bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A real-world feasibility study of the PLAYshop: a brief intervention to facilitate parent engagement in developing their child’s physical literacy
Authors: Lane Cassandra , Carson Valerie , Morton Kayla , Reno Kendra , Wright Chris , Predy Madison , Naylor Patti-Jean
Published: May 2021

Background

Development of physical literacy, defined as “the motivation, confidence, physical competence, knowledge and understanding to value and take responsibility for engagement in physical activities for life,” can support children’s physically active behaviors and consequent health benefits. Little research has explored interventions to improve children’s physical literacy, although substantive evidence shows parents play a key role in children’s physically active behaviors and development of fundamental movement skills. The purpose of this study was to explore the feasibility of a novel, physical literacy program (the PLAYshop) designed to build parents’ self-efficacy to support their child’s physical literacy.

Methods

A non-randomized, one-arm concurrent nested design was used. Thirty-five parents of young children (3–8 years of age) attended a 75-min workshop inclusive of interactive activities, educational messages, and the provision of resources focused on core physical literacy concepts. Pre- and post-workshop surveys used quantitative measures to assess parents’ satisfaction, knowledge, confidence, and intention to adopt practices. Follow-up interviews qualitatively explored the implementation experiences of both parents and facilitators. Paired t tests and thematic analysis were undertaken.

Results

Of the 33 eligible parents, 23 completed both pre- and post-workshop surveys. Follow-up interviews were completed with 11 parents and four workshop facilitators. Parents’ self-reported knowledge and confidence to support their child’s physical literacy development significantly increased after PLAYshop participation. The majority of parents were satisfied with the workshop and motivated to apply learnings at home with their child. Workshop facilitators identified seven workshop strengths (e.g., workshop champions and skilled facilitators) and four challenges (e.g., recruitment and unfavorable spaces). Limitations include the lack of control group and recruitment challenges.

Conclusions

The PLAYshop was perceived positively by parents and facilitators and appeared to improve parent self-efficacy and intention to promote physical literacy with their child. Recruitment and attendance were key implementation challenges. The findings from this real-world study support the preliminary feasibility of the PLAYshop intervention and highlight areas to improve the intervention and recruitment prior to efficacy testing in a more rigorous trial format.
Effectiveness of a treatment algorithm for hemodialysis-associated pruritus in terms of changes in medications
Authors: Takahashi Naoko , Yoshizawa Taku , Kumagai Junko , Kawanishi Hideki , Tsuchiya Shinichiro , Moriishi Misaki , Masaki Takao
Published: May 2021

Background

Hemodialysis-associated pruritus (HAP) is a serious complication that occurs in 60–80% of hemodialysis patients, which not only decreases quality of life but also worsens prognosis. We have developed a treatment algorithm to take a comprehensive cause-specific approach to HAP and used it at our facility since June 2009. In this treatment algorithm, moisturizers and topical steroids are used depending on skin condition and severity of pruritus; administration of nalfurafine hydrochloride is considered in treatment-resistant cases. If pruritus improves, we attempt to taper topical steroids by switching to lower potency or by dose reduction or discontinuation. Here, we examined the effectiveness of the treatment algorithm over 9 years in terms of changes in medications.

Methods

Subjects were hemodialysis patients who received treatment for HAP at our facility: 89 in May 2009 before introduction of the algorithm, and 131 in April 2013, 164 in October 2014, 190 in October 2015, 181 in October 2016, 215 in October 2017, and 224 patients in October 2018 after its introduction. A questionnaire survey was conducted on the presence of pruritus, severity (using a visual analogue scale [VAS] and Shiratori severity scores), frequency, and insomnia due to pruritus. Changes in medications were investigated using medical records and compared.

Results

The proportion of patients with pruritus decreased significantly from 96.6% in 2009 to 66.8% in 2018 (p < 0.001). Median VAS score significantly decreased from 53.0 mm in 2009 to 24.5 mm in 2018 (p < 0.001), and the proportion of patients with insomnia due to pruritus also significantly decreased from 25.8% in 2009 to 2.2% in 2018 (p < 0.001). The proportion of patients who used moisturizers significantly increased from 34.8 to 89.7% (p < 0.001). The proportion of patients receiving topical steroids decreased from 47.2 to 35.7%, but the difference was not significant (p = 0.085).

Conclusions

The treatment algorithm was shown to be useful for improving HAP, but future challenges were identified, including promoting use of lower potency topical steroids or discontinuation. Further prospective studies are required to confirm the role of each treatment intervention in a comprehensive cause-specific approach to HAP.
Prospect into therapeutic potentials of Moringa oleifera phytocompounds against cancer upsurge: de novo synthesis of test compounds, molecular docking, and ADMET studies
Authors: Aja P. M. , Agu P. C. , Ezeh E. M. , Awoke J. N. , Ogwoni H. A. , Deusdedit Tusubira , Ekpono E. U. , Igwenyi I. O. , Alum E. U. , Ugwuja E. I. , Ibiam A. U. , Afiukwa C. A. , Adegboyega Abayomi Emmanuel
Published: May 2021

Background

Cancer chemotherapy is difficult because current medications for the treatment of cancer have been linked to a slew of side effects; as a result, researchers are tasked with developing greener cancer chemotherapies. Moringa oleifera has been reported with several bioactive compounds which confirm its application for various ailments by traditional practitioners. In this study, we aim to prospect the therapeutic potentials of M. oleifera phytocompounds against cancer proliferation as a step towards drug discovery using a computational approach. Target proteins: dihydrofolate reductase (DHFR) and B-Cell Lymphoid-2 (BCL-2), were retrieved from the RCSB PDB web server. Sixteen and five phytocompounds previously reported in M. oleifera leaves (ML) and seeds (MS), respectively, by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry were synthesized and used in the molecular docking study. For accurate prediction of binding sites of the target proteins; standard inhibitors, Methotrexate (MTX) for DHFR, and Venetoclax (VTC) for BCL-2, were docked together with the test compounds. We further predicted the ADMET profile of the potential inhibitors for an insight into their chance of success as candidates in drug discovery.

Results

Results for the binding affinities, docking poses, and the interactions showed that ML2, ML4-6, ML8-15, and MS1-5 are potential inhibitors of DHFR and BCL-2, respectively. In the ADMET profile, ML2 and ML4 showed the best drug-likeness by non-violation of Lipski Rule of Five. ML4-6, ML8, ML11, ML14-15, and MS1, MS3-5 exhibit high GI absorption; ML2, ML4-6, ML8, MS1, and MS5 are blood–brain barrier permeants. ML2, ML4, ML9, ML13, and MS2 do not interfere with any of the CYP450 isoforms. The toxicity profile showed that all the potential inhibitors are non-carcinogenic and non-hERG I (human ether-a-go-go related gene I) inhibitors. ML4, ML11, and MS4 are hepatotoxic and ML7, ML10, and MS4 are hERG II inhibitors. A plethora of insights on the toxic endpoints and lethal concentration values showed that ML5, ML13, and MS2 are comparatively less lethal than other potential inhibitors.

Conclusion

This study has demonstrated that M. oleifera phytocompounds are potential inhibitors of the disease proteins involved in cancer proliferation, thus, an invaluable step toward the discovery of cancer chemotherapy with lesser limitations.
KDM5A and KDM5B histone-demethylases contribute to HU-induced replication stress response and tolerance
Authors: Gaillard Solenne , Charasson Virginie , Ribeyre Cyril , Salifou Kader , Pillaire Marie-Jeanne , Hoffmann Jean-Sebastien , Constantinou Angelos , Trouche Didier , Vandromme Marie
Published: May 2021

KDM5A and KDM5B histone-demethylases are overexpressed in many cancers and have been involved in drug tolerance. Here, we describe that KDM5A, together with KDM5B, contribute to replication stress (RS) response and tolerance. First, they positively regulate RRM2, the regulatory subunit of ribonucleotide reductase. Second, they are required for optimal levels of activated Chk1, a major player of the intra-S phase checkpoint that protects cells from RS. We also found that KDM5A is enriched at ongoing replication forks and associates with both PCNA and Chk1. Because RRM2 is a major determinant of replication stress tolerance, we developed cells resistant to HU, and show that KDM5A/B proteins are required for both RRM2 overexpression and tolerance to HU. Altogether, our results indicate that KDM5A/B are major players of RS management. They also show that drugs targeting the enzymatic activity of KDM5 proteins may not affect all cancer-related consequences of KDM5A/B overexpression.
Η επίδραση της έκθεσης σε καυσαέρια πετρελαιομηχανής στην ενδοθηλιακή λειτουργία, στις λειτουργικές ιδιότητες των αρτηρίων, σε δείκτες φλεγμονής και προθρομβωτικούς δείκτες
Authors: Φουντουλάκης Πέτρος
Published: May 2021

Εισαγωγή: Τα καυσαέρια των πετρελαιοκινητήρων αντιπροσωπεύουν μια ομάδα από τους πιο κοινούς τοξικούς ρύπους. Οι παρατεταμένες επιδράσεις της οξείας έκθεσης σε αυτούς τους ρύπους στην φλεγμονώδη απόκριση και τις αγγειακές ιδιότητες είναι άγνωστες. Μέθοδοι: Κατά τη διάρκεια μιας περιόδου 2 ωρών, 40 υγιή άτομα εκτέθηκαν σε καυσαέρια πετρελαιοκινητήρων και/ή φιλτραρισμένο αέρα. Η ενδοθηλιακή λειτουργία αξιολογήθηκε με τη διαστολή προκαλούμενη από τη ροή, η αρτηριακή σκληρία με την ταχύτητα σφυγμικού κύματος και τα ανακλώμενα κύματα με τον δείκτη ενίσχυσης. Μετρήθηκαν επίσης η C-αντιδρώσα πρωτεΐνη, το ινωδογόνο, τα επίπεδα πλάσματος πρωτεΐνης C και η δραστικότητα πρωτεΐνης S. Χρησιμοποιήθηκε η τυπική απόκλιση από κανονικά σε κανονικά διαστήματα R – R (SDNN) για τον υπολογισμό της μεταβλητότητας του καρδιακού ρυθμού. Οι μετρήσεις πραγματοποιήθηκαν πριν από την έκθεση, 2 και 24 ώρες μετά την έκθεση στον μολυσμένο αέρα.Αποτελέσματα: Σε σύγκριση με το φιλτραρισμένο αέρα, η έκθεση σε καυσαέρια πετρελαιοκινητήρων μείωσε τη διαστολή προκαλούμενη από τη ροή, και αύξησε την ταχύτητα σφυγμικού κύματος και το δείκτη ενίσχυσης έως και 24 ώρες μετά την έκθεση (p<0.001 για όλους τους δείκτες). Ομοίως σε σύγκριση με το φιλτραρισμένο αέρα, η έκθεση στους ρύπους πετρελαιοκινητήρων μείωσε το SDNN κατά τη διάρκεια της περιόδου μελέτης των 24 ωρών (p=0.007). Τα επίπεδα της C-αντιδρώσας πρωτεΐνης και του ινωδογόνου αυξήθηκαν σημαντικά μετά την έκθεση στις αναθυμιάσεις πετρελαιοκινητήρων, ενώ τα επίπεδα της πρωτεΐνης C και της δραστικότητας της πρωτεΐνης S μειώθηκαν (p <0.01 για όλους). Η έκθεση σε καυσαέρια πετρελαιοκινητήρων προκάλεσε υψηλότερη συγκέντρωση C-αντιδρώσας πρωτεΐνης στους καπνιστές σε σύγκριση με τους μη καπνιστές (p<0.001). Συμπέρασμα: Η βραχυπρόθεσμη έκθεση σε ρύπους πετρελαιοκινητήρων έχει παρατεταμένη δυσμενή επίδραση στη λειτουργία του ενδοθηλίου και στις ιδιότητες του αγγειακού τοιχώματος, μαζί με μειωμένη μεταβλητότητα της καρδιακής συχνότητας, διαταραχή στην ινωδολυτική δραστηριότητα και επάγει αυξημένους δείκτες φλεγμονής. Αυτά τα ευρήματα δίνουν πληροφορίες για τους μηχανισμούς που τονίζουν τον αυξημένο καρδιαγγειακό κίνδυνο των ατόμων που εκτίθενται τακτικά σε καυσαέρια πετρελαιοκινητήρων.
Using agricultural metadata: a novel investigation of trends in sowing date in on-farm research trials using the Online Farm Trials database
Authors: Walters Judi , Light Kate , Robinson Nathan
Published: May 2021

Background: A growing ability to collect data, together with the development and adoption of the FAIR guiding principles, has increased the amount of data available in many disciplines. This has given rise to an urgent need for robust metadata. Within the Australian grains industry, data from thousands of on-farm research trials (Trial Projects) have been made available via the Online Farm Trials (OFT) website. OFT Trial Project metadata were developed as filters to refine front-end database searches, but could also be used as a dataset to investigate trends in metadata elements. Australian grains crops are being sown earlier, but whether on-farm research trials reflect this change is currently unknown.

Methods: We investigated whether OFT Trial Project metadata could be used to detect trends in sowing dates of on-farm crop research trials across Australia, testing the hypothesis that research trials are being sown earlier in line with local farming practices. The investigation included 15 autumn-sown, winter crop species listed in the database, with trial records from 1993 to 2019.

Results: Our analyses showed that (i) OFT Trial Project metadata can be used as a dataset to detect trends in sowing date; and (ii) cropping research trials are being sown earlier in Victoria and Western Australia, but no trend exists within the other states.

Discussion/Conclusion: Our findings show that OFT Trial Project metadata can be used to detect trends in crop sowing date, suggesting that metadata could also be used to detect trends in other elements such as harvest date. Because OFT is a national database of research trials, further assessment of metadata may uncover important agronomic, cultural or economic trends within or across the Australian cropping regions. New information could then be used to lead practice change and increase productivity within the Australian grains industry.
Can teledermatology meet the needs of the remote and rural population?
Authors: Woodley Angela
Published: May 2021

Background:

Teledermatology has been in use as a supplemental tool in dermatology for many years. This study will focus on its use for dermatology patients with suspected skin cancer, in the remote and rural setting.

Objectives:

Evaluation of the efficacy and accuracy of skin cancer detection using teledermatology.

Methods:

Literature review from last inclusion date of The Cochrane review of 2016 to August 2020. Due to high heterogeneity, resulting data were synthesised narratively.

Results:

All 6 studies agreed that ‘high-quality’ and dermoscopy images improve accuracy of diagnosis. All 6 studies showed its potential usage as 1) supplemental to face-to-face, 2) triage, or 3) a way of providing a specialist service where none is available. None considered it an adequate replacement for a traditional clinic setting.

Conclusion:

Teledermatology has enormous potential but more robust evidence is required.
A question of identity
Authors: Foster Sam
Published: May 2021

Sam Foster, Chief Nurse, Oxford University Hospitals, reflects on a deceptively simple project to ensure patients are called by their preferred name, and why it matters
The psychological impact of active surveillance in men with prostate cancer: implications for nursing care
Authors: Biddle Sophie
Published: May 2021

Introduction:

Active surveillance is a conservative management approach to treating prostate cancer involving regular testing and close monitoring by the health professional. The aim of this literature review is to establish whether men experience a psychological impact of active surveillance and what the prevalent effects might be.

Method:

The search was carried out in three databases: CINAHL, Medline and PsycINFO. Articles published in English, from October 2015 to March 2018, which focused on the psychological impact of active surveillance, were included.

Findings:

A total of eight quantitative studies were included in this report. The review identified key psychological impacts of active surveillance, including anxiety, sub-clinical depression, illness uncertainty and hopelessness. Active surveillance was seen by some patients as a positive treatment approach that limited the side effects associated with active treatment.

Conclusion:

The evidence found a negative impact of active surveillance might be felt by men at any stage during treatment and at differing levels of severity. The article highlights key demographic areas, including ethnicity and age, for future research and recommends more qualitative studies are conducted.
Ultrafast laser ablation of a multicore polymer optical fiber for multipoint light emission
Authors: Chandrasekharan Harikumar K. , McShane Eunan P. , Dhaliwal Kevin , Thomson Robert R. , Tanner Michael G.
Published: May 2021

We demonstrate the use of ultrafast laser pulses to precisely ablate the side of polymer multicore optical fibres (MCF) in such a way that light is efficiently coupled out of a set of MCF cores to free space. By individually exciting sets of MCF cores, this flexible “micro-window” technology allows the controllable generation of light sources at multiple independently selectable locations along the MCF. We found that the maximum fraction of light that could be side coupled from the MCF varied between 55% and 73%.
Fast and accurate autofocus control using Gaussian standard deviation and gradient-based binning
Authors: DiMeo Peter , Sun Lu , Du Xian
Published: May 2021

We propose a fast and accurate autofocus algorithm using Gaussian standard deviation and gradient-based binning. Rather than iteratively searching for the optimal focus using an optimization process, the proposed algorithm directly calculates the mean of the Gaussian shaped focus measure (FM) curve to find the optimal focus location and uses the FM curve standard deviation to adapt the motion step size. The calculation only requires 3-4 defocused images to identify the center location of the FM curve. Furthermore, by assigning motion step sizes based on the FM curve standard deviation, the magnitude of the motion step is adaptively controlled according to the defocused measure, thus avoiding overshoot and unneeded image processing. Our experiment verified the proposed method is faster than the state-of-the-art Adaptive Hill-Climbing (AHC) and offers satisfactory accuracy as measured by root-mean-square error. The proposed method requires 80% fewer images for focusing compared to the AHC method. Moreover, due to this significant reduction in image processing, the proposed method reduces autofocus time to completion by 22% compared to the AHC method. Similar performance of the proposed method was observed in both well-lit and low-lighting conditions.
1-keV emission from laser-plasma source based on an Xe/He double stream gas puff target
Authors: Wachulak Przemysław , Fok Tomasz , Węgrzyński Łukasz , Bartnik Andrzej , Nyga Piotr , Janulewicz Karol , Fiedorowicz Henryk
Published: May 2021

Characterization of Xe emission in the spectral range between 1 and 1.5 keV is presented in the case when the laser-plasma is generated by nanosecond laser pulse irradiation of a double stream Xe/He gas-puff target. Gas target density was estimated using extreme ultraviolet (EUV) radiography. Emission spectral characteristics in the wavelength range from 0.8 to 5.2 nm were determined by using a flat field SXR spectrometer. Significant emission was recorded in two high-energy bands, the first one at wavelengths 0.8–1.6 nm (photon energy range 0.78–1.5 keV) and the second one at 1.6–2.5 nm (0.5–0.78 keV). Both plasma size and photon yield in each band were measured separately to individually assess radiation and source characteristics. Moreover, a proof-of-principle experiment for near-edge X-ray absorption fine structure spectroscopy of metallic sample near the L2,3 absorption edge was performed to show one of the applicability areas of such a compact source.
Efficient self-imaging grating couplers on a lithium-niobate-on-insulator platform at near-visible and telecom wavelengths
Authors: Lomonte Emma , Lenzini Francesco , Pernice Wolfram H. P.
Published: May 2021

Lithium-niobate-on-insulator (LNOI) has emerged as a promising platform in the field of integrated photonics. Nonlinear optical processes and fast electro-optic modulation have been reported with outstanding performance in ultra-low loss waveguides. In order to harness the advantages offered by the LNOI technology, suitable fiber-to-chip interconnects operating at different wavelength ranges are demanded. Here we present easily manufacturable, self-imaging apodized grating couplers, featuring a coupling efficiency of the TE0 mode as high as ≃47.1% at λ=1550 nm and ≃44.9% at λ=775 nm. Our approach avoids the use of any metal back-reflector for an improved directivity or multi-layer structures for an enhanced grating strength.
Visible and near-infrared microdisk resonators on a 4H-silicon-carbide-on-insulator platform
Authors: Wang Chengli , Shen Chen , Yi Ailun , Yang Shumin , Zhou Liping , Zhu Yifan , Huang Kai , Song Sannian , Zhou Min , Zhang Jiaxiang , Ou Xin
Published: May 2021

Wavelength-sized microdisk resonators were fabricated on a single crystalline 4H-silicon-carbide-on-insulator (4H-SiCOI) platform. By carrying out micro-photoluminescence measurements at room temperature, we show that the microdisk resonators support whispering-gallery modes (WGMs) with quality factors up to

5.25
×

10

3

and mode volumes down to

2.61
×

(
λ

/

n

)
3

at the visible and near-infrared wavelengths. Moreover, the demonstrated wavelength-sized microdisk resonators exhibit WGMs whose resonant wavelengths are compatible with the zero-phonon lines of silicon related spin defects in 4H-SiCOI, making them a promising candidate for applications in cavity quantum electrodynamics and integrated quantum photonic circuits.
Picosecond acoustic dynamics in stimulated Brillouin scattering
Authors: Piotrowski Johannes , Schmidt Mikołaj K. , Stiller Birgit , Poulton Christopher G. , Steel Michael J.
Published: May 2021

Recent experiments demonstrating storage of optical pulses in acoustic phonons via stimulated Brillouin scattering raise questions about the spectral and temporal capacities of such protocols and the limitations of the theoretical frameworks routinely used to describe them. We consider the dynamics of photon–phonon scattering induced by optical pulses with temporal widths comparable to the period of acoustic oscillations. We revisit the widely adopted classical formalism of coupled modes and demonstrate its breakdown. We use a simple extension to the formulation and find potentially measurable consequences in the dynamics of Brillouin experiments involving ultrashort pulses.
Technikgestützte zahnmedizinische Hausbesuche durch nicht-ärztliches Fachpersonal zur Minderung des Ansteckungsrisikos
Authors: Kortekamp Sarah-Sabrina , Ickerott Ingmar , Teuteberg Frank
Published: May 2021

Ziel des Beitrags ist die Identifikation von Problemen, Meta-Anforderungen und Designprinzipien für den Einsatz von Mixed und Virtual Reality Brillen zur Unterstützung nicht-ärztlichen Fachpersonals bei zahnmedizinischen Hausbesuchen. Im Rahmen von zwei Gruppendiskussionen und einem Experteninterview wurden zunächst mögliche Einsatzszenarien identifiziert. Anschließend wurde eine systematische Literaturrecherche in den Datenbanken CINAHL, Business Source Premier und MEDLINE durchgeführt. In der gefundenen Literatur konnten 14 Probleme bei der Anwendung von Mixed und Virtual Reality Brillen identifiziert werden. Darauf basierend wurden 14 Meta-Anforderungen abgeleitet und in fünf Designprinzipien zusammengefasst. Abschließend wurden die Ergebnisse mit den Spezifikationen der Microsoft HoloLens 2 abgeglichen, um eine Eignung für die Unterstützung der geplanten Hausbesuche festzustellen. Zudem wurde ein Umsetzungskonzept skizziert. Die Ergebnisse dienen als wichtige Empfehlungen für die praxisnahe Umsetzung zukünftiger Konzepte bezüglich der Anwendung von Mixed und Virtual Reality Brillen im (zahn-)medizinischen Kontext. Die Literaturrecherche zeigt eine Forschungslücke im Bereich zahnmedizinischer Hausbesuche auf. Die Ergebnisse dieses Beitrags schaffen daher eine solide Basis für die zukünftige Forschung.
SARS-CoV-2 mutations among minks show reduced lethality and infectivity to humans
Authors: Konishi Tomokazu
Published: May 2021

SARS-CoV-2 infection in minks has become a serious problem, as the virus may mutate and reinfect humans; some countries have decided to cull minks. Here, the virus sequencing data in minks were analysed and compared to those of human-virus. Although the mink-virus maintained the characteristics of human-virus, some variants rapidly mutated, adapting to minks. Some mink-derived variants infected humans, which accounted for 40% of the total SARS-CoV-2 cases in the Netherlands. These variants appear to be less lethal and infective compared to those in humans. Variants that have mutated further among minks were not found in humans. Such mink-viruses might be suitable for vaccination for humans, such as in the case of the smallpox virus, which is less infective and toxic to humans.
A broadband integrated time series (BITS) for longitudinal analyses of the digital divide
Authors: Mack Elizabeth A. , Helderop Edward , Ma Kangjian , Grubesic Tony H. , Mann John , Loveridge Scott , Maciejewski Ross
Published: May 2021

To evaluate actions taken to implement the Telecommunications Act of 1996, the primary goal of which was to foster competition in the industry, the FCC created a standardized form (Form 477) to collect information about broadband deployment and competition in local telephone service. These data represent the best publicly available record of broadband provision in the United States. Despite the potential benefits offered by this database, there are several nuances to these data related to shifting geographies and reporting requirements that uncorrected, prevent them from being used as an uninterrupted time series for longitudinal analyses. Given the analytical challenges associated with the FCC Form 477 data, the purpose of this paper is to present a solution to the fragmented nature of these data which prevents meaningful longitudinal analyses of the digital divide. Specifically, this paper develops and describes a procedure for producing an integrated broadband time series (BITS) for the last decade (2008–2018). This includes the procedures for using these data, their value to social and economic analysis, and their underlying limitations. The core contribution of this paper is the creation of data infrastructure for investigating the evolution of the digital divide.
Advanced glycation end products and cognitive impairment in schizophrenia
Authors: Kobori Akiko , Miyashita Mitsuhiro , Miyano Yasuhiro , Suzuki Kazuhiro , Toriumi Kazuya , Niizato Kazuhiro , Oshima Kenichi , Imai Atsushi , Nagase Yukihiro , Yoshikawa Akane , Horiuchi Yasue , Yamasaki Syudo , Nishida Atsushi , Usami Satoshi , Takizawa Shunya , Itokawa Masanari , Arai Heii , Arai Makoto
Published: May 2021

Advanced glycation end products play a key role in the pathophysiology of schizophrenia. Cognitive impairment is one of the central features of schizophrenia; however, the association between advanced glycation end products and cognitive impairment remains unknown. This study investigated whether advanced glycation end products affect the cognitive domain in patients with schizophrenia. A total of 58 patients with chronic schizophrenia were included in this cross-sectional study. Plasma advanced glycation end products were measured using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Neuropsychological and cognitive functions were assessed using the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale, Third Version, and the Wisconsin Card Sorting Test Keio-FS version. Multiple regression analysis adjusted for age, sex, body mass index, educational years, daily dose of antipsychotics, and psychotic symptoms revealed that processing speed was significantly associated with plasma pentosidine, a representative advanced glycation end product (standardized β = -0.425; p = 0.009). Processing speed is the cognitive domain affected by advanced glycation end products. Considering preceding evidence that impaired processing speed is related to poor functional outcome, interventions targeted at reducing advanced glycation end products may contribute to promoting recovery of patients with schizophrenia as well as cognitive function improvement.
“Know your epidemic, know your response”: Epidemiological assessment of the substance use disorder crisis in the United States
Authors: Hernández Andrés , Lan Minxuan , MacKinnon Neil J. , Branscum Adam J. , Cuadros Diego F.
Published: May 2021

The United States (U.S.) is currently experiencing a substance use disorders (SUD) crisis with an unprecedented magnitude. The objective of this study was to recognize and characterize the most vulnerable populations at high risk of SUD mortality in the U.S., and to identify the locations where these vulnerable population are located. We obtained the most recent available mortality data for the U.S. population aged 15–84 (2005–2017) from the Centers for Diseases and Prevention (CDC). Our analysis focused on the unintentional substance poisoning to estimate SUD mortality. We computed health-related comorbidities and socioeconomic association with the SUD distribution. We identified the most affected populations and conducted a geographical clustering analysis to identify places with increased concentration of SUD related deaths. From 2005–2017, 463,717 SUD-related deaths occurred in the United States. White population was identified with the highest SUD death proportions. However, there was a surge of the SUD epidemic in the Black male population, with a sharp increase in the SUD-related death rate since 2014. We also found that an additional average day of mental distress might increase the relative risk of SUD-related mortality by 39%. The geographical distribution of the epidemic showed clustering in the West and Mid-west regions of the U.S. In conclusion, we found that the SUD epidemic in the U.S. is characterized by the emergence of several micro-epidemics of different intensities across demographic groups and locations within the country. The comprehensive description of the epidemic presented in this study could assist in the design and implementation of targeted policy interventions for addiction mitigation campaigns.
Human-derived Treg and MSC combination therapy may augment immunosuppressive potency in vitro, but did not improve blood brain barrier integrity in an experimental rat traumatic brain injury model
Authors: Caplan Henry W. , Prabhakara Karthik S. , Toledano Furman Naama E. , Zorofchian Soheil , Martin Cecilia , Xue Hasen , Olson Scott D. , Cox Charles S.
Published: May 2021

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) causes both physical disruption of the blood brain barrier (BBB) and altered immune responses that can lead to significant secondary brain injury and chronic inflammation within the central nervous system (CNS). Cell therapies, including mesenchymal stromal cells (MSC), have been shown to restore BBB integrity and augment endogenous splenic regulatory T cells (Treg), a subset of CD4+ T cells that function to regulate immune responses and prevent autoimmunity. We have recently shown that infusion of human cord blood-derived Treg decreased neuroinflammation after TBI in vivo and in vitro. However, while both cells have demonstrated anti-inflammatory and regenerative potential, they likely utilize differing, although potentially overlapping, mechanisms. Furthermore, studies investigating these two cell types together, as a combination therapy, are lacking. In this study, we compared the ability of Treg+MSC combination therapy, as well as MSC and Treg monotherapies, to improve BBB permeability in vivo and suppress inflammation in vitro. While Treg+MSC combination did not significantly augment potency in vivo, our in vitro data demonstrates that combination therapy may augment therapeutic potency and immunosuppressive potential compared to Treg or MSC monotherapy.
Biodetection of a specific odor signature in mallard feces associated with infection by low pathogenic avian influenza A virus
Authors: Golden Glen J. , Grady Meredith J. , McLean Hailey E. , Shriner Susan A. , Hartwig Airn , Bowen Richard A. , Kimball Bruce A.
Published: May 2021

Outbreaks of avian influenza virus (AIV) infection included the spread of highly pathogenic AIV in commercial poultry and backyard flocks in the spring of 2015. This resulted in estimated losses of more than $8.5 million from federal government expenditures, $1.6 billion from direct losses to produces arising from destroyed turkey and chicken egg production, and economy-wide indirect costs of $3.3 billion from impacts on retailers and the food service industries. Additionally, these outbreaks resulted in the death or depopulation of nearly 50 million domestic birds. Domesticated male ferrets (Mustela putorius furo) were trained to display a specific conditioned behavior (i.e. active scratch alert) in response to feces from AIV-infected mallards in comparison to feces from healthy ducks. In order to establish that ferrets were identifying samples based on odors associated with infection, additional experiments controlled for potentially confounding effects, such as: individual duck identity, housing and feed, inoculation concentration, and day of sample collection (post-infection). A final experiment revealed that trained ferrets could detect AIV infection status even in the presence of samples from mallards inoculated with Newcastle disease virus or infectious laryngotracheitis virus. These results indicate that mammalian biodetectors are capable of discriminating the specific odors emitted from the feces of non-infected versus AIV infected mallards, suggesting that the health status of waterfowl can be evaluated non-invasively for AIV infection via monitoring of volatile fecal metabolites. Furthermore, in situ monitoring using trained biodetectors may be an effective tool for assessing population health.
Distancing the socially distanced: Racial/ethnic composition’s association with physical distancing in response to COVID-19 in the U.S.
Authors: Gibbons Joseph
Published: May 2021

Social distancing prescribed by policy makers in response to COVID-19 raises important questions as to how effectively people of color can distance. Due to inequalities from residential segregation, Hispanic and Black populations have challenges in meeting health expectations. However, segregated neighborhoods also support the formation of social bonds that relate to healthy behaviors. We evaluate the question of non-White distancing using social mobility data from Google on three sites: workplaces, grocery stores, and recreational locations. Employing hierarchical linear modeling and geographically weighted regression, we find the relation of race/ethnicity to COVID-19 distancing is varied across the United States. The HLM models show that compared to Black populations, Hispanic populations overall more effectively distance from recreation sites and grocery stores: each point increase in percent Hispanic was related to residents being 0.092 percent less likely (p< 0.05) to visit recreational sites and 0.127 percent less likely (p< 0.01) to visit grocery stores since the onset of COVID-19. However, the GWR models show there are places where the percent Black is locally related to recreation distancing while percent Hispanic is not. Further, these models show the association of percent Black to recreation and grocery distancing can be locally as strong as 1.057 percent (p< 0.05) and 0.989 percent (p< 0.05), respectively. Next, the HLM models identified that Black/White residential isolation was related to less distancing, with each point of isolation residents were 11.476 percent more likely (p< 0.01) to go to recreational sites and 7.493 percent more likely (p< 0.05) to visit grocery stores compared to before COVID-19. These models did not find a measurable advantage/disadvantage for Black populations in these places compared to White populations. COVID-19 policy should not assume disadvantage in achieving social distancing accrue equally to different racial/ethnic minorities.
Airborne vocal communication in adult neotropical otters (Lontra longicaudis)
Authors: Bettoni Sabrina , Stoeger Angela , Rodriguez Camilo , Fitch W. Tecumseh
Published: May 2021

Most aquatic mammals have complex social and communication systems. Interestingly, little is known about otters’ vocal communication compared to other aquatic mammals. Here, for the first time, we acoustically describe vocalizations of the neotropical otter (Lontra longicaudis), a solitary and endangered New World otter species. We recorded vocalizations and behavioral contexts from six captive neotropical otters at Projeto Lontra, Santa Catarina Island, Brazil. Analysis of acoustic parameters were used to classify the vocalizations according to structure and context. We describe six call types with highly tonal as well as chaotic vocalizations with fundamental frequencies ranging from 90 to 2500 Hz. Additionally, we identified sex differences in the usage of calls. Results suggest that the neotropical river otter has a rich vocal repertoire, similar in complexity to other solitary otter species, but less complex than that of the social giant otter. Despite differences in sociality, phylogeny and ecology,L.longicaudisseems to possess vocalizations homologous to those found in other otters (e.g. hah and chirp), suggesting phylogenetic inertia in otter communicative repertoire. Otters thus offer an interesting but neglected group to explore the evolution of communication systems.
Comprehensive comparison of Apple Watch and Fitbit monitors in a free-living setting
Authors: Bai Yang , Tompkins Connie , Gell Nancy , Dione Dakota , Zhang Tao , Byun Wonwoo
Published: May 2021

Objectives

The aim of this study was to evaluate the accuracy of three consumer-based activity monitors, Fitbit Charge 2, Fitbit Alta, and the Apple Watch 2, all worn on the wrist, in estimating step counts, moderate-to-vigorous minutes (MVPA), and heart rate in a free-living setting.

Methods

Forty-eight participants (31 females, 17 males; ages 18–59) were asked to wear the three consumer-based monitors mentioned above on the wrist, concurrently with a Yamax pedometer as the criterion for step count, an ActiGraph GT3X+ (ActiGraph) for MVPA, and a Polar H7 chest strap for heart rate. Participants wore the monitors for a 24-hour free-living condition without changing their usual active routine. MVPA was calculated in bouts of ≥10 minutes. Pearson correlation, mean absolute percent error (MAPE), and equivalence testing were used to evaluate the measurement agreement.

Results

The average step counts recorded for each device were as follows: 11,734 (Charge2), 11,922 (Alta), 11,550 (Apple2), and 10,906 (Yamax). The correlations in steps for the above monitors ranged from 0.84 to 0.95 and MAPE ranged from 17.1% to 35.5%. For MVPA minutes, the average were 76.3 (Charge2), 63.3 (Alta), 49.5 (Apple2), and 47.8 (ActiGraph) minutes accumulated in bouts of 10 or greater minutes. The correlation from MVPA estimation for above monitors were 0.77, 0.91, and 0.66. MAPE from MVPA estimation ranged from 44.7% to 55.4% compared to ActiGraph. For heart rate, correlation for Charge2 and Apple2 was higher for sedentary behavior and lower for MVPA. The MAPE ranged from 4% to 16%.

Conclusion

All three consumer monitors estimated step counts fairly accurately, and both the Charge2 and Apple2 reported reasonable heart rate estimation. However, all monitors substantially underestimated MVPA in free-living settings.
RT-qPCR assay for detection of mink astrovirus in outbreaks of diarrhea on Danish mink farms
Authors: Barsøe Sofie , Ullman Karin , Leijon Mikael , Hedlund Kjell Olof , Klingström Jonas , Krarup Louise Iuel , Andresen Lars , Quaade Michelle Lauge , Hammer Anne Sofie
Published: May 2021

Diarrhea in mink kits is a major cause of disease and mortality in the mink production. The etiology remains unknown in most outbreaks due to a lack of diagnostic assays. In the current study we present an RT-qPCR method to detect mink astrovirus in fecal samples from mink kits with diarrhea. All sampled animals were classified based on age and patoanatomical evaluation as having pre-weaning diarrhea, diarrhea in the growth period or as having no macroscopic signs of diarrhea. Fecal samples were analyzed for MiAstV with RT-qPCR, next generation sequencing and electron microscopy in parallel. Mink astrovirus was detected with RT-qPCR in 92 out of 203 samples. This detection was confirmed by next generation sequencing in a high proportion of samples (22/27), and by visualization of astrovirus particles with EM in some of the samples. Mink astrovirus was highly prevalent (68%) among kits in the outbreaks of pre-weaning diarrhea, in particular outbreaks from May, while less prevalent in outbreaks in June. Mink astrovirus was detected in outbreaks of diarrhea in the growth period, though in a much lesser extent than in the pre-weaning period. The role of mink astrovirus in the diarrhea disease complex of mink remain to be investigated, and for that purpose this sensitive and robust RT-qPCR can be a valuable tool in the future.
Crystal methamphetamine use in British Columbia, Canada: A cross-sectional study of people who access harm reduction services
Authors: Papamihali Kristi , Collins Dylan , Karamouzian Mohammad , Purssell Roy , Graham Brittany , Buxton Jane
Published: May 2021

Introduction

Increased use of crystal methamphetamine (“crystal meth”) has been observed across North America and international jurisdictions, including a notable increase in the presence of methamphetamines in illicit drug toxicity deaths in British Columbia (BC), Canada. We used data from a cross-sectional survey and urine toxicology screening to report the prevalence, correlates, and validity of self-reported crystal meth use among clients of harm reduction sites in BC.

Materials and methods

Survey data were collected from 1,107 participants across 25 communities in BC, through the 2018 and 2019 Harm Reduction Client Survey. We described reported substance use and used a multivariate logistic regression model to characterize crystal meth use. Urine samples provided by a subset of participants were used to derive validity of self-reported three-day crystal meth use compared to urine toxicology screening.

Results

Excluding tobacco, crystal meth was the most frequently reported substance used in the past three days in 2018 and 2019 (59.7% and 71.7%, respectively). Smoking was the dominant route of administration for crystal meth, crack, heroin, and fentanyl. Multivariate analysis determined significantly higher odds of crystal meth use among those who used opioids (Adjusted Odds Ratio [AOR] = 3.13), cannabis (AOR = 2.10), and alcohol (1.41), and among those who were not regularly housed (AOR = 2.08) and unemployed (AOR = 1.75). Age ≥50 was inversely associated with crystal meth use (AOR = 0.63). Sensitivity of self-reported crystal meth use was 86%, specificity was 86%, positive predictive value was 96%, and negative predictive value was 65%.

Conclusions

Crystal meth was the most commonly used substance among clients of harm reduction sites in BC in 2018 and 2019, and was frequently used concurrently with opioids. Comparison to urine samples demonstrated high validity of self-reported crystal meth use. Understanding evolving patterns of substance use will be imperative in tailoring harm reduction and substance use services for individuals that use crystal meth.
Investigation of niclosamide as a repurposing agent for skeletal muscle atrophy
Authors: Kim Hyun-Jun , Lee Ji-Hyung , Kim Seon-Wook , Lee Sang-Hoon , Jung Da-Woon , Williams Darren R.
Published: May 2021

Skeletal muscle atrophy is a feature of aging (termed sarcopenia) and various diseases, such as cancer and kidney failure. Effective drug treatment options for muscle atrophy are lacking. The tapeworm medication, niclosamide is being assessed for repurposing to treat numerous diseases, including end-stage cancer metastasis and hepatic steatosis. In this study, we investigated the potential of niclosamide as a repurposing drug for muscle atrophy. In a myotube atrophy model using the glucocorticoid, dexamethasone, niclosamide did not prevent the reduction in myotube diameter or the decreased expression of phosphorylated FOXO3a, which upregulates the ubiquitin-proteasome pathway of muscle catabolism. Treatment of normal myotubes with niclosamide did not activate mTOR, a major regulator of muscle protein synthesis, and increased the expression of atrogin-1, which is induced in catabolic states. Niclosamide treatment also inhibited myogenesis in muscle precursor cells, enhanced the expression of myoblast markersPax7andMyf5, and downregulated the expression of differentiation markersMyoD,MyoGandMyh2. In an animal model of muscle atrophy, niclosamide did not improve muscle mass, grip strength or muscle fiber cross-sectional area. Muscle atrophy is also feature of cancer cachexia. IC50analyses indicated that niclosamide was more cytotoxic for myoblasts than cancer cells. In addition, niclosamide did not suppress the induction ofiNOS, a key mediator of atrophy, in anin vitromodel of cancer cachexia and did not rescue myotube diameter. Overall, these results suggest that niclosamide may not be a suitable repurposing drug for glucocorticoid-induced skeletal muscle atrophy or cancer cachexia. Nevertheless, niclosamide may be employed as a compound to study mechanisms regulating myogenesis and catabolic pathways in skeletal muscle.
Reliability of SNIP test and optimal number of maneuvers in 6-11 years healthy children
Authors: Marcelino Ana Aline , Fregonezi Guilherme , Marques Layana , Lista-Paz Ana , Torres-Castro Rodrigo , Resqueti Vanessa
Published: May 2021

Background and purpose

Sniff nasal inspiratory pressure (SNIP) is a voluntary inspiratory maneuver measured through a plug occluding one nostril. The investigation of the number of maneuvers necessary to reach the highest peak of SNIP in pediatric populations has been inconsistent. Thus, this study aimed to assess the reliability of SNIP in healthy children aged 6 to 11 years according to sex and age group, and to determine the optimal number of SNIP maneuvers for this age group.

Methods

This cross-sectional study included healthy children with normal pulmonary function. We performed 12 to 20 SNIP maneuvers, with a 30 s rest between each maneuver. The reliability was tested using the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), standard error of measurement (SEM), minimal detectable change (MDC), and Bland-Altman analysis for agreement.

Results

A total of 121 healthy children (62 girls [51%]) were included in this study. The ICC and corresponding confidence interval (CI) between the highest measure and the first reproducible maneuver were 0.752 (0.656–0.824), SEM = 10.37 cmH2O, and MDC = 28.74 cmH2O. For children aged 6 to 7 years, the ICC was 0.669 (0.427–0.822), SEM = 10.76 cmH2O and MDC = 29.82 cmH2O; for children aged 8 to 11 years, the ICC was 0.774 (0.662–0.852), SEM = 9.74 cmH2O, and MDC = 26.05 cmH2O. For girls, the ICC was 0.817 (0.706–0.889), SEM = 9.40 cmH2O and MDC = 26.05 cmH2O; for boys, the ICC was 0.671 (0.487–0.798), SEM = 11.51 cmH2O, and MDC = 31.90 cmH2O. Approximately 80% of the total sample reached the highest SNIP before the 10th maneuver.

Conclusions

SNIP demonstrated moderate reliability between the maneuvers in children aged 6 to 11 years; older children and girls reached the SNIP peak faster. Finally, results indicated that 12 maneuvers were sufficient for healthy children aged 6 to 11 years to achieve the highest SNIP peak.