bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prevalence of pre-diabetes/type 2 diabetes among adolescents (10–19 years) and its association with different measures of overweight/obesity in India: a gendered perspective
Authors: Kumar Pradeep , Srivastava Shobhit , Mishra Prem Shankar , Mooss E. T. Krishnan
Published: July 2021

Background

The International Diabetes Federation (IDF) estimated that 1.1 million children and adolescents aged 14–19 years are living with diabetes. Diabetes is a chronic, progressive disease characterized by elevated levels of blood glucose. It is also recognized as a complex disease that affects people of different ages due to different causes. The present study aims to estimate the prevalence of pre-diabetes/diabetes at the national level. Additionally, the respective study determines the factors associated with pre-diabetes/diabetes conditions among adolescents at the national level.

Methods

The data for this study was carried out from the Comprehensive National Nutrition Survey (CNNS), the first-ever nationally representative nutrition survey of children and adolescents in India. The study used a sample size of 17,865 adolescent boys and 17,965 adolescent girls for the analysis. Descriptive statistics, bivariate analysis, and logistic regression analysis were done to carve out the results.

Results

The prevalence of pre-diabetes/diabetes was 12.3% and 8.4% among adolescent boys and girls in India, respectively. Body mass index and Subscapular skinfold thickness were the two most important predictors of pre-diabetes/diabetes among adolescents. Further, physical activities show a negative association with pre-diabetes/diabetes. Moreover, interaction models in the present study clearly reveal the fact that adolescent girls were less likely to suffer from pre-diabetes/diabetes than adolescent boys. Additionally, it was found that the prevalence of pre-diabetes/diabetes was high among adolescent girls from lower socio-economic strata.

Conclusion

The high prevalence of pre-diabetes and diabetes among adolescents portrayed serious public health concern in India. As body mass index and Subscapular skinfold thickness were positively associated with pre-diabetes/diabetes conditions among adolescents. Therefore, effective approaches are needed to be taken to tackle these pre-diabetes/diabetes conditions among adolescents and especially among adolescent boys.
Like soldiers on the front – a qualitative study understanding the frontline healthcare professionals’ experience of treating and caring for patients with COVID-19
Authors: Dagyaran Ilkay , Risom Signe Stelling , Berg Selina Kikkenborg , Højskov Ida Elisabeth , Heiden Malin , Bernild Camilla , Christensen Signe Westh , Missel Malene
Published: July 2021

Background

While people in the societies must stay home to reduce spread of the newly discovered coronavirus, healthcare professionals do the exact opposite. For them the coronavirus is an enemy that should be defeated as a part of one’s job. They do, however, also have a daily life with family while doing their work obligations. The purpose of this study was to gain an in-depth understanding of the frontline healthcare professionals’ experience of balancing work life and family life during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods

A sample of 22 frontline healthcare professionals caring for patients with COVID-19 was included and interviewed individually from May to August 2020. Ricoeur’s phenomenological hermeneutical philosophy inspired the methodology in this study.

Result

Frontline healthcare professionals treating and caring for patients with COVID-19 are, voluntarily or involuntarily, forced to be ready to change departments as well as being ready to face the unknown coronavirus. The frontline work leads to feelings of being abandoned among their families and friends due to the threat of bringing the infection home and spreading the virus. Although healthcare professionals are facing a working life filled with uncertainty and unpredictability impacting their family life, they express opposing feelings of being a part of something bigger.

Conclusions

The work life balance for these healthcare professionals is threatened by changes in professional responsibilities, working hours and shifts. Fear of bringing the infection home challenges them ethically and creates a distance between healthcare professionals and their families, leading to a conflict within the individual if their work on the frontline is worth it - or if it is a too high price to pay. Despite facing a working life filled with uncertainty and unpredictability the healthcare professionals are being a part of something bigger that contributes to a fighting spirit and professional pride outweighing the negative consequences; like being soldiers on the front.
Association of healthy lifestyle score with all-cause mortality and life expectancy: a city-wide prospective cohort study of cancer survivors
Authors: Sun Ce , Li Ke , Xu Huan , Wang Xiangjun , Qin Pengzhe , Wang Suixiang , Liang Boheng , Xu Lin
Published: July 2021

Background

Adherence to a healthy lifestyle could reduce the cancer mortality in the western population. We conducted a city-wide prospective study in China investigating the association of a healthy lifestyle score with all-cause mortality and the life expectancy in cancer survivors.

Methods

This prospective cohort study included 46,120 surviving patients who were firstly diagnosed with cancer in Guangzhou. Five low-risk lifestyle factors including never smoking, never alcohol use, regular physical activity (≥ 2 h/week), sufficient sleep (≥ 6 h/day), and normal or high BMI (≥ 18.5 kg/m2) were assessed and a lifestyle score (0–5, a higher score indicates healthier lifestyle) was generated. Hazard ratios (HRs) of all-cause mortality and the life expectancy by levels of the lifestyle scores were estimated.

Results

Of 46,120 cancer survivors registered from 2010 to 2017, during an average follow-up of 4.3 years (200,285 person-years), 15,209 deaths were recorded. Adjusted HRs for mortality in cancer survivors with lifestyle score of 0–2, versus 5, were 2.59 (95% confidence interval (CI): 2.03–3.30) in women, 1.91 (95%CI 1.77–2.05) in men, 2.28 (95%CI 2.03–2.55) in those aged <65 years, and 1.90 (95%CI 1.75, 2.05) in those aged ≥ 65 years. Life expectancy at age 55 for those with a score of 0–2 and 5 was 53.4 and 57.1 months, respectively. We also found that cancer survivors with healthy lifestyle scores of 5 showed 59.9 months of life expectancy on average, which was longer than those with a score of 0–2.

Conclusion

Adopting a healthy lifestyle was associated with a substantially lower risk of all-cause mortality and longer life expectancy in cancer survivors. Our findings should be useful for health education and health promotion in primary care and clinical practice.
Small heterodimer partner (SHP) aggravates ER stress in Parkinson’s disease-linked LRRK2 mutant astrocyte by regulating XBP1 SUMOylation
Authors: Lee Jee Hoon , Han Ji-hye , Joe Eun-hye , Jou Ilo
Published: July 2021

Background

Endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress is a common feature of Parkinson’s disease (PD), and several PD-related genes are responsible for ER dysfunction. Recent studies suggested LRRK2-G2019S, a pathogenic mutation in the PD-associated gene LRRK2, cause ER dysfunction, and could thereby contribute to the development of PD. It remains unclear, however, how mutant LRRK2 influence ER stress to control cellular outcome. In this study, we identified the mechanism by which LRRK2-G2019S accelerates ER stress and cell death in astrocytes.

Methods

To investigate changes in ER stress response genes, we treated LRRK2-wild type and LRRK2-G2019S astrocytes with tunicamycin, an ER stress-inducing agent, and performed gene expression profiling with microarrays. The XBP1 SUMOylation and PIAS1 ubiquitination were performed using immunoprecipitation assay. The effect of astrocyte to neuronal survival were assessed by astrocytes-neuron coculture and slice culture systems. To provide in vivo proof-of-concept of our approach, we measured ER stress response in mouse brain.

Results

Microarray gene expression profiling revealed that LRRK2-G2019S decreased signaling through XBP1, a key transcription factor of the ER stress response, while increasing the apoptotic ER stress response typified by PERK signaling. In LRRK2-G2019S astrocytes, the transcriptional activity of XBP1 was decreased by PIAS1-mediated SUMOylation. Intriguingly, LRRK2-GS stabilized PIAS1 by increasing the level of small heterodimer partner (SHP), a negative regulator of PIAS1 degradation, thereby promoting XBP1 SUMOylation. When SHP was depleted, XBP1 SUMOylation and cell death were reduced. In addition, we identified agents that can disrupt SHP-mediated XBP1 SUMOylation and may therefore have therapeutic activity in PD caused by the LRRK2-G2019S mutation.

Conclusion

Our findings reveal a novel regulatory mechanism involving XBP1 in LRRK2-G2019S mutant astrocytes, and highlight the importance of the SHP/PIAS1/XBP1 axis in PD models. These findings provide important insight into the basis of the correlation between mutant LRRK2 and pathophysiological ER stress in PD, and suggest a plausible model that explains this connection.
A review on gut microbiota: a central factor in the pathophysiology of obesity
Authors: Cunningham A. L. , Stephens J. W. , Harris D. A.
Published: July 2021

Obesity and its complications constitute a substantial burden. Considerable published research describes the novel relationships between obesity and gut microbiota communities. It is becoming evident that microbiota behave in a pivotal role in their ability to influence homeostatic mechanisms either to the benefit or detriment of host health, the extent of which is not fully understood. A greater understanding of the contribution of gut microbiota towards host pathophysiology is revealing new therapeutic avenues to tackle the global obesity epidemic. This review focuses on causal relationships and associations with obesity, proposed central mechanisms encouraging the development of obesity and promising prospective methods for microbiota manipulation.
Personalized medicine and allergen immunotherapy: the beginning of a new era?
Authors: Incorvaia Cristoforo , Ridolo Erminia , Bagnasco Diego , Scurati Silvia , Canonica Giorgio Walter
Published: July 2021

The concept of personalized medicine as a diagnostic and therapeutic approach tailored to the medical needs of each patient is currently revolutionizing all fields of medicine and in particular allergology. Allergen immunotherapy (AIT) meets the three main needs for precision medicine: identification of molecular mechanism of disease, diagnostic tools for the mechanism and treatment blocking the mechanism itself. AIT adapts to the spectrum of specific IgE of each individual subject, changing the course and natural history of the disease, so is a clear model of precision and personalized medicine. This first step before the prescription of AIT is to define the sensitization profile of the patient; after that, the healthcare professional has numerous levers for adapting the treatment to the physio-pathological mechanisms involved. AIT allows to adapt treatments to the profile of the patients, but also to the its preferences, to ensure optimal treatment efficacy, resulting in an agile and personalized approach, with the aim to ensure adherence to the treatment, which is usually quite low. AIT also broadens the field of possibilities for healthcare professionals and patients, by allowing to choose the galenic formulation according to patient preferences and on the basis of their clinical history, adapting the product composition to the patient’s sensitization profiles and the underlying biological mechanisms identified at the diagnostic stage, while guaranteeing quality of the prescribed product as the production of allergens and allergoids is today more regulated than in the past years. In the management of AIT, it is also possible to involve patients in decisions throughout their care pathway thanks to multiple services, offering personalized follow-up and support, to ensure the highest treatment efficacy levels, and recalling medication intake, medical appointments and prescription renewals.
Circ_001209 aggravates diabetic retinal vascular dysfunction through regulating miR-15b-5p/COL12A1
Authors: Wang Fang , Zhang Meixia
Published: July 2021

Objective

Diabetic retinopathy, a common complication of diabetes mellitus and a major cause of blindness. circRNAs spongs target miRNA and thus influencing mRNA expression in DR. We investigated the mechanism of circ_001209 in regulating diabetic retinal vascular dysfunction.

Methods

QRT-PCR analysis was performed to detect the expression of miR-15b-5p, COL12A1 and circ_001209 in human retinal vascular endothelial cells (HRVECs) under high glucose conditions. Western blot assay, wound healing assay, transwell assay and tube formation were used to explore the roles of circ_001209/miR-15b-5p/COL12A1 in retinal vascular dysfunction. Bioinformatics analysis and luciferase reporter, RNA-FISH, and overexpression assays were performed to reveal the mechanisms of the circ_001209/miR-15b-5p/COL12A1 interaction. TUNEL staining and H&E staining were used to evaluate the pathological changes in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced DR in rats.

Results

Downregulation of miR-15b-5p under HG conditions promoted proliferation, migration, and tube formation of HRVECs. QRT-PCR and western blot results revealed that miR-15b-5p affected the HRVECs function through targeting COL12A1. Under HG conditions, circ_001209, which acts as a sponge of miR-15b-5p, is upregulated. Besides, overexpression of circ_001209 can affect HRVEC function and aggravate retinal injury in diabetic rats.

Conclusion

Upregulation of circ_001209 contributes to vascular dysfunction in diabetic retinas through regulating miR-15b-5p and COL12A1, providing a potential treatment strategy for diabetic retinopathy.
Rare chondroblastoma of the 6th left rib, video-assisted thoracoscopy resected: one case report and literature review
Authors: Wu Yonghui , Guan Jiexia , Zhang Kai , Chen Huiguo , Wu Weibin , Zhang Jian
Published: July 2021

Introduction

Chondroblastoma is a rare, benign locally but aggressive bone tumor. It accounts for < 1% of primary bony tumors, and mostly arises from long bones; the rib chondroblastoma is especial rare. Due to its rarity, there are no definitive or standard treatment guidelines.

Case presentation

A case of a 24-year-old male with a chondroblastoma located on the 6th posterior left rib. Computed tomography (CT) demonstrated a rib tumor that was a well-defined oval lesion of 20 mm × 18 mm, with lytic bone destruction. The imaging first diagnosis was Langerhans cell histiocytosis (LCH), a giant cell tumor, or other type of neoplasm. The whole tumor and a part of partial rib were resected by video-assisted thoracoscopy surgery (VATS). Pathological and immunohistochemical (IHC) examination made a diagnosis of chondroblastoma. Compared with traditional open thoracic surgery, VATS can achieve the same effects and cause less injury to patient. No postoperative adjuvant therapy was given, and had followed up 23 months after surgery, there was no recurrence or metastasis.

Conclusion

Chondroblastoma has a risk of recurrence and metastasis, surgery plays an important role in the treatment of chondroblastoma, VATS can achieve the same outcome as traditional open thoracic surgery with less pain and lung function. Close follow-up is needed postoperative.
Case report of a 72-year-old man with diaphragmatic hernia and thoracic gastropericardial fistula after esophagectomy for 18 years
Authors: Xu Xinjian , Yan Zhaoyang , He Ming
Published: July 2021

Background

Both diaphragmatic hernia and thoracic gastropericardial fistula rarely occur simultaneously in patients with radical esophagectomy.

Case presentation

A 72-year-old man presented to our hospital with 1 day of nausea, vomiting and acute left chest pain. He had radical esophagectomy (Sweet approach) for esophageal cancer 18 years ago. Computed tomography (CT) of the chest revealed diaphragmatic hernias and air collection within the pericardial space. While an operation of diaphragmatic hernia repair was decisively performed to prevent further serious complications, unusually, a thoracic gastropericardial fistula was also found unusually.

Conclusion

Diaphragmatic hernia and thoracic gastropericardial fistula may occasionally coexist in patients with esophagectomy. Upper GI radiograph with a water-soluble contrast agent is a better diagnostic tool than CT in visualizing the fistula.
Life-sustaining treatment decisions in pediatric intensive care: an Italian survey on ethical concerns
Authors: Carnevale Franco A. , Giannini Alberto , Bonaldi Amabile , Bravi Elena , Cecchi Costanza , Pettenazzo Andrea , Amigoni Angela , Pulitanò Silvia Maria Modesta , Tosin Chiara , Biban Paolo
Published: July 2021

Objectives

To investigate how life-sustaining treatment (LST) decisions are made and identify problematic ethical concerns confronted by physicians and nurses in pediatric intensive care within Italy.

Methods

An 88-question online survey was created, based on a previous qualitative study conducted by this team. The survey was designed to identify how LST decisions were managed; contrasting actual practices with what participants think practices should be. Replies from physicians and nurses were compared, to identify potential inter-professional ethical tensions. The study also identified participants’ principal ethical concerns. Moreover, open-ended questions elicited qualitative perspectives on participants’ views. The survey was pilot-tested and refined before initiation of the study.

Results

31 physicians and 65 nurses participated in the study. Participants were recruited from pediatric intensive care units across five Italian cities; i.e., Florence, Milan, Padua, Rome, Verona. Statistically significant differences were identified for (a) virtually all questions contrasting actual practices with what participants think practices should be and (b) 14 questions contrasting physician replies with those of nurses. Physicians and nurses identified the absence of legislative standards for LST withdrawal as a highly problematic ethical concern. Physicians also identified bearing responsibility for LST decisions as a major concern. Qualitative descriptions further demonstrated that these Italian pediatric intensive care clinicians encounter significantly distressing ethical problems in their practice.

Conclusions

The results of this study highlight a need for the development of (a) strategies for improving team processes regarding LST decisions, so they can be better aligned with how clinicians think decisions should be made, and (b) Italian LST decision-making standards that can help ensure optimal ethical practices.
The seasonal dynamics and biting behavior of potential Anopheles vectors of Plasmodium knowlesi in Palawan, Philippines
Authors: Malijan Richard Paul B. , Mechan Frank , Braganza Jessie C. , Valle Kristelle Mae R. , Salazar Ferdinand V. , Torno Majhalia M. , Aure Wilfredo E. , Bacay Brian A. , Espino Fe Esperanza , Torr Stephen J. , Fornace Kimberly M. , Drakeley Chris , Ferguson Heather M.
Published: July 2021

Background

A small number of human cases of the zoonotic malariaPlasmodium knowlesihave been reported in Palawan Island, the Philippines. Identification of potential vector species and their bionomics is crucial for understanding human exposure risk in this setting. Here, we combined longitudinal surveillance with a trap-evaluation study to address knowledge gaps about the ecology and potential for zoonotic spillover of this macaque malaria in Palawan Island.

Methods

The abundance, diversity and biting behavior of human-bitingAnophelesmosquitoes were assessed through monthly outdoor human landing catches (HLC) in three ecotypes representing different land use (forest edge, forest and agricultural area) across 8 months. Additionally, the host preference and biting activity of potentialAnophelesvectors were assessed through comparison of their abundance and capture time in traps baited with humans (HLC, human-baited electrocuting net—HEN) or macaques (monkey-baited trap—MBT, monkey-baited electrocuting net—MEN). All femaleAnophelesmosquitoes were tested for the presence ofPlasmodiumparasites by PCR.

Results

Previously incriminated vectorsAnopheles balabacensisandAn. flavirostrisaccounted for > 95% of anophelines caught in longitudinal surveillance. However, human biting densities were relatively low (An. balabacensis: 0.34–1.20 per night,An. flavirostris: 0–2 bites per night). Biting densities ofAn. balabacensiswere highest in the forest edge, whileAn. flavirostriswas most abundant in the agricultural area.The abundance ofAn. balabacensisandAn. flavirostriswas significantly higher in HLC than in MBT. None of the 357 femaleAnophelesmosquitoes tested forPlasmodiuminfection were positive.

Conclusions

The relatively low density and lack of malaria infection inAnophelesmosquitoes sampled here indicates that exposure toP. knowlesiin this setting is considerably lower than in neighboring countries (i.e. Malaysia), where it is now the primary cause of malaria in humans. Although anophelines had lower abundance in MBTs than in HLCs,An. balabacensisandAn. flavirostriswere caught by both methods, suggesting they could act as bridge vectors between humans and macaques. These species bite primarily outdoors during the early evening, confirming that insecticide-treated nets are unlikely to provide protection againstP. knowlesivectors.

Graphical abstract
Identifying the deceiver: the non-neoplastic mimickers of genital system neoplasms
Authors: Onder Omer , Karaosmanoglu Ali Devrim , Kraeft Jessica , Uysal Aycan , Karcaaltincaba Musturay , Akata Deniz , Ozmen Mustafa Nasuh , Hahn Peter F.
Published: July 2021

Tumors of the genital system are common and imaging is of crucial importance for their detection and diagnosis. Several non-neoplastic diseases may mimic these tumors and differential diagnosis may be difficult in certain cases. Misdiagnosing non-neoplastic diseases as tumor may prompt unnecessary medical treatment or surgical interventions. In this article, we aimed to present the imaging characteristics of non-neoplastic diseases of the male and female genital systems that may mimic neoplastic processes. Increasing awareness of the imaging specialists to these entities may have a severe positive impact on the management of these patients.
Stable trimer formation of spike protein from porcine epidemic diarrhea virus improves the efficiency of secretory production in silkworms and induces neutralizing antibodies in mice
Authors: Masuda Akitsu , Lee Jae Man , Miyata Takeshi , Ebihara Takeru , Kakino Kohei , Hino Masato , Fujita Ryosuke , Mon Hiroaki , Kusakabe Takahiro
Published: July 2021

Porcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PEDV) is a highly infectious pathogen of watery diarrhea that causes serious economic loss to the swine industry worldwide. Especially because of the high mortality rate in neonatal piglets, a vaccine with less production cost and high protective effect against PEDV is desired. The intrinsically assembled homotrimer of spike (S) protein on the PEDV viral membrane contributing to the host cell entry is a target of vaccine development. In this study, we designed trimerized PEDV S protein for efficient production in the silkworm-baculovirus expression vector system (silkworm-BEVS) and evaluated its immunogenicity in the mouse. The genetic fusion of the trimeric motif improved the expression of S protein in silkworm-BEVS. A small-scale screening of silkworm strains to further improve the S protein productivity finally achieved the yield of about 2 mg from the 10 mL larval serum. Mouse immunization study demonstrated that the trimerized S protein could elicit strong humoral immunity, including the S protein-specific IgG in the serum. These sera contained neutralizing antibodies that can protect Vero cells from PEDV infection. These results demonstrated that silkworm-BEVS provides a platform for the production of trimeric S proteins, which are promising subunit vaccines against coronaviruses such as PEDV.
Metabolomic and transcriptomic profiling of adult mice and larval zebrafish leptin mutants reveal a common pattern of changes in metabolites and signaling pathways
Authors: Ding Yi , Haks Mariëlle C. , Forn-Cuní Gabriel , He Junling , Nowik Natalia , Harms Amy C. , Hankemeier Thomas , Eeza Muhamed N. H. , Matysik Jörg , Alia A. , Spaink Herman P.
Published: July 2021

Background

Leptin plays a critical role in the regulation of metabolic homeostasis. However, the molecular mechanism and cross talks between leptin and metabolic pathways leading to metabolic homeostasis across different species are not clear. This study aims to explore the effects of leptin in mice and zebrafish larvae by integration of metabolomics and transcriptomics. Different metabolomic approaches including mass spectrometry, nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and high-resolution magic-angle-spinning NMR spectrometry were used to investigate the metabolic changes caused by leptin deficiency in mutant ob/ob adult mice and lepb−/− zebrafish larvae. For transcriptome studies, deep RNA sequencing was used.

Results

Thirteen metabolites were identified as common biomarkers discriminating ob/ob mice and lepb−/− zebrafish larvae from their respective wild type controls: alanine, citrulline, ethanolamine, glutamine, glycine, histidine, isoleucine, leucine, methionine, phenylalanine, putrescine, serine and threonine. Moreover, we also observed that glucose and lipid levels were increased in lepb−/− zebrafish larvae compared to the lepb+/+ group. Deep sequencing showed that many genes involved in proteolysis and arachidonic acid metabolism were dysregulated in ob/ob mice heads and lepb mutant zebrafish larvae compared to their wild type controls, respectively.

Conclusions

Leptin deficiency leads to highly similar metabolic alterations in metabolites in both mice and zebrafish larvae. These metabolic changes show similar features as observed during progression of tuberculosis in human patients, mice and zebrafish larvae. In addition, by studying the transcriptome, we found similar changes in gene regulation related to proteolysis and arachidonic acid metabolism in these two different in vivo models.
Interaction between early in ovo stimulation of the gut microbiota and chicken host – splenic changes in gene expression and methylation
Authors: Dunislawska A. , Slawinska A. , Gryzinska M. , Siwek M.
Published: July 2021

Background

Epigenetic regulation of the gene expression results from interaction between the external environment and transcription of the genetic information encoded in DNA. Methylated CpG regions within the gene promoters lead to silencing of the gene expression in most cases. Factors contributing to epigenetic regulation include intestinal microbiota, which in chicken can be potently modified by in ovo stimulation. The main aim of this study was to determine global and specific methylation patterns of the spleen under the influence of host-microbiome interaction.

Results

Fertilized eggs of two genotypes: Ross 308 and Green-legged Partridgelike were in ovo stimulated on d 12 of incubation. The injected compounds were as follows: probiotic – Lactococcus lactis subsp. cremoris IBB477, prebiotic – galactooligosaccharides, and synbiotic – combination of both. Chickens were sacrificed on d 42 post-hatching. Spleen was collected, RNA and DNA were isolated and intended to gene expression, gene methylation and global methylation analysis. We have proved that negative regulation of gene expression after administration of bioactive substances in ovo might have epigenetic character. Epigenetic changes depend on the genotype and the substance administered in ovo.

Conclusion

Epigenetic nature of microbial reprogramming in poultry and extension of issues related to host-microbiome interaction is a new direction of this research.
Associations of maternal diet and nutritional status with offspring hepatic steatosis in the Avon longitudinal study of parents and children
Authors: Sekkarie Ahlia , Welsh Jean A. , Northstone Kate , Stein Aryeh D. , Ramakrishnan Usha , Vos Miriam B.
Published: July 2021

Background

Priming for cardiometabolic diseases, including non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), is hypothesized to begin in utero. The primary objective of this study is to determine whether there is an association between maternal nutritional status and offspring NAFLD.

Methods

Data come from the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children (ALSPAC) in the UK. The analytic sample included 3353 participants who had maternal information on pre-pregnancy BMI, gestational weight gain, diabetes, and free sugar intake as percent of total energy and were assessed for mild-severe hepatic steatosis at 24 years by transient elastography (controlled attenuation parameter score ≥ 248 dB/m). Multiple logistic regression was used to evaluate the association between maternal factors and offspring hepatic steatosis at 24 years.

Results

In confounder-adjusted models the independent associations for each maternal factor with mild to severe vs low hepatic steatosis at 24 years were: pre-pregnancy overweight (OR: 1.84, 95%CL: 1.43–2.38) or obesity (OR: 2.73, 95%CL: 1.84–4.03), more than recommended gestational weight gain (OR: 1.30, 95%CL: 1.04–1.64), diabetes (OR: 1.39, 95%CI: 0.87, 2.21), and high free sugar intake during pregnancy (OR: 1.04, 95% CI: 0.82, 1.33). These associations were largely mediated by BMI at 24 years, but not by birthweight or breastfeeding.

Conclusions

Our results suggest that maternal nutritional status is associated with the development of NAFLD in their adult offspring, although the relationship is largely mediated by offspring BMI in adulthood.
Giving away some of their powers! Towards learner agency in digital assessment and feedback
Authors: Casanova Diogo , Alsop Graham , Huet Isabel
Published: July 2021

Digital assessment and feedback have been a growing area of research and practice in the past decade in higher education. Within this theme, research has been published highlighting the importance of learner agency in the assessment and feedback process as a way to develop assessment literacy in contrast with the existing lecturer-led approach. In this research, we aimed to find out whether lecturers are willing to let go of some of the power they currently have in the digital assessment and feedback process and how they see opportunities for agency being developed in the digital assessment and feedback systems. We collected data from 10 sandpits with 58 lecturers in which, using a storytelling technique and one mock-up of a digital assessment and feedback system, we discussed and critiqued an assessment scenario intending to collect perceptions about digital assessment and feedback and the constraints felt by lecturers in their assessment practice. Based on these perceptions, we identify recommendations that may improve digital assessment and feedback systems and practices. We discuss the data and the recommendations based on three clusters of themes: (i) preparation for the assessment, (ii) formative feedback and (iii) feedback post-submission.
The incubation effect among students playing an educational game for physics
Authors: Talandron-Felipe May Marie P. , Rodrigo Ma. Mercedes T.
Published: July 2021

The incubation effect (IE) is a problem-solving phenomenon composed of three phases: pre-incubation where one fails to solve a problem; incubation, a momentary break where time is spent away from the unsolved problem; and post-incubation where the unsolved problem is revisited and solved. Literature on IE was limited to experiments involving traditional classroom activities. This initial investigation showed evidence of IE instances in a computer-based learning environment. This paper consolidates the studies on IE among students playing an educational game called Physics Playground and presents further analysis to examine the incidence of post-incubation or the revisit to a previously unsolved problem. Prior work, which focused on predicting successful outcomes, includes a coarse-grained IE model developed with logistic regression on aggregated data and an improved model which leveraged long short-term memory (LSTM) combined with dimensionality reduction visualization technique and clustering on fine-grained data. The additional analysis which aims to understand factors that may trigger the post-incubation phase also used fine-grained data and LSTM to create a revisit model. Results show that time elapsed relative to the activity period and encountering a problem with a similar solution during incubation were possible factors in revisiting previously unsolved problems.
A zebrafish-centric approach to antiepileptic drug development
Authors: Baraban Scott C.
Published: July 2021

Danio rerio (zebrafish) are a powerful experimental model for genetic and developmental studies. Adaptation of zebrafish to study seizures was initially established using the common convulsant agent pentylenetetrazole (PTZ). Larval PTZ-exposed zebrafish exhibit clear behavioral convulsions and abnormal electrographic activity, reminiscent of interictal and ictal epileptiform discharge. By using this model, our laboratory developed simple locomotion-based and electrophysiological assays to monitor and quantify seizures in larval zebrafish. Zebrafish also offer multiple advantages for rapid genetic manipulation and high-throughput phenotype-based drug screening. Combining these seizure assays with genetically modified zebrafish that represent Dravet syndrome, a rare genetic epilepsy, ultimately contributed to a phenotype-based screen of over 3500 drugs. Several drugs identified in these zebrafish screens are currently in clinical or compassionate-use trials. The emergence of this ‘aquarium-to-bedside’ approach suggests that broader efforts to adapt and improve upon this zebrafish-centric strategy can drive a variety of exciting new discoveries.
The canonical smooth muscle cell marker TAGLN is present in endothelial cells and is involved in angiogenesis
Authors: Tsuji-Tamura Kiyomi , Morino-Koga Saori , Suzuki Shingo , Ogawa Minetaro
Published: July 2021

Elongation of vascular endothelial cells (ECs) is an important process in angiogenesis; however, the molecular mechanisms remain unknown. The actin-crosslinking protein TAGLN (transgelin, also known as SM22 or SM22α) is abundantly expressed in smooth muscle cells (SMCs) and is widely used as a canonical marker for this cell type. In the course of studies using mouse embryonic stem cells (ESCs) carrying an Tagln promoter-driven fluorescence marker, we noticed activation of the Tagln promoter during EC elongation. Tagln promoter activation co-occurred with EC elongation in response to vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGF-A). Inhibition of phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)–Akt signaling and mTORC1 also induced EC elongation and Tagln promoter activation. Human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) elongated, activated the TAGLN promoter and increased TAGLN transcripts in an angiogenesis model. Genetic disruption of TAGLN augmented angiogenic behaviors of HUVECs, as did the disruption of TAGLN2 and TAGLN3 genes. Tagln expression was found in ECs in mouse embryos. Our results identify TAGLN as a putative regulator of angiogenesis whose expression is activated in elongating ECs. This finding provides insight into the cytoskeletal regulation of EC elongation and an improved understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying the regulation of angiogenesis.
Human spliceosomal snRNA sequence variants generate variant spliceosomes
Authors: Mabin Justin W. , Lewis Peter W. , Brow David A. , Dvinge Heidi
Published: July 2021

Human pre-mRNA splicing is primarily catalyzed by the major spliceosome, comprising five small nuclear ribonucleoprotein complexes, U1, U2, U4, U5, and U6 snRNPs, each of which contains the corresponding U-rich snRNA. These snRNAs are encoded by large gene families exhibiting significant sequence variation, but it remains unknown if most human snRNA genes are untranscribed pseudogenes or produce variant snRNAs with the potential to differentially influence splicing. Since gene duplication and variation are powerful mechanisms of evolutionary adaptation, we sought to address this knowledge gap by systematically profiling human U1, U2, U4, and U5 snRNA variant gene transcripts. We identified 55 transcripts that are detectably expressed in human cells, 38 of which incorporate into snRNPs and spliceosomes in 293T cells. All U1 snRNA variants are more than 1000-fold less abundant in spliceosomes than the canonical U1, whereas at least 1% of spliceosomes contain a variant of U2 or U4. In contrast, eight U5 snRNA sequence variants occupy spliceosomes at levels of 1% to 46%. Furthermore, snRNA variants display distinct expression patterns across five human cell lines and adult and fetal tissues. Different RNA degradation rates contribute to the diverse steady state levels of snRNA variants. Our findings suggest that variant spliceosomes containing noncanonical snRNAs may contribute to different tissue- and cell-type–specific alternative splicing patterns.
The effects of telenutrition in overweight and obese adults in a nutritional center in Lima, Peru.
Authors: Castrillón Liñan Carolina , Alvarez Mayorga Jimy Henry , Lozada-Urbano Michelle
Published: July 2021

Background: COVID-19 pandemic has been challenging for health services and systems around the world, including Peru.  A viable alternative in the telemedicine field to guarantee patient nutritional care is telenutrition. Telenutrition involves the interactive use of electronic information and telecommunications technologies to implement the nutrition care process with patients at a remote location. Information regarding the experience with this methodology and its potential effect on patients’ nutritional goals, does not exist in Peru. The aim of the study was to report the effect of the evaluation type (telenutrition vs. in-person) on anthropometric parameters weight, body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC) and relative fat mass (RFM) in overweight and obese adult patients. Methods: This retrospective study included 100 eligible patients in a single nutritional center, from January 2019 to March 2021. Results: There was a significant difference in weight, BMI, WC and RFM at the end of the three-month follow-up period, in both evaluation modalities. Patients on the telenutrition group had a mean decrease of 6.80 ± 4.87 cm in their WC, whereas the mean difference observed for the in-person group was 6.74 ± 4.55 cm. There were no statistically significant differences in the changes of any anthropometric parameters when comparing both systems. Reductions were observed in weight (5.93 ± 3.88 kg vs. 4.92 ± 3.29 kg), BMI (2.23 ± 1.39 kg/ m2 vs. 1.83 ± 1.23 kg/ m2), WC (6.80 ± 4.87 cm vs. 6.74 ± 4.55 cm) and RFM (2.43 ± 1.78 vs. 2.63 ± 1.73) in telenutrition and in-person evaluation, respectively. Conclusions: Telenutrition may be regarded as an alternative to in-person evaluation offering anthropometric changes and nutritional goals similar to those reported through the in-person modality, in overweight and obese adult people.
Being an end-of-life doula
Authors: Murphy Sam
Published: July 2021

This article describes what an end-of-life doula is, the training involved and how these individuals can help someone achieve the death they want, reflecting on a role that has existed traditionally in communities for centuries without formal recognition. How end-of-life doulas work holistically but also practically will be considered, outlining how keeping the dying person's preferences and wishes at the heart of their care is the primary aim. Recent issues such as advance care planning, digital legacy and Do Not Attempt Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (DNACPR) will be reflected on through the lens of the end-of-life doula, with the aim of encouraging open discussion and death oracy as a life skill and creating a space to make choices about the end of life. Also explored is how an end-of-life doula works within an integrative model of healthcare, working in partnership with health professionals.
Evidence-based strategies to promote vaccine acceptance
Authors: While Alison
Published: July 2021

The success of a vaccination programme depends upon its coverage so that it provides herd immunity. Vaccine hesitancy has the potential to undermine a vaccine programme. Evidence suggests that some strategies are more effective in promoting vaccination uptake. Community nurses should help in the promotion of vaccination uptake using evidence-based interventions and through ‘Making Every Contact Count’.
Birthing out of the system
Authors: Davison Clare
Published: July 2021

Could the rise in freebirth in medicalised societies be a sign of a broken maternity system? Dr Clare Davison endeavours to answer this question
Gestational metabolic syndrome and neonatal anthropometric indices: a prospective cohort study
Authors: Hatamian Zeinab , Moghaddam-Banaem Lida , Mokhlesi Samira , Naz Marzieh Saei Ghare
Published: July 2021

Background and aim

There is limited knowledge about the effect of maternal metabolic syndrome (MetS) on the anthropometric parameters of newborns. Therefore, the authors aimed to evaluate the association between MetS in the first trimester of pregnancy with weight and height of the newborn.

Methods

This prospective cohort study was conducted on 455 pregnant women in Tehran during their first trimester of pregnancy. MetS was defined as the coexistence of three or more of the following criteria: fasting blood sugar (FBS) level ≥92 mg/dl, blood pressure ≥130.85 mm/hg, triglyceride ≥150 mg/dl, high density lipoprotein ≤50 mg/dl, and body mass index (BMI) ≥30 kg/m2. All participants were followed up to childbirth. After birth, the baby's weight and height data were collected from the birth certificate.

Results

Linear regression analysis showed FBS (ß: 0.100, p-value: 0.038), BMI (ß: 0.139, p-value: 0.004), and MetS (ß: -0.122, p-value: 0.015) were significantly associated with birth weight but no statistically significant results were found for birth height.

Conclusion

MetS and some of its components in pregnancy can affect birth weight of neonates.
Understanding vaccine hesitancy: the evidence
Authors: While Alison
Published: July 2021

Vaccine hesitancy is a concern both globally and within the UK. Alison While reviews the evidence relating to vaccine hesitancy, its underlying factors and the sociodemographic variations

Vaccination is an important public health intervention, but its effectiveness depends upon the uptake of vaccination reaching sufficient levels to yield ‘herd’ immunity. While the majority of the UK hold positive attitudes about vaccination, some people, including health professionals, decline vaccinations. This article reviews the evidence relating to vaccine hesitancy, its underlying factors and the sociodemographic variations.
Compulsory vaccinations: sensible or coercive?
Authors: Peate Ian
Published: July 2021

With COVID-19 vaccinations becoming compulsory for staff working in care homes, Ian Peate explores the issues this could cause
Social Constructivist Approach: Opinions of History Teachers at Intermediate Secondary Schools
Authors: Muhammad Ali Emad
Published: July 2021

This study investigated the influences of social constructivist approaches on history teachers' opinions of social science education. The purpose of the study was to examine the effectiveness of social constructivist approaches and explore the views and practices of teachers in their current use of teaching approaches in social science education. For this study, a qualitative study approach was employed. The study was conducted at intermediate secondary schools in the city of Erbil. For open semi-structured interviews, eight teachers of social science education were purposely selected from eight intermediate secondary schools of grade ninth, and eight social science classes were observed. The results revealed that despite significant changes of the system of education, many challenges were identified in implementing social constructivist approaches in social science education such as the environment of fear, the shortage of proper public infrastructure, lack of care, and resources. Also, the study revealed several barriers like absence of sufficient well-designed teaching guidelines, lack of adequate clear instructions, inadequacy classroom teachers' autonomy, and no freedom. Lastly, the study ends up by specifying several conclusions.
Preparing Prospective and Sustainable EFL Professional Teacher Development by Applying Blended Lesson Study and Clinical Supervision
Authors: Achmad Syarifuddin , Miolo Sartin
Published: July 2021

This research explores how and what strategy is applied for preparing sustainable English teachers' professional development. This study utilizes lesson study strategy-based clinical supervision and quality assurance. Lesson study is a kind of action research based on a cycle base. This study is also recognized as research and development. Based on conceptual and empirical study, it is found that three grand principles of adding quality lesson study implication. Those are cycle reflection in accelerating the teachers’ competencies in English language teaching, clinical supervision nuance, a quality assurance principle by implementing the plan, do, check, and act strategy. This research successfully finds a model for preparing a prospective and sustainable professional teachers development based on lesson study, blended with the clinical supervision and a quality assurance implementation. The outputs consist of connection among professional English teachers; accelerating realization learning and teaching quality based on reflection implication; forming the open attitude and reflecting discussion and depth analysis; building a self-responsibility and awareness as professional teacher attitude; helping one each other in the professional teacher community for accelerating teaching quality by utilizing clinical supervision. Finally, the outcome is obtaining candidates of English professional teachers, prospectively and sustainably, with high-quality EFL teaching performance in national competitiveness.
Differentiated Instruction in Information and Communications Technology Teaching and Effective Learning in Primary Education
Authors: Palieraki Stefania , Koutrouba Konstantina
Published: July 2021

This article presents the findings of an action research study that evaluated the effectiveness of differentiated instruction in the subject of Information and Communications Technology (ICT) in primary education in Greek primary schools. Effective teaching poses a challenge to all educators in all educational levels. The subject of ICT poses multiple challenges to educators due to its applied nature, the limited allocated time and the diverse needs of the students. A differentiated teaching intervention was designed and applied from January to March 2020 to 113 upper elementary students from two elementary schools in Athens. The findings of the research highlight the improvement of the quality of the students’ assessment and the level of students’ active participation due to differentiated instruction. Furthermore, the strategy of flexible grouping, the technique of “thumb it up” cards and the applied differentiated working routine proved to be highly effective. Lastly, the implementation of asynchronous working combined with hierarchical learning activities proved to be challenging to the educator due to its complexity. Based on these findings, the article discusses the importance of further research in the systematic implementation of differentiated instruction in mixed ability classrooms and in multiple subjects.