bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
SP140 inhibits STAT1 signaling, induces IFN-γ in tumor-associated macrophages, and is a predictive biomarker of immunotherapy response
Authors: Tanagala Kranthi Kiran Kishore , Morin-Baxter Joshua , Carvajal Richard , Cheema Maryum , Dubey Sunil , Nakagawa Hiroshi , Yoon Angela , Cheng Yi-Shing L , Taylor Alison , Nickerson Jeffrey , Mintz Akiva , Momen-Heravi Fatemeh
Published: December 2022

Background

Understanding the role and potential therapeutic targeting of tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) is crucial to developing new biomarkers and therapeutic strategies for cancer immunotherapies. The epigenetic reader SP140 has emerged as a master regulator of macrophage transcriptional programs; however, its role in the signaling of TAMs and response to immunotherapy has not been investigated.

Methods

We evaluated the correlation between SP140 expression in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) TAMs and clinical outcomes. We also used complementary bioinformatics and experimental approaches to study the association of SP140 expression with tumor mutation burden, patient survival, immunogenic signature of tumors, and signaling of TAMs. SP140 overexpression or knockdown was implemented to identify the role of SP140 in downstream signaling and production of inflammatory cytokine and chemokines. Chromatin immunoprecipitation and analysis of assay of transposase accessible chromatin sequencing data were used to demonstrate the direct binding of SP140 on the promoters of STAT1. Finally, correlation of SP140 with immune cell infiltrates and response to immune-checkpoint blockade in independent cohorts of HNSCC, metastatic melanoma, and melanoma was assessed.

Results

We found that SP140 is highly expressed in TAMs across many cancer types, including HNSCCs. Interestingly, higher expression of SP140 in the tumors was associated with higher tumor mutation burden, improved survival, and a favorable response to immunotherapy. Tumors with high SP140 expression showed enrichment of inflammatory response and interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) pathways in both pan-cancer analysis and HNSCC-specific analysis. Mechanistically, SP140 negatively regulates transcription and phosphorylation of STAT1 and induces IFN-γ signaling. Activating SP140 in macrophages and TAMs induced the proinflammatory macrophage phenotype, increased the antitumor activity of macrophages, and increased the production of IFN-γ and antitumor cytokines and chemokines including interleukin-12 and CXCL10. SP140 expression provided higher sensitivity and specificity to predict antiprogrammed cell death protein 1 immunotherapy response compared with programmed death-ligand 1 in HNSCCs and lung cancer. In metastatic melanoma, higher levels of SP140 were associated with a durable response to immunotherapy, higher immune score estimates, high infiltrations of CD8+T cells, and inflammatory TAMs.

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that SP140 could serve as both a therapeutic target and a biomarker to identify immunotherapy responders.
Association between haematological parameters and outcomes following transcatheter aortic valve implantation at mid-term follow-up
Authors: Abushouk Abdelrahman , Agrawal Ankit , Hariri Essa , Dykun Iryna , Kansara Tikal , Saad Anas , Abdelfattah Omar , Badwan Osamah , Jaggi Connor , Farwati Medhat , Harb Serge C , Puri Rishi , Reed Grant W , Krishnaswamy Amar , Yun James , Kapadia Samir
Published: December 2022

Background

Patients undergoing transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) often have multiple comorbidities, such as anaemia and chronic inflammatory disorders. We sought to investigate the association between preoperative and postoperative haematological parameters and clinical outcomes in TAVI patients at mid-term follow-up.

Methods

In the present study, consecutive patients (N=908) who underwent TAVI at the Cleveland Clinic between 2017 and 2019 with available complete blood counts were studied. Data were collected on preoperative and postoperative anaemia and elevations in neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR). Survival analysis was used to study the association of haematologic parameters with all-cause mortality and major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events (MACCE).

Results

We found that preoperative anaemia and elevated NLR were significantly associated with a higher risk of all-cause mortality (aHR=1.6 (95% CI: 1.1 to 2.0) and 1.4 (95% CI: 1.1 to 1.6), respectively) and MACCE (aHR=1.9 (95% CI: 1.3 to 2.8) and 1.6 (95% CI: 1.1 to 2.4), respectively). While an elevated preoperative PLR was not associated with increased mortality risk, it had a significant association with MACCE risk (aHR: 1.6 (95% CI: 1.1 to 2.4)). Further, postoperative anaemia, elevated NLR and PLR were associated with increased risks of all-cause mortality and MACCE.

Conclusion

Pathological alterations in haematological parameters were associated with higher risks of post-TAVI mortality and MACCE at mid-term follow-up. Our findings advocate for further incorporating haematological parameters in the preoperative evaluation of TAVI candidates.
Short-Term Integrated Application of Nitrogen, Phosphorus, Sulfur, and Boron Fertilizer and the Farmyard Manure Effect on the Yield and Yield Components of Common Bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) at Alle Special Woreda, Southern Ethiopia
Authors: Tadesse Awene , Shanka Dereje , Laekemariam Fanuel
Published: December 2022

In Ethiopia, the common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) is an important grain legume with a high food and commercial value. Yet, its productivity is very low, which could be attributed to low levels of soil organic matter, nitrogen (N), phosphorous (P), sulfur (S), and boron (B), and insufficient fertilizer application. Therefore, a field experiment was conducted during the 2019 cropping season in Alle, Southern Ethiopia, to evaluate the agronomic and economic responses of blended NPSB (18.7N-37.4P2O5-6.9S-0.25B) and farmyard manure (FYM) for common bean production. Four NPSB-blended fertilizer rates (0, 50, 100, and 150 kg·ha−1) and three FYM rates (0, 2.5, and 5 tons·ha−1) were used in the experiment. The experiment was laid out using a randomized complete block design in a factorial arrangement with four replications. The result showed that NPSB and FYM significantly affected crop phenology, growth, yield, and yield components. Application of 100 kg·ha−1 NPSB along with 5 t·ha−1 FYM significantly increased the number of nodules, hundred seed weight, and grain production. The results also showed that using 100 kg·ha−1 NPSB fertilizer in combination with 5 t·ha−1 FYM produced the highest grain, which is about 173% higher grain yield than the control. Partial budget analysis indicated that application of 100 kg·ha−1 NPSB fertilizer with 5 t·ha−1 FYM resulted in the highest marginal rate of return (1308%) and the best net profit. Therefore, an integrated application of 100 kg·ha−1 NPSB fertilizer and 5 t·ha−1 FYM is suggested.
IGDT-Based Robust Operation of Thermal and Electricity Energy-Based Microgrid with Distributed Sources, Storages, and Responsive Loads
Authors: Sarlak Mehdi , Samimi Abouzar , Nikzad Mehdi , Salemi Amir Hossein
Published: December 2022

In this paper, the optimal operation of microgrids (MGs) with thermal blocks, distributed generations (DGs), storage systems, and responsive loads is presented to achieve optimal scheduling of active, reactive, and thermal power of the mentioned elements in the day-ahead (DA) reactive power and energy market environment. The thermal block has a combined heat and power (CHP) system, a boiler, and thermally responsive loads. This scheme minimizes the difference between the total operating costs of the MG and power sources and the total revenue gained from the sale of energy and reactive power of the mentioned elements in the markets located in the MG. It is constrained by the AC power flow equations, network operation constraints, and the operating model of these elements. Furthermore, this scheme is subject to the uncertainties of energy price, load, and renewable power. In this paper, to access the optimal resistant solution against the maximum prediction error associated with the mentioned uncertainties, a robust model based on information gap decision theory (IGDT) is used. Finally, by implementing the proposed scheme on a 119-bus radial MG, the obtained numerical results confirm the ability of the scheme to simultaneously improve the economic and operational situation of the MG. The proposed scheme succeeded in improving energy cost, energy loss, voltage drop, and power factor of the distribution substation by roughly 101%, 44%, 41%, and 16% compared to power flow studies, even in the worst-case scenario caused by uncertainties.
Multifunctional Superabsorbent Polymer under Residue Incorporation Increased Maize Productivity through Improving Sandy Soil Properties
Authors: Li Rong , Hou Xianqing , Li Peifu , Wang Xi’na
Published: December 2022

Superabsorbent polymer (SAP) is a new water-retaining and nutrient-holding material with the potential to improve soil properties and promote crop growth in arid and semiarid areas. This study investigated the effects of multifunctional SAP on the sandy soil properties and maize productivity in Yanghuang irrigated area of Ningxia where residue incorporation was a common agricultural practice, we tested multifunctional SAP at different doses of 0, 30, 60, 90, and 120 kg ha–1 under the residue incorporation to the field. The soil bulk density in the 0–0.40 m layer was significantly lower by 6.2–8.2% under SAP at 60–120 kg ha–1 compared with no SAP, but the total soil porosity was improved significantly by 8.5–11.2%, where the SAP at 90 and 120 kg ha–1 had the greatest effects. The applications of SAP at 60 and 90 kg ha–1 significantly improved soil organic matter, and availablePandKcontents in the 0–0.40 m soil layer. The soil water storage (0–1.0 m) under SAP at 60–120 kg ha–1 was significantly increased by 17.1–18.7% compared with no SAP throughout the whole maize growing season. The SAP at 60–90 kg ha–1 significantly promoted crop growth and maize yield formation, and increased grain yield, whereas the net income were the highest with applying SAP at 30–60 kg ha–1. In combination with the soil physicochemical property, crop productivity and economic benefit comprehensive analysis of this two-year study, we recommended that the application of multifunctional SAP at 30–60 kg ha–1 under residue incorporation significantly improved the sandy soil properties, as well as increasing maize growth, crop productivity, and obtain the higher net income for farmers in Yanghuang irrigation area of Ningxia, China.
Development and Validation of the Random Forest Model via Combining CT-PET Image Features and Demographic Data for Distant Metastases among Lung Cancer Patients
Authors: Bi Lijun , Guo Yi
Published: December 2022

The work aimed at developing and validating a random forest model of CT-PET image features combined with demographic data to diagnose distant metastases among lung cancer patients. This study involved lung cancer patients from The Cancer Genome Atlas lung adenocarcinoma (TCGA-LUAD) dataset, the lung PET-CT dataset, the lung squamous cell carcinoma (LSCC) dataset, and the National Cancer Institute’s Clinical Proteomic Tumor Analysis Consortium lung adenocarcinoma (CPTAC-LUAD) dataset and collected the information on 178 CT, 178 PET, and the patients’ age, history of smoking, and gender. We conducted image processing and feature extraction. Finally, 4 computed tomography (CT) image features and 2 positron emission tomography (PET) image features were extracted. Four prediction models based on CT image features, PET image features, and demographic data were developed, and the area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was used to evaluate the performance of prediction models. A total of 178 eligible samples were randomly divided into a training set (n = 134) and a testing set (n = 44) at a ratio of 3 : 1, with 2021 as a random number. ROC analyses illustrated that the predictive performance for distant metastases of combining CT-PET image features and demographic data for training and testing were 0.923 (95% confidence interval (CI): 0.873–0.973) and 0.873 (95% CI: 0.757–0.990). In addition, the predictive performance of the combined model in the testing set was significantly better than that of the CT-demographic data model (0.716, 95% CI: 0.531–0.902), PET-demographic data model (0.802, 95% CI: 0.633–0.970), and CT-PET model (0.797, 95% CI: 0.666–0.928). The random forest model via combining CT-PET image features and demographic data could have great performance in predicting distant metastases among lung cancer patients.
Association of Statin Use with the Risk of Incident Prostate Cancer: A Meta-Analysis and Systematic Review
Authors: Xu Meng-Yao , An Ye , Liu Chen-Qian , Xu Jin-Zhou , Zhong Xing-Yu , Zeng Na , Sun Jian-Xuan , Xia Qi-Dong , Wang Shao-Gang
Published: December 2022

Background. With the growth and aging of population, the incidence of prostate cancer will increase year by year, which is bound to bring greater economic burden to the society. There has been greater interest in the anticancer effects of statin in recent years. It is controversial whether statin use is associated with the risk of prostate cancer (PCa). Thus, we conducted a meta-analysis and systematic review to explore the effects of statin use and their duration and cumulative dose on the overall incidence of PCa. Method. The study was conducted according to the latest guidelines for PRISMA 2020. We searched PubMed and other databases for studies about the association of statin use with the risk of incident prostate cancer between January 1, 1990, and April 11, 2022. Two independent researchers extracted data and evaluated the quality of the studies. R x64 4.1.2 and random-effects model were used for data statistics. Relative risk (RR) and odds ratio (OR) effective values with a 95% confidence interval (95% CI) were used to assess the main results. Results. The results of 6 RCT and 26 cohort studies showed that statins did not significantly associate with the incidence of PCa (RR = 0.94, 95% CI: 0.82–1.08). The similar results were obtained from 9 case-control studies (OR = 1.03, 95% CI: 0.99–1.07). However, statins were associated with a lower risk of Pca (RR = 0.44, 95% CI: 0.28–0.70) when the cumulative defined daily dose (cDDD) was high. Using statins for more than five years could be associated with a reduced incidence of Pca (RR = 0.47, 95% CI: 0.23–0.97). There was a significant heterogeneity in these studies (RCT and cohort study: I2 = 98%,

P

 < 0.01; case-control study: I2 = 72%,

P

 < 0.01). Conclusion. We concluded that statins had a neutral association with the overall risk of PCa. High cDDD and long duration were associated with a lower risk of PCa.
CSN6 Mediates Nucleotide Metabolism to Promote Tumor Development and Chemoresistance in Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Zou Shaomin , Qin Baifu , Yang Ziqing , Wang Wencong , Zhang Jieping , Zhang Yijing , Meng Manqi , Feng Junyan , Xie Yunling , Fang Ling , Xiao Lishi , Zhang Peng , Meng Xiangqi , Choi Hyun Ho , Wen Weijie , Pan Qihao , Ghesquière Bart , Lan Ping , Lee Mong-Hong , Fang Lekun
Published: December 2022

Metabolic reprogramming can contribute to colorectal cancer progression and therapy resistance. Identification of key regulators of colorectal cancer metabolism could provide new approaches to improve treatment and reduce recurrence. Here, we demonstrate a critical role for the COP9 signalosome subunit CSN6 in rewiring nucleotide metabolism in colorectal cancer. Transcriptomic analysis of colorectal cancer patient samples revealed a correlation between CSN6 expression and purine and pyrimidine metabolism. A colitis-associated colorectal cancer model established that Csn6 intestinal conditional deletion decreased tumor development and altered nucleotide metabolism. CSN6 knockdown increased the chemosensitivity of colorectal cancer cells in vitro and in vivo, which could be partially reversed with nucleoside supplementation. Isotope metabolite tracing showed that CSN6 loss reduced de novo nucleotide synthesis. Mechanistically, CSN6 upregulated purine and pyrimidine biosynthesis by increasing expression of PHGDH, a key enzyme in the serine synthesis pathway. CSN6 inhibited β-Trcp–mediated DDX5 polyubiquitination and degradation, which in turn promoted DDX5-mediated PHGDH mRNA stabilization, leading to metabolic reprogramming and colorectal cancer progression. Butyrate treatment decreased CSN6 expression and improved chemotherapy efficacy. These findings unravel the oncogenic role of CSN6 in regulating nucleotide metabolism and chemosensitivity in colorectal cancer.

Significance:

CSN6 deficiency inhibits colorectal cancer development and chemoresistance by downregulating PHGDH to block nucleotide biosynthesis, providing potential therapeutic targets to improve colorectal cancer treatment.
Extracellular Vesicle–Packaged circATP2B4 Mediates M2 Macrophage Polarization via miR-532-3p/SREBF1 Axis to Promote Epithelial Ovarian Cancer Metastasis
Authors: Wang Fang , Niu Yuequn , Chen Kelie , Yuan Xiaoyu , Qin Yuheng , Zheng Fang , Cui Zhenyan , Lu Weiguo , Wu Yihua , Xia Dajing
Published: December 2022

Ovarian cancer is one of the most common gynecologic malignancies with a highly immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (TME) and poor prognosis. Circular RNA (circRNA) is a type of noncoding RNA with high stability, which has been shown to play an important role in biological processes and TME reprogramming in a variety of tumors. The biological function of a novel circRNA, circATP2B4, in epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) was detected and evaluated. Transmission electron microscopy, differential ultracentrifugation and qRT-PCR were used to verify the existence of extracellular vesicles (EV)-packaged circATP2B4. Macrophage uptake of circATP2B4 was determined by EVs tracing. Dual luciferase reporter, FISH, Western blotting, and flow cytometry assays were used to investigate the interactions between circATP2B4 and miR-532-3p as well as sterol regulatory element-binding factor 1 (SREBF1) expression in macrophages. CircATP2B4 was upregulated in EOC tissues and positively correlated with ovarian cancer progression. Functionally, circATP2B4 promoted carcinogenic progression and metastasis of EOC both in vitro and in vivo. Mechanistically, EV-packaged circATP2B4 in EOC could be transmitted to infiltrated macrophages and acted as competing endogenous RNA of miR-532-3p to relieve the repressive effect of miR-532-3p on its target SREBF1. Furthermore, circATP2B4 induced macrophage M2 polarization by regulating the miR-532-3p/SREBF1/PI3Kα/AKT axis, thereby leading to immunosuppression and ovarian cancer metastasis. Collectively, these data indicate that circATP2B4-containing EVs generated by EOC cells promoted M2 macrophages polarization and malignant behaviors of EOC cells. Thus, targeting EVs-packaged circATP2B4 may provide a potential diagnosis and treatment strategy for ovarian cancer.
Clinical Value of a Novel Magnetic Resonance Imaging Protocol and Prognostic Model Establishment for Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss: A Prospective Study
Authors: Wang Yanjun , Wang Yuancheng , Wang Zhongjiang , Chen Xiaohui , Ding Xiaoqiong , Ju Shenghong
Published: December 2022

Introduction: Sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL) is one of the most common acute symptoms in the otolaryngology department. Etiological diagnosis is the premise of effective treatment of SSNHL, and prognostic evaluation is the key. However, most of the patients are diagnosed as idiopathic due to a lack of overall assessment, while prognostic factors of SSNHL are numerous and controversial. Our purpose was to validate the potential value of a novel three-dimensional fluid-attenuated inversion recovery (3D-FLAIR) MR protocol in SSNHL and to establish a clinical-image prognostic model for unilateral SSNHL. Methods: This prospective study included consecutive patients from May 2019 to November 2021. Pathogenic diagnosis relied on expertise-based estimation and the associations of MR findings with clinical features of unilateral SSNHL were assessed. The prognostic evaluation of unilateral SSNHL was adopted for recovery and no recovery groups and complete and incomplete recovery groups. Significant clinical and MR features were compared and screened out by single-factor analyses. The primary clinical-image prognosis assessment model was built by multifactor logistic regression analyses. Results: A total of 101 patients were enrolled in our study who acquired the correct etiological diagnosis based on the novel 3D-FLAIR MR combined with clinical examination. Among the 93 patients with unilateral SSNHL, 30.1% (28/93) showed labyrinthine abnormalities on 3D-FLAIR images. The severity of initial hearing loss in the MR+ group was worse than that in the MR− group (p < 0.05), and patients with positive MR findings tended to have poor recovery. An excellent prognostic model was built for hearing complete recovery and no recovery. The combination of three independent risk factors, including abnormal distortion products otoacoustic emission and transient evoked otoacoustic emission, the period from onset to treatment, and PTA at the onset, was adopted for hearing recovery/no recovery (accuracy = 90.2%, AUC = 0.820). Furthermore, adding the factor of positive MRI findings could improve the confidence for the judgment of hearing no recovery. The only independent risk factor, PTA at the onset, was adopted for complete/incomplete hearing recovery (accuracy = 86.1%, AUC = 0.874). Conclusion: The novel MR protocol had a good advantage in pathogenic diagnosis. Labyrinthine MR 3D-FLAIR signal abnormalities were related to the severity of an initial hearing loss and had a greater tendency to be found in patients with no recovery. A prognostic model with two main steps of unilateral SSNHL, mainly for SSNHL with no recovery and complete recovery, was built successfully and needed further verification by larger series of patients.
Global Cortical Atrophy Is Associated with an Unfavorable Outcome in Stroke Patients on Oral Anticoagulation
Authors: Kubacka Marta , Zietz Annaelle , Schaedelin Sabine , Polymeris Alexandros A. , Hert Lisa , Lieb Johanna , Wagner Benjamin , Seiffge David , Traenka Christopher , Altersberger Valerian L. , Dittrich Tolga , Fladt Joachim , Fisch Urs , Thilemann Sebastian , De Marchis Gian Marco , Gensicke Henrik , Bonati Leo H. , Lyrer Philippe , Engelter Stefan T. , Peters Nils
Published: December 2022

Introduction: Measures of cerebral small vessel disease (cSVD), such as white matter hyperintensities (WMH) and cerebral microbleeds (CMB), are associated with an unfavorable clinical course in stroke patients on oral anticoagulation (OAC) for atrial fibrillation (AF). Here, we investigated whether similar findings can be observed for global cortical atrophy (GCA). Methods: Registry-based prospective observational study of 320 patients treated with OAC following AF stroke. Patients underwent magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) allowing assessment of GCA. Using the simplified visual Pasquier scale, the severity of GCA was categorized as follows: 0: no atrophy, 1: mild atrophy; 2: moderate atrophy, and 3: severe atrophy. Using adjusted logistic and Cox regression analysis, we investigated the association of GCA using a composite outcome measure, comprising: (i) recurrent acute ischemic stroke (IS); (ii) intracranial hemorrhage (ICH); and (iii) death. Results: In our time to event analysis after adjusting for potential confounders (i.e., WMH, CMB, age, sex, diabetes, arterial hypertension, coronary heart disease, hyperlipidemia, and antiplatelet use), GCA was associated with an increased risk for the composite outcome in all three degrees of atrophy (grade 1: aHR 3.95, 95% CI 1.34–11.63, p = 0.013; grade 2: aHR 3.89, 95% CI 1.23–12.30, p = 0.021; grade 3: aHR 4.16, 95% CI 1.17–14.84, p = 0.028). Conclusion: GCA was associated with our composite outcome also after adjusting for other cSVD markers (i.e., CMB, WMH) and age, indicating that GCA may potentially serve as a prognostic marker for stroke patients with atrial fibrillation on oral anticoagulation.
The Efficacy and Safety of Treatment Outcomes for Refractory Benign Esophageal Strictures Using a Novel Combination of Needle-Knife Stricturoplasty, Balloon Dilation, and Steroid Injection (with Video)
Authors: Canakis Andrew , Kesar Varun , Twery Benjamin , Ali Osman , Canakis Justin , Hudspath Caleb , Goldberg Eric M.
Published: December 2022

Background and Aims: Benign esophageal strictures often present with dysphagia and can significantly impair a patient’s quality of life, especially when refractory to standard endoscopic techniques. When repeat dilations fail to achieve an adequate luminal diameter or resolve dysphagia, further therapy with needle-knife or steroid injections is needed. However, patients can still clinically fail. To manage such strictures, we employed a novel combination of all three techniques. Methods: Single-center case series of adult patients with benign strictures that were refractory to conventional endoscopic therapy and removable self-expanding metal stenting. Primary clinical success was defined as complete resolution in dysphagia. Secondary outcomes included periodic dilation index (frequency of dilations over the follow-up time), esophageal diameter changes, technical success, and complications. Results: Four patients (median age 49.7 years old, interquartile range [IQR] 30–59) underwent endoscopic therapy for complex, benign strictures using our triple therapy technique. Etiologies of the strictures included peptic strictures (n = 3) and an anastomotic stricture (n = 1). There was 100% technical success rate with no associated adverse events. There was a 50% clinical success rate, with 1 additional patient having partial improvement in dysphagia. The median diameter of the esophagus before and after triple therapy was 3.2 mm (IQR 3.5–5.5) and 12.8 mm (IQR 11.7–14.2), respectively. The periodic dilation index was 6.3 before and 1.5 after triple therapy. The median length of follow-up was 362.5 days. Conclusion: Triple combination therapy may be useful in benign strictures that are refractory to standard techniques. Larger studies are needed to validate these findings.
Higher Prepubertal IGF-1 Concentrations Associate to Earlier Pubertal Tempo in Both Sexes
Authors: Baier Ingrid , Pereira Ana , Ferrer Pedro , Iñiguez German , Mericq Verónica
Published: December 2022

Introduction: Pubertal onset is triggered by multiple neuroendocrine interactions. The role of prepubertal IGF-1 in this process has not been explored in both sexes. Our objective was to analyze the association of prepubertal IGF-1 concentration with age at thelarche (B2) and menarche (M) in girls and age at gonadarche (G2) in boys. Methods: This is a longitudinal study (n = 1,196 boys and girls) within the Growth and Obesity Chilean Cohort Study (GOCS). At age ≈ 6.7 years, blood sample was taken for IGF-1. Subjects were divided into 4 groups according to the onset age of the pubertal event. Results: Higher prepubertal IGF-1 levels were observed at earlier ages of B2 (p = 0.003) and M onset (p = 0.041). A taller prepubertal height was observed at younger ages of B2 and M (p=<0.001 and 0.002, respectively). The hazard proportional regression models (HR) showed that with an increase of 1 SD in IGF-1, the HR of presenting B2 at younger ages was 1.25, and this association was maintained when adjusted for confounding variables. Similarly, the HR of presenting M at earlier ages was 1.21. This association was maintained only when adjusting for body mass index but not using further confounders. In boys, prepubertal IGF-1 showed a tendency to be significantly higher in children with earlier G2 and taller height (both p < 0.001). The HR of presenting G2 at younger ages was 1.22, and this association was maintained after adjusting for confounders. Conclusions: Higher IGF-1 levels in mid-childhood are associated with earlier puberty onset. The role of IGF-1 in the onset of puberty requires further investigation.
Communication for Real-Time Music Systems: An Overview of O2
Authors: Dannenberg Roger B.
Published: December 2022

Message passing between processes and across networks offers a powerful method to integrate and coordinate various music programs, facilitating software reuse, modularity, and parallel processing. Networking can integrate components that use different languages and hardware. In this article we describe O2, a flexible protocol for communication ranging from the thread level up to the level of global networks. Messages in O2 are similar to those of Open Sound Control, but O2 offers many additional features, including discovery, clock synchronization, a reliable message delivery option, and routing based on services rather than specific network addresses. A bridge mechanism extends the reach of O2 to web browsers, shared memory threads, and small microcontrollers. The design, implementation, and applications of O2 are described.
Critical evaluation of two published descriptions of the same species of Ceratozamia (Zamiaceae) from northern Oaxaca, Mexico, and the formal synonymization of C. martinezii under C. aurantiaca
Authors: HAYNES JODY L.
Published: December 2022

The cycad species known in cultivation since the 1970s as Ceratozamia sp. ‘Presa Alemán’ was only recently described, as both C. aurantiaca Pérez-Farr., Gut.Ortega, J.L.Haynes & Vovides and C. martinezii Mart.-Domínguez, Nic.-Mor. & D.W. Stev. Because the two formal descriptions contain somewhat contradictory diagnoses, it became necessary to critically evaluate the two taxonomic treatments and clarify the discrepancies between them to allow for a clearer understanding of the species. A revised taxonomic treatment is herein provided, along with a proposal to formally synonymize C. martinezii under C. aurantiaca.
Additions to the digger wasps (Hymenoptera, Spheciformes) of the United Arab Emirates with description of ten new species
Authors: SCHMID-EGGER CHRISTIAN , VAN HARTEN ANTONIUS
Published: December 2022

The following ten new species are described from the United Arab Emirates by C. Schmid-Egger: Didineis mokrousovi, Gastrosericus albidaaensis, Gastrosericus alwathbaensis, Gastrosericus barqaalsuqoorensis, Gastrosericus pulawskii, (paratypes also from Oman), Gastrosericus sheikhae, Oxybelus sajiae, Parapiagetia alwathbaensis, Parapiagetia haladai, and Parapiagetia huwrobertsi (paratypes also from Oman). The unknown males of Nitela arabica Gayubo & Schmid-Egger, 2014, and of Parapiagetia arabica Schmid-Egger, 2014 are described for the first time, new recognition characters for Nitela Latreille, 1809, are given. A key for all Arabian species of Gastrosericus Spinola, 1839, Nitela, and Parapiagetia Kohl, 1897 is provided.
Analysis of longitudinal causal relationships between gender role attitudes and labor market participation of young women in Korea
Authors: Lim Hanryeo , Hong Sungpyo
Published: December 2022

The purpose of this study was to analyze the longitudinal causal relationship between gender role attitudes and the labor market participation of young women in Korea. This study used the data of 902 young women from the 2nd to the 7th waves of the Korean Longitudinal Survey of Women and Families. The methods used were the autoregressive cross-lagged model and multivariate latent growth. Women’s participation in the labor market promoted equal gender role attitudes, and the effect had a lasting impact into the future. On the other hand, the fact that women had an equal gender role attitude did not have a significant effect on their subsequent labor market participation. In addition, the experience of pregnancy reduced women’s participation in the labor market, demonstrating women’s career interruption. Through the results of the study, the necessity of an active employment policy to promote women’s entry into the labor market and prevent career interruption was emphasized.
Remaking the ‘World’ in the World Heritage List: International Organisations, Settler Colonialism, and Architectural Preservation in Brasilia
Authors: Flahive Robert
Published: December 2022

This article explores the entanglements of settler colonialism with the integration of the 20th century-built environment onto the UNESCO World Heritage List by focusing on architectural preservation in Brasilia. The addition of Brasilia to the World Heritage List in 1987 was the realisation of a longstanding effort to enhance institutional legitimacy by expanding the representation of 20th century sites in geographies from the Global South. However, I argue that the addition of the pilot plan as Brasilia implicated both the World Heritage Committee and purveyors of Brasilia’s significance to architectural history in circumscribing the pilot plan from surrounding urban fabric. This argument is advanced by drawing on settler colonial studies, architectural history, architectural preservation, histories of Brasilia, and meeting notes from the World Heritage Committee. The article concludes that the preservation of the pilot plan as Brasilia 1) legitimates of spatial fragmentation in Brasilia through architectural history, 2) shows how settler colonialism is constitutive of the legitimacy of the World Heritage List, and 3) illustrates how international organisations have the potential to serve as vehicles for the reproduction of the logic elimination and the consolidation of settler spatial control.
Tackling false advertising and strengthening consumer protection in emerging economies
Authors: Xu Zhi-xing , Zhu Ying , Yang Song
Published: December 2022

False advertising has many negative consequences for the protection of consumer rights and wellbeing. In emerging economies in particular, false advertising has been widespread across business sectors and products due to inadequate public policy and ineffective law enforcement. Since the COVID-19 global pandemic has spread around the world, people have become more dependent on e-commerce for purchasing goods and services, and the negative impact has become historically high with increasing number of advertising and sales cyber-fakes However, prior studies have not focused on consumers’ perceived deception and information asymmetry in false advertising in general, and the consequent implications for public policy in controlling and eliminating such problems, specifically in emerging economies. This study focuses on the example of China as a leading emerging economy to investigate the relevant issues and contribute to extant knowledge by linking separate paradigms with a new holistic conceptual framework that identifies the key elements of contextual factors, consumers’ perceived deception and information asymmetry, the causes and impacts, and the expected policy implications for further prevention.
“There’s the Black Woman Thing, and There’s the Age Thing”: Professional Black Women on the Downsides of “Black Don’t Crack” and Strategies for Confronting Ageism at Work
Authors: Smith-Tran Alicia
Published: December 2022

This article problematizes the concept of “Black Don’t Crack” and challenges the universal desirability of youthfulness. This study is driven by two research questions: (1) How does the perceived youthfulness of professional Black workers shape their subjective experience of workplace interactions? and (2) What strategies do Black workers use to assert their expertise and legitimacy when confronted with prejudicial attitudes and interactions based on perceptions about their age? Drawing on 18 semi-structured interviews with professional Black women who are perceived as younger than they actually are, this article describes Black women’s experiences with ageism and their specific strategies for combating age bias in the workplace. The focus of this study diverges from most ageism studies focused on bias against older adults. Rather, this article contributes to our understanding of how gendered racism and ageism intersect when Black women’s chronological ages differ from how they are perceived.
“Don’t Feel Like You Have to Do This All on Your Own”: Exploring Perceived Partner Support of Breastfeeding Among Black Women in Kentucky
Authors: Dogan Jardin , Hargons Candice , Stevens-Watkins Danelle
Published: December 2022

Background:

Few researchers have explored partner breastfeeding support among Black women, who report low breastfeeding rates compared to women of other cultural groups. Ways to encourage partner support of Black women’s breastfeeding can be understood from an Afrocentric perspective.

Research Aim:

To explore perceptions of partner support among Black mothers to develop a culturally relevant framework of partner breastfeeding support.

Methods:

Secondary data analyses of qualitative data from a larger prospective, cross-sectional mixed methods study were utilized. Participants from Kentucky ( N = 14), aged 23–71, who breastfed for at least 6 months, were recruited to participate in individual interviews. Professionally transcribed interviews were analyzed using Braun and Clarke’s (2006) thematic analysis.

Results:

By integrating the Breastfeeding Coparenting Framework and Optimal Conceptual Theory, we identified four culturally affirming partner support themes that participants believed impacted their breastfeeding experiences: (a) doing research, (b) offering care, (c) verbalizing praise, and (d) achieving teamwork, and three culturally incongruent partner support barrier themes: (e) withdrawing commitment, (f) politicking bodies, and (g) stripping agency.

Conclusion:

Participants who breastfed for at least 6 months largely attributed their breastfeeding success to the support received from their partners. Our findings offer a culturally relevant framework of partner breastfeeding support that can facilitate intervention efforts with participants and their partners to increase breastfeeding rates among this population.
Brain Reward Circuits Promote Stress Resilience and Health: Implications for Reward-Based Interventions
Authors: Dutcher Janine M.
Published: December 2022

From the COVID-19 global pandemic to racial injustice and the continued impact of climate change on communities across the globe, the past couple of years have demonstrated the need for a greater understanding of how to protect people from the negative consequences of stress. Here, I outline a perspective on how the brain’s reward system might be an important, but often understudied, protective mechanism for stress resilience and stress-related health outcomes. I describe work suggesting that engagement of the reward system inhibits the stress response and is associated with improved health outcomes, including reduced depressive symptomatology and slowed cancer progression. I then highlight important future directions for translational research and illustrate the value of this perspective for improving behavioral interventions in clinical psychology and beyond.
The Role of Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation in the Treatment of Autism Spectrum Disorder
Authors: Pal Mainak , Mandal Nikhiles , Ray Anirban , Saha Pradip Kumar
Published: December 2022

Introduction:

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder with impairments in language acquisition, social functioning, and restricted and repetitive behaviors. There is no definitive management for the ASD spectrum. The management options available are not beyond criticism. Hence, the search for new options is actively in progress. Noninvasive brain stimulation interventions such as repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) appears to be a promising tool for the treatment of ASD. However, the available literature on TMS use in ASD is preliminary.

Methods:

This was a hospital-based longitudinal study conducted over 50 patients with ASD of 6 to 16 years of age. The Indian Scale for Assessment of Autism (ISAA) was used for the assessment of the extent of disability in these children. They were given 10 sessions of rTMS over a period of 10 days over the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (l-DLPFC) and reassessed for any improvement in ISAA score after 1 day and 3 months of completion of all the sessions of rTMS.

Results:

There was no statistically significant change in the total ISAA score or any of the 6 domains of ISAA after 1 day and 3 months of giving 10 sessions of TMS. There were no significant adverse effects after giving rTMS. In a few patients, mild headache, neck pain, or discomfort at the stimulation site was noted.

Conclusion:

This study has shown that low-frequency rTMS does not have any significant improvement on the various symptoms of ASD. However, there are no major adverse effects after giving rTMS. Also, it points toward the need for further studies.
Philtral Dermofascial Flap Reconstruction of Whistle Deformity
Authors: Garrett Harrison C. , Boorer Catherine J. , Ho Kevin
Published: December 2022

The aim of this paper is to describe a technique that can be utilised for the targeted correction of the Whistle Deformity and accompanying upper lip subunits. All patients were post-primary cleft lip repair, either unilateral or bilateral cleft lips, with a resulting Whistle Deformity post-operatively. They all elected to undergo surgical correction of the Whistle Deformity using bilateral philtral dermofascial flaps to correct their Whistle Deformity. Post-operative clinical photographs demonstrate the results of the technique. We assessed for the resolution of the Whistle Deformity and improvement of the appearance of the upper lip subunits, including; philtral, columella, and nostril sill elements. The patients treated with this technique, with Whistle Deformities following unilateral and bilateral cleft lip repair, had satisfactory results from the procedure and recovered with no complications. We propose this is an effective method for treating up to moderate-severe Whistle deformities following both unilateral and bilateral primary cleft lip repairs.
Awareness of Ageism While Researching Multiple Minority Discrimination: A Discourse and Grounded Theory Analysis Revisiting Own Qualitative Research
Authors: Valles Martínez Miguel S.
Published: December 2022

The concept awareness, proposed years ago to study contexts of interaction and processes of identity between nursing care personnel and dying patients, may form a methodological and theoretical basis to study ageism. Moreover, awareness is proposed here to be revisited as a core category referring to basic social processes and discursive axes underling various phenomena such as racism, sexism, or ageism. My aim in this article is a retrospective research storytelling circa the case of aging immigrants as people who have experienced multiple minority discrimination. A discourse and grounded theory analysis were used to reanalyze a selection of qualitative material gathered over the course of two sets of research projects on xenophobia (2006–2012) and multiple discrimination (2013–2019). Becoming aware of ageism in the case of aging immigrants and the researcher himself serves as an exercise of methodological, self-reflexive, qualitative, and embodied enquiry for a better understanding of sociological ageism.
Utilization of GPS Data Loggers and GIS Analysis for the Evaluation of Interpretive Signage to Influence Visitor Travel Patterns and Enhance Wayfinding in Parks and Protected Areas
Authors: Cochran Amy , Sharp Ryan L. , Peterson Brian , Fefer Jessica , Martin Chuck
Published: December 2022

Interpretive signage is often used to influence visitor travel patterns and assist in wayfinding in parks and protected areas. However, there are few tools for managers to objectively evaluate the effectiveness of different interpretive signage. This study was conducted to demonstrate the utility of using GPS data loggers as an evaluative tool to determine if signage influences visitor concentrations, visitors’ time allocation, and visitor travel directionality. Researchers distributed GPS data loggers to all travel parties who voluntarily participated. Analysis revealed that GPS data loggers and complimentary GIS analysis were useful for evaluating the influence of different signage treatments on visitor patterns of use, location of use, and timing of use. These findings suggest that managers tasked with interpretation and visitor orientation consider using GPS trackers and GIS to better understand their visitors’ and plan where to focus messaging and interpretive efforts to meet managerial goals and objectives.
Tourist choice, competitive tourism markets and the effect of a tourist tax on producers revenues
Authors: Descals-Tormo Asensi , Ruiz-Tamarit José-Ramón
Published: December 2022

We propose a model for the tourism sector assuming basically two markets, one for tourist services and the other for accommodation. These sub-markets are considered as separate but interrelated. The nature of the feedback is determined by a vertical complementarity between tourist services and lodging. We obtain the optimal solution of the tourist choice problem, the primary demand for tourist services and the derived demand for overnight stays. Then, we focus on the equilibrium outcomes assuming perfectly competitive tourism markets. We do not address the externalities caused by tourism activities. Consequently, we move away from efficiency by introducing a tax on overnight stays and inspecting the consequences for the competitiveness and for producers’ revenues in each market. The answer key elements are, apart from reservation prices, the direct and cross-price elasticities of demand for tourist services. The study of structural parameters extends and completes our analysis of tourism.
Rib fracture-related morbidity and mortality for older persons in the era of fascial plane blocks: A cohort study
Authors: White Leigh D. , Riley Brooke , Seidel Davina , Davis Keiran , Mitchell Andrew , Abi-fares Catherine , Basson Willem , Anstey Chris
Published: December 2022

Introduction

Analgesia is key to successful conservative, nonsurgical management of patients admitted to the hospital with multiple rib fractures. Recently, new fascial plane regional anesthesia techniques have become widely available. We hypothesized that since the introduction of these new regional analgesia techniques, for patients over the age of 65 years, the effect of increasing numbers of rib fractures has been mitigated.

Methods

A retrospective study of patients admitted for the management of rib fractures between 2017 and 2020 was performed. Patients not admitted to the hospital, under the age of 65 years, or with chest trauma other than rib fractures were not eligible for inclusion. The primary outcome of interest was mortality. The secondary outcomes were the incidence of pneumonia and intensive care unit admission. Results were reported as the odds ratio and its 95% confidence interval and associated p-value. Statistical significance was set at [Formula: see text] < 0.05.

Results

Overall, 252 patients were included and 142 patients received a regional anesthesia. The mortality rate was 4% (n = 10) with no association between mortality and number of rib fractures ( p = 0.215). Twenty-four patients (9.5%) developed pneumonia during their hospital stay, again with no association with an increasing number of rib fractures. The intensive care unit admission rate was 13.1% (n = 33) and correlated with an increasing number of fractures (odds ratio = 1.15; 95% confidence interval = 1.01 to 1.31; p = 0.038).

Conclusion

Management including liberal utilization of regional anesthesia for at-risk patients appears to mitigate the effect of increasing numbers of rib fractures on the incidence of mortality and pneumonia.