bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of the use of a novel bioabsorbable polymer drug-eluting microsphere for transarterial embolization of hepatocellular neoplasia in dogs
Authors: Culp William T. N. , Johnson Eric G. , Giuffrida Michelle A. , Rebhun Robert B. , Cawthra James K. , Schwanz Heidi A. , Burton Jenna H. , Kent Michael S.
Published: August 2022

In dogs with non-resectable hepatic neoplasia, treatment options are limited. The objectives of this study were to describe the use of a novel drug-eluting embolic microsphere containing paclitaxel for use during transarterial chemoembolization (TACE), to compare results of liver-specific owner questionnaires and tumor volume pre- and post-TACE, and to measure systemic paclitaxel concentration post-TACE. Client-owned dogs with non-resectable hepatic neoplasia were prospectively enrolled. All owners completed questionnaires validated for the assessment of subjective outcomes in dogs with cancer before the TACE procedure and approximately 4 weeks after the TACE procedure. A CT scan was performed before TACE and 1 month after TACE; results were compared. Blood samples were obtained at specified time points post-TACE to determine systemic paclitaxel concentrations. Seven dogs (median weight: 8.9 kg; range, 4.3–31 kg) were enrolled. TACE was successfully performed in all dogs, and no intra-procedural complications were encountered. Questionnaire scores improved significantly post-TACE. Among the 6 dogs for which full data were available, median pre-TACE tumor volume was 390 cc (range 152–1,484; interquartile range 231–1,139) and median post-TACE tumor volume was 203 cc (range 98–889; interquartile range 151–369), which was significantly (P = .028) lower. All 6 dogs had a reduction in volume at the post-TACE measurement. Mean percent change in tumor volume was -45.6% (95%CI -58.6 to -32.6%). The mean plasma paclitaxel concentration in canine blood peaked at 4 days post-TACE procedure and was 25.7 ng/mL (range = 3.09–110 ng/mL) Median survival time was 629 days (95%CI 18 to upper limit not reached). The use of a novel paclitaxel-eluting microsphere in this cohort of dogs successfully decreased tumor volume significantly after TACE and improved clinical signs. Future investigation into the use of TACE and other similar therapies is warranted due to the promising outcomes noted in this cohort.
Factors influencing exclusive breast feeding among children born to HIV positive mothers attending public health facilities in western Ethiopia: Cross-sectional study
Authors: Bultum Ejigayehu Tolessa , Roro Elias Merdassa , Wolde Tsedeke , Regasa Ilili Feyessa
Published: August 2022

Only about 39% of infants in low- and middle-income countries are exclusively breast-fed for the first six months. In particular, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) positive women report confusion about the best feeding methods. Exclusive Breastfeeding (EBF) practices in HIV positive mothers are sub-optimal in Ethiopia. This study aimed to identify the main factors influencing EBF among HIV positive breast-feeding mothers. A facility based cross-sectional study was carried out from September 2017 to June 30 2018 among HIV positive mothers with infants aged 6–23 months. Thirteen public health facilities (7 health centers and 6 hospitals) that provided anti-retroviral treatment (ART) and Prevention of mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT) services, found in three districts of West, East and Kellem Wollega Zones, were randomly selected. Respondents were recruited by systematic random sampling techniques from these facilities using client registers as a sampling frame. Data were collected using face to face interviews with a pre-tested questionnaire. Data were entered into EPI info Version 3.5.1 and analyzed using SPSS Version 20 for windows. Candidate variables for the final multi-variable model were selected considering P≤ 0.05 at bivariable analysis. Associations were declared at P≤ 0.05 by assuming Confidence Intervals did not cross ‘1’with corresponding 95%. A total of 218 HIV positive mothers were included in this study. Of these, only 122 (56.0%) practiced EBF in the first six months. The proportion of study participants who initiated EBF within the first hour of delivery was 134 (61.8%). Mean age of study participants was 28.6years with SD ± 4. Mothers’ having received advice on EBF [AOR 3, 95% CI (1.2–6.7)], disclosure of HIV status to someone close to them including their husband [AOR 6, 95% CI (1.2–29.6)] and believing HIV can be transmitted during delivery [AOR 5.2, 95% CI (1.1–24.0)] were found to increase the likelihood of EBF practices among the study participants (P-value ≤ 0.05). In this study, only just over half of the mothers practiced EBF for the first six months. Care providers should continue to encourage mothers to practice EBF in the first six months and to disclosure of HIV status to someone close to them including their partner. Efforts should be in place to curb the risk of HIV/AIDS transmission during delivery. Continues advise for mothers to practice EBF in the first 6 months is still needed.
Adalimumab biosimilars in the therapy of Crohn´s disease and ulcerative colitis: Prospective multicentric clinical monitoring
Authors: Wasserbauer Martin , Hlava Stepan , Drabek Jiri , Stovicek Jan , Minarikova Petra , Nedbalova Lenka , Drasar Tomas , Zadorova Zdena , Dolina Jiri , Konecny Stefan , Kojecky Vladimír , Kozeluhova Jana , Cernikova Pavlina , Pichlerova Dita , Kucerova Barbora , Coufal Stepan , Keil Radan
Published: August 2022

Objective

The adalimumab biosimilars FKB327 and GP2017 were approved for the therapy of patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Relatively few prospective studies with biosimilar adalimumab in patients with IBD have been published. The aim of this prospective observational study was to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of the biosimilar adalimumab.

Material and methods

Adalimumab biosimilars FKB327 (Hulio®) and GP2017 (Hyrimoz®) were indicated to 50 naive patients in terms of biological therapy with Crohn’s disease (CD) or ulcerative colitis (UC). Effectiveness of therapy was evaluated via the Crohn’s Disease Activity Index [CDAI] or the Mayo Scoring System [MSS] in patients with CD or UC, respectively, before and after 12 weeks. Additional goals were to evaluate weight changes, laboratory tests and complications or adverse events of this therapy.

Results

In CD patients, remission (CDAI <150) was achieved in 73.5% of cases, partial response (≥70-point decrease in CDAI score from baseline) in 11.8%, no response in 11.8% and 2.9% patients discontinued therapy. In UC patients, remission (total score on partial Mayo index ≤2 points) was achieved only in 18.8% of cases, partial response (≥2-point decrease in partial Mayo score from baseline) in 43.8%, no response in 25.0% and 12.5% patients discontinued therapy. There were statistically significant improvements in CDAI, MSS, haemoglobin, fecal calprotectin, albumin and CRP serum levels after 12 weeks of therapy. Seven adverse events were identified, three of which resulted in therapy being discontinued.

Conclusions

This prospective observational study proved the effectiveness of the adalimumab biosimilars FKB327 and GP2017 in IBD.
The prevalence of molecular markers of resistance to sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine among pregnant women at first antenatal clinic attendance and delivery in the forest-savannah area of Ghana
Authors: Dosoo David Kwame , Bailey Jeffrey A. , Asante Kwaku Poku , Oppong Felix Boakye , Niaré Karamoko , Opoku-Mensah Jones , Owusu-Agyei Seth , Greenwood Brian , Chandramohan Daniel
Published: August 2022

Intermittent preventive treatment during pregnancy with sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine (IPTp-SP) is used to prevent malaria and associated unfavorable maternal and foetal outcomes in pregnancy in moderate to high malaria transmission areas. Effectiveness of IPTp-SP is, however, threatened by mutations in the Plasmodium falciparum dihydrofolate reductase (Pfdhfr) and dihydropteroate synthase (Pfdhps) genes which confer resistance to pyrimethamine and sulfadoxine, respectively. This study determined the prevalence of molecular markers of SP resistance among pregnant women in a high malaria transmission area in the forest-savannah area of Ghana. Genomic DNA was extracted from 286 P. falciparum-positive dried blood spots obtained from pregnant women aged ≥18 years (255 at first Antenatal Care (ANC) clinic visit and 31 at delivery from 2017 to 2019) using Chelex 100. Mutations in Pfdhfr and Pfdhps genes were detected using molecular inversion probes and next generation sequencing. In the Pfdhfr gene, single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were detected in 83.1% (157/189), 92.0% (173/188) and 91.0% (171/188) at codons 51, 59, and 108 respectively in samples collected at first ANC visit, while SNPs were detected in 96.6 (28/29), 96.6% (28/29) and 96.8% (30/31) in isolates collected at delivery. The Pfdhfr triple mutant N51I, C59R and S108N (IRN) was carried by 80.5% (128/159) and 96.5% (28/29) of the typed isolates collected at ANC visit and at delivery respectively. In the Pfdhps gene, SNPs were detected in 0.6% (1/174), 76.2% (138/181), 33.2% (60/181), 1.2% (2/174), 0% (0/183), and 16.6% (27/173) at codons 431, 436, 437, 540, 581 and 613 respectively in samples collected at ANC, and 0% (0/25), 72% (18/25), 40% (10/25), 3.6% (1/25), 0% (0/29) and 7.4% (2/27) in samples collected at delivery. Quadruple mutant Pfdhfr N51I, C59R, and S108N + Pfdhps A437G (IRN-GK) was present in 25.8% (33/128) and 34.8% (8/23) of isolates at ANC and at delivery respectively. Quintuple mutant alleles Pfdhfr N51I, C59R, and S108N + Pfdhps A437G and K540E (IRN-GE) were detected in 0.8% (1/128) and 4.4% (1/23) of samples collected at ANC and at delivery respectively. No mutations were identified at Pfdhfr codons 16 or 164 or Pfdhps 581. There is a high prevalence of Pfdhfr triple mutant P. falciparum infections among pregnant women in the study area. However, prevalence of the combined Pfdhfr/Pfdhps quadruple and quintuple mutants IRN-GK and IRN-GE respectively prior to commencement of IPTp-SP were low, and no Pfdhps A581G mutant was detected, indicating that SP is still likely to be efficacious for IPTp-SP in the forest-savannah area in the middle belt of Ghana.
New chest compression method in infant resuscitation: Cross thumb technique
Authors: Jeon Woochan , Kim Jungeon , Ko Yura , Lee Jisook
Published: August 2022

Background

The two-thumb encircling technique (2TT) is superior to the two-finger technique (2FT) in infant cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), but there are difficulties in providing ventilation as soon as possible. We modified the 2TT to the cross-thumb technique (CTT) to maintain good CPR performance at the same position as 2FT. We aimed to compare the quality of chest compression and brief hands-off times in 2FT, 2TT, and CTT by a single rescuer using an infant CPR manikin model.

Methods

This study was designed as a prospective randomized controlled simulation-based study. We used the Resusci® Baby QCPR (Laerdal Medical, Stavanger, Norway) as a simulated 3-month-old infant. Ventilation was performed by the mouth-to-mouth technique using a chest compression-to-ventilation ratio of 30:2 as a single rescuer. Data on CPR quality, such as locations, rates, depth and release of chest compressions, hands-off times, and proper ventilation, were recorded using the Resusci® Baby QCPR and SkillReporter. Also, the chest compression fraction (CCF) was automatically calculated.

Results

The depth of chest compression in 2FT, 2TT, and CTT were 40.0 mm (interquartile range [IQR] 39.0, 41.0), 42.0 mm (IQR 41.0, 43.0), and 42.0 mm (IQR 41.0, 43.0), respectively. The depth of chest compression in 2FT was shallower than that in the other two techniques (P<0.05). CCF in 2FT, 2TT, and CTT were 73.9% (IQR 72.2, 75.6), 71.2% (IQR 67.2, 72.2) and 71.3% (IQR 67.7, 74.1), respectively. CCF was higher in 2FT than in the other two techniques (P<0.05). Correct location in 2FT, 2TT, and CTT were 99.0% (IQR 86.0, 100.0), 100.0% (IQR 97.0, 100.0) and 100.0% (IQR 99.0, 100.0), respectively. Correct location in CTT and 2TT was higher than that in 2FT. Performing CTT, the subjective pain and fatigue score were lower than other two technique.

Conclusion

A new chest compression technique, CTT was better in chest compression depth compared with 2FT and may be helpful in maintaining correct chest compression location with less pain and fatigue in infant CPR.
Hematological abnormalities before and after initiation of cancer treatment among breast cancer patients attending at the University of Gondar comprehensive specialized hospital cancer treatment center
Authors: Aynalem Melak , Adem Nurayni , Wendesson Firdews , Misganaw Bewket , Mintesnot Simegnew , Godo Nega , Getawa Solomon , Adane Tiruneh , Woldu Berhanu , Shiferaw Elias
Published: August 2022

Background

Breast cancer is the most frequent and fatal cancer type globally. The fatality rate of breast cancer is mostly due to disease complications like hematological alterations. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the hematological abnormalities before, during, and after the initiation of cancer treatment in breast cancer patients at the University of Gondar comprehensive specialized hospital.

Methodology

Hematological profiles were collected from 267 breast cancer patients who attended the cancer treatment center from September 2017 to August 2021. A data extraction sheet was used to extract data from the patient’s medical chart, including sociodemography, clinical, and hematological profiles. EPI info version 3.5.1 and SPSS Version 25 softwares were used for data entrance and analysis, respectively. Descriptive statistics were summarized using frequency and percentage. The Friedman test followed by a Wilcoxon signed rank test was used to compare the mean difference between the hematological profiles at zero and after the 4th and 8th cycles of treatment.

Result

Of the total participants, 91% were females, and the median age of the study participants was 45 (IQR = 36, 55) years. Red blood cell, white blood cell, and lymphocyte counts, as well as hematocrit and hemoglobin values, were significantly reduced after the initiation of cancer treatment, while the platelet count and red cell distribution width were significantly increased. The prevalence of anemia was 21.7% (95% CI: 16.6, 26.8), 22.7% (95% CI: 17.6, 27.8), and 26.4% (95% CI: 21.3, 31.5) before, during, and after the initiation of cancer treatment, respectively. The prevalence of leukopenia before, during, and after treatment was 9.7%, 18.8%, and 15.1%, respectively. Finally the prevalence of thrombocytopenia was 6.3%, 3.4%, and 8% at before, during, and after treatment, respectively.

Conclusion

This study concluded that many hematological parameters were significantly affected by the breast cancer treatment. Therefore, proper patient follow-up and provide appropriate interventions related to their hematological abnormalities is crucial. It is also important to conduct further prospective studies to confirm the findings of this study.
Do cooperatives exclude small-scale farming households? Evidence from Fuchuan County, Guangxi Province
Authors: Fu Linlin , Peng Wenhuan , Shi Xinjie
Published: August 2022

The exclusion, or otherwise, of small-scale farmers by cooperatives determines whether they can be well engaged in the grand strategy of agricultural modernization. By identifying the exclusion pattern of cooperatives and using the field research data on farmers in Fuchuan, Guangxi, this study finds that cooperatives tend to screen their members via both explicit and implicit exclusion and that small-scale farmers are more likely to be excluded. The theoretical analysis conducted in this study reveals that excluding small-scale farmers is a rational choice made by cooperatives to pursue efficiency in the context of organizational form variation. Furthermore, cooperatives’ organizational form variation and their decisions to exclude small-scale farmers are endogenous, thereby suggesting that cooperatives in China may become unions of rural elites. During the exploration of using cooperatives as a carrier to involve small-scale farmers in agricultural modernization, the phenomenon of cooperatives’ exclusion of small-scale farmers needs to be highly emphasized.
Intestinal effect of faba bean fractions in WD-fed mice treated with low dose of DSS
Authors: Papoutsis Dimitrios , Rocha Sérgio Domingos Cardoso , Herfindal Anne Mari , Kjølsrud Bøhn Siv , Carlsen Harald
Published: August 2022

Rodent studies have shown that legumes can reduce chemical induced colonic inflammation, but the role of faba bean fractions for colon health has not been described. We have investigated the role of protein and fiber fractions of faba beans for colonic health and microbiota composition in a low-grade inflammation mice-model when incorporated in a Western diet (WD). The diet of sixty C57BL/6JRj male mice was standardized to a WD (41% fat, 43% carbohydrates) before were randomly assigned to four groups (n = 12) receiving either 1) WD with 30% of the protein replaced with faba-bean proteins, 2) WD with 7% of the fiber replaced with faba-bean fibers, 3) WD with protein and fiber fractions or 4) plain WD (n = 24). Low-grade inflammation was induced by 1% dextran sodium sulfate (DSS) given to mice for the last six days of the trial. Half (n = 12) in group 4) were given only water (controls). Prior to DSS, body weight, energy intake, glucose and insulin tolerance assays were performed. Inflammatory status in the colon was assessed by biomarkers of inflammation and qRT-PCR analyses of inflammatory related genes. Fecal microbiota composition was assessed by 16S rRNA gene sequencing. 1% DSS treatment increased levels in fecal lipocalin-2 and induced disease activity index score, but the presence of faba bean fractions in WD did not influence these indicators nor the expression level of inflammatory associated genes. However, the mice that had faba-bean proteins had a lower amount of Proteobacteria compared the group on plain WD. The Actinobacteria abundance was also lower in the group that had fiber fraction from faba-beans. Overall, outcomes indicated that in a low-grade inflammation model, replacement of protein and or fiber in a WD with faba bean fractions had marginal effects on inflammatory parameters and colonic microbiota.
What is behind the gender gap in economics distance education: Age, work-life balance and COVID-19
Authors: Castellanos-Serrano Cristina , Escribano Gonzalo , Paredes-Gázquez Juandiego , San-Martín González Enrique
Published: August 2022

There is an ongoing debate about whether gender equality in education has been achieved or not. Research efforts have focused on primary and secondary education, while there are fewer studies on higher education, and few studies refer to distance education. To contribute to address this gap, this article presents a gender analysis of educational outcomes in economics at Spain’s leading distance university, UNED, which is also the largest university in the European Union in terms of enrolment. The aim of the article is to assess whether there is a gender gap in academic results and to identify the sociodemographic and academic variables that may be causing such a gap by analysing how they shape such differences. Finally, the impact of COVID-19 is also considered. The results confirm that women underperformed significantly in our sample in terms of passing and scoring, especially among those between 30 and 45 years of age, who are more likely to have young children. When considering a distribution of family tasks biased against women, along with the higher average age of distance learning university students, gender gaps could probably be greater in nonface-to-face education. COVID-19 narrowed the gender gap during the lockdown period, as some men and women staying at home together were able to improve task sharing capabilities. After the lockdown, however, women’s results worsened compared to pre-COVID-19 levels. A possible explanation is that they had to continue performing the same family duties in addition to substituting education and caring services (e.g., nurseries and day centres for the elderly) that did not resume activity immediately or continuously.
Assembling a safe and effective toolbox for integrated flea control and plague mitigation: Fipronil experiments with prairie dogs
Authors: Eads David , Livieri Travis , Tretten Tyler , Hughes John , Kaczor Nick , Halsell Emily , Grassel Shaun , Dobesh Phillip , Childers Eddie , Lucas David , Noble Lauren , Vasquez Michele , Grady Anna Catherine , Biggins Dean
Published: August 2022

Background

Plague, a widely distributed zoonotic disease of mammalian hosts and flea vectors, poses a significant risk to ecosystems throughout much of Earth. Conservation biologists use insecticides for flea control and plague mitigation. Here, we evaluate the use of an insecticide grain bait, laced with 0.005% fipronil (FIP) by weight, with black-tailed prairie dogs (BTPDs, Cynomys ludovicianus). We consider safety measures, flea control, BTPD body condition, BTPD survival, efficacy of plague mitigation, and the speed of FIP grain application vs. infusing BTPD burrows with insecticide dusts. We also explore conservation implications for endangered black-footed ferrets (Mustela nigripes), which are specialized predators of Cynomys.

Principal findings

During 5- and 10-day laboratory trials in Colorado, USA, 2016–2017, FIP grain had no detectable acute toxic effect on 20 BTPDs that readily consumed the grain. During field experiments in South Dakota, USA, 2016–2020, FIP grain suppressed fleas on BTPDs for at least 12 months and up to 24 months in many cases; short-term flea control on a few sites was poor for unknown reasons. In an area of South Dakota where plague circulation appeared low or absent, FIP grain had no detectable effect, positive or negative, on BTPD survival. Experimental results suggest FIP grain may have improved BTPD body condition (mass:foot) and reproduction (juveniles:adults). During a 2019 plague epizootic in Colorado, BTPDs on 238 ha habitat were protected by FIP grain, whereas BTPDs were nearly eliminated on non-treated habitat. Applications of FIP grain were 2–4 times faster than dusting BTPD burrows.

Significance

Deltamethrin dust is the most commonly used insecticide for plague mitigation on Cynomys colonies. Fleas on BTPD colonies exhibit the ability to evolve resistance to deltamethrin after repeated annual treatments. Thus, more tools are needed. Accumulating data show orally-delivered FIP is safe and usually effective for flea control with BTPDs, though potential acute toxic effects cannot be ruled out. With continued study and refinement, FIP might be used in rotation with, or even replace deltamethrin, and serve an important role in Cynomys and black-footed ferret conservation. More broadly, our stepwise approach to research on FIP may function as a template or guide for evaluations of insecticides in the context of wildlife conservation.
Regulation of rod photoreceptor function by farnesylated G-protein γ-subunits
Authors: Kolesnikov Alexander V. , Lobysheva Elena , Gnana-Prakasam Jaya P. , Kefalov Vladimir J. , Kisselev Oleg G.
Published: August 2022

Heterotrimeric G-protein transducin, Gt, is a key signal transducer and amplifier in retinal rod and cone photoreceptor cells. Despite similar subunit composition, close amino acid identity, and identical posttranslational farnesylation of their Gγ subunits, rods and cones rely on unique Gγ1(Gngt1) and Gγc(Gngt2) isoforms, respectively. The only other farnesylated G-protein γ-subunit, Gγ11(Gng11), is expressed in multiple tissues but not retina. To determine whether Gγ1regulates uniquely rod phototransduction, we generated transgenic rods expressing Gγ1, Gγc, or Gγ11in Gγ1-deficient mice and analyzed their properties. Immunohistochemistry and Western blotting demonstrated the robust expression of each transgenic Gγ in rod cells and restoration of Gαt1expression, which is greatly reduced in Gγ1-deficient rods. Electroretinography showed restoration of visual function in all three transgenic Gγ1-deficient lines. Recordings from individual transgenic rods showed that photosensitivity impaired in Gγ1-deficient rods was also fully restored. In all dark-adapted transgenic lines, Gαt1was targeted to the outer segments, reversing its diffuse localization found in Gγ1-deficient rods. Bright illumination triggered Gαt1translocation from the rod outer to inner segments in all three transgenic strains. However, Gαt1translocation in Gγ11transgenic mice occurred at significantly dimmer background light. Consistent with this, transretinal ERG recordings revealed gradual response recovery in moderate background illumination in Gγ11transgenic mice but not in Gγ1controls. Thus, while farnesylated Gγ subunits are functionally active and largely interchangeable in supporting rod phototransduction, replacement of retina-specific Gγ isoforms by the ubiquitous Gγ11affects the ability of rods to adapt to background light.
Intestinal helminthiasis survey with emphasis on schistosomiasis in Koga irrigation scheme environs, northwest Ethiopia
Authors: Tamir Zemenu , Animut Abebe , Dugassa Sisay , Gebreselassie Araya , Tsegaye Aster , Kassa Tesfu , Eguale Tadesse , Kebede Tadesse , Negash Yohannes , Mekonnen Zeleke , Erko Berhanu
Published: August 2022

Background

Distribution of schistosomiasis is more focal due to spatial heterogeneities in intermediate host snail dynamics and water contact behavior of humans. This makes the search for new transmission foci of schistosomiasis and its connection with malacologically receptive water bodies essential for effective control of its transmission. This study was intended to assess the prevalence of intestinal helminth infections among schoolchildren and Schistosoma mansoni transmission in Koga irrigation scheme surroundings, northwest Ethiopia.

Materials and methods

Cross-sectional parasitological and malacological surveys were conducted in three schools and nearby water bodies, respectively around Koga irrigation scheme. Stool specimens were collected from 421 randomly selected schoolchildren and microscopically examined using Kato-Katz and formol-ether concentration methods. Malacological surveys were carried out and the identified Biomphalaria pfeifferi snails were screened for schistosome infection. Swiss albino mice were exposed to schistosome cercariae shed by Biomphalaria pfeifferi for definite identification of Schistosoma species.

Results

Among the examined schoolchildren, 22.6% (95% CI: 18.7%-26.9%) were positive for at least one intestinal helminths species. Ascaris lumbricoides was the most frequent intestinal helminth detected among forty (9.5%) children. Schistosoma mansoni was detected among 4.8% (95% CI: 2.9%-7.2%) of children and its prevalence was significantly higher among male children (p = 0.038) and those attending in Mengesha Jemberie Primary School (p = 0.044). Biomphalaria pfeifferi snails were identified in water bodies in close proximity to Mengesha Jemberie and Wotete Abay Primay schools. Schistosoma mansoni adult worms were harvested after exposure of mice to cercariae shed from Biomphalaria pfeifferi snails collected from water bodies nearby Mengesha Jemberie Primary School.

Conclusions

Schistosoma mansoni infection of schoolchildren, findings of schistosome infected snails and establishment of mice infection confirm that transmission is taking place in the study areas. Hence, snail control and other measures such as provision of sanitary facilities and health education are recommended.
Heavy metal contamination in the complete stretch of Yamuna river: A fuzzy logic approach for comprehensive health risk assessment
Authors: Jaiswal Maneesh , Gupta Sanjay Kumar , Chabukdhara Mayuri , Nasr Mahmoud , Nema Arvind Kumar , Hussain Jakir , Malik Tabarak
Published: August 2022

River Yamuna is one of the most sacred major tributaries of river Ganga. This study aimed to assess the level of heavy metals in monsoon and non-monsoon season in river Yamuna in Uttar Pradesh, India and to assess the possible source of contamination and its associated health risk. Except for iron (Fe), the mean levels of all metals were within drinking water safe limits in both seasons. Except for chromium (Cr), lower values were observed for other metals in the monsoon season could be attributed dilution effect. Multivariate analysis indicated that both geogenic and anthropogenic sources contribute to heavy metals in river Yamuna in monsoon and non-monsoon seasons. The health risk in terms of hazard index (HI) and fuzzy-logic hazard index (FHI) demonstrated that both HI and FHI values among children exceeded the safe limit in most of the sites in non-monsoon seasons and in few in monsoon season. For adults, HI and FHI values were within safe limit.
External validation and extension of the Early Prediction of Functional Outcome after Stroke (EPOS) prediction model for upper limb outcome 3 months after stroke
Authors: Veerbeek Janne M. , Pohl Johannes , Luft Andreas R. , Held Jeremia P. O.
Published: August 2022

Objective

The ‘Early Prediction of Functional Outcome after Stroke’ (EPOS) model was developed to predict the presence of at least some upper limb capacity (Action Research Am Test [ARAT] ≥10/57) at 6 months based on assessments on days 2, 5 and 9 after stroke. External validation of the model is the next step towards clinical implementation. The objective here is to externally validate the EPOS model for upper limb outcome 3 months poststroke in Switzerland and extend the model using an ARAT cut-off at 32 points.

Methods

Data from two prospective longitudinal cohort studies including first-ever stroke patients admitted to a Swiss stroke center were analyzed. The presence of finger extension and shoulder abduction was measured on days 1 and 8 poststroke in Cohort 1, and on days 3 and 9 in Cohort 2. Upper limb capacity was measured 3 months poststroke. Discrimination (area under the curve; AUC) and calibration obtained with the model were determined.

Results

In Cohort 1 (N = 39, median age 74 years), the AUC on day 1 was 0.78 (95%CI 0.61, 0.95) and 0.96 (95%CI 0.90, 1.00) on day 8, using the model of day 5. In Cohort 2 (N = 85, median age 69 years), the AUC was 0.96 (95%CI 0.93, 0.99) on day 3 and 0.89 (95% CI 0.80, 0.98) on day 9. Applying a 32-point ARAT cut-off resulted in an AUC ranging from 0.82 (95%CI 0.68, 0.95; Cohort 1, day 1) to 0.95 (95%CI 0.87, 1.00; Cohort 1, day 8).

Conclusions

The EPOS model was successfully validated in first-ever stroke patients with mild-to-moderate neurological impairments, who were independent before their stroke. Now, its impact on clinical practice should be investigated in this population. Testing the model’s performance in severe (recurrent) strokes and stratification of patients using the ARAT 32-point cut-off is required to enhance the model’s generalizability and potential clinical impact.
A network analysis of problematic smartphone use in Japanese young adults
Authors: Tateno Masaru , Kato Takahiro A. , Shirasaka Tomohiro , Kanazawa Junichiro , Ukai Wataru , Hirota Tomoya
Published: August 2022

Background

We aimed to explore the overall network structure of problematic smartphone use symptoms assessed by smartphone addiction scale-short version (SAS-SV) and to identify which items could play important roles in the network.

Methods

487 college and university students filled out the study questionnaire, including SAS-SV. We constructed a regularized partial correlation network among the 10 items of SAS-SV. We calculated three indices of node centrality: strength, closeness, and betweenness, to quantify the importance of each SAS-SV item.

Results

We identified 34 edges in the estimated network. In the given network, one item pertaining to withdrawal symptom hadthe highest strength and high closeness centrality. Additionally, one item related to preoccupation was also found to have high centrality indices.

Conclusion

Our results indicating the central role of one withdrawal symptom and one preoccupation symptom in the symptom network of problematic smartphone use in young adults were in line with a previous study targeting school-age children. Longitudinal study designs are required to elicit the role of these central items on the formation and maintenance of this behavioral problem.
ZccE is a Novel P-type ATPase That Protects Streptococcus mutans Against Zinc Intoxication
Authors: Ganguly Tridib , Peterson Alexandra M. , Burkholder Marissa , Kajfasz Jessica K. , Abranches Jacqueline , Lemos José A.
Published: August 2022

Zinc is a trace metal that is essential to all forms of life, but that becomes toxic at high concentrations. Because it has both antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties and low toxicity to mammalian cells, zinc has been used as a therapeutic agent for centuries to treat a variety of infectious and non-infectious conditions. While the usefulness of zinc-based therapies in caries prevention is controversial, zinc is incorporated into toothpaste and mouthwash formulations to prevent gingivitis and halitosis. Despite this widespread use of zinc in oral healthcare, the mechanisms that allow Streptococcus mutans, a keystone pathogen in dental caries and prevalent etiological agent of infective endocarditis, to overcome zinc toxicity are largely unknown. Here, we discovered that S. mutans is inherently more tolerant to high zinc stress than all other species of streptococci tested, including commensal streptococci associated with oral health. Using a transcriptome approach, we uncovered several potential strategies utilized by S. mutans to overcome zinc toxicity. Among them, we identified a previously uncharacterized P-type ATPase transporter and cognate transcriptional regulator, which we named ZccE and ZccR respectively, as responsible for the remarkable high zinc tolerance of S. mutans. In addition to zinc, we found that ZccE, which was found to be unique to S. mutans strains, mediates tolerance to at least three additional metal ions, namely cadmium, cobalt, and copper. Loss of the ability to maintain zinc homeostasis when exposed to high zinc stress severely disturbed zinc:manganese ratios, leading to heightened peroxide sensitivity that was alleviated by manganese supplementation. Finally, we showed that the ability of the ΔzccE strain to stably colonize the rat tooth surface after topical zinc treatment was significantly impaired, providing proof of concept that ZccE and ZccR are suitable targets for the development of antimicrobial therapies specifically tailored to kill S. mutans.
Genomic evidence of contemporary hybridization between Schistosoma species
Authors: Berger Duncan J. , Léger Elsa , Sankaranarayanan Geetha , Sène Mariama , Diouf Nicolas D. , Rabone Muriel , Emery Aidan , Allan Fiona , Cotton James A. , Berriman Matthew , Webster Joanne P.
Published: August 2022

Hybridization between different species of parasites is increasingly being recognised as a major public and veterinary health concern at the interface of infectious diseases biology, evolution, epidemiology and ultimately control. Recent research has revealed that viable hybrids and introgressed lineages between Schistosoma spp. are prevalent across Africa and beyond, including those with zoonotic potential. However, it remains unclear whether these hybrid lineages represent recent hybridization events, suggesting hybridization is ongoing, and/or whether they represent introgressed lineages derived from ancient hybridization events. In human schistosomiasis, investigation is hampered by the inaccessibility of adult-stage worms due to their intravascular location, an issue which can be circumvented by post-mortem of livestock at abattoirs for Schistosoma spp. of known zoonotic potential. To characterise the composition of naturally-occurring schistosome hybrids, we performed whole-genome sequencing of 21 natural livestock infective schistosome isolates. To facilitate this, we also assembled a de novo chromosomal-scale draft assembly of Schistosoma curassoni. Genomic analyses identified isolates of S. bovis, S. curassoni and hybrids between the two species, all of which were early generation hybrids with multiple generations found within the same host. These results show that hybridization is an ongoing process within natural populations with the potential to further challenge elimination efforts against schistosomiasis.
The chromatin remodeling protein ATRX positively regulates IRF3-dependent type I interferon production and interferon-induced gene expression
Authors: Stilp Anne-Charlotte , Scherer Myriam , König Patrick , Fürstberger Axel , Kestler Hans A. , Stamminger Thomas
Published: August 2022

The chromatin remodeling protein alpha thalassemia/mental retardation syndrome X-linked (ATRX) is a component of promyelocytic leukemia nuclear bodies (PML-NBs) and thereby mediates intrinsic immunity against several viruses including human cytomegalovirus (HCMV). As a consequence, viruses have evolved different mechanisms to antagonize ATRX, such as displacement from PML-NBs or degradation. Here, we show that depletion of ATRX results in an overall impaired antiviral state by decreasing transcription and subsequent secretion of type I IFNs, which is followed by reduced expression of interferon-stimulated genes (ISGs). ATRX interacts with the transcription factor interferon regulatory factor 3 (IRF3) and associates with the IFN-β promoter to facilitate transcription. Furthermore, whole transcriptome sequencing revealed that ATRX is required for efficient IFN-induced expression of a distinct set of ISGs. Mechanistically, we found that ATRX positively modulates chromatin accessibility specifically upon IFN signaling, thereby affecting promoter regions with recognition motifs for AP-1 family transcription factors. In summary, our study uncovers a novel co-activating function of the chromatin remodeling factor ATRX in innate immunity that regulates chromatin accessibility and subsequent transcription of interferons and ISGs. Consequently, ATRX antagonization by viral proteins and ATRX mutations in tumors represent important strategies to broadly compromise both intrinsic and innate immune responses.
TMEM41B and VMP1 modulate cellular lipid and energy metabolism for facilitating dengue virus infection
Authors: Yousefi Meisam , Lee Wai Suet , Yan Biaoguo , Cui Liang , Yong Cythia Lingli , Yap Xin , Tay Kwan Sing Leona , Qiao Wenjie , Tan Dewei , Nurazmi Nur Insyirah , Linster Martin , Smith Gavin J. D. , Lee Yie Hou , Carette Jan E. , Ooi Eng Eong , Chan Kuan Rong , Ooi Yaw Shin
Published: August 2022

Transmembrane Protein 41B (TMEM41B) and Vacuole Membrane Protein 1 (VMP1) are two ER-associated lipid scramblases that play a role in autophagosome formation and cellular lipid metabolism. TMEM41B is also a recently validated host factor required by flaviviruses and coronaviruses. However, the exact underlying mechanism of TMEM41B in promoting viral infections remains an open question. Here, we validated that both TMEM41B and VMP1 are essential host dependency factors for all four serotypes of dengue virus (DENV) and human coronavirus OC43 (HCoV-OC43), but not chikungunya virus (CHIKV). While HCoV-OC43 failed to replicate entirely in both TMEM41B- and VMP1-deficient cells, we detected diminished levels of DENV infections in these cell lines, which were accompanied by upregulation of the innate immune dsRNA sensors, RIG-I and MDA5. Nonetheless, this upregulation did not correspondingly induce the downstream effector TBK1 activation and Interferon-beta expression. Despite low levels of DENV replication, classical DENV replication organelles were undetectable in the infected TMEM41B-deficient cells, suggesting that the upregulation of the dsRNA sensors is likely a consequence of aberrant viral replication rather than a causal factor for reduced DENV infection. Intriguingly, we uncovered that the inhibitory effect of TMEM41B deficiency on DENV replication, but not HCoV-OC43, can be partially reversed using exogenous fatty acid supplements. In contrast, VMP1 deficiency cannot be rescued using the metabolite treatment. In line with the observed phenotypes, we found that both TMEM41B- and VMP1-deficient cells harbor higher levels of compromised mitochondria, especially in VMP1 deficiency which results in severe dysregulations of mitochondrial beta-oxidation. Using a metabolomic profiling approach, we revealed distinctive global dysregulations of the cellular metabolome, particularly lipidome, in TMEM41B- and VMP1-deficient cells. Our findings highlight a central role for TMEM41B and VMP1 in modulating multiple cellular pathways, including lipid mobilization, mitochondrial beta-oxidation, and global metabolic regulations, to facilitate the replication of flaviviruses and coronaviruses.
Geographies of welcome: Engagements with ‘ordinary’ hospitality
Authors: Gill Nick , Riding James , Kallio Kirsi Pauliina , Bagelman Jennifer
Published: August 2022

We explore the topic of welcome through a geographical lens, setting out the relationships between geographical perspectives and current approaches to welcome and hospitality. We argue that geographers are well positioned to develop engagements with the ‘prosaics’ of welcome that have recently been advocated by scholars in hospitality studies. To make this case, we identify a series of fruitful directions, offering a critical exploration of ‘ordinary’ welcomes via recent geographical insights into feminist geographies of intimacy, family and home, other-than-human relations and postcolonialism. The five articles that constitute this Special Issue build on this editorial to develop critical engagements that explore the geographies of welcome, with particular attention to migration and refugees.
Establishing a taxonomy of metal subgenres based on quantitative musical and thematic features
Authors: Friconnet Guillaume
Published: August 2022

Metal music emerged in the late 1960s and early 1970s and progressively developed into a vast number of subgenres. Several dozens of subgenres have been described but their taxonomy appears inconsistent from one study to another. Existing taxonomies are mostly the results of subjective decision-making. The main purpose of this study was to establish an objective taxonomy of metal subgenres highlighting their degree of proximity by analysing quantitative features extracted from the website Encyclopaedia Metallum. We scraped the website data that contained at the moment 147,248 bands providing among others their musical subgenre and lyrical themes. We have extracted from these labels two musical features (hybridization between subgenres [HBS]; hybridization between subgenres and non-metal musical genres) and one thematic feature (lyrical themes inclination). These features were studied separately and combined in order to build a distance matrix between a selection of 27 widely recognized metal subgenres. A phylogenetic tree and a t-SNE plot were computed from this distance matrix displaying the degree of proximity between these 27 metal subgenres. Six clusters grouping together closely related subgenres were also defined. Despite its methodological differences, our taxonomy shows some common points with previous literature on the topic. The results could guide further metal music studies in order to enhance their reproducibility and interpretability. Further investigations are needed to refine and confirm the results especially by studying more features from different sources.
‘Feminism and Metal’, Hosted by Rosemary Lucy Hill and Florian Heesch, online, 15 June 20211
Authors: Jung Lea , Suer Daniel , Kaufmann Franziska , Arkley Melissa
Published: August 2022

The workshop ‘Feminism and Metal’, 15 June 2021, took place online and was hosted by Rosemary Lucy Hill (University of Huddersfield) and Florian Heesch (University of Siegen). The workshop consisted of seven presentations of research projects in different stages as well as a panel with the Chaos Rising collective, thereby extending beyond academic boundaries. The workshop report provides an insight into the projects presented and the subsequent discussions, and draws out central topics of the workshop.
Gear Acquisition Syndrome: Consumption of Instruments and Technology in Popular Music, Jan-Peter Herbst and Jonas Menze (2021)
Authors: Kopanski Reinhard
Published: August 2022

Review of: Gear Acquisition Syndrome: Consumption of Instruments and Technology in Popular Music, Jan-Peter Herbst and Jonas Menze (2021)

Huddersfield: University of Huddersfield Press, 282 pp.,

ISBN 978-1-86218-184-7, p/bk, £25.00

e-ISBN 978-1-86218-185-4, Open access (https://unipress.hud.ac.uk/plugins/books/27/)
Phytochemical prospection, total flavonoids and total phenolic and antioxidant activity of the mushroom extract Scleroderma verrucosum (Bull.) Pers
Authors: Menezes Filho Antonio Carlos Pereira de , Ventura Matheus Vinicius Abadia , Alves Ivan , Taques Aparecida Sofia , Batista-Ventura Hellen Regina Fernandes , Castro Carlos Frederico de Souza , Teixeira Marconi Batista , Soares Frederico Antônio Loureiro
Published: August 2022

Scleroderma verrucosum is a species of mushroom belonging to the family Sclerodermataceae found in the Americas and Europe. This study aimed to evaluate the 70% ethanol extract of the vegetative part of the mushroom S. verrucosum for qualitative phytochemical constituents and total content of flavonoids and phenolics, and the DPPH free radical reduction activity. Mushroom extract was prepared in 70% ethanol solution. Qualitative phytochemical assay was performed for different groups using colorimetric reagents. The contents of total flavonoids and phenolics, and antioxidant activity in reducing the DPPH free radical were quantitatively determined. The positive presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, phenolics, triterpenoids, steroids, tannins, organic acids, reducing sugars, aromatic compounds and carboxylic acids were observed. The extract exhibited total flavonoid content = 60.14 QE 100 g-1, for total phenolics = 309.14 GAE 100 g-1 and free radical reduction of = 5.97 µg mL-1. Mushroom extract Scleroderma verrucosum demonstrated the presence of several medicinal important phytochemical groups as well as total flavonoid and phenolic content that exhibit the potential for antioxidant activity.