bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Developmental asynchrony might not reduce fitness in early life in painted turtles
Authors: Colbert P. L. , Spencer R.-J. , Janzen F. J.
Published: August 2022

Synchronous hatching and emergence of turtles from nests may be adaptive in predator avoidance during dispersal. However, little is known about the phenotypic consequences of such synchrony or the generality of predator avoidance in driving the evolution of this trait. Colbert et al. (2010) found that less advanced embryos hatched early in the presence of more advanced sibs, sustaining a persistent reduction in neuromuscular function. In this study, we experimentally assessed the influence of such accelerated embryonic development on hatching success, winter survival, and survival during terrestrial dispersal from the nest. Although we predicted that shortened incubation periods would reduce survival, early-hatching individuals suffered no detectable fitness costs at any stage considered in this study. Incubation temperature did not affect hatching success, and offspring sex did not affect survival across treatment groups. Incubation regime influenced offspring body size and was negatively correlated with dispersal time, however, there was no effect on survival during winter or terrestrial dispersal. Lack of a detectable fitness cost in these key early-life stages associated with hatching synchrony is consistent with a single, predator avoidance origin for this trait and retention inC. pictaand other derived turtles via phylogenetic inertia.
Roles of microRNAs in abiotic stress response and characteristics regulation of plant
Authors: Zhang Feiyan , Yang Jiangwei , Zhang Ning , Wu Jiahe , Si Huaijun
Published: August 2022

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a class of non-coding endogenous small RNAs (long 20–24 nucleotides) that negatively regulate eukaryotes gene expression at post-transcriptional level via cleavage or/and translational inhibition of targeting mRNA. Based on the diverse roles of miRNA in regulating eukaryotes gene expression, research on the identification of miRNA target genes has been carried out, and a growing body of research has demonstrated that miRNAs act on target genes and are involved in various biological functions of plants. It has an important influence on plant growth and development, morphogenesis, and stress response. Recent case studies indicate that miRNA-mediated regulation pattern may improve agronomic properties and confer abiotic stress resistance of plants, so as to ensure sustainable agricultural production. In this regard, we focus on the recent updates on miRNAs and their targets involved in responding to abiotic stress including low temperature, high temperature, drought, soil salinity, and heavy metals, as well as plant-growing development. In particular, this review highlights the diverse functions of miRNAs on achieving the desirable agronomic traits in important crops. Herein, the main research strategies of miRNAs involved in abiotic stress resistance and crop traits improvement were summarized. Furthermore, the miRNA-related challenges and future perspectives of plants have been discussed. miRNA-based research lays the foundation for exploring miRNA regulatory mechanism, which aims to provide insights into a potential form of crop improvement and stress resistance breeding.
PagDET2 promotes cambium cell division and xylem differentiation in poplar stem
Authors: Wang Yao , Hao Yi , Guo Yakun , Shou Huixia , Du Juan
Published: August 2022

Secondary growth of the woody tree stem is governed by meristematic cell division and differentiation in the vascular cambium. Multiple hormonal signals and endogenous developmental programs regulate vascular cambium activity. Brassinosteroids (BRs) significantly promote secondary stem growth and wood formation in poplar trees. However, the underlying regulatory mechanisms of BRs within the vascular tissue remain unclear. Genetic and anatomical approaches were used here to elucidate the role of PagDET2, the rate-limiting enzyme for BRs biosynthesis, in regulating secondary vascular cambium activity in Populus. This study showed that the elevated endogenous castasterone (CS) levels in tree stems through overexpressing PagDET2 could enhance cambium meristem cell activity and xylem (XY) differentiation to promote secondary stem growth. RNA-seq analysis revealed that genes involved in BRs response, vascular cambium cell division, XY differentiation, and secondary cell wall synthesis were up-regulated.
Functional analysis of Pogostemon cablin farnesyl pyrophosphate synthase gene and its binding transcription factor PcWRKY44 in regulating biosynthesis of patchouli alcohol
Authors: Wang Xiaobing , Tang Yun , Huang Huiling , Wu Daidi , Chen Xiuzhen , Li Junren , Zheng Hai , Zhan Ruoting , Chen Likai
Published: August 2022

Farnesyl pyrophosphate synthase (FPPS) plays an important role in the synthesis of plant secondary metabolites, but its function and molecular regulation mechanism remain unclear inPogostemon cablin. In this study, the full-length cDNA of the FPP synthase gene fromP. cablin(PcFPPS) was cloned and characterized. The expressions ofPcFPPSare different among different tissues (highly inP. cablinflowers). Subcellular localization analysis in protoplasts indicated that PcFPPS was located in the cytoplasm. PcFPPS functionally complemented the lethalFPPSdeletion mutation in yeast CC25. Transient overexpression ofPcFPPSinP. cablinleaves accelerated terpene biosynthesis, with an ~47% increase in patchouli alcohol. Heterologous overexpression ofPcFPPSin tobacco plants was achieved, and it was found that the FPP enzyme activity was significantly up-regulated in transgenic tobacco by ELISA analysis. In addition, more terpenoid metabolites, including stigmasterol, phytol, and neophytadiene were detected compared with control by GC-MS analysis. Furthermore, with dual-LUC assay and yeast one-hybrid screening, we found 220 bp promoter ofPcFPPScan be bound by the nuclear-localized transcription factor PcWRKY44. Overexpression ofPcWRKY44inP. cablinupregulated the expression levels ofPcFPPSand patchoulol synthase gene (PcPTS), and then promote the biosynthesis of patchouli alcohol. Taken together, these results strongly suggest thePcFPPSand its binding transcription factor PcWRKY44 play an essential role in regulating the biosynthesis of patchouli alcohol.
Development of a sensor-based site-specific N topdressing algorithm for a typical leafy vegetable
Authors: Ji Rongting , Shi Weiming , Wang Yuan , Zhang Hailin , Min Ju
Published: August 2022

Precise and site-specific nitrogen (N) fertilizer management of vegetables is essential to improve the N use efficiency considering temporal and spatial fertility variations among fields, while the current N fertilizer recommendation methods are proved to be time- and labor-consuming. To establish a site-specific N topdressing algorithm for bok choy (Brassica rapa subsp. chinensis), using a hand-held GreenSeeker canopy sensor, we conducted field experiments in the years 2014, 2017, and 2020. Two planting densities, viz, high (123,000 plants ha–1) in Year I and low (57,000 plants ha–1) in Year II, whereas, combined densities in Year III were used to evaluate the effect of five N application rates (0, 45, 109, 157, and 205 kg N ha–1). A robust relationship was observed between the sensor-based normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI), the ratio vegetation index (RVI), and the yield potential without topdressing (YP0) at the rosette stage, and 81–84% of the variability at high density and 76–79% of that at low density could be explained. By combining the densities and years, the R2 value increased to 0.90. Additionally, the rosette stage was identified as the earliest stage for reliably predicting the response index at harvest (RIHarvest), based on the response index derived from NDVI (RINDVI) and RVI (RIRVI), with R2 values of 0.59–0.67 at high density and 0.53–0.65 at low density. When using the combined results, the RIRVI performed 6.12% better than the RINDVI, and 52% of the variability could be explained. This study demonstrates the good potential of establishing a sensor-based N topdressing algorithm for bok choy, which could contribute to the sustainable development of vegetable production.
A microRNA–microRNA crosstalk network inferred from genome-wide single nucleotide polymorphism variants in natural populations of Arabidopsis thaliana
Authors: Wu Xiaomei , Wang Xuewen , Chen Wei , Liu Xunyan , Lin Yibin , Wang Fengfeng , Liu Lulu , Meng Yijun
Published: August 2022

To adapt to variable natural conditions, plants have evolved several strategies to respond to different environmental stresses. MicroRNA (miRNA)-mediated gene regulation is one of such strategies. Variants, e.g., single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) within the mature miRNAs or their target sites may cause the alteration of regulatory networks and serious phenotype changes. In this study, we proposed a novel approach to construct a miRNA–miRNA crosstalk network in Arabidopsis thaliana based on the notion that two cooperative miRNAs toward common targets are under a strong pressure to be inherited together across ecotypes. By performing a genome-wide scan of the SNPs within the mature miRNAs and their target sites, we defined a “regulation fate profile” to describe a miRNA–target regulation being static (kept) or dynamic (gained or lost) across 1,135 ecotypes compared with the reference genome of Col-0. The cooperative miRNA pairs were identified by estimating the similarity of their regulation fate profiles toward the common targets. The reliability of the cooperative miRNA pairs was supported by solid expressional correlation, high PPImiRFS scores, and similar stress responses. Different combinations of static and dynamic miRNA–target regulations account for the cooperative miRNA pairs acting on various biological characteristics of miRNA conservation, expression, homology, and stress response. Interestingly, the targets that are co-regulated dynamically by both cooperative miRNAs are more likely to be responsive to stress. Hence, stress-related genes probably bear selective pressures in a certain group of ecotypes, in which miRNA regulations on the stress genes reprogram. Finally, three case studies showed that reprogramming miRNA–miRNA crosstalk toward the targets in specific ecotypes was associated with these ecotypes’ climatic variables and geographical locations. Our study highlights the potential of miRNA–miRNA crosstalk as a genetic basis underlying environmental adaptation in natural populations.
The modern Epimetheus: Carl Schmitt's katechontism as reactionary chronopolitics
Authors: Falk Hjalmar
Published: August 2022

This paper deals with the reactionary form of chronopolitics that characterizes the work of the German jurist, political theorist, and radical conservative intellectual Carl Schmitt (1888–1985). Called both the latest classic of political thought and the Crown Jurist of the Third Reich, Schmitt remains a controversial figure, not least because of his practical support of the Nazi regime and his authoritarianism. Another controversial aspect of Schmitt's work are his unabashed and outspoken references to theology as a resource for legal and political thought. Many commentators regard Schmitt's support for the Nazi regime, his general authoritarianism, and his recourse to theology as expressions of an apocalyptic worldview that is taken to form the basis for his alleged decisionism. This in turn matches an analysis of twentieth-century totalitarianisms as constituting innerworldly forms of radical millenarian faith. However, the structure of Schmitt's politico-theological reason should be understood in a very different way. Rather than affirming the apocalyptic and millenarian energies of totalitarian movements, Schmitt attempted to formulate a theory aimed at containing them and averting their revolutionary fervor in defense of the state. At the heart of this endeavor was the Biblical figure of the katechon, “the restrainer” of the Antichrist and lawlessness as described in the Second Letter to the Thessalonians. Focusing particularly on a short but dense essay published in 1950, the paper lays bare the basis for Schmitt's avertive apocalypticism, or katechontism, which can be regarded as the politico-theological emblem of what Schmitt himself in contrast to decisionism described as concrete order thinking. The form of reactionary chronopolitics Schmitt expresses there is analyzed with the help of theories of modern historical temporality and contextualized through his own references to contemporary conservative thinkers like Hans Freyer, Karl Löwith, and Konrad Weiss.
Shared auditors, information asymmetry degree, and mergers and acquisitions value creation
Authors: You Chunhui
Published: August 2022

The social network is an important factor that affects the value creation of mergers and acquisitions (M&A). The M&A events of China’s Listed Companies in 2011–2018 were used as research samples, and this study used the ordinary least square method to test the value creation effect of shared auditors. First, it analyzed the impact of shared auditors on the current, short-term, and long-term M&A value creation. Second, it analyzed the moderating effect of information asymmetry degree. The research results show that shared auditors can increase the enterprise value of both sides of M&A. In addition, related M&A and industry attributes can moderate the relationship between shared auditors and M&A value creation. When the M&A are unrelated and in different industries, shared auditors play a more significant role in the value creation of M&A that have more asymmetric information.
The multilevel influence of supervisor helping behavior on employee voice behavior: A moderated mediation model
Authors: Fan Peihua , Liu Yuzhao , Liu Haowen , Hou Mingjun
Published: August 2022

Based on conservation of resource theory, this study adopts an experience sampling method to build a cross-hierarchical mode to investigate the internal mechanism between supervisor helping behavior and employee voice behavior. The empirical results from 76 employees’ dynamic data show that the supervisor helping behavior has no significant direct effect on the employee voice behavior; thriving at work plays a mediating role between supervisor helping behavior and employee voice behavior. Psychological availability, as a moderator, not only positively moderates the effect of supervisor helping behavior on thriving at work but also positively moderates the mediation of thriving at work on the relationship between supervisor helping behavior and employee voice behavior. From the dynamic perspective, this study adds to the literature on supervisor helping behavior and employee voice behavior, and it has practical implications on managerial decision-making.
Chronic tobacco smoking, impaired reward-based decision-making, and role of insular cortex: A comparison between early-onset smokers and late-onset smokers
Authors: Conti Aldo Alberto , Baldacchino Alexander Mario
Published: August 2022

Introduction

The literature suggests that tobacco smoking may have a neurotoxic effect on the developing adolescent brain. Particularly, it may impair the decision-making process of early-onset smokers (<16 years), by rendering them more prone to impulsive and risky choices toward rewards, and therefore more prone to smoking relapses, in comparison to late-onset smokers (≥16 years). However, no study has ever investigated reward-based decision-making and structural brain differences between early-onset smokers and late-onset smokers.

Methods

Computerized measures of reward-based decision-making [Cambridge Gambling Task (CGT); 5-trials adjusting delay discounting task (ADT-5)] were administered to 11 early-onset smokers (mean age at regular smoking initiation = 13.2 years), 17 late-onset smokers (mean age at regular smoking initiation = 18.0 years), and 24 non-smoker controls. Voxel-based morphometry (VBM) was utilized to investigate the gray matter (GM) and white matter (WM) volume differences in fronto-cortical and striatal brain regions between early-onset smokers, late-onset smokers, and non-smokers.

Results

Early-onset smokers displayed a riskier decision-making behavior in comparison to non-smokers as assessed by the CGT (p < 0.01, Cohen’s f = 0.48). However, no significant differences (p > 0.05) in reward-based decision-making were detected between early-onset smokers and late-onset smokers. VBM results revealed early-onset smokers to present lower GM volume in the bilateral anterior insular cortex (AI) in comparison to late-onset smokers and lower WM volume in the right AI in comparison to late-onset smokers.

Conclusion

Impairments in reward-based decision-making may not be affected by tobacco smoking initiation during early adolescence. Instead, lower GM and WM volume in the AI of early-onset smokers may underline a vulnerability to develop compulsive tobacco seeking and smoking behavior during adulthood.
Magnitude and factors associated with anxiety and depression among patients with breast cancer in central Ethiopia: A cross-sectional study
Authors: Belay Winini , Labisso Wajana Lako , Tigeneh Wondemagegnehu , Kaba Mirgissa , Haileselassie Werissaw
Published: August 2022

Background

Patients with breast cancer are assumed to be susceptible to anxiety and depression, while there is a lack of evidence about the epidemiology and underlying factors in Ethiopia. Hence, we aimed to assess the prevalence and predictors of anxiety and depression among patients with breast cancer in Ethiopia.

Method

An institutional-based cross-sectional study was conducted among patients with breast cancer who were attending treatment at the Oncology Center of the Tikur Anbessa Specialized Hospital, the largest referral teaching hospital in Ethiopia. The Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HDAS) was used to evaluate the anxiety and depression status of the participants, and a structured questionnaire was used to collect sociodemographic, socioeconomic, and clinical data from the participants. Medical records of the participants were reviewed to collect and correlate information about the grade and stage of cancer. An analysis was done using STATA 15.1.

Results

The study included 333 randomly selected participants, of which 35.4% were on stage III and 33% on stage II, and 67.9% were on chemotherapy and surgery. The prevalence of anxiety and depression were 60.7 and 58.6%, respectively. Poor patient-provider interaction (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 4.5, 95% CI: 2.49, 8.12) and having no financial support (AOR = 2.83, 95% CI: 1.63, 4.91) were the significant predictors of anxiety. Age >49 years (AOR = 0.48, 95% CI: 0.25, 0.90), poor patient-provider interactions (AOR = 3.36, 95% CI: 1.87, 6.02), and having no financial support (AOR = 3.36, 95% CI: 1.95, 5.79) were the significant predictors of depression.

Conclusion

In this study, the prevalence of anxiety and depression was high among patients with breast cancer, and the lack of financial support and poor patient-provider interactions were significant predictors of anxiety and depression among these groups of patients. Patients with cancer need regular screening for mental health and better emotional support from their healthcare providers and families to prevent and treat anxiety and depression.
Spatially varying associations between the built environment and older adults' propensity to walk
Authors: Yang Chunmei , Tang Xianglong , Yang Linchuan
Published: August 2022

Population aging has become a severe issue facing most nations and areas worldwide—with Hong Kong being no exception. For older adults, walking is among the most well-liked travel modes, boosting their overall health and wellbeing. Some studies have confirmed that the built environment has a significant (spatially fixed) influence on older adults' walking behavior. However, little consideration has been given to the potential spatial heterogeneity in such influences. Hence, this study extracted data on older adults' (outdoor) walking behavior from the 2011 Hong Kong Travel Characteristics Survey and measured a series of built environment attributes based on geo-data (e.g., Google Street View imagery). Logistic regression and geographically weighted logistic regression models were developed to unveil the complicated (including spatially fixed and heterogeneous) association between the built environment and older adults' propensity to walk. We show that population density, land-use mix, street greenery, and access to bus stops are positively connected with the propensity to walk of older adults. Intersection density seems to impact walking propensity insignificantly. All built environment attributes have spatially heterogeneous effects on older adults' walking behavior. The percentage of deviance explained is heterogeneously distributed across space.
Using Implementation Mapping to develop protocols supporting the implementation of a state policy on screening children for Adverse Childhood Experiences in a system of health centers in inland Southern California
Authors: Pérez Jolles Mónica , Fernández María E. , Jacobs Gabrielle , De Leon Jessenia , Myrick Leslie , Aarons Gregory A.
Published: August 2022

Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) are defined as traumatic events occurring before age 18, such as maltreatment, life-threatening accidents, harsh migration experiences, or violence. Screening for ACEs includes asking questions about an individual's early exposure to these types of events. ACEs screenings have potential value in identifying children exposed to chronic and significant stress that produces elevated cortisol levels (i.e., toxic stress), and its associated physical and mental health conditions, such as heart disease, diabetes, depression, asthma, ADHD, anxiety, and substance dependence. However, ACEs screenings are seldom used in primary care settings. The Surgeon General of California has addressed this care gap by introducing ACEs Aware, an ACEs screening fee-for-service healthcare policy signed into law by Gov. Gavin Newsom. Since January 2020, Medi-Cal, California's Medicaid health care program, has reimbursed primary care providers for using the Pediatric ACEs and Related Life-events Screener (PEARLS) tool to screen children and adults for ACEs during wellness visits. To achieve the goals set by the ACEs Aware state policy, it is essential to develop and test implementation strategies that are informed by the values, priorities, and resources of clinical settings, healthcare professionals, and end-users. To address this need, we partnered with a system of federally qualified health centers in Southern California on a pilot study to facilitate the implementation of ACEs screenings in five community-based clinics. The health centers had broad ideas for an implementation strategy, as well as best practices to improve adoption of screenings, such as focusing on staff training to improve clinic workflow. This knowledge was incorporated into the development of an implementation strategy template, used at the outset of this study. We used the Exploration, Preparation, Implementation and Sustainment (EPIS) framework to guide the study and inform a participatory planning process called Implementation Mapping. In this paper, we describe how Implementation Mapping was used to engage diverse stakeholders and guide them through a systematic process that resulted in the development of the implementation strategy. We also detail how the EPIS framework informed each Implementation Mapping Task and provide recommendations for developing implementation strategies using EPIS and Implementation Mapping in health-care settings.
Tobacco smoking and depressive symptoms in Chinese middle-aged and older adults: Handling missing values in panel data with multiple imputation
Authors: Du Xiahua , Wu Rina , Kang Lili , Zhao Longlong , Li Changle
Published: August 2022

Introduction

The high co-occurrence of tobacco smoking and depression is a major public health concern during the novel coronavirus disease-2019 pandemic. However, no studies have dealt with missing values when assessing depression. Therefore, the present study aimed to examine the effect of tobacco smoking on depressive symptoms using a multiple imputation technique.

Methods

This research was a longitudinal study using data from four waves of the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study conducted between 2011 and 2018, and the final sample consisted of 74,381 observations across all four waves of data collection. The present study employed a multiple imputation technique to deal with missing values, and a fixed effects logistic regression model was used for the analysis.

Results

The results of fixed effects logistic regression showed that heavy smokers had 20% higher odds of suffering from depressive symptoms than those who never smoked. Compared to those who never smoked, for short-term and moderate-term quitters, the odds of suffering from depressive symptoms increased by 30% and 22%, respectively. The magnitudes of the odds ratios for of the variables short-term quitters, moderate-term quitters, and long-term quitters decreased in absolute terms with increasing time-gaps since quitting. The sub-group analysis for men and women found that heavy male smokers, short-term and moderate-term male quitters had higher odds of suffering from depressive symptoms than those who never smoked. However, associations between smoking status and depressive symptoms were not significant for women.

Conclusions

The empirical findings suggested that among Chinese middle-aged and older adults, heavy smokers and short-term and moderate-term quitters have increased odds of suffering from depressive symptoms than those who never smoked. Moreover, former smokers reported that the probability of having depressive symptoms decreased with a longer duration since quitting. Nevertheless, the association between depressive symptoms and smoking among Chinese middle-aged and older adults is not straightforward and may vary according to gender. These results may have important implications that support the government in allocating more resources to smoking cessation programs to help middle-aged and older smokers, particularly in men.
Ferritin, transferrin, and transferrin receptor in relation to metabolic obesity phenotypes: Findings from the China Health and Nutrition Survey
Authors: Ren Ziyang , Cao Xingqi , Li Chenxi , Zhang Jingyun , Li Xueqin , Song Peige , Zhu Yimin , Liu Zuyun
Published: August 2022

Background

This study aimed to explore the relationship between iron markers and metabolic obesity phenotypes and the role of age.

Methods

Data were from the China Health and Nutrition Survey 2009. Metabolic obesity phenotypes included metabolically healthy with normal weight (MHNW), metabolically unhealthy with normal weight (MUNW), metabolically healthy with overweight/obesity (MHO), and metabolically unhealthy with overweight/obesity (MUO). Iron markers including ferritin, transferrin, and soluble transferrin receptor were calculated as Log and quartered. The linear regression and multinomial logistic regression were used to explore the association of iron markers with age and metabolic obesity phenotypes, respectively.

Results

Ferritin was linearly related with age, with β (95% confidence interval, CI) of 0.029 (0.027 to 0.032) and -0.005 (-0.007 to -0.002) for women and men. Transferrin was negatively associated with age in both men and women (β < -0.011). Furthermore, compared with participants in the quartile 1 ferritin group, those in the quartile 4 had increased odds of MUNW, MHO, and MUO, with odds ratio and 95% confidence interval (OR, 95% CI) of 3.06 (2.20 to 4.25), 1.66 (1.35 to 2.05), and 5.27 (4.17 to 6.66). Transferrin showed similar relationships with MUNW, MUO, and MHO; whereas transferrin receptor showed no significance. We also found joint associations of ferritin and transferrin with MUNW, MUO, and MHO. The interactive effect of ferritin and transferrin on MUO was significant (P = 0.015).

Conclusion

Increased ferritin and transferrin were associated with MUNW, MHO, and MUO. Age should be considered when investigating iron.
Perceived epilepsy-related stigma is linked to the socioeconomic status of the residence
Authors: Hohmann Louisa , Berger Justus , Kastell Shirley-Uloma , Holtkamp Martin
Published: August 2022

Purpose

Epilepsy is one of the most common neurological disorders with high costs for the healthcare systems and great suffering for patients. Beyond seizures, psychosocial comorbidities can have detrimental effects on the well-being of people with epilepsy. One source of social stress and reduced quality of life is epilepsy-related stigma that often occurs, e.g., due to public misconceptions or myths. Stigma has individual biological, psychological and social correlates. Moreover, environmental factors like living in remote areas are associated with stigma. However, little is known about the link between the social structure of the residence and stigma in epilepsy. Thus, we investigated the association between the structural socioeconomic status (SES) and perceived stigma in an urban epilepsy population.

Methods

This prospective, cross-sectional study examined 226 adult in-patients with epilepsy from Berlin. Multiple regression analyses were performed to check the relationship between structural SES and stigma controlling for individual-level demographic, clinical, psychological and social factors. Continuous social indices (SI) of the districts and neighborhoods (“SI district” and “SI neighborhood”) of Berlin were used to measure different levels of structural SES. Non-linear relationships are tested by grouping the SI in quartiles.

Results

Both indicators of structural SES were independently linked to stigma (p = 0.002). For “SI district”, we identified a non-linear relationship with patients from the most deprived quartile feeling less stigmatized compared to those in the second (p < 0.001) or least deprived quartile (p = 0.009). Furthermore, more restrictions of daily life (p < 0.001), unfavorable income (p = 0.009) and seizure freedom in the past 6 months (p = 0.05) were related to increased stigma. A lower “SI neighborhood” was associated with higher stigma (p = 0.002).

Conclusion

Strategies to reduce epilepsy-related stigma need to consider the sociostructural living environment on different regional levels. Unfavorable relations with the immediate living environment may be directly targeted in patient-centered interventions. Non-linear associations with the structural SES of broader regional levels should be considered in public education programs. Further research is needed to examine possible underlying mechanisms and gain insight into the generalizability of our findings to other populations.
Gender disparity and temporal trend of liver cancer in China from 1990 to 2019 and predictions in a 25-year period
Authors: Yue Tingting , Xu Ming , Cai Ting , Zhu Haizhen , Pourkarim Mahmoud Reza , De Clercq Erik , Li Guangdi
Published: August 2022

Objective

This study aims to reveal epidemiological features and trends of liver cancer (LC) in China.

Methods

We retrieved data from the Global Burden of Disease database 2019. Joinpoint regression was used to examine the temporal trend of LC. Future trends of LC were estimated using the Nordpred.

Results

The incidence, mortality, and disability-standardized life year (DALY) rate of LC declined in China from 1990 to 2019. Among >210,000 LC cases in 2019, the LC incidences were nearly 3.15 times higher in males than in females. LC cases and LC-associated deaths were mostly found among patients aged 65 to 69 years. The proportion of LC attributable to hepatitis B decreased over time, whereas the proportions of LC attributable to hepatitis C, alcohol use, and non-alcoholic steatohepatitis increased modestly from 1990 to 2019. The majority of LC-associated deaths could be traced to four risk factors: smoking (20%), drug use (13.6%), alcohol use (11.7%), and high body mass index (10.1%). Based on the Nordpred prediction, there will be a steady decline in the incidence (39.0%) and mortality (38.3%) of liver cancer over a 25-year period from 2020 to 2044.

Conclusion

The disease burden of liver cancer in China has declined over the past 30 years. However, it remains important to control liver cancer among high-risk populations, especially elderly males with obesity, alcohol use, tobacco use, and/or drug abuse.
A bibliometric analysis of the 100 most cited articles describing SARS-CoV-2 variants
Authors: Zhang Yahui , Feng Meijing , He Yongmei , Liu Fangming , Ma Rui
Published: August 2022

Background

The emergence of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) variants with mutations in the spike protein has risen concerns about the efficacy of infection- or vaccine-induced antibodies and has posed a serious threat to global public health, education, travel and economy. Few studies have described the detailed characterizations of highly cited articles on SARS-CoV-2 variants.

Objective

To identify and characterize the 100 most-cited articles in SARS-CoV-2 variants research.

Design and methods

Articles published recently were extracted from the web of science core collection database using a query based on MeSH terms and topics of SARS-CoV-2 and variants. Characteristics of the 100 most-cited articles were analyzed via the following parameters: publication number over year, number of citations, type of articles, authors, journal, journal impact factor, country, and topics covered in articles. In addition, clinical trials in these articles were also analyzed.

Results

The majority of articles (66%) were published in 2021. Number of citations of the 100 most cited articles ranged from 1720 to 75 (median: 178.5). Mutations in the S protein such as D614G mutation and the B.1.1.7 (UK) and B.1.351 (South Africa) were the dominant variants in the 100 most cited articles. The United States, the United Kingdom, and South Africa had the strongest collaboration in the contribution of publication. Science, Cell, Nature and New England Journal of Medicine were mostly cited and the main direction in these top journals were vaccine neutralizing tests and efficacy evaluation studies. Response of antibody neutralization tests against variants was always weakened due to the presence of variants but the results of clinical trials were encouraging. Genomics information, spike protein structure confirmation and neutralization studies evaluating antibody resistance were highly represented in the 100 most cited articles in SARS-CoV-2 variants literature.

Conclusions and relevance

Altogether, genomic information, epidemiology, immune neutralization, and vaccine efficacy studies of COVID-19 variants are the main research orientations in these articles and relevant results have been published in influential journals. Given the continuous evolution of the SARS-CoV-2 and the constant development in our understanding of the impact of variants, current working strategies and measures may be periodically adjusted.
Head and face anthropometric study for respirators in the multi-ethnic Asian population of Malaysia
Authors: Lim Yin Cheng , Abdul Shakor Ameerah Su'ad , Mohamad Nadia , Pahrol Muhammad Alfatih , Ismail Rohaida , Chong Zhuo Lin , Abdul Mutalip Mohd Hatta , Omar Mohd Azahadi , Danaee Mahmoud , Wan Guo Tung , Shaharudin Rafiza
Published: August 2022

Background

Existing anthropometric studies for respirator designs are based on the head and facial dimensions of Americans and Chinese nationals, with no studies for multi-ethnic countries like Malaysia. This study aimed to create head and facial morphological database for Malaysia, specifically to identify morphological differences between genders, ethnicities, and birthplaces, as well as predictors of the dimensions.

Design

A cross-sectional study.

Setting

Malaysia.

Participants

A nation-wide cross-sectional study using a complex survey design with two stage-stratified random sampling was conducted among 3,324 participants, aged 18 years and above who were also participants of the National Health and Morbidity Survey 2020.

Primary and secondary outcomes

The study collected data on sociodemographic, measurement of Body Mass Index (BMI) and 10 head and facial dimensions (3 dimensions were measured using direct measurement, and 7 others using Digimizer software for 2-dimension images). Linear regression was performed to determine the association between gender, ethnicity, birthplace, age and BMI and the dimensions.

Results

There were significant differences in all the dimensions between sex, birthplace and ethnicity (p < 0.005). Further analysis using linear regression showed sex, ethnicity, birthplace, age and BMI were significant predictors of the dimensions. In comparison to studies from the United States and China, our study population had a wider interpupillary distance and nose breadth for both male and female participants, but smaller bigonial breadth and smaller minimal frontal breadth.

Conclusion

These findings could assist in the design and sizing of respirators that will fit Malaysians and possibly other Southeast Asian population.
Posterior urethral valve in children: Using novel biomarkers as an early predictive tool for the onset and progression of chronic kidney disease
Authors: Uwaezuoke Samuel N. , Odimegwu Chioma L. , Mbanefo Ngozi R. , Eze Ikenna C.
Published: August 2022

This narrative review aims to appraise the current evidence on using biomarkers of obstructive nephropathy to predict the onset and progression of chronic kidney disease (CKD) in infants with posterior urethral valves (PUV). PUV is the most frequently reported congenital anomaly of the kidney and urinary tract (CAKUT) associated with bladder outlet obstruction in male children. It contributes significantly to the CKD burden in childhood. Despite different approaches for its postnatal repair, evidence-based data still suggest a high risk of CKD and end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) later in childhood. In obstructive nephropathy, glomerular and tubulointerstitial lesions contribute to renal impairment. Although it may be difficult to predict these adverse renal outcomes in repaired PUV, detecting and monitoring future CKD appears enhanced using the combination of serum creatinine- or cystatin C-based estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and albuminuria. Given the drawbacks of these conventional biomarkers, there is a paradigm shift to novel biomarkers as tools for the early identification of glomerular and tubulointerstitial lesions seen in obstructive nephropathy. Most novel biomarkers are yet to be fully applied to routine clinical practice globally. Nevertheless, there is substantial evidence showing that they form part of the emerging diagnostics for obstructive nephropathy. From the reviewed studies, urine transforming growth factor-beta 1 (TGF-β1) is the most prominent biomarker among the novel biomarkers of obstructive nephropathy. However, other novel approaches like the machine learning (ML) model (a form of health-related artificial intelligence) and urodynamic parameters like bladder contractility index hold promise for PUV outcomes prediction (PUVOP). Because of the association of urine TGF-β1 with urine angiotensin level (a biomarker of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system [RAAS]), early angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor (ACEI) therapy in patients with PUV may potentially retard the progression of CKD and improve renal outcomes. Thus, future research directions will be to explore the role of ACEI as a pre-emptive treatment for poor renal outcomes in post valve-ablation patients and to conduct longitudinal studies that would properly demonstrate these biomarkers as predictors of these outcomes.
From minding the gap to widening the gap: Paralympic athletes' experiences of wellbeing during the postponement of the Tokyo 2020 games
Authors: Bundon Andrea , Trainor Lisa R. , Bennett Erica V. , Tremblay Myriam I. , Mannella Staci , Crocker Peter R. E.
Published: August 2022

In March 2020, it was announced that the Tokyo Games would be postponed for one year due to the COVID-19 pandemic. While athletes commonly face challenges in sport such as injuries, the pandemic and rescheduling of the Games was an unexpected event that had serious potential to challenge the psychological wellbeing of athletes. Furthermore, it was an event that was simultaneously experienced by all athletes preparing for the Games. It provided a novel opportunity to explore how athletes navigated this challenging environment and the subsequent potential impact on their psychological wellbeing. It also provided a unique opportunity to engage para-athletes and explore how they experienced the pandemic and postponement. This manuscript draws on a larger qualitative study of 21 Canadian athletes (14 Olympic and seven Paralympic) who were on target to compete at the 2020 Games when the postponement was announced. For this manuscript, we focus on the accounts of seven Paralympic hopefuls and their experiences of adjusting to the postponement, while attending to the unique social identities of athletes with disabilities. Adopting a constructionist lens, semi-structured interviews were conducted at two time points. Through reflexive thematic analysis, we developed three themes. “We are all in the same boat. . . or are we?” describes the Paralympic hopefuls experiences early in the pandemic and how they felt united by the Canadian response to withdraw from the Games. It then discusses how, over time, they started to understand athletes with disabilities were being inequitably impacted by the pandemic and related public health measures. “Maybe it means more to them than us” examines how their perceptions changed as they acknowledged that although all athletes were facing a disruption to their sport careers, the implications were not the same for all. “Vulnerability and the Paralympic athlete” addresses how Paralympic athletes engaged with societal narratives about risk, vulnerability and disability and what this meant for the Paralympic Movement's response to the pandemic. “Honestly, I've experienced it before” examines how the Paralympic hopefuls drew on past experiences of injury to navigate the pandemic and the protective impact on their psychological wellbeing. Findings shed light on how systemic ableism interacted with the pandemic to magnify feelings of inferiority and further marginalization but also how para-athletes drew on past experiences to navigate challenges to their psychological wellbeing.
The prognostic value of systemic immune-inflammation index in surgical esophageal cancer patients: An updated meta-analysis
Authors: Li Xiaoqu , Zhang Shuhao , Lu Juan , Li Chao , Li Naibin
Published: August 2022

Purpose

To identify the prognostic role of systemic immune-inflammation index (SII) in esophageal cancer patients receiving operation.

Methods

The PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, WanFang and CNKI electronic databases were searched up to February 17, 2022 for relevant studies. The hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were combined to assess the association between SII and prognosis in surgical esophageal cancer patients. The primary outcome was overall survival (OS) and secondary outcomes were progression-free survival (PFS) and cancer-specific survival (CSS). All statistical analyses were conducted by STATA 15.0 software.

Results

A total of nine retrospective studies involving 3,565 participates were included. The pooled results indicated that high SII was significantly related with poor OS (HR = 1.58, 95% CI: 1.23–2.02, P < 0.001). However, subgroup analysis based on pathological type demonstrated that high SII was an independent predictor for poor OS only in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) patients (HR = 1.72, 95% CI: 1.34–2.21, P < 0.001). Besides, SII was also significantly associated with poor PFS (HR = 1.94, 95% CI: 1.61–2.35, P < 0.001) and CSS (HR = 1.44, 95% CI: 1.04–1.99, P = 0.027) in ESCC patients.

Conclusion

The SII could serve as an independent prognostic factor in surgical ESCC patients and higher SII was related with worse survival. However, more prospective high-quality studies are still needed to verify above findings.
Laparoscopic retroperitoneal resection of the duodenal gastrointestinal stromal tumors in neurofibromatosis type 1; Case Report and literature review
Authors: Abdullah Al-Danakh , Mohammed Safi , Alradhi Mohammed , Zhu Xinqing , Yang Deyong
Published: August 2022

Background

Neurofibromatosis type 1, also known as NF1, is a disorder that is passed down in an autosomal dominant manner. It manifests in a wide variety of tumors and affects several organ systems. It is expected that those carrying the NF1 gene will develop a rare mesenchymal tumor known as a gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST) more than general population.

Case report

This research discusses a 42-year-old female patient with NF1 who was identified with a duodenal GIST but clinically and radiographically misinterpreted as having a retroperitoneal neurofibroma. She had minimally invasive retroperitoneal laparoscopic surgery to remove the tumor and primary anastomosis of the affected duodenal wall. A spindle cell GIST was entirely excised during surgery, as indicated by the pathologist. As a consequence of dialogue at a multidisciplinary team meeting, the patient was discharged from the hospital on the fourth postoperative day and is presently undergoing regular clinical follow-up.

Conclusion

Anatomically problematic sites, such as the duodenal GIST in NF1 patients, can be treated safely with the laparoscopic retroperitoneal approach even when retroperitoneal neoplasia arises from the intrabdominal structure and protrudes into the retroperitoneal region.
Analysis of the efficacy and related factors of ventriculoperitoneal shunt for AIDS with cryptococcal meningitis
Authors: Chai Zhaohui , Shou Yikai , Mungur Rajneesh , Gong Jiangbiao , Zheng Peidong , Zheng Jiesheng
Published: August 2022

Background

Cryptococcus neoformans is an opportunistic pathogen, which is more common in patients with AIDS. Increased intracranial pressure (ICP) is an important complication of cryptococcal meningitis (CM) and affects the therapeutic effect of CM.

Objective

To evaluate the effect and treatment for the management of ventriculoperitoneal shunt (VPS) in the treatment of AIDS complicated with CM and to analyze the factors associated with VPS and the indices affecting the outcome of CM patients.

Methods

A retrospective case study was conducted on patients with CM treated in the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine from 2011 to 2019. The Chi-square test was used for categorical variables and the Student’s t-test was used for continuous variables. Multivariable analysis of baseline factors related to VPS placement was performed with stepwise logistic regression analysis, factors associated with the outcome of these patients were studied by Cox regression analysis, and Kaplan–Meier survival curves were constructed to assess the outcome of patients.

Results

There were 96 patients with AIDS complicated with CM. VPS had a great effect on the patients, especially those with ICP > 350 mmH2O. The outcome, including the mortality rate and modified Rankin scale (MRS) score of these patients, significantly improved after the placement of VPS. The karnofsky performance status (KPS) scores of patients whose ICP > 350 mmH2O improved from 39.3 ± 21.3 at baseline to 88.7 ± 26.9 at 3 months after VPS, better than those without VPS. Multivariable analysis showed that visual impairment (OR, 0.026; 95% CI, 0.001, 0.567; P = 0.021) and ICP > 350 mmH2O (OR, 0.026; 95% CI, 0.002, 0.293; P = 0.003) were related elements with the placement of shunt, and KPS score (HR, 0.968; 95% CI, 0.943, 0.993; P = 0.013) and ICP > 350 mmH2O (HR, 2.801; 95% CI, 1.035, 7.580; P = 0.043) were indices of the outcome of AIDS patients with CM. For patients with ICP > 350 mmHg, Kaplan–Meier analysis showed that the 3-year outcome of patients with VPS was better than that of patients without VPS (P = 0.0067).

Conclusion

VPS was associated with better 3-year survival rates, and postshunt placement complications like infections were rare. The identification of factors related to VPS in the initial diagnosis of CM can contribute to more active management and improve the outcome.