bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cross-talk of inflammatory mediators and airway epithelium reveals the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator as a major target
Authors: Simões Filipa B. , Kmit Arthur , Amaral Margarida D.
Published: September 2021

Airway inflammation, mucus hyperproduction and epithelial remodelling are hallmarks of many chronic airway diseases, including asthma, COPD and cystic fibrosis. While several cytokines are dysregulated in these diseases, most studies focus on the response of airways to interleukin (IL)-4 and IL-13, which have been shown to induce mucus hyperproduction and shift the airway epithelium towards a hypersecretory phenotype.

We hypothesised that other cytokines might induce the expression of chloride (Cl−) channels/transporters, and regulate epithelial differentiation and mucus production. To this end, fully differentiated human airway basal cells (BCi-NS1.1) were treated with cytokines identified as dysregulated in those diseases, namely IL-8, IL-1β, IL-4, IL-17A, IL-10 and IL-22, and tumour necrosis factor-α.

Our results show that the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) is the main Cl−channel modulated by inflammation, in contrast to transmembrane protein 16A (TMEM16A), whose levels only changed with IL-4. Furthermore, we identified novel roles for IL-10 and IL-22 by influencing epithelial differentiation towards ciliated cells and away from pulmonary ionocytes. In contrast, IL-1β and IL-4 reduced the number of ciliated cells while increasing club cells. Interestingly, while IL-1β, IL-4 and IL-10 upregulated CFTR expression, IL-4 was the only cytokine that increased both its function and the number of CFTR-expressing club cells, suggesting that this cell type may be the main contributor for CFTR function. Additionally, all cytokines assessed increased mucus production through a differential upregulation of MUC5AC and MUC5B transcript levels.

This study reveals a novel insight into differentiation resulting from the cross-talk of inflammatory mediators and airway epithelial cells, which is particularly relevant for chronic airway diseases.
Acceptability of capnography-assisted respiratory therapy: a new mind–body intervention for COPD
Authors: Norweg Anna Migliore , Skamai Anne , Kwon Simona C. , Whiteson Jonathan , MacDonald Kyle , Haas Francois , Collins Eileen G. , Goldring Roberta M. , Reibman Joan , Wu Yinxiang , Sweeney Greg , Pierre Alicia , Troxel Andrea B. , Ehrlich-Jones Linda , Simon Naomi M.
Published: September 2021

Dyspnoea self-management is often suboptimal for patients with COPD. Many patients with COPD experience chronic dyspnoea as distressing and disabling, especially during physical activities. Breathing therapy is a behavioural intervention that targets reducing the distress and impact of dyspnoea on exertion in daily living.

Using a qualitative design, we conducted interviews with 14 patients after they participated in a novel mind–body breathing therapy intervention adjunct, capnography-assisted respiratory therapy (CART), combined with outpatient pulmonary rehabilitation. Comprehensive CART consisted of patient-centred biofeedback, tailored breathing exercises, a home exercise programme and motivational interviewing counselling. We assessed participants’ perceptions and reported experiences to gauge the acceptability of CART and refine CART based on feedback. Constant comparative analysis was used to identify commonalities and themes.

We identified three main themes relating to the acceptability and reported benefits of CART: (1) self-regulating breathing; (2) impact on health; and (3) patient satisfaction. Our findings were used to refine and optimise CART (i.e.its intensity, timing and format) for COPD.

By addressing dysfunctional breathing behaviours and dysregulated interoception, CART offers a promising new paradigm for relieving dyspnoea and related anxiety in patients with COPD.
Expanding clinical phage microbiology: simulating phage inhalation for respiratory tract infections
Authors: Ben Porat Shira , Gelman Daniel , Yerushalmy Ortal , Alkalay-Oren Sivan , Coppenhagen-Glazer Shunit , Cohen-Cymberknoh Malena , Kerem Eitan , Amirav Israel , Nir-Paz Ran , Hazan Ronen
Published: September 2021

Phage therapy is a promising antibacterial strategy for resistant respiratory tract infections. Phage inhalation may serve this goal; however, it requires a careful assessment of their delivery by this approach. Here we present anin vitromodel to evaluate phage inhalation. Eight phages, most of which target pathogens common in cystic fibrosis, were aerosolised by jet nebuliser and administered to a real-scale computed tomography-derived 3D airways model with a breathing simulator. Viable phage loads reaching the output of the nebuliser and the tracheal level of the model were determined and compared to the loaded amount. Phage inhalation resulted in a diverse range of titre reduction, primarily associated with the nebulisation process. No correlation was found between phage delivery to the phage physical or genomic dimensions. These findings highlight the need for tailored simulations of phage delivery, ideally by a patient-specific model in addition to proper phage matching, to increase the potential of phage therapy success.
Dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging of the lung reveals important pathobiology in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis
Authors: Montesi Sydney B. , Zhou Iris Y. , Liang Lloyd L. , Digumarthy Subba R. , Mercaldo Sarah , Mercaldo Nathaniel , Seethamraju Ravi T. , Rosen Bruce R. , Caravan Peter
Published: September 2021

Introduction

Evidence suggests that abnormalities occur in the lung microvasculature in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). We hypothesised that dynamic contrast-enhanced (DCE)-magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) could detect alterations in permeability, perfusion and extracellular extravascular volume in IPF, thus providingin vivoregional functional information not otherwise available.

Methods

Healthy controls and IPF subjects underwent DCE-MRI of the thorax using a dynamic volumetric radial sampling sequence and administration of gadoterate meglumine at a dose of 0.1 mmol·kg−1at 2 mL·s−1. Model-free analysis of signal intensityversustime curves in regions of interest from a lower, middle and upper axial plane, a posterior coronal plane and the whole lung yielded parameters reflective of perfusion and permeability (peak enhancement and rate of contrast arrival (kwashin)) and the extracellular extravascular space (rate of contrast clearance (kwashout)). These imaging parameters were compared between IPF and healthy control subjects, and between fast/slow IPF progressors.

Results

IPF subjects (n=16, 56% male, age (range) 67.5 (60–79) years) had significantly reduced peak enhancement and slower kwashinin all measured lung regions compared to the healthy volunteers (n=17, 65% male, age (range) 58 (51–63) years) on unadjusted analyses consistent with microvascular alterations. kwashout, as a measure of the extravascular extracellular space, was significantly slower in the lower lung and posterior coronal regions in the IPF subjects consistent with an increased extravascular extracellular space. All estimates were attenuated after adjusting for age. Similar trends were observed, but only the associations with kwashinin certain lung regions remained statistically significant. Among IPF subjects, kwashoutrates nearly perfectly discriminated between those with rapidly progressive diseaseversusthose with stable/slowly progressive disease.

Conclusions

DCE-MRI detects changes in the microvasculature and extravascular extracellular space in IPF, thus providingin vivoregional functional information.
Magnitude and associated factors of caesarean section deliveries among women who gave birth in Southwest Ethiopia: institutional-based cross-sectional study
Authors: Mose Ayenew , Abebe Haimanot
Published: September 2021

Background

Caesarean section is a life-saving comprehensive obstetric procedure of women and newborn performed during childbirth-related complications and should be universally accessible for all pregnant mothers globally. Appropriate use of caesarean section can reduce maternal and perinatal mortality. However, inappropriate use of caesarean section can negatively affect infant health, women health, and future pregnancies. The magnitude and factors associated with caesarean section delivery were not consistent and will vary between different hospitals of Ethiopia. Hence, this study aimed at assessing the magnitude and factors associated with caesarean section deliveries in Southwest Ethiopia.

Methods and Materials

An institutional-based cross-sectional study was conducted from January 1 to February 29, 2020. A systematic random sampling technique was used to select 551 study participants. A pretested, structured, and face-to-face interview was used to collect data. Data were entered into Epi-data version 4.2.0 and exported to SPSS version 23 for analysis. Bivariate and multivariate analyses were used to identify factors associated with caesarean section deliveries. P values < 0.05 result were considered as a statistically significant association.

Results

The magnitude of caesarean section deliveries was found to be 32.5 % (95 % CI; 28.6%-36.7 %). Mothers resided in an urban area [AOR = 2.58, (95% CI; 1.66–4.01)], multiple pregnancies [AOR = 3.15, (95% CI; 1.89–5.23), malpresentation [AOR = 3.05, (95% CI; 1.77–5.24)], and previous history of caesarean section [AOR = 3.55, (95% CI; 2.23–5.64) were factors associated with caesarean section deliveries.

Conclusions

Caesarean section deliveries were found high in the study area. Mothers resided in an urban area, multiple pregnancies, malpresentation, and previous history of caesarean section were factors associated with caesarean section deliveries. Therefore, counselling of mothers on the risk of giving birth through elective caesarean section without absolute and relative medical indications and giving enough time for the trial of vaginal birth after caesarean section are recommended.
Development and internal validation of machine learning algorithms to predict patient satisfaction after total hip arthroplasty
Authors: Zhang Siyuan , Chen Jerry Yongqiang , Pang Hee Nee , Lo Ngai Nung , Yeo Seng Jin , Liow Ming Han Lincoln
Published: September 2021

Background

Patient satisfaction is a unique and important measure of success after total hip arthroplasty (THA). Our study aimed to evaluate the use of machine learning (ML) algorithms to predict patient satisfaction after THA.

Methods

Prospectively collected data of 1508 primary THAs performed between 2006 and 2018 were extracted from our joint replacement registry and split into training (80%) and test (20%) sets. Supervised ML algorithms (Random Forest, Extreme Gradient Boosting, Support Vector Machines, Logistic LASSO) were developed with the training set, using patient demographics, comorbidities and preoperative patient reported outcome measures (PROMs) (Short Form-36 [SF-36], physical component summary [PCS] and mental component summary [MCS], Western Ontario and McMaster’s Universities Osteoarthritis Index [WOMAC] and Oxford Hip Score [OHS]) to predict patient satisfaction at 2 years postoperatively. Predictive performance was evaluated using the independent test set.

Results

Preoperative models demonstrated fair discriminative ability in predicting patient satisfaction, with the LASSO model achieving a maximum AUC of 0.76. Permutation importance revealed that the most important predictors of dissatisfaction were (1) patient’s age, (2) preoperative WOMAC, (3) number of comorbidities, (4) preoperative MCS, (5) previous lumbar spine surgery, and (6) low BMI (< 18.5).

Conclusion

Machine learning algorithms demonstrated fair discriminative ability in predicting patient satisfaction after THA. We have identified modifiable and non-modifiable predictors of postoperative satisfaction which could enhance preoperative counselling and improve health optimization prior to THA.
Partial agonists of dopamine receptors: receptor theory and the dopamine hypothesis of psychosis
Authors: Cookson John , Pimm Jonathan
Published: September 2021

This article discusses dopamine partial agonism, which is the main mechanism of action of the psychiatric drugs aripiprazole, brexpiprazole and cariprazine. It outlines the principles of receptor theory and the structure of dopamine receptors; characterises agonists, antagonists and partial agonists; and summarises the dopamine hypothesis of psychosis and the role of dopamine and serotonin in depression.
Partial agonists of dopamine receptors: mechanisms and clinical effects of aripiprazole, brexpiprazole and cariprazine
Authors: Cookson John , Pimm Jonathan
Published: September 2021

Aripiprazole, brexpiprazole and cariprazine are partial dopamine (and serotonin) agonists developed as novel antipsychotics. This article discusses their pharmacology, evidence on their licensed and off-licence uses (including psychosis, mania, bipolar depression, Tourette syndrome and autism spectrum disorder) and side-effects. In schizophrenia, they have a low risk of Parkinsonism or hyperprolactinaemia, cause modest increases in body weight and are of moderate efficacy.
Improving Early Identification of Significant Weight Loss Using Clinical Decision Support System in Lung Cancer Radiation Therapy
Authors: Han Peijin , Lee Sang Ho , Noro Kazumasa , Haller John W. , Nakatsugawa Minoru , Sugiyama Shinya , Bowers Michael , Lakshminarayanan Pranav , Hoff Jeffrey , Friedes Cole , Hu Chen , McNutt Todd R. , Voong K. Ranh , Lee Junghoon , Hales Russell K.
Published: September 2021

PURPOSE

Early identification of patients who may be at high risk of significant weight loss (SWL) is important for timely clinical intervention in lung cancer radiotherapy (RT). A clinical decision support system (CDSS) for SWL prediction was implemented within the routine clinical workflow and assessed on a prospective cohort of patients.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

CDSS incorporated a machine learning prediction model on the basis of radiomics and dosiomics image features and was connected to a web-based dashboard for streamlined patient enrollment, feature extraction, SWL prediction, and physicians' evaluation processes. Patients with lung cancer (N = 37) treated with definitive RT without prior RT were prospectively enrolled in the study. Radiomics and dosiomics features were extracted from CT and 3D dose volume, and SWL probability (≥ 0.5 considered as SWL) was predicted. Two physicians predicted whether the patient would have SWL before and after reviewing the CDSS prediction. The physician's prediction performance without and with CDSS and prediction changes before and after using CDSS were compared.

RESULTS

CDSS showed significantly better prediction accuracy than physicians (0.73 v 0.54) with higher specificity (0.81 v 0.50) but with lower sensitivity (0.55 v 0.64). Physicians changed their original prediction after reviewing CDSS prediction for four cases (three correctly and one incorrectly), for all of which CDSS prediction was correct. Physicians' prediction was improved with CDSS in accuracy (0.54-0.59), sensitivity (0.64-0.73), specificity (0.50-0.54), positive predictive value (0.35-0.40), and negative predictive value (0.76-0.82).

CONCLUSION

Machine learning–based CDSS showed the potential to improve SWL prediction in lung cancer RT. More investigation on a larger patient cohort is needed to properly interpret CDSS prediction performance and its benefit in clinical decision making.
Diagnosis of Male Central Hypogonadism During Childhood
Authors: Grinspon Romina P , Castro Sebastián , Brunello Franco G , Sansó Gabriela , Ropelato María Gabriela , Rey Rodolfo A
Published: September 2021

The diagnosis of male central (or hypogonadotropic) hypogonadism, typically based on low luteinizing hormone (LH) and testosterone levels, is challenging during childhood since both hormones are physiologically low from the sixth month until the onset of puberty. Conversely, follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH), which show higher circulating levels during infancy and childhood, are not used as biomarkers for the condition. We report the case of a 7-year-old boy with a history of bilateral cryptorchidism who showed repeatedly low FSH and AMH serum levels during prepuberty. Unfortunately, the diagnosis could not be ascertained until he presented with delayed puberty at the age of 14 years. A gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) test showed impaired LH and FSH response. By then, his growth and bone mineralization were partially impaired. Gene panel sequencing identified a variant in exon 15 of FGFR1, affecting the tyrosine kinase domain of the receptor, involved in GnRH neuron migration and olfactory bulb morphogenesis. Testosterone replacement was started, which resulted in the development of secondary sexual characteristics and partial improvement of bone mineral density. This case illustrates the difficulty in making the diagnosis of central hypogonadism in boys during childhood based on classical criteria, and how serum FSH and AMH assessment may be helpful if it is suspected before the age of puberty, and confirm it using next-generation sequencing. The possibility of making an early diagnosis of central hypogonadism may be useful for a timely start of hormone replacement therapy, and to avoid delays that could affect growth and bone health as well as psychosocial adjustment.
Performance beyond Drama
Authors: Murakami Ineke , Sherman Donovan
Published: September 2021

The field of performance studies has invigorated premodern scholarship by directing critical attention to live, ephemeral events that unsettle the textual archive. This special issue of JMEMS builds on this work by stepping away from the usual emphasis on theater and its texts to examine “performance” conceived more broadly. With case studies that range from a pig-clubbing “game” in medieval festivals to the gnomic utterances of secretive eighteenth-century philosophical rituals, these essays ask how we study a medium that has, by its nature, disappeared. How, in other words, do we engage textual remnants to locate traces of embodied action? A forum midway through the issue offers speculative and provocative answers to this question, and an afterword takes a wider view of the enterprise to think through its implications for periodization and historical analysis.
Undeadness
Authors: Worthen W. B.
Published: September 2021

What does it mean to think about embodiment without bodies? This essay pursues a question central to all categories of performance—theatrical and extratheatrical—in the early modern period. It explores that question by considering the actions assigned to performers by early modern plays, how the interplay of writing-as-algorithm with known bodily practices might enable interpreters to use the plays to assess the limits and purposes of commodified embodiment—acting—as means to a wider, historical understanding of embodiment. Attending to the embodiment implied by cue-scripts, by affectual speech and speaking, by the penchant for drawing attention demanded from actors, the essay suggests the plays archive a radically mobile, incessantly focalizing, self-dramatizing impulse to embodiment that indexes a way to read the anxious behavioral repertoire of early modern living.
Wicked Mysteries and Notorious Conjurors: Magic, Rape, and Violence in Two Early Modern Pamphlets
Authors: Levine Laura
Published: September 2021

Toward the end of the 1628 pamphlet A Briefe Description of the Notorious Life of Iohn Lambe, the pamphleteer describes the violence a crowd inflicts on John Lambe, a cunning man who dabbled in the dark arts. This violence, ultimately fatal, seems to be a response to Lambe's rape of an eleven-year-old child, a rape which he is convicted of but ultimately pardoned for. Earlier in his career, however, Lambe is indicted for using magic to disable the body of a gentleman as well as for invoking evil spirits. What connection exists between the charges against Lambe as a witch and magician and the charges against him as a rapist? This essay argues that long before Lambe gives those around him a basis for violence, he triggers anxieties about what he is, and that these anxieties play a role in the violence against him. The text of A Briefe Description demonstrates the way mechanisms of justice ultimately repeat—reenact and perform—versions of the crimes they seek to examine.
Afterword: Documenting Performance across the Medieval/Modern Frontier
Authors: Symes Carol
Published: September 2021

As an afterword to the special issue of JMEMS “Performance beyond Drama,” this essay reflects on the complex ways that premodern performances and their embodied actors are captured in, mediated by, or dependent on the texts that we use to study them, and on the special importance of examining this process across a temporal framework—the fifteenth to eighteenth centuries—that challenges the periodizing schema of modernity. In particular, three major systemic changes impacted European performance practices and their documentation during this era: the more widespread availability and manufacture of paper, which made writing easier and reading cheaper, coupled with the introduction of print technology after 1455; the upheaval of the Protestant Reformation and its Catholic counterpart, and the bloody aftermath of religious wars, persecutions, and witch hunts that (re)shaped performance traditions; and the commodification and policing of entertainment through enclosure and regulation. Taken together, this special issue's contributions reveal fascinating convergences and continuities in performance across the medieval/modern frontier, while also showing how some medieval practices were made to conform with postmedieval political and religious projects, thereby obscuring or blurring the evidence for those earlier practices.
Kpna6 deficiency causes infertility in male mice by disrupting spermatogenesis
Authors: Liu Na , Qadri Fatimunnisa , Busch Hauke , Huegel Stefanie , Sihn Gabin , Chuykin Ilya , Hartmann Enno , Bader Michael , Rother Franziska
Published: September 2021

Spermatogenesis is driven by an ordered series of events, which rely on trafficking of specific proteins between nucleus and cytoplasm. The karyopherin α family of proteins mediates movement of specific cargo proteins when bound to karyopherin β. Karyopherin α genes have distinct expression patterns in mouse testis, implying they may have unique roles during mammalian spermatogenesis. Here, we use a loss-of-function approach to determine specifically the role of Kpna6 in spermatogenesis and male fertility. We show that ablation of Kpna6 in male mice leads to infertility and has multiple cumulative effects on both germ cells and Sertoli cells. Kpna6-deficient mice exhibit impaired Sertoli cell function, including loss of Sertoli cells and a compromised nuclear localization of the androgen receptor. Furthermore, our data demonstrate devastating defects on spermiogenesis, including incomplete sperm maturation and a massive reduction in sperm number, accompanied by disturbed histone-protamine exchange, differential localization of the transcriptional regulator BRWD1 and altered expression of RFX2 target genes. Our work uncovers an essential role of Kpna6 in spermatogenesis and, hence, in male fertility.
Y705 and S727 are required for the mitochondrial import and transcriptional activities of STAT3, and for regulation of stem cell proliferation
Authors: Peron Margherita , Dinarello Alberto , Meneghetti Giacomo , Martorano Laura , Betto Riccardo M. , Facchinello Nicola , Tesoriere Annachiara , Tiso Natascia , Martello Graziano , Argenton Francesco
Published: September 2021

The STAT3 transcription factor, acting both in the nucleus and mitochondria, maintains embryonic stem cell pluripotency and promotes their proliferation. In this work, using zebrafish, we determined in vivo that mitochondrial STAT3 regulates mtDNA transcription in embryonic and larval stem cell niches and that this activity affects their proliferation rates. As a result, we demonstrated that import of STAT3 inside mitochondria requires Y705 phosphorylation by Jak, whereas its mitochondrial transcriptional activity, as well as its effect on proliferation, depends on the MAPK target S727. These data were confirmed using mouse embryonic stem cells: although the Y705-mutated STAT3 cannot enter mitochondria, the S727 mutation does not affect import into the organelle and is responsible for STAT3-dependent mitochondrial transcription. Surprisingly, STAT3-dependent increase of mitochondrial transcription appears to be independent from STAT3 binding to STAT3-responsive elements. Finally, loss-of-function experiments, with chemical inhibition of the JAK/STAT3 pathway or genetic ablation of stat3 gene, demonstrated that STAT3 is also required for cell proliferation in the intestine of zebrafish.
Case Report: Challenges on diagnosis and therapy of malignant adrenal oncocytic neoplasm
Authors: Hamid Agus Rizal Ardy Harlandy , Matondang Sahat , Harahap Agnes Stephanie , Putrantyo Ivan
Published: September 2021

Background: Adrenal masses are common incidental findings, most of which are benign and non-functional. Malignant adrenal tumors, however, differ from their benign counterpart and confer poor prognosis. In addition, the oncocytic variants of these tumors present challenges to clinicians owing to their unique biologic behavior and rarity.

Case presentation: We present a case report of a 61-year-old male with a T2N0M0 adrenocortical oncocytic neoplasm of the right adrenal gland. The patient complained of worsening right upper quadrant abdominal pain and was diagnosed with a right adrenal mass after an abdominal CT-scan examination two weeks before. Subsequently, the patient underwent open adrenalectomy due to a history of abdominal surgery. Due to unique oncocytic biologic behavior, we used the Lin–Weiss–Bisceglia criteria to predict a malignancy instead of the Weiss system. We only found one malignant criterion, which showed a small tumor invasion on the vascular bed on one histopathological section. Thus, we diagnosed it as malignant adrenocortical oncocytic neoplasm. Furthermore, the PET Scan showed no residual mass or pathological metabolic activity on the tumor bed and metastatic sign.

Conclusions: The diagnosis of the malignant oncocytic adrenal case is based on the histopathological criteria. Based on this case, we suggest a thorough histopathological examination to determine malignant criteria in adrenal neoplasm cases.
Resource Description Framework reification for trustworthiness in knowledge graphs
Authors: Govindapillai Sini , Soon Lay-Ki , Haw Su-Cheng
Published: September 2021

Knowledge graph (KG) publishes machine-readable representation of knowledge on the Web. Structured data in the knowledge graph is published using Resource Description Framework (RDF) where knowledge is represented as a triple (subject, predicate, object). Due to the presence of erroneous, outdated or conflicting data in the knowledge graph, the quality of facts cannot be guaranteed. Therefore, the provenance of knowledge can assist in building up the trust of these knowledge graphs. In this paper, we have provided an analysis of popular, general knowledge graphs Wikidata and YAGO4 with regard to the representation of provenance and context data. Since RDF does not support metadata for providing provenance and contextualization, an alternate method, RDF reification is employed by most of the knowledge graphs. Trustworthiness of facts in knowledge graph can be enhanced by the addition of metadata like the source of information, location and time of the fact occurrence. Wikidata employs qualifiers to include metadata to facts, while YAGO4 collects metadata from Wikidata qualifiers. RDF reification increases the magnitude of data as several statements are required to represent a single fact. However, facts in Wikidata and YAGO4 can be fetched without using reification. Another limitation for applications that uses provenance data is that not all facts in these knowledge graphs are annotated with provenance data. Structured data in the knowledge graph is noisy. Therefore, the reliability of data in knowledge graphs can be increased by provenance data. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first paper that investigates the method and the extent of the addition of metadata of two prominent KGs, Wikidata and YAGO4.
Overuse and underuse of cardiovascular diagnostic and therapeutic procedures for community-dwelling adults: a protocol for a systematic review
Authors: Quinn Dominic , Byrne David , Fahey Tom , Kenny Rose Anne , McGarrigle Christine , Wallace Emma , Boland Fiona
Published: September 2021

Background: Potentially inappropriate care can result from overuse or underuse of treatments, tests, or procedures. Overuse is defined as the use of health services with no clear benefit to the recipient or where harms outweigh benefits and/or costs of care. Underuse is defined as failure to deliver an effective and cost-effective healthcare intervention. Cardiovascular procedures such as coronary artery bypass grafting, carotid endarterectomy, coronary angiography, and coronary angioplasty (with/without stenting) are potentially both underused and overused. This systematic review aims to identify rates of potential overuse and underuse of these cardiovascular procedures and explore any associated patient or healthcare system factors.

Methods: A systematic review and meta-analysis will be conducted in accordance with the PRISMA guidelines. A systematic search of MEDLINE (via Ovid), Embase, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature and the Cochrane library will be conducted using a predefined search strategy.  Eligible studies for inclusion will examine rates of overuse and underuse of cardiovascular procedures, measured against national/international guidelines, for adults aged ≥18 years. Primary observational studies including cross-sectional and cohort studies will be included. Titles, abstracts, and full texts will be screened for inclusion by two reviewers. Data will be extracted using a standardised form. Risk of bias for all included studies will be assessed using a modified version of the Hoy risk of bias tool. Where adequate data exists, and if statistically appropriate, meta-analyses will be conducted. If statistical pooling of the data is not possible, the findings will be narratively summarised focusing on the review’s objectives.

Conclusion: This systematic review will examine overuse and underuse of cardiovascular procedures for adults.  The results will help inform policy makers, researchers, patients, and clinicians in the appropriate use of these procedures, in line with international guidelines.

Registration: This protocol has been submitted for registration on PROSPERO (CRD42021239041).
Tracking aspects of healthcare activity during the first nine months of COVID-19 in Ireland: a secondary analysis of publicly available data
Authors: McGlacken-Byrne Domhnall , Parker Sarah , Burke Sara
Published: September 2021

Background: Sláintecare aims to introduce universal healthcare in Ireland. The COVID-19 pandemic poses both challenges and opportunities to this process. This study explored the impact of COVID-19 on aspects of Irish healthcare during the first nine months of the pandemic and considers the implications for Sláintecare implementation.

Methods: Secondary analysis was undertaken on publicly available data on three key domains of the Irish healthcare system: primary care, community-based allied healthcare, and hospitals. Descriptive statistics were computed using Microsoft Excel 2016.

Results: Up to March 2021, 3.76 million COVID-19 tests were performed by Ireland’s public healthcare system, 2.48 million (66.0%) of which were referred from the community. General practitioners delivered 2.31 million telephone triages of COVID-19 symptoms, peaking in December 2020 when 416,607 consultations occurred. Patient numbers across eight allied healthcare specialties fell by 35.1% versus previous years, with the greatest reductions seen in speech and language therapy (49.0%) and audiology (46.1%). Hospital waiting lists increased from 729,937 to 869,676 (or by 19.1%) from January 2019 to January 2021. In January 2021, 629,919 patients awaited a first outpatient clinic appointment, with 170,983 (27.1%) waiting longer than 18 months. The largest outpatient lists were observed in orthopaedic surgery (n=77,257); ear, nose and throat surgery (n=68,073); and ophthalmology (n=47,075). The proportion of patients waiting more than 12 months for a day-case gastrointestinal endoscopy rose from 6.0% in January 2020 to 19.0% in January 2021.

Conclusions: Healthcare activity has been significantly disrupted by COVID-19, leading to increased wait times and greater barriers to healthcare access during the pandemic. Yet, Ireland’s health system responses also revealed strong willingness and ability to adapt and to implement novel solutions for healthcare delivery, rapidly and at scale. This has demonstrated what is achievable under Sláintecare and provides a unique opportunity to ‘build back better’ towards sustainable recovery.
Health literacy education programmes developed for qualified health professionals: a scoping review protocol
Authors: Connell Lauren , Finn Yvonne , Dunne Rosie , Sixsmith Jane
Published: September 2021

Introduction:Health professional education for health literacy has been identified as having the potential to improve patient outcomes and has been recognized as such in policy developments. Health literacy is an emerging concept encompassing individuals’ skills and how health information is processed in relation to the demands and complexities of the surrounding environment. Focus has been predominantly on the dimension of functional health literacy (reading, writing and numeracy), although increasing emphasis has been placed on interactive and critical domains. Such dimensions can guide the development of health professional education programmes and bridge the gap in the interaction between health professionals and their patients. Currently little is known about qualified health professional’s education for health literacy, its development, implementation or evaluation.

Aim:To identify and map current educational interventions to improve health literacy competencies and communication skills of qualified health professionals.

Methods:A scoping review will be conducted drawing on methods and guidance from the Joanna Briggs Institute, and will be reported according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR) Checklist. This study will retrieve literature on health professional education for health literacy through a comprehensive search strategy in the following databases: CINAHL; Medline (Ovid); the Cochrane Library; EMBASE; ERIC; UpToDate; PsycINFO and Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL). Grey literature will be searched within the references of identified articles: Lenus; ProQuest E-Thesis Portal; the HSE health research repository and RIAN. A data charting form will be developed with categories agreed by the research team, including: article details, demographics, intervention details, implementation and evaluation methods.

Conclusion:Little is known about the extent and nature of the current evidence base therefore in order to identify programmes and consolidate their demographics and characteristics within health literacy competencies and communication skills, a scoping review is warranted.
Prevalence and correlates of neurocognitive impairment and psychiatric disorders among schoolchildren in Wakiso District, Uganda: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Nampijja Margaret , Sembajjwe Wilber , Mpairwe Harriet , Mpango Richard , Kinyanda Eugene
Published: September 2021

Background: There is limited data on the burden of mental disorders among ‘healthy’ children in Africa. We examined the prevalence and correlates of neurocognitive and psychiatric disorders among schoolchildren in Uganda.

Methods: This cross-sectional study enrolled 322 schoolchildren aged 5-17years in Wakiso, Uganda. We assessed for neurocognitive impairment using the Kaufmann-Assessment-Battery, and psychiatric disorders (major-depressive-disorder (MDD), attention-deficit-hyperactivity-disorder (ADHD), generalised-anxiety-disorder (GAD), and substance-use-disorder (SUD)) using the parent version of the Child and Adolescent Symptom Inventory-5, and Youth Inventory-4R Self Report. Prevalence and risk factors were determined using percentages and logistic regression.

Results: Twenty-five participants (8%) had neurocognitive impairment. Nineteen (5.9%) participants had MDD, nine (2.8%) had ADHD, seven (2.2%) had GAD, 14 (8.6%) had SUD; and 30 (9.3%) had any psychiatric disorder. None of the factors examined were associated with the disorders.

Conclusions: The unexpectedly high burden of mental disorders in this general population of children warrants targeted screening of those at risk, and treatment of those affected. Further, future studies should extensively investigate the factors that underlie the identified psychiatric disorders in this and similar general populations.
Genotype data not consistent with clonal transmission of sea turtle fibropapillomatosis or goldfish schwannoma
Authors: Ní Leathlobhair Máire , Yetsko Kelsey , Farrell Jessica A. , Iaria Carmelo , Marino Gabriele , Duffy David J. , Murchison Elizabeth P.
Published: September 2021

Recent discoveries of transmissible cancers in multiple bivalve species suggest that direct transmission of cancer cells within species may be more common than previously thought, particularly in aquatic environments. Fibropapillomatosis occurs with high prevalence in green sea turtles (Chelonia mydas) and the geographic range of disease has increased since fibropapillomatosis was first reported in this species. Widespread incidence of schwannomas, benign tumours of Schwann cell origin, reported in aquarium-bred goldfish(Carassius auratus),suggest an infectious aetiology. We investigated the hypothesis that cancers in these species arise by clonal transmission of cancer cells. Through analysis of polymorphic microsatellite alleles, we demonstrate concordance of host and tumour genotypes in diseased animals. These results imply that the tumours examined arose from independent oncogenic transformation of host tissue and were not clonally transmitted. Further, failure to experimentally transmit goldfish schwannoma via water exposure or inoculation suggest that this disease is unlikely to have an infectious aetiology.
Análisis de Género del Cine de Animación Infantil como Recurso para una Escuela Coeducativa
Authors: Mérida Serrano Rosario , Heras Peinado Tarxilias
Published: September 2021

Esta investigación analiza la figura femenina y masculina en 11 películas de animación de las factorías Disney, Pixar y DreamWorks. Se busca aportar información sobre la existencia de roles sexistas y discriminatorios en películas que pueden ser utilizadas como recurso didáctico y comprobar si son un modo de transmisión de contravalores que comprometan la socialización en igualdad de género de la infancia. La investigación se ha llevado a cabo utilizando un enfoque cualitativo de análisis de contenido, a través de un registro analítico elaborado ‘ad hoc’, para conocer en qué porcentaje está representada la figura femenina, su relación con otros personajes y las tramas argumentales asociadas a cada protagonista en función de su género. Los resultados revelan que existe un desequilibrio en la representación femenina y masculina y que se identifican comportamientos sexistas que perpetúan la tradicional imagen social de mujeres y hombres. Se muestran dos nuevos estereotipos: la rebeldía de género y el alarde de excepcionalidad. Se concluye que estas películas no son un recurso óptimo para potenciar los valores de igualdad propios de una escuela coeducativa, a menos que los docentes junto al alumnado, realicen un análisis crítico con perspectiva de género durante su proyección en el aula.
Competencia digital docente en educación de adultos: un estudio en un contexto español
Authors: Garzón Artacho Esther , Sola Martínez Tomás , Trujillo Torres Juan Manuel , Rodríguez García Antonio Manuel
Published: September 2021

La competencia digital es una de las siete competencias clave para el aprendizaje a lo largo de la vida. Más específicamente, la competencia digital docente abarca el conjunto de conocimientos, habilidades, destrezas, capacidades y actitudes relacionadas con el uso crítico y creativo de las tecnologías aplicadas a los contextos educativos para maximizar el éxito de los procesos de enseñanza-aprendizaje.Esta investigación tiene por objetivo estudiar la competencia digital docente de una muestra de profesores de educación de adultos en un contexto español. Para ello, se ha llevado a cabo un estudio trasversal, cuantitativo y descriptivo con una muestra de 140 profesores de Andalucía (España). Los análisis estadísticos realizados (descriptivo-inferencial) determinan que el nivel de competencia se sitúa en torno a niveles intermedios, especialmente en lo que respecta a las habilidades para comunicarse y colaborar con los demás; y bajos en el resto de áreas competenciales, especialmente en lo que se refiere a la resolución de problemas técnicos. De igual modo, se comprueba que la categoría profesional, la formación previa en TIC, el nivel de estudios y la edad son variables que influyen en el mayor o menor desarrollo de la competencia digital docente.
Recurrence of Graves’ Disease (a Th1-type Cytokine Disease) Following SARS-CoV-2 mRNA Vaccine Administration: A Simple Coincidence?
Authors: Pierman Guillaume , Delgrange Etienne , Jonas Corinne
Published: September 2021

Graves’ disease is the most frequent cause of hyperthyroidism in young women. This auto-immune disease is due to the production of class 1 IgG stimulating the TSH receptor. These antibodies are produced secondary to a Th1 immune response in which interferon gamma plays a key role. Vaccination is ongoing worldwide against SARS-CoV-2 and some of the vaccines include mRNA which seems to stimulate the Th1 immune response. Here, we report a case of recurrence of hyperthyroidism due to Graves’ disease following mRNA vaccination and discuss the possible implicated mechanism. This observation argues for a systematic study of a population of patients with previous Graves’ disease in order to assess the risk of recurrence following vaccination.
Optimised environments for horse health and wellbeing: the use of alternative grazing
Authors: Furtado Tamzin
Published: September 2021

Despite the role of the horse having changed from working and sporting toward leisure, types of management have remained similar for the past century, with horses still being kept in small stables and paddocks which were predominantly designed for rest and recuperation after hard work. Many of the UK's major equine welfare challenges, such as stress and obesity, can now be traced towards management that does not fit well with horses' ethological needs. Some UK horse owners are now using creative strategies to manage their horses' welfare in a domestic setting, by structuring their turnout areas in ways that are designed around the horses' three key needs of ‘forage, friends and freedom’. Owners suggest that these management systems can be particularly useful for managing some of the most common equine health and wellbeing challenges, including equine metabolic syndrome, laminitis, stress or behavioural issues and arthritis. A better understanding of these systems could therefore be particularly useful to veterinary professionals who commonly need to assist owners in managing those conditions. This article describes the most frequently used alternative grazing systems, and the common advantages and pitfalls of each.
Nursing care of geriatric donkeys
Authors: Rippingale Marie
Published: September 2021

Many donkeys are now kept as pets rather than working animals. This means they often live longer, with many now reaching 20-years-old and being classed as geriatric. These donkeys often require specialist treatment and management, as they are prone to certain conditions such as dental disease and arthritis. The owner should be fully involved with treatment plans and supported through any environmental changes. When the time comes, the quality of life of the geriatric donkey should be assessed carefully, and the owner should be guided through the resulting decisions with support and dignity for their much-loved companion.
Synthesis, Characterization Study of Schiff Base Complexes Derived from Ampicillin and 4 Hydroxy3-Methoxy Benzaldehyde
Authors: Subitha S. , Kanmoni V.Gnana Glory , Raj C.Isac Sobana , Jona J. , Vibi V.
Published: September 2021

Ampicillin is a derived form of pencillin which is emi synthetic -lactum antibiotic used to treat bladder infections, pneumonia, respiratory infection. schiff’s bases are the most widely studied chelating ligands in coordination chemistry. Recently metal complexes of schiff bases particularly derived from carbonyl compounds base on hetero-cyclic rings have been the centre of attraction in many areas. Present paper brief the synthesis of AHMBL and its transition metal (II) complexes and also the coordination / characterization studies such as magnetic susceptibility, molar conductance, Electronic spectra, Thermal study, FT-IR, H-NMR, XRD, and SEM .
A Mini-review on Ultra Performance Liquid Chromatography
Authors: Basharat Rabia , Kotra Vijay , Loong Lean Yen , Mathews Allan , Kanakal Mahibub Mahamadsa , Dev CH B Praveena , Nyamathulla Shaik , Varala Ravi , Ming Long Chiau , Rao KRS Sambasiva , Babu B. Hari , Alam M. Mujahid
Published: September 2021

Chromatography is a widely used analytical tool for separating a mixture of compounds into individual component. High performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) is one of the most important methods used for the separation, identification and quantification of a compounds present in a mixture. It meets many criteria of analysis but its main drawbacks are it is relatively time consuming to run a chromatogram and consumes high amount of solvent compared to other analytical methods. There is a need to develop a method which can overcome these drawbacks of HPLC. Ultra performance liquid chromatography (UPLC) is the new approach which opens novel direction in the field of liquid chromatography. It works on similar principle but shows better performance than conventional HPLC. UPLC is a technique of liquid chromatography with improved runtime and sensitivity with less than 2 μm particle size. The UPLC separation process is carried out under very high pressure (up to100 MPa). Additionally, it reduces the cost of reagent with shorter run time as compared to conventional HPLC. This article updated until 2020, provides a general review on the principle, instrumentation and application of UPLC in different fields of science.
Simple, Sensitive, and Easy to use Method for Determination of Palladium Content in Palladium Acetate Using Flame Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry
Authors: D’souza Melwin Diego , Dwivedi Poonam , Lokhande Rama , Anvekar Tushar , D’souza Andrew Joseph
Published: September 2021

A simple, sensitive, and easy to use method for the determination of palladium content in palladium acetate was developed using homogeneous acid digestion of palladium acetate followed by atomic absorption spectrometry (AAS) analysis. Parameters affecting the extraction efficiency of palladium during digestion of palladium acetate were investigated and optimized. The palladium content was measured at 244.7 nm by atomic absorption (AA) spectrometers on PinAAcle™ 900 series with an air-acetylene flame. The linear calibration graph was observed in the range of 2.5-15 ppm with a limit of detection of 8.33 ppm and a correlation coefficient of 0.999970. For 5 replicate analyses of each palladium reference solution the relative standard deviation was within 2.00%.Analytical method validation for the method was carried out and obtained results were satisfactory.To verify, the accuracy parameter of the method validation, for the determination of Pd(II) from sample palladium acetate standard addition method was applied and satisfactory results were obtained. Optimization of analytical method variables during analytical method development is discussed.