bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Relationship of Arterial Stiffness and Central Hemodynamics With Cardiovascular Risk In Hypertension
Authors: Jin Lin , Chen Jianxiong , Zhang Mengjiao , Sha Lei , Cao Mengmeng , Tong Lanyue , Chen Qingqing , Shen Cuiqin , Du Lianfang , Li Zhaojun , Liu Liping
Published: January 2023

Background

Hypertension is becoming a serious public health problem and noninvasive estimation of central hemodynamics and artery stiffness have been identified as important predictors of cardiovascular disease.

Methods

The study included 4,311 participants, both sex and aged between 20 and 79 years. Arterial velocity pulse index, arterial pressure-volume index (AVI, API, and the index of artery stiffness), central systolic blood pressure, central artery pulse pressure (CSBP, CAPP, and estimated via oscillometric blood pressure monitor), and 10-year risk score of cardiovascular disease in China (China-PAR) and Framingham cardiovascular risk score (FCVRS) were assessed at baseline. Regression model was performed to identify factors associated with high cardiovascular disease risk stratification. The relationships between CSBP, CAPP and China-PAR, and FCVRS were analyzed by restrictive cubic spline functions.

Results

The uncontrolled hypertension group showed the highest values of AVI, API, CSBP, and CAPP. In the regression analysis, CAPP and hypertension subtypes were identified as significant predictors of high cardiovascular risk stratification, and CAPP was strongly correlated with API in this cohort. Finally, CSBP and CAPP showed significant J-shaped relationships with China-PAR and FCVRS.

Conclusions

Subjects with uncontrolled hypertension present with elevated values of CAPP, CSBP, API, AVI, China-PAR, and FCVRS scores. CAPP was independently associated with high cardiovascular risk stratification, and there was a significant J-shaped relationship with China-PAR and FCVRS that may identify people with higher cardiovascular risk.
Athena: Specialty Certificate Examination case for psychodermatology
Authors: Clarke Eleanor , Shipman Alexa
Published: January 2023

An Athena Specialty Certificate Examination multiple choice question focused on a presentation of psychodermatological disease. The explanation includes key teaching points relevant for candidates.
Comparative studies on mannan and imiquimod induced experimental plaque psoriasis inflammation in inbred mice
Authors: Wu Huimei , Ou Jiaxin , Li Kangxin , Wang Tingting , Nandakumar Kutty Selva
Published: January 2023

Psoriasis is a genetically determined, environmentally triggered, immune system-mediated autoimmune disease. Different animal models are needed to investigate the complex pathological mechanisms underlying this disease. Therefore, we established mannan-induced psoriasis model and compared with the most commonly used imiquimod-induced psoriasis in terms of disease, induction of innate immune cells, expression of cytokines, and the effect of dexamethasone treatment. Mannan significantly induced more severe psoriasis with better disease relapsing feature than imiquimod (IMQ). As determined by immunohistochemistry, IMQ induced significantly more infiltration of CD11c+ and F4/80+ cells than mannan in the skin. However, cytometric analysis showed a significant increase in the percentage of Gr-1+ neutrophils in the spleen and lymph nodes as well as F4/80+ macrophages in the spleen after mannan exposure. Variation in the percentage of significantly increased Vγ4 T cells was also found to be dependent on the lymphoid organs tested. However, there is a clear difference between these models in terms of expression of certain cytokine genes: IL-22, IL-23, IL-17E, and IL-17F were expressed more predominantly in mannan-induced inflammation, while IL-6 and IL-17A expressions were significantly higher in IMQ model. Interestingly, dexamethasone treatment strongly reduced epidermal thickness and histological scores induced by mannan than IMQ. Despite inducing psoriasis-like inflammation, certain differences and similarities were observed in the immune responses induced by mannan and IMQ. However, mannan-induced psoriasis model is relatively more simple, economical and less harmful to mice with an increased possibility to develop a chronic psoriasis model by exposing mice to mannan.
Criteria of patient selection for magnetic sphincter augmentation
Authors: Furay E , Doggett S , Buckley III F P
Published: January 2023

This article is an expert review of published literature with the goal of defining the ideal patient selection for Magnetic Sphincter Augmentation (MSA) in Anti-reflux Surgery (ARS). The authors performed a literature search of outcomes after MSA for different patient populations. Although MSA utilization has expanded to include patients with advanced gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), obese patients, and patients with a history of bariatric surgery there is still a paucity of data to support its definitive use in these cohorts. We concluded that younger patients with mild/moderate GERD as evidenced by objective studies in conjunction with normal motility on manometry have the most favorable outcomes after MSA. MSA should be avoided in patients with allergies to nickel, titanium, stainless steel, or ferrous materials. As the utilization of MSA in ARS continues to expand and as more robust data emerges the ideal patient for this device will likely expand as well.
Red Flag/Blue Flag visualization of a common CNN for text classification
Authors: Del Gaizo John , Obeid Jihad S , Catchpole Kenneth R , Alekseyenko Alexander V
Published: January 2023

A shallow convolutional neural network (CNN), TextCNN, has become nearly ubiquitous for classification among clinical and medical text. This research presents a novel eXplainable-AI (X-AI) software, Red Flag/Blue Flag (RFBF), designed for binary classification with TextCNN. RFBF visualizes each convolutional filter’s discriminative capability. This is a more informative approach than direct assessment of logit contribution, features that overfit to train set nuances on smaller datasets may indiscriminately activate large logits on validation samples from both classes. RFBF enables model diagnosis, term feature verification, and overfit prevention. We present 3 use cases of (1) filter consistency assessment; (2) predictive performance improvement; and (3) estimation of information leakage between train and holdout sets. The use cases derive from experiments on TextCNN for binary prediction of surgical misadventure outcomes from physician-authored operative notes. Due to TextCNN’s prevalence, this X-AI can benefit clinical text research, and hence improve patient outcomes.
13-Year Analysis of Gender Disparity in Peer Reviewed Burn Literature
Authors: Khan Iman F , Ketheeswaran Suvethavarshini , Willey Brea , Alasgarov Elvin , Turker Ismail , Guliyeva Gunel , Hultman C Scott , Cooney Carisa M , Caffrey Julie A
Published: January 2023

Women are less likely to be senior authors, invited to write in scientific journals, and to be cited in high impact journals. The aim of this study was to investigate trends in authorship and gender differences in peer-reviewed burn literature over 13 years.

We performed a retrospective analysis of original research articles published from January 2009 to September 2021 in three burn journals. A gender determination application was used to categorize the gender of the first and senior author.

Of the 3,908 articles analyzed, 42.5% had a woman first author and 27.6% had a woman senior author. We identified 2,029 unique senior authors, 29.0% of whom were women. Woman senior authorship was associated with increased odds of woman first authorship [OR=2.31 (95% CI 2.00, 2.67); p<0.001]. The percentage of papers with a woman senior author increased from 17.8% in 2009 to 35.7% in 2021. If this 1.0% (95% CI: 0.50 – 1.51%) linear trend increase per year in woman senior authorship continues, we will expect to see equal proportions of woman and man senior authors in the included journals starting in 2037.

The field of burn care is far from reaching gender parity with respect to authorship of peer-reviewed publications. Supporting and encouraging gender concordant and discordant first:last authorship dyads in mentorship as well as redistributing obligations that may detract from authorship opportunities are potential ways to improve parity in authorship and academia.
Vaccination of individuals lacking decision-making capacity during a public health emergency
Authors: Schaefer G Owen , Johnson Tess , Friets Ryan , Menon Sumytra , Savulescu Julian
Published: January 2023

This paper explores the ethical challenges in deciding whether to vaccinate individuals lacking the decision-making capacity needed to provide informed consent during a public health emergency like COVID-19. The best interests standard ordinarily governs such decisions, which under the law in jurisdictions like England, Wales and Singapore takes into account the individual’s past wishes and present preferences. However, in a public health emergency, the interests of third parties become more salient: those whom the unvaccinated individual might expose to infection have an interest in the individual’s being vaccinated. While current mental capacity law has not been interpreted to take such public health considerations into account, we argue that such considerations are nevertheless ethically relevant, and can legitimately be weighed up alongside other considerations such as the preferences of the individual and impacts on their health. This is most relevant for individuals lacking decision-making capacity who have previously declined or presently resist vaccination. The public health impact of vaccination may in some instances be enough to outweigh preferences of the individual and justify providing vaccination against their past or present wishes.
Developing countries being prospective players in climate governance: a case study of China’s carbon market
Authors: Liu Ziyu , Zhang Chi
Published: January 2023

Although most of the developing countries around the world currently remain reluctant to make clear commitment to climate change, this does not mean that such a situation will not be changed in an expectable future while the climate risk is getting increasingly urgent. This reality also does not imply that there is substantive institutional barrier to establishing effective carbon markets in developing countries. In this article, we will take China as an example and examine its evolution of the domestic legal and regulatory systems of carbon markets to consider the essential roles of private law system of carbon markets in developing countries. Finally, we will analyze the role of Chinese overseas investment in developing countries to promote carbon neutrality among them and provide a feasible platform for them in means of introducing financial instruments through international cooperation.
Estimating reddening of the continuum and broad-line region of active galactic nuclei: the mean reddening of NGC 5548 and the size of the accretion disc
Authors: Gaskell C Martin , Anderson Frances C , Birmingham Sufia Á , Ghosh Samhita
Published: January 2023

We use seven different methods to estimate broad-line and continuum reddenings of NGC 5548. We investigate two possible reddening curves considered for active galactic nuclei (AGNs): the mean AGN reddening curve of Gaskell & Benker (2007) which is relatively flat in the ultraviolet, and a curve that rises strongly into the ultraviolet like a Small Magellanic Cloud (SMC) reddening curve. We also consider a standard Milky Way curve. Regardless of the curve adopted, we find a total reddening ∼14 times greater than the small amount of reddening due to dust in the solar neighbourhood. The UV-to-optical ratios rule out a steep SMC-like reddening curve for NGC 5548. The Milky Way and Gaskell & Benker curves give a mean reddening of E(B − V) = 0.25 ± 0.02. The four non-hydrogen-line reddening indicators imply that the intrinsic hydrogen line ratios are consistent with Baker–Menzel case B values. The unreddened optical to UV spectral energy distribution is consistent with the predicted distribution for an externally-illuminated accretion disc. The reddening we derive for NGC 5548 is typical of previous estimates for type-1 AGNs. Neglecting internal extinction leads to an underestimate of the luminosity at 1200 Å by a factor of seven. The size scale of the accretion disc has therefore been underestimated by a factor of ≈2.6. This is similar to the accretion disc size discrepancy found in the 2013 AGNSTORM campaign and thus supports the proposal by Gaskell (2017) that the accretion disc size discrepancy is primarily due to the neglect of reddening.
Exploring supernova gravitational waves with machine learning
Authors: Mitra A , Shukirgaliyev B , Abylkairov Y S , Abdikamalov E
Published: January 2023

Core-collapse supernovae (CCSNe) emit powerful gravitational waves (GWs). Since GWs emitted by a source contain information about the source, observing GWs from CCSNe may allow us to learn more about CCSNs. We study if it is possible to infer the iron core mass from the bounce and early ring-down GW signal. We generate GW signals for a range of stellar models using numerical simulations and apply machine learning to train and classify the signals. We consider an idealized favorable scenario. First, we use rapidly rotating models, which produce stronger GWs than slowly rotating models. Secondly, we limit ourselves to models with four different masses, which simplifies the selection process. We show that the classification accuracy does not exceed $\sim \! 70{{\ \mathrm{ per \, cent}}}$, signifying that even in this optimistic scenario, the information contained in the bounce, and early ring-down GW signal is not sufficient to precisely probe the iron core mass. This suggests that it may be necessary to incorporate additional information such as the GWs from later post-bounce evolution and neutrino observations to accurately measure the iron core mass.
Disparity of HIV-1 Pretreatment Drug Resistance in Men Who Have Sex With Men and the Heterosexual Population in Guangxi, China
Authors: Pang Xianwu , Liang Shujia , Tang Kailing , Huang Jinghua , He Qin , Fang Ningye , Xie Bo , Xie Xing , Wang Huifeng , Hu Yanling , Lan Guanghua
Published: January 2023

Background

The prevalence of human immunodeficiency type 1 (HIV-1) pretreatment drug resistance (PDR) in men who have sex with men (MSM) in Guangxi remains unclear, and its effect on antiretroviral therapy (ART) needs to be further studied.

Methods

Individuals newly diagnosed with HIV in Guangxi from 2016 to 2020, which mainly included MSM and the heterosexual (HES) population, were recruited in this study. Pol sequences were sequenced to analyze PDR and construct a genetic network. The risk factors for PDR and the effect on ART were respectively analyzed.

Results

The PDR of MSM in Guangxi was 4.7% (34/716), consisting of nonnucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (3.5%), protease inhibitors (0.8%), integrase strand transfer inhibitors (0.7%), and nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (0.4%), and lower than that of HES (9.3% [77/827]). The subtype was associated with PDR, and MSM was lower than HES (CRF01_AE: 3.0% vs 8.0%; CRF07_BC: 4.1% vs 7.2%). CRF55_01B (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 3.35) was a risk factor for PDR in MSM, while CRF08_BC (aOR, 2.34) and older (aOR, 2.75) were risk factors for PDR in HES. Six of 18 (33.3%) PDR of MSM in the network connected to each other, lower than that of HES (61.1% [22/36]). CRF55_01B (aOR, 5.69) was a risk factor for PDR transmission in MSM, while CRF08_BC (aOR, 4.08) was a risk factor in HES. Pretreatment CD4+ T-cell count, age, infection route, and subtype were associated with recovery of CD4+ count and suppression of viral load.

Conclusions

The prevalence of PDR was different between MSM and HES, which may be associated with subtype. Thus, the monitoring of subtype and PDR should be strengthened.
Deficiency of thrombospondin‐2 alleviates intimal hyperplasia in mice by modulating vascular smooth muscle cell proliferation and migration
Authors: Li Xu , Ding Yong , Zhou Min , Zhou Zhenyu , Xie Tianchen , Wang Yonggang , Liu Zhenjie , Si Yi , Shi Zhenyu
Published: January 2023

Thrombospondin‐2 (Tsp2), a glycoprotein in the extracellular matrix, plays a critical role in the maintenance of vascular homeostasis. However, its role in the pathogenesis of cardiovascular disorders such as intimal hyperplasia is not fully elucidated. This study, therefore, aims to explore the effect of Tsp2 on intimal hyperplasia and its associated underlying mechanisms. Intimal hyperplasia (IH) was established using a modified wire‐mediated femoral artery injury model. Immunofluorescence and qPCR identified upregulated Tsp2 expression in the injured femoral artery compared with the uninjured femoral artery. Similarly, TSP2 expression was also increased in human samples from the atherosclerotic femoral artery and colocalized with vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs). Compared with the wild‐type littermates, Tsp2 knockout mice displayed a mitigated IH in the injured femoral artery, as demonstrated by a decreased neointimal area and intimal/median ratio. Primary mouse VSMCs were cultured to explore the mechanism by which Tsp2 influenced IH in vitro. PDGF‐stimulated VSMCs presented an elevated Tsp2 expression and enhanced migration and proliferation. However, Tsp2 knockdown by siRNA blocked the increased migration and proliferation of VSMCs. Further analysis identified an association between Notch3 and IH when the intracellular domain of Notch3 (Nicd3) was upregulated in PDGF‐stimulated VSMCs and femoral arteries with IH in human tissues. Along with the overexpression and downregulation of Tsp2, the Nicd3 expression was also up and downregulated accordingly. Tsp2 was associated with IH and may serve as a therapeutic target for IH. Downregulation of Tsp2 could mitigate the progression of IH by modulating the proliferation and migration of VSMCs.
Operative treatment of paralytic hip dislocation in myelomeningocele by Dega transiliac osteotomy combined with iliopsoas transfer: technique and historical case series
Authors: Napiontek Marek , Shadi Milud
Published: January 2023

The technique of one stage procedure – open reduction, Dega transiliac with or withoutfemoral subtrochanteric osteotomy combined with iliopsoas transferaccording to Mustard – has been described for the treatment of paralytic dislocation of thehip in myelomeningocele patients. Historical series of 16 children (26 hips) operatedon between 1987 and 2003 were analyzed retrospectively. There were nine boys and sevengirls with upper and lower lumbar level lesions (15 with Sharrard groups 3 and 4 and one with Sharrard 2) and 20 dislocated and six subluxated hips. The mean age at operationwas 5.1 years (3–12.3). Ten children were operated bilaterally. Follow-up ranged from 1 to 17 years (mean 10). Concentric reduction was achieved in 23 hips, subluxation in 1 and redislocation in 2. In one hip, acute avascular necrosis of the femoral head was visible early after operation. Immediately after the operation, most of the patients improved ambulation. After operation, 15 patients out of 16 became community ambulators. At the final follow-up, none of the patients worsened their ambulation due to operation. Open reduction and Dega transiliac osteotomy with or without subtrochanteric derotation/varus shortening osteotomy combined with iliopsoas transfer seem to be safe and valuable procedure for operative treatment of dislocated hip in myelomeningocele patients. Levels of evidence: level IV – case series.
Fexofenadine Plasma Concentrations to Estimate Systemic Exposure in Healthy Adults Using a Limited Sampling Strategy with a Population Pharmacokinetic Approach
Authors: Piscitelli Joseph , Nikanjam Mina , Capparelli Edmund V. , Blaquera Chelsea L. , Penzak Scott R. , Nolin Thomas D. , Paine Mary F. , Ma Joseph D.
Published: January 2023

Background:

Fexofenadine is a recommended in vivo probe drug for phenotyping P-glycoprotein (P-gp) and organic anion transporting polypeptide (OATP) 1B1/3 transporter activities. This study evaluated a limited sampling strategy using a population pharmacokinetic approach to estimate plasma fexofenadine exposure as an index of P-gp and OATP activities.

Methods:

In a previous study, a single oral dose of fexofenadine (120 mg) was administered alone or in combination with grapefruit juice, Panax ginseng, or Echinacea purpurea to healthy adult participants. Serial plasma samples were collected up to 72 hours after administration and fexofenadine concentrations were measured. A population pharmacokinetic model was developed using nonlinear mixed-effects modeling. Limited sampling models (LSMs) using single and 2-timepoint fexofenadine concentrations were compared with full profiles from intense sampling using empirical Bayesian post hoc estimations of systemic exposure derived from the population pharmacokinetic model. Predefined criteria for LSM selection and validation included a coefficient of determination (R2) ≥ 0.90, relative percent mean prediction error ≥ −5 to ≤5%, relative percent mean absolute error ≤ 10%, and relative percent root mean square error ≤ 15%.

Results:

Fexofenadine concentrations (n = 1520) were well described using a 2-compartment model. Grapefruit juice decreased the relative oral bioavailability of fexofenadine by 25%, whereas P. ginseng and E. purpurea had no effect. All the evaluated single timepoint fexofenadine LSMs showed unacceptable percent mean prediction error, percent mean absolute error, and/or percent root mean square error. Although adding a second time point improved precision, the predefined criteria were not met.

Conclusions:

Identifying novel fexofenadine LSMs to estimate P-gp and OATP1B1/3 activities in healthy adults for future transporter-mediated drug–drug interaction studies remains elusive.
5S rRNA pseudogene transcripts are associated with interferon production and inflammatory responses in alcohol-associated hepatitis
Authors: Wu Jianguo , Kim Adam , Wu Xiaoqin , Ray Semanti , Allende Daniela S. , Welch Nicole , Bellar Annette , Dasarathy Jaividhya , Dasarathy Srinivasan , Nagy Laura E.
Published: January 2023

Background and Aims:

Interferon (IFN) signaling is critical to the pathogenesis of alcohol-associated hepatitis (AH), yet the mechanisms for activation of this system are elusive. We hypothesize that host-derived 5S rRNA pseudogene (RNA5SP) transcripts regulate IFN production and modify immunity in AH.

Approach and Results:

Mining of transcriptomic datasets revealed that in patients with severe alcohol-associated hepatitis (sAH), hepatic expression of genes regulated by IFNs was perturbed and gene sets involved in IFN production were enriched. RNA5SP transcripts were also increased and correlated with expression of type I IFNs. Interestingly, inflammatory mediators upregulated in sAH, but not in other liver diseases, were positively correlated with certain RNA5SP transcripts. Real-time quantitative PCR demonstrated that RNA5SP transcripts were upregulated in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from patients with sAH. In sAH livers, increased 5S rRNA and reduced nuclear MAF1 (MAF1 homolog, negative regulator of RNA polymerase III) protein suggested a higher activity of RNA polymerase III (Pol III); inhibition of Pol III reduced RNA5SP expression in monocytic THP-1 cells. Expression of several RNA5SP transcript-interacting proteins was downregulated in sAH, potentially unmasking transcripts to immunosensors. Indeed, siRNA knockdown of interacting proteins potentiated the immunostimulatory activity of RNA5SP transcripts. Molecular interaction and cell viability assays demonstrated that RNA5SP transcripts adopted Z-conformation and contributed to ZBP1-mediated caspase-independent cell death.

Conclusions:

Increased expression and binding availability of RNA5SP transcripts was associated with hepatic IFN production and inflammation in sAH. These data identify RNA5SP transcripts as a potential target to mitigate inflammation and hepatocellular injury in AH.
Structural plasticity of axon initial segment in spinal cord neurons underlies inflammatory pain
Authors: Caspi Yaki , Mazar Michael , Kushnir Yishai , Mazor Yoav , Katz Ben , Lev Shaya , Binshtok Alexander M.
Published: January 2023

Physiological or pathology-mediated changes in neuronal activity trigger structural plasticity of the action potential generation site—the axon initial segment (AIS). These changes affect intrinsic neuronal excitability, thus tuning neuronal and overall network output. Using behavioral, immunohistochemical, electrophysiological, and computational approaches, we characterized inflammation-related AIS plasticity in rat's superficial (lamina II) spinal cord dorsal horn (SDH) neurons and established how AIS plasticity regulates the activity of SDH neurons, thus contributing to pain hypersensitivity. We show that in naive conditions, AIS in SDH inhibitory neurons is located closer to the soma than in excitatory neurons. Shortly after inducing inflammation, when the inflammatory hyperalgesia is at its peak, AIS in inhibitory neurons is shifted distally away from the soma. The shift in AIS location is accompanied by the decrease in excitability of SDH inhibitory neurons. These AIS location and excitability changes are selective for inhibitory neurons and reversible. We show that AIS shift back close to the soma, and SDH inhibitory neurons' excitability increases to baseline levels following recovery from inflammatory hyperalgesia. The computational model of SDH inhibitory neurons predicts that the distal shift of AIS is sufficient to decrease the intrinsic excitability of these neurons. Our results provide evidence of inflammatory pain-mediated AIS plasticity in the central nervous system, which differentially affects the excitability of inhibitory SDH neurons and contributes to inflammatory hyperalgesia.
A dyadic analysis of parent and child pain catastrophizing and health-related quality of life in pediatric sickle cell disease
Authors: Shih Sharon , Donati Matthew R. , Cohen Lindsey L. , Shneider Caitlin , Sil Soumitri
Published: January 2023

The purpose of this study was to examine the dyadic and individual level effects of parent and child pain catastrophizing on child health-related quality of life (HRQOL) in pediatric sickle cell disease. Questionnaires assessing child pain frequency, child and parent pain catastrophizing, and child HRQOL were completed by youth and their primary caregiver. A Common Fate Model was estimated to test the dyadic level relationship between parent and child pain catastrophizing and child HRQOL. An Actor-Partner-Common Fate Model hybrid was estimated to test the relationship between child HRQOL and individual-level child pain catastrophizing and parent pain catastrophizing, respectively. In each model, child HRQOL was modelled as a dyadic variable by factoring parent and child ratings. Patients (N = 100, Mage = 13.5 years, 61% female) and their caregivers (Mage = 41.8 years, 86% mothers) participated. Dyad-level pain catastrophizing was negatively associated with child HRQOL, demonstrating a large effect (β = −0.809). Individual-level parent and child pain catastrophizing were each uniquely negatively associated with child HRQOL, demonstrating small to medium effects (β = −0.309, β = −0.270). Individual level effects were net of same-rater bias, which was significant for both parents and children. Both the unique and the overlapping aspects of parent and child pain catastrophizing are significant contributors to associations with child HRQOL, such that higher levels of pain catastrophizing are associated with worse child HRQOL. Findings suggest the need for multipronged intervention targeting factors common to parent–child dyads and factors unique to parents and children, respectively.
TRAUMATIC BRAIN INJURY–INDUCED INFLAMMATION AND GASTROINTESTINAL MOTILITY DYSFUNCTION
Authors: Cannon Abigail R. , Anderson Lillian J. , Galicia Kevin , Murray Mary Grace , Kamran Aadil S. , Li Xiaoling , Gonzalez Richard P. , Choudhry Mashkoor A.
Published: January 2023

Background: Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in the United States, with an annual cost of 60 billion dollars. There is evidence suggesting that in the post-TBI period, the gastrointestinal tract plays a central role in driving organ and immune dysfunction and may be the source of increased circulating proinflammatory mediators. In this study, we examined systemic inflammation and bacterial dysbiosis in patients who sustained a TBI with or without polytrauma. Using a mouse model of TBI, we further show how neuroinflammation after TBI is potentially linked to disruptions in gut homeostasis such as intestinal transit and inflammation. Methods: During a study of trauma patients performed from September 1, 2018, to September 1, 2019, at a single, level 1 trauma center, TBI patients aged 21 to 95 years were enrolled. Patients were categorized as TBI based on evidence of acute abnormal findings on head computed tomographic scan, which was a combination of isolated TBI and TBI with polytrauma. Blood and stool samples were collected between 24 h and 3 days after admission. Twelve plasma samples and 10 fecal samples were used for this study. Healthy control samples were obtained from a healthy control biobank. We examined systemic inflammation and bacterial changes in patients who sustained a TBI. In addition, TBI was induced in 9- to 10-week-old male mice; we assessed neuroinflammation, and intestine transit (motility) and bacterial changes 24 h after TBI. Results: When compared with healthy controls, TBI patients had increased systemic inflammation as evidenced by increased levels of IFN-γ and MCP-1 and a trend toward an increase of IL-6 and IL-8 (P = 0.0551 and P = 0.0549), respectively. The anti-inflammatory cytokine, IL-4, was also decreased in TBI patients. Although there was a trend of an increase in copy number of Enterobacteriaceae and a decrease in copy number of Lactobacillus in both patients and mice after TBI, these trends were not found to be significantly different. However, TBI significantly increased the copy number of another potential pathogenic bacteria Bilophila wadsworthia in TBI patients compared with healthy controls. After a moderate TBI, mice had increased expression of TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-1β, CXCL1, s100a9, and Ly6G and decreased IL-10 in the brain lesion after TBI. This accompanied decreased transit and increased TNF-α in the small intestine of mice after TBI. Conclusions: Our findings suggest that TBI increases systemic inflammation, intestinal dysfunction, and neuroinflammation. More studies are needed to confirm whether changes in intestinal motility play a role in post-TBI neuroinflammation and cognitive deficit.
BRCA1 expression, its correlation with clinicopathological features and response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy in high grade serous ovarian cancer from an Indian centre
Authors: Patil Akkamahadevi , Patil Sharada , Anupama CE , Rajarajan Savitha , Nimbalkar Vidya Prasad , Amirtham Usha , Champaka G , Suma MN , Patil Geetha V , Nargund Ashwini , Pallavi VR , Jacob Linu , Premalatha CS , Prabhu Jyothi S
Published: January 2023

In high grade serous ovarian cancers (HG-SOC), BRCA1/2 mutations have been reported as the most predominant mutations by various studies. However, the non-mutational mechanisms of BRCA pathway inactivation in HG-SOC are unclear. We aimed to evaluate BRCA1 inactivation by estimating its expression along with its repressor in primary and neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT) treated HG-SOC tumors with known therapeutic response.

The expression pattern of BRCA1 protein was evaluated by immunohistochemistry (IHC) in 119 cases of HG-SOC from a hospital cohort consisting of primary (N= 69) and NACT treated (N=50) tumors. Histological patterns (SET), stromal infiltration by lymphocytes (sTILs) and chemotherapy response score (CRS) were estimated by microscopic examination. Gene expression levels of BRCA1, and its repressor ID4 was estimated by qPCR. Association of BRCA1 protein and mRNA with clinicopathological features was studied. Relevance of the BRCA1/ID4 ratio was evaluated in tumors with different CRS.

BRCA1 protein expression was observed in 12% of primary and 19% of NACT treated HG-SOC tumors. Moderate concordance was observed between BRCA1 protein and mRNA expression (AUC-0.677). High BRCA1 mRNA expression was significantly associated with more frequent SET pattern (p=0.024), higher sTILs density (p=0.042), increased mitosis (p=0.028). BRCA1 negative tumors showed higher expression of ID4 though not statistically significant. Higher BRCA1/ID4 ratio was associated with high sTILs density in primary (p=0.042) and NACT treated tumors (p=0.040). Our findings show the utility of BRCA1/ID4 ratio to predict neoadjuvant therapy response, which needs further evaluation in larger cohort with long term outcomes.
Construction of Model Animals to Explore Intestinal Microbiome for Detection of Breast Cancer
Authors: Ji Xia , Li Ruipeng , Hu Xiaoyu , Tian Yufang , Liu Liqiong , Zhang Chenyu , Xu Liangxiong , Chen Yongzhi , Xie Haiwei , Mao Lutian , Cai Tianshu , Li Weiwei
Published: January 2023

Breast cancer ranks first among female cancers and has become a major public health problem in the current society. More studies indicated that these cancers are related to the change in the gut microbiome that can cause metabolic and immune system disorders in the body. However, there are few studies on the changes in gut microbiome caused by the onset of breast cancer, and the relationship between breast cancer and gut microbiome needs to be further clarified. In this study, we inoculated 4T1 breast cancer cells to induce breast cancer tumorigenesis in mice and collected their feces samples at different stages during this process. These intestinal florae were analyzed using 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing, and the results showed that at the phylum level, the ratio ofFirmicutes/Bacteroidetesdecreased with the development of the tumor; at the family level, the intestinal microbiome had obvious variations ofLachnospiraceae, Bacteroidaceae, Erysipelotrichaceae, etc. The Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) and COG annotation demonstrated that decreased abundance of cancer related signaling pathways. This study elucidated the relationship between breast cancer and intestinal microbiome, and the research results can be used as an important biomarker for the diagnosis of breast cancer.
A novel method for identifying corrosion types and transitions based on Adaboost and electrochemical noise
Authors: Ren Zexing , Li Qiushi , Yang Xiaorui , Wang Jihui
Published: January 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to identify corrosion types and corrosion transitions by a novel electrochemical noise analysis method based on Adaboost.

Design/methodology/approach

The corrosion behavior of Q235 steel was investigated in typical passivation, uniform corrosion and pitting solution by electrochemical noise. Nine feature parameters were extracted from the electrochemical noise data based on statistical analysis and shot noise theory. The feature parameters were analysis by Adaboost to train model and identify corrosion types. The trained Adaboost model was used to identify corrosion type transitions.

Findings

Adaboost algorithm can accurately identify the corrosion type, and the accuracy rate is 99.25%. The identification results of Adaboost for the corrosion type are consistent with corroded morphology analysis. Compared with other machine learning, Adaboost can identify corrosion types more accurately. For corrosion type transition, Adaboost can effectively identify the transition from passivation to uniform corrosion and from passivation to pitting corrosion consistent with corroded morphology analysis.

Originality/value

Adaboost is a suitable method for prediction of corrosion type and transitions. Adaboost can establish the classification model of metal corrosion, which can more conveniently and accurately explore the corrosion types. Adaboost provides important reference for corrosion prediction and protection.
Personal prestige through travel? Developing and testing the personal prestige inventory in a tourism context
Authors: Kuhn Friedericke , Kock Florian , Lohmann Martin
Published: January 2023

Purpose

Leisure travel has long been seen as a means of conspicuous consumption in pursuance of personal prestige; yet, there is no empirical evidence that travel affects personal prestige of tourists. The aims of this study are to develop a scale measuring personal prestige and to experimentally test prestige evaluations based on amount of leisure information, tourism participation and different types of leisure.

Design/methodology/approach

In an experimental online survey, 477 respondents were presented with a manipulated social media profile and asked to evaluate personal prestige of the person on the profile.

Findings

Results present evidence that representation of travel experience has a positive effect on personal prestige evaluations of tourists. The authors found significant differences in personal prestige depending on experimental variations.

Originality/value

This study advances methodological approaches towards the study of tourists’ prestige by providing a reliable, multidimensional measurement scale for personal prestige. The findings yielded by subsequent application of the scale in an experimental setting provide empirical evidence that sharing travel experiences has measurable and experimentally testable personal prestige benefits for tourists.
Policy traps and policy placebos: assessing drug policy network responses to drug related deaths
Authors: McPhee Iain , Sheridan Barry
Published: January 2023

Purpose

This study focuses on emergency and strategic responses to drug-related deaths. This paper uses policy network theory and policy analysis frameworks to subject programme development and financial decision-making processes to critical scrutiny.

Design/methodology/approach

A qualitative, case-based design focuses on Scottish Government responses to rising drug-related deaths, using publicly available data to produce interpretive critical analysis.

Findings

Analysis indicates that established drug policy communities influence emergency and strategic policy and programme development in relation to drug deaths. Results reveal that policy communities aid government to develop placebo policies and avoid policy traps associated with social determinants of drug-related deaths. This study documents a lack of transparency and accountability in financial decision-making by a third party operating on behalf of Scottish Government. To improve accountability necessitates that drug policy decisions acknowledge existing legislative duties to address socio-economic inequality in this policy area.

Research limitations/implications

In seeking convergence and corroboration publicly available data sources were identified that focus on emergency and strategic responses to drug-related deaths in Scotland. The authors recognise the potential for bias in qualitative and interpretive analysis of this data (Bowen, 2009).

Practical implications

This study provides robust critical analysis on how policy networks exert influence on spending decisions related to drug policy in Scotland. This is useful for researchers and drug policy advisors.

Originality/value

While much has been written on drug deaths in Scotland, using policy network and policy success frameworks to examine policy and programme development, provides originality of analysis in this under-researched aspect of drug policy.
Measuring financial resilience with consumer sentiment data from India
Authors: Yadav Priti , Shaikh Imlak
Published: January 2023

Purpose

Covid-19 sparked new interest in consumer financial resilience (CFR) amongst regulatory authorities, financial institutions, policymakers and the academia. No financial and health crisis has been worse than Covid-19, erasing the growth momentum of nations at all development stages. This study measures consumers' current financial resilience and future expectations within India's emerging market and its likely response to policy measures.

Design/methodology/approach

CFR is investigated using individual household data on economic state, employment, income and savings from the Reserve Bank of India's consumer confidence survey. The empirical approach is based on the temporal time-series data with mixed frequency regression. Consumers' current and future expectation indices appear as the regressand, whereas credit-deposit ratio, credit outstanding, number of bank accounts and digital transactions act as main regressors.

Findings

The response of consumers' current situation is 3.50 times higher than that of their future expectations. This implies that a rise in the credit-deposit ratio and credit line positively affects CFR. In contrast, a higher number of bank accounts, a proxy for financial inclusion, adversely affect consumer's well-being possibly owing to the government's failure to provide financial support through banking networks. Digital payments (value) positively affect consumers' current situation and future expectations.

Practical implications

The results of this study inform policy formulation for enhancing financial resilience. Consumer sentiment index acts as a proxy for CFR.

Originality/value

Financial resilience is a concern for policymakers. This study is one of the first studies linking CFR with financial inclusion, credit creation and digital financial capability.
Student innovation capability in virtual team projects: lessons learnt from COVID-19 pandemic era
Authors: Iddris Faisal , Mensah Philip Opoku , Asiedu Richard , Mensah Henry Kofi
Published: January 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to examine students’ innovation capability in virtual team projects from the COVID-19 pandemic era.

Design/methodology/approach

The researchers conducted an empirical study and the data were collected from a total of 308 participants engaging in virtual team projects. A structural equation modeling (SEM) was used to assess the relationship of the conceptual framework.

Findings

The findings showed that virtual team culture positively influenced propensity to innovate. Also, knowledge management and communication influenced propensity to innovate through the mediation of support for innovation.

Practical implications

Developing a strategy for propensity to innovate in any organization demands that project team members should be able to seamlessly communicate. Developing knowledge management, communication and support for innovation strategy in a virtual team may prepare an organization for permanently different post-pandemic events and the future turbulent business environment.

Originality/value

This study highlights innovation capability for the propensity to innovate, a topic that is not widely researched, especially in the context of virtual teams.
Sustainability reporting on the websites of public and private universities in Ghana
Authors: Amoako Kwame Oduro
Published: January 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to compare the sustainability dimensions reported on the websites of public and private universities in Ghana, an emerging economy.

Design/methodology/approach

The universities in Ghana were categorized under public and private universities. The top five under each category were chosen (by Edu Rank’s ratings), and data was gathered from the websites of the sampled universities. Data analysis was conducted using Global Reporting Initiative (GRI-G4) framework and sustainability tools for campus assessment. Findings were then analyzed through stakeholder theory’s lens and organizational characteristics such as ownership, students’ acceptance ratios, performance, size and age.

Findings

This study’s results show that the key aspects of sustainability disclosed on the websites of the sampled private and public universities in Ghana are more of economic and campus sustainability assessment indicators than the social and environmental dimensions. Contrary to the popular notion that private sector organizations do more sustainability reporting than those in the public sector, in the case of Ghana, the sampled public universities reported more than the privately owned universities. This study attributes the extent and variations of sustainability reporting among the public and private Ghanaian universities to the universities’ characteristics such as students’ acceptance ratios, performance, size, ownership and age.

Practical implications

The findings from this study indicate that in improving the value of sustainability reporting, stakeholders of the educational sector in emerging economies should encourage universities to adopt the GRI-G4 framework and campus sustainability assessment indicators in disclosing their sustainability initiatives.

Originality/value

To the best of the author’s knowledge, this paper is the first study to compare the extent and variations in sustainability reporting between public and private universities in an emerging economy.
Open data: an innovative learning resource for postgraduates
Authors: Dai Wuxiang , Zhou Yucen , Zhang Congcong , Zhang Hui
Published: January 2023

Purpose

With the continuous development of the global COVID-19 epidemic, mobile learning has become one of the most significant learning approaches. The mobile learning resource is the basis of mobile learning; it may directly affect the effectiveness of mobile learning. However, the current learning resources cannot meet users' needs. This study aims to analyze the influencing factors of accepting open data as learning resources among users.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on the technology acceptance model (TAM) and the unified theory of acceptance and use of technology (UTAUT), this study proposed a comprehensive theoretical research model. Data were obtained from 398 postgraduates from several universities in central China. Confirmatory factor analysis was used to determine the reliability and validity of the measurement model. Data has been analyzed using SPSS and AMOS software.

Findings

The results suggested that perceived usefulness, performance expectancy, social influence and facilitating conditions have a positive influence on accepting open data as learning resources. Perceived ease of use was not found significant. Moreover, it was further shown in the study that behavioural intention significantly influenced the acceptance of open data as learning resources.

Originality/value

There is a lack of research on open data as learning resources in developing countries, especially in China. This study addresses the gap and helps us understand the acceptance of open data as learning resources in higher education. This study also pays attention to postgraduates' choice of learning resources, which has been little noticed before. Additionally, this study offers opportunities for further studies on the continuous usage of open data in higher education.