bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of Pulse Tapping on Rhythmic Dictation Accuracy
Authors: Buonviri Nathan O.
Published: November 2024

This short-form manuscript in an ongoing line of research reports the effects of three listening approaches on rhythmic dictation scores. Forty-three undergraduate music majors completed dictations under each of three conditions, after hearing orienting tempo clicks: (a) immediate listening, (b) pulse tapping, and (c) silent, equivalent interval. A one-way repeated measures analysis of variance revealed no significant difference in test scores, F(2, 84) = .341, p = .712, partial η² = .008, based on condition. Results suggest that physically tapping a pulse prior to dictation neither helped nor hindered students’ success rates. Some students may find it beneficial, so aural skills teachers might consider introducing it as a strategy. However, once tried and practiced, students should be given the option to decline tapping. Teachers can help students discover their own best strategies for focused attention, short-term memory, understanding, and notation during dictation by guiding them through hands-on exploration of multiple options.
HIV phylogenetic clusters point to unmet hiv prevention, testing and treatment needs among men who have sex with men in kenya
Authors: Cholette François , Lazarus Lisa , Macharia Pascal , Walimbwa Jeffrey , Kuria Samuel , Bhattacharjee Parinita , Musyoki Helgar , Mugambi Mary , Ongaro Martin K. , Olango Kennedy , Musimbi Janet , Emmanuel Faran , Isac Shajy , Pickles Michael , Becker Marissa L. , Mishra Sharmistha , McKinnon Lyle R. , Blanchard James , Ho John , Henry Omari , Fabia Rissa , Sandstrom Paul , Lorway Robert , Shaw Souradet Y.
Published: November 2024

Background

The HIV epidemic in Kenya remains a significant public health concern, particularly among gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (GBMSM), who continue to bear a disproportionate burden of the epidemic. This study’s objective is to describe HIV phylogenetic clusters among different subgroups of Kenyan GBMSM, including those who use physical hotspots, virtual spaces, or a combination of both to find male sexual partners.

Methods

Dried blood spots (DBS) were collected from GBMSM in Kisumu, Mombasa, and Kiambu counties, Kenya, in 2019 (baseline) and 2020 (endline). HIV pol sequencing was attempted on all seropositive DBS. HIV phylogenetic clusters were inferred using a patristic distance cutoff of ≤ 0.02 nucleotide substitutions per site. We used descriptive statistics to analyze sociodemographic characteristics and risk behaviors stratified by clustering status.

Results

Of the 2,450 participants (baseline and endline), 453 (18.5%) were living with HIV. Only a small proportion of seropositive DBS specimens were successfully sequenced (n = 36/453; 7.9%), likely due to most study participants being virally suppressed (87.4%). Among these sequences, 13 (36.1%) formed eight distinct clusters comprised of seven dyads and one triad. The clusters mainly consisted of GBMSM seeking partners online (n = 10/13; 76.9%) and who tested less frequently than recommended by Kenyan guidelines (n = 11/13; 84.6%).

Conclusions

Our study identified HIV phylogenetic clusters among Kenyan GBMSM who predominantly seek sexual partners online and test infrequently. These findings highlight potential unmet HIV prevention, testing, and treatment needs within this population. Furthermore, these results underscore the importance of tailoring HIV programs to address the diverse needs of GBMSM in Kenya across different venues, including both physical hotspots and online platforms, to ensure comprehensive prevention and care strategies.
Trends in changes of family functioning during different phases of the pandemic – findings across four population-based surveys between 2020 to 2023 in Germany
Authors: Geprägs Alina , Bürgin David , Fegert Jörg M. , Brähler Elmar , Clemens Vera
Published: November 2024

Background

The COVID-19 pandemic and the associated measures have had a significant impact on millions of individuals and families worldwide. Although cross-sectional studies have demonstrated the considerable burden placed on families during the pandemic, trends over different phases of the pandemic including later stages and using population-based samples is scarce.

Objective

In this study, we aimed to assess trends in family functioning across four population-based surveys between December 2020 and March 2023 using a repeated cross-sectional design. The surveys were conducted using a similar sampling strategy and measures. We included individuals residing in a household with at least one minor below the age of 16.

Results

The most notable changes across surveys over time were related to quality of life. While 54.3% of respondents reported a decline in quality of life during the winter of 20/21 compared to pre-pandemic levels, this was observed in only 22.6% of participants during the spring of 23. The proportion of respondents who indicated a deterioration in their relations with their children also decreased during the pandemic. While 9.9% of respondents reported a deterioration in their relationship with their children during the winter of 20/21 in comparison to the initial phase of the pandemic, this was reported by only 5.2% in the spring 23. The relationship with one’s partner and health status exhibited minimal fluctuations. Mental health problems were associated with a decline in quality of life, health status and relationships with children and partners compared to pre-pandemic levels at all time points. Moreover, lower income levels were associated with poorer relationship quality with the partner in the most recent wave.

Conclusions

Our findings demonstrate significant improvements in family functioning since the onset of the pandemic, indicating that individuals and families in our sample were generally adapting well. However, a subgroup of the population still reports suboptimal family functioning compared to before the pandemic. Psychosocial care and social policy support for families are needed.
An emotionally loaded subject – parents experiences when CHC-nurses introduce a conversation related to their child being overweight
Authors: Fridolfsson Marie , Olsson Anna , Ericson Jenny , Borneskog Catrin , Sinclair Catrin Borneskog
Published: November 2024

Background

Children with a raised BMI are a major public health challenge in the world that can cause serious consequences for children’s physical and mental health. Child health care nurses’ responsibility is to promote health and prevent ill-health in children, but because being overweight is stigmatized CHC-nurses find it difficult to talk to the parents about concerns over the children’s weight, in fear of losing their trust.

Aim

The purpose of this study was to describe parents’ experiences of when CHC-nurses introduce a conversation related to their child being overweight.

Method

This study was conducted via semi-structured interviews with nine parents and the data was analyzed using qualitative content analysis.

Results

The result showed that being overweight in childhood is a sensitive topic, and this is presented as four categories A hard time coping, A desire to protect the Children, Changes of Parental Perspective and Trust - a mediating factor. This is a sensitive topic for the parents, who have a hard time accepting the situation and place the blame on themselves, and the nurse’s approach and relationship with the parents is of great importance for the outcome of the conversation.

Conclusions

Parents seem to have another perspective on health and weight than the healthcare providers, and both parents and CHC-nurses might benefit from an increased understanding of one another’s view. Parents need to gain knowledge about how healthcare providers assess children’s growth, and the CHC-nurses need to be aware about how to be responsive to the parents and allow them time to process the information. The focus should be on healthy lifestyle choices regardless of weight.
Evaluation of pain intensity and airway changes in non-growing patients treated by MARPE with and without micro-osteoperforation: a randomized clinical trial
Authors: Elshehaby Moataz , Albelasy Nehal Fouad , Elbialy Mohamed A. , Hafez Ahmad Mohammed , Abdelnaby Yasser Lotfy
Published: November 2024

Trial design

Parallel.

Objectives

To assess the effect of mini-screw assisted rapid palatal expansion (MARPE) with/without micro-osteoperforation (MOP) on the airway and pain intensity in non-growing patients with maxillary transverse deficiency.

Method

Two equal groups of twenty-four individuals aged ≥ 19 years old with maxillary transverse deficit were randomly assigned. MOP-facilitated MARPE was used to treat one group (MMG), and the other group was treated with MARPE without MOP (NMG). For airway evaluation, CBCT images were obtained 2 months before starting the palatal expansion and 3 months after finishing the expansion in 28 days. The Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) was used to measure the pain level.

Results

Significant suture opening was observed in both groups. All linear measurements of the nasal cavity and volumetric measurements of the nasal passage and oropharyngeal airway increased significantly in both groups, with no significant difference between them. Moderate pain was experienced in the first two weeks of expansion in MMG (5.11 ± 0.30), while more significant pain was recorded in NMG (6.87 ± 0.40). Pain decreased significantly in the following two weeks in MMG (2.77 ± 0.39) and in NMG (5.11 ± 0.32), with a significant difference between the two groups throughout the entire duration of expansion.

Conclusion

Transverse maxillary deficit was successfully treated with both expansion methods, with and without MOP, with comparable skeletal effects at the nasal levels and airway volumetric improvement. So, MOP did not provide any further advantage in improving the airway volume after maxillary expansion. However, it significantly reduced pain intensity throughout the entire duration of expansion.

Trial registration

The protocol registration and results system (PRS) of ClinicalTrials.gov has this RCT registered under the number NCT06502041 on 13/07/2024.
Ethical issues in vaccine trial participation by adolescents: qualitative insights on family decision making from a human papillomavirus vaccine trial in Tanzania
Authors: Frost Lucy , Erio Ms Tusajigwe , Whitworth Hilary , Marwerwe Ms Graca , Hayes Richard , Baisley Kathy , de SanJosé Silvia , Watson-Jones Deborah , Mitchell Kirstin
Published: November 2024

Background

Research in children is essential for them to benefit from the outcomes of research but involvement must be weighed against potential harms. In many countries and circumstances, medical research legally requires parental consent until the age of 18 years, with poorly defined recommendations for assent prior to this. However, there is little research exploring how these decisions are made by families and the ethical implications of this.

Aim

To explore key ethical debates in decision-making for participation of children and adolescents in a human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine trial.

Methods

Semi-structured interviews were undertaken with Tanzanian girls (aged 9–16 years) who had participated in an HPV vaccine trial (n = 13), their parents or guardians (n = 12), and girls together with their parents (in paired parent-child interviews) (n = 6). The interviews were analysed using thematic analysis. Interview data came from a qualitative acceptability study undertaken as part of the Dose Reduction Immunobridging and Safety Study of Two Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Vaccines in Tanzanian Girls (DoRIS) trial.

Results

Girls and parents desired collaborative decision-making, with parents ultimately making the decision to consent. However, girls wanted a larger part in decision-making. Decisions to consent involved many people, including extended social networks, the trial team, media outlets and healthcare professionals and this resulted in conflicts to be negotiated. Deciding where to place trust was central in participants and parents considering decisions to consent and overcoming rumours about trial involvement.

Conclusions

Existing models of decision-making help to understand dynamics between parents, adolescents and researchers but neglect the important wider social impacts and the fundamental nature of trust. Children’s roles in discussions can be evaluated using the principles of consent: autonomy, freedom and information. Concepts such as relational autonomy help to explain mechanisms families use to negotiate complex consent decisions. Whilst interviewees supported the maintenance of legal parental consent, researchers must design consent processes centring the child to ensure that whole family decision-making processes are supported.
Post-release monitoring pathway for the deployment of gene drive-modified mosquitoes for malaria control in Africa
Authors: Ogoyi Dorington O. , Njagi Julia , Tonui Willy , Dass Brinda , Quemada Hector , James Stephanie
Published: November 2024

Background

Gene drive-modified mosquitoes (GDMMs) have been promoted as one of the innovative technologies that may control and eliminate malaria and other mosquito-borne diseases. Several products are in early stages of development, targeting either population suppression or population modification of the mosquito vector. However, there is no direct experience of conducting risk assessment for environmental releases and subsequent policies regarding conditions for post-release. This study was carried out to gain additional insights on the possible post-release concerns that may arise, as they may inform future risk assessment and planning for deployment.

Methods

This study involved desktop reviews on post release monitoring experiences with previously released biological control products. Stakeholder consultations involving online surveys, and face to face workshop with experts from selected African countries from Eastern, Western, and Southern African regions was then carried out to establish post-release monitoring concerns for GDMMs.

Results

Review of genetic biocontrol technologies showed only limited lessons from post-release monitoring regimes with a focus largely limited to efficacy. For genetically modified organisms general surveillance and case-specific monitoring is expected in some of the regions. A number of post-release monitoring concerns in relation to the protection goals of human and animal health, biodiversity, and water quality were identified.

Conclusion

Based on established- protection goals, several post-release monitoring concerns have been identified. Subject to a rigorous risk assessment process for future GDMMs products, the concerns may then be prioritized for post-release monitoring.
Assessing research culture and capacity amongst faculty at a North American chiropractic institution: an explanatory mixed methods study
Authors: Weis Carol Ann , Howarth Samuel J. , Grondin Diane , Southerst Danielle , Fillery Mark , D’Arcy Janet , Bradaric-Baus Christine , Mior Silvano
Published: November 2024

Background

Research enables a profession to establish its cultural authority, validate its professional roles and ensure ongoing improvement in the quality of its academic programming. Despite the clear importance of research, a mature research culture has eluded the chiropractic profession. A fostering institutional culture that enables, values, and supports research activity is essential to building research capacity. Our study aimed to collect information about the existing research capacity and culture at the Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College (CMCC) and explore the views, attitudes and experiences of faculty members regarding research.

Methods

We conducted a sequential explanatory mixed methods study with quantitative priority between April and July, 2023. Quantitative data were collected using the Research Capacity and Culture (RCC) tool. Survey results guided the qualitative data collected from four faculty focus groups with varying levels of research experience. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics by domain and stratified by research education and workload. The qualitative data were thematically analyzed and then integrated with the quantitative results to provide deeper meaning to the results.

Results

The faculty survey response rate was 42% (59/144). Attributes at the organization or department level were consistently rated as either moderate or high; however, research skills at an individual level were more variable and influenced by factors such as research workload and highest research-related academic qualification. Qualitative focus group data were categorized under four themes: institutional factors, resource allocation, career pathways and personal factors. Lower scores for survey items related to mentorship, research planning and ensuring faculty research career pathways, as well as the identified workload and time-related barriers (e.g., other work roles and desire for work/life balance) for engaging in research were supported by each of the four themes. Research motivators included keeping the brain stimulated, developing skills and increasing job satisfaction.

Conclusion

The quantitative and qualitative information in this study provides a baseline evaluation for RCC and identifies key factors impacting RCC at the CMCC. This information is critical for planning, developing, implementing, and evaluating future interventions to enhance research capacity. Ultimately, these efforts are aimed at maturing the research culture of the chiropractic profession.
Acupuncture improves the symptoms, serum ghrelin, and autonomic nervous system of patients with postprandial distress syndrome: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Fu Zi-tong , Liu Cun-zhi , Kim Mi-Rim , Liu Yi-duo , Wang Yu , Fu Yi-Ming , Yang Jing-Wen , Yang Na-Na
Published: November 2024

Background

Whether gastrointestinal hormones in patients with postprandial distress syndrome (PDS) are altered by acupuncture, and whether such alterations are related to the autonomic nervous system (ANS), remains an open question.

Objective

This study aims to investigate the effects of acupuncture on symptoms, serum hormones, and ANS in PDS patients.

Methods

This randomized controlled clinical trial was conducted at Beijing Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine affiliated with Capital Medical University. Sixty-two PDS patients were randomly assigned equally to acupuncture or sham acupuncture arm (3 sessions per week for 4-week). The main outcome measures which were evaluated at baseline and 4-week included cardinal symptoms, serum hormones including ghrelin, vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP), substance P (SP), and ANS.

Results

Among the 62 randomly assigned participants, 51 (82%) were included in the baseline characteristics and outcome analysis. Gastrointestinal symptoms including response rate (p = 0.001) and dyspepsia symptom severity (p = 0.002) were significantly improved after acupuncture treatment. Serum ghrelin concentration was significantly higher in acupuncture group than in sham acupuncture group (8.34 ± 3.00 ng/ml versus 6.52 ± 2.00 ng/ml, p = 0.022) after 4-week treatment, instead of VIP and SP (p > 0.05). The acupuncture group had significantly higher vagal activity, showing with increasing of high-frequency component (HF, p ≤ 0.001) and decreasing of the ratio of low-frequency and HF (p ≤ 0.001). In relationship analysis, the HF component exhibited a significant inverse correlation with symptom severity (R = − 0.501, p ≤ 0.001), but not with ghrelin level (R = 0.026, p = 0.865).

Conclusion

Acupuncture may improve the symptoms and increase the ghrelin level of PDS patients, the therapeutic effect of acupuncture was associated with the alteration of vagal activity.

Trial registration: The trial is registered with the ISRCTN registry, ISRCTN12511434. Registered 31 March 2017, https://www.isrctn.com/.
A structural analysis of the splice-specific functional impact of the pathogenic familial hemiplegic migraine type 1 S218L mutation on Cav2.1 P/Q-type channel gating
Authors: Sack Anne-Sophie , Samera Gennerick J. , Hissen Anna , Wester Robert J. , Garcia Esperanza , Adams Paul J. , Snutch Terrance P.
Published: November 2024

P/Q-type (Cav2.1) calcium channels mediate Ca2+ influx essential for neuronal excitability and synaptic transmission. The CACNA1A gene, encoding the Cav2.1 pore forming subunit, is highly expressed throughout the mammalian central nervous system. Alternative splicing of Cav2.1 pre-mRNA generates diverse channel isoforms with distinct biophysical properties and drug affinities, which are differentially expressed in nerve tissues. Splicing variants can also affect channel function under pathological conditions although their phenotypic implication concerning inherited neurological disorders linked to CACNA1A mutations remains unknown. Here, we quantified the expression of Cav2.1 exon 24 (e24) spliced transcripts in human nervous system samples, finding different levels of expression within discrete regions. The corresponding Cav2.1 variants, differing by the presence (+) or absence (Δ) of Ser-Ser-Thr-Arg residues (SSTR) in the domain III S3-S4 linker, were functionally characterized using patch clamp recordings. Further, the + /ΔSSTR isoforms were used to demonstrate the differential impact of the Familial Hemiplegic Migraine Type 1 (FHM-1) S218L mutation, located in the domain I S4-S5 linker, on the molecular structure and electrophysiological properties of Cav2.1 isoforms. S218L has a prominent effect on the voltage-dependence of activation of +SSTR channels when compared to ΔSSTR, indicating a differential effect of the mutation depending on splice-variant context. Structural modeling based upon Cav2.1 cryo-EM data provided further insight reflecting independent contributions of amino acids in distant regions of the channel on gating properties. Our modelling indicates that by increasing hydrophobicity the Leu218 mutation contributes to stabilizing a structural conformation in which the domain I S4-S5 linker is oriented alongside the inner plasma membrane, similar to that occurring when S4 is translocated upon activation.The SSTR insertion appears to exert an influence in the local electric field of domain III due to an change in the distribution of positively charged regions surrounding the voltage sensing domain, which we hypothesize impacts its movement during the transition to the open state. In summary, we reveal molecular changes correlated with distinct functional effects provoked by S218L FHM-1 mutation in hCav2.1 splice isoforms whose differential expression could impact the manifestation of the neurological disorder.
METTL14 suppresses the expression of YAP1 and the stemness of triple-negative breast cancer
Authors: Bai Xupeng , Liu Jiarui , Zhou Shujie , Wu Lingzhi , Feng Xiaojie , Zhang Pumin
Published: November 2024

Background

Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) has pronounced stemness that is associated with relapse. N6-methyladenosine (m6A) plays a crucial role in shaping cellular behavior by modulating transcript expression. However, the role of m6A in TNBC stemness, as well as the mechanisms governing its abundance, has yet to be elucidated.

Methods

We analyzed proteomic and transcriptomic data derived from breast cancer cohorts, with an emphasis on m6A regulators. To unravel the role of m6A in TNBC, we employed RNA sequencing, methylated RNA immunoprecipitation sequencing, RNA immunoprecipitation, chromatin immunoprecipitation, and luciferase reporter assays with mesenchymal stem-like (MSL) TNBC models. The clinical relevance was validated using human tissue microarrays and publicly accessible databases.

Results

Our findings indicate that the global level of m6A modification in MSL TNBC is downregulated primarily due to the loss of methyltransferase-like 14 (METTL14). The diminished m6A modification is crucial for the maintenance of TNBC stemness, as it increases the expression of yes-associated protein 1 (YAP1) by blocking YTH domain-containing family protein 2 (YTHDF2)-mediated transcript decay, thereby promoting the activation of Hippo-independent YAP1 signaling. YAP1 is essential for sustaining the stemness regulated by METTL14. Furthermore, we demonstrated that the loss of METTL14 expression results from lysine-specific demethylase 1 (LSD1)-mediated removal of histone H3 lysine 4 methylation at the promoter region, which is critical for LSD1-driven stemness in TNBC.

Conclusion

These findings present an epi-transcriptional mechanism that maintains Hippo-independent YAP1 signaling and plays a role in preserving the undifferentiated state of TNBC, which indicates the potential for targeting the LSD1-METTL14 axis to address TNBC stemness.
A randomized clinical trial of intranasal dexmedetomidine versus inhaled nitrous oxide for procedural sedation and analgesia in children
Authors: Nikula Anna , Rinder Malin Ryd , Lundeberg Stefan , Lääperi Mitja , Sandholm Katri , Castrén Maaret , Kurland Lisa
Published: November 2024

Background

Procedural sedation and analgesia is an important part of pediatric emergency care, safe and clinically useful alternatives for adequate management are necessary. The objective of this clinical trial was to evaluate the non-inferiority of intranasal dexmedetomidine to nitrous oxide with respect to analgesia for a painful procedure in children 3–15 years of age.

Methods

This prospective, equally randomized, open-label, non-inferiority trial was conducted at a Pediatric Emergency Department. Previously healthy children 3–15 years of age, with an extremity fracture or luxation or a burn and requiring procedural sedation and analgesia were eligible. Patients were randomized to receive either intranasal dexmedetomidine or inhaled nitrous oxide. The primary outcome measure was highest pain level during the procedure, assessed with Face, Legs, Activity, Cry, Consolability scale (FLACC). Mann-Whitney U test (continuous variables) and Fisher’s test (categorical variables) were used for statistical analysis.

Results

The highest FLACC was median 4 (IQR 3–6) with intranasal dexmedetomidine and median 4 (IQR 2–6) with nitrous oxide. The median of the difference between samples from each group for FLACC was 0 with 95%CI (0–1), thus intranasal dexmedetomidine was not inferior to nitrous oxide with respect to the level of pain during the procedure. The same method for procedural sedation and analgesia would be accepted by 52/74 (82.5%) children and 65/74 (91.5%) parents in the intranasal dexmedetomidine group respectively 59/74 (88.1%) versus 70/74 (94.6%) with nitrous oxide. No serious adverse events were reported.

Conclusions

The results of this trial support that intranasal dexmedetomidine is not inferior to 50% nitrous oxide in providing analgesia for a painful procedure in children 3–15 years of age and can be considered as an alternative to 50% nitrous oxide for procedural sedation and analgesia.

Trial registration

EudraCT 201,600,377,317, April 20, 2017. https://eudract.ema.europa.eu/.
Association between human herpesviruses infections and childhood neurodevelopmental disorders: insights from two-sample mendelian randomization analyses and systematic review with meta-analysis
Authors: Fang Liwei , Wang Zuojun , Zhao Jingyi , Wu Xun , Wang Shunxin , Gao Hui , Wu De
Published: November 2024

Background

The potential roles of viral infections in neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs) have been suggested based on previous studies. Given the high prevalence of human herpesviruses (HHVs), the associations between HHVs infection and the risk of NDDs warrant explored.

Methods

Our study employs a two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis and systematic review with meta-analysis to investigate whether genetically predicted HHVs infection are linked to three main childhood NDDs—autism spectrum disorder (ASD), attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and Tourette syndrome (TS). We utilized genetic variants associated with HHV infections in genome-wide association study (GWAS) summary datasets of European populations to establish instrumental variables and statistics for three NDDs obtained from Psychiatric Genomics Consortium. MR analysis was performed using inverse-variance weighted, MR Egger, weighted median, simple median, weighted mode, and MR-PRESSO. In addition, publications associating HHVs infection with three NDDs were systematically searched using PubMed, Web of Science, and three Chinese databases for meta-analyses.

Results

The MR results found no evidence to support a link between genetically predicted HHVs infection and the risk of NDDs based on existing datasets. Twenty-seven observational studies on children with HHVs infection and NDDs were considered eligible. Meta-analysis showed that cytomegalovirus and HHV-6 infection were related with ASD, while Epstein-Barr virus and cytomegalovirus infection were associated with TD in Chinese population. Conclusions: These results contribute to a comprehensive understanding of the possibilities underlying HHV infections in affecting childhood NDDs. Further research is necessary to include larger and more robust statistics of HHV infections and NDDs.

Trial registration

This systematic review was registered at PROSPERO as CRD42024554169. Retrospectively registered 26 July 2024.
Natural variation in timing of egg hatching, response to water agitation, and bidirectional selection of early and late hatching strains of the malaria mosquito Anopheles gambiae sensu lato
Authors: Ottih Emmanuel Chinweuba , Tripet Frederic
Published: November 2024

Background

Eggs of anopheline mosquitoes hatch within a few days of laying and require high levels of humidity to survive. Assessing natural variation in egg hatching and its environmental and genetic determinants in sibling species of the malaria vector Anopheles gambiae s.l. is important for understanding their adaptation to variable aquatic habitats. Crucially, it can also inform insectary rearing practices toward the optimization of mosquito production for genetic vector control strategies.

Methods

Hatching rates and timing of egg hatching in long-established and recently colonized strains of An. gambiae s.s, Anopheles arabiensis, and Anopheles coluzzii, were compared under still water conditions (26 ℃) and with cold (4 ℃) and (15 ℃) water agitation regimes. Next, early and late hatching strains of the recently colonized An. coluzzii VK colony were generated through bidirectional selection for 18–23 generations to detect a genetic component for this trait.

Results

Hatching rates differed significantly between species and treatments. The older An. arabiensis Senn and An. gambiae s.s. Kisumu strains had the highest proportion of hatching and preferred the nonagitation treatment at 26 °C. In contrast, the more recently colonized An. coluzzii VK and An. arabiensis Rufisque strains had lower overall hatching success but responded strongly to agitation at 4 °C, while the An. coluzzii Mopti strain did not significantly respond to water agitation. In all strains, eggs hatching started at day 2 and continued till day 5 in the older strains, whilst it was more staggered and extended up to day 6 in the younger strains. Bidirectional selection for early and late hatching over many generations resulted in early hatching selected strains with eggs hatching 2–3 days earlier than in late hatching ones indicating a significant heritable component for these traits.

Conclusions

Water agitation and temperature and age of colonization are likely important determinants of egg hatching in natural An. gambiae s.l. populations. Current rearing protocols systematically select for fast hatching and result in the progressive loss of staggered egg hatching in older laboratory strains. The selection of novel slow-hatching strains may prove instrumental to enable the mass production, shipping, and release of Anopheles mosquitoes across Africa as part of genetic vector control programs.

Graphical Abstract
Presentation of lumbar intramedullary cavernous hemangioma by spindle-shaped hematoma sign on the spinal MRI: a case report
Authors: Ye Zhinan , Ma Gaiying , Liu Hongwei
Published: November 2024

Background

Cavernous hemangioma is a congenital insidious disease that can occur in any part of the central nervous system. In clinical practice, cavernous hemangioma is mostly found in the brain and rarely in the spinal cord.

Case summary

This study describes a case of a 34-year-old Chinese man of Han ethnicity with lumbar intramedullary cavernous hemangioma. On admission, lumbar intramedullary hemorrhage was observed in the patient, as well as a spindle-shaped hematoma sign was detected on the spinal magnetic resonance imaging. We suspected that the spinal hemorrhage could be associated with spinal cord cavernous hemangioma. The patient was started on dehydration and glucocorticoid therapy of mannitol on the day of admission and was diagnosed with cavernous hemangioma on the basis of his magnetic resonance imaging presentation and spinal cord histopathology results. However, there was no significant improvement in clinical manifestations following conservative treatment. It was exciting that the patient’s condition improved after the surgical removal of hematomas.

Conclusion

Clinicians should consider lumbar intramedullary cavernous hemangioma in the differential diagnosis of early spinal cord hemorrhage with a spindle-shaped hematoma sign on the spinal magnetic resonance imaging.
Long term outcomes of intracarotid arterial transfusion of circulatory-derived autologous CD34 + cells for acute ischemic stroke patients—A randomized, open-label, controlled phase II clinical trial
Authors: Lin Hung-Sheng , Sung Pei-Hsun , Huang Shu-Hua , Lin Wei-Che , Chiang John Y. , Ma Ming-Chun , Chen Yi-Ling , Chen Kuan-Hung , Lee Fan-Yen , Ko Sheung-Fat , Yip Hon-Kan
Published: November 2024

Background

This phase II randomized controlled trial tested whether the intracarotid arterial administration (ICAA) of autologous CD34 + cells to patients within 14 ± 7 days after acute ischemic stroke (IS) could be safe and further improve short- and long-term outcomes.

Methods

Between January 2018 and March 2022, 28 consecutive patients were equally randomly allocated to the cell-treated group (CD34 + cells/3.0 × 107/patient) or the control group (receiving optimal medical therapy). CD34 + cells were transfused into the ipsilateral brain infarct zone of cell-treated patients via the ICAA in the catheterization room.

Results

The results demonstrated 100% safety and success rates for the procedure, and no long-term tumorigenesis was observed in cell-treated patients. In cell-treated patients, the angiogenesis capacity of circulating endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs)/Matrigel was significantly greater after treatment than before treatment with granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (all p < 0.001). Blood samples from the right internal jugular vein of the cell-treated patients presented significantly greater levels of the stromal cell-derived factor 1α/EPC at 5, 10 and 30 min compared with 0 min (all p < 0.005). The National Institute of Health Stroke Scale scores were similar upon presentation, but a greater response was observed by Days 30 and 90 in the cell-treated group than in the control group. Tc-99 m brain perfusion was significantly greater at 180 days in the cell-treated group than in the control group (p = 0.046). The combined long-term end points (defined as death/recurrent stroke/or severe disability) were notably lower in the control group compared with the cell-treated group (14.3% vs. 50.0%, p = 0.103).

Conclusion

Intracarotid transfusion of autologous CD34 + cells is safe and might improve long-term outcomes in patients with acute IS.

Trial registration ISRCTN, ISRCTN15677760. Registered 23 April 2018- Retrospectively registered, https://doi.org/10.1186/ISRCTN15677760
Public funding and young children vaccination coverage: Evidence from Socialist-Oriented Market Economy
Authors: Luong Tri-Duc , Le-Van Dao
Published: November 2024

This study presents empirical evidence on the impact of public funding on the vaccination rate of children under one-year-old in Vietnam from 2014 to 2019. The research findings indicate that, first, the effect of government funding on the vaccination rate of children is positive after addressing endogeneity, cross-sectional dependence, and heteroscedasticity. Second, this impact is more pronounced in underdeveloped regions, particularly those with low female school enrollment rates and underdeveloped infrastructure. This raises a dilemma for Vietnam in pursuing a comprehensive development strategy, as investment in underdeveloped regions yields significantly lower economic returns. Therefore, this study provides further insight into the effectiveness of public funding in pursuing social objectives while initiating discussions regarding policies to achieve multiple goals as the Socialist-Oriented Market Economy reign.
A pH-triggered self-releasing humic acid hydrogel loaded with porcine interferon α/γ achieves anti-pseudorabies virus effects by oral administration
Authors: Sun Maoyuan , Shi Yongli , Lei Baishi , Zhang Wuchao , Feng Jingjing , Ge Shenghu , Yuan Wanzhe , Zhao Kuan
Published: November 2024

Interferon α (IFNα) and interferon γ (IFNγ) play pivotal roles in mediating crucial biological functions, including antiviral activity and immune regulation. However, the efficacy of monomeric IFN is limited, and its administration relies solely on injection. To address this issue, we successfully expressed and purified a recombinant porcine IFNα and IFNγ fusion protein (rPoIFNα/γ). Furthermore, we developed a pH-triggered humic acid hydrogel delivery system that effectively protects rPoIFNα/γ from gastric acid degradation, enhancing its oral bioavailability. Neither the humic acid hydrogel nor rPoIFNα/γ exhibited cytotoxic effects on porcine kidney-15 (PK-15) cells in vitro. The replication of vesicular stomatitis virus and pseudorabies virus (PRV) was effectively inhibited by rPoIFNα/γ, resulting in an antiviral activity of approximately 104 U/mL. Scanning electron microscopy revealed that the humic acid hydrogel had a loose and porous honeycomb structure. The IFNα/γ@PAMgel hydrogel effectively adsorbed rPoIFNα/γ, as confirmed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy analysis, demonstrating a favourable IFN-loading capacity. In vitro experiments revealed that IFNα/γ@PAMgel swelled and released IFNα/γ rapidly at pH 7.4 but not at pH 1.2. The oral administration of IFNα/γ@PAMgel in mice enhanced the proliferation and differentiation of CD4+ and CD8+ cells. Additionally, mice infected with PRV and treated with IFNα/γ@PAMgel presented increased transcription levels of interferon-stimulated genes in the serum, reduced mortality rates, lower viral loads in various tissues, and decreased levels of organ damage. In conclusion, this study demonstrates that orally administered IFNα/γ@PAMgel has antiviral and immunomodulatory effects, highlighting its potential as a therapeutic agent against PRV infection.
Marine chitinase AfChi: green defense management against Colletotrichum gloeosporioides and anthracnose
Authors: K.M. Rajesh , Raval Keyur , Raval Ritu
Published: November 2024

Anthracnose disease, caused by the Colletotrichum gloeosporioides species, affects vegetables, fruits, pulses, and cereals, leading to significant economic losses worldwide. Although many synthetic fungicides are used to control this pathogen, eco-friendly biological alternatives are gaining popularity. This study focuses on isolating and purifying chitinase ( Af Chi)from a marine bacterium and testing its antifungal efficacy against C. gloeosporioides spore germination by targeting the chitin in the fungal cell wall. The chitinase was purified from a marine bacterium A. faecalis from the Arabian Sea and had a molecular mass of 45 kDa and a specific activity of 84.6 U/mg. Af Chi worked best at 50 °C and pH 7.0 in Tris HCl buffer. Na+ ion was the highest cofactor, highlighting the halophilic nature of this chitinase. K+, Ca2+, Cu2+, Mg2+, Mn2+, and EDTA also increased activity, while Fe3+, Zn2+, Co2+, and Pb2+ decreased it. The Km and Vmax values were 1.87 µg/mL and 17.45 U/mL, respectively. Purified Af Chi at 10 mg/mL completely inhibited spore germination within 8 h and reduced the size of the spores.
Barriers and facilitators to enrollment in pediatric clinical trials: an overview of systematic reviews
Authors: Bencheva Veronika , Mann Nina-Kristin , Rombey Tanja , Pieper Dawid , Schmiedl Sven
Published: November 2024

Background

Recruiting a sufficient number of patients is often a challenge for conducting clinical trials. Published data reveal that only 10% of eligible patients according to inclusion and exclusion criteria are enrolled in clinical trials. Consequentially, identifying barriers and facilitators may improve enrollment. These factors may differ in the pediatric population, for example, due to the involvement of parents in the decision-making process. We aimed to conduct an overview of systematic reviews to summarize the barriers and facilitators influencing the enrollment of pediatric participants in clinical trials.

Methods

A systematic literature search in PubMed and Epistemonikos of published systematic reviews focusing on barriers and facilitators influencing the enrollment of pediatric patients in clinical trials was conducted. Study selection, data extraction, and quality assessment were performed by two authors independently. The methodological quality was judged using a critical appraisal tool. Finally, data were narratively synthesized.

Results

Of 283 identified systematic reviews, four met the inclusion criteria and were included in the overview. Parents belonging to an ethnic minority or having low socioeconomic status were identified as barriers to enrollment whereas higher parental education and higher age served as facilitators. Additionally, existing expectations, previous treatment experiences and preferences, study duration, type of control group, and the child’s attitude toward study participation could favor or hinder participation. Furthermore, physicians’ opinions of study-related treatments may also influence the enrollment process.

Conclusion

This overview provides a summary of barriers and facilitators to the enrollment of pediatric patients in clinical trials. Taking into account this information may enhance the enrollment of this hard-to-reach population.
Improving the performance of BDS single-frequency precise point positioning by integrating QZSS observations in the Asia-Pacific region
Authors: Wang Ahao , Li Yunzhao , Zhang Haowei , Tian Runqi , Wan Shangshang
Published: November 2024

Japan’s Quasi-Zenith Satellite System (QZSS) as an important supplement to the Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) can provide great positioning, navigation and timing (PNT) services in the Asia-Pacific region. Many researches related to QZSS have focused on dual-/multi-frequency precise point positioning (PPP) or real-time kinematic (RTK) technology with high user costs. In this study, the contribution of QZSS to BDS-3/2 single-frequency (SF) PPP is investigated for the first time. Experimental results show that the three-dimensional (3D) positioning accuracy of the BDS-3-only and BDS-3 + 2 ionosphere-corrected (IC) SF-PPP through QZSS enhancement can be improved by 9.3% and 1.7% to 0.883 and 0.852 m, respectively. In the ionosphere-free (IF) SF-PPP, with the introduction of QZSS, the convergence time of the BDS-3-only or BDS-3 + 2 solutions can be improved by at least 21% and 8.2% in the horizontal and vertical directions, respectively. After convergence, the positioning accuracy of the BDS-3-only and BDS-3 + 2 IF SF-PPP can be improved by about 10% to 0.15 m in horizontal and 0.25 m in vertical. Compared to the IF SF-PPP, the convergence time of the ionosphere-weighted (IW) SF-PPP in the BDS-3-only and BDS-3 + 2 solutions can be improved by at least 57.6% to 13.5 min in horizontal and no more than 23% to 35.0 min in vertical. In this case of rapid convergence, it is hard to further optimize the convergence time of the BDS-3/2 IW SF-PPP by integrating the QZSS. Similar phenomena also appeared in the positioning accuracy of the IW SF-PPP. Nowadays, the 3D positioning accuracy of both IF and IW SF-PPP using BDS-3/2 + QZSS observations can reach 0.3 m in the Asia-Pacific region.

Graphical abstract
Dynamic rupture inversion on the M5.9 pre-event before the 2024 M7.6 Noto-Peninsula, Japan, earthquake
Authors: Aochi Hideo
Published: November 2024

Active seismicity, which began since late 2020 under the Noto Peninsula, Japan, led to the M7.6 earthquake on the 1st January 2024. This paper analyzes the M5.9 pre-event that occurred 13 s before the M7.6 mainshock. Near-field ground motion records clearly distinguish this pre-event from the ground shaking of the mainshock. We then use six near-field ground motions over a 10-s period to obtain first the focal mechanism and then dynamic rupture models by fixing the hypocenter location. We obtain a steep dip angle of 67°, whereas the dip of the M7.6 mainshock is 33° after Japan Metrological Agency catalog. We propose a simplified inversion process that dynamic rupture models are built by varying the location of the target circular patch, the stress level and the fault dipping directions. The preferred model has an up-dip rupture directivity (rake direction) on the south–east dipping fault, i.e. propagating away from the hypocenter of the M7.6 mainshock, and the two events are not aligned on the same planar fault. Uplift of about 20 cm and more is expected on the north coast of the Noto Peninsula in the case of the stress drop of 6 MPa or less. We also analyze another M5.5 pre-event 4 min earlier, with a slightly deeper focal depth and a gentle dip angle of 36°. This earthquake has also a rupture directivity in the up-dip direction. This infers that there should have been a preparation process of the M7.6 mainshock behind these pre-events and multiple fault segmentations around the hypocenter zone might have played a role.

Graphical Abstract
Massive open online course: a new strategy for faculty development needs in healthcare simulation
Authors: Dubois Nadège , Tonus Céline , Klenkenberg Sophie , Donneau Anne-Françoise , Buléon Clément , Ghuysen Alexandre
Published: November 2024

Faculty development in medical simulation is a growing need, given the increased use of simulation-based learning in healthcare. Training of trainers is demanding and resource-consuming; therefore, there is a need for accessible, practical, and resource-saving solutions enabling efficient faculty development. For that purpose, we investigated whether a massive open online course (MOOC) could meet these challenges. This manuscript presents a MOOC, its pedagogical strategies, and its impacts on faculty development. The University of Liège Medical Simulation Center developed a MOOC with five learning units focused on the foundations of simulation training. Each unit ends with a set of theoretical and practical exercises. Our results showed knowledge and skills acquisition (objective exercise score data) among participants with a success rate of 67%, as well as high levels of engagement and confidence in learning (self-reported data). We demonstrate that a MOOC for faculty development in healthcare simulation is effective, has the potential to be an accessibility enabler, and offers an additional tool for trainer training. We recommend designing it with various asynchronous online modalities and multiplying social interactions with peers and trainers to favor trainees’ engagement and subsequent learning. Further perspectives should study blended learning strategies in faculty development and define the optimum ratio between face to face and online synchronous and asynchronous modalities.

Graphical Abstract

Characteristics and advantages of MOOCs as an asynchronous online teaching tool for faculty development in healthcare simulation.