bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
So many expectations: A study of Australian early-career secondary school music teachers
Authors: Robinson Jennifer Anne
Published: June 2021

Early-career music teachers are described in the literature as being in the first few years of the profession. This research explores the motivation, sense of value, and areas of stress affecting early-career music teachers in Australian secondary high schools. The research is a part of a larger qualitative study which contains a national survey ( n = 263) and interviews ( n = 41) of secondary school music teachers across a number of career stages. This article reports on the survey responses ( n = 59) and interviews ( n = 11) of teachers in the early-career stage (0–5 years). The findings revealed that, while the majority of early-career teachers were motivated to teach, being valued by the school led to a stronger commitment to the workplace. Motivating aspects of work included seeing students grow musically, lesson planning, and providing performance opportunities. While stressors were identified, the early-career music teachers had developed a number of effective strategies to cope with the demands of the profession. This article provides a national snapshot of the influences on the working lives of Australian early-career secondary school music teachers and provides suggestions to school communities and education authorities in ways to support them.
The reflective practices of early and late career music educators
Authors: Schmidt Casey
Published: June 2021

The purpose of this collective case study was to explore the self-initiated reflective practices of early and late career inservice music teachers in a variety of educational settings. This research was guided by the following questions: (a) How do music teachers in a variety of settings and career stages describe the reasons they engage in reflective practice? (b) How do early and late career music teachers describe their reflective practices and strategies? (c) What are the foci described in the reflective practices of early and late career music educators? The analysis generated categories of dispositions to improve teaching and student learning, reflective strategies and resources, and focus of reflection. The primary findings from this study suggest that music teacher participants understood the value and need to reflect for their own growth and development as teachers and for student learning. Participants articulated that they used similar processes and strategies in their reflective practices. The teachers in this study gravitated toward reflecting on student-related concerns and instruction and developed networks of reflective support. Expanding time and collaborative resources for reflection, developing guided frameworks for reflection, and supporting implementable reflective strategies to broaden thinking about practice may enhance the reflective initiatives of both early and late career music educators.
Stochastic Reynolds equation for the combined effects of piezo-viscous dependency and squeeze-film lubrication of micropolar fluids on rough porous circular stepped plates
Authors: Naganagowda Hanumagowda Bannihalli , Karappan Sreekala Cherkkarathandayan
Published: June 2021

The aim of this paper is to presents a theoretical analysis on squeeze-film characteristics of a rough porous circular stepped plate in the vicinity of pressure-dependent viscosity and lubrication by micropolar fluids. A closed-form expression for non-dimensional pressure, load, and squeezing time is derived based on Eringen’s theory, Darcy’s equation, and Christensen’s stochastic approach. Results indicate that the effects of pressure-dependent viscosity, surface roughness, and micropolar fluids play an important role in increasing the load-carrying capacity and squeezing time, whereas the presence of porous media decreases the load-carrying capacity and squeezing time of the rough porous circular stepped plates.
The heritage of classical sociology
Authors: Outhwaite William
Published: June 2021

This short contribution explores alternative conceptions of classical sociology and continuities and discontinuities in its history, with particular attention to the German and Austrian context and the sociological diaspora resulting from European fascism.
Relative motion flexion splinting for the rehabilitation of flexor tendon repairs: A systematic review
Authors: Newington Lisa , Ross Rachel , Howell Julianne W
Published: June 2021

Introduction

Relative motion splinting has been used successfully in the treatment of extensor tendon repairs and has recently been applied in flexor tendon rehabilitation. The purpose of this systematic review was to identify articles reporting use of relative motion flexion (RMF) splinting following flexor tendon repair and to examine indications for use and clinical outcomes.

Methods

Seven medical databases, four trials registries and three grey literature sources were systematically searched and screened against pre-specified eligibility criteria. Screening, data extraction and quality appraisal were independently performed by two reviewers.

Results

A total of 12 studies were identified, of which three met the review eligibility criteria: one retrospective case series; one cadaveric proof of concept study; and one ongoing prospective case series. The type of splint (including metacarpophalangeal joint position and available movement), exercise programme, and zone of tendon injury varied between studies. Both case series presented acceptable range of movement and grip strength outcomes. The prospective series reported one tendon rupture and two tenolysis procedures; the retrospective series reported no tendon ruptures or secondary surgeries.

Discussion

We found limited evidence supporting the use of RMF splinting in the rehabilitation of zones I-III flexor tendon repairs. Further prospective research with larger patient cohorts is required to assess the clinical outcomes, patient reported outcomes and safety of RMF splinting in comparison to other regimes. Application of the relative motion principles to flexor tendon splinting varied across the included studies, and we suggest an operational definition of relative motion in this context.
The Perspective of Thailand Economy After the Effect of Coronavirus-19 Pandemics: Explication by Dynamic I-O Models and Agent-Based Simulations
Authors: Chen Ruoyu , Chaiboonsri Chukiat , Wannapan Satawat
Published: June 2021

The panic surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic has collapsed world economic systems. Thailand is no exception. Evidently, domestic-industrial activities in many countries have nearly stopped, and international sectors have abruptly disintegrated. Unemployment has become critical, and business viability has run into trouble. This article illustrates the potential solutions to these issues linked to Thailand’s domestic and international-trade economies by econometrically applying sectoral forecasting analyses and simulations because the pandemic has not only caused physical damage, but also a negative chain in worldwide economic systems. Methodologically, dynamic input-output (I-O) analysis is circumspectly employed to obtain foresight on some predominantly industrial sectors that could potentially rescue the Thai domestic economy from the depression of 2020–2022. The I-O tables are sourced from official data of the Asian Development Bank (ADB). For the international-trade scenario, the agent-based model and simulations are used to forecast the future trends of macroeconomic responses. The two methods, dynamic I-O models and agent-based simulations, are the current means capable of sensibly predicting macroeconomic responses for monitoring the upcoming years. The empirical outcomes can clearly predict upcoming events that will be beneficial for policy implementations.
Impact of Maternal Vitamin D Status on the Formation of Atopic Dermatitis in Young Children
Authors: Petriashvili Mariam
Published: June 2021

Recent studies have highlighted relationship of allergic diseases with vitamin D deficiency. The aim of the study was to evaluate the impact of maternal vitamin D levels in pregnancy on the formation of atopic dermatitis in early life. A total of 186 pregnant women and their infants who developed atopic dermatitis before the age of 2 years were involved in the prospective study. Most pregnant women (57.5%) were diagnosed with 25(OH)D deficiency (3.6 ± 4.4 ng/ml) ( P = .000). Maternal 25(OH)D deficiency was directly related to atopic family anamnesis and relatively high IgE levels. In these cases, children developed atopic dermatitis before the age of 6 months (70.8%) with prevalence of moderate-severity (55%) and persistent course (68.3%) of the disease. The above mentioned supported the idea that the peculiarities of the formation of atopic dermatitis in young children are associated with low concentrations of vitamin D in mothers during pregnancy.
Evolution of pyrochlore in carbonatites of the Amba Dongar complex, India.
Authors: Viladkar Shrinivas G. , Sorokhtina Natalia V.
Published: June 2021

Pyrochlore-group minerals are common accessory rare-metal bearing minerals in the calcite and ankerite carbonatites of the Amba Dongar complex (India). Pyrochlore from the Amba Dongar carbonatites differs from that in other Indian complexes in Ta, Zr, Ti, rare earth element (REE) and Pb contents, but is similar with respect to Ca, Ba and Sr abundances. The evolution of pyrochlore composition was studied to understand the alteration processes and the formation of late-stage pyrochlores enriched in REE and Pb. The early magmatic pyrochlore are calcio- and niobium-dominant types and were replaced by secondary cation-deficient varieties as a consequence of the action of hydrothermal fluids and supergene weathering. These processes produce changes mainly at theAsite, rarely at theBsite, and the original F is replaced by OH–groups. Calcium and Na can be extracted from the structure at the alteration stage and charge balance is achieved by the introduction of REE, Th, U, Ba or Sr. At the latest supergene stages, marginal and fractured zones of pyrochlore grains are altered to Pb-rich, Si-rich and cation-deficient hydrated varieties. The magmatic pyrochlore was crystallised in a highly alkaline environment at a high activity of Ca and at temperatures near 600°C, the alteration of pyrochlore began in a hydrothermal environment at temperatures below 350°C. The major compositional changes that are associated with the alteration are summarised by the following reactions: Ca2++ Nb5+→REE3++ Ti4+; Nb5++ Fe3+→ Ti4++ Zr4+; and 2Nb5++ Ca2+→ Ti4++ Si4++ U4+.
Redox modifications of cysteine residues regulate the cytokine activity of HMGB1
Authors: Yang Huan , Lundbäck Peter , Ottosson Lars , Erlandsson-Harris Helena , Venereau Emilie , Bianchi Marco E. , Al-Abed Yousef , Andersson Ulf , Tracey Kevin J.
Published: June 2021

Background

High mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) is a nuclear protein with extracellular inflammatory cytokine activity. It is passively released during cell death and secreted by activated cells of many lineages. HMGB1 contains three conserved redox-sensitive cysteine residues: cysteines in position 23 and 45 (C23 and C45) can form an intramolecular disulfide bond, whereas C106 is unpaired and is essential for the interaction with Toll-Like Receptor (TLR) 4. However, a comprehensive characterization of the dynamic redox states of each cysteine residue and of their impacts on innate immune responses is lacking.

Methods

Primary human macrophages or murine macrophage-like RAW 264.7 cells were activated in cell cultures by redox-modified or point-mutated (C45A) recombinant HMGB1 preparations or by lipopolysaccharide (E. coli.0111: B4). Cellular phosphorylated NF-κB p65 subunit and subsequent TNF-α release were quantified by commercial enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays.

Results

Cell cultures with primary human macrophages and RAW 264.7 cells demonstrated that fully reduced HMGB1 with all three cysteines expressing thiol side chains failed to generate phosphorylated NF-КB p65 subunit or TNF-α. Mild oxidation forming a C23-C45 disulfide bond, while leaving C106 with a thiol group, was required for HMGB1 to induce phosphorylated NF-КB p65 subunit and TNF-α production. The importance of a C23–C45 disulfide bond was confirmed by mutation of C45 to C45A HMGB1, which abolished the ability for cytokine induction. Further oxidation of the disulfide isoform also inactivated HMGB1.

Conclusions

These results reveal critical post-translational redox mechanisms that control the proinflammatory activity of HMGB1 and its inactivation during inflammation.
A cross-sectional study to assess knowledge of women about cervical cancer: an urban and rural comparison
Authors: Lesińska-Sawicka Małgorzata
Published: June 2021

Introduction

Cervical cancer and its etiopathogenesis, the age of women in whom it is diagnosed, average life expectancy, and prognosis are information widely covered in scientific reports. However, there is no coherent information regarding which regions—urban or rural—it may occur more often. This is important because the literature on the subject reports that people living in rural areas have a worse prognosis when it comes to detection, treatment, and life expectancy than city dwellers.

Material and methods

The subjects of the study were women and their knowledge about cervical cancer. The research was carried out using a survey directly distributed among respondents and via the Internet, portals, and discussion groups for women from Poland.

Three hundred twenty-nine women took part in the study, including 164 from rural and 165 from urban areas. The collected data enabled the following: (1) an analysis of the studied groups, (2) assessment of the respondents’ knowledge about cervical cancer, and (3) comparison of women’s knowledge depending on where they live.

Results

The average assessment of all respondents’ knowledge was 3.59, with women living in rural areas scoring 3.18 and respondents from the city—4.01. Statistical significance (p < 0.001) between the level of knowledge and place of residence was determined. The results indicate that an increase in the level of education in the subjects significantly increases the chance of getting the correct answer. In the case of age analysis, the coefficients indicate a decrease in the chance of obtaining the correct answer in older subjects despite the fact that a statistically significant level was reached in individual questions.

Conclusions

Women living in rural areas have less knowledge of cervical cancer than female respondents from the city. There is a need for more awareness campaigns to provide comprehensive information about cervical cancer to women in rural areas. A holistic approach to the presented issue can solve existing difficulties and barriers to maintaining health regardless of the place of life and residence.

Implication for cancer survivors

They need intensive care for women’s groups most burdened with risk factors.
A tool for analyzing and visualizing ribo-seq data at the isoform level
Authors: Wu Wei-Sheng , Tsao Yi-Hong , Shiue Sheng-Cian , Chen Ting-Yu , Tseng Yan-Yuan , Tseng Joseph T.
Published: June 2021

Background

Translational regulation is one important aspect of gene expression regulation. Dysregulation of translation results in abnormal cell physiology and leads to diseases. Ribosome profiling (RP), also called ribo-seq, is a powerful experimental technique to study translational regulation. It can capture a snapshot of translation by deep sequencing of ribosome-protected mRNA fragments. Many ribosome profiling data processing tools have been developed. However, almost all tools analyze ribosome profiling data at the gene level. Since different isoforms of a gene may produce different proteins with distinct biological functions, it is advantageous to analyze ribosome profiling data at the isoform level. To meet this need, previously we developed a pipeline to analyze 610 public human ribosome profiling data at the isoform level and constructed HRPDviewer database.

Results

To allow other researchers to use our pipeline as well, here we implement our pipeline as an easy-to-use software tool called RPiso. Compared to Ribomap (a widely used tool which provides isoform-level ribosome profiling analyses), our RPiso (1) estimates isoform abundance more accurately, (2) supports analyses on more species, and (3) provides a web-based viewer for interactively visualizing ribosome profiling data on the selected mRNA isoforms.

Conclusions

In this study, we developed RPiso software tool (http://cosbi7.ee.ncku.edu.tw/RPiso/) to provide isoform-level ribosome profiling analyses. RPiso is very easy to install and execute. RPiso also provides a web-based viewer for interactively visualizing ribosome profiling data on the selected mRNA isoforms. We believe that RPiso is a useful tool for researchers to analyze and visualize their own ribosome profiling data at the isoform level.
Correction to: A common arthropod from the Late Ordovician Big Hill Lagerstätte (Michigan) reveals an unexpected ecological diversity within Chasmataspidida
Authors: Lamsdell James C. , Gunderson Gerald O. , Meyer Ronald C.
Published: June 2021

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via the original article.
Determinants for the implementation of person-centered tools for workers with chronic health conditions: a mixed-method study using the Tailored Implementation for Chronic Diseases checklist
Authors: Zipfel N. , Horreh B. , Hulshof C. T. J. , Suman A. , de Boer A. G. E. M. , van der Burg-Vermeulen S. J.
Published: June 2021

Background

The aim was to identify the most important determinants of practice for the implementation of person-centered tools which enhance work participation for patients with chronic health conditions.

Methods

A mixed-method study was conducted consisting of semi-structured interviews, a focus group and a survey. Various stakeholders were involved including (representatives of) workers with chronic health conditions, insurance physicians, occupational physicians, other healthcare professionals, researchers, employers, and policymakers. The semi-structured interviews were performed to identify implementation determinants, followed by a focus group to validate resulting determinants. To conclude, a survey was conducted to select the most important implementation determinants through prioritization by ranking the order of importance. The Tailored Implementation of Chronic Diseases checklist (TICD) was used as concept-driven coding frame for the qualitative analysis of the interviews and focus group. The self-developed survey was based on the domains of the TICD. The survey was analyzed by frequency count of first ranking of determinants per and between domains of the TICD.

Results

Various stakeholders participated (N = 27) in the interviews and focus group. The qualitative data retrieved yielded a list of determinants with additional in-depth themes according to the TICD. For the selection of the most important determinants, a survey with 101 respondents was conducted, consisting of occupational physicians, insurance physicians and workers with a chronic health condition. From the seven domains of the TICD, respondents emphasized the importance of taking into account the needs and factors associated with workers with a chronic health condition as this determinant ranked highest. Taking into account the individual needs and wishes of workers was mentioned to enable successful implementation, whereas stress of the workers was indicated to impede implementation. Other important determinants included ‘being able to work with the tools’ in terms of time and usability or ‘cognitions, beliefs and attitudes of occupational and insurance physicians’ to be able to use the tools.

Conclusion

This study identified the most important determinants from the perspective of various stakeholders involved in the implementation of client-centered tools in occupational health for workers with chronic health conditions. Furthermore, by prioritizing the most important determinants, targeted implementation strategies can be developed.
Predicting the incidence of COVID-19 using data mining
Authors: Ahouz Fatemeh , Golabpour Amin
Published: June 2021

Background

The high prevalence of COVID-19 has made it a new pandemic. Predicting both its prevalence and incidence throughout the world is crucial to help health professionals make key decisions. In this study, we aim to predict the incidence of COVID-19 within a two-week period to better manage the disease.

Methods

The COVID-19 datasets provided by Johns Hopkins University, contain information on COVID-19 cases in different geographic regions since January 22, 2020 and are updated daily. Data from 252 such regions were analyzed as of March 29, 2020, with 17,136 records and 4 variables, namely latitude, longitude, date, and records. In order to design the incidence pattern for each geographic region, the information was utilized on the region and its neighboring areas gathered 2 weeks prior to the designing. Then, a model was developed to predict the incidence rate for the coming 2 weeks via a Least-Square Boosting Classification algorithm.

Results

The model was presented for three groups based on the incidence rate: less than 200, between 200 and 1000, and above 1000. The mean absolute error of model evaluation were 4.71, 8.54, and 6.13%, respectively. Also, comparing the forecast results with the actual values in the period in question showed that the proposed model predicted the number of globally confirmed cases of COVID-19 with a very high accuracy of 98.45%.

Conclusion

Using data from different geographical regions within a country and discovering the pattern of prevalence in a region and its neighboring areas, our boosting-based model was able to accurately predict the incidence of COVID-19 within a two-week period.
Limited predictive value of illness perceptions for short-term poor recovery in musculoskeletal pain. A multi-center longitudinal study
Authors: de Raaij E. J. , Wittink H. , Maissan J. F. , Westers P. , Ostelo R. W. J. G.
Published: June 2021

Background

Musculoskeletal pain (MSP) is recognized worldwide as a major cause of increased years lived with disability. In addition to known generic prognostic factors, illness perceptions (IPs) may have predictive value for poor recovery in MSP. We were interested in the added predictive value of baseline IPs, over and above the known generic prognostic factors, on clinical recovery from MSP. Also, it is hypothesized there may be overlap between IPs and domains covered by the Four-Dimensional Symptom Questionnaire (4DSQ), measuring distress, depression, anxiety and somatization. The aim of this study is twofold; 1) to assess the added predictive value of IPs for poor recovery and 2) to assess differences in predictive value for poor recovery between the Brief Illness Perception Questionnaire - Dutch Language Version (Brief IPQ-DLV) and the 4DSQ.

Methods

An eligible sample of 251 patients with musculoskeletal pain attending outpatient physical therapy were included in a multi-center longitudinal cohort study. Pain intensity, physical functioning and Global Perceived Effect were the primary outcomes. Hierarchical logistic regression models were used to assess the added value of baseline IPs for predicting poor recovery. To investigate the performance of the models, the levels of calibration (Hosmer-Lemeshov test) and discrimination (Area under the Curve (AUC)) were assessed.

Results

Baseline ‘Treatment Control’ added little predictive value for poor recovery in pain intensity [Odds Ratio (OR) 0.80 (Confidence Interval (CI) 0.66–0.97), increase in AUC 2%] and global perceived effect [OR 0.78 (CI 0.65–0.93), increase in AUC 3%]. Baseline ‘Timeline’ added little predictive value for poor recovery in physical functioning [OR 1.16 (CI 1.03–1.30), increase in AUC 2%]. There was a non-significant difference between AUCs in predictive value for poor recovery between the Brief IPQ-DLV and the 4DSQ.

Conclusions

Based on the findings of this explorative study, assessing baseline IPs, over and above the known generic prognostic factors, does not result in a substantial improvement in the prediction of poor recovery.

Also, no recommendations can be given for preferring either the 4DSQ or the Brief IPQ-DLV to assess psychological factors.
Transplant-associated penile Kaposi sarcoma managed with single agent paclitaxel chemotherapy: a case report
Authors: Anderson Matthew A. , Ying Tracey , Wyburn Kate , Ferguson Peter M. , Strach Madeleine C. , Grimison Peter , Chadban Steve , Gracey David M.
Published: June 2021

Background

Kaposi’s sarcoma is an uncommon complication in renal transplant patients, and typically presents with cutaneous lesions on the lower extremities. Penile involvement has been reported only rarely. Management of cutaneous-limited disease is primarily reduction of immunosuppression and conversion to an mTOR-inhibitor, whereas the treatment of disseminated disease in transplant patients is more variable.

Case presentation

A 75-year-old male, originally from Somalia, received a deceased-donor kidney transplant for diabetic and hypertensive nephropathy. Seven months post-transplant he presented with lower limb lesions, oedema and bilateral deep vein thromboses. He then developed a fast-growing painful lesion on his penile shaft. A biopsy of this lesion confirmed KS, and a PET scan demonstrated disseminated disease in the lower extremities, penis and thoracic lymph nodes. His tacrolimus was converted to sirolimus, and his other immunosuppression was reduced. He was treated with single agent paclitaxel chemotherapy in view of his rapidly progressing, widespread disease. The penile lesion completely resolved, and the lower extremity lesions regressed significantly. His kidney allograft function remained stable throughout treatment.

Conclusion

This case illustrates a rare presentation of an uncommon post-transplant complication and highlights the need for a high index of suspicion of KS in transplant patients presenting with atypical cutaneous lesions. It serves to demonstrate that the use of single agent paclitaxel chemotherapy, switch to an mTORi and reduction in immunosuppression where possible produces excellent short-term outcomes, adding to the body of evidence for this management strategy in disseminated Kaposi’s sarcoma.
Frames and counter-frames giving meaning to palliative care and euthanasia in the Netherlands
Authors: Van Gorp Baldwin , Olthuis Gert , Vandekeybus Anneleen , van Gurp Jelle
Published: June 2021

Background

Based on the case of palliative care and euthanasia in the Netherlands, this paper presents an analysis of frames and counter-frames used in the ongoing public debate about these two intertwined topics. Each (counter)frame presents a cultural theme that can act as a prism to give meaning to palliative care and/or euthanasia. Each frame comprehends a different problem definition, consequences and policy options. Typical word choices and metaphors are identified that can evoke these frames and the underlying reasoning. The frames do not belong to a specific stakeholder but a pattern can be seen in their use that is related to interests and ideology.

Methods

An inductive framing analysis was conducted of 2,700 text fragments taken from various Dutch newspapers, websites of stakeholders and policy documents in the period 2016–2018. After an extensive process of thematic coding, axial coding, selective coding and peer review seven frames and seven counter-frames about palliative care and euthanasia were constructed. Fifteen experts in the field of palliative and/or end-of-life care commented on the overview during a member check.

Results

Two frames about palliative care were constructed: the Fear of death frame, which stresses the hopeless ‘terminality’ of palliative care and the Heavy burden frame, in which palliative care is too big a responsibility for the relatives of the patient. In addition, two counter-frames were constructed: palliative care as a contributor to Quality of life and Completion. With regard to euthanasia, five frames were identified that lead to a problematising definition: Thou shalt not kill, Slippery slope, Lack of willpower, I am not God, and Medical progress. Five counter-frames offer a non-problematising definition of euthanasia in the debate: Mercy, Prevention, Triumph of reason, Absolute autonomy, and Economic utility thinking.

Conclusions

The debate in the Netherlands on euthanasia and palliative care is characterized by a plurality of angles that goes beyond the bipolar distinction between the pros and cons of euthanasia and palliative care. Only with an overview of all potential frames in mind can an audience truly make informed decisions. The frame matrix is not only useful for policy makers to know all perspectives when joining public debate, but also to health care workers to get into meaningful conversations with their patients and families.
Phytochemical analysis and versatile in vitro evaluation of antimicrobial, cytotoxic and enzyme inhibition potential of different extracts of traditionally used Aquilegia pubiflora Wall. Ex Royle
Authors: Jan Hasnain , Usman Hazrat , Shah Muzamil , Zaman Gouhar , Mushtaq Sadaf , Drouet Samantha , Hano Christophe , Abbasi Bilal Haider
Published: June 2021

Background

Himalayan Columbine (Aquilegia pubifloraWall. Ex Royle) is a medicinal plant and have been used as traditional treatments for various human diseases including skin burns, jaundice, hepatitis, wound healing, cardiovascular and circulatory diseases. Till now there is no report available on phytochemical investigation of Himalayan Columbine and to the best of our knowledge, through present study we have reported for the first time, the phytochemical analysis and pharmacological potentials of different leaf extracts ofAquilegia pubiflora.

Methods

Four types of extracts were prepared using solvent of different polarities (Distilled water APDW, Methanol APM, Ethanol APEand Ethyl acetate APEA), and were evaluated to determine the best candidate for potent bioactivity. Phytochemical constituents in prepared extracts were quantified through HPLC analysis. Subsequently, all four types of leaf extracts were then evaluated for their potential bioactivities including antimicrobial, protein kinase inhibition, anti-inflammatory, anti-diabetic, antioxidant, anti-Alzheimer, anti-aging and cytotoxic effect.

Results

HPLC analysis demonstrated the presence of dvitexin, isovitexin, orientin, isoorientin, ferulic acid, sinapic acid and chlorogenic acid in varied proportions in all plant extracts. Antimicrobial studies showed that,K. pneumoniawas found to be most susceptible to inhibition zones of 11.2 ± 0.47, 13.9 ± 0.33, 12.7 ± 0.41, and 13.5 ± 0.62 measured at 5 mg/mL for APDW, APM, APEand APEArespectively.A. nigerwas the most susceptible strain in case of APDWwith the highest zone of inhibition 14.3 ± 0.32, 13.2 ± 0.41 in case of APM, 13.7 ± 0.39 for APEwhile 15.4 ± 0.43 zone of inhibition was recorded in case of APEAat 5 mg/mL. The highest antioxidant activity of 92.6 ± 1.8 μgAAE/mg, 89.2 ± 2.4 μgAAE/mg, 277.5 ± 2.9 μM, 289.9 ± 1.74 μM for TAC, TRP, ABTS and FRAP, respectively, was shown by APE. APM, APEand APEAextracts showed a significant % cell inhibition (above 40%) against HepG2 cells. The highest anti-inflammatory of the samples was shown by APE(52.5 ± 1.1) against sPLA2, (41.2 ± 0.8) against 15-LOX, followed by (38.5 ± 1.5) and (32.4 ± 0.8) against COX-1 and COX-2, respectively.

Conclusions

Strong antimicrobial, Protein Kinase potency and considerable α-glucosidase, α-amylase, and cytotoxic potential were exhibited by plant samples. Significant anti-Alzheimer, anti-inflammatory, anti-aging, and kinase inhibitory potential of each plant sample thus aware us for further detailed research to determine novel drugs.
Factors associated with perceived stress of clinical practice among associate degree nursing students in Taiwan
Authors: Wu Chia-Shan , Rong Jiin-Ru , Huang Mei-Zen
Published: June 2021

Background

Clinical placements play an important role in helping nursing students to achieve clinical competence, but these placements can be highly challenging and stressful. It has been shown that stress can be either a trigger or aggravating factor for ill-health in general, but studies have seldom differentiated the impact of general health status on perceived stress.

This study examined factors associated with perceived stress of clinical practice among nursing students with a particular focus on the effect of general health status on stress.

Methods

This was a cross-sectional quantitative study conducted among 724 associate nursing degree students in Southern Taiwan.

Results

Health status scores varied from 28 to 139, with an average of 68.40 (SD = 25.75). Health status was reported to be ‘good’ (scores 28–55) in 35.5% of participants, moderate (scores 56–83) in 24.6%, and poor (Scores ≧ 84) in 39.9% of participants. Perceived stress scores ranged from 0 to 95 points with an average score of 36.65 (SD ± 15.95). The classification and regression tree (CART) analysis showed health status as the most important factor linked to perceived stress with a Normalized Importance value of 100%. Those who reported general health status (measured through General Health Questionnaire (GHQ)-28) score of ≤34.5 perceived mild stress and those with a score of > 34.5–< 84.5 perceived moderate stress. A score of 84.5 was found to be the point of transition to perceptions of severe stress. When health status score was greater than 84.5, perceived stress was at a severe or extremely severe level.

Conclusions

Our findings indicated health status as a potential measure to identify students who were most vulnerable to perceived stress. Given the cross-sectional design of this study and the bidirectional relationship between health and stress, more studies are needed to fully establish the predictive link between general health status and vulnerability to stress.
Evaluation of older persons’ medications: a critical incident technique study exploring healthcare professionals’ experiences and actions
Authors: Holmqvist Malin , Thor Johan , Ros Axel , Johansson Linda
Published: June 2021

Background

Older persons with polypharmacy are at increased risk of harm from medications. Therefore, it is important that physicians and nurses, together with the persons, evaluate medications to avoid hazardous polypharmacy. It remains unclear how healthcare professionals experience such evaluations. This study aimed to explore physicians’ and nurses’ experiences from evaluations of older persons’ medications, and their related actions to manage concerns related to the evaluations.

Method

Individual interview data from 29 physicians and nurses were collected and analysed according to the critical incident technique.

Results

The medication evaluation for older persons was influenced by the working conditions (e.g. healthcare professionals’ clinical knowledge, experiences, and situational conditions) and working in partnership (e.g. cooperating around and with the older person). Actions taken to manage these evaluations were related to working with a plan (e.g. performing day-to-day work and planning for continued treatment) and collaborative problem-solving (e.g. finding a solution, involving the older person, and communicating with colleagues).

Conclusion

Working conditions and cooperation with colleagues, the older persons and their formal or informal caregivers, emerged as important factors related to the medication evaluation. By adjusting their performance to variations in these conditions, healthcare professionals contributed to the resilience of the healthcare system by its capacity to prevent, notice and mitigate medication problems. Based on these findings, we hypothesize that a joint plan for continued treatment could facilitate such resilience, if it articulates what to observe, when to act, who should act and what actions to take in case of deviations from what is expected.
Organisational factors affecting emergency medical services’ performance in rural and urban areas of Saudi Arabia
Authors: Alanazy Ahmed Ramdan M , Fraser John , Wark Stuart
Published: June 2021

Background

There is a disparity in outcomes between rural and urban emergency medical services (EMS) around the world. However, there is a scarcity of research that directly asks EMS staff in both rural and urban areas how service delivery could be improved. The aim of the present study is to gain insights from frontline workers regarding organisational factors that may underpin discrepancies between rural and urban EMS performance.

Subject and methods

The study was undertaken in the Riyadh region of Saudi Arabia. Potential participants were currently employed by Saudi Red Crescent EMS as either a technician, paramedic or an EMS station manager, and had a minimum of five years experience with the EMS. Semi-structured interviews were undertaken between October 2019 and July 2020 with first respondents to a call for participants, and continued until data saturation was reached. All interviews were conducted in Arabic and transcribed verbatim. The Arabic transcript was shared with each participant, and they were asked to confirm their agreement with the transcription. The transcribed interviews were then translated into English; the English versions were shared with bi-lingual participants for validation, while independent certification of the translations were performed for data from participants not fluent in English. A thematic analysis methodological approach was used to examine the data.

Results

The final sample involved 20 participants (10 rural, 10 urban) from Saudi Red Crescent EMS. Data analyses identified key organisational factors that resulted in barriers and impediments for EMS staff. Differences and similarities were observed between rural and urban respondents, with identified issues including response and transportation time, service coordination, reason for call-out, as well as human and physical resourcing.

Conclusion

The findings identified key issues impacting on EMS performance across both rural and urban areas. In order to address these problems, three changes are recommended. These recommendations include a comprehensive review of rural EMS vehicles, with a particular focus on the age; incentives to improve the numbers of paramedics in rural areas and more localised specialist training opportunities for rurally-based personnel; and the implementation of national public education program focusing on the role of the EMS.
Exploring patient experiences of cancer care in Northern Ireland: A thematic analysis of free-text responses to the 2018 Northern Ireland Patient Experience Survey (NICPES)
Authors: Prue Gillian , O’Connor Dominic , Brown Malcolm , Santin Olinda
Published: June 2021

Background

Cancer diagnosis, treatment and survivorship is multifaceted, and the cancer patient experience can serve as a key indicator of healthcare performance and quality. The purpose of this paper was to analyse free-text responses from the second Northern Ireland Cancer Patient Experience Survey (NICPES) in 2018, to understand experiences of care, emerging themes and identify areas for improvement.

Methods

A 72-item questionnaire (relating to clinical care experience, socio-demographics and 3 free-text questions) was distributed to all Health & Social Care Northern Ireland patients that met the inclusion criteria (≥ 16 years old; confirmed primary diagnosis of cancer and discharged between 1st May and 31st October 2017) in June 2018. Participants could complete the questionnaire online or access a free telephone support line if required. Open-ended free text responses were analysed thematically to identify common themes. Free text responses were divided into positive or negative comments.

Results

In total, 3,748 people responded to the survey, with 2,416 leaving at least one free text comment (69 %). Women aged 55–74 years were most likely to comment. Overall, 3,644 comments were left across the three comments boxes, which were categorised as either positive (2,462 comments; 68 %) or negative / area for improvement (1,182 comments; 32 %). Analysis of free text responses identified six common themes (staff; speed [diagnosis and treatment]; safety; system; support services and specific concerns), which were all related to the overarching theme of survival. Staff was the largest single theme (1,458 responses) with overwhelmingly positive comments (1,322 responses; 91 %), whilst safety (296 negative comments; 70 %) and system (340 negative comments; 81 %) were predominantly negative. Negative comments relating to primary care, aftercare and the cancer system were reported.

Conclusions

The high response rate to the free text comments indicates patients were motivated to engage. Analysis indicates most comments provided were positive in nature. Most survey respondents reported a positive experience in relation to staff. However, there were a number of areas for improvement including the aftercare experience, and a perceived disconnect between primary care and cancer services. These results can help inform the effective delivery of cancer services in Northern Ireland.
An analysis of school absences in England during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Southall Emma , Holmes Alex , Hill Edward M. , Atkins Benjamin D. , Leng Trystan , Thompson Robin N. , Dyson Louise , Keeling Matt J. , Tildesley Michael J.
Published: June 2021

Background

The introduction of SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19 infection, in the UK in early 2020, resulted in the introduction of several control policies to reduce disease spread. As part of these restrictions, schools were closed to all pupils in March (except for vulnerable and key worker children), before re-opening to certain year groups in June. Finally, all school children returned to the classroom in September.

Methods

Here, we analyse data on school absences in late 2020 as a result of COVID-19 infection and how that varied through time as other measures in the community were introduced. We utilise data from the Department for Education Educational Settings database and examine how pupil and teacher absences change in both primary and secondary schools.

Results

Our results show that absences as a result of COVID-19 infection rose steadily following the re-opening of schools in September. Cases in teachers declined during the November lockdown, particularly in regions previously in tier 3, the highest level of control at the time. Cases in secondary school pupils increased for the first 2 weeks of the November lockdown, before decreasing. Since the introduction of the tier system, the number of absences with confirmed infection in primary schools was observed to be (markedly) lower than that in secondary schools. In December, we observed a large rise in the number of absences per school in secondary school settings in the South East and London, but such rises were not observed in other regions or in primary school settings. We conjecture that the increased transmissibility of the new variant in these regions may have contributed to this rise in secondary school cases. Finally, we observe a positive correlation between cases in the community and cases in schools in most regions, with weak evidence suggesting that cases in schools lag behind cases in the surrounding community.

Conclusions

We conclude that there is no significant evidence to suggest that schools are playing a substantial role in driving spread in the community and that careful monitoring may be required as schools re-open to determine the effect associated with open schools upon community incidence.
Involvement of the VEGF signaling pathway in immunosuppression and hypoxia stress: analysis of mRNA expression in lymphocytes mediating panting in Jersey cattle under heat stress
Authors: Wang Jian , Xiang Yang , Jiang Shisong , Li Hongchang , Caviezel Flurin , Katawatin Suporn , Duangjinda Monchai
Published: June 2021

Background

Extreme panting under heat stress threatens dairy cattle milk production. Previous research has revealed that the gas exchange-mediated respiratory drive in critically ill dairy cattle with low O2 saturation induces panting. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) signaling may play important roles in immunosuppression and oxidative stress during severe respiratory stress responses in heat-stressed cattle. The objectives of this study were to transcriptomically analyze mRNA expression mediating heat-induced respiratory stress-associated panting, evaluate gas exchange, screen hub genes, and verify the expression of proteins encoded by differentially expressed genes in lymphocyte pathways.

Results

Jersey cattle were naturally heat-exposed. Physiological data were collected for response evaluation, and blood was collected for gas exchange and gene expression assays at 06:00, 10:00 and 14:00 continuously for 1 week. Lymphocytes were isolated from whole-blood samples for mRNA-seq and expression analysis of key pathway genes/proteins. The cattle respiration rates differed with time, averaging 51 bpm at 06:00, 76 bpm at 10:00, and 121 bpm at 14:00 (p < 0.05). Gas exchange analysis showed that both pH and pCO2 differed with time: they were 7.41 and 41 mmHg at 06:00, 7.45 and 37.5 mmHg at 10:00, and 7.49 and 33 mmHg at 14:00, respectively (p < 0.01). Sixteen heat-related differentially expressed genes (DEGs; 13 upregulated and 3 downregulated) were screened between 212 DEGs and 1370 heat stress-affected genes. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) hub gene functional analysis annotated eleven genes to signal transduction, six genes to the immune response, and five genes to the endocrine response, including both prostaglandin-endoperoxide synthase 2 (PTGS2) and VEGF. Gene Ontology (GO) functional enrichment analysis revealed that oxygen regulation was associated with the phosphorus metabolic process, response to oxygen levels, response to decreased oxygen levels, response to hypoxia and cytokine activity terms. The main signaling pathways were the VEGF, hypoxia inducible factor-1(HIF-1), cytokine-cytokine receptor interaction and TNF pathways. Four genes involved Integrin beta 3 (ITBG3), PTGS2, VEGF, and myosin light chain 9 (MYL9) among the 16 genes related to immunosuppression, oxidative stress, and endocrine dysfunction were identified as participants in the VEGF signaling pathway and oxygenation.

Conclusion

These findings help elucidate the underlying immune and oxygen regulation mechanisms associated with the VEGF signaling pathway in heat-stressed dairy cattle.