxycobalamin should be used instead of cyanocobalamin.
A perturbative approach to study information communication in brain
networks
Authors: Madan Mohan Varun , Banerjee Arpan
Published: June 2022

How communication among neuronal ensembles shapes functional brain dynamics is a question of fundamental importance to neuroscience. Communication in the brain can be viewed as a product of the interaction of node activities with the structural network over which these activities flow. The study of these interactions is, however, restricted by the difficulties in describing the complex dynamics of the brain. There is thus a need to develop methods to study these network-dynamical interactions and how they impact information flow, without having to ascertain dynamics a priori or resort to restrictive analytical approaches. Here, we adapt a recently established network analysis method based on perturbations, it to a neuroscientific setting to study how information flow in the brain can raise from properties of underlying structure. For proof-of-concept, we apply the approach on in silico whole-brain models. We expound on the functional implications of the distributions of metrics that capture network-dynamical interactions, termed net influence and flow. We also study the network-dynamical interactions at the level of resting-state networks. An attractive feature of this method is its simplicity, which allows a direct translation to an experimental or clinical setting, such as for identifying targets for stimulation studies or therapeutic interventions.
Choice Implies Meaning
Authors: Miller Timothy E.
Published: June 2022

That 1 Peter uses participles where imperatives are expected is clear. Why it does so is not. Scholarly discussion has focused on whether the participles are independent or dependent. Early grammarians argued that these participles were dependent but struggled to explain why the participles appeared far from their head verb. Modern grammarians have argued that they are independent, yet they have given insufficient attention to why the participle is used instead of the imperative. This article suggests a path forward, which vindicates the earlier interpretation by providing a discourse explanation for the “imperatival participles.” Stated simply, the participle is operating according to its normal function by structuring the discourse. That the participles in 1 Peter are far from their head verb shows the complex structuring of the letter, with the main imperatives moving the discourse along and the participles expressing ways that those head verbs may be accomplished.
Equal Treatment and the Inelasticity of Tax Policy to Rising Inequality
Authors: Scheve Kenneth , Stasavage David
Published: June 2022

We argue that tax policy typically does not respond to inequality because many voters hold equal treatment fairness beliefs for which the expectation is that, just as all have one vote, the state should treat citizens equally on other dimensions of policy. In the tax domain, this means all should pay the same rate. We propose a new survey instrument to measure equal treatment beliefs and implement it in surveys in Germany, the United Kingdom, and the United States. We document in all three countries a robust negative partial correlation between the strength of individual equal treatment beliefs and preferences for higher taxes on the rich. We also present results from a survey experiment in the United States that exposes respondents to a violation of equal treatment beliefs—voting weighted by educational attainment. Exposure to this treatment both increases the strength of equal treatment beliefs and decreases support for progressive taxation.
Rebels with a Cause: Does Ideology Make Armed Conflicts Longer and Bloodier?
Authors: Basedau Matthias , Deitch Mora , Zellman Ariel
Published: June 2022

Ideology may directly provide motive and indirectly capacity for collective violence, thus making armed conflicts longer and bloodier. We investigate these propositions by drawing on an innovative global dataset which codes ideological claims by rebel groups and governments in intrastate armed conflicts since 1946. Results demonstrate that although ideology increases conflict duration, these effects vary by type and timing. Whereas secular ideological conflicts tended to be more protracted during the Cold War, religious ideology has become increasingly important since. We, however, find little evidence that ideology increases conflict intensity. Rather, rebel criminality best accounts for intensity. So, while immaterial resources like ideology sustain willingness to fight, ideology’s influence upon conflict intensity is limited, especially after the Cold War. Future studies need to take ideology seriously and need to investigate its characteristics more in-depth and in conjunction with material, identity related and international variables.
“It Could Be Better” Can Make It Worse: When and Why People Mistakenly Communicate Upward Counterfactual Information
Authors: Li Xilin , Hsee Christopher K. , O’Brien Ed
Published: June 2022

Imagine you are a real estate agent and are showing a prospective buyer a house with a lake view, but it is foggy, and the view is less than ideal. Are you inclined to tell the prospective buyer, “Unfortunately, it is foggy outside. If it were not foggy, the view would be even better!”? Eight studies, spanning diverse domains, reveal a novel discrepancy: most presenters (e.g., the seller) choose to communicate such upward counterfactual information (UCI) to experiencers (e.g., the prospective buyer), believing it will enhance experiencers’ impressions (e.g., of the house)—yet UCI actually worsens their impressions. This discrepancy arises because presenters insufficiently account for the fact that they possess more knowledge about the presented target than experiencers do; they fail to realize that noting an imperfection reveals it. Accordingly, when experiencers are knowledgeable about the target, either because the imperfection is obvious or because they can easily envision the upward counterfactual, the discrepancy attenuates. Finally, the presenter–experiencer discrepancy occurs only when the counterfactual information is upward, such that presenters do not overcommunicate downward counterfactual information, which rules out a desire to share any information as an alternative mechanism for presenters’ communication decisions. Together, this research highlights the prevalence and costs of sharing UCI.
A GENUINE BLEND OF STATECRAFTS
Authors: Altin Hasan
Published: June 2022

Power transition in the international order and the position of China in this order have triggered ramifications in China's foreign policy strategy toward the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. Its foreign policy approach has evolved from strict non-intervention to an assertive policy at the international level and constructive engagement at the regional level. China has simultaneously been applying both soft and hard power to protect its national interests in MENA. This study aims to assess China's four-pillar MENA policy from the perspective of its smart power strategy by examining its hard power means and soft power tools.
Preparing public management students for mixed methods research
Authors: Hewlett Lynn , Werbeloff Merle
Published: June 2022

Mixed methods approaches are increasing advocated for researching complex problems in the social sciences, but they are not widely used by postgraduate students of public management. This article describes a study where qualitative and quantitative methods lecturers worked collaboratively to design and teach both methodology courses in an integrated way to encourage public management master’s students to see the two methods as complementary, and thus possibly be more open to consider using the mixed methods approach in their research. A multi-method research design was used in this study. Students’ prior studies of qualitative and quantitative research methodology were not found to predict their summative course marks significantly on qualitative and quantitative components, respectively, but initial cognitive competence in the study of statistics correlates with summative performance in the quantitative component. Qualitative and quantitative summative scores correlate strongly, with those students with higher qualitative and higher quantitative summative scores tending to score higher on a task where they reflect on the value of both approaches to their own proposed research. However, students with lower scores, who comprise the majority of the sample, are not able to demonstrate appreciation of the possibilities or status of applying both methodologies to their own research. They tend to misunderstand foundational concepts when applied to their research design and/or show limited ability to apply their understanding to design their own work accurately or in a workable way. This study suggests that, where postgraduate students have prior limited exposure to research methods, improving the quality of student research and their engagement with mixed methods may require more mastery of both methods and methodologies than the scope and pacing of taught master’s programmes usually allow.
Diagnostic Classification Models for a Mixture of Ordered and Non-ordered Response Options in Rating Scales
Authors: Liu Ren , Liu Haiyan , Shi Dexin , Jiang Zhehan
Published: June 2022

When developing ordinal rating scales, we may include potentially unordered response options such as “Neither Agree nor Disagree,” “Neutral,” “Don’t Know,” “No Opinion,” or “Hard to Say.” To handle responses to a mixture of ordered and unordered options, Huggins-Manley et al. (2018) proposed a class of semi-ordered models under the unidimensional item response theory framework. This study extends the concept of semi-ordered models into the area of diagnostic classification models. Specifically, we propose a flexible framework of semi-ordered DCMs that accommodates most earlier DCMs and allows for analyzing the relationship between those potentially unordered responses and the measured traits. Results from an operational study and two simulation studies show that the proposed framework can incorporate both ordered and non-ordered responses into the estimation of the latent traits and thus provide useful information about both the items and the respondents.
A scoping review on couples’ stress and coping literature: Recognizing the need for inclusivity
Authors: Randall Ashley K. , Donato Silvia , Neff Lisa A. , Totenhagen Casey J. , Bodenmann Guy , Falconier Mariana
Published: June 2022

The study of romantic partners’ experiences of stress and coping has exploded with nearly 11,000 empirical studies on this topic within the past two decades alone. Despite its prevalence, researchers, clinicians, and policy makers alike are questioning how inclusive is our current knowledge base on partners’ stress and coping? The purpose of this review is to examine literature on this topic from the past two decades to offer perspectives on whose vantage point has the research been conducted and what types of questions have been valued and for whom? To answer these questions, a scoping review was conducted of articles published in the last two decades (2002–2021) that focused on associations of partners’ stress, support, and/or coping with relationship quality and presented research questions on two or more demographic identities. Fifty-six empirical articles met the inclusion criteria. Results were not surprising given the lack of diversity in psychological science; most manuscripts used theories and models that were developed by Western scholars and the research questions focused on general processes independent of peoples’ identities or focused on a singular aspect of identity. Limitations and future directions of this review are presented, specifically as they pertain to the need for a more critical analysis of the types of stressors people may experience and how those with diverse identities, particularly multiple minoritized identities, may experience and cope with such stressors in the context of their relationship.
Actor and partner effects of positive affect on communal coping
Authors: Horner Fiona S. , Helgeson Vicki S.
Published: June 2022

Positive affect (PA) has been shown to facilitate the accrual of social resources which, in turn, reduces stress and improves health. These social resources may encourage interpersonal coping strategies, but this effect has been understudied. The present research examined if PA facilitates the interpersonal coping style of communal coping, defined as the perception of a stressor as shared (shared appraisal) and collaborative action to manage the stressor (collaboration). We assessed whether trait and state PA predicted increased collaboration and shared appraisal on the same day, and whether state PA predicted increased collaboration and shared appraisal the following day. Participants were romantic partners in which one person had recently been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. Patients ( n = 198, 45% female, 44.9% Black, 72% married) and their significant others completed daily diary surveys that assessed PA, negative affect, and diabetes-specific shared appraisal and collaboration for 14 days. Multilevel modeling was used to differentiate the effects of within-person (state) and between-person (trait) PA. Actor Partner Interdependence Modeling was used to assess the effects of both couple member’s mood on one person’s coping. Results showed partner state PA was cross-sectionally linked to shared appraisal, but the link of actor PA to shared appraisal was accounted for by the inclusion of actor NA. Both actor and partner state and trait PA were cross-sectionally linked to collaboration. Importantly, actor state PA predicted next-day shared appraisal. Findings provide initial support for the role of affect in predicting communal coping.
Method for generating real-time interactive virtual fixture for shared teleoperation in unknown environments
Authors: Pruks Vitalii , Ryu Jee-Hwan
Published: June 2022

A virtual fixture (VF) is a constraint built into software that assists a human operator in moving a remote tool along a preferred path via an augmented guidance force to improve teleoperation performance. However, teleoperation generally applies to unknown or dynamic environments, which are challenging for VF use. Most researchers have assumed that VFs are pre-defined or generated automatically; however, these processes are complicated and unreliable in unknown environments where teleoperation is in high demand. Recently, a few researchers have addressed this issue by introducing a user-interactive method of generating VFs in unknown environments. However, these methods are limited to generating a single type of primitive for a single robot tool. Moreover, the accuracy of the VF generated by these methods depends on the accuracy of the human input. Thus, applications of these methods are limited. To overcome those limitations, this work introduces a novel interactive VF generation method that includes a new method of representing VFs as a composition of components. A feature-based user interface allows the human operator to intuitively specify the VF components. The new VF representation accommodates a variety of robot tools and actions. Using the feature-based interface, the process of VF generation is more intuitive and accurate. In this study, the proposed method is evaluated with human subjects in three teleoperation experiments: peg-in-hole, pipe-sawing, and pipe-welding. The experimental results show that the VFs generated by the proposed approach result in a higher manipulation quality while demonstrating the lowest total workload in all experiments. The peg-in-hole task teleoperation was the safest in terms of failure proportion and exerted force of the robot tool. In the pipe-sawing task, the positioning of the robot tool was the most accurate. In the pipe-welding task, the quality of weld was the best in terms of measured tool-trajectory smoothness and visual weld observation.
Length of stay and influencing factors of NICU in the Western Hunan, an underdeveloped area of China: A 9-year retrospective study
Authors: Xie Fen , Shu Qingxia , Chen Zheng-Ying , Li Jinxiu
Published: June 2022

Objective

To investigate the factors that influence the length of stay (LOS) in a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU).

Methods

This retrospective study analysed clinical data from all newborns hospitalized in the NICU of a tertiary hospital in the Western Hunan area of China over a 9-year period (2012–2020). Factors associated with the LOS were analysed using univariate analysis and Cox regression analysis.

Results

A total of 16 094 newborns were included in the study: of which 9615 were inborn and 6479 were outborn newborns. There were 9482 males and 6612 females. Over the 9-year period, the mean LOS was 11.08 days (median LOS, 9.00 days; range, 1–141 days); and the LOS first increased, then decreased and stabilized. A LOS of 8–28 days was the most common duration (8849 of 16 094; 54.98%). Cox regression analysis demonstrated that sex, patient source, delivery method, gestational age, birth weight and comorbidities were significantly associated with LOS.

Conclusion

Being male, low gestational age and low birth weight increased the LOS. Reducing preterm and post-term infants, as well as eliminating comorbidities, could effectively shorten the LOS of newborns.
Warfarin resistance: possibilities to solve this problem. A case report
Authors: Mostbauer Halyna , Nishkumay Olga , Rokyta Oksana , Vavryniuk Valeriia
Published: June 2022

Effective prevention of thromboembolism is essential for patients with mechanical prosthetic heart valves. For this group of patients, vitamin K antagonists (VKAs) remain the drug group of choice despite the widespread use of new anticoagulants in other diseases. As a consequence, warfarin resistance remains a serious challenge for physicians. The current report describes a 65-year-old male patient that had a mechanical prosthetic aortic valve implanted due to severe aortic insufficiency after infective endocarditis. Despite consistent increases in his warfarin dose, the level of international normalized ratio (INR) remained very low. The patient was considered to have warfarin resistance. Warfarin was successfully replaced by another VKA, acenocoumarol, which resulted in a stable INR observed over 1 year of follow-up. Achieving the target INR in patients with mechanical prosthetic heart valves using VKAs is the main goal of thromboprophylaxis. Although the genetic changes that cause warfarin resistance are understood, the options to overcome these pharmacogenetic issues remain limited. Based on the success with this current patient, physicians with similar patients with warfarin resistance might wish to consider replacing warfarin with acenocoumarol.
Local aldosterone synthesis in the large intestine of mouse: An ex vivo incubation study
Authors: Pang Zan , Launonen Hanna , Korpela Riitta , Vapaatalo Heikki
Published: June 2022

Objective

To investigate the regulation of local aldosterone synthesis by physiological stimulants in the murine gut.

Methods

Male mice were fed for 14 days with normal, high (1.6%) or low (0.01%) sodium diets. Tissue liver receptor homolog-1 and aldosterone in the colon and caecum were detected using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Released corticosterone and aldosterone in tissue incubation experiments after stimulation with angiotensin II (Ang II) and dibutyryl-cAMP (DBA; the second messenger of adrenocorticotropic hormone) were assayed using an ELISA. Tissue aldosterone synthase (CYP11B2) protein levels were measured using an ELISA and Western blots.

Results

In incubated colon tissues, aldosterone synthase levels were increased by a low-sodium diet; and by Ang II and DBA in the normal diet group. Release of aldosterone into the incubation buffer was increased from the colon by a low-sodium diet and decreased by a high-sodium diet in parallel with changes in aldosterone synthase levels. In mice fed a normal diet, colon incubation with both Ang II and DBA increased the release of aldosterone as well as its precursor corticosterone.

Conclusion

Local aldosterone synthesis in the large intestine is stimulated by a low-sodium diet, dibutyryl-cAMP and Ang II similar to the adrenal glands.
Evaluation of the evidence for self-management post-stroke within clinical practice guidelines for people with stroke: A systematic review
Authors: Henry Leah , Leahy Siobhan , McCurtin Arlene , Boland Pauline
Published: June 2022

Introduction

Self-management post-stroke is essential where healthcare systems are stretched and stroke prevalence remains high. Self-management is recommended in stroke guidelines however, the quality of guidelines can vary and the evidence underpinning recommendations is unclear. The objectives of this paper are to identify and appraise current stroke guidelines, synthesise self-management recommendations and assess the evidentiary basis of these recommendations.

Method

Stroke guidelines were retrieved from a search of four databases and stroke association websites in July 2021. Four independent reviewers assessed their quality using the Appraisal of Guidelines Research and Evaluation 2nd Edition instrument. Self-management recommendations were extracted by hand, evaluated, synthesised and the evidence underpinning them appraised using the Canadian Stroke Best Practice Recommendations framework.

Results

Eleven guidelines were included in this systematic review, all of excellent methodological quality overall. One hundred and sixty-one recommendations were extracted from these guidelines and grouped into ten principles of self-management. A quarter of the recommendations were underpinned by level A evidence, 32% level B and 43% level C.

Conclusion

Although current stroke guidelines are of high methodological quality, there are considerable inconsistencies in self-management recommendations within and between these guidelines, with varying strengths of underpinning evidence. This article identifies a need for universal consensus regarding evidence-based self-management post-stroke.
Using the Medicine of Grace: Kierkegaard Reads Hugh of Saint Victor on Sanctification
Authors: Furnal Joshua
Published: June 2022

In this article, I argue that Søren Kierkegaard's prefatory editorial remark in Practice in Christianity about resorting to and making use of grace has a medieval inheritance, which stems from his reading of Hugh of St Victor (1096–1142). Rather than grounding Kierkegaard's remark exclusively within the Lutheran tradition, I suggest that the medieval inheritance of the relationship between operative and cooperative grace contributed to a theological development in Kierkegaard's view of sanctification. Moreover, Kierkegaard's journal entries prior to the publication of Practice in Christianity provide the connection to Hugh of St Victor's theology of sanctification. I briefly survey the development of Kierkegaard's view of grace and examine Kierkegaard's commentary on Hugh of St Victor's Seven Gifts of the Holy Spirit. Then, I survey Hugh's distinction between restorative and cooperative grace against the wider backdrop of his theology of sanctification to highlight a structural affinity with Kierkegaard's writings. My aim is to identify and illuminate this unexplored Catholic source of Kierkegaard's distinction between grace and works that indicates a non-competitive relationship between divine and human agency.
A comprehensive review on the grinding process: Advancements, applications and challenges
Authors: Kishore Kamal , Sinha Manoj K , Singh Amarjit , Archana  , Gupta Munish K , Korkmaz Mehmet Erdi
Published: June 2022

Grinding is a manufacturing process which significantly contributes in producing high precision and durable components required in numerous applications such as aerospace, defence and automobiles. This review article is focused to uncover history, witness the present and predict the future of the grinding process. While going through the literature, it has been observed that minimal work has been done in explaining the history, present status and future scopes of the grinding process. In this era of information and environmental awareness, sustainability aspects have become a primary concern of almost every research field. In the grinding process too, the research work includes ecological elements such as reducing the consumption of cutting fluids through minimum quantity lubrication, utilizing cryogenics, hybrid lubrication and cooling techniques that are still required to be explored critically. Further, some significant findings of the prevailing research in grinding include modification in grinding wheel surface, merging different grinding principles such as usages of the textured grinding wheel, ultrasonic grinding, 3D printing of grinding wheel and artificial intelligence in grinding are also presented. Another unascertained problem is the management of grinding swarf, which is being attended to by recycling it to fabricate composites which is expected to be another prominent domain of research. Further, the advancements taking place exhibit the potential of the grinding process, suggesting that its future is bright and ever-growing.
Agmatine mitigates palmitate (PA)-induced mitochondrial and metabolic dysfunction in microvascular endothelial cells
Authors: Zhang Dan , Li Jinzhao , Li Tianzhu
Published: June 2022

Agmatine is an arginine metabolite that has neuroprotective capacity. Recently, it has been found to ameliorate atherosclerosis progression in rabbits. However, further molecular mechanisms of its anti-atherosclerotic properties remain unclear. High plasma levels of free fatty acids (FFAs) are an important risk factor for atherosclerosis due to their detrimental effects on vascular endothelial cells (ECs). Here, we used palmitate (PA), a kind of FFA, to induce endothelial dysfunction in human microvascular endothelial cells (HMECs) to determine the possible biological functions of agmatine. We found that PA caused ECs dysfunction in HMEC-1 cells, decreased cell viability, and elevated lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release which could be reversed by agmatine treatment. Agmatine also improved the nitric oxide (NO) production and endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) activity in PA-induced HMEC-1 cells. The PA-caused mitochondrial dysfunction of HMEC-1 cells was diminished after agmatine treatment, as proven by the increased intracellular Adenosine Triphosphate (ATP) level, decreased mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (ROS) level, and increased mitochondrial oxygen consumption rate (OCR). Further, agmatine could alleviate PA-caused lipid accumulation with increased levels of Triglyceride (TG) and total cholesterol (TC) in HMEC-1 cells. Furthermore, Western blot analysis revealed that agmatine administration markedly decreased the expression levels of phosphorylated-AMP-activated protein kinase α (p-AMPKα), p-protein kinase B (p-AKT), and p-eNOS in PA-induced HMEC-1 cells. Inhibition of AMPK by compound C reversed the protective effects of agmatine on PA-induced HMEC-1 cells. Taken together, we hypothesize that agmatine mitigated PA-induced HMEC-1 cell dysfunction by alleviating mitochondrial and metabolic dysfunction via the AMPK/PI3K/Akt/eNOS signaling pathway.
Curing mechanism of resole phenolic resin based on variable temperature FTIR spectra and thermogravimetry-mass spectrometry
Authors: Hu Honglin , Wang Wei , Jiang Liqin , Liu Liang , Zhang Ying , Yang Yunhua , Wang Jinming
Published: June 2022

To solve the problem that the curing mechanism evolution of phenolic resin catalyzed by Ba(OH)2 remained unclear, the p-p methylene index, o-p methylene index, o-o methylene index, hydroxymethyl index, and ether index were introduced to quantitatively investigate the chemical structure of resin in the curing temperature range of 90–230°C. The chemical structures were investigated by variable temperature FT-IR. The gas products released with the increase of curing temperature were characterized by Thermogravimetry-Mass Spectrometry. The curing mechanism from 90°C to 230°C was concluded finally. The results show that the main reaction is the formation of the p-p methylene group in the range of 90–120°C. It is difficult to form the o-p methylene bridge at this stage. In the range of 120–160°C, the main reaction is the formation of the p-p methylene group. From 160°C to 190°C, the main reactions are the breaking of the ether bond, the formation of the carbonyl group and the propyl bridge. Above 190°C, the main reactions are polycondensation reaction among phenolic hydroxyl groups, and the formation reaction of carbonyl groups. The ether bond breaks completely above 230°C. This work provides a new method to investigate the curing mechanism. It is a benefit for the rational design of the curing process of phenolic resin-based composites.
The Impact of COVID-19 Vaccine Nationalism on Global Health and Human Rights to Health Standards
Authors: Murhula Patrick Bashizi Bashige , Singh Shanta Balgobind
Published: June 2022

The pursuit of ending the COVID-19 pandemic has shed light on the surfacing and rollout of vaccines to be utilized by people around the world. However, vaccine nationalism hinders the world’s poorest countries to have access to vaccines. This article puts into perspective the impact of vaccine nationalism on global health. It also underlines its repercussions on the universal rights to health standards and identifies avenues to be followed for equitable access to the COVID-19 vaccine, necessary to the containment of the pandemic. The study makes use of secondary data to gain a better understanding of problems associated with vaccine nationalism. We searched PubMed, CINAHL, and EMBASE databases, websites maintained by the United Nations (like the World Health Organization [WHO]), national and international newspapers, and grey literature using a predetermined search strategy to identify all relevant qualitative, quantitative, and mixed-methods studies related specifically to the aim of this study. Its findings prove that vaccine nationalism has a negative impact on global health by posing a predicament or a delay in ending the pandemic, and furthermore, it violates human rights to health standards of the global population. Therefore, to encourage the international sharing of the COVID-19 vaccine, enforceable frameworks for vaccine development and distribution are needed and should be managed by an established international platform like the WHO.
Overview of cost accounting practices in France from the early 19th century to the 1880s
Authors: Levant Yves , Zimnovitch Henri
Published: June 2022

The article explores changes in costing practices over forty decades from 1820 to 1880 in France. Its main purpose is to contribute to the dynamic history of changes in cost accounting methods. This dynamic is contained within a broad view of how costing methods have evolved. In industry, the methods became more complex in order to achieve greater precision, as in the agricultural sector, except that in the latter case, criticism of too much complexity started to arise. In the field of railway transport, accounting advances were made with a view to complying with legal obligations. As for the sophisticated models devised by the engineers during this period, they were not applied until a century later. Instead, rather simple methods prevailed: the equivalence methods. Costing methods wavered between a search for precision at the price of increased complexity, and a search for simplification to the detriment of precision, but not to the point where we could call this a cyclical phenomenon.
Penumbra of the pandemic workplace for psychiatrists and trainees in Australia
Authors: Looi Jeffrey CL , Maguire Paul A. , Bastiampillai Tarun , Allison Stephen
Published: June 2022

Objective:

A commentary on the workforce, infrastructure and health of psychiatrists and trainees providing psychiatric care during the COVID-19 pandemic in Australia.

Conclusions

The wide-ranging workplace, health system and societal changes necessitated by the SARS-CoV-2 virus have altered the practice and working lives of psychiatrists, trainees and other healthcare workers, as well as the general population. There have been workplace innovations, recalibrations and losses. There is a new baseline upon which to build better psychiatric services, as the pandemic’s penumbra recedes.
Assessing Efficacy and Use Patterns of Medical Cannabis for Symptom Management in Elderly Cancer Patients
Authors: Nathan Rachel , Mupamombe Charles T. , Elibol John , Case Amy A. , Smith Danielle , Hyland Andrew , Attwood Kristopher , Hansen Eric D.
Published: June 2022

Objectives

Our study sought to further characterize patterns of medical cannabis use in elderly cancer patients. Furthermore, we sought to assess efficacy of medical cannabis for the treatment of pain, nausea, anorexia, insomnia and anxiety in elderly cancer patients.

Background

Medical cannabis use is growing for symptom management in cancer patients, but limited data exists on the safety or efficacy of use in elderly patients.

Methods

A retrospective chart review assessing changes in numerical symptom scores reported at clinic visits before and after medical cannabis initiation.

Results

There was no statistically significant difference in pain, nausea, appetite, insomnia or anxiety scores reported before and after initiation of medical cannabis. Oil was the most common form used, followed by vape, and the most common ratios used were high tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) to cannabidiol (CBD) and equal parts THC/CBD products.

Conclusion

This study did not find a statistically significant change in symptom scores with medical cannabis use, although further study is warranted given the limitations of the present study. Elderly patients most commonly are using equal parts THC/CBD or high THC ratio products initially.
Prognostic Factors for Orthognathic Surgery in Children With Cleft Lip and/or Palate: Dentition and Palatal Morphology
Authors: Lim Jaeyeon , Tanikawa Chihiro , Kogo Mikihiko , Yamashiro Takashi
Published: June 2022

To determine dental and palatal morphology in children with cleft lip and/or palate (CL/P) and identify morphological prognostic factors for orthognathic surgery (OGS).

Retrospective cohort study.

Orthodontic department of a university dental hospital.

This study included 80 patients with bilateral and unilateral CL/P who had lateral cephalograms at the ages of 7 (T1), 15 (T2) years, and a dental plaster model at T1.

Plaster models at T1 were scanned with a three-dimensional (3D) scanner. Morphological features were extracted from 3D models with geometric morphometrics software as principal components (PCs). The combinations of the PCs and other predictive factors (ie, the No. of clefts in the lip and alveolus, the palatal repair method, sex, cephalometric variables at T1, and the No. of missing teeth) were examined by logistic regression to determine the predictability for OGS. The need for OGS and skeletal and dental discrepancies at T2 were examined as outcomes.

Shrinkage of the palate, including vertical shallowing and transverse narrowing of the posterior maxilla and cleft-side asymmetry of the anterior maxilla at T1, as well as the No. of clefts in the lip and alveolus, the palatal repair method, male sex, several cephalometric variables for the sagittal and vertical dimensions, and the No. of missing teeth, were found to be predictive factors for OGS.

Morphological prognostic factors for OGS in children with CL/P were determined.
Orbital myeloid sarcoma treated with low-dose venetoclax and a potent cytochrome P450 inhibitor
Authors: De la Garza-Salazar Fernando , Peña-Lozano Samantha P , Gómez-Almaguer David , Colunga-Pedraza Perla R
Published: June 2022

Case report

We report the first case of orbital myeloid sarcoma that was successfully treated with a standard venetoclax dose of 25%. A 38-year-old man with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) post-haplo-hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) presented with a nine-month history of progressive right proptosis and a visual acuity deficit. The patient was treated with venetoclax (100 mg orally on days 1–28), cytarabine (40 mg subcutaneously, days 1–10), and itraconazole (100 mg twice daily orally on days 1–28).

Management and outcome

The present case report shows that using cytochrome P450 (CYP) inhibitors is a helpful strategy to reduce the cost of expensive treatments.

Discussion

There are limited data on the use of CYP inhibitors as a strategy to reduce the costs of expensive drugs (i.e. venetoclax). This approach has some advantages over standard dose venetoclax (400 mg/day) such as significantly reduced costs (which is relevant for patients in low-income countries). In this case, we used itraconazole—a potent CYP3A4 inhibitor—which can theoretically reduce the dose to 100 mg/day without losing serum therapeutic concentrations.